A/N: Well, here is the next chapter! Thanks for the reviews!
Chapter 3: Birthday Surprises
Mel couldn't help rolling her eyes at the conversation she was having with one of her friends from back home.
LilWolfie: Yup. today's the Boy Who Lived's birthday… wow that looks funny!
bckstrt11: huh?
LilWolfie: Lived's… is that even a word? hehehehe
bckstrt11: mel, really… you are SO immature sometimes!
LilWolfie: just cos you think he's cute doesn't mean that i have to
bckstrt11: oh? so you don't think so? riiiiiiiiiiiiight.
LilWolfie: guess who is gonna be at the party tho
bckstrt11: who?
LilWolfie: harry's godfather!
bckstrt11: who?
LilWolfie: um, HELLO. remember who i told you that was? SIRIUS BLACK.
bckstrt11: oooohhhhh… yeah, good luck dealing with that.
LilWolfie: yeah, thanks.
bckstrt11: seriously… you said that your mom hasn't had to see him yet, right?
LilWolfie: i know… we'll see how it works out. Hopefully dad can do something about it before things get out of hand. but if he can't, i'm sure that aaron will step in.
bckstrt11: how is aaron anyway? looking forward to having him as a teacher? hehehehehehe
LilWolfie: yeah, cos that won't be weird or antying! thank Merlin he WON'T be my teacher…
LilWolfie: *anything
bckstrt11: oh, come on… it wouldn't be that bad, really…
Mel was jerked back into her surroundings by a knock at her door.
LilWolfie: gotta go! 'rents are up! I'll email you or something and tell you what happened today…
Bckstrt11: yeah, ok. goodnite!
LilWolfie: i still think it's weird that i'm getting up for the day and you are just going to bed… stupid time differences. anyway, l8r!
Mel snapped her laptop computer shut and opened the door.
"And just what are you doing up so early, young lady?" Jem asked, knowing full well that her daughter was by no means a morning person.
"Nothing," she shrugged. "Just chatting with Eve, mom. I miss her!"
"I know, but perhaps it would be better for the both of you if you didn't keep her up until all hours of the night on that blasted computer. I don't need to get a phone call or letter from her mother about that again."
"I'm sorry, but I wanted to tell her about Harry's birthday!"
"Mmm hmm, I'm sure you did. Now how about getting ready? We've got a long day ahead of us."
True to Jem's word, the morning passed very slowly for Mel (and everyone else in her house). It seemed to take forever to set everything up for Harry's not-so-surprise birthday party because for whatever reason, Jem refused to let them use magic to do it.
People started to trickle into the Lupin house around 2:30, starting with Ron and Hermione.
"What's wrong with you?" Ron whispered at Hermione, who was both straightening her skirt and looking in a mirror trying to flatten her hair for the millionth time.
"Nothing," she muttered. "I just want to look presentable, that's all."
There was a soft smirk at the top of the stairs, but neither of Harry's friends took notice. Instead, they turned their attention to their former professor who was walking toward them, smiling broadly. Once he ushered them inside, Mel stood up from her perch on the stairs, still trying to decide if she should go downstairs yet or not.
"And just what are you doing up here, Dot?"
"I dunno, waiting for more people to get here?"
"Come on, why don't you come downstairs with me?"
"Don't want to put a damper on your fan club," she snickered.
"What are you on about?" Aaron asked, genuinely clueless. Even though she didn't want to, Mel burst out laughing. "What?"
"You are so British! What are you on about?" she mocked. "It's funny, Wakko, that's all!"
"Oh, shut up and get downstairs," Aaron told her, rolling his eyes as he gently shoved her down the first couple of steps.
Mel was still shaking with silent, suppressed giggles as she sprinted down the staircase and into the living room where she leapt onto the sofa. Unfortunately for her (and them, come to think of it) she didn't land on the cushions as she had expected. Someone was already lying on them.
"Oof!" gasped the person Mel landed on as she also let out a cry ("Ack!").
"What did you do now, Dot?" Aaron shouted as he arrived in the living room. He quickly surveyed the scene before him and let out an indeterminate sound. "Excuse me, but who are you and why are you manhandling my baby sister?"
"What's going on out there?" Jem called from the next room.
"Nothing!" Aaron answered.
"Les, you said you'd stay out of trouble if I brought you!" a male voice with an Irish accent said.
"I didn't do anything!" the boy on the couch protested. "She landed on me!"
"A likely story," Aaron glared. "Now get your hands off of my sister!"
Mel, who had been frozen to the spot out of both surprise and confusion, suddenly jumped up and onto the floor, allowing the boy called Les to finally sit up.
"Seamus, I didn't do anything, I swear! Please don't make me go home! I haven't even seen Harry yet to tell him happy birthday, and you know mum wouldn't be happy about that because it would be bad manners to show up to his birthday party and not even tell him happy birthday, you know that I'm-"
"Jesus, Les, shut it!" Seamus said, rolling his eyes. He then turned to Mel and Aaron. "Sorry 'bout him. Can't really take him anywhere."
"It was my fault anyway," Mel said, defending Les. "I didn't expect anyone to be there so I jumped on the couch like I always do."
"See?" Les said, grinning triumphantly. Seamus and Aaron still did not look too pleased. "Name's Leslie Finnigan, but call me Les." He held his hand out for Mel to shake.
"And I'm Mel Lupin, nice to meet you," she smiled shyly, secretly pleased that she would have someone closer to her age at the party, and a cute someone at that!
It took a bit of time after that, but soon enough nearly everyone had arrived for the party. Introductions and greetings had been said, everything was set, and it was only the arrival of the birthday boy and his family that seemed to be taking longer than necessary. In the meantime, Mel had made yet another new friend; only this one was quite a bit older than her. She wasted no time in taking Ginny Weasley by the hand and leading her on a very animated tour of the house while the rest of the guests were mingling in the living room waiting patiently for Harry.
"Melissa, maybe we should-"
"Call me Dot, it's ok, Gin, really! Can I call you Gin? Do you mind?"
Ginny simply laughed and shook her head. "Gin is fine, but I thought that only your dad and brother got to call you Dot?"
Mel nodded. "That's true, but I don't mind! You can too," she grinned.
"Well then, Dot, as I was saying, maybe we should go downstairs, I'm sure that Harry will be arriving any-"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" shouted countless voices from downstairs.
"Time now," Ginny sighed. "Come on, let's go see Harry," she said, trying not to sound as dejected as she really felt.
Once again Mel grabbed Ginny's hand, only this time she didn't have to pull the older girl after her. Ginny was quite willing to nearly fly down the staircase to see the boyfriend she hadn't set eyes on for nearly a month. She felt her heart flutter as she caught sight of the familiar black hair, sticking up at all angles. Quickly she rushed to him, throwing her arms around him from behind and hugging him closely to her.
"Missed you," she whispered.
"Uh, yeah. Missed you too?" an unfamiliar voice responded awkwardly.
Suddenly a feeling of dread spread through Ginny like wildfire. "Harry?" she squeaked.
"Something I should know about, James?" Lily asked, walking up to her husband who appeared to have a strange woman's arms around him in a somewhat suggestive way.
Oh, holy GOD, Ginny thought. She finally managed to let go of the man she had been holding on to, realization suddenly dawning on her. "J-James?" she breathed.
"Virginia!" Harry yelled happily, finally finding the one person he was looking forward to seeing more than any other. He quickly made his way over to her and gave her a peck on the cheek without noticing that the color had drained from her face. "Oh, good!" he said cheerfully. "You've met my mum and dad!"
"She sure did," Lily said, smiling her smile that could only be described as saccharine sweet. James quickly coughed back a laugh; he knew that smile all too well.
"I – I'm sorry… about that," Ginny said awkwardly, gesturing oddly with her hands.
Harry looked at her oddly for a moment and then put his arm around her shoulders. "You alright?" he whispered. She nodded slowly, still a bit dazed from the experience. Harry then looked from her to his parents. "What happened?"
"Nothing," Lily said just as sweetly. "What could possibly have happened?"
Mel, deciding that her new friend needed to be rescued, stepped out from the shadows. "Hey Gin! Wanna see the backyard? It's really cool… daddy and Aaron set up a tire-swing and everything!"
Ginny, grateful for the escape, pasted a smile on her face. "Excuse me for a bit," she said, forcing a small laugh. "It seems that I have another engagement." She then took the hand that Mel offered her and quickly left the room.
"Now what was that all about?" Harry asked, eying his parents suspiciously.
"We'll discuss it later," Lily said, while James at the same time smiled, saying "So that was the girlfriend, I presume?"
Lily shot James a death look, forcing him to bite back another laugh. "Gotta love those red-headed women!" Harry simply rolled his eyes and left them to talk to some friends before searching for Ginny.
Ginny, meanwhile, was sitting on the back steps, her head buried in her hands. "Why, oh why, am I so stupid?"
"It's not your fault, Gin," Mel softly told her.
"Yes it is! I'm so stupid, and now Mrs. Potter hates me!"
"Lily doesn't hate you, you didn't know! It's not your fault, it could happen to anyone."
"You don't understand, Dot. I came onto my boyfriend's father! That's not a good thing to do! And then to make matters worse, his wife, my boyfriend's mother caught me! This is not good!"
"So that's what happened," Hermione said, handing Ginny and Mel each a drink. "I was wondering what went on back there."
"Oh God," Ginny groaned. "Everyone saw…"
"Nah, I don't really think so, Ginny. Harry was just telling Ron and me that you all were acting rather strangely when he came over, that's all."
"It wasn't my fault," Ginny insisted.
"Told you," Mel grinned.
"They look so much alike, 'Mione. I swear, the hair, the height… I thought it was Harry…" She then proceeded to bury her face in her hands again.
Hermione set her drink down and sat beside Ginny, putting a comforting arm around her. "It's alright, Gin. Everyone confuses them; it's too easy to do. And you'd never even met James before!"
"I know," Ginny whined. "Some first impression."
"Are you gonna come back inside?" Hermione asked softly rising to her feet.
"No."
"You can't stay out here for the whole thing; I think that Harry might miss you."
"I doubt that. He's probably having a good laugh at my expense with his parents who hate me," Ginny muttered, still refusing to look up.
"They don't hate you and you should know that I'd never do that. But I would miss you if you didn't come back in, Virginia," Harry said, taking Hermione's place beside her. He gently lifted her face and smiled slightly at the hot tear streaks that were on her cheeks. "Come on, that won't do," he said gently, wiping them away with his hand.
Ginny smiled in spite of herself and playfully batted his hands away. "You sure that your adoring public can spare you right now?" she teased.
"Probably not," he nodded, causing her to swat at him again. He grinned and kissed her nose. "Come on; let's get back inside to them. Besides, I think the fireworks are about to go off… Sirius just got here… and he brought a date."
Mel's eyes opened wider than anyone's eyes should ever open. She jumped off the tire-swing where she had perched herself to keep an eye on Ginny and practically flew into the house to find Aaron. She knew that this could only mean one thing: trouble.
"What's up, Dot?" Aaron asked, smirking at his own joke.
Mel rolled her eyes and shook her head before answering, "Have you seen him yet?"
"Who?"
"Sirius. Harry said that he just got here… and he isn't alone."
"Oh, shit," Aaron simply said. "Well, to quote one of the great small-town bands: it's the end of the world as we know it. So, I'm going to get myself a drink and find a seat to watch the show."
"Aaron, you are not helping," Mel whined.
"Listen to me, Melissa Renee Lupin, what is meant to happen will happen. Leave it be."
"But-" she tried to protest.
"But nothing. We'll be here for mom if and when she needs us, but for now, just try and enjoy the party," Aaron firmly said, heading into the kitchen to grab a (preferably spiked) drink.
"Harry!" Sirius shouted, walking into the living room and spotting Harry entering from the kitchen. "And Virginia," he added with a wink.
"Hey Sirius," Harry grinned. Ginny simply waved, her face reddening ever so slightly.
"Well, happy birthday, Harry! These are for you!" Sirius said. He then gestured to a pile of presents behind him.
Harry was at a loss for words. Lily, however, wasn't. "Sirius! What are you thinking? This is too much, you really shouldn't-"
"Lil, how many times do I have to tell you? He is my godson and I-"
"Will spoil him as you see fit," Lily, James and Remus finished for him before the four burst out laughing.
Harry looked at them all as though they were mad. "I don't get it," he said.
Before anyone could explain it though, a new person came into the room. "Oh, there you are, Sirius. I was looking everywhere for you!" She turned to survey the group and let out an excited squeal. "And you must be Harry! I've heard so much about you, of course!"
"Hi," Harry said awkwardly. "Sorry, but you are?"
"Pamela Crawford. What a surprise," Jem said sweetly.
"My reputation precedes me," Pamela smiled.
"I'll bet," Jem muttered under her breath. "And to what do we owe the presence of one of the West End's biggest names at our humble gathering?"
"She came with me, Jemina," Sirius told her. "Is there a problem?"
"No, no problem at all," Jem said. "It's just that I can definitely tell what you see in her, Sirius," she said silkily.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Pamela asked, slightly affronted.
"Just that it's obvious your talents lie elsewhere than on the stage, that's all."
"Excuse me? I did not sleep my way into starring roles, thank you," Pamela retorted.
"No, Pam, let me handle her," Sirius said softly. "Jem, perhaps there is somewhere we can go to talk? There is no need to ruin Harry's birthday."
Once the two of them were safely upstairs and supposedly out of earshot, neither wasted any time. "Now what the hell was that all about back there?" Sirius demanded.
"What do you think? Suddenly becoming a 'Patron of the Arts,' huh, Sirius? I don't think so!"
"What the hell do you know? You don't know me at all anymore, Jem. But I've got your number, don't worry."
Jem's eyes nearly popped out of her head. "You think you still know me so well?"
"Yeah, I do! Let's see… for starters, you are the most narrow-minded person that I have ever laid eyes on!"
"This coming from you?! Where do you get off calling me narrow-minded, you self-righteous bastard?" Jem spat.
"Oh, I'm self-righteous now, am I?" he shouted. "You, the fair-weather friend, only there for us when it suited your needs! But then, when one of us showed that he needed your friendship and support what did you do?"
"That is not fair, Sirius! Things have changed since then!"
"Oh, have they really? You're still just as spoiled as ever! Back then you showed how spoiled-rotten you were by demanding that I leave with you! But I was never one to turn my back on my friends! And why do you think that is?!"
"Because of everything you had," Jem said softly.
Sirius was taken aback. "Yeah," he said unsurely. "Yeah," he repeated, this time more firmly.
Jem nodded and sighed. "Exactly! You didn't want to leave everything; you're too materialistic and selfish for that!" she exploded.
Sirius simply stood there, blinking, trying to figure out what just happened. Meanwhile, outside of the office door, four faces were looking at each other wondering what was going on inside now that the two voices had fallen momentarily silent.
"You don't think that he hit her, do you?" Lily asked nervously.
"No," Remus breathed. "We would have heard that, believe me."
"Sirius wouldn't hurt a fly, let alone that bitch," Pamela muttered, mostly to herself.
"Now just wait a minute there," Remus said, somewhat offended. "That is my wife you're talking about."
"Well, I'm sorry, but honestly… look at what she's putting him through!"
"Shh!" James hissed. "They're starting up again."
"You think," Sirius began, "That that's what I am?"
"Um, let me think on that for a moment… YES. Look at you! You're a pathetic excuse for a human being, and even more pathetic as Harry's godfather! Honestly, do you really think that you can-"
"This has nothing to do with Harry!" Sirius roared.
"Oh, but it does! Your actions with him illustrate my points perfectly! You try and pawn off your materialistic ways on him! From Day 1 you tried to buy his affections! You always have done that, with anyone that you-"
Jem was suddenly interrupted by the door bursting open and Pamela rushing in. "That is enough! Sirius Black has never once tried to buy the affections of children! He is much better than that!"
"Oh? And just how would you know? You obviously haven't seen him in action!"
"Well, he sure as hell hasn't done that with my kids! Come on, Sirius. Let's get out of here. This one needs to cool off a bit."
"Nice talking to you, Jemina," Sirius said, taking Pam's arm in his and walking out of the room head held high.
Jem remained in the room, still fuming from the heated argument only to collapse onto the leather sofa. Lily immediately rushed in; wanting to help her friend in her time of need, regardless of the fact that she did think Jem was slightly out of line.
Remus however, turned his attention to the next door in the hallway. He could hear a faint, familiar tune coming from behind it. Not wasting any time by knocking, he slowly opened the door and his heart melted when he saw the small trembling frame of his only daughter sitting on her bed rocking back and forth, singing quietly to herself "Some day my prince will come," the same song she always sang when she was scared.
"Dot?" Remus asked softly. Mel didn't answer. Instead, she continued singing quietly to herself. Remus took a deep breath and approached her cautiously. "Melissa?"
Mel looked up at him with tear-filled eyes and it broke his heart. "Why are they like that?" she whispered.
"They didn't mean for you to hear," he said, taking her in his arms and rocking her gently.
"So? That doesn't change anything," she sniffled. "But why do they hate each other so much?"
"You know why, Melissa, but you don't need to worry about it," Remus told her. The two sat in silence for a bit, Remus finally kissing the top of her head. "Now how about we go back downstairs to the party. I'm sure that Seamus' brother is wondering what happened to you," he teased, grinning boyishly.
Mel finally giggled. "Dad!"
"What?" Remus said innocently. "What did I say?"
Mel kissed her father's cheek. "I love you, dad."
"I love you too, sweetie. Now let's go back down before all the good food disappears!"
More to come soon! Please be sure to leave me a review and lemme know what you think! Thanks! *very big grin*