Know Thyself {Neville Longbottom}

IV. Stinging Nettle

Known for the stinging hairs that grow on its leaves.

I'm quite enjoying Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures so far, but I can't say the same for our other courses. Snape seems to be intent on failing every student, and with Umbridge teaching Defense we might as well break our wands now and save ourselves the misery of the O.W.L.S." I said to Neville as we walked towards the Gryffindor common room.

It was just after dinner and over the past couple weeks it had become a habit for us to walk each other to our houses. Last night he had walked me to mine, so tonight I was taking the stairs up to the portrait of the Fat Lady, where all the Gryffindors disappeared behind.

I enjoyed the few extra minutes we got to spend together because, aside from studying, it was really the only time we got to be alone. I didn't mind if others were around, but Neville tended to be less verbal in those situations.

"I'm sure Snape is going to fail me this year, I think he'd even enjoy it." Neville said, looking rather disheartened.

"Well, we can't possibly let Snape enjoy something now can we? Just imagine how ticked off he'll be if you pass, the look on his face would be priceless!" I said, trying to cheer him up.

Neville smiled at the thought, "You really think I can do it?"

I nodded, "I'm sure of it. You could study with Cece and me if you like, she's brilliant with potions."

"That'd be great, except I reckon she doesn't like me very much."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, with me being a Gryffindor and her a Slytherin..." he muttered.

I shrugged, "and I'm a Hufflepuff. What difference does it make? Trust me, Cece is great. She can be a bit thorny at times but once you get to know her she's 'bout as harmful as a bowtruckle...just don't tell her I said that."

We laughed and made our way up the last rotating stair case that would bring us to the Gryffindor House entrance.

"Don't forget we're meeting before Herbology tomorrow to finish up the essay." I said reminding Neville since he could be rather forgetful at times.

"Right, looking forward to it," he said giving me a smile that caused my heart to flutter wildly in my chest.

I waved goodbye, feeling elated that he enjoyed our time together as much as I did.

Distracted by my thoughts I hardly noticed Benny standing off to the side, watching Neville and I. As I was waiting for the staircase to return so that I could proceed to my house, he suddenly appeared next to me.

"Oy, nice to see you too Benny." I said somewhat sarcastically. He had startled me, and I didn't like the look he had in his eyes. It was one I knew all too well.

"You know, I remember a time when you weren't even interested in boys." He said crossing his arms over his chest.

I sighed, "Why should my interests be any of your concern? Who I spend my time with is my business."

He looked at me in disbelief, "What sort of talk is that? Hanging 'round with a twit like Longbottom making you soft in the head?"

Anger flared inside of me, and I struggled to keep my voice calm. "You're one to talk with that idiotic girlfriend you've got latched onto you. It seems to me that her presence has made you lose all sense and decency."

Benny inhaled sharply, and I knew I'd gone too far. For the moment, however, I didn't care.

"If you had any sense or decency you'd concern yourself with a proper bloke, but now you've gone and decided to get cozy with the laughing stock of the school. It's pathetic."

The impact of his words hit me like a stone, and suddenly I couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Bernard Hansen," I yelled, "don't you dare talk about Neville like that! I will be friends with whoever I damn well please, and if that isn't to your liking then shove it!"

My outburst drew the attention of many students who were lingering nearby but I ignored them. Benny was off his head if he thought he could treat me, treat Neville, this way.

I brushed past him, and quickly made my way to the stairs before he could think of a retort. I practically ran the rest of the way to my house, and when I was finally safe in the girls dormitory I let out a deep breath. Facing my brother would be hell tomorrow after what had just happened, but I meant every word I said.

After the immediate anger subsided, I was left feeling somewhat brokenhearted. The Benny I knew and loved would never had said such mean things. Had Tamera really changed him so much? Turned my brother into an arrogant, rude sod?

I sighed and kicked my bedpost,"Just as things were going alright..." I muttered to myself.