Disclaimer: Stsndard disclaimer applies.
Notes: Written in honour of Harry's birthday. I got back from my holiday late last night, so I didn't have time to write anything better. I was focussing on another story which I will post today if I finish it in time, but a friend of mine told me I should post this one anyway because it's cute.
Surprise
[Harry gets what he has always wanted.]
A giggle came from somewhere behind him – Ginny's, Harry located in his mind. So Hermione wasn't alone anymore. And that awkward shuffle – well, he hadn't spent almost twenty years with Ron Weasley to not know that that was him.
He squeezed Hermione's hand tighter as his stomach clenched in anticipation. This was something big, if they were all in on it.
Hermione's voice sounded at that moment, higher than usual because of nerves. "Okay, you can take the blindfold off now."
"Finally!" Harry inserted a grin onto his face and tried not to sound too relieved. He didn't like not being able to see; it made him feel vulnerable.
When the blindfold came off, he found himself facing a blank brick wall. He knew this wall. It was the one in the basement of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. His friends were standing around him, and Hermione had moved to clutch his shoulders.
"What—?" he started, but Hermione spoke right across his half-formed question.
"Your present is behind you." Her voice was still high. "But before you turn around—oh, Harry, you have to understand, this is just an illusion, okay?"
"Hermione researched it," Ron put in proudly before Harry could reply. "Ginny designed it, and we both helped with the execution."
"Mum's babysitting for the day," Ginny put in. "So you can enjoy it all day. We'll leave you in peace to do so. But it only lasts for one day, okay? That's it. Twelve hours starting now. So enjoy it whilst it lasts."
"But try not to think about it ending," Hermione added. "Try to enjoy the moment."
Harry was feeling a little overwhelmed, and a little worried. What had they prepared for him? What was so special that he could only have it for twelve hours, and that it took three people to put it together?
"You can turn around now."
Hermione's hands slipped smoothly from his shoulders as he turned from the wall. First in the corner of his eyes, then in front of him, a scene appeared. It was a strange scene, flickering a little at the edges, but solid in the middle. Solid, warm and happy.
Almost automatically, Harry moved towards it, stepped into it. There, sitting at a table, waiting for him, were his parents.
Looking back, he saw his friends, all smiling proudly. "Go on," Ron told him. "Don't waste it, you idiot."
Harry grinned and turned back. Leave it to Ron to call him an idiot on his birthday.
Warmth engulfed him and he forgot about Ron. It was time to enjoy his present, the best present they could have ever given him.
His family.
FIN
Thanks for reading, and please review.
Happy Birthday Harry, Neville, and everyone else!
Story rec of the day: Slytherin-Free Zone by hrhionastar