Camera

[Michael Blackwood-Hardt]

Michael and Dare appeared in an alley just away from the shop and when they went in Michael felt a sudden sense of uncertainty. He hadn't seen Grey in a long time, Grey was the one that he had turned himself in to, so he was unsure about seeing him again. But he pushed the image out of his mind and started looking around the store. "He has some really great stuff in here," he commented absently.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

Dare nodded, though he didn't say anything just yet. He was busy looking around too, identifying what he could and wondering at what he couldn't. There were plenty of potions--plenty of everything, truth be told--to look at. The shop seemed more than stocked, it had so many items he didn't know how the owner kept track. "If I were a camera, where would I be?" Dare murmured.

[Greyson "Grey" Sebastien]

Grey had heard the door's alert chime from one of the back rooms and set what he was doing to wait. Then he'd turned and entered the shop, his lips curving when he saw Michael, and another boy whose identity he could only assume. Grey did not typically keep in touch with student gossip, nor did he read the gossip column in the Daily Prophet. However, the current situation was enough beyond the norm that there had been no escape from overhearing things said in corridors. Even so, Grey was not one to spread such things, nor to bring up possibly unpleasant subjects simply for the sake of acknowledging them.

"Welcome," Grey said. "A camera, is it? I stock traditional wizarding cameras as well as a more modern version which produces pictures automatically. Do you have a preference?" he asked, gesturing to the display.

[Michael Blackwood-Hardt]

Michael didn't know what to say to that and looked to Dare. He knew that the old cameras were a pain to handle, but that was about as much as he knew, he had never had much use for a camera and, so, had rarely used one, much less a more modern version. When his eyes turned back to Grey before turning quickly to the display, he was suddenly very aware of Dare's hand in his, and remained silent, thinking that, since Dare was the one that wanted a camera, he could decide.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

Dare's eyes had brightened at the mention of the more modern version. If it meant they could just snap the pictures and not have to go get them developed, he was in. He looked aside at Michael, who was apparently leaving the decision up to him, then turned his gaze back to the older man. "The automatic one," he said. He thought he recognized the man as a professor at the school, and felt awkward, like he ought to let go of Michael's hand and step away, but he couldn't do it, not by a long shot. They were out, he reminded himself. They'd been walking around the school and Hogsmeade hand-in-hand since the last Daily Prophet, and he wasn't saying anything, so it had to be cool. Dare gave Michael's hand a light squeeze, for both of their sakes.

[Greyson "Grey" Sebastien]

Grey nodded, then gave his wand a swish and flick, summoning one of the cameras from the shelf. "It is very easy to use," he said, showing them the camera, smaller than the traditional, and with the flash built in. "Simply aim, press the button, and within a minute, you'll have your photograph." He quoted a price, slightly higher than the older cameras, then looked to the boys for confirmation of the purchase.

[Michael Blackwood-Hardt]

Michael glanced up at Dare, grateful for the light squeeze, that extra thread of comfort, and then looked up at Grey. "It's fine with me, if it is with you," he flicked his eyes back to Dare. The price wasn't a big deal, he had made sure to bring plenty of money with him to cover however much a camera would cost. He put his free hand in his pocket, gently fingering the small leather pouch.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

Dare looked back at Michael then, but his gaze dropped when their eyes met. He told himself he shouldn't have a problem with Michael paying, since Michael didn't seem to have a problem, but Dare hadn't been in many situations where he couldn't pay, and it was incredibly awkward for him. Still, he nodded. He and Michael both wanted the camera, right? And they were staying together now, so did it really matter who paid? No. Dare lifted his gaze back to Michael, gave a brief, light smile, then squeezed Michael's hand again.

[Greyson "Grey" Sebastien]

Grey couldn't help noticing the exchange, but made no comment. Rather, he inclined his head slightly, then sent the camera floating to the counter beside the register. "Is there anything else you might be interested in?" he asked, gesturing lightly back into the shop.

[Michael Blackwood-Hardt]

Michael tilted his head at Dare, his eyebrows creasing slightly in question, but didn't say anything, instead he ran his thumb over Dare's skin and looked back up at Grey. "There's nothing I want," he said, then looked back up at Dare, "You?" Dare hadn't mentioned wanted anything else, but with all the things in the shop, it wouldn't surprise Michael if he had seen something.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

Dare had seen plenty he was interested in, but he wasn't about to say so. It was one thing letting Michael buy something for them, and another asking Michael to buy something for him. He shook his head. "I'm fine," he said. They'd only come for the camera, and anyway, in a couple weeks he'd have a paycheck, and if he decided to come back, he could do so then.

[Greyson "Grey" Sebastien]

Grey nodded again, then headed around behind the counter. He slipped the camera into a small bag, and the register drew up a total. As Grey pushed the bag lightly across the counter, his gaze flickered between the boys, settling on Michael. "Our support remains," he said simply. Grey would not forsake someone who had risked so much to break away from dark magic, nor would the Order.

[Michael Blackwood-Hardt]

Michael had pulled his hand from Dare's after a brief gentle squeeze to open his bag and count out the money, and paused when Grey spoke. His eyes stayed on the coin in his hand for a moment before he looked up at the man and then nodded slightly, "Thank you." He wondered then if he should perhaps mention Noelle, but pushed the idea aside, there was no reason to bring her up, Michael hadn't seen her since that day...well, he had been in the Room of Requirement the whole time, so that wasn't saying much.

[Dare Blackwood-Hardt]

Dare could appreciate the support that the older man was obviously giving them, but it seemed like there was far more to it, something that Michael must understand. We. Who did he mean? Dare was undeniably curious, but said nothing. Whatever it was felt private, and Dare didn't want to interrupt, though he would likely ask Michael later. He shifted slightly closer to Michael, hoping to disguise the motion of his hand rising to rest lightly against Michael's lower back.

[Greyson "Grey" Sebastien]

Grey didn't miss that shift, nor the motion, but made no comment. He accepted Michael's money, then wished the boys both good day. He turned toward his back room, but stopped at the last and turned back to Michael. "My door is always open," he said, inclining his head. Grey gave the same motion to the other young man, then headed into the back of his shop again.