The Ability to Love, my sweet girl, Is a Rare Gift

[clairylee]

"No problem… Harmony, wasn’t it? Just next time pay attention to the time. It isn’t safe to walk around in the evening, especially for a girl like you."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"Harmony. And I will. Thank you for walking me."

[clairylee]

"No problem, really." Claire smiled and looked around. "So, where do you live? Is there anyone waiting for you at home?"

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"Just down the block, on the orangey-brown house on the left. My dad should be home by now. Thank you for walking with me though."

[clairylee]

"Me, too. I mean, I’ve always liked fairy tales and happy endings. I think it’s because they give you hope. They show that no matter what’s going on in your life, things might turn out just fine."

"I agree. Well, if you need some help with that, let me know."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"Yeah. Exactly."

"That's kind of you. I will be sure to say something if I do."

[abigaildarcy]

"I couldn’t agree more. It’s how I become who I am."

"So. What do you have in your head for your future?"

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"I would have loved to travel, but I think I'd like to write stories."

[abigaildarcy]

"Well maybe not shy, but incredibly awkward to say the least."

"I just like to hear people’s stories is all."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"Other people's stories are something wonderful. You can learn so much from them and their experiences."

[abigaildarcy]

"Well I’m still awkward with people and I interview them for a living, so you can imagine the growth I’ve had on that matter. Time fixes it."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"I suppose it does. That's very inspirational, the girl who was extremely shy becomes a reporter. Anyone can be anything they put their mind to."

[clairylee]

Claire smiled. “Yes. And I think that it’s the books we read as children that we shape us the most. Even when we’re all grown up, they bring some good memories. Maybe you could write children books? That always seemed like fun to me.”

"Really? Well then, you can always try working as a baker if nothing else works for you. It’s particularly rewarding when you can see how happy your customers are. Something that you can’t always watch when you’re a writer."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"It is. Maybe I will. I've always liked fantasy, fairytales and happy endings. It would be a lot of fun."

"I think it's the same idea for both jobs. You want to make people feel a certain emotion. But I will have that as a back up plan just in case."

[clairylee]

"That’s quite idealistic to say. I mean, of course, books affect how we see the world and…" she trailed off and took a breath. "It’s a huge responsibility to choose which ideas you should write about, then."

"I guess you’d have to try it. Do you like baking?"

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"That's true. Books shape our views and concepts more than anything else. It's the stories we grow up with." She smiled. "I suppose it is. I only hope I live up to the responsibility."

"I do! Sometimes my friends and I will bake with the House Elves in the kitchens."

[clairylee]

"That’s definitely true. You can learn a lot from other people, both good and bad. I guess writing about other people’s experiences at least lets you learn things the easier way."

"Yes, it’s a good reason," Claire laughed. "But it’s also lots of hard work, especially very early in the morning."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"I think it does. Writing puts your ideas onto paper and eventually into actions."

"I think it may be worth it."

[clairylee]

"That’s interesting. A lot of writers prefer to hold on to what they know."

"Yes, it’s really nice. Sometimes we even get to keep the things that didn’t turn out good."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"Oh yeah, the whole 'write what you know' ideal. I mean, I'd like to try to see things from  different view. You learn so much."

"That sounds wonderful. Maybe I will just become a pastry chef for that reason."

[abigaildarcy]

"And that is a good attitude to have."

"Oh believe me I’m not that memorable. I take no offense to this."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"Thanks. I try to stay optimistic."

"Oh, I'm sure you were plenty memorable. I was rather shy during my first two years at Hogwarts, didn't really converse with anyone outside of my year and House."

[clairylee]

"Well, that’s one way to look at it," she said sullenly. "An author? What would you like to write about?"

"I’m a pastry chef in a muggle bakery. It’s a rather pleasant job."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

”I suppose it is." She shrugged. "Adventures. People's stories. Overlooked ones. Things from a different perspective."

"That sounds like fun, always surrounded by pastries and things."

[clairylee]

"I’d love to travel as well, but with the Conscription…" Claire sighed. "So maybe journalism? The Daily Prophet surely needs some fresh insight."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

She shrugged. "We make the best of our situations. Maybe the war will end soon and everything will be okay again."

"I'd like that. Either a journalist or an author. What do you do?"

[clairylee]

"So what do you plan to do after Hogwarts? I guess it’s a hard choice, considering the war and everything."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"I don't really know. I would have loved to be able to travel. But I love to write, so.."

[clairylee]

"That’s nice. Your parents must be very proud of you."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"I really hope so."

[clairylee]

Claire smiled politely. “So if you don’t play, then what do you do? Any particular interests?”

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"I'm in the school choir. I do spend a lot of time reading or drawing and things. Anything with music."

[abigaildarcy]

"Is that so? Well I’m not going to be one of those people to say enjoy it while you’re there because life doesn’t have to be that bad after you graduate. Just, well, find something you love I guess. And don’t worry. No worrying."

"I don’t know if you’d remember me since I’m five years older, but I’m Abigail Darcy. Pleasure to meet you."

[lovely-harmonyrickett-blog]

"I'll be sure to. I can only ever hope for the best while I'm there and when I leave."

"I can't say that I do. I'm Harmony Rickett. It's lovely to meet you."