Harry Potter Fictober

Knockturn Alley

Ebelle Lillian Mayes wasn't someone who liked other people. But really, who could blames with where she lived? Much as her initials, and everyone else in her family, E.L.M was not a place for children. Even if the undertaker had two children. Ebelle knew every nook and cranny in Knockturn Alley as she was born and raised there.

Born to Eadric Lenon Mayes and Veronica Anne Travers, the later of who gave up on her husband and returned home with her children to start a new life, Ebelle and her brother, Edward Lanely Mayes were some of the few children who came and went from Knockturn Alley with ease. Of course growing up, they had gotten into all sorts of mischief with all the fun objects that graced their presence, but they were never allowed to buy anything. Probably a favor to the nicest guy in Knockturn Alley, the undertaker. 

Eadric took over the family business after the untimely death of his father due to Dragon Pox. He had dropped out of Hogwarts to support his mother and the rest of his siblings and ran the business in his 6th year. So he always pushed his children to finish their education and was quite proud of his eldest son, Edward who excelled in his schooling. 

Ebelle knew that Edward strived for bigger and better things than the life of an undertaker, so she had resigned herself to taking over the shop after Hogwarts. The shop, which had been run for over eleven generations of Mayes and was the pride and joy of her father. Edward always encouraged Ebelle to do something for herself since it was her life, but she didn't want to see the hard work of her ancestors go to waste on a couple of ungrateful children. The shop put a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. It got them their school supplies, and her brother a new set of robes ever year while Ebelle was quite content with the hand-me-downs. She wasn't someone who wanted much from life and was happy with what she had. 

"Ebelle," Ebelle stopped mid-stride and turned to address another figure lurking in a doorway. 

"Morning Mr. Mulpepper," She greeted him with a smile and flounced over. "What can I do for you today?" 

"Would you tell Eadric that I'll have his fluid ready for him at 4. We can chat as well." Mr. Mulpepper was the kind of man born with an unfortunate appearance. He had beady bug eyes, a hooked nose and premature balding that left his hair in a circle on his head. However, as his father grew up with the man, Ebelle had frequently found herself in his company. He was a good man to her father, brother and herself and that's all she cared about. Knockturn Alley got a bad name, but the people here helped her as a child and helped her father after her mother left, so she felt a sense of pride for this place that she called home. 

"Of course, Mr. Mulpepper. I'm heading to Borgin and Burkes for a new compass. He's to go visit the catacombs when we head back to Hogwarts and he'll need it." Mr. Mulpepper nodded. 

"Always the dutiful daughter. Have a good day, Ebelle." 

"Goodbye, Mr. Mulpepper." Ebelle sad and headed on her way. She continued her walk to Borgin and Burkes cheerfully greeting those she passed by, receiving several greetings on her way. 

"Ebelle," Ebelle turned to see the elderly Seerer, Francesca, walking over to her. "Come here and let me braid that hair of yours." Ebelle quickly made her way over to Francesca. "You've gotten you're mother's beautiful blonde hair, but you never take care of it. You always leave it all over the place. 

Growing up with her father only, Ebelle never really dealt with her appearance since she didn't have that much of a guide. Her specialty was ponytails and a braid if she put more effort in it, but Francesca always enjoyed the company, never having any children of her own, she quickly took in Ebelle and Edward as grandchildren. 

"Thanks, Granny!" Ebelle said after her hair was plated neatly with a few hairs to frame her face. 

"Not a problem dear. Make sure you and your brother come visit me before the semester starts next week, ok."