I'll Be Your Shelter, I'll Be Your Storm ** (AEDDILYN)

[Deleted]

@edmund
Dress!
<3

Tonight was the night. Addilyn hadn't seen Edmund at all that morning. She had been with some friends getting ready and eating breakfast and planning out everything they were going to wear. Edmund had told her he was wearing dark green dress robes, and Addilyn, not wanting to match him too much, had been trying to decide between a black or silver dress. They would both compliment Edmund nicely, but she chose black. It was sleek and beautiful, and while her brother may not be a fan of the deep v neck, Addi thought she looked gorgeous. Her hair was curled, her makeup done, and she was wearing black heels. Her jewelry was all hinted green, a way to match Edmund.

Her heart was racing. Edmund was waiting outside her dorm stairs for her and she was very nervous. Addilyn took a deep breath. Edmund loved her, she loved him, and while they've had their issues and they were very recent, but they worked through them and everything was beginning to get better. Grabbing her earrings and putting them in, she took one last look at herself in the mirror. Addilyn smiled, and opened the door to walk down the spiral staircase, down to where her boyfriend was waiting.

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It was nights like tonight when Edmund was glad that he was a boy. Having two sisters and growing up in a household where they did have to attend balls, Edmund was fully aware of the time and effort that were taken in getting a girl ready. There was no way that he would ever spend that much time getting ready. He just didn't have the patience for that, and it wasn't something that he wanted to develop patience for either. 

What Edmund was good at was the waiting for the girls to be ready. All he had to do was shower, do something with his hair so it looked presentable and get those robes on. He was waiting in the common room, at the bottom of the stairs that led up to her dorm. Actually, Edmund was leaning up against a couch as he waited, but that wasn't a big deal. He would wait as long as Addi needed him to. After all, he wasn't in any rush to get to the ball. 

She walked down the staircase and Edmund couldn't stop the grin from covering his face the second he saw her. "Adds, you look fantastic," he told her as soon as she was close enough for him to offer his arm. Sure, it was 2023, but he'd learned long ago that old-fashioned gestures went a long way. He led her out of the common room and towards the Great Hall, where the ball was being held. "So are you ready for this?" Edmund asked with a smile as he found a place inside where they would be able to see the champions and their dates dance. He didn't know if Addi was interested in watching that, but he might as well find her a good spot, just in case.

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

As soon as Addilyn had walked down the stairs and saw Edmund her jaw dropped. He looked fantastic. She smiled, and felt quite proper as he held out his arm for her. Addi held it with her hand and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, E. You look amazing, as well." Their clothing matched nicely, and very well for their house. She hadn't expected to be so nervous, but it was mostly about the dancing. Edmund had been dancing his whole life, and while she had practiced many times with him and their Head of House, she was still scared she would mess up.

Edmund found a good spot for them to watch the Champions, and Addi looked up at him, their arms still intertwined. "I...I am ready. And I am nervous." She laughed quietly. "You look so handsome, E." Addilyn glanced him up and down once more. He truly looked amazing, and she couldn't believe that she was lucky enough to be standing here, next to her best friend, her boyfriend, and the boy she loved.

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It just felt so natural to lead Addi around, to have her on his arm. Edmund never really understood why people at balls did this before. That is, he didn't understand it until tonight. It felt nice to have her so close to him, to know that she was with him. 

Once in the ballroom, Edmund could almost feel the nerves radiating off of her. "Adds, you'll do just fine," He grinned wryly at her. "besides, no one is going to be watching us. They'll be too busy watching the champions so we can just enjoy our time with one another. Don't worry about anyone else." He turned his attention to the champions, who were now beginning their dance with one another. They did pretty well, but Edmund really just wanted things to open up so that everyone could start dancing and talking and just having fun. Finally, others started dancing and Edmund pulled Addi in front of him, "Can I have this dance?" he asked, raising one eyebrow teasingly as he waited for her response. He was ready to have a good time now.

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

Addilyn's eyes widened at him and she shook her head at him. "Of course they're going to be looking at us, Edmund! You know who? Grey, Claire, Susan, Lucy...is Will here?" She glanced around quickly. Addilyn hadn't mentioned to Edmund yet that she had finally met him, in Hogsmeade the other weekend. She wasn't sure how he'd take it...and if he'd be upset about it. Will was quite sweet, to Addi at least, and she didn't want to ruin Edmund's night or upset him, so maybe she'd tell him later.

They watched silently as the Champions began dancing with their dates and then suddenly many more people entered the dance with them. Edmund turned around quickly to her and spoke, and Addilyn felt a deep blush rising to her cheeks. His eyebrow made her giggle and she nodded her head, taking his hand. "Of course you may, Mr. Windsor."

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Addi was even more nervous at his response and Ed fought to keep himself from smiling. "Adds, they're not looking at us. If I know my sisters at all, they are entirely focused on their dates and dancing and clothes. They won't be looking for me. They already know how much I hate Balls. They're going to want to stay away from me so I don't ruin their happy moods." At least, that's what they always did before. After the first few balls where Ed was a complete jerk, his sisters did tend to avoid him. They normally demanded he dance with them once, but that was at the castle. They probably wouldn't make him do that here. And if they did, then it would be fine.

"Good," Edmund said with a smile, going into dancing position as he pulled Addi a little closer than was normal. It was weird, the fact that he was enjoying a situation that was so similar to the balls at home. He always hated those, but he'd never done one with Addi before. The fact that he was enjoying himself now was even more evidence to him that he loved her. He led her around the room smoothly, proud of her for how well she was dancing. "You're doing great Adds," he told her after a while. He hadn't stopped smiling since they started dancing

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

Her eyes widened and she laughed. "If you're sure! But, if anything, I'm pretty positive that they'll be looking for you at some point. I am a sister of a brother, you know. And I'd love to know who he was dancing with, although, I already do know." Her nose scrunched up. Grey had asked Ondina Weasley to the Yule Ball, and while Addi had shared her thoughts with him on that subject, he had just gotten upset with her.

Edmund pulled her in closer and Addi rested her cheek on his chest, dancing along to the music. If she was being honest, it was quite soothing, almost to the point where she'd like to just fall asleep. Of course, that wasn't going to happen as she was wide awake and very excited for this night. "Thanks, E...it's all because of you." Addilyn smiled brightly at him. The love that she felt for Edmund was overpowering, and it was very obvious in this moment.

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Ed grimaced at Addi's reassurance that his sisters would be looking for him eventually. "Well, I guess I'll have to deal with that when it happens. Until then, I'm just going to focus on the dancing and the beautiful woman I have in my arms." Cheesy, yes, but Ed didn't care. He was happy to be here with her, which was a new sensation for him when it came to a ball. "You don't seem happy about that," Ed noted when she mentioned Grey. "Who is he dancing with?" He wasn't sure if she wanted to talk about it or not, but she brought it up. He couldn't resist the question.

It was nice, being able to dance with someone without feeling stressed about the conversation. It didn't matter what he and Addi talked about or whether or not they talked, Ed felt entirely comfortable in these moments with her. It was the most peaceful dance that he'd ever taken part of and Edmund loved it. "Naw, I only taught you how," he said smiling down at her. "You would have been this good either way. It just might have taken a little longer without our lesson." She was a good dancer and he wouldn't have her thinking anything else. 

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

"Oh, it's not dealing with it, E. More like, encouraging it and enjoying it! I'd love to officially meet your sisters as your girlfriend and not your best friend." She rose an eyebrow, but once he ended his sentence, she smiled at him. He was definitely cheesy, but he was great to her and loved her dearly and Addilyn couldn't imagine him not in her life. Since the age of 11 they had been together, 24/7, all the time. It would be unusual for people to see them away from each other. "I don't think he's dancing with her, but he came with Ondina." Her face scrunched up in disgust. Edmund knew Ondina, of course. They were all in the same house, and he'd understand her hatred of the pair.

"Ha! I wouldn't have been good without your practice, Edmund. I'd be flopping all over the place, like a fish." She giggled. Addi had never had dancing lessons, and had never danced before she met Edmund really, unless it was a simple slow dance or just jumping around. Edmund on the other hand, had been dancing since he was a young child. Lucky for him, this was almost an every day thing that he was used to. Addi...well, she was nervous. She just hoped people weren't staring at them. "You look great, E."

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Edmund rolled his eyes good-naturedly, “I didn’t mean it like that, Adds. When the time comes, I will introduce you to my sisters as my girlfriend. Probably tonight.” He wasn’t trying to lie, but he hoped she’d be satisfied by that. He knew how much she wanted to stop the secret part of their relationship. In all reality, Ed never meant to keep it a secret this long, but time sort of slipped through his fingers. He frowned at her obvious displeasure about Grey’s date. “Well, I’m sorry. Maybe he knows what he’s doing?” he asked quietly though he knew Addi would disagree with that. He knew that she and Grey had a fight about him wanting to be with Ondina before.

He laughed when Addi said she wouldn’t have been any good if he hadn’t helped her practice. “You did just fine in all our practices. You would have been great,” Edmund argued. He knew that she would have been, though he was delighted that she was at the dance with him. Honestly, Ed couldn’t imagine anything he would have preferred. “Not as good as you look Adds,” he said with a smile as the dance ended. He looked at the others and then he said, “Do you want to dance again? Or would you like a break?” Edmund asked, determined to do whatever she wanted. Tonight was all about making her happy.

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

Addilyn smiled gently, hoping it was true. She had never really had any type of connection with either of his sister's, shockingly just Will which was even weirder considering he was not currently at school. Addi would be delighted to get to know Lucy and Susan. Edmund brought her train of thought back to Grey and she rose an eyebrow. "He's just talking with her right now... But I had a feeling it was a love potion. So I spoke with his friend, Finn, one of the Aurors. So I'm hoping that gets fixed."

"Oh shush, I'd have been terrible we both know it." Addilyn giggled. She wasn't afraid to make fun of herself, especially in the dancing aspect. It wasn't a hobby of hers and she wasn't all that good until Edmund taught her. The music ceased and she took a deep breath, leaning forward to press her lips against his. "We can take a break for now, I'm thirsty."

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Addi didn’t respond right away, but Ed didn’t mind that. Tonight they weren’t in any kind of rush, they were just trying to enjoy time with one another. At least, that was what he was trying to do. Then she started explaining what she meant about Grey and Edmund’s jaw dropped a little. “Love potion? H-how did she … what made you think it had to do with a love potion?” Edmund wasn’t doubting her, he’d just never really heard of a love potion seriously being used at school. And on Grey? Why would Ondina target him, of all people?

Edmund shook his head seriously, “Say that all you want, but you would have been fine, other than being nervous.” She leaned forward and kissed Ed lightly and he kissed her back until she pulled away, telling him she was ready for a drink. “This way,” he said with a smile, leading her to a refreshment table on one side of the hall. He quickly grabbed a glass of water, assuming that if she wanted something else she would tell him. He held it out for her, turning so he was facing the dancing people now. “Thanks for coming with me, Adds,” he told her quietly. “This is perfect.”

Once his drink was done, Edmund glanced to the doors. “It’s your choice milady. Would you rather dance once more or go for a short stroll outside?” Of course, Ed would rather walk, but that response was mostly just habit. Dancing with Addi was different than dancing with anybody else and Edmund had been to enough balls to know that for certain.

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

Edmund questioned her and she shrugged, beginning to laugh. "Well honestly, he looked insane. He was...obsessed with her. All he knew about her was her name. He had no idea what he 'loved' about her, just that he did. Grey also couldn't recall speaking to her much." She had found it unusual. This sudden obsession Grey had with Ondina. Also, the fact that he was just in love with her, no warning, no conversations prior. He just loved her. Now that she thought back to it, it was very amusing.

"My nerves would've made me fall or something! I know you'd probably find that funny, but I wouldn't have." She grinned at Edmund. Addilyn was extremely grateful for Edmund and his dancing skills, because otherwise she might not have danced much tonight. He brought her over to the refreshment table and handed her a water. She thanked him and began gulping it down. After a few moments, the entire glass was gone and she gasped for breath, but felt much more refreshed. "Oh of course, E...it is perfect. I'm enjoying myself. Thanks for coming with me!"

Addi tilted her head back and forth, thinking of the options he gave her. It might be a bit colder outside, and she needed to cool down a bit. It was very hot in here. "I'll take you up on that stroll."

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Edmund's eyebrows creased as he thought over what Addilyn said. Honestly, he couldn't imagine Grey obsessed with anyone. Or behaving in the way Addi was describing. Not that he didn't believe her, he just couldn't visualize it. At least she thought it was funny now, which was why Edmund let himself chuckle a little. "I really can't imagine him like that," he confessed, glancing over at Grey once more. "So you think he's still under the potion now or ..." Edmund trailed off, distracted by his thoughts. It would be terrible to be controlled by something like that and then come back to yourself. Not that he'd want to stay under it, but that would be embarrassing. 

Edmund rolled his eyes, "Adds, even if your nerves tries to make you fall, I would've caught you," he said confidently. He wasn't entirely positive he'd be able to do that, but he certainly would have tried. At best, he would have succeeded and at worst he'd be on the floor with her and they'd look like fools together. He nodded, muttering a short "I'm glad" when Addi said she was enjoying herself. 

Then she said she wanted to go on a stroll and Edmund moved to take her hand before leaving the room. He knew there were probably Aurors all over outside to make sure things stayed safe, so they probably wouldn't be able to go far from the castle, but that was fine with him. "It feels so good out here," Edmund commented, closing his eyes for a moment as he enjoyed the brisk air. What were they supposed to talk about now? It wasn't like Ed needed to ask get-to-know-you questions. He already knew everything about Addi. "Let me know if you get cold?" his dress robes were a lot warmer than her dress looked, so he'd go in whenever she wanted to. 

@jill2

[Deleted]

@edmund
<3

"I couldn't imagine him like that either, not until I saw him that way." It was weird and unusual and not anything Addilyn had ever seen before. But not it was funny. Thinking of Grey in the unthinkable was definitely shocking to her and she was sure to Edmund. It wasn't like him, which made it even funnier. "I don't actually know, I'd have to talk with him to see. The way he spoke, and about her, was just..not Grey Slater." Addilyn didn't know how else she could explain it.

"Well that's sweet of you, Edmund. I'm sure I'd try to catch you too!" Addilyn giggled. Edmund was taller than her and definitely weighed more, but Addi was a beater, and to be a beater she had to be strong. So maybe she would be able to carry Edmund, who knew.

Addilyn squeezed his hand gently as soon as he took it, and they began walking around. The cold hair hit her face and body, and she shivered slightly at the change in temperature. It felt amazing, but her dress was quite revealing and didn't cover much of her upper body, but it was nice. "It does feel good! Much better than all that body heat and sweat inside." Addilyn glanced around; the staff had done a wonderful job at decorating the inside and outside for the Yule Ball. The lights glistened and she could see her breath in the air. "I'll let you know, definitely." Addilyn smiled and nodded. "Are you having fun?"