"You're a Wizard, Harry".

There was only one bit of drama in our house this week, having to do with "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire".

The second we knew the release date of the DVD, The Spouse pledged to pick it up at the warehouse. (Have I mentioned he works for Costco Corporate?) He came home with it Tuesday night. Prior to its purchase we had many family discussions about how excited we were to watch it tonight, as Friday is our standing "dinner and a movie at home" night.

The Child nigh unto attacked her father when he came home Tuesday and, cut-up that he is, he first feigned no knowledge of said DVD. Drama. Then, ha ha ha, he pulls it out. She wants to watch it then and there. But no, we're saving it for Friday, remember? Mild drama and a pretty please, may I just watch the special features? This was granted but when an hour later The Spouse caught her starting up the actual film he confiscated it. Drama.

Allow me to note that the Harry Potter franchise has been a god-send to our family. Specifically, it has inspired our dyslexic daughter, the one who'd rather eat a sprouts & liver pudding than read, to pick up a book. More precisely, pick up 6 books. What few "Sylvan moments" we've enjoyed have been granted by Harry Potter. Furthermore, the character of Hermione Granger has been an inspiration to The Child. She is not and likely never will be the academician that Hermione is, but when she needs to focus on a piece of work, especially in a subject she doesn't enjoy, she pretends she's Hermione and she gets it done. Her handwriting, which is naturally abysmal, is nearly perfect when she determines to "write like Hermione". Finally, we have had many fine conversations about sex, death, moral choices and perserverance because of things she's read in the books. They make her think. In short, I owe a big "thank you" and possibly a shrine, to JK Rowling for what her books have given our child. (The fact that we enjoy reading them as well is icing on the cake).

Last night, having finished all her homework, she wanted to watch the special features again. But The Spouse had hidden the disc. (He really, really wants us all to watch it together, knowing she'll watch it every day for a week once we do). I didn't know where it was. Major drama. Tears and mournful expressions drama. To the point that I threaten to return the bloody thing if she doesn't stop. Which she does. She contents herself with watching interviews from the 3rd movie and goes to bed saying that she absolutely cannot wait until tonight.

This morning I retrieved a message from her friend, Alan, who was inviting her to go to a play tonight. I told her when she woke up, adding, that, of course, we have plans tonight. She says, "Yes" then pauses for a moment. "Of course, we could always watch it tomorrow night".

So she's going out and The Spouse and I are going to watch "A Very Long Engagement" which we have had from Netflix for a very long time.