This was Benedict's second year attending this party, and it still boggled his mind that the students were allowed to get away with it, all manner of rule-breaking was going on and everyone was sword not to say. Perhaps the faculty turned a blind eye because a single night of excess helped release the pressure that built up from the usual strict nature of the school. Or perhaps Benedict was overthinking things and he should just enjoy himself. His friends certainly thought so and several of the other Gryffindor boys had already had a couple too many. Benedict was taking it slow; last year, he made an absolute ass of himself on the liquor, so he might like to keep a little more control on this occasion.

His dorm mate nudged him and gestured across the room to where Miss Potts sat, idly chatting away when needed but looking a little like a fish out of water. His friend knew of his affection for the girl and had taken much enjoyment from the recent rumour about illicit hand-holding. Ben didn't care about rumours, and he hoped Millie didn't either as he had been nothing but a gentleman. Something within him, though, kept pushing the envelope even though his and Millie's friendship was beginning to attract attention.

Millie looked like she needed some more company, so, with little encouragement from the other boys to go and talk to her he decided he should. As he walked over, she twisted and on the step, and he saw her boots poking out from under her dress; the way she sat, cup in hand and knees to one side, made him she looked pretty, ladylike and relaxed. He doubted that relaxed was the word she would describe herself with though.

"You're welcome, may I?" he gestured to the spot next to her and sat down. There wasn't a lot of room, so it was a little closer to a seating arrangement that would be usual with a member of the opposite sex, but perhaps it was the alcohol that helped them both look past that. She seemed happy to see him; she always seemed happy to see him, which was obviously a good thing. "How are you liking the party? It's all a bit crazy, isn't it? Your necklace is probably taking a beating." he nudged at her playfully, by now she would know he wasn't teasing her for her anxiety, he was trying to be the charming boy who accepted her for it and hoped to bring her out of it. He took a sip from his drink and looked over the rim of his cup. "Has Miss Moony gone off to do drinking games with the other players?" he asked. He knew they had come together; luckily, this absence gave Millie a little space to chat to him instead.