Chapter Four: Ask Me

Here it is… I knew it was coming.

Neville felt the gaze, turning to meet Harry's vivid green eyes. There was an implicit understanding in their gaze and they both knew where they stood. He knew what Harry was going to say, and he knew that he wouldn't say, "Be careful," or "Don't do it." He'd accept Harry's decision because he wouldn't expect any less of him.

"Neville, listen…" Harry said very quietly, as the buzz of conversation grew louder around them and people began to get to their feet. "I can't be involved with you anymore. We've got to stop seeing each other. We can't be together."

"It's for some noble reason, isn't it?"

"It's been like… like something out of someone else's life, these last two years with you," said Harry, clearly as pained saying it as Neville was to hear it. "But I can't… we can't… I've got things to do alone now."

Knowing that Harry had still more to say, Neville kept silent.

"Voldemort uses people his enemies are close to. He's already used Ginny as bait once, and that was just because she's my friend's sister. Think how much danger you'll be in if we keep this up. He'll know, he'll find out. He'll try and get to me through you."

What if I don't care? It was on the tip of his tongue to say, but he knew he couldn't say it. He knew exactly what Harry would say: "I care," he'd say. "How do you think I'd feel if this was your funeral… and it was my fault?" Neville knew he'd feel the same if their places were switched.

"Well… I can't say I'm surprised. I knew this would happen in the end," Neville finally spoke. "I knew you would go after Him. It's one of the reasons I love you so much."

He knew that look. He knew Harry was overcome and was struggling to process it. In the end, Harry hugged him hard.

"There's one more thing," breathed Harry. "I know I have no right to ask you—"

"Ask me."

"It's just… I have a feeling everything's going to fall apart fast. Hogwarts isn't going to be safe anymore, but as long as the school is open, I want you to do what you can to protect the others who'll be going back. Get Luna and Ginny and revive the D.A.," Harry paused here. He was having trouble speaking given the sound of his voice.

"Do it for me and—"

Neville finished for him, "Dumbledore."

Harry hugged him again and Neville wished he wouldn't ever let go. He didn't dare kiss Harry. It was hard enough for him to be left behind, but he wasn't going to make it any harder for Harry who had to go on alone.

When all this is over, Harry, you're not going to be alone.