adventdrabbles | Dec 06: Tea Party (Fandom: Harry Potter)

Title: Tea Party
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Neville/Charlie
Rating: PG
WC: 500.
WARNING: Self-loathing. Fatphobia.

Neville stared at the invitation on the table. A Christmas Tea Party, hosted by friends who always baked more than anyone could finish. Charlie picked it up and grinned.

"This is perfect," he said. "We never get invited to something this posh. We should go."

Neville smiled weakly. "Maybe."

Charlie did not notice at first. He was already planning outfits and talking about ginger biscuits shaped like trees. Neville listened, nodding at the right times, but something in him tightened with every mention of pastries and cakes and people.

The day came. They walked into a warm room filled with candles, holly, and the smell of sugar. Trays of food covered the tables. Everyone greeted them kindly. Charlie beamed.

Neville sat beside him and touched nothing.

Charlie leaned closer. "Not hungry, Babe?"

Neville shrugged. "Just tired."

Charlie watched him a moment longer. Neville kept his hands in his lap. He avoided every plate. His shoulders curled inward, as if he wanted to disappear. When someone offered him a slice of cake, he shook his head too quickly and stared at the floor.

Charlie wanted to ask what was wrong, but Neville gave no opening. On the walk home, he stayed quiet, eyes on the ground. When Charlie tried again, Neville only said, "It was fine," in a tone that meant nothing was fine.

Later that night, while Neville showered, Charlie tidied the table and found a folded note Neville had crumpled earlier. It was a list. Clothes to avoid. Foods that make me look bigger. Do not embarrass Charlie. Charlie read each line slowly. His stomach twisted.

When Neville came out, hair damp, Charlie held the note carefully.

"I found this," he said softly. "I did not know you felt this way."

Neville froze. "It is nothing."

"It is not nothing to me," Charlie said. "You never have to hide this. Your body is not a problem. Not to me. Not ever. And if you need space, comfort, or anything at all, tell me. I will listen. I will not push."

Neville looked away, eyes bright. "I did not want you to feel ashamed of me."

Charlie stepped close, slow and gentle. "I am proud to be with you. All of you. Nothing about today changes that."

Neville let out a breath he had been holding far too long. Charlie touched his hand, light as snow settling on a branch.

"Can we figure this out together?" Charlie asked.

Neville nodded, small but real.

Outside, soft music came from a neighbour's window. Inside, the room felt warm again. Neville's shoulders finally relaxed. He did not fully believe everything Charlie had said, not yet, but he was going to try. Hope sat between them, small and steady.