"A lovely night, a lovely night
A finer night you know you'll never see"
"A Lovely Night," from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella.
Hermione crouched on the stone floor, sobbing. It had started out as what seemed to be a perfect night. She had felt as if, for once in her life, someone had actually looked past her bookish exterior and seen her for who she really was. Why couldn't Ron understand that she just wanted to enjoy the night? It wasn't as if going to the ball with Viktor had hurt Harry, he had been fine with it, so Ron couldn't use the excuse that is was betraying him. And really, it was Ron's fault for being oblivious to her feelings for him. If he had acted just a bit quicker. . .
She sighed and leaned back against the wall. She had snuck out after the ball with Harry's cloak and map, wandering the halls lost in thought until she had found herself where she was now on top of the astronomy tower. She sighed again.
"Well, that's a cheerful sound."
Hermione turned her head away, determined not to face whoever it was while trying to wipe away her tears. With her luck, the news that Harry Potter's muggleborn friend was crying on top of the astronomy tower would be all over the school tomorrow. "Just go away, please. I'm not in the mood for company."
"Ah, but you see, when you don't think you're in the mood for company, that's the time when you most need it."
Hermione sighed mentally. She recognized the voice now. It was one of the Weasley twins. From the sound of it, it was Fred. Besides, George had gone to the ball with Angelina and wouldn't abandon his date, while Fred had gone stag.
"Fred," Hermione said resignedly, "I'm not in the mood for jokes. I just want to be alone."
"No, no jokes." Fred sat down next to Hermione, his shoulder bumping hers. "Just tell me who I need to kill, ickle Ronniekins or Krum. I won't even charge too much. And I'll give you a discount if you want both of them dead. Five galleons. Just for you. If you want them tortured, it's a higher charge."
"Could you just . . . I don't know, maybe mute Ron?"
He frowned, deep in thought. "Well, I suppose I could, but it would have to be permanent. I can prank him for you, if you want."
Hermione gave him a small smile. "That'd be nice."
Fred smiled back and bumped her with his shoulder. "So does this mean that you're letting Krum live?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Fred, do you know how many rules that would be breaking? You can't just go around killing people, especially world famous quidditch players."
Fred laughed, sitting back, seemingly carefree but still watching Hermione carefully. "So, do you want to talk about it?"
Hermione sighed again. "I don't know, I just wanted to have a nice night, let myself go a little. I sort of wanted to have a cinderella night, but instead I got . . . this."
Fred frowned. "Cinderella?"
"It's a muggle story. A girl goes to a ball and dances with a handsome prince."
Fred looked at her for a moment, then jumped to his feet. "Come on." he held his hand out to her. Hermione frowned. "What are you doing?"
Fred smirked. "I'm going to give you your cinderella night."
Hermione looked at him in disbelief. "Are you trying to tell me that you're a prince?"
Fred rolled his eyes. "Just stand up, Granger." Hermione put her hand in his and he pulled her up.
"But there's no music," she weakly protested.
Fred smirked. "That's not a problem." He held his wand up. "Tribuo cantus." Hermione gave him a small smile as music started. "Is this 'The Waltz of the Flowers'?"
"What, are you surprised that I know muggle music?" Fred asked, smiling.
Hermione laughed. "Actually, yes I am."
Fred wiggled his eyebrows at her. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Hermione. I have a few hidden talents."
They danced silently for a few more moments.
"Wait," Hermione began slowly. "You called me Hermione."
"Did I?" Fred mused.
"Yes." Hermione looked at him, deep in thought. "You usually just call me Granger."
Fred smiled. "Tonight's special."
Hermione smiled slowly. "Yes, I think it is."
A bit later, Hermione leaned against Fed's shoulder, smiling and silently gazing at the stars. This night had been so full of ups and downs. She glanced over at Fred. Never in her life had she thought that Fred, the professional prankster, could be thoughtful and serious.
"So, Hermione, how has your night been so far? Has it been what you expected?"
She smiled. "No, it hasn't. But I wouldn't change it for the world." She leaned back against the wall. They were still on top of the astronomy tower, just sitting together and watching the stars.
She sighed. The night had been nice, but now it was time to face the world. She pulled back from Fred and stood.
"Hermione? Where are you going?" Fred looked at her in surprise.
Hermione shrugged. "It's late, Fred. I'm going back to my room." She smiled. "Thank you for a lovely night."
Fred looked at her carefully. He held his hand out to her. She grasped it and pulled him to his feet, turning to leave.
"Just a minute, Hermione." She turned back. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
Hermione started to frown. "No, I don't think. . ." She broke her words off with a gasp as Fred leaned forward, brushing his lips against hers. Her eyes widened in surprise as Fred brought his hand up to caress her face. For a few moments Hermione's mind ran wild, trying to understand what was going on, but she was trying to find it difficult to think. With a sigh, Hermione leaned into Fred, bringing her hand up to rest on his chest.
A few moments later, Fred pulled away. "Um. . .I. . .I think that we should get back to our dorms," he rasped, with a blush on his face.
Hermione nodded. "Right. So then, um, goodnight." She blushed and backed away, Fred still watching her. She gulped and turned on her heel, rushing to the door.
On the astronomy tower, Fred was still standing there with a dazed look on his face and a slow smile growing on his face.