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Neville had almost declined Professor McGonagall’s offer of him being Head Boy, but the older witch had informed him that there wasn’t anyone else that she trusted with the position. To care for the students. To advocate for them. And Gran was so proud, her boy as Head Boy, that in the end, he accepted the role.
He had thought he would see Pansy at King’s Cross after not having heard from her since the Battle. But she wasn’t at the train station and she wasn’t anywhere on Hogwarts Express. Neville feared that she wouldn’t come, that he wouldn’t see her ever again.
Besides a shiny badge, and a big set of responsibilities, which came with his private quarters. “Finis coronat opus.”
The door opened, and Neville almost fell to his knees. Sitting on top of his bed was Pansy Parkinson, like a gift waiting for him.
“Pansy…”
“Hi, Neville. You took your sweet time. I had a quick scout around your new dorm. Very nice,” she winked.
“What are you doing here? How?”
“The original password for the Head Boy and Head Girl rooms is always the same. I don’t even know if you remembered that I was Head Girl last year.” She got to her feet and walked in his direction, until she was just a few steps away.
“You weren’t on the train… I thought you weren’t coming…” Neville explained, raising one hand to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
“I almost didn’t… I was terrified that they would send me back to the Slytherin Common Room. I don’t think I can ever live underwater again,” she whispered, and Neville pulled her into his arms.
“I understand. I really do, but I’m so glad you’re here, Pansy,” he would never be sure what compelled him to say the next words, but there was no stopping them. “I enjoy having you in my arms.”
“I like when you hold me in your arms. I feel safe,” the Slytherin whispered.
“No one will hurt you, Pansy. I promise. Not again. Not while I’m around.” he assured, holding her tight.
“What does that mean?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure we’ll find out, sooner rather than later,” Nev smiled. They stayed in silence for some time, just holding onto each other. “What happened after your mother appeared?”
She sighed, letting herself fall into the bed, his bed. But Neville didn’t mind. He chose one of the armchairs by the fire to sit, looking at her. “Calliope Parkinson always has a plan. She gathered information against my father, transcripts from Gringotts. He’s being imprisoned for some time.”
“I’m sorry.”
Pansy snorted. “Please, Longbottom. Don’t be. He was a terrible father, a weak wizard, and a disastrous husband. He wasn’t even deemed worthy by You-Know-Who to be marked. Your bed is comfortable.”
“I wouldn’t know…”
The Slytherin smirked, “Well, it’s a gigantic bed, not like the ones we had in our previous dorms. I’m sure it can fit both of us.” Neville blushed, trying to look away from her predatory blue eyes, but he couldn’t do it. She was a beacon of light. He was so glad she was back at Hogwarts. “Don’t worry. I’ll be going now. Daphne is waiting for me in the dorm we share.”
The Gryffindor watched her walk to the door, before she turned to look at him one more time. “Good night, Neville.”
“Good night, Pansy. Sleep tight.”