Authors Note:

Okay, this is my first fanfiction... I'm not really sure how good its going to be, but hopefully you guys will like!

Things I own: A laptop, a desk lamp, a beta fish named Blue, a broken cell phone.

Things I do not own: A dirtbike, a pony, and, sad as it makes me feel, Harry Potter.

Chapter One

Fear, Surprise, and Those Other Unwanted Emotions

Neville Longbottem was afraid of allot of things. He wasn't that fond of his Gran, really; not only did she continually bring up his failed attempts at being a good wizard, but she also wore that creepy stuffed vulture hat...

The unforgivable curses haunted his dreams, for very understandable reasons. They gave him nightmares at night and day-mares in the day, catching him when he least expected it in times such as Divination when the lures of sleep were just too much to ignore.

But most of all, Neville was afraid of Professor Snape.

He stirred his cauldron frantically, trying desperately to make it conform to the specifics written up on the board before Snape came in from his office. Instead of the clear pearly liquid that was supposed to inhabit his cauldron, a deep burgundy brick sat in its place. He groaned, knowing what was coming before the door across the dungeon slammed open and Snape came in, robe billowing like only he was capable of managing.

"Time is up." He drawled, voice cold as he made his way through the Slytherin side of the room. He stopped at Draco Malfoy's table, staring into the bubbling blue goo that was sopping out of it. "You clearly did not read line three, Draco - half-credit." Neville worked tirelessly, adding last minute ingredients and stirring harder.

He moved around the dungeon, criticizing various potions, before finally coming to him. "Well, well. . What awful concoction can we expect from you today?" He growled, peering into the boy's cauldron. A smirk formed on his face, and he pulled back to look at the Gryffindor. "This is absolutely horrible." He began, a malevolent look in his eyes. "Did you read the instructions at all, Longbottem? Or did you simply think you could get along on pure talent? Though I suppose that would imply you could think at all."

He paused dramatically, eyes narrowing in distaste. "Ten points from Gryffindor for your dreadful attempt at a Shrinking Solution. Next time you fail to follow directions it shall be fifty." With that, he vanished the vile substance as the signal came for double potions to end. Neville hurridly packed his things, ignoring the looks of pity cast at him by fellow members of his house. He rushed out, breathing out a sigh of relief as he sped up the stairs and into the entrance hall.

No doubt he was going to fail potions again, and Gran would send him yet another howler for his pitiful attempts.... He groaned inwardly, working his way through the crowd to the great marble steps that lead to the upper stories. Maybe, if he were lucky, he could manage to sneak up to the dorms without behind dragged down to the common room to lose at chess to Ron today... Though he supposed it would take his mind off of things. At least then he couldn't sulk... but he almost wanted to be alone right then.

Almost... because he also wanted something else. Perhaps a distraction of a much different sort...

He let his mind wander until it came to rest on the matter of one Adrian Pucey.

The tall Slytherin seventh year had been catching his attention more and more lately; as he would walk down the hallway or when they would pass on their way to class. He knew his parents would strongly disapprove- not only was he the son of a Death Eater, heaven forbid, but also he was a Snake, and that made him totally off limits.

Still, though, he couldn't help but covet the forbidden fruit...

He shook his head to clear his thoughts, blushing when he noticed that he had been holding up the line queing to get up the stairs. He muttered a quick apology before continuing on his way up.

There was something in the back of his mind telling him over and over 'Your not gay, Neville, nor could you ever be. You went out with Luna... and then there was Ginny...'But a stronger part, overriding the first, would notice how tight the dark-haired quidditch players jeans were on days they were permitted muggle clothing, or how broad his chest was when he stood and stretched getting up from his seat at breakfast...

He caught sight of the boy in question, sauntering his way down the stairs going in the oppisite direction. He studied the larger boy carefully, watching for any signs that maybe, just maybe, he stood a chance. Of course, in the back of his mind he had already written it off as impossible. There was no way the handsome Slytherin chaser would take a second look (or for that matter, even a first) at the widely renowned Gryffindor screw-up...

____________________________

Adrian Pucey sick and tired of people taking advantage of him. He snatched his notes away as Hugh Montaugue tried to read them from the seat next to him, where they shared a table. Though they were best friends, it still made his blood boil when Hugh (And even Marcus, who he had known nearly all his life) tried to sneak a glance at his carefully written notes. He was going to need them, this year in particular what with N.E.W.T.S. coming up, and he didn't want bits torn off of them or food stains and smudges marring them to illegibility. Hugh shot him a hurt look, and he shrugged as the bell rang to end the final lesson of the day. "Shoulda been lis'nin in Mcgonagal's class if ya wanted ta pass, Hugh." He drawled as he stuffed the papers in his bag, being careful not to rip them. He would catch up on his studying later...

Besides, Hugh didn't need to know that all he did was copy the crap that was written on the board, now did he? He smirked to himself, sauntering out of the room with the rest of the Slytherin and Huffelpuff seventh years and turning to head downstairs to the dungeons. He had a detention with Snape tonight for sabotaging one Oliver Wood's potion a few days before, and if he was late he would be stuck pickling toads again... cleaning cauldrons was even a treat compared to that.

He took the stairs two at a time, lost in his own thoughts as he turned the corner and almost ran right into Hermione Granger. "Oi! Watch where your going!" He smarted off at her, eyes narrowing to a glare. Really, he had no problem with the girl... but to keep up all appearance as both a pure-blood and a Slytherin, he had to be overly obnoxious if he wanted to be accepted in his own house. He turned away and was passing a group of Gryffindors clamouring to get up to their own dorm rooms when he felt eyes on him.

He searched his peripheralvision until it landed on a blond haired boy that was probably sixth or fifth year. He paused, frowning slightly. Now why would a Lion be looking at him like that? Wasn't that one of Potter's friends? That could mean he was plotting something... probably to get him out of the running for quidditch season coming up...

But there was no mistaking the longing in that gaze. He looked back and held the boy's eyes for a few minutes before smirking knowingly and winking at the younger student. He chuckled to himself as the boy blushed and turned away, rushing up the staircase only to trip halfway up with his foot caught in the trick step. He decidedly took pity on the boy, turning around and going slowly up the now almost completely deserted flight of steps. He extended his hand to the other, who was taken by surprise by the sudden appearance of a hand in his line of vision. He followed it up the arm and across, noting the Slytherin house crest on the breast of the boys robes, before finally settling on the dark-haired boys face.

"Need some help there, little lion?" Adrian asked, trying to keep the smile from his face. It had been a long time since he'd played with a Gryffindor, and even then he had only been with Seamus for a few short weeks... plus, admittedly, Neville was more attractive than the Irish bloke had been.

Neville grabbed the offered hand, using it to pull himself out of the trick step, and hurriedly let go. "Umm... thanks." He muttered, blushing and looking down at his feet. The corridor, and likewise the staircase, was now completely devoid of other life save for a few ghosts drifting in and out of the walls and the portraits talking animately to each other through their frames.

"Whats your name, kid?" The seventh year questioned, eyebrows quirking upwards.

"Neville." Came the short reply, both brash and embarrassed.

"Well, Neville. I noticed you staring at me." Adrian couldn't keep a cheeky smirk off his face as he adjusted his schoolbag so it was no longer slipping out of his grip.

"Yeah..."

"I wanted to know why." His voice was all seriousness as he stated this fact, all traces of amusement gone.

"I dun know." The reply was so low that the taller boy barely caught it.

"You...Don't know?" Adrian found this hard to belive, especially judging by the scarlet color of the other's cheeks. "Well...okay then." His eyebrows crinkled in silent question, a slight look of agrivation coming to rest on his features. He checked his watch before grimacing. "I have to get to detention - Snape's gonna kill me." He explained, already starting off down the steps. "It was nice meeting you... Neville. Perhaps we shall see one another again." The laughter was back in his voice as he took the stairs as quickly as he dared without falling down them all together. "Until next time!"

Neville looked after him, much as he did to get himself in the predicament he had come to be in, and his own silent questions began to form.

Perhaps he had more of a chance than he had first thought...

So... Review? Even if its bad - hopefully that will make it better next time. I may or may not post the next chapter, depending on if this one is liked.