Black Curiosities
Bell, Book & Candle

"Welcome to Bell, Book, and Candle," Cassie said as the bell above her door jingled. She smiled at the person who came into her store, entirely prepared to greet every customer with a smile even though she knew setting up shop next to an actual bookstore might bring the ire of the town upon her head.

"That is where you're to set up shop," her benefactor told her. "The man who owns the bookstore next to the shop is a friend and will look out for you."

"Do I have to go back?"

"What is your magic telling you?" her benefactor responded. "I think you'll understand more when you open up your shop and move into Grey House, although it might be awhile still. I won't be around forever, Cassie. Goodness knows most of the wizarding community already thinks I am."

There were certain things Cassie never questioned. One was her magical instinct, and the second was her benefactor, who taught her to trust that magical instinct of hers. And thus she was there, opening up a shop in the small British town of Middleton, wary of many things yet finding herself drawn to Grey House as if there was something familiar—almost familial-like—to the old home.

She'd gone to meet the owner of the bookstore shortly after arriving. When she stepped into Granger Books, she saw an older gentleman with black hair peppered with a slight graying, his gray eyes telling her quite a bit without even having to ask. She stepped over and smiled, holding her hand out as she did so. " Are you the shop owner? "

"Depends on who's asking and what your business is," the man said, precisely as Cassie expected.

"Cassie Nightingale," she said. "I moved into Grey House recently and…."

"Ah. He told me to be expecting you," the man said, reaching out to take her hand. "Richard Granger, by the way."

"Granger?" she asked to confirm what he said as her mind took that particular fact in.

"Yes. Granger."

They'd discussed the shop she planned on opening and how she wouldn't compete with him, which amused him greatly. Still, after speaking with the man, she felt more confident and sure that she'd taken the right step even though that strange feeling of her magic telling her things still wasn't quite right in the magical community of the British Isles.

And there she was, waiting for her first customer, only for various individuals to pass the shop by, some like the relatively small woman with the bright floral pink and purple clothing giving the place a dirty look. Finally, someone came in, but when they entered, Cassie instantly recognized them as part of the local establishment—a police officer—from the uniform he wore. She smiled, watching him look around. "Can I help you, officer?"

"I was going to ask if you knew you opened up next to a bookstore," the man said, smiling, turning his head to look at her. "But I don't see any books."

"I didn't think it was the job of the police to police law-abiding business owners," Cassie said, watching as the woman wearing the bright floral pink and purple came from the direction of the bookstore and started opening the door.

"Ah," the officer said, holding out his hand. "Apologies. I'm Jake Granger."

"Cassie Nightingale," she said, taking his hand to shake. "Then you're related to the nice gentleman next door?"

"Ah. So you've already talked to him," Jake said. "And we're not exactly related."

"You're not?"

"There are quite a few with the Granger surname here in Middleton," the woman in bright floral colors said, hurrying over with speed not expected for someone of her stature. "Jake's aunt was able to retain her maiden name because of that, but his cousin was also able to. It can get very confusing." She held out her hand for Cassie to take next. "Mayor Tinsdale," she said. "Welcome to Middleton, Ms. Nightingale."

"How did you already find out her name?" Jake asked, shaking his head in amusement.

"I was over at your aunt's husband's father's place," the woman said. "Sebastian is over there as well."

"And I need to know Sebastian is over there; why?"

"Well, because it's Sebastian," the mayor said. "And while it's Mayor Tinsdale, you can call me Martha."

"And you can just call me Cassie," came the response. "Is there something I should know?"

"Oh! Well, yes," Martha said.

"No," Jake said, shaking his head.

"The Grangers are a delightful family who've made our town proud. Sebastian was a nice addition to Middleton and the Granger family located here, but he's many degrees, super intelligent, and quite handsome. Many wish he weren't yet married, but then he and his wife wouldn't have that darling Hermione of hers. It was no surprise to anyone in this town when she got accepted to a prestigious boarding school."

"That's not quite how they put it," Jake said, clearing his throat.

"Oh? Which one?"

Martha's eyes blinked, turning to look at Jake. "You know, I don't know which one. Do you?"

"No. I rarely see Hermione these days," Jake said.

"Well, we all know the school must be prestigious. Nothing less for her, correct?" Martha said, looking around, her nose in the air. "There really are no books in here."

"No. Sometimes I'll find something at an estate sale I know might perk the interests of one of my customers, but for the most part, no books," Cassie said.

"But you haven't been open long," Martha said. "How can you know what your customers want?"

"Well, the reason I closed down my old shop and moved here is because of Grey House," Cassie said. "I was informed recently I inherited, and it was suggested I move back here and take up Grey House as my residence. And it was suggested by someone I trust greatly."

"Ah," Martha said. "Grey House? Really? The one with the Grey Lady ghost?"

"That's a myth," Jake said, shaking his head in amusement. "Ignore her."

"Yes, well," Martha frowned. "Where were we? What were we talking about?"

"My shop?" Cassie asked. "And how it's not been open long."

"Oh. No. Well, there is that, but I was wondering what you do sell," Martha said.

"Teas," Jake said.

"Teas?" Martha said.

"Could I possibly suggest something?"

"Well, I don't know," Martha said, looking around the shop. "I do like a good tea. It can be quite the elegant affair, having tea."

"Various teas have a variety of benefits. Licorice root tea is good for boosting energy and helping with stomach issues. Chamomile and Lavender are teas known for helping people sleep."

"You know, I think I'll try all three. The latter two for sleeping well at night and the other for a nice morning boost," Martha said, smiling. "And you know, having a tea shop here is rather nice, so I don't have to go to Blairsville to get any. Though it looks like you sell more than tea."

"Antiques, various herbal items," Cassie said. "I'll get those teas wrapped up for you, but I'll write which one is which and what they do so you don't get them mixed up."

"Thank you, Cassie," Martha said. "And you know, I'm glad Richard Granger convinced me to give you a chance." She swooped up her packages. "I would have regretted it, just like I would have regretted not giving Sebastian a chance either."

Cassie watched her leave, frowning. "Not giving Sebastian a chance."

"My cousin, or I should say my cousin's husband," Jake said. "Well, he's a bit odd. And he's a bit of a mystery even to himself."

"Oh?"

"It's a long story, so I'll leave it at Sebastian doesn't remember anything before his accident. The only one not shocked to learn the two were married," Jake turned his head to look at the bookstore. "He helped them elope."

"That must not have gone over well."

"Not at first, but eventually, even Martha warmed up to him. Although, I'm not sure that's really hard to do if one knows how to convince her of something." He nodded his head. "Also, welcome to Middleton. I hope you love it here."

"I hope so as well," Cassie said, smiling at him.