❝ MERLIN'S GHOST! ❞
❝ I MEAN, YOU'RE NOT WRONG. ❞
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Albany Bronwen was no Chosen One by any means, but being haunted by the ghosts of the greatest sorcerer of all time and a former king had to count for something, right?
❃ in which a lone...
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THE BALLROOM DIDN'T TAKE LONG to fill with people, students streaming in as the clock ticked closer to eight. The open space slowly transformed into a sea of colourful, flowing gowns and smart dress robes, excited chatter and the occasional giddy shriek echoing around the room. Carly was over the moon to be there, and had dragged Albany full circle around the hall in her thorough examination of the decor. She was particularly enraptured by the desserts tables, which had a wide variety of tiny cakes, puddings and cookies — "Look at how small they are!"
Albany would smile and nod fondly as she let the shorter girl explore, though she herself spent more time searching the crowd curiously. It felt a little odd to see so many familiar faces all dressed up, and in such a fancy atmosphere. She barely recognised Viola in her lilac gown and heavy makeup until the girl waved enthusiastically at her; she was accompanied by Adrian Pucey, who wore a shy smile and a glittery golden suit. Phylis and Zoe were holding hands behind them, the latter giggling hysterically at something the former had said.
And then her gaze was pulled over to the entrance of the ballroom, where a very familiar ginger was descending the steps, his date in hand. Her face fell immediately, heart sinking painfully in her chest. Carly glanced to her worriedly, though she barely noticed, shoulders feeling much heavier than they had a moment ago.
Neither Faith nor George were smiling or speaking as they joined the crowd, though they didn't separate either, Faith grasping the boy's arm lightly. A black gown with silver lace hugged her narrow figure, and her neat dark hair was pulled up into an attractively messy bun, loose strands framing her pale face. George was wearing a suit that twinned with his brother's, differing only in a different shade of gold vest. His hair shone in the blue light of the ballroom, combed neatly through. Albany bit her cheek a little too hard, wondering if Faith had done it for him.
"Well, if it isn't the A-Team!" Fred called cheerfully, and Albany turned around to find that he, Lee, Angelina and Alicia had crept up on her.
"The A-Team?" she echoed, raising an eyebrow at the boy and trying to forget about George and Faith.
Lee grinned at her. "Allie, Angie, and Alicia!"
"And Carly!" the curly-haired girl chimed in happily, bringing the group to laugh.
"Can't forget curly Carly," Fred agreed, grinning. He glanced around the hall. "Anyone seen Ron? I need to make sure he didn't get a date so I can gloat."
"You're a horrible brother," Angelina laughed, elbowing him in the side.
"I'm the best brother!"
"Of five?" Albany scoffed. "Fat chance."
Fred pouted, folding his arms indignantly. "You turn a teddy bear into a spider one time and suddenly you're the worst sibling—"
