Know Thyself {Neville Longbottom}

VIII. Chrysanthemum

Commonly referred to as "mums" this beloved flower is well-known for its medicinal properties and can also be presented as a gift to convey the message, "You are a wonderful friend."

The library was deathly still and it seemed that Cece and I were the only ones not in attendance at the Quidditch match. Neville had invited me to accompany him, but I declined due to the staggering amount of classwork I had yet to complete. Cece had never cared much for Quidditch and I suspected she wasn't too keen on seeing Draco in the crowd. We had decided to use the opportunity to work on our latest Transfiguration lesson, one that was rather amusing when performed incorrectly.

Currently, I was sporting purple eyebrows and Cece had managed to colour her hair a shocking shade of red. Fortunately, she had proved herself to be adept at this stage of human transfiguration and the results were quickly remedied by her hand. 

"I think I'll experiment with some different colours for Slughorn's party," she commented, surveying her appearance in a hand mirror. 

We were tucked away in a far corner of the library, safe from Madam Pince's prying eyes, and Cece had cast muffliato  over our table so there was no risk of being overheard.

"Seems like that's all anyone can talk about," my tone held some annoyance, considering not a single Hufflepuff had received an invitation to the soiree.

Cece gave me a puzzled look, "Remind me again why you're not going with Neville?"

"Well, he will be there just not as a guest," I mumbled, "the whole thing is rather insulting really,"

"What do you mean by that? Is he going to be serving appetizers and pouring bubbly for everyone?" 

My uncomfortable silence provided a sufficient answer and Cece had the decency to look mortified on his behalf. 

"That is positively insensitive," she gasped, "he's been so polite at all of those dreadful dinners and now he doesn't even get to enjoy the party,"

"He didn't seem all that put out by it, which is just like him," I shook my head, "but I am personally offended at Slughorn's lack of taste." 

"Careful," she growled, "I happen to be a guest and I have yet to decide who has earned the privilege of escorting me,"

"Right, of course, so who is the lucky chap that will be joining you?"

"Why in Merlin's name would I take some daft bloke when I have the sweetest, most charming person to ever grace Hufflepuff sitting right in front of me?" Cece gestured dramatically in my direction, her dark eyes wide in earnest.

It took a moment for her words to settle and I frowned, doubting her sentiment.

"Wait, are you being serious?"

"Absolutely, we're going to be the talk of the party, you and I, there simply isn't anyone else I'd rather be seen with,"

A grin found its way onto my face and I couldn't help but giggle at her display of affection.

"Well, flattery will get you everywhere, my dear," I replied, "I'd be delighted to join you,"

"Fantastic, that's sorted then," she began to rummage through her bag, "now we have the crucial matter of deciding what you're going to wear,"

Cece brought out several catalogues featuring dresses of the latest fashion, all of which I couldn't possibly hope to afford. 

As if reading my thoughts she set her gaze firmly on me and said, "I'm going to take care of the expense and I don't want to hear a word against it, this might be the only chance I ever have to choose an outfit for you and I won't have any nonsense about cost,"

All my attempts to dissuade her were met with resistance until, finally, I resigned myself to flipping through the magazines. After a few minutes she let out a triumphant cry and showed me her findings.

"This one," her voice was confident, "it's perfect,"

I studied the picture with hesitation, "Are you sure?"

__________

My shoes echoed loudly on the stone floor as I approached the dungeons. Cece and I agreed to meet near the kitchens, but my nerves had gotten the best of me and I found myself unable to wait for her arrival. With hurried steps I headed towards the Slytherin common room, expecting to see my friend appear at any moment around the next corner.

The chiffon material of my dress whispered as I walked making me acutely aware of the silence in the shadowy corridor. By the light of the sconces, my outfit appeared silver rather than the pale lavender I knew it to be. My thoughts were scattered and I became more and more eager to find Cece so that we could get this whole affair over with.

The sound of voices up ahead brought me to a halt, there was some sort of argument going on near the entrance of the common room.

"How do you expect me to help you, if you won't tell me anything? 

I recognized Cece's voice instantly, but it was the person she was engaged in conversation with that made me pause.

"It's none of your concern," Draco replied harshly, "I merely thought you could--"

"None of my concern?" Cece was livid, "Yet you have the audacity to beg for a favor?"

"Forget it, it was stupid of me to ask, enjoy your imbecilic party," 

Before I could react, Malfoy emerged in the hallway where I stood. He was moving quickly, paying no attention to his surroundings and he brushed roughly past me.

"Watch it you--" 

I didn't get to hear what choice word he had in mind because upon realizing who I was Malfoy froze. Shaking his head with what I presumed to be disgust he threw one last glance in Cece's direction and left without any further remark.

More shaken by the encounter than anything else I turned slowly on the spot and made my way around the corner towards the entrance. Cece was there, resplendent in a striking pink dress that contrasted beautifully with her dark brown skin. Her hair was curled to perfection and peppered with pink streaks.

Upon seeing me she quickly wiped at the moisture beneath her eyes. I rushed forward and threw my arms around her before she could protest. 

Nothing was said for a few minutes. I held onto her tightly as she sniffled, holding back the extent of her emotions.

"He has the absolute worst timing imaginable," she managed to say.

"It's not too late, we could still go after him and hex him into next week," I suggested with the utmost sincerity.

Cece smiled weakly, "He's really not worth it,"

"Now that I agree with," I wiped a stray tear from her cheek, "Do you still want to attend our imbecilic party?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," she replied, taking my arm in hers.

Together we made our way slowly through the silent halls and on towards Slughorn's office where an entirely different world awaited us.