The sun slanted through the kitchen window, dust motes sparkling in the warm, late-morning light. Fred was crouched low, grinning like a loon, while Piper stood precariously on his shoes, holding onto his hands for balance.

“Steady now, love!” he said, his voice booming but soft at the same time. “You’re gonna fall off and land in a pile of beans!”

Piper giggled, wobbling slightly, and he gave her a little spin. “That’s it! Keep your eyes on me, Princess. Daddy’s got you.”

She squealed with delight, her tiny hands clutching his fingers, and he couldn’t help but laugh. He’d fought Death Eaters, survived the Battle of Hogwarts, and yet this—this giggling, wriggling little human—was far more terrifying and far more brilliant than any curse or duel he’d faced.

“Alright, alright,” he said, lowering her carefully onto the floor, though still holding her hands. “Now, we dance!”

He started stepping lightly, shuffling side to side, and she mimicked him, bouncing on her little legs, tiny pigtails flying. “Faster, Daddy! Faster!”

“Blimey, you’re a proper little whirlwind,” he laughed, twirling her around once before letting her try a spin herself. Piper squealed, her face lighting up with joy as she stumbled only slightly, Fred catching her effortlessly.

He crouched down so she could step onto his feet again, holding her hands steady. “Right, now we’re really dancing! Don’t fall, Piper, Daddy’s counting on you to be graceful.”

She bounced, giggled, and somehow managed to lean forward and give him a quick kiss on the nose. Fred froze for half a heartbeat, blinking. Then he laughed, warm and full, and scooped her up in a hug.

“Oi, Princess,” he said, nuzzling her hair, “you’ve made Daddy the happiest man alive. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.”

She giggled again, and he knew he’d be dancing with her like this for hours if she let him. It was simple, it was messy, and it was perfect.