"Tickle tickle tickle!" cooed Charlie, bending over his little sister and tickling her until she positively screamed with laughter. "Tickle tickle tickle tickle, Ginny!"
"Cha – Cha – Cha'ee!" squealed the two year old. "STOP! STOP!"
"More? More? Okay!"
Ginny screamed with joy.
Suddenly, Charlie was struck with the realization that this baby, his sister, his baby sister, was going to grow up someday, and see how horrible the world really could be. She'd have her heart broken and she'd shed so many tears. She'd have to suffer through being scorned for her shabby robes and listen to the distasteful mutters of blood-traitor behind her back.
Overwhelmed with emotion, he gathered his sister in his arms and held her tightly for a moment.
With all the carefulness of a two year old, Ginny patted her brother's cheek. "Don' sad," she consoled.
Charlie grinned, back to earth. Indeed, someday Ginny would grow up and have to face the evils of the world.
But with six brothers behind her, she would also see the beauties of it.
