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         Neville made a sucking noise with his teeth as he worked on his potions essay. The sun had long gone down behind the mountains and the common room was empty. The only noise was the fire slowly burning down in the grate. He knew Snape would still give him bad marks no matter how long he spent on it but he was feeling proud of this one.

       The portrait hole opened slowly, still startling Neville. He looked around to see Harry climbing in. Neville noticed he looked quite pale as Harry ran a hand over his sweat drenched face. Harry hadn't even noticed him sitting by the stairs to the dormitory.

      "Harry? Is everything ok?" Neville asked.
       "Merlin's beard! Neville?" Harry had jumped at the sound of Neville's voice.
        "Sorry, Harry," Neville apologized as Harry clutched his chest. "I-I just thought you looked ill and you've been-been gone a while. Was it another detention?" Harry smiled at Neville and sat in the chair next to him.
         "I'm okay, Neville. Just-just tired I suppose." Harry was watching the coals in the grate change colors. "I have to take remedial potions with Snape. You know how he is." Harry let out a strained chuckle.  Neville nodded. He knew all to well how Professor Snape was. Just thinking of having to spend one on one time with the man made him shiver. Neville looked at Harry. Harry's brown was furrowed and he chewed his lip. Neville wished he could help Harry. Comfort him the way Harry comforted him.
         Neville's palms were sweaty. He rubbed them secretly against the fabric of the chair. He watched as the light danced on the scars on Harry's hand. Neville swallow, lifted his hand, and places his on top of Harry's. His heart pounded. Neville waited for Harry to rip his hand from underneath his and storm off.
       Harry looked at him. His brow was still furrowed but now he was focusing on Neville. "Harry, I just wanted to tell you- tell you thanks for helping me in the D.A." Neville smiled at him. Suddenly it felt as if Neville's breath was sucked from him as Harry leaned into him, pressing his lips softly against Neville's warm cheek.
        "I know, Neville." Harry smiled. "Get some sleep though, that essay can wait." Harry patted Neville's hand and stood.  Smiling at him over his shoulder, Harry started up the stairs to their dorm room.

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Greetings other humans. I'm back. I need some romance especially the gay kind. Thanks.

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