Nothing But You // N. Longbottom

Sixteen: PotterWatch

The train rumbled along the tracks as Norvina and Neville sat huddled in a quiet compartment, Norvina's hand resting protectively on the swell of her growing belly.

The return to Hogwarts had been fraught with anxiety, both of them keenly aware that their secret could not be kept forever.

"How are you holding up?" Neville asked, his brow creased with concern as he watched Norvina shift uncomfortably in her seat. Norvina offered him a weak smile.

"As well as can be expected, I suppose. It's getting harder to hide, Nev. I can barely fit into these robes anymore..." She sighed, running a hand over the soft fabric, "I'm worried that someone is going to notice, and then..." Her voice trailed off, the unspoken fear hanging in the air between them.

Neville reached out and squeezed her hand, "I know. But we'll figure it out, I promise. Your father has been wonderful, sending those extra robes. And as long as we're careful, I don't think anyone will suspect a thing." Norvina nodded, taking a deep breath.

"You're right. We've made it this far, haven't we?" She mustered a more genuine smile, "And with the work we're doing in the Room of Requirement, it's not like we'll be drawing too much attention to ourselves."

"Exactly." Neville gave her hand another reassuring squeeze, "We'll take it one day at a time, Norvina. I'm with you, every step of the way."

As the train pressed onward, Norvina felt a small measure of comfort in Neville's unwavering support. They had faced so much adversity already, and she knew that with him by her side, they could weather whatever challenges lay ahead.

When the Hogwarts Express finally pulled into the station, Norvina took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. It was time to return to the castle, their secret in tow.

She only hoped that they could keep it hidden for as long as possible.

                                                                                               X

As the weeks passed, Norvina found herself spending more and more time in the Room of Requirement alongside Neville.

The growing number of Muggleborn students and first years seeking refuge had put an immense strain on their operation, but they were determined to keep everyone safe.

Each day after classes, Norvina and Neville would hurry to the seventh floor, carefully guarding the entrance as students filtered in and out. It was a delicate dance, making sure no one lingered too long or drew unwanted attention. Norvina's expanding waistline was a constant source of worry, but so far their clever use of concealing robes had kept their secret under wraps.

Within the Room, Norvina worked tirelessly, organizing supplies, distributing meals, and offering comfort to those in hiding. She marveled at the resilience of the young witches and wizards, their eyes hardened by the horrors they had faced, yet still shining with hope. Neville, meanwhile, managed the logistics of PotterWatch, relaying crucial information and coordinating their network of resistance fighters.

It was exhausting, both physically and emotionally, but Norvina drew strength from the knowledge that they were making a difference. Every student they were able to shelter, every piece of intel they could share, brought them one step closer to toppling the oppressive regime that had taken hold of Hogwarts.

As the weeks turned into months, Norvina's belly grew, and with it, her determination. She would not allow her child to be born into a world of fear and hatred. Together with Neville, she would fight to create a brighter future, no matter the cost.

Occasionally, they would steal moments of respite, huddled in a secluded corner of the Room, sharing hushed conversations and stolen kisses. It was in these quiet times that Norvina found the courage to face each new day, Neville's unwavering support a steadfast beacon in the darkness.

Though the Carrows and their ilk remained ever-vigilant, the Room of Requirement remained a sanctuary, a pocket of resistance hidden in plain sight. And as long as Norvina and Neville were there, guarding its secrets, they knew that their fight for a better tomorrow would never be in vain.

As Norvina's pregnancy had progressed, Neville grew increasingly protective, his watchful gaze following her every move within the confines of the Room of Requirement. The once-outspoken couple had found themselves uncharacteristically subdued, their voices often reduced to hushed whispers.

To their surprise, the Carrows and their ilk had grown strangely disinterested, as if the young pair had somehow faded into the background. Norvina couldn't help but feel uneasy about this sudden shift in attention.

"I don't like this," she murmured one evening as they huddled in their secluded corner. Her hand unconsciously drifted to the swell of her belly, a familiar gesture that had become second nature, "It's too quiet. I can't help but feel like we're being lulled into a false sense of security." Neville nodded, his brow furrowed with concern.

"I know. But for now, it's working in our favor. The Carrows and the rest of the death eaters seem to have lost interest in us." He reached out and grasped her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, "I won't let anything happen to you or our child, Norvina. I promise."

Norvina sighed, leaning into his touch, "I know you won't. But I can't shake this feeling that we're just waiting for the other shoe to drop." She chewed her lip, her eyes reflecting the worry that had become a constant companion.

Suddenly, Norvina's hand flew to her stomach, a pained expression crossing her face. Neville's heart raced as he rushed to her side, his eyes filled with concern.

"Norvina? What's wrong? Is it the baby?" he asked, his voice tinged with panic.

Norvina managed a small smile, her hand gently guiding Neville's to the swell of her abdomen, "No, it's...the baby's kicking."
Neville's eyes widened as he felt the gentle flutter beneath his palm, a sense of wonder and affection washing over him. He had felt his child move before, but each time it was a profound and humbling experience.

"Wow," he breathed, his gaze locked on Norvina's, "Our little one is getting stronger every day."
Norvina nodded, her eyes shining with a mixture of joy and apprehension, "Yes, but I can't help but worry about what the future holds. For all of us."

Neville pulled her into a gentle embrace, his hand still resting protectively on her belly, "Whatever comes, we'll face it together. I promise."

In that moment, the weight of their responsibilities seemed to fade, replaced by the deep bond they shared and the precious life they were nurturing.

Though the storm still loomed on the horizon, they found solace in this fleeting respite, drawing strength from each other and the life they had created.

The storm was coming, this was simply the calm before the storm.