- Chapter One-
The blinding light from the early morning sun slowly washed across the room, and more importantly, Ron Weasley's face,causing him to mumble angrily before shoving his head under the pillow. Ron was not a morning person, never had been and never will be. Unfortunately for him, his beautiful wife (Hermione Granger-Weasley) was most definitely a morning person and cheerfully laughed at his misfortune, the very same sunlight having woken her as well.
"Honestly Ron, I would've thought being an Auror would teach you the benefits of waking early." She teased at him, semi-seriously.
Ron peaked one bright blue eye at her from under his pillow before steadfastly deciding to ignore her. The red-headed Weasley listened to the sounds of his wife climbing out of bed and beginning her usual morning routine. Sneakily, he watchedas she got ready, still amazed that this visage of beauty was his wife. Though it had been a good fifteen years since they had gotten together during the Battle of Hogwarts, she still maintained her youthful energy. Perhaps with a more mature appearance, the things he loved most about her were still there. The warm chocolate brown eyes, a wide smile, and even more amusingly, the famous bushy brown hair. Yes, Ron definitely considered himself lucky that this angel had chosen him, and stuck by him through all these years.
"Are you going to keep watching me or will you get up yourself? Remember it's Rose's Birthday today, I don't think she'd forgive you if you slept in." Hermione stated, looking at him with a single raised eyebrow. Somehow, she had gotten completely ready in all his musings.
"I'm up, I'm up. Bloody hell, one would think I had become a Dark Lord and not just slept in." Ron fake grumbled as he also got out of bed, almost tripping as he worked his way out the cocoon of blankets he'd snuggled himself within.
Pulling himself together, Ron barely noticed Hermione sweep out of the room, before looking for clothes to wear. Longingly he looked at his well-worn Chudley Cannons jersey. However, he knew if his wife didn't kill him, his mother definitely would if he dared to wear it during the birthday party. With a deep sigh, he instead grabbed a simple black shirt and some faded blue jeans. That should keep everyone happy, casual but neat, just how he liked it.
Hearing the joyful shriek of a child, Ron quickly grabbed his wand and with a flick remade their bed. He watched to make sure the blue covers all went together correctly before quickly making his way out the room. Steadily he trotted down the stairs, barely glancing at the photos of all their friends and family lining the walls. Just as he made his way into the kitchen a small red and purple blur smashed into the front of him, nearly knocking him over. Ron grabbed the small child under the armpits and swung her around the air to the amused giggles of the young girl. Settling her down, he watched as she ran back over to the kitchen table. Her flaming red hair bouncing atop her head. It always amazed Ron that his daughter could look so much like her mother, bushy hair, buck-tooth smile, and sparkling brown eyes, but yet get his hair color and freckles. Almost how he always imagined Hermione would look if she was born a Weasley.
"Happy Birthday Rosie! How old are you now? Ten? Eleven?" Ron fake pondered, index finger tapping against his chin.
"Noooo!" She squealed back, "I'm only seven!"
"Seven! By Merlin, you'd be off to Hogwarts before too long." The father stated shocked back at her, taking the chance to wink mischievously at Hermione as their daughter buried her face embarrassedly in her arms.
"Stop embarrassing her Ronald!" Hermione scolded, though the barely hidden smirk gave away her amusement, "I think presents first, and then breakfast. What do you think?"
"Yes! Yes! I want presents!" The bundle of energy screamed, as a forlorn Ron slowly nodded.
It didn't take Hermione long to bring out a moderate pile of presents. It always filled Ron with such pride that between his Auror salary, and Hermione's Ministry salary, they were able to provide their daughter with a lot of things he never had growing up. Though earning his own money, and managing his finances, gave him a much larger appreciation for what his parents gave for them growing up. The sacrifices they made, and the efforts they put forward for their children, never ceased to amaze him now that he could fully understand what they had done. Long gone were the days he was embarrassed by his childhood poverty or jealous of those with more than him.
Rose quickly reached forward and grabbed the long, thin package in the blinding orange first. Tearing it open with reckless abandon that only a child could have, she yelled with joy when a training broom fell out. Their daughter babbled with excitement, almost drooling over the shiny brown broom complete with the stylized gold writing of 'Nimbus' on the side. A determined Ron ignored the evil eye from his partner, and fawned over the broom with her. The training broom was a more advanced model than the one given to toddlers, but still had height and speed limits that kept it from being too dangerous. A slight clearing of the throat interrupted their father/daughter moment. Fortunately, Rose didn't know the fear that struck Ron at the highly traumatizing "Hem, Hem!"
"There will be ground rules for that later Rose which we will be going over. You need to learn the safe way to ride before I'm letting you on that thing." Hermione stated, her eyes narrowing like an angry dragon, just daring Ron to disagree.
"Don't worry, don't worry, I'd teach her after breakfast everything she needs to know like how to be an awesome keeper. Then she can show the others how much she takes after her old man." Ron grinned stupidly, disregarding the danger signs with much practice.
With one last glare, Hermione handed over the next present to the blissfully unaware seven-year-old. It took another half an hour for the gift-giving to end. Rose couldn't stop smiling at her prize haul, other than the broom, she had managed to score several children's books (A mixture of educational and entertainment), a Chudley Cannon's Scarf (Now Ron could proudly proclaim there were now two supporters of the League's worst team), and a variety of sweets.
After a quick traditional English breakfast, Ron hurried outside to teach Rose how to fly. Unfortunately, that plan was momentarily waylaid when Hermione reminded them that Rose had to get ready first, and that the Weasley Grandparents would be there soon to help setup the party. The father and daughter rushed to get her ready, choosing practical clothes of jeans and a shirt over the fancier dresses.
Once more, they had barely managed to get out the front door when the telltale pop of apparition reached their ears. Sure enough, Arthur and Molly Weasley wandered through the front gate.
"Grandpa! Grandma!" Rose shouted, sprinting down to meet them. Ron, slowly trailed behind her, smiling slightly at the reunion. His parents had obviously aged a bit, a few more wrinkles, grey hair poking through the faintly duller red hair. Still the cheerful enthusiasm peaked through the weariness of Arthur, and the motherly nature was only emphasized by the signs of Molly's age.
Ron shook his father's hand, and got the customary bone-crushing hug from his mother.
"How's the Ministry going? No more paperwork crushing your desk?" Ron joked to Arthur.
Arthur chuckled, "No, no, but thank Merlin for Hermione. Without her I wouldn't be able to keep up."
Ron shared a knowing grin with his father. He didn't know whom he was prouder of, his dad for being the most popular Minister of Magic in decades, or Hermione for being Senior Undersecretary. Having those two in charge of the Ministry with Neville, Harry, and various friends throwing their weight around in the Wizengamot, serious changes were finally occurring in their world. It had never been a better time to live for those not of pure-blood.
After the short meet up, the grandparents headed inside. Molly was going to do the cooking, and bake a cake, whilst Arthur had promised to help setup the party area. Apparently the elder Weasley had developed a fondness for party design in his later years.
Finally, Rose and Ron could begin their flying lesson. Ron honestly didn't know whom was more excited out of the two of them. The conditions were perfect for flying, a little wind, sunny but with slight cloud cover to avoid completely blinding yourself.
"Okay Rose, a few rules before we get to the fun stuff. No flying without supervision, no flying near your mother's garden, and most importantly no dangerous moves. As a flying broom this can only go so high and fast, but it's still better safe than sorry." He spoke, maintaining eye contact with her to make sure she knew he was serious.
"This broom will be harder to steer than your old broom, and you'd really have to focus to make sure you don't crash. Now place it on the floor, place your hand over it, and say 'up'! You need to be nice and clear."
Looking every ounce of the determined seven-year-old she was, Rose almost shouted the word 'up!'. Her nose scrunched up in concertation just like how her mother's does on a particularly challenging problem. Almost immediately the broom rose and whacked her hand before falling to the ground again. Ron barely managed to stifle a chuckle as Rose danced wildly around proclaiming her success.
"Yes, well done, now try to catch it this time." He told her once she managed to calm a bit.
It took several tries before the young girl managed to keep hold of the broom. After several minutes of going through the proper stance and how to hold the broom without it twisting awkwardly under you, Ron indicated she was ready for the flying. As he watched his daughter fly around about 12 feet in the air, Ron couldn't help but smile softly. The joy of her laughter was infectious, and he was grateful he didn't need to fire off any cushioning charms on the ground from the wand prepared in his hand. To be honest, she was probably a better flyer than he was at that age. That thought process led to daydreams of his daughter, a beautiful grown woman, flying out in front of a packed stadium wearing the colors of his beloved Chudley Cannons. Sure, it was a fair way off, but a man could dream of such a bright future.
For hours Ron and Rose played around, Ron having gotten out his own broom. Soaring through the air at low heights, occasionally correcting Rose's grip, and generally joking around with her was time well spent. Her general enthusiasm for life and bright outlook never ceased to amaze him. Secretly, Ron was immensely grateful that Rose tended to take more after himself than her mum. Ron just wasn't sure he would be able to connect so well to a bookworm daughter, though he would love her all the same, as he did with a girl that enjoyed the outdoors and quidditch as much as himself. He honestly didn't notice the time fly by, and it was only the sound of nearby shouting that brought them out of their fun. Looking down, they say the untidy black mop of hair that signified Harry Potter was here.
Rose raced down to the ground, excitedly showing her Uncle Harry her new broom. Ron nodded at his mate, and Auror partner, before chiming in himself.
"I dare say she would give you a run for your money."
"Wouldn't doubt it for a minute, she looks like a natural flyer out there." Harry answered with his signature lop-sided grin causing Rose to blush furiously at the praise from her favorite uncle.
"Anyway, mate, everyone's starting to show up. Hermione sent me to get you. Wouldn't wanna take too long either, she looked ready to spit fire." the green-eyed man said, making them all laugh at the image off a fire-breathing Hermione.
Coming upon the party gathering in the back yard was breathtaking. Arthur, and Hermione, had done an amazing job of it. Large tables were spread around, some stacked with Molly's delicious smelling cooking, others obviously ready to be sat at, and one table already packed full of presents from the party goers. Purple (Rose's favorite color), and orange streamers strung around the nearby trees. Balloons of the same color floated lazily above their heads occasionally interspersed with suddenly appearing and disappearing colored sparks. Almost like miniature silent fireworks were constantly exploding in the air.
In a flash Rose disappeared over to the group of children grouped together near the food, eagerly awaiting the meal. Ron spotted the three Potter children, as well as the other offspring of his siblings. Harry, and Ron, instead made their way to the gathering of adults. They all greeted each other with enthusiastic hugs and handshakes. Ron carefully checked himself for pranks after saying hello to George and Angelina. Looking around, he did notice there was slightly fewer relatives than normal.
"Where's Bill and Fleur?"
Charlie shook his head sadly at Ron, "Goblins called them in for work, didn't care about them booking this day off. Ah well, I brought Victoire and Dominique myself." He nodded over to the children were two lots of shiny silver hair shone amongst the others.
Ron felt slightly disappointed because he hadn't seen Bill in a while due to their long work hours, but at least the children were there for Rose. It was at this time Molly bustled around handing out plates saying it was time for food.
He helped himself to some tasty roast chicken with a few vegetables thrown in at the glare from his mother, Ron noticed Hermione helping Rose with her own food so he wouldn't have to worry about it. Settling down to eat, he began conversing with Percy and his wife, Audrey.
"How's work going Percy? I know I've had to hand a few cases over to your department recently." The younger brother asked.
Percy threw a pretend filthy look back at Ron.
"Yes, we appreciate all that extra work very much. It's actually getting very busy recently, a lot more people requesting portkeys, St Mungo's in particular have upped their demand by twenty-five percent." He replied stuffily.
Audrey laid a calming hand on her husband's arm before joining in, "I've heard from my friend, whom works in the Janus Thickey Ward, that the Magical Bugs section have been almost overwhelmed recently with cases. They're keeping it very hush hush at the moment. Suspect they don't want to cause a panic. I don't know more than that, supposedly all the healers have been sworn to secrecy."
Ron frowned at the news; it didn't sound overly positive.
"Magical Bugs, that's the disease and illness ward isn't it? I wonder what's happening. Hopefully not the return of Vanishing Sickness, the hysteria caused by disappearing body parts is a real pain to deal with."
Percy nodded his agreement as he swallowed a mouthful of food.
"Yes, Vanishing Sickness is a pain for all of us. I remember last time a lot of people tried to claim their missing limbs happened because of faulty portkeys issued by my Department. Like that would ever happen!" He snorted to emphasis his disbelief.
It was at that moment Charlie, whom had been listening in, leaned over with a grin.
"Yeah, what about poor Jessica Whitlock? I heard they still haven't found her toes."
Percy gained an abashed look on his face, his ears heating to a red color much to the amusement of them all. Jessica Whitlock was a well-known case of a malfunctioning portkey sending someone to five different places. This led the conversation to more light-hearted topics, though Ron did make a mental note to ask Hermione if she knew anything about what was happening at St Mungo's.
Ron managed to squeeze in three helpings of food before it was time for the Birthday Cake. Molly had truly outdone herself, making a cake shaped like a giant dragon from one of Rose's favorite book series 'The Dragon Queen'.
Charlie muttered a comment under his breath about the disproportionate sizes, but they all joined in to sing 'Happy Birthday'. George, and his son Fred II, doing theirs to a funeral march tune grinning widely at each other to the exasperation of Angelina.
Rose opened the rest of her presents as Molly dished out the chocolate cake. Among the variety of toys, books, and sweets, were a few standout gifts. Her grandparents had gifted her with a brand-new Wizard's chess set, Charlie had splurged and gotten her some nice Dragon-hide boots, whilst the elder Potters handed her two tickets to an upcoming World Cup Qualifier match between Australia and England.
Rose once more squealed at the tickets before launching herself at Harry, before turning and fiercely hugging Ginny.
"Sorry mate, could only get two tickets but they're in the top box with a perfect view. Can only hope England put on a good showing this time around." Harry smiled at Ron, over Rose's red head.
The children then broke off to play on the brooms. Some of them were still too young to play but did enjoy shouting encouragement to the others, and Rose was eager to show off her new skills to her cousins. Ginny, George, and Angelina followed to supervise. Though Ron suspected George was probably over there for more mischievous reasons.
Ron found himself talking to Harry and Arthur by the food table, still keen to eat a little bit more.
"So Mr. Weasley, did you hear about Ron and I's latest case?" Harry asked the Weasley Patriarch.
Arthur shook his head in the negative as Ron chocked on his food. Bashing Ron on the back, Harry grinned at the man.
"Well Ron here got really up close and personal with a hag in Knockturn Alley. We heard she was selling a few illegal items, you know the usual knock-off amulets and cursed books, and Ron decided to take the lead."
"Yes, well, I don't think Dad needs to hear anymore." Ron desperately tried to cut in. He could already feel the embarrassment if the rest of the family found out, it was bad enough in the Magical Law Department.
"Nonsense, I would love to hear how my heroic son chose to handle such a criminal." Arthur winked conspiratorially to Harry.
"I have to tell him now, he'd be very proud of you. Anyway, Ron walks up to her, chest puffed out like a peacock and demanded to see her wares. Course he forgot to mention he was an Auror first. Poor hag thought he was flirting with her. Offered to show hers if he showed his first."
Together Harry and Arthur leant on each other for support, almost bursting from their laughter. Ron could feel his face being just as red, the heat almost burning his cheeks.
"It gets better." Harry coughed out, "She then leans on his shoulder, and plants a big slobbery kiss right on his cheek before mentioning she can bring in another friend for extra galleons. Ron's standing there, absolutely stunned speechless. An old lady walks by and loudly accuses him of taking using his position of authority to take advantage of this poor hag. Got a dozen complaints to the Ministry within minutes."
"It's funny for you, I got questioned by Kingsley and we had to let the hag go just to appease the public." Ron muttered, a mixture of anger and self-consciousness clouding his words.
"All's well that ends well." Arthur said, clapping Ron on the shoulder before walking off still chortling to himself.
It took a couple minutes for Harry to compose himself as Ron observed the kids playing in the distance.
"In all seriousness you've done well for yourself." Harry spoke causing Ron to glance over at him. Harry was staring at Ron's two-story house.
"I guess, it's mainly Hermione, she keeps things running you know?" Ron replied awkwardly, now also looking at the house.
"Hmm..." Harry answered non-committedly, "Ever thought of making it more like the Burrow. Couple more levels, an extra kid or two."
Ron was a bit shocked, this conversation seemed to come out of nowhere and Harry wasn't really giving away the reason either.
"I guess we have, maybe not at big as my family, but we have talked a bit about having one more. Another four years and Rose will be at Hogwarts, I don't think either of us are ready to have a quiet home again. Why do you ask?"
Harry opened his mouth to reply before they both noticed the children's shrieking had turned more horrified than joyful. Instantly their Auror senses responded, and they raced off with wands at the ready, past the rest of the confused adults.
Ron's mind was awash with different thoughts and feelings, but mostly he felt fear. Please let Rose be alright he pleaded in his mind, already internally cursing himself for buying her that broom. As they neared the children, they saw them all huddled around one spot with a lot of them crying and faces pale with fear. A young girls pain filled screaming drowning them all out. Ginny, brown eyes shining with unshed tears, was trying to herd them back with Angelina but George was nowhere to be seen.
He practically flew across the grass, his long legs easily outpacing Harry, thoughts going a mile a minute, and as he reached the group he rushed his way through. Ron barely managed to avoid hurting any of the children in his haste, and what he saw in front of him made his heart stop, his mind blank, and the sound to disappear. It was his worst nightmare, his little Rose was laying in George's arms her face scrunched and mouth open in that unending scream of pain, her body seizing violently all over. George was frantically waving his wand over her, his own face confused and anxious. Ron barely noticed Ginny and Angelina being successful in taking the other kids away, nor did he notice the rest of the adults arriving.
Ron finally felt his mind free from the blank terror, and dropped to his knees by Rose's head. Softly he stroked her hair, trying to offer what comfort he could as his heart broke at the tears glistening on her cheeks mirroring his own. He looked confused as all her veins seemed to be faintly lit up a blue color. Hermione's terrified scream reached his ears as Rose finally calmed down, her eyes fluttering closed and her body lied unmoving. Desperately Ron looked at George for answers, the scared blue eyes of his sibling meeting his own, giving him all the answers he needed.
"I...I..I don't know," George stuttered, "they were playing, and then..." He trailed off gesturing at the unconscious girl between them. Hermione broke her way out of Molly's comforting hug and rushed over to join them on the ground, sobbing hysterically. She cradled Rose to her chest, and Ron wrapped the two of them in his own hug.
Faintly he recognized his dad's voice mention that Harry had gone to get a healer from St Mungo's. Though all that mattered to Ron in this moment was the family in his arms. His beautiful daughter, so pale, so unmoving, and his normally reserved wife breaking down. Tears of his own streamed down from his eyes, how could such a joyful day end so horribly? What was wrong with his daughter? And would she be alright? He gripped his arms tighter around them, everything would be alright, he would make sure of it.
It took him a moment to realize Harry was back with the healer. An elderly witch that had stress lines crinkling her face. Ron gently pulled Hermione back from Rose, murmuring meaningless words to her in an attempt to comfort his distraught wife. The female Healer bent down and waved her wand over Rose a few times, before pulling a couple potions out and forcefully feeding them to their daughter.
"I need to take her straight to Mungo's, I've stabilized her enough for portkey travel but the quicker I get her there the better. Are you coming with me or will you make your own way there?" The Healer abruptly spoke, almost shocking them with her sudden speech.
Hermione's sobs renewed at the not totally positive news, though stepped forward to go with them.
"Ah...um.." Ron found himself stammering when the St Mungo's Witch was looking at him, "I need to lock up here, and get some stuff ready for Rose."
Desperately he glanced at Harry, pleading with his eyes. He knew that he needed time to compose himself, but that Hermione couldn't go alone. His best mate nodded, and stepped forward without a word, wrapping an arm around Hermione's shoulders. With a blur the three adults, and one child, disappeared in the customary swirl of portkey.
Ron, himself, stared blankly at the spot where his little girl had been only a moment before. When had it gotten so dark? It felt like the sky had grayed, and the garden colors had dulled. The other adults moved soundlessly around him, but yet Ron paid them no mind. No, all he could think of was the pale face screwed up in pain, and the screams reverberating in his head. Never had he felt so helpless, so powerless to help the ones he loved, and it tore him up inside. His family was the only thing that mattered, that beautiful child was the only thing that mattered, and yet he couldn't do anything in the face of such agony.
-END CHAPTER 1-
A/N: Hey guys, so here's chapter one of my fanfiction. Hopefully a successful and semi-long fic focusing on some of the darker, more emotional times of adulthood. This genre, and style of writing, isn't something I usually do. I tend to focus more on humor, adventure, and fantasy rather than angst.
As you might have noticed this chapter hasn't been beta'd. I'm personally not too good at the technical aspects of writing like POV, Tenses, grammar, etc. I'm much better at the ideas side of things, it's the getting them down that is bad for me. So I really am looking for a Beta reader to help me with the more technical side so shoot me a PM if you're willing to offer your services. Preferably someone with previous experience as a writer or beta.
Also feel free to post your ideas, guesses, and thoughts as reviews. I'd be happy to hear them all.
