A/N: So I didn't know how to make this work at all to be honest but nonetheless here it is. This is not an unrequited love Neville has for Tonks (Nymphadora Tonks) because she likes him as well. They're just not going out yet. To make this story work let's just change a few certain things. Tonks is the same age as the trio and Neville. They are in their second year. Okay, so here ya go!
Written For: The MatchMaker Game Challenge Table 1: Neville/Nymphadora Tonks
Disclaimer: Sorry, not a chance.
Neville Longbottom was now staring intently at the Hufflepuff table watching none other than Tonks. He watched as she chatted animatedly to her friends making wild gestures, and laughing every once in awhile.
"Whatcha' doing Neville?" asked Seamus as he took the seat next to him.
"Nothing," said Neville pausing only to answer his mate's question.
"Ah, I see. It's okay I won't tell anyone I know," said Seamus grinning at him.
Neville looked at him baffled with his mouth wide open. He knew?
"I know you fancy that Abbot girl, I mean, you stare at her a lot!" said Seamus jokingly punching his shoulder.
Neville laughed awkwardly and shaked his head, "Yeah, you got me Seamus."
"I knew it!" cried Seamus triumphantly looking as if he just solved a murder case.
The ruckus the wizard created caused several heads to turn their ways including Tonks. He saw her stare at them in obvious disbelief before smiling one of her crooked smiles at him. He smiled back nervously hoping he wasn't starting to blush yet.
"You sly dog," said Seamus smirking wagging a finger in his direction.
"Wh-what?" asked Neville anxiously. Had Seamus seen his interaction with Tonks?
"I saw that you know!" said Seamus. Neville felt his heart stop a beat as Seamus continued talking, "That thing right now! You and Abbott smiling at each other. Did you think I wouldn't notice?"
He wasn't sure if he felt relieved or disappointed. He wanted to tell someone how he felt but he was too nervous to even bring it up! He didn't want his mate's to laugh at him because he knew some of them would but he wanted to get rid of this feeling from his chest.
"As I was saying old Neville here might find himself a girlfriend before the lot of us do!" said Seamus putting an arm around Neville. Neville quickly glanced up being only now aware of what was happening around him.
It seemed Seamus had been joined by Dean, Harry, and Ron. He saw them stare at Seamus confused then at Neville with bafflement. Neville inwardly sighed he knew that it was true. Out of his group of friends, or just really roommates, he was the least likely to have a girlfriend.
" Wow," breathed Dean staring at Neville in awe.
Harry simply looked stunned.
"IMPOSSIBLE!" Ron half screamed and half whispered. Neville only looked down his cheeks turning bright crimson, "Hey, Neville, is it true? I mean it couldn't possibly be!"
"No," mumbled Neville his eyes downcast.
"See, there. I told you, Seamus," said Ron relief on his face, "No offense, Neville."
"Yeah, I mean it is pretty far-fetched," added Dean with a chuckle.
"Oh, well. One has to try," said Seamus casually before moving on topics.
Neville sighed. Was it impossible even unthinkable to imagine he had a girlfriend? He glanced up ignoring their conversation about Quidditch and resumed looking at the Hufflepuff table. Tonks now nodded as she stuffed her face with more pie. He smiled all traces of his frown disappeared. He now glanced at who she was sitting with at the table. Hannah Abbott a nice Hufflepuff girl was sitting at her left with Susan Bones in front of them. It was no wonder Seamus that he was staring at Hannah.
"What are thinking about, Neville?" asked Hermione who now watched him puzzled.
"Oh, it's nothing," he shrugged.
"It's not good to bottle up your feelings, you know" Hermione told him very motherly like.
"It's fine. I'm just thinking about something's," he told her.
"Oh, I see," she said her eyes twinkled a bit, "It's about her, isn't it?"
Neville was once again startled. Did Hermione actually believe he liked Hannah, too?
Hermione leaned in closer before whispering, "Tonks, right?"
"Wh-wh-what are you talking about?" he stuttered blushing.
"Neville," she said softer, "I'm a girl remember? We pick up things a lot faster than guys do."
Neville took in a deep breath before deciding to spill, "Yes."
"I knew it!" she cried with glee, "Did you forget I'm your partner in Herbology? Which we double up with Tonks and Hannah?"
He recoiled then grimaced, "Do you think she knows?"
"No, Tonks is dense as well but I'm afraid Hannah might like you."
"Hannah?!" said Neville dubiously. A girl liked him?
"Yes, Hannah. I think she interpreted your shy smiles for her. But don't worry, I'm sure Tonks likes you, too!" said Hermione happily.
"Are you sure?" he whispered.
"Yes, it's only she's dense so she might not have figured it out, yet," Hermione said only to be pleased with herself at helping at another person.
Neville slowly replayed those words over and over in his head. She might like me? She might like me? She might like me? She might- Wait! If… if this is true then that means that I can actually go out with her, and speak to her outside the classroom. He thought of the possibilities he could actually accomplish before shaking his head. He glanced at her table and there she still was happily laughing with her friends. Tonks was pretty, brave, strong, and loyal much more Gryffindor than he was but she was also kind, trusting, and cool. He knew that she wasn't your typical Hufflepuff but that was one of the many reasons she intrigued him.
He shook his head no, he would wait before asking her out. He wanted to braver than he was he wanted to have more courage than he had right now so he could prove a point to himself and everyone else. He could and would get Tonks to go out with him in the future but not now. He wanted to be worth going out with her. She deserved to be with someone special, and worthy of her. Neville wasn't worthy of her no, not by a long shot but he would be one day.
He smiled at her then looked away. Yes, one day she would be his, and he hers.