Know Thyself {Neville Longbottom}

VI. Willow

Green Willow

Signifies false love

Turning over the galleon in my hand, I looked past my shoulder nervously as I made my way to the room of requirement. Ernie and Hannah had left a few minutes before me, seeing as they were Prefects it wasn't unheard of for them to be walking the corridors. Myself, Justin, and Susan however, had followed at separate intervals so as not to raise suspicion. Zacharias was, much to my dismay, also making his way to the seventh floor, leaving a short while after me.

I stared down at the glowing coin in my hand, amazed once again at the high level magic that Hermione Granger was capable of.

'A protean charm of all things...simply brilliant.'

"Just where do you think you're going?"

I quickly looked up, instantly recognizing the voice. Benny was standing at the top of the stairs on the seventh floor, grinning down at me.

"To the loo," I answered lazily "and you?"

"The library." he replied, feigning seriousness.

I reached the top of the stairs and our eyes met causing us both to laugh, knowing full well that Benny's excuse was even more ridiculous than mine.

We continued on, until reaching an inconspicuous portion of the corridor wall. Standing silently, I watched in awe as a door materialized in front of us. I wondered briefly what other secrets this castle could be hiding.

The room itself was quite large, equipped with everything necessary for practicing magical defense. Quickly spotting Neville, who stood out easily due to his height, my heart began to beat slightly faster.

Harry made introductions and explained the lesson for today, which would be disarming. Zacharias seemed to be the only one opposed to this idea claiming it was too simple, prompting Harry to divulge it had once saved his life. That shut Smith up for a bit.

As everyone paired off and began practicing, I noticed Neville standing off to the side. My heart sank at the resigned expression he wore, realising that he must experience this sort of subtle rejection quite often. Squaring my shoulders I walked over to him, smiling widely.

"I'll be your partner, Neville."

"It's alright Laura, you don't have to." He muttered, avoiding my gaze.

"But I want to." I clarified, still smiling.

Surprise was evident on his face as his gaze met mine.

"Are you sure? I mean I might end up hurting you or something."
"I'm pretty tough." I replied with a wink, provoking a crooked smile from him.

We took our stances, and I stared intently at Neville's wand, taking a deep breath.

"Expelliarmus!" I said, executing the spell with as much confidence as I could muster.
Neville's wand jumped from his hand, and fell to the floor. He looked up at me approvingly, but I shook my head.
'I can do better.'

He reset himself, and I attempted to disarm him again. This time making my wand movement sharper, and more precise. The result brought a grin to my face, watching as Neville's wand flew out of his hand, landing several feet away. After a few more tries, I had it soaring across the room, much to the amusement of my peers. From across the room Benny was beaming at me with pride. I smiled, rather pleased with myself, and turned back to Neville.

"Alright, your turn."

Neville wasn't nearly as successful, but I encouraged him on regardless. By the end of the meeting, he had managed to make my wand turn over in my hand.

"It moved that time! It really did!" I said excitedly.

He smiled gratefully, seeming at least somewhat reassured by my support.

"I'll do better next time." he said, determination etched into his features.

"I know you'll get the hang of it." I responded, admiring his perseverance.

As everyone began to disperse in small numbers, Neville pulled me aside.

"Thanks again Laura, for uh, actually wanting to be my partner."

My face flushed mildly, "Anytime. We still on for studying tomorrow?"

"Yeah, of course!" his eyes brightened, seeming genuinely pleased.

Waving goodbyes to some of the other members, I made my back to the common room, this time with Justin and Susan. They chatted quietly about homework due for one of our classes, but I found it hard to listen when my ears were filled with the wonderful sound of joy in Neville's voice, especially considering it was directed at me.

_________________________

'Damn, how is it this late already?'

I was rushing through the halls, desperately trying to make it back to my dormitory before Filch started his nightly rounds. Fifth years were allowed out later than others, but with Umbridge around no one dared to test the limits of our curfew. I had five minutes to make it down two more flights of stairs, and on to the kitchens.

'If only Cece had showed up, then I would've actually been able to finish my potions essay.' I thought bitterly.

My best friend had forgotten about our plans to study in the library again, for the third time this week. I was struggling immensely without her help and my marks were slipping, which Snape actually seemed to take some sort of morbid pleasure in.

'How could she be so selfish?'

Jealousy flared inside me, and I angrily huffed my way down another corridor, clutching my books close to my chest. I know Draco meant a lot to her, and part of me was actually very pleased to see them getting on so well. I wanted Cece to be happy, more than anything, I just hadn't realized it would hurt so much to have her choose him over me.

'Maybe I can talk to her about it...let her know that I -'

My thought was cut short as I rounded a corner only to see an older couple snogging against a wall. I rolled my eyes in distaste, but stopped walking when recognition washed over me.

There was no mistaking it, the long dark hair and blue blouse belonged to that of Tamera Dawson, and the boy she was tangled up with was most definitely not my brother.

Shock flooded me, and anger rose so quickly I had to keep from hexing her right then and there. Instead, disregarding any consequences that might follow, I turned around and made my way straight for the Gryffindor common room.

Benny always told me the passwords for their house, explaining to Professor McGonagall that it was necessary in case of a family emergency. I think she only allowed it because she knew I was incredibly responsible, and I did well in transfiguration.

Taking the steps two at a time I reached the portrait of The Fat Lady, largely out of breath. She seemed a bit confused, but let me in regardless after I spoke the password, and pleaded with her for a bit.

Stumbling into the common room, I saw my brother lounging by the fireplace, having a laugh with Fred and George. Upon my entry he looked over, surprised to see me, and I froze. It hadn't occurred to me how to explain what I had just witnessed. My heart had told me to go to him, but my mind had not yet come up with anything to say.

"Benny, I...I saw..." I stammered, walking over to him, "Benny, I'm so sorry...I saw Tamera...she was with...she's cheating on you." I finished quietly.

His eyes glazed over, momentarily at a loss, and for the third time in my life I saw my brother cry.