Know Thyself {Neville Longbottom}

XII. Aster

Aster

A talisman of love

"Valentine's Day has got to be the most absurd holiday in existence." I grumbled, glancing around the halls of the school. It was a warmer morning than most, which was just about the only good part of the day so far.

"You're only saying that because you don't have a date." Cece stated matter-of-factly, fixing her hair for the millionth time since we'd finished breakfast. She had used a new charm that was supposed to eliminate frizz, but didn't seem to trust that it had done the job properly.

"That is not the reason," I contradicted her, "I just don't understand the point of getting all worked up over one day of the year. I mean, if you really like someone you could tell them at any time, it doesn't have to be today."

"Well, yes but if you do tell them today it's just so much more romantic!"

"And you're only saying that because you've got a date with your dreamy boyfriend Draco." I pointed out, rolling my eyes. "Now would you stop fussing? You look lovely!"

We continued walking through the castle, and out into the courtyard where several other couples were departing for Hogsmeade.

"You know, you could always ask Neville to do something like look at plants, or whatever it is you two do."

"Fat chance." I muttered, "Besides, I have no idea where he is."

"Suit yourself," she replied with a shrug, "I'll bring you back something from Honeydukes."

I waved her off, and watched as she headed to the village with Draco. I had to admit, they looked rather happy together. If only Draco weren't such a git about destroying D.A. I might actually be friendly towards him. For the time being however, the less he knew about me the better.

I wasn't exactly eager to get started on the pile of class work sitting on my bed, so I decided to take a walk around the grounds and enjoy the change in weather. Out of habit I ended up walking towards the greenhouses, hoping that Professor Sprout might have something for me to help her with. As I approached them, I noticed the door to greenhouse four was already open, and popped my head in to see who was there. To my surprise, it was Neville.

"Oh, hello there." I called out to him.

He looked up, somewhat startled. "Laura? What are you doing here?"

"Avoiding classwork." I answered honestly, "And you?"

He smiled at my response, and picked up a large bag of dragon manure. "I've got to re-pot my Mimbulus Mimbletonia again. It just keeps getting bigger..."

"Would you like any help?"

He paused, as if he didn't quite believe my offer, and said "Sure. That'd be great."

Together we lifted a heavy pot onto one of the work tables, and began filling it with manure.

"So, you really haven't got any plans today? I thought you might be with Justin or something." Neville commented in an offhand manner.

I gave him a curious look, "With Justin? What made you think that?"

Neville's face began to turn strangely pink as he mumbled a response, "Well, I mean with today being, you know...and you and him seem to get on pretty well."

A small bubble of hope rose in my chest as I realized he actually cared about what I was doing on Valentine's day.

"Oh, well I suppose we do, but we're just good friends is all. Actually, I think there's something going on with him and Susan, it's only a matter of time really..." I tried my best to sound casual as I said all this, and I noticed Neville's demeanor became more relaxed.