Fem! Harry's wish

Chapter 5

Holly stuck her tongue out at James when Lily said, "Of course she is. She's my baby, my only child. She's always been my favorite."

"Cheeky bugger," James said, ruffling Holly's hair. "She's half mine, too, you know."

"Oh yes," Lily said, eyeing her daughter suspiciously. "I can only imagine what he's inherited from you, James. But being that she's my daughter as well, she's completely perfect. It runs in my family."

"Uh, Mum," Holly interjected, "I don't think it runs completely in your side... I mean, look at Aunt Petunia. What happened there?"

James roared with laughter and Lily fought a smile. " I didn't say everyone got that particular gene, dear."

They sat like this for a while, just laughing and enjoying being a family. Eventually, Lily got around to fussing over Holly's hair – how desperately she needed a haircut, and did it ever behave? (Answer:No) She swore she would tackle it whenever she was released from the hospital. Holly just smiled at her mother's fussing; she was actually sort of enjoying it.

"Hey, you guys," said Sirius, "I hate to interrupt Potter Family Time, but I thought you'd like to know that dinner will be up soon."

"Thanks Sirius," said Lily. Sirius just waved a hand in acknowledgement as he went to wake Remus for dinner.

"Holly, are you hungry now?" asked Lily. "I know you just ate not long ago, but I didn't know if you might be hungry again."

Holly thought about this for a second and decided she should try to eat a bit more before she had to go to bed.

Soon dinner was served and everyone tucked in gratefully. As they started eating, Sirius turned to Holly. "Holly, I was talking to Molly Weasley earlier today," said Sirius, "Molly and Arthur are in the Order of the Phoenix with us; it's a secret organization to help fight against Voldemort. We were all in it last time as well. Anyway, they've been staying at headquarters with the kids to help out over the summer. You know how Molly fusses, and if you're feeling up to it, they'd like to come see you tomorrow."

"Sure, I'd love to see them!" Harry agreed enthusiastically

"And Luna" Sirius teased.

"Okay, I'll tell Molly then," Remus chuckled.

They ate the rest of their dinner in silence, and before long, Holly was feeling extremely sleepy. Holly stifled a yawn and Lily smiled at her. It wasn't very late, but Holly needed all the rest she could get.

"Tired, sweetheart?" asked Lily.

"Mhmm," Holly mumbled.

"We had better go and let you get some rest, Holly," Remus said.

Sirius ruffled Holly's hair and said, "See you in the morning, kiddo. I'll tell the Weasleys and Hermione and Luna you said 'hey.'"

"Thanks Sirius," Holly said.

James bent and kissed the top of Holly's head. "Good night, love."

"Night Dad," said Holly with a smile.

Lily started to say good night to Holly as well, but Holly grabbed her hand and said, "Mum, will you stay with me? Or Dad, I'm not picky. Just until I fall asleep. Just for tonight. It's just...I feel better with one of you here; I don't think so much about things."

Lily gave Holly a sad smile and started to speak. Before she could say anything, she quickly added, "You don't have to. I understand, you're tired too. You both are. It was just a thought. I'm fifteen; I should be able to go to sleep on my own, properly. I'm sorry."