Chapter 3: Sixteen Years and Counting

By: stu14688

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Please don't sue.

After a few moments, Harry turned and faced his friends. They seemed deep in thought, but this being the first birthday that he could remember being away from the Dursley's, Harry wanted it to be a happy one. He also wanted his friends to be happy.

"Hey, Ron. How about some wizard's chess? That is if you're sure that you want to be beat by the 'famous Harry Potter.' If not then, you could always tell me about the party that I know that your mum is planning." Harry gave a lop-sided grin after this statement. He had known for a few days what Mrs. Weasley was planning. He did not know the details, but he knew that there would definitely be a party.

Ron gave his best friend a look that supposed to be confusion, but it failed miserably. Harry started laughing when he saw Ron's face. "So, Potter, you think that you can beat the great Ronald Weasley at wizard's chess do you? Well, in the words of the American muggle, bring it on."

By the time that Ron had finished talking, both Harry and Hermione were rolling on the floor in tears from laughing. For one, they did not know that Ron knew English muggle phrases, much less American ones. Add that to his failed confusion look and the false contemptuous tone in his voice, and well, it was just plain hilarious. Ron soon joined in on the laughter.

After a few minutes, the trio was able to regain some composure. Ron and Harry started the chess game. Hermione looked on, and Ron actually let her try to help Harry, but it was no use. Harry just could not play chess.

The chess game was in full swing when Mrs. Weasley called them down stairs. Hermione whipped out a black strip of cloth from her pocket. "Okay, Harry. Since you already have figured out about the party, then you're going to have to wear the blindfold. Ron and I will be on either side of you to lead you."

Harry gave his two best friends a suspicious look, but let them blindfold him and lead him down the stairs. He knew that they were headed for the kitchen. Not only because of what Hermione had said when they returned from the cemetery, but also because he had walked the halls so much the past couple of weeks that he knew the way by heart. He could have done it without his friends help.

Soon wonderful smells reached the noses of the trio. Mrs. Weasley had obviously been cooking up a storm. Harry could smell roast, potatoes, puddings, treacle tart, and many of his other favorite foods. He also could tell that there was a lot of it. He wondered how many people must be at the party for such a large amount of food to be needed.

The trio came to a stop. Hermione sent Ron in to make sure that everything was ready. He left and quickly came back. With Ron on one arm and Hermione on the other, Harry was led into the kitchen.

Somebody started counting very slowly while someone else stood behind him ready to rip off the blindfold when the count was finished. "One….Two….Two and a half….Two and three quarters….and…."

"Oh, hurry up Fred. I'm starving!" Harry burst out laughing at Ron's annoyance to a delayed meal. However, Fred was not easily perturbed.

"And….Two and seven/eighths….Oh, alright Ron. Stop your whimpering. THREE!" The blindfold was instantly released from Harry's eyes. At the same time that the blindfold left, everyone in the room shouted HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Harry was speechless. There, standing before him, was many people that he knew in the Order. One person he did not see was Snape – not that that mattered to Harry any. He would have been more upset if the man had shown up. Then he turned around and found not only the twins, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, but also Neville.

Harry quickly found his voice. "Neville! It's great to see you, mate. What are you doing here? …Not that it's bad that you're here. I was just wondering, you know."

"Well, Professor Dumbledore talked my grandmother into allowing me to come today. I don't know how he did it. He asked me if I wanted to come, and I said sure. So, here I am. Happy Birthday!" Neville looked positively thrilled to be able to get away from his grandmother for a while.

"Wait a minute. Isn't your birthday sometime around today? If it is, then I am more than willing to share the party with you."

Neville gave surprised look, but answered easily enough. "Yeah. My birthday was yesterday actually. Though I've heard that you haven't had a party in about fifteen years, so you keep this one to yourself. I've had plenty." Harry wanted to argue, but figured it would not do any good. Neville looked like he would be stubborn about it. With that, the seven teens headed over to the adults.


There were too many people for them to all sit around the table, so chairs were quickly conjured to accommodate everyone. All the Weasleys – with the exception of Percy – Tonks, McGonagall, Lupin, Mundungus, Moody, Hermione, Neville, Dumbledore, and Hagrid were at the party. Harry could not keep from smiling when he saw how many people were there. It was most definitely the best birthday he could remember having. The funny thing was that it had not even started.

Everyone soon found themselves eating, talking, and laughing. The mood was so relaxed that one would not have ever thought that this same group of people was the front lines in a war against the worst dark wizard ever. No one in the room was even thinking about that – not even Harry and Dumbledore.

The twins seemed to have snuck into the kitchen undetected before the party because every now and then people would sprout feathers and molt, have huge purple tongues, or various other oddities would happen. Harry was enjoying watching the goings on until his nose started bleeding and he realized that he must have gotten a hold of a Nosebleed Nougat. Thankfully, no permanent damage was sustained from the prank foods. The twins were ready with the remedies.

Harry realized just how tired he was after the feast. He had been listening to a conversation between Ron and Hermione, thinking of how nice it would be to doze off, when Dumbledore announced that it was time to open the gifts. Harry looked over to a corner where a pile of presents had suddenly appeared. He was shocked. He could not remember getting that many gifts before. There were fifteen in all. One from each person at the party with the exception of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. They had apparently been responsible for the party itself.

"You all…you didn't have to. I don't…Merlin… I haven't done anything to…Honestly. I mean…thank you. This is a shock…" Harry realized that he was stumbling around his words and thoughts more than Neville stumbled through the halls of Hogwarts and stopped rambling. The rest of the crowd had only started chuckling at the sight of Harry running his fingers through his untidy hair while speechless.

Hagrid gave Harry what he probably considered a small push and said, "They ain't gunna open themse'ves. Get over there." Harry, recovering from his near headfirst collision with the floor from Hagrid's "small push," did not need telling twice. He went and started to unwrap the gifts.

It seemed that the professors decided that he should have books. Hagrid and Dumbledore were the only ones that did not give him a book. He had received a book on anamagi from McGonagall and a defense spell book from Moody.

Lupin had given him two books. Well, actually they were journals. One was empty except for the first page. On it was a short note from Lupin. The note told him that he could use the journal to write his own thoughts and experiences down. Lupin also said that he hoped that it helped some with getting things off Harry's mind. The other book was almost full. There was an entry almost everyday. The interesting thing was that it had two kinds of handwriting. One looked like Harry's own and the other was smooth and curvy. He could tell that a female had written those entries. He was looking for a name as to whom the journal belonged to, but could not find one. Harry had been studying the journal for about thirty seconds when he saw a wand tip touch the first page of the book. Lupin said an incantation and the invisible ink there quickly became visible.

"This is a journal kept by James and Lily Potter as a way of preserving the memories of our life together.

Two parts of a whole

Brought together

Mind, body, and soul.

Bound by a love that exceeds even death."

Harry slowly closed the book. He could feel the tears welling up in his eyes, but he was determined not to cry. He looked at Lupin and gave his thanks in a very husky voice.

The other gifts were just as appreciated. Many contained his favorite candies. Those gifts were from Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Ginny. He had received a pair of warm Quidditch gloves from Tonks. She knew that he often played in rough weather and the gloves would keep his hands warm and help him to grip the broom handle better. If the ban were to be lifted, then those gloves would sure be helpful. Fred and George had given separate gifts, but together the gifts made quite a sampler of the things that their joke shop carried. They must have conspired to do it that way because none of the products was duplicated within the packages. Mrs. Weasley told Harry that his present from her and Mr. Weasley was the party itself and the food. Harry told her that it was one of the best gifts he had ever received, and she pulled him into one of her hugs. Mundungus had wrapped a single bottle of butterbeer for Harry. He was also providing the butterbeer that would be served with the cake later. Harry decided he did not want to know where the butterbeer had come from. Hagrid's gift was a water repellant cloak. Harry knew that he could find use for that gift. He had never fancied trudging through the water and rain in order to get to his outdoor classes.

The last gift to be received was from Dumbledore. It was a small package that contained four sheets of parchment. One was the school list for the following year. Another was Harry's OWL results – which were quite good, by the way. The third was a note from Dumbledore telling Harry that his Quidditch ban, in fact, had been lifted and that he would find his broom upstairs on his bed. Harry let out a whoop when he read that note. Ron, who had been reading over Harry's shoulder, did the same thing as Harry and at the same time. Together they had scared half the people in the room with their unexpected shouts of joy. Anyone who did not know already, quickly found out what had caused such a reaction because Harry shouted, "Tonks, your gift won't go unused after all!"

In all the commotion, Harry had quite forgotten about the fourth piece of paper. Hermione – always the one to keep him in line – reminded him of it by reading it to him. Dumbledore had bought Harry a pensieve. He would have to pick it up at Diagon Alley when they went to buy their school supplies. It was something for which Harry was truly thankful. He had begun to understand Dumbledore's comment about having too many thoughts in his head. He was sure that having the pensive would help. Not just to relieve some pressure, but also helping him to organize those thoughts.

After the gifts had all been opened, everyone got a piece of cake and a butterbeer. Once again the room was filled with talking and laughter. Harry enjoyed it. Listening to his friends – no, his family – talk and joke with one another as if there was not a care in the world. He wished that it would stay like that forever, but he knew that it would not. Therefore, he decided that whenever these times came around, he would enjoy each and every minute of them.

Harry stood up and finally managed to get everyone's attention. He knew that he needed to thank them. "I just wanted to say that this is the best birthday that I've ever had. I owe each of you an enormous debt of gratitude. For these past few years, you all have watched out for me, welcomed me into your lives and homes, and have never asked for anything in return. To be totally honest, I'm not sure that I could ever do anything to repay you and thank you for your kindness -,"

"Well, I can think of something," Ginny interrupted. She had a look on her face that let Harry know that although she was serious, he should not take what she said the wrong way. "Try not to get yourself killed anytime soon. Goodness knows that we've had enough worrying about you to last a lifetime."

Dumbledore had been watching Harry the entire time, and noticed that his face clouded with the unexpected comment from Ginny. Though, as soon as the cloud appeared, Harry had gained control of his features. "I'll try to take that advice, Ginny." Harry said this with a laugh, but Dumbledore was sure that it was forced.

Harry continued with his speech. "Not only do I owe each person in this room a thank you, I also owe you each an apology. I've been a selfish jerk – especially last year. I thought that I knew more than anybody, I'm ashamed to say. Though, I understand now that in all actuality, I really don't know much at all." Here he gave a nervous laugh and said, "Sna- I mean Professor Snape would have loved to have heard me say that. He always has said that I have a big head…

"Anyway… I'm terribly sorry for the trouble I've caused. I should've listened more, and I plan to do just that from now on. There's far too much at stake for me to ignore those who know best." Hermione noticed that Harry seemed to drift to something else in his mind, and she had a sneaking suspicion that it included a black veil. If not that, then it was whatever he had been thinking about the past few weeks.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Harry picked up his impromptu speech again. "I don't suppose that I have much more to say. I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for my abominable behavior as of late, and to say thank you for your unwavering kindness. In this room are the first people I can remember that showed me kindness. The first people to befriend me. And the people who have been showing me who I am and how to reach my full potential. Thank you – for everything."

The room was strangely quiet after Harry sat back down. Only Dumbledore and Harry knew what Harry had meant by some of what he said. Dumbledore looked at the messy haired sixteen year old knowing that Harry felt they needed to know some of what he felt towards them. He knew that Harry understood that until the final battle, things were going to get progressively worse. No one knew when or if they would see each other again. That was most likely his way of saying "I love you." I wonder if he's ever heard those words himself since that Halloween night.

Mrs. Weasley had walked over to where Harry sat with his head facing the floor to hide the tears that had filled his eyes as he finished his speech. She pulled him into an enormous hug as she whispered, "Harry, you're like a seventh son to Arthur and me. You don't owe us a thing – not even an apology. The things that have happened in your life are not your fault, and most people would've become angry much quicker than you."

Here she pulled away from Harry and looked him in the eye. She saw grief, guilt, confusion, anger, and fear. Yet, she also saw gratitude and love for those around him. So much emotion for such a young man. She held on to his shoulders as she spoke. This time it was loud enough for everyone to hear. "Harry, everyone in this room cares for you. We want you to be happy and not worry – especially today as it's your birthday. Harry, we love you. Remember that."

Every eye in the room was watching for Harry's reaction to those words. He had looked down at the floor again. Then he said in a whisper just loud enough to be heard, "You don't have to say that if you don't mean it. I'm not saying that you don't, I just don't want anyone to feel sorry for me… I'm not trying to be rude, but do you mean it? Do you lo – love me?"

Lupin looked at the boy-man. Harry was a boy's age, but had seen enough to be considered a man. He had never realized that Harry could not remember being told those words. He could not sit quietly anymore. "Yes, Harry, we do love you. A lot. I know that you're not accustomed to hearing it, but it doesn't make it any less true. We love you and you're stuck with us because of it, so don't get any funny ideas." There were a few chuckles at Lupin's last comment.

Harry stood and politely excused himself for a few minutes. He walked into the drawing room and paced as he tried to gain control of the emotions that were threatening to consume his entire being. I'm loved. Not just by one person either, but by a whole room full. I don't deserve that. All that I've put them through. I can't let them down. They will have a future. I'll defeat Voldemort if it kills me – which it very well could. They deserve someone much better than me to be their friend and surrogate family, and I fully intend on doing whatever I can to earn those titles.

Okay. I think that I can face them now. I don't want to cry in front of them. They'll come looking for me. I need to get back. With that thought, Harry took a deep breath and re-entered the kitchen. Thankfully, everyone had begun talking and laughing again. Harry quietly picked up his plate and took it to the sink, which he filled with water and began to wash the dishes that had accumulated. No one seemed to notice him – at least that was what Harry thought. Everyone had noticed his return, but it just did not click immediately what he was doing. Pretty soon it clicked with Tonks, though.

"HARRY JAMES POTTER! Just what, in the name of Merlin, do you think that you're doing? Today is your birthday, and in case you didn't notice, this is not the Dursley's house. Step away from the sink and sit down. Those dishes will be done by someone else."

Tonks' shout had caused Harry to jump about two feet into the air. When he came back down and realized what was going on, he casually picked up a hand towel and calmly dried his hands. While Tonks was still on her tirade, Harry had been twisting the towel up and when she finished he popped it right onto her leg. It was not hard, Harry knew that, but it did make her spin so fast that her previously orange hair turned lime green. What followed was a round of laughter and a small towel popping war on the part of the younger people in the group.

It was nearing six o'clock when Professor McGonagall stood to take leave. She wished Harry a final happy birthday and apparated out. Many of the other Order members would be staying until later that evening.

Neville asked Harry if he could show him the rest of the house. Therefore, with Ron and Hermione in tow, they left the kitchen. Though the house was big, there was not much to see, but they showed him anyway. Mainly Neville had just wanted to leave the adults so that he could talk to the trio. They went to the boy's room and sat down on the floor and beds. For the next two hours, the group discussed everything from school to Voldemort. It seemed that Neville did not get to see many of his friends over the summer, but he did have more freedom than Harry did.


All too soon, there was a soft rap on the door. Harry opened it to find the headmaster standing before him. "Sorry that I have to end the party, but it is time for me to accompany you home Mr. Longbottom. You know what your grandmother said, 'Eight-thirty and no later.'" Standing slowly, Neville told everyone good-bye and walked out the door.

After a few minutes, Harry remembered his gifts. "Hey. I'm going to go get my stuff from the kitchen. I'll be back in a little bit." Harry thought of all that had transpired that day as he walked to the kitchen. It had started with that awful nightmare. Then he visited his parent's graves for the first time in his life and had found a little peace. Then, he had been told that the same people he loved more than life itself loved him. Now here he was gathering up his gifts from the first birthday party he could ever remember having. It had been a long, emotion-filled day. He was tired, but happy.


A/N: Hey everyone! I hoped that you liked this chapter; it's one of my favorites. Anyway…

At the beginning of this chapter, I had Ron say "Bring it on." I said that it is an American phrase. I hope that doesn't offend anyone because I really don't know if people in other countries say it. If you do, I'm sorry; please forgive me. Oh yeah! I also can't do Hagrid's accent, but I tried.

Well, until next time then. Oh yeah, please review! Have a good one! ; )