What Would Happen

What Would Happen

I'm walking towards Arithmancy when I hear the shout.

"Hey, Neville!" I flinch and wonder what I've done and how he would have found out. I turn around and sure enough there he is. Jeremy, standing there, with that half-starved look on his face. Instinctively my eyes seek out a crack on the floor and I brace myself. He comes closer and puts an arm around my shoulders.

"Smile!" he hisses in my ear. I manage to, a small watery one. Out loud he simply asks, "Can I talk to you. I only nod, a sick cold feeling in the pit of my stomach. He leads me around to an empty classroom.

Once inside, he drops the façade, and turns to face me a veiled expression coming over him.

"Why do you always look like you think I'm going to hit you?" He asks softly. Because you usually do! A mutinous little voice in the back of my head snips, but I silence in and only shake my head. I don't have a death wish yet. I hope my silence will be enough. It is, he takes it at face value.

"Anyway, my parents are having a Christmas party during the break. You're going to come right?" I nod, I'll have to give my Grandmother some excuse. "Good." He smiles, predator-like, and cups my face. His grip is strong, almost painful. "Because, I love you so much, and if you weren't that would make me hurt, and when I'm hurt I get angry." He almost growls that last word. I nod again to show I understand.

"Good." He says again and kisses me, hard, close to bruising. Turning he leaves without a word. I make sure he's gone before I slip to the floor sighing with relief, the familiar sting of tears behind my eyes. Sometimes I wonder why I don't leave him, but I know I could never find any one better. At least he loves me. I ignore the mutinous little voice again. I'm not lying to myself. If he didn't love me he wouldn't say he did. Would he?

The mutinous little voice speaks up, and this time it won't stop. What would happen if you left him? What would happen if you said no? He'd never stand for that. And I don't want another night like last week. I shudder as the feelings of pain and fear wash over me along with the memories. But that could change. If you told your friends, they'd help. They'd make sure Jeremy could never touch you again. Yes, Harry and Ron. And Hermione too, she's always been there for me. And Percy. A half sigh. Percy…

Maybe that little mutinous little voice isn't so bad. Yes I've made my decision. Standing and straightening my robes, I wipe my eyes hastily. Peeking out the door to make sure no one sees me, I collect my bag and hurry off to class.