Azriel had been in two minds whether to attend the party or not. Work had been busier than ever and he'd found himself working on a new deal to acquire another of the shops in Diagon Alley. It was also close to completion with his new flat and he had found himself having to shop for beds, sofas and other furniture that he'd never had to think about whilst living in his family home.
Watching the fireworks in the Great Hall, Azriel went from conversation to conversation, talking to old friends. He had just gotten away from some of the duller acquaintances of his father when he felt somebody next to him and looked up, smiling when he saw it was Stephen.
"Good evening," he said politely. "I have the most terrible urge to get completely plastered and do something stupid. These parties are always so dull."