Benedict Hunter, seventh year, he didn't quite believe it but with the coming of the ball, his penultimate year in Hogwarts was drawing to a close, how could time have gone so fast, it made little sense and yet here he was watching the only cohort of students ahead of him getting ready to leave the castle, perhaps never to return. It was a big deal, but it wasn't the only thing that was playing on his mind. Ben had never thought it possible to lose sleep over someone else's exams before, that was a novel feeling indeed.

He had done everything to be there for her in the run-up to her OWLs, he knew how important they were to her and he liked to think he had been a good friend even when there were times that maybe her anxiety had manifested in ways he found a little cool towards him. Everything about it though had galvanised in him exactly how he felt about the Ravenclaw, a simple friend doesn't tell his buddies "I can't come out tonight, Millie is studying" when she was not even in the same building. She was his person now, his happiness seemed bound to her comfort, and he had read enough mushy literature to know what that meant.

He was deep in his thoughts when he felt the softest hand slip into his like it knew it belonged there. He heard her voice and turned towards her. His eyes lit up at the visage in front of him, the girl he had fallen for was there, but layered on was the trappings of a lady and she wore it beautifully. "By Merlin, you look… words escape me. I.. You look so beautiful, Millie." he squeezed her hand as he mumbled his words. The boy wished he could throw his arms about her and kiss her right now, if he did he might not stop until the candles were out and the sevenths were long gone across the lake. That would have to wait though, for a much more private opportunity, it would also not do to spoil her wonderfully applied make-up. "I can't see why the gentleman would even get a look in when the ladies attend so angelically, but I hope I meet your approval." Benedict believed himself to be handsome and took pride in his appearance, but was too much of a gentleman to succumb to vanity so valued every soft smile she sent his way.

He had seen many a man kissing women on the hand as a greeting so he would allow himself that unless Millie's anxiety caused her to withdraw he would lift it up and kiss the back of it politely before allowing both of their hands to slide back into the folds of her dress. He unleashed his fingers from hers and pulled something from his waistcoat.

"I figured that girls only get dance cards if they are out, so I made you this." he looked a little bashful and smiled in the goofy way he always did when he wasn't sure if his gesture would be well received. Ben couldn't even remember if the fifth and sixth years actually got dance cards and she might reveal hers to make him look a fool, but he proceeded anyway. He presented her with a small piece of card threaded with a ribbon. On one side in his neatest handwriting, it had the words.

Beauty, be not caused, It Is.
Chase it, and it ceases
Chase it not, and it abides

Overtake the Creases

In the Meadow, when the Wind
Runs his fingers thro' it,
Deity will see to it
That You never do it

E. Dickinson

On the other side, it had what appeared to be a dance card list, empty, except it had the name Mr. Benedict Hunter at the top. "I hope its ok."