Hey Look I Made It!
Summary: Harry's 18th birthday is a cause for celebration. Despite still recovering from the effects of the war, James and Lily still want to celebrate Harry's birthday. A birthday he could have not had.
Lily took a deep breath as she basked in the sunrise coming up from beyond the forest. She rocked gently in the swing on their back patio, listening to the birds singing and the wind blowing softly in the trees. She took a sip of her tea as James came out through the French door off the kitchen. He closed the door behind him, a cup of coffee in hand. His slippers flopped on the wooden floor. He sat down next to his wife.
"We made it," He said. "Eighteen years."
Lily nodded, humming in agreement. It wasn't until she looked at the calendar to plan her meals before her weekly shop that she realized Harry's birthday was on the following Friday. She realized she wasn't prepared. She immediately alerted James, whose facial expression told her he didn't realize it either, that their only son's birthday was coming up.
The closest they had ever come to forgetting Harry's birthday was his fifteenth. Understandable a lot was going on that summer, but when Harry brought it up over dinner a week before, Lily and James, while internally panicking, said they would do what he wanted to do whether it be a garden party with friends or something special. Once Harry left the table, James and Lily began to plan.
They invited the Weasleys, Neville, and Hermione to join them and Remus, Sirius, and Hestia for dinner.
Harry always picked the menu and always picked Lily's chocolate cake over a shop-made one. It had been a tradition since Harry was old enough to have a say in his birthday celebrations.
"Well, we do have the present sorted," James murmured. "I think he'll like it."
"It will come in handy with work," Lily commented. For Harry's birthday, they had gotten him a messenger bag as it was more his style than the briefcase Lily had considered. They had it customized with Auror H. Potter so it would avoid confusion with James's bag. James had added a gear bag when he remembered it was another recommendation. They had gotten Neville one for his birthday as well.
Lily had also gone shopping, taking Harry with her with the promise of lunch to buy some work clothes. She, like always, went overboard. Ginny was treated to the fashion show when they returned home. While out Harry had shopped for Ginny's seventeenth birthday, picking a pair of pearl earrings, taking a page of his father's book as they were what he had gotten Lily.
"What is Sirius….never mind," Lily said. Every year since Harry was thirteen Sirius got tickets to a Puddlemere United match or an Appleby Arrows match, depending on if James was joining them or not. They would make a Godfather/Godson day, spend time together, and go out to eat. Sirius's other present would be a book on Quidditch or Defense. This year, Sirius was giving him an updated copy of The Unofficial Auror's Guide. It was like a For Dummies version of the Auror Handbook.
It was what Sirius and James had read when they were starting with the Aurors.
"So who's coming tonight?"
"It's going to be Sirius, Hestia, and Ginny," Lily replied. "Molly and Arthur are still on holiday, it was Bill and Charlie's present to their parents they didn't get give them for Christmas. Bill and Fleur are in France with her family. Charlie is in Romania to finish up what he needs to transfer. Percy is busy helping Kingsley, so he declined. Ginny said George is in no state for a gathering outside of the family. Puts on a brave face but…"
"It's hard," James whispered.
"Ron and Hermione are…wait they're back. So they're coming and so is Neville."
"Sirius said that Andromeda and Teddy were coming."
"Good, I was going to call her later and invite her."
They sat in silence listening to the birds chirping when James broke it.
"What's on the menu?"
"Spaghetti, with my cheesy meatballs," Lily replied.
James sighed. "I love your meatballs."
"I know you do," Lily smirked as she stood up. "Wonder if the birthday boy is up."
"Lily, go. I know you want to."
Lily nodded, as she walked into the house. "This might be my last time," She whispered as she took her cup to the sink.
She headed towards the stairs, pausing for a second to look at a picture of a one-year-old Harry at the bottom of the stairs. Did she blink? Where did the time go?
She headed up the stairs, turning left once she reached the landing. She passed her and James's room, Harry's bathroom, before reaching Harry's room. She pushed open the door, pausing at the sight that greeted her.
Harry was still asleep, but tucked up against the wall was Ginny.
It was then when she remembered hearing the floo around two in the morning and Ginny's soft whispering. Harry had gotten up for a drink or the loo because she heard him ask 'what's wrong, Gin'. Of course, it was because of a nightmare involving Harry. She often came over and would end up sleeping with Harry.
Ginny had confided in her that she often slept better after those nightmares with Harry. And with Molly gone she didn't have to sneak out. Arthur knew about it. He assured Lily he was okay with it as he rather Ginny get some sleep than no sleep. If sleeping with Harry helped that he couldn't say no.
Lily smiled, pulling the door back to a close. She closed her eyes and thought of the moment at the coast with her, James, and Harry, one that they could have not had.
"Expecto Patronum." The doe appeared in front of her.
"Tell George Ginny is over here. She'll stay for breakfast and be home later."
The doe left as Lily descend the stairs. As she reached the bottom, the front door burst open.
"Morning Potters!" Sirius greeted.
"Morning, Sirius," Lily returned, heading to the kitchen. "Don't go up, if you know what's good for you."
Sirius walked into the kitchen pouting. Hestia came in the front door, carrying a gift bag. "Good morning," She greeted, hugging Lily. "I see no tears."
"Yet," Lily said.
James walked in from the patio. "Padfoot!"
"Prongs!"
"Shush, you'll wake them up."
Sirius smirked. "Red's up isn't she?"
"I heard her come in round two," Lily replied. "I thought I heard something and it was Ginny. She and Harry had a whispered conversation."
"Or what Harry calls a whisper," James added.
"She must have had a nightmare about Harry," Hestia observed.
Lily nodded. "She did. I sent a Patronus to George so he wouldn't worry."
Ron's Jack Russell Terrier patronus came through the window. "Thanks, Lily, we'll cover in the afternoon."
Lily smiled softly. Ginny had mentioned that George was having a time since Fred's passing. Even though he seemed fine at the funeral, turning it into a celebration of life much to Molly's dismay, he had periods of depression and survivor's guilt. Lily recommended a mind healer who specialized in grief counseling. George told her when they were last together with the Order to close out business and to clean out Grimmauld Place he went to see him. Molly was considering making an appointment for her and Arthur.
Ron had told Harry since the battle George hadn't been able to produce a patronus, which explained why Ron sent a reply to Lily.
Lily sighed, smiling softly as she began to make pancakes, Harry's favorite breakfast.
"Can I have some?"
"What about me? Can I?"
Lily knew Sirius and James were giving her their puppy pout face. She sighed. "Yes, I'll make some for you as well."
Sirius and James cheered, high-fiving each other, while Hestia walked over to Lily. "Are you okay?"
Lily nodded. "I'm fine, just I'm more thankful I still have my son."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Harry was awakened by Lily when breakfast was ready. He yawned as Lily pressed a kiss to the top of his head.
"Happy birthday, sweetheart," She murmured. "Eighteen. You're officially an adult."
Harry paused when he realized Ginny was still behind him. Before he said anything Lily whispered, "I know. It's okay."
"Thanks, Mum, we'll be down in a minute."
When Lily left, Ginny sat up. "I love your Mum. Mine would have started yelling."
She smiled as she turned to Harry, leaning down for a kiss. "Happy birthday, baby," she murmured before kissing him in greeting.
"Now this I can get used to," Harry said, pulling her in for another kiss. "We better get up before Sirius or Dad comes up here."
Ginny nodded, agreeing. She climbed over Harry, giving him one more kiss before she headed to the door.
"I'm going on to the kitchen," She said.
"Alright."
Harry got up, stretched, yawned, and scratched his side as he shuffled to the bathroom. He relieved himself, headed back to his bedroom for the shirt he had slung in his armchair. He picked up Ginny's slippers to bring them downstairs for her.
As he descended the stairs, he could hear James and Sirius discuss the plans for Grimmauld Place. Since the Order disbanded, Sirius had to decide on what to do with Grimmauld Place. It was his house, he could live there if he wanted to, but the memories of growing up there were too much and Hestia was happy living in the house they owned on the outskirts of London.
Hestia, Lily, and Ginny were around the island in the kitchen, talking.
James was the first to see his son. "Happy birthday, you have officially made me feel old."
"Do you have anything to add, Sirius?" Harry asked.
"Other than a happy birthday, pup, no," Sirius replied, as he stood up, approached his godson, and pulled him into a hug. Harry didn't question it.
"He dreamed about the battle last night," Hestia whispered to Lily. "Harry didn't survive this time."
"I figured. I heard Sirius's voice around one. James said he must have had a nightmare about Harry."
"I couldn't imagine what that was like," Hestia murmured.
Ginny took the slippers from Harry. "Did I hear Ron's voice earlier?"
"He sent a patronus after I did telling George you were here," Lily said. "Though you probably left a note."
"I did," Ginny confirmed. "But George probably didn't see it."
As they sat down for breakfast, Harry asked Sirius, "Have you considered turning Grimmauld Place into a children's home? Or even a place for students to go if they have nowhere else to go."
Sirius paused. He looked over at Lily. "He reminds me of you when he does this." Turning to Harry he admitted, "No, but it's not a bad idea. If I didn't have…"
"If it wasn't for Mum and Dad you would have nowhere to go," James interjected. "We talked summer before fifth year, Dad said to tell you if you ever need a place to stay or decide to escape your family you're welcomed to live with us."
"I remember that." Sirius sighed. "Effie was like a mother to me. She was my Mum." He turned to Harry again. "Thanks, Harry, I'll speak with Kingsley about it as I think we don't have a home for children, only the orphanage…"
That Voldemort was raised in.
The conversation quickly changed to discussing the plans for the day.
"We're going to London," Ginny said. "We'll do whatever birthday boy wants." She smirked at Harry. He mouthed teasingly not here. "What time is dinner?"
"Five," Lily said. "Take your time getting back."
"We'll need to stop for petrol," Harry said. "The Jeep is low."
Sirius sighed leaning back in his chair when he was done. "Lily you are the best."
"Tell me something I don't know," She said, as she began to clear plates. Ginny helped her and refilled her and Harry's cups of tea. To the amusement of Sirius and James, Harry added sugar to not only his but Ginny's too.
Once Ginny finished her cup, she kissed Harry and said she would be back after she showered and changed. When she left Harry headed upstairs to get ready.
"They were like this at Hogwarts. Ginny would make Harry tea, he would fix hers. He'd butter her toast or she's putting jam on his. I've seen her make him a sandwich. I've seen him make her a sandwich. I've seen Ginny even put food on her plate then turn around put some on Harry's and he's done the same. I've seen Ginny offer him a bite of her dessert and vice versa."
"Remind you of anyone?" Hestia asked her husband.
"Yes, they do. I've seen Ginny give Harry a look," He paused when he started laughing. "He'd follow her like a lost puppy."
James snorted. He would notice how Harry was with Ginny, but he had no room to say anything as he was the same way with Lily.
He stood up, kissed his wife, and headed to the stairs to go up to his room to change out of his pajamas. He stopped at a picture of him and Harry was taken before the last Quidditch match they attended before…..everything went south, before the battle, before his son was a man.
As he walked into his bedroom he stopped at a picture of him and Lily with Harry after he was born. James looked at the picture, noticing how young they looked. That was eighteen years ago on this day.
"Did I blink? Where did the time go?"
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Ron and Hermione were the first to arrive around four. Ginny had told Lily upon her return that Harry didn't know they were back. Lily smiled. It would be a nice surprise and she couldn't wait to hear about their trip. Hermione and Ron had gone back to Australia to help her parents with moving the final stuff back to England. Lily had lunch with Jane in London for a catch-up while Hugh and James met for a round of golf.
"I didn't know your Dad played," Hermione had said to Harry.
"He does some, just isn't into it. Putt-putt is more his game."
Once Harry and Ginny left, Lily got to work cleaning the house while James was out with Sirius. Hestia had gone home as she had to work, but would be coming to dinner that evening.
Cleaning was one of the things Lily did to get her mind off of things, and Harry turning eighteen had reminded her he was an adult, in the eyes of the Muggle Law and the Wizarding world. She knew soon Harry would think about moving out. He had spoken to Hestia who was an estate agent who specialized in the Wizarding world housing market about finding a flat. James knew about it since he did not react compared to her shocked one.
Harry wanted something close to the Ministry, at least two bedrooms as one would be for Teddy. After Sirius and Hestia went home, Lily went out to the patio. Harry followed ten minutes later.
"Are you mad at me?" he asked.
"No, it's just a surprise. I want to be selfish and keep you home all the time, but…." Lily trailed off. "It wouldn't be fair to you."
He had viewed two flats so far. The first one Harry declined after the tour because of the location and the neighbors were noisy. It would be a change going from the quiet little town of Potter's Bar to the noise of the big city of London. The second one Lily had accompanied him on. James had accompanied him the first time. Harry declined it because it was too small. Lily agreed. Harry's bedroom and bathroom could fit in it.
Hestia said when she came to Friday dinner that she found out they falsely advertised it.
Harry was still looking but since he wasn't starting at the Ministry until September, he had plenty of time. Lily decided to enjoy having Harry home while she can, but he knew would be leaving the nest soon. He had an appointment to look at another flat this week. Ginny was going this time as the plan Harry told was when Ginny graduated from Hogwarts, she might be moving in.
"We're back!" Harry called.
Lily had just taken the bread out of the oven as Harry and Ginny entered the kitchen.
"Smells good Mum," Harry commented just as Ron came up behind him.
"Hey mate," He greeted. Harry turned around and in a split second, Ron was pulled into an embrace.
"When did you get back?"
"Two days ago. We've been helping Hugh and Jane open their practice back up."
Hermione came up behind Ron squeezing between them to hug Harry.
"Happy birthday," She said, as she hugged Harry.
"You should have told Hugh and Jane to come, it would be nice to see them again," Lily informed Hermione as she tossed a salad.
"They were having dinner with friends or I would have," Hermione admitted.
Harry and Ron headed out to the back garden as Hermione and Ginny helped Lily.
"How was the trip this time?"
"I knew what to expect on the plane. We stayed in a hotel. Her parents are in a travel club or something. We spent a lot of time packing their office and finishing packing up their condo. They decided they were going to sell it and get something bigger so if Hermione and I want to come with them we can and stay with them."
Harry stepped into the scullery, returning with two bottles of Butterbeer handing one to Ron.
"I found out some information this week about what we'll be doing when we start with the Aurors."
"And?" Ron prompted.
"We'll be learning about policies and procedures. Kingsley said if there is anything we need to address or change to bring to him. He's going to make a few policy changes now. Dad said the ones he's changing are the ones that don't work."
Ron nodded, sipping his Butterbeer. "So how does it feel to be eighteen?"
"I didn't think I would have made to eighteen."
Ron swallowed. "I didn't know that."
Ron could remember holding Hermione as she sobbed in his shoulder. He could the noise Lily made and the scream from Ginny. He remembers when he saw Harry was alive. He was frozen for a split second before he went back into fighting.
"No one did," Harry admitted, taking a drink of the Butterbeer.
Ron was about to ask something else when Lily came out with the food. "We're going eat out here. The weather is too nice to eat inside."
"I love your Mum's spaghetti," Ron murmured. "So are we going to play Quidditch later?"
Harry shot him a look as if to ask, are you crazy?
"Are you balmy? Of course!"
As Harry and Ron walked into the house to clean up, Hermione and Ginny watched them from the other side of the kitchen.
"Do you think Harry will like what I got him?"
"He will," Hermione assured her. "I know he will."
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Laughter filled the garden as dinner came to an end before Lily brought the cake. She looked at James from across the table as Hermione and Ron were sharing about their trip to Australia. Much to Hermione's dismay, Ron was telling them about what happened at the airport before they left.
"This woman brought a rucksack of books and what does she do, she goes to a book shop near the gate and buys to more. She went to Australia with twelve books."
"And how many did she return with?" Harry asked.
"Twenty-four," Ron replied.
"Some of them are about Australia. We went to the Australia Diagon Alley though that's not what it's called. I found some books about the history of the Australian Wizarding world. It's…"
"Fascinating," Harry and Ron said in unison, causing everyone to laugh.
"Alright," James called. "I know it might be hard to come up with something, but let's share our favorite Harry memory. I'll go first." He swallowed back the emotion. "Seeing my son for the first in months at Shell Cottage, I felt relieved you were alive."
Harry swallowed, knowing that it was after the escape from Malfoy Manor. After he was recovered from Bellatrix throwing the….
Lily's voice brought him back to the present. "Mine is the same. We went because we just wanted to see our son. I'm thankful Bill told us."
"Mine is…..when I came home from being away helping families who were in protection. When I first I saw I felt relief." Hestia snuffled. "I know you're my godson but I love you like your mine and I…can't imagine life without you in it."
Harry got up, walked around to Hestia, pulling her into a hug. Sirius grabbed his arm before he went back to his seat.
"You might as well stay there until I'm done. Mine is the day after Remus's funeral. You sat with James and me as we drowned our grief. It's my favorite because I realized you were grown up, but most importantly you were alive. I will admit it I was just as worried about you and wondering if you were okay or alive as James and Lily. But I'm thankful you're still here."
Sirius stood up, pulling Harry into his embrace. He snuffled as he patted the back of Harry's head, feeling his fingers through his hair.
Once Harry returned to his seat Hermione went next as Andromeda said she had nothing to say. "Mine is after the funerals. We decided to go out to Muggle London, the three of us for old times' sake before Ron and I left to go get Mum and Dad." She started laughing. Harry joined her when he realized what she was talking about. "Ron still can't skate."
"How many times did you fall on …?"
"Don't finish that question," Ron retorted. Everyone was laughing at this point.
"You kept helping him up and a few times he pulled you down. I had déjà view from when that happened before fourth year."
"Alright my turn," Ron said, sighing. "I think mine has to be when were at the Burrow. George was feeling down and by the pond. We snuck up behind him."
Harry started laughing when he realized what Ron was talking about.
"We pushed him in and ran back to the Burrow like we did before fifth year I think it was."
"And then came back in the Burrow, he knew it was us. We were hiding in the sitting room and he thought we were in Ron's room like before. We flooed here before he realized we were gone."
"He keeps saying he's going to get even."
"I would have told him to bring it on," Harry retorted.
"My turn," Ginny said. "Mine is….when we to London for the first time since…" She trailed off. "We went to the arcade, went shopping, just spend time together. It's my favorite because I didn't think I would get that with you again."
Once everyone had calmed down, James announced, "Alright, present time."
Lily handed Harry a gift bag. "Here you are, sweetheart."
Harry opened the bag, reaching in. He pulled out the messenger bag as everyone commented on it.
"This is nice," Ginny commented.
"Thanks, Mum and Dad."
Sirius handed him his present which was the book James had told Lily. Along with the book were tickets to the Puddlemere United game.
"There are two sets, I thought one set you and I can go and the other is for you to take Ron with you."
"Of course, I'd take you," Harry said when Ron was about to ask.
Hestia had added a picture of him and Ginny taken while they were at the coast. Ginny had been given a copy and like Harry's, Hestia had framed them both.
"Thanks, Hestia, thanks, Sirius."
From Ron and Hermione, they had gotten him a collection of his favorite candy, but from the wizarding world and the Muggle world. Besides the candy, they had gotten him first editions of a few of his favorite books, including an updated edition of the Puddlemere United book on the history of the team.
"Thanks, Hermione, thanks, Ron."
Andromeda passed the wrapped box. Inside was a picture of him and Teddy taken when he was at Andromeda's helping her sort out Teddy's nursery. She had caught a moment of Harry rocking Teddy in his nursery putting him down for his nap.
"Thanks, Andy," He said.
Ginny handed him a wrapped package. "I hope you like it."
"Today would have been enough." They went to the arcade, out to eat, and Ginny had bought him a hooded jumper he had tried on when Ginny commented the hunter green would look good on him.
"I know, but I thought you might like this."
Harry unwrapped the package pausing when he saw the picture. It was taken right before Dumbledore died, before that awful night. Colin had been out taking pictures of the landscape and saw Harry and Ginny sitting under their tree. They were unaware their picture had been taken.
Harry leaned over, kissing his girlfriend on the cheek. "Thanks, Babe."
"There's more," She whispered.
Harry looked under the framed picture, finding one taken during the celebration after they won the Quidditch cup. Ginny was standing in front of Harry with his arms from behind. They were both looking and smiling at the camera.
Lily looked at it over Harry's shoulder. Harry looked so happy picture. She realized she was getting that Harry back, slowly but surely."
"Thanks for the present everyone."
A chorus of 'you're welcome' followed. Harry didn't waste time once he cleared the presents away and took them in the house. When he came back outside, he called, "Alright, who's ready for Quidditch?"
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Lily stood in the doorway of her son's room watching him sleep. She had been doing this nearly every night since they returned home. She watched as he breathed, turned over in his sleep, feeling thankful to have her son. He was alive. He survived.
The nightmares of him not making it still kept her up at night. She often was found by James sitting in the armchair in Harry's room, watching their son sleep.
James came up behind her, hair muffled from his sleep. "Nightmare?"
Lily shook her head. "He won't be here much longer. He'll be moved out."
"He'll still be close by. London isn't that far."
"I know," Lily whispered.
They both walked in observing their son as he slept. Then Lily leaned over, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
"I love you. Happy Birthday my baby boy."
James waited until his wife left the room before he leaned over and kissed his son's head.
"Happy birthday son, you've made me proud. I love you."
The following year, Lily happily handed Harry's birthday to GinnyHarry's birthday after the war was one to remember as it was a birthday Harry could have easily not had.
Happy Birthday, Harry!