Who: Neville and Ginny
What: Being adorable on their Cornwall holiday
When: Some time over the next weekend
Where: An adorable bed and breakfast in Cornwall
Rating: S for Sweet 'n' Sappy
Status: Complete



It had taken nearly a week of convincing, some very heated arguments, more pouting than she even knew she had in her, and the biggest guilt-trip she'd ever pulled singlehandedly, but the youngest Weasley's stubbornness had finally pulled through. She was sitting on the beach outside the absolutely perfect Bed and Breakfast in Cornwall, beside her all too thoughtful and caring boyfriend. Of course, there were all sorts of rules on checking in with her parents and Pigwidgeon was getting quite the workout flying between there and the Burrow and Neville's Gran's house, but they were there. Together. And most importantly, it was just the pair of them.


This vacation was just what the couple needed really. After the excitement of the Cup and then everything surrounding Mr. MacMillian's untimely death, Ginny sure knew she needed a bit of a break from it all. She could only imagine how Neville needed it as well. It was why she'd been so determined to get permission from her parents. She knew that Neville needed it and that was more than enough for her to want to be able to get away.

The place they were staying was practically out of a storybook. It was run out of a huge house that sat on the beach. The couple who owned the house were much older and very well off and had the Bed and Breakfast as more of a way to keep active than to make money. The view from their window was more stunning than anything Ginny had ever seen in her life and it took almost a full minute of coaxing for Neville to pull her away from it. Everything about the place seemed nearly too good to be true.

Today the couple were out on the sand in big oversized beach chairs overlooking the ocean. Ginny had used the strongest sunblocking charm she could manage, but still felt that she'd end up crispy by the end of the day. She was wearing a simple black bathingsuit she'd picked up special for the trip. It was the first two piece she'd ever owned, and she was sure her mother wouldn't be thrilled with her choice, but it wasn't as if it were a string bikini. It came down to her navel and while it was a bit more low-cut than any normal shirt she wore, it hardly left her uncovered. It was quite a modest choice for a girl who had the fit figure of a Quidditch player, but Ginny wasn't the type to feel comfortable in something all that skimpy anyhow.

The sun was hot, but there was a relaxing breeze from the ocean that smelled of beach and saltwater. It was absolutely perfect and Ginny couldn't help but reach over and grab Neville's hand giving it a gentle squeeze.

"This is absolutely perfect." She smiled over at him.

Almost instinctively, Neville took the hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing her knuckles gently. Ginny was right when she thought he'd needed to get away. And he truly didn't want to go about doing it alone. He'd spent some time with Ernie, but he couldn't help the knowledge that his level of grief couldn't possibly compare to what his friend was going through. It felt awkward and unlike anything he'd ever gone through, and he'd followed his initial instincts to retreat into himself.

But the truth was, Neville didn't want to be truly alone. Ernie had Hermione, and Neville knew his friend was in the best hands possible. Hermione was the strongest woman Neville had ever met, with the exception of the pretty redhead at his side and her mother, and of course his own grandmother. But Ginny, Molly Weasley, and Augusta Longbottom were all feisty, bold, and very much in your face. Hermione made Neville think of what his own mum might've been like. Strong, but quietly so. More willing to listen and debate rather than be determined to be right. Ernie wouldn't lack for anything, Neville knew, and he wasn't afraid to leave him for just a few days.

It meant everything to him to be able to spend time with Ginny before she went back to Hogwarts. He'd known, on kissing her just before the summer began, that the moment would come that he'd see her off at Platform 9 and 3/4 and she'd go back to her life as a student and he'd be lucky if she even remembered his name come Christmas. He wanted this chance to spoil her the way she deserved and to remind her that he planned to always be there for her; he had always been there, even though she hadn't always realized it.

The place had been found after a quick hunt, and though it was tourist season in Cornwall, he'd gotten quite lucky just by chance. Through a few well-timed owls, he'd discovered the open room in a spot that was wizard friendly. He hadn't quite mentioned to Ginny how easily it had come, simply because he liked feeling like he had that sort of pull. But the old couple who ran the bed and breakfast had in-laws who happened to be wizards, and who was he to argue if they saved a room just for this sort of couple? They hadn't even given that disapproving look that Gran had when they'd checked in, young and unmarried as they were.

Besides which, it was all worth it simply to see Ginny wearing a bathing suit. Neville, much less comfortable with himself, and his sunblock charms, wore a t-shirt with his trunks, and had no problems admitting that. But then, not everyone could look as fantastic on the beach as Ginny Weasley did. "You like it, then?" he asked, rubbing her fingers with his thumb as he looked over at her. She certainly seemed comfortable enough.


Had the Weasley girl been privvy to his thoughts of her forgetting about him before Christmas, she would've given him a well-deserved swat. It wasn't likely that she was going to for get him, or this trip anytime in the near future. Or ever for that matter. It had taken her long enough to realize what had been right in front of her stupid nose for years. She wasn't about to go and muck it up now. Not when she was finally learning just how this was all supposed to go. It didn't have to have the added drama of world-saving behind every corner. It could be as easy as convincing her parents that she was mature enough to spend a few days away with her fantastic boyfriend.

"Like it?" Ginny asked with a small laugh and raised eyebrows. "I love it. It's the best. It's perfect and wonderful and I can't think of anywhere else I could possibly want to be a week before school starts. Or anyone I'd rather be with, for that matter." The redhead assured him with a sincere smile. In all honesty, she was half dreading getting on that train on September first. She knew of course that it wasn't as horrible and dramatic as her mind was making it out to be, but it didn't make her not want summer to be over any less. "You've really gone overboard on this one. Don't know how you're going to outdo yourself now." She teased lightly. "What about you, hmm? Having a good time?" She asked. She knew that he was still upset over the death of Ernie's father, but she wanted this getaway to take his mind off it for a little bit. She felt he deserved at least that much.

It hadn't even occurred to him that he was going to, at some point, have to outdo this one. He wasn't even sure he'd have the ability to. It had been difficult enough just getting himself to this point, able to even ask her to join him on this adventure. But he had months to think about it. "I know you said the Cup was enough for your birthday, but... Well, I decided it wasn't," Neville informed her, trying to sound smug. And he still had a few surprises lined up, including the lilies that would be delivered to her later in the afternoon and the necklace in Gryffindor colours she would be finding under her pillow before long.

Was he having a good time? Was she serious? "I'm with you, aren't I?" he added a moment later. "Of course I am. Well, I will be so long as you don't burn through and never forgive me."


"That's because you're daft. This is entirely too much for just my birthday. Puts me and my surprise party to shame." Ginny laughed. "I reckon you're covered from now til Valentine's at least." Frankly, she figured he was covered for the rest of time, but she knew better than that. Neville had never been the type to skimp on spoiling her. Even when they were just mates. He'd always gone and done a bit extra. It was almost good that she had so long before now and Christmas to properly plan his present.

"I'm glad." She said happily. "And I ought to be alright so long as I keep up with the sunblock charm." Ginny mused, taking a look at her arms to be sure of this. Vaguely pink, and perhaps a few more freckles than there were before, but otherwise okay. "Would you prefer I put on a shirt to cover up to be on the safe side?" She asked with a wry grin, moving a bit of fiery hair from her face. She had tried to secure it in a ponytail, but as usual, it was acting of it's own accord, small strands flying every which way in the wind.

Neville's cheeks turned pink in a manner that had nothing to do with the sun he was getting. "Didn't say that, did I?" he told her, but glanced away for a moment. Not that he hadn't had a peek or two. Or five. The expression on his face when she'd stepped out in that alone would probably give her material to giggle at him for a month or two at least. It wasn't his fault, though! Any man with a girlfriend that attractive would've done the same, no matter how proper they might try to be. "I mean, you could, if you wanted to, but you don't have to, of course not." Oh, now he was just making a git of himself.


Ginny grinned, amused by his reaction. She was sure it was never going to stop being giggle worthy watching him blush. And not only that, as confident as the redhead tried to appear, it was definately a bit of an ego boost to see him react like that to her. Leaning over she gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. "Mmm, nah, I think I'm alright." She said sweetly. "For now at least." She pulled herself out of her chair, which was quite the chore in the sand and stood in front of him, holding out a hand. "C'mon, let's go get in the water, this sun is brutal." She said giving his hand a playful tug.

Neville had to laugh a bit at that. Mostly because he just could. It felt right, being there, on that perfect beach, even if it was a bit crowded. He wouldn't be able to tell, really, because, as always, he only had eyes for one other person. "Alright, then," he said agreeably, pulling himself to his feet and letting her lead him down to the water. "But the water's cold!" he protested in half a whine, only he didn't really mean it. It wasn't that bad, just chilled.

Ginny rolled her eyes and laughed. "Oh it isn't that bad!" She gave a bit of a skip to the water's edge. Her hair bounced behind her as she went, coming loose from the elastic tie that was supposed to be holding it back. She didn't seem to notice however, and made her way into the chilly water up to her knees. "Okay...it is a little cold." She admitted with a laugh. When he caught up with her she gave him a devious look before splashing him with a giggle.

"And that? Is really cold," he protested, but Neville merely grinned as he gave a kick, splashing the water in her direction. "See?" he informed her, laughing. "Cold!" It'd be freezing by the time her Christmas holidays came around, or he'd consider bringing her back here as sort of a repeat celebration. If they were still together. Hell, if she still remembered his name. There were so many others at the school, so many better looking and brighter and more...everything than he was.

But he pushed that bit of self-doubt down as he smirked, taking two giant steps back before she could splash him again.


Ginny gave a small shriek at the retalliation and disolved into a bit of giggles. "Oh, you think you can run from me, Longbottom?" Ginny laughed, giving him a challenging look. She tried to run towards him, finding it to be oddly difficult in the water. She gave another splash in his direction as she got closer to him, eyes still sparkling with mischief.

She wasn't going to get away with that! If he allowed it, it would undermine all sorts of manhood and masculinity type...things. "Yes, actually, I do!" But not before reaching along the water's surface, skimming it with a cupped hand and aiming it in her direction. For someone who couldn't stay on a broom and hold a quaffle at the same time to save his life, his splashing aim was surprisingly good and he grinned. Backing away as quickly as he could manage in the wet sand, he kept his smug smile firmly in place.


Ginny gave another shriek as she was drenched in the cold salt water. Oh he was dead meat. She moved closer to the tide where it was easier to move around. She was going to get him and it would be glorious. She saw her opening and lunged for it. Literally. Her goal was to tackle him and effectively soak him.

Unfortunately, between his unsteady footing and him being unprepared for a good old fashioned tackling, they were pretty much doomed. With a yelp, Neville caught her, but only to drag her into the water with him. "Oh, you little imp!" he scolded, pushing wet hair off of his face as he sat up. Still, he was laughing, due in part to the fact that, sopping wet and slightly bruised or not, he was holding her close. That pretty much always made everything better.

Ginny, though now completely soaked through as well, gave a victorious grin. She moved the hair that was now sticking to her to her face, off and gave him another sweet peck. "Hmmm....who is more daft? The imp, or the one who puts up with her?" The redhead asked with an innocent smile.

"The one who puts up with her, obviously," Neville told her, touching his forehead to hers. "She's hardly daft at all. Brilliant, really. Not quite genius, but quite close, I'd say. If I got a vote in it." He was teasing her, of course, but it was the truth in his eyes. There'd rarely be a day when he'd say a wrong word against Ginny.


Ginny felt her cheeks turn pink despite the chilly water. "You're too nice to the imp." She decided with a small nod. "My vote would be the imp. The one who puts up with her is more patient and understanding. Probably the most brilliant bloke in the world. Pretty much."

Well, that was a load of... But Neville couldn't exactly fight her on that, could he? "You're biased," he told her quietly, his words almost lost in the waves. "Either that or you're buttering me up to dunk me again, and really, all you have to do is ask."

"So are you!" She argued playfully. "And no buttering up here." She said with an innocent look, holding up her hands. "Honest!" However, she couldn't help leaning in and giving him a proper kiss.

His arms tightened just a bit more snugly around her waist as he kissed her back. How he'd gotten this lucky, he'd never know, but he wasn't about to argue it. "Consider me properly buttered up," he informed her as he pulled back a bit. "Feel better? You ought to be good and cooled off from the sun now, I should think."


"Mmm, much better." She confirmed. "Though, I'm not entirely sure that's due to the water." Nor was she entirely cooled off, but that wasn't quite the point. She carefully disentangled herself from him and moved to stand up.

Neville's cheeks flushed again, though he was smiling just the same. It wasn't as if they were the only couple on the beach that day. There were quite a few families, as muggle schools would be starting back again soon, too, but there were obviously a few other people there for a romantic getaway. He smiled at the thought, thinking they were probably in pretty good company, and he stood, reaching down to help her up. "And don't you go getting any ideas," he warned her, but he smiled as a wave built up near her.

"Me? Ideas?" She asked sweetly as she shifted her weight to stand up. Just as the wave gave her a shove from the side, sending her toppling over. She came up, spitting saltwater with a scrunched face. "Mother of Merlin..." She laughed, unsticking her hair from her pale skin. "I reckon I deserved that one." She asked as she took Neville's hand and stood up, keeping a wary eye out for waves this time around.

Not even attempting to hide his laugh, Neville grinned, helping Ginny back to her feet. "See, even Mother Nature knows you're up to no good. I'd say that's a point for me, wouldn't you? When even she'll come to my aide."


"You put her up to this, I'm sure." Ginny grumbled, though the smile still pulled at the corners of her mouth. "You're in league with her, I know it." She gave his hand a squeeze and smirked. "But yes, that's a point for you...I s'pose!" She said dramaticlly. "Know what that means?"

"What, you don't think I work with plants for a living because I'm any good at it, do you?" Neville questioned with a scoff. "It's repayment for Mother Nature being on my side all the time." A playful grin crossed his face, but it turned wary when she posed her question. "Let's just say, for theory's sake, that I have no idea what that means..."

"Should've known." Ginny said with a shake of her head. "No wonder you win so often!" She grinned when she saw his expression growing suspicious. "Well it means," She started, as though she were about to explain some very complicated rule. "That you get to choose where we go for lunch, and this time it is my treat!" She said the last part quickly and holding up a hand before he had a chance to argue. "Those are the rules. I don't make 'em...okay, well yes, I do, but that's not the point, really."

Neville heaved a sigh, but he was smiling. "Well, if those are the rules, and who am I to argue with 'the rules'," he made finger quotations around the words, "then I suppose I'll just have to pick somewhere. If we walk down that way a bit, there's a pub. According to the owner, best fish and chips in town, other than his wife's. Fresh fish, too, since... Y'know." He gave the ocean an exaggerated look.

"Oh, is that where fresh fish come from then?" Ginny asked in a mocking tone. She gave a small laugh and pulled him into a hug. "Fish and chips sounds fantastic." She said, grinning up at him. "But it wasn't the picking a place that I was worried about you complying with. I'm serious about this one being my treat." She'd made enough working for the twins this summer to justify it and he had done entirely too much for her already. It was definitely her turn.

Sighing even more heavily, he gave her a rather determined glare. "Fine. Fine, but only because you're so cute when you're determined." And when she was hugging him. And wearing that. But that was another tale entirely. "And this is the only time, got it? I promised you a weekend to be spoiled, and I meant it." It wasn't as if he didn't have the gold. No, he wasn't filthy rich or anything, but the Longbottoms had hardly ever lacked for money. Once he'd turned seventeen and come into the money in his parents' names, he'd discovered he had enough to occasionally do fun and crazy things with if he wanted, and that included taking good care of a girl he knew his parents would've approved of.


Ginny squealed happily, proud that she'd gotten her way and leaned up to give him a soft kiss. "Whatever you say, duck." She grinned widely. It was becoming increasingly difficult for Ginny to think of a time of her life when she was happier than the time she had spent with Neville. Looking back on how wonderful the last few months had been made her feel both incredibly lucky and incredibly daft. On the one hand, she had a bloke who cared about her and was always there for her no matter what. Not to mention the fact that he took her away for a romantic getaway and to the Quidditch World Cup within the same month. But on the other hand, it was a bloke who was her best mate for years and she didn't notice. How she could've missed it was mind-blowing to the redhead. He was always this genuine and brilliant and she'd been completely oblivious. It was downright embarrassing.

Looking at him for a long moment, she reached up and brushed a bit of his hair out of his face. Her grin softened to a smile and she tilted her head slightly to the side. "I love you." She said softly. As the words fell from her lips, she knew she meant them with everything she had. Neville was one of very few people she could trust completely. He saw her when no one else had, when she was an ickle firstie and he'd been everything a best friend and boyfriend should be and then a thousand times more. It had taken her entirely too long to realize that, but now she had, and she wanted to make sure that he knew it as well.

At first, Neville was relatively sure he'd misheard her. After all, her words were quiet and it was rather loud, there in the ocean. And that would just be wishful thinking on his part, really, since he'd imagined a moment rather exactly like this one for years. So instead of replying properly, he merely smiled. "Sorry, what? I don't think I heard that right." Because it wasn't possible. This was Ginny, after all, and she was crazy for some other bloke, or lots of other blokes with his luck, and he was merely the friend she came to when the chips were down.


"I love you, y'git." She said louder this time, her smile widening. As if to prove her point, she leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed him good and proper. When she finally broke the kiss she raised an eyebrow. "Hear me now?"

Oh, Merlin. He had heard her right. And... Neville's cheeks turned pink, but it didn't prevent him from accepting the kiss, and fully. When she was settled back on her flat feet, Neville took a deep breath. It felt like he'd waited years to say this, and perhaps he had. For so long, he'd wanted nothing more than for Ginny Weasley to notice he existed. And finally, she had, and here they were, and he was holding her, and kissing her, and dear Merlin, he was about to tell her the one thing that he'd always felt. Gently, he took her face in his hand, looking down at her imploringly. "I love you, too. You know," he added bashfully, "in case you weren't already aware of that."


"Hmm, I might've had my hunches." She said with a small giggle. "It's nice to have it confirmed though." Oh she was going to miss him once school started. She wasn't nearly prepared for letting him go for several months. It was just terribly timing. "I've an idea." She declared after a moment's thought. "Why don't we just push off the first of september for...oh I don't know...forever. We'll keep it this summer and that'll be that."

If only it were that simple. He'd do it, too, even if it did mean she'd never be a full-fledged witch. But, well, there was his ammo, wasn't it? "You're going to go," he scolded lightly. "You're going to go outshine them all, be an incredible Quidditch player, bring us home the Cup, and then we'll have pretty much all the time we could possibly ask for."

Ginny let out a dramatic sigh. "Fiiine." She whined a bit pathetically. "But only because you want me to. Otherwise I'd just let Hufflepuff have the Quidditch cup or something." She was teasing of course. She knew perfectly well that she had to return for her seventh year. And really, it wasn't going to be as bad as she was feeling it would be. Andy was Head Boy, after all. There would be plenty of ridiculous things happening. It was just bollocks that Neville and Hermione and Ernie and all them wouldn't be there as well. "You promise you'll visit every Hogsmeade weekend?"

Dropping a reassuring kiss against her lips, he nodded. "Every single one, no matter what else is going on. You're stuck with me, Weasley, whether you like it or not. It'll be just like before, only I won't be around at dinner, that's all."

Or hanging around the common room. Or there to just watch her practice so she wasn't so alone. Or there to talk to just 'cause. Ginny gave a quiet sigh and a small smile. "Well, alright then. Do try and keep yourself from finding some gorgeous girl who realizes your as brilliant and wonderful as you are, kay? I know I'm of age and everything, but I really think hexing people in public is frowned upon and I'd hate to have to beat her up the Muggle way. No sense in hurting my Quaffle throwing hand."

Neville rolled his eyes in a good-natured gesture. "Somehow, Gin, I don't think that's going to be a problem. I said I loved you, or did you think that was a general statement to include everyone on this beach?" Honestly. As if anyone else would even be interested? And, if they were, he wouldn't notice them. As Luna had once told him, he must've been put under some sort of focusing enchantment, because he really did notice nothing else when Ginny was around.

"I'm just making sure." Ginny defended innocently. "I won't be here to scare them all away with my dazzling good looks and my girlish charm." She laughed. She ran a hand through her damp, tangled mess of hair and made a face. "Ugh, speaking of girlish charm. I feel like I've a very brightly coloured rats' nest on my head. It's going to take ages to get all the sand out, even with magic."

"It's perfect," Neville informed her, with all the bias of a bloke who was rather head over heels. "It's not that bad. Just need to get back to the room and wash it and brush it out and it'll look just like usual. Besides, I hear sun and salt water are good for the hair, didn't you know that?"

"It is far from perfect, but thanks." Ginny smiled and shook her head. "Hmm, I've never heard that." She gave him a pretend skeptical look. "C'mon then. I don't want to be a disaster when we go out to lunch."