Chapter V
“I really don’t know what I’m doing…” Theo said in a hushed whisper as he stepped forward towards Neville, placing his hands against his chest.
“It’s alright. We’ll figure it out together.” Theo smiled briefly at Neville’s words. His heart pounded against his chest as he leaned forward and placed a kiss on Neville’s lips as if they had never kissed before this.
Theo’s breath hitched as Neville’s lips brushed his after he had pulled back, it was tentative but insistent. For a moment, he froze, his mind racing, every instinct screaming at him to pull back. But Neville’s hands were steady, cupping his face with a tenderness that made Theo’s chest ache.
“You’re allowed to want this,” Neville murmured against his mouth, his voice low and reverent, as though the words were meant for him and him alone.
Theo’s hands gripped Neville’s shoulders, not to push him away but to anchor himself. He hated how much he needed this—how much he needed him. But when Neville deepened the kiss, slow and deliberate, Theo’s walls began to crumble.
Their movements were unhurried, like they had all the time in the world. Neville’s hands roamed, exploring the planes of Theo’s back, the curve of his waist, as though he were trying to memorize every inch of him. Theo shivered under his touch, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he let himself lean into the moment.
It wasn’t just physical. It never had been.
Neville pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against Theo’s. Their breaths mingled in the quiet space between them, the air charged with an intensity neither of them could name.
“You’re beautiful,” Neville said softly, his voice breaking the silence.
Theo’s eyes snapped open, his chest tightening. “Don’t.” The word came out sharper than he intended, but Neville didn’t flinch.
“I mean it,” Neville insisted, his thumbs brushing against Theo’s cheekbones. “You don’t have to believe it, but let me.”
Theo closed his eyes, his head tipping forward to rest in the crook of Neville’s neck. For a moment, he just stayed there, letting the warmth of Neville’s skin seep into him, letting himself feel.
The next kiss was fiercer, hungrier, as if they were both trying to convey something they couldn’t put into words. Neville’s hands slid under Theo’s shirt, his touch igniting a trail of warmth that made Theo’s knees buckle.
He wanted to tell Neville to stop, to pull away before he crumbled completely. But when Neville’s hands found his waist, steady and grounding, all Theo could do was fall.
Theo’s fingers tangled in Neville’s hair, pulling him closer, their bodies pressed together in a way that left no room for hesitation. The world narrowed to the heat between them—the soft rasp of fabric against skin, the quiet sighs that escaped between kisses, the unspoken promise in every touch.
Neville’s lips trailed along Theo’s jaw, down to his collarbone, leaving a path of heat in their wake. Theo tilted his head back, his breath hitching as Neville’s hands traced the line of his ribs, his touch reverent and unhurried.
When they finally sank onto the bed, Theo hesitated, his fingers trembling as they hovered over Neville’s chest. “I don’t know how to do this,” he admitted once again, his voice barely above a whisper.
Neville reached up, his hand curling around Theo’s. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for.”
Theo shook his head. “That’s not what I mean. I just—” He broke off, his gaze darting away. “I don’t want to mess this up.”
Neville smiled, soft and reassuring. “You won’t.”
The words settled between them like a balm, and Theo let out a shaky breath before leaning in, his lips finding Neville’s again. This time, there was no hesitation, no second-guessing—only the quiet certainty that, for once, he didn’t have to be afraid.
Their movements grew slower, more deliberate, as if they were savoring the moment. Neville’s hands slid along Theo’s back, pulling him closer until there was no space left between them. Theo’s breath hitched as Neville whispered something against his skin—something he didn’t quite catch but felt in the way Neville’s lips lingered, the way his hands cradled him like he was something precious.
Theo didn’t cry, but he came close.
When they finally stilled, their breaths mingling in the quiet aftermath, Theo felt a strange sense of peace settle over him. He glanced at Neville, who was already looking at him, his expression open and unguarded.
“I think you’re the most terrifying thing that’s ever happened to me,” Theo admitted, his voice barely audible.
Neville smiled, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from Theo’s face. “Good,” he said softly. “That’s how I know it’s real.”
It wasn’t long before the pair agreed to tell their friends about their relationship. The mere thought of doing it still terrified Theo, but it was easier to conquer his fear when he had Neville right beside him with his calming words and soft reassuring kisses. The kisses were always the best part.
The wanted to go in with a bang. So what better way to do so than to arrive at breakfast, together, hand in hand, and a couple of glaringly obvious love bites scattered across Neville’s neck.
Neville had his usual calm confidence, but Theo looked like he wanted to hex the first person who so much as glanced at them.
“Relax,” Neville murmured, leaning closer as they made their way to the Eighth years table. “It’s not like we’re announcing our engagement.”
“That’s exactly what it feels like,” Theo muttered, his shoulders stiff.
As they sat down, Pansy’s voice rang out from the other end of the table. “Oh. My. Merlin. Is this what I think it is?”
Before Theo could respond, Seamus let out a whoop. “About bloody time!”
Theo glared at Pansy before turning back to his plate, his voice low but clear. “Yes, we’re together. No, I don’t want to talk about it, also I know what you did. Be afraid.”
Neville laughed, leaning over to place a soft kiss on his partners cheek. “What he means is, yes, we’re together, and we couldn’t be happier.” He paused, glancing at Theo with a teasing smile. “Right?”
Theo’s scowl softened just slightly, and he gave a small, reluctant nod. “Right.”
Draco, seated a few spots away, looked up from his plate with a faintly amused expression. “How very predictable,” he drawled, though the corner of his mouth twitched in a way that suggested he wasn’t entirely displeased.
Harry leaned over, nudging Draco’s shoulder. “Oh, because we’re so unpredictable, right?”
Draco’s cheeks flushed faintly, and he shot Harry a warning look. “Potter, don’t—”
“Wait,” Pansy interrupted, her gaze snapping to Draco. “Are you telling me—”
Harry grinned, entirely too pleased with himself. “That Malfoy’s as smitten as the rest of us? Absolutely.”
Draco groaned, burying his face in his hands as the Slytherin table erupted in laughter.
Theo began to plate up food for both Neville and himself without completely registering his actions before he shot a sly smirk towards Pansy. “You owe me five galleons by the way” an overly theatrical gasp left Pansy as she pointed at Theo and sent him a withering glare. “You little git, I was the one that bet they would end up together!” Theo simply chuckled and poured up a glass of pumpkin juice for Neville. “Yes. And I was the one who bet that they would end up together before christmas.” Theo took a smug bite out of his croissant as he shot pansy an arched brow and a smug smile, as if daring her to object.
A loud cough interrupted the two as Draco stretched out his hand and received a handful of galleons in return. “You two really should place your bets on more interesting people.” Pansy’s jaw was practically on the floor as she began to interrogate Draco.
“Well obviously we were all betting on Longbottom and Theo.” He said with a satisfied smirk as he began to deposit the money into his coin pouch. Theo let out an unbelieving scoff as he crossed his arms and stared at his friend.
“You all bet on my relationship?” Draco rolled his eyes before leaning up against Harry and simply smiled when his boyfriend wrapped his arms around him. “You all bet on mine? Why not return the favour?” The students laughed and continued on with their breakfasts as they chatted and enjoyed each others company.
The wind was sharp, but Neville’s scarf—wrapped haphazardly around Theo’s neck—kept the chill at bay. He had insisted on Theo having it, especially after he found out that Theo had been stealing his clothes from the very beginning. The burnt clothing conversation was an awkward and embarrassing yet also an amusing one as Neville had a difficult time not laughing at the entire situation. He found Theo to be even more endearing and absolutely crazy. But then again, he wouldn’t want to have things any other way.
“You’re ridiculous,” Theo muttered, though the words lacked any real bite.
Neville grinned, leaning against the stone parapet. “And yet, you’re still here.”
Theo sighed, shifting closer until their shoulders brushed, he leaned his head gently against Neville’s shoulder. “I don’t know why I put up with you.”
Neville looped an arm around Theo’s waist, pulling him into his side. “Maybe because you like me.”
Theo didn’t reply, but when Neville rested his head on his shoulder, he let himself relax. For the first time, the silence wasn’t something to fear—it was something to savour.
Liking Neville — no, loving him, was as easy as breathing. Theo finally understood what his mother had meant all those years ago. Loving Neville wasn't difficult. It wasn't a chore. it wasn't even about who loved who more. Loving Neville was 'right'. It felt like the freshest air had spread through his lungs and had finally given him the ability to breathe.
“By the way darling…you do snore.” Neville had expected the stinging hex as he laughed and rubbed his arm.
“That doesn’t mean I don’t still love you” Theo couldn’t help but flush at Neville’s words and that darned cheeky grin plastered on his face. “Happy Christmas, my love”
Yes.
Loving Neville Longbottom was like breathing.
And for the first time in his life, Theo was absolutely fine with that.