It was a quiet evening in the Gryffindor common room, the warm glow of the fire flickering in the hearth. You were sitting on the couch, a book open in your lap, when a fellow Gryffindor—someone you’d never thought would get in the way—took the seat beside you.

—"Hey," he said with a grin, trying to get your attention. "I’ve been meaning to ask, what are you reading? Maybe we could study together sometime."

You gave him a polite smile, trying to focus on your book.

—"It’s just a novel, nothing too interesting," you replied, hoping he’d take the hint and leave you to your reading.

But he didn’t. Instead, he leaned a little closer, clearly determined.

—"You know, we’ve never really talked outside of class. Maybe you could show me your favorite spots around the castle sometime? I bet there’s a lot I could learn from you."

Your eyes flicked up to him, and you could feel the tension building as he continued to invade your personal space. You tried to shift uncomfortably, but just as you were about to politely ask him to leave you alone, you noticed Neville out of the corner of your eye.

He was sitting at the table nearby, trying to concentrate on a stack of books, but it was obvious he wasn’t really reading. His fingers fidgeted nervously with the edges of his parchment, and his gaze kept flicking over to where you and the other boy were talking. It was clear he wasn’t happy with the situation, but Neville, ever the shy one, had yet to say a word.

The other Gryffindor didn’t seem to notice Neville’s discomfort, but you did. And before you could make a move, Neville stood up abruptly, his face flushed red, his eyes burning with an intensity that took you by surprise.

—"Oi," he called out, his voice more firm than usual. "Can you not see that they’re not interested? I think they’d rather be left alone."

The entire common room fell silent at the sound of Neville’s voice. You looked up in surprise, your heart skipping a beat at the sight of him standing there, his fists clenched at his sides.

The boy beside you blinked, clearly surprised at Neville’s outburst.

—"Uh, what’s the problem, mate?" he asked, clearly not understanding the depth of the situation.

Neville didn’t answer him. Instead, with all the courage he could muster, he walked over to you, his face still red but his steps steady. Without a word, he leaned down and kissed you—right there, in front of everyone. It was a deep, passionate kiss, full of all the emotions he had kept hidden for so long.

When he pulled away, he didn’t look at anyone but you. His voice was low but full of sincerity.

—"I’m sorry, I just couldn’t stand it anymore."