Disclaimer: I do not own HP & Co.

A/N: In honor of Harry's 16th Birthday, this, chapter 16, is the longest one to date. That is my present to you.

Not Beta'd. Hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 16 ready for the present

That night after dinner, which the trio ate in the common room of Gryffindor Tower, Dobby entered with a large birthday cake, which was sliced after Ron and Hermione sang and Harry blew out the candles.

Ron handed Harry a few packages, saying they were from his family and cautioned him to be careful of the first one.

That first package turned out to be from Fred and George. The twins gave Harry a variety of joke items from their new shop in Diagon Alley, some of them being new, experimental items, along with an invitation to stop by to check on his 'investment'.

The next package was from Mrs. Weasley who sent him some fudge along with a note wishing him a Happy Birthday.

Ginny had sent him an assortment of candies, including Chocolate Frogs, sugar quills, and Bertie Botts every flavor bean.

The last package in this pile was from Ron. Surprisingly, Ron sent him a book. Of course, the book was about learning new chess strategies, but it was still a book. Harry and Hermione enjoyed teasing Ron about willingly buying a book not required for school. Ron responded by saying that he wasn't going to read it, it was for Harry, besides, Harry truly needed the help in chess, and Ron needed a better opponent.

Harry wasn't expecting anything from Hermione, since she had already given him the journal, so he was surprised when she handed him a small slim package. Opening it up it saw that it was a strange looking quill, which changed colors as he took it out of the package.

Hermione explained, "It's a mood quill. The quill changes color depending on your mood, the ink's color depends on how you feel about what you were writing about. It's also been spelled, so that you cannot write something that is false. I thought it might come in handy with the journal and occlumency."

"Wow." Harry said, stunned that she had found such a thoughtful gift. "Thanks, Hermione."

"Hey," Ron said, "Where can I get one? If you can't write something false, it could come in handy for homework or tests."

"Ronald! That is not wh-" Hermione started to lecture when Dobby appeared with a 'pop', and handed a present to Harry.

Harry was not surprised to see that inside the package was a pair of socks, well, maybe not a pair since they didn't exactly match. One sock was red and had an animal running around the foot and ankle. After hearing a soft bark, and looking close, Harry realized with shock that the animal, a dog, looked exactly like Padfoot.

"Dobby knows how much Mister Harry Potter misses his family. Dobby hopes the sock make Mister Harry happy and no longer sad. Dobby charmed socks. Dogs chase sticks and bark, but will not be hurt when Mister Harry Potter walks on them. Dobby's other gift is sock with other animal friend."

At his words, Harry looked at the other sock in the package, this sock was blue and had a werewolf running around, occasionally stopping to howl at the moon, rotating around the top of the sock. "It's great, Dobby, thanks." Harry replied, trying to keep the tears in his eyes from falling. He did appreciate the socks, they were great to have, since he didn't have any pictures of his godfather in his animagus form, but then again, it only reinforced the fact that his godfather wasn't with him anymore.

Before Harry could say another word, Dobby handed him another package with a letter on top and said "Dobby has other items for Mister Harry Potter."

"Dobby, you didn't have to do that."

"Yes, sir, Dobby does. This is from Mister Lupin, sir." Dobby said as he handed Harry an envelope attached to a package

Harry opened the letter and read:

Dear Harry,

I hope you are enjoying your birthday celebration with your friends. I wish I was there to help you celebrate your 16th Birthday, but I will see you on Friday.

I was not sure what to get you for your birthday, but after our conversation last week, I went to Sirius's house, in this package is some items that I know he would want you to have, some items are from his school days. There are also some pictures of him, James, Lily and myself. I know that you hope to find your biological family and I wish you luck with that, and am here to help and support you in any way I can, I only ask that you don't forget the parents that loved the short time you were together.

Moony

After reading the letter, Harry put the package aside and told Hermione and Ron, "I think I'll open this package later. Remus sent me some of Sirius's school items, as well as pictures of their school days."

Dobby then handed Harry another envelope. "Mister Harry Potter can open this now with his friends or he can open this later when Mister Harry Potter is alone."

Seeing his name addressed to him in Siriuss familiar script, Harry's eyes widened and he looked up at Dobby. Dobby nodded and said, "It is from him. Mister Harry Potter is ready." And with those final words, Dobby disappeared.

Seeing Harry's eyes widen, Hermione asked, "Harry, who is it from? What did Dobby mean by you are ready? Ready for what?"

Harry just sat there looking at Dobby and clasping the envelope in his hands, unaware of the looks passing between Hermione and Ron or even that Hermione just spoke to him.

"Harry," Hermione said gently, "What is it? What's wrong?"

"What? Oh, nothing's wrong. It's from Sirius."

"Well go on, open it." Ron said.

"No, I think I'll want to open this later, when I am alone."

Nothing else needed to be said. Ron started on another piece of birthday cake (his third), while Hermione just watched Harry, trying to figure out exactly what was going on wither friend.

After a while, things returned to normal, with the three of them laughing and talking. They played a few rounds of exploding snaps and dared each other to try the twins' newest inventions. Finally, they quieted down and Ron and Harry started to play chess, and even with Harry consulting his new book, he still lost. Hermione was curled up in a chair reading one of the books she got from the library earlier that evening.

Harry and Ron spent part of the morning flying on the quidditch pitch (Ron's idea), while Hermione watched from the ground. The rest of the morning was spent searching the castle for more secret passages and secret rooms (again, Ron's idea) and swimming in the Lake (Harry's suggestion). The three stayed out by the lake to enjoy a picnic lunch that Dobby served them, (Food-Ron's idea, of course), since they were hungry, but too tired and comfortable to move.

"Bye Harry. Let us know what happens with Professor Snape and NEWT potions."

"Yeah, mate. And maybe you can join us in a few weeks at Diagon Alley." Ron said, sneaking a glance at the headmaster.

"We'll see what can be arranged," Dumbledore said with his eyes twinkling.

"That would be great," Harry said. "Bye Ron, bye Hermione. Thanks for coming, this has been the best birthday ever. Please Remember to OWL me so I don't get too bored."

"We won't, See you in a few," Ron said, as he grabbed some floo powder, stepped into the fireplace and disappeared in a green flame after saying "the Burrow".

Hermione gave Harry one final hug, before grabbing some floo powder. Right before she stepped into the fireplace she turned back to Harry and said "Oh Harry, I almost forgot. I left some of the books I was reading last night in the Gryffindor Common Room, can you please return them to the library for me?"

"Sure, Hermione, no problem."

"Thanks, Harry. And good luck with your research project. I hope to see you soon. Take care and stay out of trouble," she said before she too disappeared into the fireplace.

"Research project, Harry? What research project?"

"It's nothing, sir. I'm just taking advantage of having the library to myself, to do some extra studying."

"Well, if there's anything I can help you with, just ask."

"Yes, sir." Harry replied before leaving the headmaster's office to go to his rooms.

Once in his rooms, Harry took out the package from Remus and the second letter from Sirius. He decided to read the letter from Sirius first. As he opened the envelope and took out the sheet of paper, it magically expanded to become a small package. Inside the package was a note from Sirius. Harry decided to read this before he looks through the rest of the package.

Hi there Kiddo,

I can't tell you how much I wish I was there to help you through this. I hope you are well, and that you are not dwelling on things in the past. There is much to look forward to in the future.

Harry suddenly realized that he hadn't spent much time dwelling on Sirius's death or how things could've been if his godfather had lived. Yes, he still missed Sirius and a part of him always will, and he wasn't even sure if he had totally processed or accepted his godfather's death. He knew that right now it didn't hurt as much, but that could be because he had been keeping busy and was focused on other things, mostly the adoption, occlumency and his research. He finally felt that he was able to talk with someone about Sirius's death. Suddenly, he couldn't wait for tomorrow so that he could talk with Remus about this.

I'm glad that you decided to share this with Remus. He cares greatly for you, let him be there for you, as Lily, James and I would like to have been.

I hope by now that you are over the surprise of my last letter. If I know you, you are eager to discover the family of your birth parents. Enclosed in this letter is all the information I have, including your birth certificate.

Harry took out his birth certificate and read:

Name: Aren Brac Swann Born this Thursday, July 31, 1980 at 11:11 p.m.

It was pretty strange to think that he could've spent the past 16 years being known as "Aren" if his mother hadn't died. Of course, if he had lived in Sweden, it was also more than likely that he wouldn't have the lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead and be known as the boy-who-lived.

At that moment, Harry finally realized that he would eventually have to share the information about his adoption with the headmaster. Harry knew that Voldemort had marked him as his equal, as required by the prophecy, so obviously his birth parents had thrice defied Voldemort as well. That meant that the prophecy could have referred to more children other than just Neville. Harry was pretty sure it didn't refer to Lily and James-at least not in connection with him-since the prophecy stated that the child was to be born to parents that thrice defied the dark lord and he was not born to Lily and James. No, Harry is guessing that Dumbledore only looked within the members of the order who had children due to be born around the end of July. But as Harry obviously proved, there were other expectant parents, not in the order, or even in England, who defied Voldemort three times. "Ugh, stop" Harry said, rubbing his forehead. He wasn't even sure if he was making sense any more and he was beginning to give himself a headache trying to figure out all the details about how his birth in Sweden affected the prophecy.

Mother: Cybelle Tyra Swann Occupation: Auror

Harry thought that it was pretty cool that his birth mother was an auror, since that is what he wants to be after graduating Hogwarts. That could explain his talent in DADA, as well as his love for the subject. He continued to read the rest of his birth certificate:

Father: unknown occupation: - -

Even though he knew from Sirius's letter that there was no information regarding his biological father, Harry was disappointed to see the word 'unknown' in that space. Maybe there was some way he could contact his mother's family. Surely they must have some idea who their daughter was seeing at that time. With luck, maybe his grandparents were still alive and living in Sweden. Harry pulled himself from his thoughts to read the rest of Sirius's letter.

I'm sorry I don't have any information on your birth father. However, I have enclosed the last known address for your mother's parents. It is up to you whether you decide to contact them.

Whether you decide locate your birth family or not, don't forget the family that you've created these last 5 years at Hogwarts. You've gathered mothers, fathers, grandfathers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins. Many people love and care for you. There is no law that states that you cannot have two families, remember that if you decide to develop a relationship with your natural family.

Love always, Sirius

Enclosed in the package were shrunken items, which Harry enlarged to their original size, grateful that the wards at Hogwart's prohibited the Ministry from detecting underage magic, even during the summer. Included was a blue baby blanket with the initials ABS sown into one of the corners; there were also a few baby pictures, that Harry assumed were of him; a rattle; a small sleeper w/ feet and a stuffed teddy bear. Harry wondered why Sirius had these items. Why weren't they at Godric's Hollow when it was destroyed? He was sure Lily & James would've kept familiar things around him from his birth family. Harry wondered why every bit of information he uncovered just seemed to bring more questions, rather than answer them.

Aren Brac. It was funny to think that about one month ago, in Dumbledore's office, he was wishing that he was anyone but Harry James Potter and here he is, discovering he is indeed someone else, Aren Brac Swann. The name had a cool sound to it, he decided. Not as boring as Harry James Potter. Both Harry and James were very boring names, in Harry's opinion, not to mention that Harry sounded very childish and immature. His real name wasn't even Harold. Discovering that he had another name made him wonder why Lily and James chose to name him Harry, what were they thinking of?

After looking at the items in the package and reading the letter and his birth certificate again, Harry thought about whether he should write to his birth mother's family. Although he knew from Sirius's first letter that they did not want the responsibility of him when he was young, he wondered if they might change his mind now that he was a teenager, and no longer needed to be 'looked after'. He would like to contact them, if only to find out more about his mother, her family, and perhaps to learn something about his father. He felt strange writing a letter to them out of the blue like this, but then again, it would be the only way he would be able to get the answers to the questions in his head and possibly a way to finally get the family he wanted.

He finally decided to write a letter and to send it with Hedwig to the address that Sirius included in his letter.

The letter was simple and straight forward. He started off by introducing himself as Aren Brac Swann; he decided that if they meet in person, then he would let them know who his adoptive parents were and that he was currently known as Harry Potter. Of course, for all he knew, other countries might not have heard of him or Voldemort, so maybe it was best if he didn't mention that for now. He also wrote that he only recently found out that he was adopted and that his birth mother was their daughter, Cybelle. He then politely asked if they had any information or pictures they would share with him regarding his mother or his father. He closed the letter by stating that he hoped that they would be willing to keep in contact with him and that he hopes to meet them someday.

"Good morning, Moony. How are you feeling?"

"Not too bad. The extra days of rest, both before and after the full moon seem to help a lot. I'm sorry that I missed your birthday."

"That's okay. I was glad I wasn't alone. Are we still on for Hogsmeade tomorrow?"

"Of course, wouldn't miss it."

As Harry went to sit down, he noticed that Moony was looking at him strangely. "What is it Moony? Do I have something on my face?"

"What? Oh, no. Have you noticed how tall you've gotten?"

"No, not really. I didn't notice until Ron mentioned it Wednesday. Hermione thinks I've grown about 10cm since school got out, apparently, most teenage boys grow 9cm a year during a growth spurt."

"Hmm," Remus said with a thoughtful look on his face as he took in Harry's appearance.

"Harry, about that second letter from Sirius..."

"Oh yeah, I meant to thank you for that, I read it last night. I can bring it tomorrow if you want to read it."

"You've read it? How did you get it?"

"Dobby gave it to me on my birthday, he said I was ready. I thought you knew."

"I knew Dobby had it. He found it in my room, but he kept saying you weren't ready for it when I asked him for it on Monday. What was in the letter?"

Harry told Remus what was in the letter, including the magical package. He then told Remus about the letter he wrote to Cybelle's parents introducing himself and asking if they had some information about her that they would be willing to send to him.

"Remus, thank you for the pictures of Sirius that you sent and his school items. I haven't opened the package yet, would you like to join me after breakfast to look through it?

"Of course, Harry." Remus said as Dumbledore joined them and the three consumed their breakfast while discussing various topics, Harry's birthday and the visit from his friends; the twin's new shop; what Voldemort might be planning; the upcoming school year and who the new DADA professor was, Harry was trying to get this info from Dumbledore, he figured as long as the ministry didn't appoint someone, that that was a start.

After they finished breakfast, Remus followed Harry back to his room where Harry brought out and opened the package that Remus gave him. Harry looked at some of the pictures, not many of them included Peter, it seemed as if Remus had kept those or most likely, burned them. One of pictures included a young Sirius Black with green hair, and a laughing James Potter standing next to him, apparently Sirius was a result of a practical joke that many suspected James was the culprit of, but it was never proven. Harry laughed at the next picture of Sirius and James both with long hair and wearing dresses. This, Remus explained was one of his better jokes, which he performed simply to prove that he could, since his fellow marauder's didn't believe he actual had it in him to purposely embarrass someone.

"They never doubted it again." Remus said laughing while he looked at the picture.

"Remus,"

"Yes, Harry?"

"I miss him." Harry said, his eyes welling up with tears.

"I know, Harry. I do too." Remus said as he pulled Harry into a hug.

"I just keep thinking about how unfair it is. I only knew him for 2 years. I mean, I'm grateful that I at least have memories of him, since I really don't have any of James & Lily. But still, I keep remembering that first night we met at the shack, how he asked me to live with him when he was freed and cleared of all charges. I couldn't wait. It seemed like that was all I was living for, just waiting for my dream of being able to leave the Dursley's to come true. A-a-and th-then.." Harry's voice trailed off as holding back his tears grew more difficult.

"It's okay, Harry. Go ahead and cry, I'm here for you." Remus said, as he felt his own eyes filling with tears.

"It just seems so unfair...I mean, I lost my birth mother, both adoptive parents, and then my godfather. Why can't I have someone in my life that stays around longer than a few years?

"And the worst is that Sirius didn't have to die. If only one thing had been different that night, he might've lived. I no longer blame myself or anyone else, really, but still...I just don't understand why. There were so many people there that night, if someone had to die, why couldn't it have been one of the death eaters? Why him? Why?

"And I hate that he died before he knew freedom again. How the last few years he was in a prison of a different kind. He was either hiding in caves as Snuffles or at the noble house of black" Harry said with heavy sarcasm "trapped inside, unable to help the order. I just wished he was able to enjoy a walk in the sun, and be outside without the fear of someone recognizing him or of being kissed by a dementor."

"I know, Harry. I know." Remus said, as he continued to hug Harry, rocking him against his chest. "But, Harry, you need to remember, that those 2 years he did have, you gave those to him, you, Hermione, and Buckbeak. He was so proud of you. That you would risk so much to save him, especially after you just met him. He would tell anyone that stopped by headquarters that tale, and I'm sure that Severus was ready to throttle him if he heard it one more time. Sirius was so grateful and thankful for you and for what you did. You were his sole reason for living, Harry. And I know you don't want to hear this, but he died as he would've liked. Not just trying to protect you and keep you safe, but foiling Voldemort's plans of getting the prophecy. He died in battle, fighting for what's right."

Slowly, Harry's sobs subsided and he continued, "At first I wasn't sure if I could go on without Sirius, I mean, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to go on, especially that first night. I felt like I was going insane those first few days in Surrey, I practically had all my homework completed, I was barely sleeping, wasn't eating much, and all I could think about was how I failed Sirius. I know that he wouldn't want me to live my life in grief for him, but it was consuming me. It was all I was aware of, life had no joy, no happiness, then you add the prophecy and I felt like I had no future as well. Then I found out about the adoption. In some ways, I think Sirius was brilliant to have the letter charmed to be delivered days after his death. It gave me something to focus on as I slowly learned to accept things without dwelling on them.

"I know that as tough as my life has been, others life have been just as tough, if not more so." Harry said, thinking of his potion's professor, and what he must have gone through when he lost his family. "At least I know that I now have something to look forward to. I have grandparents that could still be alive. Another opportunity for a family. I might be able to locate my father, with information I get from them. I might finally have my dreams, a family of my own, come true after all." Harry concluded his emerald eyes brightly shining, not just because of tears, but because they were now filled with hope.

The weekend passed quickly. Harry and Remus spent the day in Hogsmeade as planned, shopping and talking. Harry thanked Remus for the items he sent him from Sirius's house, he also told Remus about the items that Sirius included in his second letter.

They were having an early dinner at the Three Broomstick's, when Harry once more brought up the contents of Sirius's letter, or more specifically his name.

"Moony, do you think the name Aren Brac suits me better than Harry James?"

"I really don't know, Harry. Why? Do you want to be known as Aren for now on?"

"I don't think so. For one thing, it would be hard to explain why without telling everyone about the adoption. Then again, a part of me would love to get away from everything that goes with being 'Harry Potter', but the main thing, the scar, would still be there, so does the name really matter? It's just that since I found out about the adoption, the name Harry doesn't seem to fit. Do you know why they named me that? Was it a family name?"

"I once asked Lily and James that same question. No, it wasn't a family name. They picked a Scandinavian name, which I thought was because that's were you born. It came from the name 'Harold' obviously. Lily felt that Harold was too stuffy of a name for her little boy, she thought that Harry was more carefree. I believe one of the reason's she picked the name was because of the meaning, if I remember correctly, it was ruler or leader, something along those lines."

"Oh." Harry said, wondering if his parents had some great expectations of them if they picked the name for that reason.

"Anyways, as you said, does the name really matter? You still are who you are. I think Shakespeare's sentiment is appropriate here 'What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name' would still be a rose, so to speak."

"Yeah, I suppose so." Harry said as they two left to head back to Hogwarts.

As they continued walking, Remus noticed that Harry had gotten awfully quiet. "Harry, is there anything else on your mind?"

"I guess I'm just a little disappointed that I haven't been able to find a way to reverse the charms. Now that I know what my name would've been, it would be nice to know what I would really look like. Imagine if I have family out there, an aunt, uncle, cousin, anyone who could look exactly like me and I might never know. It's a strange feeling."

Remus just looked at Harry with a thoughtful expression on his face, he had his suspicions, but didn't want to say anything in case he was wrong.

"I even asked Professor Snape about appearance altering potions." Harry continued.

At Harry's words, Remus started coughing, since that information was a shock. It was a good thing that they weren't still at the Three Broomstick's, or he might have started to choke on his butterbeer. "Really, I didn't know that you were that curious that you were willing to ask Severus. What did he say?"

"He said that he would help me this week. Luckily he didn't ask why I wanted to learn about them. He just made some snide comment that I should learn while I have the opportunity this summer, since I most likely won't be accepted into his NEWT class. Fortunately that works for me, since I couldn't think of a good reason, without telling him the truth. Of course, on the bright side, if my appearance doesn't change, then I don't have to worry about providing reasons for that to my friends or classmates."

Luckily they had reached Hogwart's at that time, since Remus did not know how to respond to Harry's last few statements.

End Chapter 16

This is my first fanfic, so any feedback is appreciated. I would love to see how soon I could reach 200 reviews :)

Not sure if you can swim in the lake w/ the giant squid, but hey, it's July, so why not. Also I believe it is a green flame when they use the floo to go some where.

Cybelle-mother; Tyra-god of battle

Why Aren Brac? Hmm, good question

No offense if your name is Harry, the opinions expressed here are Harry's and are not necessarily the opinions of the author.

Shakespeare: Any one that brilliant has to be a wizard, and even if he did 'steal' the plays or story lines, well obviously he would be a Slytherin (not evil, just ambitious & cunning-since he was able to fool so many for so long-I myself am part Slytherin). I'm a big Shakespeare fan, had to get him in there somewhere. (I figured if JKR can use excerpts from Shakespears-the weird sisters-then so can I)

Thanks Reviewers!!!!

Molly Morrison: He did not take the book from the library & Makalani Astral, juliedecarson: Dobby wouldn't mess w/ HP, he would only help/protect him; Kaleena Mason, emikae, Shadowhanded, Anna Taure: still undecided on DADA prof, like romance, but not sure if I could keep Tonks in char; as for RL, well, that is very common, original char is good, can do/be anything I want; Risi: Thanks for reading! In order of subjects: Technically, no; in this chap; good at piecing things together; I agree-something different would be good; not sure yet-could always be worked in somehow; I like that NO ONE knows (& at this point even suspects) who HP really is esp AD. HarryPFan001, Lady Lily3, Adenara Yatman, Athenakitty, short-tempered, Henio41, Lunatic Pandora1: Thanks for reading! All will eventually be revealed (hopefully). Pure Black: after his 'holiday' of course-next chapter & boy is he back w/ a vengeance.

Duj: Thanks for Reading: Hints: SS referred to it as the 'art of occlumency', which was the name of the bk that HG found to learn more about the topic. SS repeatedly made comments to HP about his emotions (controlling them & such). From what HG learned in the book, clearing your mind is not about forgetting the memories, but more about distancing your emotions from those events, since it is the feelings that make the memories so powerful. Sorry if I wasn't clear on the hints, I just like to think that Snape isn't as evil as everyone (except AD) believes, hey he has saved HP's life before, so why wouldn't he find some Slytherin way to help him? Plus HP noticed that after he wrote about his feelings he felt better, plus the next day, the tho'ts/feelings of the memories he wrote about weren't on his mind, so writing about the emotions connected to them worked.

10/26/2004