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The night was dark, away from city lights and curious eyes. The wind plays lightly with your hair as your hands rest on the railings, smooth and cold, though the chill provides a feeling of comfort. You were in the astronomy tower, overlooking the Hogwarts grounds below and the starry sky above.
Astronomy has always been of your interest. Ever since your first year at Hogwarts you always waited with excitement for your next astronomy class. After you were done with a school day, and the often times overwhelming amount of homework, you enjoyed reading books about your favorite subject or even visiting the astronomy tower closer towards curfew. The climb up wasn't easy, but it was always worth it. Of course, stars aren't as visible and beautiful in the evening as they are towards midnight, so you have managed to find a way to occasionally sneak out of the (Gryffindor/Slytherin/Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw) common room without getting caught. Today was one of those nights where you weren't in your dorm, but at the tallest tower in Hogwarts, which you preferred much more.
Beside where you stood lay open a sky atlas you borrowed from the library, you needed a bit of help with identifying constellations. And this time, you weren't alone in the tower in the late hours of the night. You managed to drag your friend Neville along with you. It took a bit of convincing, since he was so sure you would get caught, but with a kind smile and reassuring words he gave in and followed you all the way up here.
You and Neville usually saw each other either in the corridors or during classes. But today, you felt like that wasn't enough. Not sure why that is, you thought...
It was way past curfew as you conversed about everything and nothing, with somewhat awkward minutes of silence in between. But somewhy, it didn't really feel that way at all.
"That's the lucida, or the brightest star in a constellation, right there," you say as you point to a star in the sky while talking about a certain constellation. Neville doesn't reply, but you can tell he's listening as he slightly leans forward over the railing and closer towards you to see where your pointing. Your heart skips a few beats as you feel him lightly bump into you.
-- ✦ --
After some time has passed and Neville and you have already told each other all about the new things you learned in Herbology and Astronomy, you simply stand gazing at the stars. Well, that's what the two of you thought. Every time you commented on something in the sky he would look at you for a bit longer than he should. As he would turn back to look upwards into the night, you would redirect your gaze to him, the corners of your mouth twitching upwards at the sight of him.
-- ✦ --
You suddenly feel a gentle weight on your hand. As you glance to your right you notice that Neville's hand is laying atop of yours. You look up to see him facing away from you, his free hand rubbing the back of his neck. A faint blush creeping up his cheeks as his eyes frantically move across the night sky.
You can’t help but smile at his gesture, as you feel your own face heat up. You quietly clear your throat and say, "Neville, I-uh... I really like spending time with you."
He immediately turns to face you, his attention stolen from the stars, with widened eyes and mouth slightly agape.
A few seconds of silence pass as the two of you stare into each others eyes.
"Uhm-me too."
You both surely had more to say, but for now, that was more than enough.
Hand in hand, you and Neville look back at the stars with sheepish grins on your faces, not because of the stars, but because of each other.
Star gazing really was your favorite thing in the world.