Disclaimer: I own nothing. Jk Rowling owns everything. Including my soul.

The song in this chapter in Starlight by The Wailin' Jennys whom I adore. The other song mentioned is "Step it Out Mary" As done by The High Kings.

Also this is my first fanfic so you have been warned (admittedly late in the story). Anyhow . . . ONWARD!

I sighed as I sent the note off with Fred's little owl. My fury at George probably will have worn off by the time the party came about and I would probably be kicking myself for saying I'd go. Oh well. Two weeks later, however, I found myself as incensed at George as ever. An article had come out quoting him saying I'd not told Fred my background and that Fred and I were not dating. Tosser. The day of the party I stared haughtily at myself in the mirror. I was wearing a Chinese styled green blouse that had midway flared sleeves. instead of stopping just beneath my neck as the traditional Cheongsam style would have done, it plunged from its high collar straight down to a spot a few inches above my navel, exposing a delicate slice of creamy skin. As I turned, the light caught the subtle silver treading which was embroidered throughout the blouse. The collar and sleeves had black trim which complimented the black layered skirt that swayed becomingly as I shifted. Forgoing, my usual Grecian bun, Edwyna had pulled back the front of my hair in to a small braided bun at the base of my skull leaving the rest of my hair hanging in layers down my back. I curved my darkened lips at my reflection in my most patronizing Malfoy smile. Showtime. As I walked downstairs I noticed someone waiting for me at the bottom. Lucius. Great. "Roisin. You look very nice this evening."

"What do you want." I snapped haughtily. If I was going to go all out Malfoy, I might as well start practicing on someone. Lucius sneered at me.

"I've been considering how long it may take to secure the Weasley boy." I could feel my lips form a rigid line. "I thought more drastic tactic should be taken." He continued pulling a small vial from his robes. I stared at it. A love potion? I snarled ,"I will not use disgraceful deceptive tactics on my friend! If you are questioning my ability to attract a m-"

"My dear, I am not questioning your ability to do anything, but if we do not take extreme measures Fred Weasley will only ever be your friend." He cut me off, shoving the vile into my evening bag. "Do it for the family." He said. "It's because of your deceptions that our family is in this mess in the first place!" I had struck a low blow. Lucius stared blankly and then walked out of the hall. My breathing was fast as I watched him leave. I took a deep breath in order to calm myself. I slammed the front door as I walked out. Once outside of the gate, I apparated. I appeared at the bottom of a tall hill. There was a dusty road traveling up the hill that led to a precarious looking house that gave me the impression of a Jenga tower. Off to the side of the house I could see a number of large lit up tents. A pleasing folksy melody floated down from the cluster of tents.

I have come back to you broken, take me home . . .

People were walking up the hill having just apparated as well, eyeing me curiously.

And my body bears this trouble, take me home . . .

I began walking up the candle lit, dusty road.

Take me back to my beginning. Before the hell of night set in

And I came to this border, take me home . . .

I squares my shoulders, lifted my chin, and donned a superior expression as I neared the tents.

I have toured the endless starlight, take me home . . .

More than one malicious glare was thrown my way.

I have shattered under midnight, take me home . . .

I scanned the crowd until my eyes caught a friendly face. It was Fred. He grinned at me as he strode towards me. My face split into it's first sincere smile.

There are no vultures in this clearing, Except the ones who brought me here

And I'll no longer feed them, take me home . . .

"You look bloody gorgeous." He murmmed to me as he caught me up in a tight hug. He raised his eyebrow as he surveyed me. "and yet, very . . .Slytheriny." I smiled sweetly at him.

Kingdom come, their will was done

And now the earth is far away from any kind of heaven . . .

"C'mon!" Fred pulled me towards the middle of the tent where people were dancing.

Hallowed be these frozen fields

And every single one of us still left in want of mercy

Take us home . . .

George

I watched in shock as the snake appeared at the top of the dusky road a candle glowing on either side of her giving her a spritelike appearance. What the hell was she doing here?

Now the bells stand still and hollow, take me home . . .

I made to get up and tell her that I wanted a dan- I mean to get lost when the image of myself came into my view beaming at Malfoy and pulling her into a tight embrace. My heart sank. Fred!? Fred invited her?

And no one has come to mourn me, take me home . . .

I glared blatantly at them as Fred took her hand and led her to the dance floor.

Find me where I close my eyes

Beneath this sky of powerlines

And let me see us clearly, take me home . . .

I watched as the song ended and Fred lead a breathless Roisin towards the h'orderves.

Roisin

As Fred was cornered by a group of twittering witches I began piling a plate with various delicious looking snacks, when a voice said maliciously,

"Well look who showed up."

My body stiffened and I donned my most arrogant Malfoy sneer as I turned to face George.

"I see you decided to drop the innocent witch façade."

He indicated my decidedly Slytherin get up. He was halfway sitting on a nearby table holding glass of champagne. I felt an uncomfortabe tickle in the base of my stomach but ignored it as I drawled back.

"I guess you brother just thought you could use a lesson in class, Weasley. That's why he invited me."

I was surprised at how much I could sound like my cousin. Apparently so was George. He raised an eyebrow and spat,

"Just like a Malfoy. Always thinking your better than anyone else."

I raise one slender eyebrow,

"It is neither by my status nor my family that makes me think that I'm better than you."

I replied coolly as I walked off to join Fred. Just as Fred detracted himself from a group of Hermione's school friends a flute heralded the beginning of "Step it Out Mary" and I grabbed his hand and dragged him to the dance floor. Breathlessly returning from the Irish jig I dragged Fred into the deserted Burrow and shoved him against a wall. It was now or never and as George had frustrated me beyond all belief I was eager for revenge. I stood on my tiptoes as I furiously kissed a shocked Fred. I had thought that if I took things a little further than shameless flirting my sexual desire for Fred would return. I was mistaken. Still I continued my assault on his lips as he kissed me back just as eagerly. As I ran my fingers through his hair he suddenly pulled back and looked down at a strange expression on his face. I stared at him breathlessly.

"What's wrong?" I queried. Fred sighed

"I really like you, Rose. But I get the feeling you're not into this." I stared at him shocked . How could he read me so well? I opened my mouth my mind racing to find something reassuring to say but all I could think of was Lucius' face as he told me to do it for the family and I felt tear beginning to well in my eyes as the stress of their expectations came crashing down around me. Suddenly Fred caught my chin,

"Rose? Are you all right? Please tell me whats wrong." He pleaded with me and suddenly I couldn't hold it in anymore. As the tears started gushing from my eyes I told him everything. I told him about my family and their disgrace, about Lucius' plan, and about how it had always been at the back of my mind whenever I was with him.

"I'm so sorry, Fred!" I sobbed. "I don't deserve your friendship! Your brother's right. I'm just another scheming snake."

I was disgusted at myself for not telling him earlier. I turned away, not wanting to see the look of horror or disgust that would doubtlessly cross his face and waited for him to leave. Instead I felt a pair of strong arms gently rope around me and draw me towards him. Fred held me as I finished sobbing, cooing comforts into my hair. After a moment Fred tipped my chin up to face him.

"No, Rose. You're great. Don't ever think that about yourself. I've really enjoyed my time with you and I know you've enjoyed it too." I smiled tearily at him and he grinned back.

"C'mon, the toasts are about to start." I dried my wet face and allowed Fred to lead me outside. The toasts commenced in the normal boring fashion with half of the family members congratulating Ron on FINALLY asking Hermione and the other half querying if it was actually Hermione who had done the asking. I had thought the toasts were done when Fred stood up on my right.

"Well, firstly I'd like to say congratulations, Ron. Well done, mate. Secondly, Hermione, are you crazy?" Everyone laughed appreciatively at this one including Ron though his ears had gone rather pink. "Lastly, I'd like to say you've inspired me. Initially, I was going to wait to announce this but seeing as I don't know when I'll be seeing you all in one place again I thought I might as well be out with it." Everyone stared expectantly at Fred, including me, when suddenly he reached for my hand and pulled into a standing position. "I would like to announce my own engagment to the beautiful Roisin Malfoy." There was a still silence as Fred beamed at me. It was a thin man with black hair and round glasses who started clapping, rousing the audience from their shock. Every followed Harry Potters lead and a reluctant applause broke out. I smiled nervously, then hugged Fred with tears in my eyes. "Thank you" I whispered as we took our seats again. I stole a glance at George. He looked as though someone had tumbled a pitcher full of ice down his back.