Angstober 2024

Theodore walked down the halls of Hogwarts swiftly. It was late and was past curfew. He was supposed to meet up with Neville earlier but wasn't able to get away from his friends until now. He hated being late and especially hated being late to meet up with his boyfriend. They barely had time to hang out with both of them being in different houses and with Theodore’s friends not liking any Gryffindors.

So the two boys had to meet in secret at night when no one else was awake. Theodore felt bad for having to hide his relationship with Neville but neither of them were out to anyone and with he who must not be named back tensions have been high between the Slytherin and Gryffindor houses.

Theodore arrived at the room of requirement and looked around to make sure he was alone. He saw no one and walked into the room. Neville had found this room when they first started dating after walking around Hogwarts trying to find a good place for the two to secretly meet. The room had apparently just appeared for him sensing he needed a place to go. The room inside was cozy and warm. There was a small bed and fireplace and a table with snacks. Neville was already there looking down at something with a sad look on his face.

Theodore hated seeing Neville sad. It didn’t suit him at all. He was meant to smile and be happy not frown and be sad. Theodore walked over and sat down next to Neville on the bed gently placing a hand on Nevillies back.

“You ok?” Theodore askes looking down to see what Nevillie was looking at.

He was holding a photo frame with a photo of a man and woman holding a small child. The man and women were smiling at each other lovingly and smiling at the small baby in their arms who seemed to be sleeping peacefully.

Nevillie looked up and smiled, putting the picture down.

“Oh I’m ok I just miss my mum and dad thats all” Neville said leaning into Theodore.

Theodore wrapped his arms around the other boy and gently kissed the top of his head. Neville had never talked about his parents before always avoiding the topic. Theodore never pushed if Neville wanted to tell him he would. Besides, Theodore knows how hard having a complicated family life can be.

“Do you want to talk about it?’’ He asked.

Neville paused for a moment before nodding a bit.

“I just miss them so much. I wish I could go to my mum and ask her for advice or go to my dad and let him teach me how to play quidditch. Did you know my dad was captain when he went to hogwarts? I just want my parents. I love my Gran but she's not my parents” Neville said sniffling softly.

Theodore held onto Neville a little bit tighter. He knew what it felt like to miss a mother he wasn’t sure what it was like missing a father but he did understand wanting your parents to be there although Theodore has a dad. Nevillie didn’t.

“What happened to them? If you don’t mind me asking you never talk about them much” Theodore probably shouldn’t be asking.

He should be focusing on comforting Neville but he really wanted to know.

Nevillie didn’t say anything at first thinking about something. Eventually he answered.

“They are dead.” His voice sounded almost cold.

Empty.

Nothing like how he usually sounds.

“I’m sorry Nevillie losing a parent it’s hard but I’m sure your parents would be so proud of you if they could be here now” Theodore said smiling softly at his boyfriend.

Nevillie smiled and hugged him tightly.

“Thanks Theo I love you” He whispered into Theodore’s chest.

Theodore smiled and hugged him back.

They sat there for the rest of the night falling asleep in eachothers arms.

************

Theodore sat in the library trying to work on his herbology homework. Neville usually helps him but it was due today and the two hadn’t found the time to meet up. He was attempting to do his homework when he heard Neville talking to Hermione. Theodore didn’t mean to eavesdrop; he really didn't; he just wanted to know what his boyfriend was saying.

“Hermione I’m fine really it’s not like she can do anything while I’m at Hogwarts” Neville whispered voice agitated.

Theodore’s homework could wait right now; he wanted to know who Neville was talking about and what was going on.

“I know that but I mean once you leave Hogwarts for Christmas and summer break Neville I want to make sure you're safe” Hermione spoke gently, sounding concerned.

Theodore was now confused. Why wouldn’t Neville be safe? Was someone threatening him? Why hadn’t Neville told him about it?

“Hermione I am fine-” Hermione cut him off before he could keep talking.

“Neville, she drove your parents mad. She’s the reason they are at St. Mungo’s! She's dangerous. You need a plan in case something happens! Please let me at least teach you some
protection spell” Hermione begged.

Theodore froze. Nevillie’s parents are dead; he had told Theodore that his parents are dead. Why would he lie? Theodore felt his anger slowly bubble up. How could Nevillie lie to him? How could he sit there and lie to him and be so normal about it?

Theodore stood up and stormed out of the library homework completely forgotten.

Theodore didn’t see Neville for the rest of the day; he doesn't think he wants to see Nevillie not ever again. Not when he was still mad at him. Theodore had a tendency to act without thinking when he was angry. Theodore was walking down to the quidditch pitch when he heard voices coming from down the hall.

Theodore really didn’t want to deal with anyone right now but he also had to go down that hallway to get outside. As he made his way down the hall he heard the voices a bit more clearly. He noticed Crabbe and Goyel snickering to each other. He then noticed Malfoy glaring at someone. Once Theodore got closer he realized it was Neville. He was pressed against the wall looking scared, holding his school books close to his chest.

There were many things Theodore should have done. He should have defended Neville. He should have got between them and tell Malfoy to fuck off. He should have done something to defend Neville.

He didn’t.

All he could do was get angry again. Angry that Neville lied to him, angry that Neville has loving parents and somehow never got angry never got mad. It pissed Theodore off. So he walked over to the group crossing his arms and glaring at Neville.

The other boy looked up at Theodore and for a moment seemed to think that Theodore would help him. He quickly realized Theodore was not going to help.

“Nott I was just telling this disgusting blood traitor what happens when you end up on the wrong side of the war.” Malfoy smeared looking down at Neville.

Theodore took a moment to look at his boyfriend. He doubts they would still be boyfriend after this. Not when Neville lied to him.

“Don’t bother Malfoy he’ll just run to him mommy and daddy oh wait he can’t because they went crazy” Theodore regretted what he said the moment he spoke the words.

Nevilles eyes widened as he stared at Theodore. Tears formed in his eyes as he pushed Theodore back and ran off. For a moment Theodore didn’t know what to do. He knew Malfoy and his goons were talking to him but he ignored them. He should probably go after Neville and make sure he’s ok. He should but he didn’t. Instead he silently walked off and outside to the quidditch pitch trying to ignore the guilt creeping up inside him.