Disclaimer: I own neither Harry Potter, nor Sherlock, nor Mulan ( do I have to put that, because I'm sort of using the plot? I'm not sure). Just having fun and sharing the fun with you.
It was late in the night. Everyone was asleep. Well, almost everyone.
At the home of the village's healer, a little light could be seen from a window. Inside the room of the window, a young woman was standing in front of the fireplace.
The healer's daughter( for that's who she was) studied the cauldron on the fire, biting her lower lip in concentration.
After a few moments, she raised her right hand over the cauldron and crushed the green herbs she had been holding, then dropped them into the bubbling liquid.
Next, she stirred the potion with a wooden spoon. She removed the cauldron from the fire then smiled in satisfaction.
Focused on her work, she did not hear the sound of footsteps and tapping behind her.
"Molly?"
The young woman started as she turned around, but then smiled.
"Oh! Father. I didn't hear you. I'm sorry, did I wake you?", she rambled.
Molly's father stood in the doorway, leaning on his short staff, and stared at her with concern.
"What are you doing up at this time of the night? Especially when you have a big day tomorrow?"
"Oh, I um, I heard Aunt Martha earlier complaining about her hips bothering her again. S-so I thought I'd make her herb- soothing potion", stammered Molly.
Her father studied her for a moment before asking, "Are you worried about tomorrow?"
Molly fiddled with her fingers and giggled nervously. "Why would you ask that?"
"Because Aunt Martha has more than enough potions at her disposal. And whenever you're worried or upset, you either play the pipe or mix potions."
Molly sighed. "Father, what if I fail? I'm not what people would call a "great beauty". What if I'm unable to make you proud?"
John looked at his daughter and his heart clenched for her.
Tomorrow she was to meet the matchmaker in order to be examined as a suitable bride. Marrying and bearing children was the traditional way daughters brought honor to their families.
But Molly wasn't just any daughter. Her father was Sir John Watson Hooper, a renowned leader and hero of the Great War.
Being an only child, the duty of carrying the honor of her family weighed heavily on Molly's shoulder.
John walked over to his daughter, favouring his limp (courtesy of the Great War). He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye.
"Have you been preparing?"
Molly nodded.
"Have you studied your lessons with your mother? And practiced your walking, sitting, and everything else that's expected of a young lady?"
"Yes."
John smiled reassuringly. "Then you shall be fine. And as for not making me proud, you should know by now that I am already proud. And nothing you do or say will ever NOT make proud of my wonderful and beautiful daughter. Yes, I said beautiful, because you have good heart and a caring soul. And THAT is what makes you truly beautiful. All right?"
Molly smiled. "All right."
"Now go to bed and get your rest. That's a command."
"Yes Father. Good night."
Molly kissed him on the cheek then dutifully went to her room.
She was still nervous, but felt much better after talking with her father.
She fell asleep, ready to face tomorrow.
A/N: Yes, Molly Hooper is the heroine of this story. Why, you may ask? Because I flipping LOVE her, that's why! She is a big sweetheart, always willing to put others in front of herself, even if she gets nothing in return. That makes her a strong character and hero in my book. :-) People tend to otherlook her and not see her worth or expect much from her (Moriarty for example). Hence the title.
And yes, John and Mary are the parents. You're probably wondering,"Why on earth did you make John and Mary as Molly's parents?" Several reasons actually. One of the main ones is that they fit the roles so perfectly. I love the idea of John as a wonderful father. :-)
I could go on and on, but I think this A/N is long enough already. ;-)
That being said, please leave a comment and let me know how I'm doing, for my first multi-chapter fic.
Who do YOU think is going to be the matchmaker? ;-)
