The following morning, at precisely nine o'clock, Harry levitated his trunk carefully behind him and headed out of the castle and across the grounds. Once he was far enough away, he grabbed hold of his trunk and Disapparated. By now he was used to the few seconds of not being able to breathe, and could more or less flawlessly arrive at any of his usual destinations. He had never officially passed his Apparition exam and gotten a license, but at this point nobody really questioned what Harry Potter was and wasn't allowed to do.

As he hit solid ground, he ended up in the front yard just outside of the Burrow. The Weasley family had shrunk their protective boundaries significantly down after the war was over. Smoothly levitating his trunk again, he habitually checked the watch he had taken to wearing to make sure he was as close to nine-thirty as possible. Sighing as he looked at the multiple hands swirling around what looked like planet shapes on the gold face, Harry was reminded for the umpteenth time that the watch he had been gifted the previous year didn't really seem to tell the time. He liked it, though, as it reminded him of how generous his more-or-less-adoptive family had always been to him. He had been too hesitant to wear or carry the watch while he was hunting Horcruxes, but now that things had settled he put it on every day and only took it off to bathe or play Quidditch. He made a mental note to finally ask how it worked.

Approaching the door, Harry saw Mrs. Weasley through the kitchen window. When she noticed him, she jumped up happily. Harry could hear her shout to everyone in the house that he was here, and ran out the door to hug him.

"Hello Harry, dear," she said as she wrapped her arms tightly around him.

"Hi Mrs. Weasley," Harry happily replied.

When she let him go, she ushered him into the house rather quickly, where he was greeted by six people at once. He was rather relieved that they had already gotten well past the point of breaking the news about his split with Ginny. It had occurred a few weeks ago, well into the reparations of the castle, and they pair had brought it up very gently with the Weasley family. They at first seemed anxious, constantly watching the interactions between the now-exes with great interest and concern. After seeing nothing but good-natured exchanges, however, they came to believe that wanting different things and time for themselves really was the truth and not just a cover-up to avoid admitting they were hurt.

Harry considered himself lucky in this regard. It was an overwhelming relief when he heard the Weasleys still wanted to have Harry for his birthday, regardless of their loss of Fred during the Battle, his breakup with their only daughter, and him having kept Ron on a life-threatening mission he didn't explain to anyone for the better part of a year.

Now, though, as he was bombarded with warm welcomes from the entire red-haired crew, Harry secretly pinched his arm in an attempt to reassure himself this really was his life. Even Percy greeted him warmly this time, having smoothed things over with his family by admitting his mistreatment of everyone months before. Harry didn't see the point of holding it against him, as it had been a trying few years for everyone. He vaguely noticed Bill missing, but assumed the older boy would arrive with Fleur the day-of. Charlie had gone back to work in Romania after all, so would be absent from the festivities.

Hermione came down the stairs when the noise settled, and Harry was almost surprised to see her there so early.

"Hermione!" Harry exclaimed, walking over to give her a brief hug. "Found your parents alright, then?"

The reason Harry was impressed with her presence was because Hermione had decided to go immediately to Australia when she was done helping repair the castle. She had sent her parents there one year prior, before setting off with Harry on the mission everyone thought they may never come back from.

"Hermione, dear," Mrs. Weasley cut in as Hermione began to nod at Harry. "Why don't you tell us all about your trip to Australia while we eat breakfast? I would love to hear everything."

A chorus of agreement rang throughout the kitchen and living room, as apparently only Ron had some vague knowledge of what had happened on Hermione's trip. Hermione smiled and happily agreed to tell them all later.

"She just got in last night," Ron clarified as he joined Hermione and Harry where they were standing.

"Harry!" George called suddenly, waving him over to where he was sitting on a couch in the living room.

The three of them moved over to join George in the living room and as they sat down, George gave Harry a mischievous smile.

"Are you ready for tomorrow, then, Harry?" He asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"For my birthday?" Harry asked, curious why his birthday was suddenly something he had to be ready for.

George raised one eyebrow dramatically, the asymmetry making him look even funnier when added to the asymmetry of his ears. Or- more precisely- ear.

"You didn't tell him," George accused Ron.

"He hasn't been here until now, has he!" Ron exclaimed defensively.

Mrs. Weasley heard the exchange and called back to them as she set the kettle to boil, "Oh, I'll explain it all! Harry, would you come over here?"

Harry, bursting with curiosity, headed over to the kitchen counter where his practically-mother was standing. The older woman cracked eggs into a pan that scrambled them itself, and started out the front door. Harry followed, and Mrs. Weasley seemed excited but hesitant to reveal whatever it was Harry was about to find out.

"Well dear," she began, "I don't want you to worry but… As you know, the whole wizarding world looks up to you an awful lot these days."

She gave Harry a reassuring smile, and continued on to the back garden. Harry was mildly anxious to see where this was going, hoping that his birthday wouldn't be completely ignored.

"Not to mention, the weather tomorrow is supposed to be splendid," she continued. "As beautiful a fall day as there ever was. Perfect for a big outdoor birthday party for you…"

At this point, they turned around the house and behind the garden Harry could see a long table running along the length of the trees that stood at the end of the Weasley's property. Filling all the space between where they stood and those trees in the back were even more tables; low, large tables with chairs in the center of the yard, and taller, small tables for standing with drinks around the outside. Nothing had been placed upon the tables yet, but Harry could sense the grand plans that were in store for the place the following day. Harry even noticed what seemed to be a small, elevated stage off to the right hand side of the setup, near the flowers in the garden. All in all, it looked ready to host hundreds.

Clearing her throat and looking at Harry apprehensively, Mrs. Weasley clarified.

"See," she began again, "there are so many people who want to see you now that everything is settled and we are all quite alright again. I must have had about a hundred owls from people who guessed you'd be here for your birthday again, asking if they could stop by and say hello."

Harry nodded, not quite sure what to say.

"Of course, we'll decorate everything red and gold, perhaps a bit of orange in there. Gryffindor colors, but with a dash of the coming fall. It'll look just splendid out here!"

Harry smiled softly, for the most part very happy and flattered by the efforts that had clearly been made for him. He would love the chance to get to see everyone who had fought alongside him, especially for his birthday. However, he did have one huge hesitation- the same one that had left him happy to be alone at Hogwarts. As if she could read Harry's fears right from his expression, Mrs. Weasley quickly reassured him.

"Don't worry, dear," she said gently. "I have made it more than clear to everyone coming that there is to be absolutely no talk of anyone who has passed away, and under no circumstances may they ask you 'how you did it' or 'what exactly you were up to last year.' We won't allow it, no. Not on your birthday. Arthur and I have already told the kids to keep an ear out for it, and not to be kind about it if they overhear anything of the sort."

Harry looked away from the setup and towards Mrs. Weasley as she spoke, relief flooding through him far more strongly than he imagined it would at her words. Harry smiled brighter now, suddenly much more excited that he would ever have imagined being for his own birthday. Apparently content to see Harry happy at the news, she gave him another small hug. Tucking her arm through his, she lead him back inside.

"We are very glad to have you back," Harry heard her say quietly as they reentered the house.

Breakfast was, as always, wonderful.

Hermione's story about tracking down her parents and convincing them she was their daughter had everyone listening intently the entire time. Apparently her parents had settled down in the coastal town, Broome. There, Hermione had charmed them into agreeing to sit down with her for a coffee, telling them she had something very important she would love to discuss. After they had placed their orders at the café, she told them she was really their daughter. Quickly uncomfortable, they had stood up to leave almost right away, and Hermione immediately reversed the spell she had placed them under. Naturally, her parents had sunk back down into their seats and asked her to explain everything, already emotional as the memories rushed back. Two days and many hugs and tears later, Hermione had managed to explain everything she had been through in the past year to them.

Harry was happy to hear that they had forgiven her right away, even if they had been incredibly hurt knowing she took memories of their daughter away from them. Nobody at the table had a dry eye as Hermione cried through her explanation of how firmly her parents had insisted that she was the best thing to ever happen to them, and said they would gladly spend the rest of their lives living with the pain of her absence and risking their death rather than living happily not remembering her. Nobody was surprised when Mrs. Weasley broke down and managed to choke out her agreement with Hermione's parents through her sobs.

Somehow, despite the fact that the conversation was full of crying and had everyone's emotions running high, it was one of the happiest gatherings Harry had ever been a part of. Ron hadn't stopped holding Hermione's hand the entire two hours she spent telling her story, even as they moved from the dining room table to the living room, and had occasionally wiped some tears away from her eyes. Harry felt that everyone could now embrace the pain of the past, and let it remind them that they were all here, safe, together. At last.

Hermione had concluded her story by mentioning that her parents had decided to keep living in Australia, as they genuinely enjoyed the change of pace.

"And…" she added, her voice polite and tentative. "They've said they would love to meet Ron, if it would be alright that he comes to Australia with me after Harry's birthday week. I spoke quite a lot about him…"

Hermione blushed and looked away, face getting redder by the second.

"You too, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, if you'd like to come."

By this point, Ron was frozen in place on the couch, looking from Hermione to his parents as though he were about to be hit by a train. Harry, George, and Ginny laughed out loud at his reaction, and even Percy grinned.

Harry didn't feel bothered at all about being left out of the offer, as sure as he was that Hermione's parents were great, because he did understand that Ron was her boyfriend. Things were different now; it would take away a level of privacy and seriousness if Harry went. Not to mention, quite frankly, he had had enough adventure for the time being. Australia wasn't going anywhere, and this was his last year to enjoy Hogwarts being his home.

"Well," Mr. Weasley exclaimed softly. "That is very kind of you, Hermione!"

"It is," Mrs. Weasley agreed, "very kind indeed. Unfortunately, though, we have just about reached our limits financially." As she admitted it, she glanced out the back window to where the elaborate setup for Harry's birthday was hidden from view.

Catching her glance, Harry immediately felt guilty. He also noticed Hermione slowly nodding her understanding, and Ron's expression deflating. It seemed rather like Ron had, for perhaps the thousandth time, accepted that he was simply too poor to have the things he desperately wanted. Harry couldn't take it. Every instance of the Weasley's kindness came rushing back to him, and the regret at never feeling able to repay them seemed to hurt his chest. The pain in his chest made his mind flit back to the moment the day before in which he had had a rather large bag of coins thrown at him by a blond-haired Slytherin boy.

Harry stood up abruptly, causing his chair to scrape loudly against the floor.

"Wait," he said firmly, "I'll be right back."

He raced up the stairs to Ron's bedroom, where he assumed his trunk had been placed. Sure enough, it was there, and Harry threw it open to shove his hand in among his half-folded clothes. Eventually, he felt the soft silk and pulled the pouch out. Running back down as quickly as he could, he stood in front the small wooden table in the center of the living room facing the family, and extended his arm to show the pouch off.

"Here," he said, shaking it lightly so it jingled. "I want you to take this. I have no idea how much is in here, but I hope it's enough to help."

He leveled everyone with as serious a look as he could, particularly focused on the couch being shared by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Taking a few steps over toward them he held it out to the couple.

"Harry…" Mr. Weasley said, sounding almost as though he didn't want the boy to end up in trouble.

Harry refused to move or withdraw his hand. Silence fell again, and was only broken when Ron decided to ask a burning question.

"How do you not know how much is in there?"

Harry reluctantly turned to face Ron and Hermione, who both seemed to be watching him as though they couldn't believe what was happening and couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

"It…" Harry sighed, deciding to be moderately truthful, "was thrown at me."

George exploded with laughter.

"Thrown at you?" He exclaimed through his gasps.

Harry grinned, suddenly fully aware of how stupid it sounded.

"Yeah, honest, it was thrown at me. Hit me smack in the chest."

"By who?" Hermione asked, sounding both amazed and concerned.

Harry hesitated, and simply settled on shrugging.

"A fan, I guess."

The rest of the Weasleys chucked lightly and shook their heads at the nonsense of it all.

"Harry," Mrs. Weasley attempted. "We really appreciate it, but we can't accept."

Mr. Weasley nodded his agreement.

"Very kind of you though," he added.

The raven-haired boy shook his head resolutely.

"I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," he said, truly apologetic for making them uncomfortable. "But, honestly, I'm not taking no for an answer this time."

The pair exchanged a worried glance, and Mrs. Weasley eventually placed a hand on her husband's arm to let him know she would handle the conversation.

"I understand how you're feeling, dear," she reassured him. "But you are on your own, financially."

"For what, a year? Then I'll have a job waiting for me," Harry quickly replied, "With my entire inheritance from my parents, plus everything Sirius owned. Including a house, which I can definitely move into- it'll be close to the Ministry and Kreacher will be looking after everything for me."

For a moment, it seemed as though the argument had convinced everyone. As Mrs. Weasley contemplated how next to attempt a refusal, her husband joined in.

"Son," he addressed Harry kindly. "You've saved so many of the lives sitting here. At least half of us own you more than we can repay. We can't take this on top of that."

Mrs. Weasley nodded vigorously, as though nothing in the world made more sense. Harry sighed in frustration, having known this argument would once again be presented. He took a deep breath to quell any anger he felt before speaking again, though he wasn't quite successful.

"As if it doesn't count as repaying me, that you were the first family I ever knew!" he began hotly, feeling a long-suppressed passion rising as he spoke. He felt his face getting red, but forced himself to try and look each person in the eyes as he spoke.

"As if it doesn't count that the first time I got a Christmas gift was when you knitted me a sweater, Mrs. Weasley! Like it doesn't matter that Ron was the first friend I ever had, seven years ago. You've only included me in every family occasion since I was eleven, when seven of your own children took enough to support! No big deal that you've all blindly trusted me with your lives and never held a single thing against me. Never mind that almost every one of you once pretended to be me and got chased across the country by loads of murderers just so I could get here safely! And who cares if not one of you didn't show up to the Battle to keep me safe while I ran around looking for a Horcrux. Why would it matter if George lost an ear, Bill got badly scarred, Fred died, Hermione was tortured, and Ron was dragged about on a death mission with us for almost a year and saved me from drowning?!" Harry could barely see the family through the tears welling in his eyes. He felt a few drops hit his cheeks as he paused for a moment and took a shaky breath. Trying to control his breathing and hoping he hadn't seriously offended anyone, he continued.

"Stop telling me I've saved anyone. Please, I can't take it anymore. We saved each other. And here I am, for a birthday that five months ago I didn't think I would even be alive to see. Because of you all."

Harry now felt a continuous stream of hot tears streaking down his face. He hadn't cried so hard in front of anyone in his entire life. He took a couple more gasping breaths, then offered one last time, praying it would be accepted.

"Please," he said, voice cracking. "Please take it. I don't think you understand what you've given me." He half-heartedly swung the hand in which he was holding the large pouch of money.

Eventually, Harry looked around at everyone, thoroughly embarrassed for having made a scene. Blinking away a few tears, he was able to see more clearly and noticed that everyone was silently crying. Not knowing what to do, he set his glasses down on the table he was standing in front of, and wiped his eyes with the hand not holding the silk bag. By the time he had lifted his head again, everyone was standing and quietly taking turns hugging Harry.

Hermione got there first, followed quickly by Ron. Mrs. Weasley was not far behind, nor was her husband, as they hugged him tightly at the same time. When they stepped away for space, Ginny, George, and even Percy followed suit. As each person stepped back, they quietly reassured him.

"We love you, Harry."

Harry wasn't sure if he had ever heard those words, explicitly, from anyone living in his entire life.

When everyone had sat back down, Mr. Weasley looked intently at his wife, who nodded and returned to Harry. Embracing him tightly one last time, she looked up at Harry before finally, gently, taking the pouch from his hand. His spirits immediately lifted, relieved that he hadn't simply offended them with his outburst, and he heard the rest of the family gasp as they watched her accept the money.

"Well now," she said cheerfully to lighten the mood. "Can't say no after that, I suppose. Let's see how much Harry's admirer threw at him, shall we?"

Harry finished drying his eyes, grinning broadly as he put his glasses back on, and shuffled over to the now empty seat by Mr. Weasley's side. He smiled as he saw the whole room lean forward, watching the little center table intently. Harry had to make an effort not to allow himself to associate Mrs. Weasley's last comment with Draco Malfoy.

Everyone watched carefully as she untied the drawstring, and tipped the contents of the admittedly heavy pouch out in front of her.

By the time the pouch had been shaken empty and the coins spread out, everyone had left their chairs and was huddled closely around the table on their knees.

"Bloody Hell," Ron all but shouted at the top of his lungs as he read the number engraved on each of the hundred-or-so coins spread across the table. "Harry! This must be almost two thousand galleons!"

The rest of his siblings murmured their agreement with Ron's estimation, and after a minute or so, Mr. Weasley spoke up.

"Two thousand, four hundred, and thirty-six, to my count."

The red-haired man exchanged a glance with his wife, who, despite being initially against accepting the money, was positively beaming with excitement.

"You lot better thank Harry," she said, barely able to contain herself. "It looks like we are all going to Australia!"

Hermione and Ginny shrieked in excitement, and the boys cheered almost as loudly as they had when Voldemort fell. Exclamations of thanks were coming from all around, and Mr. Weasley- who was still right beside Harry- thumped him hard on the back in appreciation.

AN: This was a long one! I'm sorry there wasn't more about Draco in this part, but there are a few context chapters I want to get squared away before diving into that dynamic. Besides, this is supposed to be as much about friends, family, and social dynamics as anything else!

Hope you enjoy a bit of wholesome sob-story background. I promise people won't be hugging and crying nearly so much from this point on.

Love y'all, stay safe