Rating: T
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Harry/Draco/Hermione
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 585

Notes:

30 Day OT3 Competition/Challenge: Day 18 - Twist

Pokemon Trading Card Collection Challenge: Delibird - Platinum - Incorporate Santa Claus, real, pretend or figmented, into your story.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: ROWING - (object) a laurel wreath, (character) Hermione

Greek Mythology Category Competition: Artemis - Write about a young witch (pre-Hogwarts days)


Hermione made a laurel wreath and placed it on her daughter's head.

Rose smiled, fingering it. She jumped up and looked at herself in the mirror. "It's so pretty," she squealed. She twisted her body, so she could look at herself from all angles. She looked at her mom. "Thank you."

Hermione nodded. "It's what the victors sometimes where, and I think you'll be the ultimate victor when you're older." She patted the seat.

Rose trudged over, her heart suddenly feeling heavy once again.

"Are you ready to tell me what's bothering you?"

"It's Scorpius."

Hermione inwardly sighed. Why was she surprised? The two of them were always fighting. Rose was a lot like her dad, and Scorpius was a lot like his dad, and that made them eternal rivals. Even now, Harry and Draco competed in everything. They even competed in who could make Hermione scream the loudest in bed, but that wasn't something she minded of course.

"What did your brother do?"

"He told me Santa Claus wasn't real, and that I was a baby for believing he was."

Hermione stood up, hands on his hips. "Scorpius Lucius Malfoy! Get your butt in here!"

Scorpius appeared, looking frightened. Harry and Draco followed him in. "What did he do?" They simultaneously asked.

"I'm sorry, Mom," Scorpius muttered.

"How could you tell your sister that Santa Claus wasn't real?"

"Everyone is going to believe she's a baby for believing he is. I was just trying to help her."

Draco put a hand on Scorpius's shoulder and turned him so they were facing each other. "You had no right to tell Rose any such thing. I think no Quidditch for two weeks is a good punishment."

"Dad!" Scorpius yelled. He looked at Harry, hoping for some help. Harry was always the easier one.

Harry shook his head. "I agree. I think you should go to your room."

Scorpius glared as the men and stomped out of the room.

Harry and Draco walked over to Rose, pulling her into their arms, sharing her between them.

"Sweetie," Harry began. He looked at Hermione.

She nodded. She trusted his judgment when it came to what to say.

Harry kissed her forehead. "Sweetie, Santa might not be real in a physical sense, but he's real in people's hearts. He's real because he represents the spirit of giving. Just like your mom gave you this thing on your head, Santa gives kids all around the world presents. It's all about giving instead of receiving, and that's what Santa means."

Draco chuckled. "I think you rambled a bit."

"Maybe, but I got my point across." Suddenly unsure, he looked from one lover to another. "Right?"

"You did, Dad." Rose smiled at Harry. "Thanks."

Hermione brushed Rose's curly black hair out of her green eyes. "And sweetie, please don't ruin the magic of Santa for the Weasley kids like your brother did for you."

"I promise I won't."

Rose got up and kissed all three of her parents. She left the room, still touching wreath on top of her head.

Hermione kissed Harry's cheek. "Good job."

"Yeah, even if you did ramble," Draco remarked.

Harry stuck his tongue out.

"Keep your tongue out, and I might put it to better use," Draco warned.

"Is that a threat or a promise?" Harry asked.

"Boys! Wait for tonight." Hermione ordered.

She stood up and left the room, and they trailed behind her, all the while shooting looks at one another. Tonight couldn't come fast enough.