A Little Party

[Kate Archer]

Kate woke up breathing heavily and covered in sweat.This was the third time this week and she couldn't remember how many times she had awoken feeling panicky since April.Kate looked at her watch and decided it was time to get up.Everyone else was asleep but Kate was used to waking up earlier than them.When Kate was half ways out of her bed she realized it was her birthday.Kate smiled softly singing happy birthday to herself as she went into the bathroom for a shower.When she got out of the shower she remembered what had to be done before seven o clock this evening.First she had to send the invatatioins she she quickly got dressed and quietly went to the owlery.Twenty minutes later she walked into the kitchens and left her orders with the elves and said she wouldn't be collecting them but would use accio to get them later.By the time all this was finished most of the castle was up and Kate headed to the Hall for breakfast.She watched as the owls came in and she saw hoped everyone was there to get their invattations.She smiled when three owls appeared before her.She knew had sent them and she took the letters and gave the owls some nuts which for some reason were on the table for breakfast.This done she returned to her dorm where she checked under the beds to make sure the table and chairs were safe and sound.She smiled when she read the letter and raised her eyebrows when in her parents card they said she would get her present when she returned from Hogwarts.She had got sweets both Ryan and Star.She put the cards and presents in her bag and started decided what she would wear.When this was finished she went down to the common room with her bag full of books to finish homework

Kate walked to the Hogwarts Gardens with folded chairs and a table hovering around her and also two bags in each hand.It was turning into the evening and Kate could feel the chill in the air .When she arrived in the gardens she put the table beside the bench and set the chairs around it as well as putting some around the garden.She got out a poke a dot table cloth and laid it out on the table.She then went to the bags and took out jars on strings out of the bags.She started putting them around the center of the garden.She then tied two lines from two trees on opposite ends of the central area and did the same the opposite way so there were two lines of jars crossing over each other.She then took two small little lamps out of her pockets she laid them on either side of the table and said "Engorgio" the two lamps were then suddenly the same size as Kate.They were already lighting and the visibility was instantly better.She then went said to the first round of lights and did the bluebell lighting charm into each jar.By the end of it ever jar had a flame in it.As it was not fully dark Kate couldn't see the full effect but with what was there now looked magical and Kate couldn't help but feel pleased When she was satisfied she took a quick look at herself before looking at her watch. It was now six o clock and starting to get dark.The others soukld be arriving soon and Kate hoped they wouldn't come to late because it was nearly winter and the evenings weren't exactly warm.Then Kate suddenly remembered the portable heaters.... "Accio Portable heaters"she said.A few minutes later she saw them come towards her.When they landed at her feet she set most of them near the table and put the other two near the chairs.In total she had got six of the heaters.She decided it was time for the lights she muttered the spell under her breath and the garden became filled with lights. The effect would be better when it got darker but Kate had to admit the place looked magical and the small of flowers made it perfect.There were two things missing the food and the people.Kate didn't expect anybody to come yet and she hadn't told them it was her birthday.She hadn't wanted anything this year and she hoped nobody remembered her birthday.This would be her first birthday with out Sara and even though Kate had gotten over what had happened she didn't want to be reminded of what happened so when she had been planning this little late night pic nic she had decided not to tell anybody it was her birthday though they would probably wonder why she would be doing this for no reason but Kate didn't bother to think of that.When it reached five to seven Kate said the spell and the two baskets of food appeared on the table in front of her.To pass the time Kate started to set out the food waiting for the first person to arrive.

 

[Tara Sitara]

Tara had awaken later than normal today, usually she was up early and spent an hour drawing before it was time for breakfast. however today she woke up with the rest of her dorm. she get dressed quickly and headed down to the great hall. she was surprised when an owl came and landed infront of her as she only rarly get mail from her family as they thought sending letters by owl was odd, and no-one else knew she was here they all thought that she was in some art school. she read the invitation and remembered the first year when she had gone to the moons birthday at about this time of year. as it was short notice she didn't have time to get Kate anything so she spent the day thinking of what she could make. as soon as classes were over she headed down to the kitchen to get everything ready for what she was planning. she decided to make them the way she had been taught at home and not use any magic to either enhance the flavour or make it quicker. firstly she made the pastry then she mixed the filling, out of coconut, almonds, cardamon, sugar and khoa. once she had stuffed the pastry shell she decided to bake it as sometimes she found that when they were fried they tasted funny. when she was done it was almost time to head out but she headed up to the dorm to change into a simple yet pretty purple shalwar Kameez. she was pretty happy with herself as it was the first time in a while when she had warn a roper indian outfit, she usually mixed indian and western clothing together.
she made her way to the garden and saw Kate setting out the food. "hello kate. Happy Birthday. sorry i haven't got you anything but i have made some gujia she said setting the plate on the table and giving her friend a hug.

 

[Danielle Warbeck]

Danielle ran towards the gardens, with her present in hand. When she finally got there, she saw an unfamiliar face, and Kate. She ran up and said, "Kate! Happy Birthday!" She ran up and hugged Kate tightly. She then looked to the other girl, "Hello, I'm Danielle." And she stuck out her hand. She looked around and grinned, loving the scenery. She plucked a few roses and sprinkled them around the picnic blanket. "So. She I Accio the cake I made?"

 

[Stefan Archer]

Out of Character:

Sorry about the delay in replying

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The entire term had felt good. Overall, unfortunately it was already May and while others were looking forward to heading home for the holidays there were a few whose greatest fear was going home. He had tried so very hard to make himself normal. To be a normal teenager. Fourteen, with only worry, the girl of his dreams. Just out of reach. But, this wasn't a normal life. It wasn't one that could be solved by having a girl around his arm. For one that would require physical contact with the person, and the teenager wasn't quite used to that yet. He wasn't ready for anything of that sort. He couldn't shake a hand without mentally freaking out. Having someone around his arms was something he just knew he couldn't do. The only time he would ever was with Kate. She was the only thing that really kept him going. Because he knew no matter what happened he'd always have her. He'd have all his memories with her. Everything. She was his rock. The one constant in his life. The constant that he so desperately needed. It wasn't too much to ask the teenager thought, but his life was not that simple. He needed a rock a lot more than others because of the life he had to lead outside of the safe walls of Hogwarts. It wasn't like he was constantly looking for any form of trouble, his father just though he was by definition trouble and therefore he need to be punished. This was not something that the Slytherin strictly agreed with. He knew at times what he received he deserved but then there were times, when he knew that he'd really done nothing wrong. Going to Hogwarts had helped him come to the realisation that the way his father constantly treated him was no only not fair, but not the way he was meant to be treated. Sure he didn't trust the male professors, or really any of the professors, but he was pretty sure that none of them would be violent towards him. They'd had plenty of opportunity and not even Professor Styx had raised a hand to him. It was why more than anything this long holiday was not one he was looking for. After all he knew what awaited him. He knew that the moment he said his farewells to his friends, and he'd stepped into his father's car that his entire life would go back to one that resembled a poorly treated house-elf in a rich pureblood families house. He wanted to take in the most of the outdoors, smile, be with people he liked as much as possible. Eat and enjoy life, because as soon as he was home all of that would be taken away from him. He would have nothing and no one. His father would take away the food and force him to cook. His room would be cold, and he'd have nothing but a thin sheet to keep him warm. His clothes' he'd be constantly washing, scrubbing away the blood that would get on his clothes. It was not what he wanted but he knew that he couldn't get out of it. It was his sealed fate at least for now. Stefan Archer only wished that he could say goodbye to his friends in a finalised way, just in case. Because the slytherin knew full well, that he might not last the entire holidays. It wasn't easy and his will power was strong, but there was only so much that one person can really take.

It was late morning by the time the Slytherin boy was getting a light breakfast. He would before, be eating less and less, but Stefan was hungry, and thinking about how little he'd get at home, was making him even more hungry. He didn't care if at home it would be bad. The Slytherin failed to see how much worse it could possibly make his life. Since his life was already pretty much awful. His home life was just one that most would not even want to imagine, so a little extra food over the next few days would not do him any harm. He was pretty sure of that fact. The boy glanced around the Hall, and saw no one he knew, which albeit was not many people, but it was enough to generally find someone, however with no one, he just sat at the Slytherin table and kept his eyes down. He took a bit of toast, and an apple, and slowly ate, letting the noise around him fill up the entire hall, and eating in his own silence. It was as he ate, that he received two letters. Which was odd to say the least. Stefan generally received nothing and here were two letters addressed to him. He thanked the owl and then took the letters. The Slytherin doubted that the letters were from his father. The man didn't have the patience to send him a letter. In muggle ways or in Magical ways. So, he was very curious about these letters. Stefan took one and turned it over in hands for a few seconds before opening it. The writing was neat and tidy. Polite in a sense. It was from Sara Moon, a small invite to a party, and then he remembered that today was Sara and Kate's birthday. This thought sent panic within him. He had nothing to give them. He had no money to buy anything to give them. And he felt terrible. He didn't know if he could turn up at someone's birthday without a gift. Putting down the letter, Stefan opened the second, and like his suspicion had told him, it was from Kate. Stefan cursed under his breath. Things had been easier when they'd been friends. Stefan liked Sara a lot and he wouldn't not turn up at her birthday, but he'd have to time it well enough to be able to attend both. And he had nothing to give either of them. No special dishes, or gifts to give. Stefan had been so focused on himself that he'd completely forgotten that it was their birthday. However, he knew he couldn't not. Sara was an incredibly close friend, and Kate, was well, the girl of his dreams. There was a small sense of dread within the boy, it was going to be a long day. The only thing he could be happy with was the fact, all the bruises were gone, and all he was left with were the scars from past times. The faded burn mark, one of the clearest against his pale skin. However it was mostly covered by his sleeve on most days. It wasn't exactly the best, but, he looked better. The terms were always good for Stefan. No matter how bad things got at home, he knew that here at Hogwarts he had friends who cared.

Sara's party had been fairly fun. he'd eaten a bit of the food which had been there and he'd spent most of his time watching everyone else, but it had overall been a fairly fun experience. Now, he had a limited amount of time before Kate's birthday. He had more or less finished her gift. Again, simple artwork drawn by hand in the pencil that he owned. It wasn't much, but he didn't have anything else to give her, so he knew it would have to be enough. He'd drawn them, himself and Kate. And he knew that no matter what them together would be the most important thing to him. He liked her a lot, a lot more than he would ever want to admit. And while currently they were just friends, he wanted so much. He just was waiting for the right time, and this close to leaving for the holidays was not a good time. He didn't want to start something, knowing that he might not be able to be there for her. Sure it wasn't the most positive type of thoughts, but Stefan always had to remember that more than most he was very likely to not make it to his next birthday. It was why he treasured every moment he had with her, around her. Every breath, her perfection. It was the best parts of his days. It was why as much as he was nervous for the party, he was also very much looking forward to it. It would be perfect. And she'd be amazing, she'd look amazing. Like always. Stefan didn't bother changing from the afternoon, he didn't have enough clothes to make it really worth it. Instead he went back to the room, and sat for a good few minutes. Unlike for Sara, he could not think of the words that would describe how thankful he was at having her in his life. There was really no explaining it. So instead he just finished the picture, put the usual apology at the back with the promise of a better gift in a few years. After which the Slytherin made his way to the Hogwarts Gardens.

The boy was at least pleased that the weather was changing to a better wintery way. As much as he enjoyed the sun and hated the cold, it was this time of year where he could see a lot better. The summer was really far too bright for him and it was difficult to make out things, so it just seemed easier to him to go out in this mid term time. Stefan smiled to himself as he neared the area that he knew they'd be. He straight away noticed the lanterns and the heaters. While it was cold, Stefan was used to it. IN his home he had no heating, it was expensive, so it was difficult for him to keep warm, but it meant he was a lot better at dealing with the cold than most. It was the rain that he wasn't good with. It drove him insane and made him about six times colder, and for a much longer period. Stepping into the area where Kate had clearly set up a small warmth took over him. He smiled as he noticed Tara from earlier, and the other girl, Danielle, who was also colorblind. Not to the same extent as he was, but it was still nice to know someone else with a similar condition. Instead, Stefan walked towards Kate and gave her a small wave and a smile. He noticed that Danielle had clearly gotten her an expensive and proper gift. He felt stupid with his picture. But he had nothing else to give her.

"Happy Birthday Kate." Stefan said, looking down at the ground and feeling his cheeks warm. He was going red at the cheeks, he just didn't know it. "I would've gotten you something better, but you know" was all he offered as he handed her the drawing. He knew that he was pretty being pretty pathetic and silly in giving her the drawing. "You look beautiful" Stefan complimented, not even sparing the other two standing with them a second glance. All his attention was focused on Kate.​

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[Kate Archer]

Kate was almost finished with the food when she heard someone arrive.She looked up and smiled when she saw Tara "Hey"she said watching Tara put something amazing looking on the table.She hugged her back "Thanks,don't worry I didn't really want people to get me anything anyway"Kate said. Tara looked amazing in her outfit and Kate was glad that Tara had re found her former shine.She looked completely different from what she did at the beginning of the year and when Kate had been somewhat proud when Tara had invited Dymentris to her party,to Kate is had showed that they were both moving on even though thy mighten want to. Next to arrive was Danielle and Kate laughed when Danielle hugged her tightly.Kate looked at the present Danielle had given her and she immediately loved it "Wow thanks"Kate said putting it around her wrist.She hadn't expected people to remember her birthday and it was nice to know that people cared about her enough to remember.opened her mouth to introduce them when Danielle got there before her.Kate realized that Tara and Danielle didn't know each other.She Kate raised her eyebrows "You made me a cake? That's great.Thank you"Kate said giving Danielle another hug. "Maybe we should wait for another few people"Kate said wondering when the others would arrive. As soon as she thought this she turned to see another person join them.Kate felt all the familiar emotion overcome her when she saw Stefan.Emotions she couldn't figure out but one thing was for sure Stefan meant the world to her.She didn't know what she would do if he didn't come back.He was her best friend and all she was realizing since last year much more.She didn't know if her felt the same way about her but even if he did she knew he wasn't ready and Kate probably wasn't either.She smiled when he handed her a card.Her smile windened when she saw what he had drawn.Him and her.When she looked up she saw that he had his head down and his cheeks were red.She realized he was probably embarressed for only getting her a card.What he didn't know was that out of all her birthday presents (including the past few years) this probably meant the most.It was straight from the heart and she momentarily hugged it to her chest.She wanted to give Stefan a bug huge hug but she knew he wouldn't feel comfortable so instead she just lightly touched his hand "Thank you"she whispered so only he could hear.She blushed at his next words. "Thanks"She said shyly.She still couldn't take compliments and Kate cursed silently knowing her true emotions were showing. She put Stefan's card on the table and then turned to the others "I think you can accio the cake now Danielle"Kate said figuring not much more people would be arriving.