Harry paid for the fish and chips while Ginny picked out their drinks from the fridge. Together they then made their way down the beach, where they planned to eat their dinner before heading to the fun fair.
" Both Hannah and Hermione promised they'd meet us there," said Ginny, breaking off a piece of fish with her fingers and eating it.
" Really?" asked Harry, doubtfully. Ron's last words to him had been, 'don't wait up', but he didn't want to burst Ginny's hopeful bubble.
" How's Auror training going? You're nearly done now, right?" asked Ginny, conversationally.
" It's...good," said Harry. "I'll be glad when it's over."
" I worry about you now with the assignments they've sent you on. Goodness knows what I'll be like when you're a full fledged Auror," she half joked.
" You worry about me?" he asked in surprise.
Ginny looked away. Damn, she hadn't meant to let him know of her concerns for him. She knew Harry would hate to be mollycoddled, unless it was by her mum. So she just shrugged. " Sure."
They are in companionable silence for a bit, watching the families and teenagers frolicking on the beach.
" Sometimes..." began Harry, wondering if he dared say out loud what had been only fleeting thoughts in his mind.
Ginny looked curiously at him. " Yes?" she asked softly.
" Sometimes I'm not sure I want to be an Auror any more. But I will see the training through," he said, determinedly.
"Have you thought of any other careers?" asked Ginny.
Harry shrugged. " Maybe something with kids. I like kids."
" You'd make a wonderful teacher, Harry," said Ginny, gently.
Harry looked surprised. " A teacher, huh? Never really thought about that."
" You've wanted to be an Auror for a long time," said Ginny, throwing a chip to a hovering seagull.
Harry nodded. "I still do, at times. I want to make sure our world is as safe as it can possibly be. For Teddy and Tori, and the kids still to come."
" You can do that by teaching," encouraged Ginny. " Teaching the kids to make the right decisions in life. I know it's mostly a parents role, but sometimes, the parents are just as confused as the kids, or there aren't any parents. Like Teddy. Like you," she said, gently.
Harry nodded.
" I'm sure, once the training is over, you'll know where your path lies," said Ginny.
" Thank you," said Harry. He took her hand and squeezed. "It's actually the first time I've said it out loud, and it felt good to do so."
" I'm glad you felt you could talk about it with me," she said, looking at him, then away. She supposed he usually discussed things like this with Hermione and Ron.
" I do," he said, meaningfully. " You always listened, always understood me...better than anyone else."
The silence was deafening. Ginny wasn't sure how to respond to that, and Harry was unsure whether now was the right time for a heart to heart.
"Shall we go to the fair?" asked Ginny, when it was apparent Harry wasn't going to say anything more.
"Sure. Anything particular you want to do there?" he asked.
"Everything, Harry. Everything!" said Ginny, her eyes alight at the thought of a good time ahead.
Harry couldn't deny her anything when she looked at him like that. "Everything it is," he declared.
They quickly packed up their empty wrappings, giving the last of the chips to the seagulls. They put their rubbish in the bins, and joined the throng of people headed to the fair.
Harry and Ginny smiled at the excitement of the young children, eagerly awaiting entry. Once they were in, they looked around in awe.
"This is exactly what I thought it would be," breathed Ginny. She grabbed his hand and pulled him along. "Come on, hurry!"
Harry laughed and let her pull him. "What's the rush?" he asked. Truthfully, he was looking forward to a fun night too.
"There's so much to do," cried Ginny, pointing at a roller coaster. "That one!"
The next two and a half hours passed so quickly, but Harry didn't think he'd ever had so much fun in all his life. They ran from ride to ride, stopping occasionally for hot dogs, fizzy drinks and cinnamon doughnuts.
They slowed down to ride the carousel; the prancing horses reminding Harry of Ron atop a horse on a giant chess board many years ago.
They then tested the spinning cups and dared each other to try different jumps on the trampolines, where Ginny's athleticism won out.
Harry proved a demon on the dodgems, which for a brief moment reminded Ginny she had told Hannah she would go after her. But even with their friends' absence, she and Harry were having the best time.
They pretended to be scared as they went through the Horror Hotel, and Ginny was glad she hadn't worn fancy clothes as she got wet during the Wild River ride.
They decided to take a breather and head to the side shows. They had no luck on Tin Can Alley, but Harry won Ginny a small stuffed cat on the Hook a Duck game. Again, Ginny's athleticism proved handy on the Rodeo Bull, and she lasted ten seconds, where she picked out a huge stuffed lion she gave to Harry. She dubbed it Griffin.
They headed back to the rides, aware their night of fun would soon be coming to an end. They grabbed some sodas, and Ginny requested some fairy floss. Harry handed over his last twenty pound note, and admired Ginny's rear as she headed for the concession stand.
He looked around, trying to guess what ride Ginny would want to go on next. He definitely planned to bring Teddy here, the little guy had been on their minds when they tried the kiddy rides.
"I love this stuff," said Ginny, scooping the last of her packet into her mouth.
"Have you got my change. I thought I might buy something for Teddy," said Harry.
"Change?" asked Ginny. "I just gave the guy the money and he gave me the fairy floss," she explained, handing up a bag with several packs inside.
"Twenty pounds worth of fairy floss?" gasped Harry, before he started laughing.
"I'm sorry," said Ginny, realising she had done wrong. "We could always give Teddy some fairy floss, couldn't we?"
"He may lose the few teeth he has," said Harry, chuckling. He drew her close. "It's fine, Gin." He kissed the top of her head.
"Let's head to the Palace of Fun, just to watch," said Ginny. She opened another pack of fairy floss and they headed to the amusement arcade.
They wandered around, watching other people playing the various games in both the Palace of Fun and the Dome.
"Not long to go," said Harry, checking his watch.
"Thank Merlin we paid for our rides at the beginning. We still have the Crazy Mouse and the Air Race to go," said Ginny, eating more fairy floss.
"And another go on the carousel," said Harry, checking his tickets.
"Then let's go," said Ginny, hurrying to join the queue of the Crazy Mouse.
"We'll get a photo at the end, too," said Harry.
"Cool! I can't wait to see the look on your face," grinned Ginny.
Both Harry and Ginny's face was forever frozen in time with a look of exhilaration on both their faces. "You can keep it, Harry," said Ginny. "You paid for the rides."
"I can get a copy done for you," he offered. Ginny nodded in thanks.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls. On behalf of the staff, I'd like to thank you for visiting the Brighton Pier tonight. We will be closing in fifteen minutes, so I'd ask you to make your way to the exit in a calm manner. Once again, thank you, and please visit us again."
"I don't think we have time for the Air Race, Gin," said Harry.
"The carousel is right there. Come on, Harry, one last ride," begged Ginny.
He nodded, as reluctant as her to end their evening. He followed her on, sitting next to her in a carriage. Ginny sighed as the carousel started for the final time that night.
She leaned her head on Harry's shoulder. "This has been the best night I've had, Harry," she said, fanning herself.
He leaned his head against hers. "Me too, Gin."
Around and around they went, not talking, but completely content to enjoy the moment. Or so Harry thought.
The ride slowed, coming to an eventual halt. They watched the small children and families hop off, before Harry stood.
"Harry, I don't feel so good," said Ginny.
Harry looked at her. She really did look a bit pale and clammy. "I bet it was all that fairy floss," he said.
Ginny groaned. "Don't mention food, Harry."
"Come on, now. Let's get you back to your room," he said, helping her to stand and step off the ride.
Ginny felt slightly better when he slipped an arm around her. She clutched her kitten and her bag of fairy floss. "I'm sorry, I've ruined our night of fun."
"No, you haven't, Gin," said Harry. "It's been the best night of my life," he said.
They walked back to the hotel, with Harry trying to cheer Ginny up. She felt worse with every step now, and hoped she could make it back to her room before she threw up.
They caught the lift up to her level, the movement of the elevator not helping Ginny's stomach. She moaned, causing Harry to look at her in concern.
"Nearly there," he said, trying to sound positive.
"Here," she said, thrusting her key at him. "Hurry!" Her stomach was threatening for real now.
Harry hurriedly opened her door and burst in. He just as quickly burst out, his eyes shut tight. "Shit!"
"What? What is it?" asked Ginny.
"Hermione and Ron," explained Harry. "Come on, my room," he said.
Ginny moaned. "Not the elevator again."
"It'll be quicker than the stairs," he reminded her.
Ginny nodded, taking deep breaths as the elevator arrived. Harry ushered her in, pressed the buttons for two floors up, then faced her.
She was breathing heavily now, desperate to keep her stomach from erupting.
"Focus on me," said Harry. "Don't think about anything else."
Ginny tried, but the worry and concern in his eyes was just as upsetting. Ginny closed her eyes. "Not...helping," she said.
The elevator pinged, and the door opened. Harry helped her out, and walked her to his door. He fumbled in his pocket for the key, and just managed to get it open when Ginny pushed him aside and hurried into the bathroom. She slammed the door shut, but not before Harry heard the unmistakable sounds of vomiting.
He checked the small bar fridge, looking for some water or soda. Finding nothing but alcohol, he called out, "Gin, I'm just going downstairs for a minute. Will you be all right?"
"Yeah, cos I'll be dead," groaned Ginny, before heaving again.
Harry grimaced, but called out, "I'll be back as soon as I can." He hated to leave her, but he was sure she'd want something to settle her stomach after she was done emptying it, and he was absolutely sure she'd want to brush her teeth. He really didn't want to go back to Ginny's room and (ugh) interrupt his best friends, so he decided to run to the nearby shops and get what he thought Ginny might need.
He knocked on Neville's door, opening it and stepping in. "Nev, can you-oh, shit!"
"Get out, get out!" squealed Hannh.
"Sorry, sorry," he said, as he backed out of the door. Damn, he had hoped Nev could keep an eye on Ginny while he was gone, but he didn't think Nev wanted to be interrupted right now.
He was back in under ten minutes, practically the longest ten minutes of his life. He ignored the elevator, running up the stairs. He burst through his door, not seeing Ginny. Panicking, he ran to the bathroom.
She was sitting with her back against the bath, her legs drawn up. She looked miserable.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" he asked tenderly.
"Lousy," said Ginny, trying to smile.
"Want to brush your teeth?" asked Harry.
"Merlin, YES!" cried Ginny, with tears in her eyes. He handed her the package, and she ripped it open.
"My toothpaste is there. Here, I bought you a brush and some hair ties too," said Harry. "I'll just wait out here, give you some privacy."
Ginny nodded in thanks. "I don't suppose you have a spare tee shirt I could wear?" she asked.
"I'll find you something," he vowed. He smiled gently, and backed out of the bathroom. "I'll be out here if you need me." He shut the door behind him.
Ginny brushed her teeth, looking at her reflection. "I do need him," she said to herself.
"Pardon?" called Harry.
"Nothing," replied Ginny. "Nothing," she repeated, softly.
She rinsed her mouth, feeling decidedly better. She brushed her hair, needing to get it up and off her neck. Harry handed her a tee shirt, proclaiming her to be a member of the Auror department. Taking a deep breath, she headed out.
Harry jumped off the bed. "How are you feeling now?" he asked her.
"Better," said Ginny. "Thank you, for everything."
Harry hugged her. "Any time, Gin."
Ginny hugged him back, relishing his warmth. She yawned, and pulled away. "Think I'll go to bed, sleep it off," she said. She turned to the closest bed and crawled in, sighing in relief.
"Ah, Gin, that's my bed. I-I thought you'd sleep in Ron's," said Harry, pointing to Ron's empty bed.
"This one is closer," said Ginny, closing her eyes. "I like this one better."
Harry sighed. "Fine. Just rest up. I'll be back soon," he said.
"Where are you going?" asked Ginny, sitting up.
"Shower," said Harry, seeing his tee shirt slip off her shoulder. 'A long cold shower. She's in my bed, wearing my clothes'.
"Don't be long," said Ginny, laying back down and moving to one side of the bed.
'What did she mean by that?' he wondered.
He had a quick shower, trying to ignore his thoughts of Ginny in his bed. He brushed his teeth, and ran his fingers through his damp hair, trying, for the millionth time, to flatten it. Giving up, he went to the bedroom, praying she would be asleep.
She wasn't. She leaned on one arm, facing him as he checked the door was locked; using his wand to seal it magically. He felt her gaze on him as he packed his dirty clothes away, and lay out clean clothes for the morning.
"What are you doing?" she asked, as he turned down the covers of Ron's bed.
"Going to bed," he said.
"But-this is your bed," said Ginny, patting the empty spot beside her.
"Yeah...but you're in there," he replied.
Ginny lay a hand on her stomach. "I'll feel better if you stay with me," she said.
"I am staying with you. Right here," he said, patting Ron's bed.
"Oh. Okay," said Ginny, disappointed. She lay down, turned her around so her back was to him. "Night."
"Wake me if you need me," said Harry. Ginny made a sound that may or may not have been a sound of agreement.
He got into bed, using his wand to douse the lights. Funny, neither he nor Ginny had seemed to mind not using magic today. He wondered how the others had coped, not using magic. He lay on his back, looking up at the ceiling.
He couldn't sleep. There was a dirty mark on the ceiling, and he wondered what it could be, and why hadn't the cleaners noticed it before. Then, he heard it. A sniff.
He waited, and heard it again. "Gin?" he asked tentatively. "You okay?"
She sniffed again, from under the covers. "F-fine," she said.
Harry quickly got out of bed, grabbing the box of tissues on the bedside table that separated the two beds. He lay down next to her, on top of the covers. "Are you feeling sick again?"
Her hand darted out to grab a tissue. "No," she said. The hand darted under the covers to, Harry assumed, wipe her eyes.
"Gin, don't cry. Please," he said, pulling her to him. He pulled the covers down, and he stroked her fiery hair.
"It was the best day and I ruined it," she cried.
"No, you didn't," crooned Harry, "but I bet you won't eat fairy floss again."
Ginny half laughed and half sobbed. "Stop it, I'll throw up again," she said, hitting him lightly.
"It was the best day, full stop. You know why? Because I was with you," said Harry softly.
"For me, too," said Ginny.
"I'm even glad the others didn't turn up," said Harry. "I really wanted to spend some time alone with you this weekend."
"You did?" asked Ginny, turning over and snuggling her head under his chin. She lay an arm over his chest, and he draped his over her waist.
"You've been on my mind a lot, lately," he told her. How easy was it, to confess all in the dark.
"I have?" asked Ginny, softly.
"You know I mentioned I was having second thoughts about being an Auror? I've really been thinking a lot about my future. Where I'm going, who I want to be with. I may not know one, but I'm sure about the other," he said, stroking her hair.
"Mmmm?" asked Ginny. Harry's body was so warm, and she felt...home, as she lay in his arms.
"Some things in life just belong together. Like...like Quidditch and a Snitch," said Harry, searching his brain for examples. " Like, like Charlie and dragons. Like...like Bert and Ernie. Like...(gulp) like you and me," stuttered Harry.
Ginny sat up and stared at him. "Ernie Macmillan is GAY? He's with a guy named Bert?"
Harry sat up. "That's what you took from everything I just said?" he asked her.
Ginny placed a hand on her stomach. "Ugh!"
"Come on, lay down," said Harry. He pulled her down and they lay together again.
"Harry, did you mean it?" she asked in the darkness. "You...and me?"
"Yeah," said Harry.
She turned her head and pressed her lips against his skin at the base of his throat. "I'm going to want to snog you in the morning, you know. I wish I could do it now, but I dare not risk my stomach," she said.
Harry chuckled, and he kissed her forehead. "I'm not going anywhere, Gin," he said. "If the thought of snogging me tonight makes you want to puke, we'll wait till tomorrow." They both chuckled at that.
"Good," sighed Ginny.
They lay in each others arms, happy to be together. Finally.
"Harry, you awake?" murmured Ginny, minutes later and drowsy herself.
"Mmmm," said Harry, half asleep.
"You never told me who this Bert is, or how they met," reminded Ginny.
"Tomorrow, Gin," said a sleepy, happy Harry. "I'll tell you tomorrow."
"Snog first, then tell me," she agreed.
"Mmmm," he sighed happily.
Ginny took that to be his agreement.
Wrapped in each other's arms, they slept.
