Chapter 5

"I'll see you later, Seamus." Harry waved to his friend and turned the corner.

"See ya, Harry!"

Things had gotten a lot better for Harry after he defeated Voldemort. His popularity for one was at an all-time high. Harry didn't like the popularity much, but he had learned to deal with it. It had forced him to become more social. He snorted.

Even though they were now in their seventh year Harry never forgave Hermione and Ron. Annoyingly enough every once in a while they would approach him to see if he was still angry at them. Well of course he was angry! They had abandoned him when he needed them the most. The only person he could fully rely on at that dark time was Neville.

Not long after Voldemort was declared dead an up and coming auror named Nymphadora Tonks accidently caught the animagus Peter Pettigrew. In a fit of clumsiness she had tripped over something and fallen on the rat. He had been knocked unconscious and for some reason reverted back to his human form. Sirius had finally been cleared of all charges and Harry quite gleefully left the Dursleys and went to live with his godfather.

The Dursleys, and Harry, had never been happier.

Over the years Harry and Neville's relationship had grown. They had gone from soft kisses and hugging to make out sessions and experimentation. During the day they were still good friends, but at night…Harry forced down his blush. At night they were lovers. Sure, they hadn't had sex yet and so what if they weren't quite official, but Harry was quite happy with Neville.

Harry tucked a piece of his hair behind his ear. He'd grown it out in his fifth year and he had considered cutting it, but then Neville started running his fingers through his hair and well Harry decided that he quite liked it long. Harry had also gotten a bit taller over the years and he had slimmed down to a swimmers build. Neville on the other hand had gotten taller, still taller than Harry, lost all of his baby fat, gained muscles from his gardening and dear merlin was the boy fine.

Neville had gone from a chubby, clumsy nervous boy to a built, handsome and confident young man. Neville was turning down date offers left and right. He just never seemed interested in others. Harry was doing the same. He'd turned down dates from both guys and girls. It just didn't seem right.

But not dating didn't bother Harry because-

Harry entered the greenhouse and cut his thoughts short. Neville was kneeling on the ground and repotting a few healing herbs.

"Hello, Neville."

The other Gryffindor looked up and smiled.

"Hi, Harry. Do you want to help?"

"Sure."

Harry knelt down besides Neville and began to help him repot the plants. Neville's hands were slightly rough from years of gardening and he had a few scars from the more vicious plants. Nonetheless Neville still loved herbology with all his heart.

"You okay, Harry?" Neville asked concerned.

Harry snapped his eyes up and gave Neville an embarrassed smile.

"Sorry about that I got lost in my thoughts."

Neville gave him a searching look before nodding and returning to gardening. He looked so peaceful, content.

Harry couldn't help but smile and continue his earlier train of thought.

No, it didn't bother Harry at all because he was completely and utterly in love with his best friend, Neville Longbottom.