The Education of Oliver Wood

Of Galas & Exes

Emmie couldn't help but gasp slightly in awe as she and Marcus walked into the grand ballroom where the gala was being held. It was in an otherwise abandoned-looking warehouse in a rather empty area of London. Outside, Emmie couldn't help but grasp onto Marcus' arm as she looked around warily, but once inside, it was as though they were in the grandest hotel in the country, everyone wandering around in varying finery and masks for the annual masquerade.

It was her first time attending, though she supposed she could have gone while she was on reserves. Just never really thought about it. She suddenly wished that she had gone sooner. Dress shopping with Kara had proved rather fun. And she had to admit that Marcus looked rather dashing in his dress robes when he had arrived to pick her up.

"Something, isn't it?" Marcus asked, looking down at her through his plain black mask with a smile on his face.

Watching her reactions to everything was proving rather entertaining and worth the nerves he had gotten when he asked her. He also couldn't help but think he had possibly the most beautiful date as well. She grinned and looked up at him nodding eagerly, her sheer black mask glittering slightly in the lights. It matched well with her dress. It was a rather modest cut, though made out of swathy, lightly black material that seemed to float around her. Her hair was down in soft waves that she had draped over one shoulder.

"Aye. Dinnae ken why I never came before," she said, her green eyes taking in everything.

"Think I see Adrian over here," Marcus said. Emmie turned her attention to across the room, seeing the chaser standing with his date and the rest of the Arrows. "Figure we start with the Arrows and then I can introduce you to the Falcons."

"Sure," Emmie said, smiling up at him as they made their way across the ballroom, her arm still tucked in his.

"You clean up well, Mac," Adrian said, grinning as she and Marcus walked up.

"No lookin' so bad yerself, Adrian," she quipped in return. She couldn't help but blush as she saw Wickens and Martins gawking at her from the corner of her eye. She wasn't sure if it was because of the dress or her date, though she hoped it was the dress.

"The rookie finally graces us with her presence," Beauchamp said, smiling at her. His grin widened when he saw Marcus standing next to her, his hand now on the small of her back. "Doing good, Flint?"

"Alright," he replied, barely containing his smile.

"There you are! Been looking all over for you!" Kara exclaimed as she ran up and hugged Emmie, who only rolled her eyes. The two had gotten ready together at the flat, though Fincher had picked her up before Marcus arrived. Kara looked amazing in a fitted, off-the-shoulder red dress, her mask decorated in feathers and sequins. Fincher stood just behind her, watching Flint cautiously. "Get off it, Thomas. We're all friends tonight."

He frowned at Kara, but just as soon as he saw the glare on her face he blushed slightly and offered Marcus a strained smile.

"Good to see you, Flint," he said. Kara smiled triumphantly as she winked at Emmie, who just chuckled.

"You too, Fincher," Marcus said. He looked down at Emmie. "Would you like a drink?" She nodded. He bent down and kissed her cheek before walking over to the bar.

"Still can't believe you're here... with him," Fincher said, watching as Flint walked off. Emmie rolled her eyes.

"Please, Fincher," she said, slightly exasperated. He had nearly blown a gasket when she first mentioned that she was going with Flint and didn't seem keen on letting up.

"Do you not remember everything that happened sixth year?" he asked, turning to her.

"Aye, I do," she retorted. "But we've talked about it and he's apologized. We're passed it."