Dedicated to Lexi, whose birthday is today! Happy birthday, Lexi! Thank you for being a great friend!

Also written for "The Hunt is On Challenge"- A fic with a one word title

Word Count: 492

"Time for bed," Ginny announced, and her three children groaned simultaneously in protest. Well, except for Lily, who was at the phase of mimicking her brothers' actions.

"Why, Mum?" James complained, "It's only nine!"

"It's Lily's bedtime. Which means the rest of you have to go to bed as well, because you don't want to disturb your sister with your constantly loud bickering and playing. You know she's a light sleeper."

James looked mutinous, but resignedly said to his brother, "C'mon, Albus, there's no point in arguing."

Albus, who had opened his mouth to retort, shut his mouth and dutifully followed his older brother as he exited the room.

"Woah, Lils, where are you going?" Ginny scooped her daughter into her arms as she trailed behind James and Albus. "I thought you wanted me to read you a bedtime story."

Lily's head hung and she mumbled something unintelligibly under her breath.

"Sorry, what was that?" Ginny asked.

"James 'n Albus say that bedtime stories are for babies," she repeated, "I'm not a baby!"

"Oh, honey, did they say that to you?" Ginny said soothingly, her hand coming up to Lily's head and stroking her hair, "Well, let me tell you something. I used to read to both James and Albus when they were your age."

Lily brightened considerably at that. "You did?"

"Of course. They used to beg me to read to them every night. Now, which story would you like me to read to you?""

Lily's attitude improved drastically. "Cinderella!"

Ginny stifled a chuckle. Lily always insisted on the Muggle fairytale, because she was fascinated by the idea of a fairy godmother turning rags into beautiful dresses. She pored over the picture of Cinderella wearing the gown which was accompanied by sparkling glass slippers and exquisite jewelry. Most of all, she marveled over the "happily ever after" which was the standard ending for all Muggle tales.

Ginny, as a little girl, had dreamed of her own fairytale romance too. She'd wished for a happily ever after, a relationship free of impurities.

But that had never happened. She'd had a problem with the three boys she'd dated throughout her life. One was a sore loser, another was overbearing, and the third (Harry) was too noble.

But eventually, Ginny had learned to overcome the nobility with the aid of her everlasting love for him and had received her own version of a happily ever after, and she was content with it.

Lily whimpered impatiently, jerking Ginny out of her thoughts. With a smile, she pulled out the worn book from its place on the bookshelf and sat herself down on the couch, Lily in her lap.

"Once upon a time," she read, Lily listening with bated breath, "there was kind girl named Cinderella..."