Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters and settings from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J. K. Rowling. I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of Harry Potter and will not receive any money or other financial profit for presenting the work on this site. The story I tell here as well as certain original characters are my own invention, and are not purported or believed to be part of J.K. Rowling's story canon.

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Chapter 24

"I know you are right," Sage hesitantly agreed, "But promise me you'll at least try to keep your head above water."

Despite all the worries striking her in the heart like a killing curse, Neville's safety had always been her number one priority, more so than her own. She hated to see him get hurt and though she admired his bravery, she wished he would just keep quiet at times.

"I promise," Neville reassured her, a genuine look in his eyes.

She didn't quite believe him, but there was no point in arguing any further. Neville wouldn't change and Sage had to accepted that, no matter if she wanted to or not. He simply had his principles, but so did she.

"Now.. would you mind screaming a bit for me?" she asked, a teasing smile spread across her lips.

"Excuse me?" he exclaimed, making a stunned face.

Sage couldn't help but grin at the shock in his eyes. It was nice to see that she could still surprise a man who had witnessed so much sorrow and grief in his short time of life.

"I'm supposed to torture you, remember?" she reminded him, arms crossed in front of her.

"But you won't?" he asked, his voice wavering with a faint trace of.. hope? Had he actually feared she would hurt him?

"Of course I won't! What on earth were you thinking?!"

"Well, I couldn't know for sure!"

"You never fail to amaze me, Longbottom," Sage explained whilst shaking her head. Apparently, they both could still surprise each other.

"Doing my best," he remarked awkwardly, his face slightly reddening.

"Now, would you?"

"Scream?"

"Precisely."

Neville looked around the empty classroom Sage had dragged him into, appearing to be searching for something.. anything that would give him a reason to shout out of nowhere.

"It's weird.. Can't you scream with me?" he asked, even more awkwardly then before.

He seemed to smile an apology at her, but Sage was feeling the pressure pushing down on her. She couldn't risk to raise any further suspicions, so she really needed to keep this charade up. There should be no doubt that she had actually punished him for speaking up, exactly as she had been told to by Alecto Carrow.

"Neville, don't make me hurt you," she jokingly threatened him, not even acknowledging his question.

"But why can't you just-"

"-Neville Longbottom, if I'm ever going to scream alongside you, it will be for entirely different reasons than this. Now use that pretty voice of yours or I'll give you actual reason to."

The smirk that appeared on his face was absolutely priceless. Sage hadn't even realised what she had said, before it had already been too late. She definitely didn't regret it though.

"Would you care to elaborate on that?" he cheekily asked.

"Scream. Now," she demanded once again, failing to suppress a chuckle.

Despite the hesitation in his voice, he ultimately began to shout, trying to voice his imaginary agony. He kept his eyes fixed on her and she struggled to keep a straight face. His performance wouldn't get him on any great stages, but it surely was convincing enough for a clod like Alecto Carrow.

She watched him fool around with his forced cries of pain, until she simply couldn't hold in a giggle anymore. The situation was just a little too ridiculous. Unsurprisingly, Neville joined in in her laughter immediately afterwards.

"Merlin's beard, you are supposed to be on the rack, we can't just snigger like this!" Sage remarked, trying to reclaim some of her composure.

"You started it!" he shot back at her, equally struggling to become serious again.

"Just leave now. Try to look miserable and wince in pain every few steps. Maybe hold on to the side of your ribcage," she instructed him.

He nodded and wiped an actual tear from his eye. It felt good to see him smile like this, even if it was for a short time only. Sage stepped a little closer towards him, proceeding to mess up his hair and loosen his tie. He needed to look like he had just gone through his fair share of torture.

"Go to the hospital wing and explain what actually happened to Madam Pomfrey, so she can cover for you. She'd see right through any of our bullshit, so there's no point in lying to her," she further explained to him.

Again, Neville only nodded, staring into her eyes without saying a word. The look he gave her was oddly familiar, reminding her of a very fond memory the two had shared quite some years ago. It made her feel fuzzy inside her chest, even long after Neville had left the classroom.

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Author's note: More of a light-hearted chapter today. Hope it brings a smile to your face! :-)

I'd like to thank you once again for always giving me such throughout feedback. It really means the world to me! 3

Wishing you all the best and hoping to hear from you soon! :-)