The day after the Yule Ball, Hogwarts buzzed with post-party chatter. Students spilled through the hallways, reliving every awkward dance, every botched spell, and every whispered secret from the magical night. Fred and George strolled through the crowd, their usual mischievous energy fueling their banter.

"I'm telling you," George said, his grin almost splitting his face, "the best moment of the night was Seamus trying to dip Lavender. Nearly sent her crashing into the punch table. Thought she was going to douse him in the punch right there."

Fred laughed. "I don't know. That Durmstrang bloke spilling his drink all over McGonagall? Thought she'd hex him on the spot."

"Reckon he's lucky she was too distracted with Bagman to notice." George mimed a spectacular explosion with his hands. "If she'd had her wand ready…"

Fred smirked, about to reply when his attention snagged on something — or rather, someone. Cassie was walking toward the staircase, a stack of books balanced precariously in her arms. A stray lock of hair had slipped from behind her ear, and she blew at it absentmindedly, her lips twitching as though amused by some private thought.

Fred's mind wandered unbidden back to the night before. He could still feel the gentle weight of her hand in his as they spun around the Great Hall, her laughter ringing out as clear as a bell. She'd matched his pace, his jokes, and his spirit like no one else ever had. The way her eyes crinkled when she smiled, the playful bite in her tone when she called him out for nearly tripping them both — it all lingered in his thoughts.

His heart gave an unfamiliar flutter as he wondered if she'd had as much fun as he did. Did she feel it too? That spark of something...different? Or was it all just him? He caught himself overthinking and shook his head slightly, but her laugh still echoed in his ears.

"Fred?"

Fred blinked, startled to find himself still in the bustling hallway.

George's eyes gleamed with mischief as he stepped in front of his brother, blocking his view of Cassie. "Earth to Fred. You've been staring off into space for at least a minute. What's got you all dreamy, eh?"

"Dreamy? Me?" Fred scoffed, though his ears burned. "You're imagining things."

George followed Fred's gaze down the hall, just catching a glimpse of Cassie as she disappeared around the corner. A slow grin crept across George's face.

"Ah, I see. You weren't dreaming — you were lovesick."

"Drop it," Fred cut him off, trying to sound annoyed but failing to hide the small smile creeping across his lips.

"Alright, alright." George raised his hands in mock surrender. "But I'm just saying, you're not exactly subtle, mate. You looked like a Puffskein on amortentia just now."

Fred nudged George in the shoulder. "Did not."

"Sure, sure."

"Even if I did, I wouldn't be daft enough to admit it to you."

"Fair enough."

The twins continued down the hallway, but Fred's thoughts stayed firmly elsewhere. He stole one last glance toward the staircase, where Cassie had disappeared moments before. A quiet smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, lingering long after their conversation turned back to their usual jokes.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of classes, laughter, and a few ill-advised experiments with George in the Gryffindor common room. But Fred's thoughts kept drifting back to Cassie — her laugh, her smile, the way she fit so perfectly into his arms on the dance floor. By the time afternoon rolled around, Fred found himself wandering the courtyard, hoping for a moment to clear his head.

Fred was lounging on one of the stone benches in the courtyard, idly tossing a small enchanted firecracker between his hands, when Serena and Padma appeared, their coordinated footsteps and determined expressions immediately catching his attention.

"Oi, Fred," Serena called out, her voice as direct as ever, though there was an almost mischievous glint in her eyes. "Got a minute?"

Fred pocketed the firecracker, flashing a grin. "Always for you two. What's Ravenclaw's finest plotting today?"

Padma exchanged an amused glance with Serena. "We're here about Cassie's birthday party. We know she told you about it. You haven't forgotten, have you?"

"Forgotten? Wouldn't dream of it. Got it etched into my memory, right next to 'don't prank McGonagall.'"

Serena chuckled, and Padma raised an eyebrow. "We're planning something a bit special this year. A masquerade," Serena added, clearly liking how Fred's face lit up at the mention of the idea. "We thought it would be fitting — elegant, a bit mysterious, and fun."

Fred bounced on his heels, practically vibrating with the possibilities. "Masquerade? That's brilliant. The perfect vibe. I'm already imagining the decorations — the floating candles, masks everywhere, maybe some enchanted mist creeping along the floor…."

Padma smirked. "We figured you'd be all over that."

"Of course! What's the point of planning a party if you're not going to go all out? Cassie deserves something spectacular."

Serena gave him a pointed look. "Wow, you're really determined to make it special for her, huh?"

Fred blinked, momentarily taken aback by the way she phrased it. "Er, well, yeah. Of course. Why wouldn't I want to make it a memorable party? It's Cassie."

"Oh, we know that's enough of a reason for you." Padma's voice was laced with a little bit of that knowing teasing that only came from people who were well aware of Fred's feelings.

"We're counting on you to help with the setup, the word of mouth, and—" she paused, her expression sly "—anything else you think might make the night stand out."

Fred's grin stretched wider, but his mind was already spinning with ideas. He leaned in, lowering his voice as though he was about to share a secret. "Alright, hear me out. What if we have enchanted music that matches the mood of the party? Like, it could shift between classical for the slow dances and something more upbeat when people get into the swing of things. And we could—" Fred stopped, suddenly aware of how excited he was getting. He took a breath. "You know, I could also talk to George about arranging some fireworks. Nothing too gaudy, but a few tasteful bursts in the background. Magical, but not over the top."

Serena and Padma exchanged an amused glance, then turned back to Fred. "Okay, okay," Serena said, laughing. "You're clearly way too into this."

Fred cleared his throat, suddenly feeling a bit warm. "I'm just trying to make sure everything goes perfectly, alright? Besides, if we're going to throw a party, I want to make it one people remember."

"Uh-huh. Sure, Fred. We get it."

Fred rolled his eyes. "You're terrible," he said with a grin, but he was already feeling the excitement building again. "Anyway, you've got me sold. I'll help spread the word — I'll even recruit a few Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs for you. I'm sure I can pull a few strings to make sure we get a decent turnout. You two just focus on the planning, and I'll make sure everyone knows it's going to be the best party of the year."

Padma chuckled, shaking her head as Serena turned to leave. "Be glad she gave the green light for an actual party this year. Normally, she keeps it small. I'm sure this'll be quite a surprise."

Fred didn't hesitate for a second. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

As they walked off, Fred stood there for a moment, letting the excitement settle in his chest. The masquerade was going to be a big deal. And sure, there was a part of him that wondered if he was getting ahead of himself — what if Cassie didn't want something so over-the-top, or worse, if it made her feel uncomfortable? What if she thought it was too much, too soon?

He shook his head, determined not to let those doubts creep in. This party was for her, and he'd make sure it was enjoyable. No second-guessing.

Fred pushed off from the courtyard wall and strode back toward the Gryffindor common room, his mind already racing through every little detail he'd need to bring the masquerade to life. Cassie deserved something unforgettable — and he was going to give it to her.

As the days passed, Fred's excitement for Cassie's birthday party grew. He'd done his part — spreading the word, pulling a few strings, and even adding his own flair to the preparations. Fred couldn't help but feel a rush of pride. The masquerade would have all the right elements: magical lighting, delicate decorations, and enough charm to make even the most skeptical party-goer want to join in.

But today, the day of the party itself? Well, Fred was about to put all his planning to the test.

Just as he had hoped, the Ravenclaw common room had been transformed into something straight out of a fairytale, the air buzzing with anticipation. Soft, ambient lighting replaced the usual bright colors, and enchanted candles flickered, casting whimsical shadows on the walls. Silver and blue streamers hung from the ceiling, swirling like ribbons in a soft breeze. The room was a mix of swishing cloaks, delicate laughter, and the magical hum of music that seemed to change with the mood of the crowd. Masks were everywhere, from simple coverings to elaborate works of art. Fred couldn't help but smile to himself. It was an event.

And the people? Just as lively. The idea of a masquerade had drawn half of the school, it seemed, and Fred was fairly sure that a good portion of the people had never even met Cassie in person. They were just here for the fun. He spotted a few familiar faces, but he wasn't interested in them just yet.

His eyes scanned the room as he slipped in, a simple crow mask perched over his face. Everything looked perfect. The masks gave it all an air of mystery — though Fred was fairly sure no one was going to outshine Cassie tonight.

"Alright, where is she?" he muttered under his breath.

Fred's eyes swept the crowd, heart jumping when he finally spotted her across the room. She was casually chatting with a group, but Fred's eyes were locked on her. Even with the intricate owl mask she wore, there was no mistaking her. He recognized her posture, the way she tilted her head slightly when she listened, the way her eyes crinkled with laughter. It was all Cassie, and Fred felt a wave of relief and excitement wash over him.

He couldn't wait to talk to her. It didn't matter that she had a mask on — he would find her every time, no matter what.

Casually, he made his way through the crowd, weaving in and out of conversation clusters, his eyes never leaving her. When he got close enough, he slid in behind her, pausing just for a second to savor the anticipation.

Finally, with a mischievous grin, he tapped her on the shoulder.

"Hey there, birthday girl."

Cassie spun around, her eyes lighting up when she saw him. "Fred! Took you long enough to show up," she teased, her voice warm, even though her owl mask covered much of her expression.

Fred laughed, giving a small bow. "Wouldn't dream of missing my favorite Ravenclaw's big night." He tilted his head, pretending to scrutinize her. "Though, I've got to say, you're impossible to disguise. I can still tell it's you from a mile away. That 'birthday girl glow' gives you away instantly."

"Oh really? You think it's that easy to tell who I am, even with my mask?"

"Absolutely." Fred leaned in a little closer, his voice lowering with mock seriousness. "Besides. You're a bird, I'm a bird — we've got an unspoken bond. It's just that obvious."

Cassie laughed, a sound that made Fred's heart race for just a moment. "I don't think I've ever heard that one before."

"Well, what can I say?" Fred shrugged dramatically, clearly enjoying himself. "We've both got that natural flair. A little dangerous, a little mysterious, and obviously the most attractive creatures in the room. You and I, we're just naturally drawn to each other. It's in our nature, you know? Just facts."

Cassie's laugh was infectious, a sound that Fred couldn't help but take in with a little thrill. "You're ridiculous," she said, shaking her head, "I'm not even sure what you're trying to say anymore."

"You know, birds of a feather and all that," Fred grinned. "I'm the crow, you're the owl — we both have our own unique style, but close enough. Obviously, I'm the cooler bird, but you're a close second. It's a tough competition."

"Yeah, right." Cassie rolled her eyes, but there was no hiding her smile.

As they joked, Serena, who had been observing from a distance in her wolf mask, couldn't help but roll her eyes, though there was a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. She turned to George, who was beside her in a tiger mask, clearly watching Fred and Cassie's interaction as well.

"He's so obvious," Serena said, her voice light with amusement. "Anyone can see how much he's into her."

George snorted, clearly trying to keep his amusement in check. "Isn't it downright painful? I mean, it's Fred, so I can't say I expected much."

"True. He's hardly the subtle type. But still, he really is taking it to another level tonight."

Back with Fred and Cassie, the night carried on as they continued their lighthearted banter, exchanging a mix of teasing comments and genuine compliments. People came and went, greeting Cassie with birthday wishes and gifts. Fred kept close, staying in the moment with Cassie and ensuring she was having a good time, though he was secretly hoping that she wouldn't notice how often he found reasons to stay nearby.

"Happy birthday, Cassie!" shouted a random student as they passed by, a bottle of enchanted perfume in hand.

"Thanks!" Cassie called out with a grin, accepting the gift and quickly tucking it to the side. "You didn't have to, but thank you!"

Fred leaned closer again, his voice a teasing whisper. "You're getting showered with gifts, huh? Does that mean I get extra credit for the 'birthday girl glow' observation?"

"Maybe. You'll have to keep up with the rest of the night to earn it."

Fred smiled, feeling the familiar thrill of the moment — playful, exciting, and maybe just a little bit of something more — but for now, he was content to stay in the here and now, enjoying the party, enjoying her, and knowing that the night was only just beginning.

The masquerade had reached that perfect, dreamy lull, where the laughter and music softened into a comfortable hum. Cassie, her mask in her hands, stood near the edge of the room, watching the glow of enchanted candles shimmer against the walls. Fred had kept an eye on her all evening, waiting for the right moment. Now seemed as good a time as any.

Fred sidled up to her, hands stuffed casually in his pockets. "Enjoying your party?" he asked, his voice low enough to cut through the distant buzz of chatter.

Cassie turned toward him, her lips curving into a small smile. "Definitely. Though this mask is insanely itchy, and my feet are begging for mercy."

"Ah, rookie mistake. You've got to pace yourself at these things. And by pace yourself, I mean spend less time entertaining random people and more time letting me look cooler by association."

She laughed softly, shaking her head.

"Come on," Fred said, tilting his head toward a quieter corner. "I've got something for you."

She arched a brow but followed him, curiosity evident in her gaze. At a small table, Fred picked up a neatly wrapped package, hesitating just a second before turning back to her.

"I wanted to give this to you before someone else drags you off for the next toast."

Cassie raised a brow as she took it. "If this is a prank, I'm going to be very disappointed in you."

"This is my heartfelt, non-prank birthday gift, thank you very much. Now open it."

She unwrapped the package, her fingers carefully pulling away the paper to reveal a familiar shimmer — Sugared Butterfly Wings — and a small, intricately carved music box.

Her smile grew as she held up the butterfly wings. "You really know how to spoil a girl, don't you? These are my favorite."

"Nothing but the best for the birthday girl. And the music box…well, I thought it might make you laugh."

She opened it, and a soft, familiar melody began to play — the same song they'd danced to at the Yule Ball. Cassie's eyes widened slightly, her fingers brushing the edges of the box.

"You enchanted this?"

Fred shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Yeah. Thought you might like a reminder of the best dance partner you'll ever have."

Cassie laughed, warmth flooding her expression. "Fred, this is…" She trailed off, her smile faltering for just a moment.

Fred straightened, his teasing demeanor shifting. "What's wrong?"

Cassie hesitated, her fingers brushing over the music box as she avoided his gaze. "It's nothing. I'm just being silly."

"Cass. Come on, talk to me."

She sighed, laughing softly but without humor. "I guess…I don't feel like I deserve all this. The party, the gifts, everything. I mean, half the people here don't even know me — they're just here for the free food and music. And I…I haven't done anything remarkable. Nothing that justifies this kind of attention."

Fred stared at her, caught off guard by the quiet vulnerability in her voice.

"It's fine," Cassie said quickly, her voice wavering. "I don't mind being quiet, you know? I like my life. But sometimes I feel like…like I could just fade away, and nothing would really change."

Fred felt his chest tighten. "Hey, that's not true."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to dump that on you. You're just…really easy to talk to, I guess."

For a moment, Fred said nothing, searching for the right words. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft but steady. "Cassie, you don't have to be famous or save the world to matter. You're already unforgettable just by being you. People care about you because you're kind, and funny, and…well, you're just you. That's enough. People notice. I notice."

Cassie's eyes widened slightly, her cheeks flushing. "Fred…"

"And for what it's worth," he added with a lopsided grin, "if the world was full of Harry Potters and Dumbledores, it'd be an absolute circus. We need people like you to keep the rest of us sane."

That earned a laugh, softer but genuine. "You're ridiculous."

"Maybe, but I'm also right."

Cassie looked down at the music box in her hands, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks. "Thanks. For this. For…everything."

"Anytime."

Before he could respond, Lorelei's voice rang out from across the room.

"Cassie! Time to blow out the candles before the cake melts!"

Both of them turned toward the sound, spotting Lorelei waving wildly, her rabbit mask askew.

"Guess I'd better get back before she climbs onto the table."

"Lead the way, birthday girl."

As she walked back to the center of the party, music box still in hand, Fred lingered for just a moment, letting himself soak in the way her laughter lingered in the air.

But her words stayed with him too, cutting through the joy of the moment like a shadow. I could just fade away, and nothing would really change.

Fred stuffed his hands into his pockets, his brow furrowing as he stared at the spot where she'd been standing moments before. The idea of Cassie fading into the background — of her light dimming while no one noticed — sent an unexpected pang through his chest.

Not a chance, he thought fiercely.

Cassie might not see it now, but to Fred, she was impossible to ignore — her smile, her quick wit, the way she made people feel like they belonged, even if they didn't say it out loud. She wasn't someone who could fade away, not to him, and he'd make sure she knew that.

Straightening his shoulders, Fred let a small grin tug at his lips. He had plenty of ideas already — ways to remind her, bit by bit, just how much she mattered.

Because if there was one thing Fred Weasley knew how to do, it was making sure people felt seen.

And he wasn't about to let her forget it.