Aftermath | Fred Weasley

04. Party

George and Fred sent me home early as a birthday present, to let me rest and get ready before tonight's celebration. I had asked if there was anything I could do to help and they had said to just show up fashionable late. I then pointed out I probably didn't have to leave early if I was just going to show up late. They still made me leave well before closing.

It was way too soon for me to start getting ready when I got to the inn so I decided an early dinner and a nap would be the best course of action. Now I'm regretting not setting an alarm because it was 8:45 I'd just woken up, I haven't showered and I still had no idea what I'd be wearing tonight. But I'd take it one problem at a time. I quickly hopped out of bed and into the shower.

Once I finished, I threw on a bathrobe while I did my hair. I used magic to dry and style it, leaving it perfectly straight. I kept my makeup simple, foundation, blush, winged eyeliner with mascara, and a light pink gloss. I grabbed my favorite black bag and threw the gloss in there as well as some powder, in case I needed a touch-up later. The guys were entirely unhelpful when I asked them what to wear earlier.

I wanted to make a good impression without looking like I was trying too hard. Honestly, I hoped no one would pay attention to me. Being the center of attention wasn't really me. But how far had that attitude gotten me in the past? I should just pick something that would make me feel confident. It was a party for me after all, I was in a new city with a chance to become someone else. A better version of me.

I dug through my closet finding a black slip dress. It had a square neck and a low lace-up back. I liked how it clung to my body, not too tightly. It was fairly short, so I decided to pair it with some black sheer tights. Wanting to keep the look on the more casual side, I picked a pair of faux leather black boots. For jewelry, I kept things simple, a black choker, gold moon studs, and a dainty gold bracelet.

It was just after 10 when I knocked on the twin's door. They showed me where their front door was before I left work. They wanted to keep the door that lead to the shop locked. Though mostly their friends were invited, they didn't want people accidentally wandering down there.

It was weirdly quiet outside. Either it was the world's quietest party or they used a silencing spell to keep from bothering their neighbors. I assumed it was the latter since no one was coming to answer the door. I knocked again, this time with a bit more force. It was a few seconds before someone finally answered the door.

"There she is!" Fred said, eyes wandering down the length of my body.

I smiled, I suddenly got so nervous I couldn't think of anything to say.

"You're late," George said appearing behind his brother.

"You told me to be," I answered looking away from Fred.

"We said fashionably late, not late enough your plus one shows up before you do," George laughs.

"My bad," I tease, "now are you guys going to let me in, or are you trying to make me even later?"

They both stepped out of the way and I walked in. The music was loud and the lights had been dimmed to allow the room to be lit by colorful lights fading on and off.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we'd like to introduce you to our new employee and birthday girl, Asteria," George shouted above the noise.

Oh god, kill me now. I gave an awkward smile and wave as people turned to look at me. A scattered "happy birthday" came from the room before people went back to their conversations.

"Verity almost killed him for introducing her like that when she first started working for us," Fred shouted so I could hear.

"I'm considering it."