Chapter One – Five years after graduation
Harry's Birthday – July 31
The house was eerily quiet for that time of day, but the twenty-two year old Harry Potter knew to expect anything at the Burrow. It was only five in the evening and usually that's when the house was at it's busiest with all the Weaslys bustling about, especially with the twins Fred and George who still lived at home. Luckily for the Mr. and Mrs., they were the last of the children to leave as Bill and Charlie had been moved out since they graduated, Percy right behind them, living with his wife Noelle and their children Marcus and Samuel. Ron, Hermione, and himself had moved into a nice flat right on the outskirts of London, still close to go to Diagon Alley whenever needed, more now than ever since Ron was seeing Lavender more seriously. Ginny was off on her own as well, living with Draco Malfoy, the least expected person for any of them to be associated with but in their final year at Hogwarts, he had proven that he wasn't the bastard they believed him to be and helped them with defeating Voldermort.
Harry was surprised as well when Draco had shown up that night, but was thankful in the end. No one had seen it coming yet it seemed almost right in the end. When Draco began seeing Ginny exclusively, Ron was the last to come around naturally. It was hard seeing his nemesis dating his younger sibling, especially after everything that had happened their last seven years at Hogwarts but he finally accepted it when he saw how well they got along together. Their friendship was still rocky, but playful and Ron was thankful to have another friend to make fun of Ginny with.
Almost everyone was the same since their Hogwarts days. Ron was still himself with eating until he almost burst, Lavender spreading the latest gossip, Hermione behind open books, Draco being the jackass, and Harry playing hero. And yet no matter how hard he tried, he still wasn't quite over Hermione. Sure, he had dated other witches but none of them evened with her and all knew that. No one could compare with Harry's number one girl. But, he shook it off, knowing it would never work. Her words from seventh year would ring in his ears whenever he thought of being more than friends with her and he would shake his head, clearing those ridiculous thoughts. Ron would always ask about it but Harry would say it was nothing, which was what he had been telling himself ever since graduation. Seeing Hermione on that stage that afternoon, giving her final speech to their class, had been one of the hardest times for Harry. He had never cried openly in front of people before as neither did Ron but they sat together among their classmates as Hermione's speech washed over them. He couldn't remember all what she said but it had to do with that you couldn't sit around and wait for what you wanted. You had to get out there and get it yourself, or it would never happen. So, he did just that. Harry talked to Hermione about his feelings and kissed her. But, she backed off, saying she didn't feel the same way. Their friendship after that had been extremely awkward but with the help of Ron, they were soon the famous trio, everything forgotten. Hermione completely understood Harry whenever he felt something or anything and knew when to back off. But, he said it was all right and slowly began dating while beginning his training for the Ministry.
His latest fling was with a beautiful publisher who was possibly the sweetest girl any of them had met. Still, she didn't compare to Hermione, but she was second best in Harry's heart. He cared deeply for her, even with her as a Muggle, but he didn't seem to mind, and neither did his family, them being the most important thing in his life. Her name was Christiana and was as beautiful as the name. Ron liked her quite well and soon the whole Weasly family accepted her into the family with open arms. Hermione was the last to come around but finally did the same and soon became great friends with her, and Harry was happy to have her support.
So, he was surprised when he found the whole house completely quiet. Walking meekly around the house, as if an intruder, he thought back to think of anything that the red-headed family might have said about not being there but he came up with nothing. Where was everyone? Just as he was about to give up his search and leave the Burrow, the lights switched on and everyone jumped out from several hiding spots calling out, "Surprise!"
Harry jumped back and grinned bashfully as the family came rushing about him, giving handshakes, hugs, and kisses on the cheek. Ron and Hermione were the last to greet him and when he saw they, they both wore sly grins, wavering their friend's reaction. "Whose bright idea was this?" Harry asked, waving his arms about to show the room, his own smirk on his face. Both friends pointed at each other quickly and they soon erupted into laughs that made their stomachs hurt. Finally, they got together in a small group hug and Harry whispered his thanks. "You don't know how much this means to me."
"We know Harry. That's why we did this. You deserve it," Hermione grinned at him, one arm around Harry while the other found its way around Ron's.
"She's right mate. Happy birthday," Ron added.
Soon after, the party was underway, Harry making his way around the room to thank every individual wizard and witch for coming. In turn, each gave him a parcel or envelope of their own. He blushed and said they shouldn't, but they didn't budge. "It's your birthday. Get used to presents," they all said, so he accepted gratefully and moved on to the next guest. Hagrid and Dumbledore were among them, sitting with Sirius and Lupin who sat towards the back of the room while the younger adults controlled the food and music area.
"Ah, if it isn't the famous Harry Potter," Draco called out smoothly, his left arm wrapped around Ginny's waist while she sipped on some wine.
"Oh, the jackass himself!" Harry called back, walking over to them. Ginny just shook her head, but Harry could see a smile fighting its way on her lips.
"Happy birthday mate," Draco said in his kinder voice, using his free hand to shake Harry's.
"Thank you," Harry nodded.
"Well, your friends seem to out due themselves every year at these things. I wonder why, you aren't anything of any importance," Draco continued, his smirk showing he was simply joking but Harry joined in with him.
"I'm not sure why they do this. I guess their just expecting something in return when their birthday's come around," Harry shrugged.
"You think that'd work?" Draco laughed but Harry shook his head.
"You two are ridiculous," Ginny said, laughing slightly.
"I agree," Christiana said, making her way over to the trio. Harry smiled at her and she grinned back, linking her arm through his.
"We aren't ridiculous. We were just having a nice, simple conversation," Draco said, acting innocent. Ginny rolled her eyes as he leaned down and kissed her cheek.
"How come I don't believe him?" Christiana asked, looking towards her boyfriend. Harry shrugged in response.
"Who knows," he replied.
"Can we, uh, go for a walk privately?" she asked softly and Harry nodded.
"We'll be back," he said to both Ginny and Draco who were to busy to notice as they had begun making out, Draco leaning against the doorframe. The last thing Harry and his girlfriend heard was Ron yelling out, "Malfoy! Stop making out with my sister in public. It's revolting!"
The two lovers set about the Burrow's small garden, taking in the sunset that was just beginning to fall on the horizon. Being July, it was extremely warm but that night, it seemed just right with a nice breeze that blew the leaves across the grounds, making them seem to dance beautifully. "What did you want to talk about?" Harry asked, looking over at her for the first time that night. She was a very gorgeous witch with flowing blonde hair and bright blue eyes, and extremely thin. There didn't seem to be anything wrong with this girl, which made Harry appreciate her even more.
"Well, nothing's wrong or anything, it's just that I've been asked to go on tour for my client's book publishing," she explained and Harry grinned happily.
"That's wonderful darling!" he exclaimed.
"I suppose so. You're really happy for me?" she asked, looking up at Harry expectantly.
"Of course I do love. This is what you've always wanted. How long is this tour? A week?" he asked after kissing her cheek sweetly.
"Actually, it's a few months," she said quietly and they stopped walking, Harry watching her. "We're going all over the world. After going around Europe, we're heading for America and Australia. I think China and India even. It's a big book tour for Missy and I can't no go," she rambled on, flailing her arms about.
"I'm not telling you not to go Christiana. I'm very happy for you and I know you love this. Therefore, I want you to go. Besides, we can survive a few months. We've been serious with one another for quite awhile and I believe we trust each other to do this," Harry grinned, pulling her into his arms as she smiled up at him wearily.
"You think?"
"I know so," he replied before leaning in, capturing her lips in a soft kiss. She melted into him, letting his arms tighten around her waist.
"Harry? Oh.. I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's time for the birthday boy to blow out his candles," Hermione said, slightly red in the cheeks for catching them in a lip lock. Harry smiled at her and nodded while Christiana buried her face in his neck.
"Give us a minute?" he asked his friend and Hermione nodded, beginning to walk away. Harry watched her until she was far enough away and looked back to his girlfriend. "So, we're going to try this long distance thing?"
"Yes, if you want. I don't want to tie you down…"
"You won't tie me down. I want to be with you."
"I want to be with you too Harry." Receiving one more kiss from the Boy Who Lived, they walked hand in hand back to the Burrow where everyone was standing around the long kitchen table, the room so packed, Harry thought it might burst. He carefully made his way in between Hermione and Ron who were standing at the head of the table, where a huge chocolate cake sat, twenty-three candles lighting up the room from the cake made by Mrs. Weasly. While the room burst into the Birthday song, Harry smiled and looked around the room, stopping at every face to remind himself how much he loved them. Finally, he made contact with Hermione, then Ron, giving them both his secret smile, closed his eyes, and blew out the candle, making a wish he could only hope would come true. *I wish that I can protect my family for the rest of my life.*
When his eyes reopened, the smoke was clearing and everyone was clapping and Harry couldn't remember ever being so happy.
***
After three hours of chatting, eating, and dancing, most of the clan left, returning to their respective homes. Fred and George left with some girls who had come, while Hermione and Ron stayed with Harry to help the elder Weaslys clean the mess. Finally, the famous trio threw themselves onto the large couch, their bodies all on top of one another, making them break into laughter and Harry suddenly felt like he was back at Hogwarts in the common room after winning a Quidditch match. He felt alive, he felt loved, and he felt high on life. Everything was perfect. Hermione was the first to sit up, being in between her favorite men. Harry and Ron followed suit and soon, all three were just simply staring into the fire, reveling in their own little worlds for the moment. They were quiet for some time before Harry spoke quietly. "Christiana's going on tour with a client for a few months."
"Oh mate, I'm sorry," Ron said sadly.
"It's all right. It's just everything between us is right, you know? She might be the one that I, well, give myself to," Harry admitted shyly. Hermione looked toward him and smiled.
"You must love her as well then?" she asked.
"Yes, I do. And I trust her, so everything will be okay," he replied.
"Do you think, that well, you'll both be okay without one another? Two months is a long time," Ron reminded, knowing how indeed hard it was to be away from one you loved.
"I know that but I'm not really worried about it. If anything, I could fly to wherever she is and stay with her for a few days. The Ministry won't mind," Harry shrugged.
"Well, I'm glad you're being supportive of her. That must mean a lot to her," Hermione added.
"She means a lot to me. As do you two, and I haven't properly thanked either of you for my party tonight," he said, changing the subject. Both his friends blushed under the firelight.
"Well, we have one every year, so why not do one more?" Ron joked, getting a small punch from Hermione.
"What the idiot means is, we care a lot for you Harry. And you deserve every little detail because you never got this kind of thing when you were younger. Plus, you've always been there for us, so it's our turn to be there for you," Hermione explained and Harry saw the truth in her deep, brown eyes. He leaned in and gave her a hug with his eyes closed, not seeing Ron watching them thoughtfully.
"Hell, it's late. I'm sure Mum and Dad want to get some sleep. Maybe we should head home for some rest," Harry replied, getting out from Hermione's embrace, standing and stretching. Hermione and Ron agreed and after saying good-bye to the Weaslys and gatherings Harry's gifts, they used floo powder and headed to their flat.
Their home was small, yet comfortable. They didn't need anything terrific but it was perfect for the three of them to share. With three bedrooms, all on the top floor, a bathroom connecting two of them together, with one connected to the last bedroom. Hermione naturally got the bedroom to herself with the bathroom for a princess while Harry and Ron accepted the one connected together. Being both male, it would be so embarrassing to see one another in less clothing, than rather seeing Hermione in nothing but a towel, although, they had quite a few times back at Hogwarts. Embarrassing times those were. The rest of the flat was simple. A library/study was downstairs, filled with Hermione's book collection, a lounge that had a huge couch and comfortable chairs that could fit two people in them. The kitchen was attached to the dining room used only a few times a year since the kitchen had both a breakfast bar and table. Their yard and garden was huge, almost as big as the Burrow's with the exception of the many gnomes.
It was home.
"Hmm, I'm so exhausted. I think I'll head up to bed," Ron yawned, starting over to the stairs.
"Night mate," Harry replied.
"Good night Ron," Hermione added, a little yawn of her own following.
"Why don't you head off to bed yourself? You two must have been awfully busy today," Harry said to her once they couldn't hear Ron's footsteps anymore.
"I suppose I should. But, I just wanted to give you your birthday present when we were alone," she replied. Harry nodded and waited for her present to appear in front of him, which it did in a matter of a few flicks of her wand. "Well, open it," she said excitedly and Harry laughed at her behavior. He carefully tore at the green wrapping paper and gasped when under it he found a photo of himself, Ron, and Hermione standing in front of Hogwarts their first year, a picture he had long forgotten about.
"How did you find this? I thought that I had lost it," Harry said, watching the small photo of them laughing and waving to him.
"Well, I was looking through some old school books of yours and it fell out of one of your Potion copies. It was very dusty and such but nothing a few cleaning spells couldn't cure. I hope you like it. I mean, it's not very much but I thought you'd like it," Hermione rambled.
"No, I love it. It's perfect," he answered quietly. For a few minutes, they sat in silence, looking at the magical picture, until Hermione stood up.
"Well, I'm off to bed. I'll see you in the morning," she leaned down, kissing his cheek, a ritual she had every night. "Happy birthday Harry." And then, she was gone. Harry continued looking down at the picture, smiling as the trio smiled back.
It had been a wonderful birthday, and he had a feeling, that year would be even better.
Author's Note: Okay, here it is, the very first chapter. I hope it's long enough for every ones liking because I'm very proud of it. I have an idea of where it's going to go but it's not written in stone. The ending was written while I was listening to Frank Sinatra songs so, if it's a bit weird, it's okay. It's not you, it's me. lol :-) So, please read and review because it will make me very happy as a writer, and you as a reader because than I will continue this story!
Thanx!
-- Ponderer
