AN: My posting schedule will now be every other Friday for a while. I have been posting every Friday, but I just don't have the time with kids, college, work, and leading a big raiding guild in WoW. Once this story is finished, I see me going back to a weekly posting schedule, but I can't make any promises. I thank the people that continue to read my story and hope you continue to enjoy it!

And you promise yourself you will never fall so hard again, until you meet someone who makes the fall feel like flying- Nikita Gill

Matthias Fischer stood around a large table in a circular stone room lit by torches. The air was slightly stuffy due to the fact that there were no windows. Around him stood the Death Eaters that had managed to escape imprisonment at the end of the second wizarding war. He didn't know why the meeting was called, only that it was said to be important. He had heard whisperings that there was to be another attempt at getting back the child relatively soon.

Matthias thought back to seven months ago, when he had joined the Death Eater resurgence and what he had done to prove his loyalty. The Potter bitch had never seen him coming and after he had killed her, he had been congratulated on a job well done and promised a seat in the inner circle. The fact that she had been pregnant mattered little to him.

While he still wasn't a part of the inner circle, he knew it was only a matter of time. He was a very patient man. He had been training for several years to become a force to be reckoned with and knew without a doubt that he could probably take on any of his fellow Death Eaters in a one-on-one duel.

It grated on Matthias' nerves how the two leaders of the Death Eaters still hadn't told anyone why the girl was so important. He liked Yaxley well enough, but Rowle was a constant thorn in his side. There was also the matter of what Rowle had done to the child's mother that still made his blood boil. There was one thing to be said about himself; while he enjoyed torturing and killing, and he upheld the Pureblood values that had been instilled in him when he had been younger, he detested people like Rowle. It was strange that he relished in the screams of his victims but could never bring himself to take advantage of a woman's body as Rowle had done. Rowle disgusted him, worse even than the Mudbloods and blood-traitors.

Matthias smiled inwardly. Rowle's time would come, and then he would be free to take out Harry Potter as well. Nathan didn't fear retribution. He knew Potter would likely figure out who had killed his wife and come after him but by then, it would be too late.

A door opened off to the side of the room and Yaxley and Rowle entered, scowling, as they took their places at the head of the table.

"I know everyone is wondering why we called this impromptu meeting," Rowle started, "I know a lot of you are under the assumption that we'll be taking the girl back soon, but we must be patient."

Yaxley shifted beside Rowle, "What we have planned for the girl isn't ready yet, so we see no harm in letting her stay where she is for now. Rest assured, when we are ready, we will strike."

"But sir!" one of the Death Eaters said. "Wouldn't it be more prudent to capture her as quickly as possible so we can mold her into what we need?"

Yaxley glared at the man for a moment before replying, "That won't be necessary. See, we don't need the girl for her powers, we never did. When the time comes, the girl will die."

Muttering broke out through the ranks as they took in this new piece of information.

Matthias was also surprised. He had thought that they were going to use the girl's empath abilities to take the fight to the defenders of the light.

"The reason why we called you here is because we have tasks for you," Rowle said, "Now, Wright, I want you to..."

Matthias tuned out Rowle's voice as he gave commands to different Death Eaters. None of it concerned him so he didn't see the point in listening. Instead, he was thinking of what the two could possibly have planned for the child. He was apprehensive that Rowle and Yaxley were so tight-lipped about everything.

Once orders were handed out, they were dismissed. The fact that he hadn't received any orders was troubling to him. He turned to exit the room but was stopped by Yaxley's voice, "Fischer, hold up a second."

Matthias turned around to look at Yaxley and Rowle as they waited for everyone to leave the room. When it was just the three, Yaxley spoke up, "You have proven yourself immensely over the course of your time with us and so we wanted to give you your task in private."

Rowle slid a folder across the table to him, "We need you to break into the Auror office, specifically, Harry Potter's office."

Matthias tried not to let his surprise and confusion show, "Am I correct in assuming I'll be stealing something?"

"Yes, and no," Yaxley said, "All the details are in the folder. Once you memorize the contents of the folder, we want you to burn it.

He nodded, "Yes, sir. Anything else?"

"We," Yaxley glared at Rowle, "have decided it is time to tell you why the girl is so important."

Matthias shivered in anticipation. This was it. They were actually trusting him to know the plan. It would be one step closer to taking out Rowle, and then, Harry Potter. He figured they wouldn't tell the rest of the group until closer to when everything went off, if at all, but they were telling him.

He stood up straight as he steeled his gaze.

Yaxley looked to Rowle, and the two men shared a look before looking back to him.

"What do you know of the Gaunt family?"

Harry sat across from Selwyn and Robards at the large conference table. Ron was with them as well as another Auror who Harry remembered was named Tristan Rodgers. Rodgers was a tall, lean, and muscular man whose dark hair, mustache, and eyebrows stood in stark contrast to his tanned skin. Harry had worked with him a few times but didn't know him personally.

"We didn't call a full meeting because we didn't know how Rodger's information will pan out," Robards said as he turned to Rodgers, "Why don't you tell everyone what you told me."

His voice was like honey, softer than Harry would have imagined for one in the Auror Department. "As you know, we've all been tasked with keeping an eye out for possible Death Eater locations," he paused as he looked at Harry in particular, "I believe I have found one."

The excitement that arose in Harry was almost uncontainable. After almost an entire month of running around with nothing to go off of, they finally had a lead.

"How do you know?" Ron asked.

"I've witnessed several less-than-savory types walk in front of an empty lot before disappearing."

"So, Fidelius Charm?" Harry asked, his heart already sinking. If the Death Eater base was under the Fidelius, it would be next to impossible to get in.

"Possibly," Rodgers said, "either that, or a very powerful Disillusionment Charm. We better hope for the latter or it's unlikely we'll ever get in."

He watched Robards, eye furrowed in concentration, as he himself tried to think of a solution to their problem.

It was Ron who finally spoke up, "I think we should put teams to watch the house, teams of two rotating every six to eight hours. If we watch the house long enough, we're bound to pick up some useful information."

"Excellent idea, Weasley," Selwyn said for the first time since the meeting started, "We can't afford to rush this. The Death Eaters feel like they have nothing left to lose so they're going to be more unstable and dangerous."

"But sir, other than my wif..." Harry cleared his throat before continuing, "other than my wife's death and the kidnapping of Ellie and Isabella, they haven't made a move to do anything else. We've gotten no reports of attacks, other kidnappings, or tortures."

"It's almost as if they're planning something huge," Ron nodded grimly. "They're forgoing their usual tactics."

Selwyn and Robards nodded before Robards spoke up, "Yes, that is most disconcerting, which is why we'll be going with Weasley's plan. I'll let the others know, and starting tomorrow, we'll have a round-the-clock guard on the whole street. It is imperative that we remain quiet about this. We can't let them catch on that we know."

"I'm sure I don't have to tell you two," Selwyn said as he looked from Ron to Harry, "but we are to observe only. There will be no trying to play the hero and capture unless you are ordered to do so. We can't afford to make mistakes."

Harry and Ron both nodded. They had both figured as much.

"I will go over this more with Selwyn," Robards said. "Tomorrow we'll begin our reconnaissance. Potter, due to your circumstances, you'll only be able to be a part of this on Mondays and Fridays. I will set you up with a day shift so you can be home by nightfall."

"Understood, sir," Harry replied.

"You're all dismissed," Robards said, "Potter, stay behind. I'd like a word with you."

Harry watched as Ron and Selwyn left the conference room as he wondered what his captain could possibly want to speak with him about.

Robards shifted in his chair, "I just wanted to see how everything was going at home. We haven't really talked about it since I asked you to take the girl and her mother in."

"You mean when you basically forced me to?" Harry retorted.

Robards sighed, "I was hoping that in time, you'd let go of your anger towards me."

Harry could feel his irritation building. He knew he had to be careful not to explode around Robards. He had done it once and had gotten off with a warning. He didn't think he would be so lucky this time around.

"How would you feel?" Harry asked in an even tone. "Put yourself in my position. How would you have felt?"

"You know why it had to be this way," Robards said pointedly.

"Yes, I know," he replied, "That still doesn't mean I have to like it."

The two men shared an awkward silence. Robards kept opening and closing his mouth as if he wanted to say more but thought better of it.

"In all honesty," Harry said, "it hasn't been that bad. I've gotten quite used to them being around; that is, until Ellie admitted that she fancied me."

"She... she said that?" Robards asked.

Harry nodded. "What did you expect? I saved her from possible death. You should've known this was going to happen."

"Would you like to request a transfer?"

"Would you even let me?" Harry asked hotly.

Robards looked down to his clasped hands, almost guiltily. "Harry, I know all you see me as is your captain and that you're not too happy with me right now, but I want all my Aurors to feel like their opinion matters. At the time, it seemed like the best option to put them with you, the only option. If you two have developed feelings for each other, that puts you too close to this case. Maybe we could work something out."

Harry scowled, "You think I return her feelings?"

"You don't?" Robards questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"My wife died seven months ago," Harry said. "Of course I don't."

Robards studied him before replying, "Forgive me. I didn't mean to assume."

Harry waved off his captain's apology, "Besides, like I said, it hasn't been that bad. I've gotten used to them being around. I'd much rather be able to come in to work every day instead of playing house, but after I did some damage control, I don't expect there to be any more problems."

Robards nodded, "I just wanted to make sure. We can't afford for anyone to be too close to a case from a personal standpoint. That's when people start making mistakes, and that's something we can't afford."

Harry didn't mention his personal vendetta against Rowle. It would do no good to tell Robards he was already too close to the case. He would just have to be extremely cautious from here on out.

Absolutely nothing would stop him from getting Rowle.

Ellie was taking the free time from helping Mrs. Weasley do chores to sit on the bank of the pond and ponder on her life. As usual, her train of thought went straight to Harry. It was like no matter how hard she tried; she couldn't help but think of him. She tried thinking of other things to fill in the gaps of her brain, but there were none left. Harry was in every thought; every crevice and corner of her mind, and truth be told, Ellie kind of hated it.

It would be different if he returned her affections. Then at least, she'd have some kind of hope. Instead, she was left with the sinking realization that Harry and she would never have the chance to be anything more than friends.

She tried to come to terms with her realization, but it left her with a pit of despair in her stomach. Was she just being melodramatic with her thoughts? Surely, this wasn't the end of the world. She had been through worse things than a schoolgirl crush.

Maybe if she spent time away from Harry, the feelings would lessen somewhat. She wondered if she could stay at the Burrow for a week or two.

"You can't do that," she argued with herself. "He needs you. He's all alone in that big house."

"He's an adult!" she nearly screamed at herself. "He can handle his nightmares by himself. He doesn't need you; he never did."

She didn't want to admit it, but the voice in her head was right. He had never needed her.

"Have you ever stopped to think that rather than him needing you, you need him?"

Ellie scoffed at the idea. Sure, she fancied him, but she didn't need him. It wasn't like she was in love with Harry or anything. They'd only known each other for a month; not near enough time to form a bond that strong.

"Prove it then," the voice in her head said. "Ask to stay at the Burrow for a week or two."

"Mum," a voice behind her said, "why are you talking to yourself?"

"Who says I am?" she questioned.

Isabella sat down beside her. For a moment, they both stared out at the calm waters of the pond before Isabella spoke up, "You know I can hear what you think right?"

This caused Ellie to pause. No matter how many times it happened, she always seemed to forget that her daughter could glimpse into people's minds. It gave her an uneasy feeling that her own daughter could read her mind. Maybe that's why there had never been any secrets between the two.

"I'm trying to sort through my feelings for Harry," she said simply. "It's nothing you need to worry about."

Isabella snorted, "You mean, you're trying to convince yourself that you don't love him?"

"I don't," Ellie replied, "Besides, what do you know about love? You're six years old."

"Your mind isn't the only one I can peek into," Isabella said with a knowing grin.

"So?"

"So," Isabella said, "I've felt love through other people. At first, it was confusing. It was hard to tell between the different kinds of love. It took time, but I finally figured it out."

"What does that have to do with my feelings for Harry?"

"Mum, I know you're confused," Isabella said to her, "I can sense it. You're trying to push what you feel for Harry back and convince yourself that you just fancy him and that it will pass with time, but you're wrong."

"I don't..." Ellie stammered, "I don't love him."

"I expected you to lie to me," Isabella said, "but you need to stop lying to yourself."

Ellie stared speechlessly at her daughter. All the time spent in other people's minds must have made her wiser than she should be. She felt like she was having a conversation with an adult.

Her thoughts drifted back to Harry. Was she lying to herself? She had loved Isabella's dad but somehow, this didn't quite feel the same. This felt better and worse than anything she had previously.

"What did you come out here for anyway?" Ellie asked.

"Oh!" Isabella clapped, "Mrs. Weasley wanted to talk to you; said something about taking a trip to buy something."

This piqued Ellie's curiosity so together, with Isabella, they made their way back through the garden, and into the Burrow.

"Oh, there you are!" Mrs. Weasley said as they walked into the kitchen, "We need to make a stop in Diagon Alley before Harry gets here."

"Why?" Ellie asked.

Mrs. Weasley stopped to look at her, "He hasn't told you yet, has he?"

"Told me what?" Ellie asked.

Mrs. Weasley picked up a small pouch and placed it in her pocket, before she replied, "I figured as much. That boy always tries to skive off celebrating his birthday."

"Today is Harry's birthday?" Ellie asked in shock.

"Indeed," Mrs. Weasley replied as she scurried into the sitting room before reappearing only moments later. "Harry hates attention, always tells us not to make a fuss on his birthday. This is going to be his first birthday without Ginny, and I want it to be perfect."

"But, but," Ellie stammered, "I haven't gotten him a gift. I don't even have any money."

"Not to worry, dear," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile. "What with all the chores you and Isabella have helped me with, I'm sure I have enough gold to give you so you can get him a gift too."

"But I don't even know what he likes."

"I'm sure you'll think of something," Mrs. Weasley said as she ushered them into the sitting room. "Are we ready?"

Ellie and Isabella nodded.

Isabella went first as she grinned the whole time. Ellie shook her head. She didn't know how it was possible for anyone to be as excited about Floo travel as her daughter was.

"Do you want to go together or can you do it on your own?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"I can do it," Ellie said as she took some of the powder from the pot and threw it in the grate before shouting her destination.

When her head stopped spinning, she looked around to see Isabella talking with the tall redhead that Harry had introduced them to in the shop, along with Hermione.

"Hermione?" Ellie asked as she moved out of the way just as Mrs. Weasley came through the fireplace, "I thought you worked."

"I took off early today so I could escort you two," Hermione grinned.

"We can never be too safe," George said from beside her.

"Can I have ice cream?" Isabella asked excitedly. "Oh, please, please, please..."

"Isabella, calm down," Ellie laughed at her daughter's exuberance.

Isabella grinned sheepishly, "Sorry, Mum. It's just that magic ice cream shop Harry took us to was really good."

"Maybe we can stop by Fortescue's before we head back," Mrs. Weasley said with a wink.

Isabella jumped up and down. "Well then what are we waiting for?" she asked as she grabbed George's arm and dragged him to the entrance of Diagon Alley.

The group giggled and followed Isabella and George into Diagon Alley.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to that," Ellie said as the bricks shifted to display the entrance.

"It took a while for me too," Hermione said absentmindedly.

"So, what does Harry like?" Ellie asked Hermione as they started making their way down the street.

"Harry is easy to shop for," Hermione said as they walked into the bookstore. "Nine times out of ten, I just get him a good book."

"A book?" Ellie scoffed.

"It doesn't matter what you get Harry," Hermione said as she picked up a book and stroked the spine lovingly, "Harry will just be happy that the people who care about him got him anything, to be honest. You see, he didn't get presents growing up with his aunt and uncle, so the presents that he does get, he treasures them immensely."

"Everyone wants something specific," Ellie said.

"Kind of like how you want Harry to love you the way that you love him?" Hermione asked with a grin.

"Yes, I mean no!" Ellie backtracked quickly, "I don't love him."

Hermione's grin widened as she started to hum. "Yes, I think this one should do nicely," she said as she tucked the book under her arm.

Ellie frowned as everyone who got something from the bookstore paid for their purchases. Did everyone think she was in love with him? Did Mrs. Weasley? Ellie wanted to evade that conversation for as long as she could.

They made their way into several different shops and Ellie still had not found anything to get Harry for his birthday.

They walked into George's shop so he could check on the assistants he had left in charge. While George was talking to the woman at the counter, Ellie made her way around the shop.

There were many items that Ellie had no clue what they did. She saw a bunch of bright pink vials on display, what looked like black jagged rocks, different kinds of sweets, and round pink and purple furballs that she was surprised to see, were alive.

"Well," she thought, "the furballs would be a good gift for Isabella around Christmas time."

Making a mental note to come back when it was closer to the holidays, she moved on from the colored furballs.

Next, she came across weird photo frames with moving pictures in them. Each picture looped a five second scene, before restarting.

"Not everything we carry has to do with pranking someone," George said from behind her.

"What are these?" Ellie asked as she motioned to the picture frames.

"They're Picture Frame Pensieves," George replied, "You can take a memory of what you want to display, kind of like an actual Pensieve, and it displays in intervals. You can store up to ten photos."

"This is amazing," Ellie replied as she picked up one of the frames and turned it over.

George shrugged, "It can't hold as much as a real Pensieve, mind you, but it's useful to remember loved ones. I developed it after my brother, Fred, died."

Ellie didn't even have to think about it, "How much?"

"Free of charge," George replied.

"I can't just take it for free!" Ellie exclaimed. "That would be wrong."

"Mum told me how you've been helping out around the Burrow," George said with a grin. "I think you've earned it."

Ellie wanted to argue but the look on his face told her that he wasn't going to take no for an answer. She thanked him as profusely as she could as he handed her a bag to put the item in.

They made their way out of the shop, happy with their purchases, as they continued on their way to Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Ellie ordered the same flavor she had got when Harry brought them a month ago. Isabella tried a new flavor, but Ellie didn't quite catch what it was.

Talk erupted that had to do with party details, but Ellie ignored most of it. Instead, she thought of the gift she had for Harry and wondered if he would like it as much as his other gifts.

"What did you get for Harry?" Isabella as she ate her ice cream. "I didn't even see you pick up anything."

"I found something in George's shop," Ellie replied.

"How did you pay for it?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"I bought it for her so you wouldn't have to," George replied to his mum, saving Ellie from having to reply.

"Well, come on," Hermione said, "Let us see it."

"It's a surprise," Ellie giggled, "You'll see it at his party."

A frown replaced the grin on Hermione's face, but she didn't say anything.

George leaned in close and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry about her. She's not really upset, she's just rather nosy."

Ellie stifled a laugh as the conversation continued on with the details of Harry's party. When they left Diagon Alley, Hermione would be going to Harry's work to hold him up as the rest took the Floo back to the Burrow.

All of a sudden, Ellie felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She looked around at the dwindling rush of people and could see nothing out of place. There were a few people walking down the streets, but nothing looked out of the ordinary. There was a figure wrapped up in a black traveling cloak sitting on a bench a shop over from where they were, but the person wasn't paying them any mind.

They stood up and started making their way towards the Leaky Cauldron.

"What's up?" Hermione asked, "You seem awfully quiet."

Ellie gave the long alleyway once last sweeping glance before turning back to Hermione, "Nothing. I felt weird for a second, but it's gone now."

Unbeknownst to the group, as soon as they had entered the Leaky Cauldron, the figure stood up from the bench.

Matthias smiled as he wrapped his cloak tighter around himself and disappeared with a pop.

"I need a favor," Hermione said as she rushed into his office.

"Hello to you too, Hermione," he chuckled.

"This is serious!" Hermione said as she slid him an envelope. "I need you to deliver this to Emily White."

"The Head of Magical Law Enforcement?" Harry questioned, "Why?"

"Ron and I have to be somewhere and I don't have enough time. She was in a meeting when I left and I couldn't wait."

"Okay, calm down, Hermione," Harry said with a laugh, "I don't see why you couldn't send a memo, but I'll deliver it."

"Thanks, Harry, you're the best!" Hermione nearly shouted as she hugged him before running out of his office.

Still chuckling, Harry gathered his things and left his office.

A few minutes later, he was standing in front of the Head's office.

He knocked twice, waiting to hear the invitation to come in, before he pushed the door open slowly.

Emily White was a middle-aged woman with blonde hair that she almost always kept up in a ponytail. Harry had only seen her a handful of times and spoken to her once before.

She motioned at the chair in front of her desk, and Harry sat as he slid the envelope toward her. "Mrs. Granger asked me to deliver this to you."

"Hmm, now why would she do that?" Emily White muttered as she opened the letter to read its contents.

When she was done, she let out a bark of laughter, "Mrs. Granger is quite devious. Are you sure she wasn't put into Gryffindor by mistake?"

"I always thought she belonged in Ravenclaw myself," Harry said with a grin.

The department head placed the letter off to the side and crossed her fingers as she studied him. "So how goes the hunt for the remaining Death Eaters?"

"We believe that we've found their base of operations," Harry replied, "It's either under the Fidelius Charm or a powerful Disillusionment Charm. Starting tomorrow, we are setting up twenty-four-hour surveillance."

"And then you play the waiting game," Emily said.

"Indeed," Harry replied. "There's not much else we can do at the moment."

Emily nodded, "You know, Mr. Potter, I'm not going to be the head of this department for too much longer."

"I had heard whisperings, ma'am," Harry said, "I generally don't take stock in rumors but this one made much more sense."

"Oh?" Emily asked, "and what have you heard?"

"I heard that you are about to take the Minister's position," Harry said.

Harry was rather confused by this conversation and didn't know what it had to do with him. As if reading his thoughts, Emily said, "If I were to vacate this position, Robards would surely take the spot, which would leave us without a Head Auror."

"I was under the impression that Selwyn would be next in line for the Head Auror position," Harry said carefully. Harry had imagined being Head Auror one day, but he always thought he'd be a lot older when he finally took that position.

"Selwyn isn't able to be Head Auror," Emily said. "There's a rule that if you have any immediate family in league with Voldemort, or the Death Eaters, you're disqualified from holding a top position."

"That seems rather unfair," Harry stated. "His brother might have been a Death Eater, but Selwyn has been a great second-in-command."

"It is unfair," Emily agreed. "Maybe that's something we can change in the future. Selwyn knows and has accepted it. My point is, if I become Minister, we'll need a new Head Auror. Now, it comes down between you and Mr. Weasley and Mr. Weasley has already expressed that he has no desire to be Head Auror."

Emily waved her wand and her office door opened. "Just something to think about."

Harry, knowing a dismissal when he saw it, nodded his head and exited the room.

He made his way to the Atrium, still focused on the conversation he had with Emily White. Being Head Auror had always been a dream of his, but he didn't think it would come this soon.

So lost in thought he was that he didn't notice the lift ride to the Atrium or even the walk to the Floo fireplaces across the giant cavernous room. He was surprised he hadn't run into anyone.

He took the Floo to the Burrow and when his head had stopped spinning, he braced himself for the inevitable tackle he'd receive from Isabella, just like every other time he had picked them up, but it never came.

Harry scratched his head in confusion. Nothing looked out of place and there were no signs of a struggle. The Burrow was the quietest he had ever heard it.

"Maybe everyone is having a lie-down," he thought to himself. He made his way through the sitting room, into the kitchen, and stopped dead in his tracks.

"Surprise!"

Before he had time to draw his wand or take in his surroundings, Isabella collided with him as she hugged him around the middle, yelling, "Happy birthday, Harry!"

Harry chuckled, trying to calm his racing heart, as he patted her on the head. "I kind of forgot today was my birthday," he said sheepishly.

He looked at the others and almost laughed at George's garish party hat. Everyone else was gathered around the kitchen table.

"What did I tell everyone about making a big deal out of my birthday?"

"You should know by now that Mum will never listen," Ron chortled,

"Yeah, Harry," George interjected, "she couldn't pass up the opportunity to spoil her favorite son."

"Come on," Isabella said as she tugged his hand, "you can sit by me."

Harry smiled and let himself be led to his seat by Isabella.

Once seated, Ellie leaned over to him and whispered, "I didn't even know it was your birthday until about four hours ago."

"It's not something I like to advertise," Harry replied. "You didn't get me a present, did you?"

"Where would I even get the money to buy you a present?"

"Good," Harry said with a laugh, "I don't like people making a big deal over me."

Mrs. Weasley and Ellie had prepared a small but delicious feast that was consumed rather quickly and soon, Harry was opening gifts; he received a pair of dragonhide boots from George, a new cloak lined with fur from Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, and a book on offensive spells and a wand polishing kit from Hermione and Ron respectively.

Ron placed something small in his hand and Harry was surprised to see a miniature bed, "You can unshrink it when you get home. It's from me and Hermione.

Harry nodded at Ron and Hermione's look. Maybe it was time to sleep in his own bed for once instead of kipping on the sofa.

"Since I'm only six and don't have a job, Mrs. Weasley let me make this clay magnet," Isabella said as she handed it to him.

Harry looked down at the blue, hand-painted elephant with a smile as Isabella handed him something else. "It's so you can hang up this drawing I did."

It was a stick figure drawing of him, Isabella, and Ellie in the back garden. Isabella was in the middle of them holding her mother's hand while Harry was a foot away.

Isabella leaned in to whisper in his ear, "I hope I can draw another picture one day where we can close that gap between us."

Harry didn't know what to say to that, so he just replied with, "Thank you."

"Hey, Ellie, where's your gift?" Hermione asked.

Harry's head shot up as he locked eyes with Ellie. "I thought you said you didn't get me a gift."

"I lied," Ellie said with a giggle as she handed him a carefully wrapped package.

Harry frowned, "You didn't have to get me anything."

"I know," Ellie said with a smile. "I wanted to."

Harry turned his attention back to the package and slowly unwrapped it, "Erm, what is it?"

Ellie chuckled, "It's a Pensieve Picture Frame. George will be able to tell you more about it than I can."

George brought his wand to his temple before he brought away a silver strand and placed it on the picture frame. The surface rippled, almost like water, and then a moving image of all of them celebrating his birthday was displayed on the frame.

"I took the idea from a regular Pensieve," George said. "It can hold up to ten pictures."

Harry continued to stare at the picture frame not saying a word.

"If you don't like it," Ellie said hesitantly, "I can get you something else."

"What?" Harry said as he tore his gaze from the picture frame and to Ellie's doubtful face. "No, this is perfect. Thank you."

Ellie flashed him a beaming smile and Harry felt his stomach flip flop. He returned her smile. "Thanks, guys for all the gifts."

"It wasn't any trouble," Molly said.

They spent another hour in conversation before George stood up, claiming he had to get home. Ron and Hermione followed soon after.

Harry followed his two friends into the sitting room to say goodbye.

"I'm being serious, Harry," Hermione said as she gave him a hug. "It's time to stop sleeping on your sofa. When you get home, I want you to unshrink that bed and if I catch you sleeping on the sofa again so help me Merlin, I will curse you."

"Yes, Mum," Harry replied as Ron chuckled.

"I wouldn't antagonize her mate," Ron said as he shook his hand. "You know she'll do it."

"Ronald Weasley, are you scared of your wife?" Harry asked with a chuckle.

"No," Ron said before leaning in so only Harry could hear, "I'm terrified of her."

Harry guffawed loudly as his friends disappeared into the fireplace with a woosh of green flames.

As far as birthdays go, this one hadn't been so bad.

Later on that night, Hermione lay in bed with her husband as she read a Muggle romance novel. She had never been fond of them before, but as she grew older, she couldn't deny they made good bedtime reading material.

"I still don't understand why you read those silly things dear," Ron said.

"As opposed to your Quidditch magazines?" Hermione retorted.

"Touche," Ron said as he put his magazine down on the bedside table. "Harry looked happy today, didn't he?"

"He did," Hermione said. "I think it's finally starting."

"Huh?"

"Honestly, Ronald, you're so clueless sometimes," Hermione said as she closed her book and put it on the table by her side of the bed.

Ron chuckled, "That's why you love me though."

"No," Hermione said as she turned to him, "I love you because you're brave, loyal, and extremely sweet."

"Don't forget fit," Ron said with a wink as he wrapped his arms around her.

"Yeah, that too, I guess."

"Hey!" Ron said in an affronted tone.

Hermione silenced him with a kiss. When she pulled away, she whispered, "You're very fit."

Ron chuckled, "So, what did you mean when you said you think it's finally starting?"

"You didn't see the way Harry looked at Ellie after she gave him his gift?"

Ron just shrugged his shoulders and Hermione let out a sigh, "I think Harry is starting to fancy her."

"That's good innit?" Ron asked.

"It is," Hermione replied, "but you and I both know he'll try to push those feelings down and outright refuse to accept it."

Ron nodded, "He wouldn't be Harry if he didn't."

"I just want our friend to be happy," she said as she cuddled closer to Ron. "He deserves this."

"I know love," Ron said, "but we can't force it, though. It will happen one day."

"Are you saying that because you actually believe it, or because you don't want to think of the alternatives?" Hermione asked.

"Both," Ron replied as he kissed his wife's forehead.