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╰┈➤ ❝ [𝑇𝑊𝐸𝑁𝑇𝑌-𝐹𝐼𝑉𝐸] ❞ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-
⁺⤾·˚.⃗.  [ʏᴜʟᴇ-ʙᴀʟʟ-ᴛɪᴅɪɴɢs] 𑁍ࠜೄ ˊˎ
﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋﹋

The Great Hall
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
— Scottish Highlands
( December 25th, 1994. )

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 of the Yule Ball had arrived, and the atmosphere in the Ravenclaw dorm room was a mix of excitement, nerves, and anticipation. Olympia, Seraphina, and Elvira had been preparing for hours, their room filled with the sounds of laughter, the occasional groan of frustration, and the rustle of fabric as they adjusted their outfits.

Olympia stood in front of the large mirror, her fingers delicately brushing the hem of her midnight blue gown. The dress shimmered like the night sky, every step making the fabric sparkle with a thousand tiny stars. The bodice was tight, hugging her figure, while the skirt flared out gently, the soft material catching the light with every movement. Her blonde hair, styled in long, loose waves, cascaded down her back, framing her face softly. She had always preferred simplicity, but tonight, the gown made her feel like something more.

She turned to look at Seraphina, who was applying a light layer of makeup, her gown an elegant shade of lavender silk that made her look like she'd stepped out of a fairytale. The gown draped perfectly over her form, the fabric catching the light in just the right way, giving her an ethereal glow. Seraphina's black hair was pulled back into an intricate updo, several strands softly framing her face. Her eyes were glowing with excitement, but there was a hint of nervousness behind them as she glanced at Olympia.

"You look stunning," Seraphina said with a soft smile, her eyes scanning Olympia's gown. "I can't believe it's finally here."

Olympia grinned back, but it was more of a reflex than true excitement. She had been so caught up in the preparations and in avoiding the tangled web of emotions in her head, she hadn't had much time to think about the ball. But now, as she looked at herself in the mirror, a part of her couldn't help but feel a twinge of nerves.

"Thanks," Olympia said, her voice almost a whisper. "You look beautiful Sera."

Elvira, who had been standing in the corner, putting the final touches on her makeup, turned sharply to join the conversation. Her black dress was striking and bold, with a lace corset that hugged her curves and a plunging neckline that contrasted sharply with the softness of the other two. The dress shimmered in the light, drawing attention to the sharp angles of her collarbones and the daring cut of the fabric. Her makeup was bold, with dark eyeshadow and a deep red lipstick that completed the look. Elvira didn't look like she was going to a school dance—she looked like she was going to command the attention of the room.

"Well, well, well, look at you two," Elvira said, her voice smooth and teasing as she gave both of them a once-over. "I think we're all going to turn some heads tonight."

Olympia couldn't help but smile at her, but there was a part of her that felt slightly out of place beside Elvira's daring style. Elvira was always so confident, so bold, and while Olympia was no stranger to standing out, she preferred to do it in a more subtle way. Tonight, though, she couldn't deny that the way the dress sparkled made her feel like she was meant to be there—if only she could push aside the nerves that clung to her thoughts.

Seraphina glanced between them with a playful smile. "Well, the whole school is going to be staring at you, Elvira. If anyone's going to take the spotlight tonight, it's you."

Elvira raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at her lips. "As it should be."

Olympia tugged at the strap of her dress slightly, feeling a little bit more exposed than usual. "So, who are you two going with?" she asked, trying to distract herself from the weight of her own anticipation.

Seraphina smiled, a touch of pink coloring her cheeks. "I'm going with Lee," she said softly. "We've been kind of quiet about it, but... I think he's nervous."

"Are you two officially together yet?" Olympia asked curiously, "like have you put a title on it?"

"Something like that." Seraphina smiled warmly, a soft blush dancing along her cheeks.

Elvira's lips quirked into a smirk. "I'm sure he's just trying to be cool. Lee doesn't strike me as the nervous type."

"I think it's more that he's worried about stepping on my feet while we dance," Seraphina said, a laugh bubbling in her chest.

Olympia chuckled, then turned to Elvira. "What about you?"

Elvira grinned, her eyes sparkling. "I'm with someone who knows how to dance," she said, glancing at her reflection one last time, adjusting the lace around her waist. "He's going to be all over me tonight."

A wave of discomfort washed over Olympia at Elvira's words, though she couldn't quite place why. She hadn't forgotten how George had looked at her the night before, his eyes lingering on her in a way that made her heart race. She pushed the thought aside, though. Tonight wasn't about George or Marianna or the tension between them. Tonight was supposed to be about enjoying the evening, about celebrating the season with her friends.

"Alright, let's go," Olympia said, a little louder than necessary as she grabbed her clutch. "It's time to stop overthinking this and just have fun."

Elvira raised an eyebrow, though her grin remained. "You sure you're ready to have fun, Ols? With that look on your face?"

Olympia offered a small, self-conscious smile and stepped forward. "I'll be fine," she said, though she wasn't entirely sure of it herself.

Seraphina linked her arm through Olympia's, smiling warmly at her. "Let's go show them what we've got."

And with that, the three of them made their way out of the dorm room, stepping into the corridor, the flicker of candlelight from the castle torches guiding them toward the Yule Ball. The night was young, and despite the nervousness, despite the weight of unspoken words and feelings, they were ready to step into the evening and make memories that would last forever.

The grand entrance of the Yule Ball was lined with towering marble columns, their surfaces gleaming under the soft glow of the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Olympia walked slowly down the stone steps, her midnight blue gown sparkling like the night sky, the light catching the tiny, star-like flecks that adorned the fabric. Her heart raced as she descended, not from excitement but from the overwhelming nerves swirling in her stomach. Every part of her felt exposed, yet there was something magical in the air tonight, something that made the world feel like it was holding its breath.

At the bottom of the steps, Cedric was waiting for her, standing just slightly off to the side. When their eyes met, he froze for a moment, his expression softening into one of genuine awe. His gaze moved over her slowly, taking in the sparkling gown, the long waves of her blonde hair falling gracefully down her back. The look in his eyes made Olympia feel as if time had stopped, and for a moment, she felt entirely seen in the best way possible.

"You look absolutely stunning, Olympia," Cedric said, his voice low and sincere.

Olympia's breath hitched at his words, her heart suddenly feeling much too big for her chest. She had imagined this moment so many times, but now that it was real, the nerves were nearly overwhelming. "Thank you, Cedric," she replied, her voice almost a whisper. "You look amazing, too."

As if on instinct, Cedric stepped forward, his presence warm and reassuring. He reached out to take her hand, his fingers brushing lightly over her skin. The warmth of his touch seemed to calm the fluttering in her chest. Slowly, he raised her hand to his lips, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to the back of her hand.

The gentle gesture made Olympia's heart skip a beat. It wasn't the kiss of a lover, but of a gentleman, and there was something about the sincerity in Cedric's actions that made her feel cherished, even in the midst of all her nerves. She looked up at him, meeting his gaze, and for a fleeting moment, everything else seemed to fade away.

"You ready?" Cedric asked with a grin, offering his arm to her. "I'll be right beside you, just follow my lead."

Olympia nodded, though her mind was spinning. She had always admired Cedric's calm confidence, the way he seemed to handle every situation with ease. Still, there was something about being thrust into the spotlight like this that made her uneasy. She took his arm, feeling a warmth spread through her as they walked toward the center of the room where the other Triwizard competitors were gathering.

Just as they arrived, McGonagall's sharp voice cut through the room.

"Ah, there you are, Miss Harrington, Mr. Diggory," she said, casting an approving look over them. She quickly turned to address the group of competitors, her voice carrying a certain weight that made Olympia's stomach tighten. "Now, as is tradition, the Triwizard champions and their dates will be the first to dance."

The words hit Olympia like a cold wave. The first to dance? In front of everyone?

Her nerves skyrocketed, and her palms began to sweat, despite the chilly air of the hall. She glanced at Cedric, who gave her a reassuring smile, though the look in his eyes told her that he, too, had felt the tension rise in the room. The realization of what was about to happen struck her all at once. All eyes in the Great Hall would be on them—on her. The weight of it felt suffocating.

McGonagall stepped forward, gesturing for the champions and their dates to take their places in the center of the room, where a small space had been cleared for the first dance. The soft strains of an orchestra began to play in the background, and the atmosphere seemed to thicken with anticipation.

"Shall we?" Cedric's voice broke through Olympia's spiraling thoughts. He smiled at her again, his gaze warm and steady.

Taking a deep breath, Olympia placed her hand in his once more, trying to push her nervous thoughts aside. "Let's go."

They walked to the center of the ballroom, the eyes of the students following their every step. Olympia could feel the heat of their gazes on her back, but she kept her chin high, trying to summon all the confidence she could muster. Her gaze met Cedric's, and he gave her a slight nod, a silent reassurance that they were in this together.

When they reached the center, Cedric turned to face her, gently placing his hands on her waist as she placed hers on his shoulders. The music swirled around them, and for a split second, everything felt like a dream. The hall, the lights, the eyes on them—it all faded as Cedric guided her into the dance.

But as their feet moved in time with the music, Olympia felt her breath catch in her throat. The tension was palpable. Every movement of Cedric's hands on her waist, every slight shift in their position sent a jolt of warmth through her. His touch was gentle, guiding, but it stirred something in her that she wasn't ready to face.

It just wasn't the same.

As they twirled in the spotlight, Olympia's mind drifted for a moment—her eyes subconsciously flickering across the room. She couldn't help it. Her gaze found George, standing with Marianna not far from the dance floor. Despite the attention on the dance, George's eyes met hers from across the room, and for a brief moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

She quickly looked away, the warmth spreading across her face. The tension in the air between them was so thick she could almost taste it. But as the music swirled around her, she knew it would be difficult to ignore the undeniable pull she felt. The feeling that somehow, despite everything, George was always in her thoughts, always close by, even when she didn't want him to be.

As the first dance began, the soft strains of the orchestra filled the Great Hall, and all eyes turned toward the center of the floor where Cedric and Olympia moved in time with the music. The spotlight was on them, but George's attention was entirely on Olympia, and despite the swirling dancers and the excitement around him, it felt like the rest of the world had faded into the background.

He stood with Marianna, who had her arm looped through his, but his focus was solely on Olympia as she danced with Cedric. The way her midnight blue gown sparkled in the light, the graceful way she moved—it was enough to make George's heart ache. She looked beautiful, but there was more to it than just her appearance. There was something about the way she carried herself, the soft confidence in her posture, and the gentle, almost reverent way Cedric held her. Every glance she gave him seemed to heighten the ache in George's chest.

Marianna, sensing the tension between George and Olympia, noticed where his gaze lingered. She had known for a while now that George's heart was not entirely with her. She had seen it in the way he looked at Olympia when they weren't looking, in the way he responded to her presence. It was a quiet sadness that hovered around George, but one she had come to accept. In a strange way, Marianna knew it was not something she could change—no matter how much she cared for him.

"You know," Marianna said quietly, almost as if reading his thoughts, "you should do it tonight."

George looked at her in surprise, a frown pulling at his features. "Talk to her? Now?" he muttered, almost bitterly. "With Cedric right there?"

Marianna shrugged lightly, her expression calm and understanding. "You can't just let this go on forever, George. I've seen the way you look at her. It's obvious. Cedric's smart, I'm sure he's seen it too."

He opened his mouth to respond, but Marianna raised a hand to stop him, her eyes meeting his with a knowing expression, she raised her brow to him and he snapped his mouth shut, accepting defeat on the matter. She was right. He needed to talk to Olympia.

George's eyes flickered back to Olympia, his heart tightening in his chest. He wanted to say something, wanted to tell her how he felt, but there were so many complications, so many things that stood in his way. He had never felt this kind of pull toward someone before—this fierce longing that made it impossible to ignore. But there was Cedric, so poised and perfect, standing beside Olympia with an arm around her, looking every bit the part of the charming, steady partner. It felt impossible to step in and say what was in his heart, not when Olympia seemed so at ease with him.

Marianna seemed to sense his hesitation. "If you wait too long, George, you might lose your chance." She gave him a small, encouraging smile. "I'm not saying this is easy. I know it's not. But I'd rather see you go after her than watch you regret it later."

George took a deep breath, his gaze flicking between Marianna and Olympia. The words that had been locked in his chest for so long felt like they were on the tip of his tongue, but the weight of his fear and doubt kept them buried. But Marianna's words—her quiet, understanding encouragement—had given him a new resolve. He wasn't sure what would happen, but he knew that if he didn't try, he'd never forgive himself.

"Thanks," he said quietly to Marianna, his voice full of a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. "I don't know if I can, but... I'll try."

Marianna gave him a soft, knowing smile. "I'll be rooting for you, George."

With that, George watched one last time as Cedric and Olympia moved gracefully across the floor, and for the first time, George knew what he had to do.

The waltz finally came to a graceful end, the music softly fading into the background as Cedric gently guided Olympia to a stop, his hand still resting on her waist. The other dancers around them slowly began to disperse, and the atmosphere in the grand hall buzzed with excited whispers and laughter.

But Olympia felt disconnected from it all. Her attention was elsewhere—her gaze unconsciously drifting across the floor, once again landing on George. She could feel the pull of his presence, like an invisible thread tugging at her heart. She couldn't help it. Her eyes sought him out, every time.

Cedric, still smiling politely, noticed. His grip on her hand relaxed slightly as he followed her gaze, his warm brown eyes watching her for a long moment. He let out a soft sigh, but there was no irritation, just an understanding that made Olympia's chest tighten.

"Olympia," Cedric said, his voice kind but firm, drawing her back to him.

She looked up at him, a bit startled, her heart still racing from the intensity of the dance—and George's unwavering gaze. Cedric's smile was gentle but knowing. "I think you should go for it," he said, his voice low enough for only her to hear.

Olympia froze, her mind racing as her thoughts scrambled to make sense of what Cedric had just said. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words failed her. She felt heat rush to her cheeks, her gaze briefly flickering toward George before she quickly looked back at Cedric.

"What do you mean?" she questioned, her voice barely a whisper. Her heart was hammering in her chest, nerves and excitement intertwining.

Cedric chuckled softly, a warm, knowing sound that eased the tension in the air between them. "I mean, I think you should go for it," he repeated. "George, I see the way you look at him, and he's been looking at you the same way. It's... obvious." He tilted his head slightly, a teasing glint in his eyes. "And to be honest, I think it's more than obvious."

Olympia blinked, her surprise evident. She wasn't sure what to say, her thoughts a tangled mess. "But... we're here together," she protested weakly, though she didn't truly believe it herself.

Cedric's smile deepened, his gaze softening. He shrugged lightly, making a dismissive motion with his hand. "It's not like we're really together, Olympia. We've been hanging out because we're great friends, yeah? A magazine is the only reason people thought it was more than that." He grinned, his tone easy and teasing. "Trust me, I'm not upset. I never wanted to make things complicated between us."

Olympia's heart fluttered at his words, a mix of relief and confusion flooding her. She hadn't realized how much she'd been carrying around, the weight of her uncertain relationship with Cedric, the expectations, the constant wondering of where they stood. Hearing him say it out loud made everything feel... clearer. Less complicated. She felt a sense of freedom she hadn't known she was craving.

"I... I don't know what to say," she admitted, her voice shaky but grateful. "I didn't expect you to say that."

Cedric chuckled again, leaning in slightly as if to ease her discomfort. "You don't have to say anything, Olympia. Just... do what feels right. It's clear that there's something between you and George. I can see it. And I'd never stand in the way of that."

She stared at him, feeling a surge of gratitude. She hadn't expected him to be so understanding, so generous. Cedric's words made something in her chest unclench. She was still nervous, still unsure, but this weight—this heavy uncertainty—had been lifted. She could see things more clearly now.

For the first time all night, Olympia allowed herself to truly focus on what Cedric had said. She wasn't afraid anymore. Maybe... maybe she could do this. Maybe she could finally do what she had been avoiding for so long. Maybe, just maybe, George was the one she should be focusing on after all.

"Thank you," she whispered, finally meeting Cedric's gaze with a smile.

Cedric gave her a wink. "No need to thank me. I just want you to be happy, Olympia."

With that, Cedric stepped back slightly, giving her the space she needed to make her next decision. He gave her a nod, one last smile, and walked off to join the rest of the group, leaving Olympia standing there alone. The music in the ballroom seemed to fade away as she turned back to the crowd, searching once again for that familiar face.

She found him.

George.

He was still standing by the edge of the floor, his eyes catching hers almost immediately. She couldn't help it—her heart skipped a beat, a thousand emotions rushing through her all at once. She didn't need to say anything to Cedric anymore. She didn't need permission. She didn't need anything but the courage to go after what she wanted.

And what she wanted, standing there across the room from her, was George Weasley.

With a deep breath, Olympia moved forward, her steps quick and purposeful. As she crossed the floor, she didn't look back. She didn't need to. George was waiting for her, and this time, she was ready.

As she approached, she didn't pause, didn't hesitate. Her mind was made up. She reached out, her fingers brushing his hand before she closed her fingers around it, securing his palm in hers. Before he could even react, she looked up at him with determined eyes and said, "Dance with me, George Weasley."

Her voice was firm, a slight tremble beneath it, but George didn't question her. He blinked in surprise, but the warmth in his eyes was undeniable. He didn't say anything, just allowed himself to be led by the hand, caught off guard but clearly not protesting.

She dragged him onto the dance floor, her grip tight around his hand. The world around them seemed to vanish as they found their place among the other dancers. The music, soft and gentle, swirled around them, the rhythm beckoning them to move.

George placed his hand on her waist, and she rested her palm on his shoulder. They began to move, the waltz flowing naturally between them. But the tension was thick—heavy, like a storm cloud hanging just above their heads.

Olympia felt it, every step she took beside him, the heat of his body so close to hers, the feel of his breath against her skin as they twirled. His thumb brushed lightly across her side, sending a shiver through her, and she couldn't help but look up at him. His gaze locked with hers, and the intensity of it made her heart beat faster.

For a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the room. She could feel the weight of his stare, like he was searching for something in her eyes—something that mirrored the longing she felt inside.

Every movement, every sway of their bodies, only seemed to amplify the electricity between them. She could barely focus on the steps anymore, her mind racing. His presence was overwhelming, and the connection they shared—however unspoken—was undeniable.

But it was too much. It was all too much.

The music swirled around them, but the dance felt endless. Olympia's mind was clouded with a thousand thoughts, all centered around him—his smile, his eyes, the way he moved, the way his touch lingered on her waist. She couldn't take it any longer. The pressure of the moment, the pull between them, the overwhelming intensity—she couldn't breathe.

Without thinking, she pulled away from him abruptly, her fingers slipping from his as she quickly turned and made her way to the edge of the dance floor. George blinked, confused for a moment, before he hurried to follow her.

She didn't wait for him to catch up. The moment she reached the side door, she pushed it open, stepping out into the crisp night air. The snow was falling gently, covering the courtyard in a blanket of white, and the cold hit her like a shock, grounding her.

She didn't stop walking until she was deep in the snow-covered courtyard, the soft crunch of her heels against the snow the only sound in the still night. When she finally stopped, she briskly turned, and George was right behind her, a few steps away, his expression raw.

Olympia didn't say anything at first, her breath coming out in visible puffs as she tried to steady herself. Her heart was still racing, her hands trembling from the overwhelming emotions that had surged through her. Her chest rose and fell heavily with each breath she took.

The silence between them stretched on, heavy and thick like the winter air surrounding them. Olympia and George stood just inches apart, but it felt as if they were miles away. The soft snow continued to fall around them, blanketing the courtyard in a quiet stillness, yet everything inside Olympia was a storm. Every part of her was consumed with the need for him, the longing she had fought to keep buried rising up in a tidal wave that threatened to drown her.

She could see the way he was looking at her—his eyes dark, his body tense but not moving, as if he was waiting for her to make the first move. The tension between them was unbearable. She felt it coiling tighter with every passing second.

Her heart pounded against her chest, each beat a desperate reminder of how much she wanted this, wanted him. But she didn't speak. She couldn't. All she could do was stare at him, the raw passion in his eyes reflecting her own, both of them trapped in this moment of silent yearning.

Olympia felt something snap inside her, the floodgate breaking open. "George..." she whispered, barely audible, but it was all it took.

In an instant, he stepped forward, his hand reaching for her, pulling her towards him with a force that sent her heart into overdrive. Before she could think, before she could second-guess anything, his lips were on hers.

The kiss was nothing like she had ever experienced. It was raw. It was hungry. The heat between them was immediate, consuming them both in an overwhelming wave of need. His lips moved against hers with a fierce intensity, his hands gripping her like he was afraid she might slip away. She responded just as fervently, her own hands curling into the fabric of his jacket, pulling him closer as if there was no space left between them that needed to exist.

There was no hesitation anymore, no fear, just the collision of everything they had been holding back—the yearning, the longing, the desperate ache for one another. It was chaotic, as if their bodies couldn't get close enough, and every inch between them felt like it was burning with a heat that had been years in the making.

Their kiss deepened, growing more frantic, as if the very act of being this close, this vulnerable, was what they had both been waiting for. Olympia felt like she was losing herself in it, like the rest of the world had disappeared and all that mattered was him, his touch, the way his hands roamed over her, pulling her even tighter against him.

For a moment, they were lost in the storm of their emotions, their desires, the snow falling around them unnoticed, as if the entire world had faded away.

They pulled apart from the kiss, both of them breathing deeply, their hearts racing in the chilly air. Olympia's hands were still on George's jacket, her body feeling warm against the cold night, her chest rising and falling quickly. She leaned back a little, resting her forehead against his, her eyes closed for a moment to collect herself.

George stood there, equally breathless, his hand still on her waist. His heart was pounding, his thoughts scrambled as he tried to catch his breath. There was an undeniable weight between them, both of them still processing the moment they had just shared.

Finally, George spoke, his voice quiet but full of emotion. "Bloody hell..." he muttered with a soft laugh, shaking his head. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting to do that."

Olympia's chest tightened at his words, her lips still tingling from the kiss. She looked up at him, their eyes meeting again. She could feel the electricity between them, the unspoken connection, and she smiled gently. "I think I have an idea," she said, her voice soft, a hint of warmth in her tone.

George smiled, his thumb brushing against her cheek as he stepped a little closer, but neither of them made any further move. The air around them felt charged, but neither of them was quite ready to take the next step. They just stood there for a moment, both of them catching their breath, silently acknowledging the change that had just occurred.

Despite the intense feelings swirling between them, neither spoke right away. The night was still around them, and in that quiet, they both realized something had shifted, something had changed for good.

The silence between them stretched, their breaths still coming fast from the previous kiss. George took a step closer, his hand gently cupping her face, his thumb brushing over her skin. Olympia's heart raced in her chest, the tension between them still palpable, thick in the cold air.

She looked up at him, her eyes soft but filled with longing. There was something in his gaze that made her pulse quicken, something unspoken but so deeply understood. Slowly, she leaned in again, her lips barely brushing his, before they deepened into a kiss that was slower this time, tender yet still filled with undeniable passion. It felt like time stood still as their lips moved together again, every kiss a promise, every touch an unspoken confession.

They pulled away again, but this time, neither of them immediately stepped back. They stood there, inches apart, their foreheads resting against each other, as if savoring the moment.

"Oh," George looked up, their eyes meeting, "and happy birthday Ols." He whispered.

She let out a soft laugh, "I honestly forgot." She admitted, which was true. She and Cassie had been so busy getting ready for the Yule ball and the chaos surrounding it that they had entirely forgotten that it wasn't just Christmas, but also their birthday.  "George... We should go back," Olympia whispered, her voice a little shaky, still feeling the weight of the kiss. Her heart was racing, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to face the party again, but she knew it was time.

George smiled softly, his hand lingering on her cheek before dropping to her waist. "Yeah. Before Cass and Fred sends a search party."

She let out a small laugh, nodding, her heart still pounding in her chest. With one last lingering look, they walked hand in hand back toward the entrance of the ball, the warmth of the moment still lingering between them.

As Olympia and George re-enter the ballroom, the sounds of the party drift back to them—laughter, music, and chatter filling the air once again. Just as they step through the doors, they spot Fred and Cassie standing near the edge of the dance floor, arms crossed and brows raised, as if they had been waiting for them.

Fred gives them a playful smirk, his eyes narrowing in mock suspicion. He wags his brows dramatically, looking between them. "And where have you two been?" he teases, his voice dripping with humor.

Cassie raises an eyebrow, clearly amused, but doesn't say anything right away. She just looks from George to Olympia and back again, a knowing look on her face.

Olympia feels her cheeks flush under their gaze, but she forces herself to smile, trying to look as casual as possible. "We—" she starts, but her words trail off as she realizes she doesn't quite know how to explain the moment they just shared.

George, equally caught off guard but clearly trying to play it cool, shrugs. "Taking a breather," he says, his voice lighter than it feels, but his eyes betray the way his heart is still racing.

Fred looks at both of them, an exaggerated look of mock suspicion still on his face. "Right, a breather." He gives George a pointed look. "And you didn't happen to find a little bit of time to—what's the word?—talk?"

Cassie laughs, her arms still crossed as she leans back slightly, clearly enjoying watching the exchange unfold. "Yeah, sure looks like more than just talking."

Olympia looks at George, her heart still pounding from their kiss, and then back to Fred and Cassie. Her thoughts are still swirling, but she gives a small, playful shrug. "Maybe we did a little more than talk," she admits with a smile, though her voice betrays a hint of nervousness.

Fred grins widely, his mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Knew it," he says triumphantly. "I could practically feel the tension in the air."

Cassie just shakes her head, a grin tugging at her lips. "Took you two long enough."

"Yeah about damn time." Fred added, elbowing George with a big ole lopsided grin toying at the corner of his lips.

George chuckled, clearly not able to hide the joy in his voice, despite his attempt to play it cool. "We were just waiting for the right moment," he says, his hand subtly brushing against Olympia's, a silent reassurance between them.

Fred and Cassie both exchanged a look, the teasing slowly fading into something softer, understanding. Fred claps George on the back. "Well, I'm glad you two finally figured it out," he says with a wink, then nods to the crowd. "But now, the party's back on, so you two better not hide away for too long."

"No promises." George smirked, eyeing Olympia, causing her face to flush crimson. Olympia and George share a quiet, almost secretive smile before rejoining the party, the warmth between them undeniable, the night suddenly filled with a new energy—one that neither of them could quite shake off.

The four of them found a corner of the dance floor, each of them settling into the beat of the waltz with an ease that could only come from years of friendship.

The music swirled around them, and for the first time that night, Olympia felt entirely at ease. She glanced up at George, his hand warm on her waist, the previous tension replaced by a quiet, knowing smile between them. They were both lost in the moment, the night brighter than it had ever been.

Fred spun with Cassie, her laughter light and infectious, and George caught her eye, a wide grin spreading across his face as they danced together in sync. The four of them moved effortlessly, the bonds between them stronger than ever.

The night had started with uncertainty, with quiet doubts and heavy glances, but as they all danced, those worries faded away. It was just them, in that moment, wrapped up in the joy of the evening, surrounded by friends who cared about them, and hearts that had found their rhythm.

As they twirled across the floor, no one else mattered. The music played, the world outside seemed miles away, and Olympia felt a peace she hadn't known in so long. With George beside her, and her sister and Fred surrounding her, she realized—this was exactly where she was meant to be.

The song came to an end, but none of them stopped moving. They stayed on the dance floor, laughing and dancing into the night, lost in their own little world.

And for that one perfect moment, everything felt just right for the first time in a long time.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐘𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋 had been enchanting, the culmination of weeks of anticipation, glittering gowns, and twinkling lights. But as the last notes of the orchestra faded into the night, Olympia and Cassie were certain the evening was winding down. Walking the corridors with Fred and George Weasley, their shoes clicking softly against the stone floors, they chatted lazily about the highlights of the ball, neither suspecting the mischief the twins had in mind.

Fred slowed his pace, sharing a sly look with George. Before either girl could react, the twins darted forward.

"What—" Olympia started, but before she could finish, George had gently pulled a silk blindfold over her eyes.

"What are you doing?" she demanded, though her voice carried more amusement than annoyance.

Fred, grinning ear to ear, was already tying a matching blindfold over Cassie's eyes. "No questions. It's a surprise."

"A surprise? At this hour?" Cassie asked, crossing her arms even as she allowed him to finish.

"You'll love it," George reassured, patting Olympia's shoulder. "Trust us." They said in perfect sync.

The girls laughed nervously, exchanging unseen glances beneath their blindfolds as they were carefully maneuvered down the hallway. They could hear the twins' whispered chuckles and felt their hands gently guiding them around corners and up a short flight of stairs.

"Are we nearly there?" Olympia asked.

"Almost," George said, his voice filled with excitement. "Patience is a virtue, you know."

"Not when you're being kidnapped," Cassie quipped, earning a bark of laughter from the three.

Finally, the twins stopped. Olympia and Cassie felt the air shift around them, warmer and lighter than the chilly corridors of the castle. They heard the sound of a door creaking open, and a wave of something—anticipation? Magic?—swept over them.

"All right," Fred said, positioning Cassie. "On the count of three."

"Three... two... one!" Fred and George finished counting, and with a flourish, they whipped the blindfolds away.

Olympia and Cassie blinked, their eyes widening as the Room of Requirement came into focus. The transformation was breathtaking. The space glowed with the warmth of hundreds of floating candles, their golden light reflecting off glittering garlands of holly and ivy. Snowflakes fell gently from the ceiling, vanishing just before they touched the floor. Strings of fairy lights crisscrossed the room, twinkling like stars against a backdrop of deep, midnight blue.

In the center of the room, a massive banner stretched across the space, declaring in elegant, glowing script:

"Happy Birthday, Olympia and Cassie!"

The sight took their breath away. A long table to the side overflowed with festive treats: butterbeer in frothing mugs, piles of chocolate frogs, a mountain of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, and one messily made chocolate cake (obviously baked by the twins.) Beside the cake was small stacks of gifts wrapped in shimmering paper. In the far corner, a record player spun an upbeat tune, filling the air with cheerful music.

Olympia's hand flew to her mouth. "Merlin's Beard!"

Cassie stared, utterly speechless for once.

Fred and George, looking immensely pleased with themselves, stepped back to admire the girls' reactions.

"Surprise!" Fred announced, spreading his arms wide. "We couldn't let your birthday go unnoticed."

"Not even on Christmas," George added, his grin softening into something more heartfelt.

Olympia turned to look at them, her voice trembling. "You... you did all this? For us?"

"Well," George said, glancing at Fred, "not just us."

From behind one of the decorative screens came their entire friend group, cheering and clapping. Seraphina darted forward first, her dark curls bouncing as she enveloped the girls in a tight hug.

"Happy birthday!" she cried. "We've been planning this for ages!"

Elvira followed, grinning as she handed each of them a small, wrapped present. "You really thought we'd forget?"

Judeth, standing beside Lee Jordan, gave a mock sigh. "You'd think they'd have more faith in us."

Cassie laughed, wiping away a stray tear. "I mean, it is Christmas and the Yule Ball. We figured..."

"That we'd let it slide?" Oliver interjected, smirking. "Not a chance."

Even Marianna and Cedric were there, standing arm in arm by the gift table. Marianna waved brightly, and Cedric gave a small, encouraging nod, clearly happy to be part of the celebration.

"You guys are unbelievable," Olympia said, her voice breaking slightly. She turned to George, who was watching her intently. "Thank you. This... this means the world."

"Well," George said, his voice soft, "you mean the world."

Fred, eager to break the sentimental mood, clapped his hands together. "Enough of the tears. Let's party!"

The room erupted into laughter and cheers. The music picked up, and soon the space was filled with dancing, chatter, and warmth. Olympia and Cassie couldn't stop smiling as they moved from person to person, feeling loved and celebrated in a way they hadn't expected.

As the night went on, Cassie laughed with Lee over an especially terrible joke, while Olympia found herself dancing with George, their hands brushing just a little too often to be accidental. For once, everything felt perfect, the weight of the world lifted, even if only for a night.

The group erupted into cheers, the music growing louder as they celebrated late into the night. Olympia and Cassie couldn't stop smiling, their hearts full as they danced, laughed, and felt truly loved.