CHAPTER NINE: THE OTHER CELEBRATION
Bill and Fleur left before dawn on Sunday morning for their honeymoon in Italy. The Burrow seemed oddly quiet without all the hustle and bustle that had gone into planning and executing their wedding. Everyone seemed to be moving in slow motion. By evening, the Weasleys, Harry, Hermione and Lupin were gathering in the family room to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Delacour and Gabrielle.
"Thank you zo much fer everyzing," said Mrs. Delacour to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. "We can ze why Fleur iz zo fond of all of you."
"It has been our pleasure," said Mrs. Weasley. "Fleur is an absolute dear and we are delighted to have you all join our family."
Fred and George exchanged wicked grins and Ron stifled a laugh with a phony cough. It hadn't been that long ago when Mrs. Weasley would have given anything to have Bill involved with almost anyone other than Fleur. It's amazing how quickly things changed. Mr. Weasley's face had colored slightly as he shot warning looks at his children.
Gabrielle stepped forward, "I 'ad zuch a wunderful time, ezpezially wiz Ginny. We were wundering if Ginny might like to spend zum time wiz uz en France befur lezzons start egin," she broached excitedly.
Ginny looked taken aback for a minute, but then smiled warmly.
"I think I'd like that a lot," she said looking from her parents to the Delacours.
Harry noticed that Ginny had been spending a lot of time with Gabrielle. It made sense, as they were both bridesmaids in the wedding. Gabrielle was a couple of years younger than Ginny, but the two seemed to have gotten along really well.
Lupin spoke up.
"Well, that does sound like an amazing way to spend the last of the holidays," he said pleasantly, but with his eyes very serious as he looked at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
Mr. Weasley understood immediately, and so did Harry. Ron and Hermione would be returning to Hogwarts early with Harry, but Ginny would not be returning until the first of September. She would be safer away from home, away from Britain for the time being.
"Why thank you so much for offering," replied Mr. Weasley amicably. "I think Lupin is right, it does sound wonderful. Of course you may go, Ginny."
Mrs. Weasley looked momentarily out of sorts until she read the look on her husband's face. It was rare to see Mr. Weasley so serious, and even though he was still smiling, anyone who knew him could read the subtext. This was not up for debate.
"Yes, thank you," said Mrs. Weasley slowly. "We can have her ready by tomorrow evening. How's ten o'clock?"
"Cela est magnifique," said Mrs. Delacour. "Dey will 'ave zuch fun. We will contact you in ze morning aboot ze Floo."
"Perfect," said Mr. and Mrs. Weasley together.
They all waved goodbye as one by one, the Delacours stepped into the fireplace and vanished.
"Oh Ginny," cried Hermione. "I'm so jealous. You are going to have a wonderful time."
"I hope so. Would you mind coming up and helping me sort and pack."
"Not at all," and the two disappeared up the winding staircase.
"Women," said Fred and George in unison.
Everyone grinned, except for Mrs. Weasley, who shot the twins a look that could curdle milk.
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Monday was once again a whir of activity. Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Harry, Hermione and Ginny were all busy trying to wash clothes, retrieve misplaced items and begin packing. Ginny was leaving that evening; Harry, Ron and Hermione were departing on Wednesday. Charlie was already gone. He'd left hours ago, on what Harry, Ron and Hermione guessed was an Order assignment. Lupin, Moody, Kingsley, Tonks and Mr. Weasley had been in the family room, talking in hushed voices for hours. Fred and George arrived about an hour ago and joined them. It was early evening before things seemed to be nearly in order.
Mrs. Weasley stepped from the kitchen and announced she had dinner ready in the yard.
"Harry, would you mind helping me with the last of the platters?" she asked as everyone else made their way outdoors.
"Sure thing, Mrs. Weasley," he said and went into the kitchen and grabbed a huge platter piled high with all sorts of tarts and sweets.
Mrs. Weasley was holding a tureen full of something that smelled wonderful. With a flick of her wand, the remaining trays, platters and pitchers began moving slowly through the air.
"Go ahead, dear," she said, "I'm right behind you."
Harry turned slightly and used his hip to bump open the door leading to the yard. He'd taken only a few steps when he was startled into a dead stop.
"SURPISE!!" greeted his ears.
Everyone was assembled around a large, decorated table. A huge banner that flashed and sang "Happy Birthday" was floating around the yard. There were balloons and whirring and popping decorations that most definitely came from Fred and George. Harry was staring wide-eyed and completely speechless.
Mrs. Weasley was standing just behind him. She stood on tiptoe and whispered, "Now, you couldn't possibly think we'd let you leave here without celebrating your birthday, especially this one."
Ron and the twins were out of their seats and walking towards them.
"Come on, server boy," teased the twins. "We're starving and you've got the rest of the food," they said as they took the remaining items from both Harry and Mrs. Weasley.
Ron looked at Harry and shrugged. "Come on," he said. "You know we couldn't deprive Mum of another chance to smother you with affection."
Harry surveyed the assembled group, punched Ron lightly on the shoulder and said cheerfully, "No, I suppose not. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it."
Everything was delicious. Mrs. Weasley had prepared all of Harry's favorites. He'd tried to have a little of everything, but now felt ready to explode. He sat back and couldn't help but smiling. Moody was actually playing Exploding Snap with Fred and George. Ginny, Hermione and Tonks appeared to be in deep and excited girl talk. Lupin and Kingsley were engaged in a serious round of wizard chess. "That could go on forever," thought Harry.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were off near the fields, walking hand in hand and gazing at the slowly setting sun. Harry had been talking to Ron when he said he needed to grab something from the house. It was Ginny's voice that caught everyone's attention just as Ron was returning.
"It's time for presents!" she called.
"Presents?" said Harry.
"Yeah," joked Ron as he plopped down next to Harry again. "You know, those things people give you because they like you. They're usually wrapped in bright, shiny paper."
Ron still marveled at how Harry always seemed surprised when he got gifts.
"Those damnable idiots," he mumbled to himself as visions of the Dursleys flashed in his head.
Once everyone was gathered around again, Mr. Weasley got to his feet.
"Seventeen is always a special birthday for our kind. It marks the path from youth to adulthood. Harry, we know your birthday is still several days away, but we wanted to be able to share this time with you. I'm sure everything going in and out of Hogwarts will be searched, and that's no way to receive proper presents, so please indulge us. Here, this one is from Molly and me," he finished and handed Harry a box wrapped in gold foil.
Harry opened it and smiled broadly. It was one of the most handsome quill and ink sets he'd ever laid eyes on. The quill feather actually glistened in the early dusk. It was a colorful mix of burgundy, green and teal, with a bronzed tip that was intricately carved in symbols that caused Hermione to inhale sharply. The ink well was bronze and carved in similar fashion to the quill.
"Do you like it?" asked Mrs. Weasley with her warm eyes twinkling.
"I love it," said Harry simply as he looked up at them both. "Thank you."
"Our pleasure," replied Mr. Weasley. "Well, Bill is obviously unavailable, but I suspect our up and coming Runes expert over there can probably help you out with the symbols," he added with a wink toward Hermione.
"Enough with the puzzles, already," said Fred.
"Yeah, can't a bloke even enjoy his own party without having to think for once? Geez!!" said George in exaggerated exasperation that had everyone laughing.
"Here you go, Harry," came Tonk's voice as she pulled her wand and sent a rather large package across the table until it landed in front of Harry. "That one is actually from Kingsley, Moody and me."
Harry's brow arched at each of them as he stood and began tearing through wrapping paper. A beautifully crafted and polished redwood chest greeted him. It took about five seconds before Harry's eyes lighted on the logo carved in the center. He gasped and looked at the three Aurors incredulously.
"It can't be," he said in awe.
"Go ahead, open it," said Tonks, ready to leap from her chair.
"What is it?" asked Hermione as she noticed Ron, Ginny, Fred and George were all wearing expressions similar to Harry's.
Harry's hands found the metal latches and quickly popped the locks and opened the chest. Inside was an International Association issued Quidditch set. All the Weasley kids were clambering for a better look. The two Beaters' bats, polished to the hilt and made of the same redwood as the chest, shone smoothly in the slowly darkening sky. The Quaffle was of the finest dragon leather available. The Bludgers vibrated rhythmically against the wrought iron chains that held them securely in place. Harry's gaze roamed up to the inner lid of the chest. In its center was carved a groove, covered by a small, metal crest. Harry leaned forward to open it and got a closer look at the crest. It was brushed gold, with his initials carved in relief. He opened it and out buzzed and hovered a truly Golden Snitch. Its silver wings were beating frantically, but it didn't go far. Even in the growing darkness, Harry's keen Seeker eyes never lost sight of it. He toyed with it for a minute before returning it to the grooved compartment.
"How in the world did you get your hands on that?" asked Fred as he rounded on the Aurors.
"They don't sell those to just anyone," said George, still looking flabbergasted.
"When you live as long as I have, you tend to meet some very interesting and useful people," answered Moody, "and that's all I'm saying. Now move out of the way. You're blocking our view of Potter."
Harry was still staring at the chest, his hands roaming lightly over the now closed lid.
"I guess you like it, then?" came Moody's gruff voice.
"WOW! Are you kidding?" Harry said, turning and beaming at the three of them. "I can't even tell you how much. Thank you."
"Well, every man needs a hobby," said Kingsley smoothly. "You know, to keep down the stress."
Everyone laughed.
"Keep it moving, people. A girl's got a Floo to catch later tonight," said Ginny deviously
"Too right," laughed Lupin. "Here you are, Harry. Happy Birthday."
Lupin had given Harry a black, leather bound journal. A dark green velvet ribbon was sewn in as its page marker.
"I figure it might help you sort your thoughts. Incidentally, you may find it useful to know it was originally owned and modified by the Marauders."
Harry, Ron and Hermione looked up at Lupin. It would definitely be most useful.
"It's perfect, Lupin. Thank you."
Fred and George were quick on the uptake. They of course, had been the ones to find and discover what the Marauder's Map was; but they had never known the Marauders' true identities. Harry, Ron and Hermione had discovered the truth more than three years ago. But looking at the twins' faces, Harry realized he'd never told them the whole story; and apparently, neither had Ron. It didn't matter now. You could see the puzzle pieces falling into place as they turned to look at Lupin like they couldn't wait to corner him.
Lupin simply chuckled and stared back at them as innocently as possible.
"Fred and George, would you like to go next?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"What? Oh yeah, sure. Happy Birthday, Harry," they chimed together in a way only twins could.
Inside their box was an assortment of some of the brashest, funniest and most outrageous gags, games and tricks Harry had ever laid his eyes on. They really had been busy.
"Now that we're gone, someone's got to carry on with keeping Filch on his toes," said Fred in answer to the look of displeasure on Mrs. Weasley's face.
"Yeah, laughter is supposed to be the best medicine, or some such thing, right?" added George.
Harry laughed out loud and answered, "Definitely. These are really great. Thanks."
He was just about to move the box when he noticed a note. He quickly opened it and scanned it as he pretended to be rearranging the items in the box.
Harry,
We've got some more serious items for you, which we will be delivering to you personally.
We'll be in touch soon.
Fred & George
Harry was just closing the lid when another gift was placed in front of him. This one was from Hermione. He opened it and grinned. Inside was a collection of books. These weren't spell books or textbooks. They were some of Harry's favorites Muggle fiction stories, and a few he had never read. Hermione knew reading had been his only escape from the torture of living with the Dursleys before he came to Hogwarts. The books were all leather bound collectors' editions.
"While I don't know much about Quidditch, I do know books. At some point when you get to have a normal life, I figure you might like to indulge in some quiet, sensible, leisurely activity," she said with sincerity.
Harry was touched.
"Thanks. You won't make me write book reports, though, will you?" he asked and was rewarded when she smiled and giggled.
"Well, maybe just one," she cheeked.
Kingsley waved his wand and softly lit lanterns hovered around the table and backyard.
"It's my turn," said Ginny.
She handed Harry a small box. It was wrapped in silver paper and tied with an emerald green bow. Inside he found a delicate, sterling chain with a charm dangling from it. What was it? Harry held it in his palm and looked closely. It was a stag. She knew him so well. Harry looked across at her and his heart leapt.
"Happy Birthday, Harry," she said softly.
Fearing Hermione was gong to start crying at any minute, Ron broke in and said, "We haven't gotten to the best one yet, mine."
Ron's package was a bit heavy, too. Harry placed it in his lap and unwrapped it. It was an antique looking chess set and the board and pieces were exquisite. Harry looked up at his best friend in amazement.
"Mum helped me find it at an antique store, and the slave drivers over there," he said pointing at Fred and George, "worked me to the bone for a week, but they paid pretty well. I know it's not new or anything…"
Harry stopped him mid sentence. "Don't be daft. It's absolutely the best chessboard I could ever have." He meant it. "Really. Thanks, mate."
"I think that's everything," said Mrs. Weasley.
"Almost, Molly," said Lupin. "There are a couple more gifts."
Harry looked inquisitively at Lupin. He'd gotten a gift from everyone present. What could be left?
Lupin stood to move closer to Harry, and Ron slid over to provide his seat.
"Thank you, Ron," he said kindly before turning directly to Harry.
Lupin seemed at a lost on how to begin.
"Harry, I debated on whether I should give these last gifts to you in private. I actually didn't make my decision until this very evening."
"Okay," was all Harry could think to answer.
Lupin looked intently at Harry before speaking again.
"Obviously, I was around when you were an infant, but you were far too young to have ever remembered those days. I was delighted to come back into your life four years ago. It was the main reason I accepted the teaching post at Hogwarts when Dumbledore offered it. I took one look at you on that train and smiled inwardly for the first time in a long while."
No one, including Harry, seemed to know where this little conversation was headed.
"As you are well aware by now," continued Lupin, "you do look remarkably like James; and you certainly have Lily's eyes. Yet, you remind me of each of them in so many other ways - your laugh, a certain glint in your eyes, your temper when it flares, and all sorts of things. It is your heart – your soul, however, that makes you uniquely you. You wear it on your sleeve and in your eyes, and it is an extraordinary thing to behold. Sirius and I spent much of our newfound time together marveling at the wonderful young man you'd become. He was so incredibly proud of you and he loved you fiercely."
Harry's throat was beginning to burn, but he couldn't pull his eyes from Lupin's.
"The people who loved you first are not physically with us anymore. They did however, think of this day's celebration. I am humbled to be able to give these to you for them. I hope you don't mind, but it felt right to do so in the company of those who care about you now."
Lupin summoned two small boxes. He extended the first to Harry, who swallowed audibly and took it hesitantly. It was a dark blue velvet box. He opened it and a note was on top. Harry's head spun. It was from Sirius.
"He'd already decided what he was giving you to mark your seventeenth birthday. He was so excited. I did not realize he'd also written the note until recently, when I went searching for the gift box," continued Lupin.
Harry opened the note and read silently, unshed tears slightly blurring his vision.
Harry,
I wanted to mark this day with something special. I thought long and hard and I don't know why it took so long for me to realize that I already had the perfect gift for you. It was one of my favorite things and something tells me you will love it, as well.
I can't wait to see you with it.
Enjoy,
Sirius
Nestled in the box was a small, shiny key.
"What is it?" Harry asked in a slightly thick voice.
"Well, it actually is the key to the blasted thing," said Lupin jovially, "although you don't really need it, as it's been bewitched, anyway."
Seeing Harry's confusion, he explained, "Harry, it's the key to Sirius's flying motorcycle."
"Wicked," whispered the twins from across the table.
Harry was dumbfounded. He recalled hearing about the motorcycle once before. It was in the Three Broomsticks when he'd overheard Hagrid talking about the night his parents had died and how Sirius had given him his motorcycle to use to get Harry to safety. He'd never thought about it again.
"Sirius asked Hagrid to bring it to headquarters, and he spent countless hours reconditioning it by hand. It really is a beautiful piece of machinery."
Harry smiled ever so slightly as he pictured Sirius humming around the house and working on the bike. Maybe his last days at Grimmauld Place weren't all as horrible as Harry had imagined them to be.
Lupin pulled him from his thoughts with a tap on his arm. He was holding the second box.
"This one," he began, "is a very old Potter family heirloom. It has been in your family for generations and has always been passed to the eldest son. James inherited it from his father on his seventeenth birthday. He intended to give it to you on yours. After the attack in Godric's Hollow, I spent hours combing through the debris, trying to determine what remained. There wasn't much, but I was thrilled to find this and have been holding it for you ever since."
Harry took the package. He opened it and out spilled a beautiful gold pocket watch. It was weighted, and the gold chain was as thin and strong as unicorn hair. There was an ornate letter P etched on the front, outer side. He opened it. The lead crystal face shone brilliantly, as the hands moved flawlessly around the numbers and symbols incased within. Harry looked to the right side of the watch, but couldn't find the winding stem. Lupin knew what he was looking for.
"It never needs winding, Harry. It will keep perfect time forever, no matter where you are," he explained.
Harry looked to the left side of the watch, and saw that it was actually an oval picture frame. Inside, was a black and white picture of his parents. He'd never seen this picture before. James was behind Lily, and she appeared to be resting against his chest, the back of her head barely reaching his chin. They looked like they were watching the horizon. Their eyes expressed nothing but contentment.
"That photo was taken the night Lily told James she was pregnant," Lupin said gently, with his own eyes glistening. "Happy Birthday, Harry."
Lupin rose from his seat and walked towards the house. Tonks, a bit red eyed, got up and followed after him.
Harry slowly looked around. Hermione, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley were all sitting quietly, silent tear streams slowly falling from their faces. Mr. Weasley, Moody and Kingsley were sitting stoically, while Ron and the twins were shifting uncomfortably next to him.
Mr. Weasley finally spoke, "Ginny, it's time to get you ready to go. Why don't you ladies head into the house. We can clean up out here in no time."
He meant it. In a matter of minutes, the yard was spotless and the only thing that remained was the table at which Harry sat with his family's pocket watch still in his lap.
Harry finally got to his feet, the watch clutched in his hand. He turned to Mr. Weasley and Kingsley, who were the last ones outside with him.
"I'm going to go for a short walk," he said. "Don't worry, I'll come inside in time to see Ginny off."
Nearly an hour had passed when Harry entered through the kitchen doorway. Everyone was gathering in the family room and quieted slightly when Harry entered. Lupin was watching him concernedly.
Harry approached him, gave him an honest smile and said sincerely to everyone, "Thanks everyone. I can't tell you how much tonight meant to me. I won't ever forget it."
Lupin pulled Harry to his side and hugged him about the shoulder.
Mrs. Weasley was beaming proudly when a spark from the fireplace caught everyone's attention. It was the Delacours. Apparently, everyone else had already said goodbye to Ginny. She ran across the room and hugged Harry, as well.
"I'll be thinking of you," she whispered and let him go as quickly as she'd embraced him.
"I'll see you soon," he said. "Please try to have some fun, okay?"
Ginny nodded, turned and walked into the fireplace. She was gone within seconds and Harry already missed her.