Hey guys! As of right now I still have no idea where this story is leading me. I have the layout and what direction I want it to go in, but I'm kind of letting it write itself. That being said, I have no idea who Neville will end up in. Let me know what you think! Also, enjoy this last, short, kind of fluffy chapter, as it is about to get abruptly darker from now on (plus longer chapters)!

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters, settings, and other elements belong to JK Rowling. Only the plot and original characters are mine.

Last Chapter:

"Try years, mate." Dean said, before all five of them devolved into conversation, the volume getting progressively louder and the laughter increasing. It had been about six months since the former Gryffindors had managed to all get together, but their familiarity with each other hadn't dissipated. Every time they they got together, Neville thanked Merlin that they had all survived the war.

It wasn't until the photographer called them all into the studio that Dean asked the fateful question.

"So Nev, you got your eye on anyone?"

To be fair, it was a relevant question. Neville was one of the only remaining unattached members of their friend group.

Dean watched curiously as Neville remained completely oblivious of the fact that Ron, Seamus, Harry, Draco, Fred and George all seemed to freeze and listen intently, simultaneously. Hermione had mentioned something along these lines might happen when he brought up Neville's current status.

Yes, he was spying for his girlfriend, so what? She could be bloody terrifying when she wanted to be, and she was only concerned for Nev afterall.

From the looks of things, Hermione's assumptions had been right. For the leader of the resistance, Neville could be really unobservant.

"Er- I. Well, it's just that...people don't really see me like that." Dean had to bite his lip to keep from cackling as the looks around the room ranged from disbelieving to outraged. Even the photographer looked as if someone had just slaughtered a pygmy puff in front of her.

Dean winced as he caught the twins' borderline hurt looks. They had been pursuing Neville for quite a while, since before the war actually, but it really wasn't Nev's fault he couldn't tell when someone liked him. The humiliation he faced in school only got better around fifth or sixth year, and by then the war was nearly upon them.

Years of being put down by students, teachers, and family members alike could really build up the insecurities, and sure Neville had definitely gained confidence in his magic and leadership ability, but he had been entirely focused on keeping everyone alive. He never really stopped to be honest.

Always concerned for others, Nev probably barely glanced in the mirror, not having the time to notice the improvements his figure had added. And really, anyone would be lucky to have the poor sod, he put his whole self into everything he did. From leading, to friendship, to his career, he couldn't seem to help himself.

No, the lack of recognition toward love interests was more than likely a result of Neville's non existent self confidence, which had been neglected as a direct result of his dedication to others and to making the world a better place. Dean didn't think he'd ever meet a more self-sacrificing individual.

Dean saw a steely glint of determination enter George's eyes, so different from the patented twinkle of mischief usually found there. Fred had his arms crossed in thought, as if his former housemate was a particularly difficult puzzle he needed to figure out. Neville was in for one hell of a ride if that meant anything.

"Mr. Malfoy, to the left please. No, no Mr. Potter, not you. Mr. Weasley- no the other one- no the other one! Oh, for the love of Merlin...you! Yes you! Down in front. There now- Mr. Thomas! What did I say?!"

The photographer had finished everyone's individual pictures (which had been humiliating. No he could not undo a few more buttons! His chest was already completely bare, and his trousers only had two! Not that it would have mattered. They had taken pictures of him wearing practically nothing at all) and they were getting group shots now.

Speaking of the group shots, it was becoming increasingly difficult for Neville to concentrate. Seamus had been practically hanging off him all morning, and Fred and George had been constantly brushing against him. If he didn't know any better, he'd say they were doing it on purpose. Even Malfoy had invaded his space for a bit.

Hadn't that been a shock. He'd known the other blokes since forever, and you get pretty tactile with your friends after living together for upwards of six years, not to mention the trauma they'd all suffered. It was nice to physically remind yourself the people you cared about were still there. As for the twins, he had just learned to associate the Weasley family with hugs, kisses, and little to no personal space.

But Malfoy? He didn't seem the tactile type. Though, Neville supposed, the Weasleys and Harry could have rubbed off on the blonde git a bit.

Neville was sure it was all in his head anyways, as he'd been more than anxious about the shoot, and seeing everyone else done up to perfection around him while he twitched uncomfortably in the open robes they'd put him in didn't help.

He really couldn't hold a candle to anyone else in the room. It was, after all, more than likely the reason he was still alone. Everyone else had gravitated toward each other, forming some pretty damn attractive duos. Ron and Seamus, Hermione and Dean, Ginny and Blaise. Hell, Neville was even sure the twins were seeing someone, as the other Weasley siblings would occasionally make remarks that would make a blush rise to George's cheeks and a shy smile to Fred's (which were both incredibly out of character for them). He didn't really have any idea of who it could be. Maybe Angelina. Or Lee. Verity?

Come to think of it, they'd both taken to asking him relationship based questions (which he saw as slightly cruel, but he knew they wouldn't be asking him of all people if they had a clue) like 'what do you look for on a date Nev?' or, more likely, something along the lines of 'so what do you like in bed?'. Both questions would turn him into a flustered mess, but he always tried to stutter out an answer.

The point was, Neville was man enough to admit he had just been cursed to have some of the most aesthetically pleasing friends around, making him stick out like a sore thumb. He supposed he was just that unlucky.

"Alright you lot, we're done for today. We'd appreciate it if you could all come in tomorrow around the same time for the interview portion of the spread. If you have a scheduling conflict for whatever reason, we can reschedule."

Before Neville could reply to the shoot coordinator and say something along the lines of him being unavailable for the rest of forever, the twins clapped their hands down on his shoulders.

"We'll be here-"

"-and we'll take Neville duty. Wouldn't want him to disappear and miss out on all the fun now, eh?" They supplied with matching grins. His hideaway in Derbyshire was looking better and better. Now that people knew about it though, perhaps he could relocate up to the quiet cottage they had up in the Scottish Highlands...

Not wanting to seem rude, Neville gave a wane smile while gritting his teeth and kicking one of the twins in the shin.

"Ow, watch it Nev, I need this leg." Fred chuckled lightly into his ear. Neville's breath hitched at his proximity, catching George's smirk out of the corner of his eye and feeling his hand settle gently onto the small of his back.

Neville shivered as he had the sudden image of identical mouths brushing along his neck, while equally identical hands trailed slightly lower…

Nervously maneuvering out of the twins' grip with a quiet gasp, Neville was hoping to make it to the exit before anyone noticed how flushed he had suddenly gotten.

"I'll see all of you tomorrow then, I've got to-"

"Oi, Nev! Don't forget about lunch. Draco and I will meet you in the lobby." Harry called across the room. Damn, he'd forgotten about lunch.

Nodding to acknowledge Harry, Neville quickly waved to everyone before practically sprinting to his dressing room. Ducking inside, he cast several cooling charms, as the temperature seemed to have gone up abruptly.

Neville took a few gulping breaths to ease the tightness in his chest. Yes, a law had been passed accepting same gender couples and marriages, and of course he knew his family and friends would be okay with his being gay, but he still had no idea how his Gran would react. H had a feeling it wouldn't be good.

Despite everything that had happened, with how proud she was with his part in the war, but their relationship had been damaged by years of disappointment, disapproval, and disassociation. Not only did she disapprove of his interest in herbology, rather than congratulating him when he told her the news of his double post, she nearly demanded he focus all his attention on his work as an auror. She was determined to mold him into the perfect copy of his father, and he was determined to let himself live the life he'd earned. Neville loved her, he really did, it was just best if he loved her from afar.

Managing to cool down his face, Neville slowly got dressed, not bothering to glance in the mirror before heading out. It wasn't like it would do much difference anyway.