#slicked

“You're my partner,” Gilderoy replied, and consulted the mirror to adjust his cravat.

“Business partner…?”

“No, of course not, don't be ridiculous.” Gilderoy turned back. “Bed partner.”

Somehow, Quirinus grew paler.

“But, they're English,” he said quietly. “They can't…know that.”

“Honestly, Quirinus, they're Muggles. They don't know you from me. And they didn't make excuses to avoid us, either.”

Gilderoy started towards the bar out on the rooftop. Three steps passed and he realised Quirinus wasn't following.

“It's wine, not a gallows walk. Come with me.”

For whatever inexplicable reason, this finally prompted Quirinus into action.

Past a bank of immaculately sculpted topiaries, about fifteen small tables came into view, with equally small lanterns glowing atop each.

The night sky perched flawless above, stars and galaxy whorls visible.

“Gilderoy!”

A dark-haired fellow stood, waving, and Gilderoy waved back.

“Dominic, hello!”

He glanced back to find Quirinus continuing his death march towards the tables. Gilderoy couldn't recall him looking so defeated since they were First Years and he slid off his broom in Flying.

Gilderoy shook the Muggle man's hand, then leant in to greet his wife.

“Caroline, you look lovely this evening. That dark blue suits you.”

Smiling, she held out her hand to be kissed. In it was a tumbler slicked with red syrup inside. Gilderoy obliged, pressing his lips to her knuckles once.

Quirinus joined them at last.

He'd managed a smile, which was something. That smile excused a great deal.

“This is Quirinus, of course. Quirinus, please meet Caroline and Dominic. They're here for the month, as well.”

“Lovely to meet you both,” Quirinus said, voice quiet.

It was impossible to miss Caroline's eyes widen, and the brief falter in Dominic’s smile. As someone who dealt with the public constantly, Gilderoy couldn't miss it.

The burn scars on Quirinus's face, of course.

Gilderoy shifted his eyes left and saw Quirinus had averted his gaze to sit down instead. Across from him, Caroline recovered her expression, smile returning.

Dominic motioned the young waiter to bring over a bottle of wine he seemed to be holding aside.