Disclaimer: No, I don't own Harry Potter or anything in this story besides the plot. I wish I did, but I also wish I were a Billionaire. Both wishes have not come true so, deal with it.
A/N: I Just really want to say that I am sorry for the lateness of this chapter. I know it sounds like I am just making up excuse after excuse but they are real. Three days after putting up the author's note of my progress, my computer broke. The thing just would not load Windows. A friend of the family looked at the PC and said he wasn't sure what was wrong with it. I do have a little brother, so maybe he did something to it. Anyways, I had to start the chapter over and had to hassle myself between working on it at school or at a friend's house. I also just had Districts for Wrestling and have been practicing a lot. I made it to Regionals! I don't know how long it will be till the next chapter is out. I will try to work on it as much as I can, but without a PC, it will be hard. I guess you guys have waited long enough for this chapter so go ahead and enjoy the read.
P.S. I just wanted to say thank you to my Beta Dr. Gero, he stuck with me even after my long pause.
FUN, GAMES, AND EXPLANATIONS
BY: CHICANOSURFER01
The whole kitchen was quiet. Harry Potter was the center of attention but was also completely silent. He was in a very pensive position; one hand petting the sleeping wolf cub in his lap, and the other hand resting on his chin. He was trying to figure out a way to prove his true identity to the elder man in front of him. How could he 'prove' himself? Living in a world where you could turn into someone else by drinking a potion made this particular question mighty difficult.
"I've got it!" Harry's words made everyone in the room jump. He'd finally figured out a way to prove himself to Dumbledore and he couldn't believe he hadn't thought of it sooner.
"Professor, I need you to put silencing wards around this room because what I'm about to say shouldn't be heard by anyone else." Harry wasn't sure he wanted to do this. He hadn't planned on telling the people in the room his secret so early on. He had decided to tell a very limited few about this certain piece of information. It planned out his life and, if it went one way, it planned his life to be short lived.
As Dumbledore began waving his wand around the room to set up the wards, Harry started explaining to his surrogate family about his 'proof' so that they didn't get totally freaked out about it.
"Now look everybody, what I'm about to reveal to you is very important and needs to be kept a secret. I have learned to live with what I have to do and I don't need anyone feeling sorry for me or anyone trying to make it seem better than it actually is."
As Dumbledore heard what Harry was saying, he stopped in his tracks. If Harry was about to say what he believed Harry was going to say, then it would most definitely prove to him of Harry's identity. Finishing up the wards, Dumbledore turned to Harry and gave him a look saying, 'get on with it.'
With a glare at Dumbledore, Harry began reciting his 'proof.'
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as an equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord shall be born as the seventh month dies..."
After a deep inhale from Dumbledore, Harry began his explanation.
"This is the prophecy of Harry Potter... my prophecy. Known completely to only two people. Albus Dumbledore... and myself, Harry Potter."
Dumbledore knew he was in for it if he didn't explain his rash actions to Harry, (not to mention looking like an ass) so he extended his hand to the young man.
"Forgive me for my doubt young Harry, but we must truly be cautious in these dangerous times."
Although Harry knew that Dumbledore's mind was in the right place, he wasn't too sure where his heart lay. There was something different about the headmaster, but he couldn't put his finger on it. So, deciding it was dumb of him to confront Dumbledore about this feeling now, he shook the old man's hand.
As soon as the handshake was over, the questions from the others began. Their mouths threw out questions as fast as a faucet does water.
"Quiet!" The one word from Harry effectively closed the tap on the questions and he began his explanation.
"I found out about the prophecy after Sirius's death last year and am fine with it. It's not that much of a surprise is it? We know he's been after me since he's been back, and in a way this gives us hope. I have some sort of hidden power in me that could rid us of the monster we call Voldemort. I knew I was going to have to face him sooner or later, this just puts it into words that it will definitely happen. This scar on my forehead marked me as his equal and to tell you the truth, I'm glad it's me. I wouldn't wish this burden on anyone else. I'm not going to let it ruin my life. I'm still young and I will run my life as normally as possible. I'm not going to be afraid and let Voldemort ruin my life. If we do that, he's already won."
Silence. Once again the kitchen was totally quiet. They knew this boy in front of them was only sixteen years old, but his words were that of someone who had been through many learning experiences. You could tell he was completely serious in his words by the look in his eyes. What he didn't know was that he wouldn't be in this war alone. The people in that kitchen had all vowed to themselves that they would do everything in their power to help this boy... this man, to achieve his destiny.
"Well guys, are there anymore questions?" Harry broke the silence.
"Why don't you just go upstairs and get ready for you party Harry. Lunch is already out in the garden. Ron, show him up to his room." Mrs. Weasley stopped the inevitable rush of questions that would come if they were to continue. She wanted Harry to forget about his worries and have a fun birthday. They had been planning the party before Harry's reappearance, in hope of his return. Mrs. Weasley had planned on making it a small celebration within the family, but when Ginny received Harry's letter, she decided to go all out. She Wrote and sent invitations to the friends that Ron, Hermione, and Ginny suggested should attend and had Dumbledore organize the entertainment she wanted.
Walking up the stairs, Harry and Ron didn't speak a word. Harry wasn't sure if something was wrong or not, but something was different. Just as he was about to confront his best friend about this, Ron stopped in front of a door and started to speak.
"You'll be staying in Percy's old room, mom said you might as well use it, he won't be."
"Thanks Ron. I am gonna miss sleeping in your room though." With a smile, Harry opened the door and entered. Before closing the door, Ron said something that told Harry that things were still good between them.
"I really missed you Harry. You had me worried sick." With that Ron turned and went back downstairs. Harry could tell he was mad about the way Harry disappeared, but that was just Ron. Harry knew to just let Ron cool down for a while before talking to him about anything.
Out of the shower and dressed, Harry looked through the window, which had a view of the garden, and saw that a lot of people had arrived. It seemed as if it was going to be a pretty big party. There seemed to be a stage with a band setting up and even what looked like a small water park. It definitely looked like the Weasleys had gone all out for him. Not wanting to keep them waiting, Harry left Sapphire in his room and headed downstairs. The first thing he was dying to do was get into the food. Although he had only eaten a few hours before, he felt like he could eat a whole Hippogriff. Walking through the backdoor, Harry was immediately met with silence. Everyone from the party, the majority of which were his school friends, had turned to face him, and jaws dropped.
"I seem to be doing that a lot lately, I wonder why?"
Harry's short statement brought everyone out of their revere and started a stamped of people towards him.
After fifteen minutes of 'Happy Birthday's, 'What happened to you's, and compliments on his new look, Harry finally made it to the food.
By the look on Harry Potter's face, he was thoroughly enjoying himself. He had just gotten reacquainted with most of his school friends and things seemed to be going back to normal. He had totally killed the food table and was now ready for some fun. Just as if they had read his mind, a group of his friends, including Ron and Hermione, walked up to him.
"Hey Harry! You want to go to the water slides? Dumbledore set it up for the day so let's take advantage of it shall we?" Ron looked as if he was ready to start running for his bathing suit but Hermione's next words stopped him.
"You don't even have to change Harry. Just come on, the attendant will transfigure our clothes into bathing suits for us."
"Well what are we waiting for then? Let's get over there, I'm ready to have some fun."
Harry started running towards the mini-water park with his group of friends behind him. The whole first half of the summer was filled with all work and no play. If anyone knew what Harry had been through, they would understand just how much this birthday party meant to him.
Arriving at the water park entrance, the attendant, a very cheerful witch, transfigured their clothes and took their wands for safe keeping. As Harry observed his friends and the people around them, he found three things that stood out like bright lights in the dark. The crazy thing about the three figures, was that they all happened to be female.
After looking at their faces closer, Harry could have slapped himself. He knew all three of the ladies. One, the dark haired, tanned skin girl was none other than his fellow Gryffindor, Parvati Patil. She had the figure, like the other two, of a goddess, and Harry couldn't believe he hadn't noticed her before this. Well he'd never seen her in a bikini before, so that could be it also. The bad thing about the other two women was that he knew he shouldn't be thinking the thoughts he was thinking about these particular girls. One had light brown hair and the other had bright red hair. He couldn't believe that he had been having the thoughts he was having about Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley. They were supposed to be friends, if not, like sisters to him. Although Hermione was wearing a one piece bathing suit and Ginny was wearing a more modest bikini than Parvati, Harry could tell the summer had been good to them.
Shaking the thoughts out of his head, Harry, along with his friends, ran up the stairway to the first water slide. They all jumped into the slide and went through all the crazy loops and turns that the slide had.
Harry was thoroughly enjoying himself. They had all been on the slides for hours and it had gotten dark in the mean time. The band was still playing in the clearing and dinner tables had been set up in a circle adjacent to the stage to make a dance floor. Deciding it was time to eat, they headed out of the water park. After getting the attendant to dry them off and change them into more formal clothes, they headed for the music stage.
Harry wasn't as anxious to get to the dancing as much as the food. He had never been drawn to the dancing scene. He wasn't the best dancer, so he decided to sit this activity out. This idea was totally squashed when the first girl came up and asked him to dance.
"Harry? Would you like to dance?" Looking up, Harry saw Parvati Patil standing there, looking quite beautiful in her shimmering pink gown.
"Why hello there Parvati. It would be my pleasure." Trying to play it cool and ignoring the butterflies he was feeling, Harry grabbed her hand and took her out to the middle of the dance floor. There was a fast song playing when she had first asked him to dance, but it soon changed to a slow one. Although Harry was nervous about stepping on her feet, he had a calm exterior as they drew closer for the song. Remembering how it was done in the Yule Ball in their forth year, he put one hand on her lower back and took one of her hands in the other.
"So how has your Summer been Parvati? Have you done anything exciting?" Harry had decided to make an attempt at small talk and find out a little more about the girl in his arms.
"Well, I went to visit my aunt in Paris a few weeks ago. It was quite beautiful. I would love to move there after graduation. Everything there is just so scenic. How 'bout yourself? It seems to me that the Summer was very good to you Mr. Potter." At Parvati's words a slight blush came over Harry's face. He knew his body had changed, but he wasn't totally used to the reactions of people.
"I stayed at my relative's house most of the summer, but spent a lot of time studying. There's really not much to do there but studying and exercising. I guess that's why I've changed." Harry purposely omitted the time he was "missing" from the world. He didn't know Parvati well enough to tell her the details of the past few weeks.
"May I cut in?" Before Parvati was able to respond she was tapped on the should by Harry's Best friend, Hermione.
"Of course you may. Thanks for the dance Harry." After giving Harry a kiss on the cheek Parvati left the dance floor.
"Enjoying your party Harry?" Hermione was looking stunning in a dazzling white dress.
"I'm having the best time of my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world." Harry knew this was the honest truth. No one had ever thrown him a birthday party before; this was a new experience for him.
"Well I'm glad. We've been planning this ever since you sent Ginny the letter." All of a sudden Hermione's demeanor changed from happy to agitated. "You had us worried sick Harry! Where were you anyways? You just up and disappeared for three weeks without an owl, a note, nothing! I grew more frantic with each passing day. I'm not sure what I would have done if you hadn't come back." A few tears escaped Hermione's eyes and Harry drew her into a hug. He felt bad having worried her so much. He deeply cared about Hermione and wished that no harm ever came her way.
"I promise I won't leave like that ever again. I know I have some explaining to do, but now's not the time. I'll tell you and the others everything later tonight, after the party."
Satisfied with his response, Hermione drew away from Harry's embrace and stood up on her tippy toes to kiss him on the cheek. She gave him a smile and walked away. He decided it was time for a drink and left for the refreshments table. As he drew closer to the bar he noticed A redhead debating over what she wanted to drink. Remembering that he needed to speak to her about his "disappearance" also, he decided to approach her.
Slowly he came up behind her and startled her when he whispered in her ear. "Hello Ginny."
"Harry! What are you trying to do? Scare me to death?" Steadying her breath, she smiled and gave Harry a quick hug.
"Sorry Ginny, I just couldn't resist. Are you having fun?" Leaning against the table, Harry grabbed himself a Butterbeer and took a quick swig.
"Of course I am. Who wouldn't have fun in this environment? Plus, now that your back, everyone can stop worrying and celebrate." Ginny had begun with a smile but ended with her eyes looking down.
Harry gently lifted her head so that she was looking at him again. "About that; I promised Hermione that I would explain all of what I've been doing this summer after the party. I know I owe you an explanation, so I'll talk to you after everyone goes home and tell you where to meet."
"Thanks Harry. I'll see you then." Harry watched Ginny's retreating back until he felt someone coming up behind him.
"Harry!" None other than Remus Lupin tackled Harry into a hug."Where have you been Harry? Why did you leave in the first place? You have no idea how I felt when they said they couldn't find you. I'm sorry Harry but I just couldn't lose you too, I've lost almost everyone else."
Remus was nearly hysterical. Harry had thought that he had taken Sirius' death badly, but then realized that his disappearance must have pushed him over the edge.
"Don't worry Remus, I'm not going anywhere. I didn't mean to upset everyone, I just needed some time to myself. I won't be going anywhere anytime soon." Harry was beginning to feel really bad about the reactions his disappearance caused for the people he cared about; He hadn't meant to disappear, it just sort of happened.
As the party came to a close, Harry said goodbye to all his school friends. Hermione would be staying at the Weasleys', in Ginny's room, making it easier to get out of the house later on for their talk.
"You never opened your presents Harry. Wouldn't you like to see what you got?" Mrs. Weasley had realized that Harry never mentioned the pile of presents in front of the stage.
"What presents Mrs. Weasley?" As Harry turned in a full circle he spotted the gifts Mrs. Weasley was talking about. "Are you saying that all those are for me?" He asked in disbelief. There had to be at least fifty presents in the pile, more than twice the amount that Dudley had gotten on his last birthday. He was about to start tearing through the pile but remember the talk he was having with the girls later on. Wanting to have everyone in bed as early as possible, he made the decision to open them tomorrow. "I think I'll just open them tomorrow, I'm kind of tired."
"You're right Harry, it has been a long day. Everyone inside then, time for bed." Mrs. Weasley shooed everyone inside saying eleven O'clock was too late for everyone to still be up.
As they started walking inside, Harry told Hermione to meet him in the living room at midnight with Ginny. She had agreed and went up to bed to wait out the hour.
Midnight saw the three teenagers walking out the backdoor to the garden.
"Harry? Shouldn't Ron be here also? He is our best friend too." Hermione was a little confused when she saw Harry in the living room alone. She was sure that Harry would want Ron to be here too.
" After explaining Ron's lack of attendance, Harry began explaining how, after dealing with Sirius' death, he didn't want to be the one the prophecy says will be killed. He told them how he started training at the Dursleys' and explained his excessive studying. Just as he was getting to his quest for the elements he was distracted by a loud screech. Looking up he noticed a large black bird coming down towards him. The bird turned out to be a black falcon that just oozed evil. Harry didn't know why, but he had a very bad feeling about the letter in the falcon's claws.
Screeching one more time, the hawk dropped the letter in Harry's lap and flew off. As soon as Harry touched the envelope it opened on its own and released a large green light. From the light emerged a skull with a snake entwined in it. The dark mark was seen in the sky above the Burrow's garden. If they were surprised when the mark appeared, they were even more shocked when it started speaking. The voice of the mark was one Harry knew very well. It was embedded in his mind since he was one. It was the voice of Voldemort. Harry could never confuse the snake like slither in his voice and laugh.
"The Boy-Who-Lived is one year older,
now attacks will get much bolder.
Beware the times when you feel colder,
an orphan can't cry on his mum's shoulder."
They couldn't soak in the poem to full effect before there was a blinding flash and they were surrounded. The question was, what were they surrounded by?
Thanks to: JoesephThomasIIII, Lady of the Dragon, Tuxedomac, Kordolin, Battlefield-addict, Organiclyme, EternalSleep, jbfritz, David M. Potter, Sanity escapes me, Tanydwr, voxenking, eclipse, Screwylouie12, Faceless One, little Marauder, Bloodless Ace, Stikye, Aishwarya, Lelia Ayita, Breakingdarules, dobbiessweetie, Dranix, yaara, sirius and remus, Silver Warrior, Kaleena Mason, Lady Quill, babs, jwilliams, dobbys-stinger, Elemental-sorcerer, TGB, Jarno, HaliOmani, firebirdgs, Night-Owl123, BferBear, Farlmot, Treck White Merlin, fireflyer-flight11, babyHarry, Magicgirl10, adora-chillwind, Thanach, Khadon, Ibozun meg, gaul1, Sirius009, Miss.Understood, Mandaevelyn, The 1116th's spy, MoonFireFire, nogoalielikeme, volo, Serena24, renagade41, Lillian Marie Potter, Ashley, gman15, Wytil, haydenrocks14, amu3038, Queen Victoria, HeWhoComesWithTheDawn, QueenWeasel, happy dude, Fallen Legacy88, ryn the white panther, Dragonstorm316, argos-the-argonath, Jubexchix, foxfur, Tiffany, Beth5572, bandgsecurityyaw, and huneydukes2004 for reviewing. I probably don't deserve all the reviews after making you wait so long for this chapter.
Lady of the Dragon: I really like writing about Sapphire. I wanted to add a new character into the story but decided on the pet instead. The confrontation is in here and also a little bit of Ginny.
TuxedoMac: Thanks, I've been working on the suspense. The true reactions to Sapphire and Harry's changes will be in the next chapter. Harry isn't as experienced as Dumbledore so, no he doesn't know how to read power levels. He doesn't even know how powerful he truly is.
Stikye: I have Harry relax a little bit in this chapter. I know I had him be really serious in th other chapters, I did it on purpose. He had his anger drive him into ultimate training mode but now he's slowly going back to normal Harry mode.
Babs: It might be a while before Harry and Ginny get together but it might not be. Harry is a guy and has normal teenage hormones. Oh, and you can definitely expect more powers.
TGB: Harry will work more on his animagus transformation later on. You'll see how the transformations affect him. I don't think Dumbledore will car if Harry brought the animals with him, especially after the way the headmaster has treated his student. I'm sorry about the slow upates, I can't help it. I seem to attract bad luck. Plus, it being my senior year and wrestling season, I have very little time to write.
Fallen-Legacy88: I don't think anyone else noticed or maybe they got was I was trying to say so lets keep it our little secret. I did research to see what a Jamaican breakfast was like, but I guess I didn't do enough.
Wytil: I won't leave Harry and Ginny off to the side. It just won't be the center of the story. Your review truly made me laugh, a female Draco? Who would of thunk it. Thanks for your kind words about my father. He seems to be doing a lot better now. I have picked up a lot of his old responsibilities but I'm just glad he's back home.
Jubexchix: Sorry about breaking my promise. I didn't meant to, I just seem to attract bad luck. Thanks for the review, Later.
I hope Everyone enjoyed this chapter, I'll get the next one up as soon as I can. Now that your done reading, you know what to do. Hit that little button and review. TTYL,
Chicanosurfer01
