WELL HOW'S THIS FOR A SLAP IN THE FACE?

Revised: August 11th, 2013

The next week passed by with a few different things happening left and right. Harry had his very last detention with McGonagall on the seventeenth and on the twentieth was Harry's next check-up with Poppy. Really, it was only a weigh-in and he saw that he was now at 106.3. At this point he didn't mind too much; he was very close to his Healer's goal for him of 110 that a few pound didn't matter. He was surprised after the check up that she wished him good luck on his next Quidditch match against Ravenclaw that was to be held tomorrow. Harry left in high spirits from the infirmary, and the next day Gryffindor won by a mile.

On the night of the twenty-second Harry took a moment to fire chat with Helena to wish her a happy birthday. She was at Number thirty-one that night since Sirius was going to make her birthday dinner. After he gave her a fair warning about the event, he took his head out of the fire to finish an essay for McGonagall then went to bed.

Harry was in a bundle of nerves Monday; the next day the sex of the baby was going to be determined. He didn't know if Sirius was planning on contacting him as soon as he got home from the hospital with Helena with the news. Snape seemed to have noticed something was up that night during Occlumency and he was not letting off any excuse at all from the teenager.

"Your defenses are low tonight Potter! It will be easier for"-

"The Dark Lord to read my mind, I know," Harry spat as he breathed heavily on the floor.

"I do not accept cheek in my presence Potter," Snape said nastily.

"Yeah well I have a lot on my mind right now all right?" Harry snapped.

Snape grabbed the color of Harry's shirt and pulled him close so that Harry could clearly see every winkle in the man's ugly face.

"I have told you again and again, I do not want to hear any sort of back-talk in my room, do you understand me?" he said softly but dangerous.

"Yes," Harry said.

Snape let go of Harry's shirt suddenly as if he were a poisonous spider. Snape placed his hands behind his back.

"What is on your mind tonight Potter?"

"Why should I tell you?" Harry asked but regretted it when Snape raised a hand as if to slap him. Harry put his arms in front of his face in an instant. Snape sighed when he saw the boy flinch. He lowered his arm. "I am not going to hurt you Mr. Potter."

"How do I know?" Harry said in a wavering voice, arms still protecting his face.

"Because you can trust me," Snape said and helped loosen up Harry's tense arms.

Trust Snape? That's as easy as performing open heart surgery…Harry said angrily in his mind.

"I ask you again-What is on your mind Mr. Potter?"

"You should know, you invaded it," Harry said moodily and took a seat.

Snape cocked an eyebrow. "I want to hear it from your own dirty mouth Potter. What is troubling you so?"

"God! Nothing! I am sick and tired of everyone asking me what's bothering me!" Harry shouted.

"Perhaps it's because there are several hood-winked fools out there who care about you," Snape said silkily.

"Hoodwinked? Yeah, no doubt…" Harry chuckled.

"I saw flashes of several different things in your mind Mr. Potter. It is not good to dwell on them for they can become your weakness. What is with these thoughts of Miss Delmhar? I had to witness her as well as your godfather several times."

"None of your business," Harry said sourly.

"If I ask I shall make it my business."

"Forget it, out of anyone in the world you'll be the last to know. Can I go now?"

"Surely you do not want to leave with such thoughts still looming in your head? I am here to protect your mind from invasion of the Dark Lord and so far you have not made any practice."

"I- (sigh) I know I did horrible today but I have a lot to think about, you just saw it. I'm sure I'm going to get these things sorted out during the week and I know next week I'll be able to focus better. I just can't right now. I have a lot to think about lately," Harry said wearily.

Snape crossed his arms and bore his eyes into Harry's. "Fine," he finally said. "But you will do well to practice clearing your mind like you have each night. I do not want any excuses next week, is that understood?"

Harry nodded.

"Then leave."

Harry nodded again and quickly hurried off away from Snape's presence. He clambered into the common room and sat down on his favorite stuffed chair, took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes tiredly. He then heard purring. He looked down to see little Sabrina looking up at him, begging to be loved. Harry couldn't help but smile and lifted the fuzz ball into his hands where she cuddled his chin.

"It's only been a week and you seem as if you've known me longer," Harry told the kitten. "C'mon, time for bed. It's late enough already."

He got up and went to get ready for bed, instantly falling asleep after getting under the covers, Weinki curled up on his right and Sabrina on his left. Harry's stomach was doing summersaults when he woke up the next morning and did not calm down during breakfast. He ate half his cereal before getting a head start to the History of Magic classroom. His nerves did not go unnoticed by Hermione at all but she made it a point to not bother Harry about it because he promised he'd tell her what was on his mind eventually. He didn't know when Remus would find out and he didn't know when he himself would find out but he would be getting his answer during lunch. Remus went up to him after the meal was over where he and Hermione were standing and talking by the entrance to the Great Hall.

"Hello Remus," Hermione said brightly.

"Hello Hermione. Listen cub, I just got a fire call from Padfoot," Remus said with a happy smile.

"Oh really?" Harry said carefully.

"Yeah, Sirius and Helena have an appointment at five this evening and I don't know when they're coming home but I'm going to go there to greet them. Sirius will use the mirror to contact you as soon as they come home to tell you everything, is that okay?"

"Um, sure."

"What are you talking about Remus?" Hermione asked.

"You don't know? They're going to find out the sex of their baby today," Remus told the puzzled girl, his smile wider.

"They are? Harry!" she cried and slapped his arm.

"Ow! What?"

"You didn't tell me they were going to find out if it's a boy or a girl today!" Hermione said angrily.

"Sorry, I thought I did…"

"Yeah well, thought you should know cub. Be sure you're somewhere away from others. I'm surprised no one knows of this in the first place. Well, have a good day then you two," Remus said brightly and went off to his classroom.

Not bloody likely… Harry shook his head. "Let's head to Herbology all right?"

Hermione nodded and practically was skipping the whole way down, excited at the thought of finding out if Sirius' child was a boy or a girl. Harry was really shocked that Hermione didn't seem real surprised of his lack of enthusiasm but that only had to be a plus. The day was going super-fast. Harry's stomach was slipping around as if today he had a major dental appointment. It was really bothering him. As soon as he found out the 'joyous' news it would make the prospect of the pregnancy yet again, that much more real. All too soon it was already 7 o'clock and Hermione was giving Harry a kiss on the cheek before she went to detention with McGonagall.

"Make sure you tell me as soon as possible Harry Potter!" Hermione said shrilly in his ear.

"I can't, you'll be in detention."

"Oh, well as soon as you see me set foot in the common room. A boy or a girl, I wonder which it's going to be!" Hermione said to herself as she clambered out of sight.

Harry shook his head and tried to do something until his mirror vibrated, signaling Sirius' call. He knew Remus already left and was waiting at their house. Harry was luckily the only one in his dormitory. He had no homework to do surprisingly so he settled on reading his new cat magazine. It was an interesting read too; he enjoyed learning about new breeds. He wasn't obsessed about cats but was fascinated that there was much more to them than he thought.

"What should I get next Weinki? Hm?" Harry asked his gray cat as he sat upon the bed and showed him page thirty-seven which had a few breeds on it. "The Abyssinian looks pretty. I still do want that black cat too."

Weinki gave off an offending meow. Harry smiled. "You're right, I don't need any more." Weinki curled into Harry's lap and began to purr. He had become more affectionate after spotting the new arrival doing the same to his master. Harry was reading up about how to tell if your cat was part kneazle when his mirror vibrated. At that same time the dorm room opened and Seamus stepped it.

"Seamus! Leave!" Harry cried at the golden-haired boy.

"What? Why?"

"Just do so!" Harry shot at him.

Seamus glared at being spoken to in such a way but left the room. Harry dropped his magazine to the floor and Weinki spilled out of his lap. The cat hissed and hid under the bed. Harry saw Sirius' joyful face staring up at him. He looked to be bouncing on his feet.

"Um, hey Sirius," Harry said looking uncomfortable.

"Hey there kiddo! We got the news back! We know the sex of the baby!" Sirius cried happily.

"Oh, you do, do you?"

"Yep! Go on, guess what it is!"

Doesn't really matter, I'll know as soon as I ask, there's only two guesses… Harry rubbed his chin. "Um, is it a boy?"

"Nope!"

"So you're having a girl?"

"Guess again!" Sirius said gleefully.

"A boy and girl?" Harry gasped.

"Nope!"

"Damnit Sirius I don't have time for guessing games. Tell me what it is," Harry said heavily.

Sirius didn't say anything for a moment; just stared at Harry's green eyes, joy written all over the man's face. "It's a boy!"

Harry dropped the mirror in surprise. He hastily got off the bed and picked it up with slippery fingers. "A- a boy?"

"Yes! A boy! I'm having a boy!" Sirius bellowed and began jumping up and down. "Isn't that exciting? You're going to have a brother!"

You're going to have a brother! A brother! A little baby brother….a dark cold voice echoed in Harry's numb brain. It was not a pleasant voice, it sounded like it was mocking him of this news. Harry felt like he was slowly falling down a long dark tunnel with no escape… Another voice interrupted the mocking one, it was Sirius.

"Are you okay kiddo?"

Harry shook his head, freeing him from the daze. "Er- yeah. Are- are you sure it's going to be a boy?"

"Positive. Those Healers never get it wrong," Sirius said proudly.

"Er- um, con- congratulations," Harry said with half a smile.

"Thank-you. So are you happy about this or did you want it to be a girl?" Sirius asked still beaming.

"I uh- yeah, it's great news Sirius. Hey um, listen, I have to go, I have loads of homework to catch up on, tell- tell Helena I said hi," Harry said quickly and stowed his mirror into his trunk.

Number thirty-one, London

Sirius frowned when he saw his godson's face disappear. He slowly sat back down on the chair and put his face in his hands.

"Sirius? Are you okay?" Helena asked placing a hand on his shoulder.

"He's not happy," Sirius said quietly.

"What?" she said.

"Harry- he's not happy. His smile didn't even reach his eyes. And you know how beautiful Harry is when he smiles; I really thought I was going to see that. I really did. I was right, Harry isn't okay with this pregnancy at all…" Sirius said, eyes welding up.

"Oh Sirius…" Helena sighed.

"I- I feel like I betrayed him. I- I feel so horrible," Sirius said, tears forming now, his voice wavering.

"No- don't," Helena said sadly.

"Harry has every reason to be angry with me. I'm changing his life around and I honestly don't think it's for the better…"

"Sirius, you said so yourself- you won't forget about Harry. No matter what happens you won't ever forget him. Don't lie to yourself," Helena said sweetly, stroking the side of his face.

Sirius shook his head. "But- but I betrayed him."

"No you didn't," the woman said firmly.

"I did. I promised him it would just be the three of us. I lied to him."

"Nobody knows what each day is going to bring. No one would have guessed you would meet me and this would happen. But look at it this way- you and Remus are both at that age that you probably don't want to be single and child-less for long. Things happen, Harry knows it. It will just take a little time before he's fully okay with it," Helena said, placing a hand on his arm.

"That's the thing, who knows how long he's felt at odds about this?" Remus said softly, observing the scene.

All three of them grew quiet.

"Should we talk to him?" Sirius asked Remus.

"Listen, his next lesson with me I'll call him into my office after class. I don't think it would be wise if Harry knew we knew what's been bothering him. Look, I really should head back now. I promised Dumbledore I wouldn't be long. Congratulations you two, again," Remus said and hugged Helena and Sirius.

"Thanks a lot Moony ol' pal. I don't know what I would do without, you know, your support," Sirius said gratefully as they embraced.

"Well I'm telling you this quite frank, if you didn't get Helena over here knocked up I would be a bit more supportive but still- there's going to be another marauder in this house in five months' time and I find that very exciting."

With one last good-bye, Remus flooed back to Hogwarts.

It was 9:30 when Harry was found in his bed on his side, his curtains drawn. The other boys decided it was best to not wake him, they all knew how crabby Harry could get when he was bothered. Just then a certain female stepped inside and the boys gasped.

"What are you doing in here?" Dean cried, covering his bare chest with his pillow, just in the middle of changing.

"I need to see Harry."

"He's asleep or at last pretending to be. He's been like that for a while actually," Seamus informed her.

She frowned. Something was seriously up.

"I wouldn't bother him. We already tried to be he just snapped at us," Neville said looking guilty.

"Well it is my job to make him feel better. Let me have a go." She opened Harry's curtains carefully and said, "Harry. Hey Harry, get up!"

Harry turned around. "'Mione! What- what are you doing here? Everyone is still"-

"Awake. C'mon, I want to chat," Hermione said pulling his arm.

"I want to be left alone," Harry said shortly.

"Oh c'mon Harry, please come down to the common room with me. No one is down there anymore. It won't be long."

Harry sighed. "Fine, I'll come."

He put his glasses on his face and stuffed his hands in his pants' pocket and followed his girlfriend downstairs grumpily, Sabrina following after his heels. Harry took a seat on the sofa and Hermione sat next to him. Harry bent to pick up his kitten who was struggling to join the couple. Harry took extra care in petting her. He felt Hermione's deep brown eyes on him. It was like he was being X-rayed.

"Well? Did Sirius contact you tonight?" Hermione asked softly.

"Yeah."

"Okay…does he know the sex of the baby?" Hermione asked carefully.

"Yeah," Harry said again.

"And…? Did he tell you it?"

Harry gave Sabrina a particularly long stroke over her furry back. "Yeah."

Hermione looked at him. "Um, okay, what is it?"

Harry finally looked at her. "He's going to have a boy."

"A- a boy?" Hermione cried but noticed the lack of enthusiasm from Harry and calmed herself down. "Oh, well that's good isn't it?"

Harry decided that now it was time, no turning back. He set Sabrina down despite her chirping for attention. "That's the odd thing 'Mione, I dunno if it's good or not."

"But- surely it must be. It's a new baby that's coming into the world. A brand-new life. It's a miracle some say. Everyone is happy when a new baby comes along."

"You don't understand- I'm- I'm so confused," Harry said defeated.

"How do you mean?"

"I'm confused about how I feel. I feel so lost and helpless and alone with this whole pregnancy idea. I dunno what to do," Harry said in a broken voice.

"Whoa, what are you talking about Harry?" Hermione asked, stunned.

Harry rubbed his cold hands together and said very quietly, "I don't think I'm happy about it. The pregnancy."

Hermione didn't know what to say.

"I think I've- I've been lying to myself about it ever since I found out about it. Since I told myself that it'll be a good thing. Now however I don't think it is, no matter what Sirius and Remus keep telling me I still feel as if- as if"- Harry said his voice cracking with each word.

Hermione didn't need him to say anymore; she opened her arms and Harry fell into them. Hermione squeezed the small of Harry's back to her, hoping she was providing some comfort. Harry loosely held onto her. Hermione rubbed circles on his shoulder blades.

"Oh Harry, you know you won't be ignored," she tried to say.

"It's not that," Harry sniffed.

"Then why are you so upset about it?"

"I just know that Sirius will love his son more than me. I don't care how much he pays attention to me. I'm not five. I just wish that he'll love me just as much as his own son."

"How could you say that? Sirius loves you so much Harry. He won't toss you aside," Hermione said softly.

"Everyone says what's not going to happen when the baby gets here but no one knows for sure how it'll be. I'm fifteen; I don't need a lot of attention. I just need to know that my guardians won't abandon me. Even Moony…you know he's going to be helping out with Sirius and Helena when the baby comes."

"Harry, don't get worked up about it, please," Hermione said desperately.

The two sat in silence for a few minutes, Hermione continuing to provide any means of comfort that she could for her boyfriend. Harry finally took his cheek off Hermione's shoulder.

"I feel like such a sod. I'm getting worked up about a baby like some little kid…" he said with a silly smile.

"Don't, everyone has a reason to not want another kid in the house no matter how old they are. My cousin Mariah didn't want any siblings because she was afraid they would be cuter than her," Hermione chuckled. "Unless you're afraid of that too…"

Harry smiled. "Well Helena is pretty and Sirius is handsome."

"You are very beautiful Harry and you know it. Your mum was pretty and your dad was good-looking and they made a very beautiful son together," Hermione pointed out proudly.

Harry's smile grew. "Stop spreading lies, it's not good." But his smile faded.

"What is it now?" Hermione asked curious.

Harry sighed. "It just sort of feels odd that I know it's gonna be a boy. It's even more real now. We all knew it was going to be a bloke."

"Did you not want that?"

Harry ran a hand through his hair. "Well, in a way I wanted him to have a girl."

"You did? I thought generally all guys want another guy in the family."

Harry looked at his sock-covered feet. He didn't want to tell Hermione the last part of his concerns on the pregnancy. All it took for Harry to answer however was Hermione taking a light hold of his hand and staring into his eyes with her concerned ones. Harry sighed.

"If it's a boy then, well, it's kinda like I'll be watching what- what my life could've been like if- if my mum and dad were still alive…" Harry said very softly.

Hermione had tears in her eyes again and hugged him. Harry didn't cry though, he just felt a bit better now that he finally told somebody what had been bothering him for months. Sure he still needed the same chat with his guardians but for now, this was all he needed. He felt content knowing at least one person knew what was on his mind and didn't think him a prat for thinking this way at all.

The rest of the week passed by slowly. Harry was feeling a little anxious as each day passed because the first Quidditch Club meeting was finally going to be held on Saturday. He couldn't help but notice Remus' eye on him all Friday. During break he unfortunately caught up with the teenager as he walked with his girlfriend down to the courtyard.

"Harry! There you are, haven't spoken to you since Monday I reckon," Remus said with a smile.

"Hello Remus," Harry said as he sat down on a bench with Hermione.

"Listen, if you aren't busy tonight, would you like to have a spot of tea with me in my office?" Remus asked hopefully.

Harry was about to agree right away but shut his mouth. Something about that smile on his uncle's face did not seem very convincing… "Um, I don't know Moony; I have a lot to do tonight. I have the Quidditch Club to finalize and, well, I want it to go well… plus it's Madam Pomfrey's birthday and I got her a gift."

"I know cub, but I don't think it will take too long to give it to her right? You didn't make her a grand cake or something did you?" Remus asked.

"No but I would like to chat with her tomorrow, just catching up. We haven't in a while," Harry said looking at his hands.

" Are you free tonight?" Remus tried again.

"No. I have homework plus I didn't get a good enough sleep last night so I might tuck in early."

"Oh," Remus said deflating.

"Why do you want to talk to me so much?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Hey, nothing wrong with an uncle and nephew conversing is there?" Remus shrugged.

"No but we can always talk after class on Monday. We've been doing that lately. I'm sorry Remus but I'm going to be busy. I'll catch you on Monday," Harry told him and took Hermione's hand and hurried away.

Hermione took her hand out of Harry's and walked right in front of him causing him to stop in his tracks.

"What?" Harry said.

"What was all that about?" Hermione demanded.

"What? I didn't do anything…"

"Why are you now avoiding Remus? He only wants to talk with you!"

"Yeah but I'm going to be busy…" Harry argued.

"Yes but you can take off an hour at least for him. You have before."

"I dunno, I didn't like the way he was looking at me. He seemed pretty uneasy Hermione. Like he wants to ask me stuff I don't want to talk about."

"But you should talk to him. You do know the full moon is tomorrow right?"

"Yeah…"

"So you should talk to him before well, it happens. He's not going to be feeling okay tomorrow or the next couple of days," Hermione said.

"I don't know why he's walking around today then. Listen, it's not that big of a deal 'Mione. I can talk to him any old time. C'mon, I should look over my notes from Charms…"

The next day Harry was busy wrapping up a couple letters he had been working on for both Helena and Hermione's parents. Hermione walked into the common room and saw him sitting at a table.

"What are you up to?" she asked, hand on his back.

"Just writing a couple letters. Why?"

"Well it is breakfast time and I was wondering why you weren't down at the Great Hall," Hermione said and they kissed before he could answer.

"Oh right! Breakfast! I completely forgot!"

"Who are the letters for?"

"Um, just a couple people…"

Hermione didn't need to ask as she saw two letters on his bed labeled Dear Helena and the one he was writing now was to her parents.

"What's this?" she asked.

Harry sighed. "I just want to tell them what's been going on. I did promise your parents I'd right to them and I've been pretty bad at keeping that promise."

"You even wrote to Helena?"

"Well yeah. I want her to know I'm not angry with her. I want to tell her congrats on the news of the baby being a boy," Harry said with difficulty as he stopped writing.

Hermione sat next to him. "Well she is having a baby Harry, and with your godfather. She's also your Healer. I think it's only good to try and maintain a relationship with her even if you aren't very happy at the moment."

"Ohh, fine." Harry quickly finished up the letters and stuffed them in his pocket and went down to the Great Hall for a late breakfast. Harry looked up at the high table where the staff sat. He didn't see Remus, not like he was expecting to. He wondered to himself where he was going for his transformation but this thought was diminished when he thought of his office or the Shrieking Shack. Harry quickly finished up his bacon and eggs and with Hermione, went off to the Owlery.

Harry looked around the rafters in the room for a sign of white amongst the brown and gray. He smiled when he saw her sleeping next to a large barn owl high above him. "Hey Hedwig! C'mon girl! Wake up, I have a job for you," Harry called. She didn't wake. Muttering angrily Harry dug into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of bacon from his breakfast for her and waved it above his head. This got her attention and she spread her great wings open wide and swooped down and swiped the treat from her master's hand and rested on his shoulder.

"Good girl. Listen, could you deliver these letters for me? These two go to Hermione's parents and this one goes to Helena," Harry told the bird, stroking her smooth head. Hedwig nipped his finger to show that she understood. Harry took her to one of the glass-less windows and said, "Safe flight." And she flew off.

Hermione turned to Harry. "So now what?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it is Saturday. What should we do?"

Harry shrugged. "I was planning on visiting Madam Pomfrey for a little bit. We haven't talked in a while and it is her birthday after all. Shouldn't you make sure that one classroom we're using for the Quidditch Club is ready?"

"Oh, good idea. In fact Flitwick was going to meet me down there soon anyway to get it ready for tonight. I'll see you around lunch then?" Hermione said.

"Of course," Harry promised and they shared a kiss before going their separate ways. Harry walked down to the third floor to the hospital wing, the wrapped gift for the nurse in his hand. He hoped the wing was empty this morning; he wanted to talk with Poppy without anyone around him. Harry opened the door and looked around. Poppy was flicking her wand about as she made the beds.

"Oh Harry! Come in, come in. I didn't know you would be coming this morning," Poppy said in surprise.

"Yeah, thought today would be a good time to catch up on things," Harry said smiling.

"It is. Thankfully no one has fallen ill last night so this place is free for now. Sit down; I just need to fix the last of the beds…"

Harry nodded and sat down, watching her flick her wand at the bed at the far end and make themselves up. With that done she went over and sat down on the bed opposite him.

"Oh! I have something for you," Harry said suddenly and passed her the gift. "Happy Birthday Madam Pomfrey."

Poppy covered her mouth with a hand. "Oh Harry, you really didn't have to get me anything…"

"Yeah I did. I would feel guilty if I knew a person's birthday and didn't give them anything for it."

Poppy shook her head in amusement and opened the flat gift to find a very nice picture frame.

"I know it's nothing amazing but I didn't know what to get you and I didn't have a whole lot of money left to buy something more expensive and so I settled on this and I"- Harry stammered.

"Oh Harry, calm down. It's very pretty," the nurse smiled.

"Really? Because I have a receipt if you want to exchange it"- Harry said about to dig in his pocket.

"I would not want to exchange it at all. Oh, and what's this?" she asked holding up another box from Harry.

"Oh, just another simple something…"

Poppy opened it to find a box of candied pears from Honeyduke's.

"I knew you liked them," Harry gushed turning scarlet.

Poppy had tears in her eyes. She set these things aside and embraced the teenager. "Thank-you so much Harry. In all my years working at this school no student has ever taken the liberty of giving me gifts. You really didn't have to do this."

"Yes I did! You know me; I hate the fact that I have a lot of money and have nothing to do with it, especially since my guardians are going to pay for everything I need for the next couple years. I think that's why people like to invest in charities, it's a good way to let go of some money," Harry said wonderingly.

Poppy shook her head, hardly daring to believe it. Suddenly her shock dissolved and she was left with a satisfied calmer train of thought. "You really are your mother's son aren't you Potter?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "I'll have to take your word for it I guess. I'm not really told that my dad was the one with the heart."

"Oh your father was very kind but to the wrong people. He was a little demon to his peers but liked to 'suck-up' to the staff to get his way, especially to Professor McGonagall. He also spent his whole of Hogwarts trying to get your mother and after so many years it finally worked. But whenever I saw him (and he was usually accompanied by your godfather) they would both sit there and laugh and make the most of their time in my quarters. Your father was a very kind man Harry but you defiantly have the heart of your mother," Poppy commented.

"Yeah, I get told that often," Harry said with a sad smile.

"Well enough of this, I don't want to put a damper on your day!"

"It's your day, it's your birthday," Harry pointed out.

"Oh at my age birthdays aren't that big of a deal. You kids should enjoy it while you can," Poppy said wisely.

"That's what Sirius told me. He was upset when it was his birthday last month and when I expressed to him and Remus that I didn't want a big party for my next birthday they were really surprised and told me I should have one before I'm too old to enjoy it anymore."

"Now what would you not want a birthday party Harry? You're going to be sixteen!" Poppy exclaimed.

Harry shrugged. "I dunno, sixteen is only a big age in the Muggle world. In this world seventeen is the real age to celebrate, you're allowed to do magic then."

Poppy smiled. "No matter what you should still enjoy childhood while you can Harry."

"I guess…"

"So what's new with you since we last spoke?" Poppy asked.

"Um, well I dunno if you know but Helena Delmhar is going to have Sirius' baby. They um, fooled around in November…"

"I heard during the Christmas party at your house. How are you holding up?"

"It's hard to explain. I'm having a lot of doubt about things even when I'm told everything will be okay," Harry told her softly.

Like usual Poppy didn't ask Harry anymore questions about this at all. She really was the best source to go to if you had a secret you just had to tell. The two of them talked for a little while longer until Poppy looked at the clock and saw that it was time for lunch. Harry hugger her good-bye and went down to eat. When he saw Hermione they shared a kiss before ladling their bowls with beef stew. The day pressed on until it was 8 PM and time for the first Quidditch Club meeting.

A lot of people were looking forward to it while others were a bit unsure. Others still were surly about it and these people consisted of several DA members who all wanted their original club back. Everyone gathered around with their friends and talked all things Quidditch while other people who had little idea about the sport joined Fred and George who were explaining the fundamental's of it. An hour later the meeting had to end and joyfully the students went to their common rooms.

"That was a pretty good success wasn't it?" Hermione told Harry brightly as they walked to Gryffindor Tower.

"I think it was. It was nice to live like a normal teenager for an hour," Harry told her.

"Oh you!" she said and hit his arm playfully.

The rest of the night was spent with Harry, Ron, and Hermione talking about the day in the common room as a gentle rain fell outside.

Who is excited about the baby being a boy? Once again I have merged two chapters into one new one. Some just work out better like this and it's nice to see the chapter count go down. Come back for me reading!

Magical love: Rose