Nothing But You // N. Longbottom

Thirteen: The Carrows

As the final autumn leaves fall, the winter cold sets in. That cold feeling seemed so normal, as they had been given the coldest of cold attitudes during the entire year. The year so far had brought many terrible moments to the couple, and the entirety of Hogwarts for that matter.

"Today we have a very interesting subject to talk about," The Carrow spoke, looking down on all of the kids in the classroom, "the unforgivable curses."

With that being said, Norvina and Neville's heads shot up in shock. The pair exchanged worried glances, their eyes looking both exhausted and anxious. They knew that this wasn't good. This exact scenario had occurred during their fourth year, by Mad-Eye Moody which was actually just Barty Crouch Jr, and that did not go so well for Neville. Norvina knew this and remembered how traumatized Neville was.

"You." The Carrow spoke, choosing a young girl as his target. She couldn't have been older than thirteen or fourteen. The girl began to sob, fearing what would happen to her if she didn't comply. Norvina's heart ached for the little girl, who seemed to be very young.

"Let's see..." The man spoke, pointing to Norvina, "you can be my little assistant." Norvina's heart sank. She knew what he would make her do. Norvina fought herself on what to do, just as she remembered her father's words to her all those years ago; 'Always do what is right, even if it's difficult.'

Norvina took an uneasy deep breath and looked at the Carrow that stood just feet in front of her.

"No." Norvina spoke to the evil man, not daring to stand up. This seemed to make the man unbelievably angry. Neville watched the interaction, not knowing what to do. He didn't want to put her in any more danger, but couldn't do anything. It would only make things worse for her.

"No?" The man asked with an evil laugh, before grabbing the girl by her hair and pulling her in front of the younger Hufflepuff girl. Neville's fist clenched at the sight, and the other Carrow took notice and made his way towards Neville. Neville saw this, and hid his unrelenting anger.

"Do it, or I kill her." The man spoke, spitting in Norvina's face. Norvina looked at the young girl, watching her shiver in fear as tears streamed down her face. 

Norvina looked at Neville before deciding to do it. His face was one of pained sorrow, for he knew that she'd have to do it for her own safety. He mouthed 'do it' to her before she glanced back at the girl with a sob.

"C-crucio." Norvina spoke softly, tears coming down her cheeks. The spell was weak, barely doing anything. This seemed to make the man even more angry.

"YOU HAVE TO MEAN IT!" The Carrows screamed in unison, urging Norvina to try again. She couldn't do this, let alone in front of Neville. It was too much, she couldn't do this.

"NO!" Norvina screamed, falling to the floor. She let the tears slip past her eyes, something she'd grow to regret. The classroom fell silent.

"Fine," He spoke, "Neville Longbottom, come up here." Norvina gulped, looking at Neville. She panicked, what would he make him do?

"Use the cruciatus curse on her." The Carrow uttered in the boy's direction. Norvina would never forget the look on Neville's face.

"What?" Neville spoke, glancing between Norvina and the Carrow. Norvina's face looked terrified and hurt. He knew he couldn't hurt her. He swore to her that he'd never let anyone hurt her, including him. He promised her.

"You heard me, Longbottom. She broke the rules. Punish her." The Carrow urged the boy to curse her, but he just couldn't do it. Not after his parents. Not after everything they'd been through. Not her.