Know Thyself {Neville Longbottom}

VI. Valerian

Derived from the latin word "valere," meaning "to be strong"; this versatile root is considered a cure-all and is a featured ingredient in several potions. 

"You can't be serious. This is what you're wearing on the most important day of your life?" Cece's skeptical gaze swept over my outfit. 

I sighed and tugged my woolen jacket tighter around myself. "I can and I am because it's bloody cold outside. What would you rather I do?"

"Have you considered transfiguring yourself into a plant?"

"If this is your idea of a pep talk then I'll be seeking moral support elsewhere," I replied, and placed my hands on my hips.

She tutted and gave my shoulders a squeeze. "I'm only teasing, dear. Plant or no plant, Longbottom can't take his eyes off you. I just know you two are going to have the most adorable date and my only regret is not being there to witness it."

A smile crept its way onto my face, "As much as I love you, it would be rather awkward to explain why my best friend is hovering over us like a pixie watching our every move."

Cece scoffed, "I take offense to that, I'm far more dangerous than a pixie."

Laughter bubbled inside my chest and I gave her a quick hug before hurrying to the entrance of the castle where Neville was waiting.

"Have fun," she called after me, "do everything I would do!"

I ignored her comment and approached him with a smile, "Morning, Neville."

"Good morning." He replied, looking as excited as I felt.

Snowflakes had settled in his hair and the cold wind blowing through the open front doors had already colored his face red. 

As we waited for Filch to complete a security check of each student, I pulled Neville's scarf from my coat pocket. 

"I thought you might need this today. Thanks again for letting me borrow it."

I held it out and his expression was one of genuine surprise. 

"I'd sort of forgotten about it, to be honest."  He started to put it on, hesitated, "Are you sure you won't need it? You can keep it if you like."

I pointed to my own black and gold scarf wrapped around my neck and chuckled. "I've come prepared today."

He blinked, as if just noticing my attire, "Right, of course. They, erm, looked all right on you," he tugged at his scarf, "the colors, I mean."

I shook my head, "Thanks, but I made a point of telling the Sorting Hat not to place me in Gryffindor."

Neville glanced at me with eyes that were oddly cryptic, "So did I," 

"Move along, you lot! I've got better things to do." Filch gestured towards us with his Secrecy Sensor and we both hastened down the steps before he could use the device in a more threatening manner.

__________

The walk to Hogsmeade was near torture. The light snow in the courtyard had given way to sleet and the winds were so strong I was nearly bowled over. After a particularly strong gust I clamped onto Neville's arm, using him as an anchor for the rest of the trip. Fortunately, he didn't seem to mind.