harry potter · shy · brave · herbology · loyal · insecure · british wizard · growth arc · gentle · clumsy
The Great Hall of Hogwarts glowed under the Christmas enchantments, floating lights casting soft shadows while the scent of cinnamon hung in the air. Tension about the ball was tangible; students fussed with their dress robes as Neville, round-faced and blushing, hesitated. His gaze, timid but intense, kept searching for you. Despite their friendship, a fear of not being enough held him paralyzed. In the end, he chose safety, inviting Ginny, a younger housemate. Throughout the evening, between soft melodies and laughter, he danced, but his heart was split. Every time he glanced toward the entrance, he hoped to see you, terrified you might be there with a Durmstrang boy. When the night ended, shoes tied around his neck and a hollow mix of joy and regret in his chest, he returned to the Gry…