Chapter 10
House Weasley
Warning: Discussion of homosexuality, in the context of being an insult. Minor moment of sensuality.
Tuesday, September 3rd, 1991
It was nearing noon on Tuesday, and James Potter was walking along the cobbled pathway of Diagon Alley for the third day in a row. After giving a bottle of Ogden's Old Firewhiskey to Barnabus Cuffe for a job well done on the article, he had made his way to Flourish and Blott's, where he ordered hundreds of copies of one particular Defense book. He knew he couldn't ask his future students to buy the book themselves, since they had already bought different books suggested by the late Quirinus Quirrel. Plus, thanks to his large family fortune, and discount at Flourish and Blott's, he knew he could easily afford the books.
Frederick Flourish, co-owner of the bookstore, and an old friend of the family – he had known James' father when they were classmates at Hogwarts – met with James personally, both for a reunion and to see to the large order personally. Flourish promised he would have the order ready by the weekend.
Now he was making his way toward the Leaky Cauldron. His mind wandered on different things. One particular thought was his wife's pregnancy with their fifth child. The announcement of Lily's pregnancy had been in the Daily Prophet, at the end of his and Lily's interview.
Knowing that it would be in Tuesday's edition of the newspaper, James and Lily knew they had to do their own announcements for their personal friends. First they had told their three youngest children. Thankfully, because they had grown up with younger cousins, none of their children ever had a spoiled phase. So thankfully there was no fussing from James' youngest son, Alex, about not being the youngest anymore when the baby came. The three youngest Potter children were thrilled that they would have a new brother or sister.
The Blacks, Remus Lupin, and Ted and Andromeda Tonks were all just as thrilled to discover that the House of Potter would have another branch added onto their Family tapestry. The Potters, Blacks, Tonks and Remus Lupin all considered themselves a close-knit family with each other.
James was looking forward to a celebration dinner with his best friends, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. They had only hung out, as a trio twice since returning to England from Isle Potter. Both had been on what they called Full Moon Runs. The three Marauders would be having the planned dinner at the Leaky Cauldron on Friday evening, where they would celebrate the future addition to the Potter House, as well as James' new position at Hogwarts. Neither James' and Sirius' wives, nor their children, were invited. It was just a Marauder event.
When James stepped into the Leaky Cauldron, he made his way over to the bar, where the barman/owner of the Leaky Cauldron was washing glasses.
"Has Arthur Weasley arrived yet?" James asked.
"Indeed, he has, Lord Potter," Tom said, "He is waiting in the private room as you requested. Follow me, please."
James followed Tom through a door and into a small room, where a small table and chairs were placed. A red-headed, balding man sat at the table. When he saw James, he stood.
"Lord Potter, it is an honor to finally meet you," the man said, "Arthur Weasley, Head of the Minor House of Weasley."
"You can call me James, if I can call you Arthur," James said, as he shook the man's offered hand.
The two men sat down and Tom walked over to the table.
"May I get you anything to drink and eat?" Tom asked, "Specials are BLTs, chips and Butterbeer."
"Whatever you want, Arthur, I'm buying," James said.
"Oh, thank you," Arthur said, though he looked as if he wanted to decline, and thought better of it, "I'll take the special then, Tom."
"Same here," James said.
Tom summoned two bottles of butterbeer and placed them on the table.
"Your meal will be ready in ten minutes," Tom said, then turned and left the room.
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me," James said.
"Ah, I wouldn't dare to refuse," Arthur said, "I've been wanting to meet you for some time now. My late brothers-in-law - Fabian and Gideon Prewett – spoke highly of you and your wife."
"Ah, those rascals," James said, smiling, "I haven't thought about them in ages. Two wonderful gentlemen."
"Yes, they were," Arthur agreed. "By the way, I wanted to congratulate you and your family. I read your announcement in the Daily Prophet, along with the rest of the article. This will be five children, won't it?"
"Five, yes," James said, "Either way, one gender will outnumber the other."
"Anymore and you could have chance to rival my own House in size," Arthur said, chuckling, "Though with six boys and one girl, it was already outnumbered before the twins came along! Even if a couple of them were unplanned."
"My youngest two, including this one, were unplanned," James said, "But that doesn't make me love them any less."
"No, it does not," Arthur agreed.
"Well, thank you for the kind congratulations, and I'm sure my wife will thank you as well," James said; then he cleared his throat, "I expect you might know why I wished to meet with you, Even if I did not say so in my letter."
Arthur sighed. "Yes, I am afraid so. I was there in my kitchen when my youngest son's letter arrived on Sunday evening. I know my wife planned on sending letters out to a few people – you included. But I am not sure if she did send them."
"Oh, she sent some letters out," James said, nodding, "One to Professor Dumbledore, and two arrived at my own house: one for me and my wife, and one for my oldest daughter. My daughter's letter was averted from Hogwarts and sent to my home. All of them were Howlers."
"Oh, dear me," Arthur said, frowning. "My wife does love her Howlers. Give me the bad news. What did they say?"
"Well," James said, "Dumbledore showed my wife, my daughter and I the Howler sent to him. It called my daughter a 'crossdressing little hussy', and demanded to Dumbledore that he remove my daughter from the Witches' Dormitory, and tell her – Molly thought my daughter was actually my son – to wear boy's clothing and be called by her birth name. If her demands weren't met, she would remove your children from Hogwarts."
"Oh, my," Arthur said, "I deeply apologize. I'm guessing the letters to you and your daughter were along the same lines, perhaps... worse?"
"Your wife told mine and me that we should be ashamed of raising our first-born Heir as a crossdresser," James said, "She thought Rose was a boy, so she asked us 'how did we expect our son to be the proper heir if he was a homosexual who would not sire heirs of his own.' My daughter might very well be homosexual, or bisexual, but she is very capable of both siring and giving birth to heirs."
"Oh, Molly," Arthur said, shaking his head.
"As for my daughter's Howler," James said, "Well you can probably guess now. Accused her of being a homosexual, though it was geared toward the male variety of insults. Told her she was a pox on the House of Potter, and wouldn't be surprised if Lily and I cast her off the family tree. My daughter grew up listening to stories of her godfather and Uncle, Sirius Black, being cast off the family tree, so you can imagine how that would have affected her."
"She would fear that it could happen," Arthur said, frowning, "Even though it probably never would, but because of my wife -"
"The fear would linger," James said. "Yes, now imagine if she received that Howler at breakfast yesterday morning."
"The entire student body and Professors would have heard it," Arthur said, "Probably my wife's intention to ridicule her."
"Thank Merlin for Albus Dumbledore having the foresight to send all unwelcome post my way. I destroyed that Howler immediately. Both Howlers went off in a room I silenced, so only my wife and I heard them."
"Oh, I am terribly sorry," Arthur said, "For any grief my wife and son caused to your family."
"What did your son write in his letter?" James asked.
"Well," Arthur said, "He made no mention of Metamorphmagi at all. I didn't know your daughter was one until I read the article today. Ron – he... he expected to find Harry Potter on the train. He wanted to sit with Harry and he hoped that, by the time he was off the train, Harry would be his new best friend. I wager he was completely in shock when Rose revealed her true identity. He never said anything about crossdressing. I'm not even sure he understands the concept. But his letter clearly said Harry Potter looked like a girl."
"Which would cause your wife to go with that theory," James said.
"Yes," Arthur said, "He also claimed that whatever made Harry look like a girl must have been something Dark. Because he said, and I quote, 'that girl claiming to be Harry said she refused to let Harry show himself again.'"
"Oh," James said, "He thought Rose had possessed him or something. Took over his body."
"Yes," Arthur said, then chuckled, "In a way he was right, I guess. He just... didn't clearly understand it. He isn't the smartest tool in the shed, as Muggles like to say. Molly won't listen to a word I say about him, but I fear Ron could fail out of school in the coming years once the lessons get too difficult."
"It isn't public news yet," James said, "But I will be the new Defense Professor come Monday. I could look into his classwork behavior and see what he needs improving in."
"Oh, that is too kind of you," Arthur said, "Especially since he basically insulted your daughter, and wrote a letter that led to some horrendous insults from my wife."
"I'm sure we can settle this like the Heads of House we are," James said.
"Tell me what you want me to do, Lord Potter," Arthur said, "And it will be done."
"I would appreciate two letters," James said, "Both from your wife. One written to my daughter, and one written to myself and my wife. Both apologizing to us. But I want them written with Honor Quills. I want her to be honestly apologetic. Even if it means she has to say what she thinks about my family. I want it known. My daughter may not be a boy, but she still is a Metamorph, and might be homosexual or bisexual, which is clearly an issue with at least one member of your family. The letter to my daughter would give her a clear path to making a decision on how to go forward with treating your House. She seems to want to be friends with Fred and George, and... the Prefect. She didn't know his name."
"Percy," Arthur said, smiling.
"Yes, she said he was nice to her," James said, "But she already greatly dislikes Ron. To a point where she called him a git, and may not accept his apology. Which comes to my next request. Your son's verbal, serious and public apology to my daughter."
"I'll write him a letter myself and pen it in a way to make sure he does it," Arthur said, "He'll receive it at breakfast, and he can give Rose my wife's letter."
"I'm sure she'll write to me about it," James said, "Depending on her answer will depend on where our Houses go forward with this."
"I understand completely," Arthur said, "I will speak to my wife tonight. And I will do so in my Head of House Voice. I will get to the bottom of her bigoted views against your daughter."
James knew what the Head of House Voice meant. He had never ever had to use his. The "Voice" was an enchantment from his Head of House Ring that caused whoever he spoke to – as long as they were part of his House – while under the enchantment to tell the complete truth. It seemed Arthur knew exactly how to do that too. The Head of House Ring did many things. Nobody from the wearer's House could turn their wand on the wearer with ill intent; this meant no risk of Obliviation from a member of their House. There had been a history of wives who wanted to use their husband to get a step up in society. James thought Molly Weasley seemed like that type.
"That will be interesting," James said, "I hope it doesn't cause problems between you and your wife."
"Oh, we will work through it if that happens," Arthur said, smiling weakly. "We always do."
Their discussion was interrupted as Tom brought in their meal. When Tom left, their discussion continued.
"I am curious," James said, "Do you know why Ron was so intent on finding my daughter – or whom he thought was my son?"
"Both he and my youngest, Ginny, have been talking about Harry a lot during this past summer," Arthur said. "Ron seemed to think that being Harry Potter's best friend would change his life. Could use his fame to get a few things in life."
"That sounds like a true Slytherin," James said, "And yet he's a Gryffindor."
"He's always voiced a hatred for Slytherins," Arthur said, "The Sorting Hat would not have put him there, even if he has some clear qualities of the House. Also, he knew Harry would be a sure-shot Gryffindor. I'm sure he hoped that being dorm-mates for the next seven years would cement their friendship."
"Finding out Rose is a girl must have clearly upset him," James said, "And any plans he had. Though... would he try to focus on... making her a romantic interest."
"He might," Arthur said, "I will tell him in the letter that she clearly isn't interested in him that way."
"Thank you," James said, "Maybe that will make him back off. I'll be keeping an eye on him though."
"Of course," Arthur said, "As a father of one girl, Ginny, I know all the risks of boys around her. She's feisty and knows how to stand up for herself. So she might be able to take care of herself."
"She and Rose might actually get along," James said, "They share a similar personality. Would she be upset that my daughter is a girl?"
"Ooh, she definitely had a fancy for Harry," Arthur said, "Or rather, the 'Boy-Who-Lived'. The fact that Harry is actually a girl will make her see things differently. Though I would not be surprised if she would still fancy Rose."
"I'm sure if she was friendly toward my daughter, they would get along," James said, "Even if it didn't come to romance. To be honest, I think my daughter already has one or two future romantic interests already. She's been best friends with one of them for a while, and another girl – well, the three girls seem really close already, even if the latter of three has only been in their group for roughly two days. I believe my daughter met her new friend almost immediately on the Hogwarts Express. And if Rose wants to become pregnant in the future... well, she is friends with an older Metamorph. A child between the two of them is entirely possible."
"I'll speak to my daughter about Rose tonight," Arthur said, "I'm sure both she and my wife read the article about Rose. It was probably very humbling for my wife to find out the truth about your daughter. Might make the conversation a little easier."
"I wish you the best of luck," James said.
Since the meat and potatoes of the conversation was finished, the two men talked about their families. As two family men, it was something they had in common. During the duration of their meal, they shared stories of their children. James could tell that Molly Weasley was very dedicated to her children. But the question was – one he did not ask Arthur – why was Molly Weasley so passionate about his first-born heir. Her Howlers had so much emotion in them. Such passion only meant that she was somehow invested in James' first-born.
The question was why.
On the outskirts of the small village of Ottery St. Catchpole, a tall, misshapen house known as the Burrow stood at the end of a driveway. No Muggles in the small village ever noticed anything different about the oddly-constructed house because they simply could not see it. It, and the Grounds around the house, were hidden behind Muggle Repelling Wards.
The Burrow was the family home of the Minor House of Weasley. The Matriarch of the House, Molly Weasley, was in her kitchen working on dinner as she waited for her husband to come home. Her daughter, Ginny – her only child currently at the Burrow – was in her bedroom and had not come down since that morning. Molly had planned on continuing some educational lessons with Ginny that day, but Ginny refused to leave her room, not even to accept lunch.
Molly knew why her daughter had refused to leave her bedroom. She had locked herself in her room after Molly had given her that day's edition of the Daily Prophet. Molly couldn't blame her daughter. The Daily Prophet had upset her too.
Molly was in utter shock at what she read. She knew all about the story of "The Boy-Who-Lived" Harry Potter. She had even read the series of books about the boy to her daughter. Her daughter loved the books and even had an innocent fancy for the boy. The best part about the story was that Harry Potter was not a fictional character. He was as real as Molly and Ginny. And he was just one year older than Ginny – only a few months younger than Ginny's youngest brother, Ron. Ginny had said she could not wait to meet Harry Potter. The fact that Harry and his family had moved from Britain upset her greatly, and when it was rumored the Potters had returned the previous summer, Ginny was very happy.
Molly was happy for her daughter. She was quite okay with Ginny fancying Harry. In fact, she had planned to talk to her husband about meeting Lord and Lady Potter to discuss Betrothing Ginny to Harry. If Ginny married Harry, and the Weasleys became an official part of the House of Potter, that would change the Minor House of Weasley for the better. It could elevate their House, and give them a position on the Wizengamot, making them a highborn family. Molly knew all about the Potters' Great Alliance. Allying the Weasley House with the Potters, and joining the Houses through marriage, would be a dream come true.
Then two nights ago, on Sunday evening, those plans began to slowly shatter.
Molly's youngest son, Ron, had written home. Molly hoped she would hear all about how Ron had met Harry and befriended him. That would be a wonderful start to the dream. She could invite Harry to her home during the summers to get closer to Ginny, which would be a good idea if they were Betrothed. Molly dreamed of forming a friendship with Lily Potter. The two mothers of multiple children would get along famously!
All that had come apart at the seams. Ron had written that he had indeed found Harry Potter. Only, Harry Potter apparently looked like a girl named Rose! The way Ron had wrote the letter, Molly had come down to one conclusion. Harry had grown up a crossdresser, wearing girl's clothing, and identified himself as a girl. Which meant it would be likely he would have an attraction to boys. The idea of it was just disgusting and taboo! How could any proper Lord and Lady of a highborn House allow their first-born heir, the future Lord of the house, to grow up that way? It was simply unheard of!
Ron had also claimed that the Sorting Hat had welcomed Harry into the Witches' Dormitories. That horrified Molly Weasley. How could Albus Dumbledore allow that? No boys were allowed anywhere near the dormitories, especially because of the Witches' Secret. And yet, Dumbledore allowed Harry there because he dressed like a girl!
Molly had been so angry that she had sent Howlers to the Headmaster of Hogwarts, as well as Harry and his parents. It would serve Harry Potter right to have her voice his shame in front of the whole school! Maybe that would knock some sense into him.
And then the Daily Prophet came earlier that morning, and Molly could not believe her eyes. Harry Potter was no longer Harry Potter. Harry Potter was truly a girl, a Metamorphmagus who had been raised as a girl. Rose Lily Potter. Rose's own words informed Molly that she had chosen to be a girl all on her own. Her parents had only given her her name, but she had made the choice to be a girl.
Molly had wondered if the girl was lying. Perhaps she had been brainwashed by her parents. After all, a Metamorphmagus could still be a boy, and a firstborn heir at that! Metamorphs weren't looked down upon like Veela and Werewolves. Metamorphs were not considered half-breeds!
Either way, there was one silver lining in the clouds. As a Metamorphmagus, Rose could give birth to offspring, or she could sire them. The mind of Molly Weasley immediately came to one conclusion. If Rose remained a girl, Ron could marry her. If Rose became Harry again, he could marry Ginny. Either way, Potter-Weasley children was still a possible outcome.
However, all ideas of Betrothing one of her children to the first-born Heir of the Potter House had gone down the drain. James Potter publicly stated in the article that he would refuse any and all Betrothals, to boys or girls. That just wasn't right. A highborn House like his, with multiple children – Betrothing all of his children to different families would be good for the future of wizarding world. It would guarantee that the Potter children were part of good Houses, and didn't end up married to some Muggleborn, which would only further pollute the line. Dreams of friendship with the Lady Potter aside, Molly did not like the fact that James Potter married a Muggleborn, which turned all their children into half-bloods, destroying a pureblood bloodline. Again, that just wasn't right.
Still, Molly could put aside that prejudice if it meant allying the Weasleys and Potters through marriage. Rose Potter could marry Ron or – hell – any of her sons! Once Rose turned seventeen, it didn't matter her age. Putting a Weasley child in her womb, from any of the Weasley boys, would do all kinds of good for the Weasley House.
Molly had all kinds of ideas to 'influence' the Potter Heir – or Heiress as the case may be – to become a romantic interest with one of her children. A Betrothal Contract was simply one idea. Inviting the young girl over during the summers, so she could get to know all the Weasley sons – any of whom could be the father of Rose's future children – seemed like a good idea too. Rose becoming Ginny's Mentor in Rose's fourth year, and Ginny's third, also seemed like a rather fine idea. It would require the two girls to spend some time together at either of their homes during the summer. Ginny could influence Rose to get to know her brothers better. And maybe... maybe Ginny could even get to know one of Rose's brothers. That seemed like a fine idea too.
Of course, then there was the other ideas Molly had ,but she wouldn't consider those just yet. There was plenty of time before those options needed to present themselves.
Molly was humming to herself as she cooked dinner, when she heard the tell-tale crack that meant her husband had arrived home. She pointed her wand at the stove and enchanted it to cook the food by itself. Molly then turned and waited for her husband to come in. She smiled when he entered the kitchen, and she walked over to him and hugged him, then kissed him. Instantly she could tell something was wrong.
"What is it, Arthur?" Molly asked, "Did you hear something about Bill or Charlie? Was one of our children at Hogwarts hurt by that demon Quirrel?"
"None of that, Molly," Arthur said, sighing, "Where's Ginny?"
"In her room," Molly said, "She's refused to come down ever since this morning, after taking the Daily Prophet to her bedroom. She must be so upset about that Rose Potter article."
"So it is likely she'll remain there until dinner?" Arthur asked.
"She might even refuse dinner," Molly said, "Until I tell her otherwise."
"Then it gives us time to talk about something," Arthur said. "Molly, I met with Lord James Potter this afternoon at the Leaky Cauldron. He wrote to me yesterday and asked me to meet with him."
Molly's eyes widened. Had Lord Potter refused all Betrothal Contracts because he already planned on making one official? Had he agreed to a Contract with one of her children?
"Why did you not tell me, Arthur?" Molly asked, "Was it about a Betrothal Contract with his daughter? Which boy? Ronnie?"
Arthur frowned as he looked at her. "There was no mention of Betrothal Contracts, Molly. He wanted to meet with me, to talk about you. He informed me of the Howlers you sent out. Including the one to Albus Dumbledore and Lord Potter's daughter, Rose."
Molly's eyes widened as she sank down in one of the chairs. Reality set in. She realized exactly what was going on. Arthur sat down in a nearby chair and raised his hand showing his Head of House Ring.
"Molly," Arthur said, "I'm sorry, but I have to do it. I, Arthur Septimus Weasley, Head of the Minor House of Weasley, summon forth the enchantment of the Voice until I cast it away. So Mote It Be!"
Molly's eyes widened. She knew what the Voice was. It was enchantment that ensured honesty from anyone in the Head of House's family."
"Molly," Arthur said, "What issue do you have against Rose Lily Potter, once known as Harry James Potter?"
"I feared that Harry had chosen to forsake his destiny as first-born Heir of the Potters," Molly said, "I thought Harry had chosen the life of a crossdresser, which also meant he was a homosexual, which would mean he had refused to continue the bloodline of his father. Now that I know Harry is actually a Metamorphmagus who has chosen to live her life as a girl, I know that my issues are misguided."
"What would you say," Arthur said, "if I told you that James Potter is under the impression his daughter may be a homosexual."
"I am of a mixed opinion," Molly said, "To choose such a life is taboo and should make her a pariah in her House. But since she is a Metamorphmagus, she can sire children with women."
"So as long as she produces an Heir," Arthur said, "Either sires or gives birth to one, you would support her life choices?"
"I would attempt to remain neutral," Molly said.
"Why is Rose Potter's life choices and future so important to you?" Arthur said, "Why is a child's life outside of your own children so important you?"
"Rose Potter could marry one of our children and unite our Houses," Molly said, "Children with the bloodlines of Potter, Weasley and Prewett would elevate the Weasley and Prewett Houses back to their proper position."
"You want Rose Potter to marry one of our children?" Arthur asked, "Who?"
"It does not matter," Molly said, "Rose could sire a heir with Ginny, or give birth to an heir from any of our sons."
"You would have no issue if Ginny and Rose wound up together?" Arthur asked, skeptically, "Even if Ginny's relationship with Rose would mean Ginny's sexuality was something you're against."
"Rose isn't technically a girl," Molly said, "So Ginny would not technically be a lesbian. After all, intimacy between Rose and Ginny would be no different than the Witches' Secret, and Rose could still mate with Ginny to produce an Heir."
"Would you use a Love Potion to get your way?" Arthur asked.
"If it came to it," Molly said.
Arthur sighed and closed his eyes. "I, Arthur Septimus Weasley, Head of the Minor House of Weasley, release the enchantment of the Voice. So Mote It Be!"
Molly blinked and looked in horror at her husband as she realized what had taken place.
"How could you do that, Arthur?" Molly cried, "How could you use that enchantment on your own wife?!"
"You forced my hand, Molly," Arthur said, "You could have severely damaged our House with your actions, recent or future plans. Crimes against an Ancient and Most Noble House, especially committed by a Minor House would be very severe! Time in Azkaban definitely, even for conspiracy against an Ancient and Most Noble House. At extremes, it would mean you and I both would be forced to walk through the Veil of Death. Our children would be pariahs in the wizarding society, Molly! And the House of Weasley would be no more! Our children would be lucky to keep their names. 'No-Name' as a surname is a possibility!"
Molly's eyes watered as she listened to this.
"You are very lucky that Lord Potter has shown mercy.," Arthur said, "Though even the punishment is slightly severe."
"Punishment?!" Molly cried.
"You will be writing two letters tonight, Molly," Arthur said, "With an Honor Quill. Lord Potter wants two letters of apology. Honest, and Honorable Apology. To both Lord Potter and his wife, as well as his eldest daughter. Our son will also have to give a vocal apology in public to Rose – likely in the Great Hall in front of everyone – and it will have to be sincere."
"And if we refuse?" Molly asked.
"Lord Potter will find out and our two Houses will be thrown into a Blood Feud," Arthur said, "There will be no chance of uniting our houses, whether it be a simple Alliance or through marriage. Though you can throw out all marriage plans. Lord Potter believes Rose has chosen one or two romantic partners already. Both are girls."
"And what if she wants a child from her own womb?" Molly asked.
"James said she has a Metamorph friend who could sire one," Arthur said.
"If I do this," Molly said, "What are the chances of an Alliance between our Houses?"
"Rose seems to be putting a friendship together with Fred, George and Percy," Arthur said, "However, she does not have any good will toward Ron. A friendship with Ginny is still possible."
"I will do as is expected," Molly said. "I will write both letters tonight."
"I will be writing a letter to Ron," Arthur said, "Both letters will arrive tomorrow morning, and Ron can give yours to Rose. Excuse me. I need to speak to Ginny."
Molly frowned as she watched her husband walk away. She knew she needed to write two good letters this evening. If only so there would be a chance to form a friendship with the Potters. Without even a simple friendship, none of her dreams would come true.
Meanwhile, Ginny Weasley was laying in her bed and was staring at a picture. The picture was of Rose Lily Potter, and her parents. In roughly twelve hours that picture would black out. Ginny thought she might stay up all night.
Ginevra Molly Weasley could not deny it. She was in love. She had never ever considered the fact that she could fall in love with a girl. She had been in love with a boy since she had known what 'in love' meant, after all. And now it turned out that boy she loved didn't exist. That boy was actually a girl. And that girl was currently in a picture in front of her, smiling and waving at her.
On her tenth birthday, not a month ago, Ginny had received a book from her mother, called Growing Up Witch: Part II. Her mother had wanted to instruct her about the Witches' Secret. A month ago, Ginny was horrified with the concept. A girl would be required to do those things to her? What if she simply wasn't attracted to girls? What if her body refused to reach the required peak? Now Ginny was simply fantasizing about it.
"Rose Potter won't be a Mentor until her fourth year," Ginny said, "Which means during my second year, it will have to be another girl. But Rose could be my Mentor during my third year. If so, then Rose could..."
Ginny knew she was blushing as red as her hair. She giggled out loud as the scene washed through her mind. She could just picture it. Rose's beautiful face situated between her legs, while she was completely naked. Rose placing her mouth -
Suddenly, her fantasy was interrupted by a knock on the door. Ginny groaned. Her mother was the human equivalent of a cold shower.
"Go away, Mum!" Ginny growled, "I'm not hungry!"
Okay, that was a lie. She was starving. She had missed lunch. But if she left the room, she'd have to give up the newspaper. And that was not going to happen.
"Ginny, it is Daddy," her father said.
"Daddy?" Ginny asked, "Okay, I suppose you can come in. As long as Mum isn't with you."
The door opened and her father stepped into the room and shut the door behind him.
"Daddy," Ginny said, "I think I'm in love."
"Oh?" Arthur asked, "Who is the boy stealing my little girl away now?"
"Not a boy," Ginny said, "Rose Potter."
Arthur's eyebrows raised as he sat down on the end of Ginny's bed.
"Oh, I see," he said. "I never considered that you might... like girls that way."
"Not girls," Ginny said, "Rose Potter! Have you seen her picture? She's beautiful! And she's a Metamorphmagus! Which means she decided to look like this. Like the girl of my dreams. And I haven't even dreamed of her!"
Arthur chuckled softly. "I met her father earlier today."
Ginny wrenched her eyes from Rose to look at James Potter's image. He was rather handsome, she had to admit.
"Oh?" she asked, "Why? Was it about Ron's letter?"
"I wasn't aware you read Ron's letter," Arthur said.
"I stole it," Ginny said, grinning, "It was very rude. I'm thinking of writing to him and telling him to apologize to Rose, or I'll never ever speak to him again."
"I'm actually intending on writing a letter and telling him to do that very thing," Arthur said.
"Good!" Ginny said, "Tell him I'm not speaking to him if he messes up my chances at – at – er -"
"At what?" Arthur asked.
Ginny realized could not tell her Daddy about the Witches' Secret. Boys were not supposed to know about that! But that was what she wanted to say! Her chances of Rose Mentoring her!
"At – uh – my friendship with Rose," Ginny said, "Yeah, that!"
"Oh, I see," Arthur said, smiling. "That would be very rude of him. So... I was worried that the article about Rose would make you upset. But I can see I was wrong."
"Why would I be upset, Daddy?" Ginny asked.
"Well, because this confirms that Harry Potter is simply a fictional character," Arthur said, "and nothing more."
"Oh, but it isn't nothing!" Ginny said, "It is so much more! This is better. Now she's the Girl-Who-Lived! A girl hero! Someone I can really look up to."
"I don't think she wants to be worshiped, Ginny," Arthur said, "Treating her like the Girl-Who-Lived, and not like Rose might upset her. Not a good way to start a friendship."
Ginny sighed. Her Daddy had a point there.
"What would you suggest?" she asked.
"Maybe become her pen-pal?" Arthur suggested, "Get to know her. We could send a letter to her tonight. It would have to be given to her by Ron. Lord Potter said any letter sent directly to her outside of a few choice names goes to her home and not Hogwarts."
Ron would give Rose her letter? That would be so embarrassing. Even worse was the issue she was having. Much worse!
"I don't know what to say to her!" Ginny said, blushing as red as her hair.
"Talk to her about her article," Arthur said, "Say that it was very nice. And that you'd like to get to know her more. She might be friends with Fred and George."
"Okay," Ginny said. "When is dinner?"
"Hungry are you?" Arthur asked, "That is what you get for missing lunch, sweetheart."
She shrieked a giggle when Arthur ticked one of her bare feet.
"It will be done around the usual time," Arthur said, "You have time to write a letter. In the letter, ask her if you can send her more letters. So she can get permission."
"Okay," Ginny said, "Tell Mum I'll be down for dinner. I'm keeping this newspaper though!"
"I brought my copy home," Arthur said.
"'Kay," Ginny said, "Thank you, Daddy. I needed someone to talk to. Mum wouldn't understand what I'm feeling."
"No," Arthur said, sighing, "No she wouldn't. Best not mention this..., new fancy to her. Not right now."
"Wouldn't that be lying?" Ginny asked.
"Not if you don't tell her," Arthur said.
"Okay," Ginny said.
"I'll call you when dinner is ready," Arthur said.
He smiled, stood and left the room. Ginny sat up and got out of bed. She had a letter to write.
I loved Ginny's part of this chapter. It was so fun! Ginny's infatuation has absolutely NO bad intentions. She is not one of the bashed Weasleys in this story. She's a favorite character of mine. I'm gearing toward Rose Mentoring Ginny for Ginny's third year . It wouldn't evolve into a serious relationship, but I might have the two girls have a minor romantic relationship, which wouldn't last long. Rose might have minor relationships with more than one girl before she chooses Hermione and Susan. I just like the thought of Rose with Ginny, even for just a small storyline. The end-game ship is still Rose/Hermione/Susan... with possibly Dora added too – outside of Mentoring – once Rose reaches seventeen.
So Molly's plans have come to light. Wow, Rose being a girl certainly changes a lot of my usual plans for Molly. Especially since Molly has several more options for hopeful romantic interests for Rose. Now, while Rose won't end up with a Weasley in the long run, Ginny could still get together with one of the Potter twins before the story is over. That's just a thought in my mind.
Next chapter: Rose gets two letters from two Weasleys, and has a conversation with another one. Then... possibly a small time-skip describing classes. I want to get to the Flying Lessons!
Hope you liked this chapter!