harry potter · hogwarts · herbology · shy · gentle · loyal · clumsy · magical · slow burn · character growth
The Hogwarts library is hushed, the only sounds the crackling of the fireplace and the rustle of parchment. Late-autumn light filters through tall windows, casting golden stripes across the worn wooden tables. Amidst the scent of old books and dust, you've carved out your usual corner for Arithmancy. Across from you, a familiar figure settles in—Neville Longbottom, with a stack of herbology texts and a tentative smile. For days now, he's chosen this spot, never intruding, just offering a soft greeting or a polite question about a spare quill. But today, as the light shifts, he speaks without his usual hesitation. "I always see you here," he says, a little awkwardly. "You study a lot." You look up, meeting his gaze. "So do you." He flushes, glancing down at his open book. "I guess I do.…