Chapter 2 – Harry's Birthday

Harry awoke to what sounded like an echo of hooting in his room. "Please be quiet Hedwig" Harry mumbled. His head was pounding. He opened his eyes slowly struggling to get them to focus. He felt sore all over. He slowly tried to raise himself but found this only made his situation worse as the room began to spin and his stomach flip flopped. Slowly, as he lay back down the room came into sharper focus. Had he slept with his glasses on? He thought to himself. He had. He noted that the hooting had not stopped. He turned his head to repeat his request to Hedwig to be quiet when he realised that it was not Hedwig making all the noise. A dozen or so owls were located around the room watching him as if waiting for him to wake up. All had packages of different sizes and shapes attached to their feet. A barn owl decided that it had waited long enough and flew over to him to deliver its package. The box was small with a note attached to its exterior. Harry slowly removed the owls' package and once free the owl took flight out the window. Harry opened the note. It was from Moody.

Happy Birthday Harry. You may want to take the contents of this package as soon as you get up. It will make you feel better. Moody.

Harry slowly opened the box (as quick movement made him feel worse) and found a small vial inside. The contents were a light blue and Harry careful removed the stopper and had a brief smell. It smelt terrible. Harry considered his options. Finally he decided that he couldn't feel any worse and took a quick swig. It was terrible. For a moment he thought he would not be able to hold it down, then as quickly as the sensation had come it was gone. The pounding in his head stopped and his vision full cleared. He felt fine. He returned the stopper into the vial and put it onto his bed side table (just in case the cure was only temporary and he required more later). He said a silent thank you to Moody. After how he had just felt Harry resolved never to drink again, it simply wasn't worth the effect it left the next day.

Harry now felt up to turning his attention to the other owls that had invaded his bedroom with presents from his friends. Now that he could take in fully what he was seeing. Harry couldn't remember ever receiving so many presents in his life. The next owl that came forward Harry recognised immediately. It was Pig, Ron's owl. Harry noticed another small box attached to one of Pig's leg and an envelope attached to the other. Harry removed both from Pig and Pig commenced zooming around Harry's room in what looked like celebration at its successful delivery. Harry tore open the envelope and found a card signed by not only Ron but also Ginny, Bill, Charlie and Mr and Mrs Weasley all wishing him a happy birthday. Harry smiled to himself and noticed that there was also a small letter in the envelope. He placed the card on the bed side table and read the letter.

Hi Harry

Happy 16th Birthday. I couldn't afford this present on my own so most of the family came in with me for it (though it was my idea). It only just came out (only been on the market for a few weeks) and I thought it would help you prepare for next years competition. Hope you like it.

Ron

Harry tore open the box to find a snitch. But this snitch was different to the normal ones they used in a match as it was multi-coloured. Its body was green and it wings were red. Harry picked it up. It did not move or zoom about like it normally would. Is it ornamental? Harry thought, then his eyes noticed a small booklet at the bottom of the box. The title of the booklet read 'Practice Snitch Manual'. Harry opened the book and found it had care instructions and a how to use section. Harry immediately went to the how to use section and found that the snitch would come to life and change colour when the owner said 'Practice On' and return to its current state when the owner said 'Practice Over'. Harry decided to try it out. He held the snitch in his hand and said "Practise On". The snitch immediately changed colour to gold and began zooming around the room. 'This is great' Harry thought. It was prefect. He would need to do some extra practise to bring his Quidditch game up considering he wasn't able to play for most of the last school year as Professor Umbridge had given him a life time bane after the first match. He watched it fly around the room a couple of times before realising the rest of the owls gathered in his room were becoming impatient for him to collect his other presents from them. Harry said "Practise Over" and the snitch immediately stopped moving in mid air and returned to its original colour and remained motionless in the air awaiting collection. Harry decided to leave it there while he opened the rest of his presents. He returned to the box and found something else it there. It was a small parcel of homemade fudge (a specialty of Mrs Weasleys'). Harry smiled and put it to the side next to the card. Before he had turned back two barn owls had already landed on his bed in front of him with a very large box strapped between them. Harry removed the package from them and they immediately took flight. Harry opened the envelope attached to the top of the box and found it was a card from Fred and George Weasley.

Hi Harry

Happy Birthday mate. We hope you like your present. As our financial backer we felt it was the least we could do. Enjoy.

Fred and George

(Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes)

Harry opened the box to find the inside to be at least twice as big as it was on the outside. It contained at least one of every product the twins had created. There was a box of Canary Creams, a bag of Ton-Tongue Toffees, fake wands, five boxes of their Skiving Snackboxes, two boxes of their Deflagration Deluxe Fireworks, an invisibility hat and a number of other items Harry had not seen before. Harry was overwhelmed. Fred and George had obviously been busy since they had left Hogwarts. Harry put the box aside deciding to go completely though it later as the remaining owls in his room were now hooting impatiently and he didn't want his Aunt to come and complain about the noise. The next owl that came up Harry did not recognise but he did recognise the writing on the out side of the parcel. It was from Hermione. He removed the envelope and opened it to find a card inside.

Dear Harry

Happy 16th Birthday. I hope you like the present I got you. I decided it was time I stopped fighting the fact that you always seem to end up in danger and instead get you something to help you. I also thought it might come in handy when you finish school. See you soon.

Love Hermione.

Harry tore open the package to find a black cloak that had a hood. Harry looked at it for a moment and wondered what Hermione meant about it helping him in a fight. Harry unfolded the cloak thinking it was nice but not really that different to his Hogwarts cloak. Then a book dropped out of it. 'Another manual?' He thought briefly. 'The Aurors' Cloak'. Harry opened the book to find a diagram of the cloak with arrows pointing to different sections of the cloak. It had pockets all over it that were designed to carry anything an Auror could need in battle. A quick draw pocket for his wand, an extra large pocket for his broom, a pocket that held vials of potions securely (no matter what the position of the wearer) and numerous other pockets for things Harry had never heard of before. Some pockets even required a spell to open them for extra security and others were only visible to the wearer. Harry stood up and wrapped the cloak around his shoulders doing up the silver clasp. 'It's too long' he thought, as the cloak scrapped on the ground. But almost as soon as the thought entered his head the cloak magically adjusted its self to his height. Though it was mid summer Harry noted that the cloak do not make him feel hot at all. He turned back to the manual and noted that the cloak had specials spells on it to ensure that no matter when the wearer wore it (summer, winter, rainy day, etc) the cloak would protect the wearer from the weather and would keep the wearer at a perfectly comfortable temperature (and dry). Though completely stunned by the cloaks abilities so far he found that there was more. The cloak also had a charm on it that would make the wearer invisible to muggles and squibs. According to the manual, they could be looking right at the wearer and would simply not notice they were there. Apparently it would have the same effect on a weak minded wizard. Strong minded wizards may notice the wearer but would find the wearer of little interest to them and would feel compelled to ignore them. However, its effects were few on exceptionally strong minded wizards though the cloak did have one last line of defence against them. It would block the wearers face completely from view. This meant (according to the manual that they may know the wearer is there but they would not be able to see the face of the wearer). When the hood was down, the cloak worked like a normal cloak in regards to peoples' ability to see them. Harry was amazed. He knew it must have cost Hermione a fortune to buy. He knew he owed her something big for her birthday in return, though he had no idea what he could get her to match it. He stood examining the cloak and its many compartments for a while until the four remaining owls returned his attention to them by all hooting loudly.

Harry carefully placed the cloak onto his bed, thinking he would try it out on the Dursleys' later that night and returned to his seat on the bed to open his remaining presents. The next owl that came forward Harry recognised. It was Neville's Grandmothers' screech owl. There was an envelope attached to its leg. Harry was pleased. Neville sent him a card. Harry quickly opened the envelope and a small medallion fell out. It was a circle with a beautiful engraving of a Phoenix on it. Harry opened the card to see if it explained what the medallion was.

Happy Birthday Harry

My Grandmother and I agreed that you should have this. It's called a Protection Amulet. It helps the carrier recover quickly after being hit by minor curses. My dad collected them when he was an Auror. I have another one just like it. I hope it helps if you ever again find yourself in danger from another wizard.

Neville

P.S. My grandmother was really proud of me after Dumbledore wrote to her and told her what happened at the Ministry of Magic. Thank you Harry, for making it possible.

Harry sat smiling to himself remembering how Neville's grandmother had treated him when Harry, Ron and Hermione had meet them at St Mungo's hospital last Christmas. 'You deserve it Neville' Harry thought to himself. The next owl that came up was a post barn owl. It had a box attached to its leg with an envelope on the side. The owl gave him an unhappy hoot as Harry removed the package. Harry assumed it was for making the owl wait so long. As soon as the package was clear the owl took off out the window to return to the post office. It was from Tonks.

Dear Harry

Happy Birthday. It has been extremely busy at the Ministry since Fudge decided to acknowledge that Dumbledore was right. It was the best I could do. Enjoy.

Tonks

Inside the box Harry found two big boxes of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beansand a large box of Chocolate Frogs. Harry placed them to the side and looked at the last three remaining owls. The next owl had a package from Professor Lupin. The card noted that the present would help him in the upcoming school year. It was a book. 'Ancient Magic – a guide'. Harry put the book on top of his box of chocolates from Tonks before looking to the last two owls. The next one did not seem annoyed by its wait. This one was from Luna.

Hi Harry

I hope you are having a happy birthday. I thought I would give you this. My dad gave this to me when my mum died and it was given to him by his mother when his father died (my grandfather). I have read it so often I can almost recite it. I thought you might need it more.

Luna

P.S. Pass it on to someone else who needs it when you are done.

Harry opened the package and found an old book inside titled 'The dead, are they really gone?'. The book looked several hundred years old. Harry wasn't exactly sure how to take it though he did appreciate the thought. He decided to look at it later that night and placed it on top of Lupins' book. 'One left' Harry thought. Harry recognised it as a school owl. The owl had a box about 10 centimetres cubed and it had small holes on the sides. Harry wondered about it briefly while he opened the envelope attached to it. It was from Hagrid.

Harry

Happy Birthday. I really hope you like my gift. He took me forever to find. Really rare they are and extremely loyal. Any problems drop me a line.

Hagrid

'Oh no' Harry thought to himself. 'What have you sent me Hagrid'. Harry, Ron and Hermione had always questioned Hagrid's love for the more dangerous creatures and Harry looked at the box with much trepidation. Suddenly it moved.

"Hello. Can I come out now? Hello?"

Harry slowly and carefully opened the box and found a small bright green snake with yellow eyes, inside.

"Hello" Harry said carefully, still not sure just how dangerous the creature was.

"Oh, hello" the snake replied happily. "My name is Sherman, are you my new master?"

Harry wasn't too sure how to respond to the little, oddly named snake. It seemed quite young and had a faster speech then any snake Harry had meet before.

"Um, yes I guess so" Harry replied.

"Great. I thought I was going to be in that box forever. Can I look around?"

Before Harry could answer the snake had moved off his bed and around his room with surprising speed.

"Um, are you venomous?' Harry asked carefully, hoping not to offend his new pet, just in case. Though Harry noted that Sherman had no fangs.

"Oh, no, not that I am aware off. Don't worry, I would never bite my master. That would be unheard of for my kind. Once we are in service to a master we are completely loyal and follow every command we are given" Sherman replied happily continuing inspection of Harry's room.

"Oh, good" Harry said starting to relax slightly. Overall Sherman seemed quiet friendly and Harry had to admit, for Hagrid, this creature seemed very tame. Sherman continued his extremely quick look around while Harry watched. Sherman then moved towards the door and looked to be about to go under the door into the hallway.

"No! Stop!" Harry yelled at the snake. Sherman stopped immediately. Turned to Harry and said simply "As you command". Sherman returned to his tour about Harry's room at a slower pace.

"Ah, so, what kind of snake are you?" Harry asked trying to make conversation.

If a snake could look surprised Harry was sure it would be the expression Sherman would have given him. "You don't know? Well my species are known as a Commutatus Viper."

"Commutatus Viper? Why?" Harry asked puzzled. 'What does he mean commutatus?'

"I don't know" Sherman stopped and replied seriously to Harry. "But I am only six months old. The big fellow who packed me put me in the box also put some other things in with me. Maybe that will tell you".

Harry returned his focus back to the box and found that Sherman was quite right. There was a care guide included in the box. Harry picked it up and was about to begin reading the small little booklet when he heard his name being called by his Aunt. Harry got up and was about to leave the room when he noticed that Sherman was following him.

"Um, you stay here. Ok."

"As you command" Sherman said and stopped in his tracks.

Harry closed the door and answered his Aunt. "Yes?"

"Phone" His Aunt replied.

Harry proceeded down the stairs and took the receiver from his Aunt.

"What was all that hissing about. I could hear it down stairs. You know the rules, you're not to do any, well, you know, in this house!" Aunt Petunia snapped at him eyeing him suspiciously.

"I wasn't!" Harry replied shortly not bothering to explain.

"Hello?" Harry turned his attention to the phone.

"Harry?" It was Hermione. "Oh, Harry Happy Birthday."

"Thanks Hermione"

"Did you get my present?" Hermione sounded so excited that Harry thought she might burst.

"Yes, it's great. I don't what to say Hermione other then thank you. It must have cost a fortune!" Harry replied happily.

"Oh, well, I had a little saved away" Hermione replied evasively. "What else did you get?"

Harry listed the rest of the presents that he had received from his other friends finishing with Hagrid's gift.

"A snake! He got you a snake. Is it dangerous?" Hermione sounded nervous. Harry couldn't blame her. He had felt exactly the same way at first.

"No I don't think so. I think Hagrid got Sherman for me to, well, keep me company" Harry replied honestly.

"Sherman? You named him Sherman?"

"No. That is the name he already had. I don't know who named him"

"Well just be careful with him Harry. You know Hagrid's version of harmless" Hermione said seriously. Their conversation drifted onto general matters. Harry felt happy for the first time in months and actually felt like talking. About half and hour later they said their good byes and Harry realised he was very hungry (having not had breakfast yet). Harry made himself some lunch and returned to his room to continue his examination of his presents. He was still doing so when his Aunt called him for dinner. As he had decided earlier that day he wore his new cloak down stairs to see if it worked on the Dursley's. Harry stood with the hood up on the cloak in front of the television while the evening news was on (which his Uncle was watching) and the every member of the Dursley family simply ignored his presence. It was like he was not even there. "This cloak is excellent" he thought. That night as Harry went to bed (after reading a bit of the book Luna had given him) Harry felt the most content he had in months. For the first time Harry began to believe that though Sirius was no longer with Harry physically, Harry had not lost him forever. One day Harry would see him again, it just may be a while Harry thought. As Harry laid back on to his pillow and for a moment entertained the idea of his parents and Sirius happy reunion, Sherman curling up at Harry's feet.

"Get down on your knees before the Dark Lord" A voice Harry recognised said. Before him he saw a cloaked figure be driven to his knees by a man with a strange arm. It was Peter Pettigrew.

"So why have you come to me" Harry said, but it was not Harry's voice.

"I have realised the truth m- my lord" The figure stammered. Harry knew the figure before him was male and was sure he could recognise the voice but for some reason could not place it.

"And what truth would that be?" Harry enquired.

"That you are the greatest Wizard alive and I should stand with you and not against you"

"And what use can you be to me?" Harry laughed a high pitch laugh, his wand in his hand aimed at the figure before him.

"I can bring you something you want. I can get you Harry Potter" The figure raised his head.

Harry woke with a start his forehead head burning with intense pain. His eyes watered and he rubbed his scar trying to alleviate the pain. He knew some were that Voldemort (Voldermort) was very happy. Harry knew that Voldemort wanted to kill him but there was something about this apparent new addition to the Death Eaters that scared Harry more then before. If only I had seen their face! Harry thought.