Character Info--
Age: Born December 7th, 1961, he is presently 57
Graduation: Graduate of Durmstrang, 1922
OWLs/NEWTs:

Apothecary E
Arithmancy O
Astronomy A
Charms E
Dark Arts O
Magical History O
Potionmaking O
Transfiguration O

Hanselm graduated 13th in his class.

History:

Zimmerman's family has been in the men's clothing business for generations -- the name has been the equivalent of fine fashions since 1507, started by his ancestor, Floshem Zimmerman, in Italy. Every other generation, the German family transitions from the homeland to another country, starting a new shop in another country. The first Zimmerman to be Wizarding -- Greta, a half-blood that was born to a witch of the Light coven and the enigmatic and charming Rupert Zimmerman, a humble suitmaker in 1825 -- bore him seven wizard sons, all of whom went to Durmstrang, starting a long, family tradition. Hanselm's grandfather, Friedhelm, started a shop in England when he was two years out of Durmstrang, and married. His two sons then schooled at Durmstrang and married good German girls to keep the home country proud. When the war came, Zimmerman hid his shop from the Muggles and his shop became a safe haven for witches and wizards who were hiding from Hitler. Zimmermans from all over the world helped him smuggle the hunted out of the country through his own homestead, and he was a local hero to what wizards and wizards survived.

When Friedhelm grew old, Hanselm, who was quite enamoured of his eccentric grandfather, came to England to continue his father's shop. It is in this strange fashion that Zimmerman's slowly expands, keeping the traditions and legendary skills within in the family, yet spreading out to cater to countries afar.

Zimmerman himself loves England. The eccentricity of its inhabitants constantly amuses him, and he's in particular a fan of their love of pinstripes and tweed. They're his best sellers. Still, the shop itself is of mixed origin, so it is both Muggle and Wizarding friendly, although a great deal of his clientèle are Wizarding. He has an enchanted bell on his door that rings differently, depending on whether the customer is a Muggle or not, and he sells accordingly. Wizards are offered the same sleek Muggle-fashion suits and coats and jackets, but they come supplied with light Charms for added warmth and efficiency -- for an added cost, of course. Still, if nothing else, discretion is his policy, and you can't even get so much as someone's waist size out of him. A strong advocate for Muggle rights in the Wizarding community, he is known to quietly, anonymously, and discreetly support causes he feels are just, and has been known to give a helping hand to those in need.

He's been a bit busy recently -- company policy has a lifetime guarantee on the charms on all of his clothing, and the magick-less week kind of muddled with that, costing him quite a bit of work with no pay to show for it -- but things are going well enough. He has two children -- one son who is currently in his fifth year at Durmstrang, and one daughter, who has already graduated schooling and is now going on a tour of the Zimmerman shops around the world to decide if she doesn't want to pick up the family business somewhere or do her own thing.

Personality:

A friendly fellow, he nevertheless has a fairly obvious German accent, although its softened with British slang that he's picked up during his assimilation over the years. He can chatter quite a bit, if you seem the type, but he can also be very stoic and silent, if you prefer your salesman quiet. He can be jolly and welcoming, or stern and serious. His first greeting is always guarded and watchful, but he is always watching gestures and listening to how you speak to determine how best to serve you. Observing what you're wearing also gives him insight as to what style you may like. Unlike some, he will not try and pulp you for money, but would rather you are comfortable. Even if he doesn't make a great deal off of you now, a pleased customer is worth two more in good advertising, as well as future business. A bad experience is worth seven. In Germany, this is something the original Zimmerman's shop emphasises ad infinitum, and it's become almost the belief he lives by, in business and in everything else.

Appearance: Zimmerman is a tallish man, striking 6' easily, who tends to favour Muggle suits -- particularly Zimmerman suits. No real reason why... Although not quite 23 anymore, he still has a boyish charm and kind sense of humour that makes him a joy to be around, socially. He has all sorts of stories about the various places he's been -- mostly visiting other Zimmerman shops around the world and visiting with distant family -- and the various wonderful people he's met, but he is not against slipping in an anecdote that isn't his -- after all, it is a wonderful story, and people do love to hear it. As it is, he's spent the last long while taking care of his ill grandfather, but he did finally pass on several years ago (he had a terminal cancer -- very sad to talk about, but it was his time for him to go) and is now running shop by himself with a shopboy who helps him with his errands -- a suib named Timothy, but you're not likely to see him, as he usually just does some tailoring in the back -- but for the most part is solely responsible for business. His hazel eyes twinkle with merriment, although he can also become very somber, and the lines on his face can be deemed as haughty, but they're laughter lines -- he loves a good joke or a story, and is very much a people person. He loves drink and food -- he'll often jest about the oddities and differences between Germany and Great Britain, though only with company he knows very well -- and is often seen at parties, answering a toast or in general delighting the guests. Anyone who knows Zimmerman, knows he's a great man who is worth his salt; upstanding, outstanding, and kind. Very much a great person to do with business with. Of course, he is also running shop by himself, so is very much hurt when someone steals -- for this reason he has security Charms that don't quite fit the humane code of the Ministry of Magic. Anyone thieving from his shop doesn't do it again, at least. Still, he worries that the beauracratic nonsense in both Wizarding and Muggle economies of England will go a bit crazy and he might be forced to abandon his wonderful home, but he knows that if that should ever happen, another home is only a floo trip away.

OOC Info--
Name & Contact Information: Artie
Previous Roleplay Experience: See Artemius Baxby