Chapter 36
Harry's Birthday

Author's Note: Well, the release of all three Deathly Hallow Book covers has made me excited, but it has also delayed my next chapter. I was hoping to put it up sooner then this, but I have been deep in speculation about the covers. But the chapter is now up. There was a lot of ways I could go in this chapter, even before Harry's birthday, but I believe I will keep those for future chapters. This chapter is only for Harry's birthday, as well as a bit more. Enjoy.

The week before Harry's seventeenth birthday and the end of the month of July was pretty hectic for everyone in the Burrow. Ron's mother hadn't been in a very good mood after hearing about the Azkaban riot, and was fearing that something was definitely going to happen. Ron and Hermione both wanted to go to Diagon Alley to get birthday presents for Harry, but Ron's mother wouldn't let that happen. According to her, Ginny was very lucky to even go to work after what had happened. A couple days before Harry's birthday, Ron's mother had asked for everyone to write out a list of what they wanted to give to Harry for his birthday. At Ron's mother's request, Remus and Tonks went to Diagon Alley to get the presents for Harry, as well as dropping off Ginny at work. Ginny would only be going into work for a little while, and then would be coming straight back home with Remus and Tonks. Ron, Hermione and Harry were left at the Burrow with Ron's mother, who was working on plans for Harry's birthday.

There hadn't been much on the riot in Azkaban, other then the words "Riot at Azkaban, Aurors Injured and Murdered. Inmates Escaped" on the front page of the Daily Prophet that was issued the morning after the riot, as well as an article. There was no confirmation that the escaped inmates were Death Eaters, or that there was anyone helping the inmates escape. Ron's father said that the Ministry officials were still trying to get the whole story. Minister of Magic Scrimgeour did not say anything in the Daily Prophet about this. Professor McGonagall, however, restated her claim that Hogwarts would still be opening on September 1st.

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When Ron woke up the morning of Harry's seventeenth birthday, he was alone in his room. He dressed quickly, and walked down the stairs to the bottom floor. He immediate smelled the the sweet odors of his mother's cooking. When he walked into the kitchen, Harry, Ginny, Hermione and Ron's parents were there.

"I am not expecting many people to be at your party, Harry," Ron's mother said, "I wanted it to be a small party. With all of the stuff that has been going on, I am not sure how safe a big party would be."

"I don't mind a small party at all, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, "You know me. I don't want a lot of attention, even if it is my seventeenth birthday."

"I know, dear," Ron's mother said, before looking up at Ron, "Oh, you slept in again. We are having a small breakfast, given the amount of food we will be having for Harry's party. Do you want anything? Toast? Eggs?"

"Sounds good, Mum," Ron said, sitting next to Hermione. When he saw the Daily Prophet, and saw nothing about the riot or any Death Eater attacks, he said, "Still nothing more about the riot, hmm?"

"Not a spot since that rubbish a few days ago," Hermione said, looking over at the Daily Prophet, "I don't understand it at all. We were in Scrimgeour's office when the Aurors gave their story about what happened at Azkaban, and we heard it all. I don't think Scrimgeour heard a bit of it though."

"Oh, he heard it, Hermione," Ron's father said, "But according to him, he still needs more information. He believes those two Aurors were in shock when they told their story. He doesn't think they told him everything, and he needs to know more before he says anything to the media or to the wizarding world."

"The Death Eaters will kill again before he says anything," Harry said.

"How can you say that, Harry?" Hermione asked, "Scrimgeour has helped you now. It was because of him that we are able to make the Acidic Potion."

"Everytime something like this happens," Harry said, "Scrimgeour gets scared. He only put Stan Shunpike in Azkaban because he wanted the wizarding world to believe he is getting something done."

"Well, if he wanted us to believe that, then why isn't he doing anything?" Ron asked, "You would think Scrimgeour would say something like 'oh, we are doing everything we can to make sure those Death Eaters get put back in Azkaban.' I mean... wouldn't he?"

"If Scrimgeour says that, and the Death Eaters attack again," Ron's father said, "Then the wizarding world will blame Scrimgeour. Or at least that is what he thinks. Voldemort appeared in the Ministry of Magic after Fudge said for a year that he wasn't back. The Ministry was filled with owls sending notes and howlers from witches and wizards complaining that Fudge was a liar. This caused Fudge to step down as Minister of Magic. Scrimgeour is trying to avoid saying anything that will result in the same thing happening to him. He isn't lying to the wizarding world. He is being cautious."

"Not telling the wizarding world about what he heard from those two Aurors is lying," Harry said, "Especially when we heard everything that the Aurors told him."

"Scrimgeour wasn't going to let us hear everything they told him, remember?" Hermione asked, "But McGonagall told him that we were okay to stay, and he changed his mind. Maybe he didn't want any of that to be revealed."

"That's right," Ron's father said, "At least not then. Not until everything was settled."

"But refusing to tell everyone that there are more Death Eaters out in the streets," Harry said, "Scrimgeour is lucky there haven't been more attacks."

"Scrimgeour's luck will run out soon, I fear," Ron's father said.

"Yes, well I think that is enough of this," Ron's mother said, giving Ron his eggs and toast, "Now eat up. We need to get ready for our guests. They will be here around noon."

Ron sighed and started to eat. But his mind was still full of thoughts about Scrimgeour and the riot. What was Scrimgeour playing at? What wasn't he telling everyone? Did he know more then everyone thought he did?

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After breakfast, Ron walked up to his room, to find his gift for Harry. Without actually going to Diagon Alley, he wasn't sure what he had wanted to give Harry. He really wanted to give Harry something to help him with the task, but he just didn't know what. So he requested a bag of candy and a new chess set. Harry's chess set had been getting old, and Ron knew it. Ron had been winning more, so he thought he would be nice and give that to Harry.

Ron heard a knock, then the door opened slightly.

"It's me," a voice said. Ron could tell it was Hermione.

"Come in," Ron said, as Hermione walked in, "I am just looking for Harry's presents. Where did I put the bloody things?"

"Check in your dresser," Hermione said.

Ron walked over to his dresser and opened the top drawer where is boxers and socks were. The candy and the chess set was there.

"How did you know they were here?" Ron asked, looking at Hermione.

"Lucky guess," Hermione said, sitting on Ron's bed. "Besides, I knew you were looking for a place to hide them from Harry, especially since he is your roommate. Harry probably wouldn't look in there."

"Right," Ron said, taking out the gifts and the large gift bag.

"Though I suppose you could have always put a Disillusionment charm on them," Hermione said.

"I don't know how to do that charm," Ron said, "Besides it is really advanced. Moody uses it, so of course he would have learned it in Auror training. Why? You don't know how to do it, do you?"

"No," Hermione admitted.

Ron walked over to his bed and sat next to Hermione. He started to put the gifts in the bag.

"So what did you get Harry?" Ron asked.

"Well, I really hoped to find something uncommon this year," Hermione said, "Because it is Harry's seventeenth birthday. But since we couldn't go to Diagon Alley, I had to get some common gifts."

"You got him a book, didn't you?" Ron asked, smirking.

"Only one," Hermione said, "Remember those books we found the first day we all went into the Room of Requirement back in fifth year?"

"All those books with defensive and offensive battling strategies?" Ron asked.

"Yeah," Hermione said, "They are very rare books, but I remember recently seeing a copy in Flourish and Blott's and I thought that would be a good book for Harry to read."

"If you excuse the fact that he doesn't like to read very much," Ron said.

"Oh, I think he does," Hermione said, "He was sure reading a lot while trying to look up information on Horcruxes. You said it yourself, didn't you? Besides, I think he does need to read this. It may help in... you know."

"His battle with You-Know-Who," Ron said, "Yeah."

"Still haven't tried to say his name, have you?" Hermione asked.

"No," Ron said, looking away from Hermione.

"You will," Hermione said, taking hold of one of Ron's hands.

Ron looked back at Hermione, then nodded and smiled.

"So what else did you get Harry?" Ron asked.

"Just the usual candy and stuff," Hermione said, "He needs a bit of tradition. Something different wouldn't be right."

"Yeah," Ron said.

"Besides," Hermione said, "I am not sure what everyone else is giving to him. I think Ginny has something special, because of something she told me. She didn't tell me what it was though."

"I was thinking of getting him one of those hats from Fred and George's store," Ron said, "You know, those Shield hats. But he doesn't look good in a hat. And I think they cost too much. Fred and George raised the prices ever since the Ministry had interest in the stuff."

"You know those two would give you a discount," Hermione said.

"I doubt it," Ron said, "Besides, they may give Harry one of those things."

"Yeah," Hermione said, "I just hope what we give him is good enough."

"Of course it will be, Mione," Ron said, "He probably isn't expecting that much."

"Yeah," Hermione said, "But you don't turn seventeen every day, you know. And in the wizarding world, seventeen has much more meaning. We come of age."

"I never liked that 'coming of age' stuff," Ron said, "It just means that you can legally do magic in the world now. It almost sounds like you then become mature enough for people to respect you, doesn't it?"

"Kind of," Hermione said.

"Maybe I am just thinking too much," Ron said.

"Yeah," Hermione said.

"I might have to blame you for that, you know," Ron said, smirking.

"What?" Hermione asked.

"I never really thought about stuff this much before we got together," Ron said, "You did it for me."

"What did you do before you met me?" Hermione asked.

"You don't think I ask myself that sometimes?" Ron asked, smirking.

"You're funny, you know that?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, funny-looking," Ron said.

Hermione sniggered.

"What?!" Ron asked, smirking, "Isn't that how that joke goes."

"It wasn't a joke," Hermione said, "It was a compliment."

"Oh," Ron said, "Maybe I should stop listening to Fred and George then."

"Maybe," Hermione said.

"So I am funny, then?" Ron asked.

"Yeah," Hermione said, "That is one of the things I like about you."

"Really?" Ron asked, "What else?"

"Your red hair," Hermione said, sweeping a hand over Ron's hair.

"Everyone in my family has red hair," Ron said.

"Well you are brave too," Hermione said.

"Not really," Ron said.

"You were brave enough to get into Gryffindor," Hermione said, "And you have proved it since then. I love you because there is no one else who makes me laugh as much as you do. And I know that you would do anything to protect me, right?"

"Yeah," Ron said, "But so would Harry. And I know he makes you laugh."

"Not as much as you do," Hermione said, "But like I said, take it as a compliment. And besides... who was the one who got really mad whenever Malfoy called me a Mudblood?"

"I did," Ron said, "But a lot of people would."

"Yes, but only you ever did something about it," Hermione said, "You nearly attacked Malfoy in second year, and if it wasn't for your broken wand, he would have been burping up slugs."

"You still remember that?" Ron asked.

"Of course I do," Hermione said, "I thought you were really brave."

Ron blushed and glanced at his watch.

"Oh!" he said, "I think we better go downstairs. Mum will be wondering where we went. We were supposed to help with the party."

Ron stood up, and he and Hermione walked out of the room with their gifts and walked downstairs to help with the party decorations.

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Around eleven-thirty, the guests began to arrive. Fred, George and Angelina came in together, followed by Bill, Fleur and Charlie. Remus and Tonks came in a few minutes later, then McGonagall, Hagrid and Slughorn.

The decorations were all ready by the time everyone had sat down in the living room. A big poster hung above that read "Happy Seventeenth Birthday, Harry!" Hermione had charmed it to change colors.

"Ron, Hermione," McGonagall said, walking over to them, "I know you haven't got your Hogwarts letters yet, but I thought I should tell you. I have named the two of you as Head Boy and Girl for this year."

"Thanks!" Ron said, energetically.

Hermione didn't look that happy.

"Professor," Hermione said, "Are you sure that is a good idea? I mean... you know that we will be going with Harry whenever he needs to search for a Horcrux. We can't always be around to fullfull our duties."

"I considered that while making my decision," McGonagall said, "But you must remember. What you will be doing will be a complete secret in Hogwarts. It will be difficult for you to get around, but the Head Boy and Girl duties may give you that excuse. You wouldn't be seen in the Gryffindor Common Room as much because the both of you will have your own rooms, as is Head Boy and Girl tradition."

"But what about Harry?" Hermione asked, looking over at Harry who was talking to Remus and Tonks, "The other students will know something is wrong with Harry gone."

"They know he has a big task ahead of him," McGonagall said, "Thanks to the Ministry, it is no secret that he is the Chosen One. I think it is easier for Harry to get over that hurdle."

"Well," Hermione said, "Thanks, then. It is an honor."

"You earned it," McGonagall said, smiling.

McGonagall walked away, and Harry walked over to them.

"What was that all about?" he asked.

"McGonagall has made us the Head Boy and Head Girl," Hermione said.

"Really?" Harry asked, "Well, congratulations. You have both earned it."

"Thanks," Ron said.

"What was Remus talking to you about?" Hermione asked, "It looked like you were in a deep conversation."

"He is planning on taking me to Grimmauld Place next weekend," Harry said, "You can go if you want, but he says it needs to be next weekend. I don't know why. He was sounding like he might not get another chance."

"I wonder why," Ron said, looking at Remus, who was now talking to Ron's father.

"Might be Order business," Hermione said, "I've had a feeling they might be having secret meetings."

"With all the stuff going on right now," Harry said, "I wouldn't doubt it."

"Lunch is ready," Ron's mother said, coming into the living room, "We will be eating outside."

During lunch, Ron couldn't help but think about what the Order could be doing. Were they thinking of interfering with Harry and his task at hand. Ron was still lost in thought that he didn't notice people were giving Harry presents. Ron gave Harry the sweets and chess set, which Harry really liked. Harry told him in private that he liked it alot better then the book Hermione gave him, though he did admit that it could help him. Ginny gave Harry a diary that sort of represent the day Harry saved her down in the Chamber of Secrets. Hermione later told Ron this was probably the most romantic thing she has seen anyone do. This made Ron jealous and think of something that would be good to give Hermione. There was just the fact that guys were usually bad at giving gifts.

The rest of the party wasn't very eventful. Most of the guests stayed late in the night, and Ron was sure a lot of them were talking about Order business, but were always so quiet when Ron, Hermione, Harry or Ginny walked in. This made Ron worry more, and he knew he needed to find out the answer... sooner or later.

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Well, this chapter took almost forever, and I am so sorry about that.

I am very bad at writing gifts and that is why I didn't explain a lot what Harry got. But I assure you he got more then you read about.

More coming... next may be Grimmauld place!

Feedback is welcome!