The costume Percy wore for the party, as well as all his gifts, were bought at the bazaar in Istanbul. Clad in a blue set of Turkish robes with a turban wrapped around his head, he carried a oil lamp with the intention of telling everybody he was a Genie. Because the invitation clearly stated guests should bring a present and alcohol, among the items Percy brought, were a couple bottles of raki, a drink native to Turkey, which he would gleefully explain was made from grapes but not fermented like wine; instead they were distilled, like liquor.
Cordially greeting Charlie at the door, the bottles were then taken and placed on the table with the other drinks, but he opted to carry the canvas bag containing the presents, its strap slung around his shoulder - George was not the only one to receive gifts tonight. Looking around the room, trying to spot the birthday boy, Percy noted the skimpy costumes that the ladies wore, and his face flushed with the residual effects of the Cauldron Cake he'd eaten earlier that afternoon.