Who's Hermione's Paramour?

Summary: Hermione goes to a party, who will she hook up with? You decide!

Disclaimer: I do not make money with this, just playing in the sandbox.

Chapter 7 Neville

Neville quite enjoyed the annual Christmas Ball at Hogwarts. The Great Hall always felt more enchanting than any other time. He also enjoyed everyone's reactions to the decor. Although he was now a professor at the school, he still felt a bit awkward, he had only been a professor for two years now, instead of the three he could have been but he was offered a year abroad with several other Masters and had accepted. He had learned different things from them than he had Pomona and it had been an eye opening experience. It had made him realize just how cut off Britain's wizarding world was.

He had also learned different techniques as well as a few new recipes for fertilizer and food. It had been well worth putting off his tests which he had aced. Neville was quite proud of his life and knew he owed a lot to Harry, Ron and Hermione. If they hadn't been willing to put their lives on the line every day since starting school, he wouldn't be where he was now. What was even more amazing was how humble his three friends were and he was proud to call them friends. However, there was one in particular he'd like to know better, Hermione.

She had helped him so much through the years and asked for nothing in return. She was compassionate, fiery, loyal (fiercely so) and highly intelligent. Neville also appreciated that she never put much stock in material things or was vain. It wasn't that she didn't take care of herself or get herself things; he knew she did but she never flaunted what she had or tried to cover her natural beauty.

Hermione was the reason Neville had volunteered to help with decorations, he wanted to see her reaction. What had amazed Neville was how much the other professors asked for his opinion, claiming new blood was needed...and younger eyes. He had chuckled at their comments but had happily guided when asked. He had hoped to approach the witch of his heart last year but had chickened out. This year though, Neville planned to approach his favorite witch and ask her out.

He had tried dating the last few years but found most wanted the 'hero' not the wizard. Also, Neville found himself comparing any witch to Hermione and they all fell short. When Hermione entered the Great Hall, Neville took great pleasure at the joy on her face. He also noticed just how beautiful she looked. He watched her talk to her best friends before taking a breath, readying himself to approach her, when he noticed Hermione heading his way. His heart skipped a beat at the heat in her eyes and he couldn't help but stand straighter. If things worked out, he'd be the envy of the Ball for once.

HG-NL HG-NL HG-NL

As soon as Hermione stepped into the Great Hall, she couldn't help the wonder she felt. It was amazing! The enchanted ceiling was a clear starry night with snow falling only to stop before landing on anything or anyone. The walls had "snow" sliding down them only to never flow further than a foot away. There were trumpeting angels gliding through the air, some singing, some greeting while others played music all of it quietly done so as to be an enjoyment and not an irritation. The tables had large icicles going through the middle with the chair backs appearing to have icicles dripping down. Along the top of the walls there were garlands with various decorations hanging from them. Hermione knew that the professors had challenged the students to make the decorations and they had turned out beautiful.

As she took in the Hall, she spotted her friends. Walking over, she was hugged tightly and complimented. She then took in who all had showed up and was pleased to see so many. Everyone seemed in high spirits which was welcoming. Then her eyes scanned for a particular wizard, Neville. He had been on her mind a lot lately and she wanted to see if he might be interested in more than friendship with her. She had watched him go from a chubby shy first year to a seasoned warrior with a divine body. Hermione was quite proud of Neville and all he had overcome. She knew his life hadn't been the easiest, with his Gran only able to compare him to his father but she knew he no longer felt threatened or slighted by that. He had realized that it was hard on his Gran to lose her son and daughter-in-law in such a way. It would've been better for them to have died. She knew many would think her cruel for such thoughts but her and Neville had talked about their situation many times and he felt the same. It was why he took the mantle of Head of House for his line and had allowed the healers to end his parents' suffering. Nobody wanted to be a vegetable forever. He had understood why his Gran had not made that decision when he was younger, his younger self wouldn't have understood.

It had taken close to a year before his Gran would speak to Neville again but when she did, she had thanked him for doing what she could not, now they were at peace.

When Hermione spotted Neville, he was speaking with Luna and Susan. While in school, she would have bet galleons that he would have ended up with one of them but, after giving a relationship a try, they had parted ways as friends. Hermione thought it was really nice that there had been no hard feelings and she didn't feel threatened with Neville talking with them. Instead, she felt empowered at the look Luna sent her way when Neville wasn't paying attention. Hermione smiled and gave a small nod as she started in their direction.

HG-NL-HGN-NL HG-NL

Just as Hermione reached the trio, the witches excused themselves with winks towards Hermione.

"Neville, you dashing tonight." Hermione greeted.

"Hermione, you're as radiant as always." Neville returned.

"Thank you. Where's your date?" Hermione asked point blank.

"Didn't come with one." Neville answered.

"Really? Why not?" Hermione was genuinely curious.

"Because," Neville locked gazes with her. "The witch I want is right before me."

Hermione's eyes widened a bit with surprise before she beamed a smile at him. "Then, shall we dance?" she asked as she looped her arm in his.

"We shall." Neville said as he led them to the floor.

After a few dances, Hermione decided to take a chance. "Neville?"

"Yes, Hermione?"

"Would you be interested in dating me?" she asked, not quite able to meet his eyes.

Instead of answering her vocally, Neville tilted her head up and met her lips with a sweet kiss. The smile she gave him was soft and happy.

"How much longer do we stay?" Hermione asked.

"Whenever you're ready, I would be happy to escort you home." Neville told her.

"Just escort me?" Hermione whispered and reveled in the tightening of his arm around her waist.

"Whatever the lady wishes." Neville answered as he led them out of the Great Hall and into the night.

Little did the two know but Neville's Gran watched with a small smile on her lips, she was happy for her grandson. It was about time he found a strong witch to settle him down and keep him on his toes.

~FIN~