DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and
owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to
Bloomsbury Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no
copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A big thanks to Whiteriver for editing this chapter
CHAPTER FOUR
BIRTHDAY ATTACK
After few more hours sleep Harry changed in to his running clothes, and went outside for his morning run under the morning sunlight. A week of running was enough for his body to get in to shape, and Harry was starting to do other exercises to increase his muscles. He was aware that his body was still skinny, but with all the good food Mrs. Weasley cooks and exercise he was getting made it much stronger.
After having a quick shower he changing in to a pair of jeans and white t- shirt. Today he didn't want wear his contacts so he tried his glasses for the first time. They were lighter then the one's he used to have and they were nearly invisible on his face.
When Harry was ready, he made his way downstairs for breakfast. Once in the kitchen Harry noticed that other two people were at the table and a happy smile appeared on his face. 'Sirius and Percy must have apparated wile I was in the shower' he thought happily
"Harry!" asked Sirius like he was seeing him for the first time after years.
"Who do you think it is? Dumbledore?" Laughed Harry and gave his godfather a hug.
"You've- you've changed" said Sirius "You look so much like your-" he stopped and looked sadly at Harry.
Harry looked from Sirius to Percy and back; both of them were gaping at him.
"Oh come on I only changed my clothes and cut my hair. What's so different in that?" said Harry annoyed.
"Yep this year the girls won't leave him alone," laughed Charlie.
"Stop that Charlie," snapped Harry at him.
"Hey I'm only telling the truth," he said in mock anger. Harry rolled his eyes
"Yeah, yeah.Anyway. How is professor Lupin doing?" said Harry trying to change the subject.
"Oh yeah.Remus is doing fine." said Sirius still in awe.
"Will he be coming to teach us again?" asked Harry.
"Not this year." replied his godfather.
Harry moved to the table and seated next to Sirius. Sirius was still looking at him in a strange way, like he hasn't seen him for years. There was something wrong in his eyes. Harry could see sadness and guilt in his deep black eyes. Watching him Harry was starting to feel that he was the cause of Sirius's sadness. He didn't want his godfather to be sad because of him.
Without having any breakfast Harry got up and ran to his room leaving everyone looking confused at each other. In his room he started looking for his old clothes. When he found what he was looking for, Harry changed and sat on his bed to think. He was trying to think why was Sirius sad about him changing his appearance. If Sirius wanted him to dress in his old clothes he would, but what difference did it make what clothes he wore?
Suddenly a knock on the door snapped him away from his thoughts.
"Its open." he said sadly as the door opened.
Sirius seemed surprised to see Harry in his old clothes but didn't say anything. Sirius closed the door behind him and without saying a word went to sit next to Harry. They stayed silent for few minutes before Harry found the courage to speak.
"Why did my new appearance make you so sad Sirius?" Harry asked. Sirius sighed loudly before speaking
"Harry, it wasn't your appearance that made me sad."
"Then what was it? Down there you were looking at me like I killed someone." said Harry his voice louder then he intended
Sirius sighed again "Harry it wasn't your fault. You reminded me of.of someone that died because of my ignorance. Someone very precious to me."
"My parents?" asked Harry after few minutes of silence and Sirius nodded. "Then I won't wear those clothes if you don't want me to."
"No Harry it's not that" said Sirius placing his hands on Harry's shoulders "It doesn't matter what clothes you wear or how you cut your hair. You will always remind me of them, they are both in you, Harry, you're their son, and nothing can change that. You're growing up Harry, you're becoming more like your parents every passing day."
Sirius look in those brilliant green eyes, and smiled at Harry. Harry could see that Sirius's eyes were full of happiness now. The darkness that obscured them after twelve years in Azkaban was lifted, and Harry could see his heart behind them. Harry could see himself behind those black eyes, and now he knew that Sirius loved him like a father loves his own son. Slowly a smile started to appear on Harry's face, and Sirius gave Harry a loving hug.
"Now go on, and change. I want my godson to always have the best of life," Sirius said proudly and Harry smiled more broadly
"Thanks Sirius" said Harry and Sirius smiled at him again before he got up to leave Harry's room so he could change.
Harry was staring to take his shirt off before Sirius peered in the room again. "You know Harry I think Charlie is right. You will have a hard time keeping girls away from you," he said. Harry threw his shirt at him and Sirius could be heard laughing in the corridor.
*
Downstairs Harry found every one eating his breakfast in silence. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley Sirius and Percy looked extremely worried about something. It only took Harry few seconds to realize the nature of all this worry. In the middle of the table there was a copy of Daily Prophet, which must have arrived whilst he was upstairs. On the front page there was a picture of the dark mark floating over a small fort. He knew what it was about, but why were they all so worried.
Harry slowly seated at the table and took the paper to read what they head to say about it.
THE MINISTRY'S BIGGEST MISTAKE
BY RITA SKEETER
The Ministry of Magic keeps surprising the entire wizarding world by
the incompetence of its employees, writes Rita Skeeter, special
correspondent. Last night when every witch and wizard was sleeping
feeling safe in their beds, Azkaban - the wizard prison - was attacked
and Death Eaters freed all the prisoners.
It is rumored that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named himself, who was declared
dead fourteen years ago, was leading this group of death-eaters on the
attack. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was declared dead by the Ministry of
Magic after Mr. Harry Potter tragically lost his parents and survived
the killing course fired by You-Know-Who.
This attack should have been stopped by the Dementors who were hired
by the ministry to keep dark wizards locked in Azkaban, but last night
was not the case. When the Death Eaters attacked, You-Know-Who managed
to convince the Dementors to join his ranks, and by so doing leaving
Azkaban open for all the dark wizards to join their master. This shows
that the ministry has placed You-Know-Who's followers in the hands of
Creatures that would join him without any effort.
Numerous sources state that You-Know-Who has regained his power on the
twenty-fourth of June during the third task of the Triwizard
Tournament. During the task two students, Mr. H. Potter and Mr. C.
Diggory were taken away from Hogwarts into the hands of faithful Death
Eaters who had managed to escape a prison sentence. They performed
some dark magic to bring You-Know-Who back to power, resulting in the
death of Mr. C. Diggory. The Minister of Magic turned a blind eye on
this event and refused to accept the possibilities of You-Know-Who
regaining his power. Even when given strong proof of this possibility
by a Death Eater under the Veritaserum potion Cornelius Fudge refused
to act and ordered Dementor to perform the kiss without a trail. And
in doing so destroying all proof of You-Know-Who's return.
Judging by the fact that You-Know-Who has regained his power and has
become allies with the Dementors; our question is if the minister
Cornelius Fudge is capable of fighting this threat. He has showed his
incompetence countless times in the past to be trusted with something
this serious.
Will it take another sacrifice from Mr. Harry Potter for this
situation to be resolved, and since when has the minister has never
taken stapes to prevent this situation? Does this mean that the
ministry is hiding behind a fourteen-year-old boy to do their job for
them? Our hope is that this does not result in another tragic event on
behalf Mr. Harry Potter; he deserves to leave his life like a normal
fourteen-year-old boy who will shortly celebrate his fifteenth
birthday on the thirty-first of July.
"Why does she have to always include me?" said Harry in shock after reading the article.
"Well this time she didn't say anything bed about you. Did she?" said Ron "Some time in a jar must have thought her a lesson after all." he whispered to Harry
"Yeah, but surly she went hard on the ministry, and it won't be long before she starts to throw mud on me again." said Harry
"Well I better go back to the office. There will be a lot to do," said Mr. Weasley
"But Arthur you just came from patrolling. You only slept for few hours," said Mrs. Weasley
"I know Molly dear but this situation will require every one to be back to work immediately. I will catch up sleep tonight; I don't think there will be any more patrolling after this. Fudge is not so stupid to ignore this," said Mr. Weasley
"He will deny everything," said Charlie "He will deny that You-Know-Who is back, or he will have to resign after this."
"This complicates things a bit." said Sirius
"It sure does.It sure does," said Mr. Weasley thoughtfully "Well I'm off."
"I'll come with you dad, I can help." said Percy and Mr. Weasley nodded and went to prepare to go to the ministry. After few minuets they left the house with a pop
That day no one talked about that article. Harry spent most or his time in his room reading, until dinner was served and he, Ron and Sirius started talking on Quidditch. It turned out that Sirius was a great fan of the 'Dragons', a team in the northern England, which were rivals of the Chudley Cannons.
They kept talking until Mr. Weasley and Percy came back from the ministry looking exhausted, late after midnight, and they went straight to bed, Ron, Harry and Sirius soon followed.
When they reached Harry's room Sirius and Harry said goodnight to Ron. Sirius was going to be sleeping in Harry's room. Sirius didn't look very happy when he spotted the books on dark arts, but didn't comment on it. He was far more shocked when he saw Aescul crawling from under the bed, and Harry had a hard time convincing Sirius that he was nice and that he was very useful.
When Harry finally climbed in to bed it was after two, and after taking the dreamless potion he drafted in to a deep, welcome, dreamless sleep.
*
A few days passed, very slowly for Harry's liking. His scar kept hurting him more every passing day, and the lack of activity from Voldemort was not taken as a good sign. Mr. Weasley and Percy were at the ministry most of the day, leaving early in the morning and coming back late at night. Rita Skeeter didn't help matters with her articles, insisting that Cornelius Fudge resign from his position.
Every night Mr. Weasley would assure everyone that everything was all right and that Voldemort had left England, but Harry knew Voldemort was still in England and planning something. Harry knew he was his first target and soon he will have to face something planed especially for him.
On the day before his birthday something came with the morning owl post that lightened his spirits considerably. That morning every one was around the table eating breakfast. Harry was still in his pajama bottoms and wanted to go back to sleep after breakfast, but when an owl came carrying the Hogwarts letters he didn't think of sleeping any more.
"Ah, the letters have arrived at last. They're a bit late this year," said Mrs. Weasley handing Harry, Ron and the twins their letters.
The letter was thicker then normal, and inside there seemed to be something solid. 'What could they have sent me?' he thought opining the letter slowly. When he unfolded the letter to read it something heavy fell on the table with a small clatter. When Harry looked at what made that metallic sound, his mouth fell open.
"Hey. Harry have been made a prefect," said George when he saw the badge.
"Me?!? a prefect?" said Harry "But-but.how?"
"Hey congratulations Harry its a big privilege in being a prefect," said Percy
Fred and George snored with laughter at this and were met by murderous glares from Mrs. Weasley and Percy.
"But I can't be a prefect" said Harry confused "I'm not that good at school, and what about all the rules I've broken"
"Oh stop that Harry, you're the best one in our year to be a prefect." said Ron with a strange expression on his face
Harry didn't like this situation at all. He knew how Ron felt about all the attention Harry always gets, and Ron being pushed aside. If he could he would have handed the prefect title to Ron gladly, that would mean more tranquility for Harry and a dream come true for Ron.
"We have to agree with Ron on this one Harry" said George "For once"
"Yeah can you imagine having another perfect prefect in our family? What a shame." said Fred.
"Oh shut up you two," said Percy "Go on Harry read the letter"
Harry nodded and looked at the letter and started to read it out loud.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
Dear Mr. Potter
We are pleased to inform you that the new term will start on 1
September as scheduled. You are to take the Hogwarts express from
King's cross-station that will depart at eleven AM sharp.
We are also pleased to inform you that due to your school records of
the past years, you have been voted from the Hogwarts stuff to be one
of the Gryffindor prefects. This is a great responsibility and we hope
that you will take your duties seriously. Please find enclosed a list
of your new books for next term and your prefect badge.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"It doesn't seem that they have made any mistakes," said Percy.
"That's great hey, Harry?" said Sirius and Harry nodded uncomfortably.
Every one went back to there breakfast wile Harry looked back at the letter and started to read the list of books he needs for next term.
Set books:
The standard book of spells (grade 5) by Miranda Goshawk
Guide to advanced transfiguration (book 1) by Emeric Switch
The charming book of charms by Seualana Sesus
Dangerous potions by Arsenius Jigger
Dark arts in your pocket by Quentin Trimble
Magical runes and its uses by Nathan Tertum
"If you like, Harry I have a book that will help you on your way up to head boy," said Percy suddenly after finishing his breakfast.
"Yah and having another Percy for our last year." said George
"No thanks." said Fred George and Ron in union
"Oh shut up you two," said Percy and left the room
Every one laughed and went back eating there breakfast. Harry looked at the badge; it was made of silver and head a large "P" engraved on it. He couldn't believe it, he was a prefect. He didn't like the idea very much, but some how he felt happy about it. 'I'm a prefect' he thought 'Hermione must have been made a prefect too.'
"Hey Ron do you think Hermione is a prefect too?" asked Harry suddenly
"Don't know, probably. Why?" said Ron
"Oh nothing just wondering." said Harry truthfully.
'If she is a prefect too at lest I will have some help on this' he thought and went back eating his breakfast. Sirius took Harry's letter and started reading the list of book for next year.
"Now this year you have to behave yourselves" said Mrs. Weasley suddenly looking at Ron and Harry "You must be an example to the younger students. Not like these two." she added looking at the twins
"Hey we've always been an example to younger students," said Fred
"Yeah how to get in to trouble" said Charlie and every one laughed
"You have some interesting books this term, Harry" said Sirius after reading the letter "And you have taken ancient runes this year?" asked Sirius and Harry nodded
"WHAT?!?!" bellowed Ron "are you mad? And what about divination?"
"Oh come on Ron. I'm sick having that old fraud predicting my death every time she get her eyes on me. I want to do something useful this year," said Harry
"Mum do you still have some of those bandages, because I think Harry hit his head!" said Ron to his mother but still looking at Harry. "And all those books he keeps reading all day. I don't know what got in to you."
"Don't tell me you like divination because I don't believe you" said Harry angrily "and those books are on runes. I have two years to catch up with." and Harry left the room to change for running.
*
After Mr. Weasley and Percy left for work Harry followed the twins and Ron in the back yard to enjoy the sun. That morning Harry was not in the mood to close himself in his room and read all day. 'Tomorrow is my birthday and I've been made a prefect, and I want to enjoy it' he had thought. So all he did that morning was playing gobstones and exploding-snap with Ron, Fred and George.
He was also too anxious to concentrate on books that day. Hermione was going to arrive at the burrow that evening, and also was Ginny and Bill. On his last letter Ron invited Hermione to come to the burrow after her holiday, which was still a mystery were she had spent it. Harry couldn't wait to see Hermione's face when he told her he was a prefect. 'Surely she is a prefect too, but she will never imagine me as a prefect.' he thought.
After lunch Harry went to his room to take a shower, he and Ron had lost terribly at gobstones, and he was all covered with the smelling solution that the gobstones sprays when you lose a point.
When Harry was clean from all traces of there gobstones game, he selected a pair of black trousers and dark green shirt to put on. He wanted to look smart and pin his prefect badge on, to see Hermione's face when she sees him. He put his contacts on and combed his hair in front of the mirror.
"Very elegant. Girls will love you," said the mirror
"Ah not you as well." said Harry annoyed by the same comment.
On his way downstairs Harry pined his badge on his shirt, and once in the living room he seated in an armchair waiting for Hermione to make her appearance. Few minutes later a very smart looking Ron joined him.
"Why have you changed like that?" Harry asked him when he got a good look at him
"Did you think I'm going to let you look like that all alone?" he said smiling sheepishly "anyway Are you sure you want to do this. The twins will never leave us alone if they see us like this."
"Well I didn't ask you to join me. So if they see us don't come complaining to me." said Harry trying not to laugh. He knew why he was doing this but Harry didn't say anything. He would deny every thing about it. And Harry didn't think he know why he was doing it. "Anyway. They locked themselves in their room. They are working on something I heard some explosions coming from there." said Harry.
"Well ok. What do you reckon?" he asked Harry finally moving in front of him.
Harry gave him a mischievous simile and said "Don't worry when she sees you she will forget Krum completely."
Ron turned red as his hair but didn't say anything on the comment Harry made on Krum. Even so he didn't have time to reply, because at that moment some one knocked on the front door. Ron looked at Harry, panic on his face and Harry laughed at him.
"Go and open the door then, what are you waiting for?" said Harry making Ron control himself.
Slowly Ron made his way to the other room to open the door and welcome Hermione. Harry stayed where he was, but he could hear everything from the other room where Hermione cried out, and it seemed that she launched on Ron because he started speak with a muffed voice.
"Gerrof Hermione" said Ron and Harry tried not to laugh
"Oh sorry I'm so happy to see you," said Hermione
"Yeah.Well what do you think?" asked Ron 'probably he is puffing himself for Hermione's benefit' Harry thought.
"Very cute" she said and Harry clamped his hands on his mouth trying to silence his laughter "But why"
"Err- I. well there was no reason" said Ron "I thought it would be nice to greet you dressed like this."
"Well thank you," said Hermione and there was some silence.
"HERMIONE!" shouted Ron
"Oh come on, Ron. Don't be a prat I only gave you a kiss on the cheek nothing to be so embarrassed about." said Hermione and by now Harry was rolling on the floor holding his stomach in silent laughter. Harry could only imagine the expression on Ron's face in that moment. "Anyway where is Harry? I think that he have been made a prefect."
Harry's face fell, and he could hear Ron laughing. 'Damn it! How does she know? Why does Hermione have to figure everything out?' he thought. He heard there footsteps approaching, and then Hermione appeared in the door way. She was wearing a light blue skirt and blouse, her hair was still bushy and she had a nice suntan.
When Hermione spotted him, he got his wish anyway; Her face was surprised her eyes head gone wide and her mouth was slowly opining.
"Harry?" she said after some time.
'Here we go again' he thought "Nice to see you too Hermione" he said
"You've. changed.your hair, your clothes, your glasses.Wow," she said and both boys laughed.
"So Hermione where's your badge?" asked Harry trying to take the attention off himself.
"How do you know I've been made a prefect?" she asked
"Oh come on Hermione. That's the most obvious thing in the world," said Ron
"No it isn't. I broke a lot of rules you know," she said
"That's why they made you a prefect, Hermione," laughed Ron and Hermione frowned
"And your top of the year" said Harry.
"Yes but this year Harry is determined to beat you to it" said Ron "till now all he did was read books in his room. I think you had a bad influence on him, Hermione"
"I'm not, and I already told you those books are on ancient runes. I have two years to catch up with," said Harry.
"You dropped divination?" asked Hermione in disbelief and Harry nodded. "You should have done that too, Ron," she said tuning on Ron and he rolled his eyes
"So how was your holiday?" asked Harry not wanting to witness a row between Hermione and Ron.
"Oh it was fun," she said but Harry noticed that there was something wrong in that answer.
"Are you going to tell us were did you pas it?" asked Ron
"Err- in lots of places" she answered
"What do you mean 'in lots of places?" asked Ron
"What I said. Lots of places. France, Italy. lots of places" she answered but Ron still looked at her suspiciously. Harry was feeling that she didn't want to tell them something.
"Hey shouldn't Bill and Ginny be already here?" Harry asked resaving a thank you look from Hermione. He will have to ask her what was wrong later.
"Yes they should have" said Ron "do you think something happened-" a sizzling sound coming from the kitchen interrupted him, announcing someone coming by floo.
They walked slowly towards the kitchen to find Bill talking to Sirius and Ginny bent down brushing soot off herself. She was wearing a pair of tight jeans and a yellow t-shirt, her hair was tied in a ponytail. She had changed since the last time he head seen her, she looked more mature.
When she stood striate Harry got a better look of her, and she noticed him. Harry felt his face burning and his mouth gaping, and so did Ginny. Both of them gaped at each other, looking at each other in the eyes.
'She is so beautiful' he thought 'her brown eyes, her different shades of red hair, her soft lips, and her checks slightly red with the sun. WOW' he blinked several times not believing his eyes were working properly 'she's changed. She is so.no.its just Ginny. Just Ginny' he reminded himself 'Ron's little sister.but she's so.wow' Harry was so deep in thoughts, that he wasn't aware of the others talking to him.
"Harry. HARRY-" called Ron
"Ha?- oh yah. What?" replied Harry shaking himself mentally.
"Is there something wrong." asked Ron looking suspiciously at him.
"Err.no nothing." he lied.
Every thing was wrong in that moment; he felt the world going upside-down. He felt butterflies in his stomach, and he felt dizzy like he had traveled around the world by floo. He knew that everyone's eyes were on him, and that made him feel more uncomfortable.
"See you at dinner Ron, I need to finish a book tonight." he lied to Ron and ran up the staircases and locked himself in his room.
Harry stayed locked in his room all evening pacing around the room deep in thoughts, and angry with himself.
'What was all that about you prat' he thought to himself 'what's wrong with you, haven't you seen a girl before. And she is Ginny, Ron's little sister. Its not like you've never seen her before. And you rarely have spoken to her. So what got in to you?'
Harry kept repeating to himself the same words: 'its just Ginny, Ron's little sister' all evening pacing around the room until it became a mantra.
Harry shook himself mentally from all his thoughts. 'Better go down it should be diner time soon' he thought. He took a deep breath and opined the door. When he opened the door he found the very person he wanted to avoid now. She looked in his eyes making him feel melting beneath her gaze.
"Err.Harry mum sent me to call you for diner." she said in a whisper
'Its just Ginny, Ron's little sister' he thought, "I-I-I w-w-was c-coming down just now," he stuttered and she nodded and walked away, and Harry followed her silently
Diner was a torture for Harry. He tried not to look at Ginny, but couldn't help giving her furtive glances without any one noticing. All he managed to eat were few spoons of soup, his stomach wouldn't respond any more and he thought he was going to be sick.
When Sirius asked him what was wrong, hurry excused himself and left the table. Harry went to his room and set there for some time before taking his potion and drifted to sleep.
*
The next morning Harry wake up with high spirits some how. He went running and did his exercises as usual, and after having a hot bath he went down for breakfast.
"Happy birthday Harry dear" said Mrs. Weasley
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley" said Harry
"To night we are going to have dinner all together to celebrate your birthday Harry" she said happily and Harry smiled
"You don't have to Mrs. Weasley" replied Harry
"Don't worry about it dear," she said and Harry blushed deeply.
He was back to his usual self until Ginny came down for breakfast, and to his horror he knocked his bowl of porridge on the floor, but no one noticed why. Harry took out his wand and cleaned the mess with a cleaning spell, and repapered the bowel.
"Harry! You can get in big trouble for doing that," shouted Hermione.
"Don't worry, Hermione. Harry has 'permission' to use magic outside school' said Ron in a strange tone in his voice.
Harry and Hermione looked at each other for few seconds. Both of them knew what was wrong with Ron, but on one said a word about it. 'Yeah, a great start for my birthday' he thought and kept eating in silence.
After every one finished eating, Harry went outside with the twins, Ron, Charlie and Bill to play Quidditch. They stayed on the hill playing Quidditch nearly all day, and they only stopped to have lunch when Hermione and Ginny arrived with a picnic basket full of food. Harry managed to act normal with Ginny close by, but couldn't help the furtive glances at her. He tried to concentrate on his food, and not think much on the thought of her sitting close to him. It was strange situation, usually she was the one who blushes and knocks things off the table every time she sees him, but now the roles seemed to have changed
Soon it was time for diner so all of them headed back to the house. They were going to have diner outside like last summer, because there was no way twelve people could fit in the kitchen.
By six thirty, the two tables outside in the backyard were already filled with food, and the nine Weasleys, Hermione, Harry and Sirius found their seats. Ron and Hermione seated in front of Harry, and Charlie and Ginny on each side of him. Harry managed to engage in a conversation with Charlie, on Quidditch and Ron soon joined them. For the first time in his life he head a decent birthday, and he was happy to have his friends with him to celebrate.
Suddenly halfway through his food, Harry felt the air in his lungs freeze and hared a cold laughter in his head. Harry knew what could affect him like that, and instantly he knew what was going to happen.
Harry quickly got up knocking the chair to the ground, took out his wand and with a shaking hand pointed it towards the darkness in forest. Every one on the table stopped talking and looked at him with questioning looks.
"What's wrong Harry?" asked Sirius but Harry stayed silent his hand shaking but still pointed on the trees.
Sirius relished that something was going on and tolled Mrs. Weasley to take the twines, Ron, Hermione and Harry inside the house.
No one head time to move, because the thing Harry feared appeared from the forest, and every one now know why Harry acted like that. There were more then fifteen Dementors approaching the house, accompanied with five death- eaters. Without thinking Harry ran forward followed by Charlie, Bill, Mr. Weasley, Percy and Sirius. Sirius was shouting something at him but Harry's head was filled with cries from his mother and Voldemort's cold laughter.
Harry know what he must do, so he found the happiest thought he could master and shouted "EXPECTO PATRONUM". A blinding, dazzling silver stag emerged from Harry's wand and charged the Dementors making them retreat back to the forest, leaving the death-eaters alone and confused.
Puzzled by the Dementors sudden retreat, the death-eaters started throwing curses at every one in sight. Harry looked around and saw that Sirius was facing one of the death-eaters, so were Bill, Charlie, Percy and Mr. Weasley. One of the Death Eaters was already stunned when Sirius started shouting at Harry to go inside the house, but he ignored him and moved next to him to face one of the Death Eaters.
The death-eater moved in front of him and red light came from his wand towards Harry, but Harry dogged it. Harry whispered, "stupefy" and jet of red light blasted out of Harry's wand, but the Death Eater jumped out of the way and cried "Vuinero". The curse was not aimed to him, and looked in the direction the Death Eater pointed. The curse had hit Sirius, and Harry saw him being knocked backwards from his feet and fall painfully hard to the ground.
Harry felt anger he never head in his life rise in to his head, and started shooting curses one after the other. The Death Eaters managed to dodge most of them, but the last one, an immobilizing spell hit him straight in the face. The Death Eater fell backwards, loosing his wand and his mask, and Harry moved towards him his wand still pointed at him. The death-eater looked very young, not more then seventeen and he head fear in his eyes.
'Kill him, he has no right to live' said a small voice in his head, and Harry's hand started to shake in anger.
'Kill him. He injured Sirius. Make him pay' the small voice said again
'No' he thought 'he will be sent to Azkaban'
'He will escape from there and he will come bake for you' said the small voice ' kill him and end it now. KILL HIM NOW'
"Harry!" said Charlie and Harry looked at him. Charlie looked taken aback by the look Harry gave him. "Harry its over. are you ok?"
Harry looked back at the Death Eater his hand shaking more violently then before. his palms were hurting him like he had fire under his hand.
'Kill him now' said the voice
"NO" Harry shouted, 'I can't kill him,' Harry thought lowering his wand and falling to his knees
"Its ok Harry, Calm down. We captured all of them" said Charlie softly "Percy is going to bring the aurors, should be here any second. Come now you look exhausted."
Charlie helped Harry on his feet, and moved towards Sirius. It didn't look like Sirius was hurt badly, he only head a small cut on his right shoulder. Sirius was covering his shoulder with his hand and looking angrily at Harry.
"Are you ok Sirius?" asked Harry worriedly
"What the hell did you think you were doing, running towards them acting like you couldn't hear me?" shouted Sirius at Harry. "What got in to you? You could have been hurt!"
Harry with his anger still in place, shouted back at him making every one looked at him in surprise "How the hell do you think I could hear you. When all I could hear were the cries of my mother pleading Voldemort not to kill me and him laughing at her?.And what did you think? I was going to hide in the house and see one of you being killed or worst receive the kiss?.and did any one of you ever manage to conjure a proper patronus?"
"We would have managed-" said Sirius but was interrupted by Harry, who was more angry then before.
"To kill yourselves" Harry continued for him "I faced Voldemort three times till now, and I'm not afraid of him, let alone of a bunch of Dementors and death-eaters. So do me a favor and stop trying to protect me, I don't need it"
With that Harry left Sirius, Charlie and Mr. Weasley stunned looking at him walking towards the house. In the house he found the twins, Ron, Hermione and Mrs. Weasley all looking strangely at him, but he ignored them. He kept on his way to his room where he changed in his pajama pants and slipped in bed.
After calming down Harry was starting to feel extremely guilty for what he said. 'I should have never shouted at Sirius, he wanted to protect me because he loves me' he thought 'I don't know what got in to me to act like that, tomorrow I will have to say sorry to every one especially to Sirius.happy birthday Harry' he thought sarcastically and he took some potion and rested his head on the pillow and drafted to a restless sleep.
*
Hi every one. Sorry I took so long to update, but I head some piled work to do and couldn't write. Then when I did, I have deleted the story by mistake so now my story is here. Sorry (......but the story is he same
Here are the names of those that have reviewed before:
Lan, Chocolate Frog, Iniysa, Zaz, Myk, cavadog(),Dreamy-eyes and Midnight, alecatq, TheDarkOne, a(),Buckbeak Girl, dementorchic, coolsome(), S(), shdurrani, alecatq, spacecatdet(), Butler, fictionwriter, Calen(),Snape- Slytherinking, byron245,
Thanks to all of you
Please, please, please review - your comments always make me smile
A big thanks to Whiteriver for editing this chapter
CHAPTER FOUR
BIRTHDAY ATTACK
After few more hours sleep Harry changed in to his running clothes, and went outside for his morning run under the morning sunlight. A week of running was enough for his body to get in to shape, and Harry was starting to do other exercises to increase his muscles. He was aware that his body was still skinny, but with all the good food Mrs. Weasley cooks and exercise he was getting made it much stronger.
After having a quick shower he changing in to a pair of jeans and white t- shirt. Today he didn't want wear his contacts so he tried his glasses for the first time. They were lighter then the one's he used to have and they were nearly invisible on his face.
When Harry was ready, he made his way downstairs for breakfast. Once in the kitchen Harry noticed that other two people were at the table and a happy smile appeared on his face. 'Sirius and Percy must have apparated wile I was in the shower' he thought happily
"Harry!" asked Sirius like he was seeing him for the first time after years.
"Who do you think it is? Dumbledore?" Laughed Harry and gave his godfather a hug.
"You've- you've changed" said Sirius "You look so much like your-" he stopped and looked sadly at Harry.
Harry looked from Sirius to Percy and back; both of them were gaping at him.
"Oh come on I only changed my clothes and cut my hair. What's so different in that?" said Harry annoyed.
"Yep this year the girls won't leave him alone," laughed Charlie.
"Stop that Charlie," snapped Harry at him.
"Hey I'm only telling the truth," he said in mock anger. Harry rolled his eyes
"Yeah, yeah.Anyway. How is professor Lupin doing?" said Harry trying to change the subject.
"Oh yeah.Remus is doing fine." said Sirius still in awe.
"Will he be coming to teach us again?" asked Harry.
"Not this year." replied his godfather.
Harry moved to the table and seated next to Sirius. Sirius was still looking at him in a strange way, like he hasn't seen him for years. There was something wrong in his eyes. Harry could see sadness and guilt in his deep black eyes. Watching him Harry was starting to feel that he was the cause of Sirius's sadness. He didn't want his godfather to be sad because of him.
Without having any breakfast Harry got up and ran to his room leaving everyone looking confused at each other. In his room he started looking for his old clothes. When he found what he was looking for, Harry changed and sat on his bed to think. He was trying to think why was Sirius sad about him changing his appearance. If Sirius wanted him to dress in his old clothes he would, but what difference did it make what clothes he wore?
Suddenly a knock on the door snapped him away from his thoughts.
"Its open." he said sadly as the door opened.
Sirius seemed surprised to see Harry in his old clothes but didn't say anything. Sirius closed the door behind him and without saying a word went to sit next to Harry. They stayed silent for few minutes before Harry found the courage to speak.
"Why did my new appearance make you so sad Sirius?" Harry asked. Sirius sighed loudly before speaking
"Harry, it wasn't your appearance that made me sad."
"Then what was it? Down there you were looking at me like I killed someone." said Harry his voice louder then he intended
Sirius sighed again "Harry it wasn't your fault. You reminded me of.of someone that died because of my ignorance. Someone very precious to me."
"My parents?" asked Harry after few minutes of silence and Sirius nodded. "Then I won't wear those clothes if you don't want me to."
"No Harry it's not that" said Sirius placing his hands on Harry's shoulders "It doesn't matter what clothes you wear or how you cut your hair. You will always remind me of them, they are both in you, Harry, you're their son, and nothing can change that. You're growing up Harry, you're becoming more like your parents every passing day."
Sirius look in those brilliant green eyes, and smiled at Harry. Harry could see that Sirius's eyes were full of happiness now. The darkness that obscured them after twelve years in Azkaban was lifted, and Harry could see his heart behind them. Harry could see himself behind those black eyes, and now he knew that Sirius loved him like a father loves his own son. Slowly a smile started to appear on Harry's face, and Sirius gave Harry a loving hug.
"Now go on, and change. I want my godson to always have the best of life," Sirius said proudly and Harry smiled more broadly
"Thanks Sirius" said Harry and Sirius smiled at him again before he got up to leave Harry's room so he could change.
Harry was staring to take his shirt off before Sirius peered in the room again. "You know Harry I think Charlie is right. You will have a hard time keeping girls away from you," he said. Harry threw his shirt at him and Sirius could be heard laughing in the corridor.
*
Downstairs Harry found every one eating his breakfast in silence. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley Sirius and Percy looked extremely worried about something. It only took Harry few seconds to realize the nature of all this worry. In the middle of the table there was a copy of Daily Prophet, which must have arrived whilst he was upstairs. On the front page there was a picture of the dark mark floating over a small fort. He knew what it was about, but why were they all so worried.
Harry slowly seated at the table and took the paper to read what they head to say about it.
THE MINISTRY'S BIGGEST MISTAKE
BY RITA SKEETER
The Ministry of Magic keeps surprising the entire wizarding world by
the incompetence of its employees, writes Rita Skeeter, special
correspondent. Last night when every witch and wizard was sleeping
feeling safe in their beds, Azkaban - the wizard prison - was attacked
and Death Eaters freed all the prisoners.
It is rumored that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named himself, who was declared
dead fourteen years ago, was leading this group of death-eaters on the
attack. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was declared dead by the Ministry of
Magic after Mr. Harry Potter tragically lost his parents and survived
the killing course fired by You-Know-Who.
This attack should have been stopped by the Dementors who were hired
by the ministry to keep dark wizards locked in Azkaban, but last night
was not the case. When the Death Eaters attacked, You-Know-Who managed
to convince the Dementors to join his ranks, and by so doing leaving
Azkaban open for all the dark wizards to join their master. This shows
that the ministry has placed You-Know-Who's followers in the hands of
Creatures that would join him without any effort.
Numerous sources state that You-Know-Who has regained his power on the
twenty-fourth of June during the third task of the Triwizard
Tournament. During the task two students, Mr. H. Potter and Mr. C.
Diggory were taken away from Hogwarts into the hands of faithful Death
Eaters who had managed to escape a prison sentence. They performed
some dark magic to bring You-Know-Who back to power, resulting in the
death of Mr. C. Diggory. The Minister of Magic turned a blind eye on
this event and refused to accept the possibilities of You-Know-Who
regaining his power. Even when given strong proof of this possibility
by a Death Eater under the Veritaserum potion Cornelius Fudge refused
to act and ordered Dementor to perform the kiss without a trail. And
in doing so destroying all proof of You-Know-Who's return.
Judging by the fact that You-Know-Who has regained his power and has
become allies with the Dementors; our question is if the minister
Cornelius Fudge is capable of fighting this threat. He has showed his
incompetence countless times in the past to be trusted with something
this serious.
Will it take another sacrifice from Mr. Harry Potter for this
situation to be resolved, and since when has the minister has never
taken stapes to prevent this situation? Does this mean that the
ministry is hiding behind a fourteen-year-old boy to do their job for
them? Our hope is that this does not result in another tragic event on
behalf Mr. Harry Potter; he deserves to leave his life like a normal
fourteen-year-old boy who will shortly celebrate his fifteenth
birthday on the thirty-first of July.
"Why does she have to always include me?" said Harry in shock after reading the article.
"Well this time she didn't say anything bed about you. Did she?" said Ron "Some time in a jar must have thought her a lesson after all." he whispered to Harry
"Yeah, but surly she went hard on the ministry, and it won't be long before she starts to throw mud on me again." said Harry
"Well I better go back to the office. There will be a lot to do," said Mr. Weasley
"But Arthur you just came from patrolling. You only slept for few hours," said Mrs. Weasley
"I know Molly dear but this situation will require every one to be back to work immediately. I will catch up sleep tonight; I don't think there will be any more patrolling after this. Fudge is not so stupid to ignore this," said Mr. Weasley
"He will deny everything," said Charlie "He will deny that You-Know-Who is back, or he will have to resign after this."
"This complicates things a bit." said Sirius
"It sure does.It sure does," said Mr. Weasley thoughtfully "Well I'm off."
"I'll come with you dad, I can help." said Percy and Mr. Weasley nodded and went to prepare to go to the ministry. After few minuets they left the house with a pop
That day no one talked about that article. Harry spent most or his time in his room reading, until dinner was served and he, Ron and Sirius started talking on Quidditch. It turned out that Sirius was a great fan of the 'Dragons', a team in the northern England, which were rivals of the Chudley Cannons.
They kept talking until Mr. Weasley and Percy came back from the ministry looking exhausted, late after midnight, and they went straight to bed, Ron, Harry and Sirius soon followed.
When they reached Harry's room Sirius and Harry said goodnight to Ron. Sirius was going to be sleeping in Harry's room. Sirius didn't look very happy when he spotted the books on dark arts, but didn't comment on it. He was far more shocked when he saw Aescul crawling from under the bed, and Harry had a hard time convincing Sirius that he was nice and that he was very useful.
When Harry finally climbed in to bed it was after two, and after taking the dreamless potion he drafted in to a deep, welcome, dreamless sleep.
*
A few days passed, very slowly for Harry's liking. His scar kept hurting him more every passing day, and the lack of activity from Voldemort was not taken as a good sign. Mr. Weasley and Percy were at the ministry most of the day, leaving early in the morning and coming back late at night. Rita Skeeter didn't help matters with her articles, insisting that Cornelius Fudge resign from his position.
Every night Mr. Weasley would assure everyone that everything was all right and that Voldemort had left England, but Harry knew Voldemort was still in England and planning something. Harry knew he was his first target and soon he will have to face something planed especially for him.
On the day before his birthday something came with the morning owl post that lightened his spirits considerably. That morning every one was around the table eating breakfast. Harry was still in his pajama bottoms and wanted to go back to sleep after breakfast, but when an owl came carrying the Hogwarts letters he didn't think of sleeping any more.
"Ah, the letters have arrived at last. They're a bit late this year," said Mrs. Weasley handing Harry, Ron and the twins their letters.
The letter was thicker then normal, and inside there seemed to be something solid. 'What could they have sent me?' he thought opining the letter slowly. When he unfolded the letter to read it something heavy fell on the table with a small clatter. When Harry looked at what made that metallic sound, his mouth fell open.
"Hey. Harry have been made a prefect," said George when he saw the badge.
"Me?!? a prefect?" said Harry "But-but.how?"
"Hey congratulations Harry its a big privilege in being a prefect," said Percy
Fred and George snored with laughter at this and were met by murderous glares from Mrs. Weasley and Percy.
"But I can't be a prefect" said Harry confused "I'm not that good at school, and what about all the rules I've broken"
"Oh stop that Harry, you're the best one in our year to be a prefect." said Ron with a strange expression on his face
Harry didn't like this situation at all. He knew how Ron felt about all the attention Harry always gets, and Ron being pushed aside. If he could he would have handed the prefect title to Ron gladly, that would mean more tranquility for Harry and a dream come true for Ron.
"We have to agree with Ron on this one Harry" said George "For once"
"Yeah can you imagine having another perfect prefect in our family? What a shame." said Fred.
"Oh shut up you two," said Percy "Go on Harry read the letter"
Harry nodded and looked at the letter and started to read it out loud.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
Dear Mr. Potter
We are pleased to inform you that the new term will start on 1
September as scheduled. You are to take the Hogwarts express from
King's cross-station that will depart at eleven AM sharp.
We are also pleased to inform you that due to your school records of
the past years, you have been voted from the Hogwarts stuff to be one
of the Gryffindor prefects. This is a great responsibility and we hope
that you will take your duties seriously. Please find enclosed a list
of your new books for next term and your prefect badge.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"It doesn't seem that they have made any mistakes," said Percy.
"That's great hey, Harry?" said Sirius and Harry nodded uncomfortably.
Every one went back to there breakfast wile Harry looked back at the letter and started to read the list of books he needs for next term.
Set books:
The standard book of spells (grade 5) by Miranda Goshawk
Guide to advanced transfiguration (book 1) by Emeric Switch
The charming book of charms by Seualana Sesus
Dangerous potions by Arsenius Jigger
Dark arts in your pocket by Quentin Trimble
Magical runes and its uses by Nathan Tertum
"If you like, Harry I have a book that will help you on your way up to head boy," said Percy suddenly after finishing his breakfast.
"Yah and having another Percy for our last year." said George
"No thanks." said Fred George and Ron in union
"Oh shut up you two," said Percy and left the room
Every one laughed and went back eating there breakfast. Harry looked at the badge; it was made of silver and head a large "P" engraved on it. He couldn't believe it, he was a prefect. He didn't like the idea very much, but some how he felt happy about it. 'I'm a prefect' he thought 'Hermione must have been made a prefect too.'
"Hey Ron do you think Hermione is a prefect too?" asked Harry suddenly
"Don't know, probably. Why?" said Ron
"Oh nothing just wondering." said Harry truthfully.
'If she is a prefect too at lest I will have some help on this' he thought and went back eating his breakfast. Sirius took Harry's letter and started reading the list of book for next year.
"Now this year you have to behave yourselves" said Mrs. Weasley suddenly looking at Ron and Harry "You must be an example to the younger students. Not like these two." she added looking at the twins
"Hey we've always been an example to younger students," said Fred
"Yeah how to get in to trouble" said Charlie and every one laughed
"You have some interesting books this term, Harry" said Sirius after reading the letter "And you have taken ancient runes this year?" asked Sirius and Harry nodded
"WHAT?!?!" bellowed Ron "are you mad? And what about divination?"
"Oh come on Ron. I'm sick having that old fraud predicting my death every time she get her eyes on me. I want to do something useful this year," said Harry
"Mum do you still have some of those bandages, because I think Harry hit his head!" said Ron to his mother but still looking at Harry. "And all those books he keeps reading all day. I don't know what got in to you."
"Don't tell me you like divination because I don't believe you" said Harry angrily "and those books are on runes. I have two years to catch up with." and Harry left the room to change for running.
*
After Mr. Weasley and Percy left for work Harry followed the twins and Ron in the back yard to enjoy the sun. That morning Harry was not in the mood to close himself in his room and read all day. 'Tomorrow is my birthday and I've been made a prefect, and I want to enjoy it' he had thought. So all he did that morning was playing gobstones and exploding-snap with Ron, Fred and George.
He was also too anxious to concentrate on books that day. Hermione was going to arrive at the burrow that evening, and also was Ginny and Bill. On his last letter Ron invited Hermione to come to the burrow after her holiday, which was still a mystery were she had spent it. Harry couldn't wait to see Hermione's face when he told her he was a prefect. 'Surely she is a prefect too, but she will never imagine me as a prefect.' he thought.
After lunch Harry went to his room to take a shower, he and Ron had lost terribly at gobstones, and he was all covered with the smelling solution that the gobstones sprays when you lose a point.
When Harry was clean from all traces of there gobstones game, he selected a pair of black trousers and dark green shirt to put on. He wanted to look smart and pin his prefect badge on, to see Hermione's face when she sees him. He put his contacts on and combed his hair in front of the mirror.
"Very elegant. Girls will love you," said the mirror
"Ah not you as well." said Harry annoyed by the same comment.
On his way downstairs Harry pined his badge on his shirt, and once in the living room he seated in an armchair waiting for Hermione to make her appearance. Few minutes later a very smart looking Ron joined him.
"Why have you changed like that?" Harry asked him when he got a good look at him
"Did you think I'm going to let you look like that all alone?" he said smiling sheepishly "anyway Are you sure you want to do this. The twins will never leave us alone if they see us like this."
"Well I didn't ask you to join me. So if they see us don't come complaining to me." said Harry trying not to laugh. He knew why he was doing this but Harry didn't say anything. He would deny every thing about it. And Harry didn't think he know why he was doing it. "Anyway. They locked themselves in their room. They are working on something I heard some explosions coming from there." said Harry.
"Well ok. What do you reckon?" he asked Harry finally moving in front of him.
Harry gave him a mischievous simile and said "Don't worry when she sees you she will forget Krum completely."
Ron turned red as his hair but didn't say anything on the comment Harry made on Krum. Even so he didn't have time to reply, because at that moment some one knocked on the front door. Ron looked at Harry, panic on his face and Harry laughed at him.
"Go and open the door then, what are you waiting for?" said Harry making Ron control himself.
Slowly Ron made his way to the other room to open the door and welcome Hermione. Harry stayed where he was, but he could hear everything from the other room where Hermione cried out, and it seemed that she launched on Ron because he started speak with a muffed voice.
"Gerrof Hermione" said Ron and Harry tried not to laugh
"Oh sorry I'm so happy to see you," said Hermione
"Yeah.Well what do you think?" asked Ron 'probably he is puffing himself for Hermione's benefit' Harry thought.
"Very cute" she said and Harry clamped his hands on his mouth trying to silence his laughter "But why"
"Err- I. well there was no reason" said Ron "I thought it would be nice to greet you dressed like this."
"Well thank you," said Hermione and there was some silence.
"HERMIONE!" shouted Ron
"Oh come on, Ron. Don't be a prat I only gave you a kiss on the cheek nothing to be so embarrassed about." said Hermione and by now Harry was rolling on the floor holding his stomach in silent laughter. Harry could only imagine the expression on Ron's face in that moment. "Anyway where is Harry? I think that he have been made a prefect."
Harry's face fell, and he could hear Ron laughing. 'Damn it! How does she know? Why does Hermione have to figure everything out?' he thought. He heard there footsteps approaching, and then Hermione appeared in the door way. She was wearing a light blue skirt and blouse, her hair was still bushy and she had a nice suntan.
When Hermione spotted him, he got his wish anyway; Her face was surprised her eyes head gone wide and her mouth was slowly opining.
"Harry?" she said after some time.
'Here we go again' he thought "Nice to see you too Hermione" he said
"You've. changed.your hair, your clothes, your glasses.Wow," she said and both boys laughed.
"So Hermione where's your badge?" asked Harry trying to take the attention off himself.
"How do you know I've been made a prefect?" she asked
"Oh come on Hermione. That's the most obvious thing in the world," said Ron
"No it isn't. I broke a lot of rules you know," she said
"That's why they made you a prefect, Hermione," laughed Ron and Hermione frowned
"And your top of the year" said Harry.
"Yes but this year Harry is determined to beat you to it" said Ron "till now all he did was read books in his room. I think you had a bad influence on him, Hermione"
"I'm not, and I already told you those books are on ancient runes. I have two years to catch up with," said Harry.
"You dropped divination?" asked Hermione in disbelief and Harry nodded. "You should have done that too, Ron," she said tuning on Ron and he rolled his eyes
"So how was your holiday?" asked Harry not wanting to witness a row between Hermione and Ron.
"Oh it was fun," she said but Harry noticed that there was something wrong in that answer.
"Are you going to tell us were did you pas it?" asked Ron
"Err- in lots of places" she answered
"What do you mean 'in lots of places?" asked Ron
"What I said. Lots of places. France, Italy. lots of places" she answered but Ron still looked at her suspiciously. Harry was feeling that she didn't want to tell them something.
"Hey shouldn't Bill and Ginny be already here?" Harry asked resaving a thank you look from Hermione. He will have to ask her what was wrong later.
"Yes they should have" said Ron "do you think something happened-" a sizzling sound coming from the kitchen interrupted him, announcing someone coming by floo.
They walked slowly towards the kitchen to find Bill talking to Sirius and Ginny bent down brushing soot off herself. She was wearing a pair of tight jeans and a yellow t-shirt, her hair was tied in a ponytail. She had changed since the last time he head seen her, she looked more mature.
When she stood striate Harry got a better look of her, and she noticed him. Harry felt his face burning and his mouth gaping, and so did Ginny. Both of them gaped at each other, looking at each other in the eyes.
'She is so beautiful' he thought 'her brown eyes, her different shades of red hair, her soft lips, and her checks slightly red with the sun. WOW' he blinked several times not believing his eyes were working properly 'she's changed. She is so.no.its just Ginny. Just Ginny' he reminded himself 'Ron's little sister.but she's so.wow' Harry was so deep in thoughts, that he wasn't aware of the others talking to him.
"Harry. HARRY-" called Ron
"Ha?- oh yah. What?" replied Harry shaking himself mentally.
"Is there something wrong." asked Ron looking suspiciously at him.
"Err.no nothing." he lied.
Every thing was wrong in that moment; he felt the world going upside-down. He felt butterflies in his stomach, and he felt dizzy like he had traveled around the world by floo. He knew that everyone's eyes were on him, and that made him feel more uncomfortable.
"See you at dinner Ron, I need to finish a book tonight." he lied to Ron and ran up the staircases and locked himself in his room.
Harry stayed locked in his room all evening pacing around the room deep in thoughts, and angry with himself.
'What was all that about you prat' he thought to himself 'what's wrong with you, haven't you seen a girl before. And she is Ginny, Ron's little sister. Its not like you've never seen her before. And you rarely have spoken to her. So what got in to you?'
Harry kept repeating to himself the same words: 'its just Ginny, Ron's little sister' all evening pacing around the room until it became a mantra.
Harry shook himself mentally from all his thoughts. 'Better go down it should be diner time soon' he thought. He took a deep breath and opined the door. When he opened the door he found the very person he wanted to avoid now. She looked in his eyes making him feel melting beneath her gaze.
"Err.Harry mum sent me to call you for diner." she said in a whisper
'Its just Ginny, Ron's little sister' he thought, "I-I-I w-w-was c-coming down just now," he stuttered and she nodded and walked away, and Harry followed her silently
Diner was a torture for Harry. He tried not to look at Ginny, but couldn't help giving her furtive glances without any one noticing. All he managed to eat were few spoons of soup, his stomach wouldn't respond any more and he thought he was going to be sick.
When Sirius asked him what was wrong, hurry excused himself and left the table. Harry went to his room and set there for some time before taking his potion and drifted to sleep.
*
The next morning Harry wake up with high spirits some how. He went running and did his exercises as usual, and after having a hot bath he went down for breakfast.
"Happy birthday Harry dear" said Mrs. Weasley
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley" said Harry
"To night we are going to have dinner all together to celebrate your birthday Harry" she said happily and Harry smiled
"You don't have to Mrs. Weasley" replied Harry
"Don't worry about it dear," she said and Harry blushed deeply.
He was back to his usual self until Ginny came down for breakfast, and to his horror he knocked his bowl of porridge on the floor, but no one noticed why. Harry took out his wand and cleaned the mess with a cleaning spell, and repapered the bowel.
"Harry! You can get in big trouble for doing that," shouted Hermione.
"Don't worry, Hermione. Harry has 'permission' to use magic outside school' said Ron in a strange tone in his voice.
Harry and Hermione looked at each other for few seconds. Both of them knew what was wrong with Ron, but on one said a word about it. 'Yeah, a great start for my birthday' he thought and kept eating in silence.
After every one finished eating, Harry went outside with the twins, Ron, Charlie and Bill to play Quidditch. They stayed on the hill playing Quidditch nearly all day, and they only stopped to have lunch when Hermione and Ginny arrived with a picnic basket full of food. Harry managed to act normal with Ginny close by, but couldn't help the furtive glances at her. He tried to concentrate on his food, and not think much on the thought of her sitting close to him. It was strange situation, usually she was the one who blushes and knocks things off the table every time she sees him, but now the roles seemed to have changed
Soon it was time for diner so all of them headed back to the house. They were going to have diner outside like last summer, because there was no way twelve people could fit in the kitchen.
By six thirty, the two tables outside in the backyard were already filled with food, and the nine Weasleys, Hermione, Harry and Sirius found their seats. Ron and Hermione seated in front of Harry, and Charlie and Ginny on each side of him. Harry managed to engage in a conversation with Charlie, on Quidditch and Ron soon joined them. For the first time in his life he head a decent birthday, and he was happy to have his friends with him to celebrate.
Suddenly halfway through his food, Harry felt the air in his lungs freeze and hared a cold laughter in his head. Harry knew what could affect him like that, and instantly he knew what was going to happen.
Harry quickly got up knocking the chair to the ground, took out his wand and with a shaking hand pointed it towards the darkness in forest. Every one on the table stopped talking and looked at him with questioning looks.
"What's wrong Harry?" asked Sirius but Harry stayed silent his hand shaking but still pointed on the trees.
Sirius relished that something was going on and tolled Mrs. Weasley to take the twines, Ron, Hermione and Harry inside the house.
No one head time to move, because the thing Harry feared appeared from the forest, and every one now know why Harry acted like that. There were more then fifteen Dementors approaching the house, accompanied with five death- eaters. Without thinking Harry ran forward followed by Charlie, Bill, Mr. Weasley, Percy and Sirius. Sirius was shouting something at him but Harry's head was filled with cries from his mother and Voldemort's cold laughter.
Harry know what he must do, so he found the happiest thought he could master and shouted "EXPECTO PATRONUM". A blinding, dazzling silver stag emerged from Harry's wand and charged the Dementors making them retreat back to the forest, leaving the death-eaters alone and confused.
Puzzled by the Dementors sudden retreat, the death-eaters started throwing curses at every one in sight. Harry looked around and saw that Sirius was facing one of the death-eaters, so were Bill, Charlie, Percy and Mr. Weasley. One of the Death Eaters was already stunned when Sirius started shouting at Harry to go inside the house, but he ignored him and moved next to him to face one of the Death Eaters.
The death-eater moved in front of him and red light came from his wand towards Harry, but Harry dogged it. Harry whispered, "stupefy" and jet of red light blasted out of Harry's wand, but the Death Eater jumped out of the way and cried "Vuinero". The curse was not aimed to him, and looked in the direction the Death Eater pointed. The curse had hit Sirius, and Harry saw him being knocked backwards from his feet and fall painfully hard to the ground.
Harry felt anger he never head in his life rise in to his head, and started shooting curses one after the other. The Death Eaters managed to dodge most of them, but the last one, an immobilizing spell hit him straight in the face. The Death Eater fell backwards, loosing his wand and his mask, and Harry moved towards him his wand still pointed at him. The death-eater looked very young, not more then seventeen and he head fear in his eyes.
'Kill him, he has no right to live' said a small voice in his head, and Harry's hand started to shake in anger.
'Kill him. He injured Sirius. Make him pay' the small voice said again
'No' he thought 'he will be sent to Azkaban'
'He will escape from there and he will come bake for you' said the small voice ' kill him and end it now. KILL HIM NOW'
"Harry!" said Charlie and Harry looked at him. Charlie looked taken aback by the look Harry gave him. "Harry its over. are you ok?"
Harry looked back at the Death Eater his hand shaking more violently then before. his palms were hurting him like he had fire under his hand.
'Kill him now' said the voice
"NO" Harry shouted, 'I can't kill him,' Harry thought lowering his wand and falling to his knees
"Its ok Harry, Calm down. We captured all of them" said Charlie softly "Percy is going to bring the aurors, should be here any second. Come now you look exhausted."
Charlie helped Harry on his feet, and moved towards Sirius. It didn't look like Sirius was hurt badly, he only head a small cut on his right shoulder. Sirius was covering his shoulder with his hand and looking angrily at Harry.
"Are you ok Sirius?" asked Harry worriedly
"What the hell did you think you were doing, running towards them acting like you couldn't hear me?" shouted Sirius at Harry. "What got in to you? You could have been hurt!"
Harry with his anger still in place, shouted back at him making every one looked at him in surprise "How the hell do you think I could hear you. When all I could hear were the cries of my mother pleading Voldemort not to kill me and him laughing at her?.And what did you think? I was going to hide in the house and see one of you being killed or worst receive the kiss?.and did any one of you ever manage to conjure a proper patronus?"
"We would have managed-" said Sirius but was interrupted by Harry, who was more angry then before.
"To kill yourselves" Harry continued for him "I faced Voldemort three times till now, and I'm not afraid of him, let alone of a bunch of Dementors and death-eaters. So do me a favor and stop trying to protect me, I don't need it"
With that Harry left Sirius, Charlie and Mr. Weasley stunned looking at him walking towards the house. In the house he found the twins, Ron, Hermione and Mrs. Weasley all looking strangely at him, but he ignored them. He kept on his way to his room where he changed in his pajama pants and slipped in bed.
After calming down Harry was starting to feel extremely guilty for what he said. 'I should have never shouted at Sirius, he wanted to protect me because he loves me' he thought 'I don't know what got in to me to act like that, tomorrow I will have to say sorry to every one especially to Sirius.happy birthday Harry' he thought sarcastically and he took some potion and rested his head on the pillow and drafted to a restless sleep.
*
Hi every one. Sorry I took so long to update, but I head some piled work to do and couldn't write. Then when I did, I have deleted the story by mistake so now my story is here. Sorry (......but the story is he same
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