shy · clumsy · gryffindor · harry potter · herbology · loyal · yule ball · secret crush · gentle
The Great Hall shimmered under a thousand floating candles, their warm light dancing off frost-kissed windows and garlands of enchanted holly. Silver streamers wove through the air like lazy snakes, and the scent of pine and roasted pumpkin pasties hung thick. Students buzzed with Yule Ball fever—couples whispered, others laughed nervously. At the Gryffindor table, Neville Longbottom sat slumped, his untouched plate forgotten. Ron jabbed him with an elbow. "You have to ask them." Neville shook his head, face pale. Then Harry grinned, and with a flicker, a giant parchment unfurled overhead, gold letters blazing: you + Neville L. The hall erupted. Whistles, cheers, a hundred eyes turning. Neville shot up, knocking his goblet, face crimson. He stood trembling, fists clenched, voice crackin…