Harry Potter Oneshots

You Make Me Strong (Neville Longbottom x Reader)

description: your best friend neville has always been quiet and timid. but as the threat of Voldemort looms closer he suddenly changes. (this title is totally from the one direction song Strong)

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Life was not kind to one Mr. Neville Longbottom. It was a fact that with everyday of his life became more and more true. From his family not believing in him, to his parents' situation, to the constant bullying, nothing seemed to work out for him. But if Neville had to name one great thing in his life, it would be you. You were his closest friend and ally since you were small First Years nervous on the Hogwarts Express. Since then, you both were nearly inseparable. Neville was so entirely grateful for your friendship, constant support, and nonjudgemental look on life. You were one of the few people to truly like him for him and to genuinely love spending time with him. Neville was also grateful for your bold personality as you helped to make him "brave" by association. Simply put, you were a true blooded Gryffindor and by being near you, it helped Neville to feel like one. 

Before you knew it, you were in your last year of Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were Merlin knows where which left you and Neville to lead Dumbledore's Army. Harry, for way too many years, had the burden of saving the world but now you needed to do your part however you could. And luckily Neville had the same thought as you. The Carrows were indescribably cruel and you both were determined to stand up to them. For you, this wasn't out of character, but for Neville it was unlike anything he had ever done before. Seeing him stand tall and proud in defiance always had your heart racing out of fear. But Neville never wavered, his bravery was unmatched. He became the defender for everyone when people needed one most. No one could have predicted that it would have been Neville Longbottom of all people to lead a rebellion. And yet, no one was as perfect as him.

Spells flying through the air, pillars breaking down, the sound of bodies crashing unto the floor. It was sight that should have never been seen by children so young. And to make it worse, it was those same children who were fighting and dying. As you dueled, you couldn't help but feel tears come to your eyes. Seeing your classmates in this environment was nearly too much to bear. But the tears never fell as you knew you were seen as a mentor and if you cracked, you couldn't imagine what would happen to everyone else. If you couldn't stay strong for yourself, you would have to do for everyone else. It was then you saw a small Ravenclaw fifth year dueling with a death eater and before you knew it, you were standing in front of the Ravenclaw. The death eater laughed at your action and you realized you probably appeared to be a frightened student making a dumb, albeit brave, mistake. But before he could even raise his wand in response you shot forward. "Crucio." The words seemed so foreign on your tongue but as the death eater in front of you crumpled to the ground in pain, you knew it was necessary. The burden of casting an unforgivable curse was now forever ingrained in your being. You turned and grabbed the Ravenclaw's hand and ran from the area. There were small tear streaks that so boldly cut covered the dirt on his cheeks. He was shaking, obviously startled from the possibilities of what could have been his fate. The sight nearly brought you to your knees but you remembered your earlier promise of bravery for others and kept moving. Finally you reached your destination: the Divination classroom. There you hid the child and promised everything would be alright and you ran back out. The instance you stepped out of the classroom you saw him. 

The sword of Gryffindor was hanging loosely by his side while blood was dripping from the tip. Despite being covered in dirt and blood, it was the best sight your eyes had ever laid on. Your feet moved before you even realized it and your arms soon embraced Neville, squeezing him as if you'd never let go again. There were tears falling from your face that he quickly wiped away. "Y/N there is no time for tears here. I'm okay, you're okay. Harry is alive and we are going to win." He was holding your head in his hands begging your eyes to see the truth in his face. A breath you didn't know you were holding came out of your body as you quietly laughed. Neville was right, it was going to be okay. If you couldn't believe it when it came from you, hopefully you could believe it from him. It was then you both started running once more, desperate to stay in battle. As you ran as your life depended on it, because it did, you couldn't help but steal a glance at Neville. What happened? Your timid best friend who couldn't hurt a fly was now fighting like a soldier, an excellent one at that, and he only looked to be determined  In fact, when you thought of the past year the Neville you knew and loved had been different. He was a leader, a warrior, a defender of good. He boldly proclaimed Harry was not on the train, he stood up to the Carrow's abuse, he defended younger students no matter their house or blood. He was a Gryffindor. Now, it made sense how he was able to weald such a weapon as the Sword of Gryffindor. Eventually you both were able to make it to cover so you could catch your breath. His eyes were so different now. Full of courage and determination without a lick of fear in sight. It was here when curiosity got the better of you. "Neville, what happened to the sweet shy boy I once knew? I have never seen this side of you, but I always knew you had it in you of course don't take this the wrong way. I just- how? How did you become such a badass Longbottom?" Neville simply shrugged and smiled, "you make me strong".

a/n this was my attempt to somehow work in my favorite one direction song. i hope you enjoy!