Chapter 4 – Harry's Birthday
Harry woke with a grin on his face, in a few hours he would be on his way to the Burrow and Hermione. Grabbing the change of cloths he'd left out the day before he headed for the bathroom. After showering and dressing he went downstairs to face his uncle, aunt and cousin for what he hoped would be the last time this summer.
He sat down at the table in an exceptionally good mood almost laughing at the strange looks his relatives were giving him. Harry ate his breakfast quickly all the wbe picking me up at eleven today to take me to the Bur… my friend's house for the rest of the summer."
"Fine. Just be sure these 'freaks' don't make a scene or mess up my house in any way."
"Yes Uncle Vernon."
Harry placed his empty plate in the sink and went upstairs to await his friend's arrival. As time drew near the Dursley's could be heard leaving in their car obviously not wanting to be anywhere near the soon to be arriving wizards.
"Fine. Just be sure these 'freaks' don't make a scene or mess up my house in any way."
"Yes Uncle Vernon."
Harry placed his empty plate in the sink and went upstairs to await his friend's arrival. As time drew near the Dursley's could be heard leaving in their car obviously not wanting to be anywhere near the soon to be arriving wizards.
At eleven o'clock sharp Harry heard a knock on the door and went to answer it. Opening the door he caught a brief glimpse of three people before he was hit with a bright light and everything went black.
As he regained consciousness Harry saw the grotesque visage of Mad Eye Moody staring down at him. "I'm not impressed Potter. What if I'd been a death eater? You'd have been in a real fix then wouldn't you. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" the auror roared.
"Lighten up Moody." Tonks pushed Mad Eye out of the way and reached down to give Harry a hand up. He was almost to his feet when she managed to trip over some unseen object and he ended up back on the floor in a tangle of limbs and bright green hair. She looked at Harry with a grin on her face and said the only thing that came to mind. "Wotcher Harry!"
"Hello Tonks. Have a nice trip?" he joked back.
She laughed ruffling his hair as she stood. "Wow Harry, you look good enough to eat. Remus was right you have grown. We might have to skip the Burrow and take you back to my place." Tonks winked as she said this and laughed as a blush found its way to Harrys cheeks.
Remus who had been doubled over in laughter finally regained enough composure to speak. "Now Nymphadora quit embarrassing the poor boy." he chuckled.
With mock anger displayed on her face she shook her fist at Remus for using her given name.
"Are you ready to go Harry?"
"Sure Moony, I just need to grab my trunk and Hedwig's cage."
Tonks having recovered from the use of her first name returned to her usual energetic self, jumping at the chance to help Harry gather his things. "I'll give you a hand Harry!"
Harry laughed and grinned as he replied. "That's ok Tonks. I'd feel safer doing it myself." And he ran up the stairs laughing at the look on Tonks face as he went.
Remus once again burst out laughing and between breaths managed to force out, "I think he's just scared to be alone is his room with you Nymphadora."
"That's it! I told you never to use my first name Remus!" That said she pointed her wand and muttered a curse.
Harry returned to the entryway with his trunk and Hedwig's cage to find a disgruntled marauder sporting bright green hair and floppy pink bunny ears. Tonks was laughing hysterically and even Mad Eye seemed to be grinning.
"Nice hair Moony! Or is it Bunnykins now?"
Tears of laughter were streaming down Tonks face and Mad Eyes grin while a bit disturbing was the biggest Harry had ever seen it. After a few minutes Moody said the counter curse and with a wave of his wand Remus was returned to normal.
Sending one last glare at Tonks, Remus pulled a small book from his pocket and told everyone to place a finger on it. Harry held Hedwig's cage and Tonks had taken his trunk. Once everyone was touching the book Remus tapped it with his wand and the group disappeared from Privet Drive.
"Harry!"
Before he even had a chance to take in his new surroundings Harry heard his name called out and found himself engulfed in a tangle of bushy brown hair. He felt her arms around him and smelled the familiar scent of her shampoo. Dropping Hedwig's cage he returned her embrace. Harry was the happiest he had ever been.
"Hello Mione."
Hermione pulled away slightly pausing to give him a kiss on the cheek that seemed to linger a little longer than she had intended it too. The world around them seemed to dissolve as there eyes met. Their heads were slowly moving closer when Remus cleared his throat causing them both to blush and jump apart though Hermione kept hold of Harry's arm not wanting to let go of him after finally getting back together.
The adults chuckled and greeted Hermione. Mrs. Weasley hearing the commotion entered the living room and pulled Harry into one of her trademark Weasley hugs, literally smothering him with affection. "Harry dear, I'm so glad you're finally here." She held him at arms length assessing his condition and nodding her approval. "It's good to see those Dursley's finally kept you fed for once. Why don't you take your things upstairs to Ron's room, lunch will be ready shortly."
Harry's guard said their goodbyes and left to take care of some Order business.
Carrying his trunk and followed closely behind by Hermione with Hedwig's cage Harry made his way up to Ron's room. Entering the room his eyes were assaulted by a familiar orange color. He found Ron lying on his bed reading a quidditch magazine.
"Hello mate."
"Hey Harry. How's the summer been so far?"
Harry set his trunk down by the cot that had been setup for him to use and turned around to find Hermione standing in the doorway uncertain as to whether or not she should enter. Not wanting her to leave, Harry went to take Hedwig's cage and pulled her into the room as he answered Ron.
"Actually it's been the best summer I can remember having so far." He smiled at Hermione as he said this causing her to blush brightly. Ron refusing to look at her hadn't noticed.
"We should head downstairs, your mum said lunch was about ready."
"Excellent, I'm starving! We should play some quidditch after."
"That sound like a good idea, it's been ages since I've been flying."
The trio headed down to lunch with Hermione in the lead. Out of the corner of his eye Harry noticed Ron grimace as he caught site of her. He was worried about Ron and needed to talk to him soon but he wanted to talk to Hermione first and to do that he needed to find away to get her alone. Having just arrived he knew this would be difficult.
Entering the kitchen Hermione took a seat at one end of the table and Harry sat next to her. Ron chose a seat across the table and slightly down from Harry wanting to be able to talk to him while still being as far away from Hermione as possible.
Harry was greeted with hugs and handshakes as Ginny and the twins came in from outside.
"Harry mate it's so good" said George.
"to see you again!" followed Fred.
"Absolutely corking!"
"Even spiffing I'd say!"
They continued around the table shaking hands and greeting everyone in turn and soon everyone was laughing heartily at the twin's unique brand of humor.
Harry heard someone coming down the stairs and turned to see Percy entering the kitchen. The conversation seemed to dull slightly as he walked towards a seat at the far end of the table. As he walked past Harry looked up and greeted him.
"Hello Percy."
"Harry."
The mood seemed tense as Mrs. Weasley began serving everyone lunch but things relaxed back into the normal comfortable atmosphere of the Burrow as everyone started to eat and the twins went back to their usual antics.
After lunch Harry raced to his trunk to retrieve his FireBolt and headed out the back door towards the paddock. Hermione joined him outside and they walked together to the broom shed where Ron, Fred and George were collecting their brooms.
Noticing the Weasley brothers were all out of sight in the shed, Harry quickly put an arm around Hermione's shoulder and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. Her heart raced at the unexpected show of affection and she smiled at him as he lowered his arm.
"I've missed you Harry. I know we talked through the journals every day but I still missed seeing you."
"I missed you to Mione. I'm dying to spend some time alone with you but I'm not sure how we're going to pull it off just yet."
Hermione sighed, "I know Harry I feel the same way. We'll figure something out."
They shared smiles but before they could talk further they found themselves at the broom shed where the three brothers were emerging with their brooms. Noticing Hermione, George spoke up. "Ginny's not flying. You can use her broom if you want Hermione."
"No thanks George I just want to watch. I brought something to do why you guys are playing." She held up a small book as she said this. Only Harry and Hermione could see the writing on the cover 'Journal of Hermione Ann Granger and Harry James Potter'.
They headed to the paddock and after arguing for a time decided to form two teams each with a chaser and a keeper. To keep things from getting to confusing they decided the teams would be Ron and Harry versus Fred and George.
Hermione sat under a tree watching the four boys fly in the air above her. She relished in the look of contentment and pure joy Harry had on his face while he flew. After gazing at Harry for a long while she opened her Journal and began to write.
-Hermione-
I'm so happy! Harry's here! I was waiting for him in the living room when he arrived. We hugged and I gave him a kiss on the cheek. We kind of forgot we weren't alone for a minute, I think he was going to kiss me before Remus made some noise and ruined the moment. Well it was probably for the best as we weren't alone, I still wanted to hex him though. Thank Merlin none of the Weasleys were there!
I must say this summer has definitely been good to Harry. He was incredibly handsome before but all the time he spent working in his aunt's garden has given him a body I was not expecting. Yummy. I can't wait to get him alone! I think I love him more every second I see him! Am I being shallow? Oh who cares he's gorgeous!
Ron's still being a prat and completely ignoring me. I can tell Harry's a bit upset about the way he's acting. I feel bad for Harry, right now he's kind of caught in the middle but that will change when Ron find's out about us. If this is how he's acting now I truly dread how he's going to be when he sees me and Harry 'together' for the first time. Why does everything have to be so complicated?
I have to get Harry alone soon. Maybe tonight after everyone goes to bed. Yes, that might work. I'll write a note to him in this journal, thanks to the blood charm he'll know.
I love you Harry. I love you, I love you, I love you!
Harry, Meet me in the garden tonight after everyone goes to sleep.
All my love,
Your Mione.
She closed her journal and hugged it to her chest as she finished writing.
As Harry was zooming across the paddock on his broom he felt an odd sensation in the back of his mind. It was almost like he was remembering something about his journal. He looked down to see Hermione hugging her own journal, smiling up at him. He smiled back and waved to her. After receiving a wave in return he flew off with the makeshift quaffle to attempt another goal.
They played until it was time to head in for supper. The boys were sweaty and tired but each had a huge grin on their face. Upon entering the Burrow they were all sent upstairs to cleanup before dinner. Hermione went to Ginny's room to place her journal back in her trunk then returned to the kitchen to help set the table for dinner.
Harry took a quick shower and went back to Ron's room. Ron left to take his turn in the shower and while he was gone Harry decided to see what Hermione had written to him.
Opening his journal he read her message and immediately felt several snitches flying around in his stomach. He placed the journal safely back in his trunk and headed down to dinner.
Entering the kitchen he found Hermione sitting at the same seat she had been in at lunch and sat down next to her. He held her hand under the table and leaned over to whisper in her ear. "I can't wait, tonight can't get here soon enough." She couldn't wait for tonight either.
Mr. Weasley arrived home from the ministry and greeted Harry warmly. Harry had the impression he wanted to question him about some new piece of muggle technology he had come across but Mrs. Weasley had forbidden him from doing so at the table. Dinner passed quickly and after loosing several games of chess to Ron everyone headed up to bed.
Harry lay in his bed listening to Ron's snores and the otherwise quiet of the Burrow. Looking at his watch he noticed it was 11:30 and decided it was time to meet Hermione. He grabbed his invisibility cloak and quietly made his way downstairs being sure to avoid the squeaky steps. Making his way to the garden he sat on the small bench to await her arrival.
He looked up a few minutes later to see Hermione walking across the lawn towards him. He couldn't believe how beautiful she looked in the moonlight. He slid his left arm around her as she sat down and snuggled up to him. They sat there quietly, holding hands, not feeling the need to talk right away.
After a few minutes he pulled his had free and turned her face towards his. Loosing themselves in each others eyes, their faces slowly moved closer until their lips finally met.
Eventually the need for air overcame the need to kiss and they parted breathless. "Mione, that was amazing. You're amazing. I love you. I can't imagine my life without you in it and I wouldn't want to. You're everything I've ever dreamed of. Mione, would you be my girlfriend?"
Happiness and joy were clearly written all over her face. As she climbed on Harry's lap his arms automatically closed around her. She pulled him into another kiss while running her fingers through his hair. Pulling away when they were once again breathless she looked into his eyes, "Could there ever be any doubt? I love you Harry. I love you and I'll always be there for you, always."
They continued to hold each other talking softly and kissing. Eventually Hermione looked at Harry's watch and noticing it was after midnight gave him a mind numbing kiss and whispered softly to him.
"Happy birthday Harry."
They continued to hold each other sharing the occasional kiss and enjoying the simple pleasure of being together after dreaming about it all summer. Around two in the morning they decided it was time to get some sleep. Though neither wanted too, hand in hand, they headed back to their rooms.
Stopping at Ginny's room they shared a final kiss goodnight and Harry continued on to Ron's room. After putting his dads cloak away he climbed into bed and drifted off to sleep.
Harry woke the next morning to the most wonderful sensations. As he opened his eyes he found Hermione leaning over him placing soft kisses on his lips.
"Good morning sleepy head."
"Mmmhmmhm."
Hermione giggled and leaned in for another quick kiss.
"Time to get up birthday boy."
He rubbed his eyes then pulled her on the cot with him. "No, I need more sleep. A beautiful witch kept me up until some ungodly hour last night."
"Oh and how exactly did she manage that?"
"Mmmm like this..." And he pulled her face to his kissing her hard on the lips.
She giggled as the kiss finished and pulled away. "As much as I'm enjoying this you should probably get up before we get caught. I would like to keep you all to myself today but I suspect there are other people who would like to see you, it being your birthday and all."
Hermione stood up and moved towards the door pausing to blow him a kiss before disappearing down the hallway. Harry groaned already missing her and not wanting to get up. Eventually he managed to extract himself from his bed, get dressed and go downstairs.
Breakfast passed with minimal fuss, everyone wishing Harry a happy birthday. After breakfast Mrs. Weasley began working on Harry's birthday cake and Hermione volunteered to help her.
Deciding he wanted to fly for awhile Harry grabbed his broom and asked Ron if he wanted to join him. Ten minutes later the two found themselves flying around the paddock doing loops, barrel rolls and other tricks that seemed to defy the laws of gravity. Flying had always been Harry's favorite thing in the world but he now realized it took a distant second place to kissing Hermione.
Harry landed and lay down on the grass. He felt relaxed and at peace after flying and just wanted to watch the clouds drift by. Ron noticed Harry lying on the ground and flew over to make sure he was alright.
"Harry, you ok mate?"
"Yep, just being lazy. Felt like lying about for a bit."
Ron let out a sigh of relief. "Good, I thought maybe you fell off your broom for a minute there."
"No, not this time anyway." Harry said with a grin.
Ron sat on the ground next to Harry and fell into a contemplative silence. After a few minutes he decided to speak.
"Harry? Do you think Hermione's in love with Krum?"
'Bugger, no, no, no, no, no. This isn't happening.' Thought Harry.
"No, as far as I know she hasn't even heard from him in over a year." Harry's heart was pounding in his chest while his brain was running on high desperately seeking a way out of this conversation. However, he knew they needed to talk and it would probably be better to get it over with sooner than later. On the other hand he was alone with Ron in the middle of a field with a potentially volatile situation brewing. For some reason the phrase 'Constant Vigilance' kept rolling through his mind and Harry sat up because of it.
They sat in silence for a few minutes until Ron took a deep breath and continued.
"I kind of screwed up the other day Harry."
Staring at the ground Ron explained about his fight with Hermione. He told Harry his thoughts on what had happened and the decisions he had made. Harry listened to him describe in excruciating detail the conversation he'd had with her under the tree and the hurtful things he'd said in the heat of the moment.
After explaining everything that had happened he became quiet again for a few moments before looking up to face Harry.
"I really love her. I have for a couple of years now and I thought she felt the same way. It was finding out that she is in love with someone else hurt more than anything."
Harry swallowed looking at the ground unable to meet his friends gaze.
"Harry? You don't happen to know who it is, do you."
This was it. This was the moment he had been dreading all summer. Harry took a deep breath and let it out slowly before answering.
"Yes, I know who it is."
The silence was almost deafening and went on for what seemed like ages before Ron quietly muttered a single word.
"Well?"
Harry looked up with a somber expression on his face praying what he was about to say wouldn't end their friendship of five years.
"It's me Ron. Hermione's in love with me. And I'm in love with her."
Ron looked at Harry his expression a mix of disbelief and something Harry couldn't quite identify, maybe betrayal?
Without saying a word Ron stood up and walked away.
Harry stared at the spot where his best friend had disappeared into the woods. When he was finally able to think again his first thought was that he needed to tell Hermione.
With a broom on each shoulder Harry headed back to the Burrow. He found Hermione in the kitchen helping Mrs. Weasley.
"Mrs. Weasley? Could I borrow Hermione for a few minutes please?"
"Of course dear. Not to worry Hermione I've everything under control here."
Hermione was surprised when Harry took her hand as he led her upstairs. Ginnys room was empty and they went inside. The instant the door closed Harry spoke up.
"I told Ron."
"What? Why? You really did.. You.. How did…"
"Hermione, Please stop and I'll explain. Look, we got to talking and he told me about your fight and the talk by the garden. Then he asks me if I know who you're in love with. So I told him."
"What happened?" she asked worriedly.
"Nothing happened. He just left."
Hermione's shoulders sagged slightly as she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "I hope he comes around soon."
"Me too. We'll just have to wait and see I guess. Now however I should probably go tell Mrs. Weasley about my wonderful girlfriend. I'm sure she'd want to know."
Smiling at the compliment Hermione took Harrys hand. "I'll go with you."
Molly heard someone entering the kitchen and turned to find Harry and Hermione holding hands. From the looks on their faces she knew what this was about. She could see they were nervous and knew her approval was important to them.
"Mrs. Weasley?"
"What can I do for you Harry dear?"
Hermione gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and he continued. "I just wanted you to know that Hermione and I have been talking a lot this summer and well we're together now."
"I'm so happy for you both. This is wonderful news." She smiled pulling them both into a hug.
Harry and Hermione both breathed a sigh of relief, she was truly happy for them.
"So how did Ron take this news?"
"I don't know, as soon as I told him he disappeared into the woods."
They helped make lunch and were soon eating sandwiches and being teased by the twins for being a 'couple'. After lunch Molly shooed everyone out of the kitchen so she could begin work on Harrys birthday dinner.
The new couple spent the afternoon playing exploding snap and chess. At first they played snap with Hermiones muggle playing cards but quickly switched to a magical deck. Without the risk of random explosions and minor burns it just wasn't as much fun.
"Checkmate."
"That's three out of three I bow to your superior ability." teased Harry.
Before Hermione could comment the front door opened and Ron walked in. He headed straight for the stairs not looking in their direction.
Harry couldn't stand it. "Ron?"
Ron froze. He didn't say anything or look in their direction he just froze.
Harry didn't know what to do so he said the first thing that came to mind.
"You wanna go fly?"
Ron looked at Harry with at bewildered expression on his face as if he couldn't quite figure Harry out. He looked back towards the stairs for a moment as if making up his mind.
"Sure, why not?"
Though his tone was mournful Harry was encouraged by Ron's acceptance. He shared a hopeful look with Hermione and headed for the broom shed. Soon they were above the pitch tossing a quaffle back and forth. At one point Harry tried to talk to Ron only to be waved off. They flew until it was time to return to the Burrow for dinner. Walking in silence they put away their brooms and headed in to get cleaned up.
For dinner Mrs. Weasley summoned a meal to rival the opening feast at Hogwarts. Harry was delighted to find all his favorites on the table. After everyone ate their fill the cake appeared and they all sang Happy Birthday. Fred and George seemed to enjoy this the most singing loudly and out of tune. The cake was simple, chocolate with chocolate icing decorated with golden snitches which were flying about its surface.
After cake it was time to open presents. Ron gave him a Chudley Cannons poster and some sweets but he received no response when he tried to thank him. Hermione gave him several books and whispered she had another present for later. Harry finished opening his presents and everyone found themselves laughing hysterically as they dared one another to eat something from a box of sweets the twins had given him.
It was almost midnight when Mr. and Mrs. Weasley chased them off to bed. Harry stopped at Ginnys room to say goodnight to Hermione when she pulled him inside handing him a small box. He opened the present to find a silver necklace with a small medallion on it. Examining it closely he discovered the medallion was decorated with the Hogwarts crest on one side and the Potter family crest on the other.
"Mione it's beautiful, I love it. Thank you." He gave her a long kiss before putting on the necklace. He felt a slight tingle as he fastened the clasp and realized it must have magical properties.
"It's not much; I had it made by a jeweler in Hogsmede. It should protect you from some minor curses and hexes." She said shyly.
"I love it. I love you."
"I love you too Harry. Happy Birthday."
The week following Harry's birthday was bittersweet. His relationship with Hermione was out in the open and they loved being able to spend time together. With few exceptions everyone was extremely happy for the new couple and wished them only the best. Ron however continued to avoid Harry and Hermione. Occasionally he would go flying with Harry but beyond that they would only see him at meal times and he never spoke to them. Percy had not attended the birthday celebration and continued to be cold towards Harry.
It was a warm sunny day as Harry threw the last gnome over the garden wall. He was about to go in for a shower when he noticed movement in the woods. Deciding to take another chance at speaking with Ron he went after him.
As he followed the figure deeper into the woods the hair on the back of his neck stood up and his scar began to ache. Something wasn't right. Pulling his wand from its holster on his left forearm he continued forward. As he walked between two large trees there was a flash of light and Harry knew no more.