25 Years On: Still Heroes In Their Everyday Lives
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with J.K. Rowling or all the big fancy high-up people who make money from Harry Potter. How do I know this? I have little to no money!
Contains some fluff
A/N: okay honestly i don't know how i can get away with this. It's not your usual ginny 'heroine extraordinaire' interview. Basically it's an interview sort of way to write fluff. Ah well.
I have to give a shout-out to winterlude whose fic 'interview with the quibbler' is what sparked this off
To Hela... who's always there
HPHP
Fran: Fran, the interviewer
HPHP
This week in our celebratory '25 Years On: Still Heroes In Their Everyday Lives' series is the one and only Mrs. Ginny Potter. Wife, mother, sister, friend, Ginny is what she originally termed 'The Golden Trio + 1' member of the famous family. Our very own Fran Blake, who writes the popular and witty weekly 'Who's Who and What's What' column was actually in Mrs. Potter's year at Hogwarts and was part of the now legendary Dumbledore's Army. Once again our interviewer set out not to retell the war stories which have been retold from every angle possible (who can forget Susan Bones' heart-warming children's story 'The Second War: A Hogwarts' House Elf'sTale'), neither is it yet another biography of the rags to riches story of the Weasley family. Rather it is an interview like many others, delving into the more personal and private quirks of a celebrity's life, and in that way makes it an uncommon interview for one Ginny Potter, who is more used to people asking her what it felt like to face Bellatrix Lestrange and how she felt hearing that her beloved was dead in those crucial moments before Voldemort's demise.
Fran Blake has made use of a reliable and honest Quick Quotes Quill with the express permission of both Ginny and Harry Potter. She has also chosen to add certain observations which would not have been noticeable to a Quick Quotes Quill.
Fran: Ginny, let me first of all say that it is indeed an honour to be here in your lovely home, the infamous Grimmauld Place. I have to say I love what you've done with the decor.
Ginny: (laughs) Yes well it took Harry and Ron a few days to get old Mrs. Black off the wall and she's still up in the attic cursing me for my unruly mistress of the house ways. But I've gotten used to the old bat. Things just wouldn't be the same if I didn't have someone berating me for bringing shame to the Honourable House of Black by setting up the living room with Gryffindor colours.
Fran: The interview hasn't even started and all my prepared questions already seem trivial compared to the information you've just given me. So I guess we'll start with a bit of reminiscing. A Gryffindor through and through huh?
Ginny: Oh well when you come from the long, long, long family line of the Weasleys, it's difficult not to be. Although my youngest son, Albus, is in Slytherin, and we're immensely proud. Harry always says it's one of the best signs that people didn't die in vain in the war. That someone who was expected to be in Gryffindor could be in Slytherin without any bias.
In fact, when Albus was sorted in Slytherin, I actually insisted that we have the living room re-decorated. I didn't want him thinking that we were in any way disappointed. But his first Christmas from Hogwarts, he talked me out of it. Said it didn't affect him in any way. And it was more of a nod to the old Weasley lineage. Said he's more of a Weasley than a Slytherin any day.
Fran: He sounds like a wonderful boy.
Ginny: It is true that I am the most biased person on the face of the planet... but all my children are wonderful, Fran.
Fran: (laughs) Yes of course I should have known better than to insinuate something about family pride to a Weasley-Potter. I should have learnt that lesson when I talked to Ron.
Ginny: (laughs) Ah yes, my brother Ron, the insensitive prat who has grown up to be our biggest mascot, especially where the children are involved. What did you say?
Fran: Nothing... It was merely a misunderstanding... Alright I may or may have not made the polite observation that it is quite understandably your children and his that receive most recognition in public.
Ginny: And dear Ronald thought you meant that his other nieces and nephews aren't as perfectly wonderful. Yes that does sound like Ron. Don't worry Fran I'm sure you didn't mean it in any insulting way. But please do bear in mind that Ron is the youngest brother, Harry's best friend, Hermione's husband, the owner of the most successful joke shop in the Wizarding world and a Weasley to boot. Pride does not even begin to describe what my brother feels about his life.
Fran: (laughs) You know the family's dynamic has always interested me immensely.
Ginny: I distinctly remember a conversation in our fourth year starting out pretty much the same way.
Fran: That's right, I remember. I mean now you're all viewed by the wizarding world as heroes but back in Hogwarts, especially when I first knew you Ginny, there were days where individually you four seemed like an unlikely group of friends, let alone end up married and so united.
Ginny: (pauses for a minute contemplating) We were different back then weren't we? We were different from how we are now. We were different from each other. Harry was always so pensive, weight of the world on his shoulders by the age of fourteen. Ron, as my dear sister-in-law famously put it "had the emotional range of a teaspoon". Hermione, although a genius was never the most social person and me, well me, I went from being the shy, youngest red-head who fell for Riddle's plans to what you might call a "popular" girl. (Rolls her eyes) I hate saying that, I really do. People will think all I did was twirl my hair and kiss boys the entire time but I don't know how else to describe it.
Fran: Yes incidentally the kissing boys part.
Ginny: Fran.
Fran: Alright alright. We all know Mr & Mrs Potter are allowed some kind of relationship past. I mean it wasn't like you were born and immediately married but still one does seem to forget that there was a time when Harry wasn't smitten by you. None of us can ever forget THAT proposal.
Ginny: (mumbles) Yes well it wasn't exactly planned to be that public.
Fran: (laughs) Ever the private ones you are. If it weren't for the begging and the pleading and the emphasis on the twenty-fifth anniversary, I don't know how I would have gotten you to do this interview Ginny.
Ginny: (smiles) Well if it's relationship past you want, Ron and Hermione have the more interesting background. You haven't gotten around to Hermione have you?
Fran: No not yet. Hermione has only just gotten back from the International Wizarding Convention on The Development of Werewolf Rights.
Ginny: That's our Hermione. No but when you do speak to her, mention the word Lav-lav. She'll take it from there.
Fran: This isn't going to get me yelled at again is it?
Ginny: Maybe you'll get an owl from Ron. But believe me the look on Hermione's face is worth it.
Fran: You know my Quick Quotes Quill is taking down everything you're saying. They are going to know it was all your idea.
Ginny: Yes well so long as you don't say how I became an angry green-eyed monster at the mention of Harry having previous girlfriends like Rita Skeeter would have done, I'll deal with those two just fine. Besides you don't get to be Ginny Weasley without a few perks now and then. One being the perpetual mocking of my dear brother Ronald. (At this, Ginny gave an evil smile that I'll leave up entirely to the reader's imagination.)
Fran: Don't you mean Ginny Potter?
Ginny: In matters of jokes, pranks and general debauchery I'll always be Ginny Weasley.
Fran: (laughs) That's a good one. I'll put that on the cover as the highlight quote.
Ginny: Oh please do. Harry would love that.
Fran: Speaking of Harry.
Ginny: Which no one ever does, well not to me at least.
Fran: Is he off on a mission?
Ginny: No he's actually working on a graduation speech Neville (Longbottom) – Neville Longbottom, former Gryffindor and Herbology Professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, currently Headmaster, is a long-time friend of the Potters. Be sure to read a celebratory interview with Professor Longbottom himself in our series of '25 Years On: Still Heroes In Their Everyday Lives') asked him to make.
Fran: Your eldest son James is graduating this year isn't he?
Ginny: (The return of the evil smile.) Oh yes and this was Neville's way of (coughs slightly) repaying James for the Marauder legacy he has left Hogwarts with over the years.
Fran: By getting the famous Harry Potter to make an inspirational graduating speech? I'm sorry I think I'm missing something.
Ginny: By getting James' father to make a speech in front of all his friends, including his girlfriend. Oh he'll be introduced as 'Harry Potter' before going up on the podium but he'll be speaking a lot more frankly than that.
Fran: (laughs) You're lucky this interview won't be published till after the graduating ceremony.
Ginny: Yes. This has been planned since the portraits incident. Merlin help me where my son learnt that kind of magic. Probably his uncle George. But now Harry's really looking forward to doing this... Feels like a kid again, beating James at his own game.
Fran: May I be so bold as to ask for a little preview?
Ginny: Well I can't give away much. I'm sure the Prophet will find a way to quote snippets of it. But I'll give you one of my suggestions... a reference to the fact that Hogwarts' broom cupboards... and their many opportunities... were discovered long before James and his friends ever used them... by his parents, aunts and uncles amongst others. That ought to scar the poor boy for a couple of months don't you think? (A meaningful wink followed).
Fran: You know everybody thinks that it's George and Ron Weasley that are the pranksters but the question begs to be asked who exactly is the most devious in your family Ginny?
Ginny: Oh you know we all have our days. You don't get to be the youngest girl with six brothers without learning a few tricks and Harry, although not famous for them, does have Marauder genes in him. He'll only use them when absolutely necessary but it's always priceless when he does.
Fran: And here some might think that all you and Harry have in common are death-defying experiences.
Ginny: Well yes we do have those. Much more than we'd care to have actually. But that's not what makes a lasting marriage. It'd be a pretty grim and dull marriage if all we had to talk about was Tom Riddle's return when we were sixteen and seventeen. I won't deny that it was a significant part of our lives. But that's not all we are. I mean over the years, after everyone's shook our hands and patted us on the back, Harry and I went home and I had to make dinner and he would put the kids to bed or I'd have to write an article and he has to review the reports about his new case. We have jobs and we lead pretty ordinary lives. We've always got someone coming over because some niece or nephew has done something either ridiculously stupid or fantastically good. Ted Lupin, I can never get enough off. (Ted Lupin, Head of Research at St. Mungo's, known for his breakthroughs in diminishing the horrible effects of a wereolf's bite. Medidoctor Lupin is Harry's godson.)
...Our joy and our laughter definitely don't revolve around those horrible days, although I will admit we do occasionally joke about all the stupid things we did at Hogwarts. But that's it, the normal things we did like sneak into the kitchens or go flying on the Quidditch pitch in the middle of the night. More often than not, our entertainment comes from the children sending us a letter saying that their hair got singed working with Blast-Ended Skrewts with Hagrid the other week. Merlin I miss Care of Magical Creatures. It's terrifying but in that sort of ridiculous way. Hagrid knows exactly what he's doing. He isn't one of the best professors at Hogwarts for nothing. But the description the kids always send home is hilarious. It's like they're re-thinking their entire lives and they start saying all kinds of things like 'Mum I appreciate you', because, in that hour, they really thought they were never going to see us again.
Fran: Some might think you have an odd sense of humour Ginny.
Ginny: Anyone who has received a letter from their child after their first Care of Magical Creatures lesson with Rubeus Hagrid knows what I mean. And they're chuckling as they remember it.
Fran: (laughs) I'll take your word for it. You mentioned Quidditch.
Ginny: What's that?
Fran: Very funny.
Ginny: I try.
Fran: Can I see your Player of the Year award?
Ginny: (smiles brightly) I'm glad you asked me that Fran. One second I'll be right back. Don't move.
Fran: That didn't take too long.
Ginny: Here it is. My fourth baby... which actually came first... Oh well you know what I mean.
Fran: Now Harry mentioned some kind of competition between you two.
Ginny: Another question I'm glad you asked Fran. Mr. Potter might be the Saviour of the Wizarding World but none of his awards, including that cursed Witch Weekly's Honorary Hero Award they sent him before we got married, quite matches up to mine.
Fran: What do you mean?
Ginny: Mine's bigger.
Fran: (At this point, I nearly choked while sipping my tea.) I beg your pardon.
Ginny: You heard me. Mine's bigger. He may have more honorary awards than Dumbledore and Scamander combined but none are as high as mine. The only one that comes close is that blasted Witch Weekly one, which they feel the need to remind readers of every year round about the time of his birthday when he starts getting birthday cards from complete strangers... But you'll notice mine is about two centimetres taller. I can get the ruler if you'd like.
Fran: No, no that won't be necessary. I don't know what to say Ginny. Should one congratulate a woman on this sort of thing?
Ginny: (grins proudly) Like I said Fran you don't have six brothers growing up without a few things rubbing off. And besides I think it's only fair. Outside the house he is the most recognised one, quite justifiably. My husband deserves all the appreciation he receives. No one insists on that more than me. But inside the house, Fran, that's a different matter. Inside the house, what I say goes. And this beautiful baby of mine is just one of the ways I remind my darling husband and my wonderful children that I am the captain of this Quidditch team.
Fran: It's like a totem if you will.
Ginny: Exactly Fran. A reminder that no matter how old we get or how full of life my children are, I can still beat anyone at Quidditch and I can still throw a mean Bat Bogey Hex.
Fran: Witches all over are going to be applauding you. Being married just means more feminine power doesn't it Ginny?
Ginny: Indeed Fran, indeed. (She pats the statue lovingly).
Fran: You mentioned anonymous birthday presents?
Ginny: (Rolls her eyes before answering) Yes well it doesn't help that my darling husband clearly doesn't have an ounce of bald genes in his entire DNA, so basically he looks like a taller version of his seventeen year old self. Any other time of the year, I feel proud, but come his birthday I have to wade over the sea of greeting cards just to give him a birthday kiss.
Fran: So his birthday isn't your favourite time of the year?
Ginny: (A blush appears on her cheeks, one that I am pleased to have witnessed) Well I wouldn't go so far as to say that.
Fran: Ginny Weasley blushing. I don't think I've seen that since the butter dish incident.
Ginny: Gah don't remind me... And I'm sure there were a couple of other times. How about the photo the Prophet published of the night Harry and I got engaged?
Fran: Oh that's right. How could I have forgotten that?
Ginny: Yes how could you indeed Fran?
Fran: Care to comment on that? You never did if I recall correctly.
Ginny: For the sake of your readership, my temper and my mother's dignity we best keep it that way.
Fran: (laughs) Your call Mrs. Potter.
(At the moment, in walks Mr. Potter himself.)
Harry: Hello ladies. I was just taking a break. Wondered if you'd like some more tea?
Fran: No I'm fine thank you. I'm so caught up in everything your wife says I'd probably let it go cold anyways.
Ginny: I'll have one love, if you don't mind.
Harry: Sure. Erm...Ginny?
Ginny: (I can't help but notice that she smirks without even looking at him.) Yes dear?
Harry: What is your award doing in the living room?
Ginny: Oh Fran wanted to see it.
Harry: You mean you found a way to weasel it into the interview.
Ginny: Harry I am appalled that you think I am that obsessed with my statue.
Harry: Mm hm. Did she bring out the ruler?
Fran: Oh she wanted to. I just chose to believe her without it.
Harry: Smart woman. (To which Ginny glared at him and Harry gave her a grin that made me fully understand her earlier comment about him looking like a tall 17 year old.)
Fran: How's the speech coming along?
Ginny: (Without missing a beat) Don't worry I didn't give her all the details.
Harry: Just enough to get us in even more trouble when James finds out we've had this planned for months?
Ginny: (sips at her remaining tea) Exactly.
Harry: I'll go get the tea. Are you sure you don't want anything Fran?
Fran: No thank you Harry. So, Ginny. (She does not turn around at this. She's still gazing at the doorway where Harry just stood).
Fran: Ginny.
Ginny: Hmm? Oh sorry. All this reminiscing has made me a bit sentimental.
Fran: (smiles)
Ginny: What?
Fran: Nothing. (You, the readers of course know what I'm thinking.) Well we've successfully managed to do what we set out to do Ginny. An interview, 25 years on, that does not revolve around the war, around the fact that you're Harry Potter's wife or a mother, rather Ginny Potter the woman. Yes we had to deviate a few places but within understandable limits. I think this was a great success. The Daily Prophet, I'm sure, will be taking care of grand eloquent odes to victories and memorials, Witch Weekly will put in their two cents about family and friends. We at the Quibbler decided to do what no one else thinks of doing when celebrating such a grand number like 25 years. Any other time, talking about every day things would be boring but personally we thought it would be even more interesting now.
Ginny: I liked the idea.
Fran: So your next great event is James' graduation?
Ginny: Yes we're so proud. My first baby leaving Hogwarts. It feels like the first time on Platform 9 ¾ all over again.
Fran: Yours or James?
Ginny: Both combined. Honestly I'm petrified. Not for him but for the world. Somewhere along the way he got the idea that Uncle Bill's job sounded pretty 'cool'?
Fran: Remind me again what Uncle Bill's job is?
Ginny: Curse-breaker.
Fran: Oh I see.
Ginny: You've got that look on your face right now. The look I've had constantly in the last seventeen years. I swear that boy gives me so many heart attacks I'm starting to think I've got nine lives like a cat.
Fran: And they'll be two more graduations in the next two years right?
Ginny: Yes one just right after the other, they are. I hated hearing this when I was a child but they really do grow up fast.
Fran: In the meantime it's your job to embarrass them while you can.
Ginny: Elementary my dear Fran. Elementary.
Fran: Isn't that a Muggle expression?
Ginny: What can I say? I'm a Muggle lover just like my father. Harry and I still enjoy going to watch old films in the park every now and then. ('Films' are a form of Muggle entertainment that enact a story by a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement.)
Fran: This interview could last for days and you'd still surprise me Ginny.
Ginny: I don't know how. You wanted ordinary.
I simply smiled knowingly at her. You, the readers obviously know what I'm thinking.
HPHP
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