Author note: just a short update today, was originally going to merge this with the next chapter but i think its nice to have the fluff on its own.

sorrys its been a while, lifee is just rather a lot right now but its all calming down a bit so i should be able to get back into writing

hope you enjoy, have a good day/night x

Once again, Neville managed to make a big deal out of Ebony's birthday, despite her protests that she really didn't mind that much.

He had organised a little party in his dormitory with all of the boys and Hermione and Ginny. They had collected some butterbeer and chocolate from Hogsmeade and had made themselves a little picnic on the floor.

Everyone was spread out, Ginny and Dean both lying on their stomachs, Seamus slouched next against the wall next to them. Harry, Ron and Hermione were leant against one bed, Neville and Ebony against the other.

When Ebony had seen what Neville had done she had to resist the urge to kiss him there and then. Even though they were surrounded by friends they were still being cautious, settling for casting each other little glances.

They needn't have bothered though as about half an hour in Seamus was clearly bored of the puppy dog eyes they were giving each other.

"It's just us," Seamus said, "so you two can snog as much as you want."

Neville choked on his drink and Ebony just flushed a deep red.

"Leave the poor love birds alone Seam," Dean said, poking his friend in the ribs.

"Why is it you two are hiding from everyone then?" Seamus continued, "would've thought Nev would want the whole school to know he's got a girlfriend."

Neville's neck burned red as he murmured, "she's not my girlfriend."

There was an awkward laugh from Seamus and then the dorm fell into uneasy silence.

"Long story short, our families don't get on. At all," Ebony finally piped up, desperate to change the subject. "And due to my family being a large portion of the Slytherins we can't risk anyone snitching."

"You're like Romeo and Juliet," Hermione said.

"Who?"

"It's a muggle play about lovers from warring families who have to keep their love a secret."

"Oh, what happens?" Ginny asked, propping herself up on her elbows.

"I mean they both die at the end-" she started.

Ginny snorted, "well let's hope that doesn't happen."

"I wouldn't put anything past my mother, to be honest," Ebony said with a laugh.

"It's your birthday, none of that Eb," Neville said.

"Sorry," she replied, smiling and leaning her head on his shoulder.

The rest of the people in the dorm looked mildly shocked, clearly not used to her casual way of joking about her somewhat psychotic family.

Ginny cleared her throat in an attempt to clear the tension that had once again filled the room. "Present time I think!"

Ebony didn't expect to get anything from most of them but she received a new set of quills from Hermione and a packet of dung bombs from Ginny.

"Just in case you need to cause some trouble," she said, smirking.

Neville had gotten her an adorable little jar filled with various miniature plants and a special species of fireflies who preferred enclosed habitats. Ebony had given him a quick peck on the cheek, much to everyone's amusement.

What had surprised her most however was the drawing she received from Dean. It was a grey pencil drawing of her and Neville sat in the window of the common room, both of them smiling away.

"Dean, this is incredible!"

He just shrugged, "I'm trying to practice drawing people and Neville mentioned your birthday was coming up so I thought why not."

"I love it," she said, passing it to Hermione. "Thank you."

Dean gave an embarrassed smile.

"Watch out mate," Seamus said. "He's coming for your girl!"

Neville launched a pillow in his direction, "no he's not."

He still felt the need to put a protective arm around her.

...

It was around one-thirty in the morning when they decided to call it a night. Neville followed Ebony down as the three girls left for their own dorm. She said goodnight and watched her two friends walk up the stairs before turning around.

"Thanks for tonight," she said, lightly holding the ends of Neville's fingers. He smiled.

"It's not quite finished yet."

She looked up at him quizzically but before she could say anything he took her arm and led her over the gramophone in the common room. Neville pulled a record out of the back of his jumper, with a little more difficultly than he probably intended.

"I wanted that to be a lot smoother," he said, flashing her a quick smile before putting the record on. Ebony still wasn't fully sure where things were going.

Neville had set the volume low due to the late hour but soon enough a gentle piano began to fill the room.

It's a little bit funny. This feeling inside. I'm not one of those who can easily hide...

Ebony frowned a little, still trying to figure out why Neville had chosen it.

I don't have much money, but boy if I did, I'd buy a big house where we both could live.

"Would me humming in the greenhouse jog your memory a little?"

A light went off in her head as Ebony remembered the winter afternoon that Neville had asked her to the ball. He'd been humming a tune and she'd mentioned that she thought it was pretty.

If I was a sculptor, ha, But then again, no...

And he'd remembered.

Neville held out his hand, "there's no one else here," he said. "So will you dance with me?"

Ebony smiled and blushed a little as she took his hand. He slipped his arm around her waist and she sighed happily, leaning her head against his chest.

I know it's not much, but it's the best I can do, My gift is my song, and this one's for you...

"Think I used all of my good ideas last year," he said as they gently swayed. "And all my good present ideas."

Ebony lifted her head. "The fact that you insist on making a big thing out of it is a present in itself," she replied. "Besides, I love my little garden in a jar. It's like I have another little piece of you with me."

Neville blushed and looked at the floor, his lips twitching into a little embarrassed smile.

Ebony's stomach fluttered at how adorable he looked.

And you can tell everybody, This is your song...

"How is it you always know how to make me feel special?" She asked, making him look back up at her, his face still pink.

"I don't know," he said softly. "I'm an idiot most of the time but you -" he paused and just smiled at her -" you seem to be one of the few things I get right."

Ebony smiled and shook her head, bringing her fingers up to lightly brush against his chin. "There will be none of this 'I'm an idiot' nonsense on my birthday."

Neville chuckled softly. "I guess I just try my best and hope it's enough."

Ebony rose onto her toes and gently pressed her lips to his, slipping her arms around his neck she did so. His arms both wrapped tightly around her waist as he kissed her back.

They broke apart and she just grinned

"Believe me," she said, "It's more than enough."

How wonderful life is while you're in the world...