Disclaimer: RIIIIGGGHHHT!!! Oh yeah, I own Harry Potter. Yeah right, like
that would ever happen.
A/N: Thank you everyone for reviewing. So, here we go...
Chapter 2:
"Do you smell something?"
"Yeah, I do. It smells like something's burning."
Harry and Ron ran up the stairs just as Fred and George came out of their room. They could see Hermione rushing into the room. Half of the room was on fire, and now, Ginny and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were rushing up from the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley whipped out her wand and put the fire out. The floor was black with soot, and there was a half charred, half melted caldron sitting in the middle of the floor.
"Everyone, down stairs, now." Mr. Weasley said.
Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Harry, Fred, and George all went down to the kitchen. When they finally sat down, they all began to talk at once. Finally, Harry yelled for them to all shut up, then asking Fred and George what happened.
"Well, we're making a new type of chocolate," Fred said.
"But we couldn't agree on what to put in it, pixie dust or doxie wings"
"So we used both, and well, you saw what happened..."
"YOU MIXED PIXIE DUST AND DOXIE WINGS?" Hermione gasped, "Everyone knows that those two ingredients, when mixed, is lethal."
"I didn't," said Ron under his breath, Harry and Ginny nodding their heads in agreement.
Hermione glared, at Ron making everyone, including him, laugh. The five of them talked about Fred and George's latest experiment for about ten minutes. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley came into the kitchen, explaining that there were no damages.
The Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione sat down to dinner. While Mr. and Mrs. Weasley talked about work at the Ministry, Fred and George told Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny about their latest inventions. They were making a chocolate that when you eat it, it will be any flavor you want.
"Well, to change the subject," Harry said, "What happened after you got home at the end of the term?"
"Mum is furious. She isn't really mad that we caused so much trouble...actually, she finds that kinda funny. Obviously not very many people liked that old hag. She yelled at us for three bloody days about leaving school early and not taking our N.E.W.T.S, not to mention the store," Fred said, lowering his voice.
"Yeah, then, after three days of not being able to be in the same room as her, with out her yelling, she gave us the silent treatment. She wouldn't even look at us. We got so many lectures from dad," George said.
"Then after Ron and Ginny got home she was nothing but nice. But then again, she has been spending all her time praising them for their bravery. I'm surprised they didn't say anything to you two yet," Fred said.
"Well, Harry and I haven't really been here that long. I bet they will say something before to long."
"Yeah, your probably right. Just wait. You will get it, just like Ron and Ginny."
"Man, when we got home, all we heard about was how courageous we are. I mean, you'd think they would be in a lot of trouble for running off like that and going to the Ministry, but no. I guess when we got home mum and dad figured we'd been through enough, they weren't going to punish us," Ginny said.
"I really hope they don't say anything to us about it. I mean I really don't want to hear about how proud they are or how courageous I was. I don't feel to brave."
"Harry, Hermione, Arthur and I have something we would like to show you," Mrs. Weasley said before anyone could respond to Harry.
Harry and Hermione exchanged confused looks. When Mr. and Mrs. Weasley got up from the table, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Fred, and George followed suit. They headed up stairs to the top floor. There were two doors there. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stopped at one door and turned toward Harry.
"Harry, this is for you," Mr. Weasley said opening the door.
Inside the room was a bed, a desk, and a dresser, "It's a bit plain, but we figured you could decorate it the way you wanted to."
"W...What's this all about?"
"Well, it's your own room."
"But..."
"Now you don't have to share a room with Ron anymore," Mr. Wesley said
"And Hermione, dear," said Mrs. Weasley, walking across the hall to the other door, "This is your room. Again, it's a bit plain, but we figured we would let you decorate it.
The room was just like the other one. It had a bed, desk, and a dresser. Hermione and Harry looked at each other and back at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Behind them, Ginny, Ron, Fred, and George were trying not to laugh.
"While it is very nice of you, you really shouldn't have done this. It's too much,"
"Nonsense, you two are here almost every summer. You both are practically family. And you only have two more years left of school. Wouldn't you want to stay in the wizarding world instead of going back to live as a muggle."
"Well, yes, but you didn't need to. I mean, you shouldn't have," Harry said.
"Nonsense, now everyone get to bed, you all have a big day tomorrow," Mrs. Wesley said, heading downstairs.
"Mum, its still early."
"Oh, right. Ok, well then go find something to do."
They all went downstairs and into the living room. Ron and Harry sat down to play a game of wizard's chest while Hermione watched, and Fred and George played Exploding Snap with Ginny. At ten, they went up stairs to bed. Harry, still feeling weird about having his own room, went into Ron's room, and Hermione went into Ginny's room.
While getting into bed, Harry said to Ron, "So, why do Hermione and I have our own rooms now?"
"That was my idea. I figured after seventh year, you won't want to go back to the Dursley's, so why not come here until we could get out on our own. And what about Christmas and other holidays like that?"
"Well, who's room do we have? Bill and Charlie's?"
"No, we built a whole new floor. It was really easy, actually. We left everything bare because we thought you two would want to decorate your rooms the way you want them," said Ron.
"Well, thanks, you didn't have to, you know. But, thanks."
"No problem, mate. It wasn't that bad. Now, go to sleep, it's a big day tomorrow. G'night."
"G'night."
WHAM!!!!
Harry bolted up. He couldn't see anything around him because he didn't have his glasses on, but he knew he was hit with something, and hard. He reached for his glasses and saw Ginny and Hermione staring at him. Hermione had taken his pillow and hit him with it. Harry looked at his watch. It was 8:15. Ron was just beginning to stir.
"What was that for?"
"Get up and get dressed. And HURRY!" Hermione said.
"What...What's going on?" Ron asked, rubbing his eyes and yawning.
"I'll get up, but I can't very well get dressed, now can I?" Harry said.
"And why is that?" Hermione asked him, putting her hands on her hips and glaring at him.
"Um...Hermione, maybe we better..."
"Oh, yeah...sorry 'bout that."
"What was that all about?" asked Harry after the door was closed, "Why'd they come in here, and so early?"
Ron, now fully awake, threw his pillow at Harry, "OW! What was that for?"
"It's your birthday, you bloody idiot!"
"M...my birthday. Merlin's beard! It is."
Harry and Ron got dressed in a hurry. They went downstairs and Hermione and Ginny were sitting at the table. Mrs. Weasley was cooking breakfast. Harry and Ron sat down at the table next to Hermione. As they sat down, Fred and George came into the kitchen.
"Happy Birthday, Harry!"
"Um...thanks," Harry replied, "It smells wonderful, Mrs. Weasley."
"Anything for you, dear, it's your birthday, and it's the first birthday you'll have that will be celebrated properly."
Harry grinned. He was so glad to be here. He was with his two best friends. They were his family. Mrs. Weasley finished cooking breakfast and sat down at the table. While they all ate, Mrs. Weasley told them what she had planned for the day."
"Well, there really isn't to much going on during the day, but after Arthur gets home we will have a big dinner with all your favorites. Then we will have cake and you can open your presents."
"I...I have presents?"
"Of course you do, dear. Why wouldn't you?" Molly said.
"Well, I guess I never really got presents before. No actual presents."
"Well, that doesn't seem right. Of course you have presents."
After that, they ate in silence. When they were done eating Mrs. Weasley shooed them out of the kitchen and told them to go play. They all went in to the living room and played a game of Exploding Snap. Even Hermione joined in the game.
"Mum will be baking your cake soon, Harry. She always makes the best cakes," Fred said.
"I can't believe I'm here. I mean, Dumbledore actually let me come. It's earlier than it usually is."
"Yeah, well, mum is a good arguer."
They talked about school. They were trying to figure out who would be the next Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher for next year. Both Ron and Harry thought it was going to be Mad-eye Moody again. Ginny and Hermione, on the other hand, thought it would be someone new. Harry didn't say anything, but he really hoped it was Lupin again. If it weren't for Lupin, Harry never would have been so good at Defense Against the Dark Arts. Lupin taught Harry how to perform the Patronus Charm, and if he didn't know how to do that, he probably wouldn't be here.
At about 3:30, Arthur got home, and Tonks had come with him. She had spiked, neon yellow hair. She was wearing tight, low-riding jeans and a hot pink T-shit. She was carring a large, lime green package under her right arm. Shortly after, Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell, and Alicia Spinnet arrived, each carring a brightly colored parcel under their arms. By four o'clock, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Remus Lupin, Mad-eye Moody, and Hagrid had arrived, and there was a growing pile of gifts in the backyard. Also, Lavender, Paravati, Dean, and Seamus had come. At about 4:30, Dumbledore had arrived at the Burrow. He was carrying a long, slender box.
"Harry, can I talk to you?" Dumbledore said, pulling Harry into the hallway.
"Sure, what's wrong Professor?" Harry asked, staring confusedly at Dumbledore.
"Nothing is wrong, Harry," Dumbledore assured, "I was just hoping I could meet with you tomorrow in Diagon Alley."
"Umm...sure, I guess so. Tomorrow? In the Leaky Cauldron?"
"Yes, the Leaky Cauldron will do. And bring Ron and Hermione. Meet me there at one o'clock sharp," Dumbledore said, "Oh, and Happy Birthday, Harry."
"Thanks. So, Ron, Hermione, and I will be at the Leaky Cauldron," Harry said. He walked away and forgot about it.
"Hey, Harry, come outside!" Someone yelled from the back door.
Harry went outside and found Angelina, Alicia, Katie, Fred, George, and Ron standing out there, all holding their brooms. Hermione, Ginny, Lavender, Paravati, Dean, and Seamus were also out there.
"What's up, guys?"
"Well, we're going to play a game of quidditch before dinner," Angelina said.
"Well...that sounds like a lot of fun, but you may not remember this, but I don't have a broom anymore," Harry said.
"Harry, could you come here for a minute?"
Harry turned around and saw Dumbledore standing by the door. Wondering what he could possibly want again, he walked over to where Dumbledore was standing, his classmates following closely behind him.
"Yes, Professor? Is there something you forgot?
"No no no," Dumbledore chuckled, "I just want you to open my gift a little early."
Taking the gift, he slowly opened it. Harry looked up at Dumbledore, "M...my broom?"
"Yes, its your broom. We'd like you to come back and be Gryffindor seeker."
"Really, I can play again? But...I thought I had a life ban?" Harry said.
"Of course you can play again. How is Gryffindor supposed to win the house cup if they don't have their best player? And about the life ban thing, well, lets just say that's not in affect anymore." Dumbledore said.
"Oh, and don't tell anyone else what I said about Gryffindor winning. We don't want people thinking I play favorites, now do we?" Dumbledore added, "And Professor McGonagall would like you to be the new captain. That is, if you would like."
"If I would like? Of course! Why wouldn't I like to be the captain?" Harry said.
"Well, that settled, go and play your game. Have fun."
Harry turned around, "Well, we have the old team back. The only person missing is Oliver."
"Did someone say my name?"
Harry turned around and saw Oliver Wood, his old quidditch captain, standing in the doorway. He was carrying a large wooden box. He walked over to Harry and set the box down right next to him.
"Happy Birthday, Harry!" Oliver said, slapping Harry on the back.
"Thanks. What are you doing here?" Harry said.
"For your Birthday, of course. It's your first real birthday. Or did you forget?" Oliver said.
"No, I didn't forget. I just didn't expect you to be here. In fact, I didn't except anyone to be here. I thought it was just going to be the Weasleys, Hermione, and me." Harry said.
"Well, I'm here. Now are we going to stand around and talk all day, or are we going to play some quidditch?" Oliver said.
Fred and George turned and led the group to a large clearing not far from the house. In the middle of the field were seven brooms all lying in a row on the ground.
"Uh...Oliver, what's in the box?" Harry asked, pointing at the wooden box that Oliver had just laid down next to the brooms.
"It's your birthday present."
"My birthday present? What is it, though?" Harry asked. Oliver threw open the lid and inside were two clubs, a quaffle, two bludgers, and a snitch.
"I don't get it. My birthday present is a quidditch game?"
"No, not just a quidditch game. Come here and see for you self," Oliver said.
Harry walked over to Oliver and knelt down next to him. He pointed at the side of the lid and written in swirly writing it read:
Harry James Potter
"What?"
"It's for you. The whole box is for you. I thought you'd like it and I had it engraved with your name on it," Oliver said.
"Oh...you didn't have to, really you didn't," Harry said.
"I know I didn't have to, but it's your birthday Harry. I thought you should have something you could actually use," he said, smirking at Hermione. Hermione glared at him, but she couldn't keep herself from smiling.
"I didn't get him a revised version of 'A History of Hogwarts' is THAT'S what you mean, Oliver," she said, smiling.
"No, not a revised version," was all Oliver said. Everyone laughed, including Hermione.
"Ok, that's enough. Lets play. Angelina, Alicia, Katie, you three will be chasers."
"Obviously, like we'd play any OTHER position." Angelina said, has the mounted their brooms.
"Fred, George, you two will be beaters. AND I DON"T WANT ANY COMMENTS!" He said, glaring at Angelina, "Harry, well, you know your position. I'll be the keeper. Ron, you be the captain of your team. Make a good choice. I want to play fair. I don't want this to come to end TOO quickly."
Ron glared at Oliver, the smiled. When he was done they all mounted their brooms. Hermione, Ginny, and Lavender were chasers, Dean and Paravati were beaters, Seamus was the seeker, and Ron was the keeper.
Oliver let out the bludgers and the snitch. The snitch whizzed around Semus's head, then around Harry's head. A large smile played across Harry's face.
"Anyone need a commentary? I'd be glad to do it."
Everyone turned to see who had come. Charlie was walking up to the field. Behind him were Bill and the rest of the party.
"Oh, we have an audience now, do we? Well, that's good. Sure, you can do the commentary. That would be fine. Ok everyone, on the count of three we take off. One! Two! THREE!"
All fourteen players zoomed up into the air. Harry circled abut five feet above everyone. Oliver dropped the ball, and the game began. Ginny dived for the quaffle, Alicia right behind her.
"And Ginny tosses to Hermione. Hermione reaches, and...OH...just barely missed it. Angelina comes from under and catches the ball. She tosses to Katie, who tosses to Alicia. Oops, no luck there ladies. Lavender intercepts and tosses to Ginny."
Ginny zooms off towards the goal. She dodged a bludger, and almost dropped the ball. She keeps a tight hold on it and stops once she reaches the goal.
"You're good, Weasley. You should try out for the team this year."
"Plan to. Now keep your mind on the game, Wood." Ginny said.
"Oh, but are you good enough to get the ball past me."
"We'll just have to see, won't we?" Ginny smirked.
"And Ginny shoots...AND SHE SCORES!!! Looks like we have some competition here. And its Alicia with the ball. She tosses to Angelina, who tosses to Katie. Oh, Katie drops the ball. Lavender catches the ball. She tosses to Hermione."
Hermione caught the ball, and threw her arms in the air, "I CAUGHT IT!!! I CAUGHT IT!!!" She lost her balance and had to drop the ball to grab a hold of the broom. Ginny dives and catches the ball.
Harry, circling above, is snapped out of his trance. He was so busy watching the game that he forgot to look for the snitch. The snitch zooms past his head, and Harry dives for it. Seamus dives toward Harry. Catching up, he pushes into Harry's side.
"You're good, Finnegan, but not as good as me," Harry says, zooming off to catch the snitch.
Harry swerves to miss the bludger coming straight at him. Fred, tailing the bludger, hits it towards Ginny. Ginny ducks and Dean hits it back at Harry. Fred hits it in the opposite direction, towards Seamus.
"Bring back any memory's for you, Harry?"
"Yeah, second year," He replies before zooming off towards the snitch again.
"Hermione gets the ball and tosses to Lavender. Lavender tosses to Ginny, but, OHHH, Katie intercepts and tosses to Alicia. Alicia tosses to Angelina. Angelina shoots, and she...OH!!!! SHE MISSIES. Better luck next time, Angelina.
"Hermione gets the ball and dodges the bludger. She dodges Katie. George hits the bludger towards her. Oh-oh, not quite quick enough."
Harry called for a time out and dives for the ground. He drops his broom and runs to Hermione's side. "Hermione? Hermione, are you ok?" Harry asks, concern in his voice.
At first, Hermione doesn't respond. Then she opens her eyes and smiles at Harry, "So, this is what it feels like to fall off you broom?"
"Hermione, dear, are you hurt," came Mrs. Weasley's voice from behind Harry. Harry backs away and lets Mrs. Weasley in to see Hermione, "Dear, do you hurt anywhere?"
"Yeah, my arm hurts," she said, and Mrs. Weasley knelt down to look at it.
"Well, your arm is broken, dear, I will have it mended in a moment, though."
"OK, well, as long as you have everything taken care of. Now, can we continue the game? Hey, lover boy, your girlfriend will be fine," Oliver said.
Harry blushed. He nodded and the came started again. The quaffle was thrown into the air and Ginny caught it. She passed it to Lavender who flew to the other side of the field. She passed it to Ginny when she was corned my Alicia and Angelina. Ginny caught the ball.
"SHE SHOOTS AND SHE...OH-NO, sorry sis, can't make them all!"
Alicia caught the ball and threw it to Angelina. Angelina caught the ball, but just barley dodged the bludger that Dean and hit in her direction. She tossed it to Katie, but Katie dropped it. She dived down and caught the ball. She flew it to the end of the field.
"COME ON RON...YOU CAN SAVE IT! Aw man, AND KATIE SCORES. That makes the score 10 to 10."
The snitch fluttered right below Semus's shoe. Harry got a glimpse of it, but Seamus wasn't paying attention. Harry dived for the snitch and threw his arm out in front of him. Just as Seamus saw him coming, the snitch whizzed off. Harry bolted forward, putting his entire wait at the end of the broom. Seamus was tailing him, but before he could catch up, Harry caught the snitch.
"AND HARRY HAS CUAGHT THE SNITCH!!! That leaves a score of 160 to ten, and the end of the game. NOW COME ON, LETS EAT! I'M BLOODY HUNGRY!!!"
Everyone walked back to the house. Harry and Ron stayed back to help Hermione. Her arm was mended but Harry was still worried something else was wrong. He kept asking if everything was fine and if anything else hurt.
"Harry, I'm fine, but you wont be if you keep asking me if I'm ok."
Harry shut up after that, and they walked in silence. When they got back to the house, everyone was getting they're dinner. It was buffet style and there was a long table in the backyard so that everyone could sit and eat together. They all laughed as they ate talking about nothing but nonsense.
After everything was cleaned up, Mrs. Weasley brought out a three layer cake that had vanilla icing on it. The icing was died red and in gold writing it said 'HAPPY 16TH BRITHDAY, HARRY.' There was a snitch and a broom zooming around the cake.
Harry smiled and said, "How in the world did you do that?"
"Magic, Harry, magic," Mrs. Weasley said.
They all ate cake, and, afterwards, Harry opened his gifts.
"Here open mine, Harry," Remus said, handing a small box towards Harry.
Harry opened it and inside was a thin gold chain with to gold bands on it. Harry looked up at Remus confusedly.
"Those were your parents' wedding rings. They gave them to me and said that if anything were to happen to them, they wanted you to have them."
"Thank you," Harry said, putting the chain around his neck and fingering the bands.
"Here, Harry, open mine next," said Ron said, handing Harry a large box.
Inside was a chess board, "My own wizard's chess? Thanks, Ron! This is so cool!" He set the game aside and reached for another one.
After all the presents were opened and everything was cleaned up, they all sat and ate cake. Harry smiled as he looked around at the guests. He couldn't believe how many people had showed up to celebrate his birthday. He was finally not alone in the world.
After everyone left, Harry took all his gifts upstairs to Ron's room. He was just getting ready to go to bed when there was a knock on the door. He quickly put a shirt on when Mrs. Weasley stuck her head in the door.
"Harry, I want to show you something. Come downstairs for a minute."
Harry followed Mrs. Weasley downstairs and into the kitchen, "What did you want to show me Mrs. Weasley?"
"Right here. On the table," Mrs. Weasley pointed at the table and Harry walked over to it. On the table there was about seventy-five pictures. There were pictures of Harry playing quidditch and pictures of him opening presents. There also were pictures of all his friends. The picture that really caught his eye was one taken of him, Ron, and Hermione. They were smiling and laughing, but the reason why in caught Harry's eye was because it was the only picture he had out the three of the. He decided that one was his favorite.
"They're for you. Bill took them, and there's this one," she said, handing Harry another picture. The picture was the one taken right before everyone left. All the guests were in it and Harry, Ron, and Hermione were right in front.
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley. I appreciate this."
"You're welcome. It was no problem really."
Harry gathered up the pictures and left the kitchen. Just before going upstairs he turned towards the kitchen, "And Mrs. Weasley..."
"Yes, dear?"
"Thanks,"
"For what?" She asked.
"For everything. For the party, and for having me here every summer."
"You're welcome. You deserve to have a party, and you're like family to us. Now go to bed."
Harry smiled and went upstairs. He, Hermione, and Ron had decided they were going to go to Diagon Alley at one o'clock and then Harry and Hermione were going to spend the day showing Ron around muggle London.
"Happy Birthday, Harry." Ron said as he crawled into bed.
"Thanks, Ron. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Harry."
A/N: Well, there you go. Sorry it took so long, but I have been very busy and just got the chance to write. I'm on spring break so I hope to get at least the third chapter up by the end of next week.
A/N: Thank you everyone for reviewing. So, here we go...
Chapter 2:
"Do you smell something?"
"Yeah, I do. It smells like something's burning."
Harry and Ron ran up the stairs just as Fred and George came out of their room. They could see Hermione rushing into the room. Half of the room was on fire, and now, Ginny and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were rushing up from the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley whipped out her wand and put the fire out. The floor was black with soot, and there was a half charred, half melted caldron sitting in the middle of the floor.
"Everyone, down stairs, now." Mr. Weasley said.
Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Harry, Fred, and George all went down to the kitchen. When they finally sat down, they all began to talk at once. Finally, Harry yelled for them to all shut up, then asking Fred and George what happened.
"Well, we're making a new type of chocolate," Fred said.
"But we couldn't agree on what to put in it, pixie dust or doxie wings"
"So we used both, and well, you saw what happened..."
"YOU MIXED PIXIE DUST AND DOXIE WINGS?" Hermione gasped, "Everyone knows that those two ingredients, when mixed, is lethal."
"I didn't," said Ron under his breath, Harry and Ginny nodding their heads in agreement.
Hermione glared, at Ron making everyone, including him, laugh. The five of them talked about Fred and George's latest experiment for about ten minutes. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley came into the kitchen, explaining that there were no damages.
The Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione sat down to dinner. While Mr. and Mrs. Weasley talked about work at the Ministry, Fred and George told Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny about their latest inventions. They were making a chocolate that when you eat it, it will be any flavor you want.
"Well, to change the subject," Harry said, "What happened after you got home at the end of the term?"
"Mum is furious. She isn't really mad that we caused so much trouble...actually, she finds that kinda funny. Obviously not very many people liked that old hag. She yelled at us for three bloody days about leaving school early and not taking our N.E.W.T.S, not to mention the store," Fred said, lowering his voice.
"Yeah, then, after three days of not being able to be in the same room as her, with out her yelling, she gave us the silent treatment. She wouldn't even look at us. We got so many lectures from dad," George said.
"Then after Ron and Ginny got home she was nothing but nice. But then again, she has been spending all her time praising them for their bravery. I'm surprised they didn't say anything to you two yet," Fred said.
"Well, Harry and I haven't really been here that long. I bet they will say something before to long."
"Yeah, your probably right. Just wait. You will get it, just like Ron and Ginny."
"Man, when we got home, all we heard about was how courageous we are. I mean, you'd think they would be in a lot of trouble for running off like that and going to the Ministry, but no. I guess when we got home mum and dad figured we'd been through enough, they weren't going to punish us," Ginny said.
"I really hope they don't say anything to us about it. I mean I really don't want to hear about how proud they are or how courageous I was. I don't feel to brave."
"Harry, Hermione, Arthur and I have something we would like to show you," Mrs. Weasley said before anyone could respond to Harry.
Harry and Hermione exchanged confused looks. When Mr. and Mrs. Weasley got up from the table, Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Fred, and George followed suit. They headed up stairs to the top floor. There were two doors there. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stopped at one door and turned toward Harry.
"Harry, this is for you," Mr. Weasley said opening the door.
Inside the room was a bed, a desk, and a dresser, "It's a bit plain, but we figured you could decorate it the way you wanted to."
"W...What's this all about?"
"Well, it's your own room."
"But..."
"Now you don't have to share a room with Ron anymore," Mr. Wesley said
"And Hermione, dear," said Mrs. Weasley, walking across the hall to the other door, "This is your room. Again, it's a bit plain, but we figured we would let you decorate it.
The room was just like the other one. It had a bed, desk, and a dresser. Hermione and Harry looked at each other and back at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Behind them, Ginny, Ron, Fred, and George were trying not to laugh.
"While it is very nice of you, you really shouldn't have done this. It's too much,"
"Nonsense, you two are here almost every summer. You both are practically family. And you only have two more years left of school. Wouldn't you want to stay in the wizarding world instead of going back to live as a muggle."
"Well, yes, but you didn't need to. I mean, you shouldn't have," Harry said.
"Nonsense, now everyone get to bed, you all have a big day tomorrow," Mrs. Wesley said, heading downstairs.
"Mum, its still early."
"Oh, right. Ok, well then go find something to do."
They all went downstairs and into the living room. Ron and Harry sat down to play a game of wizard's chest while Hermione watched, and Fred and George played Exploding Snap with Ginny. At ten, they went up stairs to bed. Harry, still feeling weird about having his own room, went into Ron's room, and Hermione went into Ginny's room.
While getting into bed, Harry said to Ron, "So, why do Hermione and I have our own rooms now?"
"That was my idea. I figured after seventh year, you won't want to go back to the Dursley's, so why not come here until we could get out on our own. And what about Christmas and other holidays like that?"
"Well, who's room do we have? Bill and Charlie's?"
"No, we built a whole new floor. It was really easy, actually. We left everything bare because we thought you two would want to decorate your rooms the way you want them," said Ron.
"Well, thanks, you didn't have to, you know. But, thanks."
"No problem, mate. It wasn't that bad. Now, go to sleep, it's a big day tomorrow. G'night."
"G'night."
WHAM!!!!
Harry bolted up. He couldn't see anything around him because he didn't have his glasses on, but he knew he was hit with something, and hard. He reached for his glasses and saw Ginny and Hermione staring at him. Hermione had taken his pillow and hit him with it. Harry looked at his watch. It was 8:15. Ron was just beginning to stir.
"What was that for?"
"Get up and get dressed. And HURRY!" Hermione said.
"What...What's going on?" Ron asked, rubbing his eyes and yawning.
"I'll get up, but I can't very well get dressed, now can I?" Harry said.
"And why is that?" Hermione asked him, putting her hands on her hips and glaring at him.
"Um...Hermione, maybe we better..."
"Oh, yeah...sorry 'bout that."
"What was that all about?" asked Harry after the door was closed, "Why'd they come in here, and so early?"
Ron, now fully awake, threw his pillow at Harry, "OW! What was that for?"
"It's your birthday, you bloody idiot!"
"M...my birthday. Merlin's beard! It is."
Harry and Ron got dressed in a hurry. They went downstairs and Hermione and Ginny were sitting at the table. Mrs. Weasley was cooking breakfast. Harry and Ron sat down at the table next to Hermione. As they sat down, Fred and George came into the kitchen.
"Happy Birthday, Harry!"
"Um...thanks," Harry replied, "It smells wonderful, Mrs. Weasley."
"Anything for you, dear, it's your birthday, and it's the first birthday you'll have that will be celebrated properly."
Harry grinned. He was so glad to be here. He was with his two best friends. They were his family. Mrs. Weasley finished cooking breakfast and sat down at the table. While they all ate, Mrs. Weasley told them what she had planned for the day."
"Well, there really isn't to much going on during the day, but after Arthur gets home we will have a big dinner with all your favorites. Then we will have cake and you can open your presents."
"I...I have presents?"
"Of course you do, dear. Why wouldn't you?" Molly said.
"Well, I guess I never really got presents before. No actual presents."
"Well, that doesn't seem right. Of course you have presents."
After that, they ate in silence. When they were done eating Mrs. Weasley shooed them out of the kitchen and told them to go play. They all went in to the living room and played a game of Exploding Snap. Even Hermione joined in the game.
"Mum will be baking your cake soon, Harry. She always makes the best cakes," Fred said.
"I can't believe I'm here. I mean, Dumbledore actually let me come. It's earlier than it usually is."
"Yeah, well, mum is a good arguer."
They talked about school. They were trying to figure out who would be the next Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher for next year. Both Ron and Harry thought it was going to be Mad-eye Moody again. Ginny and Hermione, on the other hand, thought it would be someone new. Harry didn't say anything, but he really hoped it was Lupin again. If it weren't for Lupin, Harry never would have been so good at Defense Against the Dark Arts. Lupin taught Harry how to perform the Patronus Charm, and if he didn't know how to do that, he probably wouldn't be here.
At about 3:30, Arthur got home, and Tonks had come with him. She had spiked, neon yellow hair. She was wearing tight, low-riding jeans and a hot pink T-shit. She was carring a large, lime green package under her right arm. Shortly after, Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell, and Alicia Spinnet arrived, each carring a brightly colored parcel under their arms. By four o'clock, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Remus Lupin, Mad-eye Moody, and Hagrid had arrived, and there was a growing pile of gifts in the backyard. Also, Lavender, Paravati, Dean, and Seamus had come. At about 4:30, Dumbledore had arrived at the Burrow. He was carrying a long, slender box.
"Harry, can I talk to you?" Dumbledore said, pulling Harry into the hallway.
"Sure, what's wrong Professor?" Harry asked, staring confusedly at Dumbledore.
"Nothing is wrong, Harry," Dumbledore assured, "I was just hoping I could meet with you tomorrow in Diagon Alley."
"Umm...sure, I guess so. Tomorrow? In the Leaky Cauldron?"
"Yes, the Leaky Cauldron will do. And bring Ron and Hermione. Meet me there at one o'clock sharp," Dumbledore said, "Oh, and Happy Birthday, Harry."
"Thanks. So, Ron, Hermione, and I will be at the Leaky Cauldron," Harry said. He walked away and forgot about it.
"Hey, Harry, come outside!" Someone yelled from the back door.
Harry went outside and found Angelina, Alicia, Katie, Fred, George, and Ron standing out there, all holding their brooms. Hermione, Ginny, Lavender, Paravati, Dean, and Seamus were also out there.
"What's up, guys?"
"Well, we're going to play a game of quidditch before dinner," Angelina said.
"Well...that sounds like a lot of fun, but you may not remember this, but I don't have a broom anymore," Harry said.
"Harry, could you come here for a minute?"
Harry turned around and saw Dumbledore standing by the door. Wondering what he could possibly want again, he walked over to where Dumbledore was standing, his classmates following closely behind him.
"Yes, Professor? Is there something you forgot?
"No no no," Dumbledore chuckled, "I just want you to open my gift a little early."
Taking the gift, he slowly opened it. Harry looked up at Dumbledore, "M...my broom?"
"Yes, its your broom. We'd like you to come back and be Gryffindor seeker."
"Really, I can play again? But...I thought I had a life ban?" Harry said.
"Of course you can play again. How is Gryffindor supposed to win the house cup if they don't have their best player? And about the life ban thing, well, lets just say that's not in affect anymore." Dumbledore said.
"Oh, and don't tell anyone else what I said about Gryffindor winning. We don't want people thinking I play favorites, now do we?" Dumbledore added, "And Professor McGonagall would like you to be the new captain. That is, if you would like."
"If I would like? Of course! Why wouldn't I like to be the captain?" Harry said.
"Well, that settled, go and play your game. Have fun."
Harry turned around, "Well, we have the old team back. The only person missing is Oliver."
"Did someone say my name?"
Harry turned around and saw Oliver Wood, his old quidditch captain, standing in the doorway. He was carrying a large wooden box. He walked over to Harry and set the box down right next to him.
"Happy Birthday, Harry!" Oliver said, slapping Harry on the back.
"Thanks. What are you doing here?" Harry said.
"For your Birthday, of course. It's your first real birthday. Or did you forget?" Oliver said.
"No, I didn't forget. I just didn't expect you to be here. In fact, I didn't except anyone to be here. I thought it was just going to be the Weasleys, Hermione, and me." Harry said.
"Well, I'm here. Now are we going to stand around and talk all day, or are we going to play some quidditch?" Oliver said.
Fred and George turned and led the group to a large clearing not far from the house. In the middle of the field were seven brooms all lying in a row on the ground.
"Uh...Oliver, what's in the box?" Harry asked, pointing at the wooden box that Oliver had just laid down next to the brooms.
"It's your birthday present."
"My birthday present? What is it, though?" Harry asked. Oliver threw open the lid and inside were two clubs, a quaffle, two bludgers, and a snitch.
"I don't get it. My birthday present is a quidditch game?"
"No, not just a quidditch game. Come here and see for you self," Oliver said.
Harry walked over to Oliver and knelt down next to him. He pointed at the side of the lid and written in swirly writing it read:
Harry James Potter
"What?"
"It's for you. The whole box is for you. I thought you'd like it and I had it engraved with your name on it," Oliver said.
"Oh...you didn't have to, really you didn't," Harry said.
"I know I didn't have to, but it's your birthday Harry. I thought you should have something you could actually use," he said, smirking at Hermione. Hermione glared at him, but she couldn't keep herself from smiling.
"I didn't get him a revised version of 'A History of Hogwarts' is THAT'S what you mean, Oliver," she said, smiling.
"No, not a revised version," was all Oliver said. Everyone laughed, including Hermione.
"Ok, that's enough. Lets play. Angelina, Alicia, Katie, you three will be chasers."
"Obviously, like we'd play any OTHER position." Angelina said, has the mounted their brooms.
"Fred, George, you two will be beaters. AND I DON"T WANT ANY COMMENTS!" He said, glaring at Angelina, "Harry, well, you know your position. I'll be the keeper. Ron, you be the captain of your team. Make a good choice. I want to play fair. I don't want this to come to end TOO quickly."
Ron glared at Oliver, the smiled. When he was done they all mounted their brooms. Hermione, Ginny, and Lavender were chasers, Dean and Paravati were beaters, Seamus was the seeker, and Ron was the keeper.
Oliver let out the bludgers and the snitch. The snitch whizzed around Semus's head, then around Harry's head. A large smile played across Harry's face.
"Anyone need a commentary? I'd be glad to do it."
Everyone turned to see who had come. Charlie was walking up to the field. Behind him were Bill and the rest of the party.
"Oh, we have an audience now, do we? Well, that's good. Sure, you can do the commentary. That would be fine. Ok everyone, on the count of three we take off. One! Two! THREE!"
All fourteen players zoomed up into the air. Harry circled abut five feet above everyone. Oliver dropped the ball, and the game began. Ginny dived for the quaffle, Alicia right behind her.
"And Ginny tosses to Hermione. Hermione reaches, and...OH...just barely missed it. Angelina comes from under and catches the ball. She tosses to Katie, who tosses to Alicia. Oops, no luck there ladies. Lavender intercepts and tosses to Ginny."
Ginny zooms off towards the goal. She dodged a bludger, and almost dropped the ball. She keeps a tight hold on it and stops once she reaches the goal.
"You're good, Weasley. You should try out for the team this year."
"Plan to. Now keep your mind on the game, Wood." Ginny said.
"Oh, but are you good enough to get the ball past me."
"We'll just have to see, won't we?" Ginny smirked.
"And Ginny shoots...AND SHE SCORES!!! Looks like we have some competition here. And its Alicia with the ball. She tosses to Angelina, who tosses to Katie. Oh, Katie drops the ball. Lavender catches the ball. She tosses to Hermione."
Hermione caught the ball, and threw her arms in the air, "I CAUGHT IT!!! I CAUGHT IT!!!" She lost her balance and had to drop the ball to grab a hold of the broom. Ginny dives and catches the ball.
Harry, circling above, is snapped out of his trance. He was so busy watching the game that he forgot to look for the snitch. The snitch zooms past his head, and Harry dives for it. Seamus dives toward Harry. Catching up, he pushes into Harry's side.
"You're good, Finnegan, but not as good as me," Harry says, zooming off to catch the snitch.
Harry swerves to miss the bludger coming straight at him. Fred, tailing the bludger, hits it towards Ginny. Ginny ducks and Dean hits it back at Harry. Fred hits it in the opposite direction, towards Seamus.
"Bring back any memory's for you, Harry?"
"Yeah, second year," He replies before zooming off towards the snitch again.
"Hermione gets the ball and tosses to Lavender. Lavender tosses to Ginny, but, OHHH, Katie intercepts and tosses to Alicia. Alicia tosses to Angelina. Angelina shoots, and she...OH!!!! SHE MISSIES. Better luck next time, Angelina.
"Hermione gets the ball and dodges the bludger. She dodges Katie. George hits the bludger towards her. Oh-oh, not quite quick enough."
Harry called for a time out and dives for the ground. He drops his broom and runs to Hermione's side. "Hermione? Hermione, are you ok?" Harry asks, concern in his voice.
At first, Hermione doesn't respond. Then she opens her eyes and smiles at Harry, "So, this is what it feels like to fall off you broom?"
"Hermione, dear, are you hurt," came Mrs. Weasley's voice from behind Harry. Harry backs away and lets Mrs. Weasley in to see Hermione, "Dear, do you hurt anywhere?"
"Yeah, my arm hurts," she said, and Mrs. Weasley knelt down to look at it.
"Well, your arm is broken, dear, I will have it mended in a moment, though."
"OK, well, as long as you have everything taken care of. Now, can we continue the game? Hey, lover boy, your girlfriend will be fine," Oliver said.
Harry blushed. He nodded and the came started again. The quaffle was thrown into the air and Ginny caught it. She passed it to Lavender who flew to the other side of the field. She passed it to Ginny when she was corned my Alicia and Angelina. Ginny caught the ball.
"SHE SHOOTS AND SHE...OH-NO, sorry sis, can't make them all!"
Alicia caught the ball and threw it to Angelina. Angelina caught the ball, but just barley dodged the bludger that Dean and hit in her direction. She tossed it to Katie, but Katie dropped it. She dived down and caught the ball. She flew it to the end of the field.
"COME ON RON...YOU CAN SAVE IT! Aw man, AND KATIE SCORES. That makes the score 10 to 10."
The snitch fluttered right below Semus's shoe. Harry got a glimpse of it, but Seamus wasn't paying attention. Harry dived for the snitch and threw his arm out in front of him. Just as Seamus saw him coming, the snitch whizzed off. Harry bolted forward, putting his entire wait at the end of the broom. Seamus was tailing him, but before he could catch up, Harry caught the snitch.
"AND HARRY HAS CUAGHT THE SNITCH!!! That leaves a score of 160 to ten, and the end of the game. NOW COME ON, LETS EAT! I'M BLOODY HUNGRY!!!"
Everyone walked back to the house. Harry and Ron stayed back to help Hermione. Her arm was mended but Harry was still worried something else was wrong. He kept asking if everything was fine and if anything else hurt.
"Harry, I'm fine, but you wont be if you keep asking me if I'm ok."
Harry shut up after that, and they walked in silence. When they got back to the house, everyone was getting they're dinner. It was buffet style and there was a long table in the backyard so that everyone could sit and eat together. They all laughed as they ate talking about nothing but nonsense.
After everything was cleaned up, Mrs. Weasley brought out a three layer cake that had vanilla icing on it. The icing was died red and in gold writing it said 'HAPPY 16TH BRITHDAY, HARRY.' There was a snitch and a broom zooming around the cake.
Harry smiled and said, "How in the world did you do that?"
"Magic, Harry, magic," Mrs. Weasley said.
They all ate cake, and, afterwards, Harry opened his gifts.
"Here open mine, Harry," Remus said, handing a small box towards Harry.
Harry opened it and inside was a thin gold chain with to gold bands on it. Harry looked up at Remus confusedly.
"Those were your parents' wedding rings. They gave them to me and said that if anything were to happen to them, they wanted you to have them."
"Thank you," Harry said, putting the chain around his neck and fingering the bands.
"Here, Harry, open mine next," said Ron said, handing Harry a large box.
Inside was a chess board, "My own wizard's chess? Thanks, Ron! This is so cool!" He set the game aside and reached for another one.
After all the presents were opened and everything was cleaned up, they all sat and ate cake. Harry smiled as he looked around at the guests. He couldn't believe how many people had showed up to celebrate his birthday. He was finally not alone in the world.
After everyone left, Harry took all his gifts upstairs to Ron's room. He was just getting ready to go to bed when there was a knock on the door. He quickly put a shirt on when Mrs. Weasley stuck her head in the door.
"Harry, I want to show you something. Come downstairs for a minute."
Harry followed Mrs. Weasley downstairs and into the kitchen, "What did you want to show me Mrs. Weasley?"
"Right here. On the table," Mrs. Weasley pointed at the table and Harry walked over to it. On the table there was about seventy-five pictures. There were pictures of Harry playing quidditch and pictures of him opening presents. There also were pictures of all his friends. The picture that really caught his eye was one taken of him, Ron, and Hermione. They were smiling and laughing, but the reason why in caught Harry's eye was because it was the only picture he had out the three of the. He decided that one was his favorite.
"They're for you. Bill took them, and there's this one," she said, handing Harry another picture. The picture was the one taken right before everyone left. All the guests were in it and Harry, Ron, and Hermione were right in front.
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley. I appreciate this."
"You're welcome. It was no problem really."
Harry gathered up the pictures and left the kitchen. Just before going upstairs he turned towards the kitchen, "And Mrs. Weasley..."
"Yes, dear?"
"Thanks,"
"For what?" She asked.
"For everything. For the party, and for having me here every summer."
"You're welcome. You deserve to have a party, and you're like family to us. Now go to bed."
Harry smiled and went upstairs. He, Hermione, and Ron had decided they were going to go to Diagon Alley at one o'clock and then Harry and Hermione were going to spend the day showing Ron around muggle London.
"Happy Birthday, Harry." Ron said as he crawled into bed.
"Thanks, Ron. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Harry."
A/N: Well, there you go. Sorry it took so long, but I have been very busy and just got the chance to write. I'm on spring break so I hope to get at least the third chapter up by the end of next week.