The night of the Awards Ceremony seemed to arrive much faster than was normal. After gathering at Wolfric's parents' house in Long Island, Jason and May set off to Manhattan for the venue.
"You're sure you don't want us to come with you?" Holly asked her mother-in-law.
"No, no, sweetie, this is your big day. Don't worry, we'll catch up. You'd be surprised at how fast Hendrick can drive when he's in a hurry," she replied with a wink.
"I heard that!" called Wolfric's father from the other room. He walked in while still struggling with the tie around his neck. "I wouldn't be in a hurry half the time if you didn't take so long to get ready."
Mary walked up and started fixing his tie for him. She pecked him on the cheek and said "I'll make sure to be quick tonight."
"Ahem," Wolfric cleared his throat loudly.
"Go on, you two, we'll catch up. If we're not there by 5 assume I'm wrestling your mom into the car."
"Alright Dad, see you there," Wolfric said. Together he and Holly walked out the front door and turned on their heels, instantly apparating just outside the venue. From the outside it looked just like any of the countless subway entrances in Manhattan, except no one could be seen going in or out, partially due to the security tape running across it at the top of the steps, though mostly due to the enchantment that made No-Majes suddenly remember something important they had to do just after they start considering going down there.
Wolfric and Holly stood in the shadowy alleyway just to the side of the entrance. As Holly was looking around to make sure no one was watching, Wolfric tapped her on the head with his wand, and her body slowly turned transparent. After Holly had done the same to Wolfric, they both moved carefully towards the entrance, now watching more for fellow wizards or witched that had been Disillusioned than for curious No-Majes.
Wolfric instinctively tried to lift the security tape for Holly to duck under, but his hand passed right through it, as if it were nothing but air. Holly stifled a giggle and walked through the "tape" and down the stairs.
Once they both reached the bottom, Wolfric went for his wand to lift the Disillusionment Charms, but Holly grabbed his arm silently. At first Wolfric didn't understand. Then he saw the vague outline of her other hand pointing ahead of them. There he saw May pointing to something on Jason's phone as he held it up for her to see.
Wolfric immediately guessed his wife's intentions, and gave a quick nod. They quietly snuck up behind them.
"Sneaking up on people is cheating!" said Wolfric, Holly, and Jason all at the same time.
"Aw come on how'd you know?" Wolfric said, disappointed.
Jason grinned and held his phone even further up, and Wolfric saw his and Holly's outlines in the background of the picture Jason had just taken.
"Spoilsport," Holly pouted, waving her wand to lift the charms on herself and her husband.
The four friends walked into the enormous chamber together.
"Weren't we supposed to get our table number at some point?" Wolfric said.
"Man you're really not on the ball today," Jason laughed. He pointed at a table right up near the stage, with the words "Holly Koenig" in shining gold letters sparkling above it. The group took their seats and chatted to pass the time until the ceremony started.
Wolfric saw an elderly wizard who he recognized as David Kowalski, grandson of the man the award was named for, walking up the steps onto the stage. Wolfric checked his watch and saw it was already 5:00, time for the ceremony to start.
"Dammit, where are they?" he muttered under his breath. Wolfric felt a hand on his arm and looked up.
"It's okay, they'll get here," Holly whispered to him with a reassuring smile. Wolfric tried to relax. David began the opening speech, and Wolfric laughed at the jokes and applauded appropriately like everyone else.
But as time went on, Wolfric checked his watch more and more often. 30 minutes in, even Holly was beginning to look worried. Wolfric touched her shoulder and whispered that he was going to step out for a moment to give his parents a call. Out in the hallway, Wolfric kept one ear open in case Holly's name was called. The phone rang and rang before going to voicemail.
"The ceremony's started, where are you guys? Please get here quick, bye." Wolfric walked back in and sat down next to his wife, more than a little irritated, but unwilling to let his mood show and spoil Holly's moment. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and smiled broadly as the first nominee was announced.