When the holidays arrived, all of Hogwarts was swept up in excitement. Even the Fifth Years, whose futures were still uncertain, were no exception.
The Seventh Years had already begun leaving school early. Those who remained had either planned their graduation trips or had no need to worry about finding work.
"You'll come, won't you, Taylor?"
Roger, beaming, held out an invitation to Andrew. He was in a small minority: he planned to get married right after graduation. It was hardly unheard of in the Wizarding world. The Weasley family was much the same, if not quite to that extent, and so was the Potter family.
Andrew hesitated when he saw the date on the invitation. He and Roger weren't especially close, but they had spent plenty of time together on the House team. By rights, he ought to go and offer his congratulations.
But the wedding fell right when the second round of talks was scheduled. The timing might change, from the look of things,
but he couldn't simply ignore the possibility.
Worse, he couldn't explain why. The project was highly confidential.
"Sorry, Roger. I can't be sure I'll be free that day, but I'll prepare a gift with my name on it and make sure it's presented publicly."
He spoke with genuine regret and solemnity.
Disappointment crossed Roger's face. His eyes shifted as though he wanted to say something, but in the end he held back.
"Thank you, Taylor. I'm looking forward to it."
Roger thanked him with a smile. After a little small talk, he went off to invite the others. If he didn't get it done now, half of them might be traveling abroad by the time the wedding came around.
"Well, congratulations in advance. I hope you have a wonderful wedding."
Andrew gave him a