The Language of Flowers | Fred Weasley

24: I V Y G E R A N I U M- your hand for the next dance

The first song started out with the champions dancing alone but people quickly got up to dance as well. I stood frozen in place, I hadn't given much thought about having to dance with Fred. I had always just been thinking about my dress and my prank. Oh Merlin, he's going to be touching my waist. I went pale, wishing I could disappear into thin air and leave.

"Ellie are you alright?" Ginny asked. I nodded, brushing her off. She gave me a sweet smile before she and Neville found their own place on the dance floor.

"Ready?" Fred asked, coming to stand by my side. I side-eyed him and he looked just as nervous as I did.

"Yeah, I'm still mad at you though." I told him as we made our way over to the dance floor.

"I wouldn't expect anything else," He grinned.

We found George and Angelina, taking a spot besides them. Fred held out his hand, a smirk on his face. "I bet you two sickles that I'm a better dancer than you," Fred challenged as I grabbed his hand. He brought his other hand to my waist, tucking me close, and I forced myself to relax. I kept my cool, keeping my face blank. I held my chin high though I avoided Fred's eyes like the plague.

"I'll take that bet any day," I smiled calmly as we began to dance.

The song was a slow, sad one. Fred and I danced quietly, my eyes everywhere but on him.

Fred and I seemed to be equal dancers, at least on a slow dance, but anyone could master a slow dance. Except for Neville Longbottom apparently, who I could see dancing with Ginny out of the corner of my eye. Ginny was struggling with him and I couldn't help but snort at the pair.

"What?" Fred asked, looking down at me. Merlin, he was so tall. He was nearly a head taller than me, his chin could rest on the top of my head if he wanted to.

"Ginny and Neville, Neville can't dance." I told him.

"Poor Ginny, she won't have any toes left by the end of the night." Fred joked, making me chuckle. "May I ask what your prank is for tonight?" Fred asked.

"Absolutely not. Pranks are supposed to be a surprise." I scolded, though the reminder of my prank made me smile. It was going to be glorious.

The song ended quickly, followed by a round of applause. I released Fred, taking a moment to push a few stray curls over my shoulder.

"Hold on, this is a fast one," Fred grinned, taking my hand in his again.

"Fred," I protested but the song had already started and we began to dance. This song was faster than the previous and I found myself forgetting my worries as Fred and I danced. I gave my body to the music, letting my muscles relax.

A smile wormed its way onto my face as we danced around the dance floor. The song was wild and full of life and Fred and I responded to the song. We flew around the dance floor wildly, people moving out of the way, we were dancing so fast. I let Fred lead as we twirled and spun around the dance floor. At one point, I nearly tripped after Fred spun me a little too fast. Fred laughed, a deep belly laugh and I stuck my tongue out at him. He smiled, a dimple appearing on his left cheek, and I couldn't help but smile back.

Fred's hand was warm on mine, his hand slightly calloused. I thanked Merlin a thousand times that my hands were cold tonight. If I hadn't been out in the snow for so long earlier, my hands would have been all sweaty and hot. My hands sweat when I'm nervous and that would have been a dead giveaway to everyone around me.

When the song came to its final notes, I added a little extra sway to my hips, my skirts flying around me. Fred twirled me around, holding my arm above my head. Fred and I stopped at the very second the final note hit, timing ourselves so perfectly that it was almost supernatural. I smiled, Fred and I both panting wildly. The crowd erupted in cheers and Fred bowed, before pulling us both off the dance floor as the next song began.