Chapter 7 – Fireworks
The days leading up to Harry's birthday did nothing to quell his curiosity. Every time Harry walked into a room, whoever was in it would stop talking immediately. There were whispered conversations going on all around him, and Harry's intrigue was slowly turning into annoyance. Mrs. Weasley was not helping matters. Not only did she seem to be opposed to whatever plans were being made, but she would not stop fussing over Harry either.
Harry awoke the morning of his birthday with the usual pounding in his head. Without opening his eyes, he reached for the cloth on his nightstand; he grabbed it and put it over his face, feeling the coolness working to dull the pain.
Eventually the pounding lessened to a throb, and Harry slowly became aware of his other senses. He realized he could not hear Ron snoring in the bed beside him.
Harry rolled over and saw that Ron's bed was empty. He squinted at the clock: 10:50 a.m. He couldn't believe he had slept so late, or more to the point, that no one had woken him up.
Harry sat up slowly, knowing that moving too quickly would hurt his head. He put his glasses on and crawled out of bed. After changing into jeans and a t-shirt, he walked down to the kitchen. He could hear many loud voices in the kitchen as he approached the door. They seemed to grow quieter as he got closer. He pushed open the kitchen door and his jaw dropped.
"Happy birthday, Harry!" a crowd of people cheered.
There were streamers hanging from every corner of the kitchen. Enchanted balloons of all sizes and colours floated along the vaulted ceiling, and there was some sort of glitter that hung in the air above their heads. A huge banner with birthday wishes was stretched along the far wall.
Harry looked at the people gathered there: Remus, Tonks, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Ginny, and Fred and George. They were all wearing ridiculous-looking pointed hats that Harry knew small Muggle children to wear on their birthdays. One by one, they all came and personally wished Harry a happy birthday. Mrs. Weasley, who was last in the line of well-wishers, did not seem to want to let go of Harry.
"Okay, Mum," Fred said, rolling his eyes. "You might want to let Harry breathe, you know. Perhaps let him enjoy his birthday."
Mrs. Weasley released Harry from her tight hug, only to put her hands on his cheeks. She peered into his face. "Are you feeling all right, dear? You slept so late, I was beginning to worry."
"I'm fine," Harry said with difficulty as Mrs. Weasley's hands were still on his face.
She moved her hands to his forehead. "You don't seem to have a fever."
"MUM! Enough! He's fine!" Ron exclaimed, staring at his mother incredulously.
Mrs. Weasley dropped her hands, blushing slightly. "I'm sorry, Harry," she said meekly. "You've just been through so much lately, and those lessons with Professor Dumbledore seem to weaken you so much."
Harry put his hands in his pockets and stared at the floor feeling slightly insulted by being called weak.
"I'm fine," he said strongly.
"Yes you are!" cried Mr. Weasley, patting Harry on the back. He steered Harry toward the table. "Sit down Harry and have a bite to eat."
Harry goggled at Mr. Weasley, who seemed far too excited.
Harry sat down at the table and for the first time noticed the food piled on it.
"It's about time you got down here, Harry!" Ron said, sitting down beside Harry. "I'm starving!"
"You haven't eaten yet?" Harry asked.
"Nope!" Fred said, sitting on Harry's other side. "Mum wouldn't allow it."
"She insisted on us all eating together," George continued, sitting on the opposite side of the table. "She almost took my hand off when I tried to nick a bun."
"Sorry I slept so late," Harry said sheepishly.
"No worries, mate!" George replied, winking at Harry. "We need you rested up. You'll need your energy for the rest of the day."
"Right you will," Fred exclaimed, grinning mischievously.
"What are we doing?" Harry asked, trying his best to be nonchalant.
Harry would have to wait. Remus was standing at the head of the table, waiting for everyone to be seated. He cleared his throat, and all heads turned to look at him.
"First of all, I want to thank everyone for being here on my and Harry's behalf. It means a lot to me to see so much work and effort put in to give Harry a well-deserved celebration," Remus said, smiling at everyone in the room. Despite his smile, Remus looked weak and pale, as the full moon had only been two nights ago.
"Harry," Remus continued, "your friends have quite a day planned for you, so let's get it started. Let's eat!"
"Hear, hear!" cried Fred and George simultaneously, raising their glasses of pumpkin juice.
Everyone dove into the plates in front of them. There were sausages, eggs, bacon, toast, tarts, biscuits, and pies. Harry ate heartily, laughing as Fred and George told him of their newest inventions for their joke shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
"It's a shame we can't come with you today," George said between mouthfuls. "But with the school year only a month away, we need to make sure we're well-stocked."
"Yes, it's too bad we can't enjoy the fruit of our labours," Fred continued, waving his hand around the room. "It took quite a bit of convincing."
"What did?" Harry asked, still completely clueless about the day's plans.
Fred and George ignored Harry's question.
"I believe this to be one of our best ideas," George said proudly.
"Make sure you have enough fun for the both of us, Harry!" Fred continued.
Harry gave Fred an exasperated look. He had enough of all the talk; he wanted to know what was going on. Fred and George continued grinning at Harry.
Fred pushed his empty plate away. "Sorry we have to cut our visit short," Fred said, as he a George stood up. "Ron, you've got our present for Harry?"
Ron smiled widely. "Yes."
"Right. Good-bye then, Harry!" George replied, shaking Harry's hand over the table.
"Don't do anything we wouldn't do," Fred said, winking and slapping Harry on the back.
The twins waved good-bye to everyone else and walked out the kitchen door.
"If everyone is finished here, shall we head to the drawing room?" Remus asked, glancing around the table.
"Yes, everyone upstairs," Mrs. Weasley said, standing up and shooing everyone to the door. "I'll clean this up later."
"Come on, Harry!" Ron exclaimed, grabbing Harry's arm.
Harry stumbled along as Ron pulled him up the stairs and into the drawing room. Harry's eyes widened as he saw that this room had even more decorations than the kitchen had. Ron pushed Harry into one of the armchairs and sat down in a chair to Harry's right. Everyone else followed them in and settled themselves into chairs around the room. They all seemed to be waiting for Harry to do something. He glanced nervously around the room, not sure what to do.
"Well, Harry," Tonks said, grinning and pointing to the left of Harry's chair. "Get on with it."
Harry's gaze followed Tonks's pointed finger. To his left was a pile of birthday presents.
"Yes, Harry," Hermione said excitedly. "Go on."
Harry grinned and dove for the presents beside his chair. He plowed his way through them quickly. He got an assortment of chocolates and candies from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Remus had given Harry a brass doorknocker with the head of a lion to replace the Black's serpent one. He got the latest album from the music group, Knights without Armour, from Tonks. Of course, Hermione had given him a book.
Harry looked at the cover: Basic Principles and Preparation Techniques for Auror Training. Harry grinned.
"Thanks Hermione. It's brilliant," he said honestly.
To Mrs. Weasley's dismay, Ron had given Harry an assortment of Skiving Snackboxes from Fred and George's joke shop. They included Puking Pastilles, Fainting Fancies, and, one of their newest inventions, Rampaging Rashes. According to Ron, Rampaging Rashes caused sickle-sized bumps to pop up all over the skin, and if left long enough, would actually jump to another person's skin.
Harry picked up the last present, which was from Ginny. He looked over at her and smiled. He didn't usually exchange gifts with her, but knew that their friendship had grown much stronger since the end of the school term.
Ginny smiled at Harry weakly. She had pulled her knees into her chest and was looking at Harry nervously.
Harry turned to the present, his curiosity piqued by her behaviour. He tore the paper off and saw that it was a picture frame. He turned it over and looked at the photograph she had inserted. Grinning up at him was Sirius with his arm draped casually over Harry's shoulder. Harry had completely forgotten about posing for this picture. It had been Christmas last year. Sirius had been walking through the house singing Christmas carols, thrilled at having everyone there for the holiday. It was one of Harry's happiest memories with Sirius.
A huge lump formed in Harry's throat as he stared at the picture. He looked over at Ginny, who was still looking at him apprehensively. She was obviously worried that he didn't like the gift.
"Ginny…" he said gruffly, having trouble getting his voice to work. She stared at him. "Ginny…it's perfect."
Ginny's face broke into a relieved smile. "Really?"
Harry smiled and nodded. He glanced around the room and noticed everyone craning their necks to try and see what Ginny had given him. Evidently, she hadn't shown it to anyone else.
"It's a picture of Sirius and me," Harry said, holding the picture up. "From last Christmas."
Harry smiled at Ginny, who grinned back shyly.
"Well," Mr. Weasley said, clapping his hands together. "That just leaves one present left."
Harry looked at Mr. Weasley confused, knowing that Ginny's was the last present from the pile.
Ron stood up, faced Harry, and pulled out several small pieces of paper from his back pocket. Ron cleared his throat and read from a piece of parchment. "On behalf of Fred and George, I would like to invite you to a day of fun and games. No cleaning. No Occlumency. Just pure, outlandish, ridiculous fun."
Harry stared at Ron blankly. Ron grinned and shoved one of the pieces of paper into Harry's hand. It read:
Admit one
Day Pass
Starlight Amusement Centre
Rides - unlimitedHarry's mouth dropped open. "Starlight Amusement Centre?"
Ron nodded excitedly. "It's a Muggle amusement park. They've got all kinds of weird things called rolly coasties. Fred and George have told us all about them."
"Roller coasters," Harry said smiling widely, his heart pounding with excitement. "Are you serious? We're going?"
Harry looked around the room and saw one smiling face after another, until he met Mrs. Weasley's face. She was sitting and staring at the floor with her arms crossed. The smile faded from Harry's face.
"Mrs. Weasley?" Harry said tentatively.
Mrs. Weasley brought her eyes up to Harry's momentarily. They were filled with worry. She returned her gaze to the floor.
"Yes, Harry. You're really going."
Harry stared at Mrs. Weasley. Mr. Weasley walked over and put a hand on her shoulder. "It's going to be fine, Molly," he reassured her. She nodded slightly.
"Okay, Harry. We need to go over a few things before we go," Remus said seriously.
Harry nodded. "Okay."
"We want the four of you to have fun, first and foremost," Remus said, nodding his head toward Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. "However, we still need to take precautions."
"Remus and I will be shadowing you throughout the day," Tonks continued, very business-like. "You shouldn't even notice us, but keep in mind that we're there."
"Moody and I will be making continuous rounds of the park," Mr. Weasley added. "If we notice anything suspicious, we'll be by to collect you and bring you home immediately. We'll each be carrying an emergency Portkey."
Harry swallowed and nodded. His excitement was fading as a sense of foreboding overtook him.
Remus seemed to notice the change in Harry. "Harry, we wouldn't have agreed to this if we had any reason to believe it wasn't safe."
Harry nodded and glanced at his friends. They seemed to be holding their breaths, waiting for his response. Harry looked down at the ticket in his hand. A day away from Grimmauld Place with my friends. The excitement started to build again.
"When do we leave?" Harry asked grinning.
"Straight away," Mr. Weasley said. "All right everyone, time to get ready."
Harry gathered up his birthday presents and followed Ron to their bedroom. He tossed everything on his bed and turned to Ron.
"I can't believe it!"
Ron grinned. "Believe it, mate! When Fred and George told me their idea, I thought there was no way we'd ever be able to go."
"How did you manage it?" Harry asked.
"Well, it took a bit of time. Of course, Fred and George told Ginny and me about it first, and well, we thought it was bloody brilliant! When we told Hermione, she was skeptical, at first. But once Remus agreed to it, she was better."
"How did you convince Remus?"
"He was actually pretty good about it. When we asked him, Fred and George were able to give a lot of details. They've gone there a few times since they left school, so they knew how big the place was and how many people are usually there. Remus had a lot of questions, but Fred and George were prepared."
"Wow. I really owe them one," Harry said, once again amazed at the twins' abilities. "What about your parents?"
"Well, obviously Mum's still not too keen on the idea," Ron said ruefully. "But, you know my dad. All we had to say was 'Muggle games' and it was a done deal. Of course, then Mum knew she wasn't going to win the argument."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "I wish your mum didn't worry so much."
"Yeah, it's a bit of a drag," Ron replied, looking at his reflection in the mirror. He ran his fingers through his hair distractedly. "You ready to go?"
"Yeah," Harry said, pulling on his shoes and grinning. He followed Ron downstairs where Remus and Tonks were waiting. They were both dressed in jeans and t-shirts, trying their best to look like Muggles. Hermione and Ginny came down a few moments later, also dressed in Muggle attire. Mr. Weasley, however, had to be sent back to his bedroom three times, as he had more difficulty with the nuances of Muggle clothing.
"Honestly, Dad, you're hopeless!" Ginny exclaimed, pulling Mr. Weasley up the stairs after his third attempt. He was wearing a kilt and a bright flowered shirt with ruffles.
Ginny and Mr. Weasley returned, having found Mr. Weasley a pair of tan pants and a blue shirt. Mr. Weasley grinned sheepishly.
"Are you on your way, then?" Mrs. Weasley asked from the doorway leading to the kitchen. Worry was etching new lines on her face.
"Yes, I believe we're all set," Mr. Weasley answered, walking over to her and embracing her. "We'll be fine, Molly."
Mrs. Weasley forced herself to smile. "Have fun kids, and Harry, happy birthday."
Harry smiled. "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley."
Remus tapped the door with his wand and the numerous locks and chains unlocked themselves. The group followed Remus through the door and stood on the front steps, blinking in the bright sunshine. Most of them had been locked inside the house for several weeks, and the brightness was a startling contrast to the dark house.
With the help of Harry and Hermione, the group traveled on a series of underground trains. As usual, Mr. Weasley was bursting with excitement.
"Simply fabulous!" he beamed, as they stepped off the last train, and he turned to watch it leave. He turned back to the group. "All right. I'll go on ahead, and the rest of you follow in a few minutes."
They watched Mr. Weasley walk away and up the stairs leading to the street above. The amusement park was only a short walk away.
Ten minutes later, Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione were walking through the front gates, their eyes wide in amazement. Harry had seen amusement parks on Muggle television, but he had never been to one. He could not believe the size of the place, the height of the rides, or the number of people that were there.
"I can't believe the stuff that Muggles come up with!" Ron exclaimed, his eyes scanning everything in sight.
"I'd have to agree with you, Ron," Hermione said, arching an eyebrow. "It's amazing that people go through all this trouble just to scare themselves silly." Even though Hermione was Muggle-born, it was clear that amusement parks were not her thing.
"You're not scared of the rides, are you Hermione?" Harry teased.
Hermione flushed slightly. "Of course not."
"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Ginny asked grinning. "Let's go!" She looped her arm through Hermione's and marched off to pick out a ride. She stopped in front of the roller coaster that seemed to have the longest line of people waiting to get on.
"This one must be good. Look at all the people!" Ginny said excitedly, pulling Hermione with her to stand in line. Ron and Harry had followed them, grinning at the look of horror on Hermione's face. She was staring up at the twisted track of the roller coaster, watching the cars speed by and listening to the people scream as the cars went through a series of loops.
Hermione returned her gaze to her friends, her face slightly pale. "Looks great," she said weakly.
They watched the ride go through several times before it was their turn to get on. They were seated in pairs: Ginny with Hermione and Harry with Ron. The ride operator came by to check that they were strapped in properly.
"Harry," Ron said, his voice cracking slightly. "This is safe, right?"
Harry grinned at his friend "You're not scared, are you?"
Ron shot Harry a quick glance, and then gripped the front of their car as it jerked into motion. They began a slow ascent, taking them high into the sky. The cars eventually leveled out, and then stopped. Harry and Ron looked at each other and then screamed as the car jerked forward and plunged down along the track. Harry was amazed at the speed of the ride. He screamed and laughed as the ride took them upside down and up and down. He felt alive as the sun shone on his face and the warm wind whipped through his hair. In no time at all, the cars were slowing down to let the passengers off on the platform.
Ron and Harry jumped out, grinning from ear to ear.
"That was brilliant!" Ron exclaimed.
Ginny and Hermione emerged from the car in front of them. Ginny's face was flushed and her eyes were sparkling. Hermione laughed softly. "I have to admit…that wasn't that bad."
Ginny nudged her, laughing, "You had your eyes shut the entire time!"
Hermione shrugged.
"Come on," Harry said. "Let's go try another one."
And so they went from ride to ride, making sure to try the highest and fastest rides they could find. They laughed and teased each other, completely carefree. Harry could not remember ever having so much fun.
"Thanks again," Harry said smiling at his friends several hours later. "I don't think I could have had a better day."
Ron grinned. "No need to thank us, mate. We're having just as much fun as you."
Hermione reached over and squeezed Harry's hand. "It's so great to see you having fun, Harry."
Harry grinned, feeling like nothing could ruin this day. "Should we get something to eat?"
"Good idea!" Ron said, rubbing his stomach. "I'm starving!"
"Honestly, Ron," Hermione said rolling her eyes. "Is there ever a time when you're not starving?"
Ron grinned. "No. Not really."
They walked over to a section of the park where several food vendors had shops set up. After choosing from a selection of greasy food, they sat down at a table shaded by a large tree. They sat down, famished from the day's activities so far.
"I think we should wait a bit before going back on any rides," Hermione said after cleaning off her plate.
"I agree," Harry said, patting his full stomach.
"Whashuwedoo?" Ron asked, still plowing his way through the food on his plate.
Hermione wrinkled her nose at Ron. "Must you be so disgusting?"
Ron stared at her. "Wha d'I do?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. Ginny caught Harry's eye and turned away to stifle her giggle.
"We could walk through the games section," Harry said, answering what he thought to be Ron's question.
"What kind of games?" Ginny asked.
"Oh, probably darts. Ring toss. That sort of thing," Harry replied.
Ron and Ginny stared at him blankly.
Harry laughed. "Why don't we go check them out?"
Ron patted his belly. "Sounds good."
They walked through the games, stopping every now and then to give one a try. Ginny had been particularly good at popping balloons with darts, winning herself a fairly large stuffed toy. She chose a bright green dragon and immediately named it Norbert.
Ron had laughed hysterically at a game where he had to shoot a jet of water into the mouth of a clown so that the clown's hat would race up a pole. He tried five times and never won, but continued laughing at the absurdity of the game.
The sun had set, and a slight chill crept into the air. Ginny had suggested they try a few more rides before they headed to the park where they were to meet up with Remus and Tonks.
"Okay, but I don't think I'm up for another roller coaster," Hermione said apprehensively.
"How about that big round thing?" Ginny said, pointing over Hermione's shoulder.
"The Ferris Wheel? Sure," Hermione said, grabbing Ron's hand and leading him over to the ride.
Ginny grinned at Harry as they followed Ron and Hermione to the ride. Harry and Ginny waited as Ron and Hermione settled into their seats. Then the huge wheel turned, lowering an empty seat for Harry and Ginny to climb into. Harry noticed the ride operator's eyes pause on Harry's scar as he fastened the lock on their seat. He was used to wizards staring at his scar and thought it odd for a Muggle, but brushed it off.
The wheel turned and stopped again, letting on more passengers. Finally, the wheel began its constant turn, raising Harry and Ginny to the top of the huge wheel.
"It's beautiful up here," Ginny breathed, taking in the view.
Harry nodded. All of the rides were now lit up as the darkening sky enveloped them. The city lights stretched away on all sides of the park, sparkling brightly. Harry felt Ginny shiver beside him.
"Are you cold?" he asked.
Ginny, who still held her stuffed dragon in her arms, grinned. "Too bad Norbert's not a real dragon. He could light a little fire for us."
Harry smiled at her, noticing how the lights of the park seemed to dance in her eyes. "I could warm you up."
Ginny's mouth dropped open and her eyebrows rose.
Harry, realizing what he just said, felt his cheeks burning. "I mean… I didn't mean..." he stammered.
Ginny's eyes sparkled. "Mr. Potter, I do believe you are blushing!" she teased.
Harry swallowed hard, searching frantically for something to say.
"Don't worry, Harry," Ginny said smiling. "I know you didn't mean anything by it." She lifted his arm that was nearest her and placed it around her shoulders. She snuggled into him and said, "I am quite cold, though."
Harry relaxed back in his seat, glad that Ginny had not taken what he said the wrong way.
"Did you have fun today, Harry?" Ginny asked, staring out over the lights glittering below.
"Couldn't you tell?" he asked, grinning.
She smiled. "As soon as Fred and George suggested this, I just knew we had to find a way to make it work."
"I don't think I'll ever be able to thank them enough," Harry said.
They sat silent for the rest of the ride. Harry enjoyed the peacefulness of the ride. It was a good way to end the day.
When Harry and Ginny stepped off the ride, they found Ron and Hermione waiting for them. They were both smiling at them quizzically.
"What?" Harry asked, as Ron and Hermione continued staring at Ginny and him.
"You two looked awfully cozy on that ride," Hermione said, grinning.
Harry stuck his hands in his pockets and looked at Ginny.
"Oh honestly!" Ginny said. "First of all, I was freezing up there. Second of all, you seem to be forgetting about Dean – my boyfriend!"
"Right," Ron said, unconvinced.
"Just because you're a complete idiot, Ron, does not mean that Harry doesn't know how to be a gentleman!" Ginny retorted. To prove her point, Ginny slipped her arm through Harry's arm, and marched away from Ron and Hermione.
Harry looked back at Ron and Hermione and shrugged his shoulders as Ginny steered him through the crowd. Ginny led them to a large grassed area where people seemed to be gathering.
"What's going on?" Ron asked, glancing at the crowd. "Why is everyone standing around?"
"They're here to watch the fireworks," Hermione said knowingly.
"Fireworks?" Ron asked, smiling.
"Yes, the park puts on a fireworks display every night.'' Hermione answered. "Of course, they're not much compared to wizarding fireworks, but they are quite pretty."
"Should we stay and watch them?" Ginny asked.
"I don't see why not," came Remus's voice from behind them.
They turned around to see Remus and Tonks smiling at them.
"Why don't we find a place to sit down?" Remus continued. "That is, if the four of you aren't too embarrassed to be seen with us old folks."
"Who are you calling old?" Tonks asked grinning. "Come on, I see a good spot."
She led the group to an open area, not too far from the walkway leading out of the park. "Have a seat," she said to Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny. She turned to Remus and said, "Arthur and Moody should be able to see us from here."
Remus nodded and looked around. His eyes met Harry's. "Enjoy your day?" Remus asked.
Harry smiled. "It was excellent."
"I'm glad," Remus replied, smiling. "Go on Harry. Sit down. The fireworks should start shortly."
Harry turned and sat down on the grass with Ginny, Hermione, and Ron. The grass was cold and Harry could feel the dampness of the night on it. He noticed how close Ron and Hermione were sitting and thought about making a remark to get back at them for what they had said earlier. However, something told him not to say anything.
He looked at Ginny, who was sitting cross-legged with her arms wrapped tightly around Norbert. She was shivering. He slid closer to her and put his arm around her shoulders, rubbing his hand up and down her arm to warm her up.
"Thanks, Harry," she said smiling, and then shooting a glare at Ron. However, her look was lost on Ron as he was listening intently to something Hermione was saying. Ginny grinned at Harry. "Look who's getting cozy now," she whispered.
Harry smiled, although he felt slightly odd at the sight of his two best friends.
"I hope it's not too much longer," Ginny said, still shivering. "I really should have brought a sweater."
"We don't have to stay." Harry said.
"Yes we do," Ginny insisted grinning and nudging Harry in the ribs. "What's a birthday without some fireworks?"
Harry could have sworn his stomach just did a back flip, but he pushed the feeling away. I've been on one too many roller coasters, he thought, shaking his head.
A loud popping noise made Harry and Ginny jump. They both looked up and saw a single red firework spread itself across the sky. It was soon followed by a series of blue, white, and green bursts as the fireworks lit up the sky. It was true, these fireworks didn't compare to wizarding fireworks, but everyone enjoyed them nevertheless. They gazed at the sky, watching the bursts of light explode, and then fade like raindrops to the ground. After several minutes, the fireworks ended with a rapid succession of brilliant bursts, earning applause from the crowd.
Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione pushed themselves off the ground and turned to Remus and Tonks.
Tonks grinned. "That was beautiful!"
Remus nodded. "Not bad for M—"
CRACK!Harry's eardrums felt like they had burst. He felt the ground shake under his feet.
CRACK!Harry's hands flew to his ears and he looked around frantically, trying to find the source of the noise. Harry's eyes widened as he saw flames leap into the sky from the other side of the park.
CRACK!Another deafening explosion filled the air. People were screaming and running in all directions.
"Get down!" Remus yelled, pushing on Harry and Ginny, as Tonks pushed Ron and Hermione to the ground.
Harry threw himself on top of Ginny, shielding her from the stampede of people running from the park. Harry looked up and tried to see through the haze of dust and smoke that was forming. There were people everywhere. Most were running toward the park entrance. Others seemed frozen in shock, clinging to their loved ones in horror. Harry turned his head and saw Remus and Tonks squatting nearby, their wands drawn and their eyes scanning the area around them.
Remus ran over to Harry and Ginny. "Quickly! Get up! We'll use the Portkey!"
Harry pushed himself up and pulled Ginny to her feet. He looked at Ron and Hermione. Ron's face was white and his eyes were wide with shock. Hermione's eyes were glistening and she was clutching Ron's arm.
CRACK!The explosions were getting closer.
BANG!A bright emerald green light burst from the other side of the park. They turned to look at it and stared, as the light seemed to be forming itself into letters. The figures gracefully rose into the sky.
Harry heard Ginny gasp beside him. His heart stopped. He wasn't breathing. He couldn't move.
In bright green letters, flanked on its sides by the Dark Mark, was a message: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARRY
A/N: Thanks to my amazing beta, TheGiantSquid, for putting up with my same mistakes over and over again! You rock!