Title: Invisibility
Summary: Neville accidently turns himself invisible.
Pairing/Characters:Hermione/Neville
Rating:K
Warnings: N/A
Notes:N/A

Opening the Fat Lady portrait proved impossible. It wasn't because he forgot the password (again), it was because she couldn't see him.

"I will not open to a person I can't see," she shrieked out again. Ever since the incident with Sirius Black, the Fat Lady had become almost paranoid. She still blamed herself for Ron's attack.

Neville sighed and leaned against the wall. I guess I'll just have to wait, he thought, settling himself on the ground. He was waiting for at least an hour before someone can around. It was a first year, and she was in such a panic, she almost ran into the portrait when it didn't open fast enough. This worked in his favour as she fell to the ground and there was enough time for him to sneak past while she was pushing herself off the ground.

Entering the common room, he found almost everyone talking in hushed tones or studying. This time of night was the only time the Gryffindor common room was actually quiet. Well, he thought, ever since the twins left, that is.

Neville passed a few of the groups studying as he retreated to the dorm room. Madam Pomfrey said the potion would wear off in the morning, so he just wanted to sleep the whole day away. She'd told him to stay in the hospital wing for the night, but Neville hated hospitals. That's what happens when you have to visit your parents in a hospital at least once a month. He used his condition to his advantage and easily snuck out.

Entering the dorm, Neville sighed in relief when he realised the room was empty. He walked straight to his bed and flopped face down. He didn't realise there was another person in the room until a soft hand rested on his shoulder.

"Neville, is that you?"

Neville jumped, falling off the bed in the process. When he pulled himself to his feet, he found Hermione giggling next to his bed.

"Neville," she said, this time sounding much more confident. "What happened to you?"

Ducking his head to hide his blush—despite knowing that Hermione couldn't see him—Neville muttered something that Hermione couldn't hear.

"What did you say?" she asked, stepping around the bed and cautiously closer to him. Her hand was out in front of her as if searching for him.

"Potion," he muttered again. He didn't need to explain further.

"Are you okay?"

Neville ignored the question and asked one of his own. "How did you know I was up here?"

Hermione became flustered. She lowered her hands and ducked her head, hiding her own blush. "I recognised your scent as you passed us."

"My. . . really?"

Hermione shrugged and shuffled her feet, but she seemed to find some courage to look up. "Where are you?" she asked, moving her hands in front of her again.

Neville hesitated only for a second before he grabbed her hands and pulled them to his face. It was a little awkward, but Hermione didn't back away, and Neville found he enjoyed her hands on his face.

"How did you know my scent?" he couldn't help but ask. He'd never thought anyone paid him that much attention.

"I. . .Well, I just noticed, you know. I've always noticed your smell." Hermione was blushing again, but she seemed determined to get her words out. "I've always liked how you smell."

Neville was speechless, but he was sure Hermione could feel the heat flooding his cheeks.

"I'm sorry, I know that's weird." Hermione pulled her hands away, but Neville caught them before she completely retreated. He placed her hands back on his face, close enough to his lips so she could feel him smiling.

"I don't think it's weird," he said keeping his voice soft. He watched her cheeks flush again, but there was a soft smile on her face this time. Neville couldn't stop himself from his next actions even if he wanted to. He leaned forward, his breath brushing against Hermione's cheek, but Hermione pulled away.

"No," she said.

Neville felt all warmth leave him, and he flinched backwards. "I'm sorry," he stuttered.

"No, not that. I want to kiss you, but I want to be able to see your face afterwards." Hermione said, frantically looking around for Neville, who had backed away from her.

"Really?"

"Really, now where are you?"

Neville moved in close again and smiled. He pulled Hermione against his chest this time, and she rested her head on his shoulder. "I guess I can wait one night them," he muttered. "I've waited years, after all."

Neville could feel her smile against his neck.

(w.c 780)

WolfWinks-xx-