[dohtml]<div style="width: 450; background-color: D1D1D1;"><br><br><div style="width: 425; background-color: E1E1E1; border: dotted 1px #B3836F;"><br>

<br>
<div style="width: 400; font-family: georgia; color: B3836F; font-size: 28; line-height: 0.9;"><i>let the good times roll</i></div><div style="width: 400; font-family: courier new; color: 35363A; line-height: 95%; font-size: 8; border-bottom: dotted 1px #BBBBBB; text-align: justify;"> so, let's slip on out, where it's a little bit darker,and when it gets a little bit hotter, we'll take off on out in the water-----------------------------------<br><br><br></div><br><br><div style="width: 400; font-family: trebuchet ms; color: 888888; font-size: 10px; line-height: 95%; border-bottom: dotted 1px #BBBBBB; text-align: justify;">
Life had definitely taken a turn for the surreal. A month ago, Ella would have been at school, probably in the library, preparing for her NEWTs. She would not be sitting here at a party thrown by the minister of magic. She would not be pining after her professor, who sat a few tables away. She would not be fatherless and mourning. It was amazing how quickly everything could change. A few months ago, her biggest concern was whether or not to take advanced potions. Shaking her head, Ella idly played with her food. She had arrived to the party with Dorcas and Celestina, albeit unwillingly. The two girls had worked all their magic, figuratively speaking, and charms to get Ella to come. It had been a month since the Azkaban outbreak and the brunette still felt the loss of that night. But where as she had been numb earlier on, Ella was starting to feel the full impact of the loss of her father. After staying a week at home, she knew that she needed to go back to school. Every moment she stayed at home, she would find herself waiting for the front door to open and her father to walk through. It seemed the whole family was doing that, walking on eggshells. It had driven her crazy. Luckily, school and her friends had offered her an emotional reprieve.
<p>
Instead of moping around in the dorms, Ella finally agreed to accompany her friends to the party. If she was completely honest, Ella had to admit that she was curious about what a ministry party entailed. It wasn’t as if she attended many herself. So far, it was pretty much what she had expected. People milling about in gorgeous clothing, officials mingling with one another, making connections, students looking absolutely bored. It was definitely interesting to watch. Though, she couldn’t help wondering if someone had spiked the punch. People were starting to act a little strange. She didn’t think Kirley and Charlotte Greengrass were that close, but were currently making googley eyes at each other. But then again, who knew? People change. Thinking of happy couples, though, Ella found herself looking at Cal. Things had definitely been awkward between them! Since that night together, she couldn’t quite bring herself to talk to him about it, and it seemed, neither could he. It was something that she’d have to really consider later.
<p>
Since they’d arrived, Cas and Tina had disappeared somewhere, she wasn’t sure of. So, Ella decided to simply enjoy her food by herself. Just as she took a bite of her salad, she felt a hand reach around her and nick one of her tomatoes. She turned around, smiling as she saw Merton near her. And just like that, she felt her heart race. Merton Graves was standing near her. How had she spent so much useless time pining over a professor or being sad? She should have been with Merton this whole time. She looked up at him, giving him a warm smile. Good Merlin the boy was good looking. Ella just wanted to run hands all over her. She stood up, taking his hand.
“Merton! I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been looking all over for you, darling.” She felt herself lose all her inhibitions. Usually she never made a spectacle of herself, not wanting to draw attention to herself. But now, she wouldn’t mind screaming from the rooftops, that Merton Graves was the love of her life. Hmm…that wasn’t such a bad idea. She grabbed her wine glass and clinked it.
“Ladies and gentleman! Sorry for interrupting you, this evening! I would just like to tell you all that I, Elizabeth Vera Fawcett, am madly in love with this man, Merton…” she blinked, realizing she didn’t know his middle name. After asking it, she finished her impromptu little speech.
“…Paul Graves. Thank you!” <p>
Ella then turned around, beaming at Merton.
“I hope you don’t mind the announcement. But it’s true. I’ve loved you for what feels like forever, Merton! I don’t know why I never told you before!” She then leaned over, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her lips against his. Hmmm…yes, this was definitely love.
<br><br><br></div><div style="width: 400; font-family: courier new; color: 35363A; line-height: 95%; font-size: 8; text-align: center;"><br><br>
TAG: Merton/Cass
WORDS: 707
NOTES: Let the hilarity ensue!
</div><br><br></div>
<div style="width: 400; font-family: courier new; color: BBBBBB; line-height: 95%; font-size: 8; text-align: center;"><br>TEMPLATE BY DANASAUR @ CAUTION</div></div>[/dohtml]