Chapter Twenty-The Party
July 31st came quickly for the Snape family. Severus was
released from the hospital on the 21st so he could share the
day with his children. A party was planned and everyone
Harry and Emily cared about would be coming.
The sun was bursting through the window early that morning.
It was nearing nine now and Harry had yet to wake up, his
sister was also fast asleep. Hermione crept in, a small box
in her hand as closed the door behind her. She had to stifle
a laugh when she saw Harry. His blankets on the floor, and
his comforter clutched around him as his body faced the
wall, a small snore being omitted from his mouth. Creeping
over she smiled when she saw a glass of water by his bed.
Taking it she sat down beside him on the bed and took the
glass of water and smiled deeply. She bent over the bed and
placed a kiss on his cheek, then poured a couple drops in
his ear. Causing him to sit up and scowl at her.
"Hermione!" He yelled, she could tell he was not angry.
"Happy Birthday Harry," she said. He smiled and kissed
her lips slowly.
"Thanks Hermione," he responded. She handed him the box
in her hand.
"What's this?"
"The first part of your birthday present," she
explained. He smiled softly and opened the box. Inside laid a
small ring; there wasn't much to it, just a regular ring.
He looked at it and saw something inscribed in the gold.
"To Harry, I love you, Mione." He read aloud. He looked
up at her as he placed the ring on his finger.
"I love you too," he said as he kissed her gently.
"Come on, everyone is waiting for you two sleepy heads to
get up and come down for breakfast. However, you are to
reserve a little time if you can for me?" She said
smiling. He kissed her nose.
"Tonight, at sun set, you are more than welcome to join
me for the setting of the sun." She smiled.
"It's a date."
~~~~~~
"Happy Birthday Harry, Emily!" Ron greeted his friend
as he, Emily, Hermione and Neville made their way
downstairs.
"Thanks Ron," Emily said kissing his cheek. Harry
smiled and shook his friend's hand.
"Happy birthday kid," Sirius said smiling. Harry looked
at the dark haired figure of his godfather.
"Did dad invite you?" He asked.
"Yes Harry, I did," Severus said. Emily ran to her
father and jumped into his arms. He whirled her around and
smiled.
"Happy Birthday baby girl, the first of many," he said
kissing her cheek. He watched Harry's reaction to his
Godfather being there. Harry turned and walked towards his
father, joining his sister in hugging him.
"Thanks dad," Harry whispered. Severus kissed his head.
"Happy Birthday Wolfie," he responded. He looked up and
saw Sirius eyeing him, while Lupin, Dumbledore and Lea all
smiled.
"How about a brunch?" Lea said as she led her two
charges towards the table, where a large set table was
covered with French toast, pancakes and waffles.
"This is great!" Harry said. When everyone was seated
they all dug in. Harry was seated between Hermione and Ron,
talking it up with them, while Emily was on the other side
Hermione and Neville Longbottom beside her.
"Charlie is really sorry he couldn't make it 'Arry, he
was busy, but he sent your present with me," Bill, the
eldest Weasley said smiling.
"How is he?"
"Busy, how are you doing 'Arry, I hear you've had a
bit of a rough summer?"
"It's been rough, but I'm happy," Harry said
looking at his father who was laughing as he spoke to Lupin.
"Did Snape cut his hair?" Ron asked looking at his
Potions Professor.
"Yes, mum cut his hair, and mine," Harry said as
Hermione smiled at him.
"I knew you looked different," Ron said. Hermione
gripped her boyfriend's hand and smiled.
Suddenly attention was drawn and Dumbledore rose and smiled
at the group of people.
"As everyone has already figured out, today is Harry and
Emily's sixteenth birthday, and we are here to celebrate
it. Harry you've spent fifteen years living somewhere you
didn't belong. I am responsible for that, I'd like you
to know that you are here for a reason, and if nothing else
the people at this table should tell you that. Happy
Birthday Harry!" There was a chorus of Happy Birthday for
Harry, and Lea stood up.
"Emily, today is your sweet sixteen, I made you a promise
ten years ago when you and I spoke about the future, and in
the living room you will find your present, Harry you will
find the same thing. Your father of course helped me pick
each one out, so please go right ahead and try to find them.
Until you figure out where we've placed them, you can
follow me to the living room and open your presents. By the
way dear one, I'm thrilled and honoured to have been able
to watch you grow up for the past sixteen years," Lea said
kissing her daughter's head.
Harry and Emily, along with their party guests headed into
the living room, where presents were lining the walls, Emily
smiled at her brother.
"Harry, seeing as you're the younger one, you can open
a few of yours, and then Emily can."
An hour later Harry had six books that would come in handy,
three on Potions, none of which he had. Three photo albums,
new Quidditch gear, candy (from Ron) a box of exploding
snaps, and butterbeer, a new golden retriever puppy (from
his dad), keys to his James' vault that would help him see
more of James. And keys to a new car in which he had to
find, and learn how to drive.
Emily had a lot of new jewellery, several books, candy, photo
albums, a chessboard, a baby kitten and a car she too had
to find and learn how to drive. All in all it had been a
great couple of hours.
"There are now several cars sitting out in the driveway,
one is yours Harry and one is yours Emily. All the rest
belong to the guests. You are to head outside and find
them," Severus said smiling as he handed the two keys to
his children.
Harry and Emily headed outside; each had a hint, since they
knew that it was the car that was their favourite colour.
Severus stood with Lea as they watched the party watch Harry
and Emily find their cars.
"They passed their O.W.L.S, right?" Severus said.
"Severus, they passed them months ago, you know that, so
stop being such a git and loosen up." She said ruffling
his hair as he groaned.
"I love you, and my kids," he whispered.
It didn't take long for Emily to find her beautiful dark
red car. It took Harry only moments later, finding his dark
forest green car. Harry looked at his father and smiled
softly as he ran his hand over the beautiful car.