Notes: Thanks to all of you that have followed me over from the original version of this story. If you haven't seen it already, I have started a new Fremione story as well called Clueless. It is completely separate from A Kiss at Midnight. I would love if you would check it out.

Chapter 8

He really wished Kingsley would get on with it. When they had asked him to serve as a Master of Ceremonies of sorts he hadn't expected him to do more than say a brief hiya, how ya doing, and then shut up. He was really anxious to get some time alone with Hermione and the delay was killing him.

"Now, go have fun!"

Finally! He didn't need to be told twice. He offered Hermione his hand. "Well, what do you say, Miss Granger? May I have this dance?"

"Why, certainly, Mr. Weasley," she said, placing her hand in his. It was so small, her hand. And so soft. And warm. He really liked holding it.

He led her to the dance floor just as one of his favorite songs started playing. She obviously liked it too because she wasted no time starting to move in time with the music. It was a natural rhythm between them and before he knew it almost an hour had passed. She indicated that she needed a break and he went off in search of drinks.

"You're an amazing dancer!" she exclaimed as he returned.

"You're not so bad yourself. Who knew you had some of those moves in you? Hot!"

"Oh, stop, I was very modest." He loved it when she blushed like that. It made her even more beautiful in his opinion.

"Oi, it's a slow song coming on! C'mon, love, that will be a nice break. You did promise to dance every dance, after all." He pretended to pout until she gave in. There was no way he was not slow dancing with her tonight. He wanted nothing more than the feel of her in his arms.

"So, we finally have a chance to talk," he said, grinning as she looked back up at him with those huge brown eyes of hers. He was painfully aware of the feel of her hips as he secured his arms around her waist. She leaned in close and he could feel every inch of her body pressed against his. Bloody hell, she had no idea what she did to him.

"I guess so," she said smiling back after a moment, "what would you like to talk about?"

"Well, we could make idle small talk, I suppose," he shrugged, "or we could make fun of the other dancers."

"What?" She looked like she couldn't decide whether to chastise him or laugh.

"Oh, lighten up, Granger," he teased. "I promise not to be overly cruel."

Seeming to accept this, she nodded. He scanned the room looking for his first victim.

"See there," he pointed at an obvious choice, "my dear twin brother. Handsome bloke, but two left feet, he has, just watch."

They watched as George stumbled about. Angelina looked like she was ready to kill him after he stepped on her foot for what was obviously not the first time. He heard Hermione giggle as George twirled around aimlessly, only missing knocking his date in the head because of her quick reflexes.

"You give it a go now."

"Ummm, okay, let's see…what do you think Neville and Luna are talking about?"

"The distinct possibility that nargles stole one of Neville's shoes, which is why he is currently wearing two different ones."

"He is not!" But sure enough, Neville had on one black shoe and one brown shoe. She broke into a fit of giggles and was obviously finding it hard to regain her composure. He loved hearing her laugh. He watched the other couple for a moment. Scatterbrained as he was, it was obvious that Neville cared very deeply for Luna.

"Do you think she knows?" he asked softly.

"That he has on two different shoes? It seems unlikely that she hasn't noticed after being with him all evening."

Fred shook his head. "That he's mad about her," he whispered, attempting to hide the emotion in his voice by choosing that moment to twirl her around.

"Oh, well, I'm not sure. I wasn't aware of it myself, but now that you mention it…"

"That's what I thought," he sighed. "It's very frustrating." Frustrating didn't even really begin to describe it. He couldn't imagine anything much worse. He had fancied Hermione for years and she had never even noticed. It was maddening is what it was.

"You seem very invested in their relationship," she teased. She laughed and leaned back in placing her hand on his chest and grinning up at him. He really hoped she didn't realize how fast his heart was beating. He also really hoped she didn't move her hand.

"Always want to see the guy get the girl in the end," he smiled weakly. He was torn between disbelief and relief that she couldn't see right through him.

"They'd be a good couple," she observed.

"Ah, that they would," Fred agreed as the song ended and another one took its place. Kind of like us, he thought when he was interrupted by a tap on his shoulder.

"May I cut in?" Harry asked.

Fred stepped away reluctantly as Hermione replied, "But of course."

"Finally let her out of your clutches, I see," George said as he joined him off the dance floor.

"Not for long," he replied honestly, his eyes never leaving where she and Harry danced, talking and laughing about who knows what.

"Settle down, Freddie," his twin laughed as he realized his brother's fists were clenched. "It's just Harry."

"Why does he need to stand so close to her?"

"Called dancing. I'm sure you've heard of it? Ginny's right there, mate. There's nothing going on."

Fred ignored him and he eventually heard him sigh and pat him on the back. "It seems to be going well so far, yeah?"

"She still doesn't think it's a real date."

"So show her that it is. Or at least tell her you want it to be. Song's winding down. Go on. Tell Granger you fancy her and want to have all her babies. Quickly now, before Harry drops dead from that look you're giving him. Be something if he survived Voldemort, but was taken out by Fred's evil glare."

He snarled at George, but didn't need to be told twice. He didn't intend to give anyone else a chance to steal Hermione away from him. She was his date, after all.

He didn't miss Harry's smirk upon finding Fred waiting for them as soon as the music died down. "Treat her right, mate."

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