Thank you to all my reviewers… I am eternally grateful towards people who take the time to tell me how they thought of the chapter. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, Hannukah (I hope that's spelled right; I apologize if it isn't), etc. Sorry that you all had to wait for a while but you know how busy holidays are! My midterms are coming up and I'm praying they won't delay me too much. Patience, everyone!
Disclaimer: If I owned a million dollars, I wouldn't have a disclaimer… Harry Potter would be all mine, but the story would just suck. No one can take away from JK Rowling's work; she is unparalleled!
Edited chapter 9. As always, please look for this note. If it isn't there, don't be discouraged by lackluster chapters, contradictions, and misspellings. They will be changed soon.
It Ends Now
Part 9: "Surprises"
Harry opened his eyes, feeling more refreshed and well-rested than he had in a long time. It was odd; he felt almost like a new person, a free person. Perhaps it helped that outside, the sun was shining brightly in all its glory, and birds chirped cheerily. Taking a deep breath as if trying to suck in all these gay surroundings, Harry flew out of bed and threw on his clothing. With happy spirits he then bounded down the stairs. Only Mrs. Weasley and Hermione were seated at the table. Mrs. Weasley was engulfed in The Daily Prophet, whilst Hermione was perusing a Transfiguration textbook. She seemed to be hungrily devouring every word, but pulled herself back to reality when Harry came through the door.
"Good morning!" Harry greeted cheerily, a smile radiating off his lips. Hermione's face instantly mirrored his, pleased by the change in her best friend. She hadn't seen a smile this big on Harry since, well... since before the Department of Mysteries fiasco.
"Hey!"
"You seem to be feeling better," Mrs. Weasley assumed lightly. She pushed a bowl of oatmeal towards him and Harry gratefully accepted it.
"Yeah, I guess I am," Harry mulled over a bite. "And thank you, it's delicious!" Harry consumed a few more spoonfuls of the warm breakfast, then asked,
"Where is everyone else? I would've expected more people to be out."
"Lazy buns; still asleep! Arthur's already left for work, as did most everyone else who was here."
"Oh, Professor Lupin's gone? And Tonks?" Harry questioned, a very subtle hint of sadness permeating his tone. Mrs. Weasley clucked at that.
"Yes, but don't worry, you'll see them soon. In fact, they're coming to dinner tonight, along with some other guests."
"Tonight?"
Mrs. Weasley's only response was a small, mysterious smile. Harry looked between her and Hermione, whose face was carefully masked by her book. He desperately wanted to know the answer, but was not one to push or prod so let the matter drop. At that very moment, a distraction in the name of Ron stumbled in. He looked incredibly groggy and sleepy, hair rumpled as he stifled a large yawn.
"Happy-"
Mrs. Weasley and Hermione both shot him warning looks. Ron changed tact at top speed.
"-morning, everyone!" he finished. "Oh, what a beautiful er... day!" Harry cocked an eyebrow, certain this was not the original greeting he'd planned on saying. But like before, Harry made no mention of it. He decided pondering was equally as frustrating, and went back to gourging himself. Mrs. Weasley was such a good cook! Ron pulled up a chair to sit beside him, then the youngest Weasley boy piled up a plate of sausage and eggs. Harry chortled through his oatmeal when the ginger began stuffing his face in an eerily Dudley-reminiscent way.
"Whachoanadoay?" Ron asked through a mouth full of half-digested yellow and brown victuals.
"Excuse me?" Harry returned politely, at the same moment as Hermione muttered "disgusting" and Mrs. Weasley sent a venomous, reprimanding look at her son. Ron gave an enormous swallow, blushing.
"I said, 'What do you want to do today'?" he repeated thickly.
"Oh...um..." Harry's mind remained stubbornly, irritatingly blank. What did he feel like doing?
Hermione immediately made use of the situation and momentary pause.
"We could work on Snape's dragon blood uses essay," she prompted. "Harry hasn't done that yet, and I know you haven't started your Transfiguration essay either, Ron."
"Er... I was thinking we'd go outside for some fresh air," Ron said vaguely, clearly brushing Hermione off while implying that he wanted to do no such homework today.
"Oh, so you'll work on the essay tomorrow, will you? Or maybe next month?" Hermione shot sarcastically. "Oh wait, I forgot... term starts then! Honestly, you procrastinate to the extreme!" Ron's jaw plumb dropped, and Harry sensed the oncoming insult and impending arguement. He remained mute; it did not bode well to interrupt the two's quarrels. But before Ron had opened his mouth, Mrs. Weasley cut in trying to calm them.
"Ron, dear... Hermione has a point. It's best to finish now rather than later," she put in lightly. Ron sighed, sensing defeat. With as much dignity as possible, he apologized and agreed to work on the essay. Hermione looked as if she'd just won Best Student award, whilst Ron's expression resembled that of someone just being bludgeoned on the side of his head. The brilliant witch dragged off the other two to Harry's room.
oOo
An hour later, Ron gave an angry cry, balling up his fifth piece of paper.
"I can't do it; I can't concentrate!" He began ripping viciously at the paper. "Stupid, stupid, McGonagall! Stupid essay!" Hermione had an almost hurtful look on her face, as if she'd been the one insulted.
"Ron, that's mean!" she admonished. "Really, it's not that hard! If I'm almost done Snape's, surely you can sit long enough to write McGonagall's." The girl finished up the last touches on her essay, going way beyond the minimum of five feet. Harry was halfway through his paper, though he highly doubted it came even close to Hermione's. He wanted so badly to join Ron in whining, but felt that might ruin his high spirits.
"Please Hermione, let's play a game now, like chess!" Ron pleaded desperately. Luckly, his persuasion bore fruit, as Hermione laid down her quill in an air of completion and compliance.
"I suppose," she gave in.
Ron cheered. "Hermione, you are a goddess!"
Hermione's features turned pink, and she made a strange noise that sounded like "Meep!". Harry could have sliced the tension with a knife. Ron, realizing what he had just said, also blushed.
"Er... not literally," he corrected, embarrassed. The boy shifted in his seat uncomfortably. "Um... the chess game's downstairs..."
"I'll get it!" Harry shot out of his seat and immediately started downstairs. He did not wish to be in this awkward situation any longer than he had to! Let Ron and Hermione sort out their romantic tension; he wanted no part of that! Ew, ew, ew, the child in his mind hollered.
Harry reached the bottom step, preparing to open the kitchen door where beyond lay the game, probably still helter-skelter on the countertop from yesterday. Voices were trickling out from underneath the crack, and Harry paused. Should he listen in? Harry thought it might be even worse walking in; what if this was meant to be a private conversation? He turned around, preparing to go back upstairs. However, his curiosity got the better of him. What if this was Order business, and had to do with Voldemort? Surely he was privy to the details; Harry was, after all, the reason anyone knew the Dark Lord had risen! The teen cursed his insatiable curiousity, but ended up surrendering to its whims. Sirius always used to say he was too nosy for his own good... Harry pressed his ear to the door. Mrs. Weasley was saying something to someone.
"... didn't even know what day it was!" she was saying, almost sadly. A second, more garbled voice responded, and Harry's recognized it as Ginny's quiet one. He pressed his ear into the door harder.
"... probably never had a... good we're giving... very happy!"
Harry's eyebrows contorted in confusion. What were they talking about? Guilt crept into Harry's system and he pulled away from the door. Eavesdropping is not right, a small voice inside Harry chided. The voice always reminded Harry remarkably of Hermione. Hmm. I really should listen to her more often.
He knocked loudly. In mid-knock, the voices ceased and silence rang out.
"Come in!" Mrs. Weasley called. Harry opened the door.
"Harry!" the two showed no sign of having previously shared a "private" conversation.
"May I get the chess game?" Harry asked politely, a look of well-formed innocence on his face. It seemed to be the correct trick.
"Of course, dear!" Mrs. Weasley cried, all helpfulness. "You don't even have to ask." She smiled and retrieved it for him, placing the game into his hands.
"Thanks." Harry quickly turned on his heel and retreated back upstairs, missing the concerned look on Mrs. Weasley's face as she watched him leave.
oOo
The trio were engrossed until late afternoon, but then both Hermione and Ron confessed fatigue. Harry was dumbfounded.
"What? You're tired? But it's only afternoon!" Their only response was a shake of the head and then they were gone. Harry sighed, a small amount of loneliness gnawing at him. He looked out over the magically modified grounds. There was a gentle rustling, then Harry felt claws softly cleave into his shoulder. He turned his head, smiling at the snowy colored Hedwig as she perched onto him. She pecked affectionately at his finger when he began petting her white feathers, pleased with the soliticitous ministrations. The owl seemed happier now that Harry's depression was rapidly disappearing, but then again, it could have just been having freedom. Being at the Dursleys never let her see much of the outdoors beyond the cage's view. Somehow, though, Harry knew there was a connection between him and his pet. Instinct told him that it was for the first reason that she felt good-natured, and not just because they were far away from Harry's cruel relatives.
"Hey girl," he mumbled softly, continuing to stroke her lightly. Hedwig hooted, giving one last peck then streaking off into the setting sun. Harry yawned, boredom setting in as he plopped down on the bed. The door opened and he immediately looked up. Mrs. Weasley was there.
"Dear, dinner's in half an hour," she said. "Don't be late!" She said this in a joking tone that Harry returned.
"I won't." He chuckled and the Weasley mother left, closing the door. Hmm, so early... Ah, well. I'm pretty hungry and we had an early lunch. Harry contented himself with reading a book on Occlumency he had discovered earlier in the Black library.
oOo
Half an hour later found Harry aimlessly walking down the hallway for dinner. He frowned at the mysterious lack of light, wondering if everyone had gone outside to eat. It was such a nice day; maybe they just forgot to tell him... Harry pondered turning around and going for the back door, but decided against it. Best check the kitchen, first. Said room came into view, and Harry noticed the door was wide open. He squinted in, but the room was blanketed in total darkness. Well, that confirmed his suspicions that dinner was elsewhere. Jeez, why hadn't at least Ron or Hermione warned him? He frowned, then jumped when sixteen flares of luminescence popped into existence. Harry almost yelped and only just barely refrained going for his wand when a plethora of voices shouted,
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARRY!"
The room was suddenly flooded in light. Harry found himself staring at a large white cake, and about twenty people surrounding it. The Boy-Who-Lived blinked, mouth gaping like a fish. Oh wait... today was his birthday? In all the excitement- or rather danger- of the past few weeks, Harry had completely forgotten! He glanced at the calendar innocently hanging on the wall. Yep, July 31st. He didn't know what to say or think, but decided gratitude was the first course he should take.
"I... I... thank you!" he exclaimed. It was heartening, and a little embarrassing, that so many people had come to celebrate his birthday. A couple people he didn't know were there, but Harry surmised they were Order members. They looked familiar of course... perhaps some of his Advanced Guard from last year? Harry's emerald eyes roved over everyone in the room. There were Professors McGonagall, Dumbledore and Lupin, to his left and grinning like idiots. Hmm, now that was picture-worthy! And then- holy hell!- even Snape was there! Though admittedly, he looked suspiciously sour and was favoring the shadowy corner. Harry reckoned the bat had not come of his own free will. Judging by the way the Potions Master was glowering at an oblivious Dumbledore, he most definitely had been coerced! Harry spared a dubious "Why?" in his brain, but then continued on with his eyesweep. Mrs. Weasley was teary-eyed and smiling to his right, and Mr. Weasley was beside her. Even Moody, Tonks, Bill and Kingsley Shacklebolt had come! Ron, Hermione, and Ginny pushed their way through the crowd, beaming from ear to ear. At the sight of the youngest Weasley, Harry suddenly remembered the conversation he'd eavesdropped on. Epiphany dawned and Harry began realizing what they must have been talking about... or more precisely, who. That made him grin even more.
"You knew all along," he accused happily, and Ron threw up his arms.
"Yeah, but of course we were sworn to secrecy! Mum practically threatened to flay us within an inch of our lives if we let anything slip! Anyway, happy birthday, mate," Ron said.
"Blow out your candles, Harry!" Ginny squealed, guiding him over to the table. Harry suddenly felt vaguely nervous with everyone watching him, but pushed it aside. He was the frigging Boy-Who-Lived, right? He should be used to people gawking and taking pictures and wanting autographs and the like!
"Make a wish!" Hermione coaxed, and Harry pivoted to eye her strangely.
"Why?" he prompted, truely ignorant on the matter. Everyone stared disbelievingly.
"Er... it's tradition," Hermione replied. She and most everyone else in the room realized that this was probably Harry's first proper birthday party. Mrs. Weasley let out a stifled sniffle. This would be Harry's best party ever, she promised. And damn those Muggles!
"Ok," Harry shrugged, thinking hard. What he wanted most of all was Voldemort's downfall, and for all his loved ones to remain safe. He squeezed his eyes closed. This was his wish, his one true wish. I just want peace...
"Blow out the candles!" Ginny repeated excitedly when Harry opened his eyes. He did so, and everyone cheered. Harry was struck again by the amount of love that seemed to be flowing through the room, and pushed down a lump in his throat as the realization came to him that it was all directed towards him. Well, except Snape. That helped sober the boy up. No, definitely no love could be found lurking in that sneer!
The cake was eaten and presents were passed forward to Harry. He loved everything, and felt a bit overwhelmed at the amount of gifts and friendly tokens he received. No surprises there when Snape excused himself just as Mrs. Weasley proclaimed "Present time!"... Harry'd wanted to laugh as he'd watched the man stalk away, robes flying in typical billowing fashion. It was a wonder the spy had lasted that long, even!
And so Harry had ripped into the pile, attempting to make a sizable dent before nightfall. Really, people didn't need to spoil him the way they did! Among Harry's favorites were a Defense Against the Dark Arts book from Moody and an odd protection necklace from Dumbledore. The Headmaster had explained it to Harry as the boy held it in his hands, rubbing it gently. It was in the form of a small ring.
"This is a Protering, used only in the most dire of situations. String it about your neck, and wear it everywhere, Harry. I have the same one, and when you say Protering Activate! mine will turn hot. Remember to squeeze it as you say this, so I will be called to your aid. The Protering will lead me to you. Don't forget, it can only be used when the caller is in desperate need of help," Dumbledore instructed. Harry nodded, quietly passing on a very grateful 'thank you' as he pulled it over his neck. The metal was cool as it splayed against his chest.
Lupin came forward after all the presents were done, pulling Harry aside.
"Harry, my present is a bit more emotional and I think would be best received in private. Can we go upstairs to your room, perhaps?"
"Sure, professor," Harry replied easily, leading the way. Lupin shook his head in exasperation as he followed.
"Please, just call me Remus. I'm no longer your professor," he corrected. Harry nodded, smiling, and the two continued upstairs. When the pair finally reached Harry's bedroom, aforementioned raven head perched himself on the edge of the bed. Lupin followed suit, sitting very close next to Harry. He cleared his throat, fingers trembling just a little bit as he pulled out a mirror from his frayed pocket. Harry's eyes widened in recognition.
"That's..."
Lupin nodded. "I found this in Sirius' room after his death. I know you had the other, and so I'm asking if you'd like to share a mirror connection with me."
Harry just stared, still in shock. Lupin's face fell a fraction and he hurriedly added, "Only if you want to, of course. I know the mirror was sentimental and you may not want use it so soon after Sirius' passing. But it might be useful in keeping track of each other, and if you ever wanted to talk-"
Harry nodded vigorously, then looked down ashamedly.
"I...er... smashed my mirror after Sirius died, though," he muttered, eyes averted.
"Easily fixed," Lupin reconciled. "Do you have the pieces?"
Harry knelt down and opened his school trunk, sifting through textbooks and half-finished homework and robes to get to the bottom. He exhaled shakily, then pointed out the scattered mirror shards to his father's old friend. Lupin pointed his wand down into the trunk.
"Reparo!" The mirror chunks flew together, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle completed by some invisible hand. Lupin picked up the newly fixed mirror and handed it to Harry. He pointed his wand at it again.
"Minimus!" The mirror shrunk to pocket size. Harry observed it carefully.
"Keep this with you all the time, and not trying to repeat Professor Dumbledore here, but call my name into the reflection when you need me. Before using it, cast 'Maximus', " Lupin instructed, pocketing his own. Then he did something he'd never done before, and kissed Harry on the forehead, right on top of his scar. Harry twitched in surprise, then smiled warmly.
"Thank you very much, Remus."
"Your welcome. Happy birthday, Harry."
Lupin left after his fond farewell and birthday wishes. Harry stretched on his bed, preparing to go back down and face the hordes of aquaintances desiring to make this his best birthday ever. And they were succeeding...
A tingly feeling went through Harry's body, like midnight stars tickling him with their light. Harry went back downstairs, ready to enjoy this happy time with the people he loved best. Unfortunately, trying times were fast approaching, and soon- too soon- Harry would be looking back on these final days of summer with wistful, bittersweet longing...
Ooh, cliffhanger! Hoped you liked it- ReViEw rEvIeW!
AngelMoon Girl
