"Harry, when Dumbledore was still headmaster of Hogwarts, a prediction was made," Lily began. "While interviewing a possible Divination professor, Sibyl, that's her name, went into a trance. She rambled about a child who was born to parents who defied the Dark Lord three times. This couple would have a child born as the seventh month dies with the power to defeat the Dark Lord. Neither of these two men could live while the other survives."

"You're talking about me aren't you?"

"Yes, son, I'm afraid we are."

Silence. Harry stared at his parents. He was just a kid born to normal people who just happened to be hated by the most despised Dark Lord of history. Nothing more. He was just Harry.

But Lily and James Potter were not normal. James was the head of the auror division at the Ministry of Magic. Lily researched charms and possible strategies and spells that could be used to beat Voldemort. Maybe his parents were special. But, surely they didn't give birth to a son that was destined to save the magical world.

Or did they? Harry looked at his father's wand. It had been used to save the lives of those in danger. His gaze slowly fell then upon the wand of his mother. She had experimented with magic that could help provide safety for hundreds of families. Had their combined talents produced a son who could provide safety to the whole wizarding world?

"I don't understand," Harry finally acquiesced, thereby breaking the silence.

"I'm not surprised," James replied. "Your mother and I didn't want to tell you for another few years, but your Uncle Remus insisted you know before you go to Hogwarts."

"That's not it, dad. I don't understand why you didn't tell me earlier. Why would you hide something from me?"

"We were trying to give you a normal childhood. Would you have wanted to grow up with a burden hanging over your head that you would either have to kill or be killed.?"

"No, but I wouldn't have had to figure out how to deal with this now."

"Son, that's life. It's not fair. I'm sorry you had to learn about it this way."

"I'm going flying."

"Harry, turn around and look at me." It was the first time Lily had spoken since Harry had learned about his destiny. Your father and I will be at Hogwarts this year. Your going to need some help if this war is ever going to end."

"Fine, mum. Can I go now?"

"Sure," his mother replied. When Harry was out of hearing distance, "James, what are we going to do about this?"

"Get through it like we've always done. He'll come around soon Lils. He has to."

Sighing, Lily rested her back upon James's chest. Her breathing became steady as she fell into a gentle sleep.

"Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Harry. Happy birthday to you."

"Make a wish and blow out the candles!"

"Lily, you know that's a muggle tradition."

"Yes, James, and I was raised a muggle until I was eleven."

"Oh yeah," the auror said with a dazed expression on his face.

"James, stop trying to get me to make out with you. Our son is present in the room."

"Eew, mum, do you have to talk that way?" It was obvious that the couple were still lovesick teenagers that had never grown up. Perhaps, that's how the family had managed to stay together for so many years.

"Harry, you're fighting a losing battle. I suggest you open my present instead," Sirius interrupted. As far as Harry was concerned, his Uncle Padfoot could get him to do anything. He was a hero if there ever was one.

Exiting his reverie, Harry began to tear open his many gifts. The child was far from wanting by any means. Yet, somehow, he was also not spoiled.

"Wow, thanks Sirius." In his hands, Harry bore an ape-sized package of Gambol and Japes joke-shop tricks.

"Sirius, now he's going to become like you and James, and I'm going to have to deal with him next year."

"Exactly why I gave it to him, Lils."

The gifts continued to come. From Sirius, Harry also received a Puddlemere United Qudditch Poster and a watch that informed him if he was ever in danger. Arabella Figg, Harry's godmother and Lily's best friend, had presented Harry with a pensieve.

"You'll need it next year when you have way too much homework."

"Is that a hint Aunt Bella?" Arabella taught Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts after Dumbledore had found the countercurse to Voldemort's evil act many years ago.

"Maybe."

"I'm glad someone has this kid's best interests at hand," Lily commented staring at Sirius.

"Anytime Lils."

The gifts continued to come. Remus gave a Harry a book titled The Pranking History of Britain and a miniature set of the Puddlemere United Quidditch Team. Peter presented Harry with a remembrall.

"Well, I guess it's my turn now. Open up, son."

Slowly taking the oddly shaped package from his dad, Harry couldn't even begin to guess what secrets it may contain.

"Wow! Thanks dad," Harry screamed as he threw his arms around his father. On the table in front of him lay a Nimbus 2000, the fastest broom ever made.

"James, you're spoiling him."

"Lily, it's his eleventh birthday, the second biggest milestone in a wizard's life."

"I give up. Sweetie, when you're out living on the streets because your father does not know how to treat you like a normal child, don't blame me."

"Okay, mum. Dad, when did you get this?"

"After you, your mum, and the Grangers left to go get dinner at Diagon Alley."

"Haha, and I thought that was for work.

"Apparently your father does more than he lets on," Lily teased. "I guess you saved the best for last."

"Wow!" thanks mum. Harry now had his own set of practice quidditch balls.

"I figured your old set was getting a bit shabby."

"Lily, don't ever tell me you don't spoil him."

"As you said, it's his eleventh birthday."