Her gown was stiff, uncomfortable, out of necessity. The dress from the coming out ball at Hogwarts the week before had been nice enough, but set aside in exchange for white silk emblazoned with small pearl-and-diamond constellations all over the skirts and bodice, a nod to her passion for astronomy that had been tied into the very fabric of the event. Not a theme, though; Iphigenia Adebayo would never allow a theme to overshadow her.

"It isn't right," she bemoaned as she sat at the vanity, trying to rearrange a wayward curl. "And it must be perfect."

Unlike her sister, there was no finishing for Ipheginia, who was to be launched straight into her first season. At first, this had inspired pride and confidence in the young witch, but weeds of anxiety had also begun to take root within her. Her family's love was guaranteed, but the esteem, respect, and pride of her father, of Ìyá? Those were not awarded half so easily.