Written for Care of Magical Creatures Class at The Golden Snitch Forum (Beauxbatons, Guinefort) - House Elf: write about a Hufflepuff.


The Promise

Hannah twisted the ring around her finger absentmindedly before realizing what she was doing. She straightened the thin silver band and held out her finger to admire the oval-shaped, deep red stone — garnet. Her birthstone. It really was perfect.

An irritated voice interrupted her musings. "Oi, woman, can I get that drink or are you going to stand there admiring that bloody ring all day?"

Hannah nearly jumped, especially when she saw that the man's light brown eyes bore a strong resemblance to Neville's. "Sorry," she squeaked, mentally berating herself for caring so much about a piece of jewelry.

It isn't just any piece of jewelry, she reminded herself as she passed a bottle towards the irate customer. It's a promise. The thought made a wide smile stretch across her face.

...

"I—I want to marry you someday, Hannah Abbott," Neville said earnestly, his round face slightly pink, but determined nonetheless. He fumbled in the pocket of his robes for a moment before pulling out a ring box. "I thought this could—could symbolize that promise."

Hannah took the small black box from him, smiling shyly when their fingers brushed against each other. "You didn't have to do that, Neville."

"I wanted to," he insisted. "I wanted—I needed—you to know how special you are to me. You never know when—when your happiness might be ripped away from you forever."

Hannah's eyes welled up with tears as she realized the weight of Neville's worries. Still holding the box, she wrapped her arms around his trembling form. "The war is over, love," she whispered. "Nothing is going to take me away from you now."

Neville sniffed. "You could still leave me anyway. I'm not very handsome, or clever—"

"Neville Longbottom," Hannah said firmly, fixing him with a stern gaze, "I made my choice a long time ago, and I'm never going to leave you."

The expression of pure joy on Neville's face made her heart swell, and she was certain a similar look must be reflected on her own features.

...

Hannah had opened the box shortly thereafter, gasping with delight at the beautiful, delicate ring. Neville had been very pleased by her reaction, and her reassurances that nothing but death could tear them apart only bolstered his confidence. Beaming, he had slipped the band onto her finger and given her a gentle, loving kiss.

If she closed her eyes, she could still feel the slight pressure of his lips on hers and the rhythm of his heartbeat pounding against her chest. She did so now, relishing that moment and the intoxicating feeling of being adored. After a moment, she opened her eyes and smiled down at her finger yet again. She had meant every word that she said to Neville — she was never, ever going to leave him.

Suddenly, Hannah registered the gaze of the customer standing directly in front of her, looking at her with open curiosity. Time to return to reality, Hannah. But even as she asked the woman for her order, part of her remained blissfully in the clouds.


Word count: 509