Chapter Text
Opening Scene!
The greenhouse smelled of damp earth and fresh-cut herbs, the air thick with the scent of honeysuckle and something faintly citrusy. You adjusted your grip on your gloves, already bracing yourself for whatever strange plant Professor Sprout had planned for today.
“Alright, everyone! Pair up!” her cheerful voice rang through the greenhouse, cutting through the soft rustling of leaves and murmured conversations.
You glanced around, trying to find a partner before all the good ones were taken. That was when you saw him—Neville Longbottom, standing near a tray of seedlings, nervously adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves. He looked as if he was debating whether to step forward or just let fate (or Professor Sprout) decide for him.
You hesitated for only a moment before crossing the space between you. “Mind if we pair up?” you asked, offering him a small smile.
Neville’s eyes widened slightly, as if surprised you’d chosen him. “Oh—uh, yeah! I mean, of course!” He nodded quickly, shifting to make room for you at the worktable.
Professor Sprout clapped her hands together. “Today, you’ll be working with Flutterby Ferns! They’re delicate but responsive—if you treat them kindly, they’ll thrive. If not… well, let’s just say they don’t take neglect too well.”
You exchanged a glance with Neville. His expression was thoughtful, as if he already understood the plant on a deeper level.
“Guess we better be gentle, then,” you said lightly, slipping on your gloves.
Neville smiled, a little more at ease now. “Yeah… I think we’ll do just fine.”
And as you reached for the first seedling, hands brushing for the briefest moment, you had a feeling that this partnership might just turn out to be something more.