Searching For Love: Chapter Three

(I don't own any copyrights to the Harry Potter series or anything to do with it).

Bath-time for Rachel is always loud and wet. She loves to splash the water about with her tiny fists, and watch the bubbles drip off of 'daddy's face'. I've had Hermione water proof my glasses since I've been giving Rachel baths, but I'm seriously considering contacts right now. Rachel gurgles and looks at me with those bright green eyes; somehow, it's like I can see Ginny looking out of them. Without thought, I suddenly reach over and kiss my daughter on the forehead, thanking every force in the world that gave her to me safe and sound. With a resounding splash, my mouth fills with bubbles and my hair plasters itself to my forehead; Rachel has taken careful aim, and hit me square in the face! She looks at me innocently, and for the first time in a long time, I can truly laugh.

Later, we sit alone together in the nursery, in an antique armchair that Mrs. Weasley found in storage somewhere. One little pink and yellow lamp is lit, but the moon is large and bright outside the window. I begin to rock Rachel, singing that familiar song I always heard Ginny singing. Rachel seems to quiet down, her breathing slows, and her eyes flutter closed.

When the day has turned to night

And all the stars are all alight

Close your eyes and dream away

The world around you mists away

But know my love for you will always burn

A candle in the dark that burns

Like the stars that guide your way

I will love you day by day

I know my singing voice isn't the greatest, but Rachel seems to be comforted by it. I can remember when Ginny used to sing it to me…

I cried for Sirius when he died. I cried for Cedric when died. I've cried for my mother, my father, my friends, and for Dumbledore. I've shed so many tears that now I am drowning in them. Ginny and I laid together one night, in her room, and I cried for her, because I would have to leave her; I knew I was being a coward, asking her to stay out of it, and selfish as well, but I didn't want to shed another tear, especially not for the one I loved. Ginny curled up to me, a burning warmth against my cold heart, and she sang to me. Her voice was angelic, her words striking at my heart, and I knew than that I wasn't being selfish; I was doing what any person tries to do for the one they love: protect them!

I am just tucking Rachel in when a muffled crash comes from somewhere below me. I can hear Mrs. Weasley shouting for Mr. Weasley, and suddenly the door bangs open. Hermione and Ron stand there, breathless, and in shock.

"Harry," Ron seems at a loss for words, "Harry, you'd better come see this."

"But what about—" Hermione begins, but Ron cuts her off.

"Hermione, you, mum, and dad, take Rachel and get out of here. Go somewhere safe! Let Harry and I take care of it."

"But--!" Hermione argues, but Ron suddenly entangles her in his arms and silences her with a passionate kiss.

"We're talking about our son's life here," he begs with her gently, "please Hermione—I don't want anything to happen him, or you, or my family—"

"Alright," Hermione whispers, a tear sliding down her cheek, "but—you be careful Ronald Weasley!"

He grins, and her eyes clear.

"I will," he jokes, "you know Harry and me; we never do anything dangerous or stupid!"

At that moment the Mr. and Mrs. Weasley appear in the doorway, looking slightly beat up.

"She's coming up the stairs! We'd better go!" Mrs. Weasley urges.

"Lead the way," Hermione rushes over to Rachel's cradle and gathers Rachel into her arms. I have only time to kiss Rachel quickly on the forehead, and tell her that her daddy loves her, before they apparate away.

"Who's coming up the stairs?" I ask Ron, drawing my wand.

"Ginny," Ron replies grimly.