I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.

The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 76 – His First Real Gathering

Sirius opened the Daily Prophet and spat his tea all over it.

"Sirius! That's disgusting!" Andromeda used her wand to siphon away the spat tea and dry the paper. "Also, what made you spit your drink all over it? Something upsetting?"

"Technically no, I just didn't realize the date until now." He looked over at a bemused Harry that was moving things around the pantry. "Harry! What are we doing on Sunday?"

Harry's bemusement became confusion. "I don't know. What are we doing on Sunday?"

Sirius gave him a mirrored look of confusion. "This Sunday, the 31st." His confusion turned into annoyance at Harry's continued baffled look. "Are you messing with me? It's your birthday!"

"Oh!" Harry rubbed his neck with embarrassment. "I forgot."

"How did you forget your birthday?" Andromeda asked since Sirius was staring at his godson with a wide-open mouth and bugged out eyes.

"No one ever made a fuss about it before so I sort of forgot about it."

"No one's made a fuss?!" Sirius repeated, incensed. "What does that even mean?!"

Harry felt very like he was under an intensely bright spotlight with Sirius, Andromeda, and Tonks staring at him with open disbelief. "I mean, the Dursleys never…celebrated it with me. They always did other things. I actually didn't even know what day it was until after I started primary school and the school nurse told me the date."

It was Andromeda's turn to spit her drink over the table. "I beg your pardon?" she asked, tea dripping down her chin.

"Harry, please tell me you're joking," Tonks begged, her eyes watering.

"It's not that bad," Harry said weakly.

"It's plenty bloody bad," Tonks disagreed.

"I mean, it's not always been that bad. Hagrid gave me Hedwig my first year at Hogwarts. Last year Ron gave me a sneakoscope and Hermione gave me a really nice broom-servicing kit."

"Two years out of fourteen, if you don't count your first." Sirius buried his face in his hands. "You didn't have any when you were younger?"

Harry shrugged awkwardly, and walked over to pat Sirius' shoulder just as awkwardly. "It's not your fault."

"Isn't it? If I did my duty and saw to your well-being instead of going after Pettigrew, you would have had a far better childhood."

"You can't do a lot with what-ifs. It's better to think about what-could-be," Harry said softly. He blushed when the other three stared at him again. "Something a friend said once. It sounded smart."

"That's rather mature of you to say," Andromeda said with a sad look on her face.

"Too mature," Tonks muttered.

Andromeda shook Sirius. "Harry's right. Let's not focus on the past and what can't be changed. Instead let's go about changing what we can."

Sirius slapped the tabletop. "Right. I'm going to make it up to you Harry. What do you want to do for your birthday? We can go to France! I think the vacation home can be fixed up easily."

"Oh Nice is absolutely lovely," Andromeda said enthusiastically. "It has a wonderful magical community there and lovely beaches."

"Topless beaches," Tonks said with a smirk.

Harry flushed and tried to ignore her sniggering. "I can do anything?"

"Whatever you want," Sirius said.

"Can…can we have a party here at Grimmauld? Nothing huge. Just my closest friends from school. I'll help clean before and after and cook for it."

"You can invite your whole year if you want and more! This will be your first proper birthday and we're going to do it right. I'd ban you from cooking but it makes you happy and not letting you be happy on your birthday isn't right. We'll all clean to get the house ready" Sirius' eyes gleamed. "We have at least eleven years to account for properly."

"Just my good friends please," Harry said with a shy smile. "And Tonks and Andromeda and Mr. Ted too. If you want to come of course."

Tonks rose from the table and wrapped her arms around him. "No one's stopping me."

Andromeda smiled, heartened to see Harry and Tonks hug like that. "I'd be delighted to come as well. I'm sure Ted will too."

Sirius jumped up from the table. "Right! You get me a list of people you want to invite Harry and we'll send out invitations today. I'll start cleaning proper. Get Kreacher to get plenty of food and things. Let's have the best party this place has ever seen."

-0-

A lance of bright sunlight pierced Harry's closed eyes, making him wince and roll over.

"Wake up Harry!" a very merry and very loud voice cried. "Come on lad! There's no time to waste!"

Harry tried to bury his head underneath his pillow. "I just got to sleep," he protested. The last few days had been a whirlwind of activity. Sirius had eagerly sent off the invitations that day they decided on a party and the next few were filled with lots of cleaning and organizing. Andromeda and Tonks and Ted had come over every night to help and there were lots of whispered conversations between them and Sirius, kept secret from Harry.

Harry had collapsed into bed very late the night before, completely forgetting that the next day was in fact his birthday.

Sirius ignored his godson's protests and well-earned sloth, yanking the covers off of Harry and then jumped up and down on his bed. "It's your birthday Harry! Wake up so we can start celebrating properly!"

That truly woke Harry up, that and feeling a grown man jump up and down on his bed. He blinked myopically, squinting and smiling at the excited man. "Are you seriously jumping up and down on my bed?" Harry asked.

"Seriously and Sirius-ly," the man said, smiling broadly at Harry's groan. "Normally I'd let you lie in for as long as you want, but I want to make sure you have the best birthday."

Harry finally found his glasses and slipped them on. "Sirius, I'm not at the Dursleys anymore." He suppressed a wince from saying their name. "I have a bedroom that's mine. I didn't go to bed hungry and am not….well. What I mean is, this is the best birthday already."

Sirius almost fell off the bed, hearing Harry while mid-jump. Sirius stumbled on the landing and climbed off the bed, kneeling beside Harry. "I…I'm so sorry Harry," he said with deep remorse.

Harry felt bad making Sirius feel bad. "It's not your fault. You don't have to apologize."

"It is my fault, I said so and I mean it."

Harry's voice fell into a whisper. "You didn't make the Dursleys treat me like that."

Sirius felt his heart shudder and he rested a hand on Harry's shoulder. "No, but I could have spared you all that. In any case, I will apologize for as long as I feel like I need to. Okay?" Sirius plastered a smile on his face. "But let's save this conversation for another day. I solemnly swear that you're going to have the best birthday."

Harry smiled. "I think you're more excited than I am."

Sirius winked. "Maybe a little bit but I think you'll be excited for what's to come. Now get up and get dressed and let's get started!" With a boisterous laugh he dashed out of the room, leaving an amused and slightly excited Harry in his wake.

Harry hurried to the bathroom and washed up in record time, changed, and ran down the stairs to the kitchen. He stopped short, eyes wide open as he looked at the gleaming kitchen and the decorations that ringed the walls. Garlands of Snitches threaded on string hung about, interspersed with small Gryffindor flags.

"Happy Day of Life, Master Harry!" Kreacher was dressed in a clean towel tied like a toga. He gently and eagerly pushed Harry to the table. "Kreacher has made breakfast for you this day."

Harry let him be pushed along, sitting at the table and smiling at the full English breakfast Kreacher had made. "This looks great Kreacher. Will you eat with me?"

Kreacher nodded. It had taken a lot of time and encouragement from Harry to convince Kreacher to eat with him. Even now, Kreacher refused to eat with them if there were multiple people about. The House Elf muttered about propriety and the like constantly, but had been worn down by a firm and firmly kind Harry.

Truthfully, it had taken a long time for Sirius to treat Kreacher kindly as well, but Harry had been firm with his godfather too. The man and the House Elf had reached a compromise of sorts. Sirius was polite to a fashion and Kreacher kept the worst of the insults at bay.

Kreacher dished up a large plate for Harry and then a smaller plate for himself and Sirius before he too sat at the table and ate.

"Alright," Sirius said wiping his mouth clean. "Your first gift for the day. This is an ancient tradition and I'm so happy to show it to you." He pushed a slim box across the table to Harry.

Harry opened it eagerly and he looked at the thin gold circlet that sat within. "Oh wow! What's this?"

"It's a circlet, sort of like a crown. Your father and I, and eventually others, would wear one on our birthdays. It's a celebration of the day, we used to say if it was your birthday, you were king for the day." Sirius smiled fondly but the expression had a hint of sadness, of memory. "We used to make them and try to make them look as gaudy or garish as possible. However, since this is your first one, I went in a different direction."

It looked flimsy and delicate but when Harry touched it, it was quite sturdy. It tingled at his touch and he looked at it in wonder. It looked like it was made of wire, the metal being so thin. It felt warm in his hands and the gold gleamed in the light. It was not studded with precious stones and it looked slightly plain, but the way the wires intersected spoke of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Harry slipped it onto his head, feeling a little silly by the ostentatious nature of it.

Sirius grinned and summoned a mirror. Harry gaped at his reflection. The gold circlet sat well and his messy hair did not obscure it. If anything, the golden braid added a touch of order to his untamed locks, a subtle arrangement of gold that threaded his dark hair.

"Master Harry looks regal," Kreacher said proudly. "A proper wizard."

"I have to agree," Sirius said.

"I feel kind of silly," Harry admitted but his smile was bright. "Dad really wore this? And you?"

"Oh trust me, ours were a lot bigger and uglier," Sirius said with a laugh. "I wanted this one to be proper and understated, but still something you can wear at fancy events."

"I don't think I'd feel comfortable wearing this out," Harry said blushing.

Sirius laughed. "It's also a torc, like a necklace. I'll show you that later." He looked nervous. "It's not too much, is it? I just wanted you to have something really nice and I got carried away to share a tradition with you."

Harry said nothing. Instead he got out of his seat and approached his godfather, shyly but sincerely embracing the older man. He tried to inject his thankfulness into the hug, his sincerity, his appreciation.

Sirius teared up a little at the gesture and he hugged Harry back firmly. "Well, that answers that then," he laughed. "Alright! Now, follow me." He led the smiling boy to the sitting room. "I've unlocked the Floo today for guests and they're going to start arriving soon. Your job is to greet them as they arrive like a good host. Kreacher will fill the table with refreshments and as soon as everyone's here, you young lot can dash around and party properly."

He looked down at his watch. "I'm going to pop off to the Grangers and bring them over directly. Turns out they don't live too far away so I'm going to show them how to get here by car since Dr Granger was a little wary about magical transport. Andi will be here soon. Think you can handle things for a bit without me?"

Harry nodded. "Thanks again Sirius, for everything. I'm really happy I can see my friends today."

Sirius wrapped an arm around the boy again. "I'm happy that you're happy. Right! I'll be back in less than an hour or so." With a grin and a glint in his eye, he apparated away.

Harry could hardly wait, excited to see who would come and when. All of his invitations had been returned with everyone saying they would come and Sirius had asked if he could invite a few others. Harry had agreed to and he walked about the room, too excited to sit.

A fire burst in the hearth, crackling merrily when just a moment ago it was empty and cold. The flames grew and turned green, heralding someone arriving by Floo. With a whoosh and a puff, Angelina came walking through the fire, stomping on the grate to get the soot and ash off. "I'm here mum!" she called into the fire.

"Have fun dear!" her mother called back.

Angelina looked about the room with interest, taking in the décor before she saw Harry. "Rabbit!" she cried happily. She set her gift on a table and ran to him, sweeping him up in her arms.

"Angelina!" Harry hugged her as hard as he could, happy to see her. "It's good to see you!"

Angelina set him down and her eyes went wide. "It's great to see you! Wow, Harry! You look amazing!" To her eyes, Harry had almost transformed. He still had his messy hair, his deep green eyes, his scar. He still had that same lopsided shy smile that was so endearing. However, he had grown since she saw him last. He was still thin, but no longer malnourished or excessively so. His shoulders were a little broader and it took more effort to hoist him up this time. She reached out to grab his upper arm. "Are these muscles?!"

Harry laughed shyly. "I've been exercising with Tonks. She's a trainee Auror and my…god-cousin I think? She's Sirius' cousin and she's been teaching me dueling and spellwork as well as exercise."

Angelina wanted to cry. This was the healthiest she had ever seen Harry. He no longer had an air of neglect about him. His eyes were brighter. His whole being radiated care. Gone was the small broken looking thing and replaced with a boy coming into his own. "I'm so happy to hear that," she said, her voice trembling. "You look so good Harry."

"I feel good," he admitted softly with a slightly watery smile.

Angelina hugged him again, crushing him with her arms and kissing him on the cheek. "I'm so glad Rabbit."

Harry sighed happily, feeling warm and safe in her arms. He pulled back slightly. "How'd you do on your O.W.L.s?"

Angelina puffed out her chest. "Passed them all! Even got an acceptable in History and Astronomy. Exceeds expectations on all my others with an outstanding in Charms!"

"Heck yeah!" He high-fived her enthusiastically. "That's awesome!"

"Yeah my mum and dad were really happy."

"What N.E.W.T.s are you going to do?"

"I'm doing N.E.W.T.s in Charms, Herbology, and Transfiguration for my core and I think I'll do Care of Magical Creatures. That way I'll have my options open for lots of jobs in case I don't make the League or leave it early."

Harry scrunched his nose. "As if you won't make the League."

Angelina shrugged sheepishly. "I know, but still, not a bad idea to have a back-up."

The Floo flared again and Andromeda walked serenely through the flames. "Oh we already have a guest," she said warmly. "How do you do, dear?"

"Hello!" Angelina stuck her hand out. "I'm Angelina Johnson. Nice to meet you."

Andromeda shook her hand. "Andromeda Tonks. A pleasure to meet you." Her eyes grew warmer when she looked at Harry. "Happy Birthday dear! Ted had to run to his office for a few things and will be by as soon as he can. Dora is running behind as per usual. I came over sooner since Sirius said he went to fetch your Muggle-born friend?"

"Thank you!" After a moment's hesitation he opened his arms slightly. Andromeda eagerly embraced Harry, thankful for the invitation with Angelina looking on happily. "Sirius left a few minutes ago."

"Ah splendid. I didn't leave you on your lonesome for too long then." Her eyebrows rose slightly. "That is a fine-looking circlet. Sirius was worried it would come out gaudy but I think it's rather tasteful."

"I didn't even notice," Angelina said as she looked at it. "It does look really nice." Her lips curled. "Changing your fashion now that you're all Noble, Rabbit?"

Harry blushed. "Sirius said it's a family tradition, a crown for the birthday person."

"Not one of ours, as in the Blacks, but then again everyone wore jewelry and accessories of a sort so perhaps it was." Andromeda smiled. "Rabbit?"

"Angelina calls me that because we got each other stuffed rabbits for Christmas one year," Harry explained.

"That's very cute and rather suiting," Andromeda smiled. "Well I'm going to continue checking on things. Call if you need me." She left the sitting room, her pace unhurried and purposeful.

"Now she's a force," Angelina said. "You get the feeling you don't want to mess with her."

"She can be really strict." Harry giggled. "She keeps Sirius in line, they're cousins. You'll like Tonks though. You and her are a lot alike. Strong and cool. Take good care of me."

Angelina blushed happily. "Sounds like someone I'll get along with since we've got a lot in common. You call her just Tonks?"

"She hates her first name and I won't tell you it or else I'll get it."

The Floo shone and Alicia stumbled through, cursing under her breath slightly. "Mimsy!" she called back. "I am through and all is well. If I need assistance later, I will call for you."

"Yes Miss Alicia!" Mimsy squeaked. "Enjoy yourself!"

Alicia used her wand to siphon the ash away and came running to her friends, after dropping her gift on the table that Angelina had chosen for the same purpose. "Finally," Alicia said as she hugged Angelina. "I can see people I actually want to for once."

"Family still being prats?" Angelina asked sadly.

"We've reached an understanding but it's on the cooler side of cordial," Alicia admitted. "Happy Birthday Harry," she said warmly and hugged him tightly. Her hands gripped his back and made a show of exploring his shoulders and arms. "Harry, you've changed!" She held him at arm's length. "You're looking very good, healthy! Wait," she frowned. "Have you grown taller? You're taller than me now. I don't like it."

Harry smiled. "Only barely. Doesn't really count."

"Hmm, I suppose." Alicia's smile was sincere despite her tone. "You do look wonderful Harry. I'm so happy to see it." She looked about the sitting room. "So, this is the fabled manor home of the Blacks? It's less…dark than what I was imagining."

"We've spent weeks cleaning and changing things," Harry said. "Trust me. It was plenty dark when I first arrived. Some of the rooms are still full of stuff Sirius won't let me go near."

"That's good. Make sure you listen to him. Somethings you do not want to mess with. Oh, by the way, Oliver asked me to tell you that he will be a bit late. He had to go in for emergency practice. The starter Keeper injured themselves so they wanted him to train harder in case he is needed."

"Awesome!" Angelina and Harry exclaimed together.

"Not awesome that the starter got injured," Angelina said.

"And that Oliver will be late," Harry laughed. "But that's so exciting. I'm so glad he got signed onto Puddlemere United!"

"Yes, so exciting. Now he can injure himself on a professional level as well as become even more fanatical about a silly sport," Alicia sniffed.

"Oi, you know I'm trying for it and Harry might too."

"As I said, a silly sport."

"Poor Oliver," Angelina sighed. "His girlfriend doesn't support his dreams or occupation. Maybe he'll find a fan that would love to give him her undying support."

"Don't even joke about that," Alicia said with bright red cheeks.

"How are you two doing?" Harry asked.

"Don't get her started Rabbit," Angelina grinned. "Or else she'll tell you all their gross escapades."

"As opposed to your empty sweet nothings?" Alicia said sweetly.

The Floo's roar covered up Angelina's retort. A slight figure strode through the green fire, silver-blonde hair reflecting the eerie green fire. Luna looked about with interest before she saw Harry. Her smile split her face open, dimples appearing in her cheeks. She waved vaguely to the fire and skipped over spritely, launching herself at Harry.

He caught her easily, not even minding the soot that still clung to her. "Hi Luna!"

She smiled up at him. "Hello Harry! Happy Day of Life to you!" She suddenly let go of him, skipping away to drop her gift on the table before skipping back and hugging him tightly again. "You finally look how you feel," she said dreamily.

Alicia gathered the soot off of her and shot Harry a confused look.

Harry shrugged. "What do you mean by that Luna?" he asked.

"You always looked a bit different than how you felt," she repeated slowly. "Your body did not match your aura," she said. "But now it does. It makes me very happy."

"Well I'm glad," Harry said. He was unsure if he truly understood her, but as long as she was happy, then he had no reason to completely understand.

The fire interrupted further conversation, heralding the arrival of more guests. This time two forms were seen through the flames, and Katie stepped out and onto the grate, holding the hand of a smaller girl beside her. She gently pulled her to the side and Samantha followed soon after.

"Katie!" the quartet greeted happily.

Katie waved at them, smiling brightly. "Hey guys!" she called. Samantha banished the soot from them and took the smaller girl's hand, letting Katie run over. The Chaser hugged all of the other girls first before she turned to Harry.

"Look at you!" she squealed, looking Harry up and down before she hugged him fiercely. "Oh my goodness, you look wonderful!"

Harry's face was bright red as he hugged her back. "Do I really look that different?" he asked shyly.

"Harry, we've all made a comment about how different you look," Angelina grinned. "You really do. It's wonderful."

Katie nodded, tearing up slightly. She could still remember how terrible Harry looked that summer before second year. She was always afraid she would see him like that again: his bones visible, his eyes dull, his spirit broken. Harry now could not look more different and it made her heart sing to see him healthy.

To see him happy.

"I told you," Samantha said warmly as she approached. "He's been taking good care of himself. Looks like all his hard work with Dora is really paying off."

"I have a good Medi-Witch," Harry said with a bright smile.

Samantha laughed. "Oh keep flattering me and I'll have to break my rule about sweets at visits." She looked down at the girl standing beside her, clutching her hand like a lifeline. The girl squeaked as she saw Harry look at her and tried to slide behind Samantha. "Enough of that," Samantha chided gently. "You should introduce yourself since Harry was kind to invite you too."

Katie rolled her eyes fondly and tugged the girl away from Samantha. "Harry, this is my little sister Lyla. Lyla, this is Harry."

"It's nice to meet you Lyla," Harry said and offered his hand.

Lyla blushed and shook it briefly. "N-Nice t-to meet you," she whispered, her eyes large.

"Ugh, she kept saying she wanted to come too and meet you, and now look at her." Katie shook her head. "She's not normally such a shy thing."

Angelina picked up Lyla and sat the little Bell on her shoulder. "Is big sister Katie being mean?" Angelina asked a giggling Lyla. "Do I need to teach her how to be nice?"

"You wouldn't be the one teaching me that," Katie sniped back.

"No of course not. That would be me," Alicia said, buffing her nails on her shirt.

The Chasers snorted.

Samantha put a hand around Harry's shoulders. "Lyla starts at Hogwarts this year. She's a bit nervous about making friends and fitting in."

Harry smiled as warmly as he could. "Well, you'll have us as your friends before you even get there."

Lyla's eyes sparkled. Samantha hugged Harry fondly. "See Lyla? You have nothing to worry about."

The front door opened and Harry heard voices coming in from outside. Excusing himself, he dashed into the foyer and was heartened to see Hermione, her parents, and Sirius. "Hermione!"

"Harry!" She crushed him in her customary bone-breaking hug. "Happy Birthday!" She too looked at him with a shocked gaze. "Harry, you look incredible!"

Harry gave Sirius a dark look as the older man whistled. "Don't be gross Sirius," he muttered. "Hermione and I are practically sibs." He tried to ignore Sirius' snickers and smiled at Hermione and her mother and father. "Thanks! I mean, I didn't realize it until the others told me. Guess living here really agrees with me."

He focused on the smiling Dr Grangers. "Thank you for coming Dr Granger and Dr Granger!"

"Thank you for having us, Harry. I'm really excited to have the opportunity to interact with Hermione's classmates and learn a little more about the magical society." Jean looked about Grimmauld with interest. "This is what I imagined a wizard's home to be. Mysterious and slightly spooky."

"Mother!" Hermione whispered in a scandalized tone.

"You might be used to this sort of thing but we aren't," David said with a grin.

Sirius laughed heartily. "You should have seen the place before we cleaned it up and started redecorating. It looked like a proper evil wizarding home then." He ruffled Harry's hair. "All the guests arrive yet?"

"Everybody but the Weasleys and whoever else you invited. Mr. Tonks, Tonks, and Oliver are coming a little later."

"The Weasleys will be late as per usual," Sirius said. "Jean, David, follow me. I'll introduce you to my cousin Andi. I think she and Samantha Bell will love to talk with you too. They're Healers, our version of doctors. I bet they'd love to learn about Muggle teeth remedies."

As Harry led Hermione back to the sitting room, she slipped an arm around his waist, hugging him. "You really do look wonderful Harry. I was so scared to see you after those other summers."

"Living with Sirius has been great," Harry said. "I have a whole room of my own and so much to eat. I don't have to be afraid." He shook his head. "Sometimes…I wake up panicking because I feel like it's a dream I'm going to wake up from."

She looked at him with a soft expression. "That's, unfortunately, understandable. I'm sure that'll fade in time." Her expression became amused. "Are you wearing a tiara?"

Harry snorted. "It's a circlet that can also be a torc."

"A tiara is a circlet," Hermione giggled.

"It's a tradition apparently," Harry explained lamely, poking her in the side.

They entered the sitting room and the girls greeted Hermione. Samantha had left with Lyla to find Andromeda. After Hermione hugged Luna last, she spoke, "Did you all see Harry's tiara?"

He glowered at her while the others looked at his head.

"I saw it earlier. It's a very manly tiara," Angelina said with a smile.

"It looks a lot like a diadem," Luna offered. "Though yours doesn't have any gems in it. Do you feel smarter when you wear it?"

"I feel like my face is hotter," Harry muttered much to their amusement.

"Oh so it has warming charms," Luna mused. "Always good to keep your face and head warm."

"Is it traditional to wear a tiara on your birthday?" Hermione asked Alicia.

"Not a tradition I'm familiar with, but every family is different." She patted Harry's hand. "Ignore the uncultured Harry dear. I think it gives you a very regal elegance." She waited for him to brighten. "The only thing that you need now is a tasteful broach or perhaps a bracelet."

"Hey that's my gift for him!" Katie said as the girls laughed. "I asked my grandmum where she gets her broaches and picked out one for him. Don't worry Harry, it'll match your eyes."

The Floo flared brightly, saving Harry. One by one, the Weasleys came pouring out of the hearth. Molly had come out first and she waved merrily to Harry and she siphoned up the ash off each of her children as they came through. They came over to the group, exchanging greetings and wishing Harry a Happy Birthday.

"Hey now, something's different with you," George mused.

"Now hey, quite different," Fred said.

"Still green eyes, maybe a little greener than average."

"Rat's nest hair is still the same."

"Though is that a crown?"

"Tiara," Hermione whispered loudly.

"Oh okay, tiara," Fred sniggered.

"Tiara aside, you're looking kinda normal Harry. It's honestly refreshing to see," George said seriously.

Molly shook her finger at the twins. "Can't you just say he looks nice and healthy?"

"No," they said together. "Because that's a weird thing for a bloke to say to a bloke."

Molly rolled her eyes. "The less you worry about your masculinity, the more assured you appear."

The twins blustered as everyone else laughed.

"Oooh, mum burn!" Angelina said and she eagerly high-fived a grinning Molly.

"Now I'm even happier you came," Harry giggled, hugging Molly.

"Thank you for inviting all of us," she replied warmly, hugging him tightly. "You really do look wonderful Harry. It does me good to see it."

"Welcome back to Grimmauld!" Sirius strode in and exchanged handshakes with Molly and Arthur. "We haven't been able to do much more since your last visit, but you have to admit, it looks a lot better."

"Oh I'm sure we can stop by again to help more," Arthur said. "It does look much brighter in here."

"Since most everyone is here, let's head over to the kitchen. Despite it being his birthday, Harry refuses to not cook but I think he just wants to show off for his friends. So let's go and start partying already!"

Raucous cheers filled the room and they happily chatted as they made their way down the hall.

-0-0-0-

Imaginer.012 - You are amazing, thank you so much. I'm surprised how...direct Andromeda is developing. It's easy to see her as someone extremely formal and strict, and she is in some ways, but she's been fun to write as a foil of sorts for Sirius.

Urgwaew - Thank you. My goal is to always update on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Other days will be bonus days. I actually did not have a great Monday but seeing your comments always helps. I do think Sirius needs that kind of person to keep him in line, Remus won't be able to provide that, and Andromeda would jump at a chance to reconnect with him since she was cast out of the Blacks originally. Tonks also strikes me as someone needing someone to care about and in turn be cared for closer to her age despite her having a far better family and childhood than Harry.

Part of Harry will always initially think that way but I'm hoping it shows that he legitimately likes to cook for more positive reasons, that when he has a better motivation to cook, he likes to.

alix33 - the defective line and the thump on the forehead was my favorite bit of the chapter to write.

yogibears - Tonks is someone I can see as being very enthusiastic and just getting carried away. I always liked the idea that emotions definitely effect magic so it makes sense that hers would change her appearance if she wasn't consciously trying not to be that way.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - One of my favorite things about this fic is imagining how bonds form and see if I can portray them naturally. Andromeda is so lucky now: two people to yell at as well as take care of on top of Tonks.