Accepted...

[sophically]

Congratulations are in order, though I am leery about entering such an environment on my own. Thank you for giving me my wand and my bag, at least. I wonder if they will serve any purpose beyond reminding me of the world I left behind.

[Boy does she sound excited!]

Comments

[cargojet]

Your wand--you're a wizard?

[ That's not the correct terminology, Nathan. ]

[sophically]

Actually I'm a Witch. [It's okay, she can correct him.]

[masterofmystery]

'Course they'll serve a purpose.

[cargojet]

Ah, of course. My apologies, I didn't realize there was a distinction.

You're joining the passengers of the Tranquility this cycle?

[sophically]

Most of the people who lack Magic don't know the proper terms. There's no need to apologize.

[She seems far less enthusiastic about the second part.]

It seems so. Have you been onboard the ship before?

[sophically]

I'm told Magic is reduced as well, so even if I have my wand...

[cargojet]

Still, I've tried to keep my mind open. There's a number of magic users on board, but terms seem to vary depending on what world they come from.

[ He smiles, trying his best to be reassuring. ]

I've been on board since the sixth jump. More than two years, now.

[masterofmystery]

So what? Since when did Hermione Granger give up?

[sophically]

Did I say I was giving up? I just don't like my odds, that's all.

[sophically]

I'm told there are several from my world onboard. [That doesn't mean he has met them, though.] And you've never seen your home?

[She can't even imagine...]

[cargojet]

I've seen it, but I've not visited it. It's...complicated, unless you know anything about Star Trek.

The largest group of wizards I know on board is Sirius' group. Unless you've secretly got pointy ears under all that hair. [ Because elves. ]

[masterofmystery]

Same difference when you start like that. If anyone can manage you can.

Dumb AU where Harry was raised as Dick Grayson.

[dickandharry]

That's oddly pessimistic coming from you.

[glorifiedrevolution]

I can feel the love all the way from my little corner. Everyone reacts the same way.
What's your new slice of heaven gonna be like?

[sophically]

I have good reason for being less than enthusiastic.

Well, I'll be on a space-ship called Tranquility. At first, I will be suspended in liquid with a tube down my throat...

[Then there will be monsters and scientific experiments gone wrong etc. etc..]

[sophically]

Have you ever known me to be pessimistic for no reason, Harry?

[sophically]

And what happens when I discover no one is meant to "manage" on this...space-ship?

[sophically]

I watched some episodes of that when I was little. I'm afraid I didn't pay close attention to it. [She wishes she had.]

Sirius...? [Sorry, she is going to stare for a good long while.] He's...alive?

[cargojet]

[ He'll leave the Star Trek topic for now. It'd get too weird, after all one of the first people Nathan ever spoke to on the ship was James T. Kirk, and he didn't believe he was real. It's a complicated subject to get into so soon.

He inclines his head. ]

He'd better be. Our security department is floundering as it is, it can't take the loss of any more people.

[ A pause. ] That's not what you mean, is it? He's dead in your world?

[sophically]

[This conversation is going to be awkward no matter what they talk about. Hermione winces and exhales softly.]

...in my time, yes. He doesn't need to know about it. [If he doesn't already.] There was a battle and he came to rescue Harry. In the process, the enemy killed him with one of the Unforgivable Curses.

[cargojet]

I'm not sure I know exactly what an Unforgivable Curse is, but I can guess at the idea of it.

[ He grimaces, hesitates, considering his own experiences. ] You ought to be careful what and how you conceal the future from people, particularly when it concerns how they die. The ship doesn't like to keep our secrets secret--in fact I'd almost say it was positively vindictive about revealing them.

[masterofmystery]

[ He scowls. ]

There's always a way. That's something I've learned.

[sophically]

[She softens and gives him a small smile.]

You've always been strong.

...and brave.

[sophically]

I won't tell anyone of their future unless they ask it of me. [Or it's forced out of her.] The future should remain a mystery. It wouldn't be right for me to reveal even the weather - much less events of importance.

[cargojet]

You may find it hard to keep your thoughts to yourself entirely when you see him. I've been on both sides of the revelation myself. I know just how hard it can be, especially if you're not prepared for it.

I'm sorry--I'm sure it won't all be as bad as I make it sound.

[sophically]

If that is the case...

I hope they forgive me for anything I reveal. [The last thing she wants to do is upset anyone.] I appreciate your forewarning. I only wish I could carry your words with me.

[masterofmystery]

[ Thaaaat just makes him go red and waffle a bit. ]

So've you. So there's no reason to go on like that, yeah?

[sophically]

I'll do my best. [That's a good color for him! Only because she knows she caused it.] I know I'll be busy.

[masterofmystery]

Well, you like busy. That's hardly bad for you.

[sophically]

I think we could all use a nice, long vacation. But I don't foresee that being a possibility any time soon.

[She worries the inside of her lip and focuses on him.]

We will make it, though, won't we?

[cargojet]

You'll be fine. There'll be others there, people who know you better. Maybe Sirius won't be the first of your group you run into.

[ Maybe, but Nathan knows it often doesn't work like that. Easier by far to run into someone at exactly the most inconvenient moment. ]

If he doesn't already know.

[masterofmystery]

You take a vacation? I'd like to see that.

[ He says it teasingly, trying to lighten the mood before giving a puff of air. ]

Course we will. We've made it this far. There's no reason to start doubting things now.

[chocolateman]

Being a witch will always serve a purpose, Hermione. It's who you are. Magic is a part of you.

[glorifiedrevolution]

Sounds like a whole lotta fun.

[sophically]

Will Magic do me much good in space? I don't think it has been tested except by those who are already residents.

[sophically]

Doesn't it.

[sophically]

I am fully capable of relaxing. [She just hasn't had a chance. A small smile follows his tease.] If I recall correctly, I wasn't the one doubting things first.

[sophically]

There's Remus... And...Harry. He's my best friend. [One of them. Then again, Ron has become more than that for her.] He might. I'll be careful regardless.

[masterofmystery]

Yeah, only when we pluck you aside and make you. [ He raises a brow at that. ] If you're trying to say I've doubted you this time then you're off.

[glorifiedrevolution]

Complaining won't do anything about it, sweetheart. [ Despite the fact that he complains constantly. ] Buckle up and get ready. Nowadays all they want is to throw us right into the party. Keep your eyes open.