The ball begins

[maliciousmillie]

Millicent twirled the fake tail of her cat costume around in a circle, waiting for Percy Weasley to step out of his private bathroom. She'd allowed him to pick his own costume, but made sure he would spend the entire evening occupied with various other Ministry personnel

Comments

[got_smarts]

Mike interrupted Terry's conversation with Ron Weasley, which in truth was a blessing. Ron didn't seem in the mood to chat it up tonight. Terry gave him a cordial handshake goodbye and headed towards the exit to find Susan.

He was finally getting used to the giant sword strapped to his chest and was able to pick his way through the room without causing anyone bodily harm.

He found Susan standing awkwardly alone in the plush lobby. "Hey," he greeted her kindly with a slightly empathetic smile. Mike didn't tell him what happened and he didn't feel the need to pry.

[huffle_sus]

"Thanks for agreeing to take me home," she replied, giving him a soft smile. "I hope I didn't ruin your evening as well."

[got_smarts]

"You didn't ruin anyone's evening," he reassured her.

He walked with her towards the lift. "Love the costume by the way. Very creative." He motioned at himself, "This is what I get for having no creative mind."

[huffle_sus]

Susan gave a laugh and looked Terry over. "I kind of wish I would've done something less dramatic now," she replied, taking out a tissue from her purse to wipe off some of the white and red on her face and neck.

[got_smarts]

He held the gate open for her at the lift then followed her inside. He pressed the button for Level 8.

"Believe me, you're a wallflower compared to my get up. I goosed some old witch with this slab of steel on my back. Got slapped for it."

The ride was short and the doors opened to the Atrium level where phone booths floated mid air awaiting those leaving for the evening.

[huffle_sus]

"I bet that's more action than some people see in a week," she replied. She stuffed the tissue back into her purse.

[got_smarts]

"I have to get my kicks somehow."

He motioned for her to step into one of the phone booths ahead of him and then entered behind her. "It's times like these when I think muggles have it right and you can exit a place through a simple door," he kidded as he slid the door closed.

[huffle_sus]

"Would make things easier, wouldn't it?" she said. "Though I suppose they need the extra security here."

[got_smarts]

Terry shook his head, "You have to be a realist and make me look bad, don't you?"

The booth flew upward then reappeared outside in front of a stone building. Terry opened the door and stepped out and waited for Susan. "Do you prefer the Floo....or apparation?" He wasn't familiar with Susan's method of travel, not knowing if she lived in a building with a Floo or not. He also noticed it had gotten quite chilly outside. He wished he had worn a regular coat so he could give it to her. His only had one sleeve and it would be a useless offer.

[huffle_sus]

"Either, but I usually Apparate," she replied. "We can side-along if you want."

[got_smarts]

"Sure thing," he said and moved her around the corner of the building to a more secluded spot to where he and Lisa had apparated earlier.

[huffle_sus]

"Really, thanks for doing this, Terry," she said, touching his arm. "Mike and I...well we just need some time apart and it wouldn't have been the best of ideas if he took me home."

[got_smarts]

Terry took her hand in a more friendly gesture. "I'm happy to do it, Susan. You don't have to give me an explanation. That's between you and Mike." He smiled at her and they disappeared.