All you fellow Swifties out there will recognise this as a song title from TTPD. This was actually written for CorneliaAvenue's The Tortured Potters Department fest on tumblr. Go check out my tumblr, under the same name, and you'll find posts about the fest. Hope you enjoy!
But Daddy, I Love Him!
1986
She snuggled into her pillow, seeking the comforting warmth of her bed. It was a dark night, the weather thundering and stormy. Her father was in her room, sitting on a chair, next to her bed, telling her a story about how this little boy, not much older than her, defeated this dark wizard.
She watched in fascination and excitement as her father gestured with his hands wildly. A roar sounded. She jumped, and clutched her teddy bear more securely. Arthur chuckled. "It's alright. It's just some thunder." She relaxed slightly, still recovering from the fright of the loud sound.
"There was a boy named Harry Potter. He conquered the darkest wizard there was; Lord Voldemort." Arthur began. She grinned at her father. "Lord Voldemort did some terrible things, killing anyone who stood in his way to power. He was ruthless; yet cunning and ambitious. But you know?" He narrated. "What?" She asked curiously. "A little baby, just over a year old, managed to defeat him. His name, was Harry."
She noticed that her father had a relieved smile on his face when he said this. She resolved then and there, that she would marry this boy. Anyone who could make her father smile deserved her love. She grinned at him, and he grinned back.
He sighed. "You should forget I told you this. Your mother would kill me if she found out. She still thinks all of you are too young to know about the war, but with the way it's going, I think you should know in advance." He said. "But Daddy, I love him!" She exclaimed. His eyes softened before he shook his head. Standing up, he pushed his chair back, and moved towards the door.
"Get some sleep, baby girl. Goodnight, love." He called. "Goodnight, daddy." She called at his retreating back, conflicted about what he said. She shrugged, snuggling into the warm sheets, her teddy bear comforting her on this dark stormy night.
1st September, 2001
Arthur let himself outside, feeling shocked and a little bit teary. His daughter was getting married today. She was only 20, and she was already getting married. He liked Harry, not to get him wrong, but seeing his baby getting married hurt. She was all grown up. She didn't need him anymore, not like she used to.
He went to see Ginny in her room, where she was getting ready for the day. In a few hours, he would be walking her down the aisle, and giving her away. His eyes brimmed with tears as they landed on her. She was a vision, even though she wasn't fully ready yet. She was still doing her hair and makeup, and was yet to get in her dress. She smiled at him when he entered.
He gave her a watery smile in return, causing her to frown. She stopped her hairdresser, got up and followed her father outside. "What's wrong, daddy?" She asked. His heart warmed when she called him daddy. "You haven't called me that since you were 8." Her eyes softened. "I love you, daddy." His lips curved.
"Are you sure you want to get married so young? You have your entire life out in front of you." He said. She smiled at him. "But daddy, I love him! And I want to spend that life with Harry. I want to take his name, be his wife, and be the mother of his children." He smiled sadly at her. Realization crosses her face. "You'll always have me daddy. You won't lose me, y'know? I'm still here." She said. He kissed the top of her head, smiled at her, and kissed her forehead. All was well.