August 2023
Harry and Arthur sat at the front of Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, waiting on Ginny and Molly.
"Do you remember when I took Ginny into London without telling anyone we were staying the night?"
"Vividly."
"Well, I'm really, really, very sincerely, truly and deeply sorry."
"Lily?" Arthur said, amused.
"Lily," Harry sighed. He was looking across the street at his daughter, who was in line at the ice cream parlor. From the looks of things, she would not be buying her own sundae.
"Who's that with her?"
"No idea. It's been like this all summer—everywhere we go, she's surrounded by boys. I've tried sending Al or James with her, but—"
"She has this way of manipulating her brothers."
Harry nodded, still watching the scene across the street. From the way she was standing, he thought Lily favored the dark-haired boy on her right, but then she laughed and gave the tall boy a playful slap.
"She looks like she's just having fun," Arthur observed.
Harry made a low noise in his throat.
"Does she talk about anyone in particular?"
"Alex Wood has spent a lot of time at my house this summer." Harry scowled and crossed his arms at the thought.
"Alex has always visited during the summer. He and Lily have been friends for years."
Harry turned away from the window long enough to give his father-in-law an incredulous look. "Have you met Ron and Hermione?"
Arthur laughed.
"It's not funny," Harry grumbled, returning his attention to his daughter and her admirers.
"On the contrary, Harry, from where I'm sitting, it's hilarious."
The teenagers had reached the window now, and as Lily gave her order, the two boys argued in gestures behind her. Tall Boy won out, handing his money to the clerk. Lily gave him a radiant smile.
"I have half a mind to go over there and—"
"And what? Steal their ice cream?"
Harry watched the boys watch his daughter as Lily licked the edge of the cone, trying to keep it from melting onto her hand.
"The worst part is, I can't even really hate them. I almost feel a little sorry for them because—"
"She reminds you so much of her mother, and you remember how fascinating and irresistible she was," Arthur said.
"Exactly," Harry said, relieved that at last Arthur understood. Then he remembered Ginny was Arthur's daughter, which meant— "Wait, what?"
"Daughters, Harry. Wish them daughters. It's the best revenge a father could hope for."