Wednesday, July the 30th, 1895 — During the Exam Results Picnic

Millie wondered how long he had been standing there at the edge of her vision while her feet brought her closer. She went for the sake of curiosity, but really out of need. The need to get away, as if she might escape the hazy cloud of truth hovering over the park. For a young witch so in love with truth, its miasma felt numbing to her, almost suffocating. Hearing others praise her and share their grades made it only a little better, if she could grasp faint warmth before it slipped through her fingers.

She could feel the stiff numbness leaching through her light cotton dress with every step. Each one took her closer to Benedict, waiting on the edges of the picnic like a child eager to show her something. It ignited that something in her, the wonder and ease she could feel around him like with nobody else. Her friends were safety and foundation, but with Ben she could climb to the highest towers and never feel out of breath. He might have grinned at her as Millie approached, because by the time she reached the boy she was feeling prickles all over her skin, as more than just a limb had fallen asleep.

"What are you doing?" the young witch asked her —friend no longer seemed to fit, and suitor was far too intimidating to consider. An admirer, perhaps, but more than that, a charming gentleman who was never far when Millie felt in need. A squire, and the thought nearly made her laugh, her squire. "I hardly noticed you leave, and here you are all the way out here."

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Benedict Hunter

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Benedict had socialised happily with the friends he had in the years above and below as they all opened their exam results to varying levels of happiness. He was pleased for Millie to finally see her at peace with getting her results. He hadnt looked at the letter himself, it was none of his business really how much better her grades were than his. He would like to, but would only do so if Millie offered. All he cared was that she had what she wanted and she seemed content.

What he really wanted though was a little time alone to just chat and to share each other's energy in the way they enjoyed so much. Millie had not been entirely herself recently due to her stresses and that was fine. The only issue was he couldn't much grab her hand and run off, the chance of Anne or Greta accepting that was slim enough that it wasnt worth the risk. So he had taken the time to carefully catch her eye while imagining he was sending his thoughts right to her mind, which of course was silly, but he liked to think she knew what he was thinking sometimes.

"Not much," he said casually, slipping his hand around her fingers as she came close, oh how he wished he lived in a world where he could kiss her hello whenever he saw her. "I just thought you might need a few minutes for a little breather. It's a lot, isnt it." he laughed and gestured to a couple of boys who had clearly brought a few bottles along with him and were behaving in quite a rowdy manner with their seventh trappings ruined to ensure they never could be worn again in case a suprise eighth year was announced today.

"Want to go for a little walk in the sun?" he asked with a friendly smile as he looked over her shoulder. Noone had noticed her walk over to him and he wouldn't keep her long enough for and concern. Any time he managed to steal with his sweetheart, as his father had begun privately referring to her in recent weeks, had to be enjoyed. It also had to be in public, which was a shame but he would hate to be the one to spoil her name.

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Millie Potts

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