@Alan Vanes
@Breana Oliveire
@George Henry
@Jack Burnett
@Jack Warren
@Mildred Wilson
@Lamik Fillestar
@Ruka Burnett-Tân
@Santario Martin
@Saskia Nicholson
@Willow Anderson

OOC NOTES:

Thank you for coming to Jake's 12th birthday party!

You will have received a birthday invitation at the end of July, delivered by an Artic owl (Thank you very much Cadmus and George ), with the date and time - Monday, August 24, 3PM-7PM, along with Jake's address in Wiltshire.

If Jake knows your favorite animal there would have been a drawing of that animal with a party hat and a birthday invitation in its mouth. If not, he will guess, or perhaps draw your house animal.

It would include a phone number for your parents to speak with Jake's parents, if you have access to a muggle phone. If you do call Jake's parents would ask your parents about themselves and about you (especially if you are older).

In front of Jake's house, the balloons by the front door would signify you're at the right place.

Jake had been waiting to be twelve for what felt like forever and ever and ever. It was a day he thought would never come.

Jack had been twelve almost as long as Jake had known him. George had been twelve almost since Christmas. All but Jake, who was stuck being eleven.

So much had happened this year that he felt like he could barely remember a time he wasn't eleven. When he was ten, he hadn't even known he was a wizard, and his whole world was his house and his parents. Now the world was humongous, and he could do things that he didn't even know were possible before. Being ten was from a different lifetime. Eleven was all there was.

Twelve was a little scary. A true big kid, like George and Jack were. Almost a teenager! Soon a second-year at school. But it was also exciting. No more being the youngest. No more being told that he would find out things when he was older. No more being laughed at or pushed around.

Not only that, but this year he was going to have a birthday party. And not just one with his family, but a real one, with friends. Jake didn't much like being the center of attention, but though he was shy, a birthday party was special. He'd finally get to see what it was really like.

He'd woken up on the morning of his birthday, and climbed out of bed, ready to face a new world. He'd looked himself in the mirror and felt a little let down. He didn't feel very different. Every birthday made you feel a little different, since you were a whole different age. But he didn't feel very much like George and Jack yet. Maybe that would change when he had his party.

---

As the day went on and lunch-time passed, Jake found his excitement morphing into something else. The tiny twelve-year-old stood at the door, dressed up in some of his nicest clothes, waiting anxiously for his first guest to arrive. He'd only even ever gone to one birthday party before. How was he supposed to know what to do? What if nobody showed up? What if they did?. None of his school friends had ever been to his house before.

Jake looked around at the house, and all of its colorful decorations that seemed to fill every corner. He wondered if that's what George and Jack's birthday parties had looked like. The boy frowned a little. What if it was a little kid party? Alan and Ruka wouldn't like that, not to mention what Jack and George would say. What if it was stupid? The thought spun around in his head for a while, a sudden bout of nerves he hadn't felt the night before.

"Mum, I don't feel good," Jake groaned, looking up at his mother and holding a hand on his belly. His mother looked at him knowingly. He pouted slightly. "Maybe we should cancel..."

His mother had crouched down and gently brushed his hair from his forehead. She'd assured him that he was going to be fine, though he had never said he wasn't. 'Don't you want to see your friends?' she had coaxed him softly. She might have been more concerned about all of the new children her son had met, but talking about his friends had become the most surefire way to brighten Jake's mood over the past two months. His parents had been worried - more than worried. Something was wrong, and the boy couldn't or wouldn't talk about it. But he could talk about his friends. And his mum was right. He had missed them.

Jake sighed and stood on his tiptoes at the front door window to search for signs of cars, forgetting that most of his friends would probably be arriving through more magical means. "Is it three yet...?" he asked. His mum told him that it wasn't, just like the last time he'd asked, too busy peering outside to check a clock.

But a few minutes later came the first knock on the door!

Welcome! When you arrive Jake's parents will introduce themselves to you and your parents. Jake will meet you in the front hall. Upon entering, there is a giant banner that says "HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY JAKE" hanging up in the hall, with some cartoon animals. There are balloons and decorations everywhere, many Disney themed. In the dining room adjoining the den there will be a snack table - chips and juice and fruits. All the tables have been protected with birthday themed Disney table cloths. There are Disney plates, cups, and napkins. And lots and lots of colorful balloons and balloon animals.

Interacting| @Jake Morris

Santario would have smiled widely when she had received the invitation to Jake’s birthday party, bringing it to her grandfather, not daring her grandmother. They would be somewhat close to that area, and she knew that he would get her without talking about bloodlines like her grandmother would. Her grandfather would call the number on the invitation to RSVP appropriately. Her grandfather had a very warm and welcoming voice as he explained that he was a retired Archivist and linguistics specialist while his wife, who would not be joining them, had a hand in politics. He would go on to answer any and all questions they had about him and Santario.

The day of Santario had dressed nicely, but somewhat casual. She had never been to a birthday party before that didn’t require fully formal attire, so she was nervous that simultaneously she was both over and underdressed. Her hair had been done back into a sleek chignon, and she carried a larger black box with bright yellow ribbons as her grandfather, and she walked up the driveway decorated with balloons. Her grandfather rested his hand gently on her shoulder, bolstering her with the courage she needed to stop fretting, for now, at least. Once they arrived at the door, Mathurin de Clairmont would raise his hand and knock on the door, and they would wait surprisingly not too long before Jake’s parents opened the door. Santario would smile brightly up at them as Mathurin held his hand out and introduced them.

Once escorted in, Santario would hand the gift off to her grandfather so that he may be directed towards the gift table or wherever they would like it to be put. Santario, however, would find Jake and grin at him. “Happy Birthday, Jake! Thank you for inviting me!” She would hold her arms out for a hug. “You’ll need to explain all of these characters to me!” She exclaimed as she looked at all of the Disney décor.


Gift spoiler

Unfortunately, Lamik couldn't find the perfect gift. A few days earlier he had scoured Diagon Alley for something, anything that just screamed Jake. Nothing did, unfortunately (figuratively or literally). Eventually, the young boy settled on a gift that he thought his friend wouldn't hate, at least. Now, a few days after buying the set, he was dropped off at Jake's house by his parents. "Bye!" He said, waving towards the car as it drove away. Then Lamik turned around and walked towards the front door. In all likelihood the phone call between his and Jake's parents was a lot briefer then some of the other kids invited- the families had already met once on account of the younger boy sleeping over at the older's house. Lamiks father was a district judge and his mother was a private prosecutor. The two had met in Law School and were close friends for years before falling in love.

As soon as he entered Jake's house Lamik grinned at his friend's parents. "Hi." He said, before turning to Jake with an even bigger smile. "That Lion drawing was...incredible." If his hands were free, Lamik would have reached into his pocket to pull out the invitation and show off the aforementioned lion drawing. Unfortunately, they weren't, as hands did seem to be the best tools with which to carry his gift:



"The present is in here... though you can keep the box too. I found it in the attic, and I figured it would be a good place to put what I bought for you." Not really bothering to ask for permission, Lamik walked over to the nearest table and set the wooden case down. Then, he undid the clasp and pushed it open. Inside were 4 earmuffs, each a different color (blue, red, pink, and green). "I didn't know what color you liked, so I just got one of each. I know this isn't the best gift, but I figured that you could use these in herbology class instead of the old school ones, or maybe if you need to study you can wear them to block out noise... There could also be a use for them in care for magical creatures, but I wouldn't know." Lamik wasn't sure why the earmuffs were what he had chosen, but it was too late to change his choice now.

|| Open to Interaction ||
interacts with @Santario Martin, @Lamik Fillestar and @Jake Morris

Alan had thought for a while what would be the perfect gift for someone like Jake who worries at all times. Not that worrying was bad, in more than one situation it has possibly protected the young badger from worse, but worries could also slow you down and freeze you. With a flinch the near fourth year would shove away all of the memories that would try to force themselves into his thoughts; like the Blossom Ball and how Jake had completely frozen up. The Gryffindor would shake his head quickly as this was not a day he wanted to think back to that day. But in the end things and thoughts like those were what had led him to the present he would get for Jake surprise it's a mosp. But after having a talk with his mother he had been quite certain that the kind of present he had for Jake would be perfect and could possibly help with this a lot.

So as he said his goodbyes to his parents who had dropped him off in a close-by alley- they had made sure to remind him that Jake's parents were muggles and probably would get scared if Alan wouldn't hide his abilities- Alan made his way towards the house of the little badger, eager to see some of his closest friends again. So as he rang the bell and was now waiting for someone to open the door, the Gryffindor with his russet colored hair would clutch the present closer to his chest. It seemed to be hiding something soft and squishy, but based on the shape it could be anything and Alan would doubt that Jake would be able to discern what was inside based on the properties he could find out without unwrapping it. What he could see however was a wrapping paper that had a nice blue hue and was littered in doodles elephants. It looked adorable, really did, which is exactly why Alan had chosen this wrapping paper for Jake's present.

Once his parents, or at least Alan assumed that was who they were, opened the door, he greeted them with a warm smile and a introduction. They seemed to be confused at first about Alan being in front of their door on his own, but Alan had mentioned that his parents had dropped him off. During their short conversation Alan found out that they were indeed Jake's parents as they led him to where he would find the birthday boy. With a big grin on his face, the Gryffindor would call out for his attention and give the badger a hug as he had gotten so used to that way of greeting with the boy. "Happy birthday, Jake!" During their hug the near fourth year was careful not to squish the present and held it away from their bodies but as he pulled away he presented the wrapped up surprise with a flourish. Alan would then move on to greet both Santario and Lamik, he couldn't help himself but to give Lamik a hug. The two of them had talked in passing but they have not been able to actually spend much time at all over the last year, so Alan was glad to see him here again.

[font=Tempus Sans ITC]B[/font]irthday parties. Never really thought he would be invited to one. Normally birthdays in his household were a passing thing, like "Hey, happy birthday" and that was the end of it. BUT the minute he heard about Jake having a party, Jack knew he would have to attend. Jake is one of Jack's best friends, even if he felt more like a big brother a majority of the time. It took some time to gather what he needed for Jake's present, but Jack and George pitched in together for something super special! He just couldn't wait to see the look on Jake's face when he got it. Of course, his devious nature would never make a present that simple for his good friend. Held behind his back was a poorly wrapped gift, which was really just pink construction paper and simple twine. There was nothing special about its size. It could basically fit within the palm of his hand, but Jack took pride that he was able to find something like this.

[font=Tempus Sans ITC]J[/font]ack had dressed up a tad bit for the occasion, which was a change. Wearing a pair of nice blue khaki shorts, and a light pink short sleeve button up. Cute little blue anchors were splattered across the entire shirt. It accented well with the blue shorts, or so his mother told him. Stepping up to the front door, Jack glanced back at his mother. Now standing alone, the boy knocked on the door. As quickly as he knocked, the door was open. It was kind of a culture shock seeing all of the Disney adorned balloons and decorations. Jack just tried to give Jake's parents the nicest smile he could muster, which was awkward to say the least. His staple wasn't the nice smile, but rather the smug grin. Jack's mother introduced herself as Sarah Weiser-Warren to Jack's parents, and finally, Jack made it into the party!

[font=Tempus Sans ITC]U[/font]pon the second he caught sight of Jake, Jack hollered out, "JAKE! Look at yer ol' butt! Ya look like a grown up already!" He couldn't help but grin at seeing Jake again. "Oh! Lookie at what I gotchya! The older boy immediately shoved the poor mess of a present towards Jake. "Gorgie and I have a big present for ya, so this is just an appetizer!"

Mentions @Jake Morris & @George Henry

Gift Spoiler; (I am so sorry)

Open to Interactions!
Mentioning @Jake Morris

After Summer Camp and the not-so-warm welcome back into her home, the rest of Breana's summer has not been so bright and rosy. Her parents' fight that she witnessed was just the beginning. All of it snowballed into a cataclysm of unfortunate events. Her parents have been mostly silent to each other, her father taking on longer hours in the bookstore, her mother even more harsher on their private tutoring. It might be minuscule in the grand scheme of things, but for an 11-year-old, it's like seeing a broken mirror. She might not understand how, but she knew in her gut that nothing will be the same again.

Thankfully, a small shining beacon cast their rays unto her. Jake's birthday party and she was invited! Of course, it took a lot of convincing to her mother that it won't hinder her potion studies. Thankfully, with a little help from Jake's parents via a muggle phone call, she reluctantly gave in and let her father take Breana there. It was a long commute, but eventually, the two of them made it to the house. "Okay... house with the balloons." Her father smiled a bit, petting Breana's head. "If you need us, just call us from your phone, yeah? And be a good guest for that Jake fellow's parents."

Breana smiled a little and nodded. "I will... Thanks for helping me with the gift, Dad."

Her father chuckled and shrugged it off. "Não é pra tanto, minha filhona.* I think it's sweet of you to give him a special gift like that." Despite the situation the family is in right now, Breana can at least count on her Dad to still brighten her spirits, at least for now.

With a small kiss on the cheek and a wave goodbye, Breana is now off to walk closer to the house. She fiddled with the present that she brought with her, shifting the weight of the mauve hiking shoes that she had on. It's been a while since she talked to anyone from Hogwarts... She hoped that she knows at least one more person there other than Jake. Okay, no more tiptoeing around it. Time for her to face the music. With a knock on the door, she waited and even held her breath. Breana played with the aglets of her floral-patterned hoodie, looking down on her pink shorts and hoping that she wasn't underdressed for the occasion.

Thankfully, those intrusive thoughts were gone as the door opened, and what Breana would assume would be Jake's parents greeting her. Being more timid than usual, Breana gave them a nod and a hello, walking in to find her friend. She smiled, finally relaxing as she saw Jake, despite the small crowd forming around him. If they were to have eye contact, Breana would give the boy a wave, holding her present tight.

*Translation: "It was no big deal, my big daughter."

Gift Spoiler:

Reducio

The Little Prince Book, but Breana drew the cover to have it look like Jake and his dog plushie instead. (Her father helped her replace the original cover with the one she drew.)