Michael was now sitting in the corner of the living room. His brother was having his 9th birthday party. Just about the whole Order was there and a few important people. The Potters may not like some of the important people that were there and vice versa, but they all had to keep up appearances. They was one thing that they all had in common. And being at Harry Potter's birthday was one of the 'to do things' that they had to do.

Yes, the Malofy's and Black's and Parkinson's and people like Dolores Umbridge did not like being there at all, but there was an unspoken requirement that they were. And of course where ever Harry Potter went, the press were sure to follow.

So this lead Michael to be sitting in his little corner. He would smile and nodded and pretend that this is all great when questioned, like he had been doing for the past eight years. He didn't mind really, he didn't like big crowds anyway. The only problem was that tomorrow they won't really celebrate his birthday. They would give him what was left of Harry's, which often nothing and if there was Harry would get most of it, and maybe one thing. Sirius would at the very least give him something cool, but after he left, Harry would complain and Michael would have to hand it over.

However, every gift that Remus gave to Michael, he got to keep. Harry wasn't really all that into books. Michael was not sure how Remus was able to get a hold of all these books, he was sure it caused some strain on Remus. Michael knew he was a werewolf and it was fine with him, but he knew that the Wizarding World was not kind to werewolves. So Remus didn't have a lot of money. But Remus never failed in getting both of them something for their birthdays and Christmas.

Michael liked Remus more than anyone else in the world. He was the only one that would pay any attention to him. He never failed to talk to Michael and he always seemed to have some kind of candy to give him. Michael sighed as he spotted another camera heading towards his family. He got up and slowly made his way towards the Potters. He stopped short of being in the camera's view. Michael had learned the signs of when he was supposed to being in the shot or not. This one happened to be one of those he was not in. He was quite happy not being in it.

Two Hours Later

Michael really wanted to go to bed. However, the party was still going on and he knew better than to sneak off. This was one of the only times that the Potters wanted Michael around. A hand lightly grabbed Michael's shoulder. He knew this hand. Michael smiled and grinned broadly at Remus Lupin.

"You made it," Michael said.

"Yes," Remus said. "And it looks like not a moment too soon. You look like you are bored."

"No, not bored," Michael said. "Just a bit tired. It is a long day for an eight year old."

"You are going to nine though," Remus said.

"Tomorrow," Michael said. "Today, my big brother is nine. I don't turn nine until after 12:09 am."

"So how has it been," Remus said, "It seems like forever since I last saw you."

"Two months and 21 days," Michael said without thinking

"You have been keeping track," Remus asked a little surprised.

"Excuse Uncle Remus," Michael said. "I have to go to the bathroom."

Michael hurried out of the room. He made sure that no one saw him leave. The last thing he need was Harry to see him and lock him in the bathroom again. Michael shut the door and leaned against it. He almost blew the whole thing. How could he have been so stupid?

Both Harry and Michael were going to Muggle schools until they were eleven. They went to different schools though. Harry went to a private school and Michael went to the public school. Harry's private school was around the block. Michael's public school was ten blocks away, which he had to walk alone to ever since he turned six; while Lily and James walked Harry to school every day. No one really noticed that because Michael was very good at sneaking around

Michael had learned when he was young not to out shine his brother, therefore, Michael had to make lower than his brother, which was hard for him to do. However, he did good enough to keep his parents from being called in for a parent/teacher meeting. He knew that his parents would not like to spend too much time away from their baby because Michael wants to be an attention hog.

When Michael came out of the bathroom, he looked at the clock. He had been in there for more than six minutes. Michael hurried back to the party, hoping that he hadn't been missed. That hope was short lived when he saw the look in Lily's eyes. He was in so much trouble.

After the Party

"Where were you," Lily hissed as James grabbed Michael by the arm in a bruising grip.

"I had to go to the bathroom," Michael whimpered.

"Well while you were goofing off," Lily said, "a reporter wanted a picture of the whole family. And you were nowhere to be found. Why are you always ruining things for your brother? This was your brother's day and you went and ruined by your selfishness."

'When isn't it Harry's day,' Michael thought. 'Is it ever going to be my day?'

James shoved Michael out the back door.

"You are not to come in for two days," James said. "And when you do, you will have a list of chores to do."

"You got what you deserved for ruining my birthday," Harry smirked as his parents shut the door.

"Oh yes," Michael said. "This is going to the best birthday ever."

At 12:09 am it started raining.