Birthday Party ((Slytherins and invited guests))

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona stood looking around the courtyard. She had been given permission to throw her birthday party in the courtyard on the Saturday of her birthday. She would have thrown it in Hogsmeade, but some of her Slytherin guests weren't third years yet. Fiona looked around the courtyard. She didn't care about any of it, but her aunt and uncle had insisted it be done. She looked away from the birthday sign that was movie across the walls of the courtyard. She glared at the picture of herself that was laughing and smiling. That picture had been taken last year at this time. Her parents had made a special appearance just to take her to Hogsmeade. She turned away from the moving picture. Her attention was drawn to the table with different assortment of food. It was mostly junk food and though Fiona wasn't hungry it took look somewhat appetizing.

Fiona looked up and shielded her eyes from the bright sun. It was a warm day and it seemed that her party wouldn't get rained out. As she was contemplating the weather for the rest of the day, she heard a voice behind her and she turned. It was her scheduled band. How she loved being a rich pureblood. She nodded at the famous wizarding band 'Caldron's and Wand's' they were a pureblood rock band. One of the best. She had met them when she was a little girl. Her mum had been friends with the lead guitarist. He had actually played at their funeral. "Hi," Fiona said with a forced smile. The lead guitarist named, Alec. Responded with a hug. She smiled for real. "You can set up over there. People should be showing up anytime now," Fiona sighed as she looked toward the entrances on either side of the courtyard.

Fiona watched as the band set up and began to warm up their instruments. She loved listening to them. She had all of their albums. While listening she dusted off her clothes. She was wearing a black mini-skirt and a dark green blouse with a black cloak over it. She had seen her mother wearing the same thing in a picture when she was 14. Fiona figured she would wear the same. It gave her a closer bond with the family that was gone. At the thought of her parents her hand strayed to the pearl around her neck as it did many times when she was thinking about them. It was one of the only things she had left of her mother and she wasn't about to let it go.

The band stopped warming up and Alec made his way to Fiona. "When do you want us to start?" he asked. Anytime. People will be getting here soon so don't worry about it. If no one shows up at least I got to hear you play on birthday," Fiona said with a smile. Alec laughed as he put a hand on her head like he used to do when she was a kid. Fiona smiled as he did so and then he walked back to the band laughing. She was glad Alec had agreed to come. He had been the closest thing to a parent she had right now. She sighed as she turned back to look at the entrances. It wouldn't be long now before they started to show. She hoped that someone would come. She wouldn't be able to stand it if no one showed up at her birthday party, especially when it was the first one she had without her parents being around.

[alexandra]

Alexandra stared at her reflection in her full length mirror. She wondered why she had dressed up like so just for a fellow student's birthday party. At least she didn't go too overboard with the outfit. her hair was different, she had used a charm to add extensions to her cropped off black hair and put it up in a messy bun a top her head. She sighed and tilted her head to one side, surveying her make-up. Instead of the usual heavy eyeliner and dark eyeshadow, her eyes were done up in light greens and silvers with thin black eyeliner. She kind of liked how her face was complimented on the red lipstick and blush. She took a deep breath and took hold of her cloak. Walking out of the 4th year girl's dormitory and out of the Slytherin Common room.

She was out of the dungeons within seconds. When the afternoon sunlight reached her eyes, Alexandra winced. She hadn't left the dimly lit Common room all morning, so the sudden brightness of the sunlight surprised her. It took a few moments for her eyes to adjust, but when they did Alexandra was outside and ready to party. She walked out toward the Courtyard, a smile on her face. She spotted a band and a refreshment table. Fiona, the birthday girl, stood alone by a large moving picture of her. Alexandra couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. The picture did not fit Fiona. It showed her smiling and laughing. The impression Alexandra had on her was that she was a ill-tempered Slytherin, which didn't bother her. She shrugged and walked up to Fiona, her smile small, yet shy.

"Erm..." she mumbled, feeling embarrassed for dressing up, "Happy birthday Fiona," she said quietly. For some reason she had felt... different today. Her hair and make-up seemed to mirror that. It was her last resort, the only thing she could think of that may make her happier. The week had been so horrible for her that this seemed the only thing she could do. Change her looks and try to be smiley and cheery, though it made her look shy and Ravenclaw-ish. She realized this within seconds and sighed, looking at Fiona with desperation.

Touching her hair, she shook her head, "I don't know what I was thinking this morning... Look at me!" she lifted her arms up and shook her head again. Her facial expression was just as pitiful. What's wrong with me!? She asked herself mentally. How could this help??

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona smiled as someone showed up. She recognized her as Alexandra Ricci, though she had done something with her hair and had dressed rather nice. Fiona smiled. She loved it when people showed such politeness. Alexandra approached Fiona and told her 'Happy Birthday.' "Thank you very much. You look different today. You're hair is quite cool," Fiona said. She wasn't usually this pleasant, but she wanted to enjoy her birthday and if that meant going out of her way to make people happy then that is what it was going to take and she would do it. Alexandra seemed to think her hair was horrible and said something about it. "I like the look on you. It fits with your face shape," Fiona said. She knew that Alexandra was kind of an outcast and very self-conscious. The girl really shouldn't be, she had a lot to offer.

Fiona turned to the band and nodded. They started the music and she smiled. "Well you can ignore the annoying picture of me and head to the snack table. It's some of my favorite desserts and junk food. Pumpkin juice and butterbeer are the drinks. I'll be over in a few minutes. I'm just going to wait for a few others to show up," Fiona said as she turned back to look at the entrances. No one else was to be seen. Instead of waiting she walked to the snack table and took a bottle of butterbeer. She popped the top off with a spell from her wand and took a drink of it. It was nice and cold. The perfect way to drink butterbeer. Looking over at Alexandra she smiled again. "How are you doing today, Alexandra?" Fiona asked trying to make conversation to feel the silence between them. The music playing in the background was loud and rhythmic, but Fiona wanted to talk instead of listen to the music so she did.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack tapped his wand on his head and watched as green highlights appeared in his dark hair. He had rather liked the appearance last time; and that was when Mack had done it for him. Looking in the mirror, Jack let a grin cross his face. He looked like he was a band member or some odd gangster. He knew Fiona wouldn't mind; he might bring some light to the party after all. He was going to be meeting Padme in the Courtyard, where Fiona's party was supposedly being held. He didn't pause to wonder why Fiona was holding it there; her parents were dead and gone now anyway. Jack was in a good mood today; he had gone to bed early in order to get a full nights rest and wake up refreshed, energized, and not nearly as moody. His scowl was turned upside down to a stretched smile, but as he peered in the mirror, it wasn't really a smile. Just a stretched rubber band curled upward, ready to snap at any moment.

Jack had put on slack clothes; a green t-shirt that had the emblem of Slytherin on the front and the word Slytherin, on the back. Jack had seen this kind of shirt in muggle games and had made his own to show his Slytherin pride. What with the green highlights and all, he wasn't sure how anyone could miss it. His jeans were nicer; no holes and dirt, but clean and crisp, as well as the shoes. He wanted to look half decent in case Fiona wanted a perfect party. He smirked at his reflection and strutted across the room a few times before walking out of the room, pleased. The Common Room wasn't very busy today, probably because it was a beautiful time to go outside. He himself was looking forward to this party; it was in the sun and the warmth, instead of in the dingy dungeons.

He strode into the Courtyard but stopped just as the doors swung shut behind him. A band was displayed through the Courtyard and a enlarged smiling picture of Fiona was on the wall. Jack raised a thin eyebrow but smirked none the less. It was strange how someone like Fiona could be smiling at one time and ill-tempered scowling at another. Jack was familiar with that, especially since it described his mood swings. His bright blue eyes fixed on the two people in the Courtyard that he recognized as Alexandra and Fiona. He knew Fiona well enough and had met Alexandra on occasion. "Happy Birthday, Fiona," Jack called when he got closer to them. He greeted Alexandra with a hello before turning his attention back to Fiona. "Nice party you have here. I hope you don't mind my younger sister, Padme, joining. She's a Slytherin, don't worry, and has never really been to a party like this before." The real thing was Padme had never been to a magical party. He didn't bother to say that. "Oh, and do you like the new look?" he asked, motioning to his hair was a smirk. "I've grown very fond of it myself." He looked back at Alexandra and saying, "Yours looks great, Alexandra." Jack gazed back at the picture of Fiona before grabbing a butterbeer off the snack table they stood near. "Say, when was that picture taken?"

[aubree]

Aubree sat on her bed brushing her long, blond hair. She twisted the shiny hairs until they fell perfectly down her back. Her hair was always the most brilliant part of her. All the Montogue's had the same long, blond hair. Sometimes it bored Aubree to look almost exactly like her family. She would rather be unique and stand out, but she couldn't just use muggle die on her hair. No, Aubree knew better than that. She gave up the hair battle when she was much younger. Aubree then applied the same golds and beiges she always did on her eyes. Aubree always kept her make-up light because she didn't need much. The amount she did put on made her glow in a way. She then applied a light layer of mascara, eye liner and a small amount of pink blush. When she finished, Aubree smiled at herself in the mirror and then turned to leave before she realize she had forgotten lip gloss. She quickly turned and put the clear layer on and then left her dormitory.

It was Fiona's birthday and Aubree was happy to attend. She knew Fiona wouldn't invite any mudbloods so Aubree didn't have to worry about that. She quickly left the dungeons and went into walk into the main part of the castle and then outside. Aubree smiled at the sunlight because she was glad it wasn't cold. Aubree didn't even have to cover her bare arms. She wore a celery green, silk tank top, and a gray and beige tweed skirt. It wasn't overly dressed up compared to what she was ordered to wear at home. When at home, Aubree would wear what her mother picked out. She couldn't believe a fifteen year old had to have her mother pick her own clothes out! But, that was Mrs. Montogue for you. She wanted Aubree to always look nice.

Aubree walked along the grounds until she reached the courtyard where the party was. She seemed early since the only guests so far were Alex, Fiona, and a fellow fourth year, Jack. Aubree was again thankful that Fiona had good taste in guests. She wasn't in the mood to battle a mudblood. Aubree just wanted to have a good time. She approached the group and smiled at Fiona. "Happy Birthday." She greeted nicely. It was odd that Aubree was acting so nice, but she didn't care. "Nice party." Aubree commented looking at the band behind her. She liked the music and was glad Fiona arranged for them to play.

[alexandra]

Alexandra, feeling a bit uncomfortable, smiled slightly when Fiona greeted her so cheerfully. She was a bit confused by the joyfulness in Fiona. Alexandra mentally shrugged it off, it didn't matter. After all it was her birthday and she could do whatever she felt like! Who was Alexandra to judge a fellow Slytherin? She shrugged a bit when Fiona complimented on her hair. She self-consciously touched her fingers to her hair one more time before she said, "Thanks." Fiona pointed toward the snack table, explaining what was on it and Alexandra nodded, half smiling again and walking over, her stride proud, yet shy.

As she grabbed a few snacks and got a bottle of Butterbeer, Fiona suddenly marched over and took a bottle herself. Alexandra didn't say anything, just quietly munched on her snacks. Just then, Jack and some girl walked up. Alexandra had met him a few times and had seen the younger girl around. Jack stood near them and smiled his hello. Alexandra lifted her head in greeting and let him speak with Fiona. She was about to turn and sit somewhere, off by the band maybe, when Jack commented on her hair. She was taken aback by his sudden compliment and she just smiled.

"Yeah, your's looks cool too," she said shortly. After all his hair was pretty awesome! Green streaks embellished his dark hair. She then turned her attention to the girl, who Jack said he hoped Fiona didn't mind he brought. Alexandra didn't smile at the girl, she wasn't much of a talker, especially to younger years.

[Padme Rendel S2]

Padme smirked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was up in the usual loose bun, letting soft strands of brown hair fall into her honey brown eyes. Her tan complexion had paled some since winter was approaching and the sun wasn't nearly as bright as it used to be. With a fluid motion, Padme picked up her small amount of make-up and began to apply it, using only eye make-up. She liked her face, thank you, but her eyes needed to look more malicious, not that they didn't look cold already. Padme lavished on the mascara and black eyeliner, as well as dark eyeshadow. Nodding her head in approval at her appearance, Padme picked up her wand and tucked it in her pocket, just in case.

She had never been to a party like this before. First off, she didn't have a clue who the hell this Fiona girl was. Second, it was a magical party and third, it was in the Courtyard. What kind of lame party would be in the Courtyard? Padme smirked and shook her head slightly. A really lame party. Jack had sounded a little excited about it, but that was Jack for you. Padme thought of herself years older then Jack; who still acted like a school boy. After all, he was so obsessed with Mack he didn't pay a lot of attention to Padme anymore. He was probably just inviting her to the party so she wouldn't feel bad. Apparently, all Slythies were invited, so Padme thought of it as okay until now. What was she going to say? She shouldn't insult the birthday girl or her guests. That was going to be very difficult. Something Padme was good at was making others feel insulted. Not doing that was like sprouting wings out of thin air; in other words, not normal.

Padme looked at herself in the mirror one last time. She approved of the green spaghetti strapped tank-top she had on as well as the dark jeans. Her shoulders were bare, of course. Some considered that improper but Padme just considered it a nice sun-tan. Anyway, who cared what other weirdo's thought? No one, Padme answered herself. No one at all. She exited the dungeons and went to the Courtyard, hearing a noise become louder and louder. Music. Great. So, they were dancing? Padme hadn't been told of this! With a air of confidence, Padme pushed open the doors of the Courtyard and looked around. A band was playing on one side and a snack table was up too. Padme saw Jack over there as well as a red-head and two other girls she had no idea were. With steely eyes, Padme raised an eyebrow at the picture of Fiona and stifled a laugh.

"Nice party," Padme said as she reached the group of older kids. She was small for her age. Never once did she feel the lesser link out of this group though. She never has felt that way in her life and had no plans to do so in the future. "And a lovely photo you have there." Padme smirked as she addressed the red-head who must be Fiona. She was really surprised to see the girl smiling in the picture; if rumors were true, her parents had died just a while ago. Padme's eyes surveyed the snack table. Gingerly she picked up a butterbeer like everyone else had and sipped it. "Hello, Jack." She glared at his new hair with disapproval, but a smile tugged at her lips at his shirt. Returning toward Fiona, Padme arched an eyebrow. "Exactly how many guests are you expecting? Or is this all?"

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona was waiting for Alexandra's reply when she heard someone call out happy birthday. She turned to see Jack walking toward her. She smiled brightly when she saw the green streaks in his hair. She couldn't believe it. It looked so cool. Jack immediately began to talk like he normally did and Fiona continued to smile. She loved being around friends it made her forget about everything that was going wrong in her life. "I don't mind your sister coming. I've heard about her from many different people. She's been the talk of conversation sometimes, especially how young and Slytherin-like she is," Fiona said trying to keep a civil tongue. Truth being told she had heard about how stuck-up and arrogant the girl was. Fiona wasn't surprised though. Most Slytherins were like that, she just hadn't seen one so young be so completely rude. Fiona shrugged it off as Jack made reverence to his hair. "It's quite different, but it's awesome," Fiona smiled as she reached out a hand to her own hair. It was a self-conscious thing to do, but she did it anyway. Fiona sighed as her mood suddenly changed, "That picture was taken last year at my birthday. My parents took the picture. They had been very happy and normal last year. I wish I could go back..." Fiona said sadly. She looked at the photo. She hated it, but her uncle had been insistent about putting it up on the wall. She just wanted to get rid of it, but she was sure that her uncle would get angry about it.

As Fiona was talking to Jack, another voice greeted her. Turning she saw Aubree and smiled again. "Thanks," Fiona said. She was glad that Aubree could make it. She needed as many friends as she could get to come. She wanted to take her mind off of her parents and to do so would be to get all of her friends there. Everyone that meant anything to her needed to be there. She couldn't stand the thought of her parents not being there. She sighed as she turned her mind from the death of her parents and returned it to her friends. She took a quick drink of her butterbeer as she looked toward the entrance. She was expecting more people to show up, but they probably forgot. She wouldn't remember either. Especially for someone else. Fiona shook her head as she tried to get rid of the pity party going on in her head. She didn't have too much time to dwell as a young girl entered and walked directly toward her.

Fiona didn't recognize her at all, but was sure that she was Jack's younger sister Padme. The girl seemed to be walking like something was pulling her upward from the head. She was really confident in her young age which wasn't a bad thing, but wasn't really a good thing either. 'She just knows who she is,' Fiona thought to herself. The girl walked to the small group. "Thanks," Fiona said. She wasn't sure if the girl was really commenting her on her party or not. The girl then said something about the picture. Fiona thought she picked up a hint of sarcasm. "Yeah it was taken last year," Fiona explained against, except her attitude had changed. She definitely didn't want to appear weak in front of the little girl, especially one that wasn't her friend. "I'm expecting more, but not too many. It's a private party, held for those that I trust and their guests," Fiona said with confidence. She thought the girl was a little too picky, but Fiona didn't care. She could be the same way sometimes, she had just learned to manipulate people quietly instead of saying things right to their faces.

[Mary Evans]

Mary yawned and dragged herself out of bed in time to see a few of the other fourth years finishing up getting ready. Alexandra and Aubree left while Mary was in the shower apparently because they were no longer there when she came back into the room and she hadn’t seen Fiona yet at all. Not that any of that surprised her – Mary was always late for everything. She pulled a brush through her hair and put on a grey skirt that went just above her knees along with a navy blue sweater and long blue suede boots that went just below her knees with 3-inch stiletto heels. She would have worn green seeing as it had always been her favourite colour but she never wore green to Slytherin parties – everyone else did and Mary liked to stand out. Even to Dawn’s party she had worn red and gold knowing that nobody else would use that colour scheme so she stood out. Mary liked attention and she honestly saw nothing wrong with that. For her makeup today she decided to go with two shades of pink eye shadow but then black liquid eyeliner and a lot of mascara. She then put on a small bit of blush and a neutral pinky colour lipstick. By the time Mary was ready with her red hair hanging down her back the party had likely already began a few minutes before. Mary spun in front of the mirror and smiled at her reflection before grabbing her grey clutch from her bed and wrapping the silver handle around her wrist.

Soon Mary found herself walking confidently out the large oak front doors not yet having had breakfast but not caring in the slightest. She strode into the courtyard swinging the gate wide and allowing it to find it’s own way shut. She made her way toward where a group of fourth year Slytherins and a younger student stood apparently in conversation. “’Morning all. Happy Birthday Fiona.” She said with a smile before going to get herself a plate full of snacks and a butterbeer. Mary re-joined the group and placed the plate down on the nearest surface. “Anyone?” she asked gesturing the plate while removing a brownie and taking a bite. “Yummy” she said with a bit of a giggle before taking a swig of her drink.

[alexandra]

By the time Alexandra realized Fiona wanted to know how she was doing, some girl walked up and started insulting Fiona's party. Alexandra's eyes narrowed. Fiona answered the girl's questions as if the hint of sarcasm wasn't there. Was Fiona really that naive? Or was she pretending not to see it. Alexandra felt a strong dislike to the younger girl already. Who did she think she was? It was Fiona's party! And she could have any picture she wanted! Alexandra wanted to say this, but chose not to. So, instead, she turned to Fiona and smiled. Which was a rare deed for Alexandra, seeing as she never smiled much.

"Anyway, I am doing rather well, Fiona. Thank you," she said superiorly, "I'm so happy that worthy people are here. Although... not all," she hoped Padme knew Alexandra meant her. "How about you, Fiona? How is the birthday girl doing?" The way her tone had sounded vigorously reminded Alexandra of her twin sister, Veronique. She suddenly felt sick. She had sounded like Veronqie... and she was wearing her hair long, just like Veronique's... Something about this made Alexandra want to throw up. She held the queasiness from her face, making sure it didn't show and she suppressed the urge to run back to her dormitory, rip out her hair and wash her mouth out with soap. Her gaze was unwavering, however, as she waited for Fiona to answer.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona forced a smile at the people that stood around her. She didn't know how many of them would really be there for her when she needed it the most. On the other hand, she wasn't sure if she would be there for them if they needed her. She was in a bit of confusion lately and this was definitely part of it. Her parents were dead and there was nothing she could do to bring them back. Now all she could rely on are her friends and relatives, though they weren't of much use. Fiona was thinking to herself, lost in her own thoughts, when a voice interrupted her thoughts and she turned to see Mary. A real smile came across her lips. Only her friends could make her happy now and that was the only truth she knew. "Thank you, Mary," Fiona said as Mary told her Happy Birthday. Mary looked to be chipper this morning and Fiona liked that. She liked to see her friends happy. It gave her a sense of peace and happiness though she did not feel it in her heart.

Fiona watched as Mary continued to the snack table and got some food, she offered some to the rest of them, "No thanks, I've already had plenty," Fiona said. She giggled a little when she hard Mary say, yummy. As Fiona watched the rest of the group, the band started a new song and Fiona couldn't help, but not her head to the best of the bass. It was one of her favorite songs and she knew that they knew that. They had always played it for her, ever since she first met them and told them. They always thought it would cheer her up and it did most of the time. Today was one of those days where it did and didn't. It was her birthday and that made her happy to be 15 years old. However, it was the first birthday without her parents and that made her upset. She didn't know how to feel at the moment, but the music had a great beat and she didn't mind her head bobbing to the beat.

It was at this time when she heard Alexandra say something. She turned to look at her and was shocked to find her addressing Fiona. Alexandra hardly talked at all, but here she was looking Fiona in the eyes and talking to her. Fiona held back the smirk that was trying to line her face as Alexandra talked about Padme. The girl was terrible, but she was rather insulting and rude to fellow pureblood's, especially to one of high superiority. The O'Reilly clan was one of the top wizarding families and their blood dated back to early B.C. They had been one of the first and their line had continued through to the late 20th century. Here in the 1990's her blood was superior and Padme should be treating her with respect. Fiona shook her head at her own thoughts. She had gotten off on such a tangent in her mind, but she had somehow still been paying attention.

Fiona heard Alexandra ask her how the birthday girl was doing. She was slightly taken aback by the 'birthday girl' comment, but she answered none the less. "I'm doing better than I thought I would be. Thank you all for coming. I'm glad that some people showed up. It makes me feel like I'm not completely alone in this world and that I can count on my friends to be there for me. Thank you," Fiona said to her friends as she looked at each one of them. Without them there she didn't know what she would do. There was only a few missing, but one that had become so dear to her in the last few years. Dominic had yet to show up. She knew he was coming, she just didn't know when he would get there. She sighed as she took a drink of her butterbeer and looked at her friends, waiting for conversation to start up once again.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Kennedy walked down the lonely halls of the castle, his hands full of books and parchment. He had just finished some last minute homework in the library. He used his free hand to massage his head as it was bothering him from all the thinking he was doing. Glad to be done though, he forced a small smile. What to do now, he thought to himself, and at that moment he remembered that there was something planned that night. What could it be? he pondered. At a faster pace, he rushed down the dungeon hall to the Slytherin common room and then into his dormitory. He rummaged through the papers under his bed and pulled out a black date book. Opening it, he looked at the day's schedule and saw in ink 'Fiona's Party' written in the box. Blast! I can't believe I almost forgot!

Kennedy quickly changed from his clothes and threw on a pair of black pants and a black polo shirt, along with his favorite jean-jacket over top. Looking in the mirror, he decided his hair would be fine the way it was, as he didn't want to miss any more of the party than he already had. Luckily, he did have a present picked out long ago, and it was stored safely under his bed. He found the silver box behind some other rubbish that was also under his bed. Making sure that the gold necklace and gold 'F' pendant were safely inside, he quickly rushed out of the dormitory and through the castle.

After a brisk walk to the courtyard, Kennedy saw around half a dozen people already there, Fiona included. A little out of breath, he walked up to Fiona and handed her the box. "Happy Birthday!" he said excitedly, "Sorry I'm a little late." Kennedy hoped he wasn't drawing too much attention to himself, but on the other hand he didn't mind much as he noticed that most of the guests were all Slytherin students who were in the fourth year like him.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

Fiona turned at the sound of footsteps. She looked and saw the face of one of her good friends. He looked like he was a bit out of breath. She smiled, he must have forgotten at what time the party started or perhaps he had just been busy until recently. He came up to her and it seemed like everyone's attention was on him. She knew hers was. She quickly put down her butterbeer on the table next to her as he handed her a box and said "Happy Birthday!" He also apologized for being late. "Don't worry about it. You're here and that's all that matters. Thank you for the gift," Fiona said as she looked down at the silver box. She didn't really want all the attention to fall to her, but it was her birthday and the attention was earned. She slowly opened the box and smiled. It was a gold necklace with a pendant of the letter 'F'. It was a well thought out present and one that Fiona would treasure.

"Kennedy, thank you so much. This means so much to me, you have no idea," Fiona said as she quickly gave him a hug. The necklace meant a lot to her and she wanted to make sure he understood that. As she pulled out of the hug she quickly took the necklace out of the box and fixed it around her neck over her mother's pendant, which never left her neck. It was quite different between the silver chain with the black pearl and the gold chain with the gold pendant, but Fiona loved it anyway. It showed that people cared for her and that was all that mattered to her for the moment. She just wanted to make sure that her friends truly did care about her and it seemed to her that they did.

Fiona smiled at the others as she looked at the snack bar quickly. "Would you like anything, Kennedy? There are an arrange of snacks and drinks on the table. Help yourself," Fiona said. She sat the empty silver box down on the table with the food and turned to pick up her butterbeer. She took a long drink from the bottle and then sat it back on the table. She looked at the others. "So for those of you who want to. I've set up a broom racing contest. See who's faster that sort of thing. Anyone up for it?" Fiona asked. She wasn't sure if anyone would care to do so. She loved to fly though and that was enough for her to setup some sort of flying competition at her birthday. Fiona looked down at her black pants and green shirt. Her outfit would be fine to fly in, but some of the others wouldn't be. She should have said something about the party having a flying competition, but it didn't really cross her mind until now. She shrugged her shoulders to herself as she waited to see if anyone would want to take her up on the competition.

[Kennedy Valak S6]

Kennedy was glad that Fiona seemed happy to see him. Since their first meeting at the Halloween Ball, Kennedy and Fiona had got to know each other pretty well as they had most classes together. Their friendship wasn't the strongest, but Kennedy looked forward to getting to know Fiona better. Relieved that she wasn't upset at his tardiness, Kennedy watched as she opened the gift and put on the gold necklace over the one that used to be her mother's. Kennedy knew that the black pearl was important to Fiona, and he hadn't expected her to wear his necklace along with it, but it made him happy nonetheless.

Fiona offered him food and a drink and then mentioned something about a broom race. This put a smile on Kennedy's face as he loved riding brooms. Forgetting about the food, he quickly responded. "Sounds great! Hope you don't mind losing on your birthday," he directed toward Fiona in a joking manner. A smile covered his face, as he was glad he remembered the party even if he had been a little late. He knew it meant a lot to Fiona and he wouldn't have missed it.

[Fiona O'Reilly S5]

((I'm going to wait to reply on this to see who else is interested. Depending on what happens with my 'plot' I will post then.))

[Mary Evans]

The party continued for a while before a Slytherin boy Mary barely knew showed up as well. She though his name was Kennedy but she couldn’t be certain. He handed Fiona a gift and Mary pouted. “We are doing gifts here? I left mine in the room. Didn’t think we would be bringing them all out only to have to bring them back in. Am I the only one who didn’t bring one out?” She asked. Mary truly had no way of knowing considering the only person to arrive after her had brought one. But then there didn’t seem to be any other gifts or open boxes lying around so maybe others had the same idea as she had… By this time Mary had finished most of her food and was no longer hungry so she just left the plate.

Fiona mentioned flying and Mary grinned – she wasn’t on the Quidditch team for nothing. Ok maybe she was on the team to spite her mother… but she did enjoy playing none the less. Mary had only played one game before and that was as a chaser but she really did prefer the position of beater – she could hold her own a broom though. Unfortunately Mary had come unprepared as she was wearing a skirt… “Well…” said Mary. “I suppose we will have to go to the broom shed to collect our brooms anyways, anybody mind waiting while I change into my Quidditch uniform? Much more comfortable to fly in, honest.” Mary said grin still plastered to her face. Maybe while she was in there she would grab her bag with her beater’s bats and practice bludgers too. She hadn’t practiced in months since that time in the rain with Kam.

[alexandra]

Alexandra smiled at Fiona as she thanked them all for coming and how much it meant to her. Rather corny... but nice all the same, she thought pleasantly. She then fell silent as a boy walked up and said happy birthday to Fiona. Alexandra watched the two talk and kept up by only listening intently. She was enjoying herself, which was a first... She wasn't used to having fun or even smiling so much. Her distaste toward Padme held her in check, however. Alexandra was not truly happy unless she could glower at someone. The thought made her feel sick once again. The whole day reminded her of her twin sister. She mentally resented the day she was born into that family. Her gaze, however, showed nothing of her betraying thoughts of her family. She remained calm, looking content, as her mind bitterly cursed her "family".

The conversation then moved on to flying. Alexandra mentally cursed. Flying!? She had never flown a broom in her life. Naturally as a child she had wanted to... but her parents had never let her. They just taught Veronique how to fly, left Alexandra in her room. The 14 year old Slytherin watched in growing, hidden fear as Mary asked if it was alright that she change into her Quidditch robes. Alexandra stood frozen in place, hoping they didn't ask her if she wanted to fly. It would be horrible if she got on the broom and, remembering her Care of Magical Creatures class, scream her lungs out as the broom goes careening into the sky and moving in circles until she got sick and fell off! She closed her eyes when no one was looking and prayed to some unknown God that they don't ask.