Hogwarts, 1993

Set in third year

It was late. There was no clocks in sight, but one could tell. The stars protected by the gleaming glass of a window shimmered agaisnt the lake's dark, deep ripples; the half moon exteneded across the water, a murky glow.

The boy couldn't sleep. It was partly his fault, but he liked to think not. After all, it wasnt his fault that Sir. Cardogan (Is that right?) found it greatly amusing to change the password at the blink of an eye, and it wasn't his fault that Black got in.

Or so he liked to think.

The boy shifted so he was more comfortable- a job easier said than done. The couch beneath him was cold and damp, and he didn't have any blankets- it was terribly chilly. He was sitting on the furniture that was placed directly ouside the Fat Lady's- Now Sir. Cardogan's (I still dont know if thats right!) portrait.

In fact, he was so focused on his self-pity that he didn't hear the long drawl or the snickering voices.

"Longbottom." The boy jumped - only one person could use his surname with such contempt, disgust and a voice that made him shiver.

Malfoy

He was smirking, eyes narrowed, blond hair sleek and triumph shone in his eyes as he shook his head at his classmate.

Longbottom- put a hand in his wand pocket, hoping to give the impression that he was armed- he had truly no idea where his wand was, last he had seen it was on his bedside table.

"What'd'ya want?" Longbottom drew himself up and tried not to look miserable as Malfoy snickered.

"Nothin." He said in an insufferably innocent voice. "I was just taking a stroll." His smirk grew, if possible, even more satisified with himself as he continued, "Unlike you, I have been getting some escersise. Not sitting on my great fat bottom, waiting for the sun to rise."

The blond haired boy flashed a glance at the window, and continued, in a unconvincibly kind voice, drippng with sarcastic concern. "What are you doing out here, Longbottom? Can't you and your fat arse get inside your own house?" Malfoy allowed himself a laugh before leaning forward and all-knowingly commented, "Looks like your finally living up to your parents' deeds, if you know what I mean? They're so dim-witted - though I suppose they always were, you are your parent's son - that they can't even recognize you."

Longbottom's face grew red. He mumbled. "Don't you talk about my parents." Malfoy just laughed, rolling his eyes and flicked his hands, "Great comebacks. Now, if you dont mind, I can't waste my time with a disgrace like you."

The door to the Gryffindor House opened, and a very sorry-looking Dean Thomas poked his head out, "Sorry, Mate! Forgot yer out here." His gaze narrowed on Malfoy. "Beat it."

Malfoy smirked and cantered away, glancing back at Longbottom with a sneer

As Malfoy walked away, a smile graced Dean's features. "Sorry, Neville. Hope Malfoy wasn't too hard on you!" He pointed to the boy, who was slowly getting farther and farther away, taking his time.

And as Neville watched him walk away, he was certain he would never be able to face Draco Malfoy.

H

x SeaweedPotterPond x

Hey guys! This is my first fanfic! (I have one, but that's my cousin's writing, not mine) Reviews are greatly appreciated and I'll continue if you guys like it!"

x SeaweedPotterPond x