Get rid of that box! Where are the batches of cookies I just laid out? The mattresses upstairs need to be sheeted! Argghh, catch that Pygmy Puff! Had someone checked on the foals?
In the usually quiet and picturesque town of Hogsmeade, in a cottage just off a lane from the main High Street, chaos ensued. The windows had the blinds rolled down, hiding the mess from any would be observer. They had only ten minutes before the shop's grand opening, and there was still so many to be done. Jonathan and all his cousins were running around like maniacs, barking orders and rushing to complete their own assigned tasks, all the while jumping and weaving through the scores of furry creatures that began to settle into their new home. Indeed, if people were in queue outside, it wouldn't be amiss for them to think a war was raging inside.
But luckily, and Jonathan knew they would, the Emersons had pulled through. The counter was fully stocked with meals, thanks to Ophelia's efforts and the generous partnership of the Tricketts. The warm, inviting scent of coffee and cocoa wafted in the air. All of the packaging and supplied were discarded and hidden from sight. The merchandise shelves were elegantly lined and displayed with boxes of treats, animal supplies, and books. The sofas were set with several stuffed animals to cuddle with, and the entire place kept the rustic, welcoming atmosphere of the cottage. With everything set, Jonathan let out a long sigh of relief, and plopped down on the floor, immediately overrun by the dogs that yelped and whined as they climbed all over him, gnawing at his robes and licking his face. And just like that, all of his nerves and worries were gone. After a moment, the puppies had found something else to catch their fancy, and all but one gave Jonathan some space and peace.
Still seated on the floor, cuddling the lone spaniel that chose to stick by him, Jonathan took the moment to survey the fruits of their labour. It was amazing to think that a little whimsical dream of his was now a reality. It all began right after the end of the war, and seeing its effects on his family. Katherine had not been the same since, even taking a year off to convalesce with one of their relatives. Jon's cousins had lost their parents, and there had been just too much sadness for Jonathan to bear. He thought about ways to put a smile back in their faces, and so a silly idea popped into his head. However, that idea swirled and occupied his mind, even with all of the responsibilities he had. But the idea wouldn't die, and after some fortuitous moments, Jonathan decided to make that thought a reality. Granted, it had taken far more work and planning and galleons to put it all together, but now that it was here...well, actually, it still felt like a dream! He glanced at his cousins, without whom this entire venture would not have happened. Leo was putting the last touches on the rabbit pen; Ophelia had stationed herself by the cafe counter, nuzzling a pygmy puff that had nestled on her shoulder; Duke was just heading out the side door, to keep the unicorns company. All of them glanced at the large, kitty shaped clock before setting their eyes on Jonathan. He smiled at them, setting the spaniel off to play with his mates, then picked himself up off the floor.
He reached into his apron pocket to retrieve his wand, pointing it at himself to charm the dust and dog drool away. It wouldn't do to look like a slob on the first day! He then pointed at the front windows, rolling up the blind to let the light in and for the people outside to catch a glimpse of the interior. They'd done a robust job marketing the place, putting out flyers about Hogsmeade and in Diagon to generate buzz. Leo's younger siblings, who were still in Hogwarts, passed along the news to their schoolmates. And today, their opening coincided with the school's Hogsmeade weekend, one of the last before the students all went home for the holidays.
Jonathan paused for a moment, suddenly feeling quite nervous. There hadn't been something like this in Hogsmeade, and he didn't know if it would be a success or an expensive and epic flop. He supposed he would find out! Steeling his nerves, Jonathan unlatched the door, just as the clock chimed the tenth hour of the day. He opened the door, immediately feeling the brisk, cool December air. Flashing his signature grin, he greeted their very first customers.
"Welcome, welcome! Thank you for coming to the grand opening of Sugar and Spice!" He ushered in the group, handing out a runic token for each patron: jasper for students; quartz for adults. Each token was inscribed with a number, and a label that indicated that the token would serve as their tab, counting how length of their stay and how much they owed for admissions.
"We do hope you enjoy your time with us! Feel free to roam about, and for those of you who are willing to brave the winter cold, it would lovely if you could keep our unicorn foals company!"
(ooc: I've been specifically vague about the breeds of cats and dogs; you're free to make them up in your threads and posts! <333)
