Donor Dinner

"Put it down," Ginny said, her wand pointed threateningly at Albus.

"It's just a few owls to answer, Mum!"

"Down," she repeated with a tilt of her head.

Albus rolled his eyes and put down his work bag. "There."

"Take the rolls of parchment from your duffle, now," she added.

Albus huffed, but set down his bag, unzipping the top and pulling out a handful of scrolls, setting them on the table. Ginny smiled, pleased with herself, as he zipped it back up.

"I found a bunch of old muggle construction videos," Albus said. "They keep Grandpa preoccupied if you need to go out. If you buy him anymore, you have to go to old thrift shops and find something they call VHS. I bought an old player thing and apparently they're the only ones that work in it."

"I can take care of Grandpa. You just go have fun. And don't spend the entire time thinking about work," Ginny said. "Did you ever give your owl a proper name, by the way?"

Albus gave a noncommittal shrug and Ginny pursed her lips at him with a half smile.

"Alright, off you go," she said again, kissing his cheek before Albus walked out into the garden with the portkey.

Albus wondered for a moment if he could summon some of the work and head off before his mum could take them back, but he saw her gathering them up in her arms through the window. He tapped the portkey, activating the tin and was pulled up and away. Albus landed in Lily and Lorcan's backyard. The whole lot of them stood, waiting. A chorus of squeals made him smile as three little bodies ran to tackle him.

Albus fell back in the grass and they crawled all over—Abby tentatively and the twins with carefree abandon, Cara hanging around his neck. Harriet ran awkwardly along the grass behind them, her toddler legs still trying to find their grounding. Albus held out his arms, laughing as she ran to him. He rocked back laying on the ground.

"Uncle Al," Abby said, standing over his face. "I have a loose tooth… see?"

She bared her teeth and used her tongue to wiggle one on the bottom right.

"Wow," Albus said, sitting back up. "You know, I have a spell that could get that out right quick."

Abby's eyes widened as she clamped both hands over her mouth and shook her head.

"I've already tried that one," Lily said, walking closer as Lorcan came beside the group, picking up Albus's bag in one hand and extricating Callie with his other arm. "She absolutely refuses to let me near it."

Albus carefully stood, holding Harriet as he did so. Cara jumped at his leg and he leaned down throwing the four year old over his shoulder.

"Oh, careful," Lily laughed. "Don't go breaking your back."

Albus followed her into the house through the back door that went into a mud room as Abigail told him all about school and learning how to write in sentences. "I wrote a story for you, Uncle Al," she said.

"I can't wait to read it."

"I hope you don't mind, but our guest room is a converted attic. It stays nice and warm, at least. And you shouldn't hear the girls if they get up too early," Lily said. "Lorcan will take your things up."

"Yeah, that's fine," he said.

Lily lead him into the kitchen where Emily Davis sat at the table.

Albus couldn't remember the last time he'd seen Emily. Definitely not since they were teenagers. When the rest of his family lived in Maryland and Albus came quite often, he knew Lily was going out with her on weekends, but Lily more often met her at a bar or wherever they were going.

Not that he had been aching to see her. Between the times Emily came to visit Lily or Lily visited Emily, Albus always preferred the latter. Somehow, when Emily and Lily were teamed up, he ended up the target of all their jokes.

"You remember Emily, right?" Lily asked.

"Of course," Albus said. "How have you been?"

"I've been alright," she said with a strained smile. "You?"

"Good, good," Albus said.

Even with a forced smile, she was pretty. With a round face, pale skin with a perfect natural blush, large blue eyes, and full, dark hair, Emily reminded Albus of a collection of porcelain dolls a girl he dated several years before owned. It just added to the reasons he mentally clumped her in with the popular, mean girls at Hogwarts.

Of course the sad way her shoulders slumped gave Albus pause. Abigail ran over and sat on Emily's lap.

"Aunt Emmy and Uncle Al here at the same time!" she declared. "This is the happiest day of my life!"

They all laughed and Albus put Cara down. She ran over to Lily, wrapping around her leg. Albus sat on the opposite side of the table from Emily as Lily brought over a pitcher of juice and several cups. "I can't remember how far ahead you are," Lily said. "What time did you leave?"

"It was eight at home," Albus said. "So, five hours."

"And how's Grandpa doing?"

"Oh, you know… distracting himself with batteries. Keeping me on my toes with the occasional explosions. The usual."

Lily shook her head.

"Which grandpa is this?" Emily asked. "Rolf?"

"No, our grandpa," Lily said. "Grandpa Weasley. I don't think you ever met them when you came. Our grandma died this year. Albus moved into their house to help out recently."

"Well, that's nice," Emily said.

"Yeah, it's great," Albus said. "Except it's impossible to get anything accomplished. I got a telly and that's helped."

"A what?" Lily asked.

"A television," Emily answered for him. "My aunt has one at her house. We watch movies on it some weekends."

"Really?" Albus said. "I could have used your help in figure the damned thing out."

"Uncle Al said damned!" Cara shouted.

Lorcan entered the kitchen, carrying Callie under his arm like a sack of flour. "Don't tattle, Cara," he said.

They talked a while longer about Grandpa Weasley and Lily asked about what new work Albus was doing. For about an hour Abigail brought out coloring books and crayons, making Albus help her color princesses, teddy bears, and unicorns. "Make that one look like Aunt Emmy," Abigail instructed.

"I was going to make it look like you, Abby," he said.

"No," she said, putting up a finger of warning. It was a gesture that seemed to be passed down from one woman to another in their family. "Aunt Emmy," she repeated.

Albus grabbed a black crayon, following orders and coloring the girl on the page with dark hair, blue eyes, and choosing purple for the dress to match the shirt Emily wore now. Albus was already tired by the time they were cooking dinner. He got up to help, offering to make the sauce for the chicken.

"You know how to cook?" Emily asked skeptically.

Albus glanced back at her. She had a smirk and he found himself irritated. "Why do you sound so surprised?" he asked.

"I just haven't met many single men who know how to cook," Emily said. She stood, pulling out a spoon and dipping it into the sauce he was making. She blew on it and tasted. "That's really good, actually."

"Yes, well, some of us don't feel like eating bachelor food for the rest of our lives," Albus said. Emily went to dip her spoon in again and Albus caught her wrist. "Don't."

Emily tossed the spoon into the sink and grabbed a clean one, dipping it in for another taste as Albus shook his head.

Soon they all sat around the table eating dinner.

"So, the plans for this week," Lily said, cutting up food for Harriet in her high chair. "Mum told me I'm to try and get you to have at least a few lie-ins."

"Mum needs to stop micromanaging."

"Can't ask a leopard to change their spots," Lily said, grinning at him. "Anyway, whenever you're up for it tomorrow I thought we'd go to Salem."

"Portkey?" Albus asked.

"Actually, since it's a popular wizarding location they have doorways set up at several cities around the country here," Lily said. "Easier with the kids."

"You going to the one in Philadelphia?" Emily asked.

Lily nodded. "We'll take the bus and go from there. Figured we could get the big outing done early in the week."

"Sounds good," Albus said, scooping more green beans onto his plate. He wondered if Grandpa was eating more with his mum taking care of things. "What else?"

"Well, there's some things to see in Baltimore. Or we could meet Lorcan one evening down in DC after he's done with work," Lily said. "Maybe Thursday? You can come Thursday, right Em?"

Emily let out a breath. "That depends," she said. "There's this… thing at work. An annual dinner they hold for donors and they like for the staff to come. They cancel school on Friday and everything, but I'm trying to get out of it. Fiona thinks I should go."

"Why wouldn't you?" Albus asked.

Emily looked at Lily. They seemed to have some secret conversation in their glances.

"We can plan DC for Wednesday and you can come," Lily suggested. "But maybe Albus can go to the dinner with you? I mean, if it's something where they're allowing dates."

"Yeah they are," Emily said, tilting her head in thought.

"What?" Albus asked. "Why?"

"It would probably be easier going with someone," Lily shrugged.

He sat back as Emily looked at him. "Yeah, that might be okay," she said.

Albus felt heat rise up his neck. Emily was appraising him like a mediocre piece of meat. The way she said it would be okay, he got the feeling he was the lesser of two evils. He hated it, but kept his mouth shut.

"Alright, so Albus will spend Thursday night with you," Lily said. "Then Friday Abigail has a play at school. I'm not having her go the rest of the week, but she wanted you to come see, Albus."

"That sounds great," Albus muttered, digging into his food.

"Getting tired?" Lorcan asked.

"Yeah, just a bit," Albus said, scratching his head and leaning back.

"I want to read Uncle Al a bedtime story," Abigail said.

"Alright," Lily said. "But then you must make him go straight to bed."

Abigail laughed at this and they all shuffled around the kitchen, grabbing dishes.

"I'll get those," Emily said, taking plates from Albus as Abigail grabbed him by the hand, dragging him into the living room.

Albus sat on the rug in front of the couch. Abigail settled into his lap while Cara and Callie climbed all over the place, primarily on his shoulders, knocking his glasses askew at one point. He paid attention to Abigail as she read an illustrated book. About halfway through, she ignored the words on the page, running her finger under the text while simultaneously making up her own story.

"Are you sure that's what it says?" Albus asked with a grin.

"Yes. And stop interrupting," Abigail told him.

She finished up, closing the book with a confident nod.

"That was the best bedtime story I've had in ages," Albus said.

"And now it's time for everyone to go to bed," Lily instructed, walking into the room. Emily leaned against the doorway between the living room and kitchen, arms folded and smiling at the girls. "Say goodnight to Uncle Al and Aunt Emmy."

The girls peppered him with kisses before moving along and Albus stretched out, putting his hands behind his head.

Lily carried over a basket of clean clothes, sitting right next to Albus to fold. Lorcan corralled the three older ones as Emily held onto Harriet, bouncing her around and pacing on the other side of the room. "There are towels and some extra blankets in the closet in your room," Lily said. "Did you need anything else?"

"Just enough energy to get my ass up there," he said with a yawn.

Lily smiled. "I'm glad you decided to come," she said.

"Me too," Albus replied. With a groan, he pushed himself to his feet, gave Lily a kiss on the cheek and said goodbye to Emily, heading up the stairs. As he crashed on the bed, Albus hated the thought that came. His mother was right. He did need this vacation.

Emily finished with the stack of plates with a flick of her wand, setting them on the shelf.

"Thank you so much," Lily said, letting out a heavy breath.

"Thanks for dinner," Emily replied with a smile. She walked over, stopping in the doorway and watched as Cara and Callie moved around like hummingbirds. Albus sat there as though there weren't two little monkeys crawling on him, listening to Abigail, whose story had definitely taken a tangent.

"Are you sure that's what it says?" Albus asked, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

"Yes. And stop interrupting," Abigail told him.

Emily laughed quietly to herself as Albus obeyed. Abigail was definitely the leader of the girls. A decision maker to the core. She was almost surprised that Albus didn't push the questions. Emily remembered him being a bit of a know it all. There was always something someone misspoke and he never just let it go. Of course, he was older now. They both were. She supposed how he acted at fifteen wasn't a fair benchmark. It was fun watching how much the girls adored him.

Emily's heart panged. This was the type of scene she had wanted to see with Eric. Not nieces, of course, but children of their own. A little over a week ago Emily was sure this was the road they were heading towards and now she was heartbroken not only because of what Eric did, but because of everything she lost as a result.

Lily walked into the room at the end of the story, calling for them all to go to bed. Lorcan rounded up the girls and Emily reached out for Harriet, already in her pajamas. Harriet wrapped her arms around Emily's neck as Emily walked her back and forth. She made noises and Harriet smiled, though it never lasted long as the toddler was grumpy, tired, and fighting sleep.

Lily talked with Albus for a bit and he finally stood, his eyes droopy with exhaustion.

"Good to see you again, Emily," he said.

"You too," she replied. "We'll see you later this week."

"Yeah," he added, then turned and took the stairs up.

Emily adjusted Harriet in her arms, cradling her across her body and bouncing her up and down as her eyes opened and closed.

"He really doesn't have to go with me if he changes his mind," Emily told Lily.

"Albus will be fine," Lily said. "I'm guessing he rarely goes out anymore. It's not like he's going to see much action with us here all week. Maybe just take him out to a bar or something after?"

"Yeah, that would be fine," Emily said, looking off.

"What is it?" Lily asked.

"I'm just thinking of what Thursday will be like," Emily said.

"Has he tried talking to you again?"

"No," Emily said. "There's still flowers on my porch almost every day. And he sent me an owl."

"What did it say?" Lily asked, her upper lip lifting in disgust.

"Mostly the same. Talk to me, baby. I want to work things out," she mimicked. Lily rolled her eyes. "He said it wasn't just his fault all this happened."

"He what?!"

"Yeah," Emily said.

"You aren't buying that line, right?"

"I don't know," Emily said. "He said he'd been feeling insecure and—"

"Stop," Lily said. "Nothing you could have done justified what he was doing."

Emily nodded, looking down at little Harriet in her arms. There was a part of her that wanted to believe this was her fault as well. Maybe then she had some control over fixing it. Then Emily thought about all the girls she taught, all the times she told them not to be defined by these idiotic teenage boys, all the moments she told them to be strong. She was glad to have Lily to tell her these things now.

"Well, if you bring a date he'll have to see it's over," Lily said.

"Yeah," Emily said. "So long as he doesn't realize it's just a favor."

"I'll prep Albus," Lily promised.

"I guess I'll owe him a few rounds," Emily said with a smile, leaning over and kissing Harriet's cheek, the little girl fast asleep in her arms.

They had to be careful with how loudly the girls commented as they went through the various museums. Albus was impressed in how the muggle and wizarding information worked side by side, little charms placed so that only wizards could see the extras. The upkeep on such cloaking charms had to be an extraordinary amount of work.

"Mum, did any of them go to Hogwarts?" Abigail asked.

"No dear," Lily whispered. "They might have gone to school here. Be a little more quiet for the muggles, sweetheart."

Albus had Callie on his shoulders. Cara and Harriet were in the stroller as they continued to the park with benches. It was unseasonably warm for the start of November. A warm spell, Lily said. They were supposed to get snow by the weekend.

"There's an ice cream truck, Uncle Al," Abigail pointed out.

"Don't be rude, Abby," Lily said.

"Oh, she just knows the right veins to tap, Lil," he said, pulling his wallet out of his back pocket and sorting through some of the muggle money he had gotten before coming. "I get two bites," he added as he gave Abigail money and followed her over. They grabbed ice creams for everyone and Albus made the mistake of letting Callie hold her own right over his head.

"Uh-oh," Callie said as it plopped into his hair.

Lily laughed as Albus wiped the ice cream off the top of his head, knowing he couldn't really get it clean with so many muggles around.

"My ice cream," Callie cried when she realized the full extent of her blunder. Albus picked her off his shoulders, leaving Lily to comfort her while he went back to get another. They sat around a bench, this time Albus helping Callie hold her cone.

"You're so sweet, Al," Lily said as he brought her back one this time as well.

"So what's the deal with Thursday?" Albus asked.

Lily took a deep breath, looking down at Abigail. Probably to make sure she wasn't listening intently. "Emily's ex works at the school."

"Oh, okay," Albus said. Still confused. "I mean, isn't that just the risk of dating a co-worker though?"

"Not quite. It's, er, worse than that," Lily said. "She walked in on a certain scene in the staff room."

Albus nodded, taking this in. "So two coworkers are the problem then."

"Yes," Lily confirmed. "And it was only a couple weeks ago. So if you could just… seem interested. It will make him back off a bit."

"Wait, he's still—"

"Yeah," Lily interrupted him. "Wants her to work things out with him."

Albus scoffed. Emily wasn't his favorite person, but even he felt bad for her. "Alright," he said. "I guess I can do that."

"You're such a knight in shining armor," Lily said, reaching out to cup Albus's chin.

Albus swatted her hand away. "Shut up," he said, failing in his attempt to scowl.

Arthur tried all week to bring up the Halloween Ball. They only held one every few years and he couldn't imagine a better time to make some real magic happen with Molly. It was their third year and the more he got to know her, the more he was certain he was in love with her. Only, she didn't seem to know this.

Billius didn't help. He embarrassed Arthur in front of Molly every chance he got. It was why Arthur didn't ask Molly to the Ball on Tuesday. Billius was busy at Quidditch practice now, though, so it was Arthur's chance. Maybe his only one.

The portrait door swung open and Molly came through with her dorm mate, Lyra. They were chatting and Arthur stood up, wiping the palms of his hands on his robes. "Molly?" he said, jumping right in front of the pair of them.

Molly's eyes widened as she stopped in her tracks. "Hi, Arthur," she said.

"Can I… talk to you?" he asked, looking between her and Lyra. "Alone?"

Lyra stifled a laugh, covering her mouth. Arthur thought his freckles might burn off, his face felt so hot. Molly gave Lyra a side glance. "I'll be up in a minute," she told Lyra.

"Okay," Lyra said with a shrug, her overly large front teeth clear with her grin as she turned and went up the girls' staircase.

"Yes?" Molly asked, pulling Arthur's attention back.

He cleared his throat over and over.

"What is it?" she asked again.

"I w-wanted to see if you'd go to the Halloween Ball w-with me," he said, his mouth going dry.

Molly's expression was one of complete surprise. "Oh," she said. "I'm flattered, really."

Arthur's whole body fell, looking down at her tone, knowing what was coming.

"Okay," Molly said.

Arthur looked back up. "Really?"

Molly smiled. "Yeah, really," she said. "Why are you so surprised? I think it will be fun. I just… have to tell Braxton that I can't go with him after all."

"Wait, you're going to ditch someone else?" Arthur asked.

"Well, I mean, I was hoping that Jupiter would ask me, but I guess he asked a girl from his house and year. And I like Braxton, but I don't know him very well," Molly said. "It will be more fun to go with you."

Various emotions cycled through Arthur's mind. The first was a triumphant moment. She'd rather spend time with him than Braxton. Then came the realization that she was still hung up on Jupiter. Jupiter was a year older than them in Hufflepuff, but he had a reputation in the school for going through a new girlfriend each week. It might just be a matter of time before he set his eye on Molly.

Then Arthur remembered something his mum always told them when it came to dating. She always told them to make the kind decision, rather than the selfish one, and to expect the same from the girls they asked out. Braxton wasn't a close friend. He was in Ravenclaw, which meant they doubled up for Herbology classes. He was quiet. Arthur hadn't gotten to know the guy himself, but Braxton had always been accommodating.

"Er," Arthur stalled, scratching the top of his head.

"What is it?" Molly asked. "Don't you think it will be fun?"

"Well, I did," Arthur said, avoiding her eyes. "But what about Braxton?"

"What about him?" Molly said.

"I just… don't know if I feel right about asking you to ditch him."

Molly laughed a little. "It's not like we're going steady."

"Yeah, but what's to keep you from ditching me if Jupiter also asks you in the next week?" Arthur asked. His face was red again. He knew it. Molly was looking at him, mouth hanging open slightly. "One of the things I've always liked about you is how nice you are, Molly. So… I think I've changed my mind." He cleared his throat, but didn't have anything else to say. Molly's eyes were fixed on him.

Awkwardly, Arthur turned, leaving her alone in the common room. He walked up the steps and into his dormitory. Arthur laid back in his bed, staring at the drapes.

He shouldn't have said that, he thought. He'd bungled things for good. That was it. He'd never get another shot at Molly Prewett and he knew it. Arthur reached over for a pillow pressing it against his face and groaning. He did this another dozen times before finally falling asleep.

When he woke in the morning, there was a note right next to him on his pillow. His name was written in a loopy cursive, the last letter extending into a big circle around his name. Arthur opened it up slowly, swallowing.

Dear Arthur,

I'm sorry. You were right. I'll still go with Braxton to the Ball, but can we go to Hogsmeade together in two weeks?

Let me know,

Molly

She signed her name with a heart in place of the 'o' and Arthur felt a smile tug at the corner of his mouth. Hogsmeade weekend. That was by far better than some stupid ball.

Emily paced in the living room. She would see Eric tonight. She wondered if he would sit next to Grete. He hadn't left her flowers for the last few days, so maybe he had finally given up on the idea of reconciliation.

There was a knock at the door and Emily opened it. Albus stood, his hands in his pockets and eyebrows raised. "Wow, you're well dressed," Emily said. Albus generally dressed in a style that could only be described as uninformed when it came to fashion. Every time she'd been over this week, he'd been wearing ill fitting jeans and branded t-shirts.

"Lily likes turning me into a mannequin," Albus said with a shrug.

Emily was grateful for Lily on that count. He was certainly dressed up in comparison, though he almost looked too stiff now. Lily had dressed him in dark wash jeans that fit to his body for once, and in a colored button down shirt. Albus had this tucked in and wore a black tie, all being set off with a nice, fitted jacket. Instead of trainers, he wore leather lace up shoes.

"Okay, well come in here," Emily said. She suddenly realized just what needed to happen before they went to her school. Albus looked confused as she ushered him inside. Emily reached out, pulling his shirt from the jeans.

"What are you doing?" he asked. She reached up to remove the tie.

"Just making you look right," she replied.

"Right how?" he asked.

Emily undid the top button. "Well, don't take this the wrong way, but you don't really look like the kind of guy I would actually date."

Albus blinked, his face going sour. "What's the right way to take that?"

"Okay, I'm sorry," Emily backtracked. "It just looks way more pathetic bringing someone who's obviously doing me a favor."

Albus's jaw tensed as Emily reached out, messing his hair up a bit more. He ducked away from her hand.

"Do you need the glasses to see?" she asked. They were perfectly cornered rectangular frames, easily a quarter inch thick and black.

"No, they're reading glasses."

Emily reached up to take them off, but Albus dodged her hands again, taking them off himself. He folded them, putting them into his jacket pocket and Emily froze. His eyes were amazing. She had never really noticed, the way they were hidden behind the thick, unbecoming frames. He looked at her, his striking green eyes piercing hers. Emily swallowed.

"Anything else you needed me to change?" he snapped.

"Uh, no, you look good now," she said, glad she had worn flats instead of heels. She had a feeling he'd be more disgruntled if she had wanted him to wear lifts, since he was only a few inches taller than her.

"Alright, let's go," Albus muttered.

Emily definitely owed him one, she realized. They made their way out the door and apparated to the front lawn of the school. Emily took a deep breath. Eric was probably already in there.

Albus nudged her with his elbow. "You okay?"

"Of course," she said, trying for nonchalance.

Albus reached down and took her hand in his, his fingers locking in between hers. Emily gave him a grateful smile and they made their way through the front doors.

Most of the attendants sat, filling their plates with food already. "Emily," Fiona called, waving her down.

Emily looked up at Albus and pulled him along. She looked to her left and saw Eric, his eyes narrowed as he stared at them. She turned her head purposefully and they sat next to Fiona.

"Hello, dear," Fiona said, kissing Emily's cheeks. "Who is this?"

"This is Albus Potter. Albus, this is Fiona and Reggie Lancaster," Emily said. He reached over and shook Fiona's hand, then her husband's.

"I was in town and wanted to catch up with Em," he said with a half smile.

"And where are you from?" Fiona asked.

"I grew up just outside of London, but I'm currently in Devon," he replied. "And do both of you work at the Academy?"

"Oh, no. I teach history, but Reggie actually does field research. He's about to put out a book on the history of Merpeople in the Atlantic," Fiona said.

"Fascinating," Albus said, leaning forward. "Do you speak Mermish then?"

Emily was surprised as they continued talking. Albus was smiling and engaged. He almost always deflected back to them when probed about his own work, but overall he was charming. It was like the glasses came off and this enchanting, handsome man took over. Shit, she thought, he's Superman. Old eighties superhero movies were Emily's favorites, compared to the chick flicks her aunt preferred. Emily always thought the Clark Kent glasses disguise was a bit far fetched, but suddenly found herself eating her words on that count.

Albus's attention was pulled away by one of the donors sitting with them at the table, talking about the state of International politics. Emily looked over as Grete approached Eric. They talked for a few minutes before Eric walked away, leaving Grete there with her arms folded and a nasty look on her normally pretty face. Emily felt a decent amount of satisfaction at the moment.

She was nudged and turned her attention to Fiona on her right.

"Oh, you found a Brit," Fiona laughed quietly, grabbing her goblet. "Brava, m'dear. That should do the trick."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Please," Fiona scoffed. "You have to tell me where you found him. And why didn't you bring him out to play right after all of Eric's bullshit?"

Emily smiled. Fiona would be the one to get right to the sticking point. "He's a family friend," Emily said. "He just happened to be here on vacation."

"Well, make sure you cut off a slice of that before you pass it along," Fiona whispered.

Emily rolled her eyes as the Principal called for the attention of the room. She probably would have had his speech memorized by now, if she ever listened to it. He said the same things every year: the school is what it is because of their donors, the future of the children, the dedication of the teachers, blah, blah, blah. About halfway through the speech, Albus leaned in, whispering into Emily's ear. "How long is this part?" he asked.

His breath on her skin sent a chill down Emily's spine. She turned towards him, pausing to look at his eyes again. "Probably another ten minutes," she said. "Then we can get out of here."

"I didn't mean that you need to rush out on my account," Albus said.

"Generally after this is a bunch of schmoozing around the room," Emily said. "Definitely don't need to stay for that."

"Alright, as long as you're sure."

It took closer to fifteen minutes. They applauded and Emily sat back. Albus chatted with Phileus Yarbough, sitting across the table from them, about the differences between the American Magical law system to that of England for a while. Phileus, their transfiguration teacher, was the first to make the connection to his last name being Potter, which brought on a whole other type of conversation. Albus seemed to take in stride.

"Wow, I can't believe I can say I met the famous Harry Potter's son," Phileus said. "What does your dad do nowadays?"

"Oh, same as you actually," Albus said. "He's teaching at Hogwarts."

Albus looked at Emily, raising his eyebrows. She smiled back.

"You know, I promised Albus I was going to show him some night life after dragging him here," Emily said, pushing her chair back. She noticed Eric standing from his own seat from the corner of her eye.

"It was a pleasure to meet all of you," Albus said, setting his napkin down beside his plate. He grabbed Emily's jacket, holding it out for her before they made their way towards the exit.

"That wasn't bad," Emily said to Albus as they left the light of the main hall.

"Emily?"

Emily and Albus both stopped and turned. She clenched her teeth. Eric had followed them out.

"Hey, I didn't get a chance to talk to you," he said genially, approaching them.

Albus looked at Emily. "It's okay," she said. "I'll be back in just a minute."

Albus shrugged as Eric pulled Emily a few yards away.

"What the hell, Em?" Eric hissed, hands on his hips. "I'm trying to fix things and—"

"You know what, just stop," Emily said. "There's no fixing what you did." She turned and he grabbed her arm.

"No wait, please, Emily," Eric said, his tone earnest. She turned back. He licked his lips. "Don't let it end this way. You're the one, Em. You've always been the one."

Emily had a moment where she actually felt sorry for him. The way his eyes shifted between hers, searching for some sign of hope. He moved his thumb along her arm. She steeled herself. "Well your counting has been off," she replied.

Emily reached up and removed his hand, turning and walking away from Eric. Albus looked past her as she approached.

"You okay?" he asked.

"Peachy. I think I owe you a drink," Emily said. She stopped and tried to smile up at him. She looked back at Eric as they proceeded. "I think I earned one of my own, too."