Author's Note: This is an old old story I wrote some while ago, likely even before this collection, story, apparatus thing was properly conceived, so it was posted elsewhere for a bit. Anyway, because blurry timelines are great, we will say this takes place somewhere in Draco's 5th Year.

And because FFn gives me the liberty of moving chapters around, I went ahead and plopped this thing right after chapter 1 to keep the timeline semi-linear. Sorry for the confusion, everyone.

I do have a list on my profile that has all the stories in this universe in chronological order with my old friends writings as well, so check it out if you want.

Enjoy.

Summary: The Weasley twins make Valentine's Day a blast for some, not so much for others. They aren't jealous, nope.

Rated: T

Genre: Humor, Romance

Trainwreck to Love

The light made the room appear muted, but the upbeat music kept the atmosphere more lighthearted than romantic despite the cheesy Valentine's Day decorations for the grand event of the night–speed dating.

A paper Cupid was charmed to fly around the ceiling shooting arrows at pink and red heart targets. Colored candles were lit on all of the miniature tables placed strategically around a few larger ones, and confetti and glitter decorated the center of the tables where a vase filled with white, dark red, purple, and light red carnations sat.

Students mingled in the oversized classroom waiting to see what all the fuss was about. Rumors already spread that this Valentine's event was supposed to top Lockharts that was held a few years back, and this piqued interest.

A circular stage in the center of the floor was darker than the rest of the room and lacked miniature tables that peppered the floorspace among the refreshment tables pressed against the walls.

The music grew quiet, prompting the room to quiet as well and focus on the stage that suddenly lit up with two very bright charmed lanterns.

"Welcome to the Hogwarts Valentine's Day Special Event! Where we guarantee you'll find that someone special at some point—"

"—Or if you are simply looking to have some fun, you've come to the right place!"

Fred and George were illuminated on the stage dressed in bright purple robes with matching top hats. Their wands were pointed at their throats to project their voices as they looked out over the small crowd.

"Tonight we're going to give back to others who need it most of all—"

"—By speeding your way to love!" the twins said in unison.

"The rules are quite simple," George continued, "let's start by having everyone find a seat. Two per table, don't be shy!"

"And don't think too hard about who is across from you," Fred added, smirking as he watched some people sit immediately while others were more selective. "It keeps things interesting."

The twins waited for everyone to settle in before they started on the rules.

"You'll have five minutes to get to know that lovely person across the table. When you hear the chime—" a noise was heard on queue, "—you all switch to the table on your right."

"Super simple, super fun!" Fred said. "You may even be lucky enough to have a round with one of us!"

"That could be good or bad, who really knows for sure," George added with a smirk. "If you fancy the person, make sure to give them a carnation from the vase."

"Let's hope you know your flowers, colors, and symbolisms. But if not, there's a convenient card for you to refer to."

"Shall we begin?"

The chime went off and the mutterings of several people were heard mixing with the ambiance of the jazzy background music. The twins started walking out around the edge of the stage to observe their guests.

"Looks like Bell is having an explosive time with Abbott," George pointed out.

"Yeah, well it looks like someone else is looking a little jealous about that," Fred said with a snicker. "If looks could kill."

"Ooh, Greengrass just gave McLaggen a whopping of a slap right across the face. Ouch for him—"

"—But great for us!"

Fred took the now vacant seat in front of Daphne while George caught up with Cormac.

"You have to answer as many yes or no questions as you can before the chime," Fred said.

"I—"

The chime was heard and Fred gave a mischievous wink. "Looks like you are spared this round."

They returned to the stage and continued to comment on their observations. Occasionally their side game with whoever was abandoned left some covered in glitter or a paper arrow shot from Cupid overhead to offer extra luck for the next round.

"Malfoy seems to be using that silvertongue well, look at that flower collection!"

The chime sounded and everyone rotated to their right. "Seems like our dear sister is racking up quite the bouquet as well. Let's see how she fares with Malfoy, eh?"

"This'll be good. Rumor has it he fancies the redheads."

It wasn't long at all before Ginny removed herself from the table, tipping over the candle in the meantime.

"Thirty seconds, new record goes to Malfoy!"

They hopped down and pulled up a second chair in front of Draco who did not seem happy to see them. They corrected the candle and put out the fire on the tablecloth.

"I should have this thing shutdown."

"Now, now, don't let the bitter rejection get to you," George said, patting him on the shoulder.

"We're here to help—"

"Not like you really need it, though. You have nearly two vases full of flowers."

"Lucky man, indeed."

"But a little boost won't hurt."

"Tell us, you and Neville seemed to hit it off quite nicely, wasn't expecting that at all," Fred said.

"He was blushing the entire time, and even you were getting a little rosy," George continued. "What's up with that?"

Draco scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I don't have to explain."

The twins looked at each other. "Glitter bomb, then."

"No, Wait!" Draco said, throwing his hands across the table in an attempt to stop them. "Look, we were talking about water lilies. That's it."

"Interesting," the twins said together.

"Didn't take you for a flower expert."

"I'm not, hence why I was talking to someone who knows his stuff," Draco said, sneering.

"Who are these lovely lilies for?" Fred asked. "Surely they aren't for Longbottom, that's a pretty silly way to figure out a gift."

Draco stared at them, a slight blush betraying his otherwise stoic visage.

"We have one whole minute, Malfoy. We can do a lot in that minute," George stated. "It's no secret to us that you fancy the redheads based on the flowers you've offered."

Fred plucked two dark red carnations from the vase and handed one to George. "Here's the deal: you accept these from us and we simply walk away—"

"—Or we glitter bomb you," Fred finished.

Draco rolled his eyes. "I won't fall for this bluff."

"Thirty seconds," Fred said, pulling out a compacted ball made of color-appropriate glitter.

"Don't be shy. They're only flowers, Malfoy," George encouraged.

"That mean something very personal," Draco said, exasperated.

"Ten…"

"Glitter doesn't come out easy, and it will look great in your hair…" Fred snickered.

"Three…"

"Okay! Fine!"

Draco snatched the offending flowers and placed them in his collection just as the timer went off. He immediately got up and stormed away, keeping the flowers close to his face to hide his flustered expression and pinkened face.

The twins hopped back up to the stage, high-fiving each other as they turned out to the crowd.

"Thank you for participating in this lovely event. We hope you were successful in your quest for love!"

"The seeds have been planted, so don't fret over not finding the one right away. Enjoy your collection of beautiful flowers, have some cake, and feel free to stick around for some fun-filled dancing!"

Originally Written For:

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (Challenges & Assignments)

Monthly Challenges for All

The Houses Competition

Originally Written: February 2019

Word Count: 1,187