Fairy Tales

Prologue: Chapter 1: Once Upon A Time

Auburn-haired Molly Weasley was already weary. It was October 31, Halloween, and as far as she was concerned the best holiday of the year. Molly had been awake since six o'clock so she could make breakfast for her large family. Even though it was a holiday, Arthur, her husband, still had to go into work at the Ministry of Magic, in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. Her two eldest sons, Bill and Charlie, were away at Hogwarts, the Wizarding School, in their Third and First years respectively. That left seven-year-old Percy; her 4-year-old twins, Fred and George; and Ron, the baby at a year old, to feed and chase all day long. To make things especially difficult, she was very pregnant with her seventh child. Merlin please let this one be a girl. She felt as big as a whale and had not seen her feet in months. Thankfully, the baby was due any day now.

The day was one of those special fall days. The trees were a mass of ever changing flames as the sun shone brightly down. The falling leaves looked like they had been colored by a child who couldn't make up his mind on what crayon to use. A changing palette from the palest yellow though gold and on to bronze, the colorful leaves were rustling gently in the soft cool breeze that brought just a hint of the winter that was to come.

Because Molly knew that soon harsher weather would be upon them, she served the children a picnic lunch outside on a blanket in the shade of the large willow in the garden. After eating, while she rested, the garden came alive with the yells and laughter of active children who enjoyed being outside. The young boys played happily in the weak sunshine until it was time to put them down for a nap.

First baths, because they were filthy from playing. Bath time in itself was a chore. Lately Molly had trouble kneeling and bending over the tub, as her very large tummy got in the way. However, with lots of maneuvering, patience, and laughter, she managed it, and then she helped them dress in tee shirts and shorts.

Percy said he was too old for a story and asked to go and read one of his own books. With a kiss and hug, Molly let him go, thinking to herself that he was getting so big. Settling Ron in his crib and the twins together on one of their beds, she then read them a story. After they slowly dropped off to sleep, Molly sighed. Getting them down for naps was always hard work. Tuckered out herself, she decided she was due a treat; it was time to put her feet up and enjoy a cup of tea.

The chamomile tea was very soothing to Molly. As she looked around her cluttered but homey kitchen, she knew life couldn't be any better. She felt blessed to have found such a wonderful husband, and father for her numerous offspring. Arthur and she had many dreams for their children's lives and she prayed that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named would be defeated soon, so that her young family had a chance at the future she had dreamed for them.

Suddenly she felt a slight twinge of pain around her abdomen. After six children, she knew what to expect. This wasn't the first spasm today, and the ache seemed to be getting more intense as the day flew passed; she knew she was in early labor. If she was reading the signs correctly, and she was, there would be another little Weasley tonight.

It was way too soon to alert Arthur or Mrs. Diggory, the witch who lived just on the other side of Ottery St Catchpole and had volunteered to baby-sit when the blessed event arrived. Molly decided to make an extra special dinner for tonight. What should she make? Shepherds Pie, brussel sprouts, and baked apples, she decided, with chocolate cake for dessert. All of these items were her family's favorite foods. From where she sat at the table, using her wand, she set knives chopping the vegetables and beef for the casserole. On another counter, were cored apples, stuffed with raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, and sugar, and topped with a pat of butter. Still using her wand, not getting up, she started the batter for the chocolate cake. After baking and cooling the cake, she iced it with orange and brown frosting. As a special treat for Halloween, she decorated the cake to look like a spider with liquorice drop eyes and liquorice whip legs.

She was adding the final touches to dinner when she decided that she couldn't wait to 'Floo' Arthur with the news any longer. Molly waddled over to the fireplace; with one hand holding her stomach and the other supporting her back, she grabbed a pinch of Floo powder. Tossing it into the flames, while carefully bending down, she called for her husband. "Arthur Weasley? Arthur? Are you there? ARTHUR, IT'S TIME."

From the fireplace she heard her husbands calm voice saying, "Coming dear" as she doubled over with another contraction. She moved slowly towards the cozy couch in front of the fire to wait for him.

A few minutes later, Arthur Apparated into the kitchen with a soft 'pop' then he hurried to her side.

Happy and excited, but with a look of concern on his face, Arthur asked, "Are you alright, dear? Sorry it took so long, but I stopped at the Diggorys to alert them on my way home. Mrs. Diggory will be here in a few minutes. She just had to call her mother to watch Cedric." Arthur reached out and gently brushed the hair back from Molly's beautiful face as he gave her a quick, tender kiss.

"There's time. Do you have the Maternity Portkey to St Mungo's?" It would be needed as a witch cannot Floo or Apparate during her pregnancy, as it would be unhealthy for the child that she was carrying. This makes getting around slightly more difficult than usual for a witch.

"Yes, it's right on the mantle where I left it. Where are the boys?" asked Arthur.

"Upstairs asleep. They got so much exercise this morning whilst playing and trying to help de-gnome the garden. We were all tuckered out. As they are going to be up late celebrating Halloween tonight, I thought today they really needed naps," Molly said, as Arthur started upstairs to get her overnight case and to check on the children.

Arthur climbed the stairs and began peeking into his children's rooms to see if any of them were awake yet. Ron was in his crib on his back, sucking his thumb, and still fast asleep. The twins were softly snoring, tangled up together in a mass of arms and legs. Percy, his hair mussed from his nap, was the only one awake. He was reading a large tome about, of all things, the Ministry of Magic.

Percy looked up when he heard his door open. He enjoyed reading, but liked spending time with the father he idolized more. "Daddy," Percy squealed, and, after putting the book down, he ran to give his father a hug. "Why're you home so early?"

Arthur bent down to catch his son up in his arms. Then, spinning him around and making him dizzy, he laughed while sharing a tight hug, and said, "Well Percy, Mummy say's it's time to go to St Mungo's and get the new baby".

Percy's mouth formed the letter 'O' as his eyes got big. "Really?"

While giving him another hug Arthur smiled, "Yes, really. We're just waiting for Cedric's Mummy to arrive before we leave. Let's comb your hair and get you ready for company, before going downstairs." Percy nodded as Arthur brushed his hair.

Then together they went into his and Molly's bedroom to grab her overnight bag. Pushed under the bed for quick retrieval was the small red case that had been ready for two weeks. Packed with all the needed and usual accoutrements for the hospital, Arthur didn't know how she'd gotten the tiny overnight case closed. Nightgowns, slippers, a robe, and even pillows were crammed into it. With Molly's bag in one hand and Percy in his arms, Arthur negotiated his way carefully back downstairs.

As he entered the living room, they heard a knock on the kitchen door. Dropping Molly's bag beside the couch, Arthur and Percy hurried into the kitchen and opened the door allowing Mrs. Diggory inside. "Thank you for coming so quickly," he said. "I hope it's not too much trouble."

"Not at all, not at all. Glad to help. How's Molly doing?" she asked, as she swept in and bustled eagerly towards the living room to greet her friend.

"I'm fine!" stated Molly with a smile. "I've got dinner ready, to make it easier on you. The boys will all be awake shortly." Then she nodded as she heard Ron begin to yell his head off and Fred and George come clattering down the stairs. Things were soon going to get very hectic at The Burrow. Arthur hurried back upstairs to fetch Ron before he could get up to full volume, while Molly spoke softly with Mrs. Diggory.

A little later, passing Ron to Mrs. Diggory, Arthur kneeled down and said to Percy. "While we're gone please be good and help keep an eye on your brothers for Mummy and me." Percy nodded solemnly. With that promise, both parents smiled and gave their brood a final farewell.

Arthur then brought the Portkey over to where Molly sat, and hauled her carefully to her feet. Reaching down, he lifted the overnight case from where he had stashed it beside her. They both gripped the Portkey as Arthur activated it saying, "Portus Maternity". With a jerk behind their navels, they traveled directly to the maternity ward of St Mungo's.

A few extremely long, long hours later, Molly was truly exhausted. Her face flushed, and her muscles still trembling from the exertion of bringing a child into the world. However, there was a happy, serene smile on her lips. Although tired and ready for some well deserved sleep she didn't want to pass the tiny amazing bundle she cuddled in her aching arms to a Healer. Awestruck with the delivery of her seventh healthy child she was at peace with her world.

Arthur was astounded at the depth of feeling the birth of a child could engender. Although he had felt helpless during the ordeal, he knew that there was no greater feeling of accomplishment than bringing a new life into the world. There were tears of joy in both Arthur's and his wife's eyes as they held hands and gazed down at their beautiful red haired, brown eyed infant. The child was definitely a Weasley with that coloring. Their seventh child yes, but their first GIRL.

Already Molly was dreaming about white lace and orange blossoms. She was hopeful that her daughter would find as wonderful a man for herself as she had found in Arthur. Every mother's fantasy is that her daughter marries a man who would love her unconditionally, a man who could be a true hero to her daughter.

A/N This story will have alternate parts of JKR's versions as well as moments that didn't happen in the books. Don't worry the giant alternate changes don't happen until 6th bookish.

Another thing is that even though most of the story will be told from Ginny's POV, it will also be told from others as well such as Harry, Ron, Hermione, or Mrs. Weasley. Not that often but throwing it out there!

Enjoy!!!