Fairy Tales
Chapter 2: Ginny's Favorite Fairy Tale
Arthur Weasley sat contentedly beside his wife's hospital bed at St. Mungo's, staring into the bassinet that cradled his daughter. She was so small compared to his sons that he had yet to find the courage to hold her. It was very peaceful in the quiet of the maternity ward, and he was elated with the birth of his seventh child.
His wife Molly was dozing after the intense labor of bringing her into the world. He didn't want to disturb her, but he needed to get home, so reaching over and clasping her hand he whispered, "I can't get over the fact that she's a girl. I love all our children but after six boys, I truly never expected a girl. Oh, don't get me wrong. I have always dreamed of having a pretty little girl to pamper, but I'd almost given up hope."
With tears in his eyes, he leaned over to tenderly give both of the women in his life, his wife and his daughter, another kiss.
"Again, well done my love," then he sighed and with regret added, "now, I have to Apparate home. You need your rest, and I need to relieve Mrs. Diggory. Ginny is incredibly beautiful Molly, just like her Mum. I'm so proud of you. I don't want to leave, but I know I must go home and tell her older brothers. I love you. See you early tomorrow."
With a last kiss and a smile, Arthur Weasley succeeded in tearing himself away and disappeared.
When he arrived at The Burrow, he expected quiet, as it was quite late. Instead, he found every light on and the WWN blaring. "What happened? What is wrong? Are my sons alright?" Arthur asked frantically, his face paling. He knew this would be bad news. Looking at Mrs. Diggory with her grief palpable by her dejected posture, he became even more frightened.
Tears were streaming down her face as Mrs. Diggory sobbed, "I just heard on the WWN that the Potters' were murdered tonight." Arthur stumbled over to the couch and collapsed onto it, as Mrs. Diggory continued. "The Dark Mark was still hovering over their cottage when the media arrived. The reporter announced the Auror's found little Harry alive amidst the rubble. However, Lily and James weren't as lucky. Arthur, the reporter said that Harry survived an Unforgivable Curse. How can that be?" As distraught as she was with the news, she couldn't trust the statement that Harry had lived. It was inconceivable as no one had ever suffered through the Killing Curse and survived.
Arthur sat with his head bowed in sorrow. He knew that right now he wouldn't be able to give voice to any of the feelings darting around in his head. He felt like his emotions were on an out of control broom, up into the clouds one minute with the birth of his daughter, and then down into a dark cavern of fear when he thought something had happened to his sons. Dementors couldn't have drained his elation any faster. Even knowing his sons were all right didn't make the news any easier to accept. When he'd gained better control of his emotions, he looked up at Mrs. Diggory. "Would you be alright here for a little while longer? I think I should go to the Ministry to see if there's anything I can do."
At her tearful nod, he slowly stood up and gave her hand a grateful squeeze. "Arthur how's Molly? Did the baby arrive?" She asked before he could leave.
"Molly is incredible! She gave me a daughter," answered Mr. Weasley proudly, and then with a hurried goodbye to Mrs. Diggory he Apparated to the Ministry.
Chaos reined. However, there was a dreadful purpose behind the organized pandemonium. The Ministry seemed busier than normal working hours, with trained Auror's coming and going, trying to ascertain just what had happened, Ministry employees arriving to see if there was anything with which they could assist, and friends of the Potters demanding answers from anyone they knew to be a Ministry official. Arthur proceeded down the many corridors to Auror Headquarters knowing that they would have the most current information. He felt that he needed at least to lend his moral support, even if he hadn't known the Potters, and wasn't a trained Auror.
Reaching his destination, he sought out his friends Alastor Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt. A sea of concerned people also surrounded the two Aurors waiting impatiently for information. Alastor must have just received the initial report from the Aurors who had first arrived on the scene, and found the destruction and carnage at the Potters' cottage. He really hadn't had time to go over it completely yet.
"Okay, everyone listen up. Right now, telling you will be easier if I stick strictly to the facts. Try to keep your questions until the end. The news will be troubling enough without interruptions." Alastor spoke gruffly. He wasn't trying to anger anyone, but he knew this would be difficult. He had a job to do, and he was personally involved, as James and Lily had been his friends.
Looking around at all the people who had loved and respected the Potters, most of whom he also could call friends, he wasn't sure he could explain before they broke down. Therefore, taking a huge breath and letting it out slowly to gather his thoughts and get his own emotions under control, he began. "Yes the rumor is true. Lily and James Potter were murdered tonight."
He looked at the floor as he heard someone gasp and start to sob. He'd been through worse things, but this was hard; harder than even he had expected. "Voldemort attacked them personally. It appears from looking over the murder scene, James held him off, while Lily went to Harry's room. From the damage, James put up a heroic fight. However, as we know he failed. Voldemort then tracked Lily to the nursery, where Lily protected her son with all the determination in a mother's heart, but she also fell."
Everyone present could tell just how grueling this was for Alastor. "We found little Harry in the debris. He is the sole survivor. Using Legilimens, we determined Voldemort struck Lily with a Killing Curse as she tried to protect her son. Voldemort then approached Harry who was sitting in his crib. He directed the Unforgivable Curse, Avada Kedavra at Harry; it rebounded, because he disappeared. As Harry is only fifteen months old, we were lucky to learn even this much. I know it doesn't make any sense, as he should be dead. Before tonight, no one has ever blocked the Killing Curse successfully."
"We don't know how Harry stopped the curse just that he did. We don't know whether Voldemort is dead or if he's simply gone into hiding to heal. We don't even know if anyone else was present. We knew Voldemort was after the Potters, but we thought they were well protected."
Now Professor Albus Dumbledore raised his hands and with a gesture to the assembled throng continued the story. "Harry received only a scar to his forehead. I have secreted Harry where no one can find him, until he is ready to re-enter our world. I had hoped that our security measures would be powerful enough to protect the Potters. We had used many Charms, Wards, and Spells for their protection. James and Lily's death are on my head. I entrusted their very lives, to a bond of friendship forged at Hogwarts years ago, instead of intelligence and knowledge. An old man's failure." Never had they seen him lose control, even for a second, but as he was relaying these facts, a single tear was marking a path down his cheek completely unacknowledged by him.
Alastor had been tracking the tear with dismay like everyone else present, and decided to take back control of the conversation. It was time to answer some of their questions before the entire gathering of the Potter's friends could collapse with grief. "We know many of you have questions. Please feel free to ask some of them now. But, be prepared not to receive an answer, as we might not have them at this time."
"Where's Sirius? Why isn't he here?" Remus Lupin questioned, his fear for his friend making his voice shake. "Has anyone seen him?"
Alastor sighed. "No, not that I have heard. We didn't have anyone watching him. He was also in hiding."
"Didn't you suggest the Fidileus Charm? Wasn't Sirius their Secret Keeper? How could this have happened?" Remus clenched his fists in anger at the deaths of his close friends. "Someone betrayed them, but it couldn't have been Sirius, he would die before betraying any of us. We need to find out who was responsible for this."
"We all trust Sirius, Remus." Dumbledore replied gravely, "but to answer your questions, Sirius was their Secret-Keeper and yes they were all three in hiding. Right now, no one knows where he is. I, for one, am very worried about him."
Around him, people were nodding, many with concern, and disbelief etched on their faces.
Albus sighed, and looking around at the grieving group of witches and wizards, who just couldn't comprehend why Voldemort would have murdered their friends, gave them something else to think about that night. "The disappearance of Voldemort will be frightening news for the Death Eaters. Some of his more faithful servants will be searching for him. With Voldemort's defeat tonight, many others will be going into hiding. We must move quickly against them. Their bad news, however, is very good news for the rest of the world. However, as we can do nothing else tonight, and Harry is safe and secure, I suggest that everyone returns home. Tomorrow will be even harder with no sleep. I fear this is a terribly dangerous time for our community." Dumbledore said wisely, ending this impromptu meeting.
With a quiet word to Alastor, offering to help in any way necessary, Arthur returned to The Burrow. Where just hours before he'd walked on air at the birth of his daughter, now his stooped shoulders and his feet scuffing the floor told a very different story. Happy tears had turned to angry ones.
Mrs. Diggory rose from the chair in the corner where she'd been sitting and rocking, while quietly listening to the wireless. The reporters were still announcing that Harry had survived the attack, but no one could say how. How did a little boy defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named? By the look on Arthur's face, the news wasn't good. As she stood up, she asked. "Any other news?
"Yes, there was actually good news. The reporters were correct. Harry did survive. However, no one can fathom how. He's in safekeeping, thanks to Dumbledore. However, he is keeping his whereabouts quiet. Thank you again for staying with the boys. I don't know how to tell you what it meant to me to know that they were safe."
"No thanks are necessary. Please tell Molly I'll drop by later this week to see her and the baby," Mrs. Diggory said. Then she Apparated to her Mum's, where she gently kissed her sleeping son on his brow while cuddling him close for a moment. Her heart broke for Harry and the Potters, but she was so relieved to find her son safe.
Now, left alone with his sons, Arthur looked at his surroundings. What he saw was slightly shabby, but a very warm and inviting room, none the less. It was comfortable, like his life with Molly. The room contained many pictures of his children, with their games scattered here and there. Like a treasure chest, it also held a few cherished mementos of his and Molly's life together. He loved his family dearly and didn't know what he would do if someday He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named came to The Burrow.
With the solitude that returned to his home after Mrs. Diggory had gone, he gave in to his grief, mourning the loss of two such loving and caring people as James and Lily. He cried for their suddenly orphaned son, who would never see his parents again.
Completely shattered by the events of the evening, he still felt compelled to take the time necessary to strengthen the wards around The Burrow. Once this was finished, Mr. Weasley quietly ascended the stairs, and looked in on his sleeping sons. While he was getting ready for bed, he wondered how Molly would react to the Potters' murder. He knew what a soft heart she had. She would take this news hard.
He'd better leave it until she came home, as Molly couldn't do anything about it tonight, he thought.
The next morning when Arthur arrived at the hospital, Molly had already heard the news about the Potters. She was rocking Ginny while tears coursed down her cheeks. Every so often, she would use the corner of her daughter's soft receiving blanket to wipe the evidence of her distress off her face. While she was bringing a new life into the world, the most evil wizard who ever lived was orphaning another tiny child. When would it all end? He was the same age as Ron, and she vowed that should she get the opportunity to mother Harry, she would care for him as if he were her own.
Arthur quietly got her belongings assembled and ready to go home. After living with her for so long, he understood her well enough to know that she required this time to weep for Harry and his parents. He repacked her case and paid the bill. When everything was completed, he gently helped her to stand and reactivating the Portkey, they returned to The Burrow, bringing their tiny daughter home. He knew Molly would feel better if she could gather her children around her to confirm that they were all okay. In addition, he would feel more secure with his family behind the stronger wards he had positioned around his property last night, hoping to keep them protected from harm.
There had been attacks almost daily since Halloween, and the Ministry of Magic was feverishly busy. The Aurors never knew who might be the next target. Therefore, they were constantly on the alert, but stretched thin, trying to protect everyone. However, they couldn't be everywhere at once. Auror's did captured Sirius Black and sent him to Azkaban Prison, but not before, he had killed Peter Pettigrew and twelve innocent Muggles.
Death Eaters, crazed at the loss of their leader, caused bedlam by attacking wizards and Muggles alike. No one was safe from these lunatics. The Longbottoms, Frank and Alice, both were Aurors, and were captured and questioned for their knowledge of the whereabouts of The Dark Lord, forced to watch as Death Eaters tormented of their loved one. During the inquisitions, they were tortured into insanity, leaving their one-year-old son Neville, in the care of his grandmother. Many good people died.
As the war raged on, Aurors worked zealously to identify and disable Lord Voldemort's army, while the Wizengamot worked determinedly to sentence them quickly to Azkaban. Although everyone worked heroically, it took almost a year to stabilize and return the wizarding community to some semblance of normality.
Even with all the danger, children grew older. With the capture and imprisonment of most of the Death Eaters, it was time to begin celebrating the day-to-day events that simply being alive and having a family created. If you let the enemy take these everyday pleasures from you, the very ideals you were fighting for had already been lost.
Ginevra Weasley, better known as Ginny by her family, was one-year old and her parents were dressing her for her Christening. Not wanting to postpone the blessed day any longer, already delayed far too long because of the war, they had combined it with her first birthday celebration. The Burrow was overflowing with friends and family, intent on enjoying an afternoon and evening of good food, laughter, and fun.
Molly had outdone herself with the decorations and food. Because there would be such a boisterous crowd, she had decided to hold festivities outdoors. Molly and her older sons had spent the previous week de-gnoming the garden, weeding and pruning the flowerbeds, and trimming the lawn. Although it was the end of October, the weather had behaved and the day was beautiful. Crisp and clear, with only a slight breeze. She had charmed fireflies to cluster in the trees, to make them twinkle as if the stars had dropped into their garden for the Christening. The trestle table draped in pink cloth with tiny white flowers, was groaning under the assortment of edibles she had whipped up in her kitchen. There was something to tempt any palate, chicken, roast beef, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables of all shapes and sizes, salads, fruit and a multitude of other tempting dishes. The three-tier birthday cake was a confection in white with tiny pink rosebuds, just the opposite of the tablecloth, and strawberry ice cream. She was determined that no one would go hungry today.
Now, in the Wizarding world, Christenings are a little different than in the Muggle world. A child receives gifts and blessings, true, but these are very important gifts. They are not trinkets or possessions, but gifts for the child's soul.
From her Mum and Dad, she received the gifts of Grace and Beauty. From her brother Bill, the gift of Acceptance, and Charlie gave her the gift of Curiosity. Her brother Percy presented her with the Joy of Learning, and the gift of Laughter came from the Twins; Fred and George. Ron, who was closest in age, gave her the gift of Friendship. Family friend, Alastor Moody offered her the gift of Intuition.
Her entire family presented the last bequest. In both communities, this gift was the greatest reward anyone can bestow upon another. In its purest sense, this gift was the greatest force in both worlds, the gift of Love.
As Ginny was still a very small child, none of this meant very much to her. She was quite happy with the ice cream and cake she was mashing all over her face, hair, and lacy robe. Like most children, her cares were few, and having a full tummy and a dry nappy were important. She loved the soft arms and quiet voice of her Mummy, holding her and telling her bedtime stories. She felt safe and secure each night when her Daddy came into her room, kissed her goodnight, and tucked her into bed.
More time passed and the Weasley children grew older, people took notice whenever the family left The Burrow. Some noticed because there were so many of them, others, because they were always laughing and having a good time. However, most people spotted them because of the Weasley hair, which was a vivid red that seemed to burst into flame when light hit it. That alone drew many eyes.
The boys grew taller and more athletic every year. They were always ready for a game of Quidditch, or to pull a prank on their friends or on each other. The brothers were also always prepared to defend or protect their little sister, whether she needed it or not. They allowed no one to upset or harm her, by word or by deed, except for each other of course. Ginny was tiny, but not afraid of anything. She also could be scary; as she could perform the best Bat-Boogey-Hex, any of them had ever seen.
Ginny had grown from the slightly chubby baby with big brown eyes and a mop of red hair. She was now a laughing imp, who liked spending time with her big brothers. She hated being the baby, and was eager to try everything her siblings attempted. She was fearless. She could swim almost as well as Bill. She loved to fly, and tried to emulate Charlie's skills on a broomstick. She was quick to laugh, and just as quick to become extremely angry over an implied slight.
Fred and George loved to tease her. This was understandable, as she was their youngest sibling and the only girl. However, the teasing was a constant source of irritation to her, a reminder that she was the baby, but Ginny had learned very quick and devious ways to get even when her brothers raised her ire.
Ginny might have scared her brothers sometimes, but she was also a little girl who still loved to hear her Mum's voice at bedtime telling her a story. Well, not just any story, the one about Harry Potter. This oft-repeated tale always left her with pleasant thoughts and happy dreams.
Her bedroom window with its frilly pink curtains overlooked the garden. She liked it left open most nights to catch the cool breeze that carried the fragrance of roses, and marigolds up to her room. "Mummy, tell me the story about The-Boy-Who-Lived again," begged the now nine-year-old Ginny tucked up into her tiny bed, covered with pink blankets. In fact, her entire room was pink. Pink walls, pink curtains, pink sheets, and a pink duvet cover. Being the only girl in generations, her dad had gone a little overboard with the color pink, in his enthusiasm.
This was a nightly occurrence, as it was her favorite story of all time. Her Mum had been telling her about Harry Potter for as long as she could remember. She knew someday she'd meet him, he'd fall in love with her, and they'd get married. She had told her Mum this in secret once, and it had brought tears to her mother's eyes. Her Mummy laughed through the tears while she hugged her, but couldn't explain why she was crying. In her heart, Ginny knew this would happen. She didn't know where the belief originated from, or how she knew. She was just destined for this. It wasn't some unattainable, intangible dream. She would meet Harry Potter and they would fall in love. She knew it was their fate.
Molly sighed. As much as Ginny loved this story, she must've told it…well, if she had a Knut for every time she had told it, she would be a very wealthy witch. It wasn't much of a bedtime story, because of the plot and the lack of an ending. No happily-ever-after for this fairy tale, in fact, not one rumor had ever reached her ears as to the whereabouts of this little orphan. He'd not surfaced since that fateful night, almost ten years ago. She hoped he was still secure where Dumbledore had hidden him. However, she smiled and complied with her daughter's request.
Harry Potter: The Boy Who Lived
Once upon a time, in a land very much like ours, a young wizard named James Potter lived. He was tall and quite good-looking, with hazel eyes that twinkled when he was having fun. His hair was messy all the time, as if he'd just leapt off his broom, but he liked it that way. Laughter came easily for him, as he and his three closest friends enjoyed nothing better than to pull a prank or two. He had brains as well as looks, and although he kept it well hidden, he had a secret. James had an affinity for red hair. Not just any red hair, no, this red hair belonged to a heart stopping, beautiful, auburn haired witch, named Lily Evans.
They both went to the Wizarding School by the name of Hogwarts, where James played on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team, and Lily worked hard on her studies. Two very different people, but they must've had something in common, because Lily was also in Gryffindor House.
In the beginning, Lily didn't like James much. She thought he was stuck on himself. He was always strutting around like a peacock, just because many of the other witches thought he was cute. She also didn't approve of all the pranks he pulled and didn't think they were very funny. Some of them were quite mean. Instead of making students laugh, they caused hurt and shame, which made these students despise him.
Lily thought he should be kinder to other wizards, who maybe weren't as capable at sports or schoolwork. However, James just kept showing off.
After they'd been at school for six years, James grew up. He realized how silly it was for him to think he was better than other wizards, just because he could ride a broom fast. He apologized to Lily for being so rude and immature, and then asked her out, to which Lily replied, "Yes". Soon they fell in love.
After final exams, James asked Lily to be his wife. Their wedding was a happy event, attended by many of their Hogwarts friends. James dressed in green formal robes, waited for Lily in front of all their friends and family. His friends were happy for him, as they knew just how long James had been in love with his Lily.
Lily appeared, escorted by her father. She'd chosen to wear a Muggle wedding dress and no one had seen a more beautiful bride. In her white dress and carrying pale pink orchids, what drew every eye was her vivid hair and beautiful emerald eyes. She had her abundant auburn hair arranged on top of her head, though many ringlets escaped to curl gently upon the nape of her neck, James thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. When James' hazel eyes met Lily's brilliant green ones, the air crackled with electricity. As she walked down the aisle towards him, they both knew that together, they had found true love and happiness that would last forever.
The Potters had been married a year when they found out there would be a new little Potter. Both of them were very happy. Nine months later, on 31 July, Harry James Potter was born. He was a handsome baby with brilliant green eyes from his mum, and unfortunately, messy black hair from his dad.
However, these were dangerous times. Sirius, their best friend, told them that their lives were in danger. At first, they thought they could easily protect each other and little Harry. They were a very powerful witch and wizard, who knew many charms and spells to keep them safe. A year went by. Another great and wise wizard, a trusted friend, told them the most evil wizard in the world, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, was after them. They had to go into hiding, as the fate of the entire world was involved.
Of course, they followed his advice. For their protection, only one other wizard knew where they were hiding. They thought he was their friend, but secretly, he'd been working for You-Know-Who. He told this evil wizard exactly where and how to find the Potters.
On Halloween night, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named went to their cottage in Godric's Hollow. James and Lily put up quite a fight but didn't have training in Dark Magic, unlike their attacker. The evil wizard won, leaving Harry unprotected, or so He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named thought.
No one could stop him; he would win. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named used his curse for the third and final time that night. However, Harry didn't die. The curse rebounded from Harry onto the evil wizard and he disappeared. No one has seen You-Know-Who, since that dreadful night. Little Harry, received a cut on the forehead shaped like a lightening bolt, but otherwise he was unharmed. Harry James Potter still bears this scar and the name of The-Boy-Who-Lived.
Professor Dumbledore, in his infinite wisdom, secreted Harry Potter away to protect him until he was ready to rejoin our world. The-Boy-Who-Lived is loved and respected by many as the one who defeated, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. We can only hope that he continues to be safe.
As she told the story, she let her thoughts drift. Ginny had confided in her that she intended to marry Harry Potter one day, just like all girls dream of marrying the Hero. In retrospect, Molly couldn't fault her daughter for aspiring after this small hero, even though she never expected Ginny would meet him.
The danger from He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named seemed to be over. His most loyal Death Eaters were either imprisoned or dead. There had not been any new news about him surfacing anywhere for almost ten long years; no unexplained deaths nor unusual happenings. Most witches and wizards were getting on with their lives. Mr. Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, had even gone so far as to make a statement to the press, that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was dead. Wizards were beginning to believe that maybe, just maybe, he was gone.
Alastor's motto was Constant Vigilance. As an Auror, he was privy to most information coming into the Ministry of Magic, and he had intercepted a rumor
. There was a place in Albania, where the local inhabitants were frightened of a small portion of forest. Lately, not even animals would enter the area. He had not been able to acquire proof that Voldemort was involved, but most of the Aurors believed this to be so. If Voldemort was returning, it would soon become much more dangerous for everyone.