Chapter Eighteen - Valentine's Day

Hermione awoke that Sunday morning a bit out of sorts. It was Valentine's Day and she had wanted to spend the entire weekend with Fred but he had insisted upon her to returning to Hogwart's on Saturday evening, saying that he needed most of the next day to make preparations for their Valentine's date.

When she suggested that they just spend the whole time together, as usual, he was resolute on the matter. "I will only get one "first Valentine's Day" with you, Hermione. I want to make it count."

He was keeping his plans a secret. All she knew was that he was going to pick her up at the front gate of the school at 6 o'clock sharp that evening. When she asked why she couldn't just meet him somewhere he responded, "Because a proper gentleman picks up a lady for a Valentine's date and escorts her there."

Any further thoughts on the matter were interrupted when her mattress suddenly shook with the force of someone launching themselves onto it. Her eyes flew open to see Ginny bouncing happily on the end of the bed, grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

"Come on, sleepy head! Are you going to lay around all morning or are you going to read the card that came with these flowers?"

Hermione sat up and realized that there was a vase full of fresh wildflowers sitting on her bedside table. She reached for the card and smiled as she read:

Dear Hermione -

While I think you are deserving of dozens upon dozens of roses, I felt these would be more meaningful. I picked them myself from the field behind the Burrow this morning. Don't forget that I will be calling for you at 6 for an evening of dinner and dancing.

Counting down the hours,
Fred

Hermione took a moment to enjoy the fragrance of the flowers before Ginny snatched the card from her hand and read it. "Excuse me, Ginerva! That is private!" Hermione laughed.

Ginny wrinkled her nose and smiled smugly. "I'd just read it anyway while you were in the shower." Ginny looked back at the note. "So, an evening of dinner and dancing at 6? That doesn't give us much time."

"Time for what?"

Ginny stared at her as if the answer was obvious. "Dress shopping, of course."

"Dress shopping?"

Ginny sighed and rolled her eyes. "Yes, Hermione. You are my best friend and I love you but you own exactly three dresses and, in my opinion, none of them are going to cut it for your first Valentine's Day with Fred."

Hermione made a face. "Don't you and Harry have plans?"

Ginny shook her head. "Nah. Harry, Neville and Seamus drew the short straws and have to work today so Harry and I celebrated last night." She raised her eyebrows and smiled wickedly.

Hermione blushed. "Got it! No further details needed."

Ginny shrugged. "Suit yourself. But it means that I am free to act as your very own Fairy Godmother for the day." Her eyebrows raised again. "Trust me. I already have a couple of ideas in mind and I am sure you will both be thanking me by tomorrow." She grabbed Hermione by the arm. "So, let's eat and then get started!"

Hermione laughed and shook her head while reaching for her robe. "Spoken like a true Weasley."

True to her word, Ginny had very definite ideas about Hermione's Valentine's outfit. It had to be either deep red or black, form fitting and, in her words, "show some skin."

Hermione dismissed the first few options out of hand, being quite uncomfortable with their plunging necklines. They finally arrived at a compromise, a simple red silk party dress with a modest scoop neck but a more daring back. They paired it with a pair of elegant red dancing shoes and a black lace shawl.

Ginny tried to convince Hermione to abandon wearing her DA galleon for the evening but her friend refused, saying it was from Fred and so it would remain part of the ensemble. Ginny acquiesced only after Hermione allowed her to change out the chain it hung on for a black velvet ribbon so it resembled a choker.

Hermione then allowed Ginny to do her hair, secretly happy that someone else was willing to mess with it. Ginny kept it simple but chic, working in a touch of Sleekeazy's before pulling it into a partial updo, clipping it back with a delicate barrette adorned with tiny silver and red beads.

A little before 6 o'clock they stood in front of the mirror in their room, Ginny nodding in satisfaction. "My brother is going to love me for this!"

Hermione blushed and fidgeted with her purse. "Do you really think he'll like it?"

Ginny laughed. "Like it! If his jaw does not drop to his knees when he sees you then I'll pay you ten galleons!"

Hermione suddenly looked concerned. "Should I have a present for him? I've never had a proper Valentine's date before. Is he going to be upset if I don't have a card or something?"

Ginny smiled. "Hermione - you, in this dress, is the best present he could ask for. Trust me. I grew up in a house with six brothers. I know how men think." She checked the time. "All right! Almost time for Cinderella to go to the ball. Let's get you on your way."

As Hermione neared the front gate she was amused to see Fred engaged in a discussion with Luna. He was leaning against one of the columns at such an angle that Hermione was able to get a good look at him before he was aware she had arrived.

She grinned when she realized that instead of dress robes he had opted for a smartly tailored muggle style suit, complete with waistcoat and tie. He had obviously gotten his hair trimmed as well. Knowing his dislike of formal wear she was extremely touched at the effort on his part.

Luna spotted her first. "Hello, Hermione. You look exceptionally fetching this evening."

At this Fred turned and Hermione was pleased to see his reaction was much like Ginny had predicted. His eyes grew wide and his jaw did indeed drop. For a time he was actually speechless.

Hermione took another step forward and did a slow turn so he could see the entire outfit. "I hope this is okay. Ginny helped pick it out."

Fred continued to stare but made a mental note to hug his little sister the next time he saw her.

Luna leaned towards him and whispered loudly, "You might find it easier to answer her if you remember to breath."

Fred shook his head to try and regain his composure. "Right. Yes. Of course. I-It's more than okay. It's...you...are stunning."

Hermione blushed. "And you look very handsome. New suit?"

Fred cleared his throat and adjusted the waistcoat. "Yes. I took Harry's advice. I hope he didn't steer me wrong."

Hermione smiled and made a mental note to hug Harry the next time she saw him. "He absolutely did not steer you wrong."

They stared at each other for another moment before Luna took a small flower from the basket she was carrying and carefully tucked it behind Hermione's ear.

"Here. This is a wild bluebell. They come from the fairy forest and their scent is considered to have properties of an aphrodisiac. I wore some last night and Neville quite enjoyed the fragrance. Perhaps Fred will as well."

Without another word the little blond witch smiled, waved and skipped back towards the castle. Hermione and Fred stared after her in stunned silence before finally Fred managed to get out, "Am I the only one picturing Neville's reaction to that statement?"

Hermione's cheeks turned as red as her dress. "That is all I'm trying to picture of Neville and Luna at this moment..."

The two burst into laughter and Fred stepped forward to offer Hermione his arm. He escorted her a little way outside of the gate before stopping. "Normally a proper gentleman would provide transportation for his date, however most of the options available to me would involve flying and that is something I know you are not overly fond of, so I thought we could apparate if that is okay with you?"

Hermione nodded. "Sounds perfect. Thank you."

A moment later she found herself standing next to Fred in the hallway outside of his flat. Before she could ask, Fred grinned and said, "Wait here just a moment," before popping quickly inside, leaving her standing in the corridor.

Seconds later the door opened wide as Fred bowed and announced, "Dinner is served."

Hermione cautiously stepped inside and was gob smacked by what she saw. The flat was almost completely transformed. Most of the living room furniture had been pushed to the sides to make space for a dance floor. The dining table was covered in a crisp white tablecloth and set with china and silver candlesticks. Vases of wildflowers filled the mantelpiece. The ceiling had been enchanted once again, showing another night sky filled with twinkling stars.

"Well...what do you think?" Fred queried.

Hermione was unable to find her voice. She continued to gaze in wide-eyed wonder.

Fred leaned forward and, in his best Luna imitation, said, "You might find it easier to answer if you remember to breath."

Hermione's eyes sparkled as she turned towards him. "You have rendered me speechless, Fred Weasley."

Fred's smile was broader than she had ever seen. "Mission accomplished, then." He motioned her towards the table. "Now, if you will follow me, your meal is ready for you."

Hermione was surprised to learn that Fred had actually cooked the entire meal himself using some of his mother's recipes. Hermione declared it delectable and that it was quite possibly even better than Molly's, but they both agreed to keep that opinion to themselves. For dessert, Fred produced a creme brulee, mainly because it was one of the few desserts that he knew you were allowed to set on fire before serving it.

After they had finished, Fred stood and extended his hand. "May I have this dance, my lady?"

Hermione nodded and placed her hand in his. He helped her up and began to move away from the table when she stopped him. "Fred, why are you doing this?"

Fred's brow furrowed. "Doing what, luv?"

Hermione gestured around the room. "All of it. Spoiling me like this."

Fred squinted as if the answer was obvious. He bent forward so as to look her directly in the eye. "Because this is how you deserve to be treated."

At that moment she honestly thought that she might melt straight into the floor. "B-but I haven't got anything for you."

He reached out and gently stroked her cheek. "Oh, but you have. You've smiled at me all evening. That is all I could ever ask for."

Hermione closed her eyes and sighed. "Fred Weasley. You simply cannot say such utterly romantic things when I have absolutely no idea how to respond to them."

Fred grinned. "Well you better just get used to it, Miss Granger. The night is still young."

He lead her onto the makeshift dance floor, stopping for a moment to fiddle with the gramophone that was sitting to one side. She watched as he produced a vinyl record, wound the machine and then set the needle on a specific track. He took two quick steps towards her and spun her around as the opening notes of "Brown Eyed Girl" filled the room.

Hermione's face lit up. "Fred! How do you know about this song?"

Fred shrugged as he swung her in time to the music. "I have my ways..."

Hermione continued to stare as they danced. He finally caved. "All right. I'll tell you but you have to promise not to get upset with me."

Hermione's eyebrows raised but she kept dancing. Fred cleared his throat. "This isn't the first time I have seen you dance to this song."

She tipped her head in confusion. Fred then related the story of returning to the shop that day and witnessing her impromptu song and dance in the lab. She blushed deeply and buried her face into his chest. "I am so embarrassed! I can't believe you didn't jump out and make fun of me."

He chuckled. "To be honest, I did think about it but you looked so relaxed and...free. I didn't want to take that moment away from you." His cheeks turned red and he glanced away. "Besides, I was feeling a bit jealous of your dancing partner."

"Dancing partner?"

Fred nodded. "At one point it was pretty obvious that you were imagining being in someone's arms as you twirled around the room. I desperately wanted to jump in and spin you myself but I guess part of me was afraid of finding out who the competition was."

Hermione's lip started to quiver. Then it was her shoulders followed by her whole body. Suddenly she burst into a fit of laughter. Soon it had consumed her to the point where she was almost unable to stand.

Fred looked around helplessly. "Care to clue me in on the joke, luv?"

Hermione took a couple of breaths trying to maintain her composure. She finally managed to get out, "Oh, Fred. We are both such idiots."

Fred continued to appear lost. "What?"

Hermione shook her head. "Ask me who my imaginary dance partner was."

Fred hesitated. He really wasn't sure that he wanted this information. Hermione stared at him expectantly. Fred sighed and closed his eyes. "Fine. Who was your dance partner?"

Hermione responded, "Fred Weasley."

Fred opened his eyes and replied, "Yes?"

Hermione began laughing again. "What?"

Fred was totally flummoxed at this point. "You said my name. I thought you were asking me a question."

Hermione bit her lip, trying not to crack up once again. "You know for such a smart man you can be really thick sometimes. I wasn't asking a question. I was answering one. You asked who I was dreaming of dancing with that day and the answer is 'Fred Weasley'."

Fred froze. "You mean..."

Hermione nodded. Fred stammered. "A-all that..." He began gyrating his hips wildly in an exaggeration of the dance moves he had witnessed in the lab. "Was for me?"

Hermione snorted. "Well I certainly hope that it looked more...subtle than that, but yes, you were the one I was picturing in my head."

Fred thought about this for a moment and then, with only his hand, he pointed to the gramophone across the room and reset the needle to the beginning of the song. "Right. Then let's do this again properly, shall we?"

Hermione's eyes were wide as she glanced between the machine and Fred. "Wandless?"

Fred winked. "Been practicing." He spun her away from him and then back quickly before dipping her. Her laughter echoed through the room and made his heart skip a beat. It may have taken him a few months but he finally got his dance.

At the end of the song he allowed the record to continue and the music mellowed into the jazzy strains of "Moondance." He pulled her close and they began to sway gently to the beat. After a moment Fred started to sing along softly to the chorus.

And all the night's magic seems to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush

Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love
Can I just make some more romance with you, my love

That was as far as he got with his serenade. Without warning Hermione grabbed his collar, pulled his face towards hers and claimed his lips in an passionate kiss. He buried his hands in her hair and responded in kind before allowing his fingers to brush along the open back of her dress.

The last rational thought that he had was that he really needed to find a way to send a thank you note to this Morrison fellow.