I Love Plants {a Neville Longbottom story}

Burning of the Burrow

Half blood prince

All of us watch in horror as the home the Weasleys built, grew up in, loved, all those years was burning to the ground. Mr Weasley held Mrs Weasley in his arms as she sobbed at the loss of memories.

This is why I wasn't mean to leave my grandmother's. But that didn't matter now, I was glad to be with my friends. Everyone was safe, and I needed to be here for them.

Mending the cabinet was finally, after all this time. A success.
"Merlins beard! We've finally done it!" Draco exclaims.
"Yeah, but now we have nothing holding you back from the next part of your task." I say.
He shivered at my words.
"You know I have to kill him. Don't you?" He asks.
"I've known the whole time." I say.
We both look at each other. Worry overcomes us.
"It's ok Draco. I'm here with you, we do this together ok?" I say.
"Neville is probably back by now, you should go see him." He says as he turns his back on me. I take a step towards him but then I freeze. He needs to be alone right now.

"Nev!" I yell as I run towards the boy in the great hall. He turns towards me and I jump into his arms.
I wrap my whole body around his hugging the life out of him.
"Serenity." He whispers into my ear. "It's done, isn't it? Your task?" He asks. I nod, still wrapped in his arms, not looking at him.
"Okay." He says. "And the black swan patronus, that was you wasn't it?" He asks. I pull away from our embrace and look at him with worried eyes.
"You were there!? I told you not to!" I exclaim.
"And I'm supposed to be ok with my friends burning up?" He asks rather angry. I look at him again. He is a fighter, he is protective. He cares so deeply. I knew I wouldn't be able to change that.
"No of course not, I'm glad you were there to help them. Are they ok? Is everyone alright?" I ask
"Yeah, thanks to your warning we were ready for them." He smiles at me. I'm so thankful for the relationship we have. The trust. The love. I'm going to miss it.

"Cmon love let's go spend a day together." He says while intertwining his fingers in mine and pulling me along.

Despite what is coming next I feel completely at peace. I lay in the cold air with Neville. Lounging in the grass next to the lake. Taking in his scent, his warmth. There is so much to appreciate in this moment. I can't let it go to waste by worrying about the future. I lay in Neville's lap and he plays with my hair. I pet my toad, Phib, who is resting on my belly.

"Neville. Can I tell you something?" I ask
"Anything Ren." He says. Leaning in to kiss my nose.
"Remember first year? When I found Trevor before we got sorted?"
"Yes, I remember. Then Draco was a sassy ass and claimed the spot as top bully of the school. And he embarrassed you." Neville replies
"Yeah. Then I told you I was worried, that you would think I was bad too." I say. "And then you hugged me, told me everything would be ok. Do you remember that?" I ask
"Yeah. I knew you were kind, I didn't want you to worry about losing me as a friend. I wanted you to know I'd stick by you." He replies, he continues to play with your hair. Smiling at the warm memories playing in his head.

"That's when I fell in love with you." I say.
He pauses. He just freezes up. Then looks into my eyes to see if I'm serious. I am.
"Really? You knew then? Why didn't you say anything?" He asks.
"Well we were far too young for starters, but I wasn't sure if you'd feel the same. You were kind, caring. I knew what I was getting myself into with you. But my past, my present, my future. I knew it wasn't good. I didn't want to put you through it, I didn't know if you'd even want that. I didn't really know what I wanted until 4th year. Then I just couldn't resist anymore. Your friendship was everything to me but I was selfish, I am selfish. I love you Neville Longbottom. I'll never stop loving you until the day I die." I say. Once I finish speaking my last word he pulls me into a kiss. Tears running down his cheeks. The kiss feels different. It feels like goodbye.