Chapter Six: Surprise! Surprise!

The days passed rather quickly with nothing too adventures. As Harry quickly found out, after he had been given the dreamless sleep potion, Maria had explained the events from her perspective. Two days after the incident, Dumbledore had come back, and had explained to them why Remus had transformed. As Harry lay in his bed now, his mind began to wander back to that particular conversation.

"Not many people know, but today Venus and Mars are aligned perfectly with the sun. This causes a chain reaction in nature's cycle, and all werewolves were affected. That is why Remus transformed."

It made hardly any sense. Harry had not mentioned his vision to anyone, as he decided it was best not to reveal that information.

But there was a more pressing matter. No one knew if Harry had been cursed. Harry had not been able to distinguish any difference or pattern in the attack, so it remained much of a mystery. All they could do is wait to find out.

By now, exactly 6 days after the incident, Harry was already healed. It hadn't been easy, and poor Maria had been left with all the cooking, cleaning, and aiding. Of course she pressed on again and again that she didn't mind, and was actually enjoying taking care of her men.

Remus, on the other hand, was not healed. Physically, yes, he was entirely back to health, but he had, on numerous occasions attempted suicide, too ashamed of his name. He was greatly affected knowing that he had come so close to killing his best friend's son, that Harry had not seen him ever since. And not knowing if Harry had been bitten wasn't necessarily improving the matter either.

Harry sighed frustrated, as he heaved himself upward shielding his eyes from the powerful morning rays. His hand outstretched, and began searching for his glasses on his bedside table, until his index finger brushed against the lens, and he grabbed his glasses, resting them on his nose. He rose to his feet, and walked over to the bathroom.

He took a long, restful shower, enjoying the warm water as it cleansed his body. After his shower, he put on a pair of blue shorts and a mahogany T-Shirt. He raked his hand through his hair, in an attempt to flatten it, but knowing it was no use, he walked out of his room, heading down towards the Kitchen.

As he approached, he could hear Maria chanting something. Eyebrow rising, he quickened his pace until he could make out her words.

"18 days, 11 hours, 43 minutes and 27 seconds left." Maria spoke, in a high pitched excited voice. As each second passed, she'd lower the seconds count by one.

When he entered, her count was at 18 days, 11 hours 41 minutes and 52 seconds. His curiosity got the better of him, and he cleared his throat, letting his presence be known

"Oh, Hi Harry, 18 days, 11 hours 41 minutes and 36 seconds." She said, smiling.

"What are you counting down for?" Harry asked.

She pretended to look absolutely horrified.

"I'm counting down the days hours minutes and seconds until your birthday. 18 days, 11 hours 40 minutes and 11 seconds left. According to my wrist watch anyways." She spoke, happily mixing a thick beige substance in a bowl.

"Oh." Harry replied. It was strange. He had never really counted down to his birthday; there was never really anything to look forward to.

"Yeah…you're one lucky guy, with what we've got planned. I wont say much more, but if I were you, I would be counting down the milliseconds even." Maria said, in a low hushed voice, before giggling, and continuing to make breakfast.

Harry sat himself down at the table, as Maria poured the substance, which turned out to be pancake batter, onto a frying pan. Not to long after, and the kitchen was filled with the pleasant aroma of chocolate chip pancakes.

She placed a stack of small, rounded pancakes onto his plate, followed by the maple syrup beside him, some butter, and a cup of coffee, accompanied with sugar, cream and milk.

"You're outdoing yourself. You don't need to be so…what's the word…" Harry began.

"Pesky? Annoying?" Maria said, sitting down opposite from him, before resting her chin in the palm of her left hand.

"No…" Harry began, as he let his fork drop onto the fluffy food in front of him.

"You mean helpful? No wait, too helpful." Maria said.

"Yeah." Harry responded.

"Come on, if I didn't want to, I wouldn't, right?" Maria retorted, before sticking out her tongue, and digging into her food.

Silence followed the statement. Only the clatter of forks, knives and spoons could be heard. Finally, unable to withstand the unearthly silence, Harry spoke up.

"When do you think Remus will lighten up a bit?" He blurted out, before he could stop himself.

Maria looked up from her plate, placing her fork down, and pressing her chin against the palm of her left hand again.

"You know, Harry, it's going to take him time to heal. I think right now, we should leave him in his place, and let him sort out is thoughts. Think about Harry. If you were a werewolf, and suddenly you attacked Ron's children, what would you think?" Maria asked thoughtfully.

She had a point. As much as Harry wanted Remus to lighten up and actual look him in the eye, he needed time to heal. Plus, if it had been him, Harry, in Remus' shoes…well the consequences to his actions would be much greater.

"Thanks." Harry said, and then, silently, began mixing his coffee absent-mindedly.

The Potion. His mind began chanting at him. It was as if a bell chimed in his head, and suddenly, he had a plan.

"Maria, you wouldn't be good at planting magical herbs and fungi, would you?" He asked, abandoning his coffee.

"Well…" She began thoughtfully. "I can't say I'm very good, but, yeah I guess I'm not too bad, why?" She asked mysteriously.

"I have a plant upstairs I need you to plant, and somehow multiply." Harry said, lowering his voice.

"Okay." Maria answered, and Harry smiled Happily.

He picked up his empty plate, getting up, gesturing to Maria to stay put. He grabbed her plate, and mug, and began stacking it in a pile in the sink.

"I'll take care of the washing." Maria said.

"No, really I insist it's the least I can do." Harry said, as he opened the water, and poured soap onto a wet rag.

"Harry." Maria said impatiently.

"I insist." He said, as he began scrubbing the dishes clean.

He heard her tut behind him, before she walked up to him, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I'll just stay here, inspecting, to see if you do it right." She said, smiling.

"Really. Okay." Harry said menacingly.

With a quick, slick motion, he had grabbed the small showerhead, and in a matter of seconds, had it pointing directly at Maria's face.

Maria had no time to react, as her face went from a relaxed dreamy mood, to an utter horror mood, and then to an anger mood, as she was soaked completely.

Harry burst out laughing, one hand gripping the counter so he wouldn't lose his balance.

"YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT POTTER!" Maria shouted, in a playful way, and before anyone could stop her, she had the bag of flour in her hand.

"You wouldn't dare." Harry whispered at the sight of the powder white substance.

"Oh yes I would." Maria spoke in a calm relaxed mood.

Harry jumped over the shower head cord, and began running from her path, but it was too late, the first blow was 100 accurate, so Harry went from a very light tan color to a pure white.

He smiled goofily, as he took off his glasses, whipping them on his shirt, before ducking, as a second batch of flour came straight for him. He opened the cupboard behind him, and grabbed a frying pan, swinging it in front of him like a shield.

"Ha!" He began in triumph after a moment in which nothing was accomplished. He lowered his frying pan shield.

"I guess I win. I'm better than you, admit I-."

POOF! A large batch of flour hit him directly in the face.

"HA! Never let your guard down!" Maria said in triumph.

"Oh yeah?" Harry said, before running up to the showerhead.

With that, they began a furious battle, and by the end, they collapsed on the floor, covered in water and flour, laughing themselves silly.

"Damn, woman, your good with that flour." Harry said, as he dusted off his shoulder, but it was useless, the water had mixed with the flour, creating a sticky substance.

"Thank You, but look at my hair! It's a disaster!" Maria spoke, as she slide her finger down one strand, getting her fingers full of the pasty goo.

"We should clean this up." Harry said, as his eyes surveyed their mess. There wasn't one spot that hadn't been hit.

"Leave that to me." Maria said, pulling out her wand from her belt.

"Scourgify." She muttered, and everything was left glittering.

"I'm going upstairs to take a bath. You coming?" Harry asked.

"I call dibs on the shower!" Maria shouted, as she began running up the stairs.

"Hey, no fair! It's my shower!" Harry shouted, running behind her.

All in all, it was a very, fun morning.

After the very exciting morning, Harry made sure they got to work. He explained to Maria what the properties of the Osibu were, but making sure he was careful not to mention what it was for. Many times, Maria questioned why he needed something so powerful, but she hadn't managed to pry the answer out of him yet, and soon she realized he wasn't going to speak up, so she silenced herself in defeat.

"How much do you think you can get out of this?" Harry asked.

"Let me see. Judging by its size and properties, I'd say we'd get double our amount every week." Maria said, as she finished potting it into a small purple vase.

Harry smiled happily at her.

"Thank You so much." He said, eyes beaming at her.

She smiled, flattered at the attention.

"But we're going to need to keep an eye on it, okay?" Maria stated, looking up, as she wiped sweat off of her brow.

"Okay." Harry responded, looking down at the awkward, fragile plant. If this didn't work, nothing would.

There was an awkward silence afterwards, as the both of them stared at the plant carefully, each lost in their own thoughts. Harry's thoughts were full of concern and negative aspects, such as things that might go wrong with his attempt at a cure.

What if I screw up so bad, that I actual worsen his condition? Then what? He's had enough. Harry thought carefully, but then a new, more disturbing thought loomed into his mind.

I might need it too. That was when Harry decided it was best to stop thinking. He glanced quickly towards Maria, only to catch her eyes, before she quickly tilted her head to the side, blushing. He had a feeling she had been staring.

"Come on let's go inside." Harry suggested, and the two left the Osibu, and walked, side by side, back into the house.

The rest of the day, was particularly uneventful. Other than the fight they had had early on, nothing really happened. Everything was pretty much the same. Remus was still locked up in his room. The only one he'd let inside would be Maria, and it was only three times a day, as she had to feed him. Both Harry and Maria stayed up that night, until 1:00a.m., watching an action movie.

The rest of the week passed by with a breeze. Harry and Maria were beginning to become great friends, and the flour incident had been only one of the many to come. Before Harry knew it, the night before his Birthday had emerged.

Harry sat in the large Study located at the back of the Potter Mansion. He had his glasses almost dangling off the end of his nose, as he skimmed through a book on various techniques in Quidditch. He was reading particular paragraph on the Dretion Dive, when he was interrupted by Maria.

"Harry?" She asked politely, sticking her head into the room.

He pulled himself out of the book, closing it and placing it besidehim, before adjusting his glasses to a better height.

"Hmm?" Harry asked.

"Sorry, but I really think you should talk to Remus. You guys haven't said much to each other, and the Full Moon's in 11 days, counting today. Listen, I have his diner in the Kitchen. Go bring it up to him, and talk for a bit. You boys need it." Maria said.

Harry swallowed hard when he realized that the full moon was in ten days. But, he quickly tried burying that thought into the far back of his mind, so that his jingling nerves would calm down enough for him to reply to Maria's suggestion.

"I don't know…" Harry began.

"Harry, he hasn't left that room for two weeks, he'll go insane, literally, if you men don't sort out your problems. I say you should go up there and talk to him."

It was amazing how much she resembled Mrs. Weasley, as she put one hand to her hips, using the other to wiggle stubbornly in his face, before pointing upwards, as she ended off her statement.

"Yes Ms. Santara." He said, as he bowed his head in false regret.

"Come on, enough with the whole fooling around! Hurry your lazy arse!" She practically barked at him.

Harry jumped up, and scrambled out of the room, as he watched Maria holding her wand, its tip pointing at Harry.

Harry quickly entered the Kitchen, and grabbed the platter of food that had been laid out separate from their own dinner, and slowly began on his way to Remus' room.

What am I going to say? Harry thought, as he slowly began climbing the stairs. I know it isn't his fault, but he knows that too, doesn't he? Maybe he doesn't want to accept the fact that the werewolf is not a part of him. He's just grown so accustom to it, He's decided that he's more werewolf then human. Maybe I should start by apologizing. Harry thought carefully.

Apologize for what, though? It was the beasts fault, not ours. A voice whispered from inside his head. Harry knew immediately it was Voldemort trying to turn him against his friends.

But if I had obeyed him, none of this would have happened! I should have listened, so I should apologize for not listening! Harry thought back.

But he did the biting not you. If he hadn't been cursed, none of this would have happened. It spoke back

So it's the werewolf who bite him that deserves the blame. Harry shot back, and with that, he closed his mind completely, as he approached Remus' room.

He knocked lightly on the door.

"Come in." Remus' voice sounded from within.

Harry opened the door, careful to make eye contact with Remus.

He was quite shocked to see the state of the room.

Books lay everywhere. Empty flasks of different healing potions, lay at the foot of an unmade bed. The walls were dented in a few places looking as if someone had punched it in furry. Clothes lay scattered on the dusty wood floor, as both the dirty and cleaned mingled in one great big pile. A small garbage bin lay snuggled in a corner, overflowing with papers and blood soaked bandages. But Harry tried his best to ignore it, and instead his eyes traveled straight to the sad stricken orbs at the other end of the room.

The orbs were eyes that belonged to supposedly Remus Lupin, who Harry hadn't seen since the incident. His hair had grown since then, and dangled limp and tangled, over his bony cheeks. His face was a creamy pale white, and his eyes were bloodshot, and teary. The clothes he wore were much too baggy, and his shoulders drooped in depression.

"Remus…" Harry began, but found it difficult to begin. He crossed over to the other side of the room, and set the tray on the desk. The he sat at the foot of his bed, aware of Remus' sunken eyes following his every move.

"Remus, I'm Sorry." Harry said, bowing his head low.

"You can't do this to yourself because of one stupid action. Keep in mind it wasn't you. I knew it wasn't. When I looked into the werewolf's eyes, not one feeble sign of Remus stood there. At that moment, I was more afraid of it because I knew the curse had taken over you completely, but now it proves my point. It wasn't you, Remus, it was the curse." Harry said, before looking up at Remus.

"You don't know what it's like. Harry, Many times I was confronted, and haunted with this. What might happen if I turned against you, or anyone else. If it weren't for the constant re-assurance from Sirius and your Father, I would have murdered myself long ago. But they were there, and they were with me, not against me like the law, but now their gone. The only thing left is you, Harry. Knowing that I came so close to being the reason you, the only relation to my friends, died, is tough to handle." Remus replied hoarsely, looking at Harry with a dead serious expression.

"Then think how hard it is for me to handle watching you beat yourself up for this, when it was entirely my fault. If I had thought of listening to your warning, none of this would have happened! But I care too much, and decided to try and help, and look what I got! Please, Remus, stop." Harry said, his hands clenching into fists, as tears began to form in his eyes.

Remus' eyes had widened, bewildered at Harry's perspective in the matter.

"Harry, I'm sorry, it's just…I hurt you. I almost killed you. I-." But Remus was cute off.

"Your silent treatment is hurting me more than the werewolf's attack." Harry said, his voice embracing a harsh serious tone.

Remus looked as if he had been whipped. Harry slowly got up, and walked to the door, only to turn, facing Remus, and leaning on the doorframe.

"I suggest you clean yourself up, and forgive yourself for this, before you hurt me more than you already have." And with that, he stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him.

"How did it go?" Maria asked, as soon as he walked in to the Study, where she sat, reading a book on Transfiguration.

"I think I've convinced him." Harry muttered, before collapsing beside Maria.

Soon enough, dragged footsteps were heard, and Remus appeared at the doorway, looking better than he ever had.

Secretly, Harry smiled, knowing that he had done right to state his inner feelings.

Harry was awoken by the sound of something big dragging past his door. He had had a very awkward dream involving some mysterious ballerina, but nonetheless, he had to smile widely as he realized what day it was.

He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, as his blinds opened by themselves. Harry couldn't help but grin widely, as he climbed out of bed, stretching, as he suppressed a yawn.

His eyebrows rose in suspicion, though, when he spotted a very expensive looking suit laid out for him, with a piece of parchment on top. He walked closer, and picked up the note, reading it carefully.

Harry,

I've laid out this outfit for you to wear today, so you could look extra special for your Birthday I expect you to meet me as soon as you can in the study, please.

-Maria

Harry found it strange that out of all the places in his home, she would choose the Study. But, knowing her, she probably had something big planned, and judging by her constant excitement as the day had drawn nearer, it was something he would remember.

He took a long hot shower, before putting on the suit. It was a dark blue, with blue vertical lines, barely unnoticeable, etched carefully on the fine material. There was a matching jacket with the pants, and navy blue socks had been set out also. A plain white shirt, and a tie, with different shades of blue swirling together, lay on top. Harry quickly put it on, and studied himself using the large closet mirror.

Harry had to admit that Maria did have good taste. Black would have been too vivid and plain, and it would have caused more emphasis on his slightly pale skin. But this shade of blue emphasized his eyes more, and was clearly well fit. Harry was also very surprised when he saw the pant legs shorten themselves to fit Harry perfectly.

Harry walked back to his bathroom, opening the cupboard and reaching for his comb, only to feel his fingers brush against something else. Another note?

Harry picked it up and read the simple statement.

Use the gel. Trust me, it'll work.

At first Harry was puzzled at the note, but when he spotted the unfamiliar bottle, he grinned, picking it up, reading the label.

Stan's Sticky Styling Stuff.

It wasn't catchy, but taking Maria word for it, it slipped into his hand in one quick squeeze. It was a very dark red, and it was pulsating. Harry found this less appealing then most muggle gels, but he began placing an even layer, slick back into his hair.

The gel glowed, before dissolving into thin air, but leaving his hair slick back. Harry smiled. Miraculous!

The only thing that was out of place was his scar. It was vivid now that his hair had been brushed back, revealing it. Harry sighed heavily, as his worries flashed past his vision, before he shook his head, promising himself to push his problems away, and have fun, for once.

As he passed his bedroom door, he stole another glance at the mirror. Looking good for your baby. A voice spoke from his conscience. It startled him, and he did a double take, staring back at the mirror, as if he thought his reflection that had spoken.

He stood there for quite a while, just staring at his reflection, secretly, he was trying to organize his emotions. Had it really been himself who had thought those words? Or had it been Voldemort in disguise? Finally, he decided he was as ready as ever, and slowly made his way to the study.

A wave of shock hit him when he entered the Study.

Maria was sitting quietly on a comfy beanbag chair; as she flipped through a witch magazine entitle "Wonderful Witch Tips". But the magazine hadn't been what caught his eye. No, it was Maria.

She looked absolutely stunning. There was no other way to describe it. She had tied her hair back, using a diamond-filled violet scrunchie. The hair tied back that cascaded down her back had been perfectly curled, so that it now looked two times shorter. She wore a light tint of makeup, but the difference was phenomenal. The light purple brought out her eyes, and her cheeks were a very rosy pink. Her lips were also a wet pink. She wore a golden chain, with an indigo pendant, hanging loosely against her chest. She wore a simply spring dress. It was a strapless violet, silky dress that flowed down to her ankles, and on her feet, she wore high heel sandals. She was gorgeous.

Harry was pulled out of his trance, when Maria looked up, in apparent shock, before smiling suspiciously.

"I'm guessing you like the change?" She asked, placing the magazine down, and getting up slowly, spinning around, to show Harry a full 360-degree view.

"How did you know?" Harry asked, before kicking himself at saying such a stupid thing.

She giggled, covering her mouth politely as she did, so that Harry saw that her nails had been painted violet also.

"Well, you were staring and gaping at me. Unless I'm rather offensive, I don't think there would be any other reason for a man to gape at woman, other than Beauty."

Harry blushed a crimson red.

"Well come on now, I have to show you something." Maria said. She walked forward and extended her hand. Harry took it with some hesitation, and she began pulling him lightly behind her, as she exited the house, into the front yard, where her car sat gleaming in the sun.

Harry raised an eyebrow.

"I thought that maybe we could have breakfast in the car. What do you think?" She asked, smiling lightly.

"Sure." Harry said smiling. He began blushing again. For some reason, being around someone so…intriguing, was getting to him.

She walked forward, opening the passenger car door, and gesturing for Harry to enter. Harry gratefully bowed, before darting into the seat, his eyes following Maria, as she got into the driver's seat.

"Appearo." She muttered simply, and a large platter of food appeared, levitating in front of them.

"Wow." Harry said. So far, this day had started off on a good foot.

They ate quietly. Or at least, Maria ate quietly. Harry, on the other hand, was more focused on Maria than he was eating. She has such a beautiful smile, and a great personality.

Harry began to ponder whether this was just a silly little crush or true love. All he knew or sure was that he seemed much more interested in her than he ever had.

Stupid Hormones. He thought wildly, and with that, he closed his thoughts, and continued through his meal, now much more attentive.

When they finished their food, Harry suggested they go for a ride before coming back. It was strange that a look of relief passed through her eyes momentarily, but Harry let it pass, and the two of them relaxed, as the car rumbled, and Maria began steering them around.

After about a minute, Maria turned to him.

"You have a go." She said suddenly, and with that let go of the steering wheel.

"What!" Harry asked in shock. He grabbed the steering wheel, as they passed a stop sign.

"Maria STOP!" Harry shouted, and she slammed the brakes, as the car halted with a loud screech.

Harry's heart was racing. It smashed a vivid tattoo against his rib cage, as he tried to sustain himself.

Maria though, was laughing whole-heartedly.

"What the hell was that for!" Harry blurted out, half out of fear, and the other half out of rage.

Maria's smile immediately faltered, and her face turned slightly pale, as she bowed her head, her eyes beginning to brim with tears.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think you'd find it frightening. I just thought, maybe I could…well never mind, I'm sorry." Maria said, as she began backing up, back onto the road.

Harry was filled with regret, as he watched her begin driving, much slower, back to the Potter Home.

He lifted his hand and placed it on hers, which was resting against the steering wheel. She looked up, her eyes still brimmed with tears, and Harry smiled Sadly.

He wrapped his arms carefully around her shoulders, and whispered softly in her ear.

"I'm Sorry, but you know I'm a prat." He lifted his arms away from her, and studied her.

He sighed with relief when he saw her smile, her eyes still sparkling with an overflow of tears.

He gently ran his finger against her cheek, as she blinked and the tears slowly slipped down her skin.

He was unsure, when she closed her eyes and sighed. It wasn't an annoying sigh, or a fed up sigh. It was a different sigh. Like she enjoyed his touch.

He backed away, and waited for her to open her eyes again.

Finally, her eyes fluttered open. Stars were dancing in her eyes, as a bright smile sprout against her lips.

"What were you suggesting before this…shall we call it, misunderstanding?" Harry asked, his body, which had been tense, relaxing.

"Well, I want to teach you how to drive." Maria said as her voice hesitated.

Harry was thrown off by this comment. Him? Drive?

"I don't know. Don't you need a license? Isn't it hard? Don't I need an Instructor?" Harry began, as he spilled out his concerns.

"Okay, first of all, I've got the license covered, second, no it's not hard, and third, I'll be your instructor, but only if you want. It is your Birthday." Maria said smiling.

"Err, Okay." Harry answered, and Maria smiled widely.


"Wow! I'm getting the hang of this!" Harry cried happily, as they raced down the road, speeding past other muggles.

The wind was rushing through his hair, and the sun was reflecting off of his lenses, which Maria had turned into sunglasses. The wind brushed past his face, giving him a refreshing feeling, as his foot slowly pressured onto the pedal more and more. The car rumbled louder as their speed increased, and then very suddenly, Harry slammed the breaks, and the car halted so suddenly, both he and Maria were thrown forward.

Harry looked up, to see his house towering over him. His eyes darted to his watch, reading 9:32, before he glanced at Maria.

"Are you Okay?" He asked, when he saw here rubbing her left arm.

"Yeah, that was so much fun. I think I just might enjoytoday." Maria spoke, reassuringly as she smiled brightly, her face lighting up at the smile that was plastered on Harry's own face.

"So now what do you have planned?" Harry asked.

"You'll see. Follow me, and please don't forget the keys." Maria rambled quickly, practically jumping out of the car, slamming the door shut, and beginning to run to the back, her hair waving gracefully behind her. Harry felt his knees buckle momentarily as his eyes followed her back, before he shook himself mentally, turning off the ignition, and stepping out of the car. He quickly followed after her.

"Come on Slow Poke!" He heard her shout. Her back quickly wisped out of sight, around the corner, and Harry, desperate to see the fuss, quickened his pace to a jog, he rounded the corner, opening his mouth about to say something, when suddenly…

"SURPRISE! HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY!" Harry stumbled backwards, his mouth frozen in a silent "o", as he stared blankly at the sight before him.

His backyard was packed. The entire Weasley family stood closest, all grouped together, Fred George Mr. and Mrs. Weasley farther back, while Ron and Ginny stood closer to Harry. Bill and Charlie also stood there, in the middle of the group. Hagrid's towering figure was very noticeable, as he stood at the very back, his eyes shining with tears of happiness. Hermione, and her parents stood at the far right, beside a large white table with chairs, and ribbons, and a huge cake. Further down, at the end of the table, was a large mountain of colorfully wrapped presents.

Beside the Presents stood Professor McGonagall, who was wearing a strangely calm smile, and beside her stood A few Gryffindors, including Neville, Dean and Seamus.

Harry slowly closed his mouth, spotting both Maria and Remus at the back, whispering amongst themselves, and pointing at Harry's shock. He took a deep breath, trying to rid the lingering shock, before a huge grin formed on his face.

"I…I don't know what to say. I-." Harry began, but he was cut off.

"I know, thank you, blah blah blah, and all shall be Jolly, now everyone grab a seat, and let this party get started!" Maria shouted, running up, and with that, she waved her wand, letting the entire group of chairs float in, landing carefully around the large table. Another flick, and food appeared.

There was a large bang, as both Weasley Twins popped a few of their homemade fireworks, and with that, the party began.

Everyone scrambled to the table, and after only a few minutes of shuffling, everyone was happily chatting away.

Ron approached Harry, as he made his way, with Maria beside him, to the table.

"Hey Mate. Happy Birthday. Lucky Prat, you can perform magic now. So can Maria. When was your Birthday?" Ron asked, looking at Maria.

"Oh, it was in June." She said, her eyes glowing with hesitation.

"Cool." Ron answered.

"Wait a minute, how do you know each other? You've never met." Harry asked suddenly.

"I'll answer that!" Hermione said, as she ran up to them, engulfing Harry in a hug, before smiling brightly at the two.

"Remember that day, Maria told you she'd be going out for a few hours to buy your present?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah…" Harry muttered trailing off, remembering briefly the awkward morning in which she had excused herself, telling him she had to go buy his present.

"Well, she approached us, and asked us for our help in forming the party. We helped with the decorations, like those flashing balloons, those floating streamers. Mrs. Weasley made the cake. But it was mainly Dumbledore who did all the work" Hermione said.

"Yeah, he's supposed to drop by in an hour. He actually got you a gift. We don't know what it is, but we've been told it's very rare." Ron Continued.

"Not to mention useful." Hermione butt in.

"Whoa. All for me?" Harry asked, still dumbfounded at this whole idea.

"Of course!" Maria shrieked enthusiastically.

"Come on, Harry, join us!" Neville shouted, from behind them.

Harry smiled, and sat down, Maria beside him, on one side, and Ron on the other. Hermione sat right beside Ron, and Harry caught Ron slowly placing his hand on her knee. Not to mention the light blush.

Hours later, around 12:30, Dumbledore showed up. At first Harry hadn't noticed, as he and his friends played truth or dare, which slowly became inappropriate, but then, as he kissed Hermione on the cheek as a dare, he saw a glimpse of a large white beard, and his stomach did a summersault.

"Dumbledore's here." Harry whispered to Hermione.

Her head whipped back, and she smiled, scrambling upwards, and dusting off her robes carefully.

Dumbledore began approaching them, He wore mahogany colored robes, with a red pointed hat, and the frames of his half-mooned glasses were flashing different colors. He smiled warmly, and greeted each of them.

"I see you made it eventually, Albus." Remus spoke, as he approached them also.

"Yes, there was a bit of an misunderstanding with the Ministry, but everything's settled, and I managed to pop by, and have a piece of Mrs. Weasley's delicious cake." Dumbledore spoke calmly.

"And here's the Birthday boy. Happy seventeenth. Do try to behave yourself." He said, grinning humorously, before, turning and heading to the table, as Mrs. Weasley began to call everyone to the table for cake.

As soon as everyone was settled, Mr. Weasley rose.

"I now open the floor to any toasts before we begin this feast." The food before had been merely appetizers.

Maria stood up.

"I'd like to make a toast. Although, I've only known this fine young man for a few weeks, I do believe I have enough to say to create a decent toast." She giggles softly.

"To Harry Potter, one of the most kind hearted men alive. He will always be our Harry, and hopefully never change his ways." Maria spoke, her eyes dancing with excitement.

Everyone chanted "To Harry". There was a loud repeating sound of tinkling glass, before everyone sipped his or her champagne.

Harry had never blushed so much in his life.

"Aww, look. Icky Hawy is all embawased." Fred exclaimed, and everyone laughed at that.

Finally, everyone began, in unison, singing the Birthday Song.

Harry hadn't looked at the cake before, but as they sang, his eyes were fixed on the cake. It was a huge, pure white cake, with green icing. There were words written on the top. Green letters spelt "Harry Potter 17" in a large French Script. Harry's heart soared as everyone finished in unison.

"Make a Wish!" Someone shouted from the far end.

Harry's mind halted. What should I wish for? He asked himself. There was a hushed silence, as his mind rolled over the possibilities of endless wishes.

I wish that Voldemort would leave forever, and that no evil will ever torment our world again. His mind whispered. He thought hard, as his eyes stared, without blinking, at the red and yellow whiping flames upon the candles.

Finally he inhaled slowly, and blew out the candles, as his mind pleaded for his wish to come true.

Everyone began clapping, but Harry couldn't hear them. His eyes were still transfixed with the cake.

The only wish I've ever made, other than my constant pleads of leaving the Dursleys. Please, don't fail me…

And suddenly all sound resurfaced.


A/N: For those of you who don't know. I shall be on holidays from July 3rd to August 29th. So see you later!

R/R

Bujiana