Twelfth Time's A Charm...? closed birthday

"Thank you Elz." James replied theatrically, "Doritos have never been known to unexpectedly make somebody float or turn somebody a strange colour, or even taste of vomit. In fact they all uniformally taste amazing. See, that's thing thing you Wizard folk don't get about Muggle manufacturing. We can make stuff taste consistently brilliant so you know exactly what it is you should expect. Every single time I know what's coming when I eat a Dorito. Just as an eating experience should be."

He sat down and took a definitive crunch into the delicious orange triangle. He tossed the bag to Elz with a grin and melodramatically feigned a delighted expression.

"Best food in the woooooorld" he said, leaning back against one of the sturdy oaks.

He laughed for a moment, and then scanned the group with a smile.

"Guys, I just wanna say... thank you. I- things weren't super great when I first got here... and like- I was sure I was going to hate it... but you've all made it amazing. You're such brilliant friends.... so... anyway... thanks..." he smiled a little shyly and picked up the present from Elz.

Unwrapping it carefully his gasped with delight at the contents.

"Oh my GOSH, how the heck did you get an issue of Daredevil this old!?" with a glint in his eye he grinned at his friend, "It's like you're a wizard or something... this is so cool, and like... thoughtful too... wow. And..." he laughed, "Bertie Botts, awesome... you all have to try one."

He grabbed Elz close to him in a tight hug and tried to hide the small tears forming in his eyes. Pete and his parents had been the only people in his life who had cared for him this way but now he was surrounded by friends.

Interacting with: @Gem Stuart @Elzabeth Gillan @Lark Flaer @Charlotte Cadunt

@James McMurtrie, @Lark Flaer, & @Elzabeth Gillan

Gem stared at the Dorito bag, his nose crinkling in mild disgust - again, he didn't trust it. He did not trust that, and he didn't know what would happen to his intestines if he ingested that. Still, it was James' birthday, and... he'd ruin his intestines for him any day of the year, so whatever.

"Have fun wiv yer preservative-filled body, then!" He huffed, peering over James' shoulder to look at the comic book that Elz had for him. Now that was cool, he couldn't pick out something that sick if he tried. He felt shy, going back to the table to retrieve his card and gift for his friend, but... ugh, what if it was too sentimental? They'd known each other for... well, long enough, he supposed. But - God, just- UGH. He hoisted a neatly wrapped up box off the picnic table, bringing it over to James with a shy smile. On top of the box was a card, balanced nicely - he hadn't had any tape to attach it to the box, but hell, he was gonna open it up anyways, he couldn't be damned.

"Uh... there's mine," He mumbled, letting James take it from his arms. It wasn't heavy, but it was a bigger sized gift. Formalities be damned, he'd drop that right on the ground if he had to hold it for longer than five seconds. He'd thank his dad for those cooked noodle arms of his. "Hope ya.. like it."

Reducio

LE GIFTS HAVE ARRIVED BOYS
the letter:

the actual physical gift:

James took the note and the package from his friend, as he curiously read the slight trepidation and raw earnestness in his eyes. James felt almost nervous as unfolded the note and read it quietly, a quality he seemed to share with Gem who watched him intently as he did. It was perhaps the kindest thing anyone had written to him bar none. He felt a swell of emotions, the boy had been so generous but he felt a deep sadness for Gem, the sad young man who struggled so hard to see himself as others did. James never really felt like the leader of the group, he'd always figured that Gem was somewhat of the face of their little band of friends, cooler, more worldly, a little better looking... older somehow. Sure James had had the idea to start the Order but that was because he was spontaneous... not a leader. He didn't know how to express all these things to his friend. Silent tears ran down his cheeks and he met Gem's eyes.

"Dude... I mean thank you...I really don't want to seem like a total ungrateful arse..but I- uh- but I couldn't possibly accept... the strong man... the leader.. it's meant for you... I'm sure your Grandpa would be pretty upset if you gave this to some sniveling little mutt from Bromley. You... You Gem have got all those qualities and more... I'm... well I'm kinda just James. Just the weird dude with a backpack... I'm not like... I'm not a leader or anything... I'm nothing special.... please keep it... you deserve it far more than I do... and it should be yours."

He paused for a moment and wrapped the boy in a tight hug. "I bloody love you too though... just so you know..."

He folded the jacket gently and held it out for Gem to take.

Interacting with: @Lark Flaer @Elzabeth Gillan @Gem Stuart @Charlotte Cadunt

@James McMurtrie

"That's the thing, mate," Gem said, taking the bomber jacket from his friend. It was nostalgic, the way it crinkled under the pressure of his fingers - it had been going strong since the late fifties, and it still carried the smell of cigars, fresh air, and... home. "Yer humble. You're everythin' special ta me, mate. You're tha one who unified one ov e' strongest teams in Hogwarts, I'll say. Please, joost-"

That was one thing Gem couldn't take -- no, he would never accept no for an answer, not in situations like this. He unfolded it, stepping around James to get it around his shoulders, under his arms. It fit his frame quite nicely, if you ignored the fact it was a tad big on him. "Look... look at ya, it's perfect."

"Me grandpa, he wos a half-blood. You think he gives a damn about whether or not yer a mutt? He wanted the right person wearin' that jacket, a heart of fire and gold. You have tha nerve ta look me right in my face an' tell me that you don't have that - I oughta knock you out, James. Christ, come on, it's- it's made fer you." He tilted his head, taking a step back to admire the way it looked on him. This was definitely the right decision, and seeing his friend in that jacket? It brought him a sense of pride. A shining feeling, right in his chest. He hadn't even noticed he was crying too, but he had a big, dumb smile on his face, which counteracted any thought he might be sad departing with the memorabilia.

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After the greeting shenanigans, Lark eyed the weird new snack cautiously. She wasn't so sure about it.... True, Elz was right they ate all sorts of strange things Wizarding treat wise but.... staring down at the oddly shaped chip of sort in the palm of her hand Lark sighed. It looked pretty.. normal? How bad could Muggle snacks be, with the exception of all that James made it out to be.

Nibbling at it, the taste certainly nothing Lark had ever had before making the inside of her cheeks water. "Not bad." Lark managed a smile unsure if this would be something she would try again. Cheese was something the girl loved but this had a strange flavor to it. Trying to crunch down on the rest she greeted the new comer, Charlotte, James introduced her to the gang a smile sliding across her lips at the way he described all of them. Giving a smile she nodded to Charlotte. "Nice to meet you."

Elz joined them and it almost seemed like the entire crew was together once more. Almost. She wondered if and Charlotte would make it, Lark hadn't seen them recently and wondered how they were doing. Listening to Elz and James go on about, Doritos.. what an odd name, Lark tried to muster up a smile and brushed the bits of cheese from her hands.

Taking a seat, Lark pulled at her sweater and crossed her legs. "Nice job Elz!" She watched as James opened his gift, excited expression and all. After everything that had gone on especially James learning about some of the Wizarding World issues from Logan... then the whole Dark Witch problem, Lark was glad that James still had a positive outlook on magical folk. Gem was next for presents and looked rather prepared and nervous it seemed.

James' reaction had been one Lark wasn't expecting.. She looked at Gem and back to James wondering what the letter had said. It seemed like there was some sort of moment between the two boys and Lark felt a little like she was intruding just enjoying them interact. Blushing she looked at her bag. So much for my stuff.. Feeling rather embarrassed she wondered if she should even mention she brought a gift... it obviously wouldn't compare to either of the other two, especially judging from what was going on between the boys. Best to just skip it... maybe send it to him in an Owl late. It seemed so silly to her now.

Lark looked away as a pang of emotion filled her chest and gave the two some privacy. She pulled some chocolates from her bag, nothing special or wizardy about them just plain ole' truffles, passing the box to Charlotte and Elz. "You guys want one?"

^{@James McMurtrie @Elzabeth Gillan @Gem Stuart @Charlotte Cadunt}

James laughed, "You couldn't knock me out if you tried Gem Stuart," he straightened the jacket and he had to admit to himself that he did feel comfortable in it. It was a little bit too big for his small form, but it was something to grow into, both in size and spirit, he thought.

"Fine... thank you... this is the most generous gift I've... ever been given... and I appreciate it so much, I do. BUT. If you ever want it back, if you ever feel like you've made a mistake in giving it to me, then It's yours without question." he threw his arms around the boy and tackled him to the ground, and roughing up his hair.

As he straightened up his eyes were drawn away from the party for a moment. Five taller figures with the hoods of their robes covering their features, stood menacingly at the edge of the treeline. Their eyes were fixated on the little party, and James felt the sinking feeling that they'd been there the entire time.

"Di- did anybody invite some extra people?" he said with a nervous lilt as he stood up.

He decided to call out to the small group, in the hopes that perhaps their interloping was purely due to curiosity and not a more nefarious cause.

"Hey! You guys wanna join us? Would you like some Doritos?", he called.

Interacting with: @Charlotte Cadunt @Lark Flaer @Gem Stuart @Elzabeth Gillan

Elzabeth watched the exchange between the boys with a smile, giving them some space. Those two were like brothers, it was crazy how close they had gotten.

"You guys want one?"

Elzabeth looked over to Lark who was offering chocolate. "Heck yeah! I could eat pounds of chocolate and still want more." Elzabeth giggled, taking one. She wanted everyone to have some so she wouldn't prove her statement just yet.

"Di- did anybody invite some extra people?"

James' question drew Elzabeths attention away from the chocolaty treats. She noticed he was looking somewhere behind her so she followed his gaze. Unfortunately, the sight that met her didn't seem like a good one.

Several people were standing at the top of the hill, their hoods pulled over their head in a way that prevented Elzabeth from seeing their faces very well. They seemed to be paying attention to the party but not in a way that gave off the vibe that they wanted to join.

"I didn't." Elzabeth looked back to the group, hoping one of them would pipe up and explain that the menacing figures were actually some sweet Hufflpuffs or something.

James attempted to invite them over but that was the last thing Elzabeth wanted, they seemed like trouble and trouble like to ruin things that were going so well for her friends.

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Enjoying the time around her friends and soaking up every minute of it, Lark gave a goofy smile to Elz. It was refreshing getting to be outside, even with the chill, and spend quality time with her friends that didn't involve schoolwork.

Laughing at the antics of the two boys as James tackled Gem, Lark felt a warmth nestle itself deep in her stomach, spreading throughout her. Never had she laughed as hard before meeting her friends. Never had she smiled so much she felt her cheeks might split as tears rushed from her eyes. These people were absolutely her family.. the next so many years were going to be nothing short of truly amazing.

"Di- did anybody invite some extra people?"

Lark followed the gaze of her friend. Silvery eyebrows knitting together on the girl's face as a chill ran through her and not from the Autumn air. Something in the back of her mind, just beneath the base of her skull went cold. Why would students just stand off to one side like that... especially if they had been invited. Judging by the expression of the others as Lark's golden eyes darted from face to face, these people clearly were not expected.

"Hey! You guys wanna join us? Would you like some Doritos?"

No no no!A screaming voice rang through the girl's mind. Maybe it was nothing... but... Lark took a couple steps towards James and placed a hand gently on his elbow giving him a worried look.

"You sure..." she whispered her happy feeling instantly washing away at the sight of the newcomers. After all the craziness with Savannah's group... things had been going so well... almost too well by Hogwart's standards.

^{@James McMurtrie @Elzabeth Gillan @Gem Stuart @Charlotte Cadunt}

"I'm never entirely sure about anything," James whispered back, "But I thi-"

As if to directly answer their suspicions, a voice came from the leader of the menacing pack. It was surprisingly young, perhaps he was no older than sixteen, and he spoke calmly, almost politely, but his controlled tone served only to make him more threatening.

"Go home James." he said coolly

"Why?" James tightened his grip around his wand, stashed in his pocket, he didn't know much more than a basic Flipendo spell but he figured it would be enough of a distraction to follow it up with a good punch to the jaw.

"You're an impostor, James McMurtrie.... your parents David, and Mary are... muggles... so how could you be any more than a muggle yourself... you don't deserve to be at this wonderful school, with such revolting. filthy. blood." the boy couldn't help but spit the last words.

James took a step back, his hand shook in his pocket.... they'd said his parents names... were they in danger? He couldn't be sure... he knew it was a scare tactic... but it had worked.... he was certainly scared...

"Wh-why... why don't you lift your hood you fucking cowardly snake..." James yelled, but with far less menace than he'd intended, his voice wavered and squeaked, in fear.

If these boys were snakes... then that made him prey.

Gem laughed when he toppled onto the floor, pushing James' face away from his. It took him a bit, but when James pointed it out and there were hooded figures off in the distance, a gut feeling wrenched his stomach tight. He slid out from under his friend, his hand slipping into his pocket to feel for his wand. Dark hooded figures were never good symbols, whether it be in literature or real life.

He took a glance at the hooded figure, his jaw tightening with a certainty that he would need to use magic for a situation as this one. It wasn't until James squared up that he fully pulled his wand out, clutching it tightly at his side. Phoenix feather couldn't have failed him now, it never truly did.

"...you don't deserve to be at this wonderful school, with such revolting. Filthy. Blood."

His eyes couldn't have gotten wider, his brows couldn't have furrowed more, and the building rage, fear, in his throat couldn't have made breathing any more difficult. James snapped back well, but it could never be enough. Nothing would make a proper comeback, not when these Slytherins only wanted to make everything awfully tense.

"Why don't ya go shove yer head up yer arse, aye? In't none of yer business-!"
"Who asked you, huh?" Another piped in, a hooded gaze piercing right into Gem's eyes. "Gem Stuart, is it? Can't even say yer a pureblood, huh? Sticking up for all yer friends, basically just the same as you. Dirty, rotten, aye?"
"Don't even try it, nothin' could make em' more rotten than y--"
"Your dad's a mudblood, you know. Ruined your mum's pitch-perfect presence... sad, really, that you could've been-"
"I'd rather be a squib than be anythin' related to the likes of you." Gem spat, glancing right at James, then Lark, just to be sure they were all right.

"Muggle-borns, half-bloods, they're what make this school great, an' I don't think you can stomach th-"
"Aw, look, he's-"
"Stomach the fact halfbloods, anyone wiv relation to muggles can be great, or- or even-"
"Yipping like a dog, look at that-"
"Or even greater than you pureblooded knobheads could ever dream ta be."

Gem didn't have much time to shout at them, since one of the hooded Slytherins had a rather easy time getting him to suck his own words in.

"Alarte Ascendare!"

He was pretty sure he hadn't felt more fear in his life. Up in the air he went, and down he fell, right on his back. It wasn't broken, but he certainly couldn't breathe or even move. It was paralyzing, the way his fingers curled into the grass as if he were trying to grasp their life for his own. It was choking, a feeling he couldn't describe.

"Are you really so brave now, James?" The first one asked, tilting his head at the young Ravenclaw across him. "Once you're put in something like this? Face it," he pulled his wand from his robes, the corners of his lips curling upwards into a snide smirk. "You'll never be as great as a pureblood, and neither will any of your filthy, mudblood friends."