Disclaimer: Harry Potter is from the creative genius that is J.K. Rowling.
We are not her. This is merely a fan fiction to tide us over until Book 6.
=================================
The crisp early October air caused a chill to rush through Alaire as she tried to bundle herself up more tightly in her robes. It was time to go to Hogsmeade. She had read about the all-wizarding village in her books in the states. People there viewed the town as "quaint", a term that Alaire personally hated. She wanted to see in person just what such a place was like. In the States, witches and wizards lived alongside muggles just like anyone else with the exception of a few concentrations in such places as Salem, New Orleans, and Sedona. She had heard of a Hogsmeade-like place in Southern California. She figured people there were so strange that a coven of a thousand witches could hold a convention and no one would bat an eye.
She pulled her robes tighter against the wind as she and Neville walked down to the castle gates. He had surprisingly asked her if he could hold anything for her. Smirking, she had handed over her purse. She had purposely put a weight spell on it as she handed it over. It was cruel, she knew, but he deserved it.
She looked up to see Harry hurrying toward them. He made his way toward Alaire, who still had on the shimmering robes she had worn during the welcoming feast.
"Sorry, I'm late," Harry said. "Ron had some questions about a place to eat in Hogsmeade. I think he wants to impress Hermione."
"That's quite all right. Neville's all ready decided to be a gentlemen and take my purse for me," Alaire said smiling. "Will you carry it for me on the way back, please?"
Harry looked over to see Neville struggling to hold a small brown purse. Gulping, Harry just nodded his head.
"Let's go to the greenhouse first, then shopping and then to the potion store," Alaire said lacing her arm through both of the boys and smiling smugly to herself. On her arms, she had two of the most charming and cute boys in the school. She knew that many of the girls thought she was mental for fancying Neville. But, she looked past his memory problems to see someone who was considerate, kind, and thoughtful. Besides, her mother had told her to beware of the "quiet ones" and Alaire could never back down from such a warning. Quite literally on the other hand was Harry. He was beyond cute, a great athlete, just smart enough, and self-confident. But even with all of these great attributes, he still managed to be nice and even humble at times. The two boys provided a nice contrast to each other.
The three kept up a running conversation about Quidditch, English football, American football, and American basketball all the way to Hogsmeade. Harry promised to teach Alaire the finer points of Quidditch before the next game.
"So let me get this straight. You climb on a broom, fly hundreds of feet up in the air, and chase a little golden ball. If you catch it, you win?"
Harry nodded.
"And while you're attempting to do this, someone is chucking big, heavy leather balls at you trying to knock you off your broom so that you fall to certain death?"
Harry laughed and nodded. Alaire turned to Neville. "And this is the most popular sport in wizarding England?"
Neville nodded.
"I thought rugby was mental but you guys beat it! I much prefer basketball." "Yeah, but you need to be tall to play that," Neville replied. "And with Quidditch, there's a position for almost anyone."
"Well, I look on basketball as an art, like ballet. Not only does it take a certain height but a good player will have an incredible sense of balance, anticipation, and knowledge of exactly where the ball is and his body in relation to the ball."
"Well, you can count me out, then!" Neville told her. "I'm about as athletic as that rock." He pointed a large granite boulder. "And, as for Quidditch, I can't – I won't fly."
"Hmm. But, I do want to learn to fly while I'm here. Those witches from up in Salem are always showing off at the conventions. It would be nice to be able to show them something for once."
Harry, who had been silent during Neville's self-deprecating speech, piped up. "I could give you some lessons if Madame Hooch approves."
Alaire turned to Harry with a wicked smile. "Harry Potter, are you offering to show me how to ride your broom?"
The question made Harry stop in his tracks while Neville dropped her purse in surprise. With a sigh, Alaire picked up the purse while canceling the weight spell under her breath. Hoisting it easily in the air, she said a cleaning spell and the purse was as good as new.
Ignoring Neville's suspicious look, she put the purse over her shoulder and continued towards Hogsmeade. "Coming, boys?"
It was smoldering hot in the greenhouse when they arrived. Neville and Alaire quickly took off their robes. They had cooler clothes on underneath. Harry had not planned on this and was sweating heavily in his thick, woolen Weasley jumper.
They had just finished quick tour of the first aisle when there was a knock on the window. Harry turned to see Dean waving to him. He opened the door letting the sweet cool air in.
"There's a new broom at the Quidditch store and a really new board for plays. You've got to see it, Harry," Dean said eagerly.
Harry was torn. He really wanted to see the new broom and strategy board at the Quidditch store, but then he didn't want to leave Alaire in case she made good on her threat to find a handsome Slytherin to snog. However, Harry felt safe leaving Alaire with Neville. For some reason, he didn't see Neville as a rival for her affections. He saw him more as "just a friend" since he had never been more than that to anyone as far as Harry knew.
"Go ahead, Harry," Alaire said from behind him. "I'm sure Neville will keep me company here. I'll go pick up some things at the clothing shop after here. Then we'll meet you at the Three Broomsticks in about two hours."
Harry smiled. "Excellent," he said before dashing out of the greenhouse, not even saying goodbye in his eagerness to see the new broom.
"If you want to go with Harry — "Neville began resigned.
"Nope," Alaire said taking his hand. "I'm right where I want to be. Now, what else is in this greenhouse?"
"Mints and other plants used to make butterbeer."
"Interesting. It's like the fixings for a moonshine still."
"Sort of," Neville smiling as he looked at their interlaced hands.
"There's a surprise too, but you have to close your eyes."
"Is this a good surprise?"
"Yes," he said making sure her eyes were closed and leading her further into the greenhouse.
"I can smell it! Honeysuckle!" Alaire exclaimed happily as she rushed over to the vines that cascaded down the corner of greenhouse. The vines were so thick they almost formed an alcove around them.
Neville watched as she seemed to dance in and out of the vines in a pixie- like way. He couldn't help but be enchanted at the way she twirled around the branches and how her laughter rang out around the greenhouse.
"Did you know this was here?" Alaire asked as her eyes danced with happiness.
Neville nodded. "It's actually an ingredient for a special brew of butterbeer. It's grown here for some brews the Three Broomsticks has."
They spent about half hour in the greenhouse before they decided to go to the Gladrags clothing store.
"Why don't you try on jumpers and I'll try on robes and some other things," Alaire said as she grabbed a few winter robes from the racks along with some jumpers and other items. "We'll come out and show each other. I'll tell you what I think and you tell me what you think. Agreed?"
"All right," Neville said not knowing what to expect. His grandmother usually picked out his clothes. This "shopping" thing was new to him.
Alaire tried on the first winter robe which was a dark Gryffindor maroon with large gold buttons.
"I'm ready! Let's see you, Neville!"
Neville just mumbled something about him looking silly before he exited the dressing room. Alaire felt her mouth go dry. Neville was wearing a cashmere jumper. She adored cashmere with a passion, and seeing him in it just nearly undid her.
"I look like banana," Neville complained tugging at the yellow jumper.
A nasty thought popped into Alaire's head and she tried not to say it out loud.
"I think you look delicious," she said, kicking herself for opening her mouth.
Neville turned pink, which clashed horribly with the jumper's color. "Maybe just a different color then," Neville said. "I've got a lot more in there just like it."
"Just like it?" Alaire asked hoping to keep the want out of her voice.
"Yeah."
"I love cashmere."
"That's all I have in here. Gran always says get the best if you can."
"Your Gran sounds like a very wise woman. Can I?" She lifted her hand to touch the soft yarn on his chest. "Mmmm. If I could, I would wear cashmere head to toe in the wintertime."
Neville swallowed then backed away. "I-I got more in there. Should-should I try them on?"
"Yes, please, but first, how do you like this robe?" Neville eyed the maroon robe then looked at Alaire's face.
"It's okay but you might want something that matches your eyes."
Alaire smiled brightly at him. "Alright. I'll go try on another one."
They both turned away to change. Alaire came back in a light blue robe with silver buttons. Neville had changed into a navy blue cashmere turtleneck.
They stared at each other for a moment before Neville broke the silence, "You look great but everyone will think you belong in Ravenclaw."
Alaire sighed. "Ok. One more time. By the way, I like that sweater, I mean, jumper, but it covers too much up."
She reached over to tug at the neck. She gave him a beguiling smile and returned to the dressing room. Neville stayed rooted to the spot. Finally, he managed to return to the dressing room where he ripped off the offending article of clothing.
When they both returned, Alaire was wearing a ruby red robe with dark black buttons. It gave her cheeks a ruddy glow and turned her hair strawberry blonde.
"That's the one!" Neville said without thinking.
"Well, its nice to have a man who's not afraid of voicing his fashion opinions! Now, let me see that sweater."
Neville stuck his arms out and turned around in a circle. The latest sweater was purple with a v-neck. "Mmm. I like. Although, I have had a thought. That turtleneck you had on earlier might come in handy."
Neville looked at her puzzled. Alaire gave him a knowing look.
"That high neck might come in handy if you have a hot date and you end up with a hicky. You know, a love bite."
Neville turned bright red then dark red then went pale.
"Its your choice, though, but I highly recommend cashmere," she said rubbing her hand on his sleeve.
"I-I have another few to try on."
"I pulled a couple out for myself. I want your opinion since Ginny isn't here to help out and Hermione probably could care less."
She quickly changed and came back in a light blue cashmere jumper that matched her eyes perfectly. To Neville it seemed like the necklines of the sweater was very low while the rest of it was very tight.
"Like it?"
Neville simply nodded before returning to the dressing room.
Merlin, it was getting way too hot in here, Neville thought as he unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt to get more oxygen. It didn't help. Sighing, Neville pulled on another jumper.
This was a scarlet and gold tweed, like the Gryffindor colors. Maybe this one would look better on him. The purple one had left him feeling like an overgrown grape.
Alaire had just took off the last jumper and went to grab another when noticed that one of the jumpers she had picked up was one she had meant to hand Neville. She just had on a sports bra and the exercise pants she was trying on. A wicked grin crossed her face as she thought "I'll just give him a taste of his own medicine -- tempting me with his body in cashmere all day."
Unfortunately, fate had plans to play a trick on both of them and the two of them came out of the changing rooms at the same time.
"Here's this —"
"Neville, do you —"
The two of them bumped into each other falling on the floor.
Tumbling down on the floor, Neville looked up to see that Alaire was on top of him, wearing very, very little. He closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on breathing before he realized where approximately his hands were.
Alaire could feel a wide range of emotions flood through Neville, shock, surprise, a flicker of lust and a tidal wave of panic. Hoping to relieve his tension but very pleased she got her hands on him in cashmere, she teased "Well, I've never been in this position before. I believe your hand is quite well introduced to my — "
"I can't breathe," he wheezed, interrupting her as he rolled out from under her and staggered to the exit.
Hyperventilating, Neville opened the door to the shop and stumbled out into the snow to catch his breath.
"Great Merlin, I've killed him," Alaire panicked as she threw on her robes and rushed out of the shop to Neville's side. Kneeling down beside him, Alaire apologized profusely as Neville slowly gained control of his breathing.
"I really over did it," she said apologetically. "I didn't mean to."
"You (wheeze) should get back (wheeze) inside (wheeze) before you catch your death of cold," Neville sputtered out.
"I cast a warming charm on myself," Alaire said rubbing his back. "You've got to learn how to control your breathing and relax. Have you ever tried Yoga? A few of us have workouts you could join us."
With that Neville took a sharp intake of breath and tried not to pass out.
A half-hour later, after finishing purchasing a few items from the shop, Alaire helped Neville into Three Broomsticks. Gingerly, she set him on a stool and rushed to get him a butterbeer. As soon as Neville and Alaire entered, they caught the attention of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Lavender, Seamus and Dean.
"Are you all right mate?" Ron asked looking at Neville's expression.
Neville nodded yes, then no and then shrugged his shoulders. "Do you need me to help you to the hospital wing?" Hermione asked.
"No," Neville sighed. "I'll be fine, eventually . . .I think."
"Good lord, man! What did she do to you?" Seamus asked amused.
Neville turned slightly pink. "I don't want to talk about it. I don't think I can think about it properly even right now."
Seamus shot an eyebrow up, but he didn't say anything as Alaire rushed by him with a butterbeer. "Here you go, Neville," she said with concern still in her voice before sitting the butterbeer down in front of him. Neville proceeded to pick it up and drank it in one gulp. "I am terrible sorry. Next time I'll warn you before I pounce on you with just my underwear on."
A sudden spurt of butterbeer flew across the room as Seamus began choking violently. Dean smacked his friend on the back several times trying to help him. Harry had turned a peculiar shade of red.
"That's quite all right. I just wasn't expecting it that's all," Neville said shyly, trying hard not to look at the shocked faces of his friends. "I thought it was just winter robes you were trying on. I was just a bit shocked. I'll be all right now."
"Are you sure?" Alaire worried.
"Positive."
"All right then," Alaire sighed and turned to Harry. "Ready to go?"
Harry threw back the rest of his butterbeer and jumped up from the table.
"Yeah, let's go."
"I'll see you later, Neville, and please think about my yoga suggestion."
Neville nodded and watched as Alaire and Harry left the pub. He ran an unsteady hand through his hair as he turned to order another butterbeer. That woman may be the death of him, he thought, but what a way to go.
=================================
The crisp early October air caused a chill to rush through Alaire as she tried to bundle herself up more tightly in her robes. It was time to go to Hogsmeade. She had read about the all-wizarding village in her books in the states. People there viewed the town as "quaint", a term that Alaire personally hated. She wanted to see in person just what such a place was like. In the States, witches and wizards lived alongside muggles just like anyone else with the exception of a few concentrations in such places as Salem, New Orleans, and Sedona. She had heard of a Hogsmeade-like place in Southern California. She figured people there were so strange that a coven of a thousand witches could hold a convention and no one would bat an eye.
She pulled her robes tighter against the wind as she and Neville walked down to the castle gates. He had surprisingly asked her if he could hold anything for her. Smirking, she had handed over her purse. She had purposely put a weight spell on it as she handed it over. It was cruel, she knew, but he deserved it.
She looked up to see Harry hurrying toward them. He made his way toward Alaire, who still had on the shimmering robes she had worn during the welcoming feast.
"Sorry, I'm late," Harry said. "Ron had some questions about a place to eat in Hogsmeade. I think he wants to impress Hermione."
"That's quite all right. Neville's all ready decided to be a gentlemen and take my purse for me," Alaire said smiling. "Will you carry it for me on the way back, please?"
Harry looked over to see Neville struggling to hold a small brown purse. Gulping, Harry just nodded his head.
"Let's go to the greenhouse first, then shopping and then to the potion store," Alaire said lacing her arm through both of the boys and smiling smugly to herself. On her arms, she had two of the most charming and cute boys in the school. She knew that many of the girls thought she was mental for fancying Neville. But, she looked past his memory problems to see someone who was considerate, kind, and thoughtful. Besides, her mother had told her to beware of the "quiet ones" and Alaire could never back down from such a warning. Quite literally on the other hand was Harry. He was beyond cute, a great athlete, just smart enough, and self-confident. But even with all of these great attributes, he still managed to be nice and even humble at times. The two boys provided a nice contrast to each other.
The three kept up a running conversation about Quidditch, English football, American football, and American basketball all the way to Hogsmeade. Harry promised to teach Alaire the finer points of Quidditch before the next game.
"So let me get this straight. You climb on a broom, fly hundreds of feet up in the air, and chase a little golden ball. If you catch it, you win?"
Harry nodded.
"And while you're attempting to do this, someone is chucking big, heavy leather balls at you trying to knock you off your broom so that you fall to certain death?"
Harry laughed and nodded. Alaire turned to Neville. "And this is the most popular sport in wizarding England?"
Neville nodded.
"I thought rugby was mental but you guys beat it! I much prefer basketball." "Yeah, but you need to be tall to play that," Neville replied. "And with Quidditch, there's a position for almost anyone."
"Well, I look on basketball as an art, like ballet. Not only does it take a certain height but a good player will have an incredible sense of balance, anticipation, and knowledge of exactly where the ball is and his body in relation to the ball."
"Well, you can count me out, then!" Neville told her. "I'm about as athletic as that rock." He pointed a large granite boulder. "And, as for Quidditch, I can't – I won't fly."
"Hmm. But, I do want to learn to fly while I'm here. Those witches from up in Salem are always showing off at the conventions. It would be nice to be able to show them something for once."
Harry, who had been silent during Neville's self-deprecating speech, piped up. "I could give you some lessons if Madame Hooch approves."
Alaire turned to Harry with a wicked smile. "Harry Potter, are you offering to show me how to ride your broom?"
The question made Harry stop in his tracks while Neville dropped her purse in surprise. With a sigh, Alaire picked up the purse while canceling the weight spell under her breath. Hoisting it easily in the air, she said a cleaning spell and the purse was as good as new.
Ignoring Neville's suspicious look, she put the purse over her shoulder and continued towards Hogsmeade. "Coming, boys?"
It was smoldering hot in the greenhouse when they arrived. Neville and Alaire quickly took off their robes. They had cooler clothes on underneath. Harry had not planned on this and was sweating heavily in his thick, woolen Weasley jumper.
They had just finished quick tour of the first aisle when there was a knock on the window. Harry turned to see Dean waving to him. He opened the door letting the sweet cool air in.
"There's a new broom at the Quidditch store and a really new board for plays. You've got to see it, Harry," Dean said eagerly.
Harry was torn. He really wanted to see the new broom and strategy board at the Quidditch store, but then he didn't want to leave Alaire in case she made good on her threat to find a handsome Slytherin to snog. However, Harry felt safe leaving Alaire with Neville. For some reason, he didn't see Neville as a rival for her affections. He saw him more as "just a friend" since he had never been more than that to anyone as far as Harry knew.
"Go ahead, Harry," Alaire said from behind him. "I'm sure Neville will keep me company here. I'll go pick up some things at the clothing shop after here. Then we'll meet you at the Three Broomsticks in about two hours."
Harry smiled. "Excellent," he said before dashing out of the greenhouse, not even saying goodbye in his eagerness to see the new broom.
"If you want to go with Harry — "Neville began resigned.
"Nope," Alaire said taking his hand. "I'm right where I want to be. Now, what else is in this greenhouse?"
"Mints and other plants used to make butterbeer."
"Interesting. It's like the fixings for a moonshine still."
"Sort of," Neville smiling as he looked at their interlaced hands.
"There's a surprise too, but you have to close your eyes."
"Is this a good surprise?"
"Yes," he said making sure her eyes were closed and leading her further into the greenhouse.
"I can smell it! Honeysuckle!" Alaire exclaimed happily as she rushed over to the vines that cascaded down the corner of greenhouse. The vines were so thick they almost formed an alcove around them.
Neville watched as she seemed to dance in and out of the vines in a pixie- like way. He couldn't help but be enchanted at the way she twirled around the branches and how her laughter rang out around the greenhouse.
"Did you know this was here?" Alaire asked as her eyes danced with happiness.
Neville nodded. "It's actually an ingredient for a special brew of butterbeer. It's grown here for some brews the Three Broomsticks has."
They spent about half hour in the greenhouse before they decided to go to the Gladrags clothing store.
"Why don't you try on jumpers and I'll try on robes and some other things," Alaire said as she grabbed a few winter robes from the racks along with some jumpers and other items. "We'll come out and show each other. I'll tell you what I think and you tell me what you think. Agreed?"
"All right," Neville said not knowing what to expect. His grandmother usually picked out his clothes. This "shopping" thing was new to him.
Alaire tried on the first winter robe which was a dark Gryffindor maroon with large gold buttons.
"I'm ready! Let's see you, Neville!"
Neville just mumbled something about him looking silly before he exited the dressing room. Alaire felt her mouth go dry. Neville was wearing a cashmere jumper. She adored cashmere with a passion, and seeing him in it just nearly undid her.
"I look like banana," Neville complained tugging at the yellow jumper.
A nasty thought popped into Alaire's head and she tried not to say it out loud.
"I think you look delicious," she said, kicking herself for opening her mouth.
Neville turned pink, which clashed horribly with the jumper's color. "Maybe just a different color then," Neville said. "I've got a lot more in there just like it."
"Just like it?" Alaire asked hoping to keep the want out of her voice.
"Yeah."
"I love cashmere."
"That's all I have in here. Gran always says get the best if you can."
"Your Gran sounds like a very wise woman. Can I?" She lifted her hand to touch the soft yarn on his chest. "Mmmm. If I could, I would wear cashmere head to toe in the wintertime."
Neville swallowed then backed away. "I-I got more in there. Should-should I try them on?"
"Yes, please, but first, how do you like this robe?" Neville eyed the maroon robe then looked at Alaire's face.
"It's okay but you might want something that matches your eyes."
Alaire smiled brightly at him. "Alright. I'll go try on another one."
They both turned away to change. Alaire came back in a light blue robe with silver buttons. Neville had changed into a navy blue cashmere turtleneck.
They stared at each other for a moment before Neville broke the silence, "You look great but everyone will think you belong in Ravenclaw."
Alaire sighed. "Ok. One more time. By the way, I like that sweater, I mean, jumper, but it covers too much up."
She reached over to tug at the neck. She gave him a beguiling smile and returned to the dressing room. Neville stayed rooted to the spot. Finally, he managed to return to the dressing room where he ripped off the offending article of clothing.
When they both returned, Alaire was wearing a ruby red robe with dark black buttons. It gave her cheeks a ruddy glow and turned her hair strawberry blonde.
"That's the one!" Neville said without thinking.
"Well, its nice to have a man who's not afraid of voicing his fashion opinions! Now, let me see that sweater."
Neville stuck his arms out and turned around in a circle. The latest sweater was purple with a v-neck. "Mmm. I like. Although, I have had a thought. That turtleneck you had on earlier might come in handy."
Neville looked at her puzzled. Alaire gave him a knowing look.
"That high neck might come in handy if you have a hot date and you end up with a hicky. You know, a love bite."
Neville turned bright red then dark red then went pale.
"Its your choice, though, but I highly recommend cashmere," she said rubbing her hand on his sleeve.
"I-I have another few to try on."
"I pulled a couple out for myself. I want your opinion since Ginny isn't here to help out and Hermione probably could care less."
She quickly changed and came back in a light blue cashmere jumper that matched her eyes perfectly. To Neville it seemed like the necklines of the sweater was very low while the rest of it was very tight.
"Like it?"
Neville simply nodded before returning to the dressing room.
Merlin, it was getting way too hot in here, Neville thought as he unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt to get more oxygen. It didn't help. Sighing, Neville pulled on another jumper.
This was a scarlet and gold tweed, like the Gryffindor colors. Maybe this one would look better on him. The purple one had left him feeling like an overgrown grape.
Alaire had just took off the last jumper and went to grab another when noticed that one of the jumpers she had picked up was one she had meant to hand Neville. She just had on a sports bra and the exercise pants she was trying on. A wicked grin crossed her face as she thought "I'll just give him a taste of his own medicine -- tempting me with his body in cashmere all day."
Unfortunately, fate had plans to play a trick on both of them and the two of them came out of the changing rooms at the same time.
"Here's this —"
"Neville, do you —"
The two of them bumped into each other falling on the floor.
Tumbling down on the floor, Neville looked up to see that Alaire was on top of him, wearing very, very little. He closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on breathing before he realized where approximately his hands were.
Alaire could feel a wide range of emotions flood through Neville, shock, surprise, a flicker of lust and a tidal wave of panic. Hoping to relieve his tension but very pleased she got her hands on him in cashmere, she teased "Well, I've never been in this position before. I believe your hand is quite well introduced to my — "
"I can't breathe," he wheezed, interrupting her as he rolled out from under her and staggered to the exit.
Hyperventilating, Neville opened the door to the shop and stumbled out into the snow to catch his breath.
"Great Merlin, I've killed him," Alaire panicked as she threw on her robes and rushed out of the shop to Neville's side. Kneeling down beside him, Alaire apologized profusely as Neville slowly gained control of his breathing.
"I really over did it," she said apologetically. "I didn't mean to."
"You (wheeze) should get back (wheeze) inside (wheeze) before you catch your death of cold," Neville sputtered out.
"I cast a warming charm on myself," Alaire said rubbing his back. "You've got to learn how to control your breathing and relax. Have you ever tried Yoga? A few of us have workouts you could join us."
With that Neville took a sharp intake of breath and tried not to pass out.
A half-hour later, after finishing purchasing a few items from the shop, Alaire helped Neville into Three Broomsticks. Gingerly, she set him on a stool and rushed to get him a butterbeer. As soon as Neville and Alaire entered, they caught the attention of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Lavender, Seamus and Dean.
"Are you all right mate?" Ron asked looking at Neville's expression.
Neville nodded yes, then no and then shrugged his shoulders. "Do you need me to help you to the hospital wing?" Hermione asked.
"No," Neville sighed. "I'll be fine, eventually . . .I think."
"Good lord, man! What did she do to you?" Seamus asked amused.
Neville turned slightly pink. "I don't want to talk about it. I don't think I can think about it properly even right now."
Seamus shot an eyebrow up, but he didn't say anything as Alaire rushed by him with a butterbeer. "Here you go, Neville," she said with concern still in her voice before sitting the butterbeer down in front of him. Neville proceeded to pick it up and drank it in one gulp. "I am terrible sorry. Next time I'll warn you before I pounce on you with just my underwear on."
A sudden spurt of butterbeer flew across the room as Seamus began choking violently. Dean smacked his friend on the back several times trying to help him. Harry had turned a peculiar shade of red.
"That's quite all right. I just wasn't expecting it that's all," Neville said shyly, trying hard not to look at the shocked faces of his friends. "I thought it was just winter robes you were trying on. I was just a bit shocked. I'll be all right now."
"Are you sure?" Alaire worried.
"Positive."
"All right then," Alaire sighed and turned to Harry. "Ready to go?"
Harry threw back the rest of his butterbeer and jumped up from the table.
"Yeah, let's go."
"I'll see you later, Neville, and please think about my yoga suggestion."
Neville nodded and watched as Alaire and Harry left the pub. He ran an unsteady hand through his hair as he turned to order another butterbeer. That woman may be the death of him, he thought, but what a way to go.