Eleven Years Later
"Ms. Winters, your daughter is on the phone," Catherine Miller said as Ginny headed to her office, "and Luna called earlier. The new store in England is ready to open next month."
"Thank you, Catherine. What line?"
"Line 3. Oh, and here's your coffee."
Ginny smiled, grabbed her coffee, and walked into her office. It had a beautiful view of the city. It had taken her years to get here, but she finally had everything she wanted. A wonderful daughter, her own company called Lucky Designs, and stores spanning four continents in the Muggle and magical world. Sometimes she wondered if spanning into the magical world had been such a great idea. Sure, it had made her quite a bit of money, but it made things quite difficult.
Not too difficult, she thought. After all, Luna Lovegood, though a bit on the strange side, was quite brilliant. She managed the stores in the magical world with surprising efficiency and kept Ginny's real identity a secret. Still, it worried her. Nothing I can do about it now, she thought. She took a sip of her coffee before grabbing the phone.
"Hello, Nicci," Ginny said, "Is everything all right?"
"All right," Veronica said excitedly, "It's better than all right! You won't believe what just happened to me!"
Ginny laughed. "All right," she said, "You have my attention."
"I'm a witch!"Veronica screamed into the phone.
Ginny froze and let her coffee slip to the floor, shattering the cup and spilling coffee everywhere. She had been dreading this for ten years, ever since she had a visit from an old friend. Her mind wandered back to that day.
Veronica was just over a year old then and Ginny was heading home from work after bring your daughter to work day. She had had such a wonderful day showing Veronica off to all of her coworkers, especially Castilla. Veronica was such a lovely child. She was the best looking child there, Ginny thought proudly. She was just about to enter her apartment building when a voice had called her name.
She turned around and froze. "Sirius," she gasped, "What are you doing here?"
"It's good to see you too, Ginny," Sirius said smiling.
"What are you doing here," Ginny repeated.
"Well, I am here to ask you to come home," Sirius said, "It's been over two years Ginny."
"I'm never going back, Sirius," Ginny said softly, "No more magic."
Sirius raised his eyebrows. "I'm afraid magic is part of who you are, Ginny. You can't escape it. It's in you blood." He glanced at the sleeping Veronica in her arms. "And your daughters as well," he finished.
Ginny glanced down at Veronica. She was sleeping. She looked so sweet with her little red curls and light green eyes. Ginny wanted so desperately to keep her from all the pain the wizarding world was sure to cause her.
Yet, she knew he was right. She turned back to Sirius, now on the verge of tears. "Well, I can put it off as long as I have to," she said softly, "Sirius I'm not going back there. They are no longer my family. They made that perfectly clear years ago. I am finally happy here. I have everything I need." Sirius looked at her sympathetically. He knew how she felt. Of course, he had been lucky to have a friend he could turn to. Ginny didn't.
"Just give them a second chance Ginny. They want to know what really happened that night."
"All of them?" Sirius shifted uncomfortably. "I didn't think so," Ginny continued, "It's Ron isn't it. He still doesn't believe me."
"It's not that," Sirius said, "He's just angry. They all are. Losing Percy wasn't easy. They feel bad that they let things get in the way of their relationship with him. They don't want to lose you too."
"They lost me two years ago Sirius."
"Well, what about the rest of the wizarding world? Don't you want to have your name cleared for good?"
"It doesn't matter. I'm not Ginerva Weasley anymore."
"Ginny, I know you didn't betray us. But only you can clear your name. Just..."
"Please Sirius," she begged, "don't tell them where I am. I have worked so hard to give myself a new life. Don't ruin it for me."
Sirius looked at her and nodded. "Okay," he said softly, "I know what it's like. To be blamed for something you didn't do and what it's like to run away Ginny. But you cant keep running forever. Trust me, I know."
Ginny nodded. "I know, but I need this time to be on my own, to get over what happened to me."
"Yeah, well, I have to be going Ginny," Sirius said, "Your secret is safe with me. If you ever need anything, call this number. I figure it's harder to trace if we use Muggle technology." He handed her a slip of paper.
Ginny nodded and gave Sirius a hug. "Before I go, what's her name?" Sirius asked.
"Veronica," Ginny said smiling. Sirius smiled.
"She's beautiful." He stepped into the shadows and with a small Pop, he was gone. Ginny knew she should have felt relief that he was going to keep her secret, but he had put another fear in her heart.
That fear had never gone away and now Ginny had to face it.
"Mom,"Veronica said, sounding slightly worried, "Mom!"
"Nicci," Ginny said trying to remain calm, "We need to talk, but it'll have to wait until after work, okay?"
"Okay," Veronica said, "Are you okay? You sound funny?"
"I'm fine," Ginny said, trying to sound sincere, "We'll talk when I get home. Bye Sweetie."
"Bye Mom,"Veroncia said.
Ginny sighed after she hung up. She glanced for the first time at the floor where the coffee was starting to stain. This was not going to be a good day. Ginny knew that she had to tell Veronica something, but she wasn't sure she was ready to face her past.
I don't have to tell her everything, Ginny thought. "Yes," she said as a feeling of relief came over her, "I'll just tellVeronica that I'm a witch. I don't have to tell her anything about my so called family."
She walked over to her intercom. "Catherine," she said, "I'm going to need Tom in here. I'm afraid I've spilled my coffee."
Ginny sighed loudly as she exited her car and headed for the door of her house. It was a large two-story home that sat on a two-acre lot, just outside of Los Angeles. She had bought it five years ago, when her business had really taken off and it had been a good investment. Its value had doubled since then. Of course, Ginny had no intention of selling it.
She opened the door slowly and looked around. The house was slightly messy, which was usual when Veronica was home for the summer. Ginny knew there was no point in putting it off, but she did anyway. She put down her briefcase and headed into the kitchen to start dinner.
She was done an hour later. "Nicci!" she called. "Dinner!"
She was putting the food on the table when Veronica came running in clutching a letter in her hand. It was written on a thick piece of parchment and addressed in green ink. Ginny knew what it was immediately.
Veronica handed it to her smiling. "Read this, Mom," she said as she took a seat.
Ginny opened the letter and was somewhat surprised to see that they still addressed it the same way as they had done when she was a child.
Dear Ms. Winters,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy...
Ginny stopped. Hogwarts, she thought, I thought she would be getting a letter from an American school. Ginny sighed. She looked up at Veronica who was looking at her with excitement. She had grown up so fast, Ginny thought, and she was getting prettier every day. She was a small child, with long, curly red hair and light green eyes.
"What's wrong, Mom?" Veronica asked looking worried, "Can I not go?"
Ginny looked at her daughter thoughtfully. It was time. "Yes dear, you can go..." Ginny began. She was interrupted by Veronica's excited scream. "Okay, okay, I know you're excited," Ginny said, "But there is something I have to tell you, so listen up."
"Okay,"Veronica said grinning, "but can I ask you something first?"
"Go ahead," Ginny replied.
"Okay, I seriously thought you were going to freak when you learned that there are actually witches and wizards. I did. But you didn't seem surprised at all. How come?"Veronica asked.
"Well that's what I needed to talk to you about," Ginny said, "You see Nicci, I am a witch too." Veronica gasped. "I come from a pureblood family. I was raised knowing all about witches and wizards. In fact, I went to the very same school you will be going to."
Veronica listened raptly with a smile growing on her face each second. "I can't believe it, Mom," Veronica said quickly, "You're a witch too. This is so great. Where is this school anyways, I thought you lived in England as a child? Do I have any relatives that are magical too?"
"Slow down dear," Ginny said smiling despite herself. Veronica seemed so happy. There was no way she was going to deny her the chance to go to Hogwarts. After all some of the best days of her life were spent there. She just prayed that she didn't run into any of her so-called family while she was there. "As for the school, it's somewhere in England. Nobody knows the exact location. I was an only child and my parents both died, so you don't have any relatives, at least not any that I know of."
"Oh,"Veronica said, "When do we leave?"
Ginny smiled. "Well, as soon as I can get off work," she said grinning, "We can take a little vacation. I'll show you all around the magical areas of London."
Veronica smiled and Ginny couldn't help but smile back.
It was less then a month later when Ginny managed to free an entire month for her and Veronica to stay in England. This plan worked quite nicely since Ginny didn't have to return until two days after she sent Veronica on her way. It would give her time to get her shop opening in Diagon Alley up and running.
"Calm down, Nicci," Ginny said smiling over at her. Veronica was bouncing around in her seat jabbering on about how she was going to see her first magical place. Ginny was taking her to the IPA, or International Portkey Association. She had booked them a portkey to London. It was only a few minutes walk from Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron, where Ginny planned to get a room.
"Let's go," Ginny said as she stopped in front of a closed down salon.
"Where are we?"Veronica asked.
"The IPA," Ginny said holding back a smile. Veronica looked at her skeptically.
"Come on, I'll show you," Ginny continued. She grabbed hers and Veronica's suitcases and headed toward the front window. She took Veronica's hand and stepped straight through the glass. Veronica was about to scream when she realized she had not hit the glass at all. She stared at her mom in awe. Ginny smiled and guided her to the front desk.
Veronica glanced around as Ginny talked with the woman at the counter. There had to be thousands of witches and wizards there. Veronica noted that some of them were dressed in long robes of assorted colors. She gasped when out of nowhere a group of eight or so people appeared holding a large tin can.
"Come along, Nicci," Ginny said smiling at her daughters shocked expression. "Our portkey leaves in three minutes."
Ginny grabbed her hand and pulled her through the large crowd of people. For the first time, Veronica felt a knot start growing in her stomach. I wonder if these portkey things are safe, she thought as she watched another appearing group slam into the ground.
"Grab hold dear," Ginny said pointing at a boot in front of them. "Just a finger will do." Veronica did as she was told. Moments later a man walked up and placed his finger on the boot as well. Veronica leaned back to get a better look at him. He was wearing dark green robes and had a long brown beard that fell almost down to his waist.
"12:00 Portkey for London Square," a voice announced.
Veronica felt a strange pull behind her navel and found herself being jerked forward. She closed her eyes. In a matter of seconds, she felt her butt hit something hard. She opened her eyes to find herself on the ground. Ginny was standing next to her and trying not to laugh.
"First time, kid?" the man who had traveled with them asked.
"Yes," Veronica said feeling somewhat embarrassed.
"No worries, you'll get used to it," he said with a smile before he disappeared out into the Muggle street.
It had been three weeks since Veronica and Ginny had arrived in Diagon Alley. Veronica know knew Diagon Alley by heart and Ginny allowed her to walk the street alone, since she had work to do in her shop.
The grand opening had been less than a week ago and business was booming. Ginny yawned as she glanced at the clock. It was almost two. "Elaine," Ginny called to a pretty blonde working the counter, "I'm taking a break. Can you handle the register?"
"Sure boss," Elaine called back. Ginny smiled and headed up the stairs into the office. It was a lot smaller then her office back home, but she liked it. It reminded her of her work at Velsworth Designs. It was supposed to be for the manager, but Ginny took over it while she was in town.
She took a seat at her desk and closed her eyes. She practically jumped out of her skin when a voice said, "Hello Ginny."
"Sirius," Ginny said looking shocked.
"Sorry, did I scare you?" Sirius asked grinning, "I apparated here."
"It's okay," Ginny said feeling her heart rate return to normal, "Long time no see."
"I know," Sirius said, "A good three years at least."
Ginny nodded. "At least," she said, "I'm glad you stopped by. It's good to see you again."
Sirius smiled. "You too," he said, "But that's not the only reason why I'm here. You see, I have a favor to ask."
Ginny narrowed her eyes. "It better not be you asking me to pay my "family" a visit."
"No, no," Sirius said, "I'm assuming you haven't seen them yet." Ginny nodded. "Well," Sirius continued, "That isn't what I need. You see, I need a new Charms teacher for the year."
Ginny stared at him curiously. "I'm not following you, Sirius. You've already learned Charms. Why do you need a teacher?"
Sirius laughed. "Not for me, Ginny, for the students. I'm the new headmaster at Hogwarts."
Ginny felt her jaw drop. "Since when?" And who gave him that job? Were they mad?
"Three years ago when Minerva retired. That's why I haven't been able to stop in recently," Sirius said smiling, "I guess you didn't read Nicci's letter too carefully, did you?"
Ginny stared at him and a new thought entered her head. "You're the one who signedVeronica up for Hogwarts."
Sirius nodded. "That I am," he said, "So what about that job?"
"Well, I don't know," Ginny said softly, "After all, I do own a company now and I'm not sure I can get off."
"You can visit you little company on the weekend," Sirius said waving his hand, "It'll be good for you to get away from this hectic life you're living."
"And in to a world full of lovely little children who never do anything wrong?" Ginny asked sarcastically.
Sirius grinned. "Exactly."
"All right," Ginny said laughing, "I'll do it, but only because I owe you. And I'm going in disguise. I don't want any run ins with people I used to know."
"Fine," Sirius said grinning, "Now I've got to go. Duty calls. Tell Nicci I said hiello." He disappeared with a small POP.
"Why do I get the feeling I just got tricked into doing something I shouldn't be doing?" Ginny muttered to herself, "I know he's up to something."
Ginny sighed and headed back down the stairs. She walked over to a rack by the fireplace and started putting outfits back on it.
Moments later she saw a boy shoot out of her fireplace. She looked at him in surprise.
"This isn't the Leaky Cauldron is it?" the boy asked.
"No," Ginny said smiling at him, "but it's not too far. What's your name?"
"I'm Michael," the boy said.
"I'm Ginny," Ginny said helping the boy off the ground. She muttered a spell and all the soot disappeared. She smiled at him. He was rather young with bright red hair and a sprinkling of freckles across his nose. "Come on," she continued, "I'll walk you to the Leaky Cauldron."
"Thanks," Michael said as he followed Ginny out of the store and into the street. "My dad is going to be so mad when he finds out I went to the wrong place. It's my first time using Floo Powder, you know, and I told my dad I could do it."
Ginny smiled at him. "Well, the first time is always hard. How old are you anyways?"
"I'm nine," Michael said grinning. "I'll be going to Hogwarts in two years, you know."
"Really?" Ginny said smiling at his enthusiasm, "Hogwarts is really a great place. I loved it there."
"You went to Hogwarts?" Michael asked.
"I did," said Ginny.
"Wow, maybe you knew my dad," Michael said smiling.
"Maybe, what's his name?" Ginny asked, but somehow she already knew the answer.
"Ron Weasley," Michael said, "Speaking of my dad, there he is." Ginny whipped around to look where Michael was pointing. Sure enough, there was Ron, looking much the same, just older, along with three other children. "Dad!" Michael shouted.
Ginny swayed nervously and disappeared behind a building just out of view before Ron could reach them. "Hey Dad," she heard Michael say, "You have to meet the lady who helped get back here. She went to Hogwarts. Her name is Ginny."
"Ginny?" Ron asked quickly, "Where'd she go?"
Michael looked around curiously. "I don't know. She was just here," he muttered.
Ginny sighed and apparated back to her room at the Leaky Cauldron. That had been too close for comfort. Maybe that job wasn't such a good idea, she thought to herself. However, she knew she couldn't back out since she had already promised Sirius. Plus, it's not like anyone would recognize her since she was going in disguise. Exactly, she thought. I hope.
