Work Text:
The Hogwarts grounds are alive with the voices of students during the long awaited weekend. Around every corner a group of friends is chatting non-stop, something they couldn't do during classes. A lot more people are outside on their days off, basking in the sun or enjoying the breathtaking view that surrounds Hogwarts. You, on the other hand, spent your whole Saturday working hard on all of the godforsaken homework you were assigned. It was bothersome, but with the help of your housemates and the kind warmth of the fireplace you had completed it all.
The morning of the next day you spent in the company of your friends, gossiping about the most recent news that were spreading around Hogwarts. After that, the rest of the day was all yours. You didn't have anything planned, so you decided to relax. You roam the halls, strike up conversations with mates, and settle down in the library for an hour or two to read some books of your interest. After a few hours, you have done everything that crossed your mind, so you decide to take a stroll.
As you step outside you immediately feel the sun embrace you in a warm hug. It's so bright out that you have to lift your hand to shield your eyes as they adjust to the bright rays. The hills encircling Hogwarts stand tall and beautiful, bathed in sunshine. You walk around the cobblestone paths, and enjoy the feeling of grass beneath your hands as you rest on the patches of soft land.
After a few minutes of wandering the stone walkways amongst many other students, a certain one catches your eye. Only then do you realize that it's your fellow classmate Neville, who seems to be deep in a conversation, although no one is around him. It all makes sense once you notice that he's holding a large amphibian in his palm. Trevor.
You begin to wonder what they are talking about. Neville was always a bit peculiar in other peoples' eyes, but you didn't mind. You actually found him quite entertaining. Plus, nothing was unusual if you were friends with Luna. Over the years you've had a few classes with the two of them, and they were honestly great companions, even if most students though otherwise.
You pick up your pace as you make your way over to Neville.
"Hey Neville!"
Your sudden arrival startles him, causing him to jump, nearly dropping poor Trevor.
"Hi," you repeat yourself. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."
A chuckle nearly escapes you as you glance at Neville's frightened appearance, and down at his hands that are holding Trevor in what was practically a headlock.
"What were you two talking about?"
Neville's eyebrow inch farther up his forehead, his eyes widening to resemble the plates you eat off of during breakfast.
"Nothing... What do you mean?"
You decide against further inquiring about his and Trevor's conversation.
“Mind if I join you?”
“Uh-yeah, okay.”
The silence between the two of you is occasionally broken by your remarks about the weather and questions about Trevor’s life. After around half an hour of you and Neville circling the castle, talking about this and that, you notice a slight change in his demeanor. He initially wasn't always looking your way as you spoke, but now he seems to only focus on either Trevor or the ground below his feet. He now held the toad in only one hand, and the other was gently swaying by his side, and your side too. You don't pay attention to it at first, until you begin to feel the occasional brushes against your hand, and how Neville's eyes linger on your fingers before quickly looking away.
You realize that the pleasant sun was gradually setting below the horizon, taking both its light and heat with it. The students around you were huddling closer together, and some were already walking towards the castle entrances.
Neville's hesitant nature continues to concern you. You gain a sudden confidence, and do something without exactly thinking about it. You hold out your hand to Neville as you glance at him. His pace abruptly slows down as he stares from your palm to the kind look in your eyes, before shyly placing his hand into yours. Your fingers intertwine, and you gently brush your thumb over his skin. His hand twitches lightly at your touch, but he seems to become less tense soon after. The color that paints his face reminds you of the vivid Poppies that bloom on the fields, but his smile causes the same warmth in your chest as the sun does on a beautiful spring day.
You and Neville slowly make your way back to the castle, fingers joined in a tight embrace. You feel warmer, you believe it's because of the hand-holding, but deep down you know it's not just that.