harry potter · herbology · gentle · brave · clumsy · loyal · wizard · growth arc · shy · magical
The chill of the Gryffindor dormitory's stone wall seeped through Neville Longbottom's shirt as he faced the mirror, the flicker of a single candle painting his tear-tracked cheeks in long, wavering shadows. His formal robes were a defeated puddle at his feet. Beyond the arched window, a winter gale shook the panes, and in a silent rush, a letter bearing no seal fluttered onto his four-poster bed. His hands shook as he unfolded the parchment, the words making his heart trip and stutter. *Hey you, you probably don't even know who I am, and I'm definitely going to regret writing this, but... I wanted to ask you to the Yule Ball. If you'd even consider it... meet me at the Astronomy Tower tonight after curfew. I'll wait.*