Chapter 3
The Happiest Birthday of All
The remaining days before Harry's birthday passed by quickly. Soon, it was the night before Harry's birthday. All the people in the Burrow were already asleep, preparing for tomorrow's special event—Harry's birthday.
All were asleep except for one—Ginny. She was very busy finishing her sketches for Harry.
"I need to draw one more," said Ginny. She stood up, put on her robe and went downstairs to the kitchen.
With the flaming fire in the fireplace as her only companion, she began to draw the Harry she imagined—a Harry that was smiling at her.
Ginny finished her present for Harry in no time. Then she took the paper bag she brought with her downstairs. She took a forest green scrapbook (that she bought from her last visit at Hogsmeade; she thought would come in handy for her sketches) from the paper bag and placed it on the table. She got her quill and began writing on the first page of the scrapbook.
To Harry Potter
Happy birthday! I hope you'll like this.
From,
Ginny
After writing, Ginny cut the pages of her sketchpad and carefully attached her sketches on the pages of the scrapbook. All of them had the same content—Harry. After that, she closed the book, placed it in a white box and knotted it with a red ribbon.
She placed her present back on the paper bag and slowly fell asleep on the chair she was sitting on.
"Ginny," said a voice, tapping Ginny on the shoulder.
"Harry?" Ginny asked as she opened her eyes.
But it wasn't Harry; it was Ron.
"I'm not Harry," said Ron. "I'm Ron."
"Oh," Ginny said, sleepily. "Yeah. You're Ron." She said, a little disappointed.
"Why are you sleeping here anyway?" Ron asked, looking worried. "Are you waiting for someone? Preferably Harry?" He asked, eyeing his little sister.
"Of course not!" exclaimed Ginny, slightly blushing. "I was here to finish my sketches."
Ron just shrugged and said, "Yeah, right."
Ginny didn't answer. She was still very sleepy.
"By the way, Mum said you better dress up and help her cook breakfast later. She's at the front yard— sweeping. She's going to bake a cake for Harry later before lunch you need to help her," said Ron.
"It's still early, right?" asked Ginny, looking around.
"Yeah." Ron replied. "Only Mum and I are awake."
"Why did you wake up so early today?" Ginny continued to ask. "So excited that you can't sleep?"
"It's not that. I just don't want to be the first to greet our birthday celebrant." He simply said.
"All right then." Ginny said. She stood up and took her paper bag with her.
"Be careful not to wake up Harry, he's still sleeping." Ron whispered.
"Okay," Ginny replied.
And so she went upstairs and dressed up. Ginny looked at her mirror in the dressing table as she combed her hair again and again. Finally she decided to tie it in half with a green ribbon then combed the rest of it neatly.
"How will I be able to give this?" Ginny wondered to herself, holding the scrapbook in her hand.
"Maybe I could sneak into Ron's room and put this on top of Harry's drawer. But then, what if Ron sees me there? What if Harry sees me there?" Ginny murmured again and again as she walked back and forth across her room. She stopped walking and sighed. "All right," She sighed again and opened her door. She heard her mother ordering Ron to fix the table.
"Good. Ron's fixing the table. At least one of my 'what ifs' is already solved," said Ginny after taking a deep breath. "Harry can't see me; he's asleep." Ginny whispered to assure herself.
She ascended the stairs and went straight to Ron's room, carrying the scrapbook she was supposed to give to Harry.
After two flights, Ginny reached her objective—RONALD'S ROOM. The room was totally soundless. Ginny took a deep breath, clutched the doorknob and slowly opened the door.
Harry was still on his bed—sleeping. Ginny gave a sigh of relief and closed the door. She carefully walked to Harry's bedside drawer. She looked at Harry and a smile appeared in her face.
Ginny heaved a sigh again and laid the scrapbook on Harry's bedside drawer. And once more, she looked at Harry and whispered, "Happy birthday, Harry."
She was about to leave when suddenly Harry began to move. Ginny started to panic. She hurriedly headed for the door but a hand stopped her. The hand caught Ginny's hand just in time and held it so she couldn't run away.
Ginny froze in her position and felt her heart beating faster and faster. She felt her cheeks burning already. Ginny didn't know what to do; she just stood there, her mind full of worries and her hand wanting to melt because of Harry's touch.
Slowly, Ginny turned her head to look at Harry. Harry was still on his bed but he had already sat up. He was still holding her hand and was grinning on her.
"Caught you," said Harry, his grin getting wider. "So what were you up to, sneaking into my room?" He asked.
Ginny's cheeks grew brighter. Harry immediately noticed this and released her hand thoughtfully. "I'm sorry." He said.
"It's all right," answered Ginny. "I-I'm sorry if I slipped into your room without your permission. I-I was just leaving your present," said Ginny, looking towards the drawer beside Harry's bed.
Harry followed Ginny's gaze and said, "Oh, thank you."
Ginny smiled and said, "Happy birthday, Harry."
"Thank you." Harry said. "You're the first one to greet me."
"That's because it's still early—only Mum, Ron and I are awake." Ginny said, smiling. "If you don't mind, can I leave now? I want to go to the kitchen and help Mum out." Ginny said, turning to the door.
"Wait," Harry said. Ginny turned around and looked at Harry—waiting. "Um—I just want to-to say thank you again," said Harry. He couldn't think of anything else to say and so he just thanked her again.
Ginny giggled. "You're really funny, Harry Potter." She walked her way to the door, opened it and disappeared.
Harry was left alone still sitting on his bed—smiling to himself.
He stood up and looked at Ginny's present. He wagged the box and listened to the sound it made.
"Sounds like a book to me," said Harry. "Maybe I'll just open it to see what it is," he told himself. "But then I'll just open it later." He decided, placing it inside his drawer.
Harry opened his closet and began to dress up.
Harry was currently fixing his bed when the door burst open revealing—
"Ron!" bellowed Harry. "You shocked me."
"Well Harry I guess I have no choice but to be the first one to greet you," said Ron. "Happy birthday!" he said, giving his present for him. It was a small box covered with orange wrapper.
Harry planned to tell Ron that Ginny came in their room but decided not to and instead he said, "Yeah, thank you, Ron." He took Ron's present and placed it beside Ginny's present inside his drawer.
"Let's go down, Harry." Ron invited, pulling Harry's arm, "Mum has already finished cooking breakfast. Dad and the others are already downstairs," he said.
"Okay then." Harry said.
All the other Weasleys were already seated when Harry and Ron reached the kitchen.
Upon seeing Harry, all the seven Weasleys (including Ron) greeted him, saying, "Happy birthday, Harry!"
Harry's heart was filled with joy. He had never enjoyed his birthday this much before. Harry thought that this was surely going to be one of his happiest days.
He went to sit on his chair beside Ron and said, "Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate everything you did for me. This is my happiest birthday of all!"
Mr. Weasley smiled at Harry and Mrs. Weasley spoke, "That's all right, Harry. We're happy that you're staying here, dear. I hope you don't mind if we can't give you a party." Mrs. Weasley looked at Harry, smiling.
Harry smiled back at Mrs. Weasley and said, "It's all right, Mrs. Weasley. This is a whole lot better than having a birthday with the Dursleys."
Mr. Weasley cleared his throat. "I think we should start our breakfast now," he said.
For their breakfast, they had some bacon, eggs, sausages and bread and butter with hot chocolate for their drinks.
Mr. Weasley and Percy excused themselves after having breakfast. They still got some business to accomplish at the Ministry. Percy got loads of paperwork to do. Before leaving, both Mr. Weasley and Percy said "Happy birthday!" to Harry again and farewell to everyone then they disappeared with a small pop.
Harry and Ron stayed on their seats and played exploding snaps while Ginny, who also stayed on her seat, watched them play. Fred and George casually stood up and excused themselves to go to their room.
Before the twins could leave the kitchen, Mrs. Weasley warned them and said, "I don't want to hear anymore explosions this day, understand?" Mrs. Weasley took out her wand, pointing it at the twins and continued, "If I hear any more explosions in your room—or any part of this house that concerns both of you, I will have no choice left but to raid your room!"
Fred and George looked disappointed but said, "All right no more explosions." They walked lazily to the narrow passageway and called out to Harry, "See you at later, Harry. We'll give you your present by then." And they were gone.
Mrs. Weasley sighed and pointed her wand at the pile of dishes in the sink and immediately the plates began to wash themselves with a soft clattering. She took a book from the stack on the mantelpiece and began flipping its pages. She sat on the chair in front of Ron and silently read the book.
"What are you reading, Mum?" asked Ginny, taking notice of her mother.
"A cooking book, dear." Mrs. Weasley answered. She raised the book to show its title to Ginny.
"Magic! —Right in Your Kitchen by Brenda Butterback." Ginny said as she read the title of the book.
Mrs. Weasley laid the book on the table and paused. "Good. So far—no explosions. Fred and George are behaving themselves today," said Mrs. Weasley, smiling to herself.
She looked at Ron, who was still playing with Harry, and cleared her throat to get his attention. "Could you please de-gnome our garden, Ron? It's been a while and I think there will be a plenty of gnomes playing there if you wouldn't de-gnome it now," said Mrs. Weasley.
"Yes, Mum." Ron said, standing up.
"I'll go with Ron, Mrs. Weasley." Harry said, also standing up.
"All right, dear. You can go." Mrs. Weasley said.
The boys promptly went outside, leaving Mrs. Weasley with Ginny.
"Ginny, get the bowl at the cabinet," said Mrs. Weasley. "We're going to bake a cake for Harry."
Ginny immediately complied with her mother's order.
The two began clanging at the kitchen to bake the cake. Using Mrs. Weasley's wand, the time needed to bake the cake was cut into half. Mrs. Weasley started to cook their lunch while Ginny decorated Harry's cake with icing and ornaments.
Mrs. Weasley was right. The garden was indeed full of gnomes. Tiny creatures with large bald heads like potatoes were all running about like they were mad. Some were swinging on the trees around the walls, some were playing near the green pond but most of them were just lying around on the grass—sleeping.
Harry and Ron were having a hard time catching all of the scattered gnomes.
"Harry, what will we do? It will take us the whole day to completely de-gnome this place!" said Ron. He took a couple of gnomes by their ankles and began waving them side to side. He threw them over the big rock near the hedges.
Harry looked at the scattered gnomes running around and thought of an idea.
"Do you have your wand, Ron?" Harry asked, grinning.
"Wand?" said Ron uncertainly. Ron paused, looking at Harry's broad smile. "You mean—"
"Yup!" answered Harry. "Magic."
"But Harry, we're not allowed to use magic during holidays!" complained Ron, sounding much like Hermione.
"You sound just like Hermione," said Harry, frowning. "I know we're not suppose to do that but we have no choice. And besides—no Muggle can see us and the Ministry wouldn't notice anything—they're too busy preparing for Voldemort's attack to mind students who are not allowed to use magic on holidays. We'll just do this once." Harry persuaded.
"Okay, okay." Ron said. "You don't need to associate me with Hermione." He said, taking out his wand.
The two started using the Summoning Charm to summon the gnomes. In a short time, the gnomes were floating on air and to their reach. Harry and Ron decided that they'd just throw them all over the hedges.
After they had thrown all the squealing gnomes ("Gerroff me!") over the hedges, they left the garden—although drained—gnome-free.
The kitchen was looking rather messy when Harry and Ron entered. Mrs. Weasley was in the sink—cleaning, while Ginny was in the table, wiping the dirt and potato peelings.
"We finished de-gnoming the garden, Mrs. Weasley." Harry said upon entering.
He and Ron settled on kitchen chairs, looking very tired.
"Good," Mrs. Weasley said. "Here, have a drink." She offered two glasses of lemonade to the two boys.
Ginny went outside to throw the trash and when she came back, she was carrying three packages and several letters followed by Hedwig and Pig.
"Hedwig!" bellowed Harry, seeing her snowy white owl.
Hedwig quickly flew to her master's outstretched arms and gave Harry a tender nip. She looked quite pleased with herself.
Pig, on the contrary, was flying around and around the kitchen while hooting loudly to get everyone's attention. He also looked happy with himself but he was showing it too much.
"Pig, shut up!" roared Ron, snatching Pig in the air and holding him tightly.
"Here, Harry." Ginny said, handing Harry the packages. "These are for you. And also these letters." She said, handing him the letters. "Our letters from Hogwarts were brought here by a smart-looking grayish owl but it already flew home." Ginny explained, "Here's yours, Harry." She said, handing Harry another letter with a purple wax seal.
"Ron," said Ginny, looking towards Ron's direction. "Letter from Hogwarts and—from Hagrid." She gave Ron a letter with the Hogwarts crest and another envelope, which was obviously from Hagrid.
Ron looked at the letters as if expecting something more but he didn't say a word. He just took the letters from Ginny and said, "Thanks."
"Now, dear, you can put those packages in your room and open them later. We'll have lunch first," said Mrs. Weasley.
"Mum's right, Harry. Let's go." Ron said, slipping out of the kitchen.
Harry followed Ron and carried his packages up to their room.
Harry placed his packages inside his drawer and took a peek at his letters.
"A letter from Hogwarts… Hagrid… Hermione… and Sirius!" said Harry happily. "Look, Ron, I have a letter from Sirius." Harry told Ron who was in his bed, holding his letters.
"I'll read mine later," said Ron as he kept his letters under his bed. "Open your letter from Sirius, Harry." Ron suggested.
Harry ripped the letter open and read it aloud for both him and Ron to hear.
"'Dear Harry,
"'Happy birthday! I hope you're having the time of your life right now. I'm really sorry but I cannot accept your invitation—I can't make it there. I wish you'll understand; it's really dangerous and we cannot take the risk—not now.
"'I sent you a parcel together with this letter. Thank you for your letter—that made me feel better. I'm doing all right in here. I'm with Remus right now. It's a good thing your scar isn't hurting anymore. Tell me if anything happens back there. Let me know the updates time to time.
"'Remus also wanted to say hello to you and all of your friends.
Sirius
"'P.S. Use other owls when you send me your letter—not Hedwig. Too dangerous.'"
Harry felt really happy after reading his godfather's letter although he felt sad when he learned that Sirius wasn't going to come. "I'll open his parcel together with the others after having lunch." Harry told Ron while he kept his godfather's letter.
"You invited Sirius to come here?!" asked Ron with a tone of surprise and disbelief.
"Yup." Harry answered, grinning. "Your mum already knows and I think the others will understand, won't they?" asked Harry.
"I guess they won't mind," said Ron. "I'm surely going to enjoy it if Sirius and Lupin will come. I miss them both already." Ron said, smiling.
"Let's go down, Ron," said Harry, placing the letters inside his drawer. "Mrs. Weasley might be waiting for us."
Ron nodded and followed Harry.
They arrived in the kitchen seeing that all the others were already seated, waiting for them.
"Good, now we can eat our lunch." Fred announced, "I'm starving."
Harry slouched in the nearest vacant chair and Ron sat beside him.
They ate their lunch quietly then Mrs. Weasley stood up and went to the sink to get their dessert.
Harry was surprised when he saw what their dessert was.
It was a cake with his name on it; it had chocolate icing with different candies and sweets on top.
"Here, Harry," said Mrs. Weasley, "Happy birthday again." She laid the cake on top of the table and handed Harry a green sweater vest.
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley." Harry said, beaming.
"That's all right, dear." Mrs. Weasley answered, smiling her usual sweet smile as she began to slice the cake for everyone.
Harry was about to start in eating his slice but Fred and George called him. He raised his head to look at the two.
The twins smiled at Harry and handed out their present. "Harry before you open our present, read our card, okay?" Fred said to Harry.
Harry nodded and smiled.
Then, they had a wonderful time eating their delicious slices of cake for dessert.
Harry finished eating his cake (after having three slices) and stood up. "I'll go upstairs." He said and went rushing upstairs with the green sweater vest and the twins' present in his hand.
Upon entering the room, Harry placed the sweater vest Mrs. Weasley gave to him in the closet together with his and Ron's clothes. He opened his drawer and took out all his letters and presents.
"Let's see…" Harry said as he began to open his letters.
As usual, his letter from Hogwarts was all about their schedule for the train that will bring them to Hogwarts (King's Cross station, September first at eleven o'clock) and list of books for fifth year students.
Harry didn't bother much about his letter from Hogwarts and so after a quick look at it, he abruptly placed it back in its envelope. He tore Hagrid's letter open and read it. As usual, it was written in a direly sloppy scribble, saying:
Dear Harry,
How's yer vacation doin' there? Sure think that yeh're enjoyin' yourself there. At leas' yeh get ter spend yer whole vacation with a wizardin' family an' not with those Muggles.
Forgot! Happy birthday Harry! Sent yeh some chocolates and cake fer yer present.
See yeh at Hogwarts. Preparin' my lesson plan for the school year already.
Hagrid
Harry finished reading his giant friend's letter. He felt gratified when he learned that Hagrid will still be teaching them and that he didn't send another weird book or a vicious four-headed spider for his present. Hagrid was the gamekeeper back at Hogwarts and he loved to befriend wild spiders, take a three headed dog for a pet and even nurse a baby dragon, which was highly dangerous. It was because of this giant that Harry was able to meet his friends now and be able to study at Hogwarts.
Harry took his last letter—which was from Hermione—and opened it.
Dear Harry,
I'm doing fine in my vacation here. Good thing you decided to write a letter to me. Because if you didn't, I wouldn't know how I could send you this. It's good that you and Ron are safe and having fun back there.
By the way, I hope you weren't doing anything that would cause you trouble or get you expelled lately—like using magic, perhaps.
Harry grinned upon remembering what he and Ron did to de-gnome the garden. "Hermione does know her friends…" Harry said to himself grinning.
I'll be going there next Sunday at around two in the afternoon. My parents decided to change their schedule, they have to make an urgent trip to China. So just wait for me there. If there would be further changes in the schedule, I may arrive there earlier than expected. As early as this coming Sunday, I guess.
I hope you've done your homeworks already. I had a hard time with my essay for Professor Binns but I already finished it. How about you? I'll check yours when I get there.
See you there and happy birthday!
Hermione
P.S. Please tell Ron that I can't write a reply to his letter because I'm very busy with my homework. Just tell him I'm fine and that I said hello.
Harry felt excited about the thought of Hermione coming at the Burrow. At last, they can play more games with her and she could help them with their reports. He stopped his thoughts and smiled. After that, Harry placed Hermione's letter together with the others back inside his drawer. He opened the twins' present for him that was lying in his bed. He saw a card attached on top of the box and immediately read it.
Happy birthday Harry!
This box is highly dangerous especially if you open this without our consent.
This box contains all of our latest inventions and gadgets for fun and antics.
The fireworks are funnier this time—once it explodes, it shrieks like a banshee.
Be careful upon opening this because with a single mistake you might wake up one day with a bulging nose.
We didn't put a manual on how to use these stuffs so you have to figure them out yourself.
We're planning to send one of these boxes to Percy on his birthday. What do you think?
Anyway, have fun and thanks for your help!
P.S. Don't let Mum see these stuffs, okay? She'll freak out if she does.
Fred and George
Harry smiled at the twins' message and opened the box. "Now these will surely make Mrs. Weasley mad for a week!" Harry gasped after seeing the contents of the box. Inside were wands (that would surely appear out to be fake), another pack of unlit Filibuster fireworks, a squiggly quill, dancing pack of candies and different tasty looking treats—cupcakes, cookies, toffees, caramel pops and sugar canes.
Harry knew Fred and George so much that he wouldn't fall for their old tricks. "These things would surely be dangerous, better not to touch them anymore," said Harry. "Mrs. Weasley might see them. I'll just keep these."
He reached out for the first parcel that Hedwig had been carrying, which turned out to be from Hagrid.
Just like Hagrid had said in his letter, it contained chocolates and a delicious-looking cake (perhaps, bought from Hogsmeade). Harry grabbed a piece of chocolate from the box and began munching it. He stretched his hand out for his remaining parcels and presents and carried them towards the door.
"Harry! So have you opened our present already?"
It was Fred and George. The two were sitting on the kitchen chairs writing something on a parchment.
"Hi!" greeted Harry. "Yeah, I've seen it. So that's the explanation of the explosions in your room."
Fred and George grinned and shrugged.
"What are you doing in here? Homework?" asked Harry, putting the boxes he was carrying on the table.
"Nah. We're doing a list for our shop while Mum is in her room upstairs." George said.
"Have you eaten any of those treats we included in your present yet?" asked Fred, looking excited.
"I have no intention of eating any of those. Not at all," said Harry. He took the boxes in his hands again and headed for the door. "I'm going to the riverbank to open some of my presents there. I want to have some fresh air." Harry said before the door closed.
"You know, Fred," said George while he bit the tip of his quill, "I'm happy Harry hadn't eaten any of those candies or he might come down at us laughing like a hyena."
"Yeah." Fred replied. " But I feel disappointed too. Now we don't know if it worked or not. Maybe we'll try it to someone else, Ron or Ginny. Or even Percy."
"Yeah." George sighed.
Ginny was sitting on her bed while she read Hermione's letter. After having their lunch, he followed Harry upstairs and went to her room. The letter went like this:
Dear Ginny,
I'm sorry I didn't reply to you earlier. I was having trouble with my homework in Potions I had to focus a week so I can do my report about the Diminishing Potion and Crying Potion. I even asked my parents to let me go to London to buy another reference book.
By the way, Pig was really great company. He kept on hooting day and night to let you know you're not alone. That made the occupants on the nearby rooms of the hotel we're staying complain about his clamor. I always put Owl Treats on his beak whenever he hoots so he would keep quiet.
How are you in there? I got my letter from Hogwarts yesterday. So have you given your present to Harry? I sure think he will like it. I'm going there next Sunday—earlier than what was planned. My parents got an immediate call and they have to fly to China next week. I'll be there at around two in the afternoon.
I got something to tell you but I can't write it on my letter—too important. I'll tell you when I come there.
Well, see you there soon and enjoy your vacation!
Hermione
P.S. Harry told me in his letter you're already friends—in fact, he said he's enjoying your company very much. Keep up the good work!
Ginny wondered what would Hermione tell her. She also smiled at Hermione's remark about Harry and her. And speaking of Harry….
"Oh, no!" gasped Ginny with quite a shock. "I forgot to return Harry's hanky again." She announced.
She rose from her bed and quickly looked for Harry's handkerchief inside her drawer.
"At last!" She said victoriously, raising the red handkerchief high. "I'll just go find Harry and give him this." She told herself as she placed the handkerchief in her pocket. She walked towards the door happily.
"Have any of you seen Harry?" Ginny asked hurriedly to Fred and George, who were still seated in their chairs deep in thinking.
Fred turned to Ginny's direction and said, "What?"
"I said if you have seen Harry anywhere." Ginny repeated louder than the first, looking rather annoyed.
"Oh, Harry." George said, yawning. "I think I'll go upstairs and take a nap…" He stood up, still yawning, fixed his chair and left the two to head upstairs.
Ginny followed George with her eyes but said nothing. Instead, she shifted her look towards Fred, waiting.
"I'll go now, Gin. Got to go to my room and finish some tasks," said Fred as he stood up, fixing the parchments in his hand. Before he started his way towards the narrow passageway, he said to Ginny, "Harry's outside. Riverbank." And he left without any further statement.
Ginny shrugged and told herself, "Weird. The moment I came they immediately felt like going upstairs…" She heaved a sigh then went outside to look for Harry.
Harry was already in the riverbank, sitting on one of the not so high branches of the weeping willow near the river. The flowers on the flowerbeds looked lovely together with the grass around it.
"The whole place is so quiet and peaceful…I love it in here," Harry said, stretching his arms.
He took the small orange box from the pile of boxes beside him and slowly unwrapped it. Out came a small shiny ball with small wings like a bird. "A Snitch!" Harry cried happily. "A Golden Snitch!" The golden ball really looked exactly like a Snitch—in fact, it was a replica of a Snitch. Harry examined it carefully and saw that something was engraved within its surface. "Harry Potter: Youngest Gryffindor Seeker." Harry said, reading the inscription. Harry was about to return the Snitch replica when he felt that there was something else on the box. He opened the box for the second time and saw a small broom (which was no doubt—a Nimbus Two Thousand just like what Harry had before) and a small note attached on its handle. Harry looked at the note and immediately recognized Ron's rushed handwriting.
Harry,
Happy birthday! I hope you liked my present for you. I bought this in Hogsmeade the last time we visited there. I made the inscription on the Snitch myself. The Snitch can't fly though. And the Nimbus—well, so you'll have a remembrance of your old Nimbus that you can keep in your pocket (it floats, you know!).
Till here,
Ron
"Ron's present is totally cool!" exclaimed Harry while he kept the Snitch and broom back in their box. He reached out for the second parcel Hedwig brought for him. An envelope was taped on top of the parcel and Harry took it and opened it before opening the box. This time, the note was written neatly:
Harry,
This parcel contains your present (as you already know) and I hope you'll like this. Viktor told me you'd like this because you love Quidditch and I hope he's right. He was the one who suggested that I give you this and it's a clever suggestion, if I may say so. Won't say anything else here.
See you soon.
Hermione
"Viktor Krum?" Harry said uncertainly to himself. "What's with the issue with Krum?" Harry said as he taped the envelope back on the box. He opened the box and revealed a book.
"A book? Clever suggestion?" Harry said, feeling confused and curious.
He took the book from the box and began to leaf through its pages. It wasn't a book at all; it was a scrapbook. The scrapbook contained loads of pictures and clippings about Quidditch. Some of the pictures were taken right on the field and as usual—all were moving that made the pictures look more lively and interesting. It even had some autographs of well-known Quidditch players. Harry enjoyed flipping the scrapbook page by page. At the end of the scrapbook was Harry's picture during one match of Quidditch back at Hogwarts. He was riding his Nimbus Two Thousand, flying after the Golden Snitch. Harry's name was written below the picture and a caption:
Harry Potter: Gryffindor Seeker
This picture of Harry Potter was taken
on Harry's Second Year by Colin Creevey.
Harry really liked Hermione's present to him. He returned it inside its box and took the next parcel, which was somewhat smaller than the others were. He unwrapped the package and saw a note attached to it. Recognizing Sirius's handwriting, Harry read the note quickly that went like this:
Happy birthday!
This was your father's when he was still alive.
It was your mother's first present to your father
when they became a couple.
I found it lying on the floor of your parents' house
the night they died.
I think you must have it rather than I keep it.
Sirius
Harry opened the box and found a silver pocket watch inside. Its surface was already antique but it was still very shiny. He opened the pocket watch and saw the picture of his parents together smiling broadly at him. His father looked just like him only few years older; a man with untamed jet-black hair—that kept on sticking in every direction—and glasses. Her mother was really gorgeous with her dark red hair tied back and her lovely bright green eyes, which Harry had inherited. The pocket watch was still running smoothly and so he decided to use it.
"Now where in the world is Harry?" A voice below Harry said, sounding a little annoyed and tired. "Fred said he's in the riverbank and now I'm here but Harry's not!" The voice complained.
"Ginny, I'm up here!" Harry called out to Ginny.
"Is that you, Harry?" asked Ginny. "Where are you?"
"Up here in the tree!" said Harry.
Ginny looked up and saw Harry. "Okay, I see you. I'll be up there in a minute!" She called out.
Harry waited for Ginny and after a few moments…Ginny was already sitting beside Harry.
Ginny smiled at Harry and said, "Hi Harry! Why are you up here?"
"Just wanted to have some fresh air, I guess. I'm opening my presents right now." Harry said, smiling back. "You're a good climber."
"Thanks. I love to climb this weeping willow that's why I memorize each and every trunk of this tree," said Ginny, flushing, while she swung her legs back and forth slowly. "That's a pretty watch you have. Who gave it to you?" asked Ginny, pointing to the pocket watch Harry was holding.
"Yeah, it's really pretty. My godfather gave it to me as a present." Harry said, looking at the pocket watch. "Here. You can take a look at it for a while," added Harry as he handed the watch to Ginny.
Ginny got it and whispered her thanks, slightly blushing. She touched its shiny cover and opened it. "Harry, are they your parents?" asked Ginny, pointing to the picture in the pocket watch.
Harry nodded and said, "I got the color of my mum's eyes and I look just like my dad only years younger."
Ginny nodded to show her approval. "Your mum is so pretty…" Ginny said dreamily, looking closer to the pocket watch. "Oh!" gasped Ginny as she slipped back to reality. "I forgot that I only went here to return your hanky!" She exclaimed while she clumsily searched her pockets for the red handkerchief. "Here it is!" Ginny said. "I'm sorry if I disturbed you, Harry. Thanks for lending me your hanky." Ginny handed the pocket watch together with the red handkerchief.
Harry took the watch and handkerchief and said, "Thank you, Gin. It's okay, you didn't disturb me. It's nice to have you as company."
Ginny immediately blushed upon Harry's remark. She was about to climb down but Harry stopped her. Ginny looked at Harry, looking confused.
"You can stay here—I mean—you don't have to go." Harry said, "Besides I don't want to be alone. I'll be opening your present next." He added to convince Ginny to stay.
"Okay then, I'll stay a little longer." Ginny said, smiling.
Harry smiled back and took the last present unopened. Ginny kept silent for a moment while Harry opened the box.
"It's a book?" Harry asked as he took it from its box.
"No," answered Ginny, looking nervous. "You open it."
Harry opened it and saw the first page of the scrapbook, which was where Ginny wrote her dedication.
"It's a scrapbook," Harry heard Ginny say after he had read her dedication.
Harry slowly flipped the pages of the scrapbook.
Please let Harry like them…please, Ginny pleaded at the back of her mind.
"Ginny, this is me when I was in the Great Hall with Ron and Hermione, right?" asked Harry, pointing to the drawing on the third page.
Ginny only nodded and Harry continued to flip the pages.
"This is when I was playing with Ron at the paddock and this one was when I was carrying my broom after Ron and I played at the paddock," said Harry. "I didn't know you can draw," remarked Harry.
Ginny frowned at Harry's remark. Harry never knew anything about her. When she saw Harry's worried face, she smiled. "I had lessons last summer. Every time I have a chance to draw I practice and I decided to pile them in a sketchpad. And since your birthday was coming and you're going to celebrate it here with us, I decided to give you a present. But because I had no money to buy a present for you, I decided to draw you then compile them and give them to you as my present." She said still smiling, trying to sound cheerful.
"They look so real and the colors are fantastic!" complimented Harry, hoping to brighten Ginny up.
"Thank you," said Ginny in return as her cheeks slightly turned scarlet.
Harry turned the pages once again and stopped. "Gin, this one was when we were in here to look at the sunrise, right? And this one when I was writing a letter and the other when—I was sleeping?!" Harry said, looking surprised about having a drawing while he was asleep. "How did you drew that?" he asked.
Ginny giggled when she saw Harry's look. "Which one?" She asked. "If you're talking 'bout the one where we were looking at the sunrise, I had it stored in my memory and after having our breakfast, I drew it and if it's about you writing a letter, well, while you were writing I drew you without you noticing it." Ginny said kindly.
"Not that, when I was sleeping," Harry said as he waited for Ginny's answer anxiously.
Ginny giggled more while she looked at Harry's eager face. "Oh, that one. Well, you remember the night when I had a nightmare and I decided to go down. I saw you there sleeping and I decided not to disturb you but instead draw you." Ginny told Harry. "You're not mad, are you?" She asked, looking worried.
Harry sighed and felt relieved after Ginny's answer. "No, I'm not mad. I mean—why should I? You made such great effort to finish these sketches. Thank you, Ginny. It's a splendid present." Ginny heard Harry say.
Ginny was so happy that very moment. Her heart was beating so fast and it kept on leaping because of her joy. Harry liked my sketches! She thought delightedly. Ginny smiled at Harry and said, "I'm happy you liked them."
Harry, realizing how happy his remark made Ginny, smiled back. "Gin, can I ask two more questions?" asked Harry.
Ginny nodded. "Okay," She replied softly, looking straight at Harry's eyes. And for the first time, Ginny managed to look into those eyes without blushing.
"The first question is, I don't remember myself doing this pose. When did I do that?" Harry asked, pointing to the last sketch on the scrapbook—the smiling Harry.
"That one?" Ginny said looking at it and then back at Harry. "Actually, you haven't done that. That one was made from my imagination." Ginny explained.
"You have a great wide imagination," said Harry. He closed the scrapbook and kept it in its box.
"Ron gave you stuffs which are related to Quidditch, right?" Ginny asked, looking to the other boxes beside Harry.
"Yeah," answered Harry, "Hermione also gave me something to do with Quidditch." He said, taking a box from the pile and opening it. "Here's her present," said Harry, laying the scrapbook on Ginny's lap.
"Thanks," Ginny spoke softly. She opened it and began to leaf through its pages.
"It's a Quidditch scrapbook then," Ginny said, closing the scrapbook and returning it to Harry.
"Hermione said she got the idea from Krum." Harry told Ginny, returning the scrapbook inside its box.
"Krum? You mean the famous Bulgarian Seeker, Viktor Krum?" Ginny asked.
"Yup. That guy." Harry said.
Ginny was unhappy for Ron now that Ron was going to have a rival for Hermione. She only hoped that Ron would realize his feelings soon before it was too late.
"Gin I think we better go down and return to the Burrow. It's getting late," Harry said when Ginny didn't say anything anymore, looking towards the setting sun across the grass fields.
Ginny nodded and helped Harry with his presents. In no time, the two were both on the ground and on their way towards the Burrow.
"Best friends?" Harry said after what seemed like such a long period of silence.
"Huh?" Ginny said as she glanced at Harry, looking perplexed with what Harry had just said.
"That's my second question," said Harry, stopping.
Ginny stopped beside Harry and looked at Harry, more perplexed than a while ago.
"I said if we could be best friends." Harry said, explaining more.
Ginny looked at Harry but didn't say anything.
"You know, best friends. Just like me, Ron and Hermione." Harry said when Ginny didn't answer him. He couldn't help but smile upon Ginny's look. "So, best friends?" he asked again, holding his hand out to Ginny.
"Best friends!" Ginny answered happily, shaking Harry's hand.
And together they walked back to the Burrow—both, wearing identical smiles on their faces.
A/N: Again, review please. ^o^