springsmutfairy (springsmutfairy) wrote in hp_springsmut, @ 2008-03-14 08:12:00 |
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Entry tags: | fic, het, neville/ginny |
Happy Springsmut, syven!
Author: catgoddess
Recipient: syven
Title: Lost and Found
Rating: NC-17
Pairing(s): Ginny/Neville
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Ginny left after the final battle, to start a new life. However, sometimes the past tends to find you when you least expect it. It can be a good thing.
Warnings: none
Word Count: ~4,100
Author's Notes: This is a variation of prompt No. 1. I was trying to avoid fluff as much as possible. I really hope you like it.
The evening had been busier than usual due to an exotic plant conference that was in Florence of all places. The organizers of this conference had booked the Grande Hotel for their event, and between them and the usual touristy patrons, every single room in the place was booked. This meant a busier than usual lunch shift, and an insane dinner shift for them.
She really didn't mind the extra work though. She loved the restaurant and hustle and bustle of the award-winning kitchen. The head chef liked her a lot, mostly because she came into the job with cooking skills learned from her mother. There were times that she missed home; missed the Burrow, but this was for the best. She had been here three years now, and she was making her own way, in her own spotlight. It was a good life.
"Gwen! Dove siete? Mario overcooked the Alfredo Sauce and no one else can fix it like you can!" Chef Innocenti was calling her, indicating that her break was over.
"Coming, Chef!" Ginny, or Gwen as she was known now, called back as she went back inside. She was glad that she had learned how to cook the Muggle way, because sometimes it was tempting to use magic. However, she dared not do so.
She stood over the sauce, adding a few ingredients, transferring it to a new pan to get rid of the burnt bits, and managed to salvage it. "That will do for now," she said nodding, giving her tasting spoon to the chef.
"Buon! Ciò è perfetta!" The chef was pleased. "Now, I have to ask a favore of you. One of our guests enjoyed the Peperoni arrotolati so much that he is asking to speak to the cook who made it. Will you go and speak with the gentleman?"
Ginny nodded. "Si," she said with a smile as she smoothed her uniform down. "Which table is he at?"
"He is over there by himself." The chef pointed to a table in the corner. "Chi sa? Perhaps you will get a data. You need to be going out more with people your age!"
She sighed. She recognized the man at the table. He hadn't changed much in three years; hopefully he would not recognize her. She had darkened her hair to brown and had colored contacts now. She hadn't bothered to get rid of the freckles, as they came back in full force when she was in the sun.
With a deep breath, she walked out of the kitchen towards the table. " Buona sera, signore. Il mio nome è Gwen. Come siete questa sera?" she asked, thankful that she had picked up Italian rather quickly.
Neville swallowed as he saw the cook coming towards him. Even with the darker hair, he was certain that he recognized the young woman. She looked a lot like Ginny. "Me?" the man asked? " Molto buon, grazie. E voi? " He spoke slowly, looking through a guide on how to speak Italian.
"I am well," she said in English. "Chef Innocenti told me you would like to speak with me?" She smiled.
"Your Peperoni arrotolati is delicious. I had a friend once who liked to cook it, and it tasted just like hers," he said.
Ginny froze. "That is quite the compliment signore," she finally replied. "I am glad you enjoyed it," she said, trying not to sound nervous. "What brings you to our hotel? Are you here for the plant conference?"
"I am," he said shyly. "I'm Neville," he said holding out his hand. "Neville Longbottom."
She took the offered hand. "I'm Gwen Wessel," she said, feeling more and more uncomfortable. "Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get back to the kitchen. As you can tell, we are very busy, tonight," she said and turned to go.
"Wait! Signora!" Neville pleaded. "May I see you later? When the restaurant closes?"
Ginny paused for a moment. "Okay, I guess so," she said softly. "Now, I must go, scusilo." She walked rapidly into the kitchen, knowing that her fellow cooks would question her.
He watched her walk away, certain that it was Ginny. He debated whether or not to let the Weasleys know that he had seen her, deciding against it. Obviously she didn't want to be found. Maybe he could convince her to come back with him. He was pleased that she seemed to be doing quite well for herself.
At 1:00 a.m. Ginny said goodnight to her coworkers and went home to change before returning to the hotel lobby to meet Neville. She was nervous about it, wondering if he had recognized her, or if she should let him know it was her if he hadn't. Would he tell her parents? She didn't want them to know where she was. It would only complicate her life. She was free right now, and she enjoyed that.
Neville was waiting for her when she got there. "Buona sera," he said. "You look nice."
"Thank you," she said smiling. "Where are we going?"
"I don't know. I figure that you know the hot spots around here, and know where to go. I'm not much into dancing these days, Ginny."
She gave him a sharp stare when he said her name. "How did you know?"
"Your freckles give it away, and even though you dyed your hair, I could tell it was you."
"Shit." She looked at him. "Maybe we should just forget tonight, I'll Obliviate you and you'll forget that you ever saw me."
Neville shook his head. "I'm not going to tell anyone. You have your reasons, and I'm not going to press the issue until you decide to tell me. I'll respect your privacy and your request," he said evenly. "But I would like to go out into the city with you regardless."
His promise made her feel better. "Well, then, let's go," she said, taking his hand. "Florence is wonderful at night." She thought for a moment as they walked out of the hotel. "I'm going to take you to Andromeda!" she said as she started walking. "It's one of my favourite clubs," she explained excitedly.
Ginny's enthusiasm was definitely contagious, making Neville more than willing to go wherever she wanted to take him. Admittedly, he had not gone dancing since the Yule Ball in fourth year, so he was probably very rusty, but that was okay. "I hope you'll forgive me, Gin, it's been many years since I've last danced."
"Oh don't worry, you can follow my lead. You'll enjoy it, I promise," she replied giving him a wink.
The discotheque was crowded, but they managed to get in. Ginny led Neville to a table in the back. "Want something to drink?" she asked loudly, trying to be heard over the music.
"Rum and coke," Neville replied. "I can get them," he started to say only to have Ginny shake her head and smile.
"Let me."
She came back five minutes later with the drinks. "This is one of the most popular discotheque in Florence," she explained. "It's interesting to just sit and watch people, even if I don't dance." She took a long sip of her drink and shrugged. "So, while we're here, tell me what's been going on with you?"
Neville launched into a long narrative about everything going on in England with her family, and him and Luna. He watched her frown when he mentioned Harry, and deliberately did not mention him after that.
She nodded and asked questions and told him about her life in Florence, and how happy she was here, her friends, and some of the funnier escapades at work. She was an excellent storyteller and Neville was content to just sit and listen to her talk, asking questions, and trying to figure out if she was taken or not, secretly pleased when she admitted she wasn't. It was still bothering him that she had not given a reason for leaving in the first place.
His frustration must have shown, though, because she asked what was on his mind.
"Why did you leave?" he asked. "You left without a word. No one knew where you were, just that you were alive. They would love to have you back."
"Ask me tomorrow," she said, a hint of tiredness in her voice. She knew that she could not avoid answering the question forever. She just didn't want to answer it right now.
Neville nodded. "I'll take you up on that. Now, tell me more about that one escapade of yours when you first started working in the kitchens…" he said, changing the subject.
As the night continued they talked more, avoiding certain subjects, danced a little and drank way too much. It was nearly 5:00 a.m. when they stumbled back to Ginny's flat.
"I had a wonderful time," she said smiling.
"I did too," Neville admitted. "What time do you go into work?" He brushed a strand of loose hair from her face.
"I'm off tomorrow. What time does your conference start?"
"Around 9:00." He shrugged. He was really wondering if he wanted to go to it, or if he wanted to spend more time with Ginny.
"You realize you'll be lucky to get three hours of sleep, don't you?"
He nodded. "I'm here at the conference for my own enjoyment. Minerva thought I should take a vacation. I don't have to go in the morning. The panels I really wanted to go to are in the late afternoon."
She smiled. Through the night she had noticed that he really was attractive, and he had become more confident over the years. "You could stay here if you want. I have extra bedrooms. It's very early in the morning, and I don't want you to stumble around trying to find your way back to the hotel."
"I wouldn't want to impose," he said stunned.
"You aren't imposing," she said as she opened the door to her large flat. "Come on, I'll show you your room." She nearly pulled him into her home and led him to one of the spare bedrooms. "There's a bathroom through that door, with a shower. The heater is over there," she said, pointing. "Sleep well. I can wake you around noon if you want." She laughed and kissed him gently on the lips. "I had a good time tonight, Neville. It was fun to spend time with you."
She turned and went upstairs to her room, passing out as soon as she got her shoes off.
Neville watched her go, touching his lips lightly as she did.
Neville woke up around 7:00 a.m. to the sounds of someone or something banging around in Ginny's room. He put his slacks back on and ran upstairs.
He watched her toss and turn for a few minutes, wondering if he should wake her up. He could not stand to see her in pain like that, and quickly made his way to her bed. "Ginny," he whispered as she shook her lightly, "Ginny, wake up!"
Finally she woke up, sweaty and disoriented. "Neville?" She tilted her head. "What are you doing here?"
"You invited me to stay in the guest room remember? I heard you tossing and turning and screaming. You were having a nightmare?"
"Oh." She looked around her room. "I haven't had that dream in some time," she admitted. "It was about the Chamber and then about Tom Riddle, and then the final battle," she explained softly.
He pulled her into a hug. "Well, it's all over now and he can't hurt you anymore. None of it can." He rubbed her back, murmuring soothing words until he felt her relax. "I think you need more rest," he said as he pulled away.
"Thank you," she replied. "Will you stay?" It was as much a request as it was a question.
"If you tell me why you left."
She lay back against her pillows with a soft sigh. "It's quite simple, really. I left because I knew that after everything had calmed down and the dead and the living had been sorted, I'd be pushed into the shadows. It's silly and selfish I know, but I was tired of being treated like a child. I fought at the Department of Mysteries, too, yet, everyone thinks I'm incapable of defending myself. I also realized that I didn't want to be with Harry, be the trophy wife of the Great Harry Potter, little sister of Ron Weasley, war hero. I wanted to be able to try to succeed, or even fail, on my own merits in a place where my family wasn't either considered blood-traitor or paragon of the light." She sneered at the last part. "I was just irritated, and while, yes it was petty, I didn't care."
Neville nodded. "I understand, I think," he said slowly. "Luna and I missed you though, and your family searched frantically for you. I think of all people, it was Bill who realized that you were still alive, and that you didn't want to be found. They haven't touched your room, in the hopes that you would one day return."
"I don't know when that is going to be, and if you're going to try to convince me to go back to that, then you know where the door is." She shifted so she lay on her side away from him.
"Actually, no, I'm not going to convince you to go back. You have a life here." He shrugged. "However, last night I realized that I really like the way you are, and I had a blast with you."
She turned to look at him, a small smile gracing her lips. "Can we not mention it again at least for a while?"
He nodded. "Do you want me to stay up here while you sleep?" he asked.
"I think I'd like that." She had a huge bed that would easily fit both of them, and he stretched out next to her. "Nev? Would you hold me?"
His answer was to pull her into his arms. He rubbed her back again and watched her drift off to sleep. She looked incredibly peaceful here.
He thought about their evening, and how he had run into her. She definitely had made herself at home here, and in the Muggle world no less. She also looked fabulous, in his opinion. Maybe he could bring her home with him in time. But first he wanted to figure out what he wanted with her. Did he want a relationship or just a fling? He really wasn't one for flings. A long distance relationship would be tricky, but it was doable. The only problem would be how to hide it. Eventually things would happen and they'd be found out. He supposed that was a bridge that could be crossed later. He first had to figure out if she even liked him, or if she would even consider it.
Ginny was touched by the fact that he cared, even though she left them all so many years ago. She had initially been scared to see him, not trusting that he would keep the fact that he saw her quiet. She trusted him, however, which was more than she could say about most of her romances, past and present.
His arms felt good around her, they made her feel safe. If there was anyone she regretted leaving it was him.
When she woke up, it was around five in the afternoon and the sun was starting to set. She looked up to see Neville's eyes closed. He had fallen asleep next to her. It was cute. She got up and decided that maybe they could have dinner in.
He woke up to the smell of roast meats and vegetables. He had missed his panels, but it didn't matter to him, not really.
The dining room table was set for two, a bottle of wine from an excellent vintage was on the table with two wine glasses. "Ever had roast boar?" she asked with a smile.
"Never, but it smells wonderful." He tried to help in the kitchen but was shooed out.
"Let me do this, okay?" She gave him a cheeky grin and continued her dinner preparations which were almost done. "It's very rare that I use magic for anything anymore," she explained. "I find Muggle techniques relaxing."
They ate in silence, lost in their own thoughts. Ginny was right, though, the boar was incredible. She had cooked it with some sort of port sauce and roasted vegetables. Simple, but incredibly decadent at the same time.
They retired to the den when they were done eating, though Neville had insisted on doing the dishes. When he came back, Ginny had a fire going and the half-drunk bottle of wine on a small wooden table.
"Dinner was great," he said as he settled down next to her.
"Thank you. Tomorrow night I'll make ratatouille or something like that. It's actually a really simple and very tasty dish."
"Ginny, anything you cook is going to taste good in my opinion," he said looking at her.
"Flatterer."
"No, it's the truth,"
Ginny let the matter drop. "You missed your panels or whatever they were," she said softly. "How long were you planning on staying?"
He thought for a moment. "I was going to leave on Monday, but I can always extend my stay a bit. It's summer and no one is at the school save for the professors. I like spending time with you, and would like to see a bit more of you before I leave. I don't know when I'll be able to get back here to see you again."
"You want to see me again?" She looked surprised at this revelation but smiled as he nodded.
"I didn't get the chance to act on anything in school, but I would be a fool not to do so now." He pulled her to him and kissed her deeply, before she could protest.
She kissed him back, surprised at how good of a kisser he was. When they finally broke apart, she told him so.
He simply smiled and stood up, scooping her into his arms. "Let me show you how good I am at other things, too," he said as he carried her upstairs to her room.
She laughed softly. She liked this new Neville.
When they got upstairs he put her down on the bed. She looked beautiful lying there in a pair of lounge pants and a camisole top. "You are one gorgeous woman, you know that?"
"Shut up and kiss me, Neville."
He lay down next to her and obliged, covering her face with small kisses. He slid a calloused hand up her top, stroking at the soft skin of her sides and belly. She smelled of basil and rosemary and he liked it. He kissed her throat, across her collarbones, down to the swell of her breasts. He had waited many years for this and didn't want to rush things.
Ginny arched into him as he kissed her. It had been too long since she had actually been intimate with anyone, having thrown herself into her job. His hands and lips felt good against her skin. It was nice to be touched this way, and by someone who was being meticulous in his attentions. She ran her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer to her.
He slid the straps of her top down her shoulders to expose her pert breasts. He kissed the skin between them and moved a hand to the right one and continued kissing around the areola of the left one before taking her nipple in his mouth and nibbling it lightly. This elicited a moan from her, which pleased him. He switched breasts and gave equal attention to the right.
Ginny could feel the dampness growing between her thighs. She had no idea where Neville had learned to do any of this, nor did she really care at that moment. She arched up and removed her top, pleading with him not to stop.
She began to unbutton his shirt, working quickly at the buttons. She smiled as he shucked the offending material off his shoulders and onto the floor before leaning in to kiss her with more urgency than before.
Her hands moved over his chest. He still had a bit of pudge to him, but it was okay. He was soft and cuddly, though at that moment she didn't want cuddly, but it was still nice. She liked having something to hold on to. Besides, it wouldn't be Neville otherwise. She moved down to feel the bulge in his pants, smiling at the fact that he was rather nicely endowed.
She unzipped his pants and stuck her hand down his boxer-briefs, stroking his erection. "You like that?" she asked with a smirk.
"Mmmhmmm," he replied, moving his own hand down into the waistband of her panties. "Turnabout is fair play you know," he said as he kissed her neck again. He ran a finger over her folds, rubbing lightly, watching her responses.
She didn't think she would last if he kept this up, and she wanted him inside her. "Neville, fuck me!" she growled as she removed her hand from his underwear to pull at his pants.
He stood up and took off the rest of his clothing before focusing on getting her out her hers. "Your wish is my command," he said as he positioned himself over her.
The sight of him poised on top of her, his erection prominently sticking out, was one of the hottest things she had ever seen. "Now!" she whispered, grabbing his arse to pull him against her.
With one thrust, he was inside, surrounded by tight, wet heat. He almost climaxed but managed to hold back. "You feel so good, Ginny," he muttered as he began moving, slowly at first.
Ginny could only moan as she felt him take her. He was larger than what she was used to, but it wasn't painful. She wrapped her legs around him and started to move with him, matching his rhythm. It was nice to be with a man who didn't treat her like some delicate flower; who could tell when she wanted to skip foreplay and just fuck.
He took her moans as a sign to speed up, which he gladly obliged. For years he had fantasized about sleeping with Ginny, but had written it off as just a fantasy that he could wank to. Now it was real and even better than he imagined.
He placed one hand between them to rub at her clit as he moved faster. Her face was flushed and she was glowing with perspiration.
"Dammit, Neville," she groaned, "give me more!" Her breathing was rapid and her body was shaking as she got closer to her climax. When he began to rub her, she let go with a loud cry.
Her orgasm triggered his, and with a final thrust, he came hard inside her before collapsing on top of her.
As their breathing grew calmer, he slowly pulled out and looked at her. "All right there, Gin?" he asked, as he kissed her forehead.
"Fabulous," she smiled. "That was incredible."
He pulled her into his arms. "I agree." He looked down at her. "I've fantasized about that for years."
"What stopped you?" She looked up curiously.
"I didn't think you were interested."
She nodded, accepting that answer. "So what now? Eventually you have to go back, and I am not ready or willing to return yet."
He was silent for several minutes. "Well," he began slowly, "Now that I've found you, I've no intention of losing you again. Perhaps I can just come visit here, and over time we can figure out how to work this. All I'll say is that I met this wonderful girl in Italy."
She smiled. "That works," she whispered as she kissed his cheek. "Wanna go for another round?" she asked, changing the subject.
"I'd like to get some sleep first, then we can go for seconds, thirds and fourths, if you want," he replied.
She nodded as he closed his eyes. That would be acceptable to her.