Ok THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED. I was so ecstatic to read that so many of you love my story. My head is so big now!

This Chapter is being dedicated to almightyswot who has helped me so much with British terms it's unreal. I think they should publish a book called "British dialouge for dummies!! Thank you so much for all of the help. You are awesome. This chapter is for you!

Another note..I NEED A BETA READER!! Any takers:)

Disclaimer: not rich wish i was. not mine, wish it was... :-(

A Birthday to Remember

Harry woke early on the morning of his birthday party. He lay in bed a little longer trying to sleep. It just wasn't going to happen. He was too excited. This was going to be his first birthday party ever. He had received letters back from Ron and Hermione two days ago saying that they were attending.

He finally decided that he wasn't going to get anymore sleep so it was best to go ahead and get up and start the day. He got out of bed and went and took a nice relaxing bath. He had only taken a shower once since he moved into Professor Snape's quarters. After being deprived of the opportunity to take baths before, especially warm bubble baths, he had indulged in them every chance he got. This morning was no different.

He walked into the bathroom and started his bath and then disrobed and stepped into the tub. After a nice long comfortable bath he toweled off and stepped into his room to find some clothes. He didn't want to wear his Hogwarts uniform. He looked through his clean laundry and picked out the clothes that he wore the first day in his new room. He would just have to wear a cloak or something over it.

Harry went into the sitting room and found Snape sitting on the sofa reading one of his potions journals. He looked up at Harry, he did a double take and had to keep himself from rolling his eyes. "I do hope you are planning to change out of those rags before you're party this afternoon Potter." he stated.

"Um..well..no sir. These are the best clothes that I have. I was just planning to wear a cloak over them or something." Harry told his sour faced guardian.

"You are not wearing a cloak the whole time, and you are not wearing that either. After breakfast Potter we are going to Hogsmeade, so take anything with you that you will need to the great hall."

"Yes Professor." Harry replied.

"Answer me this Mr. Potter. Why don't you have any more presentable clothes than what you are wearing?" he asked.

"Well..er...my relatives said that it was a waste to spend good money on a freak like me. So the only clothes I ever got were my cousins old worn out clothes." he wasn't sure why he was telling Snape all of this. He guessed he just wanted the man to understand that he wasn't spoiled and arrogant like he thought.

"You have a sizable inheritance, yet you never thought to buy yourself a new wardrobe?" he replied with a smirk.

"I couldn't Professor, you don't understand my uncle. If he had of found any new clothes, he would have burned them and 'punished' me for either stealing them or stealing the money used to purchase them. After that he would have found a way to get the money and spend it all himself." he shyly stated.

"Very well then, as I said be ready to leave for Hogsmeade from the great hall after breakfast." Snape told the boy. "In the meantime you will wear one of my summer robes, I will not be seen with you dressed like that." He got up and retrieved a summer cloak from his room and handed it to the boy. After Harry put on the robe Severus shrunk it down to size. "If you ruin my robe Mr. Potter, you will be replacing it and serving a detention for your lack of respect for others belongings, understood?"

"Yes Professor" Harry replied.

"Good, it is now time for breakfast. Gather your things, and come to the great hall." On that thought Severus made his way out of the portrait and to the great hall for breakfast.

Harry quickly went to his room and grabbed his wand and exited the quarters. On the way to the great hall the tried to think of what he was going to tell Ron and Hermione about where he was staying. He knew Hermione would understand the reasoning behind Dumbledore assigning Snape as his guardian. Ron however was a different story. He knew his best mate would blow up at the information of Harry living with the greasy git, the bat of the dungeons, the cruel snarky potions master, but what was he to do about it?

As he entered the Great Hall, even to this day the enchanted ceiling still amazed him, he noticed there were only hand full of people in the castle. Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Sinistra, Sprout, Snape and Dumbledore were seated at the table. As well as Hagrid, who beamed at him the moment he entered. As he walked closer to the table he noticed Professor Trelawny leaning over speaking to the Headmaster. She looked up when she saw Harry and started backing away.

Harry who was feeling rather spunky and brave this morning asked "Are you not joining us for breakfast Professor? I only count nine of us including you, not thirteen. Surely that number can't be a bad omen as well?" he asked coyly. Several people at the table started to cough into their napkins. He distinctly heard a high pitched snicker before it was masked as well, that must have come from tiny Professor Flitwick. Snape was also coughing but if someone were watching they would have noticed the potions master's lips quirk up at the corners. She peered over at the headmaster who had conveniently dropped his fork, and had bent down to retrieve it. With that she huffed and turned and exited the room.

Harry sat in the empty seat across from Hagrid and beside Professor Flitwick, amidst the laughter of the staff, just as the food appeared.. "In a rather cheeky mood today aren't we Mr. Potter" Professor McGonagall laughed.

"Sorry P' fessor he mumbled. I guess I'm just tired of being told I'm going to die. How many times can one person die anyways?" he replied sheepishly.

"Nothing to worry about Mr. Potter, Sybil does like the gloom and doom portions of her 'expertise'." McGonagall informed him.

"Well last year she saw a dog in my teacup and swore it was the grim, and that I was destined to die last year. And yeah...um..well lets just say that she saw a dog but it was a long ways off from being a grim." he finished. Dumbledore and McGonagall had a knowing look in their eyes, and Snape his usual angry scowl and was stabbing his food with vigor.

A few people asked Harry if he was excited about the party and he replied in the positive. After all it was going to be his first birthday party ever. Professors Flitwick and McGonagall, told Harry that they think he will be pleased with the decorations. Harry thanked them for the help with the party and told them he was sure it would be great. They beamed at this.

"Hagrid and Madam Hooch, have also agreed to help decorate" Dumbledore told him. "And of course, when a certain little house elf found out that the party was for Mr. Potter, he began bouncing with joy and asked to be put in charge of arranging the dinner and the cake." Harry sighed placed his head in his hands earning a chuckle from the staff. Harry really liked Dobby, but sometimes the little elf was too energetic and work ready for his own good.

After breakfast Snap informed Dumbledore of their outing, "Headmaster I am taking Potter with me to Hogsmeade to pick out a more presentable wardrobe and restock some of my stores. We shall be back by lunchtime." Harry blushed deeply and looked at his shoes. Why did the git have to say presentable?

"Of course Severus, do be careful and try not to let too many people see you. It is not known yet that Mr. Potter is your charge." the headmaster told them.

They left the castle and Harry enjoyed the silent sunny walk into Hogsmeade. They had just about reached Gladrags Wizardwear when Harry remembered that he didn't have any money on him. "Um Professor? I don't have any money with me. How am I supposed to pay for the clothes?" Harry asked "Is there a way they can take it from my vault at Gringotts?" he finished

"There is a branch from Gringotts around the corner there, however I will be paying for the items today Potter, and you may pay me back. We do not have time to waste standing in line at the bank." he began. "There is also what we call a bank draft card that you can obtain and the clerk just swipes the card on the register and the money is deducted from your account. I would not recommend this until you are older and have less trivial things to pay for that cost more than a few of galleons." he stated.

A magical chime rang as they entered Gladrags, the wizard clothing store. A middle aged woman with dark brown hair speckled with gray and big blue eyes, walked over "Is there something I can help you with today dears?" she asked in a friendly voice.

"Yes, we need new clothes for the boy, he shall need 5 pairs of trousers, 6 shirts, 3 t-shirts, 2 pairs of jeans, 3 Jumpers, 5 sets of pajamas, 7 pairs of socks and undergarments, 2 summer day robes, 2 winter day robes and a set of dress robes. All in neutral colors, he may pick for the robes, the jumpers, and the t-shirts" Harry's mouth hit the floor and his eyes bugged out of his head. That's more clothes than he's owned in his entire life!

The witch pulled Harry over to a stool and had him stand on it. She tapped the measuring tape with her wand and it began measuring Harry of it's own accord. After about 5 minutes of being measured, the witch allowed him to step down. "Well we only have about one of each in his size this minute but I can have them ready for you in an hour. We just bought 2 new house elfs that are faster than anything I've ever seen." she informed the two gentlemen.

"We shall take one pair of trousers, a shirt, socks, an undergarment, and...go pick out a cloak Potter, and the boy will wear them out." Snape replied.

Harry picked out a nice, simple, navy blue cloak with silver trim. He walked back over to the counter and the clerk and she asked, "Would you like to go ahead and pick out the colors for your other clothes deary?" she inquired. Harry nodded his followed her over to a rack of robes. "These are all the colors we have, just pick the 4 colors you would like for the robes and let me know. The dress robes are over here when you get done with that, pick some you like and we'll make them to fit." she told the awed boy. He looked through the robes, there were so many. There were some that were black, grey, brown, all shades of blue and green, red ones, purple ones, gold ones, even the occasional orange or pink.

Harry looked for a few minutes and finally decided on a dark blue summer robe with silver stars on the hem and cuffs, (he had just started to realize how much he liked blue), and one that was iridescent green, trimmed in gold. He liked that one too because when the light caught it looked to be different colors. He picked out a burgundy winter robe with gold snitches on it, and a black one that was trimmed in gray. "Ah yes, very stylish young man, now to pick out your dress robes."

Harry walked over to the rack, he had never had dress robes before but he was amazed at how proper they looked. He immediately found a set that he liked, noticing the price was reasonable too. They were black with midnight blue cuffs and hem and had 2 stars on each cuff, and stars that seemed to shine along the bottom. He took them over to the over to the clerk "My, my young man, you will have all the ladies fawning over you in these." She complemented.

He proceeded to pick out a red, slate blue, and emerald green jumper (to match his eyes) and a white, black, and a gray t-shirt. The clerk handed Harry his cloak, a pair of black trousers, a white button down shirt, socks, and undergarments and told him he could use the fitting rooms to change.

After Harry had changed the Snape paid for the clothes he was wearing and left a deposit for the rest. Stating they would be back in an hour to pick them up. As they were starting to leave the witch commented "You have a fine son there sir, and he has good taste too!" Snape scowled and bid the witch goodbye.

He pulled Harry around to the alley beside Gladrags and asked "Where are those rags you were wearing potter?" Snape asked. Harry pulled the back that the witch had placed his clothes in and handed it to Snape. Severus took the bag and threw it down on the ground in front of them. "This is the only thing those rags are good for Potter" he stated, and cast an incendio on them. Harry watched in glee as the old worn, over-sized, hand me downs from his cousin went up in flames. He had always wanted to do that but had never had the chance...until now.

Now Potter, to replace those things you call shoes. Harry looked down, embarrassed that Snape had noticed his shoes. There were wholes in the end and his toes had started showing through, the soles were coming detached, and he had to tie them really tight to keep them on his feet.

The entered the local cobbler's, located on a small side alley, and were greeted by an older man with gray hair and hazel eyes. "Well, Severus Snape! Haven't seen you 'round lately. What can I do ya for?" the man asked.

"McKinley" Snape politely greeted. "He is in need of shoes" he stated as he tilted his head towards Harry.

"Well if it isn't Harry Potter" the man stated with an odd look on his face. "Well what'll it be then? Boots? Trainers? What?" he asked as he looked at Harry's scar.

Before Harry could answer Snape cut in. "One of each, bed slippers and dress shoes...he may as well get it all now so I don't have to bring him back. He's only here now at Dumbledore's insistence."

As soon as the old man's back was turned Harry shot Snape a questioning glare. Snape shot him one right back that clearly said to keep his mouth shut. "Follow me Mr. Potter" came the cobbler's voice. Harry walked over to where the man was standing and took a seat in the old wooden chair the man gestured to. He measured Harry's foot and brought out a pair of fine black leather boots. "they're water proofed and 'ave a permanent traction charm applied so ya don't slip. They're also insulated and spelled t' stay warm in cold weather. They should last ya for a good few years given the adjustin' charms and natural toughness. Try 'em on." Harry complied and got up and walked a few paces they were comfortable enough so he nodded his head in acceptance.

Next the man brought out a pair of white and gray athletic trainers, and a pair of shiny black dress shoes. Harry tried them both on and admired the fit. He nodded his acceptance and the man asked "What color bed shoes ya want Mr. Potter?" McKinley asked.

"Navy if you have them sir." Harry replied.

A moment later after the man returned with the bed slippers, the man asked "ya wanna wear some out? Those ya got look like they shoulda' been thrown years ago." Harry picked up the athletic sneakers and put them on. The man turned to Snape and said "ya want these or ya want me to do sumfin' wid em?"

"Burn them", was Snape's only reply.

The man nodded and walked over to the counter, and packaged everything up. "That'll be twenty-one galleons and two sickles."

Snape gave Harry a pointed look and snapped "You owe me Potter", as he pulled out his money bag.

"I already told you Professor, that I would pay you back as soon as I could get to my vault. I would have paid for it myself if you had of taken me there first!" Harry shot back with a hated look. Snape turned his back to the man and raised on eye brow at Harry, he was surprised the boy had actually caught on. Harry smirked back at the potions master.

Once they paid for the shoes and were back out in the alley, Snape said "Stay away from that man Potter. He was the Dark Lord's most faithful informant during the last war. He's nice enough to the right people, but he is not to be trusted. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir. I was wondering why you told him that Dumbledore insisted that you bring me." Harry replied.

"It is best that he doesn't know or suspect the situation. We still have half an hour before we pick up your wardrobes. Is there anything else you require?"

Harry thought for a moment and replied "No sir, nothing that can't wait until I get my own money"

Snape sneered at him. "I told you Potter you are to pay me back, and for my trouble dealing with you, there will be a 5 percent increase." With that he handed Harry a few galleons. "Will that be enough Potter?" He asked.

Harry smiled, he knew that the potions master was just trying to make it seem he wasn't doing Harry any favors, and it worked. "No sir,... this should be more than enough" he replied with a smirk.

"I have some shopping of my own to take care of. Go purchase whatever you need, and meet me at Gladrags in half an hour. Don't be late...and Potter, you may want to pick up some extra parchment. Now that you are my charge, I expect you to write thank you notes for each and every gift you receive for your birthday." Harry nodded and set off towards the Hogsmeade branch of Eeylops Owl Emporium to buy some more owl treats.

After leaving Eeylops he decided to stop by Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop buy the parchment and new quills. This place had every kind of quill, ink, and parchment you could think of. There was self inking quills, quick quotes quills, dictation quills, self correction quills, dictionary quills, trick quills, quills of all different colors. There was even a quill that took notes from books! Harry picked up a white, black, and gray quill. As well as a self inking quill. The rest most of the professors would not allow in class.

He wondered over to the parchment section next. There were just as many types of parchment as quills. Harry looked at the self sealing parchment, and the trick parchment. Then the colored parchment, self filing parchment, and coded parchment (it scrambled everything written for everyone except for the person receiving it, and the person sending it). He finally found what he was looking for and added some thick creamy white parchment to his quills, as well as normal school parchment, and made his way to the ink section.

There were many types of ink as well but Harry being short on time from looking at parchment and quills for so long, quickly grabbed a couple of bottles of black ink and one multi-color. He went to the front of the store and the clerk packaged his items and Harry handed her a galleon. In turn she handed him 4 sickles and and 3 knuts. He put them in his pocket and made his way to Honeydukes.

In the meantime, Severus Snape had picked up the potions ingredients he needed from the local Apothecary. He assumed that since he was attending the birthday party for the boy, he needed to get him a gift. He had been wondering around for several minutes now looking. What do you get someone who you just found out is not a spoiled, arrogant, rotten, brat like you thought? Just then he had an idea. He made his way over to the quidditch and broom shop and spotted what he was looking for. He paid for it and had the shop clerk wrap it in blue and silver paper, just like the boy's room. He then shrunk it, placed it in his robe pocket and made his way back to Gladrags.

Harry was just leaving Honeydukes when he realized he was supposed to meet Snape in 2 minutes. He took off running in that direction, noticing how much easier and faster he ran in good shoes that fit. He arrived at Gladrags with his purchases just as his time was up. Snape was already standing out front waiting, so they entered the shop. The clerk had all of his things wrapped in parcels of brown paper, and waiting on the counter. Snape paid her and Harry noticed it was 38 galleons total. So that was roughly 65 galleons that he owed Snape, 21 for the shoes 38 for the clothes, and what he had given him to spend.

Snape shrunk the packages and handed some to Harry and carried some himself. The slowly made their way back to Hogwarts. It was getting rather hot out so neither wanted to over exert themselves.

Once there they went back to their quarters, Snape entering his room and Harry his own. Harry deposited the packages on his bed and extracted each one. He took out his old clothes and threw them in a pile in the corner to burn later, and hung his new clothes up in his wardrobe. He placed his socks undergarments and pajamas in the bottom of the wardrobe and hung his new cloak on the back of his door. He placed his ink, quills, and parchment on his desk, and sat the items from Honeydukes on his night table.

"Dobby" Harry called. The hyper elf appeared with a pop. "Dobby I know you must be busy with lunch and cleaning and the party and all, but would you mind doing me one more favor?" he asked.

"Oh yes! Dobby loves to help his Harry Potter! What is it Master Harry Potter sir wishes for Dobby to do?" the elf wobbled from foot to foot in anticipation.

"Could you have this robe cleaned and make sure it gets back to Professor Snape? And please make sure nothing happens to it or he will have me in detention 'til the day I die." he told the elf.

"Oh yes.. yes Dobby knows this is very important to his Master Harry and will make sure it is perfect. In fact, Dobby will do it himself!"

"Thanks Dobby." The elf accepted the robed and was gone in a pop!

Harry walked back into the sitting room, where Snape was sitting on the settee engrossed in one of his potions books. "It is almost time for lunch Potter. Are you unpacked?" he asked.

"Yes Professer, and I gave your robe to Dobby to be cleaned, and told him to be careful with it or you'd have me in detention till the day I die" he replied. Snape turned to hide a smirk.

"How true Mr. Potter, it seems you do have more than sawdust for brains after all. Very well..." Harry didn't know weather to take that as a complement or an insult. It could have been worse he supposed, although just to be safe he did slightly glare at the potions master as he turned around.

"It is time for lunch." Severus told the boy, and they left for the great hall. Severus wondered what was going on with the boy. Except for when he staged it in Hogsmeade Potter hadn't really made any disrespectful or scathing remarks to him, nor been his usual arrogant trouble making self. He could tell that the boy was holding back on occasion, but why? Why was he trying so hard to follow the rules he so casually broke before? Surely the stupid boy doesn't think he'll go back to his relatives?

Severus figured that must have been it. He knew when he was Potter's age and was offered a new guardian and place to stay away from his father and Snape Manor, he would have cleaned up the droppings in the owlery with his bare hands if thats what it took to keep from going back. He was have to get Minerva or Albus or someone to talk to the boy and make him realize he would not be going back. Covering sensitive topics such as that with the boy were just not his forte. Before he realized it he was in the Great Hall.

They entered with Harry just behind Snape, and walked up and took his seat and the long table used during the summer. Just as he sat Dumbledore explained that they would be having a light lunch due to the early dinner for Harry's party. After Harry had his fill of roast sandwiches, crisps, fruit, pumpkin juice and treacle tart for pudding, he had a conversation about some of the creatures he would be showing in his Care of Magical Creatures class. They discussed ashwinders, billywigs, crups, fwoopers, and blast ended skrewts.

After everyone had finished eating, Professor Dumbledore excused Harry and Severus from the room so that they could start decorating. The Professors decided that they wanted to surprise Harry, so he had to wait until the party to see everything, and who better to keep him out than his guardian a.k.a. the bat of the dungeons.

Snape couldn't believe he was being forced to babysit the might as well be 14 year old brat for, four whole hours just about. Ok, well if Severus was to be honest with himself then he didn't really have to 'babysit' the boy per say. He just had to make sure he stayed out of the Great Hall until about 5 'til four. He would give the boy some menial chore to keep him busy, such as putting away potions ingredients by name, but they boy would probably owl his dogfather or the werewolf saying he was being overworked.

He had Potter working on his schoolwork since the day after he moved in. "Are you done with your potions assignment yet Potter?" he asked as the boy sat in the chair with his quidditch book.

"Almost Professor, I only have about 3 more inches to go." Harry told the man. Snape was surprised to say the least. He figured the boy wouldn't have even started it yet.

"Very well then, go finish and bring it to me to look over."

Harry was uneasy about this but could not bring himself to protest. The last thing he wanted was to start an argument that would send him back to the Dursley's before he even had his first ever birthday party. However, without anyone else around, he knew this would give Snape the perfect chance to belittle and tell Harry how incompetent he was. Snape had done miracles lately, he had only slipped and insulted Harry once or twice, but Harry could tell he was trying. It wasn't as if the insults were that bad either.

He went into his room and over to his desk and took out his parchment. He had already written about what would happen if the temperature of the fire was too hot or too cold when adding the powdered moonstone, and what would happen if it was not lowered enough before allowed to simmer. All he had left to add was what happened if you didn't raise the temperature back up before you stirred.

He took his time to add that particular part, and walked back out to the sitting room. He didn't see the Professor anywhere in there or in his study. He figured he was probably in his lab but Harry wasn't sure he wanted to bother him. On the other hand he had told Harry to bring the essay for him to look over, so if he didn't Snape might get upset. Harry stood there for a minute thinking when suddenly the door opened.

"Potter! Just WHAT do you think you are doing?" the potions master snapped, menacing glare firmly in place. Harry jumped back and instinctively put his arms up to cover his head. It took him a minute to realize that Snape wasn't going to lash out and start hitting him. He composed himself and noticed that the potions master had softened his face, just a hair, to a normal glare. He did not comment though.

"Ah,...er.. well..." he stuttered.

"As elegant as always Potter, this year please!" he snapped again.

Harry gulped audibly and continued. "Well I f-finished my essay sir, an-and you said that you wanted to look over it. I-I just couldn't f-find you and, d-didn't know if I should knock or n-not" he continued to stutter. Bloody hell! Why was he so afraid? He was as bad as Neville! 'Probably because I might stand a chance of living here, definitely not an option at the Dursley's.' he thought.

"Yes well in the future you are to knock twice and wait, not stand there like an invalid. If you receive no answer after 5 minutes knock again. After 10 minutes if I do not answer you are to fetch the Headmaster immediately. Now hand me your assignment." Snape told the boy. Harry handed over his assignment and waited. Snape walked into the study and sat at his desk, Harry followed and picked up a book on transfiguration and sat at the table and began to read.

Snape sat reading the assignment and thinking that the boy didn't do half bad on this one. Definitely not Outstanding, or even Exceeds Expectations, but it would pass for Acceptable. If the boy took his time on all his summer assignments, instead of waiting till the last minute like he seemed to have done the last 3 years, he might have passed them. He had left out the main concern with having the correct temperature before adding the hellebore, that must be amended. He stood and walked over to the boy.

Harry had just started reading on the second chapter when Snape walked over with his essay. 'well he comes the part about my incompetence and stupidity' he thought. "Well Potter, I must say, your improvement is astounding. I might consider even giving you an Acceptable if you add the importance and reactions of temperature level before adding the syrup of hellebore." Harry gaped at the man. Was he almost complementing his essay? "However if you continue to stand there and gape at me like that I just may see fit to lose your assignment before I even mark it." That made Harry close his mouth real quick.

"If you had taken your time on all of your previous holiday assignments as you did this one Potter, you might have passed them as well." he told the boy.

"I couldn't sir" he told the man shyly. "My uncle always locked my trunk with my school stuff in the cupboard. I always had to wait, and stay up all night the day before classes started to get it all done. Thats why it was so rushed."

"You shall have plenty of time this holiday. Now I do believe that you have something to add to your essay? You should have just enough time to adjust it before your party. You may want to wash up and change as well Potter." he stated.

Harry thought for a moment and looked up at the man "Please sir, call me Harry. When you call me Potter it sounds like I'm in trouble." Snape looked at the boy for a moment and replied. "I will try to remember that Po...Harry." Harry actually smirked up at the man and said "Thats all I can ask sir" and walked out.

About quarter to four, Harry and Severus, made their way to the Great Hall. Snape sneered at Harry's attire when he exited their quarters. Out of all the new clothes the imbecile had, he chose to wear a pair of navy blue straight leg jeans, a white button up shirt with the cuffs folded up a couple of times, his blue summer robe with silver stars open over top and his black boots.. 'must be a new fashion' he thought.

They arrived at the Great Hall with about 5 minutes to spare. Dumbledore was waiting for them at the door, and had Harry wait outside a moment while he checked to make sure everything was ready. He stepped out and motioned for Harry to enter.

Harry opened the door and entered to a chorus of Happy Birthday Harry's. He stood there for a moment eyes huge and mouth wide open. He had never seen such an extravagantly decorated room, and it was all for him. There were blue and white streamers magically hung from the ceiling, and balloons of all different colors all around the room. There were little broomsticks and snitches flying all around just over everyone's head. The room had been emptied of all tables except for 2, the head table, which had a silver tablecloth and was sprinkled with confetti, and a smaller table over to the side that was piled high with presents. Harry had never seen so many presents before, especially not for him. There was a huge color changing banner that read 'Happy Birthday Harry' hung magically over the table with the presents.

Harry looked around and saw several professors such as Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout, Dumbledore, Snape and even Madam Hooch, Madam Pomfrey, and Hagrid were there. As well were the Weasley's save Percy, the Grangers, and Remus Lupin. Hermione, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley approached and hugged him. "Happy Birthday dear! My don't you look handsome, and it looks as if you're finally being taken care of. We still need to fatten you up though." Mrs. Weasley stated while patting him on the cheek.

"Happy Birthday Harry!" Hermione squeaked. "You look great, I love your outfit!" she finished.

Harry smiled sheepishly. "Thanks."

Ron came up next and shook Harry's hand and told him happy birthday. Ron was followed by the rest of the Weasley clan and teachers, who each wished him happy birthday and most commented on his clothing.

"Happy Birthday Mr. Potter. You look dashing, I dare say that blue is your color, brings out your eyes as well." McGonagall told him.

Hermione then came up with her parents. "Harry I would like for you to meet my parents, Matthew and Jean Granger. Mum, Dad I would like you to meet Harry Potter" she introduced. He shook Mr. Grangers hand, and Mrs. Granger hugged him. After introductions had been made all around, Dumbledore stood and announced that it was time to eat.

He walked over to Harry and escorted Harry over to a seat at one end of the table. Before turning to walk to the other end of the table to his own seat, he bent down and whispered to Harry "I have already arranged it with the house elves, just clap once on my signal". Harry gave the headmaster a confused look, but the old man just winked at him and turned to walk towards his own seat.

As soon as everyone was seated, Dumbledore stood again raised his goblet and announced "A toast. To Harry, Happy Birthday and may you have many more."

"To Harry!" they all said in unison.

"Since this is Mr. Potter's birthday dinner, I shall allow him to do the honors." He gave Harry a slight nod and sat. Harry grinned and clapped his hands once. With that an elegant meal appeared. There was a bit of everything. That, he was sure of. There was roast chicken and roast duck. There was beef roast, and leg of lamb. There was steak and kidney pie. Harry spotted mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, greens, and green peas. There was mince pies, steamed broccoli, and baby carrots. To drink there was tea, butterbeer, pumpkin juice, and mead. Harry decided to eat a little bit of everything, after all this was his party.

After a great meal and much animated chatter, Dumbledore stood once more. Everyone quieted and looked towards the headmaster. "I believe it is now time for birthday cake!" he exclaimed, as he snapped his fingers. Dobby appeared with a monstrous cake floating in front of him. He sat it on the table with a snap of his tiny fingers. It looked big enough to feed the entire house of Gryffindor. It had 7 layers covered in what seemed to be rich chocolate icing. It had thirteen candles lit on the top, and sparklers around the lower layers. On the top written in red icing was the words "Happy 14th Birthday Harry!"

Harry walked over to the cake at the ushering of others and stood in front of the cake while everyone sung Happy Birthday to him.

"Go on Harry, make a wish" Ron shouted at him.

Harry, grinning broadly shut his eyes for a moment, then leaned in and blew out all fourteen candles with one big breath. Everyone cheered and went back to their seats, as Dobby snapped his fingers and a slice appeared on everyones plates. Harry was shocked to notice that the cake changed color as well as flavors underneath the chocolate icing. His first bite was chocolate, and the next was strawberry. It was the best cake ever, even if it was basically his first.

After cake Mrs. Weasley came over and squeezed Harry on the shoulder saying "Now, I think it's time the birthday boy opened some of his presents." Harry got up and was escorted to the table by a crowd of friends and teachers.

While everyone had their eyes on Harry, Snape sneaked around to the back of the table and deposited his gift, which he then enlarged to normal size, at the very back of the pile.

Remus stepped forward and said to Harry, "Since everyone here is well informed, I think that you should open my two gifts first." He handed Harry a small long package wrapped in red and gold paper. He opened it to find a brand new leather wand holster like he had been eying in Hogsmeade last year. 'Ron and Hermione must have tipped him off' Harry thought. 'Either that or he knows me pretty well now.' With the crowd of people Harry didn't notice someone walking silently up, directly behind him.

"Thank you Remus, I needed this."

Next he handed Harry a small envelope Harry opened it and found only 2 words. "Turn Around". Harry did and found himself standing face to face with none other than his godfather, Sirius Black.

"SIRIUS!!" Harry exclaimed as he threw his arms around his godfathers neck. "What are you doing here!?" Harry was glad to see his godfather but was worried about his safety, he was after all an escaped convict.

"Well, if you don't want me here kiddo, I could always go find some cats to chase.." he replied with a wide smirk and a cheeky grin at McGonagall, who Harry found out first year, was a cat animagus.

"No!" he said. "I'm glad your here but I'm just worried you'll get caught." Harry told the man.

"Take a look kiddo," he told the green eyed boy. Harry turned back towards the crowd and found everyone smiling at him, some even had tears in their eyes. All except Snape that is, who was openly scowling.

Sirius handed his godson a small box wrapped in red paper. Harry quickly opened it and found a small black dog pendant on a gold chain. Sirius leaned over and whispered in the boys ear "I was able to earn a little money here and there doing some favors for people, I had to get ole' Moony over there to go get it for me though." He then pulled out a thick heavy chain from under his shirt, which had a pendant identical to Harry's. "I have this one, so when if you are in trouble they will both heat up and I will come help you or get you help as fast as I can. I picked the black dog, so now you know, that I am always here for you." Harry couldn't speak for fear he would break, instead he just reached over and gave his Godfather a strong hug.

Once he composed himself, he reached over and picked up another present from the Grangers. It was a self updating book entitled "Great Aurors of the 20th Century". Hermione had marked a page in it already and when he opened it to that page, he saw a picture of his father, and 2 whole pages dedicated to the man. Harry quickly closed the book and gave Hermione and her mother a hug, and shook Mr. Grangers hand.

The next present was wrapped in green and orange, and was from Ron, Ginny, Fred and George. Harry opened it cautiously, after all it was partly from the twins. Inside he found an assortment of candies and prank items, as well as a book on seeker training tips. The next was a brand new black dragon hide jacket and gloves from Bill and Charlie, Ron's older brothers. From Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, he received a hand knitted scarf in Gryffindor colors, and a watch. The watch was great, It not only told the time but things like 'time for breakfast/lunch/dinner', 'time for bed', 'time for class', 'time for tea', 'time for homework' and things of the like.

Harry opened a long purple and gold box from Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall, and found a magical telescope that showed any star moon, planet, or constellation's location when given a specific date and time. "This is great! Now maybe I can actually keep up in astronomy!" Harry stated causing the others to laugh.

Hagrid had given him some of his rock cakes and a new perch for Hedwig. Madam Pomfry had given him a book on simple healing spells and muggle fist aid. He had received a pair of new quidditch gloves and a gift coupon for Quality Quidditch Supplies from Madam Hooch.

Harry began gathering his items and placing them in a large box when he heard Fred...or maybe George shout "Oy, Harry... I think you missed one Mate!". They handed Harry a medium sized package wrapped in metallic blue paper with a silver bow.

"Who's it from Mate?"

Harry shrugged "it just says 'To Harry, Happy Birthday."

"Odd that," replied Hermione. Harry had an idea who it was from but didn't want to embarrass the man, obviously he didn't want to be caught giving him a birthday gift.

Harry pulled the wrapping paper off the package, "woah" he whispered. It was a box of 5 different seeker training snitches. Harry had seen these in the shop, they cost a decent bit of money. One of the snitches tailed you as an opposing seeker would in a game, and you had to out fly it. Another was very fast and made lots of turns. One cast a spray of water behind it for practice during the rain. The next was a normal snitch that would occasionally turn into a bludger and attack back, and the last was one to help you find the snitch quickly it stayed in one place and as soon as you started towards it, it would reappear somewhere else.

After Harry had tucked away most of his presents, and everyone was chatting amiably, he searched the room with his eyes for his guardian. He found him over by the table, listening to Professor Sprout. Harry caught his eye discretely nodded his head in acknowledgment and appreciation, and Snape inclined his head in return.

While most of the adults and professors were talking, Harry, and the Grangers explained what muggle trampolines were and when they were finished Sirius, Remus, and Mr. Weasley conjured up four of them. They decided on a contest. The object was for each team to bounce around and catch as many as they could of the miniature snitches that were flying all over. At the end, the team with the most snitches was the winner. They were paired up. There was Charlie and Ginny, Hermione and Bill, Ron and Harry, and Fred and George.

Harry and Hermione were the first two to climb on. As they were the only two that knew anything about them. After bouncing and doing tricks, they were shortly joined by Ginny and Ron. Then after a moment the others joined as well. Harry and Ron won the first game, followed closely by Ginny and Charlie. The second round was a tie between Fred and George, and Ron and Harry. Ginny and Charlie had just won the third game when Hermione's parents came over and said they had to leave. Harry hugged Hermione and bid the Grangers farewell, with a thank you for coming.

Harry returned to his party and found Ron and Ginny talking with Hagrid, and Fred and George with Remus. Harry walked over and sat beside his godfather. "It's great to have you here." He told the dog animagus, with a goofy grin on his face. "I'm glad that Dumbledore told everyone what's going on, otherwise you wouldn't have been able to come."

"I'm glad too pup, I wouldn't have wanted to miss this for the world." Sirius replied.

"So why are you here at the castle?" he asked. "Did something happen?" Harry didn't know how to answer this. He had thought Sirius knew. He knew his godfather would be enraged about everything that happened at the Dursley's and that he and his new guardian didn't get along.

"One sec." He told his godfather.

Harry walked over to Dumbledore and inquired "Sir, um...Sirius wants to know what happened and why I'm staying at Hogwarts. What am I supposed to tell him? I don't want to lie to him, but I know it would make him angry...all of it would" Harry said with a pointed look at Snape.

"Ah, yes, well Harry, you may ask him to stay the night and tomorrow we will have a meeting in my office to explain everything to him." the headmaster replied.

"Ok, thank you Professor."

"Not at all my dear boy, now go enjoy the rest of your party, it is getting late and I believe your guests will be leaving soon."

Harry returned to Sirius's side and relayed the information. Sirius gave him a questioning look, but at Harry's insistence that he would find out tomorrow and he couldn't say till then, he replied "I know kiddo, guess I'll just have to wait."

True to the Headmaster's words, soon all of Harry's guests started filing out. He said his goodbyes and thanked everyone for coming. As Remus walked over he whispered in Harry's ear "Severus said he would meet you in his quarters, and to not stay too long." Harry looked at the Potion's Master and nodded his head in understanding. "I guess I should be going as well, Thank you for allowing me to attend your first party Harry." Harry grinned widely and told Remus that he was more than welcome to attend any function that he, Harry, ever had. Remus ruffled his hair, and Harry thanked him for coming and for both "gifts" as well.

Remus smiled, and replied "I don't think I would have gotten to live much longer if I hadn't of brought the second gift." The werewolf smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow at the meeting, the headmaster has asked me to come. He thinks I will be an asset at detaining a certain animagus" he said with a smirk. He ruffled Harry's hair again and made his way out of the great hall.

Harry walked over and gathered the rest of his gifts, and placed them in the box. He walked back over to Sirius, who was eating some of the birthday cake. "This is great Harry! The best cake I've had innnn...13 years!" he laughed.

"It's probably the only cake you've had in 13 years Sirius." Harry said with a cheeky grin on his face. That just made Sirius laugh Harder.

When everyone left was exiting the great hall after cleaning up some of the mess. Harry sat down his box of gifts long enough to hug Sirius. He picked his box back up and looked back at his godfather and stated "Thanks for coming Sirius, I couldn't have asked for a better gift." and with that he turned and left for the dungeons.

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Next Chapter: Sirius Explodes! although it may take me longer to post than normal, my husband and I are trying to purchase a new home! Wish us luck with that ;-)