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Bill Weasley has never been good at being on time for anything. Try as he might, on the best of days, he still finds himself at least a few minutes late. Since the love of his life is waiting for him now, he runs through Hogsmeade, feet falling heavily in the blanket of white snow that covers the village's streets. His footing is not as sure as he'd like it to be, and he finds himself slipping, but he manages not to fall. Even if he did, it wouldn't matter. He'd show up, covered in snow and freezing, and he would still enjoy his date.

"Sorry I'm late," he says when he reaches Madam Puddifoot's at last. The warmth from the fireplace washes over him, and he lets out a soft, relieved sigh.

"It's about time," Fleur says with a smirk.

She's already ordered for him: black coffee and pumpkin bread, his favorite combo. This is their first time here together, and she knows his order. Bill thinks it must be a good omen.

"Don't make me beg for forgiveness," he says with a laugh as he sits across from her. "Christmastime should be about love and joy."

"Bah humbug," she says.

"It won't happen again."

"Liar." But there's a lightness in her tone, so teasing and playful, and Bill can't help but smile.

They sit in silence, drinking their drinks and eating their baked goods. Bill loves how comfortable the silence is, like he doesn't have to fill it with awkward chatter just to have some relief. It's quiet and lovely, and Bill thinks he could stay like this forever.

"There is a cafe in Paris," she tells him, "with much better coffee than this."

"Maybe that can be our next date."

Even as the words fall from his lips, he feels a nervous flutter. What if Fleur doesn't want to keep dating him? What if six dates are enough because there are handsome French boys back home who would love a chance with her? What if he isn't enough?

He hates feeling like this. Bill has always been so confident and sure. Nervousness and insecurities don't feel right for him.

"We would have to make it a weekend getaway," she tells him, smiling softly. "There are too many things I would like to show you."

That's good. That means she really does like him because these aren't the sort of plans to make with someone casual.

"I'm looking forward to it."

Sometimes Bill isn't sure what he's doing. He's never dated anyone like Fleur before. But then there are these moments, and he thinks he's going to be okay, and there is a bright and shining possibility at their feet.