10 February 2012 at 1pm
Knockturn Alley


Zelda Sellaphix’s age was easy to see and in her vanity she owned it. Her lined face, worn hands, and the streak of white in her hair told tales. She had two boys, worked hard, survived a Pentral, and had hustled for years in Knockturn Alley. She’d married into the Sellaphix family business but it was now as much hers as her husband Rafe’s. Over time, Zelda had earned her status in Knockturn Alley; not untouchable but no easy mark for harassment. The Sellaphixes were discreet and had discreet clients. They kept to their own business and never flinched. To interfere with Sellaphix Apothecary was poking a hornet’s nest. Zelda could walk deep into Knockturn with nothing to harry her.

It was broad daylight (as much as seeped into the dark alley) when Zelda arrived at a small nondescript house crammed between two others. It had been vacant for a long time but now showed signs of human attention. According to Sellaphix Apothecary customor Simon Kuzlo, a new potion-maker was he source of that attention. Attention nobody wanted here. A fresh wooden sign advertised potion-making. A window was shuttered against the cold, but there was light inside and a little placard read, ‘Open’.

Zelda rapped on the shutter then meandered a few steps away, arms crossed. She hadn’t come with a plan but she’d been here before. She’d defended her territory more times than she could count.

It had been slow today, a couple of people visited, one actually bought something. Luckily they had bought something pricey, even if it was from a fully licensed potion seller it would of been pricey. He only tended to add on 10 to 20 percent to his prices, ten to those that are easy to produce or are cheap to produce, with the price increase only being there since he isn't a legal means and so its harder for him to make without notice from anyone and be blackmarket. And 20 if it was something difficult or expensive to make. He liked to believe he was fair with his prices, he was even willing to haggle prices sometimes!

He was figuring of closing up shop soon, he didn't like leaving the shop open for too long for several reasons, first is incase there are patrols, he hadn't seen any Auror patrols, but if there was one, then having the shop open for fewer hours decreased the chances of being caught. Second, he is selling from his living room, which he didn't feel was great for selling but until he got enough money that he could buy a shop and live comfortably, he would remain here as it means he isn't paying for a second property. Third is that it gives him time to gather ingredients, tend to or brew other potions. Especially with wolfsbane right now his attention was elsewhere then the main shop, and with selling wolfsbane he needed to use dead drops, another reason he needed fewer working hours of the store. And last was because its boring as one of Knox Greyfriars lectures to sit around all day waiting for someone to show up to sell them things.

The wolfsbane so far had been exciting, like a secret agent, sneaking out to places to collect payment money, never knowing if he would be jumped. He doubted it as he had been careful, but you never know who could of gotten one of the coins. And then sneaking out to deliver the wolfsbane in a safe and hidden location that someone can get to and informing them. That was fun, and had brought him some nice money, so far he had a small profit, not enough to warrant major success but he's paid off that night at Calaveras and the cost of buying the ingredients, and he still had enough of the potion and ingredients leftover that he should make a bit more profit. So not amazing as of yet but word spreads, as long as its the ears he wants then by his predictions he should be making some tidy profits in the future. Maybe enough to afford swapping all his work to wolfsbane and not having to sell from his living room window.

But there was a knock on the window, and as such he would answer, then close down for the day after to be safe that no officers were wandering around.

After fixing his white buttoned up shirt and brushing his hair backwards to look presentable, he opened up the window to be greeted by a rather dour looking woman. His first instincts was to offer a girding potion for her partner but he didn't think that the situation warranted it and the last time he did that he received a slap. He wasn't really wanting to get slapped today.

"Hello there, what can I do for you madame?"

Zelda turned and looked the kid up and down. Sisters save them, she could see right away that this young wizard with his rakish good looks was going to get them all killed. Maybe a few years older than her oldest, he was still far too pretty to be of any use to anyone.

"What," she said gesturing lightly at his premises, "do you imagine you're doing here?"

She asked him with a furrowed brow, painting her question as not-angry-just-disappointed. But in her heart, she knew his youth was alchemy for chaos, and chaos was dangerous.

What did he think he was doing? Who was this, his mother? He had every right to sell out of his window, well, legally he didn't. However who was this person to question him? And now she had crossed her arms and was giving a mother look, his mother was dead, is he dreaming up his own mother? No she seemed real and very cross with him. He knew what he was doing, he was an honest if slightly not allowed merchant just trying to make a living, and potions.

"I'm just asking what I can do for you." He said calmly. "I can't do alot of things, I've already had to turn down several offers, but name what you would like help with and I will do my best to help you so with it." He wasn't lying, he had one person proposition but he had to turn it down, and atleast one person asking if he would give sleeping potions to a dragon. He said he wished him good luck and said it would be wise to seek for flame shielding spells if any such existed.

He leaned down onto his window, his right arm rested down on the plank used as his ship window, somewhat resembling a beachside icecream stand window, his left arm rested underneath the counter out of view, he reach casually for his wand, he didn't anticipate this would be a fight, but he wanted to make sure he had it within hands reach just incase anything was to happen. It was there, that was good.

"Hm."  Zelda nodded, unimpressed.

"You're here to help," she echoed. "I do appreciate that. My husband and I, we own the apothecary at the top of the way. Sellaphix's. You've seen it."

Everyone had to walk past it on their way into Knockturn. It was a tall thin building, dark but clean. The sign that hung in front was emblazoned with a scarab beetle.

"We've been there for quite some time." Zelda and Rafe were the third generation to run the business.

That was a bold assumption, obviously he had seen it. But surely there must be some ways to get to the alley without seeing it, could easily just floo your way in as always. Despite how horrible the network was to use, always left you filthy and disheveled, soot going up your nose. Even apparating was more enjoyable, although he didn't tend to do so, he was fully allowed to, he passed his test but he still struggled to hold onto the contents of his stomach afterwards, he wasn't sure if that would ever change but it hadn't as of yet and he'd been doing it for a few years, so floo was better if he wanted to have food beforehand.

"I don't know, I could always just apparate to my house." He said with a joking tone, it was an attempt to lighten the situation. "I have great respect for those who practice in the art of potion making. What may I do for one of such fame and prestige?" He asked, he would mention that he has met her son but he figured it would be better to hold that back for now, he didn't want to anger her.

S*** this wasn't part of the plan, he didn't want to meet her, he didn't want to meet the husband either, he supposed this may be the better one of the two to meet, after all she seemed to have some motherly instincts still so maybe he can get away with a scolding. Although he's known some brutal mothers, one of them did not appreciate him sneaking out their daughters window as she tried hiding him away, that had been a painful morning and not what he wanted.

His plan did not yet involve the Sellaphixes, he was dumb and ambitious but he wasn't stupid, he'd heard some nasty rumours, he wasn't sure if he believed some but he knew he didn't want to cross them, atleast not as of yet, he needed to build his influence and power first. Discovery was not good for him at this stage.

The boy was trying. An appeal to vanity wasn't a bad strategy either, it just wasn't going to get him out of the trouble he was going to bungle into if he didn't pack up his cauldron.

"That goes to the heart of it." Her voice was losing any color of neighborly amicability that it may have had in the first place. "We aren't keen on fame."

She took a step forward to get a very square look at him. "We don't want attention. And brewing piss invites attention. Attention for you and attention for me."

If the Ministry tracked the shitty Wolfsbane Potion to Knockturn Alley there'd be Aurors at her door.

"I don't brew piss. If anything potentially swill. Thats if I was to brew potions after all. I got an Outstanding in my N.E.W.T, and no one complained in Paris when I worked in a shop there." He tried his best not to sound insulted at the insult to his craft, the bad stuff he disposes of carefully. Although disposing of bad potions can sometimes be difficult, but he was good at spotting them, and his potions are almost always perfect, some he was not certain of, but then those he didn't sell. Wolfsbane however, as far as he could tell was all perfect. Even with his limited practice of it, nothing seemed wrong?

"Now, I don't know what you may think of it, I'd presume it is negative. But I'm just a person trying to get by." He was honest in that regard, but her accusations were wearing on him.

He felt for his wand again to make sure it was there, she was removing any hint of this being a friendly engagement, and as such he wanted to double check again that he was prepared if she was to start anything, he doubted she was the type to get her hands dirty in this manner, perhaps direct the ministry to his door, open murder was a bit tricky to get away, but he didn't doubt there'd be a good hexing involved, he really didn't fancy that happening to him.

Zelda ran a hand through her thick dark hair, her thin fingers running deep furrows. Whatever his name was, this noble vagabond, he thought himself salt of the earth, perhaps. He might actually think he was playing it safe; there was some evidence of that, to his credit. His vague adverts, his tiny tucked away shop. None of that would protect him, however.

"I know you're brewing Wolfsbane," Zelda said low and level. "And I know you're brewing faulty Wolfsbane. Don't waste your breath denying it. I don't care, because you're going to stop."

No threats. Not yet. Applying pressure had its own risks, but it would be necessary if this little chat produced no results.

Faulty Wolfsbane? He had considered at one point that it may not be perfect, if anything he assumed at most it would be weak, not to professional standards like if you got from the Ministry, but it was available for those who didn't want official, faulty was not good, she had a point. Perhaps her only good point here so far, so she had managed something productive.

"How would you know its faulty?" He asked casually, ignoring the part of her accusing him (rightfully) of brewing Wolfsbane, if he can flip it a bit, he can get information, that would be useful. Such as how to spot a bad batch, she had more experience, she must of brewed it before, and successfully. He'd try his best to get information on how to know if its bad or good.

But that did present a problem, he very much knew it would draw attention if it was bad, rabid werewolves who run about slaughtering people is not good, and if they know there is a faulty brewer, they'd go after them. If it was a good potion but done illegally, there is less reason to go after them. Sure you'd still want them, but its better to have good illegal brews on the street...bad ones are trouble and so if it got out, eyes would be hunting for the bad potions and their origin quicker. So he'd have to act fast to correct.

"I'm not the only who knows," Zelda scoffed. What was that tone of his? He hadn't liked her accusation but he wasn't barking her to begone or put her worries to rest. So maybe he wanted something. Maybe she wouldn't have to infest his house with something poisonous, or sabotage his relationships with his suppliers, or turn the worst parts of Knockturn against him. Maybe he'd see they had a mutual interest.

Zelda began to explain, speaking slowly and gravely.

"Word will spread. Werewolves talk. The Ministry will find out there's a dealer operating out of Knockturn, and all that talk will lead them here to my front door. Bad for all of us."

With their history with the Ministry, Zelda and Rafe would be Aurors' first stop, and that would be a very uncomfortable discussion.

"Yes of course Werewolves talk." He said in a bit of a patronizing tone, he knew they talked. Information spread like wildfire. And of course they can talk, they were only werewolves for half a day a month, he'd also met Tia who he knew talked, she even had a girlfriend in the form of Fauna. Who regardless if Tia talked or not, would easily talk for both of them and not even need to take a breath.

The woman before him seemed genuinely annoyed, and same time trying to help, he knew the only reason she would was to avoid anyone knocking on her door, but it still opened a door for him, she'd want him to shut down still sure, but if he won't, would she be willing to help?

"Looks like there are four options here." He put on a more business like approach, the type you'd give as if giving a CV. "First, is just give me enough money to open my own shop and get a license. Consider it an investment." He knew she wouldn't, thats stupidly expensive and what reason would she have to believe him. "Second is teach me how to brew correctly, if there's no problems, no one will both for longer."

Then he leaned in close, both arms on the windowsill. "Third is give me a damn good job at your place, like good pay and full benefits." It was the least likely of them, he believed she'd be more likely to give him money straight up with the faint promise of getting paid back then she would to sully her apothecary with him.

Really? Zelda blinked and looked heavenward for some patience. This had to be a joke. Someone was going to come along and kill this young man and they'd all be better off for it. He was so confident in his approach, did had he yet kenned onto the narrowness of his situation? He'd do as told on his own or terrible things were going to be fall him.

But something he said had to be corrected.

"We don't brew Wolfsbane Potion. That would be illegal."

His other ideas weren't worthy of a response. She'd raised two teenagers. This wasn't a negotiation. If he was serious, he was an idiot. If he was having a laugh, he was an idiot. There was no such thing as a 'damn good job' at the Sellaphixes unless you liked pushing a broom and could stop yourself blowing something up.

Of all the out-of-bounds work the Sellaphixes' did wolfsbane potion was something they'd never touched. Rafe knew how to do it, and they had a secret stock of all the perfectly legal ingredients which they sold to other brewers, but they'd never stoke the heat of selling homebrew Wolfsbane. That action was too hot and the cost of failure was high.

She stared at the young wizard, searching him.

"There's gold in a clean cauldron.[1] If you keep brewing what you're brewing, all that comes with it is ... pain."

Zelda decided that was the best work. It fit a variety of possible outcomes from a variety of sources, all of them unpleasant.

1.	An old saying among potion-brewers. Doing this properly pays off in the long run.

You can get gold cauldrons, but he's rarely found gold in his cauldrons, he also makes sure to clean them really well, he'd have to or else he can have explosions, its not a good idea to not clean them. So he had very little clue as to what she's talking about, hell his potions tended to be good for people, joint relief ones were fairly popular, he often sold ones that make people feel much better in the night so how is he brewing pain? Its not his fault the Wolfsbane didn't work, how was he to know?

"Don't have to actively brew something to know how to tell whats wrong." He sighed and stood up properly, giving himself a bit of height to look out at her, he'd have to close up for a day or two after this, atleast it gives him enough time to brew more stuff and to get ingredients, plus he can sleep in, maybe even try to see Tessa or Fauna. Either way it allows him to get hammered so ultimately a break for couple of ideas would be useful.

There was still the fourth option he hadn't told her yet, and it seemed unlikely she'd go with the other three, the job was highly highly unlikely as it was, the money was stupid and mostly said to annoy her but give an option. He did think she'd help him brew however as it would mean both can continue like nothing was going on. But she wanted a fight it seemed, he won't take the first move, doesn't want to give her a reason to get Aurors to investigate.

"You know there was a saying I learned in Paris, its truly amazing what it is. And it works in alot of situations."

"Oh, no no no," Zelda chided him. "This isn't Hogwarts. This is a threat."

She said it gently so he would understand. She didn't care about his options, she didn't care about his Parisian wisdom, she didn't care about his well-being or education or business success. All Zelda Sellaphix wanted - no, required - was for this blunted wand of a man to do as she said. It was that simple. Knockturn was going to eat him alive.

"Stop making Wolfsbone Potion or things won't go well for you."

For many people all Zelda Sellaphix required to make her word law was her hard expressions that invited no negotiation. For this poor brewer, it might take more.

"Good afternoon, Mr. O'Keeffe," she said then and turned to go.