Harry Potter, Heir of Gryffindor

Sweet Sixteen

With Professor Dumbledore's help Harry had learned to block Voldemort's attacks on his mind and had been thwarting all of the dark wizard's efforts to gain access to his thoughts and memories for almost a week and a half prior to the evening of July 30, 1996, the eve of Harry's sixteenth birthday. He could still dimly sense Tom's emotions but any more most of them were fraught with frustration. He also still knew whenever Tom cast one of the Unforgivables but their impact upon him had been greatly reduced to a minute twinge with a certain twist in the magical signature that let him know which curse was being cast. The past several lessons had been centered around learning how to erect impenetrable barriers at speed so that Harry would be able to stand and fight the next time they met rather than having to rely upon someone else for his salvation because he was being incapacitated by pain.

The headmaster had told him several stories about the war against Grindelwald and the first war against Voldemort. He knew the old wizard didn't like reliving those memories because there had been several times when Dumbledore had had to stop. The memories were just too painful. But at the same time he liked hearing the stories because they brought out the human side of Albus Dumbledore, the side that told Harry that the most powerful wizard in the world was, first and foremost, a human being.

At 11:59 he got up and walked over to the window. The sky was clear that night and the full moon bathed the rooftops in an eerie, almost surreal glow. In the distance he could see five owls winging their way towards his open window burdened with what looked like at least two cards or letters and three packages. Of the five owls he was sure that the lead owl was Hedwig and that the smallest - the one that seemed to almost bounce in mid air - was Ron's owl, Pig.

Shaking his head at the antics of the tiny owl Harry stepped away from the window as four of the five owls gracefully soared through the window and landed on his bed. The fifth owl - Pig - excitedly shot through the window and, had Harry not snatched him out of the air, would have collided with the far wall.

Pig stopped struggling almost as soon as Harry's hand closed around his feathery form. The package wasn't large but it was fairly heavy. Walking over to his desk Harry sat down and relieved the tiny owl of its burden. Opening the letter he read:

Dear Harry,

Happy Birthday, mate! It was good to see you at Diagon Alley. I wish I could
train with you and Neville - Tonks, Remus and Kingsley are still talking about
the show you guys put on and whether he says anything to you guys or not,
around here we can tell that Mad-Eye is impressed - but I am still working with
some of the Unspeakables from the DoM. It's really getting kind of interesting.
It seems that they have been using those brains to store the memories of a lot
of witches and wizards, sort of like a giant pensieve. Some of them were
famous and some of them were not so famous. Right now, now that I've figured
out whose memories I have access to, they are helping me sort and store them
for easy access. I can't wait for Potions class because one of the people whose
memories are currently stored in my brain was one of the greatest Potions Masters
who ever lived. I can't wait for old Snape to ask me one of his usual stupid
questions. This time I will have an answer that will blow his socks off. I
think Hermione is getting a little jealous, though, because she has to study to
get the information and all I have to do is search my own memory banks. Ginny
says I have turned into a walking library of encyclopedias whereas Hermione is
just a walking encyclopedia. I think she's jealous.

We still aren't able to attend any of the meetings but we do know that
something is going on and we have been told to tell you to be extra careful.

This is not my whole present because the whole thing is too big. I will give
it to you when we see you next.

Later, mate!

Your friend,

Ron

Laying the letter aside Harry opened the package and found that it was filled with chocolate frogs and a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. As he went to open a chocolate frog the other owls hooted, bringing him back to the present.

Walking over to his bed he began with Hedwig and started relieving the other owls of their burdens. As soon as she was relieved of her burdens - a package and letter from Hermione - she flew over to her cage and began quenching her thirst. The next owl was a Hogwarts owl. By the writing on the envelope and package he could tell that it was from Hagrid. The third owl was another Hogwarts owl and from the looks of it, it was carrying his Hogwarts letter. The Hogwarts owls took off and flew through the window as soon as they were relieved of their burdens, which left Henry and an owl he didn't recognize perched impatiently on the headboard. He relieved Henry of his burdens - a letter and a package form Ginny - and turned to study the strange owl. He looked at it for several long moments but couldn't remember having ever seen it before. Heeding Ron's advice he pulled out his wand and approached the owl. "I'm not going to hurt you. All I'm going to do is use a little magic to get that letter off of your leg."

The owl seemed to understand his concern and blinked its assent. Harry raised his wand and, pointing it at the bird's outstretched leg, muttered an untying charm. As soon as the envelope fell from its leg this owl too flew out the window.

Harry began to wonder if Mad-Eye was starting to rub off on him due to the many precautions he was taking with this unknown letter but then, with some of the horror stories Dumbledore had told him over the past few weeks, he felt justified in taking these precautions. Levitating the envelope he examined it from every angle. The writing was crisp and clear, easy to read and the seal was a simple blob of red wax.

Lowering the envelope to his bed he magiced it open and used an extraction charm to remove the letter. After magicing the letter open he levitated it into the light and began reading

Dear Harry,

Happy Birthday!

You will not be receiving your present from me until after class today but I
wanted to wish you a happy birthday anyway so HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

With love,

Remus

Harry shook his head and laughed at himself for being so paranoid. Maybe Moody was rubbing off on him. But then again, maybe he was beginning to realize just how serious a business this war really was. He was going to have to talk to Remus and ask him why he used the strange owl.

Turning back to the collection of letters and the packages still lying on his bed he picked up Hermione's card.

Dear Harry,

Happy Birthday!

It was so good to see you last week and I was glad to see that you were able to
smile. I know it couldn't have been easy for you to sit through the reading of
Sirius' Will and I know that I cannot even begin to presume to tell you how to
think or feel but I want you to know that we all love and care about you.

I must say that I am impressed with what you and Neville did in that battle.
I've been reading the paper every day since it happened - I'm still keeping
tabs on Rita Skeeter - and I must say that they are doing a very good job of
keeping your names out of the paper. And most of the stories - especially
Rita's - are fairly low key and, according to Professor Lupin, Tonks and
Kingsley, pretty accurate. That must have been some battle. I'm glad I wasn't
there to witness it but at the same time I am glad you and Neville were there
to lend a hand. Everyone we've talked to says that without you two the battle
could have either lasted twice as long or gone the other way.

I have been accompanying Ron to the Department of Mysteries for his
appointments with the Unspeakables and I must say that while I do not envy him
his situation I do find what they are doing quite interesting. I think I may
try for a position in the Department of Mysteries after we are finished at Hogwarts.

I don't know if Professor Dumbledore told you or not but everyone who was a
member of the D.A. and who took either their O.W.L. or N.E.W.T. exams last year
received Outstandings on their DADA exams. The members of the D.A. got together
and bought you this book. Since Professor Lupin is one of your dueling coaches
this summer I asked him (after everyone contacted me about buying you an
appropriate birthday present) what he thought you might like and this is what
he suggested. I hope you like it.

With love from,

Hermione

Turning to the package Harry hefted it and reasoned that it felt like a book. Untying the string and tearing off the plain brown wrapping paper he found that it was a handsome, leather bound edition of Dueling Through the Ages, The Definitive Guide to the Tricks and Techniques of Master Duelers by Wilbert Slinkhard. Harry checked the table of contents and saw that the book covered everything from curses, hexes, charms and transfigurations to stretches, physical exercises, tumbling moves and where to hide your wands. He saw that the book recommended having at least three wands hidden on your person so that even if you should be disarmed and separated from your primary wand you would not be defenseless. Next he checked the index and saw that it was fairly complete and that it was well organized. He decided that he would be committing this book to memory.

Next he turned to Ginny's letter and package. He smiled at the thought of her and wondered how she was doing. Carefully opening her letter so that he could re-seal and save it he read:

Dear Harry

Happy Birthday!

I've been thinking about it and while I do understand why you had to leave so
soon after the battle in Diagon Alley last week I'm sorry you couldn't stay for
at least a few more minutes. I never got to thank you properly. According to
Remus, Tonks and Kingsley, you and Neville made all the difference. They say
that the two of you brought down 15 of the 53 attackers. According to some of
the eyewitness reports (although you were never named) you two worked as
single unit. You covered each other's backs and, while there were very few
weaknesses in either of your dueling styles, you covered each other very well.

Neville's gran was so impressed with his performance and how well he handled
himself with that Rita Skeeter woman that she was actually crying tears of joy
for her grandson. She kept saying that Neville's parents would be so proud. I
think she wants to thank you for helping Neville find himself. I don't know if
you realize it or not, Harry, but you do inspire people and make it so that
they want to succeed.

After you left Mum and I wandered around for a while looking for something for
you for your birthday. We found this book in Flourish and Blotts. I know it
probably isn't what you are expecting but Mum says it is full of information
every young wizard should know. I hope you like it.

Love,

Ginny

P.S. I don't know what's going on but certain people around here are starting
to get nervous. Mum and Dad don't seem to know what is going on either (I can
see it in their eyes) and they are very worried about you. Dumbledore says
that you are safe for now but somehow I get the feeling that even he is
starting to get worried. Please be careful, Harry. I am finally getting to
know you for who you are - Harry Potter, not The-Boy-Who-Lived. You are too
good a person, Harry, and I don't want to lose you.

Harry was stunned. He read Ginny's letter a second and then a third time. He more than appreciated her sentiments and feelings towards him; but if Dumbledore was worried something must be happening. If Ginny was right and they didn't know what was going on then something must have happened to Snape. As Harry thought about it he realized that even though Snape was a greasy-haired git who didn't seem to be able to let go of the past he didn't want him hurt. Out of the picture maybe but not hurt and most definitely not killed.

Turning his attention to Ginny's gift he carefully unwrapped it and saw that it was a new copy of A Complete Guide to Household and Personal Care Spells, Charms and Transfigurations by Miranda Goshawk. Opening this book he studied its table of contents and discovered that it had charms for everything from dusting and snow removal to personal hygiene, clothing care and furniture transfiguration. Checking the index he saw that this book was also thoroughly indexed and would be easy to use.

Smiling to himself he set the book aside and turned to Hagrid's gift. Removing the letter that was tucked beneath the strings he opened it and read:

Happy Birthday, Harry!

It's hard to believe you're sixteen already! I talked to Professor Dumbledore
the other day and he says you are doing as well as can be expected. I hope
your relatives are being nice to you because I won't need magic to deal with
them if they aren't.

I'm really sorry about Sirius and I wish there was something I could say or do
to help but I really don't know what you need. We all grieve in different
ways and what works for one might not work for someone else. Sometimes the
best thing for a body to do is let a person know that they care and that they
are always willing to listen when their friends feel like talking. I'm sorry
I didn't remember that when you came to me after it happened but I really do
care, Harry, and I am always willing to listen whenever you feel like talking.

Hagrid

Harry set the letter down and thought about Hagrid, his first ever friend in the wizarding world. The more the thought about his half-giant friend the worse he felt. Hagrid had only been trying to help and he had yelled at the man as though the half-giant were little more than an insensitive dolt. Harry made up his mind then and there that as soon as he got off the Hogwarts Express on September first he would find Hagrid and apologize.

Opening Hagrid's present he was not surprised to find the traditional, inedible rock cakes. He was about to throw them away when it occurred to him that Dudley would at least try to eat just about anything. He set the box aside with an evil grin and decided to leave it on the kitchen table in the morning. As he reached for the letters from Hogwarts he secretly wondered how many of the cakes Dudley would get through before he broke a tooth

The first letter was the usual reminder about catching the Hogwarts Express on September first. This time, however, there was a note explaining that due to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's return additional security measures were being taken and that all students should arrive at least one-half hour early.

The second letter was from Professor McGonagall.

Dear Mister Potter,

Congratulations! You have been chosen to serve as Captain of the Gryffindor
Quidditch Team. Enclosed you will find the Captain's Badge. Under the
circumstances - yes, I have visited with the Headmaster about your particular
situation - I have decided to appoint a co-Captain. Your co-Captain will be
Mister Ronald Weasley. You two will need to hold tryouts shortly after your
return because you are going to have to find three chasers and two beaters
(as Messers Kirke and Sloper have elected to retire) as well as a complete
reserve team. Once again, congratulations, Mister Potter, and I look forward
to working with you in the coming year.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress,
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Turning the envelope upside down Harry watched in amazement as the Gryffindor Quidditch Team Captain Badge fell out and landed in his hand. It was almost like a dream. In the past two years he had only played one game of quidditch and yet here he was, captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. He would most definitely have to work with Ron on rebuilding the team because he wanted to be a part of a winning team again this year.

Looking at his clock he saw that it was now 1:00 AM and realized that if he was going to get any sleep that night, as his alarm was set for 4:15 AM, he would have to go to bed, otherwise it promised to be a very long day. It was going to be a long day anyway but he figured he could probably take a nap that afternoon. Placing all the letters and gifts on his desk Harry turned off the light and crawled into bed.

At 4:15, when Harry's alarm went off, he turned it off and groggily groped around for his glasses. As his world came into focus he pulled on his sweats, socks and trainers and began warming up. This was going to be a long day. Like clockwork, at 4:55 a small shower of red sparks appeared above the street in front of Number Four and he knew that he wasn't going to get a break. So, picking up the box of rock cakes and turning off the light in the smallest bedroom, he quietly made his way down the stairs. After leaving Hagrid's rock cakes on the kitchen table for Dudley he turned with a smirk and made his way out the front door. "Long night, Harry?" a familiar voice asked.

Harry turned towards the voice and nodded. "You could say that," he said. "How are you doing this morning, Josh?"

The invisible man chuckled. "I'm doing fine, Harry. Oh and, by the way, happy birthday."

Harry smiled. "Thanks, Josh," he said then sighed, "I guess . . ."

The voice Harry had come to know as Josh chuckled again as Harry trudged down the driveway to meet Tonks and Neville and begin the day in earnest. It had been a full moon that night so Remus was taking the day off. "Happy birthday, Harry," Tonks said as she lifted the disillusionment charms, first off Neville then off herself.

Harry growled then, remembering that Neville's birthday was at the end of July as well, said, "Hey, Neville? Isn't your birthday around the end of July?"

Neville blushed then said, "Yes it is. It was yesterday, but how did you know?"

Harry smiled mysteriously. "I have my sources," he said. Then, not wanting to make Neville feel uncomfortable, added, "Actually I just think I heard that we were born around the same time once. So happy birthday, Neville. Do you think we can talk them into going easy on us seeing as it is our birthday?"

Tonks laughed. "Not hardly, Harry. If anything we are going to push you harder today because we are going to start adding transfigurations into the mix."

Harry groaned but started running their regular route. "Okay, boss, whatever you say," he said as they rounded the first corner.

Thirty minutes later, as dawn was beginning to break, the three friends were running an obstacle course through the trees surrounding their training area. It consisted of rope bridges, tire mazes, wall climbs, barrel crawls and Moody's random stunners. When they emerged from the maze ten minutes later Harry was awake. Numb but awake.

For the next six hours Harry and Neville practiced incorporating transfigurations into their dueling strategies. They started by transfiguring sofa pillows into a variety of objects and banishing them towards their opponents. After that they moved on to transfiguring the pillows into a variety of plants and animals and sending them off to either attack or distract their opponents. On the few occasions snakes were used Harry held the definite advantage as he could talk to them and the others could not. Moody had been the first to conjure a snake but when Harry had stopped it using paresltongue he had not known what to think. Apparently Dumbledore had warned them that Harry was a parselmouth but none of them had known what to expect. At the end of the session Moody said, "That was a good session, boys. You two are going to be formidable forces by the time school starts. You are both doing very well and you are learning faster than most of my former students. But I must warn you, Potter, that while your parseltongue abilities do hold a certain shock value they can get in your way because if your opponent uses it to distract you from the battle, especially since you seem reluctant to harm even a conjured snake, it could be viewed as a weakness and used against you. You aren't always going to be dueling with a partner and more often than not the stakes are going to be much higher than simply disarming your opponent so you are going to have to grow a thick skin and be willing to hurt a few people if you expect to survive."

Remus stepped out of the shadows, where he had been watching since his arrival several minutes earlier and said, "He's right, Harry. I know its not a pleasant thought and I don't like it any more than you do but the time will come when you will have to fight for your very survival and simply disarming your opponent will not be enough."

Harry sat down on one of the picnic table benches and thought about what they had said. After a minute he let out a heavy sigh of resignation. "I know. You're right, of course, and I know that the time will come when I will actually have to kill someone. But that doesn't mean I have to like it."

Remus sat down next to him and looked at him with a look of concern etched across his face. "What do you mean? Why do you think you will have to kill someone?" Harry looked up and out across the clearing, watching as Tonks and Kingsley gathered the sofa pillows together into a large wooden crate. "How much has Dumbledore told you guys about the prophecy?" he asked.

Remus looked up at Moody who had come around to stand in front of Harry. Neville was standing near the end of the table pouring himself a glass of lemonade. "Not much," Remus said. "He told us that it concerns you and Voldemort and that it is your tale to tell if you want to. He asked us not to ask you about it because the fewer who know about it the better."

Harry nodded his head. "Yeah," he said softly, his voice catching in his throat. "Well what it boils down to is that it is either me or him. One of us has to die."

Neville dropped his glass and it shattered as it struck the table. Harry and Remus jumped up and turned around. "S-sorry," Neville stammered. "D-did you say that it is either y-you or V-Voldemort?"

Harry smiled weakly and nodded. "Yes, Neville," he said. "That's what it comes down to. Neither can live while the other survives."

Startled, Remus and Moony looked at each other and let their mouths fall open slightly. "Holy . . ." Remus said bowing his head. "I'm sorry, Harry."

Harry grimaced.

"We'll teach you everything we can," Moody growled.

"And we'll support you in any and every way we can," Remus added.

Harry smirked. "Thanks, guys, but this is something I am going to have to do on my own. I know there are going to be more battles and I know more people are going to die; but this is between me and Voldemort. I either have to kill him or die trying."

As Harry, Remus and Neville approached Mrs. Figg's house several minutes later the conversation had, thankfully, turned away from the war and the coming confrontation. It wasn't that Harry wasn't interested in it or in what was going on, he just didn't want to think about it right now. "Say, Remus," Harry asked when they were still about a block away, "what was the idea of sending your birthday greeting with that strange owl?"

"How did you open it?" Remus asked smiling mischievously.

"With magic."

"Why?"

"I don't know," Harry said shrugging his shoulders. "I guess Moody is starting to rub off on me with all of his talk about constant vigilance."

"Good," Remus said. "You passed the test."

"Test?"

"Something is going on, Harry. We don't know what it is. Snape doesn't even know what it is. All we know is that something is going on. I sent you that greeting with that owl as a warning. Don't even touch a letter from an unfamiliar owl unless you recognize the handwriting. And even then be extremely careful. But if you don't mind my asking, why did you use magic to open it?"

Harry smirked and blushed slightly at this question. "The first letter I opened was from Ron and one of the things he said was that I should be extra careful."

Remus let out a sigh of relief and said, "Good."

Moments later, as they walked up the path to Mrs. Figg's door Harry thought he saw one of the curtains fall back into place. He didn't think much of it though because it was getting close to their usual time for arrival and Mrs. Figg was getting to be notorious for watching for them. It was one thing with Malfoy on the loose but with this new threat Harry couldn't help but wonder how much tighter the security was going to get. But even with the heightened security it had already been the best summer of his life that he could remember and he appreciated the fact that the members of the Order were trying to protect him without smothering him. But then again he couldn't help but wonder how much longer it would last.

Shortly after Remus rang the bell Mrs. Figg opened the door and greeted them with her customary, "Oh, thank goodness you made it!"

Once Harry, Neville and Remus were inside Mrs. Figg closed the door. And as soon as the door was closed the lights came on and Harry and Neville were greeted a loud chorus of "SURPRISE!"

The next thing Harry knew Hermione was throwing her arms around his neck. "Happy birthday, Harry," she cried out.

Harry staggered back into Remus who gently steadied him. "Air . . ." he gasped. "Hermione, I can't breathe."

Hermione released her grip and stepped back. "Oh. Sorry," she blushed.

"Happy Birthday, mate!" Ron said as he came forward.

Harry could swear Ron had grown another ten centimeters since school let out. "Thank you!" Harry said happily as he looked around the room. Along with Ron, Hermione, Mrs. Figg, Neville and Remus, Mrs. Weasley, Tonks, Kingsley, Moody, Ginny, Luna Lovegood, Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Mrs Longbottom were all there as well. "Where did you all come from? I mean, I'm not sorry you are hear or anything but . . . Well, where did you all come from?"

Professor Dumbledore chuckled softly. "I'm afraid that's my doing, Harry. For a long time my primary concern was your physical safety. As we have gotten to know each other this summer, however, I have re-learned that there is more to being alive than simply being safe. I knew this a long time ago but as I have aged I seem to have forgotten about the most important part of being alive: friendship and love. You now know why I had to place you with your aunt and her family. I wish things could have been different but, alas, for the magic to work you have got to spend some time with them each year until the danger has passed.

"I know that I have hurt you in the past and I am sorry. I should have been more open and honest with you from the start but . . ."

Harry couldn't believe his ears. He knew that Dumbledore was sorry for what had happened and he knew that he was doing everything he could to make it up to him. But this was almost too much. The greatest wizard of the age was apologizing for being human. Looking around he saw that everyone was watching the Headmaster with a mixture of awe, shock, amazement and surprise. Stepping forward he said, "Er, sir. There's no need to apologize any further. I wish things had been different as well but at least now I understand why you did it. All I ask is that we keep the lines of communication open and that you not try to hide anything from me."

The stately wizard smiled and nodded his head at Harry's acceptance. "That is as it should be, Harry. As I said at the beginning of the summer, I will no longer hide anything from you and, whenever possible, you will be the first to know whenever something of importance comes to my attention."

"Thank you."

Most of the others were unsettled, to say the least, by Dumbledore's assertions and were looking between Harry and the Headmaster with a mixture of wonder and awe and an uncomfortable silence began to fill the air. Before it could become a stifling presence, however, Dumbledore laughed and clapped his hands. "I believe today we have come to celebrate Harry and Neville's birthdays," he said. "I know I didn't come all this way to stand around and do nothing so I suggest we have a party."

With that the ice was broken and after a while everyone was laughing and talking. It was the best birthday party - well, the only real birthday party - Harry had had since he turned one and he was more than happy to share it with Neville.

At one point Mrs. Longbottom approached Harry and said, "Harry, I want to thank you for everything you have done for Neville. for many years we were afraid he might be a squib. But with the confidence you have given him over the past year I can tell that our fears were groundless.

"I don't know if you know this or not but your parents and Frank and Alice were very good friends and until you and your parents went into hiding you and Neville used to spend a lot of time playing together. I just want you to know that it does my old heart good to see you two working together just as your parents did."

Harry could hear the pain in Mrs. Longbottom's voice when she spoke of her son and daughter-in-law and wanted to reach out to her but didn't know what to do. Finally, after several tense moments the silence between then had grown so painful that Harry had to break it. Reaching out he put a hand on Mrs. Longbottom's arm and said, "Thank you. I never knew about that but now that I think about it, it only makes sense." Then he added, "And I want you to know that I'm sorry about what happened to Neville's mum and dad. If there was any way I could change it I would. But until then Neville and I have a war to win and I want you to know that I am going to do everything in my power to make sure Neville makes it safely home after the fighting is over."

Mrs. Longbottom's usually stern exterior faltered for a moment and she smiled softly, her eyes brimming with the unshed tears of grief she felt for both Neville and his parents. "Thank you," she whispered.

Professor Dumbledore presented Harry with his first gift. It was a box wrapped in the Gryffindor colors with a bright red and gold bow that seemed to glow with its own inner light. Harry looked curiously up at the Headmaster who smiled and nodded for him to go ahead and open it. Carefully unwrapping the package he lay the paper, ribbon and bow aside and opened the box. Inside was a pensieve. Harry looked at it then looked back at Dumbledore who was smiling. "With all that has been going on in your life, Harry," Dumbledore said, "I feel the time has come for you to begin setting aside some of your memories for further review when you have more time. A pensieve will not completely remove a memory but it will deaden the pain of some of your most painful memories so that you can move forward and deal with them when you have more time."

The next present was from Ron and Fred and George. It was a new set of Seeker Pads and gloves as well as a complete set of all of Fred and George's most recent creations. It had several of their improved portable swamps as well as a number of skiving snack boxes and a large selection of the twins' own line of fireworks. A note from Fred and George said:

Dear Harry,

Sorry we couldn't be there for your birthday but we are helping our neighbors'
(in Diagon Alley) clean up after the attack. You have our permission, not that
you need it of course, to use any and/or all of these pranks on your next DADA
teacher if they are anything like that Umbridge cow.

We are counting on you, Harry. Someone has got to give Filch something to
complain about and it might as well be you.

Gred and Forge

At one point Professor Dumbledore let his curiosity get the better of him and ate a Canary Cream. Ron and Harry tried to stop him but it was too late. For five minutes the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was a giant yellow canary. Professor McGonagall was dumbfounded and wasn't sure if she should floo Madam Pomfrey or not. Mrs. Weasley was upset to say the least and threatened to hex both Fred and George to within a millimeter of their lives for creating such a dangerous treat. It took a laughing Professor Dumbledore another five minutes to calm her down after he had molted and returned to normal. Remus, however, was impressed and made a note to talk to the twins to see what else they had on hand. Tonks gave both Harry and Neville a collection of wand holsters; Kingsley gave each of them a pocket foe glass; and while Remus gave Neville a copy of Dueling Through the Ages, The Definitive Guide to the Tricks and Techniques of Master Duelers he turned to Harry and, handing him a box roughly the size and shape of a large paving stone, said, "This is actually from Padfoot, Prongs, Tiger Lily, and myself," he said. "It was in that trunk Sirius left to me."

When Harry removed the wrapping paper and opened the box he saw a large, leather bound book entitled The Marauders and Their Mayhem by Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, Prongs and Tiger Lily. "It was written after we graduated and, so far as we know, before Peter went over to the dark side. This is the only copy of this book. It contains most of our pranks and the reasons behind them. It also contains comments by all of us, including your mum. Your dad and her were dating at the time and she really got to know him while we were working on this book. I figured that this was the best way for you to learn the truth about your parents."

Harry's mouth fell open. Of all the things he could have wished for, since he couldn't have either his of parents or his godfather, this was it - a written record of their thoughts as they got to know each other. He closed his mouth and pulled Remus into a hug. "Thank you," he whispered. "I know you are still recovering from the full moon but thank you. This is more than I could have ever hoped for. Thank you."

Remus chuckled and patted him on the back. "You are most entirely welcome, Harry. That book was meant to be passed on to the next generation of Marauders when they came of age. Lily made us promise not to pass it along until you graduated but under the circumstances I think she would understand. However, I don't want to hear about you pulling any of our pranks over the next two years unless it is on a Death Eater. If I hear of even one prank that sounds like something we did I will hunt you down and turn all of your robes pink."

Harry stepped back and looked Remus in the eye. "Even if it's justified?" he asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Remus smirked then smiled. "Well," he said as he cautiously glanced over at the Headmaster, "I'll have to think about that one. It will kind of have to depend upon what you mean by justified."

Professor Dumbledore looked around the room. "I seem to have gone temporarily deaf," he said. Everyone laughed. "I do, however, draw the line at the destruction of school property."

The next several packages combined to make up a complete new wardrobe for Harry that actually fit. There were several dress shirts in various shade of green that set off his eyes, several t-shirts, several pair of trousers, some jeans, as well as a few pair of dress slacks. These were all from the various members of the Order of the Phoenix. Professor McGonagall told him that many more had wanted to come but that they had decided to keep it small.

The last gift he received was from Mad-Eye Moody. After everything else was opened and the clutter taken care of he reached unto his robes and pulled out what looked like a miniature trunk. Placing it in the center of the floor he gruffly said, "Now that you've got all this stuff, Potter, you are going to need someplace to keep it," and with a wave of his wand he enlarged the tiny box until it became a rather large red and gold steamer trunk with seven locks. Harry's name was painted in gold lettering on the front of the lid and above the locks. Reaching into his pocket the retired auror pulled out a flimsy ring with two keys dangling from it and handed it to Harry. "I suggest you keep one of these hidden somewhere safe at all times because you never know when you might need it."

Harry took the keys and began opening each of the different locks. Since Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Luna had never seen a multi-chamber trunk before they watched with interest as Harry opened each of the chambers. He loaded the first three chambers with his other presents, categorizing as he went. They were naturally impressed with the trunk's versatility; but when he opened the sixth and seventh chambers and saw what amounted to two small rooms they were more than just mildly impressed. "Wow," Ron said. "What are you going to do with those?"

Harry glanced over at Mad-Eye and Remus and then over at Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall before turning his attention back to the trunk. After thinking it over for a few moments he said, "You know, Ron, I think I'll turn one of them into a library and the other into a private study. I mean, after all, we only have two more years left to go at Hogwarts and our N.E.W.T.s are coming."

Ron's jaw fell open. "Harry?" he asked. "Are you alright? Hermione, call a healer! I think something is wrong with Harry!"

Everyone laughed. "I actually think that's a good idea, Harry," Remus said, "I think Padfoot and Prongs would appreciate your sense of humor. And I know Tiger Lily would appreciate your practicality."

"Actually, Potter," Moody said, "that is exactly what I used mine for when I was in school."

A few minutes later, after they had helped Harry organize and pack his new trunk, Professor Dumbledore said, "Harry, we seem to be having a slight problem with a pair of house elves at Hogwarts. It seems they that their magic has been getting weaker since they have found their freedom. They do not mind working at the castle - in fact they quite enjoy it - but they do not like the fact that their powers have been steadily decreasing. They have petitioned me to allow them to work - without pay - for two of my students. Now, understand that I am loath to allow any of my students to bring house elves from home because I do not wish to set a dangerous precedent. However, under the circumstances I think we can make an exception to this rule."

Harry glanced over at Hermione who was scowling. "Ah, yes, Miss Granger," the Headmaster said. "There is something you should know about house elves before you go trying to set any more of them free." Hermione looked up in surprise. "Their magic, indeed their very existence, is tied to their ability to serve. I do not doubt that your efforts are of an honorable intent. However, I would ask that you learn everything you can about what you are dealing with before endeavoring to fulfill your dreams. I am not saying that there is anything wring with your dreams; I'm just saying that you would not be ill advised if you were to ask a few questions before jumping to conclusions. You have a wonderful mind and a keen intellect. I would hate to see your reputation ruined by an ill-conceived plan to free the house elves when they truly do not wish to be free. There are those who richly deserve to be ... relocated but to free them against their wishes is not advisable for you will be taking away their magic, their happiness, their joy and, ultimately, their lives."

Hermione looked down at her feet and blushed. "I'm sorry, Professor," she mumbled.

Professor Dumbledore smiled reassuringly and rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. "That's quite alright, Miss Granger. I do, however, hope that you will learn to research things a bit more carefully from now on."

"Yes, sir," Hermione mumbled.

"Anyway," the aging headmaster said, "as I was saying, these two house elves have requested that they be allowed to work for two of my students. It would seem that you, Harry, and you, Miss Weasley, have curried favor with these particular elves."

Ginny's mouth fell open as all eyes turned towards her. She stumbled forward, not knowing what to say, and sat down on the floor beside Harry who was leaning against his closed trunk. Moments later, before anyone could say anything, two loud cracks sounded, signaling the arrival of two very hopeful looking house elves.

Dobby and Winky looked timidly up at Harry and Ginny who glanced at each other and then curiously up at their headmaster. "They are yours to accept or reject," Dumbledore said.

Hoping Ginny would take the lead and set the example Harry waited for her to say something. But when she didn't Harry noticed the looks of uncertainty and fear that were beginning to spread across the house elves' faces. Turning to Dobby he said, with an air of uncertainty in his voice, "You want to serve me, Dobby?"

Dobby smiled and vigorously nodded his head.

Harry looked down at the floor and chewed his lower lip for several seconds as he considered what to say next. He wanted Dobby to be happy but he had never had a house elf before and he didn't know how to even begin treating one. Finally making up his mind he got down on his knees next to Ginny and said, "Alright, Dobby. I'll accept on two conditions."

Dobby's smile grew even wider. "Anything, Master Harry Potter Sir!" the excited house elf almost screamed.

Ginny looked at Harry, seemingly curious as to what the two conditions Harry was going to set on Dobby's servitude would be. "The first," Harry said, "is that you are to treat me as your friend and equal. I want you to call me Harry, just Harry. I don't want you to call me Master ever again. The second condition I am going to set is that you are never to punish yourself because you think I, or anyone else, might be upset at something you have done or are thinking of doing."

Dobby threw himself into Harry's arms. "Oh, thank you Ma - Harry. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Dobby is going to be the best house elf for Harry Potter."

Harry looked over at Ginny and shook his head in bewilderment then turned to return Dobby's hug.

Ginny smiled at Harry and turned to Winky. "Do you want to serve me, Winky?" she asked.

Winky nodded her head, her lower lip quivering with fear and anticipation.

Ginny smiled and opened her arms to the frightened house elf. "Then I will accept if you will accept the same two conditions Harry just set for Dobby except that I want you to call me Ginny."

Winky burst into tears and ran into Ginny's arms, hugging her as tightly as she could. "Thank you, ... Ginny!" she cried. "Winky will be a good house elf!"

Harry and Ginny looked at each other and shrugged and out of the corner of his eye Harry could see that Hermione was smiling. Apparently she was pleased at the results. Then a slight problem occurred to Harry. "Erm," he began,"Dobby? I'm pleased that you want to . . . be my . . . friend but, um, I can't really keep a house elf hear in Little Whinging. I'm not saying you can't visit or anything but you just can't stay here all the time. So, um, would it be too much to ask if I asked you to help out around my house in London until school starts?"

Dobby stepped back and looked at Harry with a stern expression on his face. "Dobby can see that it is going to take Harry Potter some time to get used to having a house elf," Dobby said then smiled. "But Dobby understands and will do as Harry asks."

Harry let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding and said, "Good. While you are there I want you to do everything Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Remus Lupin and Professor Dumbledore ask you to do. I would also like you to come over to Privet Drive two or three nights a week so we can visit and get to know each other."

Dobby smiled and his enormous eyes were brimming with tears of happiness and joy. "Dobby will do as you ask, Harry! You is a great wizard, Harry, and Dobby looks forward to getting to know you as his equal."

Harry smiled and shook his head. This was going to be an interesting relationship.

When it came time for cake and ice cream Hermione, Ginny, Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Figg disappeared into the kitchen and emerged moments later with an enormous chocolate cake with an icing picture of Hogwarts in the center and "HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY and NEVILLE" spelled out in gold letters across the top. Along the bottom was a sugar model of the Hogwarts Express. Two sets of sixteen candles were placed along the sides of the cake and as they entered everyone began singing Happy Birthday to Harry and Neville.

A chill ran up his spine as they sang the traditional song and he involuntarily shivered as he realized that there really were people in this world who loved him for who he was. He smiled despite himself and his eyes began to prickle with unshed tears of joy. Ginny and Hermione must have seen him fighting to control his emotions because they both came over and hugged him, telling him that it was alright, and giving him a kiss, Hermione on the right cheek and Ginny on the left.

As the party was winding down Dobby apparated to Harry's room with his new trunk and returned to Mrs. Figg's house. While he was gone Winky came up to Harry and told him that she had not really believed all of Dobby's tales of his greatness but that now, after seeing how he treated a lowly house elf, she was convinced that Dobby was telling the truth. Harry Blushed at this and was about to turn away when Ginny grabbed his hand and said, "She's right, you know. You really are a great wizard, Harry." Motioning to Luna who got up and walked over to stand in front of Neville she said, "Now, Harry, Neville, you knew that Mrs Longbottom and I were in Eeylop's Owl Emporium while you two were out helping in the fight against those Death Eaters last week. But what you didn't know is that Luna was trapped inside Flourish and Blotts and since we are celebrating your birthdays today we thought we would take this opportunity to properly thank you for saving our lives." And with that Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry's neck and kissed him full on the lips while Luna did the same to Neville.

Harry didn't know what to do and he doubted Neville did either. At first he was very tense but as he felt the tip of Ginny's tongue tease at his lips he closed his eyes and relaxed into the kiss, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close while deepening the kiss. He was so involved with the beautiful redhead in his arms that he totally lost track of time and forgot that they had an audience. It took Remus clearing his throat and patting him on the back for him to remember where they were and to reluctantly end the kiss.

Blushing furiously he looked into Ginny's eyes and murmured, "I'm sorry."

Ginny smiled up at him and, with the light of love in her dark eyes, softly said, "I'm not."

Harry's stomach was doing flip-flops and summersaults. He was so distracted by Ginny's presence that he didn't even notice that everyone was staring at them until Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat and said, "Yes, well. I think we had best be going. We've still got a lot of work to do to get Harry's house ready for his arrival and we've only got a few weeks to do it in."

Harry glanced nervously over at Ron who threw his hands up and shook his head. "I've been warned to keep my mouth shut, mate," he said as a broad smile spread across his face. "Besides, to be honest with you I couldn't be happier. You just make sure you treat her right." At this offhanded remark Hermione, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley all wheeled around to glare at the youngest Weasley boy. "See what I mean?" he gulped as he cowered under the enraged scrutiny of three very powerful witches. "I think I had better just leave it there." With a curt nod from his mother, Ron took a pinch of floo powder and stepped into the fireplace. Throwing it at his feet he called out, "DIAGON ALLEY!"

After everyone else had left Professor Dumbledore transfigured his robes into a pair of lightweight trousers and a long sleeved cotton shirt and cast a privacy charm around himself, Harry and Remus. Then he, Remus and Harry left Mrs. Figg's house to walk over to the Dursley's.

As they walked the three and a half blocks to Number Four Privet Drive Harry turned to Dumbledore and asked, "Professor? So far today I have been warned at least three times to be more careful but no one will tell me why. What's going on?"

Dumbledore frowned. "I'm afraid we don't know, Harry. All we know for sure is that the threat level has increased. We know that Cornelius Fudge is in a fight for his political life and that he has pardoned Lucius Malfoy - a known Death Eater - in hopes of finding some political favor and financial support among the wealthy and well to do. We also know that the word is out that Lucius Malfoy is out to for revenge and that he holds you responsible for his fall from grace."

Remus snorted.

Dumbledore glanced over at the werewolf and smirked briefly before continuing his dissertation. "Our intelligence also indicates that Tom has begun recruiting and training for a major attack. Although I hate to say this, because I do not like to hear of anyone dieing needlessly, apparently most of the attacks thus far this summer have been little more than training runs. The attack on Diagon Alley was one of the few exceptions to this rule."

They walked on in silence for a bit then Harry said, "So what's he up to?"

Dumbledore breathed deeply. "That's just it, Harry. We don't know. We have an idea that he might be aware of the magic that is protecting you while you are here and that he may try to neutralize it at some point. But to be honest with you, we really don't know. That is why we want you to be extra careful. I am more than pleased with the progress you and Mister Longbottom are making in your training but I must ask you please not to take any chances. If you find yourself alone and in a dueling situation I would rather you flee than try to hold them off on your own until help arrives." Harry was about to protest but the Headmaster cut him off. "I know it goes against your better judgment and your desire to strike back but please try to understand that you must exercise both caution and restraint. You might think you are ready to fight but so far you have only been fighting battles where the goal has been not to harm but to disarm your opponent. Granted there is a lot that can be learned in these battles but in the future you will be up against people whose goals are to harm, disarm and kill their opponents."

"Any idea when I will be getting out of here?" Harry asked as they started up the drive.

"We are working on that," Dumbledore said. "We hope to have an untraceable means of transportation in place by the nineteenth or twentieth because, sadly, Tom is growing more powerful and our means of transportation are becoming severely limited. Even closed floo networks can be broken into and attacked. So, needless to say, we are using them sparingly. And even then we must use indirect routes to reach our destinations. We cannot risk using a direct means of transportation, even in our closed network, for anything other than special occasions - such as the occasional trip to Diagon Alley, which does not sit well with Miss Granger or the younger Weasley children - until we are satisfied that the security charms we have placed upon it cannot be broken. And, sadly, that will take some time because there are very few unbreakable charms and we are having to develop many of our own security measures. Most of the old ones have been broken so we are having to build new ones."

Harry leaned against the door and looked down at the sidewalk, thinking. After about a minute he looked up into Dumbledore's eyes and said, "Thank you, sir. Would you like to come in? I don't know how my aunt would react to meeting you but we can always try."

Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Thank you for the offer, Harry, but I am afraid I must get back to school. We have been receiving several inquiries from concerned parents about safety and a variety of other issues as well as letters of acceptance from next year's crop of new students and I simply must return to help get the school ready for start of term."

Harry nodded his head and smiled. "I understand, sir," he said. Then, as the Headmaster began to turn away he said, "Oh, sir, before you leave, do you mind if I ask why you apologized again, in front of everyone? You didn't have to, you know."

Dumbledore smiled and said, "As you know, we have found ourselves on a rather difficult situation. It is imperative that you get the kinds of information you will need to defeat your adversary as soon as possible. I made that somewhat public apology so that it will make the next few steps I must take slightly easier by comparison."

Even though the old man's habit of couching his words in an air of mystery bothered him slightly Harry found that he had a new respect for what Albus Dumbledore had been through and promised himself that he would learn everything he could from the ancient wizard. "Thank you sir," he said.

After lifting the privacy charm and bidding Harry and Remus a good afternoon Dumbledore turned and walked down the driveway and Harry could swear that he heard his Headmaster humming a nonsensical tune as he made his way back towards Mrs. Figg's house. Smiling and shaking his head he opened the door and led Remus into the entryway. Just as they were about to mount the stairs Harry's aunt Petunia stuck her head out of the kitchen and said, "Very funny, Harry." Harry looked at her, confused. "Where did you get them?" she asked.

"Get what?" Harry asked innocently.

"Those rock things you left on the kitchen table this morning?" Harry couldn't help himself but burst out laughing. "I'm sorry," he said as he tried to compose himself, " but did Dudley eat any of them?" he said between gasps of air.

"No," she said sternly. "He tried but they were just too hard."

Still laughing Harry said, "A friend of mine from school sent them to me."

"It wouldn't happen to be one of those red-haired people would it?"

"No," Harry said as he tried to stifle his laughter. "This is actually what this particular friend considers to be good home cooking."

Remus, who had been watching the exchange - amazed at Harry's aunt's restraint, looked at Harry and asked, "What did you leave on the kitchen table this morning?"

Harry looked at Remus, his face bright red from suppressed laughter, and gasped, "Hagrid's rock cakes."

Remus cringed and looked at Mrs. Dursley. "Ooooh," he said. "I'm sorry, Petunia. That's even low for me. You see, Hagrid is a half-giant and his rock cakes are all but inedible for anyone but him."

Amazingly, Petunia smirked. "That's quite alright. I may actually have to ask for his recipe because maybe then my son would be motivated to lose some weight. The doctors say he is at a high risk for a heart attack and I am starting to get desperate."

Harry, seeing the concern in her eyes and hearing the panic in her voice, looked at her and said, "Would you mind if I sent an owl to my Potions professor to see if there is anything we can do?""

Petunia looked at him with hope in her eyes. "Would you?" she asked.

Harry nodded his head and said, "I'll get right on it," before running up the stairs and into his room.