Birthday Surprises Chapter Fifteen

Usual disclaimer: Not mine, don't sue. Please. Wish it were mine though. Ah, if only. Lolly, xxx.

"Are you ready Harry?" Remus asked. They were going to Privet Drive via Portkey - all nine of them, including the triplets. A potion from Snape had heavily sedated Vernon, though Harry knew it would wear off as soon as they were back in Privet Drive. He knew that once back in his own home, Vernon would become even more of a monster. Still, Harry was ready for anything his Uncle could throw at him - including the bread knife that he had seen the man slip up his sleeve. He knew he would need to keep his wits about him when they landed.

***

Sure enough, as soon as they had landed in Privet Drive, Vernon lunged towards Harry with the bread knife in hand. Petunia screamed and Remus plunged a hand into his robes for his wand. Harry's own wand was extended, and he froze Vernon in place, plucking the knife from his grip. "Very unwise." He said coldly, putting the tip of the knife to Vernon's throat. "You should know better. You are lucky that I'm nothing like you, otherwise you'd be dead by now." Harry murmured something, and the knife disintegrated. He unfroze Vernon, still holding his wand. "You chose the wrong person, Vernon." He said, murmuring a spell. There was a pop and Vernon's hand began to bleed. Suddenly it healed again, and in its place was a scar in the shape of a large sword. Vernon lunged towards Harry, before roaring in pain and falling back. "Hurts, does it? You have no idea." Harry hissed. He swept up the stairs to his room, followed by Remus and Minerva.

"What was that?" Remus asked.

"A restraining spell - and I saw him pick up the knife."

"You did?"

"He's not a seeker for nothing - that was pretty impressive. Now, what do you need to pack?"

"Pack? Nothing. I packed it all when I left for Hogwarts - it's not as if there was much to pack." Harry said. He walked over to his desk, stopping dead as he saw a small pile of photos on the desk. The Deatheater had been in his room. Harry's heart stopped as he saw something vaguely recognisable - the mangled body of Katie Bell. "Oh god." He choked out, waving his wand to move it out of the way. The next was of Lee, and then Susan, then Ernie and finally Zacharias. Harry gulped, as did Remus and Minerva.

"Harry."

"They're targeting the members of the DA." Harry said quietly. He waved his wand and the photos burst into flame, before he turned around. Remus immediately saw the flame in his eyes and was forcefully reminded of Lily - she had that look when she was angry. Only Harry looked so much more than angry. He was furious. There was a dangerous spark in his eyes that Minerva hadn't seen before, and she was wary of it - he had not looked this angry in her presence before - not even in his fifth year when Delores Umbridge had called him a liar.

"Harry?" Remus said softly. Harry looked the other man in the eye, and he had to remind himself that this wasn't James.

"He won't get away with this." He said quietly. "No way." Once again, determination flashed in his eyes, and it was unnerving.

***

Harry had seemed to calm down slightly by the time Mr Weasley and Ginny arrived. He smiled and did an admirable job of pretending that everything was fine, although it most definitely wasn't. When he put the triplets in the car, Ginny stared at him. "Er.when.did this happen?" She asked in a slightly choked voice. Harry looked up in surprise - he had thought that everyone would know.

"I'm looking after them for Professor Dumbledore - didn't you know?"

"No." Ginny asked. "Dad, did you?"

"Yes honey. Your mother is delighted that they'll be babies in the house again." He said.

"Er...do Ron and Hermione know?"

"No. We weren't sure whether to tell them or not."

"Right." Harry said, rolling his eyes at Ginny, who giggled.

"Hermione is going to be so jealous." She said.

"Why? Does she want to look after three six-week-old babies?"

"No, don't be ridiculous, but she does love children."

"Oh no. My best friend is going to get broody. Lovely." Harry said.

"You've done it now, Harry. Ron will be after your blood." Remus laughed.

"Yeah, he'll have to join the queue." Harry replied jokingly. The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and Remus' face contorted with anger. "Remus, calm down. I was joking." Harry said, strapping the babies into the car between him and Ginny.

"Not funny, Harry." Remus replied curtly.

"What's going on?" Arthur asked, looking nervously between Harry and Remus.

"Nothing. I just overreacted slightly." Remus said softly, looking at Harry. Harry nodded a little, turning his attention to Sam, who had started to cry.

"Hey, look, we're leaving this horrible place." Harry said softly. "And we're never coming back. You should be happy, Little One." He said, tickling the baby's stomach. He stopped crying abruptly, and gave a weak smile. "There's a clever boy." Harry grinned.

"Ready to go, Harry?"

"Just a second - there's something I have to do." Harry said, walking towards the house.

"Harry! You are not going in there alone."

"Remus, please. This won't take long." Harry said, fingering his wand. Remus got the message and stayed behind - Harry could look after himself.