Best Birthday
Harry sighed and pulled out a magazine. He glanced over at the empty cage, where his owl, Hedwig used to stand. Somehow the room seemed a bit too quiet without the occasional hooting of the white snowy owl. He sighed again and looked at the calendar, which he hung on the side of his cupboard. July 30th. There's still another four weeks to go before he could return back to Hogwarts. His friend Ron Weasley had told him about inviting him to his home before they parted for summer holidays but the past four weeks had been a tad too quiet.
However, the past four weeks had actually been bearable for Harry. He passed his time by wondering at the weird changes happening to his body. For one thing, his voice had gone slightly deeper. And he had this crazy urge to exercise. He had written to his godfather, Sirius, about these changes three days ago, but there was no sign of his trusty owl.
'Have Hedwig lost her way?' Harry thought wildly. He shook away the doubt immediately. 'No way. Hedwig would never get lost.' A loud clattering sounded from downstairs, which Harry acknowledged with a raised eyebrow.
"Harry Potter!" a loud booming voice thundered the house. Harry swung his legs off the bed and walked slowly down the steps to the living room.
"What?" he asked. A colourful package caught his attention. He looked at his Uncle Vernon, who looked about as red as a fire engine. A grey feather duster was lying on the table, next to the package. Harry recognizes the 'feather duster' immediately. He hurried over and carried it up, the package dangling from his feet.
"Errol!"
"This ruddy bird destroyed our lunch! I spent three hours getting these ready!" Uncle Vernon shouted. Indeed, the table was covered with black sauce which Harry guessed black pepper sauce. Two thick slabs of beef were on the floor, one on Uncle Vernon's front, and potatoes were littered around the tablecloth. Pieces of china laid at their feet.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Good. You guys need a diet anyway."
"What? How dare you?"
"Why don't I dare?" Harry challenged. He held the unconscious bird away from Uncle Vernon's clawing hands and stepped deftly to the side. Uncle Vernon immediately tripped over his own feet and fell heavily on the ground. His Aunt Petunia and his cousin Dudley came rushing out of their rooms. They immediately helped Uncle Vernon up.
Harry smiled. "Told ya you guys need a diet." Before Uncle Vernon could yell at him again, he picked up the colourful package and practically skipped up the steps, totally ignoring Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia's threat of no giving him lunch. He knew who sent the package, and was eager to open it.
When he opened his door, a familiar hooting greeted him.
"Hedwig!" Harry gently placed the unconscious Errol on his desk and stroked his owl. Hedwig nipped his fingers affectionately. A large box and an envelope were underneath her leg. Harry gave Hedwig a bit of toast he had saved for her from his breakfast. He gave another bit to Errol, who was stirring slightly. As the two owls nibbled their toast, Harry opened the colourful package, which was vibrating slightly. He pulled out a small platform; on it was a miniature version of the school's Quidditch pitch. There were actual players zooming about in the pitch, dressed in red and green robes, throwing balls through the hoops. One of the players looked extremely familiar with his messy black hair. In fact, all the players looked familiar. He unfolded the parchment that came along with the present, his hand trembling with ecstasy.
Dear Harry, Happy birthday! Hope you like this present from my brothers and me. I got the photos from Colin, who actually managed to photograph all the games Gryffindor played at second and third year. But there were only one game during the second year, which Colin managed to take, so I asked him for those in third year. Bill copied all the photographs with a complicated spell, and Charlie, Fred and George helped me into making it 3D. (Is that what they say in the Muggle world?) It isn't much, but I must really thank you for giving the thousand Galleons to Fred and George, and asking them to get a nicer dress robe for me. My mum made them tell the truth about the thousand Galleons when she came across it in their trunks. And would you believe it? They actually gave seven hundred Galleons to the household, and only kept three hundred for themselves. My mum was so shocked that she actually burst into tears. She wants you to come over to our place, hopefully tomorrow. She wants to thank you personally. Thanks to your thousand Galleons, all of us get new robes, and new books this time. Ginny got a new wand for her birthday present. And this is something my dad got for you as a thank you present. He had gotten permission from the Ministry that you will be allowed to use magic in the Muggle world within the twenty- four hours of your birthday, as long as you were not seen. That means you can fly here! My mum also found a shop where you can change our money into Muggle money! She found out the exchange rate (Is that what they say in the Muggle world?) and one Galleon is equals to fifty pound (?). I don't know if that was good news to you, but my dad was bouncing off the walls when my mum told him. I really hope you can come to my place by tomorrow. Hermione is coming as well.
PS: there are two buttons at the side, which you can change the game you want to see. PPS: Don't be afraid that the Bludgers would come out of the pitch. My brothers set a type of cover around the pitch. PPPS: If you want to stop the players, there's a button at the bottom of the platform. Just press it once. PPPPS: Can you let Errol sleep at your house tonight?
Harry grinned happily, staring at his miniature counterpart zooming around on his Nimbus Two Thousand, dodging a mad Bludger. His insides were aching with tempt to take out his Firebolt, and fly to the Weasleys' home immediately, but he had to wait. He pulled out a small empty box. He tried to put the platform into the box, but it was too small to fit the entire platform. He gave up after a while, deciding to use an Engorgement Charm when midnight strikes.
'Speaking of which.'
Harry jumped down the steps, and into the dining area. The Dursleys jumped slightly at his sudden appearance.
"I'll be leaving tomorrow for my friend's place. Just to let you know."
Uncle Vernon stood up, banging the table as he does so. "Oh no you're not!"
Harry turned. "I had permission to use magic tomorrow, so don't make me use it on you guys."
Uncle Vernon's face turned red slightly. "DO NOT SAY THE M WORD IN MY HOUSE!"
Harry shrugged. "Okay, but I'm still leaving tomorrow, whether you like it of not."
Aunt Petunia asked, her voice trembling slightly. "How?"
"I'll fly there, on my broomstick."
Aunt Petunia pulled Uncle Vernon down, who was beginning to look like a ripe tomato. "When?"
"Anytime tomorrow."
Uncle Vernon opened his mouth to say something, but Aunt Petunia stopped him. "Alright, you may go, and make sure you don't do magic to anything in the house that belongs to us!"
Harry smiled cheekily. "I know of a Shrinking Spell, that can make Dudley a little more presentable. Do you want me to do it?"
Uncle Vernon yelled something that sounded vaguely like 'No'. Harry couldn't tell. He simply turned and closed the door to the dining area. His heart rejoicing, he entered his room, and sat back down on his chair. He opened the large package and saw a beautiful cake designed as a Golden Snitch. His heart swelled up with emotion as he opened the envelope. A letter and a photo dropped out. As always, in the wizarding world, the photo was moving. He smiled as he saw his godfather, Sirius wrestling with the Hippogriff, Buckbeak. Sirius had his arm around Buckbeak's neck, threatening to strangle it. The next minute, Sirius was hanging by Buckbeak's beak when the Hippogriff had taken flight. He turned and gave a thumbs-up. Harry was happy to see his godfather laughing along with Buckbeak, and his face looked fatter than before, and his pale complexion had been replaced by a khaki tan.
Dear Harry, Happy fifteenth birthday. In case you are wondering who took this photo, it was Dumbledore who took it for us. He happened to be in the vicinity about two weeks back. I thought I would copy one for you. You asked me about the weird changes you had noticed happening to your body. It's just a normal process that all boys are going through. You are stepping over the line from a kid to a teenager. Your friend, Ron should notice the same changes. There's nothing much you can do about your voice. However, about your urge to exercise, I suggest wrestling? I did enjoy it with Buckbeak, maybe you would too. Love, Sirius.
Harry took out a small plastic knife and a set of cutleries that he kept hidden in his cupboard. He locked his room and cut a big slice of cake for himself. Hedwig and Errol were looking at his cake closely. Harry laughed and cut off two smaller pieces for them. The cake was delicious, and Harry decided to save some for the Weasleys and Hermione tomorrow.
'Oh man. I wish midnight will strike soon!'
* * *
Harry must have made a hundred trips to the living room to look at the time. He was so sick of walking up and down the stairs that he waited at the living room, bringing a piece of cake for supper. At long last, the clock on the mantelpiece struck twelve. Harry skipped quietly upwards and took out his wand. The first thing he did was to enlarge the box to put his miniature Quidditch pitch in. The next he did was to wake Hedwig and Errol, who were sleeping with their heads under their wing. Hedwig hooted in protest.
"Hush Hedwig. we're leaving for the Burrow!" Hedwig fell silent immediately. Harry stifled a laugh as he saw Hedwig trying to wake Errol up by poking his stomach with her beak.
Harry had gotten his trunk ready in the evening, and bewitched it to be feather-light. He took out his Invisibility Cloak, which he had inherited from his father, and took out his prized broomstick that Sirius gave him.
"Errol, can you fly?" Harry whispered. Errol gave what seemed like an assuring hoot, but Harry was still sceptical. Hedwig gave him a hoot and nibbled his ear. Harry understood and tied his trunk to his broomstick.
"Ready? Let's go!" Harry pulled the Invisibility Cloak over his head and kicked off. The sensation was thrilling. He had not ridden his broomstick since he returned to Privet Drive, and the urge to fly was sometimes too overwhelming.
"Errol, I need you to guide us. and don't get lost!" Harry spoke. Errol and Hedwig flew in front of him It was a quiet flight to the Burrow. The lack of sleep was getting on the Harry, who had probably yawned a thousand times throughout the flight. The sky was getting lighter, and what looked like five in the morning, Harry caught sight of the Burrow. He urged Errol and Hedwig to hurry up, and sped towards the Burrow. He turned sharply towards Ron's bedroom window, and knocked.
"Shut up Pig. I need to sleep." Ron mumbled.
Harry leaned his head on the windowpane, too tired to talk. Luckily, Hedwig flew into the room through the small gap between the windowpanes and poked Ron hard on his stomach.
"What! Hedwig!" Ron turned. "Harry!"
"Ron. open. I don't think I can stay up here for much longer." Harry mumbled through another yawn.
Ron opened the window hurriedly, and Harry collapsed gratefully on his bed.
"Wow. you must have ridden throughout the night!" Ron breathed. Harry nodded. Then he seemed to notice something.
"Your voice changed too."
Ron shrugged. "Yeah. Hermione is in Ginny's room. She arrived yesterday. Wouldn't she be surprised to see you here."
Harry yawned again. "How did your father get permission?"
"He didn't tell us. Do you want to sleep for a while? It's still a few hours to breakfast."
Harry nodded, but another yawn escaped his mouth. "Thanks for the present."
Ron grinned widely. "No problem." He grinned again as Harry closed his eyes as he stretched out on Ron's bed. He pulled his blanket across himself and Harry and fell asleep.
Harry and Ron jumped at the shrill shouting from outside his door. "Ronald Weasley! Wake up!"
Ron grinned. "Harry, you open the door. That's Hermione."
Harry opened the door, and a bucket of water splashed onto his face. Hermione and Ginny gasped as they saw who it was. Ron was trying hard not to laugh. Harry turned to Ron, his eyes narrowed.
"Ron."
Ron put both his hands up. "I didn't know! Honestly! I just want you to surprise Hermione!"
Harry wiped his face and turned to Hermione and Ginny's appalled look. He grinned and burst out laughing. Ron laughed probably the loudest. Hermione and Ginny stood by the door, not sure what to do.
"It's okay Hermione. I need to thank you for that. You really woke up me!"
Hermione and Ginny grinned. "Mum is asking for Ron. my my, wouldn't she be surprised to see you. And Harry, thanks for what you did."
"Don't mention it. And I mean it!" Harry chuckled. He pulled off his wet sweater and dons a dry one with a big H on it.
Ron pulled on an identical one, except it was maroon instead of blue, and instead of a H, his had an R on it. The four of them hurried downstairs and Ron asked Harry to stay slightly behind them.
"Ron. when is Harry coming?" Mrs Weasley asked. She was a short, and slightly plumb woman. Her head of red curls was tied up neatly as she was pulling out a huge cake with a words 'Happy Birthday Harry!"
"Good morning Mrs Weasley!" Harry spoke up. Mrs Weasley gasped and dropped the cake. Harry pulled out his wand.
"IWindgardium Leviosa!/i" The cake magically floated in mid-air, and Mrs Weasley placed it on the table.
"Harry dear! Welcome!" Mrs Weasley pulled Harry to her and hugged him. Harry returned the hug. "Harry, I don't know how to thank you for the money. I."
Harry grinned. "Just don't mention it anymore."
Mrs Weasley hugged Harry again. "Happy Birthday dear! This is from Arthur and myself." Mrs Weasley turned to the cake.
"Wow. thanks." Harry breathed. The cake was a large creamy cake that had a non-moving photo of Hermione, Harry and Ron. They were dressed in their Hogwarts robes, and grinning widely. Harry was holding the Quidditch cup, which they won two years back.
"Hey Harry! You're here!" A familiar face peeped out of the kitchen. An identical one appeared beneath it.
"Hey Fred, hey George." Harry grinned at the identical twins. He had hardly been able to differentiate them since they knew each other five years ago.
"Happy Birthday Harry!" they chorused. Harry grinned. He looked around.
"Where's Percy?"
"Oh. he went to the Ministry with Dad. They promised to be here by midday." Ron mumbled through a mouthful of bread.
Harry nodded, helping himself to a bread roll. Hermione and Ginny disappeared back to their room, and returned with two packages.
"Happy Birthday."
Harry took the presents, and mumbled his thanks.
"Open it!"
Harry opened Ginny's present, which is a stylish digital watch. "Oh wow. Ginny, thanks!"
"Hermione brought me to Diagon Alley. It's waterproof, according to the owner."
Harry strapped it on immediately. "Thanks Ginny."
Ginny blushed furiously. Hermione grinned and gestured to her present. Harry opened it, and saw a large brown box with the words 'Care For Your Wand.' He opened the box and saw a bottle of polish and a cloth. A small booklet laid on its side beside the bottle. Harry recognized the polish and cloth as one of the best products in the wizarding world, imported from Poland.
"Hermione. thanks." Harry whispered. Hermione grinned.
"I didn't know what to get you, 'cos I don't think you would want a spell book. So, I got this for you."
Harry choked slightly. "Thanks, you guys."
"Just don't cry on us." Ron mumbled. Harry punched him jokingly.
"I don't know what to say. Thanks."
Harry placed the box on the floor next to him. Breakfast at the Burrow is always enjoyable, with Mrs Weasley fussing over her children, and Hermione, Ginny and Ron talking rapidly about the wizard world. Harry felt an idea clicked into his head.
"Mrs Weasley, is it possible for us to have a week's stay at the Leaky Cauldron?"
"What?" Seven voices chorused.
Harry shrugged. "I enjoyed my stay there the last time round."
Mrs Weasley looked at Harry fondly. "Of course dear. But just you kids."
Harry grinned.
"Hey, I heard that someone's transferring to Hogwarts!" Ron spoke up.
"Really?" Harry sat up.
"Dad told us." Ron replied.
"Dad says she is from an Eastern country. I think China," Fred munched on his bread thoughtfully.
"China!" Harry widened his eyes. "Wow. that's far. Which year is she in?"
"Same as us, fifth year." Ron replied, popping a piece of bacon in his mouth.
"Cool! I hope she's in Gryffindor! And she's good in Quidditch." Harry exclaimed.
"Why?"
"Cause we are short of a Keeper and a Chaser."
George continued. "Not to mention a captain."
Harry nodded.
After breakfast, the six of them headed out to the small paddock the Weasleys owned. All six of them tried on Harry's Firebolt, although Ginny landed back on the ground with trembling knees.
"I wish I could have a Firebolt," Ron moaned wistfully. Harry felt guilty as he tried not to think of the small mountains of Galleons he owned in his vault at the bank.
"Perhaps if you get to the Quidditch team, McGonagall will get one for you," Harry suggested.
Ron grunted. He mounted his own broomstick and sped off, throwing an apple towards Fred. Harry mounted his Firebolt and joined the three brothers.
At midday, Arthur Weasley and Percy arrived home. Percy smiled warmly at Harry, which was an extremely rare sight. Percy gave Harry a small pocket watch, which can be used to tell time as well as direction. Harry mumbled his thanks, which Percy accepted with a nod.
"Mr Weasley, I want to thank you for getting permission for me," Harry started.
"Oh! That was nothing. It's my way of saying thanks to your generosity."
Harry blushed. "Thanks anyway."
Mr Weasley waved his hand and pulled a chair for Harry. He continued his usual questions about the Muggle world.
That night, Harry and Ron laid on their backs, staring at the posters Ron pasted on his ceiling. The players of the Chudley Cannons, Ron's favourite team zoomed expertly through the posters, passing a large red ball to each other. "Ron?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks." Harry and Ron exchanged a grin.
Harry sighed and pulled out a magazine. He glanced over at the empty cage, where his owl, Hedwig used to stand. Somehow the room seemed a bit too quiet without the occasional hooting of the white snowy owl. He sighed again and looked at the calendar, which he hung on the side of his cupboard. July 30th. There's still another four weeks to go before he could return back to Hogwarts. His friend Ron Weasley had told him about inviting him to his home before they parted for summer holidays but the past four weeks had been a tad too quiet.
However, the past four weeks had actually been bearable for Harry. He passed his time by wondering at the weird changes happening to his body. For one thing, his voice had gone slightly deeper. And he had this crazy urge to exercise. He had written to his godfather, Sirius, about these changes three days ago, but there was no sign of his trusty owl.
'Have Hedwig lost her way?' Harry thought wildly. He shook away the doubt immediately. 'No way. Hedwig would never get lost.' A loud clattering sounded from downstairs, which Harry acknowledged with a raised eyebrow.
"Harry Potter!" a loud booming voice thundered the house. Harry swung his legs off the bed and walked slowly down the steps to the living room.
"What?" he asked. A colourful package caught his attention. He looked at his Uncle Vernon, who looked about as red as a fire engine. A grey feather duster was lying on the table, next to the package. Harry recognizes the 'feather duster' immediately. He hurried over and carried it up, the package dangling from his feet.
"Errol!"
"This ruddy bird destroyed our lunch! I spent three hours getting these ready!" Uncle Vernon shouted. Indeed, the table was covered with black sauce which Harry guessed black pepper sauce. Two thick slabs of beef were on the floor, one on Uncle Vernon's front, and potatoes were littered around the tablecloth. Pieces of china laid at their feet.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Good. You guys need a diet anyway."
"What? How dare you?"
"Why don't I dare?" Harry challenged. He held the unconscious bird away from Uncle Vernon's clawing hands and stepped deftly to the side. Uncle Vernon immediately tripped over his own feet and fell heavily on the ground. His Aunt Petunia and his cousin Dudley came rushing out of their rooms. They immediately helped Uncle Vernon up.
Harry smiled. "Told ya you guys need a diet." Before Uncle Vernon could yell at him again, he picked up the colourful package and practically skipped up the steps, totally ignoring Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia's threat of no giving him lunch. He knew who sent the package, and was eager to open it.
When he opened his door, a familiar hooting greeted him.
"Hedwig!" Harry gently placed the unconscious Errol on his desk and stroked his owl. Hedwig nipped his fingers affectionately. A large box and an envelope were underneath her leg. Harry gave Hedwig a bit of toast he had saved for her from his breakfast. He gave another bit to Errol, who was stirring slightly. As the two owls nibbled their toast, Harry opened the colourful package, which was vibrating slightly. He pulled out a small platform; on it was a miniature version of the school's Quidditch pitch. There were actual players zooming about in the pitch, dressed in red and green robes, throwing balls through the hoops. One of the players looked extremely familiar with his messy black hair. In fact, all the players looked familiar. He unfolded the parchment that came along with the present, his hand trembling with ecstasy.
Dear Harry, Happy birthday! Hope you like this present from my brothers and me. I got the photos from Colin, who actually managed to photograph all the games Gryffindor played at second and third year. But there were only one game during the second year, which Colin managed to take, so I asked him for those in third year. Bill copied all the photographs with a complicated spell, and Charlie, Fred and George helped me into making it 3D. (Is that what they say in the Muggle world?) It isn't much, but I must really thank you for giving the thousand Galleons to Fred and George, and asking them to get a nicer dress robe for me. My mum made them tell the truth about the thousand Galleons when she came across it in their trunks. And would you believe it? They actually gave seven hundred Galleons to the household, and only kept three hundred for themselves. My mum was so shocked that she actually burst into tears. She wants you to come over to our place, hopefully tomorrow. She wants to thank you personally. Thanks to your thousand Galleons, all of us get new robes, and new books this time. Ginny got a new wand for her birthday present. And this is something my dad got for you as a thank you present. He had gotten permission from the Ministry that you will be allowed to use magic in the Muggle world within the twenty- four hours of your birthday, as long as you were not seen. That means you can fly here! My mum also found a shop where you can change our money into Muggle money! She found out the exchange rate (Is that what they say in the Muggle world?) and one Galleon is equals to fifty pound (?). I don't know if that was good news to you, but my dad was bouncing off the walls when my mum told him. I really hope you can come to my place by tomorrow. Hermione is coming as well.
PS: there are two buttons at the side, which you can change the game you want to see. PPS: Don't be afraid that the Bludgers would come out of the pitch. My brothers set a type of cover around the pitch. PPPS: If you want to stop the players, there's a button at the bottom of the platform. Just press it once. PPPPS: Can you let Errol sleep at your house tonight?
Harry grinned happily, staring at his miniature counterpart zooming around on his Nimbus Two Thousand, dodging a mad Bludger. His insides were aching with tempt to take out his Firebolt, and fly to the Weasleys' home immediately, but he had to wait. He pulled out a small empty box. He tried to put the platform into the box, but it was too small to fit the entire platform. He gave up after a while, deciding to use an Engorgement Charm when midnight strikes.
'Speaking of which.'
Harry jumped down the steps, and into the dining area. The Dursleys jumped slightly at his sudden appearance.
"I'll be leaving tomorrow for my friend's place. Just to let you know."
Uncle Vernon stood up, banging the table as he does so. "Oh no you're not!"
Harry turned. "I had permission to use magic tomorrow, so don't make me use it on you guys."
Uncle Vernon's face turned red slightly. "DO NOT SAY THE M WORD IN MY HOUSE!"
Harry shrugged. "Okay, but I'm still leaving tomorrow, whether you like it of not."
Aunt Petunia asked, her voice trembling slightly. "How?"
"I'll fly there, on my broomstick."
Aunt Petunia pulled Uncle Vernon down, who was beginning to look like a ripe tomato. "When?"
"Anytime tomorrow."
Uncle Vernon opened his mouth to say something, but Aunt Petunia stopped him. "Alright, you may go, and make sure you don't do magic to anything in the house that belongs to us!"
Harry smiled cheekily. "I know of a Shrinking Spell, that can make Dudley a little more presentable. Do you want me to do it?"
Uncle Vernon yelled something that sounded vaguely like 'No'. Harry couldn't tell. He simply turned and closed the door to the dining area. His heart rejoicing, he entered his room, and sat back down on his chair. He opened the large package and saw a beautiful cake designed as a Golden Snitch. His heart swelled up with emotion as he opened the envelope. A letter and a photo dropped out. As always, in the wizarding world, the photo was moving. He smiled as he saw his godfather, Sirius wrestling with the Hippogriff, Buckbeak. Sirius had his arm around Buckbeak's neck, threatening to strangle it. The next minute, Sirius was hanging by Buckbeak's beak when the Hippogriff had taken flight. He turned and gave a thumbs-up. Harry was happy to see his godfather laughing along with Buckbeak, and his face looked fatter than before, and his pale complexion had been replaced by a khaki tan.
Dear Harry, Happy fifteenth birthday. In case you are wondering who took this photo, it was Dumbledore who took it for us. He happened to be in the vicinity about two weeks back. I thought I would copy one for you. You asked me about the weird changes you had noticed happening to your body. It's just a normal process that all boys are going through. You are stepping over the line from a kid to a teenager. Your friend, Ron should notice the same changes. There's nothing much you can do about your voice. However, about your urge to exercise, I suggest wrestling? I did enjoy it with Buckbeak, maybe you would too. Love, Sirius.
Harry took out a small plastic knife and a set of cutleries that he kept hidden in his cupboard. He locked his room and cut a big slice of cake for himself. Hedwig and Errol were looking at his cake closely. Harry laughed and cut off two smaller pieces for them. The cake was delicious, and Harry decided to save some for the Weasleys and Hermione tomorrow.
'Oh man. I wish midnight will strike soon!'
* * *
Harry must have made a hundred trips to the living room to look at the time. He was so sick of walking up and down the stairs that he waited at the living room, bringing a piece of cake for supper. At long last, the clock on the mantelpiece struck twelve. Harry skipped quietly upwards and took out his wand. The first thing he did was to enlarge the box to put his miniature Quidditch pitch in. The next he did was to wake Hedwig and Errol, who were sleeping with their heads under their wing. Hedwig hooted in protest.
"Hush Hedwig. we're leaving for the Burrow!" Hedwig fell silent immediately. Harry stifled a laugh as he saw Hedwig trying to wake Errol up by poking his stomach with her beak.
Harry had gotten his trunk ready in the evening, and bewitched it to be feather-light. He took out his Invisibility Cloak, which he had inherited from his father, and took out his prized broomstick that Sirius gave him.
"Errol, can you fly?" Harry whispered. Errol gave what seemed like an assuring hoot, but Harry was still sceptical. Hedwig gave him a hoot and nibbled his ear. Harry understood and tied his trunk to his broomstick.
"Ready? Let's go!" Harry pulled the Invisibility Cloak over his head and kicked off. The sensation was thrilling. He had not ridden his broomstick since he returned to Privet Drive, and the urge to fly was sometimes too overwhelming.
"Errol, I need you to guide us. and don't get lost!" Harry spoke. Errol and Hedwig flew in front of him It was a quiet flight to the Burrow. The lack of sleep was getting on the Harry, who had probably yawned a thousand times throughout the flight. The sky was getting lighter, and what looked like five in the morning, Harry caught sight of the Burrow. He urged Errol and Hedwig to hurry up, and sped towards the Burrow. He turned sharply towards Ron's bedroom window, and knocked.
"Shut up Pig. I need to sleep." Ron mumbled.
Harry leaned his head on the windowpane, too tired to talk. Luckily, Hedwig flew into the room through the small gap between the windowpanes and poked Ron hard on his stomach.
"What! Hedwig!" Ron turned. "Harry!"
"Ron. open. I don't think I can stay up here for much longer." Harry mumbled through another yawn.
Ron opened the window hurriedly, and Harry collapsed gratefully on his bed.
"Wow. you must have ridden throughout the night!" Ron breathed. Harry nodded. Then he seemed to notice something.
"Your voice changed too."
Ron shrugged. "Yeah. Hermione is in Ginny's room. She arrived yesterday. Wouldn't she be surprised to see you here."
Harry yawned again. "How did your father get permission?"
"He didn't tell us. Do you want to sleep for a while? It's still a few hours to breakfast."
Harry nodded, but another yawn escaped his mouth. "Thanks for the present."
Ron grinned widely. "No problem." He grinned again as Harry closed his eyes as he stretched out on Ron's bed. He pulled his blanket across himself and Harry and fell asleep.
Harry and Ron jumped at the shrill shouting from outside his door. "Ronald Weasley! Wake up!"
Ron grinned. "Harry, you open the door. That's Hermione."
Harry opened the door, and a bucket of water splashed onto his face. Hermione and Ginny gasped as they saw who it was. Ron was trying hard not to laugh. Harry turned to Ron, his eyes narrowed.
"Ron."
Ron put both his hands up. "I didn't know! Honestly! I just want you to surprise Hermione!"
Harry wiped his face and turned to Hermione and Ginny's appalled look. He grinned and burst out laughing. Ron laughed probably the loudest. Hermione and Ginny stood by the door, not sure what to do.
"It's okay Hermione. I need to thank you for that. You really woke up me!"
Hermione and Ginny grinned. "Mum is asking for Ron. my my, wouldn't she be surprised to see you. And Harry, thanks for what you did."
"Don't mention it. And I mean it!" Harry chuckled. He pulled off his wet sweater and dons a dry one with a big H on it.
Ron pulled on an identical one, except it was maroon instead of blue, and instead of a H, his had an R on it. The four of them hurried downstairs and Ron asked Harry to stay slightly behind them.
"Ron. when is Harry coming?" Mrs Weasley asked. She was a short, and slightly plumb woman. Her head of red curls was tied up neatly as she was pulling out a huge cake with a words 'Happy Birthday Harry!"
"Good morning Mrs Weasley!" Harry spoke up. Mrs Weasley gasped and dropped the cake. Harry pulled out his wand.
"IWindgardium Leviosa!/i" The cake magically floated in mid-air, and Mrs Weasley placed it on the table.
"Harry dear! Welcome!" Mrs Weasley pulled Harry to her and hugged him. Harry returned the hug. "Harry, I don't know how to thank you for the money. I."
Harry grinned. "Just don't mention it anymore."
Mrs Weasley hugged Harry again. "Happy Birthday dear! This is from Arthur and myself." Mrs Weasley turned to the cake.
"Wow. thanks." Harry breathed. The cake was a large creamy cake that had a non-moving photo of Hermione, Harry and Ron. They were dressed in their Hogwarts robes, and grinning widely. Harry was holding the Quidditch cup, which they won two years back.
"Hey Harry! You're here!" A familiar face peeped out of the kitchen. An identical one appeared beneath it.
"Hey Fred, hey George." Harry grinned at the identical twins. He had hardly been able to differentiate them since they knew each other five years ago.
"Happy Birthday Harry!" they chorused. Harry grinned. He looked around.
"Where's Percy?"
"Oh. he went to the Ministry with Dad. They promised to be here by midday." Ron mumbled through a mouthful of bread.
Harry nodded, helping himself to a bread roll. Hermione and Ginny disappeared back to their room, and returned with two packages.
"Happy Birthday."
Harry took the presents, and mumbled his thanks.
"Open it!"
Harry opened Ginny's present, which is a stylish digital watch. "Oh wow. Ginny, thanks!"
"Hermione brought me to Diagon Alley. It's waterproof, according to the owner."
Harry strapped it on immediately. "Thanks Ginny."
Ginny blushed furiously. Hermione grinned and gestured to her present. Harry opened it, and saw a large brown box with the words 'Care For Your Wand.' He opened the box and saw a bottle of polish and a cloth. A small booklet laid on its side beside the bottle. Harry recognized the polish and cloth as one of the best products in the wizarding world, imported from Poland.
"Hermione. thanks." Harry whispered. Hermione grinned.
"I didn't know what to get you, 'cos I don't think you would want a spell book. So, I got this for you."
Harry choked slightly. "Thanks, you guys."
"Just don't cry on us." Ron mumbled. Harry punched him jokingly.
"I don't know what to say. Thanks."
Harry placed the box on the floor next to him. Breakfast at the Burrow is always enjoyable, with Mrs Weasley fussing over her children, and Hermione, Ginny and Ron talking rapidly about the wizard world. Harry felt an idea clicked into his head.
"Mrs Weasley, is it possible for us to have a week's stay at the Leaky Cauldron?"
"What?" Seven voices chorused.
Harry shrugged. "I enjoyed my stay there the last time round."
Mrs Weasley looked at Harry fondly. "Of course dear. But just you kids."
Harry grinned.
"Hey, I heard that someone's transferring to Hogwarts!" Ron spoke up.
"Really?" Harry sat up.
"Dad told us." Ron replied.
"Dad says she is from an Eastern country. I think China," Fred munched on his bread thoughtfully.
"China!" Harry widened his eyes. "Wow. that's far. Which year is she in?"
"Same as us, fifth year." Ron replied, popping a piece of bacon in his mouth.
"Cool! I hope she's in Gryffindor! And she's good in Quidditch." Harry exclaimed.
"Why?"
"Cause we are short of a Keeper and a Chaser."
George continued. "Not to mention a captain."
Harry nodded.
After breakfast, the six of them headed out to the small paddock the Weasleys owned. All six of them tried on Harry's Firebolt, although Ginny landed back on the ground with trembling knees.
"I wish I could have a Firebolt," Ron moaned wistfully. Harry felt guilty as he tried not to think of the small mountains of Galleons he owned in his vault at the bank.
"Perhaps if you get to the Quidditch team, McGonagall will get one for you," Harry suggested.
Ron grunted. He mounted his own broomstick and sped off, throwing an apple towards Fred. Harry mounted his Firebolt and joined the three brothers.
At midday, Arthur Weasley and Percy arrived home. Percy smiled warmly at Harry, which was an extremely rare sight. Percy gave Harry a small pocket watch, which can be used to tell time as well as direction. Harry mumbled his thanks, which Percy accepted with a nod.
"Mr Weasley, I want to thank you for getting permission for me," Harry started.
"Oh! That was nothing. It's my way of saying thanks to your generosity."
Harry blushed. "Thanks anyway."
Mr Weasley waved his hand and pulled a chair for Harry. He continued his usual questions about the Muggle world.
That night, Harry and Ron laid on their backs, staring at the posters Ron pasted on his ceiling. The players of the Chudley Cannons, Ron's favourite team zoomed expertly through the posters, passing a large red ball to each other. "Ron?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks." Harry and Ron exchanged a grin.