Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Harry Potter.

But I am making James a Seeker even if some say he was a Chaser. So there. Also I'm worse about sports than Rowling- sorry about that.

Chapter Seven: And he would have been right.

On Sunday Potter made his way downstairs to the kitchen, hoping that he, Black, Lupin, and Snape would go to the park so he could ride his Firebolt. What he was not expecting was the trio already awake and sitting at the table, a near buffet of breakfast foods sprawled out across the counters. Baffled he scratched the back of his head.

"Um, what's going on?"

"It's your birthday breakfast banquet, Prongslet," beamed Black. Potter remained baffled. "And you remembered?"

"Yes," the three wizards acknowledged not quite in tandem which made for a disjointed confirmation. Pulling out a chair Lupin advised Potter, "Grab a plate, fill it up, and sit down to eat."

Dubiously Potter did as Lupin said, although Snape was a tad aggravated that Potter didn't take all that much food. Suddenly a chill settled in his stomach and he whispered to Black, "I think Petunia and her husband didn't celebrate Potter's birthday."

"Oi, that's a new low," Black exclaimed indigently. Snape shoved his elbow into the other wizard's ribs. "Well, we'll deal with it later if it's true. Today is about Potter. He'll probably get a swelled head from all the attention."

Black just gave Snape a, well, black look. Lupin was ignoring the pair studiously, opting instead to fill his plate once Potter had taken his seat. As they continued to glower at one another Lupin told them as he sat down across from Potter, "Would you two get some food already instead of scowling at one another?"

Turning to Potter he commented, "We'll be going to the Burrow at eleven."

"Really? Great! I haven't seen Ron all summer!"

Black commented sheepishly, "If you missed Ron so badly, you could have asked if we could go visit the Burrow."

Potter blinked. "Huh? For real?"

"Yes. And Hermione will be there too," Black beamed, making Snape shoot him a dour look. If possible Potter got more excited. "Wicked! I've never been with them on my birthday before!"

"Never?" echoed Lupin. Potter shrugged, "After my first year Ron and the twins rescued me from the Dursleys after my birthday. And last year I left after my birthday. Besides, that year Hermione was in France and Ron was in-"

"Egypt, right," Black interjected as he sat down besides his godson. Tousling the teenager's hair he asked, "So if there anything you want to do before we go to the Burrow?"

"Try to subdue the mop minions again?"

"Only for you, Harry," Black exhaled. Cheekily Potter assured his godfather, "I was joking. But really- maybe we could go to the park so I could fly some on my Firebolt."

"Why not fly with Ron later?" Lupin anxiously suggested.

"That's a great idea, Lupin," Potter agreed to the trio's relief. "So… um… maybe Snape could try to teach me a new potion?"

"Potter, it's your birthday. Potion making is not something to do on your birthday," Black shook his head in despair at his godson's decision. Potter replied quietly, "It is when you can hear stories about your mum as a kid."

Snape kept his eyes on his food. Lupin noted thoughtfully, "Well, Padfoot and I could tell you about your first birthday."

"Or his zeroth birthday!" Black proclaimed. Lupin and Snape looked at him askance. Sulkily he commented, "Don't look at me like that- I think it's quite an original way to refer to the day Harry was born."

Lupin just stood up for seconds despite still having some food left on his plate. Snape tugged him back down into his seat. "Sit down, Lupin. If I have to endure Black's inanity so do you."

Muttering darkly under his breath Lupin picked his fork back up. Black just grumbled, "I am Serious, you know."

"I loathe that joke."

"Shut up, Snape."

"You shut up, mutt."

"You."

"You."

"You."

"You."

"You."

"You."

"You."

"You."

"You."

"You."

"You."

"You."

"Your mom!" Black injected smugly. Bug-eyed Snape ranted, "How dare you bring my mum into this! How'd you like it if I brought in your mother!"

"I'd probably agree with pretty much anything you said about her, the- oops, sorry, Prongslet."

Potter just pushed his glasses up. Doubtfully he went, "It's all right?"

"We've turned Spinner's End into a mad house," Lupin informed his mug of coffee before sipping. Potter just kept eating while Snape and Black continued to argue about what was and what was not fitting to say about Black's mother.

The morning was passed telling Potter more stories about his parents as children; it turned out that before their deaths the elder Potter's parents had given Lupin and Black a lot of funny stories about him as a boy while Snape knew a lot about Lily. Potter soaked them up like a sponge, even taking notes. Close to eleven they used the Floo Network to go to the Burrow. Lupin went first, followed by Potter and Black while Snape brought up the rear.

The quartet ended up in the Burrows' kitchen, where Mrs. Weasley must have been waiting for them judging by the massive hugs she gave them all. Behind her an indigent Fred exclaimed, "Mum! You're hugging SNAPE! Um, Professor Snape."

"Oh, bugger it, Fred," Potter shrugged. "He has been just cranky about my mom dying."

"For twelve years?"

"Yes."

Throwing his arms up into the air the soon to be sixth year stalked off, presumably to find his twin George. Beaming Mrs. Weasley told him, "Ron and Hermione are out back."

"Great," Potter agreed, his Firebolt slung over one shoulder. "Um, I'll go out back while you guys talk. Thanks for having me over, Mrs. Weasley."

"Oh, of course, Harry dear," she smiled, trying to flatten his untameable hair. Black chuckled, "It won't lie flat- I think Lily had a spell to tame it, and when he tried to undo it his hair turned violet."

"Oh," sighed Mrs. Weasley, dropping her arms to her sides. "Go on, Harry."

Nodding Potter dashed out back, jerking to a halt inches outside the back door. With knowing smiles the four adult wizards followed.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!"

There was a veritable crowd of people in the backyard, almost of all of whom Potter recognized. With a bright smile Ron walked up to him, placing a fake golden crown on his best friend's head. "Hey, Harry."

"What's going on?"

"We're having a birthday party for you, of course," Hermione shook her head as she joined the pair of boys. "Before lunch we'll have a Quidditch match."

"Really?"

"Really," Ron smirked. "Weasleys against everyone else!"

"Hear hear!" cheered the twins. Next to them weren't just Percy and Ginny but two older male wizards that Harry supposed would have to be Bill and Charlie. All seven Weasley children as well as their parents had red hair. Hermione rolled her eyes, "I'm even playing Beater for some absurd reason."

"It was you or Neville," Ron pointed out reasonably. Hermione shrugged her agreement. "I'm still impressed we managed to scrap up together enough brooms to do this."

"Professor McGonagall brought them," Ron guessed. "Now come on, let's get ready!"

But first Harry had to be glomped by Hagrid, who he hugged back. Then it was time to get ready for Quidditch.

The seven Weasleys got into fire red robes like their hair while Harry tugged on an inky black robe. His six teammates were Hermione, Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, Tonks, and Oliver Wood. Wood clapped him on the shoulder. "Let's have one last game together, eh, Harry?"

Potter nodded. "Right."

Professor McGonagall, as referee, started the game while the other party guests sat on picnic blankets to cheer on the two teams. Wood was against Ron as Keeper; Angelina, Katie, and Alicia were opposite to Bill, Percy, and Ginny as Chasers; poor Hermione and Tonks had to go against the twins as the teams' Beaters; and as Seeker Potter would have to get the Snitch before Charlie.

Neville, in compensation for not participating in the game itself, did the commentary with tips from Lee Jordan who was sitting beside him. Easily Potter swooped up and about in his quest for the Snitch as Charlie did the same.

While the Quaffle and the Bludgers flew about the home-made pit, which had three Quidditch hoops a third of the size of the ones at Hogwarts. Still, it was Quidditch, and Potter focused on finding the Snitch. Finally he saw the familiar golden gleam, low by the central hoop of the Weasley team. Yet at the same time Charlie was diving down towards a spot where the Snitch definitely was not. More baffled than anything else, Potter dove past the battling Chasers for the Quaffle and grabbed the Snitch. Triumphantly he held up the Snitch.

"And the birthday boy gets the Snitch!" cheered Longbottom. Affably the fourteen wizards disembarked their brooms. Charlie shook his head, bemused. "I was trying for a Wronski feint but you got me."

"He's almost as good as you," agreed Wood proudly. Charlie nodded, making Potter smile lopsidedly. Ron asked hopefully, "Can we eat now?"

"Sure," agreed Tonks, whose hair was now short, spiky, and silver. Professor McGonagall added sternly, "First put away the brooms."

"Yes, Professor," they all chorused, even the ones no longer students at Hogwarts.

A few picnic tables had been set up- Ron told Harry about how when their mum wasn't looking Bill and Charlie had levitated them for a mock battle. Hermione sniffed repeatedly during this retelling, which told Harry that it had been completely wicked indeed. On one of the tables groaned under the weight of all the food on it. The centerpiece was a huge Snitch-shaped and iced cake. With a quick spell Black lit the fourteen candles on the cake. Potter stood anxiously in front of the cake while everyone sang.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday Harry, happy birthday to you!"

With a bashful smile Harry made his wish and blew out the candles with a strong breath. Happily Mrs. Weasley began to cut the cake, giving Potter the first slice. He found himself surrounded by Ron, Hermione, Neville, and the twins. Interestingly Tonks managed to sit between Charlie and Lupin while Black and Snape sat next to one another ostensibly to continue their 'discussion' about Black's mother. Happily the group got caught up about their summer activities.

"It was my birthday yesterday," Neville noted. Harry blinked. "Oh. That makes- that makes us kind of special, doesn't it?"

"I suppose so."

Hermione gave Potter an appraising look, having caught his troubled tone. But she didn't press. Looking around Harry admitted, "I haven't had a birthday party since I was one."

"Don't Muggles have birthday parties?" Ron frowned earnestly.

"Oh, sure they do. I didn't. But I like this far better than any possible Muggle birthday party," Harry smiled. "So, does anyone know when we'll get our letters from Hogwarts?"

"Soon," George acknowledged. "Dad and Percy keep hinting that this year will be special somehow. I don't see how."

Hermione and Ron exchanged a significant look. Fred snorted. "Well, more special for you three anyway."

"In my defense, trouble finds me and not the other way around," Harry protested, making Neville laugh slightly. "Usually, anyway, Harry."

"Well… so, am I going to get presents too?" Potter changed the subject awkwardly. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Of course you are."

"Nice!"

Later, having unwrapped a pile of presents that even Dudley wouldn't have thrown an especially large tantrum over, Harry lounged back with Ron and Hermione. Exhaling happily he toyed with the Snitch as he talked with the pair about their adventures together. Snape noticed the heartbroken expressions on Lupin and Black's faces. Crossly he told them, "He isn't being exactly like James, you know. He's just doing to unwind and as something to do. James did it to show off."

"Still," Black sighed, jamming his hands into his cloak pockets. Lupin looked depressed, shifting his gaze to his feet. Snape grabbed the pair by the back of the collars. "Come on, let's go eat cake until we have a sugar crash. It's better than grabbing a bunch of fire whiskey to down."

A bit later Fred, George, and Lee returned from wherever they had disappeared off to. Curiously George asked, "So, Harry, are the trio giving you any trouble?"

"We can always hijack another car to break you out," agreed Fred. Harry shook his head. "No, thanks. I'm good."

"I don't trust Lupin," Fred stated darkly. George nodded, "We couldn't prank him."

"He pranked them," Lee sniggered. The twins sulked.

"It's not funny…"

"He broke our record…"

"Of pranking every teacher…"

"How could we forgive that?"

Hermione and Harry looked at Ron. Blankly he asked, "What?"

Apparently Ron hadn't told the twins; Hermione and Harry hadn't because they had thought Ron would do so. Shaking his head, Harry got to his feet. "Come on, you two."

The twins followed him to where Lupin and Black had switched to playing Wizard Snap rather than eating cake. Harry told the two older wizards, "These two are Fred and George, they're the ones who…"

"Ah, right," smirked Black, getting the drift. Bemused Lupin stated, "I am not surprised."

"Fred, George," beamed Harry, knowing well what the results of his next sentence would be. "Meet Misters Padfoot and Moony."

Fred and George's jaws dropped. The former regained his voice first. "For real?"

"We're solemnly up to no good," confirmed Black. George marveled, "No wonder we couldn't prank Lupin- and small wonder Black was the first wizard to break out of Azkaban!"

Lupin and Black looked proud of themselves. George turned to Harry. "No way."

"Yes way."

"No, not that- Pettigrew and Harry's dad must have been Wormtail and Prongs!"

"Well, then, of course he'd be the Boy Who Lived. He's the son of a Maruader!" Fred proclaimed. Black nodded. "For now we're calling him Prongslet, especially since his Patronus is Prongs."

George decided, "Prince Prongslet, since you four- well, three excluding the traitor- are the kings of pranksters. That makes Harry the Prince of Pranksters."

"He pranks the Dark Lord by foiling his schemes!" Fred got into the vibe, pumping his fist high. "He pranks fate by not just surviving incredibly dangerous adventures, but thriving in them! He is: Prince Prongslet, Son of King Prongs and Queen Lily, the Prince of Pranksters, the Boy Who Lived, Lightening-bolt Forehead, Heir of the Messy Potter Hair, and foe of the Dark Lord who hates all pranks!"

Snape had no idea what the conversation between the five was, but the expression on Potter's face made him laugh for the first time since he and Lily had stopped being friends. The rest of the afternoon was spent comfortably spending time with fellow wizards in the crisp country air of Ottery St. Catchpole. As the horizon turned fiery red, the sky above turning purple and pink, a bonfire was made to roast marshmallows and other treats on. Everyone huddled together and conversed. Hagrid used a whole branch to toast his marshmallows on while everyone else used a stick.

After Tonks had burnt her fifth marshmallow to a crisp Lupin succumbed to the temptation and gave her one of his. Snape found himself enjoying the evening. Maybe being good could be enjoyable. Perhaps Lily wouldn't want him grieving for the rest of his life… perhaps.

Meanwhile Ron was asking Potter, "So, are you coming to the Quidditch Cup with us?"

"I don't know, Ron," Harry admitted. "I'm still getting to know Black and Lupin… and Snape and I are still figuring out that the other isn't so bad. Besides, we'll be seeing each other again soon."

"I'd like to see Spinner's End," Hermione stated as she toasted her piece of bread. Ron looked at her oddly. "Why? It's Snape's house."

"Professor Snape, Ron. But it's also Harry's house now."

Harry saw where Hermione was going with this. "Um, Hermione. Tonks is coming by on the Ministry's orders every 2 weeks to make sure I'm still in one piece."

"I like and trust Tonks- but I cannot and will not say the same for the Ministry."

"Oi."

"Ronald Weasley! This is Harry we're talking about here."

"I'm fine," Harry agreed uncomfortably as he stuck a marshmallow onto the end of his stick. "It's loads better than the Dursleys, promise."

"It's Snape," Ron stated as if that was the end of the matter.

"He's actually not so bad once you get off his bad side…"

"He slipped a potion into your drink that first day, didn't he?" Ron asked suspiciously. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Ronald. Please; Snape is not one of the bad guys."

"He's not," Potter confirmed, watching Snape twirl his stick which had a potato of all things on the end. "He would never go back after Voldemort killed my mum."

"Ah."

"Huh?"

Where Hermione understood at once, Ron did not. Harry allowed himself a small smile as he gazed up at the stars. What a happy birthday indeed.

"Guys?"

"Yes, Harry?" Hermione inquired. The pair looked over at him, the fire casting their faces into sharp contrast.

"I'm glad I have friends like you two."

"So am I."

"Me too," Ron agreed. "Hey, 'Mione, are you going to eat that marshmallow?"

Harry smiled; this birthday might even trump one where Hagrid had told him he was a wizard. At length the trio fell asleep, as did the other teens. Quietly the adults picked them up and carried them into the Burrow once enough nooks and crannies had been found for them all.

Most of the adults left after that, but Potter's three guardians stayed. Black curled up as Padfoot with Harry while Lupin and Snape conjured up some blankets and pillows to sleep in the kitchen. With a contented sigh Arther Weasley wrapped his arms around his wife's waist, placing his head on her shoulder. Nothing needed to be said between the two.

Early the next morning, Harry momentarily woke up to find himself on a pile of blankets in Ron's bedroom, dawn's light timidly peering through the window. Ron was sprawled out in his bed, and Padfoot was snuggled up against him. Scratching behind his godfather's ear Potter whispered, "I love you, Padfoot."

The great black dog sleepily wagged his tail, which Potter took to mean a reply in the same. And he would have been right.