After Artemis was revealed to be Georgianna, the couple grew closer than they had ever been. The time spent together taught them how alike they were in most respects, and even in their differences, they noticed a certain kinship that either hadn't been there before, or that they simply had not noticed. Their temperaments, so different at first glance, were in fact complementary. Where he was impatient she had endless patience, and where she grew restless he offered comfort.

The damp days of spring gave way to a very warm summer in Scotland, or "actual bearable weather", according to Georgiana. The change of season reflected the change of heart that had come over the young couple. The bright celebrations of midsummer, with the traditional bonfires atop the hill, marked the first time they held a party together with a select group of friends.

Their relationship had grown since Artemis was revealed to be Georgie. Ben's initial surprise had quickly turned to gratitude, for the first time in their marriage they were aware of where the other stood which had only increased the incipient affection between themselves.

Benjamin knocked on the door to Georgie's rooms with a broad grin on his face, his hands behind his back as he stood in full Highland dress, following the tradition set by his great grandfather to hold tea or supper in Agnes Day. She opened the door and he could see the red marks on her bottom lip, her eyes holding a look that he wouldn't have deciphered a couple of weeks ago. Now the concern was clear, and he thought he knew the reason.

"What troubles you m'lady?" he leaned forward and placed a gentle and chaste kiss on her lips, keeping his hands behind his back as they parted from the tender exchange.

Their first kiss had only happened days before, but it had ignited something else between them. She had been too involved in the planning stages of their event, her careful and methodical nature coming into play as he had never seen before. They went over the selection of guests, chose the menu carefully, the seating and order in which food was to be served, as well as accommodation for anyone who wished to stay the night at the castle. The stress of organising their first soiree had been evident enough for Ben to notice, and for him to try to do something about it.

They had been lying on the chaise in the early afternoon and she had been talking uninterrupted about bedding for twenty minutes when he had cupped her cheek and placed a gentle kiss on her lips, quieting the flow of nervous words, her eyes wide with surprise, which was soon overcome by curiosity. That night when he walked her to her chambers for the night she leaned up and kissed him goodnight.

Now the party was upon them and she looked up at him, debating weather to voice her final concern with so little time left, or to keep her worries to herself. His bright eyes met hers, making the decision an easy one, "I know it's a traditional event…" she half mumbled. "But I only have this blue skirt to match your colours…"

The rest went unsaid, she didn't own the proper garments for the Rookwood clan, an unconscious oversight on his part, but one he was ready to amend. His grin turned to a broad smile as he moved his hands from behind his back, holding a thick and carefully woven shawl, bearing the Rookwood blue and red tartan.

"You're a Rookwood, you should be able to feel and look the part," he said as he leaned over, carefully wrapping the shawl over her shoulders.

Her fingers moved over the fabric and she looked up, her cheeks pink, her eyes bright, and she seemed to struggle to find words. Ben thought she had never looked more beautiful.

"Thank you Ben," she leaned up and kissed his whiskery cheek, their hands tangling with ease. "Shall we?"

The Rookwoods had started preparations for the celebration of Saint Agnes Wopplecourt a week in advance. The fabled witch had allegedly burned in at least eighteen different pyres during the 1300′s, and witches and wizards all over the kingdom held festivities during the last week of May. Gerogiana had sat with Mrs McGuinneas, with Abby the cook, and with Iggy; in order to have a spread worthy of the event that would last from noon till sunset. Benjamin had gathered Lancel, Emmerich and John to have the pyre, tables, and tents ready.

The main doors to Taileasgcoille Tower were wide open and the young couple descended the stairs with their arms intertwined, eyes bright and smiles broad as they greeted their guests. Summer this high up north was a sight to behold, the green pastures speckled with sheep and cattle, the leafy trees seeming to swell to twice their thickness, the lake crystal clear and sparkling under the sunlight.

Sweet summer wine was given to everyone in their party of fourteen, the couples were close friends to both, and they had each picked their guests carefully, making a young and merry lot to spend the holiday, and to test their own in a new light. They weren't strangers to the demands of their social status, as a young union between wealth and name, they were uniquely situated amongst young lords and ladies who enjoyed the privileges of the British elite. The Rookwoods were in good standing not only within the wizarding community, but in the muggle as well; though this had not detracted from social events becoming a nuisance for Ben and Georgie during their first year of marriage. Parties were spent in company of their friends and away from each other, even if it meant keeping to opposite sides of the room.

To say that their relationship had been rocky would be the biggest understatement since the wizarding gnome wars. They loathed each other's company and thought their spouse pompous and embarrassing. It was only after their first Christmas party, which was held in her parents' house in France. For the first time in their almost ten months of marriage they had faced the task of forming a unified front to relatives inquiries and judgement. The event had culminated with a fight on wizarding purity in which Ben and Geoffrey Abbot, Georgie's brother in law, had been on the brink of starting a duel. Georgiana had asked her father to interfere, but the man had refused to partake in a political debate that wouldn't profit him, telling his daughter that Benjamin, as her husband, was her responsibility.

The event had led to an argument back home, but both had taken notice of their reality, they would have to live with each other for years to come, they would have to present a unified front before family and friends; and if they were to be married as they were, they could at least attempt to get to know each other. It had been the night at the pub after their first wedding anniversary, which prompted action from them. Afterwards it had only taken them a couple of weeks to become friends, and only a month more to feel they could share their newfound kinship with their closest friends.

The gardens of Taileasgcoille had not seen this much merriment in over twenty years, and Benjamin and Georgiana were the soul and life of the event. They had greeted their guests side by side, and they had never strayed far from each other until teatime, when the men smoked, and the women played cards. Both exchanged gossip, but while the women acknowledged it by name, the men called it politics.

"… I heard it's true," Anallie was saying in a tone that denoted outmost secrecy, "they got bit on their last visit north, do you remember, they were holding court till a couple of weeks ago."

Sylvianna snorted, "the Queen?"

Georgie tried her best not to roll her eyes or sigh too audibly, "and I suppose prince Albert and the children as well?" the dripping sarcasm was evident and Anallie just stared, as did Patricia, Abby, and Mary.

"Well, it does sound unlikely," chipped in Jane, "Georgie would have heard of it at Mungo's… Right Gee?"

All eyes were on her, and it was Sylv who spoke what they had all heard, "oh, I don't think so… Word is our Gee is spending less and less time volunteering."

Georgie tried not to show if the words affected her, taking a sip of her tea, "well, a married lady has things to see to at home, running a house and keeping a husband isn't a trifling matter."

As expected, the mentions of marriage made her friends change the subject to other ladies of society and their marital affairs, which was just enough gossip as she could take for one day. She rose from her seat gracefully and moved silently to where the men were smoking and talking more loudly than their wives.

"I tell you old chap, if Spout-Hole doesn't hold back his tongue, one of these days he's going to get himself hexed," Gherald mused between puffs of smoke.

"Oh, he's not a bad bloke, but I think his stance on international affairs is lax, perhaps too much for our benefit," said Maximillian.

"I can't complain, it makes it easier to obtain and export foreign species for the business," commented Ben just as his wife was crawling, almost cat-like, into his lap. His arms wrapped instinctively around her and he pecked her cheek without noticing the arched brows from his friends.

"How is business by the way, Ben?"

"Picking up. Usually does this time of year. Spattergot is on the rise. And thanks to my wife, I've got the best yew sap potion for it." The men grumbled as she mumbled in Gaelic, her eyes looking up at him. None of his friends spoke his native tongue, and for that he was often ridiculed, but behind his back.

But his wife spoke it flawlessly, "dear; they're trying to tease you. I'm thinking it's because I'm here… Should I leave?"

His lips brushed her brow as he murmured back, "Nonsense dearest, you are always welcome on my knee." He smiled warmly as she leaned up and kissed him firmly. It was unlike any other kiss they'd shared. The previous ones had been chaste and sweet, and more than a little tender. This kiss made him forget his place and his company as his fingers held her tiny waist. Too soon she pulled back and smiled "Are they looking rather incredulous?"

"More than a little, my wife." He spoke in English, pecking her lips.

She nodded; appearing overly satisfied "I'm going to go powder my nose. I'm tired of men and ladies. Mind if Artemis takes my place?"

He kissed her fingers and smiled, "A sound plan my dear. Don't tarry long."

She stood and left without another word, leaving her husband and the rest of the men to stare after her as she sashayed towards the house. Ben's thoughts were still lingering on the fiery touch of Georgie's lips, his mind only called back to the present when he heard his name.

"… I don't think there's a doubt about who's kept on a leash here, mates. Our tomcat Benjamin Rookwood is one tame little pussy," Thomas sniggered, getting a chorus from the rest of the guys.

Ben tried not to snort at the use of the feline euphemism, while Brandon tried to soften the blow, "oh, leave the poor man alone. Haven't you heard he's stopped visiting Wales for his usual share of adventure?"

"A declawed predator," Marcus smirked, just as Artemis was crawling back into Ben's lap, making the young man smile as his friends continued to tease him, "tell me old chap, how does it feel to be stripped from your manhood so?"

Gherard snorted, not giving Ben a chance to reply, "I tell you," he lowered his tone, "you're too soft on that wife of yours, not a man in England would have let his wedding night go by without claiming his right."

That was just it for Ben, his brow arched and a smug smile curled his lips, his fingers scratching at the cat's white fur, her purring comforting to his heart. "Now my friend, you're just jealous that I don't have to go paying to take a turn at Bushy Park, and that I happen to be putting four quarters on the spit with the most beautiful woman in the kingdom."

This brought a whooping cheer from Maximillian and a rally of questions ranging from 'are you saying she's more beautiful then the Queen', to 'how good is she at spinning the little ball of yarn'. He didn't need to elaborate much, for as with women and marriage, men talking about sex ended with the group diverting to the personal affairs of several lords of court.

"We knew he was bound to end badly, remember his little gang of friends at school?" Emmerich commented, he was a man of few words, but a powerful man nonetheless.

"Friends?" Max snorted, "Ben, what did we use to call them?"

Ben hesitated for a moment but Artemis' purring was warm and comforting, "the green plague… They weren't all Slytherins, but Booth and McMann sure were the leaders."

Emmerich Nott rolled his eyes and Artemis nipped Ben's hand. Her best friend's husband had been a Slytherin and was probably not amused by the nickname.

"Surely their means weren't appropriate, but can you blame them?" Marcus intervened. "Look at how much trouble the Ministry's Muggle Relation department is getting us into, is it really so terrible that they want a better system to keep muggles and wizards apart?"

Ben felt the soft nipping again on his fingers, thread carefully, it said. He scratched her jaw reassuringly. "I do wonder if we are not flying too fast into action."

Gherard was looking flustered already and Ben wondered if maybe he had exceeded himself on wine already, for his tone was harsher than the subject required, "Rookwood, you are truly too soft. You can't forget muggle brutality, especially on Saint Agnes day. They're uncivilised swine and they should be treated as such."

"Nothing good comes from them," Brandon mused, "you know what we do? Marry a muggle and you're no longer part of the family," he nodded at Max, "I know your father thinks the same."

Max shrugged noncommittal, but Ben arched a brow, "does that mean every Black thinks the same?"

Thomas chuckled, "it does if he's a smart man. I know for a fact your father was of the same mind Ben, or are you denying his famous muggle raids?"

Ben blushed and he could feel all eyes on him, but Artemis was snuggling closer, purring softly. "If we all did as our fathers, this would be a much poorer world because of it." The cat jumped off his lap and darted to the house before he even stood up, "now, if you'll excuse me, I sure supper shouldn't take long now, I'll see if I can speed things up."

He nodded at his guests and walked warily towards the castle, scratching his bushy beard as he stepped into the kitchens. Georgie was sitting on the counter, chewing on an apple, her legs crossed and balancing as Iggy moved about, singing happily. He walked towards his wife, his ears red and his hands reaching for hers.

"Georgie… Aboot me dad's muggle pureblood policy-…" His uneasiness brought his accent more noticeably, making her smile warmly. She quite liked his Scottish drawl.

He didn't get to finish his thought, as she leaned up and brushed her lips against his, making him smile and blush brighter.

"Now," she giggled, looping her arms around his neck "that's what its like to be interrupted Benjamin," she kissed him once more, with an underlying passion, his own hands holding her waist. Moments later they drew back, and her eyes held an acute note of seriousness, but with the underlying warmth remaining. "Ben, your father's actions do not define who you are… If anyone has moved heaven and earths to prove that, it's been you, my husband."

His ears turned crimson, "you know I don't share those beliefs."

She nodded, "I know," she combed her fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck, "haven't I seen you buy supplies and trade with muggle and wizard folk alike? Don't let politics ruin such a perfect day, talk of quidditch and women and the weather for a while."

He smiled, "thank you Georgie."

They both lingered together for several minutes, as the busy kitchen grew louder with the sounds of preparing food. Eventually she sighed and drew back while handing him a plate with food, "now, help with these while I move everyone to the solarium."

They emerged from the kitchens together along. Georgie and Mrs McG calling everyone indoors while Ben and Iggy hovered platters overstuffed with food, the goods floated effortlessly in front of them, and the elf seemed to juggle jugs of fruit punch and wine.

The sun vanished behind the lake and trees that marked one of the edges of the Rookwood estate. The blood hue of the dwindling light painted their surroundings in an almost ethereal manner as they sat down for supper. Torches came alive moments before the sun faded, making the change in conversation as fluid as the change in atmosphere.

"Will you be attending the first game of the season?" "I think they have a good chance if they focus on shaping their defence" "The Cannons?" "They haven't lost a match yet". "Gwenlog? He was a mess at Hogwarts-… No, I didn't know you were related". "My money is on Hufflepuff this year".

The fireworks started just as conversation was waning, giving everyone the perfect excuse to grab their drinks and step outside once more. To the Rookwoods, the warm evening and cool drinks made for the perfect excuse to be close while watching the bonfire and colourful spectacle in the sky. A simple spell brought a few chaises and cushions outside the solarium and the couples settled, with the host and hostess holding each other close, as if the simple embrace had always come naturally. Though it wasn't so for all their friends.

Georgiana looked around and a smirk crossed her lips as she burrowed closer against her husband's chest, her soft purring making his heart swell, her words in Gaelic guaranteeing none would eavesdrop. "They're not used to sharing this much time together, are they?"

He chuckled softly, knowing full well that few of their friends liked their spouses enough to share more than their marital bed, "I know Max wouldn't hold Sylv's hand just for the thrill of it."

She nodded, "look at Jane and Em." He glanced towards them and she continued, "They are closer even if he seems cold all the time."

His arms wrapped warmly around her, thinking he and his wife had dodged a deadly curse. She looked up at him, "I am glad that's not us Ben."

His smile broadened and he kissed her tenderly. He liked the taste of her lips more and more with every kiss. "I am grateful we are not like them Georgie."

Jane's eye caught Georgie's and the two shared a knowing smile, but it was Abby who spoke; "Gee, come on, tell us what's so special since none of us can understand that gibberish you insist on talking."

The comment made Benjamin blush, but Georgiana took it on the fly, her smirk broadening, "We were simply congratulating our fortune at having such good friends as you." Ben chuckled and held her closer, mumbling his thanks on her ear as the conversation turned inevitably to another subject. Such was the blessing and curse of the company they kept.

The party was over well into the night, and by then their purpose had been long achieved. They could now be "The Rookwoods" before others, as much as they were between themselves. That is, true friends.