My birthday party

[Rachel Bray]

No: HPFGUIDX 12743

I turned 31 last Halloween and my friends threw me a Harry Potter 
surprise party.  Everyone showed up in black robes, magic wands, 
etc.  There were Every Flavor Beans (Jelly Bellies), Wizard 
crackers (colored cellophane wrapped around little prizes), the Fat 
Lady portrait on the front door that everyone had to give a password 
in order to get in (it was Dizz...my Girl Scout camp counsellor 
name), gummy worms, Hogwarts posters on the wall (they ended 
up being a gift afterwards), a white owl with a copy of the party 
invitation clutched in her talons sitting on the mantel (also a gift 
afterwards), the cake was in the shape of a castle, they suspended 
a broom from the ceiling with fishing wire so it looked like it was 
hovering and all the gifts people brought were Harry Potter related.  
There was a Sorting Hat sitting in the back corner on a stool (we 
ended up playing a really weird version of Truth or Dare with it....I'm 
sure the neighbors are still talking about it)  I was sooooo 
flabbergasted.  It was hilarious to see all my adult friends dressed 
in black robes, especially the ones who hadn't read the books.  
One of them brought their baby and her "costume" was a pillow 
case....she was a house elf.  

Ah, the benefits of having your birthday on Halloween.  Your friends 
don't feel strange running around town dressed up as wizards and 
witches for your birthday party.
Rachel Bray

"Is he - a bit mad?" he asked Percy uncertianly.
"Mad?" said Percy airily.  "He's a genius!  Best wizard
in the world!  But he is a bit mad, yes.  Potatoes, Harry?"