▬▬▬▬

IT WAS DIFFICULT TO CATCH A BREAK the rest of the day. Charlie was far from the only person to approach Albany. On the way back to the castle alone, she was confronted by numerous Slytherins offering her hearty congratulations, and a few other house students, too; though for every person who congratulated her, three more wanted to ask her about how she'd beaten her dragon. She was struggling to come up with an effective lie, instead brushing off as many questions as she could, insisting she was tired.

Angelina and Alicia eventually caught up to them as they rounded the edge of the forest, the castle coming into view again.

"Albany! Congrats on your egg," Angelina said cheerfully, patting the girl on the back — Albany tried not to wince, still a little pained. "You've probably heard plenty of this already, but you had our hearts in our throats."

"I gotta say, whatever you did to that dragon, it was spectacular," Alicia agreed, nodding with enthusiasm. "You're tied for second with Delacour, though Krum and Harry are tied for first."

Albany grinned at this — not for her own placing, because she didn't care too much for it, but for Harry. Clearly, he'd done well for himself.

"How did the specky git go?" Fred asked, just as Albany was wondering the same thing. "I'm bummed I didn't get to see him. Must've done something right if he's tied with Krum."

"You should have seen him!" Lee exclaimed, arms flailing wildly. "Put Krum to shame; he Accio-ed his broom, and had the egg in minutes, it was amazing!"

"He'd be in the lead easy if that Karkaroff wasn't such a biased prick," Angelina agreed with a nod.

"That's excellent," George said, grinning broadly as he nudged his twin. "What do you say we raid the kitchens, throw a party for him?"

Fred lit up at the suggestion. "I like that idea," he agreed, rubbing his hands together. "Some cakes, butterbeer, pumpkin juice?"

"I've still got a ton of fireworks from the McLaggen incident!" Lee chimed eagerly.

"That's perfect," Fred agreed, eyes gleaming.

"That Thomas kid made those huge banners, too," Alicia added, glancing back through the crowd. "I'll ask him to bring them up to the common room later."

"And who's gonna keep Harry out of there until we're ready?" Angelina asked, raising an eyebrow.

Fred didn't take long to ponder this. "I'll put Ron on it," he said. "Great prat's finally buddy-buddy with him again, I saw them earlier...."

"Say, Albany, why don't you join us tonight?" George suggested suddenly, and Albany, who had been letting her mind drift in the midst of the Gryffindor party chatter, took a moment to acknowledge that she'd been addressed. "The Slytherins might miss you, sure, but any party they're throwing won't be half as good as ours."

Albany might have rolled her eyes in amusement at the ever-present house competition if she wasn't still staring at the taller boy in surprise. "What — are you sure?"

"Who's gonna stop you?" George pointed out, grinning. "Even McGonagall would leave you off just this once, I'd say, though it's not like you'll get caught—"

"I don't know," Albany said reluctantly, letting her gaze fall as she rubbed at her shoulder. "I don't think many other Gryffindors would be fond of that idea."

"We'll give them hell if anyone says anything," Fred assured her, mischievous smirk growing as he glanced to George. "We've made some improvements on the Canary Creams — no harm bringing a few of our products to the party, eh Gred?"

George returned his grin just as eagerly. "No harm at all, Forge."

Albany was still frowning. "I don't want to take away from Harry's victory, either—"

"Are you kidding? He won't care at all," Fred laughed. "Git gets enough attention as it is with that scar, he'll only be happy to share the spotlight. Besides, you two are friendly enough, I'd wager."

"I dunno...."

"Aw, come on, hon," Alicia interrupted with a kind smile. "I've only known you a short while and you're a lamb. If anyone complains, I'll deck them myself."

"What's keeping you in the Slytherin common room, anyway?" Lee asked. "Their parties can't be that good."

Faith, was Albany's first thought, and then she frowned, heart sinking. They had a point; there wasn't really anything in the dungeons she looked forward to returning to.

"Besides," Angelina added, "with the whole dragon whisperer thing earlier, I don't think anyone will complain. You're all anyone is talking about."

Albany sighed in defeat, a tentative smile gracing her lips. "Alright, alright, you got me — I'll go."

George grinned at her, and glanced to Carly. "You're coming too, by the way."

Carly beamed at him, and nodded without a single complaint.

"Keep her company for us," Fred instructed cheerily, and it was then Albany noticed the three boys were breaking off from the group. He grinned at her. "We'll see you soon."

"Until tonight, ladies," Lee chimed charismatically, bowing his way out. Angelina rolled her eyes in amusement.

George caught Albany's eye, that glimmer of mischief in his hazel gaze ever-present, but mixed with something else — pride. "Catch you later, Lionheart," he said, grinning, and followed the other two in a swift jog.

"Boys," Angelina sighed, shaking her head. She turned to the remainder of the group, hands on her hips as she smiled. "Come on, girls, we've got a whole day to ourselves, it looks like, and no classes — let's have fun!"

Any anxiety Albany felt about spending the next few hours with two Gryffindor girls she was merely acquainted with dissipated with haste. Angelina and Alicia were cheerful company; she could see why Fred and George liked them. They were enthusiastic and chatty, though not in a way that felt overbearing. They made idle conversation with Carly and Albany, and knew exactly what was too personal, and where the boundaries were, without being given even a physical show of discomfort; this meant that Albany easily avoided any further questioning on the whole dragon thing, and felt comfortable in talking away to the pair about other things, namely Quidditch, which it just so turned out, they were both hugely passionate about.

Angelina was up for Quidditch captain of the Gryffindor team, which Albany could definitely see. The taller girl had all the qualities of a firm leader; she was confident and strong-willed, yet understanding and patient. Alicia was more chilled and and go-with-the-flow, though still had a clear competitive streak, which became apparent as she casually asked Albany if she knew anything of the Slytherin's teams strategies. Albany, unfortunately, did not.

It was enjoyable, getting to know the girls without the presence of the twins, though she was looking forward to joining them again that evening. After sending off an owl with a much more lengthy than usual letter to her parents, they decided to make their way to the tower as the sun was setting on the day.

Carly was still admiring the golden egg as they climbed the spiral staircase of Gryffindor tower; she was incredibly curious about the hint it would give for the second task, and had been struggling not to ask Albany to open it. Unfortunately for her, given that Albany had three months to prepare for the next phase of the tournament, she was content in leaving it unopened for at least a few days while she caught her breath. Nevertheless, Carly hadn't let it out of her sight all day, and was so consumed in cradling it in her arms that she didn't notice the bushy-haired Gryffindor in front of her until it was too late.

"Oh!"

The Gryffindor whipped around in surprise, as did the two others accompanying her; it was none other than the Golden Trio themselves.

"Sorry," Carly apologised sheepishly, though was smiling nonetheless. "Oh, I love your hair!"

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh — thank you!" she said, nearly forgetting her words for a moment; her cheeks had grown a touch pink at the compliment.

Ron's eyes narrowed at the sight of the Slytherin; he glanced between Angelina, Alicia and Albany suspiciously.

"What's she doing here?" he asked cautiously, and Albany bit her cheek. Of course this had been a bad idea—

"Are you joining us for the party?" Harry asked curiously, a small grin on his face. He held his own egg in his hands, which Carly was now eyeing eagerly.

"Yeah," Albany responded with a tentative smile. "Well, if you'll have me."

The spectacled boy nodded cheerfully, and Ron relaxed, glancing between his best friend and the Slytherin with curious eyes. Angelina was muttering something about how the surprise party wasn't so much of a surprise anymore.

The woman in the painting who guarded the Gryffindor common room regarded Albany and Carly with a suspicious glare, though said nothing, and once they had entered the common room, it was impossible to feel down-spirited as the students erupted with applause. There were mountains of desserts on every available surface, and Lee's fireworks were crackling and sparking overhead. Albany hung back reluctantly as Harry was immediately pulled into the centre of the room, admiring the Gryffindor decor. It was a very different space to the Slytherin common room, though not in a bad way. Red and gold were present in everything, from the rug on the floor to the banners draped on the walls, creating a very warm atmosphere. The fireplace was roaring, and tightly spiralled staircases in the back led to numerous floors of dormitories.

"Like what you see?" a voice asked, the grin audible in his words.

Albany rolled her eyes in amusement as Fred slid into place at her side.

"You know you'd be lion if you said this isn't better than what the Slytherins could do," George chimed in from her other side, grinning like a shark.

Albany groaned.

"Have you tried the firewhisky?" Fred asked, snickering. "You could say it's the mane attraction."

"I'm leaving," she threatened, turning on her heels to slip back out through the portrait.

"Nooo!" George cried dramatically, falling to his knees and pretending to cry into his hands. Albany rolled her eyes in amusement, folding her arms as she turned to look at him.

"You can't leave already!" Fred insisted, the distraught expression on his face cracking as his eyes glittered with mischief. "You're our pride and joy—"

"One more," Albany warned. "One more pun and I'm gone."

Fred grinned. "Only one?" he laughed. "Quick, George, think of another one!"

Albany shoved him with a playful grin. "You two are the worst."

George stood up again, beaming at her. "You love us."

She stuck out her tongue. "Maybe."

The party scene wasn't as bad as Albany had been bracing herself for, and she wondered if Gryffindors truly were better party planners than her own house, or if she was enjoying herself more because she had true friends to celebrate with. She still refrained from getting too involved, insistent that it remained Harry's party, though was content in watching the action from where she sat in an armchair to the edge of the room.

Carly drifted back and forth, caught between watching the two eggs, which had been left on a side table, and dancing to the Muggle rock music someone had managed to get playing. When she was on the makeshift dance floor, where all the furniture had been pushed to the side, she was a hit with the younger Gryffindors, and Albany smiled to herself as she watched them jumping about around the short girl.

Fred and George were everywhere at once, their energy and laughter infectious. They were truly the life of the party, ensuring everyone was cheery with their tricks and jokes, and regularly returned to Albany to down a firewhisky with her before taking off again. Even when they weren't at her side, she was never entirely alone. Between the curious Gryffindors, who wanted to ask either about her presence in their common room or the whole dragon ordeal, and Merlin and Arthur, who were just as eager to join in the action, whether or not they would admit it, she didn't have a second to herself. And for once, she didn't mind.

"Aren't you a little young for alcohol?" Arthur was asking, arms folded and eyebrow quirked as he watched her sip from a bottle.

"It's firewhisky, Arthur," Albany pointed out, raising an eyebrow at him in response. "And I'm seventeen."

Arthur sniffed indignantly. "There shouldn't be alcohol at a party with children, anyway."

Albany rolled her eyes. "I doubt you had a legal drinking age back in your day."

"Well, back in my day, nobody knew it was bad for kids," Arthur argued. "I'm just saying, your boyfriends should have a bit more concern for the young—"

"They're not my boyfriends!" Albany choked, spluttering on her drink. She inhaled sharply as some went up her nose, the burning sensation uncomfortable. "Merlin, will you shut him up?"

"Not even I am powerful enough to silence Arthur Pendragon from talking," Merlin said gravely. Arthur shot him an unimpressed glare.

Albany rolled her eyes. Well, there was nothing a good change of subject couldn't fix. "I meant to ask you earlier," she began, "Fred said I was speaking a different language, when I was speaking to the dragon — was I?"

Merlin nodded seriously, playful banter with Arthur forgotten. "Technically, yes," he admitted. "As a dragonlord, you're able to understand perfectly — but unless they're also a dragonlord, nobody else is. It would sound like a different language to them, yes."

Albany pondered this for a moment. "Are there many other dragonlords?" she asked. "Oneira hadn't ever met one, and Charlie Weasley said he'd never seen anything like it, and he's been working with dragons since he left school, apparently."

"It's hard to say," Merlin sighed. "When I was alive... I was the last one. I figured that as my direct descendant, you would also possess its power. But there's no way of telling if anyone else in the family tree does, unless we track them each down individually and find out, which is a lot of work just for the satisfaction of knowing."

Albany nodded. "That's fair," she agreed, though the thought that she could be the only one alive of her kind was a burning curiosity.

"Albany!" Carly called, jogging over with an eager grin and gleaming eyes. "Harry's opening his egg, come over, quick!"

Albany set her firewhisky down, standing up to follow the girl to where the crowd had frozen with anticipation in the centre of the room. Her own egg was still on the table, and she followed Carly more to appease the girl than actually listen to the hint, content with forgetting about the tournament for a few days.

She hadn't taken more than three steps from the armchair when the most hideous screeching filled the room. It was a horrible, scratchy wailing, and it echoed around the common room at top volume, making Albany's ears ring painfully.

"Shut it!" Fred bellowed, his hands over his ears, similar to most students in the room.

Harry slammed the egg shut, and there was a brief silence before the theories came rushing in as everyone rubbed at their heads.

"A banshee!" someone cried.

"The Cruciatus Curse!" shouted someone else.

"I thought it sounded a bit like Percy singing," George chimed in cheerfully, and was met with a round of snickers. Albany grinned, shaking her head, and he caught her gaze. "Hey Albany, is your egg the same?"

Carly handed it over to her before she could turn to fetch it from the table, all too ready to hear whatever this egg had to say.

Albany braced herself as she opened its hinge, and shut it just as fast, the beginning of the scream within still building before it was immediately cut off.

"Yeah, I'd say so," she agreed with a groan, head pounding again thanks to the two eggs.

The crowd began to split up again, everyone muttering excitedly to one another as the champions set down their trophies of the day. Albany went to retreat to her armchair and firewhisky, though was stopped by George, who wore a broad smile as he grabbed her gently by the arm. Whoever was playing the Muggle music had gotten it started again, the youngest Gryffindors bouncing around to the fast beat with excited shouts.

"You're not going to go sit down again, are you?" he asked her, a knowing grin splitting his face.

Albany raised an eyebrow, smiling at him. "What else would I be doing?"

His eyes were twinkling. "Come on, Albany," he said, pulling her gently towards to centre of the room. "You haven't really experienced a Gryffindor party until you've hit the dance floor."

Albany stared at him incredulously. "Oh no," she started, face falling rapidly. "I don't dance."

George's grinning had yet to cease. "'Course you do," he assured her. "Everyone can dance. Just relax, and follow the music."

"George Weasley, no way!" Albany argued, and groaned as he turned on the puppy eyes, pouting at her.

"Please?" he begged. "I'll be with you, of course. Nobody's gonna be watching!"

Albany heaved a long sigh, glancing to where Carly was already tearing it up with the younger students. She had the broadest grin on her face, curls bouncing as she twirled with a first year who was already almost as tall as she was.

"Alright," Albany groaned, unsure if it was the firewhisky in her system, George's pleading gaze, or Carly's carefree moves that finally sealed the deal. "Only for a few minutes, though, I should really head back to my own common room—"

She was cut off with a yelp as George eagerly pulled her over to the dance floor, his happiness radiant. She couldn't have prevented her own smile if she wanted to, because his was truly infectious as he beamed at her. His personality glowed through his hazel eyes, which were alight with joy, and as he took her hands and began to dance, she couldn't help but grin at his goofiness. She was sure his interesting choice of moves were purely to make her laugh, but considering their success, she couldn't have cared what they were. She felt clumsy as she followed his lead, and perhaps it was a little embarrassing in front of an entire room of Gryffindors, but as she laughed and smiled while she danced, she felt completely and utterly carefree for the first time all year.

▬▬▬▬

❃ a/n:

thank you for 1k votes!! i will literally never be able to emphasise how happy your support makes me ♡

i'm enjoying these light-hearted chapters after so many stress-filled ones! let me know what you think :)

- A x