Jan 6, 2019 1:09:51 GMT
Post by Severus Snape on Jan 6, 2019 1:09:51 GMT
The Scarlet Letter
A properly questionable shop (partly by location) The Scarlet Letter is located in the first corner turn of Knockturn Alley, established for the last three hundred years. Primarily a bookstore, this place has been the subject of many Ministry searches and attention over the decades, but has never come under charges. It appears to be legitimate and provides an upper class version of a fine scribbers and bookstore. Writings materials, expensive inks, and handmade and ordered seals, the store itself serves a much higher clientèle then most similar places.
With the entrance one of the few places well lit in the alley, the window is permanently sealed against viewing, clearly from some previous's businesses idea of a display. The door is marked with a simple letter marking it instead of a sign. Two sets of doors prevent light exposing those entering from easy views from the other side of the alley helping to preserve client's identities. After the second door however the interior is quite well lit.
The shop is dominated and features around a beautifully crafted stair which winds up to the second floor and the main bookstore space. With a marvelous amount of lights from both fixtures and skylight, there is never any problems in seeing written details in this place. This store features not only rare and hard-to-find collectibles, but a fairly extensive auction collection from purchased libraries of the upper class society of both muggle and wizarding kind. Those wishing an impressive home library often start here before ever considering a lower class store type of modern writings.
The bookcase shelves on the upper floor (as well as the stationary stands on the lower which have a more limited book selection) have two effects for those knowledgeable. The first is for any customer who taps a wand on a book. This will open a view to see disturbances or invading Ministry officials giving customers easy advance information on noises which might threaten their purviews. As the store has a hidden access exit for emergencies to a conceal apparation access spot in the far back corner (marked with a gold seal on the floor, out only curiously) this has saved several members from 'uncomfortable' moments and guarantees it's success with the upper class.
The second access only works for employees and a hand placed in the right corner open an access to the back rooms where office, supplies, and a spot for a break reside. These areas are not often busy, but are frequently being used as all orders and purchasing happen from here including rares and repairs. Dark magic books are hidden here in a few special bookcases behind the wall, wrapped in brown paper with a special charm which allows employees to identify them easily, but is gibberish to anyone else. Warnings and descriptions are written on this paper for the protection of staff and clients alike. Each book must be unlocked by wand from the case which only allows store employees to do so, tossing anyone else who tries into the alley through a small hidden tunnel/slide. A few of these books are hollow forms hiding special dark items for sale to only special clients in the know.
If the shop manager touches the same space and says a word, a secondary access to the only sealed room for 'special meetings' by clients who have paid in advance is available. Rented on a no-questions-asked basis, this room tends to draw a number of select individuals over the week though the shopkeepers pay no mind to remembering any faces except the main renter. Drinks are a courtesy provided by the high tab of this room which is safe from scrying and 'listening' magics. All profits from this place the manager puts half to the future operation of the shop and the rest into a Gringott's account which is the Selwyn's working account.