Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor the song "Cinderella" By: Steven Curtis Chapman.
Cinderella
She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders.
Arthur could hear his five year old daughter, Ginny, playing upstairs in her room. She was chattering with her dolls talking about dancing. She had some music playing and he could hear her skipping around to the tune. Arthur smiled and turned back to all of the paperwork he had brought home fromt the Ministry. Still so much work to be done by tomorrow.
It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me saying
"Dad, I need you!
There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing.
Please, Daddy please?"
As Arthur continued to work on his papers he felt a tug at his sleeve. He smiled down at his daughter, "Yes Ginny, what is it?"
"Daddy, the prince is having a ball, but I don't know how to dance! Please help me!"
"Ginny, sweetheart, I have a lot of work to do. Bill could help you."
"No Daddy, I want you! Please Daddy?"
How could he resist such an adorable little girl? He placed his quill back on the table and held out his hands, "Ok, let's dance."
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
Cause I know something the prince never knew
I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
Cause all too soon
The clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
Ginny giggled as Arthur twirled her around and around. He wanted her to stay this young and innocent forever. The last five years had flown by so fast. He wanted this moment to stay frozen in time because he knew the years to come would only go by faster.
She says he's a nice guy
And I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says "Dad the prom is just one week away,
And I need to practice my dancing.
Please, Daddy please?"
Ginny twirled in front of Arthur in the sitting room. "I'm going with Neville. He's really nice. Do you like my dress?"
"Yes Ginny," Arthur said, "You look beautiful. You'll turn a lot of heads."
Ginny smiled and held out her hand, "Daddy, the Yule Ball is next week. Will you help me practice dancing?" Arthur let out a low sigh. "Please Daddy?" Arthur smiled and took Ginny's hand.
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
Cause all too soon
The clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
She will be gone
As Arthur spun Ginny around and her beautiful red hair swirled around, he realized how fast the years had gone by. Hadn't he just done this yesterday when she was five? Now here she stands thirteen years old and prettier than ever. He knew boys would be calling on her more and more in the next few years. How had his little girl grown up so fast?
She came home today
With a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling
Of all they had planned
She said, "Dad the wedding's still six months away,
But I need to practice my dancing.
Oh please, Daddy please?"
"Mum! Dad!" Arthur heard Ginny scream from the kitchen.
"What is it?' He asked as he ran in to meet her. She was smiling bigger than he'd ever seen as she held out her hand. A beautiful diamond was sparkling on her finger. "Harry and I are getting married!" She squealed. Arthur already knew because Harry had asked for permission, but he still acted surprised.
"That's wonderful honey!" He said as he hugged her.
"We're thinking sometime in May." She gushed.
Arthur shook Harry's hand, "Congratulations! And welcome to the family!"
The night was filled with celebrations and planning for the wedding. After everyone had left or gone to bed Arthur sat at the kitchen table alone. His only daughter was getting married. He couldn't believe she was old enough to be getting married. Was it possible? He reached up and wiped at a tear when he heard someone enter the kitchen behind him.
"Daddy?" Ginny whispered.
"Hey Gin." Arthur smiled.
She smiled back and said, "Dad, I know the wedding is still six months away, but I was wondering if you would help me practice my dancing?" She reached over and took his hand, "Please Daddy?"
So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
Cause all too soon
The clock will strike midnight
Before he knew it, it was May. Arthur stood outside a tent with Ginny's arm looped through his. "I love you Daddy!" Ginny choked out as she kissed him on the cheek. "I love you too, Ginny." Arthur said, swallowing the lump in his throat.
As he walked her down the aisle he thought back to all of the wonderful memories that they shared while she was growing up. He wasn't ready to let his only daughter go, but he knew it was time. As they reached the end of the aisle he lifted her veil and kissed her one last time and gave her a hug. As she squeezed him tight she whispered, "I'll save you a dance Dad."
Then he gave her arm to Harry and took his seat next to Molly, wiping the tears from his eyes.
And she'll be gone
A/N: I hope you enjoyed it! Happy Father's Day to everyone! Reviews are welcome!