Fred ambled down the corridor, hands stuffed into his pockets as he passed the library. It wasn't somewhere he usually lingered — too quiet, too studious — but a flash of familiar long, dark hair caught his attention through the open door.

Cassie.

She was sitting at a table near the far wall, surrounded by a fortress of books, parchment, and ink bottles. Her quill moved in steady, deliberate strokes, and for a moment, Fred simply watched her. She had that look she always got when she was focused — eyebrows slightly furrowed, bottom lip caught just between her teeth.

He hadn't really planned this — hadn't planned anything, really — but before he could talk himself out of it, his feet carried him forward.

He strode in with the confidence of someone who had every right to be there — despite the glares of a few studying Ravenclaws — and stopped just shy of her table. Leaning casually against the edge, he let his shadow fall over her work.

"Well, if it isn't Soapy herself," he drawled, arms crossed and a teasing glint in his eye.

Cassie's head shot up, her quill freezing mid-sentence. She blinked at him, startled for only a moment, before a small smile tugged at her lips. "Fred? What are you doing here?"

Fred gave a dramatic shrug. "Oh, you know me. Always thirsty for knowledge. Thought I'd pop in for a bit of light reading."

She arched a skeptical brow, tilting her head. "Light reading in the library? Forgive me if I find that hard to believe."

"Oi, that's unfair," Fred said, clutching his chest in mock offense. "I'll have you know I'm here for—" he scanned the nearest shelf for inspiration, "—research. Very important, very academic research."

Cassie snickered, resting her chin on her hand. "Research on what? The most efficient way to enchant a toilet seat?"

Fred's grin widened. "Now, that's an idea. I'll credit you when it becomes a best-selling product."

She rolled her eyes but didn't hide her amusement.

Sliding into the chair across from her, Fred leaned back, as if he had all the time in the world. "So, been keeping up with the Tournament? What'd you think of the First Task?"

Cassie set her quill down and folded her hands neatly on the table. "It was intense. Watching Viktor handle that dragon was incredible, but I think all the champions did really well. I don't know how they stayed so calm — I'd probably faint on the spot if I had to face one."

Fred chuckled. "Faint? You? Come on, Soapy, I bet you'd outsmart it. You'd give it a riddle or two, have it so confused it'd just lie down for a nap."

Cassie laughed softly. "I'm flattered by your faith in my riddling abilities, but I think I'll stick to spectating, thanks."

They fell into an easy rhythm of conversation. Fred cracked a few jokes about the champions, and Cassie shared her observations about the different strategies they'd used. Fred found himself smiling more than he realized — her voice had a calm, steady quality to it, like she was used to thinking things through before she spoke.

Eventually, he shifted the topic. "So, what's the plan for the holidays? Heading home?"

Cassie shook her head. "No, I'm staying here. Lorelei and Padma are determined to throw me a birthday party."

Fred raised an eyebrow. "A party? Fancy."

Cassie sighed, her lips quirking in an almost exasperated smile. "I told them it's not necessary, but they're not really great at listening to 'no.' Padma's already talking about decorations, and Lorelei's got this grand plan to make it a huge themed event."

Fred leaned forward, propping his chin on his hand. "Do I get an invite, or is this one of those exclusive, close friends-only affairs?"

Cassie blinked, caught off guard. "Of course you're invited! I mean...anyone is, really. I'm sure Lorelei will send an invitation to everyone she can think of."

For a split second, Fred didn't know what to say. Her sincerity threw him off balance, and he found himself wondering — was she just being polite, or did she actually mean it?

"Well then," he said, recovering quickly. "I'll keep an eye out for my owl. Maybe I'll even bring a gift. Any requests?"

Cassie smiled lightly, the corners of her lips twitching up in a way that made Fred's heart skip. "Just...no enchanted toilet seats, okay?"

Fred feigned disappointment. "Spoilsport."

They chatted a bit longer, Fred steering the conversation into safer, lighthearted waters. Cassie was easy to talk to, though he noticed how she had a knack for shifting the attention away from herself — like she didn't quite believe she was interesting enough on her own.

Eventually, Cassie glanced at the clock and sighed. "I should get back to work. I've got an essay due tomorrow, and I'm not even halfway done."

Fred stood, hands in his pockets. "Fair enough. Don't let me distract you too much."

Cassie gathered her things, pausing just long enough to glance at him. "Thanks for stopping by, Fred. I'll...see you around?"

Fred smiled, watching as she disappeared down the aisle of shelves. His chest felt lighter, buoyed by the small, flickering hope that maybe — just maybe — his chances weren't entirely hopeless.

The next morning, the Great Hall was buzzing with the usual breakfast chatter, but Cassie had slipped out early, mentioning something about another last-minute essay. Padma and Serena lingered over their tea, chatting about their plans for the day. Fred, sitting a few tables away with George, kept sneaking glances at them. His mind was already spinning with ideas about how to ask Cassie to the Yule Ball, but he needed backup — and fast.

As Padma and Serena left the hall, Fred seized his chance.

Padma balanced a stack of books in one arm as she and Serena made their way toward the Ravenclaw common room. They were halfway down the corridor when a small, folded note fluttered out of nowhere and landed neatly on top of Padma's books.

"What in Merlin's name?" Padma said, plucking it up.

Serena leaned over her shoulder. "Ooh, secret admirer?"

Padma unfolded the note, revealing a hastily scrawled message:

Need advice for the Ball. Meet me in the Charms classroom during dinner.

She groaned, recognizing the handwriting instantly. "Fred."

Serena smirked. "This should be fun."

Later that evening, Padma and Serena slipped into the Charms classroom under the guise of "studying" while the rest of the school was busy in the Great Hall. Fred was already there, pacing nervously by the windows.

"Alright, Weasley," Serena said as she plopped onto a desk. "What's so urgent you couldn't wait until tomorrow to bother us?"

Fred turned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I need advice. About Cassie."

Serena's eyebrows shot up, and Padma exchanged a look with her.

"Cassie?" Padma asked, crossing her arms. "So you're planning to ask her to the Ball?"

Fred nodded, his usual bravado dimmed by a rare hint of uncertainty. "Yeah, but...I have no idea how to go about it. I've got the sugared butterfly wings, but...should I add flowers? Do I do something showy? Bold? I don't want to mess this up."

Serena grinned wickedly. "Oh, you should absolutely do a grand gesture. Fireworks, maybe? Or better yet — sweep her off her feet with a broomstick ride over the lake."

Fred groaned. "You're not helping."

Padma rolled her eyes at Serena. "Cassie would hate that." She turned to Fred, her tone softening. "Fred, sometimes, a quiet gesture can mean more than a big show — especially with someone like her. She's not the type to enjoy being the center of attention."

Fred froze, her words hitting harder than he expected. "Quiet?" he repeated, as if the concept were foreign to him.

Padma nodded. "Something personal. Thoughtful. You don't have to make a spectacle of it — just let her know you've been paying attention to what she likes."

Fred slumped into a chair, staring at the floor. "Right. Quiet. Thoughtful." He rubbed his face. "That's...not exactly my specialty."

Serena smirked. "Well, no offense, but if you go in with one of your usual stunts, she'll probably run for the hills."

Fred glared at her, then turned back to Padma. "Okay, so...flowers are a no? What about the butterfly wings? Is that too much?"

Padma shook her head. "The butterfly wings are a nice touch. Just don't overdo it — keep it simple. Maybe ask her when she's alone, so it feels more personal."

Fred leaned back, running a hand through his hair. He'd never felt this out of his depth before. Big, showy gestures were his thing. They were what he was good at, what people expected from him. But Padma's words kept echoing in his mind:Quiet can mean more.

"What if she doesn't like it?" he said quietly, more to himself than to them. "What if I mess it up completely?"

Serena snorted. "Well, youareFred Weasley. If anyone can mess it up spectacularly, it's you."

"Serena," Padma scolded, but she couldn't help smiling.

Fred sighed, his nerves settling into an uncomfortable knot in his stomach. He wasn't used to feeling like this — unsure, vulnerable.

"Alright," he said finally. "I'll do it your way, Padma. Something simple. But if it goes horribly wrong, I'm blaming you."

Padma smiled knowingly. "Trust me, Fred. She'll appreciate it."

As the two girls left, Fred stayed behind, staring at the quiet classroom around him. This wasn't how he usually operated, but if it meant Cassie might say yes...it was worth a shot.

The days passed in a blur of classes and Tournament celebrations, but Fred's mind kept drifting back to Cassie — and Padma's advice. By now, he'd come up with a plan he hoped would strike the right balance between thoughtful and memorable. But as Fred lounged in one of the castle's quieter corners with George, Cassie's name came up in a very different context.

Fred stretched out on the worn brick in a window alcove near the Gryffindor common room, absentmindedly tossing a Quaffle into the air. George was sprawled across a nearby stairwell, flipping through a Quidditch magazine, though his attention seemed more focused on annoying Fred than on the articles.

"Hey, Fred," George said suddenly, lowering the magazine.

"Hmm?"

"What ever happened to 'Operation Prank Cassie'?"

Fred caught the Quaffle mid-air, sitting up slightly. "What do you mean?"

George smirked. "I mean, you haven't done anything since the incident with Flitwick. What's the holdup? Don't tell me you've forgotten all about it."

Fred rolled his eyes. "Of course I haven't forgotten."

George leaned forward, his grin widening. "Or — wait. Have you gone soft? You haven't, have you? Don't tell me all this Yule Ball nonsense has made you lose your edge."

Fred straightened, mock-offended. "Gone soft? Me? Don't be ridiculous."

George raised an eyebrow. "So what's the plan, then?"

Fred hesitated for a fraction of a second, then smirked, determined not to let George get the upper hand. "Actually, Idohave a plan. I'm pulling it off at dinner tonight."

"Really?" George leaned back, folding his arms. "Care to share?"

Fred shook his head. "You'll just have to wait and see, won't you?"

George gave him a look of exaggerated suspicion. "Alright, but it better be good. I'd hate to think my own twin's losing his touch."

Fred scoffed, tossing the Quaffle at George, who caught it effortlessly. "Oh, please. You'll be impressed, just wait."

George chuckled, spinning the Quaffle in his hands. "Alright, Freddie-boy. Don't let me down. Mischief is in your blood, after all."

Fred leaned back into the window, but his smirk faltered slightly when George wasn't looking. He'd been so focused on asking Cassie to the ball that hehadforgotten about their prank plan. Now he was stuck scrambling for something to keep George off his back — and to keep up his own reputation.

As the Great Hall filled with the clatter of dinner plates and chatter of students, Fred and George strolled in, Fred's mind racing to come up with a prank worthy of the hype he'd created earlier. George, as usual, was in high spirits, while Fred's confidence was beginning to falter. Spotting Cassie at the Ravenclaw table, Fred finally decided on his move.

Fred and George sat at the Gryffindor table, piling food onto their plates. Across the hall, Cassie sat at the Ravenclaw table, scribbling furiously in her notebook while surrounded by books and parchment.

"Looks like she's working on something important," George commented, nodding toward her.

"Perfect," Fred muttered, his wand already in hand. "Time for a little harmless mischief to begin."

George leaned back, watching with a grin. "Alright, let's see what you've got."

Fred pointed his wand toward Cassie's quill. "Accio."

Nothing happened.

Fred frowned, flicking his wand again. "Accio."

Still nothing.

George snorted. "Did you forget how to do a Summoning Charm, mate? Because that's embarrassing."

Fred glared at him. "I didn't forget. Something's off."

"Sure it is."

"Watch. I'll prove it." Fred shifted his aim to a cup sitting on the edge of Cassie's table. "Accio."

This time, the charm worked — sort of. The cup shot into the air but didn't head directly toward Fred. Instead, it veered off course, sailing across the hall and colliding with Serena, dousing her in bright purple juice.

Serena froze, her white blouse now stained. Slowly, she turned to face Fred and George, her expression a mix of fury and disbelief.

Fred cringed as Serena grabbed her wand, dried herself off with a quick spell, and fixed them with a withering glare. "What iswrongwith you two?" she snapped before muttering something under her breath and sitting back down.

George burst out laughing, earning a few curious looks from nearby students. "Brilliant aim, Fred. Just not at the right target."

Fred groaned, burying his face in his hands. "This is a disaster. I've got Cassie's stuff warded against me, and now Serena wants me dead."

George clapped him on the back. "Cheer up. At least you're keeping things entertaining."

Fred peeked through his fingers at Serena, who was still shooting daggers at him from across the hall. "Yeah, entertaining. That's definitely the word for it."

The next day dawned with a mix of tension and anticipation for Fred. Last night's juice incident had done nothing to calm his nerves, and now he had a new problem: keeping George in the dark was getting harder. Over breakfast, Fred slipped another note to Padma and Serena, arranging to meet in the empty Charms classroom again. By dinnertime, he was pacing the room, running through what he'd say.

The door creaked open, and Padma and Serena stepped inside. Padma looked composed as always, but Serena's narrowed eyes and folded arms made it clear she hadn't let last night's incident slide just yet.

Padma sighed as she perched on the edge of a desk. "You know, Fred, sneaking off like this is starting to raise eyebrows. It's getting harder for Serena and me to come up with excuses about where we're disappearing to all the time."

Serena smirked and shot Fred a look. "Especially when I'm still trying to figure out why I'm even helping you after the whole juice fiasco. My hair isstilla little sticky, thanks to you."

Fred grimaced. "Alright, fair point. I really am sorry about that. It was an accident, I swear."

Serena raised an eyebrow. "An accident you caused while trying to prank Cassie. I'm starting to think you're more trouble than you're worth."

Fred held up his hands defensively. "Look, George was the one who pushed me into it! If I hadn't done something, he'd have gotten suspicious."

Padma tilted her head, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Suspicious about what, exactly? That you like Cassie? Why is that such a big deal?"

Fred hesitated, pacing a few steps before turning to face them. "It's not just about that. It's…" He ran a hand through his hair, struggling to find the right words. "George and I have been dreaming about our joke shop forever. It's our thing. I don't want him to think I'm getting distracted or pulling away."

Serena rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Oh, please. You two are practically joined at the hip. What? You think you're just going to stay single forever, running your little shop together?"

Fred blinked, her words hitting harder than he'd anticipated.

Serena shrugged, her tone still laced with sarcasm. "Seriously, Fred. You like someone. Big deal. George isn't going to throw a fit just because you have a crush."

Fred let out a slow breath, her bluntness cutting through his overthinking like a charm. "You're right. I've been making this into something bigger than it is."

Padma smiled gently. "So, are you going to talk to him?"

Fred nodded, a small, determined smile forming on his face. "Yeah, I will. I just need to figure out how to bring it up."

"Good," Serena quipped, pushing off the desk. "Because if you drag me into another disaster, I'm charging you for emotional damages."

Fred chuckled despite himself, the tension in his chest easing slightly. As Padma and Serena headed for the door, he stayed behind for a moment, leaning against a desk and staring at the empty chalkboard.

He wasn't entirely sure how George would react, but one thing was clear — he couldn't keep hiding how he felt. It was time to be honest, no matter how nerve-wracking it might be.