Oh, just stop right there. I think that we've got something here..
Hermione gazed off lost in her own thoughts as Neville carried on telling her about all the new plant species Hogwarts had acquired since their time there. Stirring her pasta without taking a bite, she thought about why she was even attempting to date Neville and how much different her night would be if the man sitting across from her had brilliant red hair.
"...The Mimbulus Mimbletonia I brought in is doing really well in the new green house."
"That's lovely," Hermione said for probably the fourth consecutive time. She really could not disconnect herself from her own thoughts and focus on what Neville was saying.
"Anyway, you're probably tired of hearing about plant life," he said taking a bite of steak to prevent himself from continuing.
"No, no," Hermione lied. "I'm glad to hear you're so happy with your new job."
"Yes, it's great. Everything is working out so well lately. First, I got the job and then I, uh, got to be with you." He looked down at his plate as his cheeks flushed. He hadn't intended to allude to their night together, but he wanted her to know how much having her in his life meant to him. "I just mean, I'm glad you reconsidered and decided to see me tonight."
Also looking at her plate with great interest, Hermione attempted to find the strength to be the person Neville was looking for. She lifted her head to meet his eyes. "Me too," she said and smiled.
She should want to be with Neville. He had been there for her. He was more her speed. He didn't try to pick fights or seek revenge. He was simple.
Neville looked at her and beamed. He truly was happy she had come around. She filled him with confidence and such pride to be with someone so lovely. He couldn't believe his great fortune of finally taking their friendship to the next level.
Hermione continued to stir the sauce on her plate as she let the date roll on in silence. Neither one of them spoke as Neville tried not to ruin their date with his blather and Hermione thought endlessly of ending the date and going home. Neville was a great person, and any other time she would be happy to share a meal with him. However, being with him in such circumstances and trying to force her feelings to match his was utterly failing. She couldn't even keep up a normal, friendly conversation knowing she was settling for someone she did not love.
"Are you ready to go?" Neville asked pulling Hermione back into the moment. Noticing the Galleons laid on the table, she gathered she had been quite out of it for some time.
"Yes," she answered laying down her spoon at last. She placed her napkin on the table and followed him back to the restaurant's main entrance.
He grabbed a handful of Floo Powder and looked at Hermione questioningly. She hadn't thought this far when she agreed to the date. In her mind, they would share a meal and a nice chat. By not dating for so long she had forgotten that dates usually end in a kiss or a nightcap.
"Do you mind if I see that you get home?" he asked with the powder weighing heavy in his hand.
"I suppose that would be okay. Then you can Apparate from there," Hermione consented. Maybe things between them would be more normal back at her flat in a more familiar, relaxed environment. They didn't have to take things further by any means, but she wanted to give him a real chance. If she could make a relationship with him work, then perhaps she could forget about Ron for good.
Besides, Ron had apparently gone back to Lavender. Hermione had heard he had been on and off with her for a while, but she never expected him to use that against her. The last thing she wanted was for him to go back to Lavender Brown. Lavender could never understand him. She could never turn his anger into passion. How many people know what to do with that kind of displaced ferocity.
"Great!" He threw the Floo Powder into the hearth and they both stepped in while shouting their destination.
mmm
Back at her place, Hermione poured Neville a cup of tea at her small kitchen table. The atmosphere held less pressure than the formal restaurant, but talking with Neville didn't hold quite the right emotion. Their night time discussion was as normal as ever with the exception that he would reach for her hand at opportune moments forcing her to keep her fingers constantly busy after his first grasp.
Finally, Neville stood, stretched, and announced he should be going. Grateful for the long evening to be over, Hermione took their empty cups to the sink. When she turned back around from the sink, Neville was still standing awkwardly in her kitchen.
"Well, I guess I'll see you another time," he said handing her the teapot.
"Yes, we should get together again soon," she replied placing the kettle in the sink next to the cups. "I had a lovely time. Thank you again for dinner."
"S'no trouble." He stepped forward to close the space between them.
Hermione looked up into his kind eyes and decided to let him have a chance. A pure chance where she wasn't emotionally distraught and she wasn't deep in her own reflections. She tilted her head up and waited for him to kiss her, and he did.
His lips were soft, but the movements were unsure. He was too kind with his kisses just like he was a bit too kind for her. The kiss was sweet, but timid. After a few seconds, Hermione stepped away.
She placed her hands on Neville's chest to prevent him from getting closer. "I'm sorry," Hermione started.
"No, I'm sorry," he said backing up to give her space. "I didn't mean to assume."
"It's not that," she explained. "I think I'm in love with someone else. I can't do this too you if I don't feel how you do. I'm so sorry."
"Oh." He looked crestfallen as if all the air had been let out of him.
"I truly am sorry. I thought I could make it work with you and I-"
"But the other night?"
"Was lovely," she said. A bit of hope returned to his eyes. "But I was not myself. I was upset over something that happened and I turned to you."
"Okay," he said scratching his brow in confusion. "So I guess we were just a mistake."
"Please, don't think I regret what happened. I don't. I'm glad it was you. I am. But after tonight, I realized that we can't work."
"We can't work," he repeated.
"I'm sorry," she said once more. She wasn't sure if he heard her because as the words came out of her mouth he was gone with a crack.
