[Giat] Care to take a chance? [Gregoire Cartier]

Things had been going well for Elizabeth now that she was out of school. Her NEWTS came in and she did well in her classes, but now Elizabeth needed a job to pass the time. She wanted something of real interest or at least to pass the time till she got a more suitable job. She had found an ad for a sales clerk for a shop in diagon alley. It was for the tattoo parlor. Though honestly Elizabeth couldn’t see herself getting tattoos she could easily see herself talking people into possibly getting some. She had her way of getting people to do things for her she had in school as an advantage so why not try it in a real job?

So she reached the shop and dressed in her favorite clothing. She entered the shop with strong presence of someone who was out to secure something they so rightly deserved. The bell ringing behind her would alert whoever was in the shop of her presence so she had to make sure she looked confident. She surveyed the shop and found it interesting in décor and found herself smiling. She could see herself enjoying it here. She reached the counter and said aloud, “Hello I found your ad for employment and I would very much love to have the opportunity to join this establishment.”

When the bell rung above the door Gregoire was in the store room moving some things around. He'd just gotten a new shipment of Flukes Ever-Changing FillerQuills so he wanted to get them stocked before he left tonight. He had to set his own goals, be boss and employee, because other than the random apprentice tattoo artist he didn't really have any workers. Gregoire didn't mind too much but it would be nice to have some help. Some days he felt like he did everything but art at his own art shop and that made him a bit uneasy. He was the type of guy who needed to put ink to paper, or skin, to feel whole, to feel relaxed. As he heard someone enterring the shop he grabbed the large box with both hands, lifted it, and carried it out of the back room with some difficulty. Who knew quills could be so heavy?

He had reached the end of the hall, carboard in front of his face before he registered what she was saying. His sleeves covered the tattoos on his forearms and the black jeans he was wearing hid the rest until he set the box down on the counter. He smiled at her, listening to her little speech and nodding. First impression he got was that she was entirely too proper for a job like this. Everyone who'd worked here in the past shared at least one or two things with Gregoire's brand of style. Tattoos, strange hair, piercings, punk clothing, but she didn't really seem to fit the bill. He wasn't the type to judge though so he decided to give her a fair chance.

"What's your name?" He asked simply before pushing up his sleeves, revealing the tattoos that flooded his skin. As he turned his back to her the tattoos running up his neck into his scalp were set on display and he flicked his wand at the box. The quills began to float out of the box seamlessly and the French man used his magic to guide the first one, the others quickly falling in line, before he turned back to her.

"Opening's for a salesclerk, means you'll be cleaning, helping, stocking, and pretty much just minding things while I'm in back." He nodded toward the hallway he'd just come out of. The stock room was on one side but on the other was a set of smaller tattooing parlour rooms each with their own chair and equipment.

"Wanna' tell me what makes you good for it?"

Elizabeth watched as a man came from the back carrying a box. The box obstructed him at first, but he seemed strong which was nice. Yet at the same time Elizabeth couldn’t help and think that he could just do that with his wand and it would be easier. Well whatever Elizabeth wasn’t here to judge how others did things. No she was here to get a job so she needed to be on her a game.

When he asked her name Elizabeth was about to responded when he revealed his tattoos. He had quite a bit of them and Elizabeth felt slightly uncomfortable. Not because he had tattoos no on the other hand it was more because she felt slightly out of place. She didn’t have any tattoos nor did she have any defining features to her that didn’t make her come off as rough looking. She might have a harder time getting this job than she thought she would. She collected herself quickly and said, “The name is Elizabeth Hamilton.” She watched as the man started putting away the contents of the box, which were quills, with his wand. So he wasn’t the type to just do things by hand constantly so that comforted Elizabeth a bit.

When he explained the job description Elizabeth wanted to roll her eyes so badly. The work described was certainly beneath her. She didn’t want him to know this though so she smiled and said with her most convincing voice, “Yes I fully believe I can handle such work. I’m not one who easily gives up on getting what needs to be done.” This was true as she was probably one of the more determined individuals she knew. Granted it was more towards social aspects in the past, but she could do things physical if needed. “As for my qualifications well you will just have to see what I got for yourself now won’t you?” Probably not the best tactic to use a coy approach to job applications, but there was something about this guy that told Elizabeth he was the type to like people who were daring. Elizabeth may lack the appearance of someone who was daring, but her personality could easily be that of one.

He wondered for a moment by the way she said her name if it was supposed to mean something to him. He didn't assume anything but it wouldn't of been the first time a pure blooded witch had graced his presence and he had no idea who she was or what family she belonged to. France might not of been that far away in terms of magical travel but it was basically on another planet when it came to social celebrities. And G barely knew who the families were in France. He was from an old magic pureblood family but they hadn't been rich for generations, he had other things to worry about now, like making enough sickles to pay rent and eat dinner.

Still though he nodded at her name but neglected to mention his own, only because he was ready to get to the real part of the interview. If after his little speech and his questions she was still interested they could have a right conversation but for now there were details to get sorted. She was so proper and he couldn't help but offer her a smug smile at that. He was poor, inked up, and usually covered in paint, he was not the proper type. And neither was his shop. He wondered if she would fit in here, if she could, but he was far from closing the book on her yet. He admired her spirit. It was obvious what kind of shop this was from the outside, what kind of customers it attracted, and if she was the type of witch she was portraying then she was certainly smart enough to know it. And yet she hadn't shied away from trying to get the job. That meant something.

Her next answer didn't exactly please him but once he realized what she was doing he chuckled at her and moved to lean on the counter. Jokingly offended he crossed his arms over his chest and stared back at her with his pale blue eyes. "Does that mean your over qualified for my little tattoo shop?" He couldn't help but let the smile pull at the corners of his mouth as he continued. "Or under qualified?"

Elizabeth didn’t like that smile of his. Could he see through her ruse of trying to present herself as proper as possible? Could he see her snark and attitude behind her façade? Should she back off? No that’s not how Elizabeth rolled. She never backed away from a challenge before and she wasn’t about to do it now. Even if the man doubted her she would get this job. This was no longer a trip for some extra spending money job hunt. No this was now a mission to prove herself to this man that she wasn’t a sweet innocent little girl her appearance may have shown.

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at the man’s response to her qualifications for the job remark. This was going to prove a harder battle than ones she had with students at Hogwarts. This was going to be fun clashing with this man and his personality. Elizabeth smiled and leaned over the counter towards him and said, “Why don’t you take a chance and roll the dice?” Elizabeth turned her head slightly and continued, “I’m sure the gamble could pay off. No snake eyes here.” The last bit was a play on words from Elizabeth, since she was a snake who graduated from Hogwarts after all.  She then leant back and crossed her arms and said back in her normal tone, “I feel I’m qualified enough to at least be a helping hand. If you need any proof of my ambition or tolerance I am willing to test it out now to you.”

She was more that a little bit interesting and he was half tempted to hire her just based on that fact. Maybe she didn't have the usual markings but that didn't make her any less of a rebel. When she leaned against the counter, betting him to take a chance, he chuckled silently at her and looked away for a moment before turning back to her with a smile still on his face. She was something else alright. Gregoire wasn't in the business of giving hand outs, he knew better than that, but he was more than charitable. He knew what it was life to be struggling especially right out of school so her inexperience didn't really affect her ability to do this job.

Mostly it was mundane work, take this out of the box and put it on the shelf next to its label, a troll could do it... of course said troll would have to fit through the doorway first. He nodded at her proposal, seriously considering hiring her just based on the gumption she had shown during this impromptu interview.

"I am curious what exactly your proof would look like?" He said, enjoying this conversation entirely too much to stop yet. She was an interesting child, or young adult, either way he found her intriguing and that was rare. "You've got moxie kid, I'll give you that. You tend to the shop with the same attitude and you've got a job. Might even teach ya' a thing or two if you like."

So she got his attention after all. This was excellent! She would most certainly get the job now! Elizabeth smiled at the man and when he turned around it turned into a devilish grin. She still had her convincing abilities after all. This would be great not only for her, but maybe even for the business. She could just see the shop bustling with people. Though she may slightly hope her parents didn’t come in as she could just imagine the stern talking to her father would give her. Such a traditional man he had no real idea about doing anything for success. Mother would probably understand, but she knew she would probably hide her disappointment. Then again her mother was an actress so it’s not like that was hard for her.

Proof? He wanted proof of her ambition and dedication to getting this job? Elizabeth crossed her arms thinking about how exactly she would go about this. “You want my proof how about I get a tattoo for proof?” This was honestly a foolish idea on Elizabeth’s part in fact she could just imagine her parents reaction to even being inked! If the man honestly took her up on this offer she would have to make sure it’s concealed from them. He did say she got moxie though and to this Elizabeth showed the man her devilish smile.

Moxie was probably scratching the surface of what she was capable of showing, but she would save that for another day. Didn’t want to spoil this man on her just yet would she?  Of course she would tend to the shop the same way she normally acted it would be a simple thing to do. Unlike at school where she would have to hide her snarky side she could show it here and possibly not get into too much trouble. This could just be the type of job she was looking for. “I’m sure you have a lot to teach me,” Elizabeth said in an almost sarcastic tone. This was to say she wasn’t actually mocking him it was just her tone of voice.

There wasn't a whole lot more than meets the eye to Gregoire. He was French, that was obvious in his mannerisms and the tiny tinge of accent in his voice. He was artistic, he liked to express himself, and he liked tattoos. It wasn't hard to read him like a book and make a nearly accurate assumption. Oh he was a drunk too and he had a difficult time keeping that under wraps. However there was one thing Gregoire had that most people might not of pegged him for right at first glance: strong morals. He always showed up sober to work, always owled his mother on her birthday, and he never tattooed someone who didn't have a good reason for getting it. So many times as a teen he saw his friends getting the most ridiculous things permanently inked on and he swore he'd never be the kind of artist who was in it for the sickles. He was in it because it meant something to him.

So when she said she'd prove it he simply looked to the ground and let out a bit of a sigh before collecting himself. He didn't think less of her for it but he refused to do it, he couldn't do it, it was against everything he was for. "I'm sorry," he said with a bit of a half frown pulling on thin lips. "I don't think that would be a good idea." He said slowly and pushed away from the counter. "As much as I enjoy tattooing I couldn't give you one on a dare, its not right." Suddenly his demeanor had changed from that of the cool young adult to the old man with principals and all of that. He knew she probably thought that she had told him what he wanted to hear but it had not been.

He offered her a shrug before smiling again. "I do have somethin' you could do though, call it a trial?" He motioned for her to follow him down the narrow hall way and to the store room. Standing just outside the room he pointed inside. It was a dark and dirty room, boxes piled high with who knows what inside. "See that cluster with the green labels? That ship just came in. You organize it out and put it onto the shelves you got yourself a job. And I get some free labor in the deal. Win win yeah?"

Oh so this man had some sort of morals did he? That was honestly a pleasant surprise. She didn’t think there were many people who had his sort of appearance who were good people. Maybe it was because Elizabeth had been raised to judge people based on their appearance so she never really would dwell into someone’s heart before. She honestly lost her composure of someone who was strong and arrogant and showed her slight curious side, though she was quick to gain her composure back saying, “Well I can appreciate your commitment to your work.” She gave a genuine smile this time and she pushed her hair back from her face to get a much better look at the man with both of her eyes.

Then he directed her to the back as a sort of trial run and Elizabeth became quite interested in what he was planning. She followed him and listened to his instructions and was in slight amazement at how many boxes there were there and he did this by himself before right? She honestly was impressed by the man to do such things by himself, but she was going to be here to help now. She quickly pulled out her wand and cast a spell on her clothes and transfigured them into some work attire.  She put her wand away and quickly went to work sorting the boxes. After about an hour she finished organized them saying, “If that will be all for today shall I see you tomorrow then?” Elizabeth looked at the man before adding, “I never did get your name.”

The young witch seemed to know exactly what to say and exactly the right times and as a small business owner Gregoire could appreciate that talent. Should today work out he might even have her doing more selling and less stocking. He had a feeling that would be a good fit for her but it was all instinct, he didn't exactly have much experience in the world of retail sales. Mostly he just agreed with the notion that good products and good service sold themselves. She followed him to the back where the days shipments were stored, more like weeks, but that was never the less. She seemed to become acquainted with the task at hand rather naturally and Gregoire backed out of the room as she pulled out her wand, he had a good feeling about this.

Over the next hour or so he watched from across the hall in the next room, a tattooing studio, as she moved boxes around. Organizing them and bringing them to the floor with her magic he smiled but remained silent as he worked on a commissioned piece of art for a customer. Before he knew it she was standing in front of him announcing that she was finished and expected to be hired. He leaned out of his chair, neck stretching so his eyes could see behind her to where the piles of boxes had previously been and then they darted to the clock hanging on the wall, its floating hands moving by magic. "Not bad kid." He said with a slight grin in her direction and a few nods. He placed his charcoal aside, making sure not to smudge the parchment as he stood up and smiled down at her before moving past her and out of the room.

He turned down the hall way but ducked his head back into the doorway of the room he'd left her in, "Can you be here at noon?" He asked, completely open to the idea of hiring her now. He turned back and made his way to the front counter as he heard her asking for his name, it was a small shop so whether she had followed or remained in the room he would still hear her. "Need you to fill this out, ministry requires it." He said handing her a small packet with the big "M" of the ministry stamped on the front. Employment papers weren't exactly the most glamorous part of a new gig but alas they still had to appease the bureaucrats. "I'm Gregoire Cartier, great to meet you." As always his French accent rolled off thickest when he pronounced his own name. And then with a flip of his magic he flipped the sign on the door to the "closed" position but didn't lock the doors, allowing her time to gather her things before she left. He hated to push her out but she had finished with impeccable timing as he had plans for the night. It was unlike him to close early but tonight was a special occasion, he had something romantic planned for Blo and he didn't want to be late.

"I will see you tomorrow then, wear something you don't mind getting paint on, pretty sure there are pixies in the pigment aisle."

[[out]]

After taking a breath from some of the work she had done Elizabeth smiled at the fact the man gave her a compliment. He then asked her if she could be there at noon the next day and she said, “Of course I can.” It was like she had anything else to do anyways, but none the less she knew she got this job so this could prove to be more fun than sitting around at home doing nothing. Smiling she followed him to the front and took the papers he handed her. Of course there would be some paperwork and this would be the most tedious part of the job, but it was required.

Once she finished the paperwork she handed them back to her now boss Gregorie Cartier. She then picked up her own stuff she brought, not that it was much to begin with, and headed for the door. She opened it and before stepping out she looked down at herself. She answered his request on her clothing choice for tomorrow saying, “I will…and…Thank-you.” She showed her sincerity to him and quickly made her way out of the store. She had never been nice before to someone, but he was her boss now. Elizabeth walked down the street thinking to herself how happy she was to have somewhere to be and maybe if she was right a place in the world.

[[Done]]