The Goblin Prince.

In which Ginny realizes some uncomftorable truths.

Two months and a series of Hibachi trips worldwide later, Sarah and Jareth had an announcement. 

"Goblins, Dwarves, Knights, squires, fires, pixies, sports, elves, chickens," Jareth said from the balcony overlooking the Goblin city. "I have an announcement to make." 

The goblins stilled, a rather impressive feat when it came to them. 

"After nine months of courting, may I introduce, your new queen!" 

Sarah stepped forward, resplendent in her gold and silver dress. She curtseyed as the goblins cheered, already in love with their new monarch, even the chickens were excited. No, nope.  Lexie was just laying an egg. 

The subsequent party last three days and nights, the wine cellars were emptied, the pantry cleaned out. 

Which is how the King, Queen,  and Crown Prince of the Labyrinth ended up at Costco. 

They were no longer allowed to return to Costco but at least they had something to eat besides peaches until the harvest came in. 

It was a mortal week after the Costco debacle when Prince was chatting with Ginny. 

"What's wrong. You look glum." 

"Mom and Dad have not been home very much. Ron went to Hogwarts this year so it's just me and Luna." 

"And you're lonely?" 

"No. Yes. Luna is a good friend and all but sometimes I miss a conversation that doesn't involve Nargles." 

"What in the name of the 16 kingdoms is a nargle?" 

"I have no idea." 

"Your friend sounds strange. Good strange, but strange nevertheless."
 
"That's rich coming from someone who thinks hair vines are a fashion statement and doesn't believe in shoes." 

"I beg your pardon?" 

They both laughed. 

"So what has your parents running ragged?" 

"Harry Potter didn't show up to Hogwarts." 

"So? There are other schools for you to attend. What's that one in America, or that one in France." 

"He's the Boy-Who-Lived. Every child knows of him." 

"You make it sound like he did something amazing as a small child."

"He did though!" Ginny protested. 

"Okay then. What did he do and why is it so important for him to go to Hogwarts?" 

Ginny sighed. "Before I was born but while my mom was pregnant, there was a really bad war going on. He-who-must-not-be-named killed a lot of people. One day, on Halloween, he went after the Potters. I don't know many details but he killed both James and Lily Potter but when he went to kill Harry, he died instead. The war ended and Dumbledore hid him away to grow up safely away from the Wizarding world but he disappeared within a week."

"So he was the only survivor of the last massacre?" Prince asked. "And vanished soon after?"

"Yeah. He was supposed to go to Hogwarts but his letter returned unopened with the word 'Pass' written on the envelope." 

"Sounds to me like he made his choice," Prince said, knowing full well they were discussing himself and had no intention of informing Ginny of that fact. "If he didn't accept that should be that."

"That's what I don't get either. I mean, it would be awesome to meet him and all but I dont think hunting him down is going to do any good." 

"It sounds like someone had plans for him and now they are upset he refused to play along." Prince mused. 

"Maybe?" Ginny said, sounding like someone was messing with her sense of reality and worldview. 

Usually, Prince enjoyed doing that to mortals but he was fond of the redhead so he changed the subject. "And it sounds to me like Lily and James did something to protect the child. Maybe they made a wish?" He said it jokingly but didn't elaborate. 

"Maybe," Ginny said, looking away.

"Come on, I learned a new song and I want to play it." 

A year later and Ginny reported that the hunt had all but ceased and her parents were spending time at home again. She was also excited to attend Hogwarts and was very proud of her new Yew wand with unicorn hair. 

Unfortunately, she was getting older, so when she stopped coming as often, while Prince would miss her, he knew that it was part of her growing up. 

It was also Toby's ninth birthday and Sarah wanted to tell him about her world. 

Jareth was ecstatic to see Jareth Junior again and offered to spirit him away.

"Or we can go for a walk in the Park?" 

"Excellent idea, my love. I'll arrange a picnic. With a show and music and..."

Jareth, just like Prince, loved to see former wishaway again. 

"How about we hold off on the magic until I explain first." 

"About how you wished him away and stormed a castle to get him back?" Prince asked, not looking up from his book. Ginny had a dark aura surrounding her last time she visited so he was doing some research into it. He would consult the Wiseman if he couldn't figure it out and take care of it if he could.

Sarah blushed. "Yes, that." 

Jareth was disappointed at first but quickly busied himself preparing the castle and Labyrinth for Toby's inevitable return. 

Sarah left for a day in March and when she came back, Toby was holding her hand. 

He had blonde hair and blue eyes, a t-shirt advertising a band and blue jeans. 

"Whoa." He said. "You weren't messing with me." 

"I will never lie to you, Toby," Sarah promised. She was dressed in above clothes, jeans, and a white blouse. 

"Welcome back, Toby," Prince said, having felt the ripple of magic announcing the presence of a mortal. "Long time no see." 

"I know you," Toby said, staring. 

"I'm surprised you remembered. You were only a baby when we met." Prince said. 

"You would have only been three." Toby protested. 

"I'm fae. I'm actually older than your grandparents." 

"That's awesome." 

Prince chuckled. "Your sister doesn't think so. What was it you said? That I use my childhood cuteness to get what I want." 

Sarah glared. 

Lightning flashed and the doors to the throne room blew open and the Goblin King strode in, swan feather cape fluttering in the wind, fae dust swirling in the air. 

"I thought you were joking about the glitter."