Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. The dream (vision) was modified slightly from Harry's vision from chapter one of GoF to fit this story.

A/N: Wow, this is late coming out. Couldn't get myself to write it. That, and I'm busier with school because finals are coming up. I was surprised at the review turn out for last chapter. Over 20 in less than 24 hours!

Anyway, if you like this, go check out my other stories!

Thanks to: Princess of Rivendell, HarrysmateKahlannBarby-BlackTexas DragonShiroLightMorgaine00000016FastFuriousChickSailorHecateGoddessMoonLadyLady Lily3YukkienolovelessmywayornowayMerry Sparrow, lynxlw, ProopsYasmine LupinHecateDeMortShdwcat27, prettyprincess, AnnF, dubdigit, RidDles girlbandgeekforlifeMyrddin AmbrosiusMoony's-Wolfhermione1208hope99, SnapesYukuai, Yana5Sevschoosen1charmedsistersmomocolady, and Quillian for the reviews and stuff. Whew! That was a lot.

Enjoy!

Chapter 10 - Surprises

"Harry? How are you feeling?"

"Hmm?" Harry answered, not quite awake. He didn't notice as Severus cast a charm to check his temperature because he went right back to sleep, causing his guardian to sigh. His temperature was 100 degrees Fahrenheit, no where near as bad as it had been the night before. Knowing the boy had to eat, he gently shook the child awake. "Eh," Harry groaned.

"Harry, you need to eat something," Severus said, and the boy finally opened his eyes. "How are you feeling?"

"Huh? Icky," he said, hiding under the covers.

"Icky," Severus said, sarcastically.

"Yes, icky. There isn't any other way to describe it," Harry complained.

"Right. Do you think you are well enough to get ready yourself?"

"No," whined the boy. "I don't want to get out of bed." He turned on his side, back to his guardian.

"I thought as much. You should be back to normal in about two days." Severus stole a glance at Anzee, who had seemed to take up permanent residence on the foot of Harry's bed for the past week. Severus believed that snake could sleep through anything. "One of the house elves will bring you food. I need to leave for a few hours. You'll be alright?"

"Yes. I want to sleep. Go."

"You have a mouth, child," Severus reprimanded before leaving, figuring Harry had already fallen asleep. He quickly told one of the house elves to make sure that Harry ate, and then flooed to Hogsmede. Harry's birthday was coming up soon, and he had no idea what to get him. It was pretty hard to do better than the snake from last year.

Severus knew enough about Harry now to know that he never had a birthday party before, so against his better judgement, Severus had already decided on a surprise party. Albus had already agreed and had contacted the Weasley's, the Granger's, Lupin, and, unfortunately, Black. The Weasley's already knew about Black's status, and Miss Granger would probably tell her parents that the escapee wasn't guilty (for the murder, anyway, thought Severus), so there would be no problem there.

At first, he thought about having the party elsewhere besides his manor. The last thing he wanted was for Harry's friends to have a run of the place, but he decided the manor was best, especially if Black was coming. Didn't need the ministry to be informed somehow.

But that still left what to get the child. And after an hour in Hogsmede, he still had no idea. He thought about what Harry liked: quidditch . . . and flying. Severus thought hard. The boy had to like more than that. He wasn't a big on studying; like learning, yes, but not studying. With how much I've talked with Harry, you would think I would be able to think of something!

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Harry woke up to Miiki, the older house elf, poking him. This wasn't entirely unusual, since Harry had told both the house elves that if Harry needed to get up, and wouldn't, that they should poke him until he did. It always worked with Ron. But Harry wasn't unsure why he needed to get up.

"What?" Harry mumbled.

"Master Harry needs to eat. Miiki brought food."

"I'm not hungry."

"Master Snape said that Master Harry must eat."

"Where is Severus?" Harry asked, forgetting that his guardian told him that he would be gone for awhile.

"Master Snape is out. Master Snape said you must eat," Miiki said with too much energy for Harry's current mood. He vaguely wondered how the house elves were able to stay so energetic when living with Severus for so long. Harry was about to refuse the food when the smell overcame his senses.

"Fine, give me the food," Harry said, taking the tray, thanking Miiki before she popped away. He felt as if he hadn't eaten in forever, and the food was better than usual. Now that he thought of it, he couldn't actually remember when the last time he ate was. In fact, he didn't really remember much of the past week. Harry was brought out of his musings by Anzee moving toward him.

"Are you feeling better, Harry?" he asked.

"Er . . . I guess so. What happened?"

"Do you not remember?"

"Remember what?" Harry asked, starting to get nervous. What had happened that he couldn't remember?

"You were very ill for over a week."

"What? Really? Is that why I can't remember anything?"

"I don't know. Probably," Anzee answered. "You don't remember anything?"

"Not really. I must have really been sick."

"Very," Anzee agreed, eying the bits of beef that had fallen out of Harry's sandwich. He motioned for the snake to go ahead it eat them.

"So, did I do anything stupid?" Harry asked, not knowing if he wanted to know the answer.

"Very. You were very rude most of the time. Other times, you whined a lot, which was rather annoying," he said, and Harry felt that if Anzee was human, he'd be a lot like Severus.

"I hope Severus isn't mad. I don't even remember!"

"I don't believe he is. When he wasn't annoyed or worried, he seemed amused."

"Amused? Great," Harry complained. "I'll never let it down!" Harry was about to take another bite of his sandwich when there was a tapping at the mostly closed window. Reluctantly, he got up and opened it up the rest of the way, letting the odd bird and a warm breeze into the room. Harry took the letter, and the large bird flew away immediately. He briefly wondered who it was from before he remembered Sirius. Sitting quickly on his bed, he opened the letter.

Harry,

I hope you're doing well. I heard that you have been very sick from Remus, who probably heard it from Snape. Has Snape been treating you okay? If not, tell me, and I'll be there as soon as I can to curse him into oblivion.

Great, Harry thought. Does everyone know I was sick?

I'm doing very good. I can't tell you were I am right now, because the ministry is still out looking for me, of course. Other than that, it's like being on vacation, only mostly as a dog. It's amazing how much food you can get off of people as a very cute, lovable dog.

Tell me how your summer has been so far. As I said before, if Snape's been treating you bad . . . Anyway, don't send it using Hedwig. She's far too noticeable. Which reminds me, do you like the bird? It isn't native where I am, so I figured it was safe using her this time.

See you soon,

S.B. (Snuffles)

PS. I thought a code name would be a good idea.

Harry read through the letter several times. See you soon? Harry wondered. Was Sirius planning on coming back so soon? With everyone looking for him? Wouldn't that be dangerous? Harry thought about this while he finished his sandwich, then went back to sleep.

Harry didn't recognize where he was, and where ever it was, he didn't want to be there. He had this odd chilled feeling, like something evil was around. Or like something was going wrong. Looking around for a door, he couldn't see any and felt panicked. He was brought out of panic by someone saying his name.

"It could be done without Harry Potter, My Lord," said a voice, which Harry swore was Pettigrew's.

"Without Harry Potter . . ." a second voice said with a tone that was vaguely familiar. Harry couldn't place it, but by the first voice saying "My Lord", he assumed it was Voldemort.

"My Lord, it is not out of concern for the brat! He is nothing to me! It is merely that if we were to use another witch or wizard, you would be back to power much more quickly! I could be back in as little as two days with a suitable person . . ."

"Do you wish to leave me, Wormtail?" Voldemort asked, confirming Harry's suspicions that it was Pettigrew.

"No, My Lord! It is just that the boy would be so well protected! Especially with Snape . . ."

"I could use another wizard, but I will not. Perhaps the task of nursing me has become wearisome for you, Wormtail? But no, I will use Potter's blood. If Snape truly cares for Potter, then what better why of taking care of the traitor? If he is only taking care of the boy to serve me, which I doubt, then it will be even easier than I plan it to be. I can wait. I have waited 13 years, a few more months is nothing. As for the protections, I believe my plan will be effective to get past them. My faithful servant will soon be free . . ."

"I am a faithful servant. I was the one who found you. I brought you Bertha Jorkins!"

"That is true. I would not have expected that stroke of brilliance from you, though . . . you were not aware of her usefulness when you brought her to me."

"I – I thought she might be useful, My Lord . . ."

"Liar. However, I do not deny that her information was invaluable. Without it, I could never have formed our plan, and for that, you will be rewarded."

"Really, thank you My Lord," Wormtail said, sounding more scared than thankful. "What . . ."

"You will find out in time, Wormtail."

The voices were silent for awhile and Harry thought about what they were talking about. Voldemort wanted him dead. Nothing new there. But what was the plan? Who was this "faithful servant"? Who was Jorkins? Harry was working himself into hysterics again, but was once more brought back by a voice.

"One more murder . . . my faithful servant at Hogwarts . . . Harry Potter is as good as mine, Wormtail. It is decided. There will be no more argument. But quiet, I think I hear Nagini . . ."

Nagini? Who was that? Harry looked around and was relieved when he didn't see any movement. Harry wanted to take a peek at Voldemort and Wormtail, and whoever Nagini was, so he quietly snuck forward, making sure not to make the floor squeak, like he was so used to when sneaking food at the Dursley's. Before he got there, he recognized a voice speak in parsletongue.

"Come to me Nagini. Do you have any news for me?" Harry instantly recognized it as Voldemort.

"There is an old Muggle past the door, listening," another voice hissed back. Harry guessed it was a snake, and assumed that it was Nagini. So Voldemort has a snake, hmm? Harry thought to himself. Feeling braver for some reason, Harry made his way to the corner and looked around. There was Wormtail. No sign of anything that could be Voldemort, but Harry knew he was in the room. Probably in some kind of physical form. The voice, as odd as it was, was definitely solid. There was a chair with it's back to him, so he assume Voldemort was there.

"Wormtail, Nagini has informed me of some very interesting news. She says there is a Muggle outside, listening to our every word. Invite him in, Wormtail! Where are your manners?" Harry saw Wormtail let the muggle in, and that muggle walked in using a cane.

"You heard everything, muggle?" Voldemort asked.

"What are you calling me?"

"A muggle. It means you are not a wizard."

"Wizard? I don't know what you mean. All I know is I've heard enough to interest the police tonight, I have. You've done murder and you're planning more! And I'll tell you this, too: my wife knows I'm up here, and if I don't come back . . ." Harry thought the muggle very stupid for telling Voldemort what he heard, even if Voldemort already knew the muggle knew.

"You have no wife. Nobody knows you are here. Do not lie to Lord Voldemort, Muggle, for he knows . . . is always knows . . ."

"Is that right? Lord, is it? Well, I don't think much of your manners, My Lord. Turn 'round and face me like a man, why don't you?" The muggle said this, and Harry was filled with dread. Was the man trying to get killed?

"But I am not a man, Muggle. I am much, much more than a man. However . . . why not? I will face you . . . Wormtail, come turn my chair around." Wormtail did so, and Harry was slight disappointed that he could still not see Voldemort. Harry changed his mind when the old man dropped his cane and started screaming. Harry could swear he heard "Avada Kedavra", and a green light came from the chair, hitting the man.

Harry woke up screaming himself. He was mostly unaware of Severus sitting on the bed, comforting him. He was too caught up in the dream. The nightmare. Whatever it was. It seemed so real. After about five minutes, Harry finally calmed down.

"Harry?" Severus asked. "What was it?"

"Nightmare."

"About Dursley?" Severus asked, sounding as if he wanted to hex the man right then. Harry shook his head.

"Voldemort," Harry whispered.

"Don't say his name!" hissed Severus. "What happened?"

"Well, I never actually saw Voldemort. He was sitting on a chair, and it's back was to me. But Wormtail was there. They were talking . . . about me. How . . . how Vol . . . he needed to use my blood for something. They also talked about you being a . . . traitor. He killed someone name Jorkins . . . not in the dream, but they were talking about how they got information from her before hand. I don't know what it was. Something that will help with . . . his plan. Then a snake came in. Nagini. She was huge! A lot bigger than Anzee. She told him there was a man outside the room. He . . . he killed him. A green light, like the one that I see . . ." Harry trailed off.

"Harry, if you have any dreams whatsoever about the Dark Lord, tell me right away. Do you feel well enough to eat dinner downstairs tonight? You don't have a fever anymore."

"Er . . . yeah. I feel fine."

"Dinner is in an hour, then," Severus said, then left. Harry watched him leave, stunned. That was weird, Harry thought, and he got up to take a bath and get ready to eat.

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Harry wasn't feeling the happiest right now. It was his birthday, and even Severus seemed to have forgotten about it. Usually, he would have gotten something from Ron and Hermione, and possibly Hagrid, but Severus had barely even acknowledge him! It was a big difference from last summer. Harry couldn't help but feel he did something wrong, so after breakfast, he stayed in his room and straightened it up. It had gotten quite messy over the past month.

It was nearing lunch, and Harry was debating whether he should go downstairs to eat or just have Miiki bring something up. He was about to call Miiki when there was a knock on the door. Harry called for him to come in.

"We are having lunch early today, Harry. Put something decent on and come downstairs. I don't have all day," Severus said, sounding rather bitter. Wondering what was wrong with what he was wearing at the moment, Harry quickly changed, and made his way sullenly downstairs. He was expecting Severus to be in the dining room with food already on the table, but no one was in there.

Wondering what was going on, Harry made his way where he thought Severus might be: the parlor. The doors were closed, which was unusual, so Harry knocked. When he didn't hear anything, Harry slowly slid the door open and peered in.

"Surprise!" everyone yelled, and Harry just stood there, leaning against door, stunned.

"What . . ." Harry started.

"Happy birthday, mate!" Ron said, and everyone followed suit. Harry was still so stunned that Severus had to lead him over to a chair and sat him down. In front of Harry, on the coffee table, sat a pile of wrapped gifts. A lot of them. More than he ever gotten in the past, anyway.

"Are these all mine?" Harry asked, not knowing what else to say.

"Of course, Harry," Fred said.

"Whose else's would they be?" asked George.

"Er . . . thank you," Harry stuttered.

"Don't thank us yet, Harry," said a familiar voice. "You haven't even opened them yet!" Harry turned around quickly.

"Sirius! What are . . . is it safe for you to be here?" Harry asked quickly.

"For now. But don't worry about that. Start opening your presents!"

"Yeah!" agreed the Weasley kids and Hermione.

L

Harry sat back down, exhausted. It was a very good day.

"Did you have a good time, Harry?" Harry nodded.

"Yes, Severus. It was great! I've never had a party before, and I really wasn't expecting it! I was really surprised. I was also surprised that you let everyone here. Especially Sirius."

"As was I," Severus said flatly. "But I felt that you would have like for him to be here."

"I was glad he was. I was also glad you to stayed away from each other. You two looked like you were about to kill each other."

"I was seriously thinking about it." Harry laughed. "Now, you need to get to bed. It's very late. Or rather, very early in the morning. Happy birthday, Harry."

"Thank you Severus," Harry called over his shoulder as he made his way up the stairs.