"Harry, dinner's ready! We're eating outside tonight!" Hermione called up the stairs. She and Ginny had been helping to cook the food and Ron had gone down to try and sneak some of the food, claiming it was his duty to make sure everything was properly cooked. Harry had heard random explosions, pops, and clangs coming from the general vicinity of the living room, which was a normal occurrence when Fred and George were around.
Harry had wanted some time to himself so he'd stayed upstairs, lying on his bed and staring up at the ceiling. He'd actually been able to get a full night's sleep last night, waking up rather cheerful. He didn't have the crushing guilt or sense of dread that had followed him around for weeks after Cedric's death and then seemingly attached itself to him permanently after Sirius' death, threatening to bury him. He smiled as he thought of the reason for his newfound sense of peace: Ginny.
"Coming!" He yelled. He made his way down the stairs and to the back door. Why is it so dark?
"SURPRISE!" chorused a jumble of voice.
"Wha-?"
"Happy birthday, Harry!" Hermione kissed his cheek and led him to the table. Looking around, he saw that there were streamers hovering above the table, hundreds of sparkling lights in the trees, and someone had even forced some of the garden gnomes to wear party hats (although it was unwillingly). There was even a large perch nearby for Hedwig and Errol, the Weasley family owl. The table was covered with Harry's favorite foods and in the center was a large cake. Harry's mouth dropped open in astonishment: the cake was an exact replica of Hogwarts, complete with windows that glowed with a warm light, and a small quidditch pitch that had small figures zooming back and forth between the goalposts.
"This is brilliant!" he grinned broadly.
After feasting on as much food and cake as he could, Mrs. Weasley waved her wand and the table was cleared of the dishes only to be replaced by a pile of presents. He tried to push the gifts away, saying that the party and simply living at the Burrow all summer was all he needed, but he was promptly told to hush and start opening. Hermione and Ron had gotten him a gift together: a miniature quidditch field that you tapped with your wand to make seven players rise into the air and act out whatever plays he wanted them to. Mrs. Weasley knitted him a green jumper and made him enough fudge to last an entire year. Mr. Weasley had given him an "extraordinary" muggle apparatus called 'a compass'. "It actually tells you which direction to walk in! Amazing, simply amazing!" Harry grinned at him and put it in his pocket. The twins had given him a large box of their products with the promise that he'd be the first to test out any future creation of theirs that he wished. Harry smiled and thanked them, gave Mrs. Weasley a hug, shook hands with Mr. Weasley, and then went to see Ron and Hermione.
"Thank you for doing this. And for the gift, it's great!" Hermione hugged him while Ron clapped him on the back.
"You're welcome, mate."
"You deserved it, Harry."
They walked off to talk with the twins and Harry felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Ginny holding a package in her hand, "Come on, you haven't opened my gift yet." She led him to the far side of the table and handed him a rather heavy object. He tore off the paper and stared down at a brown leather book. It had the words 'To Harry' swooping across the front in gold cursive. He looked at Ginny curiously. She smiled and motioned for him to open it. Harry gave a small gasp: it was filled with dozens of pages that had old and new pictures. Pictures of his mum and dad, Sirius, members of the order, the Weasley family, and other friends that Harry was especially close to. There were his parents as teenagers at Hogwarts holding hands, sitting by the lake, gazing at each other. There were photos of Lupin and Sirius pulling pranks, Hagrid tending his creatures, Dumbledore, Lee Jordan announcing quidditch matches, Neville, even a stern-looking Mcgonagall, and many more. Each page had an envelope addressed to him with a letter inside, some thick and some thin.
"Ginny, what is this?" he managed to get past the lump in his throat.
"These are photos of the people in your life that you're close to in one way or another. You told me that night on the couch about the guilt you felt and how you thought you deserved it. Do you remember how I told you no one blamed you and how we do what we need to do for the people we love? Well, each person wrote a letter to you about what you mean to them, how they feel about you, and other things. This book is to show you how special you are to everyone, Harry. We wouldn't give up knowing you or being in your life for anything."
Ginny gripped Harry's hand as his eyes filled with tears. His throat was so thick with emotion, he could only nod his head in understanding, tightening his hold on Ginny's hand. After a couple moments Harry was able to speak, "Thank you, Ginny" he whispered. He looked up to see her smile softly as a tear slid down her cheek. I thought I couldn't love her more than I already did.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Fred shouted grandly from across the yard.
"In honor of our young Mr. Potter's birthday—" George went on.
"We have created a display so fantastic—"
"So amazing—"
"You could even call it 'magical'," they said winking.
The group rolled their eyes and the twins bent down to a large contraption at their feet. They tapped it three times with their wands and stood back. The thing rose high into the sky, twisting and bending as if something was trying to get out, until it simply hung in the air.
"3, 2, 1…" the twins counted.
All of a sudden the object exploded, sending dozens of fireworks into the air. Some were normal fireworks, some flew back down to dance between the group of impressed wizards, and others, much to Harry's embarrassment, displayed a picture of his face in the night sky. The show went on for another twenty minutes, the twins taking noble and dignified bows. The was the best birthday Harry had ever had and nothing could take the feeling he had inside away from him.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
The rest of the summer passed quickly, too quickly in the opinions of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. Even though they loved Hogwarts there was nothing quite like being at the Burrow. Charlie and Bill both visited during the last few weeks at the burrow. Charlie brought them stories of the dragons he'd wrangled and Bill told them of the curses he'd broken. Percy, or the "slimy git" as he was called by the Weasley kids, never came or sent word. The attention was momentarily taken off of Percy when Fred and George had persuaded them to test out their new twenty-four hour candies, causing several arguments by the end of the day. Harry's candy made him breathe fire, Ginny developed large purple splotches all over her body, Hermione grew taller than Ron, and Ron's hair turn the brightest shade of yellow anyone had ever seen. As punishment, Mrs. Weasley put a spell on Fred and George, giving one of them two left feet and the other two right hands. This delighted them to no end and provided them with hours of entertainment.
All too soon, they were loading up a car Mr. Weasley had borrowed from the ministry to bring them and their luggage to the train station. After making it through to the other side of the platform and loading their trunks onto the train, they said their goodbyes. Mr. Weasley shook Ron and Harry's hands and hugged Hermione and Ginny while Mrs. Weasley made her usual fuss over them, telling them to mind their manners and listen to the professors. Fred and George proceeded to weep openly.
"Oh, my dears, be nice to the other children!"
"And make sure you do your homework!"
"And eat your vegetables!"
They proceeded to straighten Harry's sweater, pat down Ron's hair, and brush lint off of Hermione's jumper. When they'd reached for Ginny she'd promptly stepped on their feet. While they were nursing their injured toes, the four of them hopped onto the train and made their way to an empty compartment, waving out the window to Ron and Ginny's family until they were out of sight. During the train ride people popped in and out of the compartment to say 'hi', including several boys whose main purpose was to talk to Ginny. Once the boys had made it clear who they were there to see, they quickly scattered once they saw Ron and Harry's faces.
Harry was angry and jealous, wondering which hexes would make them go away the quickest. Ron was seething with anger saying, "Boys, they're only after one thing, you know."
"Oh, really," Hermione asked with wide eyes. "And what is it they're after, exactly?"
Well, uh, you know…" Ron flushed red.
Ginny leaned forward and propped her chin in her hand, "Is that what you're after, Ron?" She asked innocently.
"No! I mean, uh, that's different. You're my sister and, um…" Hermione could practically feel the heat radiating off of Ron's face. She took pity on him. "Ron, we know what you meant, but Ginny is more mature than most fully grown wizards. She can take care of herself." Ginny nodded her appreciation to Hermione and swallowed a chuckle when she heard Ron grumbling about "Girls". Ginny covered her mouth with her hand and yawned, leaning her head back against the seat, and closing her eyes.
She thought about the summer and how it had been the best one of her life. She smiled as she thought of the twin's practical jokes, Ron and Hermione's spats and how she and Harry would sit and watch them argue, betting on who they thought would win. She especially loved how happy Harry had been on his birthday and his reaction to her gift to him. She was glad he had liked it, it had taken weeks to write to every person on her list and explain her plan. Then it took days for the recipients to search for pictures, write a letter, and owl them back. She'd stayed up all night to finish it in time for the party, but it was worth it to see the look on Harry's face.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Ginny woke with a start. She felt the rumble of the train under her and knew she'd fallen asleep, although she didn't remember the seats in the compartments being so comfortable. She bolted upright when she looked and saw that what she'd been sleeping on was Harry. He had fallen asleep at some point and was now leaning against the window, his glasses slightly crooked on his nose. She smiled lovingly at him, slowly stretched her arms over her head, and saw Ron sleeping soundly in the seat across from her with his mouth slightly open. She looked towards Hermione who was wide awake with a book in her lap and smiling knowingly at Ginny, who turned scarlet. A sudden, horrifying thought occurred to Ginny, who swung her gaze to Hermione. "Please tell me Harry fell asleep before me."
Hermione bit her lip, trying to hide a smirk, "Um, no, he didn't."
"Oh, no. He was probably horrified!" Ginny put her head in her hands.
"I don't think he minded, Ginny." Hermione was trying her hardest not to laugh. When Ginny had fallen asleep and shifted over until her head rested on Harry's shoulder, he'd looked at Ron and shrugged. Ron had fallen asleep soon after, so he didn't see the ridiculous grin Harry wore on his face until he fell asleep, as well. Hermione had promised though, so she had to play it off like it was nothing. "Just act like nothing unusual happened."
Ginny nodded and spent the rest of the ride talking with Hermione about their upcoming classes. They made a pact that if Ginny would help Hermione prep for N.E.W.T.s next year, then Hermione would help Ginny study for her O.W.L.s this year. They continued talking about their professors, who Dumbledore might have found to teach their Defense Against the Dark Arts class, the classmates they were excited to see and the ones they weren't, who they predicted would end up as a couple before the end of the year, and so on. When the train was almost to Hogwarts, Hermione changed clothes and pinned her shiny prefect's badge to her robes. She prodded a still sleeping Ron, who turned to face the other way mumbling, "Five more minutes, mum."
"Ron, we've got prefect duties. We're supposed to meet the first years up front to help them." Hermione continued trying to wake Ron, succeeding only after she threatened to write his mum to tell her he'd been neglecting his position of prefect. He threw on some robes, put his badge on upside down, and allowed Hermione to pull him along the train corridor.
Ginny turned to shake Harry's shoulder. Don't blush, you simply fell asleep and leaned on him. Treat it like it wasn't a big deal. "Harry, we're almost there." Ginny leaned slightly closer, shaking him a bit harder, "Harry!"
Harry lurched to a sitting position, soundly knocking his and Ginny's heads together. Ginny gripped the side of her head, willing the dull ache to go away, "Ow."
"I'm so sorry, Ginny! Are you alright?" Seeing his horrified look and bright red face, Ginny started laughing. "Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry about it, I've been told I have a hard head" She smiled reassuringly.
Harry laughed, giving her a relieved smile. "That's a Weasley trait if I'm not mistaken." Thinking seriously, Ginny scrunched her eyebrows. "Yes...and a Potter trait...and a Granger trait now that I think about it. Come on, we're almost to school, you still need to change."
Harry put on a somewhat wrinkled set of robes, following Ginny out of the compartment. He let himself get carried along by the mass of students, getting pushed into Ginny multiple times, not that he minded. He had a mild headache from hitting his head against Ginny's, so he knew she had to have one too. Smooth, Harry, very smooth.
They'd made it off the train only to hear Hermione going between enthusiastic tour guide to annoyed prefect. "Hello, everyone! Just follow Hagrid over there, he'll show you the way. No, don't be nervous, he's the best there is. Ron, are you going to help or are you just going to stand there making jokes about the first years heights?" She hissed.
Rolling his eyes, Ron took control, "Alright first years, gather round. If you plan on surviving the night follow that gentleman over there," He pointed at Hagrid. "When you cross the lake, don't mind the giant squid, he doesn't eat people after six o'clock. Indigestion, you know. As for Professor Dumbledore, don't mind the fangs, they aren't as sharp as they look. Alright!" He clapped his hands together, "Welcome to Hogwarts!" Smiling at Hermione, he turned to join Harry and Ginny who were doubled over in laughter. Hermione's eyes were the widest they'd ever seen them as she set about comforting the first years who had gone very white, several trying to scramble back onto the train.
"You're in for it now, mate." Harry smiled at a beaming Ron and snorted at Ginny, who was still still laughing, tears streaming down her face. Ginny collected herself and they headed to the nearest carriage, waiting for Hermione. They didn't have to wait long. She made a beeline for Ron, prompting Harry and Ginny to take a step back.
"Ronald Weasley, how could you do that!?"
"Come on, Hermione, it was a joke!"
"We are prefects, it's our duty to help the first years, not scare them out of their wits!"
"Bloody hell, Hermione, they'll be fine. I'm starving, lets go get dinner." Turning away, he got into the carriage, effectively cutting off any further conversation. Hermione's eyes narrowed to slits as she climbed in after him. Harry and Ginny shared a look, they knew where this was going to lead. The carriage ride was silent except for the occasional huffs from Hermione and the answering mutters from Ron. Arriving at the steps leading to the large front doors, the group got out of the carriage, Hermione lecturing Ron all the way to the Great Hall, with Harry and Ginny walking behind them, both of them starting to get thoroughly annoyed.
The four of them took seats at the Gryffindor table, Hermione sitting together with Ron on one side, with Harry and Ginny on the other.
"That's not the point, Ron! How would you have felt if an older student had done that to you your when you stepped off the train?"
"Oh, for the love of—"
"Enough!" This came from Ginny, who had finally reached her limit of the fighting. The three of them stared at her in shock. "Ron, you shouldn't have terrified those first years. You are a prefect, so you're going to want their respect if you plan on having them listen to you. Hermione, what Ron did was extremely funny. The first years will be fine, and if they aren't after a silly prank like that then how are they going to handle everything else that happens here?" She crossed her arms, defying them to challenge her.
Harry gaped at her in awe, Ron simply stared at her in shock, and Hermione looked slightly contrite. "I'm sorry, Ron."
"Me too," he said shaking himself out of his astonishment.
Ginny gave a short nod of her head, "So, what do you think Dumbledore's speech is going to be about this year?"
Harry pulled himself from his thoughts, "I don't know. Probably something about Voldemort."
Ron flinched slightly at the name, "Who cares what it's about, I'm starving!"
Hermione rolled her eyes, "How can you still be hungry? You ate two sandwiches, three chocolate frogs, and a pumpkin pasty on the train."
"Yes, and one of those sandwiches was mine," Ginny glared at him.
Ron shrugged, "What can I tell you, I'm a growing boy." Ginny snorted.
"Attention, please!" Professor Mcgonagall called from the front of the hall. All talking ceased as everyone turned their full attention on the stern looking witch. Mcgonagall was not someone to trifle with. "I will now bring in the first years," and she swept down the aisle and out the doors, returning seconds later with a large group of students. Some looked terrified while others gazed around in awe.
Stopping at the front of the hall, Professor Mcgonagall spoke, "When I call your name, please step up here," she gestured to a stool beside her. "You will sit on the stool, I will place a hat on your head, and it will decide which house you will be sorted into. Once it has decided, you will go join your house at your table." Mcgonagall stepped back slightly. There was a moment's pause, and then the wide rip at the front of the Sorting Hat opened and started to sing.
Welcome to Hogwarts, dear students young and new
I am a hat that talks and sings, this much is true
Now listen up and listen close as I spin my tale
I will tell you of your houses and what they do entail
Godric Gryffindor was a man so fair and true
He thought any child with magic should learn at Hogwarts too
He valued courage and bravery above all
Encouraging all Gryffindors to stand strong and tall
Helga Hufflepuff was warm and kind
She believed showing loyalty and patience would make a student shine
Showing love to all creatures was her goal in the end
For no one would do well without the love of a friend
Rowena Ravenclaw was bright beyond measure
She thought intelligence was the greatest treasure
Her aim was to make Hogwarts School the best
So learn all you can and you shall pass the test
Salazar Slytherin only wanted pure-blooded wizards to attend
He did not want the two worlds to blend
Cunning and slyness in his students were what he most admired
He later left the school when a fight between the founders did transpire
My song is at its end, so pay attention while I speak
Each founder of these houses was special and unique
So listen here, my dears as I say to you one and all
A house united will emerge victorious, but divided it shall fall
The Great Hall erupted in cheers as the song ended. "That was much better than last years!" Ron said, the others nodding their agreement. Professor Mcgonagall proceeded to unroll a long piece of parchment, "Alice Barkley!" The scared girl walked up to the stage, sat on the stool, and watched as the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. After several moments the hat shouted, "Ravenclaw!" Cheers sounded from the girl's house and she went to sit with them. And so it went for another half hour, a name was called, a hat was placed, and a house was chosen.
"Evelyn Bennet!"
"Gryffindor!"
"Rowan Lochland!"
"Gryffindor!"
"Jamie Smith!"
"Slytherin!"
"Jordan Hanover!"
"Hufflepuff!"
After the last person was placed in a house, Mcgonagall rolled up the scroll and carried the stool and Sorting Hat away. Returning, she took her seat with the other teachers and waited for Dumbledore to speak. "Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts!" He smiled kindy at the hall. "I know you all are tired after your long journey, so let us eat and retire to our rooms. For now, I'll leave you with this to think about: Tiddlywinks, cattywampus, flibbertigibbet. Now, tuck in!"
Several of the first years laughed while others looked at the headmaster like he was a madman. Somewhere down the table, the group heard someone whisper, "Hey, he doesn't have fangs!", sounding rather disappointed at the discovery. Ron, Ginny, and Harry laughed loudly. Hermione's lips twitched suspiciously, but she didn't say anything. Dinner was surprisingly quiet, everyone was so exhausted all they wanted was their bed. Once everyone had finished eating, the students crowded around the doors waiting, drifting off to their rooms once they left the hall. Upon recognizing who Harry was, a few of the new students gawked at him. Harry ignored them, he was used to the stares. A couple feet in front of him a first year girl lost her footing after being bumped by the surging crowd. Harry lurched forward and caught her arm just as another first year caught the other.
The girl looked up surprised, "Thank you."
"You're welcome. What's your name?"
"Evelyn, but everyone just calls me Evie. Who are you?"
"Harry. And this is Ron, Hermione, and Ginny," he gestured towards each of his friends as he said their names. They waved and smiled.
"Nice to meet you." Turning to the boy who'd caught her other arm, she smiled "Thank you, too, Rowan." The young boy flushed, nodded silently, and looked at his shoes.
Evie turned back to them, "Thanks again. Night!" She hooked her arm through Rowan's and pulled him along. Harry had never seen such a delighted look on anyone's face as he saw on Rowan's.
"Young love," Ginny and Hermione sighed, making the boys roll their eyes. They continued following the last of the students out of the hall, making their way up to their common room. Saying goodnight to one another on the stairs, they went to their rooms. Harry pulled off his shoes and fell asleep before he could change into his pajamas.
