Last time, Jill re-entered the scene. The doctors informed her that, as long as she stays in her wheelchair, she could still complete the mission. Meanwhile, Hermione and Tecna attempted to hack into Virgil's computer. Virgil stopped Hermione from unknowingly activating the laptop's self-destruct device. Max then revealed the truth. The real reason why the Ramblers are involved was that Voldemort ordered the theft, and is now in possession of the Necronomicon. Max's orders are to retrieve the Necronomicon at all cost. On with the show!

Chapter 36: A Most Unexpected Surprise

So, no more secrets thought Harry. Several days have passed since Max promised not to keep anything from Harry and co. Jill and Virgil had revealed the Ramblers way of spying. Virgil showed Harry several metal spheres. "I call them 'watch-eyes,'" said Virgil. "Each one has it's own camera. They can travel at extremely fast speeds, and they have advanced camouflage systems, making them almost impossible to see." "Neat." Said Harry. "Neat?" asked Virgil, "Just neat?" "More like nifty." Said Hermione.

At this time, Harry and Ginny were coming back into the house after one of their long walks. "I've been thinking about us," said Harry, who had determined now was the time to give Ginny the promise ring he bought. "And I'd like to say," but Harry didn't get a chance to say what he was going to say, as Ron interrupted him. "Harry, Max wants a word with you." Damn thought Harry. "Well that's good," he said, "Because I have a few words to say to him. Where's Max?" "In the parlor." Answered Ron.

Harry followed Ron and Ginny back to the parlor. The first thing Harry noticed was that the lights were off. What's going on here? Thought Harry as the lights flashed on.

"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

My god, it is my birthday thought Harry. He ad forgotten what day it was with all that has happened. "You didn't." said Harry with a grin. "We did!" exclaimed Ron. For indeed, they had thrown Harry a surprise birthday party. What made it even more special was that now Harry was 17, a man in the Wizarding world. "This is your day, Potter," said Professor McGonigall, "Today, you come of age." "How do you feel?" asked Lupin. "Not much difference than I was at 16," said Harry, "But pretty good otherwise."

Cutting to the chase, we cut to after Harry cut's the cake (ha ha). We see Harry mingling among the gests, as we overhear their conversations. First up, Matt and Will: "My band, Cobalt Blue has opened for several big acts." Said Matt. "We've opened for 'The Red Hot Chili Peppers,' "Pearl Jam' and 'Maroon 5.' We're opening for 'Green Day' in the fall." "The best part of going out with a up and coming rock star," said Will, "is back stage access."

Next up, boastings of the blonds. "On Solaria," said Stella, "pink is the new black." "That may be on your world," said Cornelia, "But where I come from, green is the new black." "Green is so, green." Said Stella. "And pink is so pink."

Max, Caleb, Ron and Sky were comparing war wounds. "I got this during the final battle against Phobos." Said Caleb. He showed a long hook shaped abrasion on his left shoulder. "That's nothing," said Sky as he pulled up his shirt. There were several healed cuts on his back. "These I got from several rot monsters." Ron showed them several abrasions on his arms. "I got these when I touched a brain." "A human brain?" asked Sky. "A human brain." Answered Ron. "I've got all of you beat." Said Max as he pulled up the right side of his shirt. There was a large rough looking scar on his side. "This was when a demon tore out my appendix." "No way!" exclaimed Ron. "Way!" replied Max.

Meanwhile, Steve had managed to talk to Harry. "From what I here," said Steve to Harry, "You've got more money than you know what to do with." "I guess that's true." Replied Harry. "It's more than true." Said Ginny. "Well here's what I think you should do with all that money. Two words: Real Estate." "Real Estate?" asked Harry. "Have you seen interest rated on land a property? They're at the lowest they've been in ten years. It's a buyers market." "What you should do," interrupted Virgil, "Is invest in a couple up and coming products."

"You're so full of sh$t," said Steve, "Harry should invest in houses and property. Take me for example: I just bought a house in Belize." "Oh I always wanted to go there." said Laura. "Belize is a rather expensive city to live in." said Fay. "It's a country." said Virgil.

"Oh Harry, this came for you." She handed a small letter to Harry. It was from Bill.

Dear Harry,

First of all, Happy Birthday. Fleur and I just got back from Venice, it was wonderful. On a more important matter, whenever a witch or wizard comes of age, Gringotts determines how much said witch or wizard is worth. I'd thought I should be the one to tell you that you are worth: 17,359,906 Galleons, 12 Sickels and 21 Knuts. Hope you're having a good time. Say high to Ron and Ginny,

Bill

Harry read and reread the letter several times. "What does it say?" asked Steve. "Apparently," said Harry, "I'm a multi-millionaire."

Later, Harry had finally managed to get alone with Ginny. "Happy Birthday." Said Ginny as she kissed him. "I've got something for you," said Harry as he kissed her back. "Was that it?" asked Ginny. "That, and this." Harry pulled put the box he got at Diagon Alley and opened it. Ginny saw the ring with her birthstone in it. "It's a promise ring," said Harry, "So basically, we're engaged to be engaged." "It's beautiful!" exclaimed Ginny as she put the ring on her finger. "It is, but not as beautiful as you." The kissed again, long into the night. It was, indeed, the best birthday, Harry had ever had.

The end of chapter 36. Yes! The second act is done.! Next chapter, and the start of the final act, The Trix Warlocks return for more trouble. Will Fay avenge Jill's honor? Until then, please review and, see you next time!