Ginny giggled at her daughter's comment as she braided her hair. It was shoulder-length, silky and the exact shade of red as hers. Lily wriggled, perching on the edge of the sofa between her mother's legs. Despite her protests, she knew it needed to be done – she wanted to look like a princess for her fifth birthday party. Ginny, being a determined, yet caring mother, was adamant her daughter's dream would come true. Wasn't five years something of a milestone?
James wasn't making it easy. His small broomstick soared around in the house, slamming into the furniture as it went.
"James, what have I said about riding your broomstick in the house?" Harry yelled.
"Sorry, Dad," James chortled, zooming out of the back door. Harry shook his head slowly, but he was grinning. Albus clung to his arm, resembling him to such extent you could mistake him as a smaller version.
"Why can't I have a broomstick, Daddy?" Albus asked.
"You're only seven, Al."
"You gave James one for his seventh birthday," Albus insisted.
Harry grinned down at his son. "Christmas. Right now, we have to tidy up the house for your sister's birthday."
Albus pouted, before dashing out of the house after James.
"He's a piece of work, that boy," Harry said with a smile.
Ginny grinned back, scooting herself and Lily over on the sofa so Harry could join them. Her fingers twined intricately through the thin locks of red hair to make tight braids fastened with daisies. Lily looked thrilled, staring into the mirror on the opposite side of the room at her reflection. Her sparkly white dress complimented her tiny body perfectly, and her smile lit the room. Ginny loved seeing Lily smile – it was like a candle, bringing light into the room.
"You're beautiful," Harry whispered to his daughter.
"Like a princess?" Lily said hopefully.
"Just like a princess," Harry replied.
Lily clapped, eyes squinting with the size of her smile. Her day was going perfectly so far; the party was only a few hours away, with her friends and family bearing presents. It was a day all about her.
Well, all seemed to be going well until there was a knock on the door.
"One of our guests is rather early. Probably Uncle Ron and Aunty Hermione," Harry said. He clambered to his feet and made for the door, hand poised to twist the knob when it swung open.
Draco stood there, brandishing his new wand, with a scowl on his face. "May I come in?"