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A Single White Rose	By : Pat Category: Harry Potter > General > General Views: 5839 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 9
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- 11
The Earring
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Over the next few weeks, Neville found, to his surprise, that he was being greeted by Slytherins in the school corridors. The only other Gryffindor so honored, without fail, was Harry.

Hermione had patiently explained to him that Harry was due this respect as the bond mate of a powerful and respected Slytherin. Once he had married into a Slytherin family, he was considered to be under their protection, and any insults and/or aggressive posturing towards Harry would also be considered as an attack upon the entire Snape family.

Neville had nodded his understanding of Harry's particular situation but that hadn't helped him understand his own.

As Hermione, Ron, Lavender and Neville were sitting on the front steps of Hogwarts enjoying a mild November day, Neville pursued the subject once again.

"Hermione, I know you explained why the Slytherins treat Harry differently, but how does that apply to me?" he said in a low voice, hoping that Lavender was too occupied in chatting with Ron to pay him any mind.

But apparently the Gods weren't with Neville. Hermione was just trying to think of a diplomatic way to speak to Neville about his new status, when a high-pitched laugh issued forth from Lavender.

"Neville, you're so cute. Don't you know anything? Zabini has warned off the other Slytherins. Haven't you wondered who put that Hurling Hex on Malfoy's broom that caused him to fall off during the Slytherin and Hufflepuff match last week?" Lavender said in a delightfully malicious tone.

"Lavender, that's spreading it a bit thick, isn't it? We don't know for sure who hexed Malfoy's broom," Ron said, eyeing Hermione, who looked like she was about to spit tacks.

Hermione took several deep breaths. She and Ron had done their best not to discuss the Slytherin dust-up that had occurred over the last few weeks in front of Neville. Hermione suspected that Draco and Blaise were involved in more than just a war of words, and that it had progressed into a power struggle of major proportions.

"Oh please!" said Lavender disdainfully, "That's not what Pansy has been telling Seamus. Apparently, hex deflection has become a necessity lately, well, at least with the sixth and seventh years."

Hermione ground her teeth. That was the down side of Seamus dating Pansy. They now had to deal with all the Slytherin gossip as well.

Ron, seeing trouble on the horizon, nudged Neville.

"Come on, Neville, let's go down and watch the Gryffindor Quidditch practice, eh?"

Neville looked troubled but nodded. Ron and Neville got up and started down the stairs.

"We'll see you at dinner, Mione, alright?" said the tall red-head as the boys walked away.

Hermione flashed Ron a grateful smile.

As soon as they were out of sight Hermione turned on Lavender with a frown.

"Right, now Lavender, why did you bring that subject up?" Hermione said.

Lavender examined her newly painted nails. Pansy had been right, this new shade of pink was perfect for her.

"Why ever not?" she said. "It's not like it's a big secret anyway. Everyone knows that Professor Snape has met with Dumbledore to discuss it."

Hermione fumed.

"Ron and I just don't want Neville upset unnecessarily by all this gossip. You know how much he takes these things to heart," she said in a pleading voice.

Finally, Hermione had Lavender's full attention.

"Hermione, I love you dearly, but you're doing Neville no favor by trying to molly-coddle him," Lavender said with a serious look.

Hermione looked like she wanted to interrupt, pulling on her bushy hair as she did when she was stressed, but Lavender pushed on.

"Look, I know you mean well with Neville, but he's not a child anymore. If he marries into a Slytherin family he'll have to learn to stand up for himself, that just goes with the territory."

"But—" Hermione started to interject.

"And he does have Blaise now, he's not alone anymore, Hermione," she said kindly.

Hermione pushed out her lower lip and stared off towards the Quidditch Pitch. She said nothing for a few minutes.

"You're right, of course," she said quietly. "It's become a habit I suppose, wanting to protect Neville. He's been like a brother to me. He's growing up now, and I can't possibly be there all the time for him, he's got to stand on his own two feet," she said ruefully.

Lavender laughed delightedly.

"Hermione, if it's any consolation, Neville has managed to pull off quite a feat. Aside from Harry snagging Snape, Neville and Blaise are the biggest news that's hit Hogwarts in ages."

"Yes, it was a bit of a surprise, wasn't it?" Hermione said with a smile.

"Surprise? Shock more like. Pansy tells me that the Slytherin girls are as green as their house colors with envy. Blaise was considered one of the most shaggable boys in Slytherin, to say nothing of the fact his family is rich and very influential."

"Was?" Hermione immediately picked up on the hint.

Lavender had an expression on her face of the cat that had gotten the cream.

"Lavender!" Hermione said in a threatening manner. "Do you know something? Come on, give!" Hermione wheedled.

"Well, alright since it's you—but you can't tell anyone else or Pansy will hex me. Not even to Ron."

"I swear," Hermione said excitedly, her hand crossing her heart.

"Pansy was in the Common Room this morning when a small package arrived for Blaise. It was from the Santini's Jewelry Store in Diagon Alley, you know, the new shop that's just opened up," Lavender said.

"And?" Hermione asked with a lift of her eyebrow.

"Oh, Hermione, don't be so dense! That's the spot favored by the younger witches and wizards to get quality engagement rings, bonding bracelets," Lavender said archly her words trailing off.

Hermione shifted restlessly on the step.

"Wait, you think Blaise is going to ask Neville to marry him?" squeaked Hermione, feeling breathless.

Lavender nodded knowingly.

"I do," she said. "I wouldn't be at all surprised if Neville went to visit the Zabini's as their son's intended," Lavender said confidently.

Hermione nibbled at her bottom lip.

"But don't you think Blaise would speak to his parents first before he asked?" she said, thinking Neville might not want to visit perspective angry in-laws.

"Oh, Hermione, I do despair of you sometimes really I do, but I've got to remember that you're muggle born and haven't been caught up in a wizarding family," she said airily.

Seeing Hermione's darkening expression she hastily added, "No offense intended."

Hermione heaved a sigh.

"None taken, but why do you say that?" Hermione asked.

"Believe me, Hermione, there's not a thing that Blaise does that his family isn't aware of. His family has probably had spies within his own House watching him since he first came here," Lavender said with some authority.

Seeing Hermione's look of patent disbelief she forged on.

"Think about it Hermione, Blaise, like any good Slytherin, is intensely involved with his family and their politics. If his parents were against the match, he wouldn't have pursued it."

Hermione tugged on her hair in agitation.

"But that's horrid. You mean he'd have dropped Neville if they didn't like him?" Hermione said with a moue of disgust.

Lavender sighed. Sometimes Hermione could be so naïve.

"It's not a matter of liking, Hermione. It's to do with politics, power and the family name," said Lavender patiently.

Lavender saw an opportunity to educate Hermione, so she went into more detail about the Slytherin politics in general.

"The Zabini's have, apparently, decided to side with Dumbledore's faction in the war, and that certainly works to Neville's advantage. And, even better for Neville, the family's eldest son has already made a good marriage and produced heirs for the family, so there's no pressure on Blaise to do so," Lavender said with some satisfaction.

"I don't know, Lavender, it all sounds so cold and calculating," Hermione said with a shiver, her arms wrapped around her knees.

Lavender looked at Hermione, in some ways she was more innocent than Neville.

"Hermione, that doesn't mean that Blaise doesn't love Neville every bit as much as you love Ron," she said gently.

"You think?" asked Hermione, her expression a little worried.

"Yes, I do" Lavender said in a slightly exasperated manner.

Lavender thought ruefully about her own unattached situation, she had no one special in her life yet. She felt a tinge of envy as she looked at Hermione.

Although Weasley wasn't considered a great catch, his family was of old pureblood stock.. Hermione could have done far worse.

Lavender winced mentally when she thought of what her parents would say when Neville's engagement was announced. She was sure she'd receive a howler from her mother asking about her own continued unattached status.

Lavender mentally shook off her worries and went back to the topic at hand.

"Look," said Lavender. "Blaise is young, handsome and rich. He could have married anyone. Neville doesn't have a knut to his family's name and they're not powerful politically either. Blaise isn't marrying him for political or money reasons. He quite simply loves him," said Lavender.

Hermione's smile this time was bright and unaffected.

Lavender tugged a bit on Hermione's hair.

"Now do stop worrying," she said. "Everything will be fine, you'll see."

The girls sat quietly on the steps, faces turned towards the weak November sun, enjoying their moment of shared understanding.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Neville sat on the benches high above the Quidditch field, watching the increasingly chaotic practice. The serious practice had run its course, and Ron, seizing the moment, had left Neville to join Harry and his mates.

Being a second string chaser gave Ron little opportunity during regular games, with the exception of an injury occurring, so he took the opportunity to involve himself in the weekly practices.

Neville pulled his robe tighter around himself as the weak sun began to set. He probably should be getting inside to work on his charms assignment he hadn't yet completed for tomorrow.

Neville jumped as he heard a voice behind him, "There's my favorite Gryffindor."

Neville whipped his head around to see Blaise walk down the steps towards his seat.

As Blaise approached Neville saw a lashing of thin stripes that seemed to criss-cross Blaise's face.

Neville gasped.

"Blaise! What happened to you? Were you in an accident? Are you alright?" Neville said as he scrambled to his feet and went over to inspect his boyfriend at closer range.

"I'm fine Neville," Blaise said mildly. "You should see the other fellow."

Neville, now barely holding on to his temper, stamped his foot hard on the cement.

"Don't lie to me, Blaise! I've heard all the rumors about you and Malfoy getting into it. Everybody has been telling me about it except the one person who should be—you!" Neville said in an agitated manner.

Blaise stared in mild shock at his lover. Neville had an angry scowl fixed to his face, and was trembling with suppressed anger.

My, my, his lamb could have sharp teeth when he wanted, he thought in amusement. But, Neville was right, it was wrong to have kept the information from him.

Neville stood silently, angry and uneasy, as he looked up at Blaise's non-committal expression.

"You're right, Neville, I should have told you. Let's sit down," Blaise said as he indicated the seats nearest him.

Neville sat down without looking at his boyfriend and fixed his eyes on his hands in his lap.

"Why didn't you tell me about the quarrel? Is it about me? Have I put you into some kind of danger because we're seeing each other?" he said with a painfully tight throat.

Blaise gently touched Neville's hair and brushed the bangs back away from his eyes. Trust Neville to blame himself.

"Neville, look at me," said Blaise as his arm circled around Neville's shoulders.

"No, it's only partly about you, but mostly, its Slytherin politics as usual," Blaise said.

"But you're hurt," Neville said, gently touching the crisscrossing stripes on Blaise's face. "That's never happened before, and house politics have been going on since the inception of Hogwarts," Neville said shrewdly.

Blaise shook his head at Neville.

"These marks are nothing, Neville, Poppy has treated me and they'll be gone within the hour," he said comfortingly. "As to the House politics, maybe I've understated the case," he said and paused as he looked out over the field.

Neville waited patiently for Blaise to continue.

"Neville, the time of war is rapidly approaching and Voldemort is gathering his supporters. Some in my house will follow him, and some will not. My family and I will not bow down to that monster, now or ever," Blaise said in a low tone.

Blaise took a deep breath and continued.

"The headmaster and Professor Snape have enlisted my help in trying to avert total disaster for my House. There are many, as yet, undecided families in this conflict. And Snape is hopeful that, with my help, he may yet save some of the next generation of Slytherins. Needless to say, Malfoy and his faction are not best pleased," Blaise said wryly.

"What about us then, how are we a part of this?" Neville said astutely, knowing that wasn't the entire truth.

Blaise leaned over and gently kissed Neville on the lips.

"You and I are a burr under the Death Eater's saddles," he said with a winsome smile. "A constant reminder that Slytherin need not be isolated from the rest of the wizarding world, something Voldemort counts on heavily."

Neville cocked in head in enquiry.

"Imagine, Neville, Slytherins interacting with, working beside and marrying into Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor families. Voldemort counts on the Slytherin isolation and bitterness about past injustices to pave the way for his recruiting. What would happen if that didn't exist anymore?"

Neville nodded slowly in understanding. He leaned into Blaise's side, and sat quietly thinking about what he'd been told.

"I'm glad you told me, but please, don't ever keep anything back from me again. If we're to be a couple then I want to share in everything—the good and the bad," Neville said.

Blaise snogged Neville affectionately for a few minutes and when his hands began to roam in a southerly direction, Neville broke away with a gasp.

"Blaise! Not here," he said with a small laugh.

"Spoilsport," Blaise said in a grumbling tone.

Blaise reached inside his pocket and drew out a small blue box.

"Here, Neville, something for you that I came here to give you," he said gruffly.

"For me?" said Neville excitedly. It certainly was fun being Blaise's boyfriend. Just this morning he'd received a new wizarding alarm clock that played music from some of the most popular wizarding bands of the day.

Neville opened the blue box and saw that inside, nestled in blue velvet, were two Platinum Bezel-Set Diamond Stud Earrings. Neville gasped; these were far more expensive than anything he'd ever received before. The diamonds had to be at least a karat each.

"One for you and one for me," Blaise murmured into Neville's ear.

Neville's body shivered in reaction to Blaise's proximity.

"See here, you'll wear this in your left ear, and I'll wear its mate will be in mine," Blaise said as he took out his wand and readied one the earrings for placement in Neville's ear.

Blaise spoke one small word and Neville felt a small pinching-like sensation in his left ear. Blaise repeated the process with his own earring.

"There," Blaise said brushing back the hair from Neville's ear so that he could look at his handiwork.

"Now when anyone sees us together they'll understand that you're spoken for," Blaise said gently.

"Spoken for?" Neville squeaked.

Blaise stood up and pulled Neville up with him.

"Neville Longbottom, will you accept this earring as a sign of our engagement?" Blaise said in an emotion-laden voice.

"Yes, Blaise," whispered Neville, and then pulled the sandy-haired boy down into an impassioned kiss.

Ron, finally realizing he'd left poor Neville by himself for ages, turned to look for his friend.

Ron let out a bark of laughter at what he saw.

Harry's head swiveled around to see what had attracted Ron's attention.

Ron grabbed Harry's arm and pointed in the direction of the stands.

"Can't leave them alone for a moment or they're going at it like crazed minks," Ron said good naturedly.

Harry just smiled and said nothing.

TBC
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- 11
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A Single White Rose