Nothing But You // N. Longbottom

Fifteen: Christmas Surprises

"You ready?" Neville asks her, noticing her nervousness and shakiness.

Taking a deep breath, Norvina speaks softly, "Not particularly."

Neville turns to face her directly, holding her face in his hands, "You're going to be okay, Nora. I'm going to be there with you the whole time, we'll tell him together." 

Norvina nods, but is still terribly nervous, "What if he overreacts? O-or he doesn't take it well?"

Neville doesn't hesitate in his response, "He's your father, not a death eater. He loves you no matter what."

Norvina doesn't say anything else but only nods. She glances at her front door, taking Neville's hand as he leads her inside. They are met with the smiling face of Timothy Evergreen.

"Ah! Right on time," He speaks to the couple, ushering them inside and swiftly closing the door behind them, "It is exceptionally good to see you both. I know things at Hogwarts have been different..."

"Different is quite the understatement, Dad," Norvina says, her tone more sad than she intended. Timothy sends her a worried glance and tries to cheer her up.

"Well..." Timothy starts, bringing in a plate of food from the kitchen, "I made your favorite."

Norvina smiles, looking at the food delicately placed on the platter in front of her, "Sunday roast!" Timothy watches as his daughter flashes a smile and they motion to sit down.

The dinner goes smoothly, Timothy asking casual questions as the three enjoy Christmas dinner. Timothy notices how Neville is watching Norvina rather cautiously, constantly checking on her and wanting to be close. He chalked it up to the nervousness and chaotic nature that was now their existence at Hogwarts.

But maybe there was more to what was going on.

"I hate to bring up a rather gloomy topic, but..." Timothy begins, watching the duo, "Hogwarts. Has...has something happened?"

Norvina stops eating at that, moving to look at Neville nervously. The pause and sudden glances seemed to fill in the gaps for Timothy.

"I take it something has indeed happened, then?" His tone of voice was worried more than anything.

"Just the death eaters being death eaters," Norvina's voice was unmistakably small, something he was not accustomed to her speaking. He was growing more nervous.

"Have they hurt you?" Timothy's voice was darker, more resounding than before. He was serious.

"They had us practice unforgivable curses..." Norvina speaks, not moving her eye contact, "On first years."

"What?" He rushes out, his face far more concerned than before.

"I said no, and they punished me." Norvina speaks, looking at Neville before continuing, "The both of us."

Timothy's face was shocked. He had idea what had been going on. He was furious. Somebody had hurt his daughter.

Timothy's voice was all over the place, "You never said anything in your letters. I had no inclination of any-"

Neville spoke up this time, "They read everything we send out. Everything is overseen by the death eaters, by Snape."

The trio sat in silence for a moment before Norvina sent Neville a knowing glance. It was now or never.

"There's something else." Norvina finally spits out, watching her father rather nervously. Neville squeezed her hand with reassurance.

Timothy looked stressed again, "Dear God, please tell me it doesn't get worse."

"I'm pregnant."

With that, it's as if time freezes. As Norvina watches her father, she isn't sure he's even there. His face remains stoic, unmoving as he processes the information. Neville grabs onto Norvina's hand as the pair await the man's response. The room fell silent as Norvina and Neville waited anxiously for Timothy's reaction. Norvina squeezed Neville's hand, her heart pounding in her chest. She had never seen her father so...still.

"You're so young..." Timothy speaks, his tone soft.

Norvina nods, "I know."
After what felt like an eternity, Timothy let out a deep sigh and leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his graying hair.

"Pregnant," he murmured, almost to himself, "My little girl, pregnant..." Norvina opened her mouth to speak, but Timothy raised a hand to stop her.

"No, let me..." He paused, gathering his thoughts, "This is...unexpected, to say the least. You two are still in school, for Merlin's sake." He fixed Neville with a stern gaze, "And you, Longbottom. I always knew you were a good lad, but this...this is a tremendous responsibility."

Neville swallowed hard, but held Timothy's stare unflinchingly, "I know, sir. Believe me, I know. But I love your daughter, and I will do whatever it takes to protect her and our child."

Timothy nodded slowly, then turned to Norvina, "And you, my dear? How are you holding up?" His voice was laced with concern.
Norvina felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, "I'm...I'm scared, Dad. Everything at Hogwarts has been so awful, and now this..." She shook her head, willing the tears not to fall, "I don't know how I'm going to do this." Timothy's expression softened, and he reached across the table to grasp Norvina's free hand.

"Oh, my sweet girl." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "I may not have expected this, but I will be here for you. Both of you." He looked between Norvina and Neville.

"This is going to be hard, there's no denying that. But you are not alone. I will do everything in my power to support you, no matter what."

Norvina let out a shaky breath, a small smile breaking through her worry, "Thank you, Dad." She glanced at Neville, who was watching the exchange with a look of relief and gratitude. Timothy cleared his throat, his own eyes suspiciously bright.

"Well, then. I suppose we have a lot to discuss. But first..." He flashed them a mischievous grin, "Who's up for some Christmas pudding?"