A/N: This chapter will be Neville's Point Of View on things. I hope I get his character right!

Chapter 10 – Neville's POV

A Drop in the Ocean – Ron Pope

*NEVILLE'S POV*

**Going back to Prom Night**

Standing by the stage, I fidgeted uncomfortably as I watched over the group of students dancing and kissing. McGona- I mean, Minerva, asked me to watch over the students for the night, and I reluctantly said yes. I couldn't say no to my old Professor, now could I? The one thing that worried me was seeing Marcia…that god-forsaken black-haired girl. She was like no other girl that I've met in my life, and my thoughts were jumbled into turmoil. The kiss we shared still made my lips tingle, but I shook away the thought of her whenever that memory came to mind…which wasn't so easy when I saw her walk into the Great Hall looking like a gothic princess. Her wavy hair was tied into a sleek French plait that cascaded past her shoulders, and she was wearing black dress that flaunted her womanly curves. Hopelessly, I gazed at her as she stared at the Hall in awe, her bright green eyes glittering as the fairies lit up the hall. She looked amazing…but she wasn't mine.

Don't be stupid Neville! You're her Professor. You made it clear to her that it wouldn't work, and you know that it won't. It'll just end in tears, and I can't do that to her.

My conscience was right, but my heart was beating a different tune. She played around with her choker as she was waiting for her date, which obviously turned out to be James Potter. He gripped her shoulders and she turned around, they gazed at each other as he looked her up and down. James was a good guy, and would treat Marcia right, but Marcia had my heart. She couldn't possibly give it away…even after all the things I've said.

But I was wrong. After attempting to look away from them as they danced and got drinks, I couldn't help but look over as they embraced. My heart shattered into pieces when Marcia lunged forward and kissed James, making me grimace when I saw a few glimpses of tongues. Starting to feel sick, I looked on as they pulled apart and smiled at each other. I need to get out of here. I walked out of the Hall as calm as I could, ignoring the calls of a few other Professors. Seeing Marcia kiss someone else didn't just repulse me, it filled me with overwhelming guilt.

Walking out into the grounds, I heard the dull sound of heels in the mud behind me, but I ignored it as I felt myself fill up with guilt and rage. Feeling a warm and tender hand grab my wrist, I tensed up as I turned to face the culprit. My eyes were watering slightly, but I tried to look as normal as I could do with tears in my eyes.

"Why did you run off Neville?" Marcia asked, her eyelashes batting innocently at me and making me feel even guiltier.

"Why do you think?" I hissed, "that should be me you were kissing, not James. That should be me who took you to the Ball…"

"W-what are you saying?"

She was so oblivious, and that just made me want to kiss her even more. My heart pumped nervously as I brought myself to utter the three (or four) important words, "I love you Marcia. I want you in my life, and I can't be without you. I can't believe that it took me to see you kissing someone else to realise that."

Marcia's face contorted with rage. "I'm not some toy that you can play around with Neville! You can't just play with my feelings, and then chuck me off. You've messed me around so much, and it angers me that I've let you get away with it. And I… I don't know what it is about you that makes me so powerless. Maybe it's what happened with Scorpius, but I don't think it is. I think it's because it's just…you."

I took Marcia's hands guiltily, "I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you. I'd understand if you wanted to be with James." I paused, "he's young, talented and has you. I can't compete with that, I understand…"

"You're not listening!" Marcia hissed, "I love you Neville! I'm angry at myself, not just you! You didn't treat me right, but there's something that's pulling me towards you….and I think its love. This is strange for the both of us, but love is found in the strangest places."

**After Prom Night**

That moment made me the happiest man alive. We kissed until our lips were sore, but that wasn't what made it so great. Marcia loved me too, which made all the pain, tears and aggro worth it. We both understood that we needed to wait, in order for a relationship to work. Sometimes, I would kick myself and think: What on earth are you on about? Starting a relationship with a student? However, I would just remind myself of Marcia's prom night, and the other dreadful night in Hogsmeade.

***Back in Hogsmeade-from chapter 7***

Tiredly, I walked out of the Three Broomsticks and waved back at Luna, who was talking dreamily to Rolf Scamander. I chuckled as I walked along the cobbled street, levitating a few bags of mandrake food in front of me. The night was quiet and still-just how I liked it. Looking around the closed shops and busy restaurants, I saw something that caused my heart to shake painfully. Inside a little café, Marcia and James were staring into each other's eyes in a blissful way. Marcia's hair was in its usual, but amazing mess and she was wearing a figure hugging skater dress. My heart pumped loudly against my chest, and I felt a strong pang of jealousy pulse through my veins.

My heart jumped when Marcia looked up at me, her eyes were the colour of emeralds, but they were cold as they flicked up towards me.

"Marcia…" I breathed, looking down at her with pathetic puppy-dog eyes. I shook my head quickly, as if I was shaking away my feelings for her. Heart-broken, I walked away from the café as my shoulders drooped. How could I have not realised this before? I'm in love with Marcia.

'No. I can't be.' I tried to convince myself, 'It's just an infatuation. She's a student. That kiss was a mistake…I had just lost my grandmother for crying out loud! I was in a mess, and I let myself get carried away with things.'

"I don't know who you think your foolin', love." An old voice croaked behind me.

Looking back in shock, I came to face-to-face with an old crooked old lady. Does she know?

"Yes, I do." She whispered hoarsely, showing me a toothless grin.

"H-how are you doing that?" I stuttered.

The old woman tutted, "You ain't very bright are ya' son?" I stared at her quizzically, "your minds open, and I can read it like a book. You ever learnt about Occlumency?"

My eyes widened in shock, who else could read my mind so easily? And about something so important? "Stop reading my mind. You have no business in my life, and my thoughts." I scowled.

"Don't worry love. I won't tell another soul. However, from what I know, you are in love with someone…a student?"

"I'm not in love with her." I snapped pathetically, but the woman just stared at me with a grin.

"You're in a state of denial. Anyone who gets that jealous isn't just 'infatuated' with someone. You, Longbottom, are too intelligent to think that."

"How do you know my name?" I was growing even more confused.

"I'ma friend of your gran's. She told me to keep an eye on ya'…"

I smiled slightly; even though Gran was gone, she was still looking after me. "Oh okay…and for the record, I'm not in love with a student. It's absurd!" I hissed, "Good night, whoever you are."

She chuckled loudly as I walked away, "the name's Mabel!"

I ignored her and felt my jaw clench. Mabel was right. I was in love with a student…Marcia Rennie.

Man, I needed a drink.

***Back to Monologue***

That night was one of the worst nights I've had in a long time, and it was all because of love. I got myself drunk on firewhiskey and stumbled back to Hogwarts…much to the disapproval of Pomona and Minerva. Though to be completely honest, I had no care at all considering how I felt at that point. I was in love with a student, and no death glare from any old Professor would force me to care about how I was acting. They both escorted me back to my chambers, where I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

However, after that night, my heart fluttered and jumped around madly, in my chest. She was amazing; the way she slept, the way she talked, and the way her brilliant green eyes could look so innocent. How could have anyone treated her so badly? Scorpius was a good-for-nothing poor excuse for a man, who took pleasure in harming the girl he claimed to love. After spending that night with each other in the green house, I didn't, and still don't, regret falling in love with her. She was the one and only Marcia Rennie.

A/N: I hope you liked this chapter! It's just to show Neville's POV on some things! Anyway, I've updated quite a few times this month, and I may update again. I can't wait for the next couple chapters, and I can tell you know that drama is coming! Sorry if there are any mistakes!

~HereGoesMyReputation