Bleville AI Oneshots

Hogsmeade Date (Part 3)

Neville stood outside the gates of Hogwarts, shifting nervously from foot to foot. The early morning sun cast a soft, golden light over the grounds, and there was a gentle chill in the air, the first hints of winter creeping in. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, partly to keep warm and partly because he didn't know what else to do with them.

Today was the day-his first real date with Blaise Zabini.

Neville had been in a state of nervous anticipation all week. After Blaise had asked him out-properly, this time-he'd hardly been able to focus on anything else. Every time Blaise had so much as glanced in his direction, Neville's heart had done that embarrassing little flip in his chest, and he'd ended up stammering like a fool.

Now, standing here waiting for Blaise, Neville felt like his nerves were about to get the better of him. He wasn't sure what to expect. Blaise had been so... calm, so self-assured when they'd talked about the date, but Neville wasn't. He wasn't used to this-to dating, to someone like Blaise being interested in him.

A voice behind him broke through his anxious thoughts. "You look like you're about to bolt, Longbottom."

Neville turned quickly to see Blaise approaching, a small, amused smile on his lips. He looked effortlessly elegant, as always, dressed in a dark coat that made him look like he'd stepped out of a fashion magazine. Compared to Neville, who was bundled up in a thick jumper and scarf, Blaise looked like he wasn't fazed by the chill in the air at all.

Neville felt his face flush, but he forced a smile. "I'm not bolting," he muttered, though he had been feeling a bit like running away.

Blaise chuckled as he stopped in front of Neville, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Good. Because I'd hate to think you were getting cold feet."

Neville gave a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "No, no cold feet. Just... you know... nerves."

Blaise's expression softened, and he stepped a little closer, his eyes focused on Neville's. "You don't need to be nervous. It's just me."

Just me. As if just Blaise wasn't enough to make Neville's heart race. But the warmth in Blaise's gaze helped ease some of the tension coiling in Neville's stomach, and he nodded, taking a deep breath.

"Right," Neville said, managing a more genuine smile this time. "Just you."

Blaise's smile widened, and he reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against Neville's arm. "Come on, then. Let's go before you start second-guessing yourself again."

With that, they started down the path toward Hogsmeade, walking side by side. Neville was hyper-aware of the small distance between them-close enough that their arms would brush occasionally as they walked, but not so close that it felt forced. Blaise kept up a steady stream of casual conversation, asking Neville about his latest Herbology projects and talking about their classes, which helped keep Neville's nerves at bay.

They arrived at Hogsmeade in what felt like no time at all, and as they walked down the cobbled streets, Neville began to relax. The village was bustling with students and villagers alike, all eager to enjoy the crisp autumn day. The air was filled with the scents of warm pastries and spiced cider, and Neville couldn't help but feel a small surge of excitement.

Blaise seemed perfectly at ease, glancing around with mild interest as they walked. "So," he said, turning to Neville, "where to first?"

Neville hesitated, unsure. He had no idea what Blaise would want to do-Blaise, who was so refined, so self-assured. Neville, on the other hand, had always gravitated toward the simpler pleasures of Hogsmeade. A visit to Honeydukes, a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, maybe a quick look in the window at Zonko's.