Flourish and Blotts was one of the oldest establishments in Diagon Alley still in operation. Founded in 1454, the bookstore wasn't as ancient as Gringotts or Ollivanders, but it had a long history of success, providing school supplies to Hogwarts students and a variety of books to the wizarding society. However, those were times past. Even though most wizards refused to admit it, both the Great Muggle War and the financial collapse of that year had repercussions in the magical world. Rosette Blishwick let out an involuntary sigh, realizing that only she and a few other employees were in the establishment. Continuing like this, it was only a matter of time before the owner would have to lay off one of them.
The green-eyed brunette moved to the back of the store, focusing on organizing one of the bookshelves, worried about her own fate. It was just her and her mother, whose fragile health required care. Without that job, they wouldn't survive.
Rose was snapped out of her thoughts when called by a coworker who nudged her lightly, followed by a mischievous smile.
"Your favorite customer just arrived."
She let a simple smile grace her lips as she glimpsed the elegant wizard crossing the store's threshold. He wore a finely tailored graphite suit and leaned on a cane with a silver raven-head handle. His blue eyes surveyed the surroundings, lost in the hundreds of books.
"Mr. Black," Rosette called the dark-haired man gently. "It's a pleasure to see you again. How may I assist you today?"
"Miss Blishwick, the pleasure is all mine," he replied, also smiling. "Today, I'd like a copy of Legends and Facts about Kelpies."
"I'll fetch it in a moment," she responded, obliging.
"No need to hurry."
Phineas Black watched the girl move into the store, admiring the graceful cadence of her walk, the curves hidden under the straight-cut dress that reached just below her knees, and the bobbed hair leaving her neck exposed. His smile widened. Perhaps it wasn't obvious to the girl, but his frequent visits to Flourish and Blotts weren't solely for literary interests.
When Rosette arrived home, the night had already set in. She placed the shopping bag on the small table by the entrance and took off her coat, hanging it in the closet. After removing the pins that held her hat and hanging it as well, she picked up the bag and headed to the kitchen.
She began to separate the ingredients for dinner. They would have to settle for potato soup. She would only receive payment at the end of the week, and then she could buy meat and butter.
While putting the vegetables on the stove, she heard a loud cough. As she left the kitchen, she came face to face with her mother, Geraldine, descending the spiral staircase wrapped in a velvet robe.
"You shouldn't exert yourself," Rose said, walking hurriedly to assist her.
"Lounging around all day is far too tedious," the lady replied, extending her skeletal hands to her daughter. "I want, at the very least, to share our meal properly with you."
Rosette nodded, helping her mother sit in the high-backed chair at the dining table. One of the few heirlooms that remained from the family's times of plenty.
"In a minute, it'll be ready," she replied.
Soon after, the meal was served, and the two women sipped the soup in silence, interrupted by occasional coughs from Mrs. Blishwick. It was the older woman who decided to initiate a conversation.
"Rose, you can't keep living like this, only thinking about the present. You're already twenty-six, no longer a young girl. You'll hardly find a man who accepts someone of your age!"
The brunette stood up abruptly, tossing the napkin haphazardly onto the table. She understood that her mother said it with good intentions, concerned about her future, but that didn't mean the subject didn't bother Rosette. Since reaching adulthood, her mother had insisted on this matter, and the pressure had increased after her father's death.
"What do you want from me? That I marry the first man who crosses my path?" she retorted, exasperated.
"If it gets you out of this miserable life we lead, I see no reason not to."
The girl diverted her emerald eyes from her mother's demanding face. She was too tired to continue that discussion. She began to clear the dirty dishes from the table, saying almost in a murmur:
"I'll get your medicine and help you lie down."
Geraldine didn't respond. She knew that she would leave this world soon and believed that Rosette was too precious not to have a safe haven.
Rose closed the shop door behind her, clutching the coat to her body. The chilly wind pronounced the imminent arrival of winter. Distracted, she didn't notice the man with thick black hair approaching.
"Miss Blishwick," he greeted.
She lifted her face, and a satisfied expression revealed itself.
"Mr. Black," Rosette replied, with a more enthusiastic tone than she had planned. "My shift is over; unfortunately, I won't be able to assist you today."
Phineas smiled at the girl's innocence. He hoped she wouldn't retreat from the proposal he was about to make.
"I know, Miss Blishwick. In fact, I came for another reason. I would like to invite you for a cup of tea or any other drink of your preference at the Leaky Cauldron."
The girl lowered her face, slightly embarrassed. She had been courted in her school days; however, since her father's death, she had devoted every moment of her life to taking care of her mother, despite the matriarch's insistence on a possible union for her daughter.
Rosette couldn't deny that she was attracted to this man, even though he was much older than her. Perhaps she should heed her mother's wishes and take a little risk.
"I would love to," she replied, linking her arm with the one he extended.
The pub was relatively empty due to the late hour. Rosette sent a Patronus to inform her mother of the delay. There was still leftover soup from the previous night for the old lady.
Phineas watched the girl as she sipped a cup of cinnamon and apple tea. The conversation flowed naturally when he was with her. It was her intelligence, sensitivity, and ease that had sparked his interest.
"So, you were saying that you intend to start a newspaper, Mr. Black?" she asked, placing the cup with the invigorating liquid on the table.
Phineas's anise eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. This was a topic that filled him with immeasurable passion.
"I think we shouldn't rely solely on the Daily Prophet, especially when things are becoming increasingly complicated, especially on the Continent. It's something old Fawley can't see, and I'm sure one day it will cost him the Ministry. Besides, someone also needs to give more space to Muggle-borns and half-bloods."
"Muggles?" Rose raised an eyebrow.
"Any issue, Miss?" The man's brow contracted involuntarily.
"No, I've never had a problem with Muggles."
"But..."
"There's nothing else. I just never really pondered about the subject," she replied simply.
Phineas Black almost sighed in relief. The subject was dear to him. He had been disowned by his family for advocating Muggle rights, and he didn't want this topic to become an obstacle in his budding relationship with Rosette.
The girl yawned unintentionally, quickly covering her mouth.
"Don't get me wrong, Mr. Black; the conversation is interesting, and I would love to continue it, but today has been an exhausting day. I think it's better to Apparate home."
"If you're so tired, it might not be safe to Apparate," he said, genuinely concerned, as the process required some concentration. "I have a car; I can give you a ride."
Despite her fatigue, a wave of excitement coursed through Rose. Except for the Knight Bus, she had never actually ridden in a car. The family had always used Floo powder or other magical means, as her father viewed Muggle artifacts with suspicion, believing they could explode at any moment.
"I would love that," she replied, motivated by curiosity.
The comfort and the gentle sway of the automobile eventually lulled the girl into a nap on her companion's shoulder. Phineas allowed a contented smile to grace his lips; the scent of roses emanating from her was almost intoxicating.
When they arrived at the address she had given him, Black shook Rose gently to wake her without startling her.
"We're here," he said softly.
Rose blinked her eyes a bit before realizing where she was, while Phineas circled the car to open the door and help her out.
When they stood facing each other, a momentary silence fell between them, their faces slowly inching closer until their lips met, initially timidly, in a kiss full of discoveries.