Page 126 of Malcroix Bones Academy

“Yes,” he cut in. “Yes. Of course. Absolutely, I’ll go.”

A low laugh from directly behind us caused both of us to turn.

Graham Strangemore, my classmate and widely-acknowledged talent on the Skyhunt field, flushed in embarrassment when he saw two older students watching us, listening to the exchange in obvious amusement.

“Smooth, Strangemore,” one of the witches smirked, winking at me. “Very smooth. Maybe I should go with her, instead.”

Graham flushed redder.

“Sorry,” he muttered to me.

The two grinning witches resumed walking, hips swaying past where we stood.

“…I guess it’s kind of a turn-off, me sounding so eager,” Strangemore added.

“Not at all,” I assured him.

“If you change your mind, come find me, Shadow,” the blonde witch added over her shoulder. She tossed her head, smiling wider. “I’ll go to the dance with you. I won’t blush and titter, either. Promise. Not unless you want me to.”

I honestly wasn’t sure if the witch was kidding.

Then again, I didn’t even know her name.

“Already asked and answered,” Graham said, a little sharper, before the witch could try again. “Move along, Esmerelda. You’ll have to find someone else for the Myst?ria Dance.”

The blonde witch shrugged, eyeing him. “Wasn’t talking to you, Strangemore.”

That time, however, she left the common room, her koi fish primal swimming through the air behind her, glinting in the light from the overhead chandelier.

We stood by the main bulletin board for Grathrock College, not long after dinner had let out. I’d been looking at the flyer when Graham came up to stand next to me. It was the first I’d ever heard of a school dance. Then again, I’d been so focused on my studies and my “side project” with Bones, I’d barely paid attention to what was going on in other parts of the school.

Ihadremembered Halloween, but no one else at Malcroix Bones seemed to think October 31st required any sort of acknowledgment, so I kept it to myself. I heard Samhain referenced in passing a few times, but that was it.

According to the flyer tacked to the wall, Magicals celebrated other holidays involving costumes, however, which excited and disappointed me in equal measure.

Halloween had been my favorite holiday back home.

Eleusínia Myst?ria Dance,the flyer read, in hand-lettered, silver font.Come celebrate with us in Morwormer Hall! Drinks, music, hors d’ oeuvres, dancing. Friday, 21 November at 7PM. Costume required for entry!

The flyer didn’t explain the holiday itself, but the words coupled with drawings of masquerade masks, musical symbols, and wine glasses, made the meaning clear.

I’d have to look up “Eleusínia Myst?ria” in myMagique Britainbook.

“I’ll tell you what,” Graham Strangemore said, pulling my eyes back to his. “I’ll go with you on one condition. You come see me fly this weekend.”

“Oh.” I flushed, glancing at where he was pointing.

A different flyer hung on the bulletin board next to the one announcing the dance.

I’d entirely forgotten about the big Skyhunt match. Miranda and Jolie both insisted I had to go. Miranda claimed I needed to seethatmatch, in particular, as it was against one of the school’s big rivals. For the same reason, I nodded, holding out a hand to Strangemore.

“Deal,” I said.

He grinned, and shook my hand firmly back.

Watching Graham beam at me, obviously pleased, I wondered what exactly I was doing. I didn’t really fancy Graham, or even see him that way. He was attractive, sure. Very fit, if I were being honest, but I’d been reluctant to go out with him in the past because I hadn’t really felt a spark there, and didn’t want to mislead him. Now I wondered which thing was stupider?my own hesitation over nothing but vague, ill-defined misgivings, or me blowing right past those misgivings because of a stupid dream.

I’d have to find a costume now, and I might need some kind of sports paraphernalia for the Skyhunt tournament the coming weekend, as well. I’d ask Miranda. Mir would know what I’d be expected to wear or bring for both events, but the idea of suddenly needing “date” clothing made me uneasy. Did I really want to date right now, given everything?