Neville Longbottom | MLM

The battle had been going on for hours. Different parts of the castle were in shambles, there was dust everywhere, and orders and screams could be heard in the distance. You were exhausted, leaning against a wall, wand still in hand. Neville appeared out of nowhere, running, his face somewhat bloodied on the side and his clothes dirty.

-You're alive! he said, skidding to a halt in front of you, breathless.

-Barely you answered, straightening up a bit.

Neville stared at you for a second, then ran his hand across his face, leaving a trail of dust.

-I thought... well, I didn't know where you were.

-Here, holding on.

-Are you hurt?

-Nothing serious, just some idiot Death Eater.

Neville nodded, but he didn't move. He stood there in front of you, fists clenched, looking toward where the sounds of battle were coming from.

-This isn't going to stop anytime soon he said in a low voice.

-I know...

-I don't know if we'll make it out of this.

He said it without drama, as if it were a simple fact. You didn't answer. Neville turned to look at you.

-Can I stay here with you? he asked, and it sounded more like a plea than a question.

-You don't have to ask, Neville.

Neville sat down beside you on the floor, shoulder to shoulder. Both of you looking straight ahead, listening to the crashes. After a while, Neville spoke again.

-If this ends badly... I wanted to tell you something.

-It's not going to end badly, Neville, just...

-You don't know that.

-Neville.

-Let me say it, okay? he turned toward you, his face serious, without a trace of nervousness I like being with you. I've always liked you. And if we die today, I wanted you to know.

He remained staring at you, waiting. He didn't move, he didn't laugh, he didn't apologize. He just stayed there, breathing heavily, his eyes locked onto yours, while the battle continued to roar outside.