Who: The super trio AKA Vee, Saffron, Stephen Where: Classroom one (the empty one on the first floor), Hogwarts When: Friday evening What: Stephen has a surprise planned for Vee
Stephen slipped away to set up the classroom before Vee or Saffron arrived. The belated birthday celebration was only a simple one, but considering the day and the memories, it was appropriate that it wasn't a raging party. At the same time, he hoped that focusing on spending time with friends would help keep Vee from dwelling too much.
On the main desk, he put a beautifully decorated strawberry shortcake, a few other snacks, plates and a jug of juice. The flick of a wand set up a few streamers and balloons along with a banner which read 'Happy (Belated) Birthday!'. He also placed a present by the cake. As with Saffron, he'd baked a smaller gift into the cake, but the other was the main present. The small present in the cake was a pendant of the Japanese kanji character for friendship - a nod to the heritage he'd revealed to Vee when they shared their pain earlier. The bigger one was an embossed leather journal and a score titled 'Vee' as he had composed music for her just as he'd done for Saffron.
Sitting down, he tuned his violin and then began to play scales before slipping into Vee's score . The music varied from evoking a wistful, slightly sad, sense of what might have been to brighter, positive notes suggesting playfulness.