I walked in seeing a few familiar faces. It was Slytherins and Ravenclaws. They were learning the Cruciatus Curse. I couldn't help laughing when Pansy fried Luna.
This was how it was meant to be. Me, laughing at other peoples' pain caused by Dark Magic. The class ended and the next one came in.
Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. I sure knew who'd win this. I had given it no thought, until I saw Neville, grim-faced, dragging himself in and to his seat.
I stayed to the back of the room, hiding from him.
"Longbottom," the Carrow cried. "Crucio on Weasley."
Ginny stood tentatively. Neville took out his wand and raised it. Ginny winced. Nothing happened.
"Do it, Longbottom!"
"No."
"What did you say?"
"No."
"Harris!"
Timidly, I walked to the front. Neville gaped when he saw me.
The Carrow shoved Neville my way. I grabbed him by the collar and pulled him out of the room.
"Dammit, Longbottom! You picked a perfect time to get bold, you arse!"
"I-I'm s-s-sorry." He stuttered and refused to meet my gaze.
I put my hand under his chin and made him look at me. "I don't bite, Longbottom."
His gaze still slipped away. "I didn't think you'd come back."
"Had to. Mum's orders. Now, about that punishment..."
"You're really going to do it?"
I nodded. I took out my Beechwood wand. "Come with me."
I led him to one of the dungeons. I stepped inside and shut the door behind us. He was backed against the wall.
"Let's get this over with," I groaned.
I raised my wand and started to say the spell, when he grabbed my wrist.
"Please. Jo," he pleaded. "This isn't you."
I snorted. "You stupid Longbottom. Don't you get it? I'm a Death Eater."
"You liked me."
I sighed. "I'll admit my wrongs."
"Wrongs?"
"I should never have done that."
"You couldn't help it though."
I nodded. He stepped closer. His lips were just inches from mine.
"Get away from me," I whispered urgently.
"No. This isn't you," he said again.
"Only a fool wouldn't face the fact that I'm dangerous."
He chuckled. "I suppose I must be the biggest fool."
He stepped into a kiss. I didn't care at this point. I was with Neville and nothing could ruin the moment.
Epilogue
I squeezed Neville's hand as we sat in the Great Hall, where moments ago, Voldemort had fallen dead. I found myself smiling more than I ever had before. I wasn't as quiet either. All us Gryffindors, plus a few people from other houses mixed in, chatted. I joined in on a debated with Neville, Luna, and Ginny.
We drank warm glasses of butterbeer and everything felt good. The impossibly dark days were gone. All I had now was love just as sweet.
