Septima Vector narrowed her eyes at the stubborn fuzz that clung to the front of her black dress.

She sighed, took out her wand and muttered "Evanesco."

The fuzz disappeared. Satisfied, she stuck the wand back into her pocket and looked at the clock. 7:03. Aurora was three minutes late. Septima wished she'd hurry, standing here alone all dressed up would surely make someone waltz into the staff room and ask questions. Questions she'd rather not have to answer, at least not alone.

Not that she could blame Aurora for stalling. Neither witch was excited about the night's prospects.

After what seemed like an age, but was more like another minute, Aurora finally arrived. Wearing a brown dress accented with white and her long hair down, Aurora looked determined to give the night a shot.

"Ready when you are," she said to the waiting Professor Vector.

"I'll never be ready for this," Septima said as she screwed up her face, "This is all Charity's fault."

"She means well," Aurora reminded her companion, "And it's an excuse to go out to Hogsmeade without supervising anyone. And who knows? Maybe she actually did find the men of our dreams."

"Yes, maybe she did. And then maybe I'll sprouts wings and play keeper for Puddlemere United," Septima crossly replied.

"Well, then you'll get to meet that cute beater. I don't think he'd mind the wings," Aurora joked in return.

Septima rolled her eyes and smiled. If she had to do this, at least she was with Aurora. The woman could look at the bright side of a raging thestral.

"Shall we then?" Aurora asked.

"Let's get it over with." And with a sigh, Septima followed her friend out and to the road to Hogsmeade.

"Never again. Never ever ever EVER again," Septima steamed as she raged into the staff room.

"Come on, Sept, it wasn't that terrible," Aurora started to argue, settling down into an armchair.

"Aurora, how can you say that? He was a complete pig to you! Ugh! Everything he said was just dripping with smug," Septima fumed.

"Maybe he just has a bad first impression…"Aurora tried again.

"And maybe he has a bad last impression too! Did you hear him?" Septima donned a deep obnoxious voice, "I'm sure all you do at the school is very hard work, my dear, but you have no idea how much work it is for people who work all year long. I certainly wish I had time to stare at stars all night, UGH!"

"Yes, he did come off rather strong that way…" Aurora replied, "But what about your date? He seemed very nice."

"Puh! If nice is what you want to call it. He looked too wimpy to do anything without his friend's permission," she sneered.

"Maybe he was just quiet," Aurora smiled, "After all, not everyone is as talkative and opinionated as you, Sept."

"You're lucky I know you're kidding."

Aurora smiled, "But I am serious about Roman. It's possible he was shy with two lovely ladies like us at the table."

Septima opened her mouth to argue when a knock came at the staff room door.

"I wonder who that is," Aurora got up and answered the door, "Roman!"

For indeed it was. "Hello Aurora, is Septima in there with you? I thought I heard her voice...outside the castle"

"Yes, I'm here," Septima choked out.

"You left your cloak," he held it up to prove it, "I just wanted to make sure you got it. The gate let me in luckily."

"Er- yes! Thank you! I must have forgotten it. I didn't even notice it until now," Septima replied, taking her cloak from him.

"You're welcome. You must have been in such a rush to leave that you didn't think to grab it," Roman suggested.

"Oh, yes. It's just that-"

"Don't explain!" Roman quickly interrupted, "You had every right to. He's a complete bore. The only reason he came along is because he overheard Charity asking me to meet a friend of hers." He turned to Aurora, "Neither of us wanted to tell him no. Please understand."

"I do," Aurora smiled, "No harm done."

"Right. I'm glad," he shifted awkwardly now, "I guess I'll be going then. Have a nice night." He moved to leave.

Aurora poked Septima hard.

"Roman. Why don't I walk you out? So no one wonders why a stranger is walking the grounds," Septima said, rubbing her side.

Roman turned and smiled nervously, "That sounds fine."

"Alright then. Wait for me, Aurora, I'll be back soon."

Aurora nodded. "Take your time."

Septima led the way out while Roman began, "I haven't been back here in ages. Is the Whomping Willow still-" and then his voice faded.

Aurora smiled and made herself comfortable in her chair, hoping her friend took all the time she wanted.