Lee and Padma
Although anyone on the outside looking in might think differently of it, Padma and Lee knew precisely where they stood in regards to one another. They were mates, so his flattery was all in good spirits. She smirked and poked at Lee's side playfully when he mentioned how she looked, taking that as her own personal means of thanking him for the gesture all the same. She was likely the only one at the party in a saree, but that hardly phased her. It was a great deal more comfortable than the rather revealing costume from the night before. As Lee leaned in to whisper to Padma, she looked straight ahead while narrowing her eyes in thought. She caught the slip up with his words but hadn't the slightest clue what he meant to say in place of 'people'. Allowing it to slide, she gave him a reassuring smile. "Maybe it's just that the annual Ministry Masquerade has become a bit more routine than anything else. If they wanted to spice it up they would leave it open to everyone and allow you and Parvati to host." Padma was hardly one to complain about a free event, but she had to confess what they were both thinking. "At any rate, I'm really glad you came. You're quite the ideal date, truly." She meant it, too. No worries about expectations or boundaries being crossed. No thoughts of comparing Lee to George seeing as they were on a 'friend' date. It was perfect.
As Lee continued on with ideas for a New Year's party, Padma smiled and nodded her head along while she listened. When he finished singing Tom's praises she chimed in. "You wouldn't have to try to top Halloween. It's an entirely different feel really. No need for comparisons if you ask me. It will be brilliant. At least you can rest assured it will top many of last New Year's celebrations." Wil Themot turning up dead New Year's Day certainly put a damper on things didn't it? Padma didn't even want to consider how much could change between now and New Year's this time around, so she decided to go with switching paces again.
Her date hadn't exactly said he was okay, but she assumed if he wasn't he would have said as much. When Lee offered to bring the drinks back to her, she simply nodded in agreement. "Yes, of course. I'll wait for you at the bottom of the staircase, next to the candelabras." Giving Lee's arm a gentle, reassuring squeeze, she turned to make her way down the staircase.
Before she managed to reach the bottom she was stopped by a group of coworkers, Unspeakables who typically dealt with matters in the Brain Room. Deciding she had a bit of time to kill before Lee got back, she went ahead and entertained mindless conversation with her fellow employees until Lee decided to join her once again.