Niamh stood outside the Leaky Cauldron and tried to peer in the window to see who was there. After a few seconds, she realised the people inside probably had a clearer view of her than she had of them, due to the frost lingering on the glass. Taking a deep breath, she put her hand into her pocket to check the Christmas gift was still there, and walked into the Leaky Cauldron. Scanning the room, she couldn't spot Blade's red hair, but hoped he was just late like she'd been.

Paddy cursed under her breath. Why did Remus decide to shred all her parchment on the day of the holiday party? She'd spent ages clearing up the ripped pieces the Muggle way, and was even later than 'fashionably" late'. She followed Niamh, pleased someone else seemed similarly disorganised, and almost walked straight into Magnus. She didn't know quite what it was, but something seemed.... well, different about him. "Hey," she said, "you're looking... well, really good - is that a new hairdo?"

(OOC: just imagine they both took the Floo but ended up at the wrong fireplace :P)

Blade was walking past the Leaky Cauldron when he spotted Nimah peering inside. "You know doors were invented to open and allow people admittance inside buildings," he said suddenly beside her. He had no plan to go to the party and had been in Diagon Alley for other things.

Toru's eyes went as big as saucers when Magnus told them that. They were so shocked they were only speaking Japanese for about a full minute before realizing they were doing so. "H-How?" Was the only English word they strained out softly. They cleared their throat and tried again. "i-it's wonderful n-news, Magnus!" Toru did look very happy for their friend but was incredibly puzzled they hadn't heard a cure. Surely Diagon Alley would have exploded with the news or it be in the paper or something.

"Its a secret," Magnus reiterated. He knew he couldn't hide it but it wouldn't ever get in the papers.

Niamh jumped, not expecting Blade to be behind her. "Well I wouldn't be looking in the window if I hadn't ended up at the wrong fireplace when I came by Floo," she said, "anyway, it was you I was looking for. You coming to the party?"

Paddy looked round as she realised Toru as speaking Japanese. She had no idea why, but there was something about their tone of voice which made her curious to know what was going on.

"Oops, sorry you got out in the wrong place, but seems like you did find it," Blade said. "You are?" He wasn't too surprised he supposed but surprised enough. "I wasn't planning on it."

"Ey Paddy," Magnus replied. "'Ow are you? Yes it is and... something else." He lowered his voice and said, "Iet's talk later. Okay?"

"I thought I would make an appearance at the party," Niamh replied, "as I've got a few Christmas presents to give out. But if you're not planning on being in there, you can have your present now." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small gift-wrapped envelope, and handed it to Blade. "Happy Christmas."

"It suits you," Paddy replied to Magnus, "erm, yeah ok" she added, wondering just what it was, that was being kept so hush-hush.

"Oh er, thanks..." Blade said awkwardly. "I er... don't have yours with me." He took the envelope in his hands unsure of what to do.

"Thanks Paddy," Magnus said. He was glad she accepted since he was beginning to feel awkward with all the attention on him. "So 'ow are you?"

Niamh laughed, "you can open it now," she said, "in fact you might want to open it while you're here, as you need to go and collect it. It wasn't the kind of present I could wrap up."

"Other than being busy with getting Christmas things sorted, and trying to stop Remus from being a one-Crup destroying machine, I've been pretty good," Paddy replied. Truth be told, she wasn't really in a Christmassy mood, given that the full moon was too close to the 25th for her liking, but even after this many years, she still didn't like talking about it, least of all when everyone around her was in a party frame of mind.

Blade opened it and found it contained a voucher to pick up a pet that was ready for him. He stared at it for several moments. He wondered what exactly it was. "Wow thank you," he managed feeling awkward again.

"Yeah it's a right pain in the rear getting things sorted for Christmas," Magnus agreed.

Zoe slipped over and smiled brightly at Paddy. "I have something for ye." She handed the girl an envelope decorated with many Christmas stickers. "Happy Christmas PAddy."

Niamh smiled, "you're welcome. I just hope it's the right choice - I spent so long browsing the shop, they offered me a job clearing the cages out."

Paddy took the envelope and opened it, "wow, thank you Zoe!" she said in disbelief as she pulled out a voucher for Wizarding Dog and Crup training sessions, "I guess you know my pets better than I do!" She rummaged in the small bag she'd brought with her, "I've got your gift here somewhere...." Eventually she pulled out a neatly wrapped package, and handed it over, "Happy Christmas, and I hope this comes in useful."

Fade smiled as Paddy approached the group. “Hey, Paddy! Wondered if you were coming.” () There were a few faces he had thought would turn up but hadn't seen yet. Clearly the girl was still covered in fur leading Fade to believe she was still a werewolf. The way Magnus lowered his voice and said they would talk later confirmed it. () To take his mind off it Fade grinned at Sauvage and gave a small shrug. Addressing the group again he answered Mag’s question. “Not a lot really, mom and dad are talking about moving…” It was something he wasn’t looking forward too and hoped his parents would just change their mind. He had lived in the same house his entire life and would really miss the place. Not to mention they were talking about moving across the ocean and while it would make Fade’s journey back and forth the school a bit faster, he was feeling very apprehensive. For someone who changed so much, he sort of clung to the consistencies in life for balance and a way to be grounded. ( and ANYONE WHO IS LURKING. ;3 )

"Remus made me late," she replied to Fade, "but Zoe's got me a Crup training session, so hopefully I'll be able to get him a bit more obedient before next year."

(and all)

"What did you choose?" Blade asked. He laughed at the cleaning cages. "I'll er, have your gift with me next time I see you. Promise. Do...you want me to stay?" What made him ask the later he didn't know.

"Ye're welcome. I remembered ye asked about the course." Zoe was surprised with a gift for her. She opened it and found a lovely notebook and a Quick Quotes Quill. "Ooh thank ye!"

"MOVING?!" Magnus said spraying his drink and getting a few people in the process. "What?! Not away from Hogwarts?"

"You'll find out when you hand the voucher in at the counter," Niamh replied with a mischievous wink, "if you're not keen on heading to the party, we could visit the shop first if you want."

((and others))

"I er suppose if we are quick..." Blade said. They headed over to the shop and soon a spluttering Blade was walking inside the Three Broomsticks carrying a bird cage that was covered with a heavy blanket. He couldn't believe she'd got him a parrot that talked as well as a cage, bird food and supplies. He'd wanted one very badly. Now his head was whirling. He needed to add something to his present clearly.

Niamh laughed at Blade being lost for words, "you'll want to put some words together soon, otherwise that parrot will be learning how to splutter instead. Any idea what you're going to call him?"

.

The teen blushed deeply at Nimah's comment. "I just can't believe you got me a blue Quaker Parrot..." He looked shyly at the ground. "Er...how about Klaus?" He blushed again and then gave a small wave to the group feeling as shy as Toru. "H-hi guys..."

“Zoe is good at gifting.” Fade grinned at Paddy. “She gave me Nox, you know." () Magnus spit out his drink and Fade laughed. “No, no. Closer. But still…” His brow creased. “Kinda don’t wana deal with it.” He gave a small shrug. “But whatever.” () He looked around for a jukebox or something similar. “I think we need some music in here. Can’t have a proper party without music.” Instead of a music machine he found Blade and Nim. His head tilted to the side wondering what Blade had. Did he say parrot? Fade was now staring sideways at the blanketed lump, sort of zoning out wondering what was underneath it. Forgetting to say normal things like hello, first.

(and all)

"And I'll have another one for ye, but I didn't bring it today," Zoe said smiling.

"Oh thank goodness," Magnus said patting his chest. "You 'ad me worried there. Moving ain't too bad though. I could come and 'elp if you want."

"I didn't bring my clarinet," Blade said drolly to Fade, "So I can't play. But since you are now looking at the cage, would you like to see him?" He removed the blanket and inside was a pretty blue Quaker parrot.