Fifteen Minutes For A Loved One

It was May 1st of 2005, and the Weasley/Potter brood was at Shell Cottage, celebrating Victoire's birthday. They always celebrated Victoire's birthday a day early, because of what happened on May 2nd, seven years earlier. Everyone was here, all of the aunts and uncles, grandma and grandpa, and all the cousins. Victoire, it was her birthday, Dominique, Fred, James, Roxanne, Louis and Molly. Molly was the youngest Weasley child at the moment. Victoire was always curious about why her birthday was celebrated a day early, on her actual birthday her parents would make her a special breakfast, but her parents had told her she'd know when she was older, and to not worry about it.

Today, Harry had just snuck out of the party. He left three year old James inside with his Uncle Charlie, so that Ginny could still talk with her sister-in-laws. Harry just needed time to think. Tomorrow would be the annual memorial service at Hogwarts, and Harry was dreading it. He had finally agreed to say a speech. Kingsley begged him every year, and he always said no, but this year, he figured he finally could.

Harry wondered around to the back of the cottage, and found himself looking at Dobby's grave. It seemed like an eternity ago when he had set the little house elf free, or when Dobby helped him during the Triwizard Tournament, or Dobby's tragic death. Dobby had died to save Harry's life, and Harry would always be thankful to Dobby.

"Thank you." Harry mumbled as he sat down. He felt a few tears slide down his face, as he heard little delicate footsteps, he knew it must be one of the little children.

"Uncle Harry?" Harry heard the little, hesitant voice of his little niece, Victoire. "Uncle Harry, are you okay?" She asked with concern in her little voice. Harry turned around to see his beautiful, 1/8 veela niece.

"Come here, Vic." Harry held out his arms for his little niece, she came racing into his arms. She wrapped her almost five-year-old arms around her uncle's neck.

"What's wrong, Uncle Harry?"

"I'm just looking at Dobby's grave, and remembering."

"Remembering what?" Victoire asked.

"Remembering the little house elf, Dobby. He was very sweet, and very kind. He loved to help people, even though he was a free house elf."

"He was free?" Victoire asked happily.

"Yes. Dobby had very mean masters, but one day a little boy made him free. This little boy tricked his master into giving him a sock, and Dobby was very grateful. He helped this little boy whenever he could, and it cost him his life." Harry sighed. "Does that make sense Vic?" Victoire nodded her head.

"What a nice little boy. How did Dobby help the little boy?"

"Well, one time, this little boy was in big danger, and he called for help. He didn't know if anyone would come, but he was surprised when the little house elf came to the rescue. Dobby saved their lives. That was when Dobby died. He got hurt when he was trying to save the little boy and his friends. He did save the little boy and his friends, but he died trying. Dobby was a very, very brave house elf." Harry explained to her.

"Do you know the little boy, Uncle Harry? Or his friends?"

"Well, his friends are Uncle Ron, and Aunt Hermione, and Luna, and Mr. Ollivander, and a goblin from Gringotts." Victoire gasped.

"Really?" She asked.

"Really, the little boy is somebody else you know. Guess."

"I don't know, Uncle Harry! Who is it?"

"It's me." Harry said, and he couldn't help but smile.

"Victoire, never forget that Dobby was very brave, and that house elves can be just as brave as witches and wizards. Can you do that for me?"

"Of course I can, Uncle Harry!" Victoire exclaimed. "I'm very smart!" Harry laughed.

"Good, I'm glad. And Victoire, I have something else for you to remember."

"What is it?" She asked excitedly. Harry laughed again.

"I love you very much. This is a crazy world we live in. I want you to always be grateful for everything you have. I want you to thank your mum and dad everyday, and tell them that you love them. I want you to be a good big sister to Dom and Louis, and to always help them if they ever need help. And be a good big cousin to Fred and Roxie and Molly and James. Being the oldest is a big responsibility, and you are a very good big sister and cousin. You should be very proud, Vic. And grandmum and granddad Weasley love you very much, and you should be thankful to them too." Harry smiled at the innocent, loving look in Vic's eyes. She had no idea what kind of evil had been on this earth before she born. She was peacefully oblivious. "I love you, Victoire, and I am very proud of you."

"I love you too Uncle Harry." Victoire gave her uncle another big hug. "Can we go back to my party now?" Harry laughed.

"Sure. Just remember what I told you, love." Harry stood up, and then helped Victoire to her feet. He gently brushed off her party dress, hoping Fleur wouldn't be mad that there was a little dirt on it. "Tergeo." He whispered.

When they went inside, James ran to Harry, and Victoire ran to Fleur and Bill. Harry scooped James up into his arm as he heard Victoire exclaim,

"Thank you, Daddy. Thank you, Mummy!" She smiled her beautiful, innocent smile up at her parents.

"Whatever for, Victoire?" Bill asked confused.

"Thank you for all you do." She recited with a smile. Then, she ran over to Dominique.

"I love you Dominique." Then she went over to Louis and wrapped him in a big hug.

"I love you Louis!" Then she went over to her grandparents.

"I love you Grandmum Weasley!" She jumped into her open arms. "Thank you." Then to her granddad, "I love you too Granddad Weasley, Thank you!"

-finished-

A/N- this isn't really "romance", but it shows how family love is just as strong. And friendship love. Thank you for all of my readers, I am very grateful for all of you! REVIEW! –Lyric