Post by Casimir Elias Karkaroff on Aug 9, 2019 9:29:16 GMT -7
End of Year, 2019
Cas’s one year anniversary with Borgin and Burke’s was fast approaching, and the young man could already feel the changes within himself that had resulted from his career change. His time as a Curse-Breaker had required both physical and mental strength, the versatility to react quickly to any manner of dangerous situation, and an in-depth knowledge of the relics and artifacts they ultimately sought. While Borgin and Burke’s was certainly less of a work-out, the job was no less rigorous in that it required a rigid spine and adaptable mindset. Its clientele were unsavory folks, the bottom-feeders of the magical community, and buying and selling from these types was not for the faint of heart.
On a day that began like any other, Cas spent the slow morning appraising the store’s newest acquisition. He turned the ornate jewelry box in his hands, careful not to open the lid, magnifying lens attached to a pair of eyeglasses to allow him to scan for detail. He muttered his observations softly, allowing an enchanted quill to scribble away quickly. “Beautiful gilded jewelry box, Spanish in origin. Acquired in Madrid for 250 galleons. Location and Hapsburg coat of arms dates relic to end of 16th century.” He set the box down carefully. “Currently guarded by a tricky little anti-theft hex.” Cas paused briefly to allow himself a moment to brainstorm recommendations for the curse but was interrupted by the sound of the door.
Interruptions were common enough, so Cas quickly relocated the box to a shelf underneath the counter – away from prying eyes – before donning a subtle smile and calculating eyes for the customer. “Good morning,” Cas murmured, “welcome to Borgin and Burke’s. What may I interest you in?” The man only grunted before slamming his treasure onto the counter. A cursory first glance suggested jewelry – both the antiques as well as the man’s behavior were quite commonplace in Knockturn Alley. Cas watched the scene unfazed, giving an acquiescing nod before turning his gaze down to examine what, at second glance, appeared to be a pocket watch.
“One moment please,” Cas stated, putting his special eyeglasses on again to study the watch in more detail. He had hoped that the man had come to buy, but the shop operated well enough acquiring ancient communities’ ancient artifacts and no opportunity could be wasted. Unlike earlier with the box, he did not state his observations out-loud (the secrecy was necessary for negotiating a better price). His disappointment mounted as he noted that the watch was nothing special. Chipped brass, cheap hinges, and an inscription that would make the watch a hard sell. Cas cleared his throat. “Early 20th century pocket watch. Brass with copper inlays. I can offer you no more than 7 galleons, I’m afraid.”
He could read the anger on the man’s face well enough, and he saw hints of fear as well. ‘This is worth much more,’ the man insisted, staring deep into Cas’s eyes. The sensation came quickly enough, something old man Borgin had warned him would happen time to time. Cas could feel the man attempting to enter his mind, to convince him of his statement. He was attempting high-level, powerful magic, which for the well-trained might work on the weak and ignorant…but not on him. He was naturally secretive, and had taken well to Occlumency, particularly in face of the practice he was subjected to by both his mentor and prospective customers.
Cas forced his features to remain relaxed, and allowed the man to dwell in his mind a moment longer before pushing him out. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” Cas murmured, watching the man’s features relax in what he likely assumed was his victory. Cas let him relish the supposed victory a moment longer before he slammed his hands on the counter, rattling the chain of the pocket watch and putting his wand on clear display for the man. “I do not buy worthless goods. Kindly remove yourself and your merchandise from the store before I call my associates.” His voice, which for the entirety of the conversation had been slow and dulcet, now boomed here. The combined effect of this, his wand on display, and his resistance of the man’s Legilimancy was enough to send the man scurrying from the shop.
Giving his wand a quick polish before returning it to his sleeve, Cas returned to his original examination of the Hapsburg jewelry box. These types of encounters happened enough that his mentor had warned him to become an expert in Occlumency as quickly as possible. That level of knowledge was still years away, but Cas had taken well to the lessons. He had so many secrets, after all, that for any and all folks, his mind was a vault…and only he could have the key.
Cas’s one year anniversary with Borgin and Burke’s was fast approaching, and the young man could already feel the changes within himself that had resulted from his career change. His time as a Curse-Breaker had required both physical and mental strength, the versatility to react quickly to any manner of dangerous situation, and an in-depth knowledge of the relics and artifacts they ultimately sought. While Borgin and Burke’s was certainly less of a work-out, the job was no less rigorous in that it required a rigid spine and adaptable mindset. Its clientele were unsavory folks, the bottom-feeders of the magical community, and buying and selling from these types was not for the faint of heart.
On a day that began like any other, Cas spent the slow morning appraising the store’s newest acquisition. He turned the ornate jewelry box in his hands, careful not to open the lid, magnifying lens attached to a pair of eyeglasses to allow him to scan for detail. He muttered his observations softly, allowing an enchanted quill to scribble away quickly. “Beautiful gilded jewelry box, Spanish in origin. Acquired in Madrid for 250 galleons. Location and Hapsburg coat of arms dates relic to end of 16th century.” He set the box down carefully. “Currently guarded by a tricky little anti-theft hex.” Cas paused briefly to allow himself a moment to brainstorm recommendations for the curse but was interrupted by the sound of the door.
Interruptions were common enough, so Cas quickly relocated the box to a shelf underneath the counter – away from prying eyes – before donning a subtle smile and calculating eyes for the customer. “Good morning,” Cas murmured, “welcome to Borgin and Burke’s. What may I interest you in?” The man only grunted before slamming his treasure onto the counter. A cursory first glance suggested jewelry – both the antiques as well as the man’s behavior were quite commonplace in Knockturn Alley. Cas watched the scene unfazed, giving an acquiescing nod before turning his gaze down to examine what, at second glance, appeared to be a pocket watch.
“One moment please,” Cas stated, putting his special eyeglasses on again to study the watch in more detail. He had hoped that the man had come to buy, but the shop operated well enough acquiring ancient communities’ ancient artifacts and no opportunity could be wasted. Unlike earlier with the box, he did not state his observations out-loud (the secrecy was necessary for negotiating a better price). His disappointment mounted as he noted that the watch was nothing special. Chipped brass, cheap hinges, and an inscription that would make the watch a hard sell. Cas cleared his throat. “Early 20th century pocket watch. Brass with copper inlays. I can offer you no more than 7 galleons, I’m afraid.”
He could read the anger on the man’s face well enough, and he saw hints of fear as well. ‘This is worth much more,’ the man insisted, staring deep into Cas’s eyes. The sensation came quickly enough, something old man Borgin had warned him would happen time to time. Cas could feel the man attempting to enter his mind, to convince him of his statement. He was attempting high-level, powerful magic, which for the well-trained might work on the weak and ignorant…but not on him. He was naturally secretive, and had taken well to Occlumency, particularly in face of the practice he was subjected to by both his mentor and prospective customers.
Cas forced his features to remain relaxed, and allowed the man to dwell in his mind a moment longer before pushing him out. “I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” Cas murmured, watching the man’s features relax in what he likely assumed was his victory. Cas let him relish the supposed victory a moment longer before he slammed his hands on the counter, rattling the chain of the pocket watch and putting his wand on clear display for the man. “I do not buy worthless goods. Kindly remove yourself and your merchandise from the store before I call my associates.” His voice, which for the entirety of the conversation had been slow and dulcet, now boomed here. The combined effect of this, his wand on display, and his resistance of the man’s Legilimancy was enough to send the man scurrying from the shop.
Giving his wand a quick polish before returning it to his sleeve, Cas returned to his original examination of the Hapsburg jewelry box. These types of encounters happened enough that his mentor had warned him to become an expert in Occlumency as quickly as possible. That level of knowledge was still years away, but Cas had taken well to the lessons. He had so many secrets, after all, that for any and all folks, his mind was a vault…and only he could have the key.
