The Ministry.

"They're chocolate chip," Holly informed him, setting the platter on the desk where there was a free spot. "Go ahead, try them! Oh, I remember you telling me you were an Auror's Assistant, and I asked this big bulky man in the hallway where you were. He said something about young love being so sweet or something, I don't know, but he pointed me in the right direction."

Eric sighed. "I guess you've met Harold. Yes, he's quite the person..." Eric took a muffin and bit into it. "This is really good!" he said happily after he swallowed. Because he's a good polite little boy and doesn't talk with his mouth open.

Just then though, as though CALLING to ruin the mood, comes in Blaine. "Hey, Eric- Oh, look it's Holly! That was your name, right?" He sighed. "I just want to say, thanks for the one night stand. It's really kind of you to just leave in the morning like that."

"I-I don't know what you're talking about!" Holly stammered defensively, avoiding eye contact. Oh, shit. She had totally forgot that Blaine worked at the Ministry.

Eric frowned. "What? What's this about?"

"Holly came over to my house for some party and had sex with me then just left. Of course, we were both intoxicated, but she didn't have to go leave in the morning."

Eric shook his head. "Hah, I don't believe that. Holly, you'd never do that."

[i fucking love blaine]

Holly nodded at Eric, but turned her attention back to Blaine. "Yeah, see, I wouldn't. I don't know what this asshole is trying to pull. You know, Blaine, you shouldn't show up to work drunk. You should save that alcohol for the ladies that you intoxicate, because we all know that's the only way you get any action."

Blaine glared at her. "Yeah well, it was nice meeting you. By the way, that shirt totally doesn't flatter you." And he left.

Eric was avoiding looking at Holly. "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked, looking hurt.

"I was afraid you'd judge me. I was planning on telling you at some point, I just couldn't find the right time to. Look, Eric, I didn't mean to do it... he threw this party and I went and somehow I got drunk and I don't remember any of it."

"I thought we were best friends, Holly! I would have told you if I went off to have sex with someone... You should have come right out with it!"

"I'm sorry, but do you know how hard that kind of stuff is to admit? I can't just walk up to you and say it, and I'm sure you wouldn't either."

"No, but I'd have managed to bring it up in all the conversations we'd have had together. When did it happen?"

"I dunno, a month or so ago," Holly murmured, looking at the wall.

"A month." Eric sighed. He looked at her. "Anything else you've been hiding?"

"My sister got married recently, though I think you already know that... my brother's about to propose to his girlfriend." Holly leaned against Eric's desk. "But if you want to know about me personally, I bought some lingerie over the weekend and it's quite comfortable. Spent a good ten galleons on them, I did."

Eric grew bright red. "W-what? That's cool."

"Yeah. The salesclerk was really awkward, I could tell, because she was like an A and I'm a D."

"That must be a disappointment for her. Are you really a D? Wow, what kind did you get?"

Holly opened her mouth to answer, but just then, a spunky redhead entered the room. It was different from Libby, however, as she instantly ran across the room to Eric and gave his shoulders a squeeze while he was sitting in his chair, certain parts squishing against his face.

"ERIC!" Jessica Parker squealed, in a fake southern accent. "I just got back from America! The people there are so amazing! But, of course, not near as amazing as you!"

Eric pushed away from her. "WHOAH! Where'd you come from?! I thought you went to America! Like, moved there."

"I moved back!" she grinned like a madwoman, sitting on his lap and doing the weird choke-thing with his tie. "Come on, Eric, didn't you miss me at all?"

"Well, I thought it was just some school romance thing, to be honest..." he said awkwardly. He didn't want her on his lap at all.

"But haven't you seen the American movies? All of the high school crushes end up having sex and getting married after a dramatic break-up!" she said brightly. "This room is perfect! It's like the romance scenes... usually people have sex under the desk, or actually on the desk, whichever..." She glared over at Holly, as if she had just walked in. "You'll have to leave. Sorry, honey."

"Excuse me?" Holly snapped, crossing the room to where they were at. "I don't think he wants to do anything with you, crazy old bat."

"Of course he does! Eric loves me, don't you, Eric?"

Eric didn't reply. He didn't want to lie. "Err, not that much anymore... It's be what, three years? Four? And you haven't even sent me one letter. Plus, that's just gross. There are windows in this office. And it's not even fully my office. And considering how you totally ignored me for the past how do I know you haven't gone off with some American guys?"

"But that's the point! Long lost love! So what if I screwed a few American guys, the point is that I came back for you!"

Holly grabbed Jessica by the shoulders, pulled her off of Eric's lap, spun her around and slapped her right across the face. "Stop it! He doesn't want you, can't you get it through your thick skull?"

"But I came thousands of miles back for him! Surely he'd want me for doing that, right?"

"By what, a plane? With money? Sorry, that doesn't really work out anymore with the advanced mode of technology these days." Eric avoided her stare. He knew he sounded like a real asshole. But he was also greatful that Holly was there to help him.