A/N: Hello! Thank you all wonderful readers for sparing this fic. Know that I appreciate it and that I love you all. Once again, I feel like I've rushed this. Sorry for that.
Wow, feels like last year I updated this exactly on Christmas with a Christmas feels. I'm sorry for the slow updates and whatnots. You guys are seriously awesome.
P.S. I may have tweaked the timeline a bit, being that OWLS are on a June. So, yeah. Sorry and please bear with me.
Happy Holidays everyone!
DISCLAIMER: JK Rowling owns Harry Potter and I'm just borrowing them for the purpose of this fic.
[Fifth Year: Moonlight Grace]
Ever since the dueling incident, Erin has sought for the help of Albus.
Defense Against the Dark Arts, he learned, was her worst subject. It's only a matter of luck that she's made it to the fifth year. And since OWLS were coming up; she really needed his help to improve her performance.
When they began their lessons, he'd often get teased by his family, who surprisingly knew, and their friends, who obviously knew. Erin, in particular, always looked to hesitate, like she wanted to back out. But every time he'd ask, she'd put on her brave face and get on with the lessons.
Albus figured that they had to start from scratch, just to let Erin be familiar. In a nick of time, he managed to summarize five years' worth of DADA lessons in a span of a week. He was smart like that, also, he just took the important notes. Thankfully, Erin was quick to pick up. She wasn't in Ravenclaw for nothing.
Utilizing their Thursdays and Fridays, since they had a lot of free time until their lessons, the lessons would last for about an hour or two. It depended really on their lessons. They made sure to finish by lunch, and then they'd use their free time after that to either study or rest.
Over their lessons, Erin was shown to be skilled with defensive spells, but never with offensive ones. The reasons were quite obvious. And he never pushed her to do something she didn't want. Although, she would occasionally ask for him to teach her tricky spells, the ones expected during their exam.
However stern he was with lessons, he was patient with her, not only because he fancied her, but because he knew how fragile she was. He knew she needed time to get used to it.
Most often, they'd be at the owlery – mainly because, he liked the view, the solitary of just them both, and because it had a great – yet sparse – space. Sometimes, when reviewing spells, they'd be at the library.
Scott, being the protective brother he is, was slightly against the idea at first. He must've taken her fear too seriously. Thankfully, Erin was able to convince him. He was going to graduate anyway, and she needed to learn on her own. He wasn't always going to be there for her.
One time, Scott came to him, nearly giving him a heart attack because he still scared him, but was surprised when he thanked him.
Thanked him for helping Erin. And he was smiling!
However strange that encounter was, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. It seems like Scott's appreciating what he's doing for his sister, like he's warming up to him. However, his stand on him fancying her is still questionable.
A shiver ran down his spine as a breeze swooped in, bringing him to now. He was standing in front of Erin, discussing about what he's noticed in the past few lessons, which was about patronuses.
"Surprisingly, you got the spell right at a young age because you were focused on one thing and one thing alone – your mother." He tells Erin. October was just about to end, and winter was fast approaching. It was getting chilly. "Now, your patronus was driven by your childhood and has come to change. And now, we're going to make something new."
She nods, gripping her wand tightly.
An owl suddenly flew in, bringing gust with him; her hair flew to her face. She lifts her hands to her face, tucking her hair behind her ears, exposing her star shaped earrings. Momentarily distracted, he shook his head and looked stern, for lesson measures.
"Now, think of a happy memory while you cast the spell."
Erin managed to laugh, nervously. "Easier said than done."
He managed a smile as he circled around her. "Hold on to that memory, and use it."
Drawing out a breath, her face scrunched into concentration as a certain memory came to mind. She licks her lips, lifting her arm and slowly twirls her wand.
"Expecto Patronum."
Soft wisps of silver then burst from her wand, lighting up the room. The owls in the owlery watched silently, unfazed. And from the silver wisps, a figure slowly began to take form.
Erin held her breathe, watching in awe. Albus stood behind her, watching with her.
The wisps slowly filled about half of the owlery. And then, something happened. A figure.
It was large, huge.
It was a dragonling.
"Whoa," she gasped, laughed, turning to him. "is that really…?"
Meeting her gaze, he nodded with a smile, looking back at the majestic silvery beast.
It looked at Erin, running up to her. He easily recognized it to be a Romanian Beastly, because of its near resemblance to a Romanian Longhorn, but with less spikes and small head and friendly nature. Erin told him that her grandfather discovered the species before Scott was born.
Watching her interact with her patronus brought a smile to his face. Typical Erin, she could make just about anyone – or anything, fall for her charms. Including him, he thought with a sigh.
"A Romanian Beastly!" she said, waving her hands in front of her for emphasis. "Curious, very curious."
"What is?" he asked with a laugh, looking down at her.
Shrugging, she peaked up to him and then folded her arms behind her. "Hmm, just thinking about my patronus, really."
"Uh-huh…"
"I mean, it's quite fascinating, when you think about it. But I just thought about it now!" she exclaims, putting both hands to her cheeks. "I've been missing so much!"
"Hey, don't blame yourself." He assures, having reached the main ground. "You aren't totally able in Defense Against the Dark Arts, remember?"
"Still!" she protested, blowing a raspberry, which caused her hair to flay to her face. She couldn't help but laugh.
He noticed, just then, how her purple dyed hair was tied into a braid. Some of her dark hair were included, save for some which framed her small face.
Erin's hair was usually in pigtails when she worked with Hagrid, twin pigtails that draped over her shoulders. She left it loose during cold winter season. And one time, when the heat doubled last spring, she donned a ponytail.
Ponytails, he thought, made her look more mature.
But he liked her hair best when it was down, which was most of the time – other than winter season, displaying the play of short black hair and long purple hair.
"Speaking of!" she turned to him fully, taking him by surprise. "What's your patronus?"
The question really took him by surprise that he hadn't realize that he had run into a wall. Erin shrieked in surprise, running to his side.
"Albus!" she towered over him, worriedly. "Are you alright?"
How embarrassing. And in front of Erin!
"Y-Yeah, I'm alright." He rubbed his nose, sniffling.
"Sorry," she says, smiling apologetically. "but you should really watch where you're going!"
"Yes, yes." He says with a roll of his eyes, still rubbing at his nose. He then pockets his hand into his pocket, the other one running through his hair. "My patronus, eh?"
Erin nodded furiously, eyes gleaming.
Laughing, he playfully pats her head. "That's best for another time."
Erin huffed with a pout, Albus laughed.
Out the window, clouds were scattering the sky and the sun was shining bright. Albus couldn't help but liken the weather to Erin, for always being so bright in spite of life's adversities. The dreaded OWLS, being one of those adversities.
OWLS were fast approaching, which spelled a high time for fifth years like himself. Although he was top of their class, there was Artihmancy, Study of Ancient Runes and History of Magic to battle. He badly needed to polish his grades.
Bless his soul for being friends with three of the top students in their class – Scorpius, Astley and Erin. The twins were ranked from the top twenty, but helped plenty with Study of Ancient Runes and Divination.
At their usual table, were studying was supposed to commence, things were surprisingly eerie, especially between Astley and Scott.
Scott sat next to his sister, Astley sat adjacent to them, beside Sciorpius. Usually, Astley and Scott would sit together. If not, someone – like Erin or Scorpius, sat between them.
Albus sat with the twins, darting his eyes from each side. They seemed to act normal, with Erin talking to her brother and the two Slytherins quietly studying.
And it's been going on for a few days now, but it was only today did Albus notice their situation.
Not even Erin or Scorpius seemed to have a say on this, they seemed to let it be.
From his seat, he could feel the tension between the two. It unnerved him.
"What happened?" he whispered to Lysander.
"We don't know," he said, looking at how Scott suddenly scowled.
"All's we know is that he's been like this for a few days now," explained Lorcan, in hushed whisper. "he just one night came storming in the common room after his Head Boy duties."
Leaning close to Albus, so others couldn't hear him, Lysander adds, "He had this dark look on his face, scared almost everyone in the room, including the freshmen." They both shuddered at the memory. "And the day after that, Astley tried to talk to him, but Scott would brush her off."
A sharp scraping of wood against wood cut them short, causing the three to sit up straighter. Thank goodness they were situated at the far side of the library, but they could still Madame Pince 'shh'-ing them from afar.
"Sorry," said Scott, with a tight smile as he stood from his seat. He began to pack his things before slinging it over his shoulders. "I'll go on ahead now."
"Already?" asked the twins in unison. They weren't even an hour in the library!
Scorpius looked up from his book. "See you then, Scott."
Nodding, the older Alisdair then walked away from their table, waving when his back was to them. Curiously, Albus peered at Astley, noticing how she stole a glance at Scott's retreating form at the last second. He could have sworn he saw something in those eyes.
Once Scott was out of sight, he left the table in silence. It filled the table, no one dared to say a word.
Astley's hold on her book loosened, she looked as though she lost interest. He was almost tempted to return to his notes, had his attention been stolen by Scott and Astley's situation.
The silence ended with Erin, turning to her best friend.
"Astley-"
"Nothing happened." She said almost immediately, icily that the twins shivered in their seats, and caused him and Scorpius to flinch in their seats. Astley was cruel sometimes, but never to her best friend.
Unfazed by her attitude, Erin but smiled kindly. "If that's what you want."
Realizing that she was being rude to her best friend, the chestnut haired-female took off her glasses, massaging her temples. She ran a hand through her hair, stopping by her nape before putting her glasses back on. "I'm sorry."
Erin still smiled, reaching over to touch her hand.
"If you don't mind us butting in," Lysander started.
"What's going on?" second Lorcan.
Erin and Astley exchanged glances. Going back to her seat, Erin watched as her best friend looked at each of them in the eye and took a deep breathe. Just as she was about to open her mouth, someone beat her to it.
"Scott's jealous." Scorpius said without looking up.
The three blinked. And then one of the twins snorted. Astley rolled her eyes, dropping her hand in surrender, before slumping against her seat.
"Seriously!?" Lorcan said incredulously, before his twin broke out in laughter. Lysander was laughing so hard that he was almost near tears. Soon enough, his twin joined him.
Not wanting Madame Pince to come all the way here, Albus quickly casted a Silencing Charm on them, leaving the twins to laugh inaudibly.
"Thank you," Astley said in relief, dropping her hands from her ears.
"The two laugh like a banshee and a hyena combined." Scorpius looked from his seat, as the two were rolling on the floor in a fit of laughter.
"Good thing Scott's not here," Erin says. "he would've turned them into roaches."
"I'd rather have that option, then."
"Scorpius!"
"Kidding."
"SHH!"
Everyone – save for the twins, ducked their head at that before remembering what they were talking about.
"Scott's jealous?" So he does fancy Astley!
"Pretty much," Scorpius says with a shrug, smirking. "she is a beauty, you know."
Astley slaps his hands away, tipping her head up against her seat.
"I always thought there was something going on between you two-"
"There's not." Said Astley pointedly.
"Okay, there's not." He parroted, fearing that if he angered her, she might slip something.
Dropping her head, she grabs the book she was reading and buries her nose into it.
"You just seem like really close friends."
She says nothing at this, but grabs her wand and undos the Silencing Charm on the twins, who were catching their breathe after five minutes of laughter.
Getting to his feet, Lorcan, puts a straight face on. "Scott's always fancied Astley for as long as I can remember. And I remember her turning him down after their Hogsmaede date."
"Aye, 's true." Lysander agrees, putting both hands on the table so as to lift himself from the ground and into his seat. "But their relationship as friends hasn't changed since, yes?"
Astley didn't remark, but tightened her grip on the book she was reading.
"Astley has a lot of suitors, y'know." Erin tells Albus, leaning against her folded arms. "Scott feels like he can't compete, even if he's known her longer than any of them."
"Hmm, that's true. There've been some blokes coming to me asking about Astley, being we're close friends and all." His face pinches at the memory. "Blood awkward, if you ask me."
"I think the same happened to me," recalled Lysander, carefully fixing his hair. "too bad though, that bloke was a fine one."
"I thought you were seeing that Bethany lass from Griffyndor?"
"Nah, too clingy. 'sides, can't mean I can't shift my preference time to time."
Slamming her book shut, she looks up with a frown, not taking it anymore. And because the twins might ramble on. "The point is," she starts, pushing her glasses back with her wand, her voice exasperated. "I want someone who can prove themselves to me. I don't want anyone seeing me as a prize. If they like me, then he has to prove his worth to me."
"But would you consider Scott?"
"Who knows?" she stood up. "I'm grabbing a book from the restricted section." Just as she was about to leave, she returns with a glare. "Oh, and Lorcan? Find a better place to snog next time, alright?"
Said blonde pointed at himself, feigning innocence despite the urge to snicker. His twin, too.
The first snow still hadn't reached Hogwarts, which was strange considering that it the first of November.
The clouds, though, were somber, signaling a rain that was bound to come later, just shying from the bright and blue sky, teasing the students with the illusion of a bright and sunny day, just perfect for the weekend.
Dark clouds, depressing and somber, mirrored Albus' mood as he walked down the hall, sluggishly telling the fat lady the password.
His family noticed this the moment he entered the common room, trying to goad him into telling his problems. But he wouldn't budge; this was his headache after all.
That aside, as it turns out, Scott and Astley were friends again just three days after, and two days before the OWLS.
"So, how'd you do?" his brother, James, asked when he entered the common room.
Slumping against the couch, he tugged at his tie and said aloud, "I received an OWL in all my subjects."
Two weeks of OWLS!
It was complete torture alright, especially when it came to his worst subjects. Defense Against the Dark Arts, both written and practical, exceeded his expectations. Professor Caspar was a no-nonsense professor, so he expected the same to go for her exams. He was worried about Erin though, especially during practical. She did seem shaken afterwards, but nevertheless, alright.
Thank Godric Care of Magical Creatures came after, lifting Erin's spirits. That exam was like a walk in the park, because of how easy it was (thanks to the Alisdair siblings).
He just can't believe he survived the two weeks! He swore he was going to stuff his face with chocolate after a week well done.
"Me too," said Rose, slumping next to her cousin.
"Good job," said Roxanne with a smile, patting the redhead's knee. "I remember our OWLS, I barely made it out of Potions and Transfiguration alive."
"Don't forget Divination," James said with a frown.
"I thought Pompey was hilarious." Laughed Fred, tossing a box of chocolate frogs to James, who then popped it into his mouth.
"That's because surprisingly, you're good in that class." Roxanne said to her brother, with a role of her eyes. Fred shrugged his shoulder.
Just then, two third years walked by – Hugo and Lily, who sat next to their siblings.
"There, there, Al." said Lily, patting her brother's shoulders. He, in turn, took a pillow and covered his face. Rose, on the other hand, covered her eyes with her arms.
Comically, the two groaned out loud.
Finally, two weeks of complete torture were over. They were free from OWLS!
"What's the matter, Rosie? Aren't you happy you survived?"
"I am," she says with a frown. "but I'm not satisfied with my Potions and Herbology grade."
Hugo rolled his eyes good-naturedly at his sister. "Psh, you and your grades. That, or you don't want to lose to that your new-"
"Shut up Hugo!"
The younger Weaseley all but snickered, Lily and Roxanne playfully swatting him. James and Fred exchanged confused glances. Albus used the opportunity to sink deeper into the comforts of the plush sofa.
"And what about you, Albus?" his sister asked him, missing the curious-worried look on her face. "What's your headache?"
He only buried himself deep into the cushions, wishing she didn't ask. And then, he muffled something nobody could hear.
"I have to buy Erin's birthday gift, fast."
Erin's birthday fell on November 9.
Thankfully, it fell on a Sunday.
It was the perfect day.
No class, no commitments, just a whole day to themselves.
They were planning to throw her a birthday party, just in front of Hagrid's hut. They, composed of Scott, Astley, Scorpius and the twins, and his (meddlesome) family.
Each and every one of them had everything planned and sorted out, from planning, catering, decorating, to even talking to the giant, who happily implored. They had everything covered – permission, care of Scott and his Head Boy status, the tent, Scorpius managed to borrow from a family friend who worked in Hogsmeade, the food, care of Ikki and the twins, keeping nosy parkers away, care of Albus, and the design, care of Astley.
"I'd love to!" he said jovially. "Erin's been a big help and a burst of sunshine, I'd love to be a part of it!"
Scott, spearheading everything, wanted everything to be as private as possible. Apparently, he's been planning the whole thing for months now. This was his last year at Hogwarts, and he wanted to at least be there for her special day on his last year.
Somehow, the Potter-Weaseley's were able to get in. Probably because Scott saw how they all adored Erin, and probably because of Albus.
"Your family is strangely enthusiastic," comments Astley, surprising Albus.
He laughs dryly, seeing his brother and cousin fuss over the streamers. Elsewhere, Hugo and Scorpius talk amongst themselves, with Rose watching over them with a smile. Roxanne is decorating the table with the twins assisting her. Lorcan, though, looks strangely taken by her.
"Lorcan's at it again." He said to her instead.
Said lad was at Roxanne's whim, every time she needed help. The strawberry blond looked more than willing to help her, along with that silly grin on his face. His twin stared at him confusingly, smacking him at the back of his head when Roxanne's back was turned.
"Ignore him."
"Will do."
"I told her to dress nicely." She said suddenly, strutting from table to table with Albus close by (since he was holding a box filled with table decorations). Albus stopped, gave her a strange look as a smirk grew on her face. He rolled his eyes at her.
"What'd you get her?"
"Dresses," she says simply, furrowing her brows at the flowers. With dainty fingers, she quickly fixes it.
He doesn't ask no more, not wanting to know where it came from and the price. Obviously, it'd come from her older half-sister, who owned a boutique down in Hogsmeade. He had half-expected her to ask him what he got her, but when the question didn't come, he inwardly sighed in relief.
"Surprise!"
Erin looks shocked, in a happy way, pressing her hands to her cheeks. Clearly not expecting the tent in front of Hagrid's, nor suspecting it, to hold her family and friends and a birthday party. Her birthday party!
Everyone wore party hats, to humor her. She's always loved the idea of party hats, shared Scott.
True to Astley's word, she dressed up nicely for once – stockings over boots, a floral short-sleeved dress, with a white undersleeve and a sleeveless jacket with a hood. Despite her fancy dress, she still manages to retain her image.
Seeing her brother, immediately, she launched herself at him, hugging him tight. Following after were Astley, Scorpius, the twins, him, Hagrid and the entire family. Each of them laughing as she hugged them warmly.
They played games, even a bit of Quidditch to humor her. Scott surprised everyone with his no-brainer amateur skills, having beaten James a couple of times. ("Blimey, if I knew he was good, I would've dragged him with us to the tryouts!" said Lorcan. "He might as well bring us the House Cup!" second Lysander.) In turn, he received a newfound rivalry and respect from James.
Astley and Rose then wheeled in a sumptuous chocolate cake, Erin squealed at the sight of it. There was a miniature Whomping Willow, Marlowe, Safira, Scott, her, Scorpius, Astley, the twins, and him. The cake, courtesy of Hagrid.
Everyone sang her a 'Happy Birthday', Albus watching how her eyes shone with indescribable happiness. He managed to sneak a glance at Scott, watching his sister with so much love.
"Make a wish," he tells her.
Clasping her hands together, she closes her eyes as she wishes. When she was done, in one breathe, she blew out all fifteen candles.
Night was drawing, but it was still young.
It felt like the fun in the tent lasted forever, with endless games and laughter. He had to admit, it was a pretty amazing night. And he could tell, that everyone thought so, too.
From the corner, he watched in amusement the interaction of his family and friends. How Scott talked with James and Fred, they were probably conversing about Quidditch. The twins nearly conquered the table had Hugo not scolded them, Roxanne watching them with a smile on her lips. Rose an Scorpius were engrossed into their rather intimate conversation. He can tell that they like each other. Lily, Astley and Roxanne were talking amongst themselves, probably about girly things. All this, and having this kind of environment wouldn't be possible without Erin.
He's been dying to hand her his gift, but he wanted to give to her privately, without the attention of everyone.
"Ginger!" Erin called from behind him, taking him by surprise.
Something soft and warm, and smelling of cinnamon, was lifted off him. Turning, he met Erin.
"Now how did you get here, you silly cat?" she cooed, earning a 'meow' from the feline. Getting to her knees, she gently dropped the cat. "Off you go then, Astley'll be looking for you."
The gray Persian cat strolled away, leaving the two teens alone.
"Erin."
She looked up, smiling at him. "Hi Albus!"
"Had fun?"
"Oh yes! It was the best birthday ever! I can't believe Scott planned everything." She had begun to walk, he walked along with her.
"Well, he wanted to. This is his last year with you, in Hogwarts."
"Yeah," she smiles sadly, reaching Hagrid's front door.
Sitting on Hagrid's porch, her hands rest on her lap. He just stands there, watching her. Smiling, her eyes linger behind him. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
Following her gaze, a smile breaks into his lips when he realizes that she was talking about the moon.
"Yeah it is." Nodding, he pockets his hands. "Fascinating, too."
"I love stories about the moon. Especially this one about why werewolves howl at it."
"Oh, I've heard of that too." Before he could help himself, he recited the tale – although short – he read not long ago. "Although cursed, the wolf would howl his love to his beloved, who was stuck in the heavens. He never fails to tell her his love."
She rested her face in her hands, eyes still on the moon with a sad smile on her lips. "It's so beautiful, yet so sad."
"Bittersweet." He supplied, and she hummed, closing her eyes momentarily. Truth be told, it was one of his favorites. One day, he hoped to be like that man. To have that love for the woman.
Breaking from her momentary reverie, a thought pops in her head. He could see it from the way her eyes twinkled. "I never did get to ask you your patronus, with the OWLS done and all."
"Oh, yeah."
"So what is it?" she asked curiously, leaning in.
Pressing his lips together, he meets her gaze, smiling lightly. "A hippogriff."
She didn't blink. But her eyes widened, amused and surprised.
"Wow!"
"Yeah."
She had no idea that it was because of her, his patronus. And the memory with it, their first flight during their third year, when he confirmed his feelings for her.
"Oh, and by the way." Taking the box from behind him, he slowly handed it out to her.
"Happy birthday, Erin." he said shyly, sighing as he gave her his gift. Thank god the two were out of earshot and eyesight.
Truthfully, he wasn't proud of his gift. He had a billion other options, which had only boiled down to this. He just hopes she'd at least like it. Erin smiled gratefully before taking the gift from his hand.
Hearing the tear of paper, he immediately closed his eyes, afraid of what her reaction would be.
He hears her gasp and his heart fell. Knew it, she didn't like it.
But then, a pair of arms wrapped around his neck, surprising him. He realized then that it was Erin.
Pulling back, she looked up at him with a huge toothy grin. "It's beautiful! I love it Albus, I love it!"
He had given her a moon pendant; its chain was brass. It almost looked like she had a miniature moon in her hands. But it was no ordinary pendant; it was special, because it depicted exactly what phase of the moon was out tonight. And tonight just happened to be a full moon.
He figured that he'd give her that because she seemed to look up to Aunt Luna, she reminded him of her very much, and also, she seemed to like the moon.
She looked at the pendant in her hands, purple hues adoring the miniature moon.
"Here, let me help you." he offered, taking the pendant from her hands.
Leaping off the front steps, Erin turned her back to him, scooping her hair to the side. Moving closer, Albus clasped it around her neck. Erin turned, ducked down to inspect the pendant. Even before she turned to him, he could tell that from the smile on her face that she very much liked it.
"Thank you Albus."
His breathe caught on his throat. It was perfect, like he knew it would be.
And just like that, the first snow fell.
Ironic that it had to fall down on one of the brightest day of his life.
BONUS CONTENT.
(Well, more of a deleted scene)
[DELETED SCENE, DO NOT INCLUDE!]
"What is this place?" he asked, scrunching his nose at the heavy scent of perfume that lingered in the area. It reminded him of his Aunt Audrey and Aunt Fleur.
Everywhere he went, there were clothes in bright colors. And there were flowers, that explained the smell.
It almost felt like he was inside the head of his female relatives, because of how feminine the place is. He felt really awkward for being here.
"Albus," someone called, he turned his head, it was Astley. "fancy seeing you here."
"It wasn't by choice." He said defensively.
She half-smiled, folding her arms. "Don't worry, I'm not judging you. Oftentimes, I'd drag Scorpius along when I needed to drop by the place. Sometimes Erin."
"Why? What is this place?"
"Rose Petals."
"Sounds fitting."
She laughed. "My sister owns it."
He raised a brow.
"Well, half-sister. Her name's Isobel, currently a seventh year at Beauxbatons. This is sort of her side-business, where she sells all of her designs, some," she turns, he follows her gaze to an open closet where a flock of girls fawn over. "of her clothes she doesn't love anymore."
His brow remained where it was, mouth turned upward.
"Nice to know."
Astley looks at him cryptically, disbelieving. "So what are you doing here?"
"Oh, just with my cousins. They love this place, it seems."
"I know. And it just opened last year."
He tried fiddling through the frilly and expensive-looking clothes, thinking how Erin would look in them. But he frowned, making his way out. There was no way.