Fred, George and Ron left with Arthur to go to Diagon Alley and then to Hogs Mead. Harry didn't know what was going on and didn't care. He was getting the opportunity to spend time with Ginny. Percy and Mrs. Weasley were the only other people around. He knew that they wouldn't read into him and Ginny going back out on brooms.

Ginny was helping Harry practice at Quidditch when Fred, George, Ron and Arthur returned. Harry was so engrossed that he did not notice. At dinner everyone was quietly eating. Harry and Ginny kept glancing at each other throughout the meal.

As Harry went to bed he was happy. Not just because of pending time with Ginny but because his birthday was coming up and it was going to be without the Dursley's. Harry expected nothing since he already had the best gift one could get.

The following morning Harry woke up looking forward to his birthday, he was spending time with his best friend and family and the Dursley's would not be around to ruin it for him. This was more than enough of a birthday gift that Harry could ever want. Harry put his glasses on and saw that Ron had already gone down to the kitchen. He got up out of bed and went down to get something to eat.

As Harry walked into the kitchen the Weasley's greeted Harry with "Happy Birthday."

Harry, not expecting this, slightly blushed.

"Later tonight you'll get your gifts and we'll have some cake." Mrs. Weasley said.

"Thanks. You don't have to, it's not necessary."

"It is too. One should have cake and get gifts on his or her birthday."

Harry didn't say another word. He just took his seat across from Ginny and ate his food. Later that evening while everyone settled in the living room a knock was heard from the back door. Arthur got up and checked to see who was at the door. Arthur returned to living room with Remus and Albus.

"Happy Birthday Harry." Remus and Albus said.

"Thanks" said a surprised Harry.

"What did you get so far?" Remus asked

"We were waiting for you and Professor Dumbledore to arrive. Since both of you are here now lets all go into the kitchen." Said Mrs. Weasley

Everyone followed Mrs. Weasley into the kitchen. Harry smiled as he watched a cake in the shape of a snitch float into the room and rested on the table.

"Remus, Professor how did you know?"

"Mrs. Weasley let us know yesterday."

After they all had cake they went back into the living room so they could give Harry their gifts.

"Here you go Harry." Percy said as he handed Harry an unwrapped pamphlet outlining the rules at Hogwarts.

"Thank you Percy, just what I've always wanted. Now I know what rules to break so I can out do my dad." Harry said excitedly. "I'm joking…. Seriously… I'm joking."

Molly and Arthur gave Harry pictures of his parents.

"Thank you."

Remus also gave Harry pictures of his parents but some had Sirius and himself in them as well. Ron, Ginny, Fred and George all got Harry sweets from Honeydukes.

"Thank you everyone. Fred, George I am surprised the two of you didn't get me stuff from Zonko's."

"We thought about it, but decided that this is your first birthday with us we wouldn't do that to you." The twins said together.

"I appreciate it greatly."

* * * * * * *

It was a warm breezy day in Godalming, Surrey. Hermione and her parents were opening all the windows to let the breeze flow through the house. Hedwig flew in through one of the open window in the kitchen. Lucy screamed and jumped away from the table. Hermione ran down the stairs and into the kitchen and saw Hedwig on the table.

"Mom it's okay, I know this owl. You remember my friend Harry, well this is his owl."

"But…but why…"

"He probably didn't have any other means of sending me a letter. It's not magic, it's just an owl."

"Why don't you find out what you friend has to say?" Said Greg

Hermione opened the letter and read,

Hermione,

I left the Dursley's and no one can make me ever go back there. For now I am staying at the Weasley's. I plan on going to see Remus to see if he knows anything about Sirius's release date. Could you please send me your address, I was thinking about visiting you too. I will see if I can get permission for Ron to come with me. I am not sure if his mom will let him though. She's not punishing Ron anymore. Ron told me that just before I arrived at the Burrow that his mom used the Tongue-Tying curse on Percy because he wouldn't shut up about the body bind.

Harry.

"Mom, what is the date?"

"It's the first of August. Why honey?"

"I can't believe that I forgot. Yesterday was Harry's birthday. Is there any way that we could make a trip to Diagon Alley so that I can get Harry a gift? Oh and would it be alright if Harry and Ron come for a visit for a few days?"

"Of course your friends can come visit and stay for a while." Lucy and Greg answered

"As for Diagon Alley, when would you like to go?" Asked Greg.

"Now if that's not a problem."

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yes"

"Well, let's go."

"Thank you both."

"We appreciate you asking, so why don't we go?"

Hermione and her parents went on their way to Diagon Alley.

* * * * * * *

'It has been four days since I saw Hedwig. I hope she is all right. I just don't understand why it is taking so long. As soon as she returns I should send a letter to Remus and see when would be a good time to visit and find out what is going on with Sirius? I could just ask in a letter.' Harry thought and got up and wrote a letter to Remus and then went to bed.

Harry woke up the following morning to Mrs. Weasley telling Ron not to bother him and to let him sleep. Ron burst into the room anyway.

"Harry, Hedwig just returned and she's carrying a large package and a letter. It's from Hermione."

Harry got up out of bed, slipped on his glasses and went down the stairs two at a time.

"Harry dear, Ron didn't wake up did he?"

"No Mrs. Weasley, I was already awake."

Harry opened the letter first and read,

Harry,

My parents said it was okay for you and Ron to visit. I think that you should go see Remus soon. I hope you like your gift; it's from my parents and me. My address is #3 Gosling Way, Godalming, Surrey.

Hermione

Harry quickly opened the package to find a broom cleaning kit. Harry picked up the kit and went outside, Ron followed but went to the broom shed and pulled Harry's broom out. While the two boys cleaned Harry's broom Ginny brought some food out to them.

"Thanks Ginny." Harry said with a smile.

"Yeah, thanks Ginny." Ron mumbled out.

* * * * * * *

Remus saw Hedwig approaching and opened the window. He took the letter from her and read,

Remus,

I need to know what is going on with Sirius. Has been released yet? Please reply soon.

Harry

Remus sent his reply. A few day's had passed and Harry was eager to hear from Remus.

"Mrs. Weasley, I was wondering if Ron and I could go to Diagon Alley? I would like to take some money out of my vault and pick up something for Ginny, her birthday is what, six days a way?"

"Sure, I don't see their being a problem with that. I do think that Arthur or I should go with the two of you."

"Mum, can't Fred and George go with us?"

"Are you nuts? Why would I send them with the two of you? They get into their own trouble as well as the two of you. Why would I let the four of you go without an adult?"

Ron just looked down at his feet and wished he hadn't said a thing.

"Maybe I'll send Percy with you."

"Do you really think that is a good idea Mum? Percy and I don't exactly get along and he hasn't gotten over when I used the body-bind on him."

"You do have point Ron. Well, I suppose I could let the two of go on your own, but just this one time while you're underage. Well, Harry you can go anytime you want."

"Thank you Mrs. Weasley."

After lunch Harry and Ron went to Diagon Alley using the floo network. Once in Diagon Alley, Harry went to Gringotts to make a withdrawal of 20 Galleons.

"Ron, I'll meet you at Florean Fortescue's."

"Okay."

Harry watched Ron until he went inside Florean Fortescue's and ran off to buy Ginny's present. Harry requested that the item be delivered the next day at the Burrow. Than Harry ran back around to Florean Fortescue's and found Ron inside drooling over all the flavors available. Harry snickered, walked up behind Ron, "Ron would you like to be alone with the display case?"

"Ye…wait…Harry! No I don't want to…. hey no fair. You're getting me back aren't you?"

"Maybe I am."

Harry bought them some ice cream, once they finished eating they headed out. On their way back to the Burrow they stopped by Eeylops Owl Emporium to get food and treats for Hedwig. Harry felt like splurging and bought premium grade food and treats, Hedwig deserved the best after all the work he had been putting her through. Once done there Harry and Ron returned to the Burrow using the floo network. Hedwig returned a few days later with Remus's reply. Harry could barely open the letter without tearing it. He finally managed to unfold the letter and read,

Harry,

I have not heard anything about Sirius. To my knowledge he is still in Azkaban. Try writing to Professor Dumbledore and see if he has heard anything. Oh and you might want to confide in him about your ordeal with having to relive your youth. He does suspect but is waiting for you to tell him.

Fondly,

Remus

Harry was pretty upset, he stomped up to Ron's room with the letter and gently flopped o the cot. Harry was near tears when he heard the door open and close.

"Harry, are you okay?" Ginny asked as she walked over and sat on Ron's bed.

"Not really."

"Bad news in the letter?"

Harry sat up on the cot and took a deep breath.

"Yeah. It had to do with my Godfather. Years ago he was sent to Azkaban Prison for crimes he did not commit, there was no trial and he wasn't questioned at all. Since then he has been found innocent. But Fudge won't release him. Fudge says that there's a lot of paper work and that it will take time. I refuse to go back to the Dursley's I have nowhere to go. Once my Godfather is released I'll be able to live with him, at least I hope so."

"Were there witnesses there when your Godfather was found innocent?"

"Yes. From what I understand it was a full trial and Veritaserum was used before he was questioned."

"Well, Fudge will have to release your Godfather and soon or he'll be in a lot of hot water. I am sure that the witnesses won't stay quite for ever."

Ginny walked over to the cot, sat next to Harry and gently rubbed his back. Hearing the pain in his voice, seeing the pain on his face and in his eyes broke Ginny's heart. She so badly wanted to help ease the pain.

"Is there anything I can do to help?'

"You are already helping. Just being here and listening to me."

"You know it's okay to cry."

"I know, I just can't cry in front of your brothers. Last year I had a little melt down and scared a handful of people"

"Well, none of my brothers are here in this room right now."

Harry couldn't hold back the tears any longer. One by one the tears streamed down his face. He finally let go and cried.

Ginny stopped rubbing his back and wrapped her arm around his shoulders. She gently pulled him closer to her so that his head rested on her shoulder.

Ron headed up to his room to see if Harry was all right. He barely opened the door and saw his sister move from his bed and sit next to Harry. He just stood there for a while listening and watching.

"What the bloody hell?"

"What's wrong with you?"

"What's going on in here?"

"You can be so blind sometimes Ron. Can't you see Harry's upset? I was just trying to be a friend that won't get scared or freaked out just because he happens to cry. Get grip Ron. I honestly think it's sexy." Ginny said the last part sarcastically

Ginny stopped out of the room and went down the stairs.