The man from Mexico was friendly enough. His family was polite and he was just as nice. Her hand flinched a bit when he tried to reach for it as they were walking along the beach. Astoria apologized, wondering why she was feeling so jumpy, but knew it was due to the forwardness and it's implications.

The Arjun family was a bit more rigid. The man seemed to have no intention of marrying ever. Even expressed to Astoria he wasn't looking to marry…women at least. She choked on her rice during their meal, which caused him to laugh loudly and offer her some water. The man then asked her to deny his request for marriage so he could continue living with his lover. Astoria smiled happily and agreed.

Her mother hadn't commented on her working once since that night. Not that she's seen her mother around the house since they spat, but she was grateful nonetheless. Ms. Breen was impressed with her enthusiasm and how well the creatures seemed to have taken a liking to her. She tidied their cages and pens, managed the register and helped keep track of dietary needs and restrictions for all animals. Ms. Breen was so happy with how quickly she was learning the ropes and promised to introduce her to handling more responsibility. Two weeks in and Astoria felt more relaxed at work than she did at home.

Astoria had just helped a family buy a kneazle as a birthday present for their youngest. The mother and father were so happy with her help that they even made a comment to Ms. Breen, complimenting Astoria's personableness. Riding off the high of helping the family, she decided to treat herself after work, heading over to Sugarplum's for a cauldron cake.

The shop was a bit busy and Astoria smiled when she saw there was one cauldron cake left in stock. As she approached the wall quickly to ensure it would be hers, a body stepped up and grabbed the package. A small noise of sadness and disappointment left her throat and the person who stole her cauldron cake turned around to inspect the sounds.

Neville blinked at her, wearing a shocked expression then quickly turned awkward. Astoria's heart sped up, the beats ringing in her ears.

"Hi." He spoke first, a smile betraying his otherwise stunned expression. It was a relief to be greeted so friendly, despite their last interaction.

"Hello." She greeted. A few seconds of silence filled between them until Neville looked down then back at the wall, his movements sporadic and unstable. It was quirky and almost charming.

"Sorry I just snagged the last cauldron cake. Is that what you were hoping to get?" He asked and Astoria smiled shyly.

"Oh, uh, yeah, actually." She said and Neville inhaled while extending the cake out to her.

"You should have the last one, considering they're your favorite." He offered. Astoria wished he wasn't so nice. It was uncommon how often his niceness made her stomach flutter. Even if it had been awhile since she's seen him.

"I couldn't. You got to it first—"

"No, I insist. Please." He said, taking a step closer. Astoria nervously glanced down then back up at him. Neville's eyes warm and comforting. She held his stare, searching for nothing and only appreciating.

"Okay, thank you." She replied, their fingers brushing as she took the box. Neville's ears went pink again. He coughed into his fist then awkwardly proceeded to ask about her life.

"So how have you been? How's work been going?"

Astoria smiled widely, eager to recall her time. Mother and Father hadn't so much as mentioned it once to her. And the one time she tried to bring it up at dinner, her mother cut her off and changed the subject. So to be asked about her passion made her eyes light up.

"Great! Ms. Breen said I'm picking up all the tasks quickly and some customers have even mentioned they appreciated my service to her. I love it." She beamed and Neville reciprocated her expression.

"That's wonderful to hear. I'm so happy it's working out for you." He told her genuinely.

"Thank you." She said and then paused briefly. "And how is your project coming along?" She politely returned the question but was actually interested to hear the answer.

"Good. Yeah. We uh, well I, I guess, correctly formulated the root and the potioneers are currently brewing new antidotes that will start human trials within the next week." He said while scratching his head, like he was embarrassed to tell her of his accomplishment.

"That's exciting." Astoria commented and Neville let out a nervous chuckle.

"Yeah it's great. The results from my tests turned out fantastic and the potioneers are really excited about this." He explained and Astoria nodded, wanting to hear more.

"So what's next then?" She inquired and Neville looked to the shelf beside them, picking up a case of fudge flies.

"Ehh. Possibly finding a way to enhance the growth of Knotgrass. A brewery asked for that one as just a side contract. Apparently they make the best Knotgrass Mead and they are constantly running low on knotgrass due to demand. Not really my company's area but they said I could take the project if I wanted." Neville explained with a chuckle and Astoria nodded.

"Sounds…fun. Maybe you'll be given a sampling for your hard work." She was a joke, a way to keep the conversation going and completely unlike her, but she had a wonderful day and realized she enjoyed talking to Neville. The companionship was one she was unaware she gravitated to. It made her feel weightless.

"I hope so. I've heard they can make a pretty good brew. Wouldn't mind reaping the benefits of my own work." He said and she lightly laughed. Neville watched her, teeth holding his bottom lip as her deep blue eyes twinkled. There was a spark between them, he felt it, he was sure she felt it as well. He didn't want to ignore it but he also didn't want to make her uncomfortable. As lightly as he could, he tried his hand again, not caring if he'd be rejected because at least he'd have a friend out of all this.

"If I do get a sample or even maybe a certificate for dinner there I'd love to have you for some company then. Taste my hardwork in real time."

Astoria felt it again, the warmth in her cheeks and stomach. Her chest tightening to the point where it felt like she couldn't breathe. Her throat was closing and mouth was going dry. This feeling that he gave her, it wasn't necessarily bad but it was just unexpected. Exhilarating even, like she had all this energy and didn't know where or how to place it. She didn't know how he triggered it, only that he was the only one to make her feel like this.

Neville braced himself, ready to take back his words when the witch wouldn't speak up and looked ready to combust. Instead, her voice came out as a squeak and she looked down to her cauldron cake.

"That would be okay." She said, biting her lip before looking back up at him. There was no harm in accepting his suggestion. She could get dinner with someone that made her feel…good.

His eyebrows rose and a grin spread across his lips.

"Yeah? You'd…want to do something like that?" He questioned again, thinking he misunderstood her.

Astoria nodded, eyes looking elsewhere as a fierce blush spread across her cheeks..

"Yeah that—that sounds like…fun." She said, releasing a breath. Her chest suddenly felt like someone removed the weight there. Neville widely smiled at her than nodded eagerly.

"Okay yeah yeah. We should uh, let's go sometime then." He said.

"Okay." Astoria shyly smiled, Neville hadn't stopped smiling.

"Great, yeah, yeah. I'll um, I'll owl you then." He said anxiously, taking his hand out of his coat pocket to gesture to her but accidentally knocked over some of the candy on display. He cursed then quickly bent down to pick up the mess. Astoria kneeled to help him.

"Gods, such a klutz." He mumbled, his cheeks a bright pink. Astoria found it endearing.

Together they put the candy back on the shelves, their arms touching every so often. He thanked her for her help as they both stood and walked to the register. Neville took her cauldron cake to be rung up with his items. She protested originally but found it extremely sweet.

"Well I'll, I'll talk to you soon then?" He said as they stood outside Sugarplum's. The light from inside shining on half of his hopeful face.

"Sounds great." She said and meant it. Neville nodded quickly.

"Great, uh, bye, Astoria."

"Goodbye Neville."

Astoria dashed home and floo called Daphne as soon as she could reach her room. She couldn't remember what time it was where Daphne was, but she didn't care. She needed to talk to her sister.

"Merlin Tori. i was trying to sleep in late. This better be important." She groaned into the fire.

"What do you remember of Neville Longbottom?" She questioned, her heart speeding up again as she knew Daphne was going to draw her own conclusions for the random question.

"Longbottom? Well, the boys teased him incessantly, so did I if I'm being fair. Bit of a nerd, talked about plants all the bloody time. Always asked Sprout questions that made us go over class time. He was incredibly brave to the Carrows during our seventh year and of course played a large part in ending the war. Don't know if I know much else about him if I'm being honest. Why?" Daphne said all tired and yawned at the end. Astoria processed the information like she didn't already know it. The silence caused Daphne to grow more suspicious.

"Why?" She questioned her little sister again. Astoria shook her head then frantically smiled.

"Nothing, nothing. I just saw him out in Diagon Alley. He looks different." She said as relaxed as she could.

"Different how?" Daphne asked.

"Don't know. Taller, grew some muscles. His baby face is gone and he's got a jaw now." She joked and she heard Daphne giggle.

"Huh. Interesting." Daphne said. "Was that all you wanted to know?"

"Um, yeah. Sorry it was just a shock to see him I guess." Astoria said.

"Why, cause he's fit?" Daphne said, her voice teasing.

"I didn't say that!" She defended and Daphne snorted across the floo.

"You didn't have to. What? Got the hots for Longbottom? Now I'm curious to see what he looks like if he's caught your eye." She said and Astoria grumbled.

"Ugh, you're the worst. I was just…curious!" She squeaked.

"Yeah, curious about his fit little bum." Daphne laughed and Astoria blushed.

"Okay goodbye, worst sister ever."

"I love you too!" Daphne called and the floo fires died.

Astoria sat on the floor, her brow creasing as she grew annoyed with Daphne but then her face softened as she thought of Neville. His hazel eyes looked annoyed with himself as he spilled the sweets, his warm fingertips anytime their hands brushed and the automatic gesture of paying for her things. She felt fuzzy and warm.

Neville apparently had easily finished the side project for the brewery in a few days time and had in fact received vouchers for his quick work. Astoria received an owl just as she was ready to leave for work. Her chest rattled with excitement when she tore open the letter.

Hello there!

I have great news! The brewery project only took a week as the knotgrass responded very quickly to our genetic enhancements. Instead of growing it ourselves, we are selling products necessary to harvest large quantities of knotgrass to the brewery.

They were incredibly thankful for our work and have provided me with four free dinners and free drinks all night. I was hoping you'd still be up to accompany me to dinner. Since I have two extra dinner spots, I was thinking of inviting Hermione and Malfoy. What are your thoughts? Dinner would be this Thursday at seven.

Hope you're having a lovely day so far. Look forward to hearing from you!

Neville Longbottom

The prospect of having dinner with Neville while the couple Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy joined them seemed like a massive and brutal joke. But Astoria realized she may actually prefer their company that night. She wouldn't be pressured to be alone with Neville, and her stomach wouldn't knot and twist uncomfortably whenever he looked at her for too long.

Astoria quickly wrote her reply, sent the owl off and received Neville's answer later when she returned from work. He had alerted the couple and they were all set for a dinner date this Thursday. Her stomach rolled at the confirmation but it felt more like butterflies than anything. Maybe even stronger than that.

Astoria was lucky her parents paid her no mind for tonight only. She successfully came home, showered, changed and left without anyone so much as coming into her room. Neville was waiting at the Leaky for her, resting his bum against one table, eyes scanning over the crows and lighting up when he saw her. He approached her with a timid smile.

"Hello." He greeted.

"Hi." She replied, her palms sweaty.

"All set? It's just a few minutes away." He asked and she nodded. Neville led them outside, the two of them falling in step with one another, shoulders bumping every so often. It made her shiver, but Astoria told her it was just the cold that was making her shake.

"How was work this week?" He asked her and she had to look down to make sure she didn't trip over the cobblestone.

"Good. Ms. Breen said it'll pick up more during the holiday seasons. I offered to come in for full days during those rushes." She said.

"That's sweet of you." He commented and she blushed.

"Thanks. How's work been for you?"

"Good, good. Thanks. I got assigned a new project." He told her and she brightened.

"What will this entail?" She inquired.

"The potioneers think if we cross breed two ingredients in wolfsbane potion, it can make it stronger. I'm a bit skeptical and honestly, I'm not sure if it can be done. The ingredients in wolfsbane are already finicky but they're optimistic. I start my research next week." He explained.

"Sounds challenging." She commented.

"Yeah it will be a bit." He said with a chuckle.

"What plants are you combining?"

"Ah, roses and snowdrop. Well mainly making snowdrops have rose thorns on them since that's what's used. "

"Huh. I wish I knew more about Herbology so I can speak more with you about it." Astoria admitted honestly. The way that he would go on about his job sort of made her feel behind. And while she can handle not knowing something, Astoria was raised and trained to be excessively knowledgeable about many things, to make for a good and intellectual wife of course.

"I'm happy to teach you anything about it. Maybe you can teach me a few things about Magical Creatures as well." He said, lightly nudging her with his arm. It was playful, an action Astoria wasn't accustomed to, especially from men. Possible a gesture for just friends, but nothing from men courting her. So she lightly smiled and tucked some of her hair behind her ear.

When they arrived at the brewery, Neville opened the door and urged her inside by placing a hand lowly on her back. Her breath hitched when he let it linger as they passed through the door and greeted the host. Heading to a booth where Granger and Draco were already waiting, Hermione smiled brightly at the sight of them and Astoria thought she looked more excited than she currently felt.

"Hi! Thank you so much for inviting us, I've been wanting to come here for some time." Granger said while leaping out of the booth to hug Neville. Astoria awkwardly watched, something flaring underneath her ribcage when they hugged a bit long, gently swaying as they beamed at one another and spoke.

Astoria smiled politely at Granger then felt that large hand with abnormally long fingers help her peel away her coat. She shrugged it off, turning her head to see a warm expression on his face. He then guided her into the booth with the same pressure on her back.

She briefly met Draco's eyes just before they sat, his stare questioning yet amused.

"Nice to see you again, Astoria." He said, raising his arm so Hermione scooted closer. She eyed the movement, finding the quick show of affection and comfortability between the pair strange since Draco was rather an aloof man.

"You too, Draco. How is your mother and father?" She asked.

"Oh, still a bit mad that I abruptly ended our courtship. How have yours been taking it?" He frankly asked and everyone around him stiffened. But he looked relaxed, playful even.

"Erm," She said then quickly glanced at Hermione who was looking at Neville, both giving each other looks she couldn't decipher. "My mother is still a bit angry. Father seemed more irritated but he's…over it."

Draco nodded with a grin. "Splendid."

"Neville, how did you get these dinner vouchers?" Hermione changed the subject, pulling out the menus for everyone. She felt him relax and adjust his weight, their shoulders barely touching.

"Oh I helped the owner with growing their knotgrass. Used a fertilizer that helped enlarge the cells so when the plant grew, it would be triple its size. Our company sold them the fertilizer so they could make it in their distillery and they showed their thanks by giving me these vouchers." He explained and Astoria looked over at him fondly. It was a remarkable accomplishment.

"Amazing. Well congrats on the success." She said as their waiter came over to take their drink orders. Astoria wasn't one for mead, but she didn't want to appear rude, so she ordered one of what Neville got.

"You're a fan of knotgrass mead?" Neville turned to her with raised eyebrows, his expression a bit surprised but pleased. Astoria found a lie slipping through her mouth in order to impress him.

"Ye—"

"No she isn't. She just picked what you ordered." Draco cut in, Neville's eyes flashing to meet Malfoy's. He looked bored. Neville looked lost and turned his attention back on her. Astoria began flushing when the attention was back on her and so obviously caught in her lie.

"I—I don't not like it. It's not my go to drink—"

"Oh well, why didn't you order something else?" Neville suggested.

"Because she didn't like anything else on the menu." Draco said, again cutting in. Hermione looked like she was pinching his leg by the way he flinched. Neville looked a bit concerned, she wished she could tell Draco to shut up.

"Is that true?" He asked, his dark eyebrows turning downward and he began frowning. Astoria felt bad which is exactly what she wanted to avoid.

"Um, s-sort of. I'm—I'm more into wine or, um, mixed drinks that don't really taste like anything." She said, feeling immature.

"You could have said something, you know." Neville said with an encouraging smile. Astoria's stomach unrolled with the anxiety building. One simple reassurance was all she needed to feel less like a fool.

"Astoria didn't want to upset you. It's not proper of a witch to complain about the circumstances of a date. Keeping quiet is typically preferred of a pureblood witch." Draco said, eyeing Astoria who now blushed with anger. Mainly because he was acting like an arse but also because he said the word 'date.' It wasn't a date…it was dinner. She thinks.

"Well, next time please give me some input? I-I would like for your wants to be accommodated." Neville said quietly, his ears going pink as he tried to speak only to her. She saw him swallow, his tongue darting out to moisten his lips. Astoria felt like she was suspended in the air, noise around them fell quiet and his considerate words made her skin feel electrified.

She nodded vaguely, half her mouth attempting to conceal a smile. Neville's eyes warmed, then he turned his attention back in front of them to Hermione and Draco who were watching them like it was a zoo exhibition.

As food was ordered, Neville fell into casual conversation with Hermione. It made Astoria bite her lip sometimes, seeing how natural and at ease they were engaging but obviously missing old jokes and stories that made no sense to her. She wanted to jump in and join, feel included. So Draco would casually ask for her opinion or say something that she could relate to. Quickly enough, Neville began catching on and doing it himself. She was surprised at how wonderful it was to be included in conversations and have people ask her thoughts, especially from the man sitting beside her who genuinely looked happy to hear her words.

"What are your plans for the holidays?" Neville questioned as the group ate their food. Hermione looked up, seeing his eyes flash between her and Draco.

"Oh! Both of ours?" Hermione questioned and Neville nodded. "Well…Draco will be coming over to my parent's house Christmas morning. I think we're going to head to his parent's for a bit—"

"Mm, good luck." Neville remarked, ignoring Draco's sneer and Astoria's stunned look at the jab.

"Thank you." Hermione replied without missing a beat. "And then Harry's at night for his party. You'll be there right?"

"Yeah. Me and my Aunt will go visit my parents then have a relaxed early dinner. Looking forward to Harry's. Last year was such a riot." He grinned and Hermione chuckled a bit.

"And what will you be doing, Astoria, for the holidays? Traveling to Germany?" Draco asked, his voice a bit too light to be considered friendly.

She openly glared at him, her jaw tight.

"I don't think so." She replied with tight lips.

"Your mother hasn't alerted you yet? Or are you just not going." Draco challenged and she stayed quiet while her cheek twitched. "Ah so your mother hasn't told you yet." He concluded.

"Told her what?" Hermione asked but there was extreme caution in her voice.

"Every year, there is a winter solstice party hosted by a very old, very notorious German family. It's historically also known as the party where last made engagements are planned. For purebloods who haven't been doing so well in the courting process." Draco said, titling his head at her. Gods he reminded her of the cruel man who was forced into talking to her during their first meetings.

"We're not invited." She snapped at him, hoping her tone would be enough to shut him up.

"No? Your mother was out buying two new dresses today and my mother overheard her talking to the seamstress about Germany. Seems she just hasn't found the time to tell you yet."

Her mouth dropped and before even a squeak could be heard. Neville cleared his throat and began moving away from her. She looked helplessly as he stood up, painfully uncomfortable with a frown on his face.

"I need to use the restroom. Excuse me." He mumbled and she watched then snapped her head back to Draco as soon as he was far enough away.

"Draco Malfoy you are acting like an arse!" Hermione exclaimed. Astoria was thankful for her at that moment.

"What the bloody fuck are you doing?" She spat across the table, eyes on fire but Draco just scoffed. Hermione worriedly looked at Astoria, a bit surprised at the outburst.

"I'm helping you." He said, taking a sip of his drink.

"You're being rude to Neville. Throwing all those…things in his face." Hermione commented, a look on her face that showed her confusion at why he was acting like this

"Yes you are." Astoria agreed, panting through her flared nostrils.

"No. I'm being honest with him since apparently you're not. Does your mother know he asked you on a date? Has your father called off all other prospects?" He fired back.

"No they don't need to know—"

"Then Longbottom is just a casual shag?"

"Draco!" Hermione scolded.

"He's—we're…this is just dinner." Astoria stuttered and Draco rolled his eyes, sitting up a bit straighter.

"Tell that to Longbottom. If anything I'm doing him the favor." He said, shaking his head as if he couldn't believe what he just said.

"How?" She snapped.

"I'm letting him know what your life entails since you can't be straight with him. He will need to be prepared and if he decides you're still worth it after tonight, then maybe you will actually have a shot." Draco said, picking at some cheese.

"A shot at what?" She asked incredulously.

"A shot at being happy, Astoria. With him." He said annoyed. "Pureblood families don't exactly take it kindly when their children go off the beaten path. Even if Longbottom is a pureblood, he's still not proper. You think your mother would be ecstatic to know where you are tonight?"

Draco bit out sarcastically but she stayed silent.

"Honestly, it's no walk in the park going against your parents. I'm preparing you, and you should prepare him if you honestly like him."

Astoria's breath was lost, her eyes went blurry as Draco and Hermione came out of focus.

Reality suddenly seemed like a foggy dream she was living. Her body flushed at the thoughts penetrating her mind. Happiness wasn't something she ever considered. There were moments where she knew she could feel better, feel more, but those were often forgotten when her mother would order her around the house. Especially when she'd be alerted of new possible husband matches.

Happiness wasn't something that was for her right now. It was something that would come later in life. After she married. After she restored her family's name. After she had children. After she made her parent's happy. There was no time for now, she wasn't allowed that.

She barely even knew Neville too, why would Draco make such a bold insinuation? Sure she felt her heart beat out of rhythm when she met him tonight, and her skin prickled anytime his hand was touching her. Astoria looked forward to seeing him and talking with him, those fluttering feelings of anxiousness and eagerness were delightful to feel. But the poor girl didn't know that those feelings were intertwined with happiness, and that Neville actually did make her happy, regardless of their few interactions.

Neville then reappeared, looking less dull and a bit more cheery. More himself. Astoria assessed him, holding her breath to wait for any signs of a grudge or uncomfortableness. He turned and smiled, completely real so she grinned back and felt relief flood her like a tidal wave. It wasn't lost on her that he scooted in closer than before. Thighs were touching, and arms. Astoria fiddled with her fingers in her lap.

"One more? Or is everyone good?" Neville asked, glancing at the empty glasses in front of them. Draco then topped off his pint, Hermione shook her head and Astoria had already given her glass of mead to Neville after she admitted she didn't like it.

"I'm good." Draco said and Hermione agreed.

"Want anything else? Dessert?" Neville asked her and she shook her head.

"No, I'm quite full." She said with a grateful smile. He looked at her slyly, eyes narrowing.

"Too full for a cauldron cake?" He asked and Astoria chuckled.

"Never too full for those. But Sugarplum's is probably closed right now." She replied with a sad expression.

"I may have picked up some." He said with a shrug, sliding out of the booth and reaching his hand out for her to grab onto. Almost dazed, she took his hand and moved out, eyes excited.

"Did you bring them?" She asked with her voice turning higher.

"Maybe." He said with a grin, avoiding her eyes as he picked up her coat.

"Did you?" She pressed, he just chuckled and shrugged, holding out her coat so she could put it on.

"Possibly." He lowly said, his breath hitting her cheek. Astoria felt her knees turn to jelly. Her fingers were struggling to properly place the buttons of her coat in their correct holes and her skin felt suffocated in the extra layer. She turned around, catching him wink at her, a wink, then led the group to the front. Draco was beside him and Hermione came to walk in step with her.

"I don't think I've ever seen Neville wink." Hermione commented under her breath. The girls looked at each other and Astoria began giggling like a schoolgirl. Hermione joined and despite the rocky altitudes of the dinner, the ending was certainly looking up.

From behind she could only faintly hear Neville and Draco mumbling to each other, the conversation still happening while they were outside. Neville extended his hand and Malfoy took it, the men shaking respectively as their conversation ended. Astoria wanted to know what was said, but she didn't think she'd have the confidence to ask Neville.

After their goodbyes, Draco and Hermione apparated away and Neville turned to her with a bright smile.

"Care for a walk?" He asked, nodding his head down the block where there were more stores and buildings.

"Will we be eating the cauldron cakes?" She inquired and it made Neville laugh. Actually laugh. His shoulders rattled and his Adams apple bobbed. His head was tilted back for a few seconds. She stood in awe, watching the expression and found herself totally pleased that she made him laugh.

"I should have never said anything." He said as they began walking. "What if I didn't have them and was just teasing?"

"I suppose I'd feel let down." She replied at first. "But I am actually full so maybe I shouldn't indulge in anything."

Neville made a noise in his throat, then began digging in his chest pocket. He pulled out two cauldron cakes, the caramel chocolate ones. Her eyes lit up.

"You did bring them!" She exclaimed, taking one from his hand and tearing the box open. He snickered.

"Of course. Had to end the night on a high note." He responded, looking amused when she smiled into her first bite. Neville felt good, the night had been great with the exception of a few moments, but the pretty girl beside him looked like she was enjoying herself and being in his company. It was successful day.

"Astoria." He began. He said her name so pretty, and Astoria found herself smiling at him. "I'd like to do something like this again, if that's alright with you. Maybe next time it can just be the two of us?"

She looked up with wide eyes, her heart leaping from her ribcage. Blinking at him for a few moments, she tried to imagine what it would be like to be alone with him. Probably more intimate than their lunch, no Draco thank gods, just them, his addicting smile and warmth that felt like the sun directly beating on her face. Her skin felt scorching hot.

"Okay." She said in a small voice, liking the idea of having time with just him.

Astoria thought maybe he would owl her a few days later, making set plans to see her again. What she was not expecting was Neville to come into the store every single day ten minutes to close with a cauldron cake and endless questions about her day. She was surprised the first day, still stunned the second, but by Wednesday, she fully expected him to make an appearance, and he did. He walked through the door at exactly ten minutes to close, a bright smile on his face and his soothing voice greeting her.

Sometimes he would talk about his work, but he mainly asked about her knowledge of magical creatures. A happy distraction from cleaning mats and organizing everything for the morning. He'd then present the cake immediately after she locked everything up, so she could eat it while they walked down the street.

On Friday, Neville hadn't presented her with a cake. She turned to him with a pout and held out her hand.

"Where's my cauldron cake?"

Neville laughed loudly and put his arm around her to guide her down the street. She blushed at their proximity and the way his laugh boomed in her ears. He didn't release her shoulders for a few seconds and she almost leaned into him.

"I didn't get a chance to pick them up yet, but let's get some now. On me." He said and she obliged. She was in the middle of explaining that there was a half breed of kneazle and cat that was so dirty when it came in that it almost made her cry. She explained she had to shave it's fur since it was so matted and filthy but that the little creature was very affectionate regardless of its new environment.

"I'd take the poor fellow in myself, but I already have Gladys. That's my cat, I don't know if I've ever mentioned her. Big fluff ball. Got her as a present when I turned ten. But I don't think the new creature would be—"

She was unaware Neville was listening with precise attentiveness. His eyes were warm, watching her face as it assessed the wall of sweets, deciding if she would get something new or the same. Astoria reached for the chocolate caramel cauldron cake and a new flavor, orange cream.

"I'll pay for the other one." She promised and continued talking about the new kneazle-cat.

"I'm sure you and Ms. Breen will find him a lovely owner and home." He stated and Astoria nodded, pulling out her money but Neville covered it immediately. She looked up at him for a moment, but he wouldn't meet her stare.

"I hope so." She said tilting her head with a small smile. He turned back to her and led them out of the shop.

"Do you like flowers?" He suddenly asked as their feet hit the pavement. She looked up, a crinkle in her brow.

"In what way?" She replied slowly, he shrugged.

"In general." He simply stated.

She blinked up at him, something twitched inside her chest.

"Yes, I like flowers."

Neville smiled widely.

"Are you free tomorrow afternoon?" He asked and her mouth opened and closed. With a tentative swallow, she responded.

"I am."

"Good. I'd like to show you something my company is working on. Can you meet me here tomorrow around noon?" He said like he already knew her answer.

"Uh sure. That sounds fine." She replied with a nervous smile. Neville grinned and the two went on their way.

Astoria had a dazed smile on her face that continued into the next day. It seemed to vex her mother, for whatever reason. She made a comment about their Christmas plans and Astoria stiffened.

"Astoria has your father mentioned that we've been invited to the Lange Family Holiday Party this year?" Her mother said, carefully watching as Astoria froze, teacup mid air as she was ready to take a sip. Remembering herself, she quickly sipped and tightly swallowed. The fresh brew of tea suddenly tasted old and bitter.

"He did not mention." She said carefully, looking at her father who was almost passed out in the chiase across from her.

"Well, we are. We will be spending the festivities there as well. Leave the twentieth, come back on New Year's Day." She said, pleased with the explanation but still paying close attention to how her daughter would respond.

Astoria placed her hands in her lap, trying to remain calm and find something to say that wouldn't cause conflict.

"I was under the impression we'd be staying here for Christmas. In case Daph—"

"Of course not. The plan was always to wait for an invitation from the Lange's should anything fall through. Seeing as it has, we will be attending their party and celebrating the holiday there as well. Might as well make a vacation out of it." Her mother said with a chipper tone. It sounded like nails on a chalkboard.

"Well, what if I had made plans to see my friends during the holidays? And I told Ms. Breen I would be available to work." She said slowly. Her mother squinted at her, a harsh look sent her way and she knew the next words would cause an argument.

"Quitting would be the best option to get out of work. I'd say after the successful winter solstice party, you won't need to work anymore. But tell your friends you'll be with your family."

Astoria's hands clenched and she glanced over at her father who kept his head down while filling his mouth.

"I'd be more than happy to spend the holiday with you in Germany but I would much rather not have to go back on my word and tell my friends I will no longer be available—"

"And who are these friends? Who are you referring to?" Her mother interrogated and Astoria panicked.

She didn't have plans, she wasn't invited anywhere. But the thought of going to Germany was like being pushed into a corner. There was no way Astoria would come home not engaged to some random pureblood. These parties were notorious and the thought of going made her nauseous. Quickly, her mind flashed to Neville and then to Ms. Breen. She could make up some lie about a small get-together they were having, but she knew the mention of work friends and some boy from school would only worsen the mood.

With hardly any time to think, Astoria's lies tumbled from her mouth, and she began digging herself into a hole.

"I remained close with Draco Malfoy even after the failure between us. He is attending a party on Christmas night and invited me along." She said, her heart ringing in her ears.

"Who's hosting? And who will be there?" Her mother challenged.

"He didn't give me the details, only that I was invited." She shrugged, praying her face didn't betray her.

"And I can assume that—muggleborn will be there? You'd want to be in the presence of the two people that have embarrassed you—"

"I'm friends with them and there are no hard feelings on my part. Honestly Draco was hoping to introduce me to some of his friends." She said, trying to causally sip her tea while avoiding her mother's eyes and not feel intimidated.

"Hmph." Her mother said and stayed quiet for a moment. Astoria looked up and the women stared at each other, caught in a stand off. Finally the older woman spoke. "It won't be necessary to go after the solstice."

Her heart broke a little inside, her bottom lip quivered. With a deep breath and tense shoulders, Astoria used her last line of defense.

"Mother please," she begged, "I can't visit Daphne and if she doesn't come home, I will be alone. You and father can stay in Germany but I would like to spend my time with my friends. It's one night, after our own family celebrations."

Her mother physically flinched at the mention of Daphne and Astoria thought appealing to her emotional side was now the wrong move. However, a few grumbles from her father surprised everyone.

"Astoria can spend the holidays with her friends. She's old enough to spend some time on her own." He said, his voice crackly and gruff.

Elation filled her chest and Astoria did her best to suppress her wide grin. She didn't meet her mother's eyes, knowing that she was currently glaring at her. But Astoria didn't care, she would be free from her parents for days on end, getting to celebrate her holiday the way she wanted to. She'd have to floo call Daphne immediately, letting her know she could come home for Christmas and stay until New Year's, she would be so excited.

Astoria waited until late in the night to call Daphne and when she answered she couldn't keep her happiness in any longer.

"Mother and Father will be in Germany during Christmas until New Year's and they've allowed me to stay here Christmas night until New Year's! You can come home during then!" Astoria squealed with her face in the fire. Daphne frowned, offering a tense smile to her sister. Astoria's shoulder slumped and her joyous feelings were instantly crushed. Something was wrong.

"I'm not coming home, Tori. My friends have made arrangements for me to stay with them here. I can't tell them differently now, that would be wrong." Daphne said and Astoria felt her heart clench.

"B-but, you could still come, at least for a day?" She offered hopefully.

"I'm already spending money to travel with them, I'm so sorry Tori. If I had known sooner I would have come home immediately to spend Christmas with you." She assured her tenderly.

"I know." She replied after some time.

"I'm so sorry. We'll have to find some time so you can visit me here." Daphne said and she nodded.

"Yeah. Yeah lets' do that. For next year." She said, a bit happier than before.

"Absolutely. I need to go though, I'll talk to you soon, okay? I love you." Daphne said.

"Love you too." Astoria said, still dejected and ended their call.