When Astoria woke, her eyes were puffy, head throbbed and she felt utterly drained. The prospect of meeting Neville still made her bones flutter with anticipation, but the events of yesterday weighed on her, making her drag during the morning. Daphne relayed a while ago she would come home for Christmas no matter what and hearing that she now made plans without telling her had stung remarkably deep. She argued with her mum to stay in England for no reason, and now, she'd be alone on Christmas.

She certainly didn't want to tell her parents that plans fell through, so she'd have to suck it up and be alone. At the very least she'd be able to work more during the days in between. Spending time with the creatures would be nice as they are wonderful company to her most days.

She could make plans with Neville too, if he was interested…which she thinks he would be. But she could be interfering with his own plans and didn't want to intrude or make a fool of herself by asking if he'd be free.

Instead of dwelling on the unfortunate turn of events, she tried to stay focused on the afternoon ahead of her with Neville. Arriving in Diagon Alley was a bit busier since the holiday sales began. Christmas was still three weeks away but the streets looked like it was the last day for shopping. She found Neville huddled off to the side of Sugarplum's, adorned in a dark brown jacket with some fur around the collar and a Gryffindor hat on. He waved at her to flag her down, her cheeks turned up in a smile, the first time she felt genuinely happy since last night.

"Hey there. We just need to walk to a safe apparation spot." He told her, both heading up the block to where it was less crowded.

"We're going to where you work?" She questioned, watching him nod.

"Yeah. The building itself is small but we have one hundred different greenhouses. I'm in charge of the newest one." Neville stopped and looked around before his eyes settled on her. "Ready?"

He took out his hand from his pocket, holding it out for her to take. Astoria looked at his hand, then his eyes, then back to his hand and his eyes a final time. She blushed heavily and took it with a small nod, understanding the level of trust she had just shown him. His hand was so warm despite December's frigidness. She could feel the heat of his palm through her gloves and it made her hold on a little tighter.

Soon they were pulled into the air, the unpleasant feeling only remedied by the feeling of Neville's hand in hers.

When her eyes and brain adjusted to her new environment, she saw the small building about three stories tall. Surrounding them in a cul de sac street were the greenhouses Neville mentioned. Arranged by groups of ten, lined up behind one another with sidewalks branching between each and every one. The road leading out of the cul de sac led back to the main road by other businesses. Quite an intriguing place at first glance.

"It's in greenhouse number thirty two." He told her, then walked them over to the houses beginning with the number three. Astoria didn't notice they were still holding hands until he had to let go of hers to open the doors. She looked down confused and then back up at Neville who was busy opening the door to notice her reaction.

Awkwardly, she walked past and was engulfed with the warmth and slight humidity of the greenhouse. She gasped when she took in the room. Surrounding them were magnificent variations of plants and flowers, primarily wreaths and Christmas trees. Many red, silver and gold. Some mixed of all three colors, most of them shimmering. It was like each flower had diamonds on them, all sparkling under the sun lamps.

"Wow." She said dazed, her body already warm from the air. She felt Neville's fingertips on her back, digging in under her coat to help her out of it. Still entranced, she let him tug it off of her and began walking down the aisle to inspect the flower arrangements.

"What is all this?" She asked, turning around to see Neville putting a smock over his body and grab one for her.

"This is something my company does every year. They cultivate flowers for St. Mungo's entire building during Christmas. Each of my colleagues get assigned a floor and the hospital usually tells us what they would like. I got the children's section this year, hence all the glitter." He smiled, while looking around at his work.

Astoria stared at Neville with a soft expression. He looked so happy to be here, excited to show her his work. It made her stomach dance again, something that seemed to happen every time she was with him.

"Here let me show you the wreaths." He said excitedly, handing her a smock and walking over to an aisle that had about twenty different wreaths laying across the table. There was a giant one, nearly the length of Astoria's wing span, that laid in the center.

"These will be hung in every occupied room, and each child will get a small tree, poinsettia and their own potted flowers. I designed each wreath myself." He said proudly and Astoria reached out to touch the one with silver and gold flower heads, red ribbons sat at the very top of it.

"They're beautiful." She complimented softly, her eyes taking in the uniqueness of each one.

"Thank you. They don't take long to make or grow and my company does it free of charge. Have been doing it for the last twenty years." He explained.

Astoria felt a lump grow in her throat at the thought of the children in St. Mungo's being stuck there, on Christmas. All alone.

It honestly could have been the fact that this was such a sweet gesture on Neville's company's part, or the image of Neville working hard to construe these beautiful creations for sick children, or the children themselves, or even the sadness hanging over Astoria's head over her own loneliness now that she'd be spending the holidays alone, but she began to cry. The weight of yesterday bubbled over, silent tears rolled down her face, and she refused to sniffle, knowing Neville would discover her.

"The purple one's my favorite, it goes really well with the gold and white flowers don't you think?" He asked, putting down the evergreen wreath with dark purple flowers all over it. There was a golden, shimmering bow on it as well. It just made Astoria cry harder.

She tried to quickly wipe her tears away then turned away from him.

"It's lovely. This one is great too." She said, half pointing to the one that had flowers in majorelle blue.

Neville looked up, hearing the shakiness in her voice and quickly set the wreath down to follow her. He frowned when she wouldn't turn around.

"Astoria? Are you okay?" He asked carefully.

She inhaled deeply and wiped the remaining wetness from her eyes before turning to give him a very fake smile.

"Of course! This is just— really nice of you." She said with a puff, looking away from his concerned stare.

"Is that all?" He asked, obviously noticing her wet cheeks and glossy eyes.

Astoria felt her eyes well up again at the thought of not seeing Daphne not being home. Her throat tightened.

"Yes, yes—" She huffed, waving her hand at him. "I'm fine I'm—"

Her voice broke and she tried to clear her throat to remain composed.

"Did something happen?" He quietly asked. She chewed on her bottom lip, letting her hands trace over the beautiful and delicate petals to distract herself. "Astoria?"

His voice was so calm and comforting, the way her name rolled from his lips made her feel safe. She sighed deeply.

"My parents are staying in Germany during Christmas so I'll be alone for the night until New Year's. And I told Daphne this, expecting her to come home but…she's made plans and won't be returning. I found out last night but I—"

She stopped herself when she felt his hand on her back. The concerning and compassionate gesture made her freeze while she choked on her words. Her walls closed up around her heart and Astoria suddenly felt childish for sobbing in front of him. Her lungs craved air, like she was under water too long. She took a step away, wondering why on earth she just told him that. It was embarrassing to share issues going on with her family, and her mother did well to make sure she spoke nothing of their situation with Daphne to anyone.

Neville's hand dropped and he frowned.

"I'm so sorry." He expressed but Astoria sniffed and blinked rapidly.

"It's fine I didn't mean to…act so belligerent."

Neville made a face, one of disbelief and slight humor.

"You're not. It's sad she won't be coming home and I'm sorry since you were hopeful you'd see her." He said and Astoria took a rapid breath while squeezing her eyes shut.

"Can you just forget I did this? Or said…anything?" She requested with desperate eyes.

Neville's mouth parted like he was ready to say more, but saw the way her mouth twitched unpleasantly and her tight shoulders signaling she was holding her breath. He eventually slowly nodded, mentally tabling the discussion for when she was ready to share more.

"Okay." He agreed.

"Thank you." She replied with a relieved sigh. It was bad enough to randomly cry in front of a man, but to continue talking about it would just make her feel worse. She didn't want Neville's deep hazel eyes looking at her like that, like, like—this was all normal. Like this was okay for them to talk like this and it was fine for her to be upset and see her cry.

"Of course, but here I have something that might make you feel better—" He started up again and Astoria looked up with a worried face.

"Oh no please, don't. Really—"

"No hold on, let me just—I have something for you. Hold on." Neville suddenly said, holding up his hands as if to keep her in place. He jogged down the rows on the opposite end of the greenhouse, a bit concealed by some of the larger trees.

Astoria couldn't see what he grabbed but when he turned, there were two large plants in his hand, both potted in a marvelous swirls of orange and yellow colored pots with a shiny glaze over it. One plant was blooming a large purple flower with a ring of pink on the outside and the other a bright pink. Neville came with a wide smile, ear to ear.

"I grew these for you. Hibiscus flowers." He said as he got closer. Astoria's mouth hung open, her chest constricting and a weird bundle of emotions battling inside her. She was sad, happy, heartbroken, lonely, and so so thankful for this man thinking of her but angry that he would make a gesture like this.. It was confusing. He was confusing.

Nudging up the bright purple one, Neville began speaking. "I wasn't sure what your favorite color was, I forgot to ask, so I grew one in every color. There's also white, yellow, peach and—"

"I don't get you!" She shrieked, cheeks blooming with heat as soon as she spoke. Neville jumped for a moment, then looked at her with a confused smile.

"What do you mean?" He half laughed.

"You're just—" She waved her hand up and down, gesturing to his dirty smock, wide hands holding two pots of plants with blooming flowers, cheeks warm from the humidity inside the greenhouse. He raised a brow, hiding a chuckle at her franticness.

"You're so nice! And kind to me." She pouted and Neville gave her a weird look while setting down the plants.

"You're—you care about bloody everything! You care about how my day went, you care if I'm sad and if I have a bad day and buy me my favorite sweets all the time to the point where I just expect it now!" She belted out, louder than necessary considering he was only a few paces away.

As she rambled, Neville reacted accordingly, nodding very sarcastically with false concern and a faint smirk. He took slow steps over to her, careful not to startle her in the midst of her rant.

"And you are so smart, gods, how did I never know you were this smart? You tell me things without being condescending and you're interested in what I have to say and want to hear my opinion on things. It's bloody weird." She said, her heart rate increasing when he grew closer. Her cheeks were hot, and she was on the verge of crying again.

Why was it that everyone in her family ignored her feelings and wishes but the man in front of her was concerned any time she would so much as frown? He grew her flowers and wanted to show them to her just because he thought it would make her feel better, and it did.

"You-you're just warm. Every time I'm with you my day gets better—and, and—I just don't get it. Why are you acting like this? Why do you—why would you grow me flowers?" She said, her bottom lip quivering. She ended her words with a tiny noise that was stuck in her throat, unable to look up at the man standing in front of her. He was so close she could smell the dirt from his smock and the light traces of honey most likely from his afternoon tea.

"Isn't it obvious?" He said quietly with a growing smirk. "I like you, Astoria. I really, truly like you. And I want to see you happy." He said, his breath hitting her face. Astoria's stomach clenched and his words hit her straight in the chest.

With a careful finger, he lifted up her chin and she let him. Her eyes were the last to lift and when she did, her body melted. His stare was filled with so much admiration that it made her weak and her pulse skip.

Astoria tried to take even breaths, keeping her eyes on his while his face grew nearer. Neville's gaze fell down to her lips as he slowly approached her, dark eyelashes resting against his cheeks and his breath hitting her senses. With the tiniest movement, Astoria lifted her chin just barely and shut her eyes.

She instantly felt his lips delicately press into hers. Slanting together in a kiss that was exactly like Neville; soft and considerate with a force that was unashamed and brave. Her heart was stammering right out of her chest and she was unsure if she was even standing or rather floating in the moment.

Neville's hand moved up from her chin to gently cup her jaw, Astoria took in a whimpering breath for the split second their lips weren't touching. He found her mouth again, this time barely opening his mouth wider, letting them both feel more of each other.

Astoria gulped when his other hand touched her waist. It was gentle and hesitant but still ignited a blazing heat inside her body. He stepped closer, his palm expanding on her hip and bringing her forward. She immediately answered, taking her own quick step until their stomachs touched and she was engulfed in his body heat.

She was content kissing like this, all lips, soft and sweet movements, but thoroughly surprised and a bit eager when there was the tiniest feeling on his tongue poking her bottom lip. One of her sweaty hands lifted to rest on his upper side, the other slowly coming up to rest on his shoulder.

Neville inhaled deeply and clutched her tighter, the tips of his fingers digging into her back while the hand on her jaw slipped behind her into her hair. He angled her upwards and she responded by opening her mouth wider. Teasing her bottom lip with his tongue again, Neville alternated between deep kisses and slow teases. It was maddening and Astoria made a frustrated noise and lightly pulled away to voice her grievances.

"Why won't you kiss me harder?" She asked, placing her lips on his again. His smile was felt against her movements and she swallowed his amused noise.

"Is that what you want?" He said, voice slightly husky. It sent a shiver up her spine.

"You've made me wait for minutes now." She replied impatiently.

Neville huffed a laugh into her mouth but didn't deny her request. Astoria fisted his shirt between both hands when his tongue sought out hers. With each kiss, he grew more commanding, leading the pace, the motion, her. Everything. She tried to keep up, feeling her breathing quicken and chest tighten any time his tongue entered her mouth. It caused her body to coil with a tension that was addicting. The heat inside forced her to want more and it slightly frightened her.

Soon her face was moist from the air and her hands cramped. Neville never took it any farther, instead he slowed their kiss back to how it started, then ended it with a simple peck before resting his forehead on hers.

"Can I safely assume you fancy me as well?" He asked, obviously teasing her. Astoria's lips curled upwards. She opened her eyes, staring at the smirk and damp pink lips she just kissed.

"Yes." She replied with a blush.

"Good. Then can I take you out next week?" He said, removing his hand from the back of her neck then proceeding to smooth down her hair.

Astoria pulled her head back, wanting to look at him.

"On one condition." She said and Neville's eyebrows rose.

"And that is?" He questioned. Astoria's heart soared when he kept smoothing back her hair.

"I get to keep all the hibiscuses you grew for me." She said and half of Neville's mouth turned into a smile while he chuckled.

"Done." He promised then sized each flower down so she could travel with all of them.

Astoria went home with nine differently colored Hibiscus plants. She spread them out in her room, so no matter where she moved, she'd always be in their bright company.

She was happy, giddy even. Her mother seemed to notice the shift in her and watched her skeptically but never said anything. She happily did her chores and went to work with a bright grin on her face. Ms. Breen asked what has put her in such a good mood lately, making her blush when she questioned her relationship.

"It's Mr. Longbottom isn't it?" Ms. Breen asked and Astoria's eyes went wide and her face turned pink. Her boss laughed as she counted the stock of mice for the owls. Hardly paying any attention to the girl's embarrassment. "He's such a lovely boy, real looker too. I'd say if I was your age, I'd be ogling him anytime he passes by."

Astoria's mouth dropped open, mortified by the older woman's admission.

"Well whatever he's doing, he better keep at it. I'd say you're just about glowing dear. Nice to know Mr. Longbottom can keep you satisfied."

"Ms. Breen—!" Astoria exclaimed horrified. The woman laughed.

"Oh hush deer. I know what young love entails. Merlin, what I wouldn't do to be your age and have a sex drive again—Oh hello dear, we were just talking about you!" Ms. Breen said and Astoria looked to see Neville enter the shop. Ten minutes to closing, just like always.

"Evening. You were? About what specifically?" Neville said coming closer to Astoria, eyeing her curiously as she was blushing profusely, refusing to meet his gaze.

Ms. Breen walked past them, heading to the back to organize her fillings as she did each night.

"Oh nothing! Just how wonderful and sweet you are. Astoria you can finish up there then close out the register and head home. I'll see you tomorrow!" The woman cheered while heading into the backroom. Astoria still couldn't find her voice even after they were left alone. Neville let out a chuckle.

"So you were talking about me?" He teased and Astoria still couldn't meet his eye.

"Ms. Breen brought you up." She replied, leaving him against the food wall and heading to the cash register. Neville followed right on her heels.

"Saying what?" He badgered with a grin. She ignored him, still feeling her face heat.

"That you're nice and I look happy." She mumbled half of the truth.

"Mm." He said with lowered eyes. "Anything else?"

Astoria knew he was grinning, slick git. He clearly knew there was more said, maybe could even correctly guess at what Ms. Breen mentioned based on her awkwardness. Most likely could hear her from outside since Ms. Breen did have a voice that carried. Merlin this was embarrassing if he had heard them.

"She may have alluded to the fact that she eyes you like a piece of meat." She commented and Neville chuckled loudly.

"And did you tell her to keep her wandering eyes elsewhere because I'm for your eyes only?" His voice dropped considerably low, much like in the greenhouse after they kissed. Astoria felt her insides roll and she accidentally looked up at him.

Neville wore a very attractive smirk, looking like he got off on seeing her fidget. He also decided in that moment to swing around the counter, blocking the only exit with one of his hands on the counter and the other against the wall. His body was large, wide even, and she was effectively trapped in the tiny space.

"I-no I didn't say anything. That's when you walked in." She mumbled quietly then finished her task at the register so she had to stand with bright pink on her cheeks and a large, attractive man teasing her while in her personal space.

"Do you want to get dinner with me? I had to skip lunch." He then asked but still didn't move. Astoria looked at the back door behind her, knowing Ms. Breen could walk out and see a grinning Neville and her essentially backed into her place. She would never hear the end of it.

"Now? That's fine. Let's go." She said, pushing her hands on his chest to move him, ignoring the tingles in her stomach when she touched him. Breezing past to reach the door, Astoria waited for him to follow, holding it open.

He came up to her side as the door lightly shut, their shoulders and arms touching as they walked. Despite his teasing from earlier and slight irritation from it, she almost wished he'd be closer, or even make a move to hold her hand.

"Craving anything?" He asked as they got deeper into the streets.

"You can pick." She told him automatically.

"No last time we ate out I chose, so you pick now. Is there a restaurant that has vegetarian options? Or good fish at least?" He questioned and Astoria looked up at him. A question so normal for him but she still wasn't used to her likes or dislikes being taken into account.

"Um, yeah. There is a place I haven't had in awhile. It's two blocks over." She said gesturing up to the corner to turn left.

"What do they have?" He asked curiously and she shrugged.

"Mainly soups and sandwiches but their soup sizes are massive. The bowl is bigger than my head and they do a different special every other day." She explained and Neville nodded his approval.

"Sounds great. I'll probably need more than the soup though." He commented and she chuckled a bit.

"Wait until you see the size of these bowls." She said with a smirk, seeing the lights advertising the restaurant. Astoria placed her order, happy to see they had listed one of her favorite specials as full time on the menu. Neville had ordered the largest bowl of chili and though she tried to warn him again, he said he could handle it.

When their orders were presented, Neville's mouth hung open at the food in front of him.

"Okay, wow, um, I should have definitely listened to you." He conceded and she giggled, ripping apart her baguette and submerging it into her cauliflower chowder.

"I told you so." She joked and Neville just stared at the bowl of chili that took up half the table.

"This is just ridiculous. How is this one serving size?" He questioned, opening his bag of crackers and tossing them in.

"It's supposed to be shared. I would have told you but you said you were famished so." She finished with a shrug, still laughing a bit at his expression. His wide eyes and disbelieving smile was quite cute.

"I'll be lucky if I finish half of this. Merlin's balls." He told her and she laughed out loud. Neville's head snapped up and Astoria was concealing her smile and laugh with her hand, a bit embarrassed at the loud outburst. When she met his stare, his face softened, a look of admiration mixing with something else.

"I love your laugh." He commented and she felt her eyes widen a bit. "It's adorable." He told her, scooping chili into his mouth while keeping eye contact. Astoria took the compliment better than she had his other compliments. As she settled down, she smiled at him, looked down at her soup and mumbled a shy 'thanks' to him.

They talked about work, when St. Mungo's will be using Neville's and his company's plants to decorate the hospital and briefly mentioned Christmas. She was curious about his parents and what he'd do with them on Christmas.

"Do they know who—I mean I'm sorry I shouldn't—"

"No no, it's fine." He said with a reassuring smile. Astoria was anxious, that much was obvious. But Neville talked openly about them, like he was happy to share the information with her. "They don't recognize me as their son so much, but I have gone enough where they recognize me as someone familiar."

Astoria felt her heart crumble despite the soft smile he wore.

"My mum she's, she's completely nonverbal now. So I talk with her a lot. Doesn't show many expressions but she does look sad when I leave." He said, meeting her eyes. She stayed silent and nodded, her cheek turning upwards as she imagined Neville happily sitting next to a woman chatting about his day.

"And my dad, well he, he mumbles a lot. He used to have a lot of fits, but now he's calmer. He talks about random things that don't make a lot of sense, but I still try to engage him when he's having a good day."

Neville shrugged, as if dusting off some lint from his coat and what they were talking about was no big deal. He was so open and honest with her, it was a quality she found unsettling but now, she really admired it.

"I can't buy them gifts as a rule of the ward, but I do make them Christmas cookies, even for their birthdays. My mum's favorite are gingersnaps and my dad's are just chocolate chip. I'm looking forward to seeing them." He said and she nodded.

"How often do you see them then?" She asked, her voice timid.

"Mmm, depends on what the doctors tell me. If they have a good week, then they tell me it's okay to visit on the weekend, but if they've had a hard week, then they tell me it's better to stay home. So sometimes once a month, sometimes every weekend." He explained and she swallowed a bit thickly. Emotion was building up inside her and she couldn't understand how Neville talked about it like it was the weather.

"So I know you said you'd be home for Christmas, has that changed?" He then asked and Astoria felt her stomach drop. She shifted uncomfortably in her chair under the assessment of his hazel eyes. They looked expecting, hopeful, and it made her gulp.

"Ah, no. I'll be returning mid afternoon on Christmas." She tightly smiled, digging back into her chowder to avoid his gaze.

"Then you're still…heading to Germany for a few days?" He inquired and Astoria accidentally took a large bite that slid awkwardly down her throat. She had to drink some water to collect herself.

"Possibly. I'm—I'm trying to get out of it." She mumbled, a wave of guilt crashing over her. He made a humming noise and the two stayed quiet for a moment. Their spoons clinked against their ceramic bowls, the sound of them swallowing their drinks and the dull hum of music playing around them filled the air. There weren't many people in the restaurant and she almost wished it was crowded so more noise could fill the gaps between them.

"Can I ask you something?" Neville's voice was serious, the tone making her shift in her seat. She slowly nodded, unable to blink. He frowned, looking in deep thought. Dark eyebrows pushed together and his lips spasmed.

"Going to Germany, what is the likelihood that you'll—" He broke off with a laugh, putting his elbows on the table and running his hands over his face to rub his eyes. "Sorry this is all a bit mad for me. If—is—Is what Malfoy said…about Germany…true?"

Astoria but her lip and looked down.

"It's—yes it is for purebloods who haven't entered into a betrothal contract. But-but I don't want to—I—"

"But you have to." He finished sadly and Astoria had to look away again.

"My mother—" She tried bit Neville cut her off.

"No. No. It's okay. You don't have to explain. I guess I'm just wondering…if it will actually happen?"

She shrugged, eyes focused on the wood panels of the floor. Her eyebrows wrinkled and she tried to give him an honest answer.

"I could act highly improper. Scare off men. Maybe no one would be interested. I won't—"

"Could you just not go?" He asked and Astoria's heart tightened. She looked at him shocked, words not forming in her brain.

"I—well I—it doesn't—But I mean—" She sputtered and the more she went on, the more Neville's shoulders slumped. She was digging herself into a hole, and burying dirt over her body. She squeezed her eyes shut, finding it easier to speak when she didn't have to look at his disappointed expression.

"It's…not that easy. My parents are still…difficult. And there was already an argument when I asked to come home alone." She said quietly. Neville's frown deepened.

"But…you could still ask. Can't you?" He questioned, his voice rising with hope.

"And say what? I would need a legitimate reason to not go and the only one worthy would be that I suddenly became engaged." She said a bit exasperated. She didn't want to talk about this anymore. It was just making her sad and she was never sad around Neville.

"Well, you could say—" He started but promptly cut himself off. She patiently waited for him to continue but he shook his head. "Nothing, never mind."

Astoria wanted to ask him to finish what he was going to say, a small part of her hoping he might suggest they be together during the holidays. But that would be far too intimate and she was getting ahead of herself. Not even five minutes later Neville announced he was no longer hungry and asked the staff for a take away box. Astoria frowned when she looked at his meal, barely even touched and he hadn't eaten since their conversation died.

Even when they were walking to a safe apparation spot, he was quiet. Her chest weighed heavy, her shoulders dropped and her steps were slow, trying to prolong their goodbyes. It wasn't the most pleasant evening, she didn't want to be out of his company. In fact, she'd prefer they right their night, but she just didn't know how.

Honesty didn't seem to work, and she wondered why Malfoy had even suggested that to her while they had dinner at the brewery. Honesty just brought pain and tension, and Astoria had to deal with enough of that already.

"I should head home. Long day tomorrow filled with research." He said with a tight and awkward face.

"Right yeah." She agreed, looking down at her feet while he stood in front of her. Stuffing her hands into her coat, she shivered in the cool air of the night, her fists clenched. Astoria began breathing hard through her nose and squeezed her eyes shut for a few seconds. It looked like she was ready to say something. Neville wondered himself what there was left to say but he didn't find anything worthy.

"Alright, well goo—"

"I'm sorry." She suddenly said, anxiety thrumming through her blood. She squeezed her eyes tighter.

"About what?" He asked cautiously from above her. She sniffed once then released an elongated breath.

"That I'm like this. That my family is—isn't normal. I-I don't want it to be like this but since Daphne left…it's just been a mess. And my mother is overcompensating and adding more pressure to my life with all this nonsense. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I haven't figured it out yet and I understand how that must make you—"

Her words were suddenly muffled into his chest. Neville grabbed her by the shoulders and circled his arms over her body. Her head was under his chin, his cheek nuzzling on the side of her head as he slightly bent to be closer to her. She gasped at first then softly sighed when his earthy scent mixed with the sweetness of honey filled her nostrils. She brought her arms around his waist and clung on to him.

"Don't apologize. I—" He paused and she felt him swallow. "I can't act like I understand completely, but I know what it can be like. Hermione and Malfoy have explained some. And I'm sure it hasn't been easy with Daphne gone."

Astoria inhaled deeply, her eyes prickling a bit when he started gently swaying, just barely for her to notice. His voice was low in her ear, gentle with compassion. She wanted to cry.

"Don't feel sorry. It's not your fault in any way. I know you'll figure it out and I'll help you too. If you want me to, of course." He added and she nodded and clutched him more.

"Thank you." She mumbled into his chest.

She could feel his cheek faintly move as he smiled. His hands moved up and down her back as they embraced and Astoria wasn't sure how long a hug with someone you like was supposed to last, but she was perfectly content being in his arms all night.

"Astoria?" He asked after some time.

"Hmm?" She replied, still muffled in his chest.

"You don't...want to be engaged…right?"

She pulled her head up, leaning her body back so his hands loosened and fell to her hips. She blinked into a frown, seeing his concerned expression and thought he was playing a joke on her.

"Of course not I—" She released a breath. "I'd like to find someone on my own. Have a connection and feel it grow into love. Not—not fulfill some duty."

He nodded once, eyes scaling over her face.

"Yeah, I—I figured I just wanted to be sure." He said with an uncertain smile. Her mouth parted and another pang of guilt hit her when she realized he asked because he was unsure. She hadn't been clear, or maybe clear enough that she liked him, and that wouldn't do.

His hands loosened and she then panicked as he pulled away. With a quick reaction, she fisted his jacket and pulled him back into her as she rose on her tip toes and blindly found his lips. She suppressed his stunned noise with a lovely hum the second he lips slotted in place.

It didn't last long, maybe three seconds at maximum, but she still felt dizzy pulling away. Their breaths fanned around them as the cold made them visible.

"Can I see you this weekend?" He requested immediately and she nodded with a wide, innocent grin.

Astoria was ready to call Daphne and plot how to get out of Germany, but she actually wasn't ready to speak with her sister yet. In fact, it had been a week since they last spoke and she told her of the Christmas plans. Daphne hadn't reached out since. Usually Astoria would since calls were harder to do when their mother would snoop, but she hadn't heard anything via mail either.

So she didn't reach out. She thought that if Daphne wanted to speak to her, she would. Instead she contacted an unlikely person for aid. People, actually. And when they accepted her offer to meet, Astoria grew weary and wasn't sure she truly wanted their help and hear their insight. The prospect of knowledge seemed terrifying but she knew it was absolutely necessary for her chance at happiness with Neville.


a/n: Hope you all had a happy christmas if you celebrated! If you're still in the mood for holiday fluff, check out my one shot 'The Christmas'' (Dramione) - Thank you for reading this as well, having a lot of fun writing it.