Nothing Stays the Same Chapter 2: Birthday Wishes, Invitations, and Surprises, a harry potter fanfic

Nothing Stays the Same: A Year of Change

By jezebel

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything that might seem familiar

Reviews: Always appreciated

Author's not: Thank you to all that reviewed. As for the people who brought to my attention the correct dates, thank you, but I'm just going to keep the dates I came up with. They fit the story. I can't very well have any current events happen if he's not in school during the present time. Anyway, this is a long chapter. I just started writing and kept writing. I hope you like the letters and I hope they are in character. Now enjoy.

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Chapter Two: Birthday Wishes, Invitations, and Surprises

I watch the clock. The seconds tick down. 5…4…3…2…1… Happy Birthday to me. As soon as the clock strikes 12:00, six owls, one pitch-black raven, and a black cat with a letter tied around it's neck, fly or jump into my room. I recognize Hedwig, Errol (He's collapsed on the bed), Pig (currently zooming around the room. I use my seeker reflexes to catch him and quickly grab the attached letters.), a tawny owl (known as Angel and belongs to Remus and Sirius), and a school owl. I don't recognize the raven, cat, or the unfamiliar, important looking owl. Hedwig, Angel, and Errol wait as I collect the letters from the other animals. The raven, the cat, the school owl, and the other owl promptly fly or jump out the window into the night after I've relieved them of their loads.

I then approach the remaining owls. Hedwig nips my finger affectionately as I take the letter. Then I collect the letters from Errol and finally Angel, who flies with Hedwig to her cage for some water. I pick up the exhausted Errol and lay him on the desk. Pig is still flying around the room.

I open up Hedwig's letter first. It's from Hermione.

Dear Harry,

Happy Birthday! I hope those muggles are treating you better. Right now I'm at home with my parents. They felt that they hadn't seen me in a long time and we needed to bond. I guess I can understand their point of view.

I was planning on visiting Victor over the summer, but after countless letters from Ron threatening never to speak to me again, I decided not to go. I don't know what his problem is, but he better get over it soon. Honestly, you males can be really thick sometimes. Do you think you can mention it to him that we are just friends.

Anyway, I'm leaving to stay with the Weasleys on August 15. I do hope that Dumbledore lets you come too. I have got you a present, but I'll give it to you if you go to the Weasleys, or on the train to school.

If you can't come, Ron and I will be going to Diagon Ally on the 25. I need to refill my potions ingredients and get new robes. I've already gotten my books and read them all. Transfiguration is going to be harder this year and there are some more complex charms we'll be learning. Then of course we have the OWLs. I already have a study schedule set up for us, so don't worry. Remember, these tests decide our future in the wizarding world and we have to be prepared.

Okay, enough harping. Anyway, happy birthday and I hope to see you soon.

Love,

Hermione

P.S. I got my letter today, I've been made prefect. Can you believe it? I was so surprised. Hope that you receive one too, maybe then you'll stop breaking all the rules.

I smile as I read her letter. I can just imagine the schedules she's made up for us. Hopefully she scheduled some time for us to eat and have fun. As for her and Ron fighting about Victor Krum, well, I have a feeling that there are more than just friendly feelings between my two best friends. Could they be anymore obvious? I shake my head and open the next letter that's written in Ron's sloppy scrawl.

Happy Birthday Harry!

We've all been writing Dumbledore to see if you can stay with us, but no luck so far. Anyway, Hermione will be over on the 15. I managed to convince her not to go to Vicky's house. Honestly, I don't know what she sees in that ugly git. She deserves someone better, someone who can at least say her name. I don't know about you mate, but I'm worried about her. He's too old for her. She called me a pigheaded prat after I sent her a friendly letter warning her about Krum. So I threatened not to speak to her again, come on, she takes things so seriously, I mean, who else could I try to copy of homework from? Women!

Anyway, to more pressing matters, your present. Sorry mate, the overstuffed fir-ball couldn't carry it on his own and Errol had it's own delivery to make. I don't know where he was off to, but even if he did help Pig, your gift would end up in a tree somewhere. So you can get it when I see you next. Oh yeah, Hermione and me will be at Diagon Alley on the 25. Hope you can make it. What do you reckon that Hermione has already read and memorized our books for the year? I'm pretty sure she already has our entire year planned out. Studying, studying, go to class, and more studying. You'd think she might loosen up a bit. Anyway, gotta go. Happy birthday. Hope the Dursleys aren't being too big of prats. Oh, and have you heard from Snuffles lately?

Ron

Typical, he sends me a long letter and most of it's about Hermione. Can't they get a clue? I cautiously open the next letter that came from Pig when I notice it's from Fred and George. When nothing explodes or goes crazy, I open it the rest of the way. A short letter is on the paper and it looks like they took turns writing.

To our mysterious benefactor,

We've decided that since it's your birthday, we'd send you some samples of the products we've created so far

Hullo Harry, George here. Anyway, we were thinking that maybe you could do us a favor and test some of the products out.

Not on yourself of course

But on our favorite muggle,

Your whale of a cousin.

Dudley!

If you won't get in too much trouble that is.

If not we'll just try them out on Malfoy next year.

Anyway, happy birthday!

And cheer up; we're doing everything we can to convince Dumbledore to let you stay here.

Yeah, we even sent him some canary creams disguised as muggle treats.

Sincerely,

The Owners of WWW,

Gred and Forge.

I stare in shock at the parchment. They sent Dumbledore a canary cream. I think about offering Dudley some candy, but I quickly forget about it. The Dursleys have been even more horrid then usual and I really don't fancy having to deal with the consequences. I open the package from the twins and check out their creations. I grin madly and my spirits brighten as I see one particular item: Bouncing Ferret Bubble Gum. I immediately picture Malfoy and stifle a laugh. I reach for the next letter and open it. It's from Sirius and Professor Lupin.

Happy Birthday Harry!

Just writing to let you know I'm okay and to wish you a happy 15th birthday. Right now I'm staying with this old git. He's really annoying if you get my drift.

I'm not annoying. And who are you calling old you old mutt.

Hey, I'm not old; I'm mature.

Ha, if you're mature then I'm You-Know-Who.

Harry, help, I'm staying with the enemy.

I laugh as I read the words on the page. It seems that the two old friends were having a great time. I imagined that this must be like when they were at Hogwarts. This made automatically makes me wish for the millionth time that my parents were alive and that I could see all them together. I decide to read the rest before my mood gets any darker.

Anyway Harry. Yes, Snuffles is currently at my place. I swear though, if he doesn't stop shedding and running around everywhere I'm going to have to put him on a leash.

Oh puh-lease Moony. How many times have you made that threat and here I am, leash free.

Back to the matter at hand. Harry, it's your fifteenth birthday. Padfoot and I have decided to make you a Marauder and have you and you're friends carry on the legacy. This should be an important year for you and we expect you to have fun.

And you are to break as many rules as possible and make Snape's life a living hell.

Should you accept to be a Marauder, the following requirements have to be made. One: You need to start thinking of as many ways to get in trouble as possible.

Two: You need to decide who will join your group of merry men.

And women.

No, I love Hermione dearly, but I don't think that she's the rule breaking type.

That's what you think.

Huh?

She's got a devious mind. Think of all the pranks and things she could come up with.

Point taken.

Thank you. Anyway, Rule three: You need to become an unregistered animangi. Not only is it a marauder requirement, it could become useful in the future. (This is where our gift comes in.)

Four: you need nicknames

Five: you must wear your personal Marauder charm at all times. You'll receive yours when number 3 is met.

And finally number 6: Create something to pass on to future mischief-makers that will help aid mischief-makers when you're old and gone from Hogwarts. It's your legacy.

Harry, we're both proud of you and we know that James and Lily would be ecstatic. Always know that they loved you and still love you wherever they are.

For your present, we picked up these from our secret spot at Hogwarts the last time we were there.

Happy Birthday

Padfoot and Moony

I look at the parchment in my hands and give a big smile. I'm going to become a marauder, like my father. I immediately open the wrapped parcel from the bed. I look at the item in my hands and a tear falls from my eye. It's two books. One is called The Marauders Handbook: A Guide to Mischief and Pranks. It's actually a journal that was handwritten. Notes and messages are written on the margins. There are a few hand drawn pictures and scribbles. It's a guide to his father's life at Hogwarts. My grin got wider as I look at the second title; The Marauders Guide to Becoming an Illegal Animangis. They really were going to let my and my friends go through with it. I opened it up and realize it's much like the first, only it's written in three different types of handwriting instead of four. I stare at them for a moment longer before opening the next letter.

'Arry

I can't tell yuh where I am cept that I'm on a special mission for Dumbledore. I jus wan'ed te write an say appy birthday. Sorry for the lack a presen, bu' yuh'll jus ave te wait 'il yuh ge back te 'ogwarts. I spect classes te be interestin this year cuz I gots a special breed a creature only foun in ___.. Gots te go. See yuh on the firs.

Hagrid.

I give a quiet chuckle as I imagined what the half-giant had gotten for class and how he had unintentionally told me where he was. I reach for the next letter, one I recognize all too well. It's my school letter. I briefly skim through it and notice that there doesn't seem to be that much on a difference then last year. Then I notice the extra weight and piece of parchment. My eyes widen as I realize what it is. I pull the shiny badge out along with the letter.

Dear Mr. Potter

As you are entering your fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you are being given the opportunity to become a prefect. The other professors and I have decided that you, along with two of your fellow classmates, are to be one of this year's fifth year Gryffindor prefect. Please report to me after the feast and make sure to wear your badge at all times.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts

School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

I look at the letter in shock. They want ME to be prefect. Even after all the rules I have broken and trouble I have gotten into, they made me a prefect. It was insane, but a great honor. A prefect, me! Well, that was a nice birthday gift from McGonagall.

Next I look at the remaining letters. I grab the one that happened to have a very familiar, loopy script, and open it. Inside was two pieces of parchment.

Dear Harry,

I retrieved this bit of parchment after last year's events. Forgive me for not returning it sooner. I have absolutely no clue what it is and I expect you to use it well. Happy Birthday and feel free to contact me if you have any scar problems or dreams. I'm sure if you need it, Severus would be willing to brew some dreamless sleep potion.

Best wishes,

Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc.,

Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump,

International Confed. Of Wizards)

I pick up the next piece of parchment excitedly. There is nothing on it and it looks ordinary enough, but I know exactly what it is: the Marauders Map. I can't believe that Dumbledore would return it to me. The old headmaster must really be a bit mad. I lay the map next to my letter from Sirius and Remus, and then grab the next friendly looking letter.

Upon opening it, my nose is filled with a fragrance of vanilla and roses. I have no clue as to what is inside of it though. The parchment has a floral print on it and is written in purple ink. I scan the letter for a name and read the signature; it's from Ginny. Why on Earth would Ginny Weasley be writing me? Well, no way to find out unless I read it.

Dear Harry,

I know it must seem odd receiving a letter from me. You don't know me very well, but that could be because when ever you get in a ten-foot radius of me, I run away blushing. I find it easier to write to you then speak to you in person. There should be a crime against looking like you do.

I blush. Not only was the youngest Weasley writing me, she seems to be, well, a little bit more outgoing then what I'm used to.

Anyway, before I forget, Happy Birthday! I expect you've gotten tons of letters and gifts to open so I'll make this quick.

Thank you. I don't think I've ever thanked you for saving my life, so there. I decided to put my craft skills to work and immediately thought of you. Open the package before you read anymore.

I look down and find a small wrapped package. Picking it up, I examine it. It's a little small, and oddly shaped. I shrug and unwrap it. Upon seeing what it is, I struggle not to laugh. All I need now is was to wake up the Dursleys. It's a toad. But it's not an ordinary toad; it's a toad with bright green eyes. It has a mop of messy black hair, glasses that are round like mine, and a lightning bolt shaped scar on its forehead. It's holding a snitch in one hand and a sword in the other. Looking at it closely, I see it has a likeness of the sword I used on the Basilisk in 2nd year; it's a miniature of Godric Gryffindor's sword. The toad also seems to be riding a broomstick and upon closer inspection, the words firebolt is written on the side. The toad is attached to a strip of leather and can be worn as a necklace. I suddenly get a nice, light feeling in my stomach and continue to read the letter.

A piece of art, isn't it? I thought you could use a something funny. I also charmed it. There are about ten different protection charms and a powerful charm that will let you know when someone with bad intentions is around. Don't worry; you'll get a kick out of the alarm I'm sure. Anyway, happy birthday and I'll keep writing Dumbledore to let you stay with us. Maybe you can even get test my theory of me not blushing and acting clumsy when you're around anymore out.

Love,

Ginny

P.S. Have you heard from Ron and Hermione at all? I think I'll go crazy if they don't do anything about their feelings. Between Ron's constant whining and Hermione's owls about how Ron's a prat, I haven't got any piece lately. I've half a mind to lock them in a broom closet together until they admit they like each other. Honestly! If you want to be in on my plan, let me know. If it's this bad for me I can't imagine what you're going through.

I blink once, then twice, then a third time. She signed Love, Ginny. Sure, that's how Hermione always signs her letters, but this feels different, more special. I smile at what she had written in the postscript, then immediately tie the toad around my neck. It would be rude not to wear a gift she had spent so much time on, right? Instantly warmth spreads throughout my body and I relax. It's like drinking a warm butterbeer. I wonder what the alarm is though. I place the letter down on the bed and pick up the letter that had come on the raven. The handwriting on the address is familiar, but I can't place it. I open it up and gasp as I see the signature. It's from Snape!

Dear Mister Potter,

If not for a promise I made long ago, I wouldn't be caught dead writing you of all people. But I did, and I always keep my promises.

Back in my Hogwarts days, I was friends with a girl. She was perfect, and had she not been dating someone else, I would have jumped at the chance to claim her. As was such, she was with another and quite happy. I settled to be her friend. Her name was Lily Evans. Yes, Potter, I was friends with your mother.

When she had you she would go on and on about how you were a perfect baby and such nonsense. In my opinion you had a big head, were always drooling, and were nothing resembling human. But I kept my mouth shut and agreed.

Before she went into hiding with you and your father, she came to me and left a few things in my possession. She knew of my status as spy and had a feeling she wouldn't make it. It was the one time that everyone wished she was wrong. She told me to give them to you when you were fifteen. Therefore I'm keeping my part of the promise. Enclosed are your mother's diaries and scrapbooks. She had a habit of keeping those nasty things all the time. At the time everyone would laugh, but now I'm glad for her excessive writing and such. I hope you keep them well and treasure them as that's what they are, a treasure.

Sincerely,

Severus Snape

P.S. Also enclosed is a bottle of Dreamless Sleep Potion. Your nightmares have been brought to my attention and Dumbledore requested that I brew some for you. Owl me when you run out.

I stare at the letter in shock. Severus Snape, evil git of a potions master, was friends with my mother. He was a Slytherin for Pete's sake. Nevertheless, I tear into the package that came along with the letter. A set of books fall out. I stare at them for a long time. These are my mother's whole life story, all in front of me. I pick up the first one. It's a normal muggle diary. I flip through the pages and inhale the scent. It's a little musty, but you can clearly make out a floral fragrance. I look at the writing. As it gets to the end, it becomes more and more clear to read and I notice muggle pictures that have been pasted on the pages. I grab another one. It has the words, First Year, written on the cover. I open it up and I realize she has a diary for each year. This one explains the wonders of the wizarding word and her first year at Hogwarts. Slowly as the diary progresses, the muggle pictures become wizarding ones. I stare at one and try not to laugh at what it is of. A tiny version of my mother and another girl next to her are laughing at a group of four boys, who happen to be head to toe, in Slytherin colors. They are all in the Great Hall. Looking closer I can identify them as the marauders. I also see a small boy standing next to my mother and he appears to be shaking her hand. It's Snape. I read an excerpt of the entry.

Oh my god, they make me sooo mad. I hate that annoying group of boys that call themselves the marauders. And that James Potter is the worst. I hate being the only girl in Gryffindor this year. Luckily, Bella keeps me sane. So what if she's a Slytherin? I really don't see what's the big deal between us being friends. But those ruddy boys always have to complain and whine about it.

They even charmed my room to Slytherin colors. I think they got upset when I thanked them and commented on how it matches my eyes perfectly.

Today though, I got my revenge. I snuck into the kitchen last night and got the house elves to slip something in their food. Then this morning at breakfast they were turned Slytherin colors. It was hilarious and still hasn't worn off yet.

I also met a new friend today. His name is Severus and he's a Slytherin like Bella. He congratulated me on out doing the marauders. We ended up, the three of us, going to potions together. He's a wiz at potions. He even offered to tutor me. I'll in turn tutor him in charms, my best subject.

I smile at the entry. So my mother hated my father. That's a new development. I have to ask Sirius about that incident. I also think it weird that my mother befriended Slytherins. Was she mad!

I set aside the diaries and open a scrapbook. The cover has a big picture of my parents' graduation. I smile as I look at it. My mother and father are passionately kissing as the rest of the class is throwing off their caps. A ring can clearly be seen on my mother's finger. Snape and some women, I think she's the same from the first picture, she looks familiar, are both looking at the couple in disgust. Then, oh my god, Sirius grabs the girl and they start to snog. What!

I put the book down and set aside the others. I realize I still have two more letters to get through. I open the next one. I don't recognize the name. I start to read and the information enclosed makes my mouth drop in surprise.

Dear Harry,

You know, me, but not as you think. My name is Arabella Figg or Bella, or to you, Mrs. Figg, cat lady babysitter. Yes, I'm a witch. I didn't tell you before because the time wasn't right. I've been watching over you since that dreadful night and I'll continue to do so as my duty as godmother. Yes, I'm your godmother.

I was best friends with your mother in school. I was a Slytherin and she was a Gryffindor. We made quite the pair. She had been the only girl sorted into Gryffindor and I was not your normal Slytherin. Eventually I even started to date your godfather, the mutt, Sirius Black. I know that you know about him and just so you know, I never doubted that he was innocent. I knew Peter for the rat that he was, both literally and figuratively.

I imagine you have a lot of questions and I'll do my best to answer them the next time you come over. I hope you aren't mad and understand that if Petunia knew who or what I was, she'd never let you near me.

Now to the most important part of the letter: Happy Birthday Harry. I was there when you were born and I plan to be there from now on. No, you can't come live with me, but I hope that you'll suddenly decide to come do an old lady's yard work and visit.

Enclosed are a few things your mother left with me that I believe she'd like you to have. Open it up and I'll explain.

Without question, I tear into the package. Inside is a jewelry box. Curiously I open it and find eight rings. I turn back to the letter.

Inside should be some rings. They were your mothers. There are her promise ring, engagement ring, her wedding band, her Hogwarts ring, and a ring that she received from Severus (the one that has a ruby and emerald intertwined It was given to her on Christmas our sixth year.), her marauder ring (The one with a petal on it. That was her nickname, Petals. I was Whiskers.), a friendship ring, and a ring she received from you and your father on your first mother's day.

I expect you to take great care of these rings, as they were an important part of your mother's life. Happy Birthday and I hope to see you soon.

Your Magnificent Godmother,

Bella

I put down the letter and examine the rings. They are all gorgeous and unique. I look closely at the wedding ring and wonder who has his father's. I think it's weird that all this time I've had a godmother that lives just down the street. Well, that explained the cat that came into my room to deliver the letter. I close the box and place them with the journals. Only one more letter to go.

The envelope is old. It has a stamp that tells me it's a delayed delivery. Wondering who it could be from, I open it up and start to read.

July 31, 1989

To our Darling Baby Boy, Harry,

Honey, if you've received this letter, it means that you've finally become fifteen. Now I know that you're probably rolling your eyes right now, but in our family, fifteen in a special year.

Yeah Bambi, it means that this is the prime year to get into trouble.

James, stop it. No darling, it means that you're all grown up. Maybe not completely, but you at least think you are. Therefore we wanted to remind you that to us, you'll always be our baby.

Yep, except no more dirty diapers. Yes!

James, I'm warning you. Harry, I hope that you don't take after your father.

Hey! Harry's going to turn out exactly like his old man. Won't yuh kid?

Merlin help us all if that's true.

Harry, your mum's crazy. It's a very good thing to be like me.

Ignore him Harry. Now sweetie, right now you have just become a year old. Your father and I at the moment are watching you as you sleep. You are the most precious thing I think has ever come into this world and I already know that you'll take after your father in the looks department. Hopefully that's the only similarity between the two of you.

I'm going to ignore that. Anyway Bambi, you're mum's right. You are special. You're definitely the best thing to ever happen to us and we just wanted to let you know this.

Honey, we're facing some dark times at the moment and if anything ever happens to us, know we love you and will always be in your heart.

Yes, young man. Never forget that! And that's an order.

We love you Harry, always remember.

Love,

Mum and Dad

P.S. Hey kid, your mum doesn't know about this, we'll tell her later, but this year is also your induction to the marauders. May you forever wreck havoc and drive your teachers crazy. Good luck and know we're proud of you son. Papa Prongs.

The dam breaks and tears fall from my eyes. They sent me a letter and they loved me. I stare at the parchment in my hand cry. After a few moments, I wipe away the last few tears and stare at the letter for a long time. Then I realize there's something else in the envelope. I reach in and pull out a shrunken book. Puzzled at what it is and annoyed that I can't use magic to unshrink it, I lay it down on the letter. I look up at the clock and realize it's two in the morning. I know I have to get some sleep, so I carefully gather all of my presents and memories of my parents, and place them under the floorboard where I keep my important things. I keep my protection toad from Ginny around my neck and place the last item, my parent's letter, under my pillow so I can keep it with me. I close the window and turn off the light. No matter what happens today, I know, it is by far, my best birthday ever and for the first time in months, I fall asleep with a smile on my face. My nightmares take the night off and I dream of my parents and friends, all happy and together.

A/N: Say it with me, awwwwwwww. I thought a little fluff was in store. Won't he get a surprise? Anywho, I apologize if there are any mistakes or such. I didn't go through this chapter as carefully as I could have cuz I just wanted to post it. I hoped you liked it. Also, if it was a little cliché, sorry, I like it, so there. I have an idea, but I'm not sure. How do you think Harry should find out? My way I don't think has been done before, but I want your opinions. So tell me what you think. And I apologize for Hagrid's accent. I have no clue as how to right it so I just went with the flow. Also, the blank line is where Hagrid is. I had a brain fart and forgot where exactly he went. So use your imagination. That's about it for now.

TTFN