SHACKLEBOLT ELECTED!

The results from yesterday's election show a clear winner for Minister of Magic, and that position goes to none other than former Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt. "It is my hope that now I may proceed with the assistance of the Wizengamot and the Auror department to continue searching for the rest of Voldemort's followers, along with those who knowingly supported his infiltration of the ministry last year….

Another article further down the page read,

MALFOY STILL UNDER HOUSE ARREST

Lucius Malfoy remains under house arrest at his manor while his participation the work of He Who Must Not Be Named is fully investigated. Shacklebolt claims that Malfoy has aided in the catching of several lesser Death Eaters, and that he is continuing to do so. "His corroboration is essential to the search and recovery of Voldemort's remaining followers." Shacklebolt says.

The third page offered news of a bit lighter concern:

HOGWARTS TO OPEN SEPTEMBER FIRST

Despite the battle that nearly destroyed the old castle, the school will be resuming classes as usual on September 1st. Headmaster Minerva McGonagall says that most students elected to repeat last years classes, but a few, mostly older students are moving up a grade. Only students who passed their end of year examinations with O's were allowed to move up, considering that the standards of last year's curriculum were not the school's norm.

Much to the dismay of many young Hogwart's girls, Harry Potter, the chosen one, will not be attending his 7th year at Hogwarts. Potter along with his friend and fellow hero of the battle of Hogwarts, Ron Weasley, will be attending Auror training in the fall. Potter was unavailable to quote on this decision…

"Won't they ever find anything else to talk about?" Harry said as he tossed the paper down on the Weasley's kitchen table.

"I thought you were used to having your name in the paper, mate. This is a lot better publicity than you were getting when you were Undesirable Number One." Ron said as he took a sip of pumpkin juice.

Ron and Hermione had just gotten back from Australia a few nights ago and had been enjoying the lazy summer days that the Burrow. Harry had noticed a different kind of closeness between them. They now seemed totally comfortable with their relationship, but aside from Hermione's tan and Ron's scruffy beard, they seemed pretty much the same.

"Haaaaaaapppppy Birthday Harry!" Ginny yelled as she came down the stairs from her room. She put her arms around Harry from behind where he sat and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"I'd almost forgotten." Harry said.

"Blimey, me too!" said Ron.

Hermione finally sat her paper down and looked up from it. "Its been a whole year then. Wow. Happy birthday Harry." She smiled and raised her mug of tea up to him. "What are we doing to celebrate?"

"Hopefully nothing. Its really not a big deal guys." Harry responded.

"Mum's making you dinner plus ice cream and cake, but I don't think its going to be anything crazy." Ron added.

"Perfect. Sounds great." Harry said.

Ginny was grabbing a piece of toast and pouring a glass of pumpkin juice for herself. She sat down next to Harry and started reading Hermione's discarded pages of the Prophet. Just then they saw a few owls headed towards the burrow. Three letters were dropped off on the table, all addressed to Harry.

The first one was a big pink birthday card from Hagrid. Harry smiled as he read it and picked up the next one. It was silver and had moons and starts drawn all over it. He opened it and read:

Dear Harry,

I hope you are enjoying your 18th birthday! Thank you for your owl, Dad and I are doing very well and have been enjoying fixing up our house. We will definitely see you tonight for ice cream and cake at the Burrow and count us in for Ginny's 17th too!

See you later,

Luna

"Oh it will be nice to see Luna tonight!" said Ginny, who had been reading over Harry's shoulder. "So you've been inviting people to my birthday behind my back then?" She chided him.

"Well you wouldn't give me a guest list!" Harry rebuffed.

"Thanks because Ginny doesn't want us to throw her a big party!" Hermione joined in.

Ron sat his juice down. "No, Ginny actually wants us to throw her a huge party because she's the baby and the only girl, and she gets everything she wants. She's just feigning disinterest so it doesn't look like she's the brat that she really is."

Ginny was eyeing her older brother and Harry and Hermione couldn't help but laugh. He had hit the nail right on the head with that one. "Oh whatever Ron!" She half laughed half yelled at him.

As they were bickering Harry had picked up the last letter. When he opened is, he saw large colorful blots on a piece of white construction paper. There was also a note on parchment.

Dear Harry,

Happy Birthday! Teddy made this beautiful piece of art for you with his finger paints. I hope you enjoy it.

We would love to have you over for tea this afternoon, if you do not have any other plans.

Regards,

Andromeda & Teddy

"I think I know what I'm going to do this afternoon then." Harry said and then he read the letter out loud.

"Aww, I want to come!" Ginny whined.

"Totally Ginny, but next time. I think I should go alone for this one." Harry knew Ginny would love Teddy, but he wanted some private time with this godson before he had to share him with anyone else.

"I understand." She smiled. Harry stood up and kissed her on the forehead before heading out of the kitchen and upstairs to get dressed. They had all slept in substantially, and it was near lunchtime already. He wanted to get dressed and go buy Teddy a little present before meeting him for the first time.

As he walked upstairs he heard Ginny yelling up after him "You're not getting your present until tonight, so don't stay out too late!"

He smiled. This birthday was just how he wanted it to be: low key.