For: A Catholic Girl, who's a fellow HPFC-er and is a) a brilliant writer and b) a brilliant reviewer! Thanks so much!

Day 13

On the thirteenth day of Christmas…

His hands in his pockets, his eyes on the ground, he walks along the crowded streets. He's already mailed his Christmas presents to Luna, Dean, Seamus, Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione. There's no one else to buy for.

People give him strange looks as he wanders around, ignoring them and pretending to be alone. It's his first Christmas without his grandmother, and something seems out of place. No one seems to see is star status. Perhaps that's sort of died down, he hopes half-heartedly.

Finally, he strolls into old Tom's place and sits down at the bar. "Firewhisky, please," he says, propping his head up on his hands. He's in the mood for something strong.

The bargirl turns around and stares. "Not – No. Neville Longbottom?"

He stares right back. The blonde hair is the same, if a bit longer. The blue eyes bulge out at him, their usual curiosity apparent. She's a bit taller than when they were both seventeen, rebellious, and fighting. But then, so is he. They've both changed quite a lot.

"You're working here, Hannah?" he asks in surprise.

She nods. "You know. Earning some money before I go off and become a real person." She half-laughs, but he doesn't respond. He's staring at her still, his eyes raking over her body.

She's always been a blunt girl, and so it doesn't surprise him when she says, "Hey! What are you looking at?"

"Hannah," he whispers, "who are you spending Christmas with?"

A shadow falls over her face. "My cat," she says sourly.

"Where's your father?" Then, "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry."

"It's alright, I suppose," she says, lacking an answer to his question.

"Will you – will you drop by my place?" he asks, his voice full of hope.

"Oh, that would be lovely!" she says, a wide smile breaking out onto her round, always-sweet face. "You wouldn't mind having me?"

"I'd love to have you," he says, smiling back at her. He gives her his address, and then stands. "I think I'll pass up on that Firewhisky after all," he tells her, and then leaves with a little wave.

Suddenly, people see him again, see the Hero. Perhaps it's the smile adorning his face.

(Neville/Hannah)

Notes: I figured I'd go ahead and post this, considering how busy I'll be today. Eep, decorating the tree and then my grandpa's birthday party!