Chapter 4:

Harry's Birthday

The first few weeks of summer flew by. The teenagers performed various cleaning chores around the house. Hermione and Ron spent a great deal of time studying to become Animagi. They had begun to make some progress. Ron appeared to have a little more talent for the transformation than Hermione did. He could make slight changes to his facial structure, while Hermione was still working on her hands.

The day before Harry's birthday, Harry and Ron were sitting at the breakfast table discussing Quidditch. The two of them along with Fred, George, Ginny, and whoever else happened to be around had went to play at Potter Manor a couple of times over the intervening weeks. Harry said, "I think that we need to have a full game of Quidditch, tomorrow."

Ron nodded, "That would be great if we could get enough players. We've got me and you, Ginny, Fred, George, Bill, and Charlie. That's one full team. We just need to come up with another seven players."

Harry grinned, "If push comes to shove, we can make Hermione play. She won't like it very much, but she will because its my birthday."

Ron snorted, "I will have to see that to believe it, but who else are we going to get?"

Harry starting making a list, "Well, I can Apparate to their houses and see who can come. I'd say that we need to check with Neville, Seamus, Dean, Luna, and the Creeveys. That's six. That gives us two full teams if Hermione plays."

Ron waved a hand, "Go to it. See who you can get."

Harry nodded, "Alright. I'll go in just a minute."

Ginny walked into the room, "Go where?"

Harry looked up, "How would you feel about getting a full Quidditch game going tomorrow?"

Ginny smiled, "I say it's a great idea."

"Good. That's where I'm going. I'm going to pop around to some people's houses and see if they can come play tomorrow." said Harry.

"Who?" asked Ginny.

"You'll see. I have to go ahead and get out of here. The first people that I ask might not be able to come. I'll have to find some more to ask if they can't." said Harry. He Disapparated away.

Ginny shook her head, "It is impossible to keep track of that boy."

Ron laughed, "I can imagine. He takes off at the drop of a hat, and nobody can track him. I wouldn't be surprised if he could Apparate in Hogwarts."

Hermione walked into the kitchen as Ron said this, "Ron, how many times do I have to tell you that you can't Apparate in Hogwarts."

Ginny smirked, "Hermione, do you believe everything that you read?"

Hermione nodded, "As long as its from a reliable source."

"Don't. Nobody knows everything." Then, Ginny walked out of the kitchen.

Hermione looked at Ron in bewilderment, "What was that supposed to mean?"

Ron shrugged, "I have no idea. I gave up trying to understand Ginny a long time ago. She has only gotten more mysterious since she started dating Harry."

Hermione smiled, "At least she makes him happy."

Ron nodded, "There is that."

Harry popped into existence at the Longbottom house. Frank was sitting on the couch with Alice and Neville. The three of them were talking. Frank looked at Harry in concern, "Is anything wrong, Harry?"

Harry grinned and shook his head, "No. I just came by to see if Neville wanted to play some Quidditch at my house tomorrow. It's my birthday and we're trying to get two full teams together."

Neville nodded, "I'd love to come play. I don't have a broom, though."

Harry shook his head, "It doesn't matter. My parents brooms are at the house. We have a couple of spares on top of that. It should be fine."

"I'll be there, then." said Neville.

Frank smiled, "What position do you play, Harry?"

Harry grinned, "I am James Potter's son. I would think that it would be obvious."

Alice giggled, "I would love to see you play."

Harry said, "All of you should come. We're going to have a lot of fun."

Frank nodded, "We'll be there. Any specific time?"

Harry nodded, "About lunchtime. We're going to eat, and then play. I've got to go. There are other people to invite." Harry popped out of existence, and reappeared at Seamus' house. Seamus' mother screamed when Harry appeared in her living room. "Hello, Mrs. Finnigan."

Seamus beamed, "That was brilliant, mate."

"Why are you here, Harry?" asked Mrs. Finnigan.

Harry grinned, "I just came to see if Seamus can come to my house tomorrow to play Quidditch."

Seamus' eyes lit up, "Can I go, Mum?"

Mrs. Finnigan smiled, "I suppose. What is the Floo address?"

"Just say Potter Manor. We'll be waiting there around noon. Anyway gotta go. There are more people to invite. See you tomorrow, Seaumus. Bye, Mrs. Finnigan." Harry Disapparated, and reappeared at Dean's house. This caused a great deal of confusion, considering that Dean's parents were Muggles. Dean's mother fainted dead away. Harry caught her and laid her on the couch, just as Dean ran into the room.

"Harry, what did you do?" asked Dean.

Harry grinned sheepishly, "I think that I scared your mother half to death."

Dean nodded, "Apparating directly into my living room would tend to do that."

"Sorry." Harry waved his hand at her, "Enervate."

Dean's mother opened her eyes and asked, "What happened?"

Dean chuckled, "One of my friends from school popped in. Mum, I would like you to meet Harry Potter."

Harry stepped into view and offered his hand in greeting, "My apologies for frightening you, Mrs. Thomas. I wasn't thinking about the fact that Dean was Muggle-Born."

Mrs. Thomas narrowed her eyes, "Do you have a problem with Muggle Born wizards?"

Harry laughed, "Of course not. My mum was Muggle Born. I was referring to the fact that most Muggles aren't accustomed to people appearing out of thin air in their homes. Most wizards are."

Mrs. Thomas' expression softened, "Oh." She took Harry's hand and shook it. "I'm pleased to meet you, then."

Dean looked over at Harry, "What are you doing here, Harry?"

Harry grinned, "We're putting together a killer Quidditch game at my house tomorrow for my birthday. I thought that you would like to come play."

Dean grinned, "Can I go, Mum?"

Mrs. Thomas smiled, "I suppose. I hope that it isn't too far to drive, though. I hate long trips."

"Don't worry about that. I can come get him tomorrow. We'll be there in an instant." said Harry.

Mrs. Thomas asked, "Would it be possible for me to come as well? I wouldn't want to intrude, but I have heard Dean talk about Quidditch, and I would like to see a game."

Harry nodded enthusiastically, "Of course. The more the merrier. Neville's parents are coming too. That's settled. I'll be here to get you at noon."

Dean grinned, "I'll be ready, mate."

Harry waved a hand, "See ya." Then, he disappeared.

Mrs. Thomas looked at Dean, "I thought that you couldn't use magic outside of school."

Dean nodded, "You're right. We can't until we're seventeen. Harry has always been able to get away with a lot more than anyone else, though. He's special."

"You mean he gets special treatment because of who he is?"

"Yeah, but he deserves it." said Dean.

Mrs. Thomas shook her head, "No one deserves special treatment."

"Harry does. He breaks all the rules, but it is always for a good cause. That boy has saved more people's lives than anyone else could imagine attempting." said Dean.

"What are you talking about? Whose lives have been in danger?" asked Mrs. Thomas.

"Pretty well everybody's. Mum, there are a lot of things that I have never told you about the wizarding world. I think that it is time that you heard the tale of Harry Potter."

"There's a tale about him?" inquired Mrs. Thomas with skepticism apparent in her voice.

Dean chuckled, "There's a whole lot more than one. Harry is the most famous wizard in the world. The most powerful, too. You probably need to sit down, Mum. After I tell you this story, you will probably regret ever having let me go to Hogwarts."

Harry went straight from Dean's house to the Creevey's. Although, he had learned his lesson this time. He Apparated into an alleyway close to the house. Then, he walked up to the front door and rang the bell. Dennis answered the door. He stopped and did a double-take. Then, he yelled, "Colin, Harry Potter is here."

Colin came racing down the stairs and said, "Wow. I never expected you to be at my house, Harry."

Harry grinned, "Are you going to invite me in, or do I have to wait out on the porch?"

Dennis quickly motioned Harry into the house. A woman that was obviously the Creevey's mother bustled into the hallway. She stopped upon sighting Harry, "Well, what do we have here. Are you one of Colin and Dennis' friends from school?"

Harry smiled at the woman, "Something like that. My name is Harry Potter." He held out his hand.

She smiled back at him and took his hand, "I'm Dennis and Colin's mother. Wait, did you just say Harry Potter?"

"Yes, ma'am." answered Harry.

The woman pulled him into a hug. "Colin told me all about what you did four years ago. He said that you saved him, and killed a giant magical snake."

Harry chuckled, "Unfortunately, your son has a bad habit of exaggerating when it comes to me. Madam Pomfrey and Professor Sprout are the ones that saved him. Although, he's right about the giant snake. That thing was sixty feet long."

Colin piped up as his mother released Harry, "So, Harry, what did you come over for?"

"Tomorrow is my birthday, and we're organizing a full Quidditch game. We need fourteen players to form two full teams. We thought that the two of you would like to come play." answered Harry.

Dennis jumped for joy, "Of course we would. Mum, can we go?"

Their mother smiled, "I suppose. You will have to give me directions to your home, Harry."

Harry shook his head, "I'll come get them. It's no big deal, really. Just don't faint when I appear from nowhere in your living room at noon tomorrow."

She looked at him, "Can you really do that?"

Harry chuckled, "Be standing in your living room at noon tomorrow and you will see it first hand."

Colin asked, "Who else is going to be playing?"

"All the Weasleys, Hermione, Neville, Dean, Seamus, and me so far. That leaves us one player short. I'm hopping over to Luna Lovegood's house next. I'm sure that she will come since Neville is going to be there." said Harry.

Colin nodded, "We'll see you at noon tomorrow then."

"Bye, Colin. Bye Dennis. It was nice to have met you, Mrs. Creevey." Harry Disapparated and headed for Luna Lovegood's home. He arrived in what could at the best of times be called a mass of confusion. The house was a jumble of old Quibbler magazines. Boards and notes lay strewn all over the place. Some were tacked up on the wall. Others were flying around in circles above some man's head. Harry cleared his throat to gain the man's attention. "Excuse me, sir. I'm looking for Luna."

The man paid him little attention as he said, "Up the stairs. Second door on the right."

Harry shook his head in silent amusement as he made his way up the stairs. He knocked on the second door, and Luna answered it. Her room was in little better shape than the downstairs had been. "Hi, Luna."

She had her wand stuffed behind her ear as usual. "Hello, Harry. Why are you in my home?"

"I came by to see if you would like to come over to my house tomorrow and play Quidditch with us. Neville is going to be there with his parents."

Luna smiled, "Yes, Neville wrote me telling me how you healed his parents." She leaned up and pecked him on the cheek. "I want to thank you for what you did. It has made him very happy."

Harry smiled, "I was glad to do it. Now, about tomorrow?"

Luna nodded, "I would love to come. I'm not very good at Quidditch, though. I'll play, however."

Harry grinned, "Great. Just say Potter Manor in the Floo. Everyone's going to be there at noon."

Luna said, "I'll see you tomorrow, Harry."

"Bye, Luna." Harry Disapparated back to Grimmauld Place to find Ginny Weasley waiting for him. "Hi, Ginny."

"You've been gone long enough." she said.

Harry shrugged, "It took a while to round up players. I had to talk to everyone's parents. Luna's dad is weird. I made Dean's mum faint. I don't think that she has ever had anyone Apparate right beside her before."

Ginny clapped a hand to her mouth, "Dean's parents are Muggles, Harry."

Harry let out a long breath, "I know. I didn't think about that fact until it was just a little bit too late."

Ginny giggled, "Oh well. What's done is done. Do you feel up to a little exercise?"

Harry nodded, "Sure, what did you have in mind?"

"I want you to work with me on my swordplay."

"Alright, the upstairs parlor should give us enough room to work out if we move all the furniture." said Harry.

Ginny shook her head, "That's no good. Ron and Hermione are in there."

"What are they doing?" asked Harry.

Ginny snorted, "They claim to be working on their Animagus transformation, but you don't have to put a Locking Charm, Silencing Charm, and an Imperturbable Charm on the door to study."

"Couldn't you have just broken through the Charms and spied on them?"

Ginny gave Harry a dirty look, "Since Ron is the only one in that room old enough to cast the spells without the Ministry sending an owl, of course I could have. I want to know why I would, though. Seeing Hermione and Ron snogging is not high on my list of priorities. I've caught them twice before, and that was two times too many."

Harry laughed, "I guess that we will just have to find somewhere else to practice." Harry slapped his forehead after a moment's thought. "We can go to the Manor. There is an excellent training room, there."

Ginny smiled, "That will be perfect. We better tell Mum that we're going, though."

Harry nodded, "I'll tell her." Harry walked into the kitchen. "Molly, Ginny and I are going to pop over to the Manor for a little while."

"What for?" asked Molly.

"Ginny wants me to help her with her sword technique, and Ron and Hermione are using the only room big enough for us to practice in here. So, we're going to be using the training room at the Manor." answered Harry.

Molly nodded, "I suppose. Be back in time for dinner."

Harry smiled, "I would never dream of missing your wonderful cooking."

Molly snorted, "Are you trying to say that you like my food?"

Harry chuckled, "If I didn't like your food, Molly, I would have died a long time ago. You have been making me eat third and fourth helpings of everything that you make for years now."

Molly blushed, "You were always so skinny. I was trying to fatten you up."

Harry looked down at his own body, "It worked somewhat. I'm not the little scarecrow that I used to be."

Molly smiled, "There is that. I'll expect you both back shortly."

Harry called back over his shoulder, "Don't worry, we won't be terribly long."

Shortly after Harry and Ginny had left, Dumbledore popped into the kitchen of Grimmauld Place. "Molly, is Harry around?"

Molly shook her head, "No. He and Ginny are over at the Manor practicing sword techniques. Apparently Ginny asked for some extra tutoring."

Dumbledore chuckled, "I am sure that our young Mr. Potter was only too happy to comply."

Molly joined Albus in his laughter, "Yes, he was. It is amazing how those two finally found their way to each other. Ginny had such a crush on him for years. He never paid a bit of attention. She finally gave up, and then it snowballed. Harry seemed to be drawn to her."

Dumbledore sighed, "It was as it should be. While she still had the childhood crush on him, Ginny couldn't relax enough to let Harry get to know the real her. Once she did, he didn't have a chance. I could see that a long time ago."

Molly looked at Albus questioningly, "You seem to know a great deal about the course of their relationship."

Dumbledore smiled faintly, "I have watched Harry from afar his entire life. It was impossible to watch him and not notice the behavior of Miss Virginia Weasley. Now, I must be jogging. I have to have a long talk with Harry about what is going to happen the day after tomorrow."

Molly asked, "Do you really think that he is ready for all that, Albus? You know how Harry hates to be the center of attention."

Dumbledore shrugged, "Whether he hates it or not is irrelevant. Harry will always be center stage. He knows that and accepts it. I just have to warn him of what is coming. I don't want it all to be a shock. I intentionally intercepted the letter from the Ministry so that I would be the one to tell him." Dumbledore then Apparated to Potter Manor. When he arrived, he discovered Harry and Ginny in the training room. Both of them had their swords drawn. They were circling each other warily, and then Ginny attacked. Harry parried easily, and used his superior strength to drive her backwards and off balance. Then, he slapped the flat of the blade lightly against her thigh.

Harry smiled knowingly, "You would be hobbling at this point, dear."

Ginny frowned furiously, "I know. Why can't I do this?"

"You can. It will just take time."

"I don't want it to take time. Can't you make me better at it? You know the way you did with my Animagus form." asked Ginny.

Harry nodded, "I can, but it won't be evident for several days, and you will still have to work to enhance the knowledge."

"Let's do that then." said Ginny.
Harry chuckled, "I am afraid that it will have to wait. Albus has been standing in the doorway watching us for several minutes now. I think that he wants to talk to us."

Dumbledore stepped into the room, "How did you know that I was hiding there, Harry?"

Harry looked exasperated, "You really don't think that I would allow anyone to sneak up on me in my own house, do you? I have wards around the Manor that warn me when anyone Apparates into the house. I knew you were here the moment you landed in the sitting room."

Dumbledore smiled, "I'm impressed."

"Thank you. What did you want to talk to us about?" asked Harry.

"I see that you wish to get right to the point. Harry, do you remember when Algwyn said that you were in for a nasty shock?"

Harry nodded, "How could I forget?"

"Well, today I am here to explain what that nasty shock is." said Dumbledore.

Harry sighed, "I take it that you are going to want me to sit down first."

Dumbledore chuckled, "It would probably be better if both of you did."

Ginny's face brightened, "You mean that I get to find out what is going on?"

"Yes, Miss Weasley. It isn't really a secret, or at least it won't be the day after tomorrow. Follow me." He led the two teenagers into the kitchen, where all three of them sat down. "Tea?" asked Dumbledore while waving his wand and a full tea service appeared. Harry and Ginny both nodded. Dumbledore poured three cups of tea and passed them around. Then, he cleared his throat, "Harry, it is time that I told you about your lineage."

Harry protested, "I already know that I am the Heir of Gryffindor. What else could there be?"

Dumbledore smiled, "There is a great deal that goes along with being the Heir of Gryffindor, my young friend. To tell this story properly, we will have to go back to the days of Merlin. In those days, your parents gave you your familiar name, and children chose their own surname when they came of age. Merlin had two sons. The younger one chose the surname Dumbledore. That surname was passed from father to son after that. So, the Dumbledores became the first house to keep the same surname through multiple generations."

Ginny's mouth fell open, "So, you are a descendant of Merlin?"

Dumbledore nodded, "Indeed I am. Merlin's eldest son chose a different surname. Then his son after him. Merlin's great grandchild was given the familiar name, Godric. I'm sure that you can guess what surname that he chose."

Harry grinned knowingly, "Godric Gryffindor was Merlin's Great Grandson. That means that I am the Heir of Gryffindor as well as Merlin."

"Very true, Harry. However, the story becomes even more intriguing. Godric had one son. He chose a different surname. Godric's son, however, had two sons. The elder chose the surname Potter. His lineage passed on the surname from that point forward. All the way down to you. They also passed on a title. That of Lord Gryffindor."

Harry frowned, "So, are you saying that I am a Lord?"

Dumbledore nodded, "I am afraid so. There is much that goes with this title. For you see the younger of those two sons kept his lineage pure, and held the surname after that point. His family is now the current royal family of Britain."

Harry spit out his tea. Ginny dropped her glass to the floor. "Are you saying that I am related to the Queen?!" Harry exclaimed.

"That, Harry, is precisely what I am saying. As Lord Gryffindor, you are ninth in succession to the throne. The Queen and yourself are cousins. The title carries with it a great deal of prestige in the wizarding world. In the Muggle world it brings with it estates and a great deal of money." explained Dumbledore.

"Wait a minute. So, you're saying that I'm even richer than I already thought."

"Several times over, Harry." said Dumbledore.

"How rich?" asked Harry.

Dumbledoere smiled, "Well, your wizard estates and gold in your Gringott's vault would be valued in the Muggle world at just over ten million pounds."

Harry sucked in a breath, "I knew that my wizard fortune was worth quite a bit, but I didn't realize that it was that much."

"Your Muggle estates and bank accounts at last check were worth well in excess of one-hundred and twenty million pounds." stated Dumbledore firmly.

It was Harry's turn to drop his glass. Ginny squeaked in shock, and turned to stare at Harry in amazement. She smiled, "Who would have known? I just thought I was falling in love with a wonderful young wizard. I never expected a member of the royal family, and rich to boot."

Harry smirked at her, "Well, this is going to be interesting. I don't know what I could humanly do with all that money."

Dumbledore chuckled, "You will probably do what most of your ancestors have done. Spend some of it, and let the rest lie around in banks earning interest."

"Sounds like a plan to me. The entire Gryffindor Quidditch team is getting new brooms this year, though." said Harry matter-of-factly.

"I am afraid that there is more, Harry." said Dumbledore.

"What else?" asked Harry.

"The day after your birthday, you will have to go to the Ministry for your official ceremony granting you the title of Lord Gryffindor. The day after that, you are required to be at the Palace to meet the Queen, and allow her aides to plan your presentation ceremony to the Muggle world." explained Dumbledore.

"Ugh. Two ceremonies. This is going to be horrible. Can Ginny come with me?" asked Harry.

Dumbledore smiled, "To the presentation at the Ministry, of course. To the private meeting with the Queen, yes. Whether or not she will be able to attend your presentation party is up to the Queen, but I doubt that she will have any problem with it."

"So, did my Dad enjoy having to do all this?" asked Harry.

Dumbledore shook his head, "Sadly, your father never took the title of Lord Gryffindor. Your grandfather held the title until his death, and by that time your parents were already in hiding in Godric's Hollow. He did, however, always protest that he hated royal functions that he attended with his father. He didn't much care for Muggle formalities, or their suits for that matter. Speaking of, we will have to get you something suitable to wear to meet the Queen, Harry. The two of us will go shopping in Muggle London after the ceremony at the Ministry."

Harry responded immediately, "Ginny will have to go shopping with us. We'll need a woman's taste. Not to mention she will need one of those elegant dresses that Muggle women wear to parties."

Dumbledore nodded, "That will be fine. I have to leave now, but I will see you the day after tomorrow." Dumbledore stood up and Apparated away.

Harry turned to Ginny after Dumbledore left and said, "You do realize that this means you will one day be Lady Gryffindor."

Ginny smiled and curtseyed, "Yes, Lord Gryffindor, I realize that, perfectly. Now about this dress.."

Harry cut her off, "We'll discuss that the day after tomorrow. You can go over dress ideas with Hermione until then. I'm sure she will have some ideas. I don't want to hear about them until I can actually see the dresses, though. I have to have something to look at when it comes to fashion."

Ginny made a funny face, "Oh, alright. I'll talk to Hermione. Let's go get some dinner. I'm starting to get a little hungry."

Harry reached out and took her hand, "So am I." He pulled Ginny into a kiss. Harry stepped back from her and winked. Then, they appeared in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place still staring into each other's eyes.

As soon as they appeared, Molly asked, "So, what did Dumbledore want with you?" Although Molly already knew, she was curious to see if Harry would talk about it.

Harry laughed, "He just informed me that I'm a whole lot richer than I thought. Not to mention that your daughter is the future Lady Gryffindor."

Ron walked into the kitchen, followed closely by Hermione, "Who's Lady Gryffindor?"

Ginny snorted, "Nobody right now, Ron, but I will be someday."

Ron appeared confused, but Hermione understood immediately, "Harry, I didn't expect you to have a title."

Harry sighed, "There's a whole lot more to it than that. I am a member of the royal family, and my Muggle fortune is quite a bit larger than my wizarding fortune."

Ron gaped and then asked, "How much bigger?"

Molly snapped out, "Ronald Weasley, you do not ask people how much money they have."

Ron blushed, "Sorry, Mum. It was a reflex action."

Harry shook his head, "Don't worry about it. I was a little surprised myself. To answer your question, about a dozen times over."

Even Hermione and Molly stared at Harry incredulously at this revelation. Harry turned to Molly Weasley, "The first order of business once I get my hands on the money will be to commission someone to rebuild the Burrow."

Molly shook her head, "No, Harry, we couldn't accept something like that from you. It wouldn't be proper."

"You most certainly can, considering the fact that the Burrow was destroyed because they thought that I might be there. So, Molly, you have two choices. One, you can smile and say thank you. Two, you can say no, and I'm going to do it anyway. Your choice." stated Harry.

Molly grabbed Harry in a hug, "Thank you so much, Lord Gryffindor."

Once Molly released him, Harry pointed a finger at her, "No offense, Molly, but if you ever call me Lord Gryffindor in a non-formal atmosphere again, I will have to hex you. Only Ginny gets to tease me about being a Lord. The rest of you have to find something else."

Ron protested, "Why does Ginny get to tease you and we don't?"

Harry chuckled, "Because I can fight back against Ginny. I can tease her about being a Lady."

Ginny smirked, "You had better watch what you say, Potter. I might decide that I don't want to be a Lady."

Ron snorted, "Ginny, even I know that's an empty threat. Harry couldn't get rid of you if he transported you to the moon."

Hermione and Ginny both slapped Ron on the arms at the same time. Harry and Molly laughed at him. Harry asked, "Why would I ever want to get rid of the beautiful Lady Gryffindor?"

Ginny laughed, "Okay, I think that's enough for today."

Harry nodded, "I suppose you're right. I think that you and Hermione need to discuss dresses anyway. I'm sure she will have some ideas. I doubt that Albus and I will be a lot of help when it comes to picking out evening dresses for meeting the Queen."

Hermione gasped, "You get to meet the Queen?"

"Considering she's my cousin, I would assume so. I'm supposed to be at the palace to meet her, and allow her advisors to plan my presentation party or something in three days." said Harry.

"That doesn't leave us much time. Come on, Ginny. I have some books that depict some dresses for formal wear. That should give us an idea of what to look for." said Hermione as she grabbed Ginny's arm and dragged her up the stairs.

Ron watched them go with his mouth hanging open. He finally recovered and said, "Don't they know that we're about to eat?"

Fred and George Apparated into the kitchen at that moment. Fred asked, "Who is ickle Ronniekins talking about?"

Harry grinned, "The girls. They just took off upstairs to look at evening dresses."

George frowned, "Why would they be looking for evening dresses?"

"Ginny and I are going shopping with Dumbledore, day after tomorrow to get an evening dress for Ginny and some kind of suit for me. We have to be suitably dressed for our audience with the Queen." explained Harry.

Fred and George nodded, and then did a double-take, "What do you mean, the Queen?"

"My cousin. Ginny and I are going to meet her two days after my birthday." said Harry.

Fred asked weakly, "Your cousin?"

George asked just as weakly, "You're royalty?"

Harry nodded, "Apparently."

Fred and George recovered from their shock, and then grinned mischievously. Harry groaned as he recognized the expressions on their face. Fred asked, "So, if you're royalty, and our sister is going to marry you.."

Fred trailed off and George completed it, "Does that mean that our little Gin-Gin is going to be royalty too?"

Harry nodded, "Yes, it does."

Fred and George grinned from ear to ear, "Yay. We've got a royal sister. We must treat her like royalty."

Molly Weasley broke in, "Oh, no you don't. You leave your sister alone."

Fred and George gave their best expressions of innocence. Harry laughed inwardly. In his experience, the more innocent Fred and George tried to appear, the more devious the scheme that they were up to. Molly eyed them, but did not inquire any further into what they were planning.

Ginny and Hermione returned downstairs just as Molly was preparing to serve dinner. Both of them looked rather giggly. Harry leaned in towards Ginny as she sat down beside him. He whispered, "I would watch myself around Fred and George if I were you. They're up to something."

Ginny glanced at the twins and saw them whispering quietly to one another. That was a bad sign as far as she was concerned. Nothing good ever came from those two when they felt they had to conceal what they were talking about from their Mother. This was going to be bad, very bad. Harry grasped her hand under the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She garnered some amount of courage from this. She glanced sideways at Harry's profile. He caught her and winked.

The twins finally stopped whispering to each other, and looked over at Ginny. Ginny took a deep breath, "So, what are the two of you up to?"

Fred grinned mischievously, while George echoed, "Up to?"

Ginny nodded, "Yeah, up to. I know its something, so you might as well spit it out and get it over with."

"Well, sis, we just wanted to congratulate you on finally becoming a Lady." said Fred.

George jumped in, "It was a complete surprise to us. Here, we thought all this time that you liked Harry because Dad used to read you bedtime stories about him."

Fred continued, "Now, we find out that you must be one of Trelawney's pupils, because you must have seen into the future and knew that Harry was a member of the royal family."

George took it up from here, "Because we all know how you used to walk around and talk about how much you wanted to be a Lady when you were a little girl."

Even Molly was finding it difficult not to laugh at the antics of the twins. Hermione was attempting to suppress her giggles, but was failing miserably. Ron was rolling on the floor chortling. Ginny was blushing every shade of scarlet imaginable.

Harry asked in utter disbelief, "They read you bedtime stories about me?"

Ginny could only nod in embarrassment, but the twins would have no mercy. Fred laughed, "You should have seen it, Harry. She used to beg Dad to read her the story of how the Boy-Who-Lived triumphed over He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

George said, "It was her favorite story. She heard it so many times that I bet that she could recite it word for word by the time she was five."

Harry stared at Ginny in open-mouthed astonishment. Fred finished, "I wish you could have been there to see it."

Harry grinned mischievously, "Maybe I should go back and see."

Ginny jerked her head up sharply, "You wouldn't."

"Wouldn't I?" challenged Harry.

Ron looked up from the floor, "What are the two of you talking about?"

Hermione answered since Harry and Ginny were still staring challengingly at each other, "He means that he can travel back in time to see for himself." She turned to Harry, "That would be really dangerous, Harry. You could alter time."

Harry snorted, while never taking his eyes from Ginny, "I wouldn't change anything, Hermione. I'm not stupid. All I would do is go back and take a peek. I would be invisible the whole time. No one would even know that I was ever there."

Ginny started to cry, "I can't believe that you're teasing me about this, too."

Harry pulled Ginny to him, and planted a kiss on her lips that stopped her tearing immediately. "I wasn't teasing you. If you have liked me from the first time that you heard about me, then, I would say that I am the luckiest man in the world, because we were obviously destined to be together."

The rest of the room had stopped in shock when Harry kissed Ginny. Hermione beamed when Harry finished speaking. Molly was wiping tears from her eyes as she viewed her daughter and Harry. Fred and George laughed, while Ron scowled.

Hermione caught the look on Ron's face, "What's the matter with you?"

Ron shook his head, "It's not fair."

Hermione appeared bewildered as did the rest of the room, "What's not fair?"

Ron pointed at Harry, "How come he can say stuff like that and I can't?"

Harry said, "You can say stuff like that anytime you want."

Ron shook his head, "No, I can't. It never comes out right when I try to say stuff like that to Hermione."

Harry chuckled, "That's because you keep letting your head get in the way."

Ron scratched his head in thought, "What does that mean?"

"If you want to be able to talk to Hermione the way I do to Ginny, you have to learn to listen to your heart. The language of the heart will never send you down the wrong path." explained Harry.

Ron shrugged, "I still don't get it."

Harry grinned, "You will. Now, let's eat."

Fred ran over to the other side of the table where Harry and Ginny were. "Milady, allow me to pull out your seat for you."

Harry gave a fake cough to catch Fred's attention, "I think that is enough teasing."

George protested, "No, we were just beginning to have fun."

Harry looked George square in the eye, "Might I remind the two of you that Voldemort is scared of me, and that I'm saying that is enough."

Fred and George exchanged quick glances and then chorused, "You're absolutely right, Harry. That is enough."

Both of them quickly took their seats and began to eat their dinner. Molly looked at Harry, "How do you get those two to behave? I have to scream for days to accomplish anything."

Harry grinned, "That's basically the problem. They're adults now, and they know that you can't really do anything to them, but yell."

"I could throw them out of the house." said Molly.

Harry shook his head, "That's not much of a threat considering we're in my house. Not to mention as much money as those two jokers make from that shop, they could get their own apartment. They just stay here because its convenient for the Order."

"Well, what could you do to them?" asked Molly.

Harry grinned, "They know that I have no reservations about beating them within an inch of their lives, because I can heal them as soon as I do it."

Molly sucked in a large breath, "Oh."

Harry patted her on the wrist, "Don't worry. They would have to go really overboard before I would hurt them. They're not that stupid, so the threat is enough to keep them in line."

Dinner continued as other members of the family came in. Once dinner was over, Harry and the others made their way upstairs to chat and work on some of their summer homework before going to bed.

The next morning, all the Weasleys Flooed over to Potter Manor for Harry's birthday party. Molly baked a huge cake, and had a lot of sandwiches made up for lunch.

Harry stretched as he looked out onto the pitch. Ron walked up beside him, and Harry grinned, "I guess that I had better go get our players. Seamus, Luna, and Neville are coming by Floo. I've got to go get Dean and the Creeveys."

Ron slapped him on the back, "We'll be waiting for you, mate."

Harry Apparated to Dean's house first. Dean, along with his mother and father were sitting in the den waiting for him. Dean asked excitedly, "So, are we going by Portkey?"

Harry shook his head, "No, just put a hand on my shoulders. I'll Apparate us all to the Manor, and then I have to go get Colin and Dennis." Each of the three of them placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. They Apparated back to the manor. Harry quickly introduced Dean's parents to Arthur and Molly. Then, he Disapparated away. A moment later, Harry appeared in the Creevey's sitting room. Their mother gave a start of surprise when Harry appeared. Harry smiled at her, "I told you."

She smiled, "Yes, you did. Will Colin and Dennis be able to do that someday?"

Harry nodded, "Colin will probably be able to do it next year. It will be a few years for Dennis, though."

Dennis and Colin bounded into the room, holding their broomsticks. They each grabbed one of Harry's arms. Dennis said impatiently, "Come on , Harry, we want to play."

Harry grinned, "That's the spirit. Hang on." The three of them Apparated to Potter Manor, and walked outside to the pitch. The group moved outside towards the pitch and surrounded the table that the sandwiches and drinks were piled on. Harry waited until everyone had eaten their fill. "Alright, we have to figure out how we're going to divide up the teams."

Hermione spoke up, "I think that the best way for you to do it, would be to decide who is going to play each position and then divide from there."

Harry looked over at the others, "That make sense to everyone?" They all nodded. "Okay, if you're going to play chaser, stand here." Harry pointed to one end of the pitch. "Dean, Seamus, Fred, and George are going to be the Beaters. Ron, and who's going to be the other Keeper?"

Bill answered, "I will."

Harry nodded, "I guess that leaves me and Charlie as the Seekers."

Charlie grinned, "I have been waiting for this day."

"Why?" asked Harry.

Charlie chuckled, "I finally get to go up against one of the legendary Potter Seekers in a game of Quidditch."

Harry grinned, "You may regret that at the end of the day." Harry looked over to find Ginny, Luna, Neville, Dennis, and Colin standing at the Chaser spot. "Hermione, you'll have to play Chaser. So, go ahead and get over here."

Hermione shook her head, "I'm not going to play Quidditch."

"You have to. We need a fourteenth player." whined Harry.

Hermione continued to shake her head, "You should have gotten someone else."

Ron berated Hermione, "You mean to tell me that you are going to leave one of your best friends hanging on his birthday, after he saved your life from a fully grown mountain troll by sticking his wand up its nose."

Everyone laughed about the incident in the trio's first year at school. Hermione eyed Ron, "As I recall, you had a hand in saving my life too."

Harry shook his head, "No, Ron saved my life after I got into trouble saving yours. The troll could have cared less about you after I jumped on it. It was trying to knock my head off when Ron took its club with that flying charm."

Ron laughed, "Good point, mate. I had never really thought about it that way."

Hermione tried one last trump card, "I don't have a broom."

Harry grinned and said, "Accio broomsticks." Three brooms flew over to Harry. He presented one of them to Hermione, one to Neville, and one to Luna.

Hermione asked, "Where did you get these, Harry?"

Harry smiled, "You, Hermione, are holding my mother's broomstick. Neville, you have my father's, and Luna is holding Sirius'."

Hermione gasped, "You would let me ride your mother's broomstick."

Harry smiled, "I can't think of three better people to ride them, than three people that followed me into the Department of Mysteries that night. It's time to choose teams. I'm ready to play. Charlie, since the two of us are the Seekers, I think that we should choose the teams. You go first. Pick someone from one position, and I'll match it."

Charlie nodded, "I'll take Ron as my Keeper."

"That leaves me with Bill. Your turn."

"I'll take Fred as a Beater." said Charlie.

Harry paused for a moment, "Well, Fred and George are used to playing together, as are Dean and Seamus. It would be a shame to break up the dream teams. So, you take the twins, and I'll take Dean and Seamus."

"Fair enough. For my first chaser, I will take the blond. Colin, isn't it?"

Colin nodded, as Harry smiled, "I think that it's obvious who my first choice is going to be among the Chasers."

Charlie laughed, "I figured that you would hex me if I bothered to try and pick her. Since we seem to be matching couples here, I'll take Hermione. Ron would kill me if I didn't pick her."

Harry laughed, "Well, then, if we're keeping the couples together, then I have to take Neville and Luna. That gives you the other Creevey brother as your final Chaser."

Charlie shook Harry's hand. "That makes the teams."

Harry walked back over to his team, "Strategy session. Frank, would you be so kind as to release the balls once we're in the air."

Frank nodded, "It would be my pleasure, Harry."

The adults began talking as they waited for the game to begin. Harry looked at his team as they gathered around him. "If I know Charlie, then he's telling Fred and George to keep the pressure on you in goal, Bill. Hermione has never really played, so you don't have to worry about too much from her, but those Creeveys are monsters with the Quaffle. Sometimes I wonder if the two of them share the same brain, like the twins. Neville, Luna, I want the two of you to follow Ginny's lead. Back her up as best as you can. Dean, Seamus, do everything that you can to keep the Bludgers off of Bill when the Creevey get near the scoring area. Fred and George can be a bit brutal. They have a slight advantage on skill and experience, considering they have six championship team Gryffindors on their side. I'm going to beat Charlie to that Snitch, though. Just try to hang with them. We can do it. Remember something else, we're here to have fun. We're not playing Slytherin."

Harry took to the air and his team followed him. Charlie's team flew up from the other side and they all surrounded the center ring. Frank released the Snitch and the Bludgers. A moment later, he threw the Quaffle up into the air and the match began. Ginny took the Quaffle and drove straight for Ron so fast on her Nimbus 2100, that none of the other Chasers could begin to match the maneuver. She went into the scoring zone one on one with Ron, and put the Quaffle past him. Harry's team was up by ten.

Play continued for about an hour after that. Charlie's team was leading 120-40. Ginny had put in three of the goals. Surprisingly, Neville had gotten the other one past Ron. On the other side, the Creeveys were flying as if possessed. Hermione had managed one goal. Harry finally saw the Snitch. Charlie saw it at approximately the same time. Unfortunately for Harry, Charlie was much closer to it. Harry flattened himself to the Firebolt and raced after the Snitch.

Frank whistled appreciatively, "That boy can fly better even than his father."

Arthur smiled, "Tell me about it. That's not the half of what he can do. I am going to be very proud to have him as a son-in-law."

Alice giggled from next to Molly, "You talk like you already know that he's going to marry Virginia."

Molly nodded, "We do know. They talk about it all the time. They have already planned out the fact that he is going to propose to her as the end of this year after he takes his N.E.W.T.'s. They are going to get married as soon as she finishes hers."

Alice sighed, "Young love. It was nice."

Frank smiled, "It still is."

While this conversation was continuing, Harry had pulled up beside Charlie, looped him, and dove sideways off his broom to catch the Snitch. He fell through the air, and did a flip as his broom came rocketing down under him to catch him. He straightened up holding the Snitch as all the adults clapped.

The teams landed, Charlie clapped a hand on Harry's shoulder, "I have never seen anything like that, Harry. That was the best catch that I have ever seen." Ginny came running over and smacked Harry in the arm.

"Ouch!" he said as he rubbed his arm. "What did you hit me for?"

Ginny raged, "You scared me half to death when you jumped off your broom like that. You could have killed yourself."

Harry smiled, "Don't be silly, Ginny. I have fell from a lot higher than that before, and was fine. Besides, I knew what I was doing. I was in control of the Broomstick the whole time, and even if I hadn't been I could have cast a Cushioning Charm on the ground long before I ever hit it."

Ginny sighed, "I guess. Just don't worry me like that anymore."

Harry grinned ruefully, "I'll try my best." Once the rest of the players were sure that Ginny had calmed down, they began to congratulate Harry on his catch.

Fred and George chorused, "That was brilliant, mate."

Ron looked at Harry in awe, "That was amazing, Harry. I just wish that Wood had been here to see it. He would have went mad."

Bill was grinning from ear to ear, "I'm proud to know that you're going to join our family."

Harry laughed, "I joined your family a long time ago, Bill."

Bill nodded, "I know. I was just telling you that I approved of you marrying my sister is all."

Harry smiled and shook Bill's hand, "Thanks. I appreciate that."

A/N: I hope everyone enjoys the goofing off. There is going to be a lot of work ahead for our young hero. Thanks to all my readers.

Plasterwork: Hope you're enjoying the sequel as much as Year of Discovery. Thanks for the review.

Lizette: You might want to go back and read that chapter again. Ron started the fight, and Harry tried to talk him down before he actually did anything to fight back. Ron deserved what he got. If you're a big Ron fan, then out ideas are going to clash, because I think that Ron is an idiot that needs to have his head smacked repeatedly. Thanks for the review.

Potter Reader: I'm always looking for a way to get rid of Ron. Thanks for the review.

Phred doesn't like you: He said that he could heal basically anything. Thanks for the review.

Athena kitty: You'll just have to wait to find out Ron and Hermione's Animagus forms. There will be no more Gilderoy Lockhart in my story. Thanks for the review.

Jbfritz: Here's next. Thanks for the review.

Kemporer: I'm trying to lighten the mood a little before things get serious again. Thanks for the review.

Cur03: I'm glad. Thanks for the review.

UncleD87: You make an excellent point, but Remus is constantly doing work for the Order and Harry has quite a bit to deal with himself. Its hard to work in scenes with them together except Order meetings, and then they are all business. Remus will play a slightly larger part towards the end of the book, though. Thanks for the review.

Dragonstorm316: They will get back to Hogwarts about Chapter seven. Yes, this will cover the entirety of their seventh year. Thanks for the review.

Joulez: I'll pass on dividing my attention that much. I am still writing this fic. I am several chapters ahead of what I have posted, but by the time my Beta reads them, and then I proofread them again myself, this is about as fast as I can get them to you. Thanks for the review.

HermioneGreen: That seems to be the question of the day. Don't worry, I won't make you wait terribly long to find out. Thanks for the review.

Lourdes: Yes, it would. Thanks for the review.

HP FAN 29: Outside of Harry, Ginny, and Dumbledore, Neville is my favorite character to work with. Thanks for the review.

Lady Kel: Another question of the day. Thanks for the review.

Limar: I'm way ahead of you. The playing field is most definitely going to even out before the final battle. It's going to be an interesting fight to say the least. Thanks for the review.

Blind Faeri: I like to keep my readers guessing. Thanks for the review.

DMP: I bow in return to acknowledge you. Thanks for the review.

Mugglenet27: If you like stories that are realistic, then check out Pride of Gryffindor by Jonny English. It is excellent. Thanks for the review.

HappySnakesRule: I appreciate the comments. Thanks for the review.

Harryp123: I figured it was time to bring some of the original members of the Order of the Phoenix back into play. Thanks for the review.

Capt_Kidd: Thanks for the review.

Bowser: Thanks for the review.

RLupin1003: If you can have both, then it would be even better, so I will continue to try and keep you on your toes. Thanks for the review.

LE: He and Luna are an item. I haven't had much of them in a romantic setting because I like to concentrate on Harry and Ginny in that regard, but there will be few scenes worked into the mix before it is over. Thanks for the review.

Hp-wannabe: Not necessarily his past. Thanks for the review.

Maria: Hopefully, this chapter was lighthearted enough for you. I don't know about having whole chapters of just goofing off from here on out, but there will definitely be some fun scenes mixed in with the serious stuff. Thanks for the review.

Goddess of war and wisdom: He's not going to be stupid enough to join Voldemort. The way things are in the story right now, I would be more afraid of Harry than Tom anyway. Fudge is just going to continue to be his usual annoying self. Thanks for the review.

Silver Warrior: Neville deserved every bit of it. Thanks for the review.

The One: He's one of mine as well. Thanks for the review.

Magik: I don't know about a sequel to this story, but I will definitely write some other stuff. Thanks for the review.

Rahl: Its not that spells don't affect him, its just that they have to have a lot of power behind them to affect him. Normal witches and wizards don't have that kind of power. Voldemort doesn't yet, either. But he will. Thanks for the review.

Bizodge: You are with everyone else on the question of the day. I promise I won't make you wait terribly long to find out. Thanks for the review.