Written for Ultimate Patronus Quest (squirrel: Write about a Hufflepuff) and the Speed Round (Hannah, stars, together)
"I thought we established that sneaking out at night was a horrible idea after Orla got caught by the Carrows," a voice calls from behind her.
Hannah swears softly under her breath and turns. She doesn't bother trying to appear contrite as Neville watches her, concern heavy in his eyes. "Nasty rescue mission," she agrees with a shudder. Truthfully, it took her nearly a month to stop seeing Orla- pale, shivering, and bleeding- every time she closed her eyes. "But Orla is young. She hasn't mastered the art of not getting caught. I miss the stars, Neville."
He glances around the empty corridor. Hannah waits for him to tell her to return to the Room of Requirement, to stop taking risks. There hasn't been a formal vote, but there's an unspoken agreement that Neville is their leader, and everyone has listened to him without hesitation. If he tells Hannah not to sneak out, she'll listen.
Neville sighs and shakes his head. "At least let me accompany you," he says.
She feels heat creep into her cheeks. "It's a date," she teases.
Neville stutters something she doesn't quite catch, and in the moonlight she can see that he's blushing deeper than she is. With a smile, she takes his hand and together they walk through the castle.
…
"I almost forgot how great fresh air feels," Neville sighs as a gentle breeze washes over them.
Hannah smiles to herself. She's always loved the Astronomy Tower. The air, the stars, the freedom. "We should send groups out," she suggests. "Everyone gets so restless in there, and we only ever go on quick runs for recruitment or rescue, and- What?"
Neville looks away quickly, a shy smile playing at his lips. "Everyone looks at me like I'm some sort of leader," he chuckles. "But you're the heart, you know. You think about what everyone might enjoy."
"And you think of what keeps them alive," she counters. "Pretty sure that's more important than looking at the stars."
Neville shrugs. "Can't have a head without a heart," he says simply. "Plus, I've only just been thrown into being a leader. You've always been good and kind."
Hannah feels her blush return. She's been complimented on her kindness before, and she's always taken pride in it, but hearing it from Neville is different. The way he says it, it's like it's the best thing in the world that he could be.
Neville moves closer, gesturing at a shooting star burning through the sky. "Make a wish," he says, slipping his hand into hers.
Hannah can't help but to laugh. The world is falling apart and going to hell, and the old childhood tradition seems silly now. But what's the harm in a little hope? "I wish this would end soon," she whispers.
…
They linger outside the Room of Requirement. Hannah knows that it's a risk, that the Carrows send patrols regularly. But she doesn't mind somehow.
"We're going to make it," Neville says softly. "We have to."
Hannah nods, though she's long since stopped believing that life was guaranteed. Losing her mother taught her that.
"We need to work together," he continues. "I'll lead, and you'll keep me grounded. We balance each other out."
Hannah smiles and nods.
"Besides, I just want an excuse to stay close to you," he adds.
"You've gotten bold," she teases with a laugh.
Neville shrugs. "I guess I'm growing into the whole Gryffindor thing."
She takes his hand. "I wouldn't mind staying close to you," she says.
She's entered the Room of Requirement countless times over the years, but now, with Neville's hand in hers, when she returns, it feels like coming home.