The night before the ball, Hermione felt her nervousness growing. She knew she had to get up in front of everyone with Viktor for the first dance. It would only be them and three other couples on the dance floor opening the ball. She wished she could back out at that moment. She had no desire to be in front of everyone dancing. Even if she had been finding times to practice with the twins in her spare time. Unfortunately, their times were few and very short. Trying to sneak around was proving difficult without rousing any suspicion.

"Hey Fred, George," she greeted them after dinner.

"Hello, love," Fred replied with a smile. "Looking to dance?"

"Well yes, actually. I'm really nervous. What if I mess up and make a fool of myself?"

"You'll be fine. You're not going to make a fool of yourself," George laughed.

"Besides, even if you messed up, everyone would blame it on Krum," Fred added.

"Are you just saying that because you don't want to dance with me tonight?"

"Not at all. We've already found a spot to practice actually," George replied.

She looked at them, surprised. "Where?"

"Boathouse. Thought it'd be a nice quiet place," Fred smiled.

"That sounds wonderful," she smiled. "I'll meet you down there in 15 minutes. I just want to put my stuff away," she added before heading up to the common room. She quickly deposited her bag and started back downstairs. She was thankful the boys were too busy playing wizard's chess to see her. When she arrived at the boathouse she saw it lit up by small floating lights. "It's beautiful in here," she looked around. She hadn't fully appreciated the few times she had been there.

"Very," Fred added softly, smiling. George elbowed him, laughing.

"So shall we then?" she stood, waiting for one of them to take their place with her.

"Alright then," Fred took one hand and put the other around her waist. "See?" he smiled as they danced. "You're going to be fine."

"Freddie, I need to go take care of something. Forgot I promised Alicia. I'll meet you back in the common room," George smiled as he headed toward the exit. "You two don't stay out too late, now. Wouldn't want detention would you?" He gave Fred a wink before he left.

"So what made you think of the boathouse?" Hermione asked as they sat down.

"Looking for a place where no one would find us," he smiled. "You said you didn't want anyone to know."

"Well, I'm certainly glad you did. It's lovely."

"So why haven't you told the boys yet? About Viktor?" he asked.

She shrugged, looking down at the water. "Pride I guess. They're so certain I'm going alone. I kind of want to see their faces when I show up, not only with a date, but with Viktor," she smiled a bit. "Is that wrong?"

"Not at all," he replied, smiling. "I don't see why you shouldn't make them realize that you're a lovely girl who someone would love to show off."

"Lovely, huh?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Well, you know. As far as 4th years go," he shrugged before laughing.

"I think I should take offense to that. But I'll just take the compliment instead," she smiled.

"You should. It's true. You really are lovely. And if Ron is too dim to see that, it's certainly his loss," he push a stray hair from her eyes.

"Thanks, Fred," she smiled. She was starting to see what people saw in them. Although they were mostly about their jokes and pranks, she saw a sweetness in them. And whatever the reason they've taken her in as their friend, she would not take it for granted. It was nice to feel appreciated. "We should probably be heading back. We really won't want to get detention again," she laughed

"Oy, Hermione. You look-" Fred stood, staring at the young girl. She looked absolutely beautiful. He was glad to see her away from Krum for just a moments time. He had been waiting to talk to her since the ball had started.

She smiled brightly at him. "Thank you. You look very handsome. Angelina must be enjoying showing you off."

"Actually Georgie's keeping her busy. Alicia's keeping Lee busy, and Katie is chatting with a young Durmstrong over here," he pointed to the pair who were chatting on the other side of the hall. "Turns out I'm the dateless one now," he laughed.

"I'm sure there are plenty of girls who'd love to dance with you. Why don't you ask the girl you're interested in?" She grinned.

"You just want to know who it is. You're clever. But you're not going to find out tonight," he smiled at her. "But while you're so anxiously awaiting the big reveal, why don't you dance with me?" he held out his hand.

"I'd love to," she took his hand and let him lead her out to join the other dancing couples. She put her arms around his neck as she felt his around her waist.

"So where's your date then? Left you here all alone to get swept up into the arms of another man?" he laughed.

"Karkaroff pulled him away. Apparently couldn't allow him to have some fun for a night. But I suppose it's not totally bad. I get to dance with you. After all, it is thanks to you and George that I made it through that first dance."

"You would have been fine without us."

"Well, either way, I do appreciate it. You and George have been really sweet to me. It's been nice having you two around. Not that I thought I'd ever say that," she laughed. "So what are you going to do the rest of the night without a date?"

"Well so long as you're free, I'd like to entertain you."

She smiled. "I can agree to that. But what about when Viktor comes back?"

"I suppose I'll just have to pine after the girl of my dreams," he laughed.

"Fred Weasley, I'm going to find out who she is. And I'm going to help you win her over," she replied, determined.