Nine Months

     Nine months didn't seem so long an hour ago. But now, as Lavender lay huddled against the frame of her four-poster, curtains yanked carelessly about her, they seemed an eternity. A lifetime of memories that, an hour ago, would have brought joy to her heart at the mere thought of them. Now, with each minor detail ringing in her head, she simply felt a sharp stab to her chest.

     Only moments earlier she had been shrieking at the top of her lungs, in which her throat still stung. But no, her throat wasn't the only thing to sting.

     Seamus's harsh words raining down on her hurt more than anything she'd thought capable. Whore. Slut. Of course, she'd never cheated on him. Oh no. He had no reason to burst out screaming at her like he did. "In fact," she thought reproachfully, "he's probably in his dormitory with Dean laughing about it this very moment."

     It had been nine months ago he asked her out. And she'd jumped to it, having, as Parvati stated to her later, an unmistakable crush. It was so romantic, too. He'd presented her a single red rose, and kissed her full on the lips. It had been her first kiss, and was somewhat awkward with her being so nervous, but he later told her it was wonderful. An hour ago she would have grinned at remembering that day. Now she just choked.

     Not only had he screamed relentlessly at her while she stood in confusion, it had been in front of the entire Gryffindor house, as they were in the Common Room at the time. And even if some people were in their dormitories at the time, she was sure they could hear. Seamus was not a quiet person.

     For a month their relationship had been constantly on the edge. Seamus had changed, and Lavender had noticed. Everything from his appearance to his personality. He used to be original in way that could hardly be defined by words, now he was simply a follower of the crowd. And his objective in life? To please his guy friends. He wouldn't so much as hold her hand around them, for fear of taunts

     "I should've expected this," she scolded herself as she struggled to maintain control of her emotions. "I knew it would happen sooner or later. But why not later?"

     She heard the dormitory door open and shut, and her breathing was quickly hushed. She didn't know if she could face anyone at the time.

     "Lavender?" Parvati's soft voice rang through the empty dormitory. "Parvati," she thought with relief, and said nothing. Her face was quickly buried into her knees as she chomped at her lip, struggling to keep her tears within.

     "Lav, please. Are you okay?" Parvati slowly opened the curtains to Lavender's bed, staring sadly down at her crumpled best friend. The curtains were drawn shut once again as Parvati climbed onto the bed before Lavender, seated on her knees as she placed a comforting hand on the other witch's shoulder. "I'm here, sweetie."

     With all it took, Lavender lifted her head, tear-glazed eyes falling onto her friend's sorrowful face. She promptly burst into tears, and buried her face once more into her crossed knees.

     "Oh, Lav," she whispered, quickly moving to wrap her arms around the girl's huddled body. Lavender quickly sank into the hug, snaking slender arms around Parvati's waist as she clutched the girl to her, pressing her face against her soft shoulder and sobbing loudly.

     "Shh, it's okay," Parvati said reassuringly, placing her chin on Lavender's head. Her left hand moved up to stroke through the girl's brunette locks. She'd witnessed the entire scene: the horrified and confused stare of Lavender as Seamus exploded at her; the silence of the Commons as every head had turned in their direction. They were all talking, now. But who cared? Let them talk.

     But she knew it was a matter of time before Lavender broke down completely. She didn't want for the girl to be alone. Her best friend needed someone there, and she was going to be her crying shoulder.

     A gentle kiss was placed to the top of the crying girl's head.

     And when the sobs finally ceased, Lavender remained in the same position for a long while, head turned slightly to rest against Parvati's shoulder, body sunk into her warm embrace.

     "Lav?"

     "Yeah?" came the sniffling voice of Lavender.

     "None of what Seamus said was true, you know," Parvati stated with a frown, and then added, "you're none of those things."

     "That's what hurts," Lavender responded, leaving her friend lost for words.

     Parvati's knees were killing her, and Lavender's probably were, too. She sunk down onto the bed, pulling her friend with her. Lavender settled her head comfortably onto Parvati's shoulder, arm draped over her stomach.

     "Hey, Lavender?" she questioned once more.

     Lavender lifted her gaze to peer exhaustedly up at Parvati, pale face tear-streaked, yet blue eyes glinting with contentment.

     "You know I'm always here for you, right?" Lavender nodded weakly. Parvati planted a loving kiss to her friend's forehead. Hand ran again through those soft tresses, loving their feel between her fingers.

     "Really, Lav, I love you. You're my best friend," she said comfortingly. She could feel the girl smiling into her shoulder, and it made her smile as well.

     "Parvati," she finally mumbled, feeling the witch's deep chocolate eyes on her. She glanced up and grinned, snuggling closer to her. Voice deepened with slight anger, "I'm glad I can count on you for more than nine months."

     Parvati couldn't help but turn and gather Lavender into a tight embrace.