Fifty-fourth Spell

[courageous_wit]

I think this is the first time someone's disappeared and I feel more relieved than sad. He... Harry was brought here just after our first year of school. We did a lot that first year, but it's still better he went back home. I know there are a lot of other younger people here. Still, having one of them be your best friend...

Anyway, he's gone back now.

[a pause]

Today's my birthday. Was this supposed to be my gift from Paradisa?

Comments

Dictated

[the_effect_she_has]

Seems like an odd gift. I think we can do better. How old, Ms. Granger?

Dictated

[courageous_wit]

Twenty-one.

Re: Dictated

[the_effect_she_has]

Huh, you can start drinking at that age, can't you? In your time?

Dictated

[courageous_wit]

I've been legally able to purchase alcohol since I turend eighteen.

Re: Dictated

[the_effect_she_has]

Then you are three years overdue, I think, for a truly horrible hangover.

Dictated

[courageous_wit]

What sort of birthday present is that?

Re: Dictated

[the_effect_she_has]

Well, it will be at the end of a very long list of very good memories. I want you to come up with a list of 21 things you always wanted to do in Paradisa, and didn't, and we'll do them.

Dictated forever

[whichwayyoulean]

Sorry about your friend, Hermione.

Buuuuuut I know what might cheer you up. I'll get the ghosts to deliver it to your room.

yep

[courageous_wit]

Oh... Thank you, Once-ler.

[that gets a smile] I can't wait to see what it is.

[whichwayyoulean]

You're welcome. You can't get away without having a birthday gift, after all.

[courageous_wit]

I wouldn't dream of it. [yep just keep being a nice guy and you will learn it's not so hard, Once-ler]

[whichwayyoulean]

[He's not a nice guy nope never going to acknowledge that at all]

It just would not be possible.

[courageous_wit]

[she is keeping her door open for the ghost. And her journal, too, so Once-ler can hear how she reacts to whatever he's sending her]

Dictated

[im_the_doctor]

Goodbyes are never easy but sometimes it is for the best. Good for you for seeing it as such. I know it's difficult.

[A moment of respected silence.]

And a birthday! Well now! That is something to celebrate.

Dictated

[courageous_wit]

The good news is this wasn't a goodbye. Harry has many years ahead of him, and I'll be there with him the whole time.

[a smile he can't see] This is the third birthday I've had in Paradisa.

Re: Dictated

[im_the_doctor]

[Considers this...] I suppose that's a fair consolation, although it doesn't make it easier for right now.

Definitely something to celebrate then!

Dictated

[courageous_wit]

Yes... I suppose it is.

Dictated.

[lupinotuum]

I'm sorry to hear that he's gone, Hermione. I was actually starting to grow quite fond of him.

Oh and err, Happy Birthday. I'm sorry, I wasn't aware your birthday was today, but expect a gift from me in the near future.

Dictated.

[courageous_wit]

No, it's all right. I didn't even think to mention today was my birthday...

[delincuente]

... That's a bummer birthday gift. Sorry.

[She's getting better at this sympathy thing, but her comment still sounds a little hesitant.]

How old? ... You, I mean.

[courageous_wit]

I'm twenty-one today.

[delincuente]

Oh, awesome! Congrats. Guess it doesn't mean much here, though.

[She thinks for a few moments.]

You don't look any older than me. How old were you when you got here?

[courageous_wit]

I was eighteen. Nobody physically grows older when they're in Paradisa, except for the children brought here every year.

[delincuente]

Yeah, tell me about it. I still look sixteen. Good thing there are no legal ages for anything here, or we'd all be getting carded into our thirties.

[courageous_wit]

That's a good point. I don't think being carded would stop anyone, anyway.