The evening's design afforded Fitzroy Prewett something he did not often have: the opportunity to get the measure of pretty women with whom he had typically had little cause to engage—all under the banner of charity. As such, the wizard had made a number of donations, not only to the usual suspects (the Zabini sisters, Miss Scamander, and the rather intense Miss Lestrange, to name a few) but more exotic fare—such as the decidedly appealing, if older, Mrs. Ambrosia Selwyn.

He was, of course, acquainted with her husband and some of her extended family, but not to the extent that he would go out of his way to interact with any of them. Mrs. Selwyn, though their circles did occasionally overlap, had oft eluded him, however, and while it was not exactly proper to arrange a dance without first consulting the woman, he hoped she would take it in good fun.

"Punctual as well as graceful," he answered with a charming smile. "It seems I have found myself with an excellent partner indeed, Mrs. Selwyn!"