Neville
It was strange to think of returning, when only two months ago they had grasped the true idea of life, how it is so easily disposable. But it was more strange to stay at bay for too long, and they were now crossing the threshold of that time.
The last day Neville had been gathering and packing his trunk, a thing he had done four times before. This time he found it reliving to distract his mind on other forms of thought. When today had finally arrived, the 1st of September, he, although excited, grappled firmly on the awkwardness of returning. How were the teachers going to address the past? Would they even mention it?
Neville was waiting for Dahlia under the protection of the station canopy, the rain pouring in sheets, coating the red paint of the train in a glossy finish, raindrops racing each other to the bottom. Every few minutes he would check the entrance to the platform, only being greeted with the view of strangers. He marveled at the patter of the precipitation, casting his view onto the other people gathering in their groups.
"Nev."
Turning his head again toward the entrance he saw Dahlia and a boy he could only assume to be Nathen pushing their trolleys in his direction. The biggest smile wrapping tight fingers around Dahlia's lips. She had changed, and he thought it wouldn't be as aggressive as years before, but considering he couldn't really see her the night of his birthday, the changes appeared more drastic. Nathan shared many of her features, the freckles and blonde hair being the most recognizable, but their noses carved the same bump.
"Hey," Neville said, letting go of his trolley.
"Hey." Dahlia mumbled in his ear as they embraced each other.
He hugged her tightly, only being able to hold her for a few moments, he could feel her relax at his touch, sighing a slight tone of relief. Upon pulling from her chest, he could see Nathen smirking lightly, his hands still clutching the foreign trolley.
"This is Nate," Dahlia said to Neville as Nathen's smile weakened when she looked at him.
"Hey, I'm Neville." Neville smiled awkwardly.
"I figured." Nathen smiled once more, a cat perched on the top of his trunk.
Dahlia rolled her eyes at Nate's surprised tone of directness. Just as she did so, the horn of the train signaled its relative departure. The people who still found themselves on the platform gave quick good-byes before lugging their trunks onto the train. Neville, Dahlia, and Nathen found their footing in the crowd of people. Having been so late to board, they shuffled to the nearest table, not bothering with the hassle of looking for a compartment that was undeniably filled.
Neville could tell that Nathen was nervous, dropping the tough attitude that he originally fronted.
"So how was your summer?" Neville asked them, mostly directed his question at Nate.
"Fine, I'm sad I won't be able to watch T.V anymore." Nate huffed, "But I'm excited." A smile lingering on his face.
"T.V?" Neville asked.
He had heard Dahlia mention it years ago, maybe first year when she was still getting accustomed to the schedules. But he had never asked her to elaborate further on what it actually was, leaving it untouched as he did with a few other things she's scrapped at.
"It's like a really long moving photo but with sound, and people who act as different characters. There are different shows and stuff too, or movies." Dahlia answered nonchalantly, removing her gaze from the window, meeting Neville's confused stare.
"Oh." Neville laughed.
He noticed the smallest flicker of pink tint Dahlia's cheeks, a smile pulling at her lips.
YOU ARE READING
When the Stars Align (Neville Longbottom)
Fanfiction'Before he could give it another thought, Dahlia had leaned up, kissing desperately close to his lips, the corners essentially overlapping. It was deep, lasting, her hands had found his neck, her fingertips grazing over his jaw. He leaned his head d...
