***

Harry woke with a start. He dreamt something unpleasant. But, before he could give it much thought, he felt something next to him. It was round and about the size of a Bludger. He picked it up and tried to see what it was. Ron suddenly woke and saw what Harry held.

"What's that?" he yawned.

"It isn't yours?"

"No."

"I wonder what it is."

"Hey, what's that?" Ron pointed to a small piece of parchment.

Harry picked it up. It read: Happy Birthday Harry Potter. Hope everything is well. Your friend, Dobby.

"It's a present from Dobby."

"Oh yeah, happy birthday."

"Thanks."

"So, what's this thing?"

"It doesn't say in his greeting."

"It must be something magical."

"I guess."

"Well, we can ask mum. She might know."

After, the two got ready, Harry, by the light of the early sun, saw that the orb was a bright orange color. It was not a ball of any sorts, for it was far too glazed and did not bounce.

"It might be some kind of weapon against you-know-who."

"What weapon?" asked Hermione as she held a warped object.

"What in blazes? If one had one's druthers, Hermione, I would have you stay home where you can't be so snoopy. Now, move along."

Hermione remained silent for along time. She simply closed her eyes and handed Harry the package. In a crisp whisper, she wished him a happy birthday as she abruptly left the room without a single glance at either one of them.

"What's wrong with her." Ron scoffed with his arms crossed. "She's twice as mean to me and I'm not complaining."

"I think you were a bit harsh, don't you think?"

"Not at all. Oi, I half expected her to hit me or say something back, you know."

"I half expected her to break my gift over your head. But, she does seem to be more sensitive than usual."

"I guess."

During breakfast, Mrs. Weasley made pancakes which she decorated with strawberry jam. On Harry's stack, she wrote happy birthday. She left the room. She had many things to attend to.

"Happy birthday, Harry." said Milvia as she handed him a box, "It isn't much, but I hope you like it. Made it myself."

"Thanks. I wonder what it is. I'll open it after breakfast."

"Not half, mate. I got you something more practical, I think." Ron handed harry a small parcel. "Have one myself."

"It's a stupid carrying case for your broom." Ginny interrupted. "Nothing special"

"Ginny! It was suppose to be a surprise."

"It wasn't a very good one, was it now." She handed Harry a bag, "Happy birthday. It something nice."

"Sure it is." Ron mumbled as he stuffed his face with food. "Coming from Ginny, it must be something cheesy."

"Shut it, will you, Ron." said Hermione. "I've just about had it with you and your nonsense."

"Please, everyone calm down. Please stop fighting. My head is hurting." Everyone apologized to Harry who seemed to be in great pain.

"The scar." Milvia pointed. "It's a bit lighter, isn't it."

"Yes," Hermione rose to her feet and tried to have a closer look, "looks fresh."

That was the last Harry remembered.

***

The corridor was empty except for a small wooden chair in which sat the man with the silver hand. He slept, but as soon as the portal was knocked upon, the silence was broken throughout the hall. He stood with a light pain emanating throughout his aged flesh. Then, again, someone knocked upon the door.

"Calm down, calm down, I'm coming. It isn't as if this is my duty. Soon enough, I'll open the door. What can be so important this early in the morning to stir me wake?"

At the door, stood a man with fair hair.

"Wormtail, I should have guessed. The retardation towards my calling could come from no other, but yourself." The man unkindly handed his cloak to Wormtail.

"Good day, Malfoy. What brings the servant of Voldamort this early in the morning to the home of his Lord?"

Lucius looked at Wormtail with light disdain as he softly grinned. "If you must know, I come to my Lord to present him with the carrier. She awaits his company."

Wormtail had heard the legends of the carrier. Who hadn't heard of the carrier? Since he was a boy, the tale was told, but now, everyone, including himself, believed it to be nothing more than a myth. He hadn't heard of the carrier in more than sixteen years when the Lord had almost acquired her, but didn't because she escaped with the help of Dumbledore.

"I will announce your arrival to the Lord and the news you bring to him."

"You do so, Wormtail. But you must hurry. The carrier is not patient and she grows restless for people's ineptness to fulfill their duty."

"I see. She must be very powerful to know me as well as you do or are her thoughts cultured by yourself?"

"Do what I've asked you to do, servant."

"I only do what my Lord wants me to do or what I see to be best for the cause." Wormtail raised his silver hand to let Malfoy catch a glimpse in the morning light. Proudly, Wormtail left Lucius to inform his master.

"Even the greatest king needs the greatest fool to be a pawn in the battle." Lucius turned to see his automobile as he crossed his arms upon his chest. "Only meaningless casualties in the end."