Bill and Fleur's wedding reception was in full swing. Fred leaned up against one of the tables, watching everyone dance and talk.
"Voulez-vous danser monsieur?" Fred turned and saw a pretty blonde woman offer a hand to him.
"What?" he said impatiently.
"Would you care to dance?" she said again, in English.
"Oh, um, no thank you… but you see that man over there? Yes, the one that looks just like me, I pointed your cousin to him, he really is quite dashing." Fred replied. The woman looked put out but went over to George, who seemed positively delighted to have attracted another French follower.
"Don't worry mate," his twin called overt the buzz of the reception. "Maybe you'll get a scar too — although I hope not. Wouldn't want any competition, see. Ladies love scars." Fred rolled his eyes and ignored his brother's comment.
"Fred Weasley?" he froze and turned to see Hermione standing behind him, a smile on her face. "Where's your dancing partner?" she asked. Fred shoved his hands deep into his pockets and shrugged.
"None of them have met my incredibly high standards." He said, putting on an air that made her giggle.
"Perhaps I might meet your incredibly high standards?" she asked shyly. The oxygen seemed to have been sucked out of the room as he stared at her.
Speak you idiot! His mind scolded him. "Oh-," he said, scurrying to recover. "Well," he trailed. "The soon to be Hogwarts Head Girl..? I think she might be a suitable choice. How's your dancing?" he asked.
She smiled, delighted as he took her hand and led her to the dance floor. "I'm probably better than you." Hermione teased. He looked at her, feigning hurt.
"Such a waspish comment dear 'Mione." He said as another song started up and he began to twirl her. "And I'm almost sure you are not." He countered.
She threw her head back and laughed as they dance rather fiercely across the floor. "My, my, how did you get so good Fred? I don't think I've ever seen you dance." Hermione said conversationally.
Red dips her, feeling their bare skin brush, relishing the flushed red color in her cheeks. "I'll tell you if your promise to keep it a secret." He said in a stage whisper. Her lips twitched as they continued to dance around.
"Of course, my lips are sealed." She murmured.
"George and I sneak out every night and dance in the common room." He stated, struggling to keep a straight face.
Hermione burst out in a fit of giggles as Fred looked over to George, who was frowning as all the French girls glared at Hermione who had managed to land a dance with him. He steered her towards the direction of his brother, who glanced up at him.
"Don't worry brother it's the two ears." He said. "Maybe you'll get two ears too-though I hope not, wouldn't want any completion, see." Fred remarked.
His brother threw a napkin at him with a good natured growl. "Oh shove off Freddie." He called as Fred twirled Hermione away.
The song came to an end after what seemed like hours and his feet stopped moving, but his grip tightened around her waist. "Hermione…" he began but stopped as Kingsley's patronus swooped in and the message was delivered.
In the fray he feels her slip out of his arms and he can't find her again, she's gone.