//------------------------------// // Flourish and Blots Bookstore: 5 // Story: Mirror Existence // by Kentavritsa //------------------------------// . “Here we are, Flourish and Blots..” Astoria points out; “The bookstore, where we pick up the course literature for Hogwarts!” Daphne concludes. I eagerly open the door, as I step in; followed by Twilight, Astoria and Daphne. “Just remember, you can Owl order any book you like from their Catalogue!” Astoria points out. I pick up four catalogues, one for each of us to browse at our leisure. “Right this way; they have the course literature in boxes, for each year!” Daphne explains; as she is picking up her box, followed by Astoria picking up her box for the first year. “Oh, how convenient!” Twilight exclaims, as she is picking up the full set in a single go. “Yeah, I guess it is!” I respond, as I follow her example; “While there may be the off chance of them changing the literature down the line!” I put forth. “Yes, but I want to read through the entire set; before we get onto the train, just to get the full picture of what is before me!” she points out. “I guess; that makes sense..” Astoria concedes; “at least, for a Book Horse?” she then ponders. “If they take Owl orders, would they accept Phoenix orders by chance?” I inquire; “We could acquire an Owl parliament, for this purpose; but I would prefer to go by Phoenix, if possible!” I put forth. “They probably would, as unexpected and uncommon as it may be!” Daphne puts forth. “Wait, you have a Phoenix?” Astoria inquires. “Well, why not? I inquire; “I know Princess Celestia has one!” I then add. “Spike had one, he saved from Dragons!” Twilight points out. “Spike?” Daphne inquires; “Who?” Astoria continues. “Spike, is my Nr. One assistant in the Golden Oak library in Ponyville!” Twilight explains. “I also have an Owl, as my night assistant at the library!” Twilight then elaborates. “Since you already have an Owl; you would have experience, handling Owls?”Daphne inquires. “I assume Owls are Owls, everywhere!” Twilight puts forth. “Most likely!” Astoria agrees. “This is where the coarse literature is waiting for us!” I put forth, as I pick up a box for first class. “Yes!”Astoria confirms, as she is picking up her own box. Daphne goes over to the pile for her class. “Of course..” Astoria suggests, as she sees Twilight picking a box from each pile of books. “I want to read through the entire set!” Twilight explains; “Each class in turn, that is!” she concludes. “That is the Book Horse way!” Penelope snickers. “I guess it is!” Astoria concedes. “Trust me, that is how Twilight does it!” I supply. . Before we knew it; Twilight had picked up one box for each year, all seven boxes. “Books, books; lovely books; books, books..” Twilight chants; “so many books; all for me, to enjoy!” she concludes. “Where are the old editions?” I inquire, facing the nearest girl tending the shop. “Over there..” she offers; “but, why would you want any of the old books, when you have the new books up front?” she inquires. “You never know!” Astoria puts forth. “I want to have the old editions, to compare with the new books!” I suggest, informing the girl. “Wait, what?” Astoria inquires. “Missing descriptions, exempt sections; everything that was cut from the later editions!” I elaborate. . While I am explaining, why I and Twilight want the older editions; Twilight is walking up to the section, where the older books stand around and wait for someone to want them. With me talking, up front; none is paying attention, to what she is doing in the back of the store, where the old editions are. Twilight is out of sight, and out of mind; almost as if she had cast the: Notice me Not charm, on herself. Only when she is utilizing the spell, it is much stronger than one would have been expecting. Hay Cart’s method, or the spell to enter the book; in order to gain a clearer image, of what the book says. Twilight clearly goes over each and every book, before she is making up her mind; selecting the once she is interested in, leaving the rest of the books where she had originally found them. Only; she is leaving large gaps in the pile of books, deep gashes in the selection. Once she had selected her books, she returns to where we are waiting for her. “You found a few books, to your liking?” the girl inquires. “Yes, a few..” Twilight responds; “just some light reading; for when I get home, tonight!” she elaborates. “That is quite a few books, she selected!” the girl ponders. I follow Twilight to the counter, Astoria and Daphne in tow; ready to pay, for our respective purchases. “Guess I can as well pay for my books first, while Twilight is on her way!” Astoria suggests, as she is turning towards the counter. As Astoria is walking over to the counter, with her book box in hand; Daphne soon follows her, just a few steps behind. Naturally; I could not just stand here, permitting my new friends to wait for me. I walk after them; knowing Twilight will be back, soon enough. Just that Twilight loves her books; having problems, leaving any desired books behind. “Well, how could I blame her?” I ponder; “When I know how she feels about books and why!” I conclude. I watch Astoria pay for her books, before Daphne pays for hers. The next moment; I pay for my own books, only waiting for Twilight. Twilight lines up her books; almost as if she had never done anything else, in her entire life. I can only guess; this is the experience shining through, aside from how she is prioritizing things. I notice, how Twilight is stacking her books away; just as fast and efficiently, as she had been as she lined the books up at the front of the counter. “Is she stocking up for a Library?” the girl ponders; “Or, is she opening an entirely new Library?” she considers, giggling. “Either way, she gotta love her books, all the same!” the girl concludes, as she sees us walking out of the store. <--- --- --->