A/N: The humble, discreet beginnings of Neville Longbottom and Hannah Abbott. Our story begins in 5th year.

This is my first ever FF, so please tell me what you think of it. I know Hannah/Neville isn't very popular so I will appreciate all of your reviews, thanks!

Discaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I am merely borrowing JK Rowling's amazing characters.

Chapter 1

Hannah Abbott was trying to finish her days work in Herbology. Having not finished cleaning up after her group made a mess re-potting the plants. She was reaching for her wand when she saw a vine covered in thorns reaching out for her wrist. Her blonde hair whipped around as she screamed and ran for the door.

Hannah panted with her back leaning against the door to keep it shut. She heard a yell of, "Hey!" from the next greenhouse over; it was followed by quick-paced footsteps. The girl turned to see Neville Longbottom emerging and jogging over to her. He looked at her up and down, presumably checking for blood and/or other injuries. Not seeing anything he calmly asked, "Hannah, what happened? What was that scream?"

Hannah suddenly lost the power to speak.

Neville just said my name. That's the first time he's ever said my name.

Her mouth was gaping as she thought this and Neville wondered if there was something wrong with her voice. Hannah blinked and stammered, "The… tentacle… plant… out… my wrist…" She looked down at her right wrist and rubbed it with her left hand, inspecting it.

Trying to regain some composure she cleared her throat, still not looking at Neville. She said, "Doesn't look like it got me." She shrugged trying to look nonchalant. Now looking at her feet and no longer rubbing her wrist; she mumbled something about having to go and turned to run off when Neville stopped her.

He peered down at her wrist, red from her rubbing it and asked, "The Venomous Tentacula?"

She managed a small squeak as he gently raised her arm to take a look himself. Hannah froze, not wanting to leave any more.

He's holding my hand. He is holding my hand. I don't care if he doesn't realize it, I'm going to remember this.

Neville furrowed his brow, glaring at her arm. He sighed and loosened his grip. Hannah pulled her hand back very reluctantly and looked at him. "I guess you're right. But you can't be too careful when it comes to Venomous Tentacula."

Hannah was staring at his brown eyes and said quietly, "Thanks, Neville." And she turned to go, when the boy stopped her again.

"You hate Umbridge, yeah?"

"Who doesn't," she retorted quickly.

"Well," Neville said reaching an arm up to scratch his neck and muss his hair, "There's this meeting tonight at the Hogs Head, I'm not quite sure I can explain it… It's Harry, Ron and Hermione starting this thing…"

Oh, Neville, why do you have to play with your hair like that right in front of me?

"… This sort of Defence Against the Dark Arts thing… Do you think you would like to come?" Neville trailed of and looked to Hannah for a response.

"Harry Potter?" Hannah asked, although she was fairly sure of the answer.

"Yeah, the one and only," Neville said with a smile.

Hannah nodded, "For sure I'll be there."

Why would I pass up the chance to be near Neville Longbottom outside of class, in Hogsmeade no less!

"Great," Neville said with delight then turned, gesturing ahead of him, "I'll walk you back to your dorm now, yeah? Wouldn't want you getting' another scare like that." He pointed his thumb towards the greenhouse.

Hannah blushed and stepped away from the door, relieved that it had sealed itself. They walked the corridors for a small while in silence until they reached the hidden entrance to the Hufflepuff common room. Hannah stopped and cleared her throat, "Now I guess this is where we part."

Neville looked around; not seeing anything he thought could be the entrance, "Huh?"

Hannah scoffed at him, "Surely you didn't think I was going to let you see where our secret quarters are?"

Neville shrugged, disappointed, "Guess not."

The blonde waved Neville away and said, "I'll see you tonight." She waited until she could no longer hear his footsteps before speaking the password and descending into the underground dormitories.