Know Thyself {Neville Longbottom}

VII. Narcissus

Narcissus

Possesses both restorative and lethal properties.

A shriek of the utmost rage and contempt filled the courtyard, bringing a satisfied smirk to my face.

"YOU!"

I turned to see Tamera storming my way, large unsightly boils covering her once pale complexion.

"You did this to me!" she cried accusingly, gesturing wildly.

Not even bothering to hide my amusement I replied, "I think it's a great improvement actually."

From behind me the Weasley twins, who were watching on eagerly, sniggered. Her mouth fell open in shock, and she quickly turned to my brother who was also nearby.

"Look at what your wretched sister did to me!"

He gave her a once over, then nodded in approval. "Good work, sis."

Fred, George, and I all doubled over in laughter while Tamera stood there sputtering, unable to comprehend the situation.

"It really does suit you Dawson-"

"Yeah, now the outside matches the inside!" The twins added.

She glared at them, finally realizing that they were behind the whole thing. They had after all, sort of made a name for themselves throughout the school with their steady line of joke products.

"You two, fix me now!"

I rolled my eyes at her bossy attitude, still prevalent even in her current state.

"Ah come on Tamera, if you're clever enough to date two people at once surely you can figure out how to fix your face yourself." I said, taking a jab at the vain Ravenclaw's intelligence.

She cast a furious glance at me before looking worriedly to Benny, who managed to keep a rather indifferent demeanor.

Sensing she was outmatched she resorted to other means, "I'll tell McGonagall on you, all of you!"

"And tell her what exactly? That you ate some bad sweets, and broke out?" Fred asked.

"Hardly sounds like magic was involved." George said, with a wink.

"You should probably go see Madam Pompfrey just in case the results become permanent." I commented seriously.

The look of horror on her face had us all laughing again, and we watched as she hurried away most likely towards the hospital wing.

"Feel any better?" I inquired, looking at my brother.

He cocked his head to the side, "Yeah, a bit. You think I shoulda told her we're through?"

"Nah mate, I think she understood that perfectly." Fred answered, grinning.

"That really was a brilliant idea, Laura." George praised, "Seems you're a bit more rebellious than the average Hufflepuff."

I shrugged, mildly proud of myself. It had been my idea to send Tamera the Fever fudge disguised as a gift from that Slytherin bloke I'd seen her with. The twins had been gracious enough to provide me with the product, and all I had to do was ask my cousin Roger, also a Ravenclaw, to pass it along.

I knew it wouldn't entirely mend my brother's broken heart, but it was the least I could do for him. I was extremely protective of Benny, and the rest of my family for that matter.

'I suppose it does bring out the fight in me...'

"If McGonagall suspects anything, I'll take the blame, tell her it was my idea." Benny said to me, as we walked back to our respective houses.

"You don't always have to look out for me, Benny."

He shook his head, "Yes, I do. Our family needs at least one person with a good reputation."

We laughed, "Besides, it's the least I can do to thank you." he continued, draping an arm over my shoulder and squeezing me lightly.

____________________

'Chinese Chomping Cabbage is a useful ingredient for brewing potions such as Skele-grow...'

THUNK!

I looked up from my notes, surprised to find Cece glowering at me, having dropped her books on the table where I was sitting.

"Hello, finally decided to join me?" I asked, unable to keep the bitterness from my tone.

"Oh that's rich Laura, blame me for spending time with my boyfriend, while you've been latched to Neville like a leech for the past month." she retorted angrily.

"Only because you're never around..." I mumbled.

She let out a frustrated sigh, "I've been trying! It's not that I don't want to spend time with you, I just don't want to screw things up with Draco!"

"Ah, so he is more important then."

"That's not what I said!" her voice grew shriller. "What do you have against him anyway?"

"You're fraternizing with the enemy!" I said through gritted teeth.

Her confused expression made me wish I hadn't spoken, "Enemy to who?" she asked carefully.

I cursed inwardly, because I still hadn't told Cece about Dumbledore's Army, so obviously she didn't realize that Malfoy being apart of Umbridge's Inquisitorial Squad made him the enemy.

Thinking quickly I replied, "To Neville. You and I both know Malfoy bullies him relentlessly."

This was also true, Neville had slowly been filling me in on all of the ways Malfoy inflicted misery upon him, which had certainly furthered my dislike for the Slytherin.

"It can't be that bad..." She began, but stopped when I gave her an incredulous look.

"You just don't know him like I do, is all. He's different with me."

"Of course he's different with you. That's part of his two-faced lying nature."

I could physically sense the hurt I had just caused my best friend, but I wasn't about to take back anything I'd said.

"Well, if that's how you truly feel...then there's no reason for us to talk anymore!" She said, her tone making me wince.

"Fine." I muttered, staring down at my parchment.

She left in a huff, stomping her way out of the library. As soon as she was out of sight fresh tears sprung from my eyes. Not bothering to wipe them away, I buried my face in my sleeve and cried, realizing I had probably just lost Cece for good.