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𝑺o, there Neville was, surrounded by Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the common room at 12 'o clock at night. With a heavy gulp, Longbottom shrunk back from the pressure of his curious friends. The glint in Hermione's eyes, the desperation in Harry's, and the hunger in Ron's made him quite jittery.
"So," Hermione smiled, "You don't mind us asking a few questions, do you Neville?"
"We are friends," Harry added.
Ron just stared with an indescribable expression. In Neville's point of view, Weasley looked, put simply, constipated.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about," he stuttered, "and I'm feeling awfully tired. Really, really tired." In a horrible attempt, he faked a yawn. Hermione only pursed her lips and Harry raised an eyebrow.
"We'll I'm feeling quite awake, thank you." Hermione leaned in. "So enlighten us, Neville, on how you got the box, hm?"
A trace of sweat fell down the boy's forehead. "No really I-"
"Please," Harry pleaded, "give us anything. I'll even take a hint."
"You'll be free from this mess..." Ron hovered behind Hermione and Harry, as if he were mimicking a ghost. His words slightly echoed, adding a dramatic effect.
"Seriously, Ron?" Hermione rolled her eyes.
"What?" He raised his hands. "I thought it was cool."
"Well it wasn't."
"I wasn't looking for your approval-"
"Guys," Harry interrupted. "Can we get back on track?"
Ron and Hermione stopped and looked at Neville. Once again, the boy faces the pressure of their stares.
"We won't let you leave unless you say something." Harry told him. "It's currently half past 2. I'd think you'll want to go to sleep about now."
Neville felt very conscious of his eyebags. The sleep he desperately needed, more so than Harry wanting to know his pen pal's identity. Which was it? Sleep or promises? They told him not to tell...
"Okay," Longbottom sighed. "I'll give one clue." The trio immediately brightened up. The enthusiasm was much stronger than Neville could handle at 2:30 in the morning. "You'll see her tomorrow."
With just that one sentence, the mini celebration was cut short. Instead, confusion and disappointment replaced the previously jubilant nature. Seizing the chance, Neville slipped away before Harry could grab and shake the answer out.
"That can hardly be called a hint." A frown etched onto Hermione's face.
"It's two clues, isn't it?" Ron wondered.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"I mean," he explained," Neville said 'her'. It mean that Harry's made a lady friend! And if he'll see her tomorrow, then she'll smell like the Amortentia!"
Granger's and Potter's mouth dropped. No words were said. In confusion, Ron asked, "Why are you two not speaking all of the sudden?"
"It's just," Hermione gaped, "I didn't know you could be this clever."
"What she said," Harry affirmed, appalled.
Ron looked insulted. "Do you think my only skills are in chess? Do I look like an idiot to you?"
