Word Count: 497
Drabble
Prompt: [Date] October 15th
Beta: Aya Diefair
For the Houses Competition
Hufflepuff, Sixth Year
When Neville first met Luna, he was absolutely baffled by her. He admired her unique perspective but didn't know how anyone could speak so… frankly without any fear. He gained a crush on her his sixth year and that crush grew. When she didn't return the next year, he was worried. He thought about her, hoped she was okay. She sent him letters sometimes and half the time, they got through the Carrows.
When she returned, he knew his crush hadn't subsided, so he resolved to tell her his feelings just before the battle.
She replied with, "That's nice. We'll talk about it after the battle."
He was thrilled when, after it was over, she sat down next to him, so they could talk about it. It turned out she felt the same but wanted him to be the one to exit his comfort zone.
"Exceedingly shy but sweet," she called him.
They dated for several years but broke up halfway through. Luna wanted to travel the world in search for rare creatures that she and her father speculated about, and Neville spent a year learning Herbology at Castelobruxo before returning to Britain to become a teaching assistant to Professor Sprout.
As it would turn out, he didn't date during that time and neither had Luna. They reconciled a month after their returns.
One day, Neville was listening to Luna about her findings on a creature she proved to exist and he realized he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
It took some time for him to find a ring unique enough for Luna and settled on one made of wood and a flower encased in resin. He chose an exact date: October 15th. The same date they reconciled. Another year of dating had definitely been long enough.
Of course, they talked about their futures together, including marriage. Neville just wanted to make it certain.
On October 15th, Luna met Neville at Rosa Lee Teashop in Hogsmeade, a chain from the one in Diagon Alley. It was more intimate than The Three Broomsticks, but not as intimate as Madam Puddifoot's.
"Neville, you look incredibly nervous," said Luna after they ordered. "Is everything alright?"
"Oh! Er– fine," said Neville. "Just fine."
"Did you know it was a year ago we got back together?" said Luna.
"Yes, that's actually why I invited you here," he said.
"That's nice. I think October fifteenth is a nicer anniversary than May second."
"Yes and… you see… I've been doing a lot of thinking and we've been doing a lot of talking…"
"I certainly hope so," said Luna with a serene smile that made Neville's stomach flutter. "I'd be concerned if we weren't."
Neville knocked his chair back and his silverware onto the floor in his haste to kneel. He produced the ring from his pocket and held it up.
"Luna Lovegood, will you marry me?" he blurted.
Luna gasped, shrieked gleefully, and threw her arms around his neck.