Next on her dance card was Mr. Binns, the owner of the only bookshop worth visiting in Hogsmeade!

She thought him tall, dark, and handsome as could be—but never before had she greeted him when they were in the shop at the same time. She approached him with hesitation, reminding herself that he should not intimidate her any more than Mr. Scrimgeour (or Mr. Prewett, or Mr. Longbottom, or any of those men much higher on the social ladder than herself)!

"I believe it is our turn to dance the polka," she greeted him with a smile, having to crane her neck up to look at him. (Why were all of her partners so tall today? And why was she only now growing fond of the prospect of a tall husband?)

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— Zachariah Binns/Billie Farrow —

  

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— set by MJ! <3 —

Luckily for Helga, Zach was the furthest thing from intimidating. He carried himself in such a casual, inviting way that it was difficult to imagine him as anything but a 'big brother sort' who was sometimes bumbling and awkward, but well meaning.

When she greeted him, he afforded her with a warm smile of his own. "Delightful! It would be a pleasure, Miss...Scamander is it?" Zach tended to keep track of those who frequented his shop, even if he didn't find the chance to converse. There were a few Scamanders that he saw perusing the stacks. He did, however, sound unsure.

Once she confirmed her identity, he smiled once more, "Are you having a pleasant evening?" It seemed it was time for the music to start, and he found himself politely bowing before getting into the correct position for the dance.

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

"Miss Scamander, yes! Helga Scamander," she said, perking up upon realizing that he knew her! (Of course, any eligible gentleman should know her. She aspired to be everywhere, and she was doing a very good job of it this season, if she did say so herself!)

"My evening has been as pleasant as my dance partners," she said, smiling, "and I have no doubt that my evening will remain as such after our dance has concluded!"

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— set by MJ! <3 —

Zach wasn't the world's best dancer, but he was acceptable. He wasn't likely to trod on Helga's feet, but he did dance rather stiffly, as if he were forever worried he would make the wrong move, despite having danced the polka many times. That could be due to the fact that large gatherings and parties weren't his favorite way to pass the time. Although bubbly, he was a bit shy when it came to 'society.' His family had convinced him to attend.

"I do hope so," he commented kindly. It would likely be him who made it less than stellar if anyone was to mess up the dance. Zachariah never knew what to speak about at these events, so he always reverted to a safe topic. "Are you staying at The Sandition, or are you just here for the event?"

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

Helga was not worried. She struggled with a weak ankle and was always so worried about stepping on other people's toes that she hardly focused on every minimal misstep. Dancing was supposed to be fun!

"I'm enjoying the festivities," she said brightly. "My Papa doesn't want to bring us to stay, but I visit as often as possible. I feel more alive near the ocean side," she explained as they danced. "And you?"

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— set by MJ! <3 —

Zach seemed at ease after a while when it seemed Helga wasn't to be critical of his lack of dancing prowess.

"The ocean is very lovely. We used to venture to the seaside quite often when my nieces and nephews were very young. The sounds of waves crashing on sand and the wonderful odor of the salty air was always comforting." He mused, prone to rambling a bit due to nerves. Miss Scamander, however, seemed friendly enough, and she had yet to ask any awkward questions.

"I am just visiting, as well. My parents are staying here for a time." He left it unsaid that it was their idea that he attend such a gathering. No need to make the lady feel as if dancing with her was some sort of chore.

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

Helga liked loved the idea of bringing her nieces and nephews (the little ones, not the step-ones) to the beach to toddle around in the sand, though she had to admit the thought of being there, single, while her sisters enjoyed time with their spouses and children made the whole idea less appealing.

"Being near the ocean has a way of making you feel as though nothing matters in that moment, doesn't it? That all of your worries are so minimal compared to the vast world around you," she mused, a smile playing at her lips. "I hope your parents are enjoying it as much as I am."

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— set by MJ! <3 —

"Yes, I believe it does," he agreed. There really was something about the ocean that made one feel so insignificant, yet prone to yearning for adventure. It was peaceful, yet it could destroy and kill with ease. The ocean was such a contradiction.

"I believe they are. I think they were excited for the new additions here. They seem happy."

  

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Pretties thanks to Olive! <3

Mr. Binns was as kind as he was handsome, and as much as Helga desired to continue their conversation, the music came to an end and they were forced by the steps of the dance to part. She smiled at him as they separated, and slightly bowed her head.

"I hope they remain so," she said, "It's the least we can wish for our parents."

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— set by MJ! <3 —