Submitted for The Houses Competition Forum - Mini Drabbles Challenge
House: Ravenclaw
Subject: Ancient Runes
Prompt: [Pairing] Neville Longbottom/Ginny Weasley
Word count: 278
Warnings: Canon Divergence
shyness
"I had a lovely night, thank you," Ginny said, looking at Neville, who was scuffing his shoes against the ground. "Thank you again for inviting me to the ball."
Ginny knew that Neville had only asked her because he was a nice person. She couldn't help but feel a little distraught to be seen only as a little sister of one of his mates. Sighing, Ginny turned and gave the password to the Fat Lady before entering the Common Room.
She was walking towards the stairs to the girls' bedroom when a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"I had a great time tonight too," Neville started, his tone so soft Ginny almost didn't hear him properly. "You were great company, and I was wondering if…"
Neville trailed off, and Ginny just looked at him, holding her breath and waiting to see what Neville would say.
He took a deep breath and, straightening his shoulders, looked straight into her eyes. "I was wondering if you would like to go to Hogsmeade next weekend with me."
Ginny blinked her eyes, not daring to breathe and scare him. She had never thought of Neville as boyfriend material, but Ginny had had fun tonight. Maybe she could give him a chance.
"I would love to, Nev!" Ginny beamed at him and saw him release a breath. Giggling, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek before turning to leave. "Goodnight, Neville."
"Goodnight, Ginny, I'll see you in the morning." Butterflies danced in her stomach as Neville's gaze followed her all the way up the stairs until she entered her room.
She couldn't wait for the next Hogsmeade weekend to come.