A/N: To CapNSilver; Thank you for reviewing. Love your stories. I am one of your biggest fans...
CH. 17
The next couple of weeks passed quickly. Much of their free time was spent finishing the large amounts of homework they were given for practically every class. However, Harry, Ginny, and Ron were able to take a bit of time to plan a birthday party for Hermione in the Room of Requirement. And one of the great things about having it in there was that it would be set up with just thoughts of what they would need, and no clean up afterwards.
Some of the invited guests included former members of the D.A. (like Susan Bones, Terry Boot, and Ernie MacMillan Luna Lovegood), Neville, Seamus, Dean, Parvati, and Lavender, and Katie Bell were amongst the Gryffindors on the guest list.
It was up to Ginny to get Hermione there, and when she had entered the R.O.R and everyone yelled out 'Happy Birthday' Hermione was practically floored- though she was definitely touched. She spent the next half hour or so mingling amongst the guests, thanking them for coming. Bottles of butterbeer were passed around; and then Harry climbed on top of a table while Ginny gave a piercing whistle to grab everyone's attention. Clearing his throat, Harry started speaking. "I'd first like to thank everyone for coming; but I would also like to take a moment to wish Hermione a very special birthday. You are one of my best friends, and if it wasn't for you and Ron, I would never have made it through all the things I've had to go through. You are the brains behind all our adventures." At that comment many people started to laugh.
"Anyway, it seems funny how something like a life and death situation can make you see who is a real friend; that will stick by you through the good and bad times, and I am so proud to be able to count you as a true friend. You are an incredible woman, and an amazingly gifted witch." Raising his bottle of butterbeer- "Hermione, may you have all that you wish for, and then some. Long live the Trouble Triplets!"
By this time Hermione has tears running freely down her face, though she is grinning from ear-to-ear. Harry comes over and engulfs her into a huge bear hug, followed by Ron and Ginny. A few minutes later the birthday cake is brought to Hermione as everyone sings 'Happy Birthday' and Hermione blows out the candles, making a wish. After everybody is served a piece of cake, it becomes time for the birthday presents. She received many gifts of Honeyduke's candy; also many new joke items (that have yet to be released) from Fred and George. While Ron, Ginny, and Harry pooled their money together to get her a gift certificate for a full day of pampering at the Williams-Flowers Salon and Day Spa. And her parents sent her quite a few new clothes, which included a gorgeous hand-dyed silk dress in the orange, red, purple, and indigo of a brilliant sunset.
But, the most extraordinary gift was a beautiful sapphire and onyx ring in a thick white gold setting; with intricate Celtic knotwork and it had inscribed in Irish Gaelic- 'Ta mo chroi istigh ionat' which could roughly be translated into- 'My heart is within you'. But there was no card with it, so Hermione had no idea who could have been the one to send her such a beautiful gift. Though after much discussion with Harry, Ginny, and Ron, it was decided that they would take it to Remus to have him look it over. To make sure there weren't any jinxes or curses on the ring.
So, the next day the Triplets headed to DADA early so that they could speak to Remus before the lesson began. Entering the DADA classroom all three called out- "Hello Professor Lupin." Turning round to see whom was speaking, "Hi guys and Hermione. To what do I owe the unexpected pleasure of such an early arrival?" teased Remus.
"Well, last night was my birthday, and I got this ring as a present, only there was not card or note of any kind on it, and I have no idea who would send me such a gift," explained Hermione. "So, I was hoping that you would take a look at it, and check to make sure there are no curses or jinxes on it before I wore it."
"May I have a look at it please?" asked Remus.
"Oh sure," said Hermione handing over the velvet box to Remus.
Pretending to study the ring for a few minutes, Remus then looked up and said- "I'm going to run a few tests on it, and if nothing is wrong with it, then I will send a note to let you know when it's ready, ok. And by the way, happy birthday Hermione."
"Thank you Professor." said Hermione turning to go sit down for class.
As the rest of the students came in and sat down, Remus began the lesson and put the ring to the back of his mind.