Just A Dream

Written by AlexL61

Author's Note: Based on the song, "Just A Dream" by Carrie Underwood. Warnings for non-graphic character death. I view the DMLE and the Ministry as part of the United Kingdom's government so the very beginning rides on that fact. Not all stories have happy endings, this one surely doesn't.

Ginny Potter was standing in the front lawn of Potter Manor pushing Lily Luna in the rope swing that Harry had set up before he was called into work as an Auror several weeks ago. It was a perfect day, no rain or bad weather, which was unusual for Northern Scotland this time of year. She and Lily were taking advantage of it by having a picnic and just having fun. James and Albus had already gone off to Hogwarts some weeks ago, so they were alone around the house.

As Lily laughed at how high she was swinging, a black SUV was making its way up the long drive towards the house. Its tires slowly crunched against the gravel of the drive, bringing Ginny's attention away from her daughter. It was a common sight to see governmental SUVs around the Potter household, with him being a war hero and Senior Auror, however, this one was different. The hood had two flags adorning the sides, one being the United Kingdom's flag and the other being the sigil of Queen Elizabeth II.

As it came to a stop a couple dozen meters from her, Ginny was surprised to see her brother, Ronald Weasley, step out in full formal Auror dress. He was accompanied by a non-descript Auror who had driven him. As he stepped out, Ginny met his eyes and she saw him divert his gaze to look down at the letter he was holding.

Lily knew something was wrong, as children somehow always do, and made her way over to stand next to her mother. Ginny grabbed onto the daughter's side and pulled her closer to her body, in front of her, subconsciously trying to shield herself from what she knew was coming.

As Ron slowly made his way to her, she could tell there were tears forming in the corners of his eyes…

"Mrs. Potter, why don't we step inside and…" Ron started, trying to maintain a sense of formality.

"Please tell me", Ginny said, tears forming in her ducts and in the corners of her eyes.

"Ginny, I really think we should…"

"Just tell me", Ginny said again, shaking her head, "Read it Ron"

Ron sighed before opening the letter, "The Ministry of Magic regrets to inform you that... That your husband Senior Auror Harry Potter, was killed in action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his county. The Ministry extends its sincerest sympathy in your great loss. Sincerely, Hermione Granger, Minister of Magic…. I'm so sorry Ginny."

"Is there anything you need from me, Ron?" Ginny said, still trying to not sob. Tears were already flowing down the sides of her cheeks.

"Do you want to talk about it, Gin?" Ron asked, more for himself than her. He was barely keeping it together as well.

"I need to floo Hogwarts and tell James and Albus. Tell Hermione that we'll be okay." She smiled sadly at her brother, "Come on Lily. Let's go inside…" Ginny grabbed the hand of her daughter before walking back towards the manor and inside.

As they were walking back, Lily, ever the smart one, asked, "Mum, does that mean Dad isn't coming back?"

When they reached to door, Ginny kneeled to face Lily eye to eye before kissing her on the head, "Yeah, sweetheart. Daddy isn't coming back this time…"

When Ginny laid her head on the pillow that night after calling and telling James and Albus, she laid there and sobbed. "This just has to be a bad dream, just a dream…"