Hey there all! I bid you welcome to my new Colin/Miles fic-'Colin's Unlikely Friend'. It's another idea I've been toying around with for quite some time and I've decided to write it out. It's a ''First Friendship to Eventual Romance'' themed story. Meaning, this will begin from Colin's first year and will continue 'til probably...the end of his fourth year. Yes, this is AU-HE. WILL. LIVE. SEVERAL. YEARS. LATER. (LET IT BE IMPLIED RIGHT NOW. He's one of my faves-so as it is written here, so shall it be. Until I declare otherwise in my fanfiction.)

This story is rated M for obvious content-language, drama, sexual relations of the homosexual variety...what have you. There's a chance it will be explicit in some areas...so be prepared in the later chapters. Anyway, I will give notice over the year changes in the story. Some chapters will be featured more in one year or so more than the others..it all depends on how I write it out. So, it's kinda like a couple chapters per year...I gotta give them a more realistic timeframe to become more 'acquainted', ya know? Don't wanna jump too damn quickly. Further notice: If m/m relationships squick you, then find something else to read.

Author's note and Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, JKR does! Also, any references to real-life works and people are property of their respected owners! Any mistakes are mine alone! Any help would be appreciated! :) Now enjoy! :)

*~...~*: Indicates a memory until and if I decide to change it.

~'...blah...'~: Sorting hat's speech (in italic)

~'...blah...'~: Colin's response(s) to the hat

Chapter One-Wizard

*~June 22, 2010-Colin's Eleventh Birthday~*

"Open this, it's from your mother and me." Desmond Creevey smiled, handing over a medium-sized, ornately-wrapped package to a bouncing, light blonde boy with bright sky blue eyes. "

What can it be?" he grinned, swiftly tearing open the last of his birthday gifts. He gasped. "A digital camera! It's the newest one they have out there!"

"All the best for our little photographer. We had it charged and everythin' before we wrapped it." Saoirse Creevey grinned, hugging her eldest child.

"What're you gonna take pictures of?" piped ten year-old Dennis, his younger brother.

"Everything! Mum, can I have cake and ice cream later? I wanna test this baby out!"

"Of course, dear. It's your birthday."

Utterly excited, Colin hurried outside, leaving his parents to shake their heads in mirth. Not long after, a knock was heard at the front door. "

Who could that be?" Desmond pondered aloud as he opened the door. He was shocked to see an older woman presumably in her mid-fifties, wearing a large hat, bifocals and strange clothing that reminded him of something he saw watching that Lord of the Rings trilogy.

In a Scottish accent, she spoke "Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Creevey. My name is Minerva McGonagall. I would like to speak with you regarding your eldest son, Colin."

" Oh no, did he accidentally break somethin' o' yours? If so, we can pay for it."

She noted the distinct Irish brogue coming from his father, responding "No, it has nothing to do with that. I'm here to bring him this.." she reached into her pocket and handed them a letter with an 'H' and a large crest sketched in green ink addressed to Colin. Desmond and Saoirse eyed her curiously. "If I may come in, I can explain everything." Shrugging, he allowed the matron inside.

"Ahh...so that is what's been happenin' this entire time. I had no idea it actually existed. I thought it was merely somethin' I've read in novels and seen on TV."

"It is indeed real, Mr. Creevey. Your media entertainment loosely depicts the findings of our world, although anything that author J.R.R. Tolkien wrote has much more accuracy, but some details were changed to protect the citizens involved."

"So, what can we expect out of Colin bein' a wizard? Is there a chance Dennis could be as well?" asked Saoirse.

" You can expect great things and yes, as a matter of fact, the bursts weren't only coming from Colin. Unfortunately, Dennis will have to wait until next September to attend. In the meantime, Colin can give him a heads-up prior to his arrival."

"Mum! I caught a snapshot of this awesome...uh...hi. Um, Dad? Who is she?" Colin stopped, staring at the older lady in apprehension. "

Colin, this is Minerva McGonagall. She is from Hogwarts and she has come to tell you somethin'."

Sitting down, Colin listened as the deputy headmistress relayed her business. Ten minutes later, Colin was in awe. "So, the house isn't haunted? And...and I'm not cursed?"

Chuckling, she replied "No, dear. You're fine. It's only accidental magic. However, with some people, the bursts can prove to be more dangerous than others."

"Cool..." he grinned widely. "I'm a wizard...wow! Uh...before I get carried away, when does it start?"

"Open your letter and find out. Do not worry, I will escort you to Diagon Alley in August to collect your things. Your parents or one of them may tag along. They need to familiarize themselves as well."

He obeyed, removing the seal and reading the contents inside.

''Mr. Creevey, we are pleased to inform that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry..." he further perused the parchment as his parents and McGonagall bantered about. About an hour after she arrived, she bid the Creeveys goodbye...being sure to remind them never to reveal Colin's secret.

That night, Colin couldn't get to sleep. He was too excited. 'I'm a wizard...aw man, I can't believe it. I'm a wizard. A wizard...'~*

Nearly two and a half months later, Colin was by himself in a compartment, well...he actually was accompanied by a pretty, silvery blonde haired girl silently reading a magazine called 'The Quibbler'. He had no idea what it was, he assumed it was another famous wizarding publication like the Daily Prophet. Colin wanted to ask, but he wasn't too successful when it came to making friends, even though he enthusiastically tried.

He made a few acquaintances but in truth, Dennis was really all he had. So, he stuck to staring out the window. He mused over the past several weeks-he traveled to a magical street and saw all kinds of amazing things, got his first wand and an owl which he named Falcon, and heard tales of a wizarding celebrity who survived a curse that was supposed to kill him. His name was Harry Potter and this was his first year too.

Out of nowhere, he heard a soft feminine voice. "My daddy owns this magazine. It talks about creatures not many magical folk have seen."

He looked at the girl, who was smiling serenely, her radish earrings lightly dangling. "Isn't that what you were wondering?"

"Um, yes. Thank you..."

"Luna. Luna Lovegood."

"Colin Creevey."

When they arrived at Hogwarts Castle, Colin gaped. The fortress was enormous, it was easy for anyone to get lost in there. He hoped that he wouldn't be one of those unfortunate souls when Minerva McGonagall led him and the flood of first-years inside, introducing herself and giving an overview of the four houses-Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.

Whilst he gazed at the interior, he overheard a little exchange between a silvery blonde boy, who was similar in appearance to Luna, and a black-haired boy with bright green eyes. Colin heard his name was Harry Potter ...and the Boy-Who-lived turned down Draco Malfoy's arrogant offer of friendship, if it could be called that.

'Good for you, he seemed like an arse anyway.' Colin smiled.

Draco averted his mercury orbs to Creevey, who appeared to be smiling at his failure. He shot him a fierce glare, making Colin take a step back. McGonagall returned, directing them towards the Great Hall. Two tall wooden doors gave way to a large dining room. There were five tables total-one that was positioned to the far side in front, seating adults..and four more held a mass of students, staring at their newest prospects. Each table was underneath a tapestry...all of two different colors and four animals-a lion, a serpent, a badger and an eagle.

'Ok, if Ravenclaw is ''Ravenclaw''...why is its representative the eagle?' Colin pondered as he tilted his head.

To his far right, at a table filled with teens wearing silver and emerald green, a couple third-years were conversing amongst themselves.

"Hey guys, word on the street is that Harry Potter has finally come to Hogwarts."

"Who cares? I'm more concerned over whether or not I'll make Chaser."

"Don't worry about it, Flint. Of course you will, you've been practicing all damn summer."

"Speaking of Quidditch, Bletchley...you trying out for Keeper?"

A stocky red-haired boy wasn't listening as he was gazing over the crowd, his eyes settling on a wide-eyed boy with light blonde hair who was admiring the ceiling as if he's never seen an enchanted one before.

"Bletchley? Bletchley..."

He felt a thick finger jab his arm. "Huh?"

"Pay attention. Are you trying out for Keeper this year?"

"Nah, I'll wait until next year. I still need to perfect a few things."

At the front of the Great Hall, Minerva signaled their attention "As I call your name, you will have a seat and the Sorting Hat will be placed upon your head. Whatever it shouts, you will go. Let's begin, shall we? Hannah Abbott!" A blonde girl in pigtails nervously made her way up the platform.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

Colin observed, reminding himself not to space out since his name wasn't too far away.

"Susan Bones!" A red-haired girl took her seat.

"HUFFLEPUFF!"

She smiled, heading over to the nearest clapping table on his left. Another few names were called and his sounded minutes later.

"Colin Creevey!" He swallowed as he stepped past a few kids, taking his turn at the Sorting Hat.

~'Hello, Mr. Creevey. I am the Sorting Hat and I would like to welcome you to our world. You're one of many muggleborns that have walked these very halls and I can assure you, you won't be the last. Now, to see where to put you. Hm, I see that you're kind and of a good heart but not so overwhelming for you to be a Badger. There is a collective wit and intelligence seeing as every tale your family brought from the Emerald Isle has a moral and you understand it perfectly. You're also bilingual, so that's an advantage. But you don't wish to stay stuck to only knowledge of the book kind. I see that you're ambitious, you having aspirations of becoming a photographer like the greats and you work hard at what you do...and you've also caused a little mischief in doing so, am I correct?'~

~'I may or may not have done a few things..'~

~'Unwilling to incriminate yourself, a very clever move...there is cunning. You'd make a nice addition to Slytherin. On the other hand, there is bravery and you have leapt into a few things without giving forethought to your own safety...especially saving your brother from drowning in the rushing river that one year. You'd be good for either Gryffindor or Slytherin...but where to sort you..'~

The hat went silent for a brief moment before shouting its decision. "GRYFFINDOR!"

The table under a scarlet and gold tapestry applauded their newest Lion as he headed towards the table, sitting next to a curly, red-haired boy with horn-rimmed glasses.

After the sorting and welcoming feast, Colin trudged his way to the Gryffindor common room, admiring the warm décor and roaring fireplace. He headed into the first-year boys' dormitory. Sitting on his large four-poster bed, he glanced at his room-mates: Harry, Ron, Seamus, Dean, Neville, and Cormac. Including himself, there were seven new male lions in total.

Dressing for bed, he got under the covers, staring at the canopy ceiling. As the room fell into darkness, a few thoughts crossed his mind.

'A new school, a new life...this place is awesome. What else is Hogwarts gonna show me? Starting tomorrow, I need to take lots of pictures. Good thing McGonagall spelled my camera to be powered by magic.'

So...what you think? I'm posting Chapter 2 in advance...just to get it out of the way. :)