They continued discussing Muggle items and their potential for magical modification. Arthur’s enthusiasm for the topic became apparent as he peppered Alex with questions about his plans. To Alex, Arthur’s fascination with Muggle life was unmatched by any other wizard he’d met. He couldn’t help but wonder how Arthur, of all people, managed to write laws restricting the very items he so obviously adored. ‘Does he even follow his own rules?’ Alex thought, hiding a smirk.
As Alex and Arthur chatted, Molly bustled out of the kitchen, a warm smile on her face. She exchanged a few polite words with Alex, firmly declining his offer to help with cooking. “You’re a guest, Alex,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “Sit and enjoy yourself for once. Let me show you what a proper home-cooked meal tastes like.”
Before Alex could respond, the Weasley children burst into the house, chattering loudly as they removed their Quidditch gear. Under Bill and Charlie’s watchful eyes, they obediently put the equipment away, clearly more cautious around Alex than their own parents. Their behavior, a mix of respect and apprehension, amused Alex.
Fang trailed behind them, but he was not alone. Perched triumphantly on his back was Ginny, her small hands clutching tufts of his fur like reins. She sat proudly, her fiery hair framing her determined face. Fang’s expression, however, was one of pure resignation. The once-proud creature looked utterly defeated, his tail dragging limply behind him as he shuffled into the room.
Bill had apparently managed to get Ginny to release Fang’s tail, but convincing her to leave him alone entirely had proven impossible. Ginny had simply transitioned to riding him like a pony, and she wasn’t budging. Fang’s pleading eyes found Alex once more, silently begging for rescue.
With a slight smirk, Alex clapped his hands twice, then opened his arms toward Ginny. The little girl’s eyes lit up immediately. Without hesitation, she released Fang, flung her arms wide, and launched herself into Alex’s waiting embrace. She nestled against his chest with a contented sigh, her earlier fierceness replaced by complete trust and adoration.
The Weasley brothers, standing nearby, exchanged incredulous looks. They had tried everything to convince Ginny to leave Fang alone, to no avail. Yet Alex had managed to win her over with a simple gesture.
“Unbelievable,” muttered Fred, shaking his head.
“Traitor,” George added, shooting a mock glare at Ginny.
Meanwhile, Fang seized the opportunity to slink away to a corner, as far from Ginny and her energetic brothers as possible. The ordeal had clearly drained him, and he wasn’t taking any chances. Molly, who had been observing the scene with a motherly smile, turned to Alex. “It seems Ginny has taken quite a liking to you,” she said warmly.
Arthur, sipping his tea, chuckled. “She’s always been drawn to Alex. Even when she was just a baby, she’d light up whenever he visited.”
Molly nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. “You’ve been such a big part of our family, Alex. Especially during the time Ginny was born. You were like an older brother to the boys and such a help to me.” Her tone softened as she continued. “Have you ever considered being Ginny’s godfather?”
Alex blinked, startled by the suggestion. “Godfather?”
“Yes,” Molly said, her gaze steady but kind. “Even though you’re only twelve years older, you’re mature beyond your years. You’ve always been a positive influence on the children. I couldn’t think of anyone better suited.”
Alex looked down at Ginny, who was now contentedly sucking her thumb, her other hand clutching his shirt. A warmth spread through him as he gazed at the tiny girl who seemed to trust him implicitly. “I…” Alex hesitated, caught off guard by the weight of the offer. But as he held Ginny close, an unexpected sense of responsibility and affection welled up in him.
Arthur leaned forward, his eyes twinkling. “You’d make a fine godfather, Alex. And just think—you’d get to teach her all about those enchanted Muggle items you’re so fond of.”
Alex laughed softly, the tension easing. “If Ginny’s okay with it, then…I’d be honored to be her godfather.”
Molly beamed. “It’s settled, then. Ginny has the best godfather anyone could ask for.”
As if sensing the moment’s significance, Ginny looked up at Alex with wide, curious eyes. “Gah-fa?” she babbled, her small hand reaching for his face.
Alex’s smile softened. “That’s right, Ginny. I’m your godfather now.”
"Still, this feels strange," Bill interjected with a frown. "If Alex becomes Ginny’s godfather, does that mean we’ll have to call him ‘Uncle’ now?"
"Exactly! We prefer calling him Big Brother Alex!" the twins chimed in simultaneously, their usual mischief on full display.
Alex smirked teasingly. "I don’t mind. From now on, you can call me Uncle, and I’ll call you Brother. Fair trade, right?"
"But we mind!" the boys chorused in unison, all rolling their eyes in exaggerated protest.
Even Fang, Alex’s large and loyal dog, raised a paw in silent objection, as if to voice his discontent. He couldn’t imagine his future peace if this little girl became the master’s goddaughter. Wouldn’t that make his life even more chaotic? Despite the protests, Molly and Arthur quickly finalized the arrangement, and Alex readily accepted the honor.
Little Ginny, cradled in Alex’s arms, was oblivious to the discussions around her. She only knew that the man holding her was warm and comforting. Suddenly, a burst of joy bubbled up inside her, spreading through her tiny body. Giggling like a silver bell, she clapped her hands with delight. "It seems Ginny is pleased with her godfather," Molly said fondly, her hands on her hips and a bright smile lighting up her face.
Alex gently lifted Ginny to eye level, looking into her wide, light brown eyes. "Hey, Ginny, say 'Godfather.'"
"Ga’fa’!" Ginny repeated with a slight lisp, her tiny hands reaching out to pat Alex’s face.
Alex leaned closer, letting her tiny hands explore his cheeks. Her laughter was infectious, bringing smiles to everyone around. "Well, that settles it," Arthur declared. "Alex, you’re officially part of the family now."
Alex chuckled warmly, but then seemed to remember something. With a small flourish, a beautifully crafted bracelet appeared in his hand. As he held it, the bracelet resized itself, shrinking to fit Ginny’s tiny wrist perfectly. "This is your welcome gift from your godfather," Alex said, gently fastening the bracelet on Ginny’s wrist.
The bracelet wasn’t just beautiful—it was an alchemical masterpiece. Made of mithril, it was imbued with a triple-layered Shield Charm that recharged automatically and an enchantment for spiritual protection that activated on its own. Originally crafted for Alex’s use, it now found its new home with Ginny.