The One with the Gossip

''Have you seen YN?'' Neville dreams, ''she is gorgeous and smart.'' Hermione chuckles at the behaviour of her friend. ''Don't forget she is a year older than us,'' Hermione reminds him, but she only earns a shrug in return. ''That doesn't matter, right? I mean, I like her. A lot.'' Hermione playfully rolls her eyes, ''maybe she likes you too.''
Neville's eyes widen in amazement and in shock. He didn't even think about that, about you liking him. Or not, that was a terrible thought he rather not think of.

Neville decides to travel compartments, towards Ginny and Luna. On his way, he crosses his path with a certain fifth-year Ravenclaw. ''Sorry,'' he apologises. He looks up when he hears a familiar chuckle, ''it's okay, Neville.''
''Y/N,'' Neville comments, frozen in his spot. ''That's me,'' you smile. ''Are you okay?'' you ask the fourth-year Gryffindor. He blinks his eyes, ''yes! I'm more than okay! H-how was your s-summer?'' His voice is high and nervous. You continue smiling, ''it's was relaxing, although I missed the magic. How about yours?''
''It was good, spent a lot of time with my grandmother,'' he chuckles nervously, scratching the back of his neck. ''I bet she must be wonderful,'' you say. ''Y/N! We need you here!'' You glance over your shoulder and back, ''I must go. They need me, you know. Prefect duties. See you later.'' You send him another smile and walk off.

''See you later,'' he whispers. Then he hears girls giggling and tilts his head to see to whom it belongs. He sees Ginny and Luna, giggling and watching him. He sighs and opens the compartment door.
''You froze like an antelope in headlights,'' Luna giggles. Neville's ears grew red, but Ginny saves him a little. ''She seems to be interested,'' she says with a serious face. Neville looks up at Ginny with a vulnerable look, ''she was?'' Ginny nods, ''yes. She constantly smiled at you.''

This school year would be different from other years. This year will be known as the year with the Triwizard Tournament.
The Triwizard Tournament is a magic contest held between the three largest wizarding schools in Europe; Hogwarts School Witchcraft and Wizardry, Durmstrang Institute and Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. Each school is represented by one Champion. Selected Champions compete in three tasks - traditionally judged by the Headmasters or Headmistresses of the competing schools - designed to test magical ability, intelligence, and courage. Champions competed for the honour and glory of winning the Tournament, for the, and a monetary prize.
After the speech, Dumbledore drew an age line to prevent unaged students to sign in.

Many students were around the Goblet of Fire, surveying every living soul who dares to put their name in. You were there too, but more like surveillance. You spot the brother's Weasley's with some kind of potion. You silently watch them, but you end up laughing at their failed attempt to throw a note into the fire.
You weren't aware of Neville's presence, who was staring at you. Hermione nudges his arm, making him shift his eyes to the girl next to him. ''Staring is rude,'' Hermione whispers. Neville blushes in embarrassment and mutters an apology. She quickly waves away the apology.
''Maybe you could ask her to be your date for the Yule Ball,'' Hermione suggests. Neville had read things about the Tournament, which included a ball. "That's a great idea! But you know I can't do that, you know me,'' Neville says with angst in his voice. ''You have some time to think about it. But you do have to be quick, you know. Before someone else asks her.'' Neville smiles sadly and glances at you.

You took notice of the glance of Neville and looked into his direction and shot him a smile. He blushes and turns his head away. ''He is cute, isn't he?'' you smile and look at your friend, Artemis. She looks at the nervous Gryffindor, ''he is. But he's the type that he is too nervous to take an initiative.''
You agreed to that, ''I agree, but still. He is cute and kind.'' ''So, you want him to ask you to the ball?'' Artemis asks with a small grin. Your cheeks reddened and you nodded, ''I actually do.'' You turn your head towards Tony, who is looking at you and winks. ''Before he does,'' you comment and look back at your friend. ''Yeah, I hope he does.''

Everyone was stunned by the fact that Harry Potter was chosen as a fourth champion. Everyone thought he did it for fame and attention. You were one of the little people that believed he didn't do it on purpose.
''Potter,'' you call him in the hall. He turns around with an uncomfortable look. ''Hello, Y/N. Am I in trouble?'' ''No no, you aren't. I know people are giving you a hard time, now you are the fourth champion. Just so that you know, that I believe you. That you are unwillingly attending this tournament. I also want to say, enjoy it. It's quite special, the tournament isn't held every year. So, good luck, Potter.''
Harry was stunned by your words but felt relieved someone, other than his friends, believed him. ''T-thank you, Y/N.'' You smiled and walked off.

The first task was quite a big one, fighting dragons. Yet, Harry had managed to sneak away the golden egg. Everyone held their breath when it was all silent. But then Harry came in flying, without the dragon and captured the egg.
The second task would be in the Lake and it would happen in February. However, Christmas is first and that has also an event. The Yule Ball. A Christmas ball where the Champions open the ball. This is also judged by the judges.

''Hey, Neville. Can I talk to you?'' A female voice reached Neville's ears and he turned around. He saw the Ravenclaw Emblem but didn't recognise her. ''Who are you?'' he asks confused.
The Ravenclaw girl widens her eyes, ''I'm sorry. I'm Artemis, a close friend to Y/N.'' Neville nods and Artemis has his attention by only mentioning your name.
''I'm just saying, I would hurry with asking Y/N to the Ball because you have competition.'' Neville's eyes widen, ''h-how do you know?'' Artemis playfully rolls her eyes, ''I'm a Ravenclaw and a master in deduction.''

They walk through the corridors, not knowing the portraits are listening too. ''But, who is the competition?'' Neville asks cautiously. ''Tony Stark,'' she says with no emotion, ''but she doesn't like him, too cocky. However, that doesn't mean you should wait to ask.''
''But, why are you doing this?'' Neville asks curiously. Artemis sends him a sweet smile, ''because I care for my friend.'' With that, Artemis walks away, leaving Neville stunning behind. I-I need to do something.

The next day, you were reading in the Courtyard. Neville was searching for you, but Harry told him where you were. Neville asked Harry how he knew that, but Harry shrugged it off. But everyone knows Harry had used the Marauders Map.
Neville walks towards the Courtyard, spotting you immediately. He holds up his hand to wave, but then someone other guy sits next to her. Neville's expression drops, but secretly eavedrops. He walks past you and hides behind a pillar.

''Hey, Y/N,'' the boy smirks. You roll your eyes, ''Stark.'' ''Hey, don't send negative energy,'' Stark protests giggly. ''Fine, what do you want?'' you ask with a slight annoyed face. ''Do you want to be my escort to the Yule Ball?''
You mentally curse yourself, because Neville hasn't asked you yet. ''I-i uh... I need to think about it,'' you say. Stark nods, ''okay. That's fine. Let me know when you made up your mind okay?'' He rises onto his feet and winks before walking away.
You close your eyes and take a deep breath. Neville, on the other hand, was quite relieved you didn't accept his offer.

That night you were on perfect duties. You heard some low whispering, but you didn't spot any students. You survey the room, obviously confused. Then your gaze lands on the portraits and stalks a little closer to what they are saying.
''Did you hear? Neville Longbottom is going to ask Y/N L/N for the Yule ball.'' Your eyes widen and you froze in your spot. ''Really? I've heard that he likes her a lot. I've heard him rambling to the Granger girl.'' You began to giggle and couldn't believe what you've heard.

The next day, Neville decides this is the day that he is going to ask you. He practically bumped into you, which caused you both to fall on the floor. ''Blimey! Are you okay?'' you ask automatically. You glance up to see Neville.
''Oh, hi Neville.'' Neville glances up with crimson cheeks. ''I'm so sorry, Y/N,'' he apologises. You just wave it away, ''don't worry about.''

You wanted to walk away when Neville called you, ''Y/N, wait. I wanted to ask you something!'' You turn away and wait for him to continue, ''yes?''
''D-do you want to be my date for the ball?'' he stutters uncontrollably. You smile broadway, ''I thought you would never ask.'' Neville's face lit up in excitement, ''really?!'' You smile, ''yes.'' ''Bloody Hell, it's happening.'' Neville ruffles his hair with both hands. You chuckle, ''see you then.''

Professor McGonagall had learned all houses how to dance and it worked out well. She also had lectured you by not messing this Ball by acting like babbling bumbling band of baboons.
That night, Artemis had helped you with your dress. ''You look stunning,'' Artemis admires. You turn around and look into the mirror, ''what will Neville think?'' ''Neville's eyes will fall out of his head.''
You giggle, ''thank you. I think I should go now.''

Neville fiddles with his tie as he waits near the entrance of the Ball. Ron nudges Neville's arm and points to the stars. Neville's eyes scan the eyes until he reaches your appearance. ''Bloody Hell,'' he whispers and his mouth hangs open.
You walk down the stairs with a smile on your face. ''Y-Y/N, y-you look astonishingly beautiful.'' A blush reached your cheeks, ''you look great as well, Longbottom.'' Neville's face flushed at the compliment.
''Shall we?'' Neville says, holding out his arm for you to take it. You smile and accept his arm, ''yes.''

After the Champions had opened the Ball, everyone was allowed to dance. Neville took you to the dance floor and danced away. Neville had one of his hands on your back and the other was holding your hand.
You gazed into his eyes and realised you really liked him. Neville would often stare in your eyes but shifted his eyes to prevent some awkwardness.

You danced all night long and both had fun. You were one of the last students that had left the Great Hall.
"I really had fun this night," you say, watching your intertwined hands. "Me too, me too." A silence followed one where you have no idea what to do.

"I like you," Neville whispers. You raid an eyebrow at him, "you do?" Neville nods and shifts his eyes towards your level. "I'm glad you didn't say yes to Stark."
"Did you hear that?" you ask with a tilted head. Neville's ears reddened in embarrassment, ''yes. I wanted to ask you, but Stark was earlier than me.'' You giggled, ''so, you had been eavesdropping?'' Neville's face couldn't gain any more red, but he felt embarrassed.

''I like you too though,'' you say, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. ''W-whoa, I-i... w-wow,'' Neville stutters uncontrollably.
''If I kiss you, will you stop stuttering?'' you chuckle. Neville's eyes widen and continued stuttering. You lay your hand on his hot cheek.

You close the distance between you and Neville. Your lips touched and both basically melt into the kiss.
Neville opens his eyes, not aware of his closed eyes. ''Wow. I assume you like me too?'' he asks nervously. You couldn't hide a chuckle and kissed him again.
''I take that as a yes,'' Neville says astonished. You chuckle and nod, ''yes. I like you too. A lot.''

''Y/N, d-do you want to be my girlfriend?''