CH. 14
Disclaimer: Don't own any of it, just borrowing characters; yadda yadda yadda...
A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers (I forgot to mention it last chapter). Thank you for sticking with me. R/R
The next week was a frenzied blur of activities, as the finishing touches for Harry's birthday party continued. And it was no small effort keeping Harry from getting wind of what was going on.
The morning of Harry's birthday dawned warm and bright. As an elaborate ruse to get Harry out of the house so the final touches could get done; the Trio plus Ginny were allowed to Head into Muggle London for the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon, so that Harry could go shopping for clothes that he would like and that would fit, and to sightsee (at least for all of the Weasleys') and hang out for a bit. Bill, Tonks, and Mr. Weasley were acting as chaperones.
Hermione and Harry spent quite a bit of time explaining many of the Muggle inventions to Mr. Weasley, who was in Heaven. After shopping, they went to see a film at the local cinema, which had all of the Weasleys' in awe. They even went bowling at the local bowling alley; which was quite a harrowing experience (especially trying to keep Mr. Weasley from sticking his head into the ball return hole).
A few exhausting and slightly exasperating hours later they returned to HQ to get ready for Harry's party. Though Harry was under the misguided impression that, it was to be just a celebratory lunch.
An hour later Harry, Ginny, Hermione, and Ron headed into the garden (as instructed by Mrs. Weasley). Harry was leading the way, on purpose.
Walking through the door, everyone screamed out- 'Happy Birthday' to Harry. Needless to say, Harry's face was priceless. Saying he was shocked would have been a vast understatement! Touched and more than a little emotional at all the love and warmth surrounding him; it took a moment for Harry to collect himself.
"Come on mate, you're the guest of honour, so you get sit at the head of the table." said Ron, nudging Harry towards his seat.
Ron and Hermione were sitting on either side of Harry as expected. Looking around the table, Harry saw quite a few of his Hogwarts friends there- Neville, Seamus, Dean, and even Luna Lovegood! All of the Weasleys' (even Percy) was there, along with Remus, Dumbledore, Tonks, Mad-Eye Moody, and even Mundungus Fletcher.
The table was set with all of Harry's favorite foods, and then some… As everyone sat down and made to tuck into all the delicious food, the conversations created a pleasant din amongst the many of the celebrants. Even during all this, Harry could only wish that Sirius was also present. But aside from that solemn moment, the party was wonderful.
After all the main dishes were finished, Mrs. Weasley got up to bring out the birthday cake- it was the biggest birthday cake Harry had ever seen. Everyone began to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Harry; afterwards, Harry made a wish and blew out all of the candles (with help from Hermione and Ron). As soon as everyone got a rather large slice of cake, the presents were brought in. Once again Harry was overwhelmed by all the presents he got; he especially loved the gifts he got from Remus, Ginny, and Hermione.
All in all, it was a wonderfully exhausting day for Harry.