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A loud crack sounded through the cozy little bookshop and the man behind the counter stared in disbelief at the very pretty and lively-haired woman who had just appeared out of thin air in front of him.
“Good afternoon, Aziraphale! Crowley, are you here, too? Neville sent your...um...”
Her cheerful greeting, which he also noticed was spoken in a charming British accent, quickly trailed off when realization struck her, as well. However, the woman continued to stand there for a long moment in confusion as she also awkwardly held an unusual looking potted plant and stared at the unfamiliar man in front of her.
“Well...you are definitely not Aziraphale or Crowley!” she finally told him in a very straightforward way...despite her obvious surprise...as he stared right back at her in his own continued astonishment at her presence. She turned to look around the shop where she had unexpectedly arrived. “And this is clearly not A.Z. Fell & Co, either.”
Since she was not one to rush into unknown situations without a plan...unlike most of her friends...the woman paused to take a good look at the man again. She had just enough time to note his handsome features and nice suit before she realized that he was also gazing at her with unconcealed curiosity. She found that she could not find any fault with that, however, since...from his point of view...she had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, after all!
“I’m afraid you have the wrong bookshop,” he finally replied politely, in a completely different accent than her own and with a voice that had a slightly gravelly edge to it.
The woman found that she quite liked the sound of it, though, as well as the fact that he could display such nice manners - despite his surprise at her obviously unexpected arrival. After all, she knew that he would be well within his rights to be upset by such an entrance, instead.
“And I would ask how you managed to get here, when such a thing should have been impossible,” he continued on in the same vein. “However, if those two are involved, I can guess what happened – especially since they are the only ones besides the Fairhaven Coven who seem to be able to visit Ravenwood Hollow freely whenever they like. I admit that I don’t know Crowley very well since he usually prefers to hang out with Aryel when he’s here...and I am almost afraid to know what kind of mischief and pranks they plan when they’re together. However, Aziraphale does visit me here in my shop fairly often since I cannot really go to him in London.”
He look a bit grim for a moment at the thought before he looked around his shop again. The sight must have comforted him somewhat because he managed a small smile before he headed into the necessary introductions.
“This is Arcane Texts, by the way,” he paused as he gestured around to the shop, “and my name is...”
“Westley Vuk,” the woman confidently finished the statement for him with a warm smile of her own.
After all, she had seen all the signs in his shaggy hair, amber eyes, sharper-than-normal canines, and...most telling...the pointed-tipped ears. The fact that he was quite clearly a rare Fae-Cursed werewolf...as opposed to a Moon Cycle one...or even one of the Native American shifters she had met before in the course of her work...practically gave away his identity to someone who knew exactly what to look for. Plus the name of his store just solidified her certainty. In truth, she had heard of him...from an apparently mutual friend...before.
As his eyes widened in surprise that she already knew who he was, her smile simply stretched even bigger.
“Aziraphale has told me a lot about you...and your charming shop!” she went on to explain with obvious enthusiasm since she was no longer stymied by the fact that she had ended up somewhere other than her original destination. In fact, now that she knew where she was...and why...she was able to easily shrug off such an insignificant detail.
“He was quite insistent that we should meet one day soon, after all, and I was certainly planning to do just that when I had the chance,” she continued cheerfully. “However, I wasn’t expecting it to be this way...or for that day to be today. Not that I really mind, of course, but I wish he would’ve given me a heads up first, at least. In fact, my previously perfect record of apparation just went poof because of some purposeful angelic misguidance. Maybe that will not count, though...or at least I’m going to pretend it doesn’t, anyway.” She paused to sigh a bit facetiously before she smiled at him again. “At any rate, I’m still very pleased to make your acquaintance.” She held out her hand. “I’m...”
This time it was the man who interrupted with the obvious answer as he came around from behind the counter to eagerly take the proffered hand.
“You’re Hermione Granger, aren’t you?” he said. “After all, because of this,” he paused as he gestured towards his pointed-tipped ears with his free hand. “Aziraphale has often mentioned his friend - the talented witch and lycanthropy expert. I have read all your books too, you know. I even carry some of them in this shop. I’ve always found your work to be quite inspiring and enlightening. It is especially nice to see someone...who does not have the condition herself...approach the topic in such a non-discriminatory and positive way. After all, there is so much ignorant and hateful vitriol out there, otherwise. Therefore, I am quite happy to meet you...no matter in what dubious manner it came about.”
The two unique people just smiled at each other before Westley seemed to realize that not only was he still holding on to her hand, but she was also still holding the heavy-looking plant in one arm, as well.
“Was this meant for Crowley? Let me set it down for you,” he offered as he finally let go of her in order to take it.
“Oh! Yes! My friend, Neville, is quite the magical plants expert,” she explained as she gratefully handed the bulky pot over. “Even though he is so much more like Aziraphale than Crowley in personality and temperament, the two of them still hit it off immediately once they got started on the topic of herbology and plants when they met last time. Therefore, he sent this with me as a gift when I told him where I was going. Well...where I was planning to go today, anyway.”
As if it sensed that it was being discussed, the plant in question suddenly opened a previously unseen green maw. Westley, to his credit, did not drop it - even though he had clearly not expected that to happen. He just turned to Hermione, instead.
“Is it hungry?” he asked and the curiosity was obvious in his tone.
“Thirsty, probably,” she replied, pleased that he had handled the unusual situation so well. It was a clear sign that he was used to dealing with things of a paranormal or supernatural nature on a regular basis. In fact, he even seemed concerned about the plant in question.
She found that she liked that...a lot. It suggested quite a bit about what kind of person he really was.
“Most types of magical flora aren’t usually very fond of apparation,” she continued to explain, however. The man seemed interested in learning more, after all. “Therefore, this one is probably a bit dehydrated from the ride. It loves tea, though, if you happen to have any.” She paused before she added a touch of playfulness in her tone. “I do, too, by the way.”
“Of course! Where are my manners?” Westley exclaimed in dismay.
After all, he realized that he had accidentally neglected his guests. Therefore, he quickly...but gently...set the thirsty plant down on the counter and headed over to his beloved antique Russian samovar. He was more than happy to explain how it worked to the curious British witch who joined him there as he brewed all three of them a perfect cup of tea each.
Consequently, a few minutes later found the two of them happily ensconced in the corner seating area of the shop as they each enjoyed a cuppa in easy camaraderie with each other. Meanwhile, the thirsty magical plant also slowly absorbed the beverage that had been carefully cooled with magic and then poured into its pot. It appeared to be quite happy about it, too, if the fact that its mouth-like orifice had twisted up into a wry sort of smile could be taken into consideration.
“So, Ravenwood Hollow is located on a plane in the Fae world, correct? Between the human world and the Gloaming?” Hermione asked interestedly as he told her more about her current location. Her tone suddenly turned playful again. “Should I be concerned? Do I need to Accio my frying pan? I am a witch, after all.”
Westley just laughed. “That shouldn’t be necessary. It is true that Aryel is a bit mischievous, Zephyr will occasionally blow something up on accident, and Peri can be a bit strict...but there are no evil Fae here. However, it’s always refreshing to meet another Discworld fan, anyway.”
“Oh, thank Merlin you’re a fellow book lover who understood that reference,” Hermione gushed cheerfully. “I didn’t even stop to think about about the fact that it could have been very awkward to explain, otherwise.”
Consequently, their conversation then naturally segued right into literature...a topic very close to both their hearts...as they eagerly slipped into a discussion about the entire gamut of their favorites all the way from Pratchett’s works to that of the Bard.
“What’s your favorite epic poem?” Westley finally asked her excitedly.
After all, his Fae neighbors did not read human literature and he had already prompted everybody in the Fairhaven Coven...and even some of the nonmagical locals...to think about the topic. Nobody ever seemed to have an opinion about such a subject at all, though, so he was always left quite disappointed.
“Well, I’ve always enjoyed The Mahabharata,” Hermione ventured hesitantly, since she was well aware that her mostly Magical friend group at home would probably have no idea what she was talking about. She instantly knew that would not be a problem with Westley, however, when his attractive smiling face instantly morphed into one of pure joy.
“Oh! So do I – especially The Bhagavad Gita!” he exclaimed excitedly since it was clear that he had finally found someone who understood his passion for the Indian masterpiece! After all, even Giva was far more interested in weather patterns than she was in the classical works of her native country.
Consequently, the mutually satisfying conversation continued on for several more hours and countless more cups of tea. In fact, Westley...who normally spent most of his time alone...enjoyed himself so much with his visitor that he did not even realize how late it had become when dusk arrived. In fact, he barely noticed that his nightly transformation was imminent before he transitioned smoothly into his wolf form right in front of Hermione.
Despite his knowledge about her area of expertise, Westley was...at first...still a bit concerned about the witch’s reaction to the whole situation.
He need not have worried, however, since the researcher in her was always thrilled to add another bit of knowledge to her already vast database when it came to lycanthropy. After all, the subject had been of the upmost importance to her ever since she had discovered Professor Lupin’s secret in her Third Year...and, accordingly, it had been her area of concentration ever since she had first joined the reformed Department of Magical Beasts and Beings at the Ministry upon her Hogwarts graduation. Therefore, she had built her career and working reputation around the study of...and advocacy for...those with the condition.
Nevertheless, it had been clear to her from the beginning that Wesley was different...in many ways.
“That was fascinating!” Hermione gushed enthusiastically after the experience. “And you were able to retain your clothing in the shift too! That must be part of the Fae magic since it is something that Moon Cycle wolves just cannot do. The native tribal shifters that I met from the Quileute Nation could not do it, either...and they transform at will in order to respond to dangerous situations. Therefore, they tend to be unclothed...a lot!”
Westley scratched the now furry back of his neck nervously at the thought of having to strip down before his transformation every night – especially if he was with any of the Coven members at the time. It would be very awkward around the other Fae, too - even though they really could not care less about human anatomy.
“Well, that’s at least one thing to be grateful for, anyway,” he replied honestly. He was afraid his tone was probably still a little bitter, however.
With no hesitation whatsoever, Hermione reached over to pat his now sharp-clawed paw reassuringly. “The ability to retain your powers of speech and human mentality is a huge positive, as well, I would definitely say. In fact, I would even venture to make an educated guess that you probably mainly still feel like yourself after a transformation...albeit a bit fuzzier, correct? Therefore, it might be easier on you if you consider the change to simply be a cyclic cosmetic one, instead of something as sinister as a curse. After all, it obviously has not affected your intelligence or dapper sense of fashion one bit. Even more importantly, your particular condition has not turned you into a killer against your own natural inclinations. After all, I can already tell that you are a kind and gentle person.”
Westley had to admit that she was right and that he really did have it much easier than the types of werewolves with whom she normally worked. In fact, when compared to those poor Moon Cycle souls who lost every bit of their humanity during a shift, he knew that he was actually extremely lucky!
Sometimes, it really did help to have another person to point such things out to him – especially one as knowledgeable as Hermione. He was also thrilled that he had apparently made a good impression on her. After all, she had made quite the impression on him, as well!
“Thank you!” he told her accordingly since she had lightened his burden quite a bit.
“For what?” she demurred. “I only told you the truth...and I want you to remember it, too! Now...I have an important question to ask you, as well.”
Westley wondered what she wanted to know. He only hoped that it would not be too personal – especially since he did not want to embarrass himself in front of the most intriguing woman he had ever met. In fact, he was afraid that he was already much too attracted to her for his own comfort. After all, he knew in advance that trying to do anything about that was probably a hopeless endeavor. Plus, he was positive that she was far too perfect to actually be single and unattached like he was.
Even if she was, he thought to himself, why would she ever want to be with someone who spends at least half his time covered in fur and who would never be able to travel further than Fairhaven – especially when she lives in London?
It was such a depressing thought that it threatened to do away with every bit of good their conversation had previously wrought. At least it did until she asked her question.
“Would you like to get together again next week? I don’t really work from the office very much, so my schedule is flexible. Therefore, maybe I could come back on your day off, so I don’t accidentally interrupt your work, again? If you don’t already have plans, that is.”
Westley’s eyes widened in pleased surprise at the unexpected invitation.
“You weren’t interrupting!” he rushed to assure her. “After all, not all of the Coven members visit the Hollow every day since they all have their own jobs, as well as their magical duties, to handle. Therefore, they just stop by when they can. Tara and Violet both came this morning for some parchment and a little chat, but I’ve haven’t seen anyone else today...except for you, of course. However, that was the most pleasant surprise...and most interesting conversation...that I have had in a very long time. Therefore, I would definitely love to meet with you again!”
“I’m very glad to hear that,” Hermione replied. Her tone suddenly turned a bit sheepish before she explained further. “Especially since I’ve never hit it off so quickly with someone at our first meeting before, either – except maybe Aziraphale. However, I was only around ten years old then, so I just don’t think that really means the same thing, does it? Even with my two best friends that I have been with since our school days, it still took a couple of months...and a mountain troll attack...to move past our initial differences and into the friendship zone.” She paused to laugh fondly at what was presently an amusing memory - no matter how terrifying the actual event had been at the time!
“That is a story for next time, however,” she quickly added at his sudden look of interest and concern in his eyes. “At any rate,” she quickly added, “Whenever you’re free, I would like to see you again and get to know you better, as well.”
Hermione really wanted to make sure he knew that. After all, she had not been exaggerating about the connection she already felt with the intriguing and intelligent man next to her.
“I would like that, too,” Westley admitted. “All of that. However,” here he paused as he hesitated to bring up what had been in the back of his mind all afternoon and evening while he had been enjoying Hermione’s company. “What about that friend that you mentioned when you arrived...Neville? Wouldn’t he mind if you suddenly started visiting a strange werewolf?”
She seemed to understand what he was really asking.
“Well, to be honest, if I told him, he would probably be quite concerned...until he met you in person, of course,” she replied. “However, it would be just as a friend, mind you. After all, we may have known each other since we were eleven years old, but friends are all we have ever been. In fact, I hope you’re not shy because...besides Neville...there are a several others that you will probably have to meet eventually, as well.” Hermione smiled at the thought of the extremely eclectic group of people she had been close to since their school days.
“However,” she added, “right now they all have more important things to worry about besides me – especially since they know I can take care of myself. I have to. After all, all of them are married or the equivalent while I’m the only one who remains stubbornly single.”
“That has to be by choice!” Westley insisted. After all, the woman was far too attractive and fascinating to be alone for any other reason than because she wanted to be.
“Not really,” Hermione replied as nonchalantly as she could – even though she could not help but to be a bit thrilled by the admiration that she really thought she heard in the gravelly voice that she liked so much. “It’s just the way that things have worked out.”
Westley felt nothing but relief at her explanation before she turned it around on him.
“What about you? Is there someone special in your life who would mind you having a regular visitor like me around? Maybe one of those witches you mentioned earlier?”
“You mean Tara and Violet?” Westley asked in surprise. “No, not at all. Tara is a particularly good friend, but she is also married to another Coven member. However, I am very grateful that they all seem to accept me in both of my forms, and...after the initial meeting...there is usually no awkwardness or anything, but...” He paused to gesture to his fur covered self. “I still believe that the knowledge of the overall package tends to chase away any romantic interest before it even has a chance to develop...even if it is just a subconscious tendency and not really done on purpose.”
“I simply can’t imagine why,” Hermione replied with a look of appreciation. “After all, you are obviously just as handsome of a wolf as you are a man.”
Her honesty caught them both off guard at first – especially when they realized that they had just admitted their interest in each other.
“Ah! Well...” he started to say nervously, just as she began to speak again, as well.
“So...” the normally confident woman was a bit hesitant as she held out her hand to him, “about next week?”
“Of course! Let’s definitely do that!” he told her eagerly as he took her hand and held it gently in his paw.
The feel of the connection that suddenly thrummed between them at that moment thrilled them both as they started to make the plans for their next visit...and hoped that there would be many more to come after that one!
Meanwhile, the tea-sated plant swayed gently in its pot as it instinctively responded to all of the harmonious vibes that currently surrounded it.
At the same time, back in the so-called "office" area...which mistakenly implied that business was actually being conducted there...of a completely different bookshop located in the Soho District of London, a demon sprawled casually across the sofa while an empty wineglass dangled from one hand as he suddenly remembered something.
“Wasn’t that witch girl supposed to come by today, Angel?” he asked his heavenly counterpart.
“Hermione may be a witch, but she is hardly a girl anymore, Dear,” Aziraphale replied complacently from the adjacent armchair. “After all, she’s been visiting us here for more than twenty years, remember? In fact, she started coming even before she knew she was a witch. What a precocious child she was, too! I’ll never forget the day she wandered in here by herself, so bright-eyed and excited by the thought of so many written treasures to discover. It was such a delight to see! The humans grow up so quickly though.” He paused to sigh in a tragically angelic way.
“Yes, you are correct,” he finally answered Crowley’s question, however. “She was on her way to visit us, but when I sensed her imminent arrival, I simply decided to redirect her path a little in order to send her to where she really needed to be, instead.”
“You practically delivered her on a platter over to that hungry werewolf bloke at the Hollow, didn’t you, Angel? You simply had to do some matchmaking.”
“I just could not help it, my Dear.” Aziraphale replied enthusiastically. “They are just so perfect for each other, don’t you think? She’s a witch and a magical creatures expert. He’s a Fae-Cursed Werewolf. They both love books, almost as much as I do, in fact. Most importantly, though, they have both been through so much and have been alone as outsiders for far too long when they have so much to offer a like-minded individual. They are both lonely, too, even if they will not admit it. Therefore, I simply gave them a little push in the right direction. After all, is it not important for everyone to have a soulmate with whom to spend their eternity, however short...or long...of a time that may be?”
With that the Angel held out his hand to the Demon who had been his friend...and so much more...for the last 6000 years or so.
“Alright, ‘Zira. I get it,” Crowley ceded as he took the proffered hand and held it tightly with his own. “Have it your way, but I’m not going to the wedding.”
“Of course you will,” Aziraphale replied with utmost confidence despite the Demon's negativity. “After all, I will need a Plus One, won’t I? Who else would I bring? Gabriel?”
Crowley huffed at the ridiculous suggestion and glowered at his companion...but did not deign to reply. After all, they both knew the truth of the matter was that he could not deny his Angel anything!