Harry woke quietly to the sight of Ron finishing getting dressed in the morning light. "Sorry I woke you," Ron said with out looking, "I was trying to be quiet since you didn't get that must sleep last night.
"What do you mean?" Harry trying to sound nonchalant as he slowly got out of bed.
Ron stopped what he was doing to look at Harry with a sly grin. "Even with the shade drawn at Hogwarts I can tell when you sneak out. Ron looked him up and down, "That and you're still dressed.
"You don't know every time I get up. Harry stated haughtily, "The only way you knew I was up last night was because I was dressed.
"Fine let me paint you a picture," Ron drawled, "I was laying sound asleep when I heard the springs to your be creek when you bolted up-right from your nightmare. Harry looked surprised at Ron, when he paused. The look on his face was that of a sarcastic yes I knew. Ron's lips formed a thin smile as his eyebrows raised. Ron Continued advancing toward Harry counting the list of evidence on his fingers, "You quietly slid out of bed, grabbed your pants, my socks, andÉ" Ron looked around and suddenly turned and eyed at Harry in disgust, in a whisper, "My shirt I wore yesterday to de-gnome the garden?
Ron would have laughed at the look of shock on his best friend face if he were not so hurt at the moment. Harry carefully looked at the dirt stains to confirm Ron's query. Sure enough, right there on the fabric The Chudley Canons. Harry shudder at realization of where these were. Ron grabbed him and threw him to the bed before he could go change and continued to a discussed and confused friend, "Quietly picked up your broom and went off to who-knows-where to have a heart-to-heart with our mother.
"Yeah ÔOUR' mother," Harry's voice rose to match the anger of his friend. Harry did not know why he was mad, but that was not reason to go off like this. "What wrong with me going toÉ How did your put it, who-knows-where to have a heart-to-heart with our mother?
"Look at this room what do your see?
"A mess?" Harry stated not fathoming the question.
Ron shove two finger in front of his face, like a gauntlet, the back of the hand facing Harry. "Two beds! Ron exclaimed, "in a small bedroom. That used to be one. One bed is over there is occupied by myself. The other by his best friend ever for the last four years.
The light came on in Harry's head. His face changed immediately from anger to guilt. "I did not want to burden you." Harry's voice just a whisper.
Ron's voice still booming, "Did not want to burden me? Your right Harry, not like your best friend could help! Ron stormed over, opened the bedroom door, pause like he had forgotten something, just for a moment to spit out, "Happy Birthday Harry! Ron disappear down the stairs as the door slammed behind him.
Oh, Harry thought glumly, I defiantly owe him an apologyÉ Not right now though he thought. As he immediately, yet carefully stripped off Ron's dirty shirt.
Harry waited a few moments to start down stairs. There was no way, since Ron was that mad, to give him a chance to ambush him on the way to breakfast. With a fight on the stairs, who knows how long they would be de-gnoming the garden. Still Harry carefully crept down the stairs.
At the bottom he was met with a sea for red heads. The sound of "Happy Birthday!" rang through his ears. Suddenly he was pulled off his feat and hoisted by this bevy of Weasleys, not including Ron, through the kitchen to the living room. A banner and an even bigger crowd of people in the living room met him. The messages seemed to shimmer and float on the fabric, Happy Birthday and Welcome to the Family!
Now that Harry was set back on the ground he started to scan the crowd for familiar faces. Sure enough he knew them all. The group that carried him in the living room was Bill, Charlie, Percy, the twins, and he swore he saw a small hand holding his belonging to Ginny. She immediately disappeared into the group of people when they set him down. The familiar glowing red face blazed forth on Ginny as she disappeared.
The rest of the crowd included Arthur and Molly, Some more people from the Wesley family he had never recognized before. The look of shock finally wore off and was replaced by satisfaction. Even though Harry was a Potter, it was now official he was also part of the Wesley's. Harry was broke out of his adoration for his extended family by the family chanting in unison, "Presents, presents, presents!!
Harry looked to see they had cleared a space just large enough for him to sit on the couch. The rest was fill with heaping piles of packages from the family and fans, since he won the triwizar4ds tournament last year. He sat excitedly and started opening presents. Most of the gift he received from the fans was that of simple pictures and galleons. The presents Harry cared for were the gifts from his family.
"This is from the adults of the Weasley family," As Mrs. Weasley handed him a large present from the pile.
"Oh! I almost forgot!" Arthur said jumping from his seat in his favorite chair. He pointed at the grandfather clock and said, "Aetas Abnepos! A small black spear like shape shot from his wand and integrated it self to the clock. The clock hand was shaped like a lightning bolt and had in gold lettering Harry Potter. The position was home. The group cheered and exclaimed "Harry's Home!
Arthur noticed the look on his foster son's face. It was the same look he had when Molly welcomed him to the family. Arthur trying to keep the party happy, "Why don't you open the present from us Harry.
Harry face changed immediately from beaming to exhilarate. Harry excitedly opened the package. Inside he found a shallow stone basin with odd runes and symbols carved around the edge. "A Pensive!" Harry yelled excitedly as the Weasley children all groaned. Harry looked up confused, "What is wrong with a pensive?
After a moment of silence Ginny spoke up nervously, "Nothing Harry, This just truly means you are a part of the family. Anytime our mother thinks we have done something wrong she pulls out our pensive to review what happened." With this statement the crowd fell silent looking nervously at the matriarch of the family.
"I did not get this for that reason." Molly said with a false indignantly, "This is to help Harry with his O.W.L.S. and later N.E.W.T.S. Molly glanced at Harry and gave a winning smile.
The entire group burst into a fit of obscured laughter. Finally George and Fred could not take it anymore. "Open ours!" Fred and George exclaimed in unison.
Harry was a little worried, but decided against it. They would not pull anything on my birthday, he thought. He tore into the iridescent wrapping paper and opened the box. Inside at the bottom of the box was a certificate. The box came to about Harry's waist, so he bent over and reached for the paper. The instant his fingers touched the paper he swore the box and paper had suddenly expanded. He was lifted up off his feet by the box and toppled head over heals inside. He landed with a thud at the bottom of the box. The certificate was now the size of a billboard and the box looked as though it has swallowed the house. Harry was the only person inside.
The world around him was ominously silent. Then he realized he was had when the room around him burst into laughter, except for Molly. She was too busy admonishing the two sneaky twins. The box had not expanded to engulf the house. Harry shrank! Harry crossed his arms at the bottom in defeat as he saw the whole crowd now towering over him.
Harry heard Molly in a very unhappy voice, "Boys! Make him regular size!
Harry smiled as he heard the twins hollering in pain. He knew this only meant on thing. Their mom was leading them by the ears to the box to fix his now shrunk body. Bang on cue, the troublesome twins heads appeared over the box. The face of the now incarcerated twins was that of pain. He could see one of their ears painfully twisted by a pair of matching hands.
"Mom!" Fred whined, "This was just
"A one time spell!" George finished.
"If Harry will just grab the certificate," Fred started again in pain.
"The touch will make him normal size!" George reasoned quickly.
Harry slowly reached out his hand to grasp the billboard size paper. He was almost touching it when he closed his eyes and cringed as his hands went around the paper. He stood for a moment and thought he was tricked again. Nothing happened! Harry opened his sizes to his relief he was looking at everyone eye to eye again. Harry's relief change to anger as he spun to face the two boys, and roughly grabbed the paper in his hands and was about to rip it in two.
"No!!" the twins bellowed and snatched the paper from his hand.
Harry looked confused as the two boys held the paper like it was more precious than galleons. "The spell was not your present this was," as George held out the paper for Harry to see.
"This is our V.A.T. registration," Harry looked even more confused at this revelation as Fred continued, "You are now a silent partner now in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.
Harry took a closer look at the paper. They really were not lying. At the top in bold letters Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, blow their number 184 9116 27. (If this is a real VAT number I just made it up I am in no way trying to claim it.) At the bottom all three of there names George and Fred Weasley, and Harry Potter. The only thing missing was Harry's Signature.
George produced a quill from out of nowhere and started to hand it to the worried looking Harry. "Don't worry partner this is a normal quill." George stated to calm Harry.
Harry smiled and signed the paper. Even though Harry was not for certain what eh would do this his life, at least he had something for the future. To the snickering of the family Harry realized he was still standing in the box. He carefully got out and went back to the fun of opening his presents.
Hermione and Ron were next. It was more like Hermione was dragging the reluctant Ron in tow to hand Harry their presents. Harry looked worried at Ron. Thinking at any moment Ron was going off like a time bomb and tear into him. This was not what happened. Ron stood for a moment and reluctantly handed him a thin rectangular gift. "Happy Birthday, Harry," Ron reluctantly said as he rolled his eyes.
Harry's eyes locked with Ron's. He replied with an inadvertent menacing tone, "I want to talk to you outside after this.
"Fine, Harry" Ron quipped, "After the party beyond the south garden wall. Ron turned and blended into the background of red heads.
Hermione gave Harry a worried look as she gave Harry her present off the pile. He smiled and gave Hermione a Ôdon't worry look.' This softened the look of worry on Hormone's face, a little. Harry put his attention back on the two presents in front of him. He opened the one from Hermione first. It was cutting into his legs with both the size and weight. Harry thought to himself, the latest edition of ÔHogwarts; A History'. He tore into the simple green wrapping paper to reveille an old leather bound book with words on the spine Ô2000 And One Protection Spells.
"Boy Hermione," Harry looked at her with the most serious look he could muster, "You would think my life was in danger.
Hermione started, "I uhÉ it's just thatÉ" The look of worry and embarrassment swept across her face. Until she looked at Harry's face. He had a sly grin letting her know He enjoyed watching her squirm. She smacked him on the shoulder, "You Prat!
Harry replied half stifling a giggle, "Really, I do love the gift.
Charlie interrupted the two's friendly banter, "Less talk more opening!
Harry held up his hands in defeat. He reached for his next gift that was Charlie's to him. It was oddly shaped not a box but wrapping paper around something lumpy. He tore through the paper and gasped at the sight. A look a great rapture was on Harry's face as he held up a full set of dragon scale Quidditch pads. The younger Weasley brothers yelled in protest. Things from OY! Not fair to Where are ours?!
"Take it easy," Charlie said trying to calm his brothers, "Harry here is a new part of the family. I wanted to make him feel totally part of it." Charlie turned to the twins, "You two are about to become the greatest comedy wizards in history. What do you need them for? He finally turned to a more reddening Ron, "Don't worry Ronikins, once you make the team this year I have already set aside the scales for yours. Ron demeanor relaxed as Charlie's mouth turned into a sly grin, "Beside the was Harry's head is always stuck in the clouds on the field, he need all the protection he can get.
Harry stuck out his lip in a mock pout as the rest of the family roared with laughter, "Charlie," Harry said over the laughter, "I see your hair has grown back nicely from Norbert's little accident.
The group went silent in shock. Harry just zinged Charlie; slowly the group was wearing off the surprise slam and started to go into fits of laughter. Charlie was turning redder by the second. Finally her retorted, "Well, ya got me this time kid. Savor the flavor." a devious grin spread across his face, "You're a Weasley now, and you have to sleep sometime.
"WellÉ Ok." Harry said with his fake shaky voice. "Let's get back the my presents.
Harry was looking over the dwindling pile of gifts when his eye spotted a small present just the size of an amulet. He picked up the box written in gold lettering was Snuffles. Harry curiosity was now peaked. "Where did this come from?" he asked the group.
The group was confused at first even Molly was a loss for words. "Yesterday this large black dog found me on my lunch break in the park." Arthur replied in a matter-of-fact tone. "Don't worry he looked well."
Harry smiled and tore into the paper. Inside was a pocket watch with an etching of a lion on the lid. He looked twice he could have sworn the lion winked at him. Harry was about to open it when a letter fell to his lap from underneath the watch. On the to was written ÔRead me first!
Dear Harry,
I am so glad I found Arthur today. Her is a great man and will be an even better foster parent to you. I am still working to find Worm Wormtail. Do not worry I am keeping safe. Luckily Arthur recognized me and was able to keep my presence secret. Who knows when I am free I will hit him up for a job.
This was your father's watch. It was a wedding gift from your mother. He always had it on him. Which was funny since before in school James hated watches (even Dunbledore's.) Now that you are truly becoming a man, you need a gift for a man. I know you will cherish it as much as your father before. In the future who knows maybe you will give it to your son.
Your friend and protector,
Snuffles
P.S. Molly has kept in constant contact with me. If you need anything do not hesitate to ask.
By the time Harry read the letter the group was now huddled excitedly around him. "Well," Hermione said impatiently, "What does it say? The group's faces mirrored Hermione's sentiment.
"You really want me to read it? Harry replied to the group. With this statement the group nodded excitedly. "Well here goesÉ" He read though the letter to the excited listeners. Arthur went red at the complements from the younger man. Snuffles, AKA, Sirius Black was James Potter's best friend and is Harry's godfather. He was supposed to be the Potter's Secret Keeper, but convinced the Potters at the last moment to use Peter Pettigrew. He was falsely accused of killing thirteen people with a single curse and sent to Azkaban without a trial. Escaped in 1993 and has been on the run ever since. (1)
Harry finished the sort letter to the smiling faces of all around him. HE still noticed Ron was hanging back from the group. A pang of guilt washed across his mind. Stop it he thought to himself. I will deal with him after the party. The group of people snapped Harry back to reality, "Open the watch!" most said in unison.
Embarrassed by the being snapped back to reality Harry opened the watch. On the inside the face looked like the Weasley's family clock. It had a hand for different people, Remus J. Lupin, Lily Potter, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew. Harry was shocked and excited to see Pettigrew's name on the watch. Maybe he could use it to find the traitor. Then his hand holding the watch started to tingle and become warm. Harry was going to let go but he could not. The warmth started to move up his arm and engulf his body. Harry was about to panic.
"Relax Harry," Molly said soothingly, "Your father's watch is becoming yours.
Harry stared in aw as the face started to change. To his disappointment two of the hands shrank and disappeared, his mother Lily's watch hand and Peter Pettigrew's. He knew why his mother had gone but why had Peter's. Then so many others started to appear. One hand for each of the Weasley's, Hermione, and (to his surprise) Cho appeared on the face. There were mane inscriptions around the edge of the face, "home," "school," "work," "traveling," "lost," "hospital," "prison," and "mortal peril." There were a few others but something on the inside of the lid caught Harry's eye. There were red and golden words floating like a wispy mist above a moving picture of James and Lily Potter, Harry's parents. The inscription read:
To my husband James
May our the gift of our love
Always shine bright in a dark world
To Love, Honor, and Cherish
You Forever
Lily Potter
The females of the crowd after reading the words were sniffing and on the verge of tears. The male part of the group groaned and moved back to their prospective seats. Fortunate for Harry, there was not way he wanted to get all weepy eyed in front of the Weasley men. Harry had enough time to wipe his eyes as the females, now offended, turned to admonish the men for being insensitive prats.
Finally Bill got tired of the females badgering said exasperated, "Can we at least let Harry finish opening his presents? Before you rake us all over the coals.
Harry looked over at the last large present on the couch. It was from Hagrid. Hagrid is half giant and he stands almost twice as tall as a normal man. He is excessively fond of creatures which he would call cuddly pets and anyone else would call fearsome monsters. Hagrid's appearance is very intimidating, but his disposition is kind. He was the one who saved Harry from the Dursley's when they tried to keep him from going to Hogwarts his first year. He always loved to cook. Unfortunately only Hagrid truly loved his own cooking.
Now Harry was worried inside this large box must be a dozen Rock cakes. A small sweet confection of Hagrid's that as the title was hard as Ôrock. None of his friend ever told him how much they hurt to eat this cake. They did not want to hurt the big mans feelings, bigger the heart bigger inside the man the heartbreak. Hagrid was a man with the biggest heart for anyone. Harry winced in anticipation of picking up the large present. When he did the package was surprisingly light. Inside was a note from Hagrid,
Dear Harry,
Sorry I cannot be there I have been unbelievably busy lastly. Dumbledore has me working around the clock. I am getting ready forÉ nope, cannot tell you about it. Dumbledore made me promise. All I can say it is something I have wanted for a long time. Because of my being busy I had my special friend make you your present this year. I know how much you love my cakes hopefully hers will make up for it. I have also place a picture of ma and my special friend in for you. Hopefully we both will be coming to you birthday celebration next year. Well have to goÉUm, do something for Dumbledore I will try to find time to see you at the first of the year.
Your friend
Love Hagrid
Everyone was in anticipation. Well what did he send you? The group prodded him.
Harry looked into the box and to his surprise he found the best-looking tarts he could have seen. Almost two dozen of the richest looking Almond Tortes you have ever seen. They are almond cake with just a hint of lemon zest filled and frosted with Amaretto butter cream. Harry carefully lifted the confections from the box to the gasps of the family. Except for Molly she had the look of shock and almost jealousy of the mysterious cook. Underneath was a simple wooden framed picture. Harry was so excited at the couple waiving at him, "Check this out! He exclaimed as he showed the coupled to the rest of the group.
The family whooped and awed at Hagrid holding Madam Maxim in front of the Arc de Triumphed in Parris. The picture almost did not fit the two in the shot. The picture was taken from a low angle and the couple looked to fill the whole picture. As only a giant could look these two in the face to take a picture. You could hardly see the monument behind them. Madam Maxim is the headmistress of Beauxbatons Academy. Half giant like Hagrid, although she insists she is just "big-boned." She is an elegant lady wearing silk and many jewels. According to Dumbledore, she is an excellent dancer. There is a romantic relationship brewing between Hagrid and Maxime that the Weasley family and Harry just confirmed.
"Well is that all the presents?" Bill asked curiously.
"Yeah that's itÉ" Harry was about to finish his statement when a small black item caught his eye. "What's this?" Harry did not notice Bill beaming with pride.
Harry picked up the item and realized it was a book. It was not just any small book; it was an address book to be exact. Inside, strangely in Harry's handwriting were the names of many different girls from school. "How did you get all these girls names in this book? An in my hand writing, bill?
A large grin spread across the eldest of the Weasley youth. "I did not put all those names in your book," Bill stifling a laugh, "you did.
Harry still did not understand. Bill walked over and whispered in Harry's ear, "That is you one and only Black Book" Harry looked at Bill in shock as he continued, "It is enchanted any girl you like will automatically appear in your book. Including there flew network address. So you see you put those names in the book not me.
Harry looked shocked at first as to want to day, "This is my ÔBlack Book' now?
Bill put op his hands to motion for Harry to keep his voice down but the damage was done, "Harry got a Black Book!" George started.
"What does he need that for ickle Ginny-kins is right here!" Fred continued.
Immediately Ginny turned red with anger and punched the nearest twin brother, Fred, in the arm. Both boys flinched and George said, "Come off it Ginny, We was just havin' a spot of fun!
Both Ginny and Harry gave the twins a look. You know the one where if you do it again we will hex you back to the Stone Age. Fred and George suddenly realized the young love bird were not the only ones. The whole group even Bill was not happy with that joke. Every one knew they both liked each other, but they were going to let them unravel this on their own. "Fred my dear twin," George addressed the doppelganger as if no one else was in the room, "I think we
"Have overplayed our hand?" Fred continued
"Are we about to get hexed?
"Can't tellÉ wait I see a smile on Harry's face.
"There goes bill and Charley as well.
"Don't look now George, they are going to laugh
George turned in excitement, "Wait for it, wait for itÉ" he held up his hand like wanting silence. The group burst into laughter as George's hand fell.
Fred not noticing his mum not laughing, "There, all is forgiven. His smile quickly faded as he saw Georges face, in worry, looking at his mum standing behind Fred. Mum was not laughing. All in all I would say she did not enjoy that little slip at all. Molly's arms were crossed in front of her as she started the two tapping her foot.
The boys put sheepish grins on their faces. Turned to their mum in unison, "De-gnome the garden?"
Molly did not even speak she just swiftly shot her pointed finger in the direction of the door. The rest of the family totally went into an uproar of laughter as the twins scrambled over each other to get out to the garden.
They could distinctly hear George's voice from outside the door, "Save us at torte Ôarry!
Molly completely change her mood, "Come on Harry, we've got a cake to devour.
Harry surveyed the room and did not see Ron. ÔMust have already went outside to talk,' Harry thought. Harry smiled, "Can you guys give me a moment I have to go outside to take care of something.
"Great!" Molly exclaimed, "That will give me a change to get the kitchen set up.
Harry grabbed the gift from Ron, still wrapped and ran for the door. He smiled as he heard the authoritative voice of his foster mother, "All right give me a hand everyone, this is Harry's birthday. Not a holiday for the rest of you.
Harry ran out the gate and round to the south side of the garden wall where he was expecting Ron to be. Ron was sitting under an old oak just a couple of meters behind the wall. When he saw Harry he immediately got up and started waling toward Harry to bridge the gap between them.
Harry stopped in front of Ron with his wrapped gift in hand, "Look Ron, I am
"Smack!" Harry's explanation was cut off by Ron's fist squashing Harry's nose against his face.
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I know why did Ron hit Harry. Also where is Ginny's gift to Harry? All in these questions will be explained next chapter. OK? Please review. Are people still reading this story?