Snort.

This was just too much fun.

Lux couldn't stop laughing as she danced. "I think Frankie would be happy to hear that. And he's quite a catch so that's a bonus." Even though Lux didn't know Frankie well, he was definitely perfect for Hady; everyone could see that. At least everyone who had common sense could. Didn't hurt that he was a nice looking guy either. Not that she was shallow or anything.

The glance from Adi didn't go unnoticed, and like Hady she cast her eyes in Ava's direction. Something had definitely got her down and the idea of dancing together had been a good one. Even though Lux didn't know the girl nearly as well as Teddy, she knew he a little and was aware that she was usually outgoing and fun loving. "That's a great idea." And without waiting a second longer, she had made her way over to her. "Hey, Ava. Me and Hady thought it would be fun to dance. Would you like to join in on the fun?" The more the merrier!

She should've asked Noelle to be her plus one for this, why on earth Ava didn't think about that earlier? Now that she's sadly sitting her alone watching the guesses dancing and having fun. You know, maybe it would be better if slid off and left the venue. It's not that they were going to notice anyway.

But by the time she stood from her seating, Lux walked to her and asked to join them for dance. Oh crap, she should've left sooner. Normally the Gryffindor wouldn't say no for this, but she wasn't being herself right now. "No, thanks. I'm not in a party mood right now so.... You know what? It would be better if I'm leaving now, though. I don't want to ruin your fun, guys." Ava flashed a sad smile to the best woman. It was such a nice gesture and she really appreciated that. "Just... tell the grooms I'm sorry that I couldn't stay any longer."

Benny hadn’t noticed his former housemate and her apparent sadness at first…the air of happiness was thick due to the occasion and his place within it. But when he caught his husband gesturing with his eyes and head, he couldn’t help but follow Adi’s attention to all three young women. Hopefully the two elders having a good time would help the youngest, or at least find out what was wrong, the dragon not wanting anyone to be unhappy on such a wonderful day. Other people’s emotions tended to rub off on the sympathetic and caring couple.

“Indeed…” he said, drawn back to Adi by the hippogriff’s own remark. “I’m sure that can be arranged,” Benny remarked with a small smirk as he scooped up another forkful of another dish. The fork pausing between the plate and his other half in offering as Adi mention his mother and dancing. “Oh really? “he asked, not having expected it. Though some would say tradition was already a touch askew since there were no daughters for the father-daughter dance. “Maybe we should swap moms for later dance.”

Laughter was always the best thing at parties. Especially a wedding where it brought people together. "What?" Hady laughed gently nudging Lux as they danced to the music that was playing. "Anyone in their right mind would want to keep him around, he's prefect." For her that is. No one else would get the chance to see how perfect HER husband was. They got along amazingly. He was indeed quite the catch. "He is, isn't he," she smiled widely. That boys blonde hair and gorgeous blue eyes... it was no wonder she fell for him so hard when they were young teenagers.

It was no surprise that Lux was right on board with her suggestion of asking Ava to join them. Both herself and the older 'sister' loved seeing their friends happy and always did their best to include everyone, which was why Hady followed Lux over to where Ava was right away. What was this though? She wanted to leave...that was sad. "Is everything alright? Are you sure you can't stay for just one dance?" Maybe she would change her mind and want to remain there for the rest of the reception.

Lux giggled at Hady and nudged her back playfully, but this wasn't the best time to continue all the teasing because she could really see that Ava wasn't having the best time. That was rather sad because this was a wedding and supposed to be a happy time. That, and people should be happy all the time and she was sure that Ava usually was. At the very least she was usually very outgoing from what she knew of her and every other time that they had interacted.

Lux was going to ask if something was wrong when Hady beat her to it, so instead she just nodded. "Yes, and you wouldn't be ruining the fun for anyone. We want you to stay though we understand if you want to leave." Maybe they could cheer her up, or at least try to!

Hady and Lux were so caring, but she just didn't want to tell them what was going on. Just... no. Ava didn't want to be that person who infected happy people with her sadness. "No, it is not." Truthfully she said to both of them when her fellow groomsmaid asked. But she didn't want to tell them what made her party mood disappeared because 1) Nobody knew what actually happened between her and Phillip besides Noelle. 2) She didn't want to tell about how her love life might end soon because these people wouldn't understand. Hady was happily married, Lux was engaged and Adi was... Well, today was his wedding day so better not to ruin it.

The Gryffindor tried so hard not to cry, at least not in front of both of them or Adi. Goodness, if this wasn't her big brother's wedding she would consider to not come and ditch the groomsmaid duty. "I'd rather to leave, sorry." Ava stood up and left the venue. She needed to be in a place where she could cry but nobody would notice it so... Girls' loo was where she headed to.

That look on Ava's face was heartbreaking. The younger girl did not appear to be her usual happy self and that just wasn't right, a wedding was a happy time. Hady wanted nothing more than to figure out what was going on and make her fellow groomsmaid smile again. "I'm sorry, Ava." She wanted to give her a great big squishy hug, the same type Adi always gave out and to tell her it would be alright. How did you do that though when you didn't know what was happening.

Hadleigh had hoped that the invite to dance along with Lux and herself would work but it appeared that Ava couldn't handle that right now. "You do what you need to, we'll let the guys know that you had to leave...and if you ever just need someone to talk with I'm always available." The weren't incredibly close being a few years apart in age but if someone needed a friend, Hady was always there, no questions asked.

Just Cassie? Since she suggested it, Adi was game! "Cassie it is then!'' he said rather happily. "And I'll be sure to do that. I'm sorry that I haven't gotten the chance to before.'' Surely she would understand that he'd been loads busy over the last few years, working himself off for University, the Gobstones team and getting the new house in order. "You and Mr K have fun! Looking forward to seeing you both on the dance floor.''
............................

AWESOMEEE!

Hady seemed to understand first what he was trying to indicate. He watched as she and Lux went over to Ava. She seemed too sad and distracted. Adi frowned as he watched her head away towards the bathroom. Something was up and she needed to have a good cry; she needed time alone and he understood that. The guy shot Hades and Lux a grateful look. They could always be counted on!

Turning his attention back to the new husband, he closed the rest of the way to the fork to snag the food off of it. He tilted his head to the left side. "Didn't I mention it? Well, yeah. She does want to dance with you. You're her son too.'' He grinned now. "Of course! She can't resist not dancing with me.'' Their moms were somewhere around... "I suppose we should find them. Can't keep them waiting too long!''

It wasn't nice seeing Ava so upset. Lux really wished that she could cheer her up somehow, but wasn't sure what to do. There was no point in talking about it when she clearly didn't want to (understandably). And she didn't want to dance either. All she could do was nod and say, "I hope you feel better soon. I am sure that whatever is wrong will work itself out eventually." It could be hard to believe things like that when feeling down, but things generally had a way of getting better. "Exactly," she added in agreement of Hady. "I'm always here too!"

Biting her lip, she watched as Ava walked away before turning her attention over to Adi. She gave him a smile and watched as he danced with his new husband. THEY WERE SO CUTE.

Benny watched as Adi responded immediately to his fork and the new food, amused by the readiness. But then the new husband was always attracted to food, sometimes led by his seemingly bottomless stomach. Something he was proud to have beaten out for the badger’s affections. As for dancing with Mama Rehman, the lion couldn’t remember if he had mentioned it earlier but that was no big deal. There was still plenty of time in which to fulfill the woman’s wish. Her son. He couldn’t help brightening at the reference to him still being her son too. It was one of the brighter concepts surrounding her acceptance of them.

“Right...just don’t step on any of her toes,” he teased in advice for his own mother before nodding at Adi’s suggestion, putting down the fork. “Of course not,” Benny remarked, slowly moving to get up to his feet, offering his hand for his other half to help him up. A smile from Lux meant Ava would be alright so they would dance with their mothers. He looked around for the women in question, his gaze finally falling on his in-laws dancing. “Have fun…” he remarked, giving Adi’s hand a squeeze before moving to approach them as the last strains of the ending song began dwindling off into nothingness.

“Um…Mo--, May I have this dance?”


Cassiopeia Atreyu had sat out of the last song, relaxing with a drink and her husband as she watched over the festivities. The wedding of one’s son was usually a cause for enjoyment and Benjamin’s wedding to Aditya was no example against this belief. She couldn’t help smiling at both of her sons danced and celebrated their day, a day that marked the rest of their lives together. There was pride in her eyes at the man her blood related son had become.

Of course Adi's stomach wasn't quite filled as yet but that could be fixed later. He was glad to see that Benny seemed more than ready to dance with his mother. He snorted. "I'm a great dancer, I'd like to think,'' was the reply as he too got to his feet. "I think mom would forgive you when you step on hers,'' he added teasingly before going off but after returning the hand squeeze. It took little time for Mrs Atreyu to be found. Like the gentleman he was, Adi held out his hand after bobbing his head to Mr Atreyu. "It would be my honour if you'd have the next dance with me,'' he told her.

Indira Rehman saw Benny as he was approaching and a smile graced her tired face. It had taken a lot to organise such a grand celebration but it was well worth it. She could see how happy Benny and Adi were and that was all the reward she needed. "You may,'' she replied. All traces of weariness were gone as she replied.

She looked up as Adi approached, setting down her drink and smiling at her new son. Or old now official son seeing as he had been part of the family for several years now. A legally binding piece of paper and religious observances were all that changed this day and week. The offered hand held an obvious meaning even before the young man spoke offering a dance to her. “It would be my honor to accept,” Cassie remarked in answer with her own nod. The woman placing her hand in his before letting the connection bring her back up to her feet. "Seems to be quite a great gathering..." the woman mused absently to interact with her dance partner for the transition of the song.

Benny wasn’t as much nervous about dancing with his mother-in-law as much as remembering as he approached that he was just a tad rusty leading. It all that much and he had become comfortable with Adi taking charge. But the smile he was greeted with at his unsure offer worked to quell at least part of his awkwardness. It was a loving, pleasant expression, not something he needed to worry about being judged from behind. “Great…” he said with a soft smile of his own. The former Gryffindor offered Indira his hand, doing his best to calmly move into a position to dance as the next song began to warm up.

Adi led the mother-in-law who was really his second mother to the dance floor. Truth be told, he had practiced his moves for the dances. Though he know Benny wouldn't mind if he danced out of step, Adi wanted to be his best for the ones with their mothers. Holding her in the same way he'd hold his mother for a dance, he joined in on the conversation. "It is! So many persons I haven't seen in a while. It's been years, in fact.'' It was always easy to talk to Cassie. "Benny's been a sport to agree to invite so many persons.''

Indira let Benny take charge. After all it was his moment, celebration and wedding. But she was concerned for him. "Two wedding ceremonies didn't tire you, did it, Benny?'' He didn't look it but she just had to make sure. Indira moved to the music, eyes moving between Benny and the other guests. She could also see Adi dancing with Mrs Atreyu.

Cassiopeia easily followed Adi’s lead as the younger man eased them into the next dance with the rest of the group on the dance floor. Benny and her mother counterpart quite visible within the numbers. She was mildly impressed at her son’s ability as they moved to the music. “Ah yes…” she mused in response to his comment, “Weddings do seem to bring along the faces of yesteryear.” Weddings and funerals but the latter would likely not play a role in anyone in her family’s life for a while. As for Benny’s willingness to have so many guests, the reason was currently holding her as her dance partner.

“I daresay there is very little he wouldn’t do to make this day the best it could be…but then I figure the same applies to you,” Cassie added with a loving smile. The couple really did bring out the best in each other and wish to make each other happy in everything they could.

Benny looked at his mother, curious as to the reasoning for her questioning concern. Did he look tired or worn out? “No…I’m alright,” he admitted truthfully, offering Indira smile. "But then the energy of the everyone helps." One could be bolstered by the adrenaline of good times after all. And it wasn't like he hadn't had more busy and somewhat stressful days in his life...weddings were far more enjoyable than exams and such. "I hope you're enjoying yourself."

Adi nodded enthusiastically. "You're right about that. We've seen them under a happy occasion instead of a sad one so that's something.'' You know... like a funeral or something. Yep, it was easy to say this was one of the happiest days of his life. He smiled back. "That's true. He's been putting up with me and my demands for so long, I dunno how he does it.'' Well, he didn't really demand stuff, so to speak. Adi liked to make sure that Benny was always okay with whatever he wanted to do. Especially if it affected both of them.

Indira beamed. "Wonderful. I was worried it would have been a little overwhelming for you both.'' But she had wanted two weddings to happen for reasons. "Yes, I am. Very much so. There's so many persons in attendance.'' She also knew that there were a few that could not have made it as Adi had told her. Even a few relatives from India had made it. "They're all enjoying themselves too.'' Indira spared enough time to frown in the direction of one of Adi's loud female cousins. Why did that girl always have to shout whenever she was talking? Shaking her head, she focused back to Benny. "Anyway, you do know that I wish you two the best. I know that you'll take care of him.'' Adi being her only child, Indira could be very protective.

“Mhmm…so true,” she agreed with her own nod as they continued to dance. “It’s why there is usually such energy. The strengthening of bonds and reacquaintances.” Just like the start-of-term feasts each and every year at Hogwarts. Cassiopeia watched as Adi spoke of Benny and his willingness to ‘put up with him’ as the young man calls it, the woman unable to nearly smirk. Already the two of them were very much the ‘old married couple’ hopefully with many more years to come. “He’s always put the full measure into the things he cares about.” His relationship with his new husband so very obviously one of those aforementioned things.

Overwhelming…no. Though it had made things interesting over the past few days. A mix of cultures culminating in the day still in full swing. Benny smiled at the words of enjoyment. “Good to hear,” he remarked before nodding in agreement, his eyes briefly wandering around the room behind his dance partner. “Indeed…quite an ensemble.” Friends…family. People he knew and those he was to be introduced to for the first time. And all of them enjoying themselves, or most anyway, even if some a bit more rancious in their enjoyment. “I do…and I will always.”

Adi was in agreement with the mother-in-law. He LOVED the energy around here! It was the kind of energy he liked. Could he just say again that this was the perfect day? And one of the best times of his life? "That he does,'' he added with a nod. "It's one of the many reasons I love him.'' There were LOADS of reasons to love that dragon! "You don't have to worry about Benny. He's in good hands.'' Mhmm! That was a promise! And it was then he realised that the song was finishing. Adi hadn't even realised they had danced through it already.

Always such a quiet one, Benny was. A man of little words, Indira always thought. In many ways he and Adi complemented each other which was one of the reasons she suspected they made such the perfect match. She smiled at him. "I trust you fully. Also, I need to add that you're a great dancer.''

“Oh I’m well aware of that,” she remarked, well aware indeed. Even when they hadn’t been each other’s significant other, the only time Cassie had ever felt she truly had to worry about her son was when Adi wasn’t with him. Case in point…his first year at Hogwarts he was incredibly shy and awkward and struggling to feel like he could stay there AND their sixth year when the two of them had been separated and acromantulas had been loose. “Of course a mother will always be even just a tad concerned for her sons.”

“Thank you, Mom.” His words colored by the slight tinge of color in his cheeks at her trust and compliment. “It helps to have a good partner,” Benny added, returning her kind words with truthful ones of his own as the music died. Then he leaned in, giving her a respectful kiss on the cheek as he lowered his hands back down to his sides with hers.



New Scene: Benadi Property near Water's Edge

The end of summer had arrived but it was still fairly warm. A slight breeze grazed the property but it had help from the coastal winds that edged the lands they had made their own. The better to elevated the dragons and hippogriffs as they grew up and learned their wings they had said in the planning stages. But today it was just the two off them...enjoying the great outdoors and a small picnic together. "Definitely a nice day," Benny mused as they meandered out from the house, the dragon taking a deep breathe and letting it slowly drift out.

A day off for them!

Well, not a COMPLETE day off because they still had to oversees the dragons and hippogriffs. But the creatures were in more than capable hands of assistants for the time being. Adi had already eased into his married life as well as his creatures career so it was safe to say that he was thoroughly enjoying life. Benny plus Hippogriffs equalled the perfect life!

"Yep! Awesome day!'' Adi put his shades on. Sunny, bright and right for the two of them to go on a bit of exploration. Which he was SUPER excited for, by the way. The almost twenty- four year old fell in step beside his hubby. "Ready for underwater adventures, dragon?''

The sounds of the creatures became fainter as they moved further from the barn and pens. He shifted the basket in his grasp to get a sturdier hold as he debated a spot to perch everything. Remembering the process of the changes the potion brought, Benny figured they should be close enough to the water but not too close that any incoming tide could grab hold. Of course with his other half having experimented in its structure to work with magical creatures, there was still a chance of unknown reactions. “As ready as I ever am…” he mused with a small smile. At least this was one of the times he was actually warned not to mention Adi would be joining him for today’s said adventures.

“What do you think…stash everything here?” he asked, stopping at a point that seemed about right but still asking for Adi’s opinion. It was better spending a day together when you worked out things together. Unless it was to be a surprise.The water's edge was about three feet away at its highest point.

As they neared the water, Adi glanced back towards their home and grounds. It was getting quieter and it felt a little weird to him because he was always used to all the noise caused by the dragons and hippogriffs. "I forgot what quiet sounds like,'' he joked to Benny. But did he mind the chaos? Nope!

"Yep! Looks like a good spot.'' Adi bounced on his feet, ready to take the potion. "Reckon we should get into the water first.'' For obvious reasons. The guy wasted no time in stripping down to his shorts, setting his clothing, shades and the vial with the potion on the edge of the water. "Last one in gets to do all the house work for a week!'' With a laugh, he dived in to the water, splashing it everywhere.

Adi came back up bobbing. "Come on, Benny!''

I forgot what quiet sounds like

Hmm…yeah, their place could get rather rowdy at times so he understood the sentiment. “It’s been so many years, I doubt I remember myself…” he mused, teasing his other half. Adi was the talker amongst them and he’d certainly made his life noisier than his previously subdued schooling since they had met. Be it chatting or music or that babbling beverage he had given him during their third year. Merlin help him if any of their future family took after their father in that respect, the squawking of the hippogriffs was enough even if his dragons could be just as loud.

Benny just shook his head at the challenge, still slipping off his shirt as Adi dives in. Like the threat worked in him. He’d just bat his eyes and get his other half help him so it was all good to him. He followed suit, adding his clothing and shoes neatly to the pile safely out of the water’s reach. The dragon didn’t answer the hippogriff’s further instructions, responding instead with his own dive and giving his husband’s leg a sudden playful jerk before letting his ability to float to drag himself back up to the surface.

“You rang Master?” he mused as he treaded water.

One second he was talking about the noise their griffs and dragons made and then the next, Benny was teasing him. Yep, Benny! Adi was onto you! He gave the husband a pretend puzzled look. "I really dunno what you're talking about, dragon. I can be as quiet as a kneazle.''

LOL. Right.

Adi watched Benny do his thing then took a minute to do a few backstrokes. As a result, he didn't pay attention to when the dragon dove into the water. Not until he felt a tug on his leg. He was startled and kicked out but then quickly realised the prank. Laughing, he said, "Mhmm! I did. Ready to be a merman?"

Benny snorted at Adi’s answering remark but gave no further reply. Right…as quiet as a kneazle. Well only sometimes he could be that way, that was true. They would have never survived trying to study through school and university if Adi was always babbling. But the dragon himself was more likely to be that quiet between them. It was just more his nature.

He echoed his husband’s laughter, amused to have caught him unaware and had won his trick on him. “Mhmm…I’m used to the scales.” He already had them both in his dragon changes and the ones that stuck within him normally. “Are you ready to trade in your feathers?” he returned with raised eyebrow, grabbing for his vial of the potion they would be taking.

Adi went back to calmly bobbing in the water though he was SUPER excited to be trying this potion again. Ever since the first time he had back at Hogwarts and had transformed into a bird, he had loved this potion. Of course he had used it a couple of times after, both him and Benny in fact. With just a slight modification, they could now change to magical creatures.

He reached for his own vial. "Let's do this!'' The guy took a swig at the vial. Let the changes begin. And so he waited... but for just a second or so for the changes began almost immediately. Naturally it was only the tail that had to change. His feet seemed to melt together as the green scales began to erupt, starting from his toes and moving upwards. The fins appeared just after the scales. It was all a very weird feeling.

Lastly came the burning sensation in his lungs. Adi slipped beneath the surface and was able to breathe properly again.

Woot!

Merman Adi!