Carmen had returned to the hotel with Eric and soon after he had left to return to the castle. Carmen had been left with a nervous smile on her face. She had gone upstairs to change and then headed back out dress hunting. Carmen felt a little off about spending his money. But she had not wanted it. He had insisted she take it. Carmen tried to make herself feel better by telling herself that she would pay him back.
It was not a quick process but by the time Carmen returned to the inn hours later, She had a beautiful powder blue ball gown and matching high heel shoe she had been thinking as she shopped how she would wear her hair and makeup. She headed to bed soon after her returned to her room and the next day, she spent most of the day in her room preparing.
That night, Carmen apparated to the gates of Hogwarts. She pushed one open and then stepped through. Hands holding the dress up slightly to keep it clean, She started along the gravel road towards the castle. It would have been quicker for her to cut across the grass but Carmen did not want her heels to sink into the ground. She looked stunning. Her hair was in loose curls and hung down her back. Her face was pretty with just a touch of make-up. The dress was stunning. It was sleeveless and had a tight bodice that came straight across her breasts and shoulder blades. The bottom half flowed gently and when she would release it, the back was a short train. Finally reaching the castle, the witch hesitated on the ground before the steps leading up to the main double doors. She tilted her head back and glanced up at the castle. It had been a beacon for many young witches growing up. One of the best schools of magic.
She didn't belong here. Carmen suddenly felt so out of place. She wouldn't be wanted her and Severus would certainly want her gone. Carmen was seriously considering turning around and going back to the inn. That was when one of the doors opened and caught Carmen's attention. Two seventh year males were stepping outside and had spotted her. Their eyes moved hungerly and slowly over her causing Carmen to chuckle. "Coming in?" One asked. Carmen looked down for a nervous moment and then slowly nodded. She mounted the stone steps now and then stepped inside the lobby. Here shoes clicked on the marble floor and she walked, following the sound of the party.
Eric had been in the Great Hall for some time now. The house elves had come up with a wonderful punch for the staff. Alcoholic or at least it seemed that way with the way Professor McGonagall was humming to herself two seats down and Hagrid was flushed in the face. Eric was feeling quite warm himself but then he was on his fourth glass already. He wore crimson red and black dress robes and his hair was clean and neatly brushed. He looked handsome but he only had eyes for the woman he was waiting for. And she was late. Eric had begun to wonder if she was not going to arrive at all.
The room was filling up with happy and energetic students. Almost all the staff were here. Everywhere Eric looked was green. Shamrocks and table clothes and dishes. The long house tables had been removed and eight person round tables lined the room in two rows leaving a large area open for dancing. Hundreds of green candles floated high in the air. He was just filling his glass for the fifth time when he happened to glance at the doors to the hall again though he had spotted her. His heart gave a leap in his chest.
Carmen had reached the door to the hall and had just taken one step into the hall when a tall figure brushed by her. "Miss. Erickson?" A surprised voice asked and Carmen glanced up into the face of Severus Snape. Carmen sucked in a breath. "What are you doing in my school?" Severus asked now. His dark eyes shone with the building distrust and irritation. "You are not welcome here. Your trouble is not welcome here." He gave her a cold look now and then turned and entered the hall. Eric looked down for a moment before turning and marching back towards the doors to outside. Eric however had not seen the confrontation with Snape. He had hurried from his chair and through growing mass of students then out into the hall just to see the doors close. Eric knew she had left and hurried out after her.
He took her by the upper arm as he trotted down the steps. "Carmen?" He said softly. "Where are you going?" When she felt his hand on her, Carmen had felt tears in her eyes. She felt bad for him. Eric turned her to face him now. A first Carmen had a hard time meeting his eyes. "I was waiting for you, why didn't you come find me?" His voice sounded confused and hurt. Carmen looked up at him now. "I'm not wanted here." She finally replied. "The staff here... well, the Deatheaters, they know... Severus doesn't want me here." She shook her head. "This was a mistake. I shouldn't have let you get involved..." Carmen had known that night on the front porch that he was interested in her and that that interest would cause problems. "I can't..." Eric tried to understand, to see this from her point of view but it was hard. He wanted her here. He did realize that this would be a dangerous relationship but was a was a risk he was willing to take. He felt desperate. Eric did not want Carmen to leave. He liked having her with him. It made him happy to look at her and when she smiled at him his heart beat just a little faster.
"Than let me show you something?" He asked. Carmen was a little cautious but something to her to go with this. She nodded her head slowly. Eric grinned and then his hand moved to take her own. With her, Eric turned on the spot and appariated. They had landed outside of London somewhere where the scenery was beautiful. Eric didn't know exactly where they were but it was perfect. They were standing on the bank of a fair sized lake. The sun was setting and there was a mist over the water. There were hills in the distance and trees all around. Eric was holding Carmen's eyes shut. "Now keep them closed until I tell you to open them." He said softly into her ear with sexy raspy voice. Carmen shivered slightly. she could feel a cool breeze on her skin. And could pick up on a number of different scents. Moments later the sweet smell of roses filled her mind. She inhaled and then gave a soft content sigh.
Eric quickly grabbed his wand and waived it around vigorously whispering spells. What he had turned this beautiful place into was just gorgeous. He had never done anything like this for any other woman. "Okay, you can open your eyes", he said to her as he made some quick final adjustments. Carmen opened slowly and then her eyes widened as she looked around. It was beautiful and nearly took her breath away. There was candles everywhere on huge pillars, huge vases filled with white and red roses and Eric sitting on a beautiful redwood piano with a lit cigarette sitting in an ashtray on top of the piano smoldering away, along with a bottle of wine and two glasses.
"I wrote this song for you Carmen" he said with a bit of a gulp in hopes she would like the song. She could hear the nervousness in his voice. When he began to play, she loved it instantly. Carmen moved closer and then carefully took the wine and filled both glasses halfway.
Carmen then moved to his side slipping onto the bench careful not to disturb him. Her eyes watched his fingers for a moment and then they closed softly as she focused on the music. So pretty. Afterwards, Carmen sat there for a long moment silent and then slowly met her eyes and a tell tale tear slipped down her cheek. "Thank you..." She whispered. Eric looked at her for a long silent moment and then said
"Come with me?" he asked her as he grabbed his glass of wine, and steered her over to the water. He turned to her as they stopped by the waterfront , and looked at her as he grazed her face with his hand. "You look so beautiful Carmen...and I have a confession to make" He told her. Carmen did not know what to say he moved his hands down to hers, and held them tightly in his. "I..I love you Carmen" he said to her and before she could say anything, he then pulled her close, and gave her a long and beautiful kiss just as the sun set behind the water.