She sat quietly in front of the fireplace, staring unseeingly into the flickering flames. The staff room was fully decorated for Christmas. There was a large Christmas tree in the corner brimming with tinsel, lights, and ornaments. Lights were twisted upon the mantle of the fireplace, and there were even stockings hung – one for each professor. She adored the decorations normally but gathered no joy from them on this night.
She startled as a pair of strong, muscled arms pulled her up and wrapped around her waist. Neville buried his nose into her neck, taking a quick nip that caused her to squeal.
"He'll come around, love. He always does," he said softly.
Her eyes flew to the stocking hanging on the mantle that held his name. The one that was hanging between hers and Neville's.
Theo.
Written for the Harry Potter Christmas Collection.
Prompt: (22) Christmas Tree
This will be a series of mostly drabbles with some longer chapter. Some of the chapters will be flashbacks as noted by italics.
Thanks to Raybe for betaing.
Please read and review!