Happy Holidays

Chapter 2

Harry and Hermione were both up and ready to set out on their last minute Christmas shopping for Lila. It was early enough that they should be able to get everything they needed and get back before she even woke up and they would be able to have breakfast with her. They were both allowed to leave Hogwarts since they were both of age and returning students so they set off for Hogsmeade.

After an hour or two of shopping, getting Lila sweets, books, clothes for school and leisure, dress robes, and some mini Quidditch games including a practice snitch. After they were done Harry shrunk everything handing it over to Hermione and walking her to the edge of Hogwarts grounds.

He turns to her and says, "I have one more important stop to make. Do you think you can get those all wrapped up while I'm gone? Then I'll meet you two at breakfast."

"Of course Harry," Hermione responds with a quick kiss before turning and heading into the castle.

Harry walks at a quick pace heading to the Great Hall hoping that he was not too late. When he bursts through the door he quickly scans the hall and a brilliant smile overcomes his face when he spots Hermione and Lila sitting across from each other. He hurries over to them and takes the spot next to Lila. She seems surprised when he wraps his arm around her and gives her a quick squeeze in greeting before piling his plate with food. Both Harry and Hermione act like this is an everyday occurrence as Lila gapes at them.

She finally comes to her senses and continues to eat her breakfast glancing at Harry and Hermione as if to check that they were still really there.

"Lila," Harry says pausing between bites and looking at her, "Who is your guardian?"

"I don't have one," She responds staring down at her plate as she pushes her food around feeling uncomfortable, "My parents died during the war and I have no other family to take me in."

"So where do you stay during the summer?" He questions.

"This past summer I stayed at a makeshift wizarding orphanage. There was never one needed before the war so they had to make one since so many children had nowhere to go and nobody could take us all in," She explains still not looking up.

"Can you be adopted?" Harry asks curious.

"I could," she mumbles, "But nobody really adopts the older children they usually only take the little ones."

"How would you feel about being adopted my Hermione and I?" He asks while taking a sip of pumpkin juice.

Lila's head snapped up and she asks, "Why would you want to do that?"

"As I said you remind me a lot of Hermione," Harry says grinning, "We have talked about taking in orphans and then I saw you last night and instantly felt attached to you and just knew you would make a great addition to our makeshift little family."

"Are you serious?" Lila asks in awe, "You really want to adopt me?"

"As long as you don't mind," Harry explains, "But you must know that you would not be the only child we have. We plan on taking in my godson Teddy once we graduate. Currently he is living with his grandmother but since he is a toddler she is having some issues being able taking care of him all on her own. She does not plan on giving him up just wants him to be raised in a family that she can still be the doting grandmother and spoil her only grandson."

"I wouldn't mind," Lila replies shyly, "I've always wanted younger siblings."

"Also if Hermione and I have our own kids some day we want you to know that we would not love you any less," Harry tells her looking straight into her eyes, "You would still be our daughter nothing would ever change that. Our family would just be a little bit bigger."

"I understand," She says with hope in her voice.

"We are both very famous war heroes so you will be in the press a lot," Harry explains, "It will be hard and you would have to be careful about everything you do and say."

"I can do that," she says starting to smile.

"You can call us whatever you feel comfortable with," Hermione interjects, "We aren't planning on replacing your parents we just want you to grow up happy and loved."

"Thank you," Lila responds with a wide smile and tears shining in her eyes.

"You do not have to answer us now," Harry informs her, "But we would like to spend this Christmas with you. You could think of it as a test run before making the decision of wanting to join our family. You can also meet Teddy. Andromeda will be dropping him off Christmas morning since she will be celebrating with him on Christmas Eve. She also might stay to celebrate with us."

"That sounds lovely," Lila responds truthfully. All Harry and Hermione can do is smile at her in response.

"Well if you two are done eating we should head back up to the common room," Hermione says. The other two follow her lead and stand. When they reach the door Harry wraps his arm around Hermione and the two follow the excited Lila to their common room.

As they reach the portrait of the Fat Lady, Harry has a mischievous smile on his face as Lila says the password gaining access to the dorm. When they climb in Lila gasps at the scene before her making Harrys smile turns into a smirk.

"Wow," Lila mumbles in amazement. Before them there was a large tree surrounded by boxes of decorations, all of the furniture had been pushed off to the side and in their place was a large mattress covered with pillows and blankets. The ceiling was charmed to have snow slowly fall all the way down to the floor but disappearing before sticking to anything. There were twinkling fairy lights floating around. Lila moved into the room, spreading her arms out and slowly twirling and giggling. The sight put a smile on Harry and Hermione's faces.

"I had Kreacher put this together when you two went down for breakfast," Harry explained, "I did not have him decorate the tree though. I thought that we could do that together."

"This is brilliant, Harry," Hermione says giving him a peck on the lips before joining Lila who had flopped down on the mattress and was looking up at the falling snow and dancing lights, giggling happily.

Harry smiled, happy to see his two favorite girls enjoying themselves so much before also making his way to them.

Hours later after having Kreacher bring them some food to eat for dinner they were putting the finishing touches on the tree. Lila was standing before it hold onto the glowing star meant for the top of the tree. It was the last thing need to be put on. Lila looked at the star in her hands and up at the top of the tree with a look of great concentration. Harry smiled while sneaking up behind her and lifting her up so that she could reach the spot meant for the star.

Lila squealed in surprise and then laughed when she realized what he was doing. She reached forward and carefully placed the star on the top of the tree. Once she was done Harry carefully set Lila back down and the two moved back next to Hermione to take in their handy work. All three of them had proud smiles on their faces happy with what they achieved.

Kreacher appeared with three steaming mugs of hot chocolate and a plate of warm cookies for them now that they were finished. He disappeared after giving the three a small smile and a quick bow.

Hermione conjured up her copy of The Night Before Christmas and all three snuggled up in the blankets as Hermione opened up the book and started reading aloud. As she read Lila tried to stifle her yawns and rubbed her eyes trying to remain awake. Sleep won out though and by the time Hermione read the last line Lila was fast asleep snuggled between Harry and Hermione. The two smiled at each other before whispering their goodnights and kissing her softly on top of her head. They gave each other a quick kiss before succumbing to sleep themselves.

All three slept peacefully and had sweet dreams of the good time they will have on the next day. All excited to spend Christmas together.

Hours later Kreacher appeared in the room and smiled uncharacteristically at the sight of the three sleeping soundly cuddled close together. He moved the blankets to cover them better and restocked the fire that was starting to dim and then arranged all of their gifts under the tree including some crudely wrapped presents from himself. He would never admit it but he truly did care for his Masters. He then disappeared just as abruptly as he appeared.

AN: I hope you enjoyed! I was amazed at how much amazing feedback I got from everyone so I wrote this up for you all. Please review if you want more. They give me the inspiration to write! Also if you enjoy this story you should check out my other ones. Remember reviews make me write because then I know people actually want to read my work!