A Rare Opportunity

Lacie had felt someone's eyes on her for a while. At first she had simply ignored it thinking that whomever it was would soon get bored and look away. Yet, still her instincts told her that he or she was still watching her despite the fact she wasn't doing anything particularly interesting. Lacie trusted her instincts and her gut feelings. To be a successful Collector she had to have many skills to find rare and desired objects, amazing reflexes to save herself from danger with only a moments notice, good luck and instinct, and a hard relentless worker. There were some days she wouldn't be able to find anything much of worth. Brushing her hair to her left shoulder Lacie turned to look at the person who kept staring at her. She found him without any struggle. He was sitting on a bench beside a vast amount of textbooks. He was rather handsome with his dark hair and had rather nice shoulders. She felt her cheeks redden despite the fact that she rarely ever blushed. Lacie was used to being strong and confident on the outside, but she was struggling to put up that facade at that moment. 

She thoughtlessly covered her cheeks with her hands and quickly moved her hands back to her lap. She must have looked like a fool, then again why did she care so much about what this stranger thought of her anyway? Something about his eyes seemed familiar. How could that be possible she knew  no one in muggle towns unless they were a wizard or witch. Lacie hid her shyness and brought forth some of her confidence. She stood up and walked over to his bench. "You seem familiar do I know you," Lacie asked despite knowing it could sound like a pick-up line. "Although if we do know each other I would find it very odd considering I rarely ever visit this town," Lacie stated. She wondered why he had been staring at her. Lacie didn't really think of herself to be that interesting at least outside of the wizarding world.

She watched as he paused before answering her question. "I don't think so. At least I think I'd remember somebody like you."


Lacie smiled at him as he winced. She didn't take it too negatively; she could tell he meant well. She must look strange after all. She wonders what about her outfit is strange enough for him to remember someone like her. Lacie sneaks a quick glance at her outfit, but cannot pinpoint what is wrong. Maybe it was her earrings. She had thought the spider earrings were cute. Lacie decided she should probably study muggle fashion before just heading into London. She was taken aback by his apology, but once she thought about how it could be interpreted she quietly laughed. "It's fine, I haven't taken offence to your words at all. I'm sure I must stand out. Did I manage to wear something silly?" She asks.


"It's the earrings isn't it?" She tries to confirm.


"I'm awfully sorry about confusing you for someone. I've only met them once, so I guess it was bound to happen. It's just that the tree is so familiar. I'm sure I met someone at this very park before around here. It was quite a few years back. I think I was fourteen or fifteen. " Lacie sighs.

Lacie was glad she didn't appear too ridiculous. The Ministry of Magic couldn't get on her case. She was blending in, unlike most of the older witches and wizards that walked around. She prided herself in that she never gave them a reason to question her. Of course that didn't stop several of them, she is a pureblood. "Thanks, I'm glad they aren't too odd."

She listened as he explained he had met a girl who was lost, right under the tree she had been staring at. "Sounds like that was me.Thanks for finding me that day. I was nervous I would have to try and find my way back home alone. My parents freaked out when I finally did find them. I would have been a mess if you hadn't found me and made me laugh. I'm Lacie Vane Bennett, and it is my pleasure to run into you yet again. If you don't find it a bother, I'd like to thank you by getting you a cup of tea or coffee. Which do you prefer?"

Griffin McLaggen? She thought idly to herself. It could be only a coincidence, but she felt that his name was very wizarding world appropriate. She was curious, but didn't want to ask outright and come off as rude. It didn't matter if he was a muggle, squib, or wizard. She only cared that he seemed kind and was a gentleman. Did he attend Hogwarts? She wondered if she should look into that. She decided against that. If he wanted to tell her he would. She hated it when people pried into her life.


Lacie took his hand and they shook hands. Her hand was small compared to his, but it was comforting. Sometimes it could be intimidating with the wrong sort of fellow.


"I'm never one to turn down a cup of coffee, thanks. I know a place if you don't mind a quick walk."


"Lead the way. I'd get lost trying to find it on my own." Lacie smiled.