Summary: Unlikely things can come from those who are not confident in themselves, but the end results can create the best of memories. 1994/1995 School Year.

Rated: K+

Genre: Romance

Dedication: Magi Silverwolf

Warning Tag: Implied/Referenced Bullying

Blossoms of Bluebells

It was days like this where he really questioned his life choices. Neville Longbottom never thought he'd find himself in a situation where he would be a witness rather than a victim to the cruelty of students bullying another for a quick laugh. The very sight disgusted him. He also never saw himself willingly approaching the offenders to stop them until he grabbed the arm of a student and yanked them back. The contents of the bucket they held sloshed over the edge and nearly got on to the teen's trousers.

"Leave her alone," Neville said in a much braver voice than he felt.

The three students—who now looked to be a year older than Neville as he really took notice of them—all turned on him. Their eyes narrowed and subtle snickers were muttered between them. The dirty blonde-haired witch seemed to not notice the interruption as she still gathered the few remaining trinkets by their feet. Neville felt himself start to shrink into himself at the intimidating looks, but he didn't back down.

"Playing hero today, Longbottom?" the kid holding the bucket jeered. "It doesn't suit you."

Naturally, the contents of the bucket were dumped over his own head instead of the girl's.

"Enjoy the loony witch, loser."

After the three laughed and walked away, Neville—dripping in the smelly green slop—offered the girl a hand despite the grime on it. It shook slightly from nerves, but he did not withdraw it.

"You alright?" He kept himself from stuttering.

Silver eyes looked up at him before collecting a single cork by his foot. She took his hand and got to her feet, avoiding the green puddles that started to pool around him. "You didn't have to do that, but thank you."

The two became fast friends after that incident in the hall despite the disgusted state Neville ended up meeting her in. The two often met up in the library and exchanged information about creatures and plants. He was baffled by how intelligent Luna was on just about anything the two found themselves conversing about. Not like he thought that she wasn't, she was just very humble about it, unlike most Ravenclaws. Most saw her as flighty and strange, but Neville knew better. It was a part of who she was and he liked how comfortable she was with herself. It helped him grow comfortable with himself as well.

When the announcement was made that the Tri-Wizard Tournament was going to be held at the school, the pair would chatter about the endless possibilities the competition could hold and the various situations the champions could face. So when the Yule Ball was implemented shortly after, Neville didn't need to think twice on who he'd ask to be his date. Luna was more than happy to accompany him and committed a lot of time on what she'd wish to wear to it. Neville had no idea what she had in mind; all he knew was that she loaned him her father's bluebell colored vest and a white-and-blue polka-dot bowtie for his robes to help match her outfit.

Neville waited nervously at the base of the grand staircase for Luna, checking his pocket watch every few seconds as he started to worry where Luna was. Was she setting him up?

'No,'he shook the thought away. 'She would never do that.'

Before he decided to seek her out, the gasps from a few students nearby pulled his attention from the watch and to the staircase. Luna carefully descended the stairs in her silver ballerina shoes. The dress she wore was the same color as the items she lent him and was even shaped just like the petals of a bluebell flower. Her hair had small silver pins in it that glimmered in the light, and the clear gloss on her lips and the light makeup on her eyes only enhanced her simple beauty.

He held out an arm to her when she reached the ground floor and the two smiled at one another. Neville didn't know what to say. He was too captivated by the intelligent and talented witch at his side.

"You look quite handsome," Luna said, fixing his crooked bowtie and smoothing a wrinkle in his vest.

"And you look stunning," he replied immediately.

"I apologize for being late. My hair was being quite stubborn with the pins," she explained, bowing her head some in modest embarrassment.

"A queen is never late. Everybody else is simply early," Neville heard himself say, and his cheeks burned at the realization of how silly that sounded.

Those beautiful silver eyes met his and he smiled when he saw they were almost sparkling. He quickly composed himself and led them into the bustling Great Hall to watch the champions first dance.

The Yule Ball was soon well underway. Luna and Neville didn't stop dancing until they could hardly breathe, they were having just way too much fun in each other's company. Once the current upbeat song came to a close and there was a short interlude, Neville led Luna over to a vacant table and offered her a chair.

"Care for a drink?"

"Some giggle water would be wonderful, thank you."

Neville gave her a warm smile and a nod before he weaved his way over to the refreshment stand. Luna gazed around the room, watching as some couples huddled in the corners to snog or congregate with friends. Her eyes wandered over to a lone wizard nearby, his arms were crossed over him and he looked quite distraught about something. He pushed his circular-shaped glasses up his nose and ran a vigorous hand into his already untamed raven hair before he released a sigh. Neville returned with the drinks that Luna eagerly accepted and took a generous sip of. The water's effects had her feel giggly and light.

"He looks lonely, Neville," she said once the giggles subsided. "Do you think he'd care to dance with us?"

Neville honed in on the person Luna spoke of before looking back at her. "I don't see it hurting us to ask."

It was days like this when he would really appreciate his life choices. Reflecting back only a couple of months ago when he was making his way to the Great Hall for dinner, Neville found himself taking the brunt of another person's bully and making one of his best friends he'd ever had because of it. He had the honor to take Luna on a date to one of the most memorable dances the school would probably ever hold. And after receiving their photograph from Colin, he'd like to think they made the best couple out on the dance floor. Even being teased for his white-and-blue polka-dot bowtie didn't dampen his spirit. For once in a long time, he was proud of the life choices he'd made no matter how small they were.

Originally written for:

Quidditch League Fanfiction Competion

Monthly Challenges for All

Originally Written: February 2018

Word Count: 1,152