Curiosity

[Humphrey Williams]

Humphrey Williams had been walking in Diagon Alley. And, being the curious person that he is he decided to check out Knockturn Alley. He had never been there before, and despite the fact that the place had a bad reputation he was very interested to see what it was like. So, he walked in there with his hand in his pocket touching his wand. Definitely he was on edge, and he saw a shop called Cruor Sanctorum. It was a weapons shop,k and the blades caught his attention. He had once made his own sword before using magic. But, he was curious as to what using a different blade was like.

Opening the door, he stepped into the shop. He noticed a lady who he thought must either be an employee or possibly the owner of the shop. He looked around a bit at the swords, and found out he knew nearly nothing about magical blades and weapons. So, he walked up to the counter and decided to ask her about them. "Hello miss. I was wondering if you could tell me about some of the weapons in your shop?" he asked her.

[Kiera de Auvergne]

Kiera dragged her arms above her head and yawned. The meeting with Madam Romain had left her irritable, and slightly cranky, and she very much felt like closing down the shutters for the day. That was when a boy, a student, drifted into her armory.

Kiera opened her mouth to tell him to get lost, but he cut her off and enquired in the politest manner possible about her weapons.

In spite of herself, Kiera found a smile leaking out of her lips. She planted an elbow on the counter and looked at the boy, “I’d love to, but don’t you think you are a little young to hang around in a place like Knockturn Alley? What’s your name?”

[Humphrey Williams]

"Well, maybe. But I have never been in Knockturn Alley before, to be honest I just came because I was curious to find out what it looked like. I've always been curious, and I'm a Gryffindor. You could say that being careful is something that pretty much never happens. Trouble always finds me. I'm Humphrey Williams. What's yours?" he asked her. The shopkeeper was intimidating, just like the store. A good fit, he thought to himself. "The weapons look...well, amazing. I don't know much about magical weapons though."

[Kiera de Auvergne]

A Gryffindor indeed Kiera could see the uneasiness in the boy's eyes for being in an unknown place, surrounded by weapons, but she could see the bravery as well.

"I'm Kiera, Kiera de Auvergne." Kiera tucked a short black lock behind her ear. "Thanks for the compliment about the weapons, hardly anyone nowadays has the sensibility to appreciate them."

"Would you like to have a look at them?"

[Humphrey Williams]

"Yes, I would love to actually. I don't know much about wizard weaponry, but I have always been interested in muggle weaponry. I am muggleborn, and something about swords, whips, bows, and maces always interested me. There is a certain beauty to them, you know?" he said.

"Are you French? Your name sounds very french, but you don't have much of an accent." Humphrey stated.

[Kiera de Auvergne]

Here it comes again. Kiera could not count the number of times people had asked her that question. “Yes Humphrey, my last name is very….Frenchy. I am half French, half American, which is why you’ll see I’m not on any particular side in the War.”

“Oh and I don’t speak French either. I was not really brought up…” Kiera stopped herself short. What the hell was she doing? She was generally a very secretive person by nature, and here she was spouting off her life history to a young boy. But there was something inherently trustworthy about him.

Kiera changed the topic shortly, “Anyways, you said you like Muggle weapons, right? Then I have a feeling you will like……” Kiera turned around and slid off a long, pale sabre from the wall, and placed it on the counter. “This.”

[Humphrey Williams]

"Really? I'm american too. I only moved to Scotland five years ago. My parents were killed in a car accident, and my only family was my aunt and uncle in Scotland. My uncle just died too actually, cancer." he told her sadly.

"But, back to weapons. That sabre looks amazing. What year is it? It looks brand new, you take good care of your weapons miss
Auvergne. The problem with wizards is they think a wand is the best weapon for everything. But that sabre...that is a real weapon. Could I hold it?" Humphrey asked cautiously.

[Kiera de Auvergne]

Kiera smiled. It was sad really, how even in her childhood she was never trusting or naive enough to speak such things to strangers at the first meeting. But this boy....he was different. That was a good thing.

Then Kiera turned her attention to the softly gleaming sabre before her. "This is called Vesica Argentus. I estimate the sword to be more than two hundred years old. It's made of goblin-purified silver, immune to rust and wear. In the olden days, it was originally forged to fight against werewolves and vampires, its lethal against them."

Then Kiera's expression turned slightly feral, her hand lovingly stroking the polished blade, "Not to say it isn't lethal against humans. One cut, one minuscule wound, takes ages to heal. If the wound is the size of an ordinary gash, a person can bleed to death before the wound clots. This beauty has the blood of millions on it." Kiera realized all of a sudden that her expression might be a bit to blood-thirsty for a student, so she schooled her expressions into something a bit more.....human.

She turned the hilt to Humphrey, "Try it."

[Humphrey Williams]

Kiera smiled at him. Then she started talking about the beautiful sabre, it was a gorgeous weapon. "So, Vesica Argentus was made by goblins, and was forged to fight werewolves and vampires." he mutttered softly to himself. "Immune to rust and wear?" Humphrey asked. "How is that possiblr?"

She then told him that cuts were slow to heal if it was dealt by that blade. Images of people lying on the ground, bleeding to death, swam behind his eyes. "That is some kind of sword Miss Auvergne. Are you sure it is safe for me to handle this?" he asked quietly. When she told him the history of the sword, something akin to bloodlust crossed the shopkeeper's face, but it disappeared quickly.

Slowly, he reached for the sword. Kiera had told him he could try it. Carefully, he picked it up. The sword was a little lighter than he expected it to be, and perfectly balanced. He backed up a couple of paces and experimentally waved it through the air. Its keen edged sliced through the air, and it moved much quicker than the only sword he had ever practiced with. Humphrey placed it back on the table. "I am going to set that down now. It is an extremely fine weapon. Thank you for showing me." he said simply.

[Kiera de Auvergne]

"This is goblin-purified silver, boy. It has ancient enchantments cast on it. Only when the magic runs out, will the sword begin to rust. As for it being unsafe for you, you asked me if you could hold it in the first place.

Kiera looked at the extremely apparent unease in the boy's eyes before her. His thoughts were quite visible. She spoke clear, and directly, with an underlying gentleness that was seldom there in her words, "Look bo-.....Humphrey. I can understand why someone of your age would find blood and killing people.....distasteful. I admit, its not healthy to like such things."

I never said that I was healthy.

"But the fact remains that the reason why we kill, at least people like me, is not for the mere sake of it. Its for our rights and honor. And that intention, can never be wrong."

Then Kiera smiled. "You handle the sword better than most of your age."

[Humphrey Williams]

"Wow, goblin-purified silver, with ancient enchantments on it. That is truly amazing, I didn't realize charms like that could last so long. I know I did, but it is still better to be safe than sorry, right." Humphrey said, looking at her.

"Thank you for saying that, I was a little uncomfortable after you talked about the damage this sword has done. But, I am not new to fighting, my parents were killed in an accident, and I lost them. I had to fight my emotions when I was sent overseas to Scotland to live with an aunt and uncle who never wanted children. They took me in, and it was hard on me. Then, my first year at Hogwarts, Germany attacked us, and I got caught in the middle of the fighting. Nearly got killed. I didn't assume you liked killing. It is just, there was an almost animal look to you for a second..." Humphrey trailed off.

"I didn't mean to caufe offense Miss Auvergne. I understand why some people fight wars. And I am glad you do it for that intention though. For a second, well, I was unsure."

"Thank you. I am being taught by a swordsman. He helped me make my own blade, but mine is a much larger sword than that sabre. More of a broadsword with an extended hilt. That sabre is an amazing weapon though. Beautiful blade." he said.

[Kiera de Auvergne]

"Enchantments usually dont last that long, but if the mage working on the sword is particularly powerful, then you get this blade." Kiera held the sabre in a perfectly balanced grip.

"I understand why you got a bit uneasy at the mention of killing....a person with a past like yours always does. I'm sorry for what happened to you. As far as my expression and killing is concerned, to be frank...." Kiera looked at Humphrey, trying to gauge how much she could say to this younger boy. She decided to go for it, "I do like it sometimes." When I'm in a particularly vengeful mood. "You're free to judge me as you wish. I dont wish to justify myself. But I do want to say that circumstances can do strange things to you sometimes. Its not people who do the killing, its the circumstances."

"And who is this swordsman you speak of? I myself am quite experienced with blades and would like to know anyone else with the same interests."

[Humphrey Williams]

"Wow, it must have been a very powerful mage. To make something like that." he said. The blade was truly remarkable, a masterpiece of the swordsmith art.

"A person with my past, have you met a lot of people who are like me? I haven't met too many people who have experienced similar things to what I have. Two, maybe three, but I have a different reason for why killing upsets me so much. Something happened five months ago, and since then, well...I've become more dangerous. To myself and others." Humphrey told her.

"Really? You like killing sometimes? I don't want to judge you, I understand circumstances can change people. But, why do you enjoy killing? I am curious."

"The swordsman is technically a swordmage. Probably the last living swordmage. He is teaching myself and two other friends of his to become swordmages as well. But, I am afraid I can't give you his name. If you knew, well, they are looking for him to kill him. You seem trustworthy, but I can't tell you what his name is without putting him in danger. Sorry."

[Kiera de Auvergne]

"Being in my line of work, travelling all over the world in search of weapons, I tend to come across a lot of people with pasts they'd rather not talk about. Not to mention, of course, that I have a bit of a........difficult past myself." Kiera didn't want to reveal too much, even if it was a boy.

"As for killing......" Kiera paused. "Its nothing to be explained, nothing to be justified. Sometimes your feelings against some people become so.....strong, revenge becomes such an undeniable emotion, that killing becomes the only option. I'd rather you didn't understand it, because only someone who has been through blinding, cold-blooded rage can understand, and I hope you never experience it."

"As for your swordmage, I admit I'm curious to know his name." Being a weapons master myself. "If you do not want to disclose it, fine. But if he really is the last living swordmage," Kiera smirked. "I'd love to fight him."

"If you're training to be a swordmage, you probably need a weapon specifically tailored to you. Maybe you're already making one, but having only one blade is risky in a fight. Do you want to have one?"

[Humphrey Williams]

"I could see how your line of work would help you meet people like that. Plus, I understand not wanting to talk about your past. You don't know everything about me either. More dangerous than I look, you know." Humphrey told her. It was the truth, he was an animagus, a fire elemental, could travel through time, and produce a patronus charm. Not to mention his sword that he had made with a swordmage's help and trained with.

He nodded when Kiera tried to explain about killing. "It is when your anger builds so much, and it combines with feelings of hate. I have temper problems, and there have been times when I was close to attacking other people. Thankfully though, I have been able to calm down before I did though."

"I am sure he would love to fight you too, but I couldn't betray him. If word got out he was alive, he would be a dead man even with his skills." Humphrey told her. "As for another blade, thank you for the offer but I have to refuse. My own sword is a part of me now Kiera, using a different blade would feel...wrong."

"If anybody ever manages to get past my sword, I prefer to fight with a wand to be honest. Or, to use a secret weapon I have. I can, shift forms, I'm an animagus. I won't tell you what kind, but it is a deadly animal." he said, smiling as he thought about it.

[Kiera de Auvergne]

"Calming down, now that's the key." Kiera's eyes grew faintly reminiscent. "A key not everyone has. And not at all helpful when a murder is done in cold blood."

"As for your blade, I can understand." Kiera could still feel the power emanating out of her invisible sword, Krusa, hidden beneath her belt. She had travelled through oceans and seas, journeyed to the highest glaciers, still felt the blood on her hands spilled the day she had obtained it. She did not regret it in the least. "But I think I can offer you something else, a bit more useful."

Kiera knelt down and took out a pale, brown, faded chest from underneath the counter. She opened it to reveal a pair of tan, deceptively-innocent looking boots. "These are the Boots of Aeolus. They significantly increase the wearer's speed, agility and reflexes. Invaluable for any warrior, especially a swordsman."

"Oh and you should not reveal your animagus powers so easily. You never know," Kiera smiled, baring her teeth, "Who may betray you."

[Humphrey Williams]

"It took me many times before I learned how to calm down. Deep breathing, is the trick I use. I hope I would never murder in cold blood." Humphrey said, shuddering at the thought of it.

"Good, and I really do appreciate the offer. More useful than a deadly godblin-made blade? Alright, you have piqued my curiosity Kiera. What is it?" he asked, he could only imagine what she was about to show him.

Miss Auvergne returned with an old chest. She slowly opened it, and took out a pair of plain tan boots. Then she told him what they did, and his jaw dropped open. "Those boots can do all that? That is amazing, How much do they cost?" Humphrey asked. He was expecting that it would be well out of his price range, but he was very curious as to what they were worth.

Humphrey realized he had indeed revealed he was an animagus. Hitting himself in the forehead with he was palm he cursed himself. "Normally I don't reveal them. This is the first time I've slipped up like this in regards to my animagus powers before actually. I've learned to trust nobody. But, something about you lowered the guard I always put up. Not sure why." he said. That was a mistake he could not afford to make, if he did it again it could seriously hurt him.

[Kiera de Auvergne]

"I don't believe in a system of money. Galleons are worth nothing to me. My shop works on the barter system. Take something, give something. I can understand you may not have anything precious so......" Kiera paused. Her eyes brightened. "Would you be interested to work part time here? As an assistant? I could teach you a thing or two about weapons and how to use them, and your work could be repayment for the Boots."

When Kiera heard that Humphrey let her guard down next to her, that he trusted her, only with superior control over her face muscles could she stop the expression of complete shock on her face. A boy, a complete stranger, trusting her? She was mistrustful of people, and people of her. This was a complete surprise for her.

"Its okay bo-.....Humphrey. I will keep your secret."

[Humphrey Williams]

"A shop owner who doesn't believe in the system of money?" Humphrey asked incredulously, his eyebrows shooting up. "Well, I didn't think I would every see the day a shopkeeper didn't want me for what they were selling. I would love to work here as an assistant. It would be a real privilege Miss Auvergne. I'll do it." he told her. Then a smile spread across his face, this was such an odd store. But, somehow, the oddness made it better. For the first time in a while, he was happy that he had explored a new place.

When he told her that something about her caused him to let his guard down Kiera looked stunned. Interestingly enough, he expected that reaction, she said she was like him and didn't trust many people. Was a bit of a loner, so he wasn't surprised at all by her reaction. "Thank you, Kiera, I appreciate that you will keep it secret. Generally, I don't make this kind of mistake. So, when do you want me to come in to work? I have classes during the middle of most days. But weekends should be open for me." Humphrey told her. This was a job he would enjoy, and look forward to during the week.

[Kiera de Auvergne]

As usual, Humphrey's eyebrows shot up when Kiera told him how she didn't believe in money. Kiera could see how it would be strange, a business owner not interested in money. Well, she had always been a bit different anyway. Kiera packed the Boots of Aeolus up and slid them across the counter, "Here you go."

"I will be expecting you here next weekend. Remember, I don't tolerate tardiness." Kiera suddenly remembered something. "I think I will be visiting Hogwarts soon. I have some matters to settle with Madam Romain." Kiera's lip curled up. She definitely had lot of things to settle with the Headmistress.

"Perhaps I'll visit you when I'm there. And your swordmage. Because my instinct tells me that your swordmage isn't all that older than you, is he?" Kiera's smile was a bit too knowing for anyone's liking.

[Humphrey Williams]

Without any further wait, Kiera packed the Boots of Aeolus into the chest and passed it to him. Shocked, he realized that they were his now. He suspected that if she had valued him they would be worth more than the sum of everything you own. Humphrey looked at her gratefully. "Thank you so much."

"I will be here next weekend then. As soon as my last lesson Friday gets out I will head here. Business between you and the Headmistress?" he asked. Surely he had heard wrong. She couldn't have said that could she have?

"You are welcome to find me if you do visit Miss Auvergne. If you are coming to see the Headmistress, could you ask her for permission for me to work on weekends. Normally, you are only supposed to be let out for Hogsmeade weekends. But maybe if you talked to her, you could convince her to let me come every weekend. I could just sneak out every time, but it would be a lot easier if I had permission to come here." Humphrey told her.

[Kiera de Auvergne]

Kiera smirked on seeing the entirely shocked and disbelieving expression on Humphrey's face. "Yes, you heard that right Humphrey. Business between me, a weapons armory owner and the Headmistress of Hogwarts. After all, you should know by now that Madam Briony Romain is just about as peaceful as me." Kiera's smirk grew broader. "Which isn't very much at all."

"Of course, when I meet the Headmistress, I'l ask permission on your behalf." Kiera could already sense the sharp conversation coming ahead. "I'l try to visit you, and maybe your friends." Because there's something in my gut instinct that tells me that your swordmage is one of them.

"Good day to you Humphrey."

[Humphrey Williams]

"Well, I mean, yea, I knew she was dangerous. But I still wouldn't have expected her to be meeting with a weapons deal in Knockturn Alley. No offense intended, but this is not the most acceptable place to shop at for a Headmistress of Hogwarts." Humphrey said. He did allow a grin at the thought of miss Auvergne, and Headmistress Romain bartering over a weapon. "I bet she managed to get the most valuable weapon off you, didn't she?" he asked her.

"Thank you, miss Auvergne, I appreciate that. If you want to owl me to meet somewhere you can, otherwise I will just go about my day regularly. You could meet my friends I guess, but only if you don't scare them too badly. Not everybody I am friends with has Gryffindor courage in their hearts." Humphrey explained to her.

After that she said good day to him. Taking that as his cue to leave, he grabbed the chest containing the boots and exited the shop. "Good day to you as well. And thanks again!" he said as he exited the Cruor weapons shop.

[Kiera de Auvergne]

"Oh yes, she shopped here. And we.....bargained, for the lack of a better word." Kiera couldn't resist twitching her eyebrow in annoyance. Trading insults back and forth would be a much more appropriate phrase. "As for what she bought, that is classified information. It was precious alright." Kiera smirked lightly. "But I will be getting my artefact's worth."

When Humphrey told her that she might scare her friends, Kiera felt a chuckle bubble out of her lips. "I'm quite sure I'm not that intimidating. And if I am, then people around me simply lack a backbone."

Humphrey walked out of the shop, carrying the Boots. Kiera sat down in her comfortable chair behind the counter, tilting her head back on the head-rest. This had definitely been a most productive day.

[Humphrey Williams]

"You have to be joking, you and Headmistress Romain bargaining?" he asked her. "If I have learned anything about Hogwarts it is that Headmistress Romain doesn't bargain, she imposes her will. But, you actually have the guts to stand up to her, so I was curious as to what went down. I'll drop it though, if it is that confidential." Humphrey told her, a twinkle in his eye.

"Oh please, Miss Auvergne, if you were any more intimidating I would have run out of this shop with my tail between my legs. You may not realize it, but you come across as, for lack of a better word, a bit like a dangerous animal. Deadly, yet unsure of whether or not she needs her to break out her fangs." he said. "So long."

[Sponsored content]