Ch3

Harry Potter and the Eye of Darkness

A/N: Hope everyone liked the second part. I know this story's kinda boring at first, but I have the plot figured out . It'll get better every time, promise.

Chapter 3: Conversations and a Rare Birthday

Mr. Weasley didn't come home until late that evening. He looked exhausted, and flopped down in an armchair as soon as he arrived. Mrs. Weasley, looking worried, immediately rushed to fix him a cup of tea.

Everyone settled down in the living room. Mrs. Weasley smiled sympathetically at her husband.

"Rough day at work, dear?"

Mr.Weasley sighed. "It's just like the days of You-Know-Who.", he said hoarsely. " Rumors are flying everywhere that he's back, and the ministry's having quite a job. Of course, Fudge is doing everything he can to deny it, but many don't believe him anymore. Howlers're being sent to us all day long."

They all looked intently at Mr. Weasley, urging him to go on. He took a sip of tea, then continued, " The fights between Fudge and Dumbledore are almost non-stop now. Everything's totally disorganized at the ministry. Thank heavens Rita Skeeter hasn't written anything about this , we'd definitely be doomed then." " Frankly, I'm quite surprised she hasn't gotten wind of what's happening yet."

At this, Harry and Ron exchanged glances but remained silent. They knew exactly what had happened with Rita Skeeter, the troublesome reporter for the Daily Prophet. Hermione had discovered her secret of eavesdropping when she wasn't supposed to, and had threatened to tell on her if she didn't stop writing stories that caused nothing but hurt and anger for others.

"Anyway, Fudge decided he wanted to put a stop to this, to make everyone believe once and for all that You-Know-Who has NOT returned."

George frowned. " The stubborn old git. Doesn't think of anything but his position at the ministry. I don't think he'll be so concerned about staying minister as he will be about his life, soon."

Percy gave him a disapproving glance. "Mr. Fudge is just doing what's best for the community.", he said haughtily.

Mrs.Weasley cleared her throat loudly, looking sternly at Percy and George, who were glaring at each other. " So what does the minister plan on doing, Arthur?", she said.

Mr.Weasley sighed. "He's arranging a ceremony."

Harry stared at him. "Ceremony?", he said blankly.

"Yes. All wizards and witches, young and old, are invited. I think it's some sort of party. He's going to give a public speech, reassuring everyone that You-Know-Who isn't back and that they are in no danger whatsoever. Junk like that. I suppose you are right, George. The man's wasting his efforts on this, while he could be making much more use of his time.'

"Wow, I bet Professor Dumbledore's furious.", said Ginny.

Mr. Weasley managed a small smile. " Furious isn't a strong enough word to describe it. He's right, of course. We must face facts."

"So, when is this ceremony thing, dad?", asked Ron. " Are we all going?"

" I s'pose so. It's a little while after your birthday, Harry. Around the beginning of August."

After that, everyone was silent for a few moments. Then Ron looked as if he'd just remembered something. " Aren't we going to invite Hermione over for the rest of the holiday?", he asked.

"Of course." , replied his mother. " Whenever you want."

" Great. I'll go send her an owl now. C'mon, Harry." They went up the stairs to Ron's room.

* * *

" So Harry's neighbour is a witch? If that's true, then it was definitely You-Know-Who or one of his supporters who kidnapped her.", said Hermione Granger. The three of them were sitting in Ron's room, and Harry and Ron had wasted no time in filling Hermione in on the summer's events. Hermione had arrived two days after Ron had sent his owl, Pigwidgeon to her. Hermione had also gotten her cat Crookshanks with her.

"We're not positive she's a witch." , remarked Harry.

"Oh, come on, for heaven't sake.", said Hermione in her usual, bossy, know it all voice. Hermione was the smartest student in their year, and took studying very seriously. " Dumbledore mentions her name once, she lives right next to Harry, and Harry is rushed here right after she gets kidnapped. Also, Mr. Weasley says that her disappearance and your bringing here are connected. What more proof than that do we need that she's a witch?! I mean, honestly!"

Harry had to admit, she had a point. But he was rather surprised. Usually, it was Hermione who always told them not to jump to conclusions.

Ron sighed. "Well, we'll probably find out soon, won't we? I suppose we'll just have to wait till then."

The next few days passed by pleasantly. They didn't find out anymore about Mrs. Figg, but right now, everyone's main concern was the ceremony coming up. The date had been fixed for the second of August, three days after Harry's birthday.

They spent most of their time doing summer homework, playing Quidditch with Fred and George, listening to Percy drawl on about his new position as assistant head of the department of Magical Laws and Court Trials, and watching the twins work secretly in corners. Harry suspected that their secret stuff had to do with the thousand Galleons' prize money( which he had won in the Triwizard Tournament) he had given them last year to open a joke shop.

The night before Harry's birthday, there was whispering all around him. He heard all sorts of explosions coming from the twins' room, and he heard Mrs. Weasley saying strange words in the kitchen, words that suspiciously sounded like a magical recipe for a birthday cake. Harry decided it was pointless to tell everyone it was obvious what they were doing. He felt noting but appreciation for the Weasleys, for he knew that for the first time in his life, he would actually have a real birthday, and not spend the entire day being ignored by the Dursleys.

Harry woke happily the next day; he was fifteen, and no matter how small his birthday would be, Harry didn't care. What mattered was that someone had actually remembered, someone had actually cared.

He dressed and went down the stairs. No one was there. He had barely sat down when eight voices yelled, "Surprise! Happy Birthday, Harry!"

Harry grinned as the Weasleys and Hermione suddenly appeared, carrying presents.

The day was extremely fun. After breakfast, Harry opened his presents. Ron gave him a Quidditch book just out: " The World of the Firebolt", which was very interesting and had many moving pictures. Hermione had gotten him a beautiful quill that had many powers. ( invisible ink, invisible sweets attached so you could eat in class while pretending to suck it in thought, etc.) Fred and George presented him with one of their newest inventions(toffee sweets that sang a song related to the day's occasion, in this case Happy Birthday), and Ginny and Percy gave him a box of chocolates each.

As for Ron's parents, he received something from them that brought tears to his eyes. It was a Loving Breaker Ball, a small crystal ball given by people who deeply loved the receiver of the gift. It their love was deep enough, the Loving Breaker Ball would break the darkest of spells. ( with the exception of Avada Kedavra, of course)

Mrs. Weasley had prepared a special lunch and a cake that sang. They all sat around the table, laughing and joking. Later, Harry received birthday cards and presents from Sirius and Hagrid, both whom Harry was relieved that they were all right, especially Sirius.

At the end of the day, Harry couldn't stop thanking everyone for the first real birthday he'd had in his life.

Whew! Finally done. The usual drill: please review, blah blah blah……..

Noura