Hello everyone and welcome to Chapter 21 of Love of a Different Kind. I bet you're thinking OMG... OMFG a new chapter finally. And I have to agree, I'm afraid that my muse went poof and then I had to contend with my nannas' death and was just not interested in writing much of anything. But here it is. Hopefully with my muse back I will have the chapters out a lot faster that what has been normal.

Thank you Melody DeMort for pointing out about Norbert. My head must have been else where for me not to remember what kind of dragon he was. And i shall go thru and fix that.

As to questions about Hermione... Well i personally dont have any brothers or sisters but it is my understanding that sometimes, just sometimes the older child gets a little jealous of the younger sibling. And with Hermione always being so in control of her studies and life at Hogwarts, she felt betrayed by her parents for having another child with out even considering her feelings on the subject.

I am also sorry for those who felt offended by the scene with the Hobbits and their bits. I just put it in as a little comic relief, cause we all know that is exactly what most males do when they are in the locker room, they size up each other, and if there are any males reading this, dont bother to deny it ;p.

Please enjoy what I have done and please excuse any grammar mistakes and the like. Please keep the reviews coming cause I really love to read the reviews and am great full to all those who have stuck out to read this.

Cookies for everyone.

When Harry got back to the Great Hall, there was a mountain, literally, of presents, waiting for him to open. Ron, Neville, Merry and Pippin all stood around him, also gaping at the mountain of birthday presents.

"Wow," was all Harry could think to say as everyone took a seat around the table so that they could watch Harry open his presents.

"'Ere you go, 'Arry," Hagrid said, handing Harry the first present. Hagrid was the only one there who was tall enough to be able to reach the top of the stack without magic. It was rather obvious that the first present was from the half-giant. Harry opened it with trepidation, his eyes widening in shock when he saw what was inside.

"It's griffin food," he breathed softly, awed by the thoughtfulness in his friend's gift, especially considering the amount of time Hagrid would have had to prepare it. Inside was a collection of rare seeds, grasses and other foods, in small pieces that a baby griffin like Harry's would be able to digest.

"Yeh, just 'ave to be rememberin' to give Spot sum raw meat everyday as well."

"Is it rare or something?" Olivia asked.

"Griffins themselves are rare," Harry explained, his eyes shining. "There are very few resources on them, especially on where to get their food and stuff. This… this will help me a lot, Hagrid."

"Aw, it's nothin' 'Arry. Just some stuff I found in the Forbidden Forest." Hagrid blushed at Harry's high praise. To get attention off himself, he pulled another present off of the stack, a long oblong-shaped case.

Hagrid read the tag as he passed it over, "Dis one is from Gimli."

Harry took the package off of Hagrid gingerly and looked nervously over at Gimli before pulling the ribbon free of the present and took of the lid and looked down at the highly polished Poleax.

"It'll be yer next weapon to learn lad." Gimli stated as Harry put the base of the box inside the lid and then placed it as the beginnings of a new pile on the table.

"Thank you Gimli."

Pippin and Merry were pointing to the top of the pile of presents. "That one's from us," Merry explained as Hagrid brought the box down and handed it to Harry.

"Yeah," Pippin pipped up. "It's great! It's a mmhhff." The Halfling was cut off as Merry covered Pippin's mouth with his hand.

"Let him open it first, stupid!" he hissed. Pippin nodded sheepishly, and Merry released him.

Harry pulled at the ribbon that was wrapped around the box

"Thanks, guys," Harry said slowly but sincerely, looking at his present. All of the Wizarding people were looking at between Harry, the present and the hobbits in confusion. Harry could understand; this wasn't something that was readily – or at all – available in the wizarding world.

"Gandalf helped us make it so I suppose its from him as well as from us." Merry explained.

"Not to sound rude, but what is it?" Harry asked.

"In our world there are seeing stones, but they are a little bit too dangerous so we asked Gandalf if there was anyway, should we return home, that we could contact you. He also made one for Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas since we don't all live in the same places."

Harry looked up at Merry and Pippin, an empty feeling growing in his chest at the prospect that his new friends would have to go back to their homes sometime soon and that he may never see them again except through a piece of crystal.

"Thank you very much Merry, Pippin, Gandalf. I will value this above all else and keep it well protected and safe." He explained to them, his eyes wet with tears as he looked up at them and placed the orb safely on to his lap.

Hagrid hurriedly passed Harry the next present on the pile to him while wiping his eyes with his large hanky.

"That ones from us Harry." Fred and George chimed as he pulled off the ribbon wrapped around the present. Where he stopped and looked up at the twins with a raised eyebrow.

"Is this something I want to open with so many people in the room?"

"Of course it is Harry…"

"We wouldn't do anything to anyone…"

"Never."

"At least take the wrapping off Harry and see what the box says." Neville spoke up.

"You'll be shocked and amazed to learn that it isn't a box of pranks for once Harry dear." Molly explained and looked at the twins, "Though I can't guarantee that there isn't at least one or two pranks of some sort in there."

"That's okay Molly. Remus gave me a great present for my birthday that would make the twins pranks look tame in comparison." Harry responded to Molly. Fred and George scoffed.

"What could you have that could possibly out do us. Hogwarts best pranksters since the Marauders."

Harry laughed, the professors soon following him along with Ron, Hermione and the elder Weasleys.

"Wot's so funny?" Neville asked not quite clued in to the conversation.

"Messers Moony, Padfoot, Prongs and Wormtail are better known as Remus J. Lupin, Sirius Black, James Potter and Peter Pettigrew." Albus explained, the twinkle in his eyes brighter then ever due to his laughter.

The jaws of the Weasley twins dropped, "We… we met the… Mah… Mah…" Both sets of eyes rolled into the back of their head and they passed out. Causing everyone at the table to laugh at the reaction even if they didn't know what was going on.

"Remus gave me the journal that they all wrote down their pranks in for the future generation of Marauders." Harry explained once he had clamed down enough, though a few giggles still coming through and Severus to groan in dismay at the thought of the boy having that particular book.

Molly brought her wand out and quickly revived her twin sons who looked blearily around the Great Hall and quickly turned their eyes on Harry, "Why didn't you tell us?" George asked with his arms crossed over his chest and a pout on his lips, his brother looking at him the same way.

"I just assumed that you had already known. You were in Grimmauld during the summers." Harry responded with a shrug as he pulled off the wrapping paper and got to a plain brown box and carefully pulled the lid up waiting for the surprise prank inside. When nothing happened he pulled the lid right off and gaped at what was laying inside.

Inside, laying in blue tissue paper, was a set of dragon hide robes, pants, boots, gloves and gauntlets. Harry pulled out one of the gloves that were sitting on top of the pile and watched as it glimmered in the light of the candles.

"That's the hide of a Swedish Short-Snout." Charlie informed him and scowled at the twins, not happy about the fact that the twins had gotten such an abomination.

"We're sorry Charlie, but with the way Harry's life is, you have to admit that they are the best thing for him to have." Fred replied.

Charlie sighed, "Yes I suppose that you are right, though I don't like it." He grumbled and watched as Harry put the lid back on the box and moved it to the side with the other presents.

"If it makes you feel any better Charlie, I will only wear them when it is a necessity to wear them."

"Thank you Harry." He said as Hagrid handed the next present over.

"That one is from us Harry. Mind it's only something muggle since we are Muggles' and we can't get to your magic street with out Hermione." Olivia explained.

"That's fine Mrs. Granger. Thank you both." Harry thanked as he opened the present, inside laid a Playstation Portable (PSP) and a few games to go with it. "Thank you very much, though I don't know when I'll be able to play it until I'm in the muggle world."

"That's fine Harry, as long as you like it." Darren soothed.

"I'm sure that Godric, Albus and I could figure out some way for Muggle items to work in Hogwarts, after all, Hogwarts belongs to Godric and I so I'm sure something can be done." Salazar told the teen, Godric nodding his head next to him, even though he didn't really know what Salazar was talking about.

Harry beamed at the Slytherin, "Thank you very much."

The party had been a success, all of the presents open and in a new pile next to Harry who was still in awe, along with Ron, Neville and the Twins over the present he had gotten from Madame Hooch. Signed Quidditch robes from all of the professional teams thanks to the connections she had with ex students that went to play professionally.

A hand made quilt that had been made with great care from Professor McGonagall which was swiftly wrapped around his shoulders, his head popping out of the top.

A beautiful tunic from Salazar with the Slytherin, Gryffindor and Potter house crests with a great significance that was clear to the older wizards and witches, "We shall explain the meaning later Harry." Salazar explained to him.

A long box sat next to Harry, the lid placed beneath it so the present could be seen, the ruby hilted silver sword of Godric Gryffindor lay in the folds of silk. Harry studied the Gryffindor in front of him, "Won't you be needing this Sir?"

"No Harry. I vowed long ago that I would never again wield a sword. So now I pass it along to the lion in a snake's bloodline." He explained to the raven-haired teen.

Soon all of the presents had been opened and it had gotten quite late into the night by the time all of the presents were opened and Arthur questioned the Grangers every which way about the muggle world since he never got much of a chance when the kids were back in second year.

Harry walked over to Severus and wrapped his arms around the mans waist and hugged him, "Thank you very much Severus I really appreciate it."

"You are quite welcome Harry, I'm glad that you had fun." Severus responded as he returned the hug.

"I did Severus, though I am worried about Ginny's outburst and Hermione's attitude toward her brother."

"Miss Weasley we can find out about, but Miss Granger could be going though an issue of identity at the moment I think. Because she has been so in control of everything here at Hogwarts regarding her studies and yours and Ron's that she thought that she should have a say in what her parents get involved with." Severus tried to explain the best way he could to Harry, though not having all of the facts.

"Alright everyone, the House Elves have fixed up some guest rooms if you would all like to stay the night, I dare say that it is a little late to be going anywhere. So if everyone would follow me I will show you the way."

Ron wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulder, "So Harry, where is Remus, he wouldn't miss this for the world."

"Unfortunately it was something that he had to miss, it's the last full moon of the month, so I insisted that he rest before tonight. Even if I was a little disappointed about him not being here."

"That sounds fair enough. So did you really like your presents? Cause when you opened that axe, it looked like you were gunna faint."

Harry chuckled, "That's because axe's are the hardest thing for me to use. Swords, daggers and bows I am fine with but axe's are a completely different matter all together."

"So are you bunking with us mate or are you going back down into the dungeons with Snape?"

"I think that for tonight Severus will let me join you guys in the dorm. I'll just go and make sure that its alright by him first though so that he knows where I am." Harry explained and moved over to where Severus was standing talking with Minerva.

"Excuse me Severus," Harry waited until the man turned around to give him his attention, "Could I please stay up in the dorms with the others tonight?" he asked.

Severus wore a thoughtful look on his face as he looked down at the teen and rubbed his forefinger up and down his chin, "I suppose that it would be alright just don't stay up to late and not too much after partying. We have a busy day tomorrow getting into more of those potions with Salazar."

"Alright Severus, thank you." he said hugging the man around the waist and ran to catch up with Ron and his brothers.

"I think that you're spoiling that boy Severus Snape." Minerva teased the younger professor.

Severus turned his nose up at the Deputy Headmistress, "I do believe that you are incorrect Minerva. I do not spoil Harry and I never have... I leave that up to the rest of you and I keep his feet on the ground."

Minerva hid the smile that appeared on her lips, "If that is what you would like to believe then I shall not try to tell you different." she responded and turned to walk away from the younger professor.

Severus turned and watched as Harry walked out of the Great Hall with the Weasleys, Longbottom and Granger. He knew despite his protests to Minerva that he was indeed going soft when it came to Harry these days. Severus sighed and left the Great Hall and headed for his rooms to get some rest as they were leaving for Romania with Charlie for the week in the morning. He needed a good stiff drink and to finish packing Harrys' things.

Aragorn, noticing that Severus was leaving, excused himself from the conversation and hurried out after the Potions Master.

"Severus?" he called out after the man, Severus stopped in the hall and waited for the King to catch up to him and then continued to walk down the halls. "I was wondering if I could talk to you more about the books that you recommended to me the other day?"

Severus inclined his head, "Of course. What is it you wish to know more about?"

"Well the books I were reading contradicted what my Adar taught me as a child and I wanted your views on why this is and the reasoning for using the plants in your healing potions." Aragorn explained.

"What it could be is that elven medicine has been created for the sole purpose of being use primarily on Elves and not humans. The properties that are in your elven medicines could harm wizards and witches. Its all to do with the biology of the species that you treat." Severus explained.

"What about the young lady that Harry yelled at? Mister Weasley referred to them as… Muggles?"

"Muggles are what we call people that do not have any magic, A Squib is not a Muggle. Born of two magical parents, a squib has such a low level of magical power that he or she is essentially unable to do any magic at all. However, while they can't cast spells, they can see magical beings such as poltergeists. A Pureblood is a witch or wizard of 'pure' wizarding ancestry, without any Muggle ancestors whatsoever as far as can be determined. They usually are interrelated. A Half-Blood is of when there is one magical parent or grandparent and one that is Muggle." Severus explained, "As for Muggle medicine, once a Muggle child or a half blood has their first burst of accidental magic a letter is sent to the family, or if they have a magical family member if they are Muggle, the letter states that their child can no longer be cured by Muggle medicine as it could potentially harm the child or kill them. We have not yet figured out why this can occur and tests are still being conducted." Severus explained.

"So magic users have to be extremely careful about what they can and cannot have" Aragorn mused to himself.

"Yes, as I am sure that elves and all people from your world all have the same circumstances as we do." Severus paused at the tapestry covering his rooms, "Bullocks." He spat out the password. He had changed the password at the beginning of the month as he always does and was about to say the password when Harry tripped as he came around the corner and yelled it out making that the months' password.

Aragorn chuckled at the password and followed Severus into his rooms and placed himself on the couch and had a look around as Severus poured them a drink. Severus walked over to the couch and passed the glass to Aragorn and sat down next to him to resume their talk.

Harry sighed as he sat down in one of the large squishy chairs that were put near the fireplace in the Gryffindor Common room. Fred and George sat down on the twin sofa, Ron took the chair next to him, Neville and Hermione took the other seat and Charlie parked it on the ottoman at Harry's feet. All attention was turned on Harry.

"So Harry what is it like living with Snape?" Fred asked the teen.

"Well it's a hell of a lot better then when I was living with the Dursleys'." Harry explained with a smile, "And after some talking we have gotten to know each other a lot better as well."

"It's about time that you showed Professor Snape some respect." Hermione spoke up.

"Respect is given where respect is due Hermione. It should be earned, not just automatically given upon meeting a person." Charlie explained, "I was the same with my attitude toward Snape until he saved my life from a particularly vicious dragon when he came for some scales to use in his potions."

"And why didn't we know about this tidbit of information dear brother?" George questioned.

"And have it some how leak back to mum. You have got to be bloody kidding me." Charlie responded with a charming smile.

Hermione scowled at the explanation, "You should still tell Mrs. Weasley."

"Wasn't going to tell her a damn thing when I was only 2 weeks into my apprenticeship. Ain't going to tell her now either." Charlie snorted.

"I like living with Severus, Salazar and Godric. They have all taught me so much in the past few weeks. Severus and Salazar have taught me heaps about potions, and a shielding spell that can go around the cauldron with out affecting the potion inside. It stops stray ingredients from finding their way into your potion." Harry explained as he leaned forward in his chair, "Salazar, Sev and I are also really close to creating a cure for werewolves. We've just got to fine tune some of the ingredient measurements with the right amount so that it is actually a cure and not just a stronger version of the Wolfsbane and work out the theory a bit more as well so that it is sound." Harry excitedly explained to the others.

"That is so awesome Harry. Remus and the werewolves will be thrilled when it's completed." Neville cheered.

"I know, but you can't say anything to Remus just yet. We want it to be perfectly completed before we tell him of the cure."

"And how much will this cure cost the werewolves." Hermione sneered.

"It wont cost the werewolves anything and if the distributors even try to sell it to the werewolves then we will take it from the populace and have the werewolves come to us." He explained, "It will be a non-profit potion."

"What makes you think that the Ministry won't make the potion mandatory and threaten them with sending them to Azkaban." Hermione asked her face turning red.

"The Ministry will not be able to force it on anyone. Salazar knows the old laws that were written in the blood of our fore-fathers and cannot be tossed aside." Harry explained to her.

"Why should we believe anything that you say Harry, especially if it comes from Salazar Slytherin's own mouth." Hermione spat, "He is the Slytherin Harry, The Slytherin the founder of the house that has be strife for us since out first year."

"People fabricate history all of the time Hermione, nothing is what it seems and is always distorted because of the higher ruling that told them to write it to their design and not what really happened. I am also Salazar's heir Hermione, does that I mean that I am just as bad?" he questioned.

"Yes it does, especially when you spill all of this bullshit about curing werewolves and shield spells for your cauldron." Hermione yelled at him.

"There is one if you can create one Hermione." Charlie calmly told her, "Bill is a Curse Breaker and to become one you have to know the theory behind spell creation and then create your own spell that will work on curses and it has to be perfect or you cannot pass the exams."

Hermione snorted, "Bullshit."

"It's true Hermione, if you don't believe me then you can go and ask Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall and Flitwick. They all had to create their own spell pertaining to their craft to pass their apprenticeships when they were younger. It becomes YOUR spell and they show everyone in their last year of Hogwarts." Charlie explained.

"I will not stand for this, you are all lying." Hermione yelled and then stormed off up to the girls' dorms.

"I am so through with her attitude today." Harry sighed as he sunk down in his chair.

"Maybe I should have slapped her." Neville mused.

"She deserved it the first time because of her attitude toward her baby brother." Harry responded.

"She deserves it though. Just cause everything can't be explained in a book doesn't mean that it isn't fact." Charlie spoke up. "Creating spells is not common knowledge for the general populace. The only time that you are required to create a spell is when its in the passing of you given field. And even then not all fields have that requirement because some fields don't need it."

Harry sighed and leaned back in his chair tiredly, "It's too much like hard work." He moaned.

"Come on, I think that it's time for everyone to head to bed. It's been a long day and I think that everyone needs the sleep." Charlie said standing.

"Yea I think you're right," Harry agreed, "We're in our normal dorm." He said heading for the stairs to the boys dorm.

"We'll be up in a minute." The twins echoed.

"Alright, Goodnight." Everyone said as they disappeared up the stairway.

Fred and George watched as the others headed up to the boys dorm. Waiting a few minutes to make sure that everyone was in the dorm and tucking up in bed they turned to each other with identical grins.

"I think dear brother that Miss Granger needs to lighten up." Fred informed his brother.

"I agree dear brother. Now what do you think would be the most effective measure." George asked as he brought out a small box from his jean pocket and put it on the table and enlarged it. Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes at its finest.

Arthur, Molly, Albus and Madame Pomfrey stood around the bed that held Ginny Weasley who glared spitefully back at them.

"Poppy and I will first scan Ginny for any kind of compulsion charms, even should it be coming from an outside source, like the diary from her first year." Albus explained, "Once the scan is complete and we have the results we can then decide the due process."

"And if she is doing this of her own free will?" Arthur asked the dreaded question.

"We will talk about the options once we have the results of the scans and once we have all had a goodnights rest."

"It may take all night for the results to come in fully." Poppy warned, "Especially with the deep spell work that Albus and I will be doing. So I want you both to take some dreamless sleep, but only half each, so that you don't stay up all night worrying about what is being done." She told them in a no arguments voice.

Molly and Arthur nodded tiredly, "Of course Poppy, Thank you." Molly said as she took the vial.

"Dobby will show you down the hall to your rooms. We will come and get you in the morning with the results." Albus said as Dobby appeared and began to usher them from the Hospital Wing.

"What do you think Albus?" Poppy asked once the couple had left her hospital wing.

"I really do hope that it is a spell." Albus responded as he pulled out his wand and braced himself for a long night of spell casting.

"As do I." Poppy agreed pulling her wand as well.

"I would like to see Athelas if you have any on you. The properties that it has are astounding. Perhaps it is something that is missing in a lot of healing potions." Severus responded with enthusiasm at the thought of a new potion that could be made.

"Gandalf brought some with us. It's in a small plant pot as it is still a small plant. Perhaps Madame Sprout will allow you to move a part into the green houses so that it may grow out and you can have an over abundant amount." Aragorn responded, thrilled that he found that he had something in common with the dark man.

Just as Severus was about to talk further the floo flared and Poppy's head appeared in the fireplace. "Severus." She called.

"Yes Poppy?" Severus asked as he got up from his chair and moved over to the fireplace so he could converse with Poppy properly.

"Would you mind being a dear and coming through to the hospital wing Albus has expanded too much energy doing the appropriate scans on Miss Weasley and I don't feel comfortable having him go back to his rooms on his own." She explained.

"Of course Poppy. Shall I come through the floo or walk down?" he asked

"Through the floo please if you could. I don't think that Albus could wait that long." Poppy jeered in jest.

Severus chuckled, "Of course Poppy, I shall come right through." He responded and Poppy's head disappeared.

Severus turned to Aragorn, "I'm sorry Aragorn but it seems that the rest of our conversation will have to wait for another night." He apologized.

"That is alright Severus, I can understand the responsibilities you have living her at the castle. That and I think that my friends will be wondering when I am coming home." He chuckled.

"Would you like to come through the floo to the hospital wing with me or do you think that you could find your way out of my lovely dungeons?" Severus asked pulling on his outer robe.

Aragon thought for a moment as he stood from the couch and polishing off his brandy, "I think that it might be best if I came through the floo with you. I fear that I may get lost somewhere in the dungeons if I left that way."

"Alright. I shall take you with me as you don't know what you are doing and as it would be your first time. Hold on to me and make sure that you keep your eyes and mouth closed." Severus explained as he stepped into the fireplace, threw down the floo powder and called out the destination.

After the initial pull in to the fire and the spinning that followed the pair fell out of the fireplace, Severus grasping Aragorn as he tripped against him.

"How do you feel Aragorn?" Severus asked seeing that the man was looking a little green around the gills. Aragorn nodded and lent against the wall next to the fireplace.

Severus looked around the Hospital wing for Poppy and Albus and saw them both seated near Ginny. Making sure that Aragorn was all right he stalked over to where they both were.

"Please explain to me Albus why you would even bother to expand so much energy on this simpering strumpet." He asked sneering at the unconscious teen on the bed.

"All for Harry, Severus. All for making sure that he will be safe and whether or not she will be a further threat to him." Albus responded tiredly.

Severus sighed, "Sentimental old bugger." He murmured affectionately and received a tired smile in response and a dim twinkle. Severus helped the older man to his feet and let him use him as a walking brace.

"Ah Aragorn my boy. How was your first Floo experience?" he asked the leaning man.

"Give me giant Eagles and horses any day. Never again will I go through a fireplace." the King of Men replied.

"Well, come along then my boy. It's high time that we were all tucked up in our beds. Good night Poppy dear." Albus called as they walked for the door.

"Good night Albus, Severus, Aragorn." Poppy called back as she entered the door that led to her rooms, the House-elves having secured Ginny tightly for the night.

"So what have the pair of you been doing since the end of the party?" Albus asked as they walked through the lit halls.

"We spoke of the different plants that are in the both of our worlds and how some from each world would help the other." Aragorn explained coming up on the other side of Albus and helping Severus with the dropping weight of the headmaster as the strain and tiredness got the better of the elder wizard.

"Ah wonderful. I am so glad that you are all getting along so well. It does the heart good." Albus smiled dreamily. "How about Harry, how is Harry doing Severus?"

"He is doing exceptionally well Albus. He really is quite gifted when it comes to potions. I am still stunned at the aptitude that he has shown, even before Salazar appeared. Now that Salazar is here he has really blossomed." Severus explained, not having spoken to the headmaster much about Harry in the last few days.

"Wonderful, wonderful. And how about your friends Aragorn my boy?"

"The Hobbits love it here, mainly because of the fact that there are house-elves to cater to their every whim when it comes to food and they just love Harry. We are all quite fond of Harry actually, especially Gimli, even though he doesn't show it he is quite fond of the boy they have a good relationship."

"And what about Legolas, hmmm?"

"Is that an implying tone Albus?" Severus asked the meddlesome old coot.

"And what are you implying that I'm implying Severus?" Albus questioned.

"You're implying that either one is in love with the other or they both feel the same." Aragorn responded having picked up on the line of questioning.

Albus gasped, "I never said such a thing."

"Exactly, never said a thing but you did indeed imply it, if only with a little subtlety." Severus said as they came to the break in the hall where Aragorn would turn toward his shared rooms.

"This is where we part. Good night both of you." Aragorn said bowing to the pair and went off down the hall leaving the pair to watch after him.

"Ah young love." Albus hummed under his breath as he and Severus continued their walk to his chambers.

"What was that Albus?" Severus questioned with suspicion.

"Nothing my dear boy, nothing at all." Albus smiled at him. "Do think that Harry will like the main part of his birthday gift?" he asked changing the conversation topic.

"I think that Harry will be most pleased with it. Hagrid as well, he will love to see his Norbert again."

"Ah yes, little Norbert, though I suppose that he isn't so little anymore. I do wonder how he is. Will you let me know and take some pictures while your away and letters of course. I want to know everything that goes on with the trip, especially if Harry is having a good time."

"Of course Albus I will let you know what goes on and if Harry is having a good time. Though there is no doubt that he will." Severus assured the Headmaster as they arrived at the gargoyle guarding the headmasters' chamber.

"Daisy seeds." Albus muttered through a yawn and the gargoyle rotated quickly sensing the tiredness of his inhabitant so the pair could hurry up and get the headmaster up to his bed.

Severus eased Albus on to his king size canopy bed, the headmaster let out a groan on relief as he was seated, "Such a glorious thing beds."

"Do you need anything else Albus?" Severus asked before wanting to leave the man.

"No, no my boy. I shall be alright now. My bedclothes aren't too far from my reach. Good night Severus. You're going to need to the energy when it comes to Harry finding out. Are you all packed and have Harry packed?"

Severus chuckled, "Of course I have Albus, can't have Harry knowing about why I'm packing his things."

"That's my boy. Off to bed with you now, I'll see you bright and early in the morning." Albus said waving the younger man off.

"Good night Albus." Severus said leaving the older wizard to his own devices and headed for his own rooms.

Harry rolled over to the side, away from what ever was poking him so early in the morning. But the poking ceased to stop and instead followed him further along his bed until he met the floor with a hard thump.

"What?" Harry whined, "I was having a good sleep for once."

"Sorry Harry, but mum, dad and the rest of us are leaving after breakfast. Thought you might want to be up to say goodbye is all." Ron explained as he walked around the bed and gave his best mate a lift up.

Harry rubbed the back of his head and squinted up at Ron sleepily, "M'kay Ron, gimme a sec to get changed. I'll meet you in the commons." He said and grabbed the clothes at the end of his bed and staggered to the bathroom.

Once freshly dressed Harry strolled down the stairs to meet everyone in the commons. Everyone was bright eyed and bushy tailed, even Ron who liked to sleep in even more then Harry.

"Good morning everyone." He called.

"Morning Harry." Everyone crowed.

Harry walked over to Neville and handed him a wrapped present. "Happy Birthday Neville, I hope you like it."

Neville took the present from Harry with shock and put the package on his lap, "Thank you Harry."

"Well aren't you going to open it?" Ron asked wanting to see what was inside the gift.

Neville shook his head to shake himself out of his shocked stupor. "Um yea, sorry guys." He said. Neville carefully pulled off the wrapping with pictures of the Whomping Willow swaying lazily on the light blue background.

Under the wrapper was a box, not overly large and not too small either; pulling the lid off of the box inside was sitting two potion vials with a fluorescent pink potion sitting inside.

"What is it?" Ron asked.

"I think that Neville has a sinking suspicion of what it is and it is his part to tell since it pertains to him." Harry responded.

Neville put the potions down on the table in front of him and threw himself at Harry and hugged the breath out of the poor boy. Tears pouring down his cheeks, "Thank you so much Harry thank you."

Harry brought his arms around the rounder teen and hugged him back just as tightly, "You are more then welcome Neville, more then welcome."

"Come on Neville what is it?" Ron whined.

"I'll tell you later Ron. We'll be late for breakfast if we don't hurry." Neville responded as he moved away from Harry and wiped his eyes free of tears, picked up his present and headed for the portrait, "Come on, last one there is a rotten egg." He said and ran out of the portrait leaving stunned Weasleys, Harry and Hermione behind.

Harry let out a laugh and hurried out after Neville, the others following, pushing their way to the front so that they wouldn't be last. Coming up to the home stretch everyone was pushing each other gently out of the way so they could get their first. But as they got to the door to the Great Hall, only one side was open since both weren't needed and all got stuck in the door, shoulder to shoulder.

The teachers all looked over at where the teenagers were stuck, all laughing about their sudden situation. Molly frowned at the teens, her hands on her hips. "Just what do you think that you are doing?" she questioned as she marched over to them, grabbed Fred by his shirt collar and wrenched him forward causing the others to stumble into the hall.

"Thanks mum." The Weasleys crowed once they were all stable on their feet.

"Yes thank you Molly." Harry and Neville said as they watched Hermione calmly walk past them to the breakfast table.

Molly softened, "Of course boys, Happy Birthday to you both. Come sit down, your favourites are on the table. Go and dig in." she said leading them both over on to the table.

"Good morning Harry, Neville. Happy Birthday to you both." Albus spoke as he stood up to greet them and waited for everyone to be seated at the table before sitting himself down at the table again.

"I see that Harry has given you your gift." Severus stated striking up conversation.

"Yes sir, thank you. Both you and Founder Slytherin for the chance." Neville said standing and bowing to each wizard.

"You are quiet welcome Master Longbottom. I was a privilege to brew such a potion. Especially since it is more in need now then it was in my day." Salazar responded with a kind smile, "It was more then we could do for the great grandson of Helga Hufflepuff."

"Excuse me but I think that you are clearly mistaken Lord Slytherin. My Grandson cannot possibly be the grandchild of Helga Hufflepuff. He is a Gryffindor." Madame Longbottom spoke up, her nose turned up at the founder, insulted by his suggestion.

"Oh a Gryffindor he very well may be, but that doesn't mean that he can be Helgas' heir. I mean look at Harry, he's Salazars' heir and he is in my house, doesn't that say something." Godric spoke up. "The Sorting Hat was created to see what house best fit the child at 11, it didn't matter if they were an heir of a certain house or not, it was a process that was created to get the full potential out of the child and for them not to live up to the expectations of their families or blood line." He explained.

"Humph." Madame Longbottom turned from Godric and went about eating her breakfast.

Jason let out a cry at the oppressive atmosphere; he didn't like the attitudes of the older people and was making his opinion known by letting out a series of cries that were not blocked by his pacifier or soothing words of his mommy.

"Oh come now darling, it's alright." Olivia soothed rubbing his back trying to taper off his cries.

"Can I try?" Harry asked coming over to Olivia and sitting down in the spare seat.

"Of course dear, if you think so. He's actually been up all night, he can sense his big sisters dislike no matter where she is." Olivia explained, "The little argument that just happened didn't help matters." She said as she handed the baby over to Harry.

Harry shifted slightly so that he was holding the baby comfortably and brought a hand up and from the part of Jasons' hair ran his index finger down his forehead, over his nose and bopped him lightly on the end of his nose. This elicited a giggle out of the baby, though his eyes were red from crying. Harry brought up his hand again and repeated the process and jiggled him up and down.

Jason brought up a chubby little fist and grabbed Harry's hand and pulled it to his mouth and started to gum on said hand. Harry blinked and looked down at Jason, he could feel hard little nubs digging into the skin of his fingers. "Oh he's teething, I think." He said blinking up at Olivia.

Olivia and Darren nearly slapped themselves at not realizing sooner, Hermione had gotten her incisors at around the same age. They couldn't believe that they hadn't thought that their son was teething. "How could we be so silly not to realize what was going on." Olivia shook her head in amusement, "Thank you Harry dear."

"No problem." Harry smiled as he continued to have his finger chewed on.

Everyone ate breakfast with out incident and a few more presents were handed about to Neville who thanked everyone with a giant smile as he opened each gift, he was especially thankful for the new book on Herbology.

"I believe that is time that we were to leave." Darren spoke up, "I have to open the Surgery in a few hours. Thank you for giving us the chance to come and see the school and for meeting with you Harry dear. It was a pleasure." He said standing to shake Harry's hand the best he could while the teen was still holding his son.

"Yes I am very pleased to meet you also Harry, our Hermione told us all about you and wouldn't stop talking about all of the adventures that you and young Ronald had during the school year." Olivia said leaning down to give him a kiss and took her son.

Harry blushed, "Thank you both for coming and Jason as well, it was a pleasure to finally meet you as well." He said standing, "Please allow me to come with you on your way out of the castle for the port key."

"Oh Harry dear there is no need."

"I know but I really would like to, I will be doing so for the rest of my guests." He responded.

"No need Harry dear. We are leaving as well. Albus will be contacting us later to let us know about Ginny." Molly explained to the teen.

"You really have to go?" Harry asked, pouting slightly.

"Yes I'm afraid so Harry. We still have a lot to do today." Arthur spoke up standing and walking around the table to shake the teens hand, Molly right behind him to give him a hug.

"Sorry Percy or Bill couldn't make it Harry, Percy got called in by the Minister and Bill is on a big dig." Molly explained for her elder childrens' absences.

"That's alright Molly I understand. Their presents were great and will be really useful." Harry responded, understanding.

"Well let us all go on a nice brisk walk out to the gates. Just the right thing this morning to wake us all up." Albus said standing up and headed for the doors, everyone gathered their shrunken things and followed after the Headmaster.

The whole group walked as one down to the gates of Hogwarts where a carriage was waiting for Madame Longbottom and her grandson to take them to Hogsmeade where they will apparate home.

"I thank you all again for coming. I wish that you could have all stayed here longer but I understand you all have other commitments." Harry said as Albus handed out the port keys to the Weasleys and the Grangers. "Please have a safe trip home and I hope to see you all again soon."

"Thank you for a wonderful time." Olivia and Darren said.

"Yes thank you Harry." Hermione said to the boy but did not move to hug him as she normally would. Still sore about him hitting her and telling her something that was a total lie.

"See you at the beginning of term Hermione, if not at Diagon Alley." Harry responded and with a blink the family disappeared from the grounds of Hogwarts.

Molly grabbed Harry in a bear hug before she broke off so Ron and the Twins could give their fair wells. "See ya later mate, don't forget to write." Ron said giving his mate a hug, the twins hugging around Ron and Harry.

"Thanks for coming guys. I'll see you all soon." Harry responded in kind once he let him go. The Weasley family quickly blinked out of existence.

"Thanks for coming Neville, let me know how things go with the rest of your birthday ok." Harry said hugging the teen.

"Thank you Harry, you have no idea how much this means. I know I said that up in the Commons but really Harry. Thank you." Neville said hugging the boy tightly before he jumped in the carriage after his grandmother. "See you at school Harry."

"Bye Neville." Harry waved as the Thestrals headed off to Hogsmeade.

Harry let out a sigh and turned on everyone that was standing behind him, a giant smile on his face, "Thank you." He said, knowing that was enough to satisfy them. He took notice of shock of red hair; Charlie was still standing with the group. "Don't you have to go too Charlie?" he questioned.

"Charlie is here because of what we have to tell you Harry." Albus spoke up getting the teens attention, "We have one more surprise left for you that we planned even before we planned your birthday party. For about a month, you along with Hagrid, Severus, Salazar, Godric and our other worldly friends are going with Charlie to the dragon preserve in Romania." He explained to the teen.

All Harry could do was stare at the headmaster in shock; he couldn't believe the chance he was getting at going out of the country, albeit with a large following. Hagrid let out a cry of joy at getting the chance of going with them so he could see his little Norby.

"I… I… don't know what to say." Harry finally stuttered out, he was in shock at the reasoning as to why Charlie was still with them. "When do we leave?" he asked.

"Right now my boy." Albus responded.

"But I haven't even packed. How can we go now?"

"I packed everything that you will need Harry. I have been doing so for the last couple of days while you have been having your training sessions with Salazar." Severus explained. "We are all packed and have our things on us right now. Even Hagrid who didn't know what he was packing for."

Harry ran full pelt at the headmaster and hugged him tightly, "Thank you so much, all of you. You have all been doing so much for me lately and I thank you."

"It's our pleasure Harry." Minerva spoke up as he moved on to hug the rest of the professors.

Albus pulled out a metal ring from his robes and held it out to Severus, who took it firmly in his hand and turned to the rest of the joining party, "Alright everyone, grab on and we will be in Romania with in seconds." He said and watched as everyone grabbed on to the charmed ring, "What ever you do, do not let go or you will be lost some where along our travels."

Harry shuffled around to stand next to Severus, knowing that the man would catch him at the end of the journey since he didn't like to travel by port key.

"Goodbye children and have a wonderful time." Albus waved as Severus said the key word to activate the port key and they winked from sight.