When birthdays are...
Is always a strange conversation.
Since between those who would celebrate them and those who find other meanings in
Discussing the obligation for indulgence in rituals versesaccurate timing another of the alignment in thier lives. And ponderables which usually best serve as filler during insomniac nights and during lulls in more exciting topics.
At least for the remaining ninety-nine, point nine percent populace of Hogwarts...
Which had a peculiar coincidence - with muggle customs and holidays...
"And you say this really happened?"
The collective symboli also concerned the more egocentric; they felt it had distracted from other motives.
But for the remainder of the equation.
"It's written down somewhere but it's also *really* complicated."
The more-than-she-should-have-said-and-patient Hufflepuff realized a theology lesson would only be confusing.
But at least finding an enchanted object wouldn't be *that* hard to find.
Especially a silver, ovaloid poultry by-product...
Would it?
A silver egg was not especially subtle.
Given the signal to begin most found candy or even a few copper coins.
So at least something profitable had occurred.
Looking quickly over dotted grounds and those within her line of sight, she was inspired to break from her own group of friends. So she excused herself and went deeper into a northwest thicket.
And finding herself more curious.
Then knelt to under a clump of flora ...finally on hands and knees ...with an almost too inviting revealing gap.
But...
"Are you foraging for the innermost early leaves or perhaps attempting to advance your education through the process of root to steam growth. ..?"
Happy to hear him - be with him - privately.
Unfortunately the involuntary jolt of surprise had...
Damn.
"Are you too busy for a proper answer?"
"No, professor, sir. But this particular fork seems to have a good grip."
Her pitiful tone thus sparked curiosity and his chivalrous reflex; the potions master thus moved quickly to untangle her ponytail.
"Thank you."
Camomile blossoms both wound within her hair as a few spare petals had dusted as magnificent as an appropriative, broadway cosmetic, glitter.
"Did you believe that to be a fair location to put that...?" he asked, attempting to steady her posture.
His closeness did soften the new metal gleam of the sapphire blue prize.
She did not protest as he rightened her apparel; including the retying of her scarf and - surprisingly gentle - brushing off excess dirt.
And with a warm touch contrasted thawing to the base of her neck - to her slightly bruised fingertips.
"You of all people should know -"
Perhaps he did need a little reminder; but unlikely as with-the-who-knew gentle caresses of his own hands as they flitted away some grit from her cheek.
"When one really wants something, you'll make an extra effort. "
"Even if a little bit out of the way."
Humbled, he looked deep into her eyes.
Recalling a bittersweet, familiar sensation.
Inclining his head to the affirmative.
She reached slipped just above her left ear, gifting him likely the purest bloom to come from the last autumn only to resurface now.
"Happy birthday."
With just the barest hint of a smile.
Though with a shared sparkle.
And a faint blush.
"And a merry unbirthday - to you."
Though having to separately walk out in the late Winter sunshine; it was finally recognized that together they had in each other an ultimate prize: redeemable anytime, anyplace or anywhere.