I Will Remember You.:Grad. Ball {Open to All!}

[Eddie Brown]

There was a certain tone to this day, a specific level of euphoric excitement, that Eddie was sure would bleed into the night's festivities. How could it not? They had all just said farewell to Hogwarts that morning and tonight was about saying goodbye to each other. It was bound to be an emotionally charged evening. Hopefully all good emotions. For his part, Eddie knew he would be riding this high -and his Doc induced high, if they could sneak away- all night long. It was going to be marvelous!

Eddie twirled his wand, smiling at himself in the mirror, more than pleased with the way his look had turned out for the evening. Usually he saved the make-up and colorful outfits for when he was preforming with the band, but tonight was a special night, his last night. So he had dressed up a bit, not too much, not as much as if he were on stage. And he did look dashing, indeed. “I'm a total babe.” he said candidly to his best mate, Doc, who was also looking snapping good for the night!

“Ho, ho, ho!” Eddie exclaimed, slipping a comb into his back pocket and going over to his friend. Dusting invisible lent off of Doc's shoulder, the fairer boy gave him a grin. “Jones, that lucky little bird.” Hestia Jones was one of his favorite people, and she was Doc's favorite person, and Eddie was happy for the two lovebirds. His own love life had been a little bland lately, but Eddie hadn't felt very lacking. And he certainly didn't begrudge his friends. Besides, there was so much more to be happy about!

The two snazzily dressed boys made their way to the common room, Eddie indulging them in a new tune, to meet Doc's date. "He's, you look beautiful!" he complimented upon seeing the girl, giving her a friendly hug. And then as he waited for Doc and Hestia, wanting to give them a little privacy to say hello, Eddie reflected on the last seven years. Memory's flooded him as he looked into the meeting pit, the fire, the bright colors, and happy people. And as they made the short walk to the Great Hall, more enchanting recollections assaulted him. Some, of he and his best mates, just relaxing together, or playing music. Some, bitter-sweet, like kissing Bronwyn on the landing to the dungeons, falling down the steps drunk and breaking his wrist. But most, almost all, were pristine memories of the happiest times. Eddie smiled, and when they reached the doors to the Great Hall, he paused, turning to his friends with a wicked grin and a challenge. “Let's make it a night to remember!”

[Doc Dearborn]

If this was to be his last night at Hogwarts, Doc was going to go out in style. He'd never tried to fit in here, so why start tonight? He chuckled at his friend's self-admiration, loving their contrasting colors, and grinned broadly as Eddie came to fix him up. "You clean up nice yourself, gotta teach me how to do that eyeliner proper one of these days," Doc replied with a wink, absolutely meaning it. Generally his mate didn't dress up so much - not that he himself was often found in a bright orange suit - but the makeup was something he always saved for the stage. But it was good to see Eddie being unabashedly Eddie, and Doc left their old room with him in good spirits, pinning on his simple boutonniere on the way out. He knew it was a bit corny, matching his date in both colors and flowers, but hell - Doc wanted to surprise her, and he'd fashioned them himself, and he wasn't about to start being bothered with what others thought of them, so long as Hestia was as happy as he was.

The last weeks had been rough, there was no doubt about it. The attack on Hogsmeade in early May had sent him into a rage, what with the hospitalization of his little sister and the sudden proximity of the war he'd done so well at ignoring. But throughout all of his meandering thoughts about it had come two things: 1) a desire to join an organization fighting against people who would hurt the innocent, and 2) an official relationship with his longtime snogging partner. And idea-swapper. And hang-around buddy. Hestia, bless her, had come out and told him she loved him; he'd returned the sentiment with a poem, and with their feelings finally out in the open...

It was admittedly settling, knowing that she was there for him, no question. Hestia had been set on joining up with the Order since Willa's kidnapping, and while he knew it would be an uphill battle for the both of them to be taken seriously...as the old saying of their homeland went, Heb ei fai, heb ei eni. He who has no faults is not born. They would learn, and Doc would work harder at this, dedicate himself more to this, than anything he yet had in his short life. He was frightened, beyond a doubt, but idleness could no longer content him.

Trying to keep this out of his mind for the evening, though, Doc shot his mate a grin as they walked through the tunnel, whistling along in a rough harmony of the lad's tune. As daunting as his own near future was, Doc was most hopeful for Eddie's. The bloke had a gift, had talent, had dedication; if he stuck with music, Doc was certain that he'd see his name in lights one day. With any luck, he'd also rekindle last summer's romance...Doc eyed his mate as they strolled into the common room, unsure whether or not to bring up Danny tonight...

Seeing Hestia waiting for them, though, pushed all other thoughts from mind. A slow smile spread as he took her in, and while the common room was far from empty, to him it felt as if they were the only ones there. That illusion was short-lived, but after Eddie's hug to her and his own approach, Doc bent to kiss her, speaking low after. "Yr ydych mor hyfryd i mi.*" It wasn't often that he slipped into their native tongue, and it wasn't like he had anything to hide from Eddie, but...Doc wanted his words to be for her ears only. It was by some miracle, surely, that he'd gained the love of this girl, and he wasn't going to let her slide away. "I made one for you," he said, giving a tap to his flowers and grinning as he held out the corsage for her. They weren't anything fancy, really, but the fancy had struck him and Doc hoped she'd like the finishing touch. Soon hand-in-hand, the duo joined Eddie on the short walk to the Great Hall, and Doc let out a loud laugh at his mate's challenge. "I'm up for some mischief," he said, grin reminiscent of an old friend's as they entered the dance and he looked down at his date. "What d'you say, Hestia? One last night to raise some hell?"

*You are so lovely to me.

[Hestia Jones]

This was her last hurrah. After this night, she would be entering the real world. A world of war, something that still twisted a knot in the pit of her stomach. Ever since New Years Eve, when Willa had been taken, it had been always resting in the back of her mind. Of course it was talked about, but it had never really been so relevant to her before. She hadn’t known anyone getting attacked, it hadn’t been personal. Now it was, in more ways than just one. Willa’s kidnaping had been bad enough, but getting attacked in Hogsmeade had set something off. She had found herself discussing the war with her roommates, sharing concerns about what was going to happen next.

But the year had also brought great things. Doc had decided to join the Order, just as she had months before. And an admission of feelings that she finally had the nerve to say, and while nothing had changed between them, it was still sort of fun. Having Doc as her boyfriend. She laughed to herself as she waited in the common room, excited to see Doc’s outfit. And she was incredibly excited to see his outfit, wondering just how he was going to match her dress.

She didn’t have to wait long, as she spotted Doc and Eddie headed towards her. She had to laugh as they came into view – because she had not been expecting a bright orange suit. It was perfect. And Eddie was looking incredibly dashing as well, accepting his hug with a smile. “Thanks Eddie, but look at you! I love this whole look, you really should dress like this more often.” She had only gotten to see his band play a couple of times, but she loved his stage look. It was so much more him that how he normally dressed.

And Doc, looking at her like that before he kissed her. She felt herself blush at his words, shaking her head with a smile. While he wasn’t always the most direct person with feelings, these small moments always made her heart melt. “Doc! These are amazing!” she said, her eyes growing wide in excitement. She had always seen couples wearing these, and while it was incredibly cheesy it was also terribly fun. She stuck her arm out dramatically after he secured it, raising her eyebrows at him. “Look how fancy we are,” she teased with a laugh. One more quick kiss, and she intertwined her hand in his, heading over to Eddie.

It didn’t take long to make it to the great hall, chatter happening around them as the graduates all entered the Great Hall. She smiled at the guys – oh, she would miss this – laughing as they exchanged similar thoughts. “Of course! It’s our responsibility to make sure Tommy has one last night of embarrassment,” she smirked, her eyes wandering as someone was approaching them behind Eddie. Merlin is that-”Danny?”

[Danick Amor]

This was his second year going to the graduation at Hogwarts. Last year he had come for moral support, determined to be by Hugo’s side when he got his girl. That hadn’t exactly gone as planned, but it had been quite a party! Willa had told them so much about Hogwarts, it had been fantastic to get it to see not only the outside, but the inside as well. And thankfully, it meant he knew where the Great Hall was. While the graduates had some sort of special family lunch thing happening, he’d fiddled about Hogsmeade and his room, impatient for this ball. He wasn’t entirely sure why he was impatient, it wasn’t like Eddie was going to be expecting him.

The boy had shared the details with Danny, and he’d taken that it was an open invitation. After all, it had been a mutual split. Eddie was busy with school, and Danny couldn’t stay in Scotland too long after the summer had ended. He’d gotten a muggle job – which was incredibly fascinating. But summer jobs didn't turn into fall jobs, and he’d gone back home. Where nothing waited for him. It had been depressing, to say the least. He’d had such a wonderful summer, and then was back in his life in Brazil. Which was not anywhere near as exciting as laying in the stars, high as kite, shooting the sh*t about anything and everything.

So he’d come to Scotland, new suit that Hugo had helped him pick out in tow. He would just surprise Eddie and it would be an awesome night. Plus, Eddie kept some great company. He hoped the other two Hufflepuffs would be around, and was not disappointed when he looked up to see the three of them entering the Great Hall. He’d thought about showing up near their common room, but he’d forgotten to bring the directions he’d written to Willa for. Doc and Hestia were matching in bright orange, something that drew out a laugh. They looked incredibly cheesy, and yet it was one of the cutest things he’d seen.

His attention didn’t stay on them long, as he shifted his eyes to look at Eddie. He’d gotten lucky, and Eddie’s back was towards him. Not that it was a bad view by any means. He took a second, shaking his head with a grin before he headed over towards them. He caught the look Hestia gave when she saw him, chuckling as he heard his name. “I came all the way here only for you to spoil my surprise, flor pequeña,” he laughed, dropping his eyes to the ground before looking to Eddie. “Well good evening, mi príncipe escocés.”

---

1) Little flower
2) My Scottish prince

[Eddie Brown]

“Ah, Hes, I don’t think the people of the world could handle me looking so good, everyday.” Eddie told his friend jokingly. In reality he was a little nervous about wearing flamboyant clothing and makeup in public on the daily. Not everyone was so open or accepting of individuality and sexual preference. At least for tonight however, he was safe, here in the walls of Hogwarts for one last night, surrounded by his friends. Eddie smiled at his companions –they really did both look very good in orange, especially Doc, it set off his darker skin quite nicely- feeling lucky for having them in his life, loving him just the way he was. 

At the Great Hall, Eddie did a little spin on his heels, pleased with how ready his two friends were for living the night like it was their last. Laughing at poor Tommy Wood and all he would have to endure tonight, Eddie was about to list off a few things that he thought might get the former Gryffindor worked up, when Jones said the strangest thing. “Danny?” Eddie echoed, having only a second to think that he hadn’t mentioned Danick in a while, especially not in regards to the ball, and wondering why he felt so much at just the mention of his name, before someone else was speaking. Not Hestia or Doc but…it was Danny! 

He stared for a moment, hardly able to believe Dan was here, at Hogwarts, and calling him that name to boot. It never failed to make him feel warm inside, he was someones Prince. And then, before Eddie knew what he was about, he had thrown his arms around Danny’s shoulders in a fierce, intimate huge. Eddie took a deep breath, all of it filled with the scent of the other man. He hadn’t just missed the Brazilian babe he had shacked up with over the summer, he had been longing for him. And not just the way he made Eddie feel physically –which was intense and wild and uninhibited- but also the companionship they had shared. The way they had seemed to fit together instantly and perfectly. When he pulled out of the embrace he was grinning. 

Eddie couldn’t stop grinning, in fact. He had only mentioned to Danny when the ball would be and the fact that Eddie would be going alone, he could have never hoped that he would actually show. "What are you doing here? Why didn't you tell me you were coming? We could have matched." he said with a wink and a mischievous smile to his best mate. The former badger had thought... well he didn't know what he had thought. That Danny wouldn't feel the same as they did all those months ago? That the darker boy had moved on to bigger and better people things?  Maybe, he had been wrong. Eddie hoped so, because as he looked at Dan, well, he want to kiss him. In front of God and everyone, as his dad would say; but something held him back. Instead he turned to Doc. “Did you know about this?”

[Charlotte Fudge]

This really had been the most stretched-out day, and Char felt like she was merely going through the motions as she got ready for the last stage of it. She had done her best this entire year to be patient; twiddling her thumbs around waiting for graduation, for her future to begin, would only cause her undue stress, after all. But now that the day was here? Charlotte was ready for it to be done.

She wanted to be reading an old favorite in Remus' flat, to wear down her shoes going bookshop to bookshop looking for work, to try her hand at cooking something more complex than cheese toasties. She wanted to live life by her own terms, to use the skills she'd honed during her years at Hogwarts in that infamous "real world" beyond these grounds. Never much a fan of dressing up, she wasn't exactly jazzed about having to tick this night off of the list of the day's duties. Because - Merlin - that's what the day had felt like, a ceaseless list to complete.

Dress for graduation. Reminisce with friends. Wait in line. Wait in chairs. Cross the stage. Smile. Wait in chairs. Cross the lake. Have lunch with Remus and the family. Ignore how tiresome it was that they obviously didn't know how to treat them now that they were engaged. Return to the castle. Pack anything that hadn't already been packed. Dress again. Reminisce...

You're nearly there. Satisfied enough with her look - it wasn't as if her makeup skills were anything to brag of, but Char felt her dedication to precision was paying off - she did a double-check of her trunk as she waited for her roommates to finish. However lackluster she was feeling about this event, it would be undeniably better to show up with the girls; Remus and Peter were meeting Daisy and herself there, but if for any reason they were running late at least the girls would have each other for company!

She was most grateful to her fiancé for making the trip, and hoped that seeing him would re-energize her. Since their engagement back in April they'd hardly seen each other, after all - if nothing else, at least the night would allow them time together. The long walk down to the Great Hall was a quiet one, each girl seeming rather consumed by her own thoughts. Matthew was waiting for Melody at the foot of the final staircase, and Char exchanged a content look with Daisy at the reunion of the Gryffindor lovebirds. "Do you think they beat us here?" she asked after taking a quick look about, unsure of what exactly their significant others had spent the afternoon and early evening occupying themselves with. Lunch had passed too quickly to get all of the details out, but Char hoped they'd enjoyed the nostalgia of being back in Hogsmeade, if nothing else.

[Peter Pettigrew]

Peter’s nerves pricked as he entered the Great Hall. The last time he had been here was also for a ball, earlier in the year. The last time he was here Daisy had just taken him back and in this very Hall, they had been summoned to receive the most awful news. Daisy’s mum had been found dead. Death Eater attack, naturally. Being here now had him very much on edge, but he wouldn’t have missed it for the entire world. Daisy needed him here today, so he had come; putting aside the day and the whole of tomorrow to see her graduate, witness her beauty at the Ball, and in the morning, to take her home with him.

“Is it any different now that you are engaged?” he asked, glancing sideways at Moony. He had asked the same of James when Lily had said yes, and if Sirius ever got it together, he would ask him too. Peter thought that, for he and Daisy in particular, it wouldn’t feel much different. They had been together so long, and really, Peter didn’t think it was possible to be more in love with Dais than he already was. Anymore love on his part and he would become consumed by it. He thought it just felt like…finally.

Finally, they would have arrived at the place they were always meant to go. The alter. The only problem Peter was having now was picking the perfect time to pop the question. He had acquired his families ring, which he carried with him always –he was carrying it now in the inside pocket of his tuxedo- he just couldn’t take the leap. It always seemed…not right. Like now. He didn’t want to propose to Daisy when Lovegood had already beaten him to it with…whatever her name was. He wanted it to be special. Daisy deserved grand gestures and happy memories, and by Merlin he would give her that.

His thoughts, which had been running in circles since arriving, suddenly halted. There she was. Daisy. Peter took a deep breath –he always stopped breathing when she walked into a room. He looked over to Remus, checking that he was seeing was Pete was. Their girls. Charlotte and Daisy. They had come down with Melody but Peter wasn’t sure where she ran off too, of course, he was too busy enjoying Daisy in her dress and then removing it from her in his mind.

“We are so lucky.” Peter said quietly as they came up behind the two recent Gryffindor graduates. “Charlotte, you look stunning.” He said, dropping a kiss on her hand as his mother had taught him. Char was stunning, statuesque and elegant, but she could never hold a candle to the fiery redhead next to her. When his eyes rested on his long-time girlfriend, he knew there was a certain amount of fire in them. He did nothing to hide it from her. He pulled her aside, wrapping her up in the cage of his arms and kissing her soundly. When he pulled away he took a deep breath through his nose –it had been too long!- and smiled down at her, shooting an apologetic grin to Moony and Charlotte. “I don’t think there is a word for how amazing you look right now, Daisy. Stunning doesn’t even begin to cover it, sorry Char.”

[Doc Dearborn]

Watching Eddie and Hes, Doc felt his recent anxieties fading to the back of his mind. Tonight was a time to appreciate, as fully as possible, how extraordinarily lucky he had been these last seven years; the two here with him now were prime examples of that, along with the other true friends he would never have made had he not convinced his parents to bring him to King's Cross Station all those years ago. To follow along with a family that better knew what they were doing, to trust that running headlong at a brick wall wouldn't incapacitate them. To have their second look at the magical world (Diagon Alley having shocked their senses in the days before), and trust that the train would take their only son safely to a new home.

While there was much he was discontented with about his life at home, Doc could try to repay his parents for that initial trust in this secret world by fighting to make it safe for the next round of families to come into it. But for now, he would gather some joy from making his girlfriend smile the way she was. He secured the daisies onto her wrist, grinning at her theatrics, and gladly took her kiss and hand. "Only the fanciest! If all else fails, at least we know I've got a flowershop as a backup," he joked as they headed out of the burrow. He still wasn't exactly sure what was different, if anything, between them now that they were an "official couple," but if it meant he could keep doing things that would embarrass other girls but only make her smile, he was all for the continuance of it. Hestia's agreement to their not-thought-out-at-all plan brought an even wider grin to his face, and Doc was about to start spitballing ideas when the gorgeous girl brought their attention to the one, the only: Danick Amor.

Stick around, please, Doc thought as Eddie and the Brazilian embraced, his mate looking as happy as he'd ever seen him. While their relationship had come to a natural pause, considering the distance, Doc had hoped that they hadn't seen the last of Danny. He was good for Eddie, and while Doc knew he could be there for the Scot in many ways, there was no replacement for a true partner. He shot a grin to Hestia at the surprise, chuckling as Eddie started to pelt the man with questions.

"Oi," he mock chided, struggling to keep a straight face, "don't say that like it's a bad thing - we are killing this look, charm his tie! C'mon baban, give 'em a twirl." Naturally, the lad followed his own instructions, spinning about sharply enough for his coattails to fly about in fun. While blaze orange generally wasn't his color...he hadn't been able to resist buying the splendidly lurid thing after seeing Hestia's dress. As Eddie addressed him, Doc gave a few quick shakes of his head. "Nah, this wanker didn't tell me a damn thing. Grand to see you, mate." The bloke went in for a hug, having sorely missed the other's presence these last months.

[Daisy Hookum]

Don't let them see you crying.

She ran her fingertips under her eyes as she leaned towards her mirror, doing her best to act as if she was simply double checking her make up. It wasn't as if she needed to, a simple smudge-proof charm kept it in place. Melody had already finished getting ready, and it seemed as if Charlotte was almost done as well. She was holding them up, fiddingly around with packing her things long into when she should have started to get ready. Every other year she'd been ready to go the morning of their last day, wanting to cling to every last moment of seeing her friends. But this year she was going home to an empty house, and couldn't bring herself to leave these walls in a rush. She'd try to keep it together all day, and she wasn't even sure she had slept last night.

She picked up the old earrings, one of the few things she had taken from her mother's house back in October. They'd picked out a different dress, back over the summer. Her mother had insisted, and it wasn't often they got days to just spend together. She couldn't bring herself to wear it, and had gone last minute shopping for something to match her mother's jewelry. She smoothed on a bit more of Sleak-Eazys, letting herself smile with the memory of when Charlus had given them all some as a joke. "Sorry, I'm ready now," she said as she turned to face her roommates, following them out of their dorm.

The walk was silent between them, something that wasn't usual. Between Melody and herself, they could carry on a conversation. But what were they supposed to talk about on this one last trip down for a ball? The crushing reality that was waiting for them once they left? At least Melody and Charlotte had plans for after this. She had a house left to her, and no idea where to start. Her mother had one foot in the muggle world, and the other in the wizarding one. And each one needed different information from her. While she was of age in the wizarding world, she had been assured the papers could wait until after she graduated. And due to the technically of the muggle world, she had to wait until she was 18 to formally to deal with her mother's affairs. Tomorrow. The plans her mother had made to celebrate such a silly thing, a year that didn't really matter. But she would miss that too.

Melody had split off from them, and Daisy laughed at Charlotte's question, "Well I took forever, bet they've been waiting for ages." She waved to a group of Ravenclaw's who had entered the great hall before them. It was only a few seconds before she heard a familiar voice, and she had to smile as she turned around. A gentlemen, and yet she felt herself smirk at the look he gave her before pulling her away from Charlotte and Remus. And while she had not expected the kind of kiss he was giving her, she couldn't help but love it, ignoring the obvious throat clearing coming from Remus' direction. She had missed this, they way he showed her affection without question. She felt loved, safe. Peter was going to protect her, no matter what it took. She couldn't doubt that. "Well, I think you are quite a sight yourself," she laughed, untangling herself from his arms so she could properly look at their friends. "And you look quite dapper, Remus."

[Remus Lupin]

It was strange, walking back into the school like they just belonged. It'd been almost a year to their own graduation, and so much had changed in this last year. Not all of it for the good, but some of it had. He looked to Peter at his mate's question, chuckinling. "Mate, I've seen her just as much you've seen Daisy these past few months. And you already know your parents aren't fond of Daisy so, I'm sure functions like lunch are already plenty uncomfortable." Living with Rufus for a few months after he found out about Remus' relationship with Charlotte, and that had been weird. Christmas Dinner had been the worst - if he was being honest. At least today they just mostly didn't talk to him. And that was just fine. "You could ask Xenophilius, looks like we just missed the show," he said as he nodded to the Ravenclaw's, noting that Xenophilius was getting up from kneeling on the ground.

He followed Peter past them into the Great Hall, shifting his weight from side to side as he pulled on the sleeves of his tuxedo. It was only perhaps a minute, both of them a bit lost in thought, before he spotted Charlotte and Daisy. He let out a grin, exchanging a look with Peter to confirm. He should have known what color Charlotte would be wearing when Daisy sent him very specific instructions for picking out a tuxedo. He chuckled at Peter's comment, both girls turning to look at them. Peter, ever the gentlemen, greeted Charlotte before moving to Daisy, and Remus smiled as he hugged Charlotte to him. "Well beautiful, what would your fiancé say if he knew about this?" he questioned with a laugh as he looked down at her, glancing up only to see Peter being Peter. Hadn't the last few years of school been enough for those kind of overwhelming displays of affection?

He cleared his throat uncomfortably, directing his attention back to Charlotte as he brought her hand to his lips. "I bought you a book in Hogsmeade for the train tomorrow, I'll send it by in the morning before I leave to go to Kings Cross. Got to pick up my fiancé, you know." It seemed that Peter was done embarrassing him, so Remus gave a nod to his apology as he turned to face them. "You've always had a way with words Peter. Think you can figure out some better ones for a best man speech?" He hadn't wanted to ask Peter without Charlotte, and this was as goood of a chance as any.

[Hestia Jones]

Hestia gave a laugh at Eddie’s response, one did have to worry about their effects on others. “Ah, the ever present struggle of the life of the beautiful, I feel for you.” It was a real shame he didn’t often show the world who he truly was, he could pull off eyeliner much better than she could. And she looked forward to seeing more shows his band played, eyeing doc with suspicion as she attempted to decide what he would look like with eyeliner. Make a mental note of that one. She smiled as they walked down the halls, remembering all the times they’d gone sprinting through them for some reason or another. Life wasn't that simple anymore.

Thankfully, Danny was there. Slipping back into old nicknames like no time had past, lighting up Eddie’s face like he had done over the summer. Eddie was spouting questions quicker than anyone could answer them, and she faked offense as he called them out for matching. She gladly gave a twirl, laughing at the way her dress spun with her, tossing her hair dramatically at the end. “Don’t listen to him, he’s just jealous that we’ve reclaimed the title of most adorable couple from them,” she teased, wrapping an arm around Doc after he returned from greeting Danny.

“You can get your hug from me later Mr. Spanish and Alluring, I’ve got a flask hidden in my bra and I see a punch bowl that could use a dose,” she said with a wink to them both, exchanging a look with Doc. “Come on Doctor, our patients need us.”

[Danick Amor]

It was on his short walk from the spot that he had been waiting to where the graduated Hufflepuffs were standing, but it was just enough time for his brain to run wild. Because yes, it was a surprise. But Hugo had done something similar last year, surprising Willa at her graduation. Didn’t think this one through, did you Danny? To be fair, he at least knew that Eddie had planned to come to the dance alone. He had more information to work with, and not years of distance between them since they last saw each other. Him showing up, unannounced, was the whole point of this trip.

And while it was clear Hestia and Doc were happily surprised to see him, he was much more involved in Eddie. Every inch of him. His arms wrapped around the Scot, returning the hug. It felt wonderful, to stand here with him like this. Just existing in the moment, absorbing every detail in his mind. The feel of the fabric of Eddie’s vest under his fingertips, the familiar and comforting warmth of a hug that was long over due.

And Eddie, grinning like a madman, was firing off questions, hardly letting him get a word in. He laughed at the other couple’s display of their outfits – Other couple? Getting ahead of yourself here – clapping at their dramatics. Orange was a great color, and they were pulling it off splendidly. “It’s fantastic to see you all,” Danny replied as he returned Doc’s hug, trying to keep up with the pace of their conversation.

It seemed Hestia wasn’t going to miss a beat though, leaving him with a compliment and a pointed look as she took Doc away with her. “I’m not Spanish, and save me a dance!” he exclaimed to her back, chuckling before he turned to give his full attention to the fully graduated from school Scotsman he’d missed. “Ah, answers to questions first. I came to see you graduate, and I didn’t tell you because how could I have missed out on a greeting like that?” Best not to mention that he was afraid of being told not to come.

He stepped forward, closing the distance between them before he reached up to place a hand on Eddie’s cheek, admiring his prince with a smile. “I missed you.”

[Charlotte Fudge]

"Oh shush, don't worry about the time, it was worth it," she reassured Daisy as she saw their partners. If that look on Peter's face was anything to go off of, he was very much a fan of the time investment. She gave a smile to Peter at his compliment, pleasantly surprised by it, and started beaming as her fiancé came forward, dressed to match her.  Remus made quick work of gathering her to him, and her arms automatically looped around his neck. As he held her so closely, her heart picked up, excited for - in just one more short 24 hour period - them to be living together again. For good. They'd officially be making his flat theirs, and he could hold her like this...kiss her...maybe more, now that you're engaged? While she generally tried to push down thoughts of them being together - idle daydreams were just that, and it would be embarrassing to be caught out by one of the girls for it - as the move-in had gotten closer, she couldn't control her biology enough to stop a few more curious thoughts than usual... 

"My fiancé?" Charlotte asked, perhaps too much still in recovery mode from exams or caught in thought of her extremely handsome fiancé to immediately catch onto his jest. We've only ever dated each other. The girl chuckled as his meaning dawned on her, unnecessarily smoothing the lapels of his extremely spiffy jacket as she edged a little closer to him. "Well...he knows to trust me."  She followed Remus' look over to their friends, exchanging a knowing look with him before he so sweetly took her hand; just minutes before, she'd been in a mood, not really looking forward to this event at all, and without even knowing that he was turning the night around for her. As he always found a way to do, he was reaffirming so simply that she had made the right choices about him in this last year, and she couldn't keep from smiling.

"Your fiancée?" His jest was a rather proud one, if she was reading him right, and she kissed him for it, not worrying if they attracted the sorts of stares Daisy and Peter just had. This was her last night around most of the people here, and it was about time she stopped caring so much of what they thought of her. "I hope she's not too cross with you for all of this," she teased affectionately. "Thank you," Char continued quickly, "for the book, for coming tomorrow - for being here all day...I really needed you here today."

Her attention was drawn away by Peter - as Remus would say - being Peter, and she laughed off his attempted apology. "She's beautiful," the girl agreed, overjoyed to see her friend seeming so happy. Peter had that effect on her, he always had; when they were apart, or broken up, it'd been so difficult for her to see Daisy not feeling like her happy self. In the months since her mother had passed away, Daisy never seemed as "fine" - perhaps even honestly so - as when she was with her boyfriend. He had that grounding effect on her, offering her a sense of security that no one else could; Char was eternally grateful to him for that, so if he was lost for words about how to aptly describe the redhead? There was no way she could take offense. As Remus addressed them, however...

"I wouldn't worry about that, love," she assured him, slipping her hand into his as she met her best friend's eye with a smile. His words were a surprise - the timing of them, not the choice - but Char was overjoyed to join in. "I trust the maid of honor to proofread his speech very carefully, however much he may try to distract her." Keeping her choices regarding the wedding party quiet had been difficult, but Char hadn't wanted to put pressures on anyone while they were still in school - she could hardly allow herself time to think on any of it, since she needed to pay respect to the years of effort that had gotten her to her N.E.W.T.s! Now that she was out, she could properly begin planning...but, truthfully, had nary a clue where to begin. She trusted that Lily and Willa would have advice from the Potter wedding, and that Daisy, bless her, would help her keep her head as they sorted out details. There wasn't anyone else she so badly wanted standing at her side that eventual day - besides Remus, of course, but Daisy's support meant as much as his did.

[Eddie Brown]

“Definitely not Spanish.” Eddie muttered under his breath as Hes and Doc left them, after a very excited greeting on everyone's part. They would meet up later, he was sure, his housemates liked hanging around Dan almost as much as he did. But he still felt a small pang watching them go. This was their last night together as students and he wanted to spend as much time with them as possible. He wanted to spend as much time with all of them as possible, and was looking forward to the house meeting tomorrow to say goodbye to all his old friends.  

It was very nice, however, to be in the presence of one of his newer 'friends' tonight as well. Again, a flare of excitement shot through him and his grin grew when Dan turned back to him. They were alone -well as alone as one could get in a crowded Hall- and they were really looking at each other now. Eddie was seeing the summer they had had together in super-speed, all the bliss and passion crammed into a few quick seconds. He bit his lip at Danny's words, his mental Eddie and Danny slide-show coming to a halt at a rather provocative image. “It was a very nice way to meet up again, good job gatinho.” 

Danny stepped into him then and he was lost to everything but him. Reflectively, the recent graduated reached out and wrapped his slim arms around Dan's body- Eddie had always enjoyed the other man's width. But when Danny placed an obviously affectionate hand on his face...he froze, realizing what they must look like. Immediately he tried to remember a time when he was openly familiar with another male this way in the castle. He didn't think he ever had, that was not something that was widely acceptable at Hogwarts, at least not to his knowledge. Eddie had always been careful about exposing himself to unnecessary danger over his sexuality... 

This was their last night, though. Some of these people he would never see again in his lifetime, and the ones that really mattered already knew, they already knew everything. And this was Danick. Eddie was helpless to fight his feelings for the darker man, always had been, and always would be. So, he leaned in, capturing Danny's mouth in a kiss that for Eddie, was searing. It was welcoming and slow and full of all the longing Eddie had felt in the last months. He was blushing slightly when they pulled away, feeling a little shy and amazed; it was like nothing had changed for either of them. “I missed you too.” Eddie said, unnecessarily, because it was clear in the way they touched how much they had missed  each other. “Let's go for a walk, mhm? Just a quick one.”

[Doc Dearborn]

As he'd hoped she would, Hestia wasted no time in joining him in a showing-off spin. The girl's pink and orange skirts weren't content to stay still, gently swirling yet as he returned to her from his hug with Danny. Doc grinned at her affection, eyebrows waggling at their housemate as he swung an arm about her shoulders. Yes, couple - here's your shot to get him back, mate. "Come now, was there ever truly a contest?" While the blokes were a handsome pair, undeniably, with Hestia at his side Doc couldn't see losing any sort of contest on adorableness.

A low laugh rumbled out of the lanky young man as his date made an announcement - an announcement that brought his curious attention to her chest (never a bad thing to take more notice of) - and carted him off into the decorated Hall. Doc gave a wave back at Eddie and Danny at the latter's call, glad he wasn't the jealous type himself. He was a tad bit loathe to leave them, but at the same point wanted to give them space to reconnect...but more than anything, Doc hoped the night would go smoothly for them. Out in the muggle world, people had their noses in everyone's business - it had only become legal during their childhood for a pair of consenting male adults to lead private lives together, God's sake! And here in the wizarding world, with prejudices running rampant, openness with sexuality deviating from "the norm" was rare indeed. The guys could take care of themselves, Doc knew, but he didn't want tonight to be anything but lovely for them...

"Have you really got a flask in there?" he asked, hand slipping into hers as they ducked around a precariously stacked tower of treats. He wondered how they were going to get away with this - in their fantastic orange, they rather stood out - but came up to the punch bowl with her regardless. "Really went all out for this, didn't they?" He took up a delicately configured chocolate flower, appreciating the look of it did a few moments before appreciating its taste. "Right, babes," Doc said excitedly, wasting no time in taking another chocolate, "what can I do to help?"