The Yule Ball announcement hit Hogwarts like a thunderclap. Every hallway was filled with whispers, hopeful glances, and whispered rejections. You did your best to stay out of it.

Fred seemed to be doing the same—cracking jokes, brushing off questions, and waving off curious glances whenever someone tried to ask him.

You crossed paths more than once that week—library, common room, corridors—but neither of you brought it up. Until Wednesday.

He found you just outside the Charms classroom, lounging against the wall, looking unbothered. Fred leaned beside you with a dramatic sigh.

“Still going stag, then?” he asked.

You didn’t even glance his way. “Still hiding from Angelina?”

“That was one time,” he huffed, grinning. “I’m pacing myself.”

“Right. Or you’re waiting to panic at the last second.”

He looked at you then, head tilted slightly. “Maybe I’m waiting on someone with better taste.”

You snorted, but he stepped in a little closer, lowering his voice to that playful edge only Fred could balance.

“Tell you what—if neither of us has a date by Friday evening, we go together.”

You blinked. “Seriously?”

“Dead serious. As long as you don’t hex me mid-dance.”

You held out your hand slowly, amusement flickering behind your eyes. “Fine. You’re on.”

You were good at keeping your distance when you needed to be—being an Animagus helped. When the corridors got too nosy or someone tried to corner you for a date, you disappeared before they could finish the question.

Fred seemed to be doing the same, though far less magically. Dodging flirty classmates, hiding behind suits of armor, and—on one occasion—pretending George was his girlfriend.

By Friday afternoon, no one had asked you. Fred hadn’t caved either. He found you outside near the garden steps, a proud smile tugging at his lips.

He held out a folded parchment.

“Your invitation, m’lady.”

You opened it to find a ridiculous drawing of you both in dress robes, dancing like stick figures beneath floating candles. The caption read:

“Will you go to the Yule Ball with Fred WeasIey? Circle Yes or Yes.”