A/N: Thanks for the reviews! I'm so glad that most of you like it. I made this chapter a bit shorter because it is more of a prelude to what happens next, and I'll have more fun writing the next one on its own. I do have a much clearer picture of how this story will flow.
No KEL-71E, I have not seen the PBS version of Pride and Prejudice. Awesome, I love that Victorian England era (In fact, I keep my room lit with oil lamps) I did catch a bit here and there when it was on, but it just doesn't seem to have as cheerful a mood as it did in the Greer Garson version.
I will update very soon since I just realize today I'll be going back to school next week. Yeah.sadness.
Chapter Four: A Pain in the Longbottom
The following night, Parvati, Hermione and a few other Gryffindors were sitting around in the common room. Hermione was flipping through the pages of Hogwarts: A History, while Parvati shared the latest gossip around school to anyone willing to listen.
"You should have seen the look of Ron's eyes as he kept Lavender company in the infirmary. Ah, Lavender dear! There you are!" Parvati welcomed her friend as she spotted Lavender coming in through the portrait hole.
"Oh Lavender! Are you feeling much better?" Hermione inquired.
"Oh, much better!" Lavender assured her as she took a seat by them.
"I was telling them about what a charming boyfriend that Ron would make," Parvati explained.
"We don't really know how this relationship is going to progress Parvati," Lavender replied, "We've only been around each other not even a handful of times."
"Oh, you'll see," Parvati announced proudly, "I told him some things at the infirmary about Lavender before I left."
"Oh Pavarti!" Lavender protested.
"Only that you have the loveliest disposition in the world," Parvati assured her, "And I let dropped the fact that you have declined any number of suitors."
"Oh you didn't!" said Lavender with a disturbed look.
"Of course I did, didn't I Hermione?"
"I'm afraid you did Parvati," Hermione confirmed glumly.
"And I set that arrogant Malfoy down too before I left. Did you hear what I said to him Mione?" Parvati asked.
Hermione frowned and looks down at her book, "Yes, I heard only too clearly."
Parvati flashed a satisfied grin. Suddenly, a stout, clumsy looking man making his way down the stairs interrupted their conversation. The girls can hear him mutter, "I have heard much charm - I have heard much charm and beauty of you ladies - you young ladies- I have heard much beauty- charm of you girls- I have heard-"
Neville Longbottom transferred to Hogwarts permanently this year on the advice of his grandmother's dear friend, Narcissa Malfoy. His grandmother had passed away early last year, and with no other living relative to turn to, Neville, grateful of Mrs. Malfoy's assistance, now earned his keep as part time librarian at the Malfoy Manor during the summer, taking up residence at the guest house just down the road.
Sorted into Gryffindor, poor Neville never had any talent in making friends and spends most of his time either in the library or in his dorm. Hermione, who also spends much of her free time in the library, took pity on him and was the only one who has attempted to become friends with him. However, she too had exasperated all efforts and finds in him, a weary personality.
On the counsel of his esteemed benefactor, Neville now made his way down the stairs to the common room in attempt to socialize and make some friends. The group stopped chattering as they watched him join their group.
"Oh Merlin! What a pudding face!" Parvati whispered to Angelina.
"Perhaps he has beauties of character," Angelina whispered back.
"It is indeed a privilege to meet you all," Neville greeted them, slightly stuttering, "I have heard much charm and beauty of the girls at Hogwarts," he continued in a rehearsed manner, "But may I say, their fame falls far short from the reality." He smiled, satisfied with his delivery, and sat down. Dean and Seamus exchanged knowing glances while some of the girls rolled their eyes.
"Umm, thank you Neville," Hermione replied politely, "You flatter us so."
"Yes," Katie joined in, making an effort, "Please tell us something about yourself."
Neville explained about his situation and the reasons for his enrollment into Hogwarts, "…and I owe it all to the expert opinion of my distinguished patroness, Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy," he concluded.
Hermione ,suddenly alert at the sound of Malfoy's name, looked up from her book.
"Ahem," Seamus pretended to clear his throat, "Won't you tell us something about your distinguished patroness?"
"Oh, Mrs. Malfoy," Neville replied, "Never in my life, have I witness such behavior in a person of rank. Such affability, and condescension!"
"You surprise me," Seamus remarked "I had heard of Mrs. Malfoy, as a very proud and haughty woman."
Neville laughed as if that was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard, "Such is a vulgar opinion. But I can assure you, although, I act as her librarian, she has always spoken to me, as she would to any other gentlemen."
"Oh really?" Seamus turned to Dean and rolled his eyes as Hermione involuntary let out a rather loud cough. Some of the girls snickered.
"Now to give you a further instance of Mrs. Malfoy's extraordinary condescension," Neville continued, "She strongly advised me to come down here tonight and try to get to know the population at Hogwarts at a more personal level. Perhaps even to find myself a lady friend so she may come visit me in the summer. Provided, I show some discretion, of course."
"Please explain yourself," Parvati raised her eyebrows.
"The one I choose, must be suitable and worthy to take the advantage of Mrs. Malfoy's hospitality in the summer," Neville elaborated.
The students all looked at each other in disbelief at his explanation. Oblivious to their reactions, Neville added, "Unfortunately, I cannot make amends to more than one. The predicament is, one of choice." He examined the girls in the room carefully.
Hermione by this time would have socked him in the nose if it weren't for Dean and Seamus's interference of holding her back. Disgusted, even the girls were about to leave when Neville declared, "I think, Lavender here."
Lavender's eyes grew wide. Parvati quickly interjected, coming to her rescue, "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but Lavender here is practically taken."
Lavender glanced at Hermione with a look of relief.
An unaffected Neville moved his eyes onto Hermione, "Hmmm, well then, Hermione, that is if there is no prior claim. Is there?"
Hermione's jaw suddenly dropped. The rest of girls quietly giggled amongst themselves. Parvati shrugged her shoulders.
"Umm, no," Parvati responded hesitantly.
Hermione stood up in a huff. She didn't want to lose her temper and in turn, do something to him that would land her in Azkaban. So, without saying a word to anyone, she retreated back to her room.
Please Review! I know, no Draco/Hermione interaction here, but there will be in the next one!
