E | Neville Longbottom/Percy Weasley | 3k
Summary: Neville's interview for Percy's secretary takes a very interesting turn...
@hpshipuary Day 01: Neville/Percy
@kinkuary Day 06: coming untouched
Percy shuffled through the secretary applications, removing his horn-rimmed spectacles to pinch the crook of his nose. He'd been interviewing all day, and if he had to sit through another silly interview where the applicant did not want to answer questions but had a multitude of their own, he was ready to walk straight out the door.
He began to regret the "And do you have any questions for me?" formality.
"Does your brother Ron come in often? What about Harry Potter? You know Harry Potter, don't you?"
Percy needed a drink, but it was still only half two. He released a sigh before collecting the following application. Percy paused as his eyes raked over the parchment. Neville Longbottom? That pudgy little Gryffindor who tittered around at Percy's heels his entire First Year. Not that Percy minded. His brothers would call it arrogance, but what's wrong with wanting to be respected and looked up to? He always loved to feel important—needed.
Percy hadn't seen the boy since his brief visits to Hogwarts during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Then there had been the battle. Percy gulped. He could feel the bile rising in his throat, his chest aching at the memory of Fred. Percy shook his head to clear away the dark thoughts. He was hiring a secretary, not unpacking past traumas.
He checked his hair in his small mirror before replacing the spectacles on his nose. "Come in," he called, and the door creaked open.
"Afternoon, Mr Weasley, sir."
Percy blinked. Then he blinked again. This wasn't Neville. Surely not. But…he knew those eyes. Why did he know those eyes? Percy recognised the anticipation, the eagerness to please, and the hint of anxiety and fear. Percy could see the little boy. But this wasn't a boy. Oh, no. This was a man.
Percy cleared his throat, tugging at his collar. "Have a seat, Mr Longbottom."
Neville smiled, walking over to sit across his desk. The young man was still a bit stocky in build, but the roundness of his face was gone, leaving the chiselled features of a man. He still had that adorable crooked grin, and when his smile broadened, his left cheek dimpled, turning Percy's knees to jelly.
"I…er…" Percy stammered before clearing his throat once more. "What is your interest in this position, Mr Longbottom."
