Sep 12 2008
The Nature of Beauty
Title: The Nature of Beauty
Author: dorrie6
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairings: Harry/Neville, Neville/Flowers
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: The characters and universe presented in this story belong to JK Rowling.
Note: Originally posted 8/12/04 for Iolanthe.
*****
The Nature of Beauty
“Neville?”
“Yes?”
Harry peeked around a rose bush. “Are you going to come in? Er. Ever?”
“No. I don’t think so. Thank you, Harry.”
“Neville, please.” Harry sat down on the bench next to him. “They didn’t mean–I mean, I didn’t–”
“It’s true, though. I’m not–” Neville smiled weakly. “Well, you know. Nobody’s trying to get into my trousers.”
“Neville-”
Neville stood. “That’s why I spend so much time out here, really.” He walked to the tall, red flowers in front of him, cradling a blossom in his hand. “Look at this flower, Harry. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? Almost breaks your heart to look at it, doesn’t it?” He turned to the blue flowers to his left. “Then turn, and there’s another, just as perfect, and another and another. And I put them here. I planted and cared for them. I gave them their home, and sometimes, when it’s just me here, me and them, I almost think they know it.” He looked at Harry, eyes shining. “This is the beauty I can have, Harry. And– well, it’s enough.”
“Is it?”
Neville shrugged. “Well, most of the time, anyway. The rest doesn’t matter.”
Harry moved closer. “Why wouldn’t it?”
“It just doesn’t, that’s all.” Neville turned back to the flowers. “Listen, Harry, will you go back in for me? Just tell them–I don’t know. Something. I was taken ill, maybe. Lovely to have them, all that rot. You can let yourselves out.”
“Okay.” He didn’t move.
Neville turned, lifting his eyebrow. “I was thinking now, actually.”
Harry flushed. “I know. I’m sorry, I just–” He hesitated. “Look, may I stay? After I’ve told the others.” Neville was silent, forehead wrinkled. “Just for a while, I mean. Out here with you.”
Neville scratched the back of his head. “Why?”
Harry bit his lip. “I– There are some beautiful things out here. I hadn’t quite realized before, just how–” His voice was shaking. “I’d like to stay awhile. To look at things.”
Neville frowned. “Funny, I wouldn’t have marked you for the type.” He touched one of the red flowers again. “They are beautiful, aren’t they?”
Harry’s voice was soft. “Not just the flowers.” Neville was staring. Harry felt a bit woozy. “I’ll go now.” He pointed to the house. “Tell the others.” He touched Neville’s sleeve, lightly. “It’s all right, then? If I stay?”
Neville was very still. “All right.”
Harry smiled and hurried toward the house, stumbling over a rock in his haste.