A/N: A comment made on "He's Ruining You" along with the next week's prompt lent me a plot bunny for this sequel. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter universe or franchise nor do I make any money off my amateur writings.
Prompt: Draco/Neville, "possession"
Title: He's Gone Now
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 300
Warnings: mild slash, snogging, one cuss word
It's hard to be elated at the end of battle. Everyone is exhausted from fighting and aiding. Neville's done the task assigned him-kill the damn snake-but not without consequence. His scorched head would need treatment from St. Mungo's in order to heal.
He, of course, is one of the lucky ones. Walking through the Great Hall, he counts up the dead. Tears sting his eyes at the destruction of lives and the families in mourning. The Weasleys are taking it the hardest. It is awful imaging the future without Fred in it.
Further scrutinizing his surroundings, Neville catches a glimmer of platinum. The Malfoys look lost and bewildered, and it's a disturbing sight to see Draco disheveled, dirty, and... is he sporting a black eye? His normal vicious veneer is gone, leaving incredulity and uncertainty behind.
Ignoring the adults, Neville walks up to Draco and places a comforting hand on his shoulder."He's gone now. No more worries."
Draco shrugs off his hand, becoming more alive than his stunned look of only a moment ago. "Easy for you to say. You just won."
Not put off by the harsh tone, Neville responds, "You may not see it yet, but you've won something, too-a chance to start over."
"You must be nutters, Longbottom, as the Powers That Be will more than likely throw me into Azkaban." Bitterness reigns in his voice.
"Not if I have anything to say about it." Taking a chance, Neville leans down and plants a solid kiss on Draco's mouth, who's eyes widen in surprise.
It is rough and dry and tastes of soot, but it's the sweetest sensation Draco has ever known.
"Have a little faith," Neville tells him.
Draco looks into Neville's eyes and sees a new destiny unfold.