Chapter 10

The day of Harry's birthday, everyone but Harry was up bright and early working. Tillie and Sam had set to getting the presents ready for Harry. While Hermione had been working on breakfast, something she did not do often but liked if she had time. They did not have to worry about Harry waking up for a few hours just yet, since Hermione had given Harry a mild dreamless sleeping potion to help him sleep the night before.

Harry had been having some very troubling nightmares and they had been bothering him over the last few weeks, and had used the potions to aid him if they got really bad. While Hermione wanted to do more to help Harry with his nightmares, if Harry was not going to talk about them yet, Hermione was not going to press the subject just yet. At least not on Harry's birthday.

They continued working fast, as they had noticed that even with the potion Harry did not still sleep in that late. The few times he had taken it, he had still managed to wake up by eight. Though Hermione had learned Harry's early rising came from his childhood. As such it was so in grained into him by this point only powerful sleeping drafts could keep him down. But that would not matter today as by eight they were ready.

Harry came down a few minutes later. His hair was still wet from a shower, and it looked like he had had a decent night sleep. As he entered the kitchen he stopped dead in his tracks, cross the room, against one wall were a few gifts. And set on his table were all of his favorite breakfast items. Then while still dazed from this, Hermione appeared out of nowhere and hugged him tightly.

"Happy Birthday Harry," Hermione nearly yelled, "did you sleep well?"

It took Harry a few moments to get through his shock before he was able to speak. He was still too stunned by what he had seen. Sure he knew it was his birthday, and he would have very much doubted it that Hermione would have forgotten that. But he never had bet on her actually throwing a party of any sort for him.

"Yes, I slept just fine," Harry finally managed out, returning the hug after a few moments.

Harry's attention was suddenly drawn as he heard the click and saw a flash of light. Turning he saw both Sam and Tillie watching them, with a raised camera. Seeing Harry's increasingly stunned look they could not help but laugh. Harry's attention was then drawn away from them as he heard Hermione purring lightly.

"Well it is good to see you two so happy, but before we do anything else. Let's eat some breakfast before it gets cold," Tillie said setting down her camera.

Harry and Hermione nodded, Hermione letting go of Harry before they were all soon sitting at the table. As they ate, Harry listened rather than talked enjoying the taste of the food. They seemed to be talking about some big plan for the afternoon that involved Harry. Harry wondered if this would be something similar to what Dudley got for his birthday. However, Harry did not decide to press for details, waiting to see just what surprise they had planned. Whatever it was, it sounded like it would be fun.

After breakfast was completed, they quickly cleaned up the dishes and Hermione brought over Harry's stack of gifts. Tillie once again picked up her camera as Harry tried to pick which one of the three he wanted to open first. Finally deciding on the medium sized one, he removed the wrapping paper and found a large set of books. Harry grinned when he saw the titles of the books.

Several of the books were magical ones, stuff Harry had found interesting about magic and the magical world. The other books were fantasy books, that Harry had increasingly interesting. He had taken up reading them in Hogwarts as he had never been able to read too much of fantasy of fiction at the Dursley's house. The books that Harry was really looking forward to reading were at the top. 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings'.

He decided to open the smallest gift next. In this case it was some interesting sugar free candies. Harry was not as impressed by this gift, but still happy none the less. The finally gift was something that surprised him, it was a large RC car. He longed to take it out, but he knew from Dudley's own RC car that the charging of the battery would take several hours to complete.

Tillie who had taken several picture of Harry as he opened his gifts then grinned, and handed him a piece of paper. Harry taking it looked confused at it for a few moments as he turned it over, before seeing it, was an advertisement for a local roller-coaster park. Harry mind seemed to jam as he realized what was happening next. And it took Hermione several minutes to reengage Harry's mind to working order.

Once this had happened excitement unlike Harry had ever felt before was coursing through him. As he asked if they were heading to the park today. Getting a yes from Hermione Harry nearly leapt for joy. It got a laugh from the others in the room, as Hermione and her parents moved about getting the few things they would need packed for the trip.

They were soon in the car and on their way to the park. Harry excitement, though more contained now, still seemed to leak through on and off. Hermione would often turn and see Harry's hair would momentarily ripple with color before shifting suddenly back to normal. Hermione, as the car ride moved on found this increasingly amusing, wondering how Harry had trouble controlling his form, and now he it seemed to react with his very slight shifts of mood.

They spent over four hours moving around the park and riding the different coasters and attractions. At first Harry was a little worried that Hermione would not be able to go on them because her hat would be knocked off, revealing her ears. But it seemed he did not have to worry because as they got into a line Hermione put on headband that had some cuts in it, and then took off her hat that she was wearing. The effect made it look like she was wearing some fake cat ears, unless one looked closely that was.

Harry smiled and leaned closer to Hermione saying, "Those ears look quite nice on you."

Hermione blushed a little at this, "Thanks Harry."

After a few rides they got some food at a food court at the front of the park, they got hotdogs to eat, though Hermione ended up also getting some fish. After that they went to game section park of the park and played their way through them. They played everything from the classic games to the new Dancing and shooting games. But as the day drew farther along they had to leave and head home so they could be there when Dumbledore showed up.

On the drive back, Harry found he could have not been happier. Nothing like this had ever happened to him before, he had been, though it was not getting a little late to call himself such, a kid for a day. Not once had he really worried about anything, outside Hermione's ears. And he was able to enjoy each second with Hermione's family. And as they drove back, Harry found himself slowly nodding off, and leaning against Hermione.

He had almost fallen asleep when they car came to a stop in the Grangers drive. Letting out a little groin of annoyance at his rest coming to a rather abrupt ending Harry got out of the car and helped unpack it. Once that was done, they went inside. But before they could get settled down, Tillie came out of the kitchen and placed on a tabling in the living room a small cake with thirteen candles in it.

Harry smiled at them at this as Tillie said, "Okay Harry, make a wish, and blow out the candles."

Harry here paused for a few moments in thought. His first wish would have been to have his real family back, and to have never become famous nor having a Dark Lord after him. But as he thought about that he realized that now things were not so bad, that is not what he wanted. Then as he saw the candle light twinkle in Hermione's eyes, Harry decided something else. He wanted to never ever lose Hermione as a friend, and with that he blew out the candles.

Sam quickly served everyone a piece of cake, and as they ate the door bell was rang. Hermione went to get it this time. Opening the door, she saw it was Dumbledore on the other side. He was dressed in his normal midnight blue robes, and had a pleasant smile in place. Hermione called for the others and invited him in, after which she said they were having some cake and asked if he wanted some.

"Sorry but I cannot right now maybe after the reading of the will," Dumbledore said as Harry, Sam, and Tillie entered into the room. "It is good to see you Harry. And it is nice to finally meet you Mr. and Mrs. Granger, your daughter is quite a student."

"Yes she is and we are very proud of her," Tillie said with a smile.

"That is very good to hear, also Harry if I may, can ask you something?" Dumbledore said looking over at Harry who had come to stand by Hermione.

"Sure, I guess you can ask me another question," Harry said making a small joke.

"Well that is true I did ask you something," Dumbledore chuckled a little bit before asking, "But, I heard you gained a new ability when you were picked up at the Dursley's. I have been wondering what it is, I would have found out beforehand but it seems McGonagall and Pomfrey had to leave before they could tell me. So I decided to wait and until I came here to see what it was."

Harry smiled and said, "Sure I can tell you, but instead of telling I think it will be easier if I just show you."

Harry moved away from the Hermione a little bit then not even a second later in Harry place stood a second Dumbledore. Albus chuckled at this, before laughing out and clapping his hands as Harry bowed low. A few moments later stood a Hermione, her cat feature visible. Then finally Harry stood in the spot he had taken before, once again back to normal.

"It seems I have the ability of changing shape, including the clothes I have on," Harry explained.

"I see. So you are a Metamorphmagus. Though there is something different about your change," Dumbledore stated, noting that Harry's scar was gone, "But that is for later talk, now I believe it is time to get back the business at hand. Harry, you and me will be heading off soon…"

Hermione however cut him off at this point, "But sir I thought my mom, dad and I were coming too."

"Oh, I take it then all of you are planning on coming?" Dumbledore asked getting a nodded from everyone, but Harry who was going anyway. "Then that means that I have to figure out a different means of transportation. I am very sure you do not want to try that evil bus so that means we will take a portkey."

"Oh I have heard about those," Hermione said looking at Dumbledore with her eyes wide with excitement.

"What are they," asked Harry looking at Hermione then Dumbledore.

Dumbledore smiled, "I think we should let Hermione explain."

"Okay thanks Professor. Well a portkey is an item that can take one person or a group of people from one place to another and back again. The items can be anything from an old sock, to a stone, or cup though most items are picked in such a way as not to be noticed by the non-magical community. It is considered the best way to move a group people. Also a portkey can be set to go off a set times, by voice, or even touch," Hermione said getting into almost a teaching tone of voice.

"Very good Miss Granger, if we were at school I would give you some points, but since we are not I will say good job and keep studying." Dumbledore then turned and pulled out of one of his many hidden pockets a small pen with the Gringotts symbol on it. "Ahh, there it is, now since normal people are not allowed to make a portkey I went to Gringotts to get this, in case everyone else wanted to come to with Harry. It will go off at four and that is in about eleven minutes or I can set it off with activation words. Which would you like to use wait or just start activate now?"

Sam, Tillie, Hermione, and Harry all looked at each other not sure which, but then Harry spoke up. "Let's go now, since we are ready right now, if that is okay with everyone."

Everyone nodded, as Dumbledore spoke, "Okay then. Everyone grab hold of this pen, then I will activate it. Or in this case, since it is a little small, Harry and Hermione, could you hold hands and one of you can grab it? The same with you, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, it will work the same as if you were actually holding the portkey yourself."

Harry grabbed hold of Hermione's hand and then grabbed the middle of the pen, while Sam grabbed then end with one hand and Tillie with the other. Dumbledore still holding the top of the pen nodded and spoke, once he was sure everyone was holding on.

"Okay here we go, Money Vaults."

As Dumbledore spoke, each of them felt a pull on their arms. Without warning the world about the blurred as they were tugged along by the pen. Wind whipped past them, and Harry felt like he was about to let go of Harmony's hand, yet at the same time it felt as if his hand was glued to her own. But then with as little as warning as before, they came to a sudden halt as they reached Gringotts.

They were barely able to remain standing. While Dumbledore looked as if nothing had even happened. Shaking himself, to make sure everything was still working, Harry glanced about themselves and saw they were in a small cave area with several chairs and a large door, by which a Goblin was standing.

"I will never, ever take a portkey again if I can help it, that was evil," said Hermione with a groan.

The Goblin then choose to speak at this point, "Are you all here for the reading of the Potters' Will?"

"Yes sir," answered Dumbledore.

"Okay, then please follow me and we begin the reading of the Potter's Will. "The Goblin said turning to go.

Following the goblin, they were led through several passages until they suddenly came into main Entrance Hall of the Bank. As it was later in the day, the place was also much less crowded than it normally was with only a few goblins' at their seats waiting on people looking to deposit or withdraw money. They continued onwards passed this to a side passage, with a sign above it reading "Wills and Final Testaments". They continued down to this passage till they came a large room with one side filled with many chairs.

"We are here. Please enter and Redhorn will be with you shortly," the still unnamed goblin said, waiting for them to enter.

"Thank you for leading us here," Dumbledore said, leading the way into the room.

Everyone else followed Dumbledore into the room and thanked the Goblin for his serves before they sat down. The goblin left a few moments later, and closed the door behind them. They did not have to wait long though for Redhorn to show up, for a few moments after the door had closed, did it open again and an ancient looking Goblin entered the room. Like the other Goblin he was wearing a Gringotts' uniform, but unlike the other one he also had a sword at his side.

"So which one of you is Mr. Potter," asked the Goblin.

"I am Sir," answered Harry, "I take it you are Redhorn?"

"I am Redhorn, as you have been told I am here to read the will of Lily and James Potter to you. Do you have any questions before hand?" Redhorn asked.

"Yes I have one question," said Harry quietly.

"Yes, what would you like to ask?" Redhorn asked looking at Harry.

"Who was it that sealed my parents' will and why?" asked Harry.

"That is simple enough. It was sealed by one Peter Pettigrew. He had brought us news of your parents' death. And requested that the Will be sealed till you came of age," Redhorn explained before adding, "We did seal it, but as he did not have legal power over you, we only kept it safe till you requested to see it."

Harry nodded, that made sense, "thanks."

"Welcome, anymore questions," Redhorn asked, but did not get a reply from anyone, "Okay, then I will began reading this word for word."

'This is the will of both James Potter and Lily Potter both being of sound mind and body.

It saddens us to say if this is being read before we are much older than 60, but as a war is being fought. We knew that we would need to make this in case we should pass on before our time. Hopefully that will not be needed since Peter is keeping our house a secret from our enemies. With this we should be able to live longer, after all, who would be better to hide our secret then the person who can hide among the rats.

Now to dealing out the money of our oversized fortune. Ten thousand Galleons to each Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, Remus Lupin and the Longbottom Family. The rest will go to our son on his fourteenth birthday.

As to our many ancient trinkets we leave all of them, that are within the two black trunks, to Dumbledore, may he find them ever neat and fun to use. Also we give him some magic knitting needles that will make all the socks he wants, in whatever color he wishes.'

Harry let out a small chuckle that he could not quite cover up at this. Hermione gave him a weird look, wondering just why he was laughing. Harry leaned closer and said he would explain later.

'All other items are to be given to Harry, in hopes he find many ways to use them. Lastly we leave to Harry the Potter Manor, which he may use this as soon as this will has been read. There he will find two letters left from us to him on desk in the study.

Below is a list of people who Harry should be sent to live with if we are to pass away. We shall also add unless no other choice is available, Harry is not to be sent to live with the Dursley's.

Sirius Black

Remus Lupin (tell those ministry people to shove off if they say no)

Longbottom

Bones

McGonagall

As our last note we only wish to say we miss you all, and sorry for leaving you so soon.

Prongs, James Potter

Tiger, Lily Potter.'

The room was silent as the reading of the will was finished. No one was quite sure what to say. Not just because of the last part, but also some of the other facts within the will itself. Harry and Hermione were surprised to find out Harry was not to be sent to live with the Dursley's and five different people were on the list to take care of him well before the Dursley family had been. What this did mean though that Harry could to an extent never be forced to be returned to Privet Drive.

Dumbledore Harry noticed, looked rather confused about something. What that something was, Harry had no clue. But it looked to be of some great importance to Dumbledore.

"Well I must be going. I will send someone to with the things from the will in a few minutes," Redhorn said when it became clear that no one was going to speak up right away.

As Redhorn left the room Dumbledore got up and began to pace slowly about muttering something to himself. As if this was some signal to begin the others broke into quiet talks. Hermione and Harry to each other, while Sam and Tillie more watched and listened.

"So Harry you happy about hearing your parents' wills? You're not sad or anything?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah I am happy though also confused. I always thought that hearing my parents will would have had a greater effect on me." Harry said, looking at the far wall.

"You were expecting to break down and cry or something," Hermione guessed.

"Well, yeah," Harry said.

Hermione nodded, "Well that is kind of hard helping you understand something when I would not be sure how to react myself, well if I was in your place."

Harry sighed, "Well maybe it is the simple fact that I both do and don't see them as my family. I mean they are my parents but I never was really raised by them. And the Will does not really change that."

"So who do you view as family?" Hermione asked.

"Well that is simple enough," Harry said with a smile, "You and your family are my family."

Hermione blinked the blushed at this, her tail was swishing about rather happily. Harry chuckled, at this and gave her a small hug. Hermione returned it and cuddled into harry a little bit. Neither of them aware that they were being watched.

Tillie and Sam who had listened closely to the talk smiled. Harry was growing to be their family too, and even if they did not admit it to anyone but themselves, that were hoping Harry would think the same. They were starting to see possible match between Harry and Hermione, they hoped that would happen but that it would be farther on in the future. The group fell silent again, except for Hermione who was purring from Harry petting her tail and ears. About three minutes later a goblin came in with a cart full of trunks, everyone looked over at the Goblin. The goblin was looking at a paper sensed the stares and spoke up.

"I am here with the things that Redhorn spoke of in the will. It says here these 2 black trunks and knitting needles are to be given to one Albus Dumbledore." The goblin said, looking back carefully over a small piece of paper he had with him

"Yes that is me, and I will be taking them with me when I leave. If I may, I would like to see those knitting needles, though." Dumbledore said stopping his pacing for a little bit, and walked over to the Goblin.

"Okay sir, should I leave the trunks here or take them to the main entrance." The Goblin asked, picking up a set of knitting needles from the top of the trunk.

"Leave them here," Dumbledore said, taking the needles in his hands and began looking over them closely.

"As you wish, the other trunks are for Harry Potter," the Goblin said indicating the other two trunks.

One trunk was blue with six different key locks built into it. The other was a red trunk with only one key lock. Tied to the trunks were a ring of keys. If Harry had to guess they each went to a different lock. Though Harry had no idea while the one trunk would need so many locks on it.

"I am Harry Potter," Harry said, getting up and coming over to the Goblin.

Hermione got up and followed not far behind Harry, not liking he had stopped petting her ears and tail. The Goblin glanced at Harry for a few moments, his eyes sweeping up towards Harry's scar. But then his eyes darted to his right and looked at Hermione. He watched her for more than a couple moments before finally looking at Harry again.

"Okay, what do you wish to do with the trunks?" The Goblin asked politely.

"Umm, can we take them with us by Portkey home?" Harry asked, looking at the trunks.

"Yes you can, sir, the portkey this bank makes are very powerful," the Goblin answered.

"Okay, thank you," Harry said.

"As you are the son of Lily and James it is also my job to inform you that the Money will be sent to Remus Lupin's Vault, as well as the Longbottom Family Vault," The Goblin explained.

"Why only those two vaults sir?" asked Harry.

"Because Peter Pettigrew is dead and Sirius Black is in prison," The Goblin commented in a bored tone.

"I see," Harry said a little surprised, before nodding to the trunks, "Well I think that is all, and you can leave the trunks here we will take them when we leave by portkey."

"Very well, if you need any help touch the rune by the door and another banker will be along shortly," asked the Goblin, unloading the trunks from the cart.

Once the trunks were down, the Goblin handed a small ring with two keys on it to Dumbledore, then handed the other ring with seven keys on it to Harry. After this he moved the cart around and left the room. Harry turned and looked at the rings, then down at the trunk, and realized there might be some spell behind it that required these keys.

"Sir, how does this trunk work," asked Harry, kneeling down by the blue trunk.

"It is six in one trunks. Depending on which key and lock is used will yield different compartments within the trunk itself. The compartments I might add can also be rather big, whole rooms in fact," Dumbledore explained.

"Thanks sir," Harry said as Hermione knelt down besides Harry looking rather fascinated now.

"You're welcome Harry," said Dumbledore smiling.

Harry decided to see what the blue trunk held first and picking a key at random he went over to the trunk. Seeing a small one on the key, Harry grinned and put in the farther slot on the left and turned the key in the lock. There was a resounding click as the key turned. Opening up the trunks lid Harry and Hermione were more than a little surprised to see a staircase leading down into what looked to be a Potions room.

"That is very cool Harry, wonder what the other compartments have in them," said Hermione said, grinning wildly at what might be hidden in Harry's new trunk.

However, it was Sam who spoke up next, "Let's wait till we are back home. It is nearly dinner time."

"Sounds like good idea, after all I need to get to cooking something for dinner." Tillie replied.

As they spoke Harry realized he was also becoming rather hungry. So closing the trunk and pulling out the key, and getting another click from the lock. They got ready to go. Dumbledore then touched the rune by the door, calling another Goblin.

It did not take long for the Goblin to show up, and then he led the way back to the same room they portkeyed into. The trunks, which Dumbledore had levitated alongside them up till now, now rested at the side of the room. After a little bit of uncertainty as to how they were going to portkey safely with the trunks. Dumbledore offered for Fawkes to take the trunks back while they used the Portkey. This idea was regard as the best.

They arrived back at the house and saw that Fawkes had left both of Harry's trunks in the kitchen. Dumbledore left not long afterwards say he would be back in a week or so, saying as he left that he had noticed something in the will that need to be checked. After Dumbledore left, dinner was a quick meal of pizza. Then not much later they were off to bed leaving the trunks till the next day to look at. As Harry settled down and got ready to sleep, he thought over day and realized one thing. It was the best birthday ever.