Disclaimer: how about I leave you to spot what belongs to me?
The Party.
Harry could hardly believe his eyes. The table was groaning under the weight of Mrs Weasleys cooking, there was another pile of presents sitting on a chair and he was surrounded by smiling people who actually wanted to celebrate his birthday. It was definitely a big difference from how the Dursleys treated his birthdays! He recognised most of the people from the Order, although he wasn't sure about all of their names.
Neville had, naturally, been well aware of the party as he was currently living in Grimmauld Place, though he told Harry later that they had sent their presents as no one had known exactly when he would be leaving Privet Drive. They wanted to be sure he would have presents on his birthday even if the party had had to wait a few days.
Mrs Weasley had apparently been cooking for the last week, so that there would be enough party food ready. Once the headmaster had informed them he was on his way she had had everyone jumping to get it all organised in time.
Apparently Neville hadn't been aware that his friends had made sure that he wouldn't just be sitting there watching Harry open presents. He seemed rather overwhelmed when he realised that he had his own little pile of gifts, bought by the Order and the elder Weasleys. Harry could have sworn his eyes were suspiciously bright as he began unwrapping his gifts. Neville had laughed at the 'Training your Toad' manual, exclaimed over the book on rare magical plants and smiled at the seed organiser and journal. Harry couldn't remember ever seeing him quite so animated.
Harry, for his own part, had been surprised and delighted to receive his own practice snitch, emblazoned with his initials and a miniature lightning bolt, from Alicia, Angelina, Katie and Lee Jordan, who was busy working for the twins now that he'd left school, and had given it to them to pass on.
The Order had bought him a brand new four tier trunk which was charmed so that each level required a specific password as well as the key. Harry had no doubt that that would come in useful, especially as he had finally amassed enough belongings that fitting them all in one trunk was difficult.
Dumbledore had announced that his present to Harry was the rescinding of the lifelong Quidditch ban but had also mentioned in an undertone that he had hidden 'Magics of the Mind: A Study of Legilimency and Occlumency' in the bottom layer of the new trunk.
Harry, although glad to have a proper book on the subject at last wondered whether the secrecy involved was for his benefit or to prevent the Order members from worrying about Voldemort possessing him, like Moody had last year. It wouldn't do, after all, to tarnish their image of the Gryffindor Golden Boy. He forcefully pushed the thought aside with a mental reminder not to be so moody - it wasn't as if he wanted everyone to know about his visions so what did it matter why the headmaster was keeping it secret? Besides, he didn't want to spoil his enjoyment of the birthday party.
The headmaster had also handed over Harry's gift from Hagrid, which turned out to be an Owl Care Kit from Eeylops Owl Emporium. It looked rather similar to his broomstick care kit, in a handsome black leather case only it had a silver owl instead of a broomstick on the cover. When he opened it he found a blanket and a towel charmed with warming spells, some grooming tools, a book and a few other useful things.
Opening the book he saw recipes for baking Owl Treats, a chapter on useful potions for owls, even a portrait of 'eminent strigiologist Samuel Williams,' who was apparently there to give advice to owners of sick owls. The case even had a section for a shrunken perch and cage. It was a wonderful gift, and more than made up for the fact that he had also sent a picture of himself and Grawp (who was busy pulling up a tree) in a hand carved frame.
The celebratory atmosphere was incredible and by the time the teens had finished their first helpings of food and gone back for more (and more, and more in Ron's case) the birthday party had degenerated into a more general celebration. Mrs Weasley was positively bursting with pride over the news of Ginny's Prefectship and was over the moon with Ron's OWL marks. Mr Weasley was equally pleased and was busy talking to Ron about what he was planning on taking on at NEWTs.
Hermione was basking in the glow of her Outstandings and was involved in an animated discussion with Bill Weasley, who had been Head Boy at Hogwarts and had done almost as well in his own OWLs.
Charlie and the twins were discussing the continued success of Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes and were joined by Tonks as the talk turned to the newest line of prank products they were considering. Apparently they were thinking of expanding.
The twins had been notorious ever since their first year so there were thirteen years worth of students who had first-hand experience of their particular pranking talents. When added to those students parents, siblings and other assorted family, people who had known their older brothers, people the teachers had complained to about them and those who were just curious they had a pretty big market.
The various Hogwarts legends that revolved around them would make sure new students kept coming through their doors and so they felt that a Hogsmeade store would be a big advantage to the business as well as a great benefit to their most loyal clientele, the students who knew them. The imaginative products would make sure that their customers kept coming back.
Neville had plucked up his courage and somewhat timidly approached his Head of House, who had pointed out that he needed an E to continue with Transfiguration, which he didn't have and so he was happy to sign up for Household Magics, safe in the knowledge that his Gran wouldn't try to sign him up for any more courses.
Harry, having been congratulated and wished a happy sixteenth birthday from almost everyone in the room was sat replenishing his energy with another slice of Mrs Weasleys delicious cake while he chatted with Remus Lupin and Kingsley Shacklebolt.
He did think, for a moment, about what it would have meant to have shared his birthday celebrations with Sirius and the sudden surge of grief had caused a lump in his throat. Lupin had obviously noticed, as he had squeezed Harry's shoulder and handed over another gift, to be opened later, when he was alone. Harry was determined not to spoil the party for anyone and truthfully, it was pretty difficult to remain down in the middle of so many joyful, partying Weasleys. The sadness soon faded again and Harry threw himself back into enjoying the party.
It was many hours later when they finally staggered, exhausted, up to bed. Soon Ron's snores and Neville's deep, even breathing told him that his roommates were asleep. Sitting up in bed he carefully opened Lupin's letter.
Dear Harry,
I know how much you must be missing Sirius right now, and I know how much Sirius would have wanted to be here. I do believe he began planning your birthday party not long after Christmas in fact. I decided not to give this to you with your other gifts as I felt you might want to be alone to open it. I'm not even entirely sure what it is although I do know that he was very excited at the thought of handing it over to you. I have my suspicions.
If I am right then I would caution you not to mention this gift to Mrs Weasley. She wouldn't appreciate it. Now that Sirius is gone the Headmaster is trying to sort out his will but I fear that even with Fudge seeing the error of his ways with regards to Voldemort it will be difficult.
I do know what you are going through Harry, better than you might think. You may have lost your Godfather but bear in mind that he was also my best friend. Both of us had too short a time with him, you since discovering his existence and I since discovering his innocence. I wish things could have been different just as much as you do Harry.
When Sirius was locked in Azkhaban I'm afraid I destroyed many of the mementos I had of him in my rage over his betrayal. However, some of my school things escaped my anger as they were a reminder of your Father and Peter and the days before Sirius, as I then thought, had turned dark. Days when we did everything together and when they cared enough about a young werewolf to do anything and everything in their power to help me. They gave me some comfort then. I was looking through them again recently and decided to pass this on to you.
As Sirius and James were so often in trouble, and with Peter being the easiest of us all to crack, it often fell to me as the most innocent and responsible seeming member of our group, and so less likely to be suspected, to guard our most valuable marauder secrets. I hope that reading this will not only give you some comfort now but will also help reassure you that despite their somewhat arrogant teenage behaviour, neither James nor Sirius were truly bad at heart.
Yours Truly,
Remus J. Lupin.
Harry wiped away the moisture on his face as he finished reading the letter. Sirius' death was still a somewhat raw wound and although Harry felt that he was beginning to come to terms with his loss he knew he was nowhere near over his grief. Although he no longer raged and screamed and dissolved into tears it didn't take much to bring the feelings welling to the surface again.
At least he had more control over them now than he had at the start of the holidays. The first sharp edge of his feelings had dulled but it still hurt. He opened the battered book that Remus was passing on to him and saw, printed in familiar large, curly writing the title
'The Magical Mischief Makers Guide to Useful Spells.'
He turned the page.
'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs would like to welcome you, young Mischief Maker, and invite you to share in the many pearls of wisdom we have gleaned from years of dedicated research and experimentation in the field of Magical Mischief. As Masters of our craft we would like to share our knowledge that you may continue to carry out our Great Work. So turn the page and discover some of the secrets of our legendary success…'
Harry ran his fingers over the writing and smiled slightly through his tears. Then he jumped as Ron snuffled loudly in his sleep. He decided to look at the rest of the book later and slid it beneath his pillow before turning to the envelope addressed to him in his Godfathers writing.
Hey Harry!
Happy Sixteenth! You're probably wondering why I'm slipping you this in secret but it wouldn't do for the other more boring adults to know what I'm giving you, they'd probably try and stop me. I think Moony suspects but he won't give me away. I bet the rest of them will be in uproar when they find out I've given this to you!
This, Harry, was my most prized possession when I was your age and I treasured it for years afterwards. Lily used to scream blue murder when I took you up on it and James used to stand there laughing his head off at her. Then he'd generally have to spend ten minutes dodging since she'd lose her temper and start hexing. The only reason I used to escape was by blaming James and using you as my human shield!
Actually I think you may have been taken to your Aunt and Uncles on it as well but don't let that put you off. I thought since they've been painting you as a hooligan for years you might as well look the part so I am giving you my old motorbike. Besides you'll probably get a lot more use out of it than this cooped up convict can (try saying that after a few firewhiskeys! Actually don't, I don't want you crashing and hurting the bike…or yourself of course!).
If nothing else I'm sure that this'll turn that fat cousin of yours pea green with envy.
So enjoy Harry, and here's wishing you the best birthday ever,
Love,
Sirius.
Harry pulled out the keyring and looked at the keys for a long moment. So those old dreams about a flying motorcycle weren't just dreams after all. He'd have to ask Remus where the bike itself was. The picture on the keyring definitely fit his mental image of a younger Sirius, a little wild, a little reckless, in a black leather jacket leaning against the bike.
He looked again at the keyring and the miniature Sirius waved, mounted the bike and revved the engine with a smile. He couldn't have been more than about 16 in the picture. Turning the keyring over Harry discovered another Sirius, this one with grease on his face, wiping an arm across his forehead as he tinkered with the bike. His wand, Harry was slightly amused to note, was tucked in the back pocket of his jeans.
He really didn't know what he was going to do with a motorbike, other than use it to annoy the Dursleys of course, but he was glad to have it, and the book of spells. In that moment he felt just a little bit closer to Sirius. He yawned widely. He didn't expect to be allowed to lie in bed too late the next morning, not in a household run by Mrs Weasley so he decided that getting some sleep was probably a good idea.
He tucked the envelope from Sirius under his pillow beside the one from Lupin as he lay down and snuggled into the soft warmth of the duvet. With one hand under his pillow and the other by his cheek Harry quickly drifted off, tear stains on his face and a slight smile on his lips.