THE BEST BIRTHDAY
Harry awoke after only four hours of sleep. He looked around the room, which was now bathed in early morning sunlight. It had a hard, polished wood floor, with a sheepskin rug in front of a fireplace. On the mantle were pictures of James, Sirius, Remus and another boy (whose face had been burnt off), Harry, Ron, Hermione, and other members of the Order.
Next to the fireplace was a old Hogwarts trunk with S.B. marked on to the top. Harry bent down and opened it. Inside were old robes, spell books, and a small wooden box.
He pulled out the box. There was a small plaque on the front which read The Marauders’ Box. His hands shaking, Harry opened the box. Inside was…nothing. Disappointed, Harry put the box down and continued to examine the room.
A large, sheet-covered object stood in the corner furthest from the bed. Pulling the sheet off, Harry gasped, his eyes wide. He had found Sirius’s infamous flying motorcycle. It was a ‘51 Harley-Davidson Pan Head. A helmet with the face of a large black dog on the back hung on the handle bars, and over the visor there was the word Padfoot. Over the seat was draped a leather jacket. On the back of this there was a large phoenix patch, with a dog, stag, and a wolf centred around it. It was evident that there had been another patch at the bottom, but it had been torn off. Going across the top were the words Marauders forever. On the right arm there was another patch of the Gryffindor lion and over the left was a patch of the Hogwarts crest.
Harry pulled the jacket off the bike and put it on. He smiled - this jacket was a perfect reminder of Sirius. Next to the bike were two other Hogwarts trunks. One had J.P. marked out clearly, and there were burn marks on it. The contents were exactly the same as Sirius’s, except there was a broom, photos of a girl (whom Harry recognised as Lily), and tied to the broom was a sock which was struggling, as if something inside was trying to escape.
Reaching out for the socks, Harry prepared himself for the worst. He untied the top of the socks, and a golden ball flew out. Harry flicked out his wrist quickly and caught it. The Snitch had J.P. scratched into the side. The wings fluttered, as if clamouring for freedom. Harry let the ball go. It started to fly around the room, dodging inanimate objects as it went.
Harry followed it with his eyes for a while before turning to the broom. On the side it was Nimbus One Thousand. written in gold near the top. Tied around the top was a Gryffindor scarf. The initials L.E. were stitched into it. Harry smiled. At least his mother had supported his dad in his last Quidditch days.
The trunk next to that had L.E. carefully printed on to it. He opened this one to find more spell books (which were in much better condition than the ones in the first two trunks). There were Muggle pictures of the Evans family, wizard pictures of James, and a set of James’s old Quidditch robes. Harry didn‘t feel the odd cramping sensation he normally had when ever his mum and dad were mentioned; instead he had a contented feeling that he was not at all familiar with.
As he stood up, there was a loud Crack! and Dobby appeared next to him.
“Harry Potter, sir. Sir must come with Dobby. Mr. Potter’s Dursleys are upset. Come sir, in the kitchen.”
“Okay, Dobby, I’ll be down now.”
Harry followed Dobby down the stairs and into the kitchen. Aunt Petunia and Dudley were seated at the table. Both had tears running down their faces. Even though Harry loathed them for making his life hell, he couldn’t help feeling sorry for them.
“What’s wrong?” He asked. He had never seen either this upset.
Moody stood up. “Vernon Dursley is in a very bad condition. They’ve the best Healers they have on him. Even if he does wake up it is uncertain what his mental state will be. He might have to stay in St. Mungos full-time.”
“Like the Longbottoms?” Harry knew only two people that had been tortured into insanity.
“Yes. He would also need his own room, so that the other patients don’t hurt him and him not being able to defend himself with magic. This room will need paying for. Do you wish to pay the hospital fee?”
“Let him wake up and we’ll see how bad he is,” Harry said. Even though Uncle Vernon had been worse than Aunt Petunia and had encouraged Dudley’s torture of him, Harry still felt responsible for his uncle. Moody turned to the fireplace, then he stopped and looked at the Dursleys.
“I’m sorry. You can visit him when the Healers have stabilized him.” Moody nodded and left in a burst of emerald flames.
Lupin, laughing, walked in just then with Tonks holding his arm. “Did I just hear Mad-Eye? What’s happen-” He stopped and stared at Harry. “Bloody hell, Harry. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that was Sirius’s old jacket.”
Harry flushed, not realising Lupin would recognise the jacket. “It is, Remus. I found it while I was looking around his room, along with all their trunks. My dad’s old broom, Mum’s old spell books, a Snitch, a bike, and a small wooden box. Know anything about the Marauders’ Box?” Harry looked at Lupin with his eyebrows raised.
“Oh yes, James and Sirius’s most amazing achievement, apart from the Animagus spell, that is. Just say, ‘More Mischief’. Just don’t let Fred and George have it. It’s got homemade pranks, plans, and notes on the Animagus spell.” Lupin’s eyes glazed over, thinking of happier times.
“Anyway, Harry,” Tonks turned from Lupin to Harry, “what’s happening with your uncle?”
“He’s gone to St. Mungos. He could be permanently out cold. Or he wakes up and has no idea who he is for the rest of his life. And best case scenario is he wakes up, gets better, and comes here with the other two.”
“Well, do these two have any idea what they want to do today? I mean, we’re going to Gringotts at eleven, then the Burrow afterwards. It’s coming-of-age party time. Should be good. Oh, happy birthday.”
“Thanks, Tonks. But I’m still not overly comfortable with Ginny.”
“Easy. Kiss and make up. And do it before you say you can’t remember what Remus said last night.”
“Okay. I’ll try. But still. Anyway,” Harry turned to the Dursleys, “what do you two want to do? If you want something to take your mind off Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, this place has a garden…I think. And Dudley can come shopping if he wants to.”
“Thanks, H-Harry, but I don’t have any tools with me to garden with.” Aunt Petunia had seemed to brighten up at the prospect of gardening.
“Easily sorted.” Remus waved his wand over a set of cutlery. The fork turned into a gardening fork, the spoon turned into a trowel, and the knife into sheers. He then retrieved a pair of dragon hide gloves from a drawer. Aunt Petunia took the gloves and the tools carefully, as if afraid they might bite her hands off. After she was sure it was safe, she walked out with Tonks to get started on the garden.
Dudley had disappeared through a doorway at the sight of the wand, but he reappeared now, looking around carefully for any sign of the more magic. “Where will we be going shopping, Harry?” Since the previous night, Dudley had been relatively polite to Harry.
“London, Dudley. But if you’re scared of magic you might not want to come. We’re going to Diagon Alley, a wizard’s street filled with magic shops.”
“I’ll come. As long as no one puts a spell on me.”
“Hey, there’s a thought, Remus. Can Muggles go into Diagon Alley?”
“Yes, as long as they are accompanied by a witch or wizard,” said Remus, smiling.
“Oh, I already have some money left over from my last trip, so why do we have to go to Gringotts?”
Lupin’s face fell. “Well, the reading of Dumbledore’s will. You need to be present, as well as myself, Molly, Minerva, and a man named Tom Riddle.”
Harry‘s jaw dropped. “What, Voldemort? Why? How?” He was trying to see why Dumbledore’s nemesis had to be present at his will reading.
“All people that Dumbledore wished to be present have got to be present. Voldemort has agreed to an uneasy truce. Just for today. Now this is important, Harry - no attacking him. If we break the arrangement then he will be within his rights to attack us.”
“Okay, but I’m keeping my wand, and no Death Eaters,” said Harry, face set.
“How like James you are. But all wands are being confiscated at the doors of Gringotts these days. And no, only those he asked to be present will be present.”
“Fine. But I don’t like it.”
“Thank you, Harry.”
The trio of Harry, Remus, and Dudley was standing outside Gringotts. Dudley was looking around in amazement. He flinched as two small children on toy broomsticks flew past him. He looked half petrified, half fascinated by the comings and goings of a wizard alley.
“Once more in to the breach, dear friends.” Remus looked at the other two. Dudley had remained close to Harry and Remus while walking up towards Gringotts.
They climbed up the steps and entered the bank. A goblin was at the top of the steps waiting for them (Dudley flinched and moved closer to the other two). He was wearing the Gringotts uniform, but his hooked nose all in all reminded Harry of a mini-version of Snape.
“I will have to ask for your wands. Due to - hem hem - recent circumstances, no magical items are allowed inside the building. I will number them and give you a ticket. The only person to arrive now is Mr. Riddle.”
Remus and Harry handed their wands over and got two small chips with numbers on them. The goblin lead them into a long corridor where Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Professor McGonagall were sitting on chairs lined up against the wall.
“Harry, how are you?” Mrs. Weasley stood and pulled Harry into a bear hug.
“I’m fine, Mrs. Weasley,” he croaked, “but air is becoming an issue.” He had decided to joke to lighten the atmosphere. Everyone except McGonagall gave half-hearted laughs.
“How are you, Harry?” asked Mr. Weasley, standing up to shake Harry’s hand. “How are your aunt and cousin? I’m hoping they can help me with enchanting a felevision.”
“I’m fine, Mr. Weasley, and I expect my cousin will be glad to help. He loves TV.”
“Oh, good. If they would like, we’ve decided to invite them to the party.”
“Urm, sure. Oh, Mr. Weasley, this is Dudley. You can ask him whatever you want about television.” Harry moved aside to allow the two to talk. Dudley looked nervous. The last time he had seen this particular wizard, Mr. Weasley had been trying to shrink his tongue (which had grown courtesy of Fred and George).
Harry walked over to Professor McGonagall. “Are you okay, professor?” The teacher looked up at him; her eyes were red and puffy and she looked like she hadn’t slept since Harry had last seen her.
“I’m fine, Harry.” This was one of the rare times she had called him by his first name. “It’s just… I thought he’d be around to help me run the school. I just never realised how hard it was. And term hasn’t even started.”
Harry nodded, just as a goblin walked in to the room with none other than Lord Voldemort. Everybody in the room squeaked and ran to the far end, all except Harry.
He walked forward and held out his hand, jaw set. “Hello, Tom, you’re looking a lot more peaky since last time we met. About a year ago wasn’t it?” Harry had been preparing himself for this. Over the summer, not only had he been learning how to enhance his spells, but he had also been practising his Occlumency. Harry allowed himself an inwards smile. He had been trying to build up his mental shield since Dumbledore’s funeral, and this was the first time it had been put to the test.
Harry concluded it had worked. for as he and Voldemort had contact, his scar barely tickled.
“Yes it was, Potter. I see you are seemingly unafraid of me, unlike this Muggle-loving scum. And what’s this, a Muggle?” He leered at Dudley. “Is this possibly the son of the uncle that one of my Death Eaters sent to St. Mungos, likely never to recover?”
“Yeah, but if I remember, I kind of sent Snivellus to Azkaban. Or have you already broken him out?”
“I’m planning on leaving him there. I only wanted him to get the rest of the prophecy out of you. I know you know it. Why don’t you just tell me?”
“No, Tom. We’re here for a reason. I respect Dumbledore, as do you, though you may not know it. And I do not wish to fight you, verbally or physically,” Harry lied. He wanted to cause the monster in front of him as much pain as possible.
They all followed the goblin into a long room, leaving Dudley sitting out in the hall.
They seated themselves around a long table. Harry at the top end, Lupin and McGonagall on one side, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley on the other side. Voldemort was sitting down at the far end. A goblin sat in the middle, holding a small, orb-like object. The goblin stood on the chair to lean forward as far as possible to place the orb in the middle of the table.
“I am Griphook, Gringotts goblin banker and will-reader. We are gathered to hear the will reading of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump, International Confederation of Wizards. All the wishes will be fulfilled. Thank you.” The goblin ran his long finger around the object. It jumped up and disappeared in a flash of bright light. In its place was a transparent, ghostlike Dumbledore.
“This is the last will and testament of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. First of all, I must congratulate Tom Marvolo Riddle. You finally got rid of me, Tom. You must be pleased.” Voldemort sneered in agreement.
“Now on with the show. To Lupin, Remus, I leave the possession and ownership of one Shrieking Shack, where he had both good and bad memories. Also, as there does appear to be a jinx on the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, I can presume we are short of staff. So I wish for you to take over. In my office on my desk you will find the counterjinx. I also leave him with twenty-five percent of my personal gold. That is all I leave Lupin, Remus.
“Next to McGonagall, Minerva, I leave ownership and responsibility of Hogwarts School. With this comes the Sorting Hat and my collection of rather fine woollen socks.” The ghostlike Dumbledore smiled. “May you never have cold feet like I so often had. That is all I leave McGonagall, Minerva.
“To Potter, Harry, I leave another twenty-five percent of my personal gold. I also leave him my phoenix, Fawkes, and all the possessions in my office, except those expressly left to someone else. This includes Godric Grffindor’s wand and sword. I am also expressing a wish for the continuation of the club known as Dumbledore’s Army. I would also like dueling classes to be given. Both of these I want you, Mr. Potter, to lead and teach. I also leave you with my office and living quarters, as well as the leadership of a certain Order. That is all I leave Potter, Harry.
“To Riddle, Tom, I leave a necklace that can be found in vault seven hundred and thirteen, and Salazar Slytherin’s wand. That is all I leave Riddle, Tom.
“To the Weasley family, I leave the rest of my gold,” - Mrs. Weasley gasped and almost fell out of her chair - “and all of Fred and George Weasley’s detention cards. Have fun. That is all I leave the Weasley family. And as we draw to a close, I have a few more words to add. And these are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you.” He bowed his head and disappeared.
The room remained silent for a while. Remus just stared at where Dumbledore had stood, muttering to himself. McGonagall was crying. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were silent with the prospect of being suddenly rich. Harry was smiling; he was sure he could use the items in Dumbledore’s office to rid the world of a certain piece of dirt. The piece of dirt in particular seemed deep in thought.
Voldemort recovered from his pensive moment and stood. “I will take what is mine and take my leave.” He stared around maliciously with a look that said clearly, ‘I will kill you all.’ “We will meet again, Harry Potter.” He turned and walked majestically out the room.
“I look forward to it, Tom,” Harry called after him.
Harry, Remus, Tonks, Moody, and Dudley arrived at the Burrow via Portkey at two that afternoon. At the sight of Dudley, the twins’ faces erupted into malicious grins. Harry wondered what they had cooked up for him. Ron ran at him, giving him a hug and banging him on the back. Hermione was next; she ran forward, hugged him, and kissed him on the cheek. Hagrid was there, as was Neville Longbottom, and Bill and Charlie Weasley. Of Ginny there was no sign.
The festivities started with Fred and George showing off their new joke shop products - their main victim was Dudley, letting loose hell on him frequently throughout the day. First, he erupted into a very large, pig-like creature. “Animal Toffees; turns the person into whatever animal best suits their character!” Then came “Hot Air Bubblegum; for use only inside.” This was because the minute Dudley tried blowing a bubble, it lifted him off the ground, and he bounced around on the ceiling until Mrs. Weasley popped it. Dudley looked very annoyed, but he seemed to look more comfortable around magic now he knew no one here would intentionally hurt him (much).
At four o’clock Mrs. Weasley let them into the kitchen to get their hands on the food. Harry had to laugh at the look on Dudley’s face - he looked like Christmas had come early. After they were all stuffed (even Dudley), it was game time. They played a mini game of Quidditch with Dudley looking on in amazement as he watched Harry catch the Snitch nine times, beating Charlie. It was then Ginny came down. Harry’s heart flipped, knowing what he would have to do later that night. She said she had been finishing homework.
She goaded Harry into a Seeking challenge, which Harry accepted. They flew around, neck in neck at throughout the chasing. She won every catch, grabbing the Snitch from under Harry’s nose for most of the time. They landed panting. Ginny wouldn’t catch Harry’s eye no matter how long he looked at her.
When eight o’clock came, Harry was sent outside while the kitchen and living-room were being tidied up and quickly decorated. Harry was sat on a bench watching Hermione’s cat, Crookshanks, chase a small man with a potato-shaped head.
Harry laid his head in his hands and tried to think of a way to get Ginny to talk to him. It was then that he saw a petite figure walking down from the orchard. He stood up and took a breath.
He was in the shadows as she passed, but he stepped out and said, “Ginny.”
She stopped and looked at him. “Harry.” She was staring at him with a cold look on her face, her eyes hiding something deeper.
“We need to talk.”
“We do?” A look of genuine surprise flitted across her face. “What about?”
“Us, Ginny.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. I know the reasons. Even though I don’t agree with them, I respect them,” she said gazing at him coldly.
“Ginny, don’t look at me like that. That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. What I’m trying to say is, I’m sorry.”
“AND WHAT THE HELL IS THAT GOING TO DO, HARRY? MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER? I DON’T THINK SO!” Her face was slowly going red.
“I’m sorry. Look, I realise what I did hurt you. And as much as it hurt, I had to do it. But there’s something that hit me when I was alone with the Muggles, and with a little help from Remus.”
“Yeah, and what’s that, Potter?” She took a step forward. Harry winced - she looked as if she were going to hit him.
“I love you.” Ginny looked at him, trying to see if he were joking or not. “And then Lupin made me realise something else. Just because I am who I am doesn’t mean I can’t have a life. I guess what I’m trying to say is, will you have me back? Forgive me.”
Ginny took a step back. She looked as if she had had one of the best surprises in her life. “H-Harry, I don’t know. How can I be sure you aren’t going to do another runner?”
“Because of this.” He stepped forward, took her by the shoulders and kissed her. At first she tensed up, but after a second she relaxed. Her arms wrapped around Harry, and his hand reached up into her hair.
They kissed for what felt like hours. They heard clapping coming from the direction of the house and, looking round, saw that all the party guests were standing at assorted windows and the kitchen door, clapping and cheering. Ron stepped forward.
“Harry, it’s about bloody time you came to your senses. Now come on in and open your presents.” As everyone else disappeared inside he turned to Harry, “And just so you know, if you hurt her like that or in any other way again, you’ll have five brothers to deal with, so watch out.”
“Yes sir.” Harry mocked a salute.
Ron returned inside with the others, leaving Harry and Ginny alone outside. Harry wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and they walked in.
They settled around the big armchair that Harry was pushed into by Ginny. She perched on the arm and put her arm around him. Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, and Bill’s fiancé, Fleur, were squeezed on to the sofa. Ron and Hermione occupied the loveseat, with Neville sitting on the arm next to Ron. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sat on the partner armchair next to the one Harry and Ginny were seated on. Hagrid had kneeled down as to avoid hitting his head on the low ceiling. Dudley was also on the floor, looking uncomfortable as Hagrid sat in front of him (he was remembering the pig’s tail Hagrid had given him six years before). Lupin, Tonks, McGonagall, and Moody were seated on kitchen chairs.
Silence fell as Harry reached for the first present. It was from Charlie. As he tore off the paper, he felt the box jerk. On the top of the leather case was the Gryffindor lion. Harry opened it to find a large, bright red ball the size of a football, two jet-black balls struggling to get loose from their restraints, which were slightly smaller than the first, though they looked heavier, and lastly a golden, walnut sized ball. Harry grinned at the full Quidditch set.
“Bloody hell, Charlie, where’d you get this from?”
“There was a sale at Quality Quidditch Supplies. Do you like?”
“Do you have to ask?”
“Not really.”
He pushed the Quidditch ball set aside to pick up another parcel. The bad wrapping indicated it was Hagrid’s. He tore it off to find a small, strong cardboard box. Something was moving around inside. Harry pulled off the lid and was met by three pairs of eyes. The puppy stood on its hind legs to look out with its three heads. Harry looked down at the creamy white dog with adoration; He didn‘t normally go to pieces over animal, but this was an exception. It looked like a normal Labrador puppy, apart from the three heads.
“Do yer like ’im? ’E won’t git as big as Fluffy. Should get as big as a normal dog. ’E don’t have a name yet, so you name ’im.”
Harry looked up at his friend. Then down at the puppy. “Sirius.” He turned to Lupin and said, “He would like that.” Lupin nodded his approval.
Harry picked ’Sirius’ up and put him between himself and the arm not occupied by Ginny. Once there, the three heads started licking Harry’s hand.
“Thanks, Hagrid.”
“Gla’ yer like ’im,” he said with a sniff.
Once Sirius had settled, Harry picked up Ron’s present. It felt like a book. He turned to look at his friend. “Books Ron? I’m disappointed in you. Hermione’s books. You’re sweets.” Harry pretended to look offended as he tore the wrapping off.
Three books fell out, bound together with a leather strap with Quidditch through the ages; Volume I, II and III written on the spines. Harry looked up at his friend. “I take it back.”
Putting the books aside, Harry picked up another one. This one was a large, lumpy parcel wrapped in brown paper. He didn‘t have to look at the label to tell it was from Mrs. and Mr. Weasley. He opened it to find a jumper with a phoenix pattern on the front. There was also a tin of homemade shortbread. He looked at the two oldest Weasleys.
“I got to work on the jumper as soon as we got back from Gringotts today,” said Mrs. Weasley. “After, well, you know-” Harry nodded; he was going to tell the others about Dumbledore’s will after the present opening
“Yeah. Thanks. I’ll tell you later, guys.” Everybody, apart from those who were at the reading of the will, had looked at him strangely.
He reached out and found another book-shaped parcel, this one from Lupin. As he tore the paper off, he looked at the book in amazement. How to Find Your Inner Animal; instructions on how to find your Animagus form.
He looked up at Lupin, who shrugged. “I bought it before you found all that stuff this morning, but I’m sure it has better instructions than those left by two teen wizards.”
“I’ll have a look. Thanks,” a sly look appeared on Harry’s face, “Moony.” He winked.
“Hey, Harry, you could be the future Prongs, so keep quiet.”
The Weasley twins were looking at the two strangely. “As in Messrs. Moony -”
“- Wormtail -”
“- Padfoot -”
“- and Prongs?”
“Yes. Fred, George, allow me to introduce you to Mister Moony.” Harry pointed to Lupin.
“What?”
“All this time?”
“A legend was under our noses?”
“Who were Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs?”
Lupin looked at them. “I’ll tell you later,” he glanced at Mrs. Weasley, “somewhere your mother cannot kill me.”
Everyone laughed.
Harry picked up Hermione’s gift next. Inside was Harding’s Best Counter Curses. Harry smiled at Hermione.
“Thanks for that, Hermione, sure to come in useful.”
He reached for another book-shaped present. He was starting to understand what Dumbledore had meant in his first year: ‘One can never have enough socks. Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.’
Harry smiled at the memory of his old headmaster as he tore the wrapping off of The Wizard’s Guide to the Good Stuff in Life from Bill and Fleur. Harry looked around and saw the last book-shaped item he picked it up and opened it. The Aurors of the Century, from Neville. As Harry flicked through it, he found two pages that had been marked. Harry turned to them. The first one was about Frank Longbottom; Harry smiled. The next was of James Potter. Harry met Neville’s eyes. They both knew how the other felt about the fates of his parents.
Putting the book carefully aside, Harry selected a large box wrapped in neutral brown paper with ’Moody’ scrawled across the top. Opening it, he found the large chest that impostor Moody had hidden the real Moody in while Harry was in his fourth year. Spellotaped to the top were the keys.
“Thanks for that, sir.”
“You’re welcome. And I’ll have enough of that ’sir’ rubbish. Just call me Alastor or Mad-Eye from now on. Understand?”
“Yes, si- I mean, Alastor.”
Harry picked up another box. Opening it, he was greeted with the three W’s of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.
“All the new products,” said George.
“We’ll be releasing them at Christmas,” continued Fred.
“So nobody but you will have them.”
“Use them wisely.” Fred winked at Harry. Harry smiled and put the box aside.
The last small parcel turned out to be a roll of rules expressly for Harry when at Hogwarts.
“I’ll read them later,” he told McGonagall, “but now I have something to tell you all.” They looked at him. “It’s about Professor Dumbledore’s will. He left me some stuff. But out of all of it, the most important thing he gave me was, well - urm…” He turned to McGonagall for help.
“What Harry is trying to say is, Albus left him the leadership of the Order of the Phoenix. Potter also has a certain job at the school. As of now, Harry Potter is no longer a student of Hogwarts, he is the Professor of Advanced Duelling and club advisor of Dumbledore‘s Army.” When she had finished, everyone looked at Harry with shocked expressions on their faces. Dudley looked puzzled.
Hagrid then spoke, “Bes’ thin’ fer the Order. Harry’ll be a grea’ leader.”
“I agree.” Lupin had stood up. “Not that it’s up for discussion, but I expect not all of the Order will like having a seventeen-year-old in charge. Even if it is Harry. But I for one am staying, and I’m behind you one hundred percent. If Dumbledore thought you could do it, so do I.”
“One bit of advice, Potter,” growled Mad-Eye. “Every Dark wizard in Voldemort’s command will be after you now, and that means CONSTANT VIGILANCE!” He smiled. “But after what you’ve done, I think no one could do the job better.” He nodded and looked around at the room.
Bill, Charlie, and the twins all nodded. McGonagall smiled. Hermione, Ron, and Neville looked at him, their mouths open. Mr. and Mrs Weasley smiled proudly. And Ginny sat there beaming at Harry, prouder even than her parents. They had all agreed.
“Now!” said Fred. “Can we please get on with the party? I believe we have a mass display of fireworks to watch.”
As everyone started going outside for Fred and George’s firework display, Harry felt felt Ginny’s breath in his ear. “I’ll give you my present later.” She kissed him lightly on the cheek and followed the others.
Harry scooped Sirius up and went outside to watch the mass production of fireworks Fred and George had made.
Harry sat outside on a log, his face illuminated by the blazing bonfire. Everyone had gone to bed, and those who lived at Grimmauld Place had gone home, leaving Harry with a Portkey to get back with.
He watched the flames dance merrily around the charred bits of wood. Ash was falling down on to his head, but he didn’t care. It was then he felt an arm curl around him. Ginny stood behind him, smiling.
“What are you doing up? I thought you went to bed,” Harry pretended to scold her.
She laughed. “Well, I did say I would give you your present later. So here.” She held out her hand. He held out his to receive his present.
He felt the cold touch of metal, and when he looked at the object in his hand he gaped at it. No one had given him anything like it. The ring had two hands holding a heart with a crown on top of it moulded into the top. It was a dark golden colour.
“I-Is that gold?”
“Yeah.”
“Ginny, I can’t. It just doesn’t feel right.”
“Harry, I know what this is about. And Mum told me we have money now. Dumbledore left us a load. I meant to give it to you after Dumbledore’s funeral, but you kind of broke up with me.”
“Yeah, I remember. Again, sorry. So what is it?”
It’s a Claddagh Ring. The heart represents love, the hands, friendship, and the crown, loyalty. You wear it with the heart pointing towards you if you’re in a relationship. I’ve got one, too.” She held up her hand where there was a ring like Harry’s, only thinner.
“Thank you.” He slid it on and looked at it. He then took her into his arms and held her. She looked up at him and pulled him down towards her.
It felt as if a beautiful song were playing through the air. Then they realised there was music. It was bird song. They looked toward the bonfire as a bird erupted from the centre. It was singing. It flew around them, leaving a long trail of fire through the air and landed on the ground, looking up at Harry.
“Fawkes.” Harry bent down to look at the bird, using his finger to stroke the bird down its back. It trilled off another note. Ginny bent down with Harry and looked closely at the fire bird.
“It looks familiar, Harry. Where have I seen it before?”
“Don’t you remember, Ginny?” She shook her head. “Fawkes was down in the Chamber of Secrets. He helped fight the basilisk, and he healed me. He was Dumbledore’s.”
“I remember, vaguely, I was near death, when a handsome boy came in and saved my life.” She smiled at Harry, then she indicated Fawkes. “So what’s he doing here?”
“He’s mine. Dumbledore left him to me in his will, along with his study, living quarters, and Godric Gryffindor’s wand.”
“Whoa. Dumbledore must have trusted you a lot.“ She gave a huge yawn. “Anyway, I’m shattered Harry, I’d better go to bed. You can show Fawkes his new home.” She gave Harry one last hug and kiss, then walked into the darkness of the house.
“You know something, Fawkes?” He looked down at the bird, who looked up at him expectantly. “This had been the best birthday I’ve ever had.”
And with that, he gathered up Fawkes, gripped the Portkey, and disappeared.
A/N: please review
Chapter Three: “There’s an old magic. Blood magic. Using the blood magic, you can bind your wand to you. It makes it more powerful and gives you more control. I did it after Dumbledore died. The curses I used on Snape had my whole power put behind them. If you do that hardly, any shield known will be able to block it. That’s why I was so breathless afterwards.”
Harry Potter and the Faulty Prophecy by werewolvesrock
Chapter Notes: i know after this chapter i'll have some explaining to do and it will come i promise