The Floo flared a brilliant green.
Apolline Delacour stepped out first, her silver-blonde hair catching the light and her sea-blue eyes warm with anticipation. She wore a gown of pale grey silk that was both simple and elegant. Philippe followed closely behind, a tall and broad-shouldered man with dark hair curling at his collar. He rested a supportive hand on his wife's back as they moved into the hall.
Margaux came next, her wine-coloured gown contrasting beautifully with her loose brown curls. She turned to offer her hand to Elodie, who stepped out beside her. Elodie's dark hair was cut shorter, and her angular face remained composed as she adjusted the single silver chain at her throat.
Then came Fleur.
She was nine now, and her silver-blonde hair fell past her shoulders in shining waves. Her blue eyes were clear and steady, and she wore a simple but finely made dress of pale blue with a white ribbon tied in her hair. She looked around the entrance hall, her gaze moving from the fountain to the flowers and the portraits.
Margaux noticed the girl's wandering eyes and leaned toward her niece, her voice low.
"Qui cherches-tu?" she asked with a playful glint in her eyes.
Who are you looking for?
Fleur's ears turned bright red. She looked away.
Margaux's mouth curved into a knowing smile. "Tu cherches Nimue, n'est-ce pas?" she teased.
You are looking for Nimue, aren't you?
Fleur's face flushed a deep crimson. She looked at the stairs and the portraits, anywhere but at her aunt.
Jane laughed as she stepped forward to greet her guests, kissing Apolline's cheeks and then Philippe's. "Welcome. You both look well."
Apolline smiled. "It's been far too long."
Jane then turned her attention to Fleur. "Nimue isn't here yet. She is resting before the ball begins."
Fleur nodded politely. "I understand."
"She will be very glad to see you," Jane added, her eyes softening.
Apolline touched Jane's arm. "The manor is beautiful," she said.
"It's been in the family for centuries," Jane replied.
Philippe looked up at the enchanted ceiling. It showed a golden morning sky. "It's quite impressive."
"We will have more time to talk later," Jane said with a smile. "For now, please enjoy the reception. The ballroom is just through those doors." She gestured toward the double doors at the end of the hall, where soft, warm music was already drifting through.
Apolline took Philippe's arm while Margaux linked hers with Elodie's. Fleur stood still for a moment, her eyes moving across the room once more. Jane knelt in front of the girl and whispered, "She will be down soon. I promise."
Fleur's ears were still pink. "I'm not worried."
"Of course not," Jane said, her smile widening. She stood and took Jack's arm. "We should go. Nimue will be waiting for us."
Fleur watched them walk toward the stairs until they were out of sight.
. . .
Bitsy appeared in the small sitting room with a soft pop. "Little miss," she said, "it's almost time."
Morwenna looked up from where Cinder was asleep on her lap. The fox's ears twitched at the sound of the elf's voice. "Already?"
"Bitsy will fix the little miss's hair. Bitsy will make sure everything is perfect."
Morwenna gently moved Cinder to the sofa. He didn't wake, merely curling into a tighter ball. Bitsy began to fuss with the silver clips, smoothing the white sections of Morwenna's hair and adjusting the collar of her green dress.
"The little miss looks beautiful," Bitsy remarked.
Morwenna caught her reflection in the dark window. A girl with black and white hair looked back at her, a silver streak at her temple, eyes that glowed red and silver. The green dress with its gold and silver embroidery transformed her into someone else.
Footsteps sounded in the corridor. A moment later, Jack and Jane paused outside the room.
Jane knocked once before entering. Morwenna stood in the centre of the room, framed by the window light. Her dress caught the glow, the fabric gleaming with every movement. She was still, her hands folded, her chin high.
Jane crossed the room to take her daughter's hands. "Are you ready?"
Morwenna's heart hammered against her ribs, and her palms were cold, but she nodded. "Yes."
Jack stepped forward. His eyes held hers. "Ready?"
She glanced past him toward the door. Beyond it lay the corridor and the ballroom where the families were waiting. She nodded again. Jack offered his arm, and Jane took Morwenna's other hand. Together, they stepped out of the room.
As they moved down the corridor, the music grew clearer, and the light from the open doors ahead spilled across the floor. Morwenna took a final step forward into the brightness.
. . .
The ballroom was full. Light blazed from the chandeliers and scattered across the walls until the room glowed. The tapestries were rich and vivid. The orchestra played a slow waltz.
Guests stood in clusters, their voices low and measured, until the hum of conversation began to fade.
Aldric stepped onto the dais, wearing formal Keith robes of dark green and silver. He raised a hand, and the music stopped. Silence settled over the room as he spoke.
"Ladies and gentlemen. Lords and ladies. Witches and wizards. Welcome to Keith Manor."
He let his words rest for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the families.
"Today, we celebrate two things. The sixth birthday of my granddaughter, Nimue Keith, and her formal introduction into wizarding society."
A ripple of acknowledgment passed through the crowd.
"Our family has endured for centuries through war, loss, and triumph. Today, we add a new name to that legacy. A new beginning." His eyes shifted toward the doors. "Tonight, you will meet her. You will speak with her and share in this celebration. But first, remember why we are here."
He stepped back, and the room fell into a heavy silence. The doors at the back of the ballroom swung open.
Every head turned. Morwenna stood in the doorway, framed by the light. Her dark and white hair caught the glow, and her green dress shimmered as she moved. She stepped forward with her father on one side and her mother on the other.
As she walked, faces came into focus. Lord and Lady Greengrass stood with Daphne and young Astoria. The Malfoys were nearby, Lucius leaning on his silver cane, Narcissa poised and elegant. Draco stood beside them, his grey eyes fixed on her. The Longbottoms waited with Augusta's eagle on her shoulder, Neville small and silent behind his grandmother.
Then Morwenna saw Fleur.
The girl stood near the windows in her pale blue dress, her silver-blonde hair loose over her shoulders. Her sea-blue eyes were locked onto Morwenna's. Morwenna held that gaze and didn't look away until they reached the centre of the room.
Jack and Jane released her, and Morwenna walked the final few steps alone.
She stopped before the dais while the entire room watched. She curtsied, slow and deep, her skirts spreading around her like a pool of dark green. When she rose, the room was silent for a heartbeat before Aldric began to clap. The sound broke the stillness, and the guests followed until applause filled the space. The orchestra joined in, and the waltz began again.
Morwenna straightened her posture and lifted her chin. Her heart was still pounding, and her hands were cold, but she was smiling.
The applause faded, and Jack stepped forward to offer his hand. "May I have this dance?"
Morwenna placed her hand in his. His palm was warm and solid. The music began, and Jack led her to the centre of the floor. His hand rested on her waist, hers on his shoulder. They began to turn.
The chandeliers blazed overhead, and the floor reflected their shadows as they moved.
Morwenna focused on her feet. One, two, three. One, two, three.
"You are staring at the floor," Jack noted softly.
"I don't want to step on your toes."
"You won't."
She looked up. His dark eyes were steady. "You look like your mother," he said.
"I look like both of you."
He offered a small smile. "Yes, you do."
They turned again, and the room blurred at the edges. When the music slowed and stopped, Jack released her and bowed. She curtsied, and the guests applauded.
Jane stepped forward next. "My turn."
Jane's hand was lighter on Morwenna's waist. She was shorter than Jack, easier to follow.
"You are doing well," Jane whispered.
"I'm terrified."
"You don't look terrified."
Morwenna glanced at the guests, the Greengrasses, the Malfoys, the Longbottoms, all those faces she was supposed to remember. "I'm hiding it."
Jane laughed. "Good. That's what we do." They turned, and Morwenna's dress swirled around them. "You remember the letters from Fleur?"
Morwenna felt her cheeks grow warm. "Yes."
"She is here, in the corner. She is watching you."
Morwenna's eyes flickered toward the edge of the floor, catching a glimpse of silver-blonde hair and a pale blue dress. Fleur was indeed watching. Morwenna quickly looked away.
"Don't let her distract you," Jane teased.
"I'm not distracted."
Jane laughed again as the music stopped. She kissed Morwenna's forehead. "Good girl."
The orchestra lowered their instruments. An elf appeared with a tray of crystal flutes filled with gold liquid. Aldric raised his glass, and the guests followed his lead.
"To Nimue Keith," Aldric announced. "May her life be long, her magic be strong, and her lineage endure."
"To Nimue Keith," the room echoed.
Morwenna stood in the centre of the floor and watched them drink. Jack smiled at her, and Jane's eyes were bright with pride. Fleur was still watching from her corner.
The cake was brought in on a rolling cart, a tall, four-tiered masterpiece with white frosting and silver and green decorations. Tiny silver bells chimed as Tilly pushed the cart forward. The elf's ears were trembling, and his eyes were wet with emotion. He stopped in front of Morwenna and said, "Happy birthday, little miss."
Morwenna looked at the six small flames burning on the candles. The guests began to sing the old Keith song. Celestine and Lucien joined in with the French song. The voices wove together in English and French, high and low, filling the room.
Morwenna listened with her hands flat on the table and her heart full.
When the song ended, she closed her eyes and thought of the past year, the ritual, the coma, and the long months of recovery. She thought of the future and the expectations that now rested on her shoulders. Finally, she thought of Fleur watching her from the corner of the room.
She opened her eyes and blew out the candles. The guests applauded once more, and Tilly wiped his eyes with his sleeve.
Morwenna smiled.