As Fred sat at breakfast, he could see Lilith across the room with Draco, they had a book open in front of them and she was obviously helping him with homework. It felt weird knowing that she was related to that little weasel, even if they were only cousins. But still, watching them now reminded him of how he would help Ginny and he wondered if they were like that? He sees her brush the hair out of Draco's eyes and he bats her off, then she starts laughing and Fred can't help but smile a bit.

'Right. So far, we have eighteen for Cedric, twenty-four for Krum, fourteen for Fleur and...geez, three for Harry."

Fred wasn't listening in the slightest, he was noticing how pretty she looked today.

"Fred!"

"Hm?"

"Did you just hear a word I said?"

"Yeah, sort of." He turns his gaze away before George noticed what he's looking at. Harry takes a seat in front of them and the twins shoot him a smile.

"Better eat up Potter." Fred starts, allowing George to finish.

"You're going to need your strength for tomorrow."

"I'm not particular hungry."

"So, what do you think it's going to be?" Fred asks.

"Trolls?"

"Centaurs?"

"Dragons?"

The twins both look at each. "Severus Snape" They chuckle, but Harry doesn't seem to want to laugh.

"Come on, cheer up mate. It's not all bad." Fred is trying to be reassuring but he's not sure how good of a job he's doing.

"We're got five to one odds on you. So, you're at least in with a chance." George adds on.

Ron takes a seat with Seamus at the head of the table and Harry suddenly stands, marching out of the great hall.

"Lover tiff." They both mumble as they go back to their breakfast.

"The Yule ball has been a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament since its inception." Of all Lessons this was going to be the most painful, and Fred could think of a million and one other places he would rather be than learning to dance from McGonagall. "On Christmas eve night we and our guests gather in the great hall for a night of well-mannered frivolity."

"Bloody hope not." Both Fred and George mutter to each other.

"I wonder if Snape is teaching the Slytherins how to waltz?" Harry asks Ron.

"Not even the Slytherins deserve to see Snape prancing about." He hears Ron mummer and he tries to contain the laugh.

"Mr Weasley." McGonagall shoots across the room and Ron suddenly sits up.

"Yes?" His little brother mumbles.

"Will you join me please?" The professor asks as she practically drags him from the chair and to the centre of the room. "Now, place your right hand on my waist."

"Where?"

"On my waist."

A few laughs and a wolf whistle burst through the room as the music starts to play.

"You're never going to let him forget this are you?" Harry asks.

"Never." Fred and George answer back. If only someone had a camera.

There are several bursts of laughter as the doors open. Fred smile drops slightly when he sees Lilith enter, walking sheepishly up to old witch.

"Oh, Ms Lestrange! Come here please."

"I'm sorry I'm late, I was with professor sprout."

"Not to worry. Ms Lestrange here, is well versed with dance, so I've asked her to join us today to help some of you with two left feet. Any volunteers?

There's silence throughout the room, but Fred automatically sticks his hand up.

"What are you doing?" George hisses.

Fred smirks and pats George on the back. "Taking one for the team, mate."

"Rather you than me." He hears George grumble.

Fred walks over and curtseys gaining a few laughs from people before reaching to place a hand on her waist, but she steps back.

"Professor I'm sure Fred - or George," Smooth. "is perfectly fine. Maybe I can help a younger student?"

"Ms Lestrange, this ball is about unity. I'm not asking you to marry Mr Weasley just simply practice with him. Now, hand on waist!"

He does as he's told even though the entire time, she's glaring at him.

"Now now," He hums. "This is about unity."

"Waist." She says and moves his hand from her hip to where it should be.

Fred takes her hand in his, entwining their fingers together but she's quick to correct him and just places hers in his.

"Now everyone on your feet." McGonagall demands and the girls stand at once.

As they start to sway, he tries to make eye contact, the only trouble is she's looking everywhere other than at him.

"You know we have to stop meeting like this."

"Well, I am bloody trying." She sighs. More people in the classroom have started to pair together now and the noise grows louder.

"So, are you going to tell me why you're not talking to me?"

"If you can't figure it out, you're stupider than I thought."

He raises an eyebrow. "So, it has to be something I've done recently. Gladrags?"

"Oh look, he has a brain. Who knew?"

"Oh, come on? Cause I made fun of Cordelia? I mean she's - "

"What?"

Fred pauses for a moment when he sees the look on her face. He did want to say epic bitch but...then again, Lilith was friends with her..."She's your friend. And, I'm sorry. But in my defence, she started it."

"She did." She agrees.

"Plus, what you said, kind of mean."

"I don't want to talk about it."

So, he changes the subject. "Didn't know you knew how to dance."

"Like I said, there's a lot of things you don't know about me." He smirks and she rolls her eyes. "It's not that exciting. My Uncle throws a lot of parties. You're out of time."

"Oh?" He says as he twirls her round and she glares at him. "Why am I never invited?"

"Wizarding elite fortunately. Fudge and a few other toffees."

"The minster?"

She nods as they keep dancing.

"So, you dance with fudge? Not my cup of tea, but - "

"His son." She remarks.

"Oh. So, what's he like?"

She raises an eyebrow at his question. "He's...fine. I suppose. He was actually at Durmstrung until last year."

"Suppose he's all big and muscley then, only knows a few syllables."

Fred notices Lilith bite her lower lip as she tries not to laugh. "Are you jealous Weasley?"

"Me?!" He's would have been insulted by the question if it hadn't of been slightly true. "No." He lies. "Why would I be jealous?"

"Because you're asking a lot of questions for someone who isn't."

Fred suddenly realises their bodies have moved closer together, and she must have noticed too as she takes a step back.

"So, he's your boyfriend, I'm guessing."

She swallows hard. "No. I don't like him, not like that. I didn't really like anyone like that."

"You...didn't?"

He feels her hand on his shoulder tighten.

"Mr Weasley and Ms Lestrange that is lovely."

"Thank you, professor." They say in unison and Fred waits for McGonagall to walk off before carrying on.

"So... seeing as you're not dating fudge. Meet me tonight?"

He can see her hiding the smile as she shakes her head and give him a stern look. "No."

"Midnight outside of the Slytherin common room?"

She looks up at him. "No." She says again, softer than before.

"Come on," He's talking in hushed words as they dance with the others. "Are you saying you're not even a little bit tempted?"

"Do you not remember our conversation in the library."

"Yes, and I'm choosing to ignore it because you are in fact, wrong." He twirls her again but this time she doesn't glare, in fact he can see her trying to suppress the laugh.

"Am I so bad that you don't want to spend time with me?"

She ignores the question and asks ones of her own. "How are you so good at dancing?"

"I practice with George a lot." He says with a grin. "So, Midnight?" He dips her and she smacks his arm, so he pulls her up again, making sure their bodies are pressed together and he sees her swallow hard.

"Ms Lestrange!"

Fred almost jumps back when McGonagall appears behind them and Lilith automatically let's go.

"Ms Lestrange can you please help Finnigan." She says in a hushed voice. "He's already causing damage to Ms Granger."

"Of course, Professor."

He watches as she goes before moving off to the side, watching the students clumsily spin around. He crosses his arms as against his chest as he watches Lilith get her foot stepped on by Seamus. George appears by his side, hands in his pockets as he leans over.

"I saw that you know." George says in her ear.

"Saw what?" He asks and turns his head to face George who is smirking at him.

"That. You are not subtle at all."

"I am incredibly subtle. I am king of subtle."

"Oh yes, it's not at all obvious that you have a thing for Lilith Lestrange."

"I don't. It's not my fault she happens to be mildly attractive."

George scoffs.

"Listen little brother - "

"By four minutes." George interrupts.

"I don't know what you think you know but it's not what you think it is."

"Fine." George shrugs. "I won't worry about you running off with a Death Eater then."

The Ginger grits his teeth as he holds in the desire to tell George to shut up.

When the class disperses, he notices her at the end talking to the professor, he can't help but hold back until the other students have disappeared, walking over to the pair.

"Um, Professor?"

"What is it Mr Weasley?"

Fred bends down on one knee and looks up at the elderly witch. "Will you go to the yule ball with me?"

He notices Lilith cover her mouth as she tries to hold back the laugh. McGonagall, who looks less than impressed walks off and Fred watches her go. "One day professor!" He yells after her before turning to Lilith. "I think she wants me." He says with a satisfied grin.

"Aren't you a lucky one."

"So, tonight then?"

"For god sake, you're ridiculous do you know that?" She sighs as she walks out of the classroom, but Fred is right next to her again.

"It's part of my charm." He says with smirk. "We've already done Wizards chess; I was thinking exploding Snap?"

"No."

"Or we could sneak into Hogsmeade, I know this passage - "

Lilith is suddenly dragging him by the collar into an empty classroom and slamming the door behind them.

"Or, we could just do this?" He says with a smirk.

"Ok, I get it. You like me. You have made that abundantly clear for some strange fucking reason, but you need to stop."

"Why?"

"You don't even know me!"

"Well I'm bloody trying to get you know you, aren't I?" He says with a grin. "But you won't let me."

"How many more times can I say it? It's never going to happen! I get you have the whole charming, funny guy thing going on and that might work on lots of other girls but it's not for me, ok?"

As she rants, he can't help but smile and he sees her glare.

"What are you smirking about?"

"Oh, nothing. You're just very pretty when you're telling me off."

Lilith rolls her eyes and uses fingers to pinch her brow. "You're giving me a migraine."

"And also, you think I'm charming, eh?"

"Weasley - "

"Noticed you didn't mention the handsomeness, but I'll let that slide this time."

"Fred!"

"Lilith!" He answers back with a grin and sees she slightly smiles too. He just had a horrible idea, well, more stupid really, but he can't resist. "Go to the yule ball with me."

She stares at him stunned. "Are you mad?"

"A little" He smirks. "Go with me."

Her mouth is hung slightly open, like she struggling to get any words out.

Fred wets his lips. "So that's a yes?"

"No that's a..." She can't seem to finish the sentence. Lilith shakes her head and storms out of the classroom. Well, it wasn't a no.

"Ms Travers. You will work with Mr Jordan."

Fred sees the blonde rolls her eyes as she takes a seat next to lee, and his friend turns and make a fake sick motion. He did feel bad that Lee had to be stuck with Cordelia of all people.

"Weasley, Ms Johnson."

"Which one?" They both chime up and Snape glares.

"George."

George grins slightly as he gathers his books and takes a seat next to Angelina.

"Lestrange, other Weasley."

Fred smirks slightly when he sees her hand automatically shoot into the air and Snape looks over to her.

"Professor I insist I have a different partner."

"Ms Lestrange, yourself and the rest of the class have the Weasleys to thank for this current situation. Besides, with you as his partner if he does blow anything up then he is truly an imbecile."

Fred pulls as face as he's not sure if he should be insulted or not. He sees Lilith sighs as she grabs her books from the desk and makes her way to the back of the classroom, dumping them on the table before taking a seat.

"Well isn't this cosy." He says with a smile, but she ignores him, opening her potions book. "You know, shockingly, you can't avoid me forever. Especially since you're my new potions bestie."

"I can try."

"See." He smirks. "Got you talking."

He could've sworn for a second her saw a smile.

Fred could start to feel the boredom consuming him. They were being forced to copy notes from advance potion-making in silence and he could feel himself drifting off as he sat there, his head even dipping a few times as he tries to keep himself awake.

He looks over at Lilith next to him and of course her head is down as she writes. He watches her for a moment as she uses the back of thumb to rub her lips as she concentrates and he can't help but start to wonder what they would feel like against his, probably ridiculous soft. He leans on one hand, his eyes travelling down to see her skirt has travelled up her thighs slightly. He has to force himself to look away, because if she taught him he could imagine her strangling him right there on the desk, and he smirks to himself.

Fred finally snaps from his thoughts and gets an idea. He tears a piece of blank parchment off his notes and scribbles down a question before sliding it over to her. She doesn't notice at first and he prods her with his quill before she finally looks over and immediately rolls her eyes before going back to writing. So, he takes the note back and scribbles something else before passing it back.

Favourite sweet?

Go on!

She takes it and writes something before pushing it back.

Sugar mice. You?

He smiles at the fact she wanted to know too.

Treacle Fudge

Niceties out of the way he starts to get the serious questions.

If you had to snog one teacher who would it be?

He sees her smile slightly as she reads, and she scribbles something down.

Lupin.

Fred's mouth drops open and he mouths 'seriously?' and she nods with a sheepish smile.

I'd climb Hagrid like a tree.

She lets out a laugh that fills the dungeon before covering her mouth, half of the student's heads whip round including the potions master and they both duck their heads down. He scribbles something else down once their heads are turned back.

You're going to get us in trouble!

You started it!

He looks at her expecting her to be annoyed but she's smiling as she goes back to her notes.

Never actually heard you properly laugh before.

Don't get used to it.

Oh, that was a challenge if he ever saw one.

What's Snape's Boggart?

A cauldron full of shampoo?

Damn she knew that one. Come on Fred, think. She takes the piece of parchment this time and flips it over, writing something else before sliding it back.

if you had to choose between kissing Snape or a dementor who would you pick?

He laughs slightly as he writes down his answer.

Dementor. At least it would have experience in that department.

Lilith lets out another loud laugh, harder this time and he can't help but chuckle as well, that is until he sees Snape storming towards them and in a panic, he grabs the slip of paper and shoves it into his mouth, much to Lilith's horror.

"What exactly is it that is so amusing in this corner of the classroom?" He says with a glare.

Fred shrugs, trying not to make it obvious he currently has a bit of parchment shoved in his gob. It's Lilith who chimes up.

"Professor, I'm sorry, I thought I felt something crawl up my leg and it tickled."

He doesn't seem at all convinced by her answer. "Weasley?"

"He doesn't talk sir." She interrupts. "He's shy."

Fred tries his hardest not to laugh again.

The professor looks between the two of them, clearly not impressed but he turns and heads towards the front of the classroom. "You will all work in silence!" He bellows and once he takes a seat Fred opens his mouth and pulls out the piece of now wet parchment just to see Lilith laugh into her hand.

He shoves it into his pocket and tears a new piece from the bottom of his work.

Want to help with potions homework later?

Fred sees her ponder for a moment before she finally writes down her answer.

Library at 7?

Success.