The mansion was a large two story with gothic Victorian architecture. Each and every window was lit up issuing a warm glow. People arrived by apparition, buggy, and car. They followed the pathway with floating lights that flanked the walkway up to the front door where two enchanted suits of armor opened the doors for the guests.
Newt gripped Eloise's hand as they entered through the doors handing their jackets to the check girl. Next looked quite handsome in his black formal three piece wizarding robes and the white bowtie Eloise had talked him into wearing so he'd match with her.
Eloise wore a white V-neck dress with a V-cut opening in back reaching down just below mid-back with a small train, the dress was loosely fitted down to her feet barely brushing the ground, a crystal clip was pinned to the front of the dress at the point of the v, she wore a soft silk scarf with the tails of the scarf reaching down her back past her knees, and a pair of white heels accented in crystals. Her hair fell down in a side part cascading in soft waves, she had a pair of crystal cluster earrings, a lovely crystal ring with matching bracelet, and her necklace from Newt hanging around her neck. Her lips were a frost pink that matched her eyeshadow which was accented with soft silver and swoops of black eyeliner made her eyes pop.
She smiled as she thought back to when Newt had first seen her in her dress. There was that adorable blush that made his freckles stand out which in turn made her blush as well. They made their way through the foyer and into the main ballroom where many witches and wizards were gathered. As they moved through the crowd Eloise was greeted by quite a few of them until they stopped next to the host for the night.
"Eloise!" Phineas greeted boisterously as he wrapped her in a giant bear hug. Phineas was a tall man with thick dark brown hair parted to the side then back, but not slicked down, just combed back. He also had a matching trimmed beard and light blue grey eyes accented with laugh lines. He also wore his formal black robes with a black vest under it with silver pin stripes.
"Hello Phin." Eloise patted his back as he sat her back down before reaching out retaking Newt's hand. "Phin, this is my boyfriend Newton Scamander, Newt, meet my cousin Phineas Rothgar."
"Nice to meet you." Newt said as they shook hands.
"You as well Mr. Scamander." Phineas grinned happily pumping his hand up and down before releasing it. "Now as I understand it from Eloise you've found a new way of erasing memories using a Swooping Evil, I would love to her more about it. I'm always interested in new medical frontiers."
"Of course." Newt nodded as he and Phineas began to discuss his research.
Eloise was happy to see how well they were getting on as she chatted with a few other guests. Her eyes scanned the crowed as she sipped her drink that she had gotten from a passing waiter. There were the usual highbrow guests as one would expect to find at a function such as this. Though some fit the bill of the snobbish upper crust many of them were there for more upstanding reasons than just to be seen.
She nearly broke her glass though, when she saw Theseus walk into the room, the woman on his arm causing a surge of anger to shoot through her body. Leta Lestrange glided in, her sleeveless dress of black with silver crystal accents flowing around her form perfectly, the neckline a swooped down with a cowl. She had a matching crystal headband with a few wispy feathers hanging from it adding a touch of mystery to her look. Her hair was molded into waves against her head, and her jewelry looked very expensive made up of black diamonds and silver that went divinely with her dark makeup.
"Newton." Theseus smiled as he came up to them, Newt going stiff, his conversation with Phineas coming to an abrupt stop. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"Theseus…" Newt turned to face him, but his voice ceased at the sight of Leta. "…Leta."
"Hello Newt." Leta smiled up at him, her eyes hardening as the slid over to Eloise. "Eloise."
"Leta." Eloise slipped her hand into Newt's, the magizoologist gripping her hand tightly. "Hello Theseus, how have you been?"
"I've been great, really great." Theseus nodded happily. "I'm glad you came Newt, I've tried owling you, but never got a reply." Eloise knew Newt had been getting posts from Theseus, but he never even opened them and she had decided not to press the subject. "I have fantastic news."
"Really? What's that?" Newt asked tightly, his eyes flickering between Leta and Theseus, his brother wrapping his arm around Leta pulling her closer.
"I'm engaged, Miss Lestrange has agreed to be my wife." Theseus beamed while Leta had a grin on her face. Leta held out her left hand showing off a very expensive looking diamond ring, a large smile on her lips.
"Well congratulations." Phineas slapped him on the back and shaking Leta's hand. Eloise and Newt on the other hand both looked stricken for a moment before Newt recovered and nudged Eloise to do the same.
"Yes, congratulations Theseus." Eloise gave him a tight smile as Newt nodded along with her words. "If you would excuse us I need to go find my father." Eloise turned to Phineas. "Phin, would you happen to know where he is?"
"Of course El, this way." Phineas nodded his goodbye to the upcoming couple and lead them through the crowd. Eloise glanced up at Newt with her brows furrowed at his pensive expression. Newt's lips were drawn into a thin line and he looked to be deep in thought.
"Are you ok?" Eloise whispered to Newt when they were out of ear shot of Theseus and Leta.
"I'm fine." Newt smiled softly down at her placing a reassuring hand over hers. "How are you?"
"I am as well." Eloise leaned her head on his shoulder as Newt wrapped his arm around her waist.
"I do admit it was a bit of a shock." Newt commented.
"Yes, it was." Eloise agreed then smirked slyly up at him. "Told you that you should have read those letters from Theseus."
"Yes well…" Newt's lips twitched into a smile. "Maybe next time."
"El, couldn't help but notice some tension back there." Phineas commented as he fell into step with them.
"Yes, well, we have some…" Eloise glanced up at Newt.
"History." Newt supplied.
"We'd rather not talk about it." Eloise hastened to say when she saw the question forming on Phineas' lips. He gave her one more searching look before shrugging his shoulders letting the subject drop knowing Eloise was to stubborn to give in.
"Alright." Phineas shrugged and turned into the library just across the hall from the ballroom.
Inside a smaller group of older witches and wizards were listening to Balthazar Baewulf. He was a distinguished man with tanned skin, long pepper and salt colored hair pulled into a low ponytail, and deep brown eyes lit up as he talked about one of his favorite artifacts. Eloise recognized some other famous curse breakers amongst the crowd, friends of her fathers, who were playfully debating with him about their adventures.
"My darling." Balthazar called out as soon as he spotted Eloise, crossing over to her with the aid of his cane and pulling her into a tight hug pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
"Hello father, how are you?" Eloise beamed up at him.
"Quite well my dear, quite well." Balthazar turned to Newt. "Newton Scamander." Balthazar smiled at the young man who fidgeted under his gaze. The last time he had seen Balthazar was right before his and Eloise's separation in school. "I understand you and my daughter have become close again."
"I…um…yes sir." Newt forced himself to make eye contact.
"Come over here Newton, I want to show you something. Eloise stay with here Phineas." Balthazar said leaving no room for argument as he wrapped his arm around Newt taking him to a secluded area behind one of the library shelves. "The last time my daughter mentioned you she was crying."
"I realize that in the past I was foolish and…and hurtful in my actions toward Ellie, but I promise that I'll never do such a thing to her again." Newt said quickly.
"Make sure that you don't boy." Balthazar gripped his shoulder tightly. "Or I'll throw you into an interesting man sized Chinese puzzle box and you'll never come out the same again."
"I swear…" Newt looked up at Balthazar, his posture straightening as he locked eyes with the older man. "…that I will never hurt her again, I love her sir."
"Is that so?" Balthazar hummed eyeing Newt then gave him a wide smile. "I'm glad to hear that son, and I believe you." He looked over to where Eloise was talking to Phineas. "I can see how happy you make her and how happy she makes you." Balthazar placed his right hand over his left, running his thumb over his golden wedding band. "That is something no sane person would ever give up lightly, not even when they are parted."
"You're right sir, I'll never give up Eloise again." Newt agreed.
"I hold you to that." Balthazar said seriously before they rejoined the others.
Newt found himself in the midst of very interesting conversations with like-minded magical creature lovers. He smiled shyly at some of the praise he received on his work with the Graphorns. He glanced over to Eloise who was gesturing wildly with her arms as she explained one of her adventures to some of her father's colleagues. Her father was standing behind where she was sitting looking very proud of his daughter, one of his hands resting on her shoulder. Newt excused himself and started over to Eloise, but was cut off by Leta.
"Newt, we didn't have a chance to talk earlier." Leta said placing a hand on his upper arm.
"Ah, yes, well Eloise and I were looking forward to seeing Lord Balthazar." Newt stepped away from her reach.
"Well I thought maybe the two of us could catch up." Leta said, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"I don't think…" Newt began shaking his head.
"How about a dance." Leta latched onto his hand pulling him onto the dance floor before he could get away. With no choice he place his hand high up her back while she took hold of his other hand, her free hand coming to rest at the base of his neck. Eloise watched with narrowed eyes, her lips thinning into a straight line.
"Give him a moment." Balthazar patted Eloise on the shoulder, the young girl nodding in reply. Balthazar watched Newt grimly, hoping that he was right about the boys intentions with his daughter, he never wanted to see her hurt like that again.
"How have you been?" Leta asked trying to angle herself closer to Newt, but he maintained the space between them.
"I've been very well." Newt nodded glancing over to where Eloise sat with her father.
Not ten minutes after Balthazar's warning and here he was dancing with Leta. He watched as Eloise talked, looking so beautiful as she enamored her audience with her story. She glanced his way catching his eye sending him a soft smile that he returned right away which was quite reassuring given the circumstances.
"I see you and Eloise have become close again." Leta commented as she followed his gaze.
"Yes, we have." Newt smiled back to Eloise.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Leta asked.
"What do you mean?" Newt gazed at her with furrowed brows.
"I mean you two didn't leave off on the best of terms after school." Leta told him.
"We both said things to each other we regret, but we're past that now and have become closer than ever." Newt replied as he maneuvered them over to the edge of the dance floor.
"But Newt…" Leta tried.
"Leta, none of us left each other on good terms, but between Eloise and I, it is in the past." Newt said sternly. "I love Eloise."
"I see." Leta said stiffly.
"And I know my brother and I are not the closest, but I do care for him." Newt abruptly changed the subject.
"I don't understand…" Leta started.
"Don't play with his emotions Leta, he doesn't deserve that." Newt gave her a tight bow before leaving her on the dance floor and making his way back over to Eloise.
Leta glared at his retreating form, but then she just frowned sadly looking down at the ring on her left hand. She looked through the crowd to where Theseus was laughing with Phineas and some of their colleagues. He looked up catching her eye and sent her such a loving warm smile. She managed to smile back as she made her way toward him.
"Hello love." Newt came over to Eloise. "Care to dance?"
"I'd love to." Eloise slipped her hand into his offered one and followed Newt out onto the floor. He pulled Eloise close, his hand resting on her lower back while he held her hand with his free hand against his chest, her free hand resting on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry I had to leave you for a time." Newt commented.
"It's alright, did you have an interesting conversation?" Eloise asked.
"Not really." Newt shook his head. "I don't believe Leta will ever truly change and I worry for Theseus."
"Maybe you should talk to him." Eloise offered.
"I doubt he'd listen." Newt frowned.
"We'll think of something." Eloise assured him as she reached up cupping his cheek. Newt smiled leaning into her touch as they continued to dance. "Are you looking forward to your book signing?"
"Oh…um, kind of." Newt ducked his head.
"Kind of?" Eloise echoed.
"I am looking forward to people reading my book, but kind of nervous about the signing." Newt breathed out. "They'll expect me to do a speech or something."
"And you'll do great my love." Eloise encouraged, but Newt still looked doubtful. "Remember when I got roped into speaking at that Cursed Artifacts convention in place of my father when he couldn't make it?"
"I do." Newt nodded remembering Eloise pacing her case nearly biting her lip off. She had never been big on public speaking and the thought of the small convention she was going to talk too had sent her into a slight panic.
"I was so afraid to get in front of all those people and speak, but you reminded me that worrying only made you suffer twice then you stayed with me through the whole event. You gave me the courage to speak so I will do the same for you."
"Thank you Eloise." Newt leaned down pecking the corner of her mouth making her beam.
"What do you say we head home? I think we made our presence known long enough." Eloise offered.
"What about Balthazar and Phineas?" Newt asked casting his gaze to the two men.
"We can always invite my father and cousin over for dinner." Eloise tilted her head to the side. "I know Phineas is really interested in your research, you both seemed to hit it off."
"We did, he had some ideas I'd like to implement on my Vipera to more easily milk their venom." Newt nodded his head.
The Vipera were snake like creatures as long as a train car that had scales made of organic metal. Their venom was a possible ingredient in a new vaccine, very experimental. Newt glanced around them, Balthazar catching his eye and waving them off. Newt smiled down at Eloise, taking hold of her hand pulling her toward the balcony doors.
"Newt, the front doors are the other way." Eloise pointed out.
"I know." Newt took her to the edge of the balcony where the view in the moonlight was astounding.
"Oh my." Eloise breathed out.
The gardens spread out before them taking their breath away at the bounty of the flora presented before them. There were fountains, hedge mazes, statues that moved, and trees cut into various shapes.
"I heard some of the guests talking about them and thought they were worth a look." Newt led her down the stairs into the gardens.
Their path was lit by floating flames of various colors that bordered the walkway, also providing warmth against the chilly air. With no clouds in the sky the stars were bright and clear only out shown by the moon itself. Newt wove her arm through his and covered her hand with his opposite hand. Eloise leaned her head on his shoulder as the talked softly to one another.
They came to a part of the garden sheltered by a circle of trees and in the center was a lovely swing. Newt lead Eloise over to it holding it as she set down and gently started to push her so she swung forward.
"You know my great aunt was quite worried when she heard I was living with a man I was not married to nor was a relation to me." Eloise commented.
"Which great aunt would that be?" Newt asked.
"Bertie." Eloise giggled. "You know it never even occurred to me, I mean we've practically been living together in out cases as we traveled that it seemed so natural to buy a home with you."
"It did." Newt agreed smiling softly.
"It makes me feel sort of guilty that I really want to start traveling again." Eloise admitted as her swing came to a stop.
"Don't be, I'm ready to leave as well." Newt placed his hands on her shoulders, the two of them starring up at the sky.
Eloise reached up covering his hand with hers bringing it to her lips and kissing it softly before pulling him round so he was able to sit on the swing next to her. With his arm wrapped around her waist and her head once again resting on his shoulder they watched the stars trek across the sky unaware of the pair of eyes watching them.