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It had been around 30 minutes since Hermione's date, Viktor, had stated he urgently needed to use the restroom, and promptly left. She knew he wasn't coming back, partly from seeing him talking to a hufflepuff from outside the window in the castle, and partly because everyone had already told her he was not coming back. She felt awful, and even considered leaving...that was, until she found a particularly charming, funny, and handsome partner just as she was about to leave. ''Hermione?'' He said, looking up at her from the empty table where he sat. It was Fred Weasley. For a second, Hermione couldn't believe what she saw. Out of all people, Fred Weasley was alone at the yule ball? ''Oh...Hello, Fred.'' She cleared her throat, looking him up and down nervously. ''Where're you going? Isn't Viktor Krum taking you to...'' He trailed off, clearly meaning for Hermione to give him an answer. Hermione looked away now. What was she supposed to say? That she wasn't good enough for her date and he bailed? That it just didn't work? Hermione swallowed hard. ''He...he went with someone else.'' She tried to hold back the tears forming in her eyes, yet they were practically choking her. Fred's eyes widened, as if surprised anyone would leave her. He went up and hugged her gently, patting her on the back. ''It's okay...y'know, the girl I was going with didn't show up, so...I really do get it.'' He whispered softly. Fred was definitely all for fun and games, but when it came to others feelings, he never played with them. Hermione chuckled. ''I guess we can be each other's partners, Fred?'' Her smile was back now, tears long gone. He smiled back. ''Yeah. That would be lovely.'' The two made their way onto the dance floor, where numerous couples slow danced and Hermione felt quite odd being there without a boy of her own. ''I am good at slow dancing, actually..'' Fred started, pulling Hermione in by the waist. She blushed as she was pulled against him and they started slowly spinning in circles, her hand on his lower back for stability. ''Now, when I get to 3, you spin outwards.'' He whispered into her ear, causing shivers to run up Hermione's spine. What was going on? Did she like Fred? She stopped zoning out as he got to 3, and she spun outwards and then back into his arms. ''Just like that.'' He said , again so close to her Hermione could feel his breath tingling her neck hairs. His chuckles vibrating right onto her chest. ''Fred?'' ''Yes?'' She looked up at him for a moment, then gave him a tiny peck to the lips. For a second, he didn't even realize what had happened. Then, it set in. Hermione Granger had just kissed him. Williingly. The taste of her lips came back to him. The way her lips felt. Good. He thought, smiling to himself. ''Thank you...'' Fred mumbled.