Reflections in an Emerald Eye

by Quill Mistress

Post OotP Grief and anguish check, growing powers and maturity check, angry about half truths check, battles with arch enemy check, finding love priceless. COMPLETE!

2. Chapter 2

Coming Home

Harry had forgotten just how much he loved to fly. He enjoyed the ride to Grimmauld Place despite the cold wind. Moody once again took them completely out of the way in case of someone following them. When they finally landed in the field across the street, Lupin told Harry just to remember the piece of paper Moody showed him last year. Harry closed his eyes and thought

The headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at number twelve Grimmauld Place, London.

Harry opened his eyes expecting to see a shabby old door and dirty windows but was surprised to see a beautiful cherry wood door and shiny white gold knocker instead.

Remus saw his curious look, "We have done a lot of cleaning. I wanted to finish what Sirius had started. Wait until you see the difference on the inside."

The group entered the house trying to be quiet since it was late and people were sleeping. A soft glow from the candle chandelier lit the entry way. Harry could see the floors had been stripped, stained, and polished to a beautiful dark cherry wood like the door. The hallways and entry were painted a soft café-au-lait, a pinkish brown sort of color. The walls had wood work coming about a fourth of the way up in a checkered pattern with the wall color showing through, crown molding added to the ceiling which had been painted a shade or two lighter than the walls and had the same wood work effect that the walls had creating an incredible effect on the ceiling. Instead of being painted the dark wood color it was the same shade as the walls with the lighter ceiling color coming through the squares created. Harry noticed this style of wood work had been created in each of the rooms leading off of the entry and hall way. The room off to the left of the entry leading into the parlor was painted a soft cocoa color with cream curtains and accents all around the room. Beautiful suede off white couch sat in the center of the room with two over sized stuffed chairs and matching ottomans facing it. The throw pillows carried the cocoa, cream, and off white color. A large square coffee table sat in the center of the couch and chairs in a deep cherry color that matched the floors and the rest of the furniture in the house. Candles sat on either side of the couch and a glass and white gold chess table sat in the far corner of the room while a rocking chair was placed in the opposite corner near the fireplace with a cream colored dupioni silk throw draped over the back. Harry thought it was an amazing room. On the opposite side of the hall was an entry leading to an office. This room was done in a soft sage green and cream; it had a huge desk with a glass top. The chair was in cream and sage striped velvet that matched the curtains and the three chairs on the opposite side of the desk. The back wall held a marble green fireplace with a glass mantel that had a phoenix with spread wings carved into the design. Next to the fireplace was a gold phoenix perch. Next to the window sat a matching gold owl perch. Harry noticed the stairs had been finished in the same dark cherry color he was finding through out the house and had been covered partially by a rug that had cream, sage, navy, deep purple and a deep blood red woven into an embroidered border along the edge. He also noticed the painting had been taken down of Mrs. Black and the house-elf heads were gone as well. "I see you got the painting down after all."

Remus nodded, "Actually it was Dumbledore who finally managed it. When the painting came down so did the house-elf heads. Come on there is a lot more to see." He said beaming with pride at all their hard work.

The door to the right, after the office, lead to a bedroom where approximately ten beds lined each side of the walls. This room was painted in the same sage green as the office but had darker moss green curtains to keep light from coming in. The beds were covered in a soft cream comforter and all had plenty of green pillows with cream drapes around each bed for privacy. Most of the Order members entered this room and began to get ready for bed as Tonks and Remus showed Harry the rest of the house.

The door at the end of the hall matched the front door. It was then Harry noticed the snake door handles had been replaced with round glass knobs with a white gold phoenix embedded on them. When Harry opened the door to the kitchen he was amazed at the difference. The fireplace on the far wall had been redone to accommodate three adults at a time and up above hung the picture of Phineas Nigellus, a former headmaster of Hogwarts and a member of the Black family. It had a large oversized mantle in the cherry finish with a stag, lily, dog, and wolf carved into the wood. Harry walked over and ran his hand along the mantle. "It's beautiful! I have never seen work like this before."

A grin spread across Tonks' face, "That cousin of mine could do anything if he wanted to bad enough. Amazing isn't it? Not a bit of magic was used; he did every inch of it with his bare hands."

"Sirius carved this?"

"That's right Harry, he wanted something extra special to place in here where we all gathered for meetings and ate. This mantle was his way of making the house his and not the Black family's. He poured his heart and soul into it."

"What's this blank area over here for Tonks? Did he not get to finish?"

Remus placed a hand on his shoulder and smug grin appeared on his face, "That space young lad was to be carved with your animagus form!"

"WHAT?"

"Did you really think he wouldn't have wanted to put you up where you belong with the Marauders? We had plenty of nights sitting around the table wondering what yours would be." He chuckled at the puzzled look still sitting on Harry's face. Tonks seemed to find this amusing as well.

Harry turned to continue his survey of the kitchen. The table had been expanded in the width so it appeared as more square. The cushions on top of the benches running the lengths of two walls had been replaced with a deep purple and taupe lightweight cotton fabric that had a soft sheen finish. He also noticed this fabric on the chair cushions. The remaining walls had new cabinets in cherry, new appliances fit for a commercial kitchen and an island had been placed between the sink and the table. Barstools covered in the matching fabric had been placed along the outer ledge so that you could eat at the bar of the island or sit there and visit. The island included a grill surface, an additional sink, and built in cutting board; over the island hung all the new copper pots and pans. The cabinets lined the walls from the floor to just a few inches from the ceiling in order to leave a shelf space for storage. The sink sat in the center and the refrigerator was to the right of it. It was the largest thing Harry had ever seen in his life! The refrigerator had three doors, each about four feet wide with a little door on the outside for easy to grab items. To the left of the sink was the largest stove he had ever scene too. It had twelve burners, a large oven space underneath for cooking and on the wall was two separate ovens for baking. He imagined it would be every chefs dream kitchen. He noticed for the first time a door leading out of the kitchen on the far wall by the fireplace. ''Where does that lead too?"

"That leads to the back garden…and Quidditch pitch."

"You're kidding right? Where was this last summer? How come no one told me this?"

"Harry, it was something else that Sirius worked on to get you…and us!" he said with a mischievous glance at Tonks "Sirius decided to purchase all the neighbors back yards from them to be able to create it. Then we magically expanded the area and put up the necessary wards to hide it."

"It has been a fabulous stress reducer wouldn't you say Remus?"

'Yes, definitely good for the built up energy and tension around here and sometimes when we just need a bit of fun Tonks."

"This is just incredible! It doesn't even feel like the same old house. Have the rooms upstairs been done?"

"Yes, the whole house was done. Finished it up last week." Remus said nudging his shoulder into Harry's. "Would you like to continue the tour or go and unpack? Maybe get some sleep?"

"NO...I mean I would love to see the rest of the house."

They reminded Harry that the Granger's were here and sleeping so to be quiet. Harry was fascinated by the pictures of the old and new order members lining the stairway. He was really interested in one that was at the top around the corner by the first door. It was a picture of his mum and dad, Sirius, Lupin and the Longbottoms. They all looked so happy. Harry turned the knob to the door on the left and was amazed by the room's décor. It held an oversized four poster bed placed in the corner of the room at an angle. Huge windows that also opened out onto the balcony that Harry had never seen before. The walls were a medium blue with a lighter blue ceiling. The bed was covered in deep blue silk covers and bluish grey accent pillows and drapes. Matching curtains hung on the windows and a telescope was set up near the one closest to the bed. The room contained a sitting area that included a couch and two chairs in the bluish grey colored fabric, a desk opposite the fireplace. Bookshelves lined the walls and a beautiful armoire stood next to a door that led to the adjoining bathroom. The bathroom was just as beautiful, it was done in the bluish grey marble with white gold fixtures and accents. The shower ran half the length of the far wall and allowed the water to flow down three steps in front into the large in ground bathtub. Both the shower and bathtub were outlined by blocked glass in a stair step pattern along the top that came about waist high eliminating the need for a shower curtain or door. The shower had three heads for maximum comfort. The wall to the right held two separate sinks made of blocked glass with a pale blue light shining through from underneath. It was the most beautiful thing Harry had ever seen. "Whose room is this?"

"Mine…do you like it?" Remus asked.

"It is amazing."

"Good because your room is almost exactly like it! Want to see it?"

"YES!" Harry replied as Tonks lead him out of Remus's room and across the hall. She had a huge grin on her face as she opened the door for Harry to enter. It was just the response she was wanting. His mouth was hung open, his eyes the size of a dinner plate, and completely speechless.

"This is mine?"

"Yes, do you like it?"

"No, I love it! I have never had anything like this before. Are you sure it is for me?"

Remus was behind him with a sad expression when he realized how little Harry really had. How could such a great kid come from a past like his? He gave so much and yet never had anything given to him. Remus should have known this might be too much after just finding out he spent ten years living under the stairs in a cupboard. "Harry, it is yours and yes you deserve it. If there is anything you want changed or taken out, or even added to the room, just tell us and we will get it. I'm your guardian now and I want to make sure you have everything you have ever wanted for a room, ok?"

"Yeah, sure. It's just…different for me. I am still surprised when I get gifts for my birthday and Christmas."

Tonks and Remus gave each other a concerned look as Harry stepped in a bit further to take in his new room and that it was all done for him. It was all his! The walls were painted a deep plum color about three fourths of the way down where it was met with a beautiful chair rail in dark cherry that ran the entire length of the room. The last quarter of the wall had stripes about a foot and half wide in alternating colors of deep plum and an extremely light colored copper. The ceiling was done to the same as Hogwarts Great Hall. It reflected the sky outside. Right now the stars were out and Harry could see the constellation Sirius. The wall directly across from the door was almost solid windows reaching from the ceiling to the floor in a grand fashion. On the wall to his right he found his over stuffed king sized bed. The head board was done in the same cherry finish with a block pattern but remained solid and was almost the full height of the wall. The silk and rayon brocade bedspread was in horizontal strips of the same copper and plum shades but also included forest green and indigo blue. Drapes hung from a centered circle of crown molding in the ceiling enclosing his entire bed with light copper fabric lined with the deep plum colored silk. It had pillows in the four colors and all trimmed in an inch wide border of copper fabric. It also had little round pillows and square pillows that matched the bedspread. On the wall with the doorway to his right was a huge fireplace to match the mantle downstairs in the kitchen and held a plum colored glass vase of fresh lilies centered between two ten by thirteen pictures. One was of Lily, Remus, James, and Sirius with their arms around each other laughing. The other was of Harry, Remus and Sirius with their arms around one another by the tree on Christmas morning holding up gifts they had been given. Up above the mantle hung an oversized circular mirror framed in carved wood. The fireplace grate had a spectacular design of a phoenix in the center of the black iron. In the center of the room facing the fireplace was an overstuffed six foot couch made of plum suede and held the same accent pillows from his bed. At each end of the couch was an over sized chair and ottoman covered in the same fabric as Harry's bedspread turned in to face a long cherry finished coffee table with baskets to store belongings up underneath. Harry noticed there was a trunk at the end of his bed with a cushion spread across the top to sit on. Shelves from ceiling to floor lined the wall to the left of the door. Nestled in the center was a cherry finished desk with beautiful carvings and a smooth top finish. Harry was amazed that the shelves were full of pictures and books already. One picture that sat on the desk caught his eye. It was a picture of Harry, Hermione and Ron from there first year closing feast. He remembered this moment; it was right after they had received the winning house points for the cup. Harry set the photo back on the desk and glanced at the rug that covered the center of the room. It was a beautiful soft tapestry of light copper, cinnamon, indigo blue, plum, and forest green and had a black fringe around the edge. This room simply took his breath away. He had an oversized armoire in cherry for his clothes that was magically enlarged of course. It stood next to a door on the other side of the fireplace. This door led to his very own bathroom. It was almost exactly like the one Lupin had but in colors that matched his room. The difference was that Lupin's shower had three showerheads and his water would flow like rain from the ceiling over the entire shower area.

Remus finally asked, "Harry…do you like the room?"

"Like it…I have never seen anything more incredible. This makes my dorm room in the tower look bland. Did you do all this?"

Remus shook his head no. "Sirius did. He had just finished the day we went to the ministry. I remember he was bouncing off the walls with excitement waiting to show you this. He thought you deserved the best room a kid your age could have. I really think it was the room he had always dreamed of having." Remus gave a small laugh and had a twinkle in his eye as he remembered that day. "So, are you ready to go to bed and we can finish the tour tomorrow?"

"No, I am too excited to sleep. I'd love to see the other rooms now if it's ok."

Tonks grinned, "Sure Harry. Just follow me. Welcome to your tour of headquarters. Please keep all arms and legs in the cart at all times." They all gave a small laugh at her impression of a carnival worker.

Harry was led to the door at the end of the hall which held the largest library he had ever seen. Well, I know where to find Hermione tomorrow. On the opposite side of the hall there were three more doors. The two on the sides led to bedrooms occupied by the Grangers and the door at the end led to their bathroom. Harry decided to see those tomorrow afraid they might disturb them. The remaining stairways all matched the first. The third floor had a matching rug down the center of the hallway like the one on the stairs. The first door to the left led to another sitting area. This room was done in gold and blood red, had a collection of brooms mounted on the wall for display. Had a deep red leather couch and matching chairs with a square, oversized, gold trimmed coffee table. The book shelves were lined with photo albums and albums that held a collection of Chocolate Frog cards. Harry was amazed by how many there were. Tonks explained that her family had each contributed to the collection over many generations of witches and wizards. Some of the cards held in this collection were no longer even made and very valuable. Another chess table sat off to one side and an additional table for playing cards sat on the other. Tonks further explained that this was just a lounge or hobby room. Mostly different people's collection of things; like the antique brooms. Harry noticed this was the only room to this side of the hall. On the other side of the stairs were three more bedrooms and two bathrooms. Harry found a training room with mats and magical dummies, a room filled with muggle gym equipment, locker rooms complete with showers, and a potions lab on the fourth floor. Tonks told him how the members and the aurors all chipped into help set up the training center so that they could be here more than at the ministry. The attic on the fifth floor had been converted to look like a beautiful field for Buckbeak. He was a hippogriff, half bird – half horse, that Hermione and Harry had rescued from execution in their third year while helping Sirius escape the ministry as well. A crystal clear brook ran over the rocks making a peaceful sound. A watering hole large enough for the hippogriff to swim and bathe in was in the far corner of the room. Remus explained how Dumbledore had helped expand the attic so there was enough room for Buckbeak to spread his wings and fly some. The trees were beautiful and green. There was just a hint of a cool breeze; the perfect day…most people would agree on that.

As the trio walked back down to the second floor Harry just couldn't get over how the place looked. Nothing resembled the old dusty evil house that was here last year. He felt Remus place a hand on his shoulder so he could turn Harry around to face him. "There's one more thing I'd like to talk to you about if you are up for it."

Harry after giving it consideration and trying to contain a huge yawn asked, "Can it wait 'til first thing in the morning? I am really tired and a little overwhelmed at all this."

"Sure, no problem. You have a good night's rest and we will talk in the morning before starting anything else."

Harry grabbed Remus in a manly hug. "Thanks Moony, for everything! Good night. Good night to you to Tonks." Harry then surprised himself by leaning over and kissing her cheek in a brotherly fashion.

Tonks beamed, "Night, Harry!"

Sunlight was filtering in through huge windows that were covered in plum and sand copper silk rayon drapes with sheer curtains peeking through. It was a beautiful morning and somewhere in a mass of overstuffed pillows was Harry. He had the best night's sleep in his life. He woke up and stretched but refused to make himself get up from the most comfortable bed he had ever laid on. He reached his arm to get the glasses off the shelf that hung on the wall next to his bed and put them on in time to see Lupin stick his head in the door. "Happy birthday! Is it ok if I come in?"

"Sure, after all it's your house." Harry replied laughing.

"Well, I said we needed to talk first thing this morning before the day started…are you awake enough for that?" Harry nodded his head yes. "Ok then let's start here…" Remus was holding out a thick stack of papers for Harry to take.

"What are all these papers?"

Remus took a deep breath and rubbed his knees with his hands getting the courage to continue. "These Harry are your copies of my getting guardianship of you and the others…well they are copies of Sirius's will." Harry dropped the papers and met Remus with a confused and sad look. "You see Harry…well for starters…umm…Harry, this house is yours."

Harry's mouth had officially dropped to the floor. He began to protest when Remus cut him off. "Now just listen before you go saying that you do not deserve all this or what ever way you are going to choose to phrase it this time. Ok?" Harry closed his mouth and agreed by nodding his head. "Sirius had…well let us just say the old dog was filthy rich!" Remus turned a bit red but laughed at himself for not putting it with a little more dignity. "See, Padfoot was the last of the Black family and therefore inherited all the family's assests including all the money in the vault, stocks, and any properties the family held. He left all of it to the three of us. You, Tonks, and myself. I know you are mad at Dumbledore but I would like to officially ask your permission to continue using this as headquarters. I also have taken the liberty of handling all the legal arrangements for you and the deeds are included in those papers you are holding. I can tell you about everything you now own or you may choose just to let me handle it all. That is part of the job as being your guardian. I also want you to know that the reason I was able to convince the ministry that I was capable was because Sirius had wanted it…he and James had set it up in both of their wills for me to be the third option of guardian incase of their early departures. It was the fact that it was also in James' will that sealed the deal, they really could not go against your parents' wishes." Remus took a deep breath trying to gage Harry's reaction to all this information. Harry just sat there nodding his head and staring at the stack of papers he had been handed. "Any questions so far Harry? No…ok then. I will glimpse over the major items you may find interesting. You are part owner in the Choppers company in America which makes motorcycles, you are part owner in a broom company, you hold stock in almost everything from Bertie Bott Beans to Madam Malkin's robes, you have a house in Scotland and America on top of owning Grimmauld Place, and you own one third of the Chudley Cannon quidditch team." It was this that got Harry's attention most.

"WHAT? I thought I just heard you say I own the Cannons!"

Remus had a twinkle in his eye, "Well you don't own them, you own a third of them!" he said laughing as if it was normal for everyone to own a team.

"I can not believe all this. It hurts my head. So who owns the rest of them and why did Sirius not mention this before?"

"Well, it seems he acquired this status right after Christmas. As for the other owners, well I am afraid you have to share the team with Tonks and myself!"

Harry pushed Lupin off the bed in a playful manner at this smart arse comment. "Are you serious? The Chuddley Cannons are owned by the three of us? Ron is going to bloody well freak out. Does this mean I can get him season tickets?"

"Harry you are one of the owners; you can give him the keeper position if you really wanted to."

He just couldn't believe all he was being told. "Remus, can I ask you something that isn't about Sirius?"

"Of course, I want us to be able to talk about anything, like we did in your third year. If you ever need or want anything and I mean anything…good or bad…or even if you know I won't like it, I want you to be able to talk to me. I know we have a lot to get used to and we have a lot to figure out, like rules and such, but you are a great kid Harry and I am honored to get to be your guardian. So, just ask."

"Well, I get that I have a lot of money in my parents vault and now I really have a lot with everything Sirius left me; but what all did my parents leave me? Do you know?" Harry lowered his head and mumbled, "Did they know about the prophecy? Do you know all about it?"

"Yes, they knew. I know now and I could not even begin to imagine how you feel about that. As for your parents vault, we can go today and look into it at Gringotts. We have to go there already for us to sign some papers." Remus gave his shoulder a squeeze, "Harry do you want to talk about the prophecy or why you are so mad at Dumbledore? We never did get to finish that talk in the hospital."

"If it is alright with you, I would rather not right now. I accept the fact I have to be killed or become a murderer, I …I am just so mad at Dumbledore for not telling me. He could have stopped all this that happened but NO he decided to hide everything from me. The worst part is – he wouldn't even look at me last year. He knew Snape could careless about helping me learn Occlumency and look what happened! He could have just been honest with me and I could be training harder or something to end all this. I just…want it to end."

Remus and Harry talked a bit longer before deciding to head downstairs for breakfast. They also planned everything they wanted to do today. Remus explained that they still had to be more careful than ever so Tonks and Shacklebolt would be joining them in their shopping trip. Remus also told Harry that Hermione was probably going crazy waiting for him to get downstairs and say hi. This brought on a huge pillow fight because of the sarcastic way he said it; which just delayed them even more getting to breakfast. When they could not stand any longer from being exhausted and laughing they heard a knock on the door.

"Harry? Can I come in?" It was Hermione. Lupin began making kissing noises at Harry like he was twelve years old. This caused Harry to whack Lupin upside the head again as the door to his room opened. "WOW! Harry this room is incredible! Why are you both on the floor?" she asked just realizing they were laid across the floor and breathing hard.

"Pillow fight...had to show this old man how things are done" he replied getting up off the floor. At this comment Remus tackled Harry full force throwing him on the bed. Hermione was laughing so hard she had to clutch her sides to make them stop hurting as she wiped the tears from her eyes. When the two boys decided they had had enough, bruised and exhausted again, Remus left the room giving Harry a mischievous wink. Hermione looked at Harry for a second and then threw her arms around him giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Happy birthday! I thought you would never get here last night! This is so exciting. Isn't the house marvelous? I almost did not recognize it."

"I know! I just can not get over all the changes they made to the place. I took the tour last night when I got here, well all except for the rooms that you all are sleeping in. I am still amazed that this is my room. My very own room! You want to go get some breakfast, I am starving."

"Sure, then maybe after that I can show your our rooms and bathroom. Harry, it is ok that we are here right? I mean…Moony told us that Sirius left the house to you and all."

"Hermione it is fine. You are my best friend, why would I not want you here? Besides I think it is better with Voldemort and all since he is targeting muggleborns. I would just worry about you if you were somewhere other than here."

Hermione had a smile that lit up her entire face and Harry realized just how pretty she had become. "Thanks" she said as she hugged him for the second time that morning.

Harry enjoyed having breakfast in such a friendly atmosphere. It gave him the chance to catch up with some of the Order members and visit with the Grangers. Afterwards Hermione took Harry up to show him the remaining three rooms. Mr. and Mrs. Granger had a bedroom done in three different shades of yellow with the cherry furniture and a chaise lounger for reading. Hermione's room across the hall was incredible and Harry felt it fit Hermione somehow. He had always wondered what her room would be like at home but he knew it probably could not look like this with out a little magic.

Immediately his eyes darted to the ceiling upon entering where his breath was taken away by yards and yards of gathered sheer fabric alternating in kiwi green and a slightly darker green covering every inch of the ceiling starting at a center point from where the chandelier hung. The walls were painted to represent a forest clearing with rare wild flowers in bloom and charmed so the trees swayed. You could feel the breeze, smell the flowers and hear the running of a small brook. The king sized bed was covered by a dark green canopy netting that hung across the entire bed and enclosed the sides. The bedding was a sheer overlay kiwi green satin down comforter with shimmering dragonflies embroidered in matching threads and reversed to a solid crinkled satin. The crinkled satin sheets matched the bedding and the pillows matched the comforter design with a one inch border in crinkled satin. The room had a small reading area with floor to ceiling shelves plus two chairs with matching ottomans in the dark green fabric. Harry had a smirk spread across his face when he realized only she would have charmed dragonflies and butterflies to fly around her room near the ceiling and on the upper walls.

"What are you bloody well smirking about?"

"Only you would havecharmed things flying around your room."

"Oh that's not all I did" she added very proudly about her next surprise, "I also charmed fairies to light the ceiling up at night."

"You what?"

Hermione smiled that know-it-all smile of hers and added, "Well, you had a ceiling that looked like stars already and the fairies were so beautiful fourth year at the ball…so I chose them! You don't mind do you Harry? I promise they are charmed only to fly in above the sheer fabric of the room."

"Why would I mind?"

"Because it is your house…Lupin thought since we had to live here I could decorate my own room, is that alright?"

Harry placed a reassuring hand on her back, "It's fine Hermione, I am just amazed by how great it is. But, what I really want to know is how? You said that you charmed them, but we are not allowed to do magic out of school." He raised one eyebrow while crossing his arms over his chest to look down at her suspiciously.

Hermione biting her lip and blushing while looking everywhere in the room but at him finally asked, "You caught that huh? Well…Moony told me that it wasn't so much the student they monitored as per se…the wand. So…Tonks let me borrow her wand to use." She gave him a questioning look without ever lifting her face. She squealed in surprise as Harry picked her up and began to spin her around the room.

"That's bloody brilliant Hermione! You are amazing you know that?"

"Harry. Harry put me down! Put me down! Harry I'm getting dizzy please put me down" she was getting dizzy but she was still giggling at whatever had made him so happy. Harry stopped spinning around and began to let her slide to where her feet touched the ground but something had come over him. As Harry sat her down he decided he was not ready to let her out of his arms yet. Time seemed to stop as they stood there giggling, breathlessly staring into each others eyes with his arms still wrapped around her waist and her arms around his neck. His name was spoken in a breathless whisper, "Harry…"

He never found out what it was she was going to say since he suddenly found his lips on hers. It was an unbelievable feeling. Her lips were so tender and warm; he noted they had to be the softest thing in the world. And she tasted so…much…like…vanilla. His mind was spinning and it was beginning to get very warm. Harry saw fireworks when he realized that she was actually kissing him back! Her hands had somehow ended up at the base of his neck playing with his hair as the other hand rubbed circles in the little hollow space in the center of the neck in back. He moved his hand under her chin to tilt her head up a bit for more access. He opened his mouth to deepen the kiss, surprised at his courage and found her melt against his body and her tongue running along his bottom lip. His mind was exploding, this feeling was overwhelming and he realized he couldn't get enough of her taste or having her hands running thru his hair. He inched his hand from underneath her chin to palm the side of her face with his fingers just barely in her hair silently letting her know he didn't want her to be anywhere else at that moment. Hermione brought one hand down to place on his wrist in a firm grip letting him know she didn't want to be anywhere else as she began to tilt her head to the side allowing his tongue further entrance. They had lost all lines of thinking and had no idea how long they had been there when Harry pulled back slightly out of breath and rested his forehead against hers. He loved the way she chewed on her bottom lip when she was thinking about something like she was doing now.

He brought his other hand up and tucked the hair in her face behind her ear, then placed it on her cheek like his other hand and began to slightly massage her neck with his fingertips. She had placed her hands near his hips and slightly gathered a handful of his shirt in her hands. She opened her cinnamon brown eyes and they were instantly locked into his emerald green ones, a small smile began to appear on her lips even though she was still biting it. He smiled at her and whispered, "My heart is beating so fast."

"Mine too, like it is going to burst at any second."

"So how do we stop it?"

"I don't know…maybe we aren't supposed to." She smiled and rose up on her toes to meet his lips half way.

Remus was ready to leave and was beginning to wonder what was taking Harry so long when he decided to go look for him. He looked in the parlor and Harry's room without any luck; when he eased open the door to Hermione's room.

BLOODY HELL! Lupin's mouth dropped open and his eyes widened as he closed the door quickly trying hard not to make a sound. He eased down the stairs quietly and into the kitchen where he stood in the doorway completely shocked.

"Did you find them Remus?" Tonks asked.

Remus suddenly had a mischievous smile and a new twinkle in his eye. "OH…you could say that," trying hard not to laugh at his new discovery.

"What are you up to Moony? I would know that smile anywhere…you always got it right before you and Padfoot pulled a fast one." By now both of the Grangers had turned to listen to them talking.

"Tonks, do you remember the story of how James and Lily always were?"

"Of course! You and Sirius were always talking about how you would constantly walk in some where and catch them…OOOHHH!" she laughed catching on. The Grangers had a questioning look on their faces.

"Well, it appears Harry is more like his father than I thought," he added while trying not to laugh. He turned to the Grangers still trying not to laugh, "I just found out…well, I think…let's just say they may like each other."

Silence. "Well, it is about time!" Mrs. Granger replied. "Why exactly do you think this Remus?"

"Let's just say that I walked in on…a moment of realization." The group was laughing when Harry and Hermione walked into the kitchen holding hands.

"What's so funny?"

Mr. Granger was the only one who could stop laughing long enough to answer, "Oh, nothing much. But maybe we should ask you two if there is something you want to tell us?" glancing towards their hands that were still clasped together.

Harry and Hermione turned a few shades of red, "Well sir…I…we…umm…bloody hell!" This just sent the room into hysterical laughter all over again as the two left the room rapidly.

Remus finally said, "How I am ever going to top that birthday present!"

Moody and Tonks apparated to the Leaky Cauldron first just to be safe while Remus, Harry, and Hermione used floo powder. Heads turned to stare as Harry stepped out of the fireplace and into the pub. Silence seemed to fall through out, that is until all the whispering began. Remus put an arm around Harry's shoulder and led him quickly out into muggle London with Tonks and Hermione linking arms and Moody bringing up the rear. The group was having fun carrying on while walking down the street to a department store that Hermione and Tonks had recommended for buying Harry his new wardrobe. Store clerks looked up quickly from their positions at the group coming in the door.

"May I help you?" a good looking salesman asked coming around the counter.

"Yes sir, we will need an entire new wardrobe, summer and winter, for him." shifting his eyes towards Harry.

The young clerk surveyed Harry trying to keep a blank face as he noticed the drabby old clothes that had to be at least six sizes to big and hanging off the boy. "My name is Damian, I am happy to help in anyway I can. If you will follow me please to the men's department, we can start right away." As they walked along the aisle Damian asked two other employees for their assistance. The group each took a seat in front of the dressing rooms as the three employees went off to search for everything they would possibly need. About fifteen minutes later Damian returned with a rack full of clothes, "Let us start with these so we can have a better idea of the lad's preferences." He led Harry to a dressing room and returned to the group.

Left alone in the dressing room Harry was a little confused by all the attention and the amount of clothes the clerk had brought him. He had never been in a department store or shopped for clothes which left him a bit confused and overwhelmed. How would he know what to prefer, he had never had a choice? Finally, he decided to grab the first pair of denim pants and work his way from there. Several hours later, Harry had a new wardrobe. Hermione and Tonks had enjoyed the fashion show whistling and cat calling. Remus had put in a few wise cracks himself when he was not telling Mad-eye to relax a bit. He felt strange having new clothes. They didn't itch from all the washings either. It took all of them plus a few shrinking charms, when no one was watching, to be able to carry all the purchases. They returned to the Leaky Cauldron so Remus, Harry and Hermione could use the floo while the others apparated. When they arrived back home Harry and Hermione took all his new things to his room, he was still surprised by everything he had gotten. It was more clothes than he had ever had in his entire life; he made a mental note of it all as they began to put it away. His new wardrobe contained five new pairs of straight leg blue jeans, two black pair of jeans, black, khaki, and grey slacks, and five pairs of denim shorts. V-neck t-shirts in every color possible along with several round neck ones too. His favorites were the button down dress shirts that fit perfect on his shoulders and then tailored in at the waist, Harry found that as a plus because he wouldn't have to tuck them in. Hermione and Tonks had really liked them too, they chose all kinds of different ones for him, silk, brushed cotton, greens, blues, white, black, grey, short sleeve, long sleeve if they found it…he now owned it. He also found he liked a style of t-shirt made of synthetic material and fit tightly across his chest and biceps and close fitting around his torso. He had blushed when Tonks said it showed his muscular arms off very well…he just liked the way Hermione was looking at him when he was wearing one. Harry also discovered he liked cashmere sweaters with V- necklines; they didn't pull on his throat as much, that hugged his frame more than the thick, bulky style his aunt had always bought his uncle and cousin. He liked how these hung straight down ending at the top of his hips instead of gathering at the waist and having it do that weird roll over the edge that he thought his aunt called ribbed once, who knows. He had a brown and black belt, tank tops called wife beaters, sweatshirts, cotton shorts for working out, plenty of socks and underwear. Remus had laughed so hard when Harry stood there totally confused and shocked at how many different types there were to choose from. It was then that things got a bit hard for Harry.

Harry looked down at his feet trying very hard to make himself disappear. Remus suddenly stopped laughing, "Harry, haven't you ever selected some before when your aunt took you shopping?"

Timidly his voice whispered out, "I have never been in a store Lupin, my aunt was too afraid that I would do accidental magic in public, usually I got the packages that she had bought for Dudley but were the wrong size for him." Just once he wished a hole would appear and suck him in, he had never felt more ashamed in his life. He knew the others were wondering what was taking so long and prayed that they would stay there.

"Did you ever tell anyone about this?"

"Are you kidding me…I want to die right now of humiliation and I am just telling you! Please, don't let anyone else know…just tell me what to get ok…before they come over here."

Remus felt horrible about laughing, that was so stupid of him. He could have used all three Unforgivable curses right then on the Dursleys. How could you do that to a child, your own nephew, to Harry of all people! In the softest voice possible Remus reassured Harry that there was nothing to be embarrassed about and that no one would ever know or blame him if they did. "How about we take one of each, then you can decide which you feel more comfortable in, ok?"

Harry just nodded thankful that Remus had been so understanding, he knew there would probably be more times like those while trying to learn how to handle his new life. He knew Remus had more questions than he had answers for but they had made a packed that morning to talk to each other no matter what…he had promised himself not to screw this up by not doing that. He would not make the same mistake he had with Sirius, he couldn't, Remus was his only chance to make things right.

As if this had not been enough, the group then proceeded to the shoe department where he bought two pairs of trainers and some really cool lace up boots that he could also wear with his slacks. After shoes, they were on to the coat department where he fell in love with a low waisted black leather jacket with silk lining. Even Remus insisted on how good it looked. Tonks also convinced him he needed a light windbreaker. Just when he thought there was nothing left to buy the girls turned to Damian and asked for accessories and miscellaneous items. What else could there possibly be? Hermione had chosen Obsession cologne for him to wear, Tonks and Remus chose a thick rope chain and matching bracelet made of white gold, and to everyone's surprise Mad-eye walked over and gave him a pair of sunglasses he had chosen; which were actually very cool.

By the time they had unpacked all of his new clothes Mrs. Granger called out that dinner was ready. It was an amazing meal with lots of laughter. Harry could not have wished for a better sixteenth birthday.When everyone had finished their meal and Remus used magic to clear away the dishes; the lights went out. Harry froze in his seat unsure of what to do and reached for his wand. A dim glow was heading towards him as if it were floating when he began to hear singing.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Harry, happy birthday to you."

A cake sat in front of him with sixteen candles and everyone presented him with presents. If he wasn't shocked by all these events he was when Hermione leaned over and kissed his cheek in front of everyone who began whooping and whistling. The laughter began when he turned several shades of red from it, Harry could see out of the corner of his eyes that she had too. The lights came back on. Everyone began to eat cake that was being passed around while urging him to open his gifts. He was touched that so many Order members had taken the time to buy him a little something, most were books or small magical objects like a foe glass mirror that fit in his pocket. As he was grabbing for another present the fireplace roared and turned green. Everyone looked up to see professor Dumbledore standing there.

"Happy birthday Harry, I am sorry to be so late. Where shall I put this box down at?"

Dung took the gift and placed it on the table keeping a careful watch on Remus who was now standing looking very tense. The fireplace roared again and Arthur, Molly, and Ginny all stepped out.

"HARRY! Happy birthday! Oh it is so great that you get to live here with Remus instead of those bloody muggles!" Ginny flung her arms around Harry.

"Now Ginny; Hi Harry, so good to see you" Mrs. Weasley said gathering Harry up into a hug. He hugged her back.

"Nobody told me you were coming! Would you like some cake?"

The fired turned green again and out stepped Fred, George, and Ron.

"Wotcher mate! Happy Birthday" the twins said together.

Ron had walked over and throwing one arm over his neck and roughing his hair even more, "Good to see you mate! Nice clothes!"

"Thanks! We did some shopping today…" With this all the talking began to start again and several people greeted the Weasleys. Ron, Ginny, and the twins grabbed some cake and slipped in next to and across from Harry and Hermione to catch up on everything that had been happening that summer. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hermione give him a worried look, he reached below the table and gently rubbed his pinky finger on the side of her hand assuring her his silence. Not sure whether or not he wanted to share that just yet, he first needed to figure out what it was. The late night hour was approaching and people began to slowly leave. Mrs. Weasley assured Harry that they would be back soon to visit. Harry noticed a few aurors leaving to get to their patrol duties and a few Order members headed out on assignment, as the crowd cleared Harry saw Dumbledore talking to Remus. He tensed suddenly wondering what it was all about.

"I can not believe you came here of all nights Albus, I specifically asked you not to."

"Remus I am here only to wish him a happy birthday and to give him a present that I promised he would receive before his sixteenth birthday was over. Despite how angry the both of you are with me, I still care for him a great deal."

"Fine, you give him his present but if I see him get the least bit upset or angry I will personally throw you out!"

"That is all that I ask."

Remus walked across the room and asked Harry if he would join them in the parlor. As they sat down Dumbledore presented Harry with a small box wrapped in red paper with gold ribbon. He sat staring at the box very confused about what he had unwrapped. "I don't understand Professor? What is this for?"

"You see Harry, before the Fidelius charm was preformed on your parents, Lily asked me to do her a favor incase anything were to go wrong. I was to take a few things that she had carefully chosen and place them in a safe place for keeping…that is the key to the vault I had them placed in. When I tried to give the key to Sirius he asked me to continue holding on to it for you afraid that he might not get a chance to see you today and give it to you." He hung his head and sighed. "I am deeply sorry that I am the one to give it to you instead of him Harry, he was one of the best. I miss him everyday. I know it made you happy to have him in your life."

For what seemed like the thousandth time his thoughts were overwhelming him. "Thank you Professor, if you'll excuse me I need to…I need to go." Harry left the parlor and headed up the stairs to his room still clutching the box with the key.

Not knowing how long he had been sitting, staring at the pictures on his mantle, there was a knock on the door.

He gave a weak smile as Hermione walked towards him and sat down. "Are you alright? I saw you talking to Dumbledore…Remus was really unfocused when I asked if everything was alright. Is it alright that I am here or would you like to be alone?"

Taking her hand in his he began to play with her finger tips, "No, actually I would like it if you would stay."

Hermione smiled. Knowing Harry as well as she did, she knew to wait…he would talk when he was ready. She was just happy to be there with him. Replays of the kiss they shared that morning had been playing over and over in her mind. She remembered how he felt and tasted…like honey. How he had held her face silently telling her he didn't want her to go anywhere, as if she would have. She had always felt a connection; he was after all her hero. She always laughed silently at the cliché, but it was true. He and Ron had come running after her just in time to save her from a mountain troll. They had been through so much together. They were best friends. How long she had felt this way about Harry she was not sure, but feelings were there and stronger than anything she had ever felt before. So much had already happened this summer, this was just one more. Let's just hope that it turns out to be a good thing. Her stomach was in tight knots and she needed to know what he was thinking, but she would have to wait. Needing to break the silence she decided on a safe topic.

"You know with all the excitement, I forgot to give you my present."

With a mischievous grin, "I thought we had already settled that this morning?" He got a throw pillow right to his face.

"Why Harry Potter, I thought you were all shy and tongue tied around girls?"

"Well, you are not just any girl now are you?" Giving a wink and placing a finger under her chin.

"You tell me, I have no idea." tilting her head slightly biting her lip.

Resisting temptation was out of the question, he gave her a sweet short lingering kiss.

"I sure hope you are not planning to make this a standard gift for all your friends."

"No, just you."

"Well that is a relief then, I never had the chance to figure out if I was the jealous type or not," he added playfully.

"Do you think you would be?"

"If someone else was experiencing what I felt this morning, then yes. Very much so. Would you?"

"I think I would be too. So what does this mean Harry? We are best friends and it is not just us that would be affected by this. Ron will be hurt. Lavender kept telling me he had a crush on me. Is that true?"

"I thought he might, but I really can not answer that. All I know is; when you said hi to me at the hospital, nothing else mattered. Not why or how I was there, the loneliness that surrounded me lifted. I am so sorry Hermione that I didn't listen to you that night we went to the ministry! It was terrifying when you got hit by that spell. I just kept praying that you were ok, I want your forgiveness…if you can give it?"

"Did you really think I wouldn't? You and Ron are the first real friends I ever had, there's nothing you could do that would make me not forgive you. The times we went without speaking were horrible for me; I spent a lot of time down at Hagrid's crying my eyes out. I went with you that night Harry because you did take the time to listen to me. You took time to try and reach Sirius…how would any of us know that Kreacher was lying? I just wanted you not to rush in; I would never try to stop you from helping others if they really need help. It is who you are; it is who Ron and I are; after all we are Gryffindors. So here is the present I got you."

He tore off the paper excitedly. "Oh wow Hermione, thanks!" he held up a sword made of white gold. On the handle were two small rubies sparkling beautifully in the light.

"You are welcome. I hope it fits on the chain you got today. Tonks took it to a magical jewelry shop to be charmed. It has a tracking device in case we can't find you, like in fourth year when you were taken by portkey. It will also grant a wish if your are in trouble and need help, it transforms into a key when placed inside of a lock, and if you ever lose your wand the sword can be turned in to actual size by saying munimen. The rubies once placed around your neck will show you life line, when they are showing this deep red and sparkling vibrantly, your health is fine but if you were to die they would turn a foggy white."

She found her lips taken captive by a passionate yet tender kiss. Heartbeats soared and pounded in their chests as they pulled each other closer. She smiled as Harry released her; his hand still cupping the side of her face and the other in the hollow of her back. She could not remember how her upper body wound up across his lap but she loved the feeling of closeness. She loved this new smile of Harry's; knowing it was something she caused made her feel invincible with a power running thru her she had never felt. His eyes sparkled so green. Staring at them until the day she died would never be a problem, she had always found the emerald green eyes intriguing, captivating, and a mirror of everything he felt.

Bold; this was a word that Harry never thought would describe him when it came to girls, but it was so easy with her. Cho just made his stomach twist up in knots but with Hermione…he just did what he felt without worry. It was a powerful feeling, yet very peaceful. He wondered if this was how it was supposed to be, natural.

"I just wanted to properly thank you for my gift." He stated in a husky whisper.

"You may thank me anytime if that is how you plan on doing it," she had a soft laughter in her voice as she bit her lower lip.

"Ever since this morning; I find it incredibly hard to resist your lips when you do that."

"Do what?"

"Bite on your lower lip, like you are doing now. You do that a lot you know."

"I do?"

"You always have when you are nervous or trying to figure out a particularly complex problem; when you're deep in thought," he began to trace her lips with his finger sending chills down her spine, "or when you are concentrating really hard; like right now."

"This is interesting to hear; I never realized I bit my lip so much; or that you noticed," she replied lifting an eyebrow in his direction. "What are we doing Harry? What is this feeling? Where does it leave us?"

"Hoping you could kind of tell me that, you are the smart one. Honestly…I know this feeling is something I want…it feels me with a peace I didn't have before, maybe it was always there and I was too stupid to know it. My guess would be that if you feel the same, then I have some questions to ask of you."

"Questions? Hmm…I do know that when you look at me with that smile and you are anywhere near me I feel a power that courses thru me. Joy; like when I get the spell or charm just right…but so much more powerful. Like I could fly without a broom!" discovering he loved her eyes lighting up like this and being the reason for it. He had a new found confidence.

"Assuming, I have this right…I think this is where I am supposed to ask you to go with me to Hogsmeade, for a stroll around the lake or something. So…" he tried to look serious but felt silly, "Hermione, would you go on a date with me?"

"Yes, I would like that very much Harry." They began to laugh feeling silly from all the formalities.

"So, what happens now?"

"We have no idea what we are doing do we?" she said laughing loudly.

"Guess we'll figure it out. This has to be the best birthday ever!" a knock sounded on the door and they sprang apart quickly. "Come in." Remus stuck his head in the door.

"Bad time? I could always come back after the snogfest…" two pillows hit their target. Holding his hands in the air for surrender and dodging the next wave of pillows, "I just wanted to say I am sorry we didn't make it to Gringotts, I know you wanted to find out…some things." Not sure if Harry wanted Hermione to know. "If you don't have plans we can do it tomorrow? I cleared everything up until the next full moon to spend some time with you. Is there anything you want to do? We should be getting your O.W.L. results soon; then we can go shopping for your school supplies but I would like you to stay out of Diagon Alley as much as possible. It's just not safe for you."

"Sure Remus, we can figure it all out tomorrow."

"Night Harry…Night Hermione" he said laughing all the way out the door.

"GOOD NIGHT REMUS!" replying at the same time.