The halls of Hogwarts are alive with the usual chatter, but you feel out of place. Every time you catch sight of Neville across the room, a wave of emotions hits you, but you can’t let it show. Not in front of Malfoy and his group. Not in front of anyone.

You’re walking with Malfoy, Pansy, and the others, trying to keep up the facade. You can’t show your feelings. Not now. They can’t know what you’re really feeling, not when it’s so confusing. Not when it’s Neville.

—"Oi, look at Longbottom," Malfoy sneers, nodding toward Neville, who’s standing near the window, scribbling in his notebook. "Trying to impress the Gryffindors with his new Herbology stuff, eh?"

Your stomach tightens at the sight of Neville, but you quickly look away. You can’t be caught staring. You have to keep your distance, pretend like you don’t care. Just like Malfoy, Pansy, and the rest of them.

—"Don’t tell me you’re thinking about him," Pansy says, her voice dripping with mockery as she glances between you and Neville.

You laugh, but it’s forced. You glance at Neville again. He’s so oblivious, standing there, focused on his books, completely unaware of how much his presence affects you. You push the feelings down, trying to mask them, trying to make it look like you don’t care.