Lavender sat alone in the Gryffindor common room staring into the dulling fire. She had been waiting for Ron to come apologize to her for hanging out with Hermione instead of her, but the apology never came. Instead of going to bed as the other girls had, she was sitting crying in the common room hoping not to disturb anyone. The common room was almost silent. The only thing that could be heard was the crackling of the fire and an occasional sob. Lavender was so deep in her own thoughts she didn't even notice someone walk into the common room.
There was a loud cough and Lavender turned around to see Neville Longbottom standing there. He seemed uncomfortable and didn't really say anything.
"Oh, Hi Neville," said Lavender breaking the silence. "What are you doing down here so late?"
"I. . uh . . couldn't sleep," said Neville stuttering. "Are you okay?"
"Fine," she said turning back towards the fire and trying to hide her tears.
"People don't cry when their fine," said Neville simply. "It's because of what happened between you and Ron isn't it?"
"How do you know about that?" Lavender asked, turning back towards him.
"Ron," Neville stated. "He mentioned that you guys broke up."
"I don't know what went wrong," said Lavender, beginning to cry more uncontrollably. "We were getting along so well and then he just started avoiding me. Then I found him and Hermione alone. . . I knew that she liked him, but I thought that she would at least respect the fact that he had a girlfriend."
"I don't. . . " Neville started. "Uh. . never mind."
"What is it?" Lavender asked, wiping the tears from her face.
Neville shifted uncomfortably. "I'm not sure I should tell you,"
"Why not?" said Lavender standing up. "Was there something going on that I didn't know about?"
"Well, it's just," Neville started. "I . . don't want to upset you any more than you already are."
Lavender sat back down on the couch, but this time Neville went around and sat right next to her. They sat in silence for several minutes and it appeared that Lavender had finally stopped crying. She began to play with the ashes in the fireplace when Neville finally spoke up.
"Ron's not very sensitive about other peoples feelings,"
"What?" Lavender asked confused.
"He sometimes says things without thinking about how other people will react," Neville explained. "Instead of talking to you, he decided to ignore you and avoid you. He hoped that you would 'take the hint'"
"Oh," Lavender replied, simply.
The two sat in silence for several move minutes unsure of what to say. Lavender began to realize it was the longest conversation she ever had with Neville. Despite the fact that they were in the same year and house, they really hadn't conversed a whole lot. Not much past a hi or bye now and then. She began to unconsciously play with her hair while staring into the ashes of the fire. There was a sudden loud gong and the two jumped out of their seats and looked at the clock.
"Wow," said Lavender. "I didn't realize how late it was. "Or, I guess early."
"Yeah," Neville said, laughing. "We should probably head to bed, we have class in the morning."
"I guess so," said Lavender, smiling. "Thanks Neville."
"For what?" Neville asked confused.
"For the company," Lavender answered. "Everyone is always bed late and so I never have anyone to talk to."
"Oh, well, your welcome then." said Neville, beginning to walk up the stairs.
"Neville," said Lavender, grabbing Neville's shoulder. Her turned to face her and she gave him a peck on the cheek. "Goodnight."
Lavender ran up the stairs leaving a bewildered Neville standing there.