After successfully sending Yanira away, Albert planned to slip off before the other girls came over. However, things did not always go as one wished. The girls blocked him at the entrance to the Great Hall.
"You don't mind dancing with us, do you?" Angelina asked.
"One dance each," Aaliyah added.
"Why are you all here?" Albert asked, looking at the three of them in surprise.
"Fred and George said you'd definitely leave early," Shanna said, blinking at him expectantly.
"All right, one each. Remember to help me out afterward—I've been dancing all day." Albert ultimately did not refuse. He offered Shanna his hand in invitation.
Shanna placed her hand in his. She knew Albert did not really want to dance anymore, but if she missed this opportunity, there might not be another one.
"You didn't find a partner?" Albert asked curiously.
"I couldn't find a suitable one," Shanna said with a smile. "Besides, I'm not very used to attending events like this."
Albert did not ask further. He expertly led Shanna around the dance floor. When the song ended, she merely thanked him softly and gave up her place as his partner.
"You all dance wonderfully."
Angelina stepped forward to take Shanna's place. Her dancing was wilder and more uninhibited, forcing Albert to adjust his rhythm.
"You dance much better than Fred. He can't quite keep up with my pace." Angelina did not mind having the lead taken from her at all. She was in high spirits and simply wanted to enjoy this brief moment. She knew countless girls were watching her with envy.
Aaliyah took Angelina's place next. Her dancing could only be considered passable. Just as Albert finished the dance and prepared to make his escape, he found someone else standing before him.
"You won't refuse, will