The New Girl

Chapter 11

Vivian Longbottom:

I was scared I was going to spend the holiday break alone. My parents had barely settled into our new home, since they were always away at work in the Ministry. Not being able to see Sonia and Dominic, or Julian and Rosalind made me even more miserable. Thankfully, I spent Christmas Day with my parents, Neville and his grandmother. I was so happy I had Neville by my side, it made our new home feel not so empty. Neville and I didn't grow up together, but he was like a brother to me. We decided to ask if he could spend the rest of our break here with me. His grandmother was hesitant, but she reluctantly agreed.

With my parents back at work, Neville and I spent the rest of our Christmas holiday just the two of us. We snuck into a movie theater on a few occasions and watched half a dozen movies. He was so nervous we were going to get caught, but I told him he needed to relax and not look suspicious. Once we were successfully in our seats, I would go buy him a bucket of popcorn and a Coke and he was fine after that. I showed Neville my favorite muggle TV shows and video games. He didn't have any idea how advanced muggle's had become without the use of magic. He particularly favored reruns of 'Golden Girls'.

We would stay up late, eating snacks, and Neville told me a lot of stories about his early years at Hogwarts. How he never felt like he belonged in Gryffindor, that he wasn't brave enough. He told me stories about how nasty Draco and his goons were to him: stealing Trevor and hiding him in Snape's office for Snape to find in his drawer, knowing how much the potions professor scared Neville, constantly pushing him around in the halls and stealing his bookbag, and the awful stories went on.

"But that was then. I've learned to stand up for myself more, I don't let their cruel words or stupid pranks upset me anymore." Neville said, more confidently than i've ever heard before. "Crabbe and Goyle tried to corner me earlier this year, but I managed to stun them and escape. Although those two are the least of my worries."

He also shared with me his love for Herbology and how Professor Sprout has encouraged him to study more advanced plants. I had been dying to know if she knew about Angela and Jackie's personal stash hidden in one of the greenhouses.

"Do not let anyone know I told you this, but I know for a fact Professor Sprout has taken cutting of their plants to grow her own, and better, supply. She and Dumbledore have a standing date every other week to smoke." he finished, unable to hold back his laughter. I wasn't even surprised, but I couldn't stop my jaw from dropping.

Neville asked me how I had liked my first few weeks at Hogwarts, and I wanted to open up to him. I debated telling him about what happened between Draco and me on Halloween, how conflicted I felt every time I saw him, and how confused I was when he ran away from me on the night before the holiday. I also didn't want to bring up my kiss with Dean. My head was confused about my feelings for the both of them. I thought about telling him about my secret ability, being able to transform myself, and have someone know the real me. Instead, I decided to keep it simple.

"I really like it at Hogwarts, it feels like home." I gave him a warm smile. We spent the last few days of break doing some assignments we had neglected all break. Professor Lupin had assigned us to practice some defensive spells and Neville and I needed our practice.

---

My parents dropped Neville and me off at Platform 9&¾ and I hugged my parents goodbye once more. My dad told me how proud of me he was that I've been staying out of trouble and focusing on my studies. Neville and I boarded the Hogwarts Express. I hugged him goodbye and thanked him for spending his break with me, and I went off to find my roommates. I was in a really good mood, excited for the new term.

I found Sandra and Pansy in a compartment close to the back of the train, sitting with Blaise and Draco. I sat down next so Pansy and she asked me about my holiday.

"It was fun! I thought i'd have to spend my break alone at my parents house as they were working but Neville stayed over after Christmas and we got to hangout." I started, but I heard Blaise and Draco laugh. "We watched a lot of movies" I finished telling Pansy, but was met with more laughter from the boys. "Did I say something funny?" I spat at the two of them.

"Nope. No. Nothing funny" Draco snickered. I knew they were laughing at Neville and the fact that I spent my break enjoying muggle entertainment. I bit my tongue and didn't respond. I looked over at Sandra and she gave me a shrug. I was instantly annoyed, I don't know what his problem was.

I thought back to our last encounter. I pulled him into a hug and he seemed awkward at first, but then he hugged me back. It was warm and comforting. I felt him relax against me, and then, just as quickly, he pulled away and ran away. Now, two weeks later, he has a weird cocky attitude to him.

I tried ignoring him for the rest of the train ride, but he looked so good. He was wearing a black monochromatic outfit detailed with his silver rings and single chain around his neck. I was in the middle of a conversation with the girls, when I looked over in his direction. He was leaning against the seat, looking out the window, and fidgeting with his rings. Those rings. Those rings that were pressed against my neck that night. Just the thought of him putting his hands around my neck again, making me gasp for air as he pleasures me was enough to make the blush rise to my face and make my stomach flip.

I wondered what he was thinking about as he watched the view pass us by.

---

I went down to dinner that night and sat with the same group of Slytherins. Pansy and Blaise started to argue about who knows what, but I wasn't paying attention. I poked at my food as my eyes made it over to the Gryffindor table. I spotted Dean laughing with Harry and Ginny, and I wished I was sitting with them instead. Dean's eyes met mine and he gave me a wave. He shook his head in the direction of the doors, silently asking me to meet him. I smiled and nodded. I was turning to Sandra to tell her I'd meet them in the common room later but I was met with Draco's gaze, locked on me. I didn't like the look on his face, a mix of anger and disgust. Without saying a word, I got up and left the Great Hall.

I waited for Dean out in the hall and he came out a minute after me. He wrapped his arms around me and spun me around while holding me in a tight hug.

"Nice to see you too!" I laughed as he gently put me down.

"It's been too long." he said, looking down at me. Dean reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"It was two weeks" I rolled my eyes, and gave him a flirtatious smile. We walked down the hall, towards the dungeons.

"I missed you. How was your holiday? Neville said you two had a great time." he said, putting his arm around me as we walked. We got to the doors of my common room, but I didn't want to say goodbye just yet. Dinner wasn't over yet so I wasn't worried about anyone interrupting us. I stood in front of Dean, my back against the door to the common room, and he leaned down to kiss me. I smiled against his lips and softly kissed him back. He moved his lips lightly over mine and placed a hand on my check.

"Vivian." he said my name quietly against my lips. "Be my girlfriend." I pulled him by his tie, bringing him in closer and I kissed him harder. "I'll take that as a yes," he said between kisses. He put both of his hands around my waist as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Do you mind getting the fuck out of my way?" Came a booming voice, a few feet in front of us. We broke apart and I saw Draco brush past us, in a hurry. He gave me a familiar annoyed look as he glared into my eyes for a brief moment, before disappearing through the door.

"Fucking Prick" I said, under my breath. Dean chose to ignore him and instead wrapped me in his arms again, kissing the top of my head. "I should go in, I still have a few assignments I've procrastinating doing" I told Dean after another quick kiss. He protested, but I promised to meet him after classes tomorrow so we could study together.

I walked into the common room and found Draco sitting in the same spot, looking at the crackling fire. "You two seemed cozy" he said, not looking away from the flames.

"Fuck off Draco", was all I managed to say.

"It's Malfoy to you," he threatened.

"Okay. Fuck off Malfoy." I quickly responded, starting to get agitated. I saw him whip his head around to respond to my words but I ran up to my dormitory before I gave him a chance to respond.