Date: 31 December 1998
Characters: Ernie MacMillan, Eloise Midgen
Location: Diagon Alley, London; The Puff House, Hogsmeade
Status: Private
Summary: Ernie takes out Eloise on their first (hopefully not last) date. And for her birthday. And on New Year's Eve.
Completion: Complete
Ernie Apparated himself and Eloise to Diagon Alley and held her close as they appeared in the busy street early in the evening. It was cold and bustling with people, perfect for a New Year's Eve celebration. Ernie guided Eloise through the people to the Phoenix Bar, a cafe that catered to the corporate crowd. He figured it would be a good way to start off the evening - quiet and romantic and casual - and then they could decide from there to go dancing or to see a Muggle film or even just go walking about the Alley and people-watch. And, of course, he had set aside a bottle of champagne at home in case the date went as he wanted. He didn't expect it to get to that point, but then if it went horribly, he could always wake up to mimosas in the morning and drink away his embarrassment. Either way, it would be good to have it on hand.
"Happy Birthday, El," he said softly, as he held the door open for her at the restaurant.