An Irish Ceili

[Sara Moon]

Sara was happy with the way she had set up their birthday party. Kate had helped earlier, but had homework to do, so had to leave. She smiled to herself as she looked at the sun setting, it was the perfect time for a ceili, though she knew their friends wouldn't know what that was. She once again checked that the lanterns were secure in the trees, and that the flame was safe, she had learned a spell to make sure they didn't spread. She put the shoes and t-shirts under the willow tree, and the sliotars and hurleys. beside the lake, she had around twenty of each-just in case. She also took out the brushes and placed them on the ceili floor.

She was happy with how it looked, yes with the model of Chucullainn and the wolfhound, and the miniature Irish flags swirling in the trees. She went over to the instruments and arranged them, according to her whim. She did some last minute checks, making sure that Kate's fiddle was in tune, and that the CD player was working. She also took out her books on Irish legends, this would be a good night.

Out of Character:

Links will be provided later, when the activities are taking place-so that it will make more sense.

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate walked down towards the lake front she was excited because today was her birthday she was now twelve years old.She had dressed casual for this occasion because she would be playing hurling which you needed comfortable clothes for.She laughed think of how she was supposed to teach her friends how to play hurling and gaelic football.She had her card for Sara and her football in her hands.She was even more excited because her friends didn't even know what they would be doing at Kate and Sara's party.Kate was looking forward to playing Irish tunes on her fiddle and tin whistle again.

When she got closer she could see the lanterns and Irish flags in the tree she had to say she and Sara had done a great job it looked very nice from where she was. When she arrived she ran over to her sister and gave her a big hug "Happy Birthday sis"She said smiling and handing over Sara's card which contained a voucher for Penny's and Boots each voucher was worth twenty pounds. "I hope you like it"She said walking around the little area it was quite cosy as it was getting colder as it got nearer to winter.She had brought some of her Welsh Cheese Cakes she had made them with the house elves after her homework. She put them down over on the table with all the food.She then sat beside her violin and waited for the others to arrive

 

[Jake Simpson]

Feeling a little uneasy about going to Kate's birthday party, Jake wanted to hang out with Kate a little more and get to know her a bit better. A birthday party was one of the best places to do that and he could meet some of Kate's friends too. He was excited and couldn't wait to see Kate again. He arrived where the party was taking place and realised that he was the first guest there. He started to feel a little more anxious. He was early, he didn't know if he had got there at the right time or not. He forgot all about his anxiety when he saw Kate sitting at the table, it had lots of food on it and it looked delicious. He couldn't wait until he was allowed to eat some of it.

He walked over to Kate and sat next to her. "Happy birthday, Kate." Jake said with a smile. He brought her a necklace with the letter "K" on it as a present. He hoped that she would like it. He picked it out just for her. He thought it was pretty but he still wasn't sure if she would like it or not. "Here's your gift, i hope you like it" He said softly as he handed her the wrapped box. He had wrapped it all himself, he picked out the paper, he tied the ribbon and everything. He always wanted birthdays to be special; he made an extra effort this time because it was the first birthday party he had gone to in years. He looked straight at Kate and smiled, he wanted her to feel special, it was her birthday after all.

 

[Vayne Rozeleouxe]

Vayne hurriedly made his way towards the the hogwarts ground. Today was a special day for two of his friends, it was their birthday after all. He actually felt really excited yet at the same time nervous about it, he had not seenthem for weeks ever since Roze's birthday after all, well, he had seen Sara, but Kate, Sara's twin, he had not seen him after the party at all. Yet, he was really happy that they had actually invited him, he was looking forward to seeing his friends once again.

Catching his breath as he finally came to a stop, Vayne looked in awe at the place that they were supposed to meet. It was decorated with lanterns and flags which he figured to be an Irish one, there were also instruments set on to place. Vayne cannot help but to think that the party was very different from the one that they had before. Having finally gotten over his amazement, Vayne casually approached the birthday celebrators. "Hi Kate, Hi Sara! Happy birthday!" He said enthusiastically, handing each one of them the gifts that he had prepared. He had prepared identical necklaces and rings for them, the only difference is the color, Vayne had given Kate a red one, and Sara, a blue one.Vayne wasn't really sure if the two would like gift, nevertheless, he wanted to give it to them, he wanted to show them his gratitude for being their friend.

Spoiler: gift for Kate

Spoiler: gift for Sara

 

[Stefan Archer]

The term was quickly coming to an end. There wasn't much left to do. Exams, final classes, and then that was it. Year one of school over. It had seemed like only yesterday that he'd first walked through the halls of Hogwarts for the first time, feeling nervous, lost and terrified. Now the halls had become like his second home. And this felt weird. he'd never felt at home before and to suddenly feel it in the most unlikely of places. Stefan knew it was probably just nostaglia of a year that had been better than all the years of his life put together. He knew it would be something so small that had made him incredibly happy with everything that had happened in the year. It hadn't all been great but, it had been more good than bad, and for that Stefan was very much pleased. But Today was not his day. It was not a day where he would allow himself to think about his life or what would happen when he goes home. Today was his best friends birthday. (and her twin) Stefan had managed to scrap some money together to pay for a present for each. The books weren't new, he'd bought them from a second had store, and he felt for that, but there would've been no other way of him affording it. It was somewhat embarrassing for him. He hoped that Kate would at least understand. He wasn't so sure about Sara. But it wouldn't matter too much. Stefan was getting ready for the party which the twins had organised. Stefan didn't need to try very hard to get ready. He took his cleanest clothes and combed his hair to sit perfectly. He wrapped the presents and packed them into his bag. He took the cards and then with a small glance in his mirror headed out. It was getting dark outside, and Stefan seriously hoped for lighting, or he'd be screwed. One downside that was pretty huge in Stefan's life was the darkness of the night. Stefan was blind in the dark. More than most, his eyes barely adjusted. Black was a common colour at night. But Stefan reminded himself that he was there for Kate and Sara. More Kate than Sara.

Stefan Mason Archer was wearing his jumper again. He had it zipped up and he had most of his body covered. His black eye had just about completely vanished. The bruises on his body were fading slightly. Every day a little more going away. Stefan looked better. He looked more healthy and he felt generally happier. It showed, his blue eyes darted everywhere in a happy sense rather than throw fear. As Stefan walked out onto the lawns, he spotted the little area that was clearly. The little lights which made it easy for Stefan to spot where he was meant to be. He followed the light, carefully looking out for anyone. So he didn't trip up or walk into them. Stefan was glad to first of all see that there were two other first year boys there already. It pleased him that he wasn't the only male. He didn't have many male friends. James was his only one, and he hadn't seen that boy in a long while. Stefan gave a small smile to both before handing the presents to both Sara and Kate. "Happy birthday to you both" Stefan said, he'd blushed slightly giving the present knowing that they weren't new. Of course he didn't realise he'd blushed. For Sara he'd gotten a book of achieving the perfect spells and to Kate, a book about the old history of Magic in New Zealand. The book for Kate was pretty old in itself. And Stefan didn't really know if she'd like it, but it was worth the try. Stefan smiled at both girls before stepping back and actually wondering what on earth they were going to be doing. Kate had said something about something called a ceili. But he didn't know what that actually was. Stefan smiled at all the people. He looked to the boys, "Hi, I'm Stefan." He introduced, knowing it would be better to get introductions over with before getting into the fun of things.

 

[Kayden Night]

Kayden walked to where Sara and Kate were having their party, he didn't know Kate that well but Sara was one of his best friends in his mind. He spotted the party and went up to Kate giving her a hug when no one was talking to her and then doing the same for Sara. "Happy birthday girls," he said with a small smile. He had the wrapped presents for them in his bag. Considering he didn't really know Kate well he hoped she would enjoy the present either way, both he had been able to get over the last break and bring back and store in his trunk.

"Here you both go, I hope you like them," he said fumbling while trying to take out the presents from his bag. Once he had them out he handed the the two girls each presnt labeled with their names on them. He gave a small wave to the three other boys standing nearby, the looks of the slytherin rang a bell in his head but he couldn't rememer way.

Spoiler: Sara

Spoiler: Info Paper

According to many Native American cultures, the doll is a lesson against vanity and personal pride, and comes from a legend about a vain girl losing either her face or reflection (depending on which tribe's story you read). However, the doll doesn't have to have this literal meaning but instead simply can be a whimsical representation of Native American culture and history

Spoiler: Kate

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate was finishing reading one of the Irish books when she heard a familer voice she looked up and spotted Jake she ran over and gave him a hug "Thank you"She said smiling she unwrapped the present and smiled when she saw what was inside "Thank you Jake its lovely"she said smiling again looking at the bracelet it was lovely Kate put it on around her neck.

She then looked up when she heard another voice "Hey Vayne"she said hugging him.she unwrapped the present and smiled when she saw what was inside "Thanks Vayne they are lovely"She said smiling again she put on the ring and placed the necklace over beside her bag

When she walked back she spotted Stefan coming she felt herself smiling when he came over "Hey Stefan"She said her smile lingering on her face a bit longer than the others she gave him an extra big hug.She unwrapped the present and she smiled again when she saw what was inside "Thank you Stefan this will be very useful"she said she knew it was a second hand book but she didn't care and it was the thought that counted and she didn't know anything about Hogwarts so this book would be handy over the winter break.

She then saw Kayden join them she didn't really know him that well but parties were great places to get to know people better.She hugged him back when he came over and unwrapped her present "Wow thanks Kayden"she said placing the watch in her bag with her other presents out of harms way

When this was all done she stood up and addressed all the boys "Nw well it seems all the boys have arrived but none of he girls so if you want we could start one of our activities planned or we can wait for the girls"She asked smiling at the boys it was strange how all the boys had arrived first

 

[Sara Moon]

Sara smiled when she saw her sister reading one of the books she'd brought. Sara loved reading, it was a wonderful escape from everything mundane and earthly. She saw a boy walking up, she assumed this was one of Kate's friends and she walked up to introduce herself. "Hello, my name is Sara-I'm Kate's twin." Sara smiled, looking at the boy, he seemed nice, if a bit shy. She went back over toward the tree and checked that the Irish stew was staying hot, she had brought a portable cooker, so that it would stay hot, she also had a fold-over wooden table and chairs ready, along with the "special surprise."

Next to arrive was Vayne. "Hey Vayne!" Sara grinned, hugging him, she was glad to see her friend. "How are you?" she asked, smiling. Then, when he gave her, her present her smile widened even further. "I love it!" Sara exclaimed, immediately putting the necklace and ring on, Sara's family had always joked about how she couldn't leave new things alone and had to put them on, but she always had, and always would. She smiled, handing Vayne his t-shirt. The night was an Irish theme, so Maia had decided that she would give out Irish-themed party favours.

Next to arrive was Stefan, Sara had met him once before. "Hey Stefan!" she grinned, wondering wether he would remember her. He handed her the book, and Sara was immediately enraptured, reading was her passion, old books, new book, Sara didn't care-and she had been hoping against hope that someone would give her a book. She quickly read the blurb and knew she would enjoy the book. She turned toward Stefan, beaming "Thank you-I love it!" Sara smiled, rushing to place her book safely inside her bag. She also picked up his t-shirt, ready to give it to him.

She turned around after putting her book away, and saw a flash of blonde hair "Red!" Sara exclaimed, running over to greet one of her best friends. "Thanks for coming!" she grinned, hugging him. She took the present, opened it and her mouth hung open, it was lovely, exactly the type of thing Sara would pick out for herself. She loved quirky little things, which had a meaning, something that she could learn about and glance at every now and again, reviewing it's story. "It's amazing-you know I'm going to make you tell me it's story-right?" she laughed, smiling cheekily, but she knew Kayden would take it in his stride, he knew her very well after all.

Suddenly she realised that she was hosting a party, and gave Stefan his t-shirt, she then collected another one and handed it to Kayden. "These are just to get you foreigners all Irish-ed up." she grinned, joking. She then turned to her sister and said. "I think it would be alright, maybe we should start with the gaelic football?" she asked, eyebrows raised.

 

[Jake Simpson]

Feeling his cheeks turn pink as he realised that Kate had a twin. Jake felt embarrassed. He had no idea that Kate had a twin and he hadn't gotten her a present. He felt guilty; he had just messed up somebody's birthday. "Hi, Sara. My Name's Jake." he said looking at his feet continuing to blush. "I didn't get you anything, I'm so sorry. I didn't know Kate had a twin and i only got one gift." He felt his embarrassment grow when some more guests arrived. They had gotten Kate and Sara gifts and he had only gotten one for Kate. Kate and Sarah all loved the gifts they were getting and Jake admired them too. They were well thought out and the other guests had made a lot of effort into getting something they would like. He had made an effort with Kate's present but he felt his seemed insignificant compared to the other gifts.

He wasn't really paying much attention to the other guests. One of the guests introduced themself, his name was Stefan. Jake let out a quiet "Hi." to him before he turned around to sit against a nearby tree. He didn't want to ruin the part anymore and with all the people around he was starting to feel a little more anxious. He didn't really want to play Gaelic Football, he wasn't familiar with the sport and he wasn't coordinated anyway so he thought it was best to just sat against the tree and observe the party from afar.

 

[Sam Weisz]

Sam walked down to the lake at a fast pace hoping she wasn't too late. She had been wrapping the presents at the last minute as she had only got them this morning. Her parents had sent them out on her request as she hadn't known what to get them from the wizarding shops she had went down a more muggle gift route and asked them to get her a pair of diaries for her. She had asked for their names engraved on the covers so they would be distinguishable as they were identical. As she approached the lake she saw a group of people standing and guessed that was where she should head.

Approaching she recognized Stefan and Vayne but there were a few people she didn't recognize. Spotting Sara and Kate she headed over to them with a smile on her face. "Happy Birthday," She smiled giving them both a hug. "Here I got you this," She held out the two packages "Eh I don't know which is which but you'll know when you open them. Sorry I should have labeled them," She said realizing she didn't know which was which. "If you don't like them let me know and I can change them." She offered unsure if they would be diary people.

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate laughed when she saw the t-shirts on them "You look very Irish now"she said smiling at the t-shirts she wondered where her sister had got them "All you need now is red hair and ye would look completely Irish"she said smiling at them all.

When

"Yes gaelic football would be good"She said grinning and picking up three balls she was about to start teaching them when she saw Jake going over and sitting down beside the tree she walked over "Come on Jake"She said she had a feeling he didn't want to play because he didn't know how to play "You know nobody here except for Sara and I know how to play gaelic football"She said smiling "And don't worry by the end of this you will be a pro"She said smiling and grabbing his hand and bringing him over to the others


She then went beside Sara and was about to explain again the rules to the game when she heard another famlier voice she looked around and she saw Sam coming up towards them "Hey Sam"She said hugging her "Thank you"she said when Sam handed her her gift she unwrapped it and grinned when she saw it.It was a diary with her name on it "Thank you Sam its great"she said smiling she put it over with her other presents and when she came back she passed a ball to everyone. "Okay this game is like soccer only she can pick up the ball"She said she explained the game and when she was finished she gave a ball to everyone here "Okay Sara we will demonstrate"she said

Out of Character:

Okay sorry about Maia's links there is something wrong with her computer so I have all the links here! and there is also the link to explain gaelic foot ball!! Explaining gaelic football! A hurley
A sliotar The link for Irish stew The Irish jersey (Your t-shirt) The Irish flag

 

[Gilbert Williams]

Shopping wasn't Gil's favourite sport and he'd gone with the basics. Kate and Sara were girls, therefore chocolate. A bit boring, but at least chocolate was edible. And the two large balls of chocolate weren't just any chocolate. Oh no. They were in the shape of Snitches, made to scale and wrapped in gold, making them the ultimate combination of Quidditch and chocolate. Who wouldn't want that for their birthday? He'd even gotten someone from one of the older years to charm them for him, so they flew. What could be more awesome than a snitch-shaped ball of chocolate that actually flew? A chocolate bludger? You'd get to practise with it and then eat it. It was practically an improvement on the real thing. Except a bludger would be a sucky birthday gift, because, let's face it, most people wouldn't enjoy getting pummelled by their present. Maybe he could make one for April Fools and let it loose in Gryffindor, no, SLYTHERIN.

Gil made a small mental note with a grin. Maybe they could even explode! His face crumpled as the one basic flaw occurred to him. Of course, Gil would have to master charms first. His shoulders slumped at the thought of spending so much time in the library. He wasn't particularly great at charms and it probably required skill to make something fly. Gil let out a sigh and looked around for Sara with a shrug. He'd just have to start practising now. Besides, exams were coming soon and he probably ought to revise. Probably. “Hey” Gil exclaimed as he neared Sara, pushing that unpleasant thought far from his brain for the time being. His eyes flicked to the growing pile of presents. Some strange antique that only a Ravenclaw could care about, jewellery and a book. He couldn't help grinning as he handed over his present. “Happy Birthday” Gil exclaimed, before adding with a small laugh as he eyed the flags, “Nice irish theme by the way. Though what's with the dog?” He looked curiously over at the two statues. One dog, one human.“Someone didn't give you that for your birthday, did they?” If so, worst present ever.

Gil stopped talking when he realised that not only was he late, but Sara's sister was trying to explain a game they were about to try. Gil caught the ball she passed him, feeling excitement growing in his stomach to match the broad grin spread across his face. Since coming to Hogwarts, he hadn't played a single game of football. Sure, he'd practised flying so he could attempt to get a place on the Quidditch team, but it wasn't the same as playing a proper football match. So this game had a few additional rules? They could only make it more fun. And if he broke a bone or something, he could always go to the hospital wing for a quick fix. If it was really bad, he might even get out of exams. That would be awesome.

 

[Vayne Rozeleouxe]

While waiting for the others to come, Vayne had suited himself to observing the place around him. It really was different. Different yet wonderful at the same time. It makes him feel like he was in a different location, that is probably the reason why Sara and Kate had made the party to be an Irish themed one, to make them experience what's t like in their land. And for Vayne, it was really amazing.

Vayne snapped out of his thought when someone who's unfamiliar to him had arrived, he cannot help but wonder who the guy is. It was really a relief for him when the boy had introduced himself. "Nice to meet you Stefan, I'm Vayne... "He said casually, a small smile appearing on his fac, he then turned to the other boy with them, "I believe that I don't know you yet, you are?" He inquired politely, he had forgotten to ask the boy's name when he was actually the second one to arrive after him. It was probably because he was too excited to greet Sara and Kate. Moments later, another boy came, it was Kayden, he was someone that Vayne had met on one of the birthday parties that he'd been before, but he doesn't know if the boy still remembers him.

Vayne was delighted when Kate and Sara told him that they like his presents. It was really a relief for him, after all, when he chose them, he wasn't sure if the two would like it at all. He let out a laugh when Sara hugged him, he was getting pretty used to it, Sara seems to be a girl who would hug someone when she's happy after all. Taking the shirt that Sara gave him, Vayne wore it over his clothes, it was pretty nice if he must say so.

A few moments later, Vayne saw another familiar face, it was Sam, she was a year older than them but she was really a coll person to be around. They had played the hunter's game with Kate before and they had even swam on the lake with Sara. "Hi Sam!" He said, greeting the older girl.

Vayne turned to look at Kate once she had announced the mechanics of the game that they were about to play. He wasn't really familiar with the said sport but he figured that it would be fun to learn what's it like. If the twins had suggested it, then he was pretty sure that it really interesting.

 

[Jake Simpson]

Being interrupted in his quest to sit the tree and be antisocial, Jake felt Kate grab his hand. He started to feel even more nervous. He didn't know how to play but that wasn't the reason he was trying to avoid the party. He was trying to avoid playing because he was co uncoordinated that he would make it worse for everybody if he played. He knew he would be on the losing team. He always was. As he was being dragged towards the group his anxiety grew. He didn't want to make the party worse for Kate or her sister. He sighed and reluctantly agreed to play, knowing it would make Kate happy. Thats what he wanted most considering it was her birthday.

He stood in the back of the group, making sure he wasn't seen easily. He had always done this to avoid embarrassing himself or anybody else around him. He looked at his feet and waited for all of it to be over so he could just spend some time with his new friend Kate. This party was one of the best places for him to get to know her and if playing a game that was going to embarrass him would help him he would have to do it.

 

[Sara Moon]

Sara waved her hand aat Jake and said "Don't worry, it's no bother. You didn't know, anyway i have plenty of presents!" she grinned at the boy and went to check on the stew. Sara grinned when Vayne hugged herback, but she supposed everyone had already realised how expressive she was. Then realising that Sam had arrived she grinned "Sam!" she exclaimed, excited. She opened her gift and immediately loved it, she was always writing. "Thank you Sam!" she laughed, hugging her. "It's great!" then, to her surprise Gil arrived. She hugged him also, in her hyper-active state. She opened the present and laughed "Thanks, I love it." she grinned, taking a bite of the chocolate-It was delicious. "That's great Gil!" she laughed.

Then, upon hearing his comment about the dog, she glanced over at the statue of cucualinn and the wolfhound. "I know-cool right, Us Irish we're the best." she replied, then proceeded to explain. "It's an old Irish ledgend, I think you'll like the story, I'll tell you all about it later." she winked, knowing that Gil would like the idea of a boy, beating a huge, enormous dog, in pure strength.

She stood in front of the group and announced in a loud, good-humoured voice. "Okay, so basically this game is harder than it looks, so don't expect to be any great shakes at first, there are lots of rules, and quite complicated, but Kate's the expert, so I'll let her take over." she smiled and went to stand beside Kayden.

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate looked around when she heard someone else join their group he didn't look familiar so she guessed he was one of Sara's friends "Hey she said my names Kate"She said with a smile but she had a feeling he knew her already.She took the present and unwrapped it "Wow thanks"She said looking at the chocolate snitch she put it over with her other presents.

She saw Jake hide at the back of the group she walked over and saw the concern on his face "You know if you want you can watch the first game"She suggested smiling at him.She didn't want anyone to feel nervous or anything.She walked back to the others "Okay Sara"Kate said smiling at her sister.She walked over to an open space where everyone could see her and she had enough space "Okay so gaelic football is like soccer only you can use your hands"She said "One of the hardest skills to do is called soloing"She said demonstrating "And there is also when you pick up the football when its on the ground without picking it up with your hands"She said demonstrating again

Out of Character:

Here is a video of the two skills The basics for gaelic footballSorry its not a very good video buts it was the only one I could find

 

[Kayden Night]

Kayden looked around to see if anyone else was getting confused. Though it seemed like it could be fun to watch he wasn't sure if that would be so for him on the field. "Who gets to pick first for teams?" He questioned Sara and Kate, he alreayd knew neither of them should want him but Sara seemed to have already pick him. So he figured they might have already picked he had just been in lala land going over the rules. His sister counted to four all the time with her music but he wasn't as skilled in acuratly counting over and over.

 

[Stefan Archer]

Stefan had never been very good with slowly growing crowds. This was definitely different from everything else, he'd ever done. Stefan Mason was thankful that Kate hugged him. He hadn't wanted to too much and it had felt somewhat awkward but, at the same time it felt normal. Stefan had never associated touch with normality or non-pain. He Pulled away. And moved away from the crowd. Sports was not his thing. He would play, if he really needed to, but, since there were only little lights in the ever growing darkness, Stefan could see no way of him being able to play, without accidentally running into someone of something. Sports was not the kind of thing that colourblind people did. Like Stefan hadn't gone to flying, and that hadn't just been through his fear of heights and falling, but because when moving fast in the air, Stefan assumed even for everyone else, it would become difficult to see, and since it was generally sunny in New Zealand, that would make it even more difficult for Stefan. He didn't want to say anything, but did take his t-shirt. It was odd for him to get a t-shirt so freely given to him, and in his mind he reminded himself that he should give it back at the end. He wouldn't normally pass up something that he needed, but Stefan didn't want to take things from kate, or Sara on there birthday. Stefan Archer knew his mind had an odd logic. Stefan had moved away from the growing crowd. He waved to Sam, and gave a small nod to the familiar looking blonde, whom he was sure he'd met at least once before. Where however Stefan couldn't pin point. It was weird to see mainly other boys, and he was even more glad to see that he was not the one Slytherin. He knew then that no one could say anything bad about the Slytherins, if two could be friends with members of other houses. Stefan figured that the other slytherin was just a nice guy who'd been sorted into Slytherin through no fault of his own. But Then Stefan Archer didn't really know.

The rules of Gaelic Football were weird. Confusing and Stefan was having real difficulty understanding. It seemed he wasn't the only one, not too keen on playing. Stefan was now next to the tree, near where the food was being prepared watching as the other Slytherin went to the back of the group after seemingly agreeing to playing. Stefan looked down at the ground. It was just darkness. He bent down and touched the ground. It was grass, that he knew, but Stefan would be the one to not be able to see a stone or something of that sort and fall. And he didn't want to end up in Hospital Wing or ruining the party. Stefan didn't go to the hospital often. And he hated it when he did have to go. The Hospital wing would have too many questions for him. The older bruises would be explained by falling over during a game of Gaelic football. So, Stefan just stood, hoping no one would notice him. Since, Stefan was quite good at making himself disappear but He didn't want to do anything that would make anyone feel bad or awkward. Stefan Archer stood back up and took a few small steps forward. Teams. Stefan took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. It was failing. He wanted to play, but he was nervous and scared. He was glad that he was near the back, so he quickly, took off his jumper and his usual t-shirt and quickly put on the t-shirt that had been provided. He then quickly put back on his jumper and placed the t-shirt at the base of the tree. Stefan knew he didn't even look athletic. He was skinny. But, Despite everything, Stefan was going to give Gaelic Football a go. For Sara, and For Kate.

 

[Jake Simpson]

Letting out a relieved sigh and a small smile as Kate suggested that he watch the first game, he was glad that Kate understood how anxious he actually was. It was one of the many things he liked about her, it was one of the main reasons he wanted to be her friend. She understood him and made him feel comfortable. He nodded at Kate and whispered "Thank you." before turning around and walking to the tree he had planned to sit at before and leaned against it, closing his eyes, holding his head back and exhaling, he felt really relaxed in the beautiful sunset. It was the perfect place to have birthday party and he liked that Kate was so caring and sweet. He smiled to himself and continued to soak in the perfect atmosphere the party had. He wouldn't want to something so perfect by playing the game and failing epically.

He opened his eyes slightly and observed what was going on. He would understand the rules of the game better if he watched it first. He had never been the kind of person to stay still and listen to rules. He had always found it so much easier to watch and understand everything from there. It would also be easier for everyone else because when he did start playing, he wouldn't be completely oblivious to the rules. He moved and sat against the tree and watched the group, glad that he felt relaxed and comfortable at the party. Even though it was all Kate's doing.

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate smiled to herself when she saw all the confused faces "This should be fun"She said to Sara.She saw people hiding "You know its not that hard once you play"She said grinning she knew they would find it hard and confusing but that was the fun part she could see that people were anxious but it wasn't like it would be a proper game of gaelic football she doubted they would be able to get it on their first go it wasn't like she expected them to be brilliant at the game "You know guys this is a party and at parties you have fun I don't care if you think you won't be able to play I just want to see how you get on I want this to be fun"She said smiling trying to reassure them "And if you want you can sit out for the first on"She said hoping that would reassure people

"Your welcome"she whispered back to Jake she didn't want anyone feeling anxious or anything but she would make sure everyone would play." Sara you can pick first as you are the oldest by about 5 seconds"Kate said sarcastically her sister sometimes teased her about the age difference

 

[Gilbert Williams]

Gil stiffened when Sara hugged him. Like most boys his age, he wasn't a huge fan of physical affection. Not beyond a punch to the shoulder between mates. Relaxing, he gave her a friendly pat on the back, watching as she opened his present. “Yeah, I should've got you a book” Gil admitted with a sheepish grin, “How could I forget that Ravenclaws love books? It's practically a law. Like gravity's practically a law.” Gil stepped back and away from her, shoving his hands in his pockets as he glanced over at Sara's sister. He had a feeling he might have met her before, there was something about her face. Oh well, never hurt to talk to anyone. “I'm Gil. Hope you like chocolate. And what do you mean, Irish are the best?” Gil retorted indignantly, turning back to Sara with a sly grin, “The only thing you have going for you are the leprechauns and let's face it, if you were that awesome you would have found their gold already instead of going on about pots under rainbows. Besides, I heard it disappears. Leprechaun gold disappears.” As Sara spoke of the dog and boy, Gil frowned, glancing back over at them. So not a birthday present then. He raised an eyebrow doubtfully. They didn't look very cool. “A legend? It's not boring, is it?” asked Gil sceptically, “Cos, you know, if I want to get bored to sleep, there's history of magic for that.”

Gil was feeling overconfident about this new concept of Gaelic football. Sure, Kate and Sara were saying it was hard, complicated, driven by rules, but it couldn't be that hard. It was still football. Gil felt fairly confident that whatever the game was, it was probably much easier than they were making it out to be. Then Kate started explaining. Half the rules went over Gil's head before she'd even finished. He frowned, trying to go back through them in his mind, but it was no good. After a few moments, he gave up with a wry grin and shrugged off his t-shirt, replacing it with the new lucrid green colours of the irish one. Somehow, Gil thought, looking down at it with distaste, it felt like he'd suddenly been converted to Slytherin. From brave and bold to slimy and cowardly. From a lion to a worm! Ok, he was being a bit harsh. But still! Wearing the colours of the enemy! Come to think of it, there were a couple of slytherins here. Gil glanced over at the others, trying to remember who was from which house, but once again his memory failed him. In the t-shirts, they all looked the same. No differences at all. Gil abandoned his thoughts with a grin as he heard Kate announce they were choosing members for a team, glancing over at the two girls with a grin. So he didn't get the rules. Gil had always been better at working things out as he went along.

 

[Sara Moon]

Sara looked around at the small group, and realised that Jake wasn't going to play, but she wasn't going to push it-It was his decision. She looked toward Kate and gave her an inquiring look, knowing her sister would understand. "Picking teams? Well I guess the guests should be Captains maybe?" she replied, looking at Kate. "It's not a law, and the fact that I like books has nothing to do with being a Ravenclaw, it's to do with having an intelligent and knowledge-consuming mind." Sara replied at Gils answer. "Also-I love chocolate." she laughed. Then at Gil's answer she replied. "Hey! We're definitely better than the home-invading, freedom-stealing and famine-making English!" Sara retaliated, indignantly. "And maybe we just have more regard for the protection of those who are weaker than us!" Sara replied, laughing, her and Gil had spoken about leprechauns before.

"No! It's war and battle and the tuath de dannaan!" Sara repliewd, gesturing with her hands. Sara ran over to her sister and whispered in her ear "How are we going to organise this now?" she asked, she quickly counted the guests-who were playing. Six "We can have even teams of three." she added.

 

[Kayden Night]

Kayden looked at other party guests wondering if anyone else was just as confused as him. He didn't like big drowds, everything seemed to get jumbled up together and things never really turned out right. He moved back out of the way still hoping to play but not wanting to get on any ones bad side at the same time.

He stood leaning on one foot and watch as Sara ran over to Kate to talk. If the guest were going to be the captians he knew he didn't want to be picked as one himself. Though prehaps it could be fun being the leader for once, he never has been before. "Sara Kate, who're the captians then?" He questioned to them before he could help himself. Instantly Kayden looked down at the ground hoping no one noticed the redness of his ears.

 

[Kate Archer]

Kate smiled at Gils comments.He was very sterotyped to every house and Kate didn't mind that for some reason she hoped the others wouldn't either."Yes Sara has a point the Irish are ten times better then the English and I still hole gruges against that country because of what they did"Kate said "And there is no such thing as lepricauns that is all just a myth if you want you can read about it in one of or books"She said pointing to them she was highly indignant of what he was saying and she was detirmined to have a proper talk with him later

"Ya I think thats a good idea"She whispered back "Well I think maybe Sara and I will or if ye want any of ye can"She said smiling at their little group.She started to make goal posts and with her wand she marked the lines that would be on a gaelic football pitch.When she was satisfied she went over to Jake and gave him a green flag and a white flag "This ones for a goal"She said pointing to the green one "And this one is for a point"She said pointing at the white one smiling and showing him where to go.She walked back to the others and waited for them to make their decision

 

[Jake Simpson]

It was such a relief for Jake to not play the game. It was in no way that he didn't like the game or because he didn't like Kate or Sara, it was because of his unco-ordination and his anxiety about sport. He had always been bad at sport and he didn't want to make anybody else suffer by playing horribly and making the team he was on lose. That's why when Kate walked up to him and handed him a green flag and a white flag. He was expected to be the referee. He started to feel nervous again, he was lucky that Kate explained to him exactly what to do. Raise the green flag for a goal and the white flag for a point. It was simple, he understood it instantly, its not like it was hard or anything. He was pleased that he could be involved in the sport with actually having to play. Once Kate had smiled and showed him where to go, he smiled back and walked to the said destination. Jake stood there and waited for the game to start.