Chapter 3: Parties and Secrets
Harry woke up to the Weasley's ghost pounding on the pipes. He checked his watch seeing that it was still early. He tried to go back to sleep, but Ginesa wouldn't let him. He drowsily makes his way to the bathroom to take a shower. As he came into Ron's room, Harry saw Ron and Draco awake.
'' Hey guys, '' Harry said using their mind link.
'' Morning Harry, '' Yang said, '' Happy Birthday. ''
'' Yeah Happy Birthday Harry, '' Ron said.
'' Let's go get breakfast, '' Draco said walking out the door.
'' Then can we go into Diagon Alley? '' Ginesa asked.
'' Sure, after I say hi to Sirius and Remus, '' Harry said.
The three boys and three guardians ran downstairs laughing joyfully. As they came into the kitchen Mrs. Weasley put bowls of porridge in front of each of the boys.
"Okay boys, when you are done just use Floo Powder to get to Diagon Alley. After that go to the Twins' shop until three o'clock," Mrs. Weasley told them, "I have to go out, so have fun."
Mrs. Weasley then went to the living room where Mr. Weasley was waiting. Harry, Ron, and Draco stared at the place where Mrs. Weasley had just stood.
"That was weird Mum didn't even wish Harry a happy birthday," Ron said.
"Maybe she was too busy," Harry said.
"Hey guys who ordered the side of owl with their porridge," Draco commented as three owls flew in through the kitchen window.
A tan owl sat in front of Draco, a gray one in front of Harry, and a dark brown one in front of Ron. Each teen took off the pouch from the owl's leg. Then the three owls took off in a flurry of wings leaving the boys confused. Ron opened his pouch first.
"Bloody Hell, its money," Ron said shocked.
"So's mine," Draco said.
"And mine," Harry added, "I wonder who sent it?"
"I don't know, there isn't a note," Ron said.
"Well who cares, it's money," Draco said happy.
A fourth owl landed in front of Harry. He took off the parchment from his leg. The barn owl flew out the window.
Harry opened it up:
Dear Harry, Ron, and Draco-
The money was sent form us. We wanted
To thank you for helping us create all our
Wonderful prank items. So the money is to
Blow at Diagon Alley before coming to us.
Also Tom at the Leaky Cauldron will supply
Each of you Floo Powder to get here. Just say
'Weasley Wheezes.'
See you guys later,
Misters Fred and George Weasley
"Hey this is great," Ron said, "Plenty of Galleons to spend on whatever we want.:
"This is so great of Fred and George. Especially after everything they tried on us," Harry added.
"Yeah like the failed Puffercusions last year," Draco said, "So Diagon Alley time?"
"Let's go," Ron and Harry said at the same time.
They each grabbed a handful of Floo Powder. Ron stepped into the fireplace first.
"Diagon Alley," he said after throwing his Floo Powder down.
Ron disappeared in a flash of green flames. Draco stepped in next.
He threw the powder down, "Diagon Alley."
He also disappeared in a flash of green flames. Harry stepped into the fireplace. He took off his glasses so not to break them.
"Diagon Alley," he shouted.
Green flames surrounded him. Soon he felt wind rush by as he spun towards the Leaky Cauldron's fireplace. Harry slid out of the fireplace and onto the floor of the Leaky Cauldron. Harry stood up brushing soot from his robes. He put his glasses back on.
"I will be glad when I get my Apparition License so I don't have to do that again," Harry said.
"I don't know, it seems fine by me," Ron said.
"Well your used to it, I'm not," Harry said.
"So where to first?" Draco interrupted.
"Where else then…" Ron began.
"Quality Quidditch Supplies," all three said together.
The three teen boys went into the alley behind the Leaky Cauldron. Draco tapped out the password and soon the passage into Diagon Alley was revealed. They walked through talking excitedly about the upcoming Quidditch finals to occur in America this year against the America Phoenixes and the Welsh Greentails. As soon as they walked into the shop, Ron went straight to the brooms. Draco was looking at the practice quidditch kits. And Harry was looking for new armor and gloves.
"Hey guys look at this," Ron said.
"What?" Harry asked as he and Draco walked over.
"This…" Ron said holding a book.
The book was brown leather and very big.
"Hogwart's A History: New Quidditch Edition," Draco read, "Amazing. It has everything, from your brother Charlie to James Potter… And even you Harry."
"Wow!" Harry said as his eyes lit up, "Let's get it."
Ron took the book up to the register. The wizard saw the book and shook his head no.
"Sorry I cannot sell this to you," he said, "This is a display only. We expect another shipment of books in a month."
"Oh bugger," Harry said.
"Maybe Flourish and Blott's has it," Draco suggested.
"If you boys are planning on looking at Flourish and Blott's then your out of luck. They have been sold out for two months," the sale wizard said.
"Thanks," Ron said disappointed, "We need to head to Fred and George's."
The boys left then shop, hurrying to the Leaky Cauldron. Once there Tom gave them the Floo Powder. Each one in turn stepped into the fireplace and yelled 'Weasley Wheezes', before disappearing into the green flames. Fred and George saw them come out of the fireplace.
"Ah I see the old chaps have finally arrived," Fred said.
"Let us greet them brother," George said.
"Yes let's," Fred finished.
The smiling twins walked over to where the three teens stood brushing off the soot from their robes.
"Hullo you three, have fun in Diagon Alley?" Fred asked.
"Yeah, except everyone is sold out of the new Quidditch book," Ron said.
"If you are referring to Hogwart's A History: New Quidditch Edition, then we know. We have been trying to get it ourselves," George said, "Now why don't you three grab lunch at the Three Broomsticks, then come back."
"Sure thing," Draco said.
The three boys headed out into Hogsmeade and down to the Three Broomsticks. Fred waited until they were out of sight before walking to the office fireplace. He threw in some Floo Powder before just sticking his head in.
"Fred!" Hermione said, "What's up?"
"They're here," he said.
"Good. Keep them busy till three o'clock, then have them Floo to the Dog Pound."
"No problem," he said.
"Hey did you guys get it?" Jade asked coming into the kitchen.
"Yeah, it was mighty difficult though," Jade heard George say as he came into the office, "Watch out it's coming in."
Hermione caught the package and gave it to Jade. Jade headed back out into the garden to finish the decorations.
"Well guys gotta go, don't forget three o'clock," Hermione said.
"Later," both Fred and George said before Fred's head disappeared.
"So far, so good," Hermione said.
"Hermione dear, the cake is ready for frosting now," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Coming," Hermione called out hurrying to the table.
Sirius and Remus came into the kitchen carrying grocery bags. They set them down on the counters before collapsing onto the kitchen chairs. Sirius tried to lick some of the frosting from the cake, but Mrs. Weasley was ready for him.
"Why don't you two see if they need any help decorating the garden," she suggested.
"Come on Padfoot, we're being kicked out," Remus said as he dragged Sirius into the garden.
Jade saw her dad being dragged out of the kitchen by Remus. She ran over to them.
"Hey Jade," Remus said, "Any thing we can help with?"
"Actually yes. You guys can help Mr. Weasley, Bill, and Charlie put up the pavilion and then hang the birthday sign," she told them.
"Sure thing," Padfoot said.
Both Remus and Sirius went to help Mr. Weasley, Bill, and Charlie put up the pavilion. Jade went inside seeing a beautiful birthday cake finished. Ginny came into the kitchen as well.
"Hey guys anything else need to be done?" Ginny asked.
"Just taking all the food outside to the tables, that is if the pavilion is up yet," Jade said.
Mrs. Weasley went outside to check on the guys. She came back in smiling. She grabbed the large bowl of coleslaw before leaving again. Jade, Hermione, and Ginny followed suit carrying bowls of salads, dips, fruits, vegetables, bags of chips, buns, and meat. By the time everything was set up it was almost 2:30 pm.
There was a boom that came from the living room. Dean Thomas, Neville Longbottom, and Seamus Finnigan came out of the house. Their families followed close behind. Dumbledore, Hagrid, Professor McGonagall, and even Professor Snape apparated into the back yard. Almost every Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff invited showed up.
Jade started the grill up knowing that Harry, Ron, Draco, and the Twins will be arriving soon. There was another boom from inside the house.
"Alright everyone, get ready," Mrs. Weasley said.
Harry walked out of the house into the garden, "Surprise!"
He nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard the tremendous shout. Sirius came up to him, leading him into the garden.
"Wh-what's going on?" he asked.
"Your birthday party," Sirius said, "It was all Jade, Ginny, and Hermione's idea."
"Wow," Ron said.
The three boys walked to the refreshment table grabbing cokes. Fred and George popped in behind Jade. Percy Weasley was the only one not there, being that he was still at the Ministry of Magic working. Every guest wished Harry a happy birthday.
Soon Harry, Ron, Neville, and Dean were in a heated discussion about who was going to win the Quidditch final this year. Jade was forbidden near the grill by Remus. Ginny and Hermione were laughing at something that Sirius said.
Draco and a few Gryffindor fifth years were in a deep conversation. Most of the adults were in groups around the garden eating and conversing. Jade glance at the woods seeing a man in unusual clothing. She blinked and he was gone.
"Ms. Black are you alright?" Dumbledore asked as he came up behind Jade.
"Huh? Oh Professor!" Jade said startled, "I didn't realize anyone…"
"It's quite alright. You seem distracted is all," he said.
"No… I'm okay," Jade said as she glanced at the woods once again, "Are you enjoying the party?"
"I am, thank you," Dumbledore said smiling, his eyes twinkling.
"In the cooler there is some lemon sorbets and on the table there are lemon drops. In know how much you enjoy them," Jade said, "But steer clear of the cream puffs, I think the Twins have put one of their Canary Creams in them. Or was it their Parrot Pepper… anyway just watch what you eat," Jade said.
Dumbledore chuckled, "Thank you for the warning, Ms. Black."
He walked towards the refreshment table leaving Jade alone. Jade went to mingle with the guests. Soon it was getting late and most of the guests had left. Presents were opened, all but a few that was.
The only guests left were the Weasley's, Hermione, Remus, Jade, Draco, and Sirius. Mrs. Weasley did a quick clean up spell as everyone sat around a roaring bonfire. Sirius gave Harry a box in brightly colored paper.
"Harry this was once your mother's, but it is time it was given to you," Sirius said.
Harry unwrapped the gift finding a cherry wood box. He opened it up seeing two books inside. One was her diary in burgundy leather. The other one was in dark green leather and unentitled. Harry tried to open it, but nothing happened.
"Thank you, Sirius," Harry said closing the box once again.
"Harry this is from us," Mrs. Weasley said handing him another brightly wrapped package.
Harry opened it up finding a new picture album. There were pictures of his friends, himself playing Quidditch, teachers, and almost everyone he knew.
"Thank you," he said.
"Now since the more sentimental presents are done, here," Jade said as Ron and Draco set down a fairly large box.
"What is this?" Harry asked.
"A gift from me, Draco, Ron, Hermione, Jade, Ginesa, Yang, Quill, Marsailles, and Claudette," Ginny told him, "Now open it."
Harry shrugged before opening the box. There was a loud boom and gold and crimson lettering appeared forming the words 'Happy Birthday Harry'. He reached into the box pulling out plenty of wizard candy, but the main gift was wrapped in foil paper that had fireworks exploding all over it. He ripped off the paper and gapped at what was inside.
"Ho-how did you guys get it?" Harry asked.
"Fred and George helped. They bought it when it came out," Jade said.
"Amazing," Harry said looking at his very own copy of Hogwart's A History: New Quidditch Edition.
"Cool Harry, let's go up to your room and look at it," Draco said.
All three boys ran into the house intended on breaking in the new book. Hermione, Ginny, and Jade also headed toward the house.
"Good-night dad," Jade said.
"Good-night sweetie," Sirius said.
He gave Jade a hug. The three teen girls ran inside and up to Jade's room. The kids were all going to stay until school began. Sirius kicked back in his chair enjoying the silence. Remus and Arthur Weasley were scheming on the other side of the bonfire. Molly Weasley was nowhere to be found. Sirius saw her sneaking up behind Arthur and Remus.
He knew she was about to pull a prank. Sure enough she dumped two buckets of paint on the two scheming adults. Sirius laughed from where he sat. Remus was now lime green in color and Arthur hot pink. Molly sat down as she tried to control her laughter.
"Molly!" Both men yelled.
"I couldn't help myself," she said in between fits of laughter.
"Fine then," Arthur said a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Sirius your next as well," Remus called.
"Me? Why?" Sirius asked.
"Just because," Remus answered.
Arthur and Remus shook hands and suddenly disapparated. Both Sirius and Molly stopped laughing. They waited to see what would happen. The minutes passed by and nothing happened. All of a sudden there was music. Sirius' feet started dancing and so did Molly Weasley's. Neither one could control their feet. Remus and Arthur appeared, laughing like crazy men.
"Alright boys, uncurse our feet," Molly said.
"Truce then," Remus asked.
"Truce," both Sirius and Molly said.
Arthur raised his wand, "Finite Incantatum."
Both Molly and Sirius stopped dancing. All four adults sat down laughing at what just happened.
"Sirius, Remus the party was wonderful, but now we must get home," Arthur said.
"Good-luck with the kids," Molly said.
Both Weasley's disapparated from the garden. Sirius and Remus went into the house. They headed upstairs.
"Good-night girls," Remus said.
"Night," all three girls said.
"Good-night boys," Sirius said.
"Night," all three boys called out.
Both Padfoot and Moony went to their rooms.
"Hey Jade want to prank the boys?" Hermione asked.
"Sure," both Ginny and Jade said.
"When the boys go to bed here's what we'll do," Hemione said.
Hermione explained to Jade and Ginny about the prank. Both girls giggled at the prank. Jade snuck into the bathroom and grabbed the can of shaving cream from the sink. She went back into the room happy. Ginny was holding three feathers.
"This is going to be great," Ginny said.
"Yup, just wait till they go to sleep…" Jade said as she began to brush her hair.
Ginny and Hermione were doing the same thing when each girl noticed something wrong with their hairbrushes.
"Those boys are dead," Hermione said as honey coated her hair.
"This means war," Ginny added.
"We'll show them that we are just as devious as they are," Jade said.
The girls each in turn washed out the honey from their hair. They could hear the boys' laughter coming from Harry's room.
"We'll see who gets the last laugh," Hermione said.
The three girls waited until they knew the boys were asleep before sneaking into Harry's room. Jade went to Draco and put shaving cream into his hand. She tossed the can to Ginny who did the same to Harry. Hermione took the can from Ginny and put the shaving cream into Ron's hand.
"Thank goodness these boys are heavy sleepers," Jade whispered.
Jade began tickling Draco's nose with the feather. He reached up in his sleep to scratch his nose. Jade was holding in her laughter as he coated his face in shaving cream. Ginny did the same to Harry, who now looked like Dumbledore with white on his chin, cheeks, and nose.
Ron was beginning to look like the abominable snowman. Hermione stopped and begun sneaking back out of the room. Ginny followed shortly after. Jade headed towards the door just making it. Once all three girls were safely in the bedroom they started laughing.
"I can't believe we actually did it," Ginny said.
Jade began yawning, "I think this year there's going to be two Marauder groups. Us and the boys."
"Definitely," Hermione agreed.
"Good-night," Jade said as exhaustion nearly took her.
"Good-night," Hermione and Ginny said.
Jade shut off the light before lying down. Sleep instantly took her.