▬▬▬▬

"AND IF... IF I LET YOU do this—"

"You'll be the most powerful witch alive. Nobody will get in your way ever again."

"But you'll kill her...."

"She deserves it, Faith. She'll regret ever abandoning you."

Faith remained silent, knuckles white where she gripped the edge of the sink. "Professor Moody thinks this is a good idea."

"Don't you trust him? Don't you trust me?"

"I — I do, but—"

"She left you for dead. I'm the one who picked you up. Without me, you have nothing."

"Because — because of her...."

"Because of her. She's not innocent, Faith. She's conspiring with murderers. She deserves this."

Faith bowed her head. "She deserves this."

"Good. You know what you have to do."

Ghostly fingertips brushed against her jaw, lifting her head. Faith didn't even recognise the girl in the cracked mirror. Her hands trembled in anger as she tensed further. Her fault.

"I do."

⋆ ⋆ ⋆

"YES ALBANY! GEORGE!"

Albany's laugh was interrupted by the violent chattering of her teeth as Fred helped her and his brother from the water with an ecstatic grin. Despite how drenched in water they both were, Fred and Carly were eager to bring them in for a tight group hug, the shorter girl shrieking with excitement and bouncing up and down.

"You did it, Albany! You did it!" she was shouting, as a bigger crowd closed in around the champion and her rescued hostage with towels and drying spells at the ready.

The warmth was immensely relieving on her skin as Madam Pomfrey hurried her to the side with ointment for her wounds. George was urged after her for a check-up after being underwater for so long, and Fred and Carly were keen to tag along, the two of them bubbling over with excitement.

"Did you tell her?" Fred was hissing rather loudly into his brother's ear as Albany was seated into a chair. "Did I hear you tell her?"

George's grin was huge as he nodded vigorously, and Albany blushed scarlet as his gaze met hers again. He really meant it like that?

She winced as Madam Pomfrey began applying an ointment to her various wounds, and the redhead's expression fell.

"You alright?" he asked, eyebrows knitting together with worry.

"Grindylows got me," Albany admitted, reluctant to put a damper on the mood and recall the experience. She dropped her gaze. "Um... they got me pretty bad."

"But you lived!" Lee enthused, the dark-skinned boy rushing over with a huge grin. "Bloody well done, Allie!"

If I hadn't had help.... She forced the thought from her mind. It was an issue she could address later.

"I knew where George was as soon as Krum came up with Hermione," Fred snickered. "All our worrying this morning — should have guessed he'd be your treasure."

Albany ducked her head to hide her blush once again, and George laughed almost awkwardly. "Easy, Freddie," he murmured.

"Aww, and you wore the necklace, too!" Carly squealed, pressing her hands to her cheeks. "That is too cute—"

"Ah, yeah," Albany stammered, and bit her cheek, glancing at the lion charm where it lay against her chest. She could feel George's gaze lingering on her, and didn't dare look up. "I did."

To her immense relief, she was saved from further mortification as Angelina and Alicia came barrelling towards the group, the pair buzzing with excitement. Madam Pomfrey permitted Albany to go as they grasped at her arms and pulled her hurriedly from her chair — "the results, Albany, they're announcing the results!"

Carly and Lee thundered after them, whooping and cheering, but George lingered on the spot, giving his brother's shirt a subtle pull before Fred could take off too. Fred shot him a confused glance, before taking in his twin's hard stare. His expression softened.

"George?"

"Take it easy, Fred," George murmured, raising his eyebrows pointedly. "Y'know, she just went through a lot, and I don't wanna overwhelm her—"

Fred cracked a smile regardless. "Can't I be excited for my little brother?"

"We're twins, you git—"

"I'm older," Fred teased, before he took in George's solemn expression, and his own sobered. "You did — you did tell her, didn't you? Is that it?"

"I did," George murmured softly. "But she didn't — well, she didn't really say anything back—"

"What?!" Fred exclaimed, his eyebrows shooting up to his hairline. "No way. She's mad for you, Georgie, a blind man could see it."

George shrugged, reaching to scratch at the back of his neck. "I dunno, I mean — I'm not gonna force her into anything. I think I rushed things too much." He shot his brother a helpless glance. "Merlin, what if I ruined it? Oh, what if—"

"Hey, hey, you take it easy for a second," Fred interrupted, laying a hand on the other's shoulder. "It'll be fine. She'll come around. You need to prank someone — y'know, let your hair down."

George shot his twin a withering look, before fully considering the offer and raising his eyebrows in contemplation. "That's not such a bad idea, actually; maybe there is something in that big head of yours." He cracked a mischievous grin. "It's been a little while since we had some fun."

"That's the spirit," Fred cheered, and began to tug his brother in the direction of their friends. "And for the record, you definitely have the bigger head."

"I do not!"

"You really do."

"Do not—"

"Therefore," Bagman was announcing with a gleeful smile; his hands were instinctively clapping together before he had finished his own sentence. "Tied for first place, with a shared score of forty-five points, are Mr Potter and Miss Bronwen!"

"FIRST PLACE ALBANY!" Lee screamed, jumping to his feet as the Hogwarts champions were applauded with thunderous cheers.

Albany's stomach leapt as she glanced over at Harry, who was gaping in just as much shock. He caught her gaze and grinned widely, his own friends laughing and clapping triumphantly around him.

"Al, that's amazing!" George cheered, pushing forward to celebrate at the girl's side. She grinned up at him almost nervously, pulling the towel tighter around herself.

"Couldn't have done it without you," she replied nonetheless, and smiled.

Carly was shrieking with unbridled excitement still as Fleur Delacour tentatively approached, glancing curiously at her shorter classmate. Carly didn't notice her presence for several beats, though hastily ceased bouncing as she did, smiling sheepishly.

"F-Fleur," she greeted the blonde, stumbling over her words. "Bien joué."

"Merci, Carly," Fleur returned with a genuine smile, and the curly-haired girl was so flustered by this she had to turn away, pulling sharply at her curls. Fleur appeared a little confused by this response, though turned to Albany instead. "Et — ah, Albany, is it?" she asked sweetly; her English was not nearly as fluent as Carly's had become.

"Yeah," Albany replied awkwardly, eyes drawn to the fresh cuts that littered Fleur's face. She'd been attacked by grindylows too, then.

"You saved my sister," Fleur said earnestly. "Though she was not your 'ostage."

Albany blinked, glancing to Harry. "It was — it was all Harry, really," she insisted hastily. "I just helped him, he should get all the credit, really—"

She stopped abruptly as Fleur kissed her once on each cheek, her words dying in her throat with a feeble "oh".

Fleur flashed the group another smile before leaving their company once again. It was a little difficult to tear her eyes from her, even as she walked away — though the second George brushed against her shoulder, Albany's awareness was brought back completely. Carly and Fred were the last to turn away.

"She's really something, eh?" Fred murmured breathlessly. "Just something about her."

Albany, shocked, glared at him. "Fred!" she chided, reaching across George to slap the boy's arm. "Angelina's right here."

Angelina, however, only laughed. "You didn't tell her, Fred?"

Albany's glare snapped back to Fred. "Tell me what?"

Fred grinned at her sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Er... that we broke up?"

Albany gaped at him, and Fred nervously took a step back. "Fred Weasley," she growled lowly, and the redhead in question pushed George between them in attempt to defend himself. "You didn't think it was important to tell me? Again?!"

"I thought you had other things on your mind!" Fred said hastily. "George, help me!"

"George can't save you now, Weasley!"

⋆ ⋆ ⋆

The celebrations after the Hogwarts success at the second task lasted long into the night. Albany couldn't get a minute to herself, even after dodging the Slytherin party to attend the Gryffindor one once again, where she figured Harry would be the centre of attention. The constant socialising was tiring, and on top of her exhaustion from the task that morning, she wanted nothing more than to go to sleep; but that said, she far preferred sticking it out in Gryffindor tower than facing Faith and the rest of the Slytherins. Their parting words before the second task still unnerved her, mostly because she still had no idea what the "goodbye" had been referring to. She'd half been expecting Morgana to attempt to kill her in the middle of the second task, but she'd crossed paths with Freya instead; and she hadn't even had time to discuss that whole ordeal with Merlin or Arthur yet.

"What was the lake like?" Colin Creevey was currently asking with wide eyes as Albany fought back a yawn. "Was it scary?"

"Oh yeah," she replied softly, her voice nearly lost again. "Really scary. It was dark, and cold—"

"Did you see the squid?!" a first year girl piped up, gripping the edge of her skirt in tight fists.

Albany paused thoughtfully. "Yeah," she answered after some contemplation. "He was huge. Tried to eat me alive, but I fought him off."

"No way, that's so cool!"

"I told you she wasn't evil!" Colin yelled triumphantly, turning on the rest of the group that had gathered around her armchair. "I told you!"

Albany wasn't sure whether to laugh or frown at the remark, and opted for a neutral expression instead. Way too much had happened today for the concerns of first years on her moral stance to be an issue.

"Tired?" Carly murmured, leaning down to her ear from behind the armchair.

Albany smiled, nodding, and Carly shooed off the younger students, clapping her hands. "Come on, guys, let's give Albany some space. There's more sweets from the kitchen being brought up!"

"Is there?"

Carly nodded enthusiastically, and the younger students scattered. Albany breathed a sigh of relief, leaning back into the plush armchair as Carly seated herself opposite her.

"Thanks, Carly," she murmured gratefully.

"De rien," Carly responded with a grin. "You looked like you needed the space."

"Oh I did," Albany assured her, sitting up straight again with a grin. She took a bottle of firewhisky from Ginny as the girl passed by with several in hand, smiling appreciatively before taking a swig. The fizz on the back of her tongue was a fiery relief.

"How do you feel?" Carly inquired curiously.

Albany took another sip of her drink as she pondered the question. Truth be told, her mind was still spinning. She needed desperately to talk to Merlin, she was on edge thanks to Faith, she had nearly died only hours ago and....

Her eyes strayed to where George was sitting on a table in the centre of the room next to his twin, laughing and smiling as Lee was telling a story with grand gestures. As if on instinct, George's gaze drifted across the room to meet hers, and he smiled. Albany, choking on her drink, hastily glanced away again.

And there was that.

"Albany Bronwen, I'm absolutely mad for you, you know that?"

"How are you and Hermione?" she asked suddenly, her cheeks burning crimson.

Carly's lips twitched, the smile on her face slowly falling. "Well, um..." she began, tugging at a loose curl. "She came out of the lake with Krum, and... now they're talking again. I don't want to..." she trailed off again nervously. "I'm worried I annoyed her sometimes, when we would study together. Too loud...."

Albany's heart sank watching the girl grow sullen, and she reached across the space between them to give her hand a squeeze. "I'm sorry, Carly," she murmured, anxiously scraping together words of comfort. "Forget I asked. And um... if she did find you annoying — not that she did, I don't know how anyone could — but, well, you deserve a lot better than that."

Carly gave a small smile, and Albany breathed relief. "Thank you," she said. "Though I would very much like to stay friends with her, if she would have me."

"I'm sure she would," Albany said, smiling. "How couldn't she? Just look at you!"

Carly grinned, and then her gaze drifted thoughtfully. "How does it feel?" she asked, and before Albany could voice her confusion, she continued. "You and George?"

The question left Albany severely unbalanced, and she gripped the arm of the chair she was sat in as her mind spiralled. "I — um — what do you mean?" she stammered, forcing herself not to glance back to the Weasley in question.

Carly's face fell. "I shouldn't have said anything," she amended quickly. "Sorry for prying. I just assumed...."

"It's okay," Albany said quickly, not wanting to upset Carly any further. She took a shaky breath, palms suddenly clammy, and then another sip of her firewhisky. "Um... I guess I just... have a hard time wrapping my head around it."

Carly nodded, listening kindly. Albany took another breath, refraining from biting her cheek.

"I guess... it surprised me. And I know it shouldn't," she added quickly, gaze downcast as blood rushed to her cheeks. "Because... y'know, the way we've been the past few weeks... I dunno where else it would have headed. But now it's real, and I just...." The right words were lost on her. She shook her head, sparing a glance at George across the room. He was laughing again, and her heart did a loop in her chest — Merlin, how could it be real? How did George Weasley like her... like that?

"The commitment is scary?" Carly guessed, eyebrows knitting together in thought.

Albany shrugged, too embarrassed to meet her gaze. "I dunno... maybe. I think it's more... I dunno." She sighed, fingers brushing against the charm around her neck. "What if I don't meet all his expectations? What if... if we do go for this, and then he changes his mind? I dunno if I could...." She swallowed hard. What if he's not my soulmate?

"Albany," Carly murmured, the most subtle hint of humour playing on her tone, "you already have met all his expectations. That's why he loves you... for you."

Albany physically flinched, her heart skipping a beat in her chest as her head snapped up again. "Fuck, Carly, don't use that word!"

Carly grinned mischievously. "What? Love?"

"It's not that serious!" Albany cried, flinging her arms dramatically before downing the rest of the bottle's contents.

"...Yet," Carly giggled, unfazed by the glare she received. She grinned at her friend. "I think you should talk to him."

Albany gaped at her. "About that? I think I'd rather face the grindylows again."

Carly laughed. "Very dramatic," she remarked. "You're making it worse than it really is. George is very understanding. If you explain how you're feeling, I think it will reassure both of you, and then you can work it out together." In Albany's contemplative silence, she offered a more genuine smile. "He's freaking out just as much as you are, by the way. And I'm not sure how great Fred is at giving advice."

Albany cracked a grin. "If it's anywhere near as good as his pep talks, George is in trouble."

Carly giggled. "Talk to him," she insisted. "For everyone's sakes. We're all very invested in you two. No pressure."

"Thanks, Carly," Albany said with a weary laugh. She glanced absently around the party, eyes landing on a familiar old ghost who smiled kindly in return.

I need to talk to a lot of people.

▬▬▬▬

❃ a/n:

219k reads and 11k votes y'all reallyyy tryna make me cry okay i see you—

on a real note, from the bottom of my heart, thank you <3 i never even imagined getting this far and it's absolutely mind-blowing. this story has such a huge place in my heart and i couldn't have brought it to life without every one of you — thank you so, so much <3

also fun fact exactly one person in the comments has guessed the true ending to this book and i don't think even they realised it lmaooo

;)

- A x