I come bearing the amazing news of a new chapter which has been painstakingly crafted for maximum fluff. I feel sick just looking at it.

Disclaimer: I still don't own anything really. But I'd love some reviews... they are life blood, clear my skin, water my crops.

Chapter 19:

Percival was slightly giddy after his birthday. He hadn't celebrated it for a while. He spent most of his time using the books he'd been given to make new recipes, or more garden plans. Adriana was perky as well. He'd started hugging her now. He'd always been shy about touch, and Grindelwald had only increased that shyness, but Adriana was his exception. He felt comfortable around her. But despite his feelings of giddiness, there was a bubble of discomfort. It was June. And that meant one thing. Adriana's birthday. He had no idea what to get her, especially after he got such wonderful gifts. There were high expectations on his shoulders and he had no clue what to do. First, he had to organise a party, it was the least he could do. But Adriana had far more friends than he did and therefore he'd need Maya's help. Possibly the Auror office instead of home. Percival paused. Home. It was home to him now. And that made him feel giddy again. No, he had to focus on the important things. He needed to buy a gift and it had to be something special. An idea started forming. If they had the party the night before her birthday... yes, it would be perfect.

How Maya managed to convince Diggory to agree to an office party that had become quite extravagant, Percival would never know. They were using one of the few open spaces on Level 2 and it had been decorated accordingly. Everyone knew Percival and Maya had organised it, and in a time of such chaos, it could not have been more welcome. Percival was thanked repeatedly for inviting effectively the entire Ministry. Adriana had spent much of the night red-faced and slightly embarrassed. Percival spent half the night hiding from everyone with Newt. They discussed his creatures and Newt's soon to be published book, although Newt had already slipped Adriana a copy. The other half was spent dancing with Adriana. He asked Maya to bring along her photographer boyfriend so he wouldn't forget this moment. Adriana, despite her embarrassment, did seem to be enjoying herself. She danced, laughed, and accepted each gift with gusto. She talked about anything and everything. Percival found himself too happy to think about anything else. She let him hold her close.

"Thanks for your help Maya." Percival said as he and Newt circled the room, leaving Adriana to dance with someone else.

"Oh no problem." She said brightly. "I'm glad you asked me to help, I love parties."

"You're very good at them." Newt agreed. Maya laughed and went off to find Albert so she could dance with him. "Have you given Adriana her gift yet?"

"Not yet." Percival admitted. "I'm giving it to her tomorrow."

"Fair enough." Newt said. They lapsed into silence. "Have I told you about Frank the Thunderbird?"

"I don't think so." Percival said, preparing himself for a long talk. Newt was off, explaining the whole story. Percival didn't mind so much. He wasn't good with creatures but Newt made it interesting. "Am I ever going to see the inside of this suitcase?" He asked offhandedly. Newt paused his monologue.

"I don't see why not. As long as you're nice to my creatures." Newt warned. Percival nodded. He was curious about what he kept in that suitcase.

They went to bed late that night but Percival woke up much earlier than she did. He brushed off the nightmare, not wanting it to ruin the day ahead. He decided to get started, first setting up the table. Then he collected some flowers from the garden and put them in a vase on the table. Finally he got to cooking. It would take a while to properly cook chicken, especially since he wasn't using magic. Doing it by hand made it so much more special. Adriana came downstairs at the perfect moment. She was still in her nightgown. Her eyes widened at the sight of the meal cooked just for her.

"Oh Percival you shouldn't have." She gasped.

"I really should have." He corrected. He pulled out the chair for her. She sat down and smiled at him.

"I love the flowers." She commented and Percival's heart leapt. "Carnations, right?"

"Yes." Percival said as he served the meal, ignoring the joyous thudding of his heart as he realised she did listen to him talk about the garden. It went exactly how he wanted it to. She laughed and smiled. She was happy. And that was all he cared about.

"Oh it's delicious." She gasped. Percival's face warmed, he felt as though someone had lit a fire in his stomach. They sat, and talked, and ate. But Percival wasn't done yet. He cleared everything away by magic and pulled Adriana into the living room. With a flick of his hand, the wireless switched on. They were playing soft jazz and Adriana laughed a little breathlessly as they swayed around the room. She was so close. Her head rested on his shoulder. Percival wished he had a camera for the perfect moment. They were even breathing in sync. When the song ended he pulled away.

"I have something for you." He breathed. Adriana looked at him in surprise and then a little hopeful. Percival wished he was braver man and that he could just kiss her. But instead a flat box floated towards them. Percival caught it and opened it for her. Adriana's eyes were as wide as galleons.

"It's beautiful." She whispered.

"May I?" Percival asked. Adriana pulled her hair up and turned around. Percival slipped the silver chain around her neck and did the clasp. It was a pretty little thing. Silver angel wing with a sword that encased a red ruby heart. Fitting given that she'd stolen his. It had been expensive and Percival had pretty much spent all the money he'd earned on it. But it was so worth it. She turned around, displaying the necklace so prominently. The smile on her face was even more beautiful. Percival wrapped his arms around her waist, gently kissing her forehead. "Happy birthday."