If the Coming Out Ball wasn't enough for him, this year they had to go and host a Yule Ball on top of it. Mason was not built to be a chaperon at parties like this. Sure, he could teach and keep an eye on kids on Hogsmeade visits, but when he was among what would typically be considered "suitors" for his young, female students, he would like to nope right out of that. And fast.

Too bad that wasn't an option tonight.

Fortunately the Headmaster looked about as pleased about this as Mason did. That made him feel marginally better about having to stand around and assure everybody he was just here as a chaperon and not for any other reason. Because he most certainly was not considering any of his students as potential wife material. Not a snowflake's chance in hell.

"There is not an appropriate amount of whiskey for this shit," He muttered under his breath, though so Elliot could hear him. The pair stood near the entryway, making sure nobody was sneaking off where they shouldn't be. Still he had a shallow  measure of whiskey in hand, mostly for something to do with his hands and because he could use a little something to keep him off the edge. Not drinking was not an option, because he needed booze to get through this, but he also couldn't have too much because he liked his job. It was a fine line he was treading and he really would rather do it anywhere but here.