love is a battle

Many happy returns!

Oh, um, thank you.

Happy birthday Lily! You’re becoming older, but hopefully not more mature. Then you’d be too mature.

Thank you, Peter.

Okay, by accepting these you automatically offer sharing rights, yeah? I need to teach some people the true magic of a Rubix cube. Not to mention that you can’t find that Beatles vinyl anywhere else but a really small shop in Wales.

I knew there'd be a catch. Of course, you get sharing rights. Aw, you went to all that trouble for little ol' me? So sweet.

Oh Merlin, you feel the exact same as I did when I turned seventeen. I was expecting someone to feel like they’d discovered the cure to sadness. And it was no problem, dear. I’m glad that you like everything I got you. Promise me that you’ll focus on knitting instead of studying?

I can half promise. Still got to pass my exams, after all.

No no, they are yours! I am just glad you like them! 

Just one. G on, it won't hurt you!

Happy birthday! I totally got you awesome gifts, okay, you’re going to love them.

Okay, okay! I'm opening them!

Happy Birthday Lily!

Thank you!

Happy birthday, Lils! How does it feel to be one year older and one year wiser? Take your present, dear— I know it isn’t much but it’s what you said you wanted.

Exactly the same as I felt yesterday, only more excited. Oh, thank you so much! They're wonderful!

I guess, though I’ve got the flexibility of a ninety year old man, Lily! Well then we must enforce muggle rules only, because using charms and spells would be cheating.

Well then, perfect! It'll be hilarious, trust me! Oh, charms and spells are definitely banned for Twister.

I think I’ve heard my little cousin talk about that - don’t you need to be really flexible to play?

Oh, no. That's all part of the fun!

What’s a good party game?

Twister.

Are you sure that’s such a good idea?

Of course! Everyone loves balloons! And have you ever tried speaking after sucking in helium? Hilarious!

Well if we’re gonna be like that, Benjy isn’t exactly my name either! But never mind, never call me Benjamin. We’ll have to go separate ways. See, that’s plenty of time. I could write a book in that time.

At least Benjamin is on your birth certificate. My name has never been associated with Lillian. Oh, really? I'd love to see you try.

Who are you talking to here, Lillian? I’m sure I’ll start it soonish. When is it due again?

Please don't call me Lillian, it's not my name. It's due on Friday. 

It’s probably not that good that I have no idea what a Baneberry Potion is… is it? Oh well.

Probably not. I'm guessing you haven't started the essay then?