Harry couldn't believe his eyes. Instead of seeing the graceful golden and green fields he had seen this morning out his window, replacing the vast wilderness of the Weasley property was an entirely different room. Their front door passed as a portal to a completely separate building probably half way across the world. It was bright and vast, almost never ending from Harry's view. And taking up most of that space were people, his friends, every single person he knew from Hogwarts, waiting and smiling. They all roared with a cheer, most likely trying to say "Surprise" and "Happy Birthday" at the same time.

Harry stumbled into the decorated room with utter shock and pleasure. He spotted groups of spunky Hufflepuffs and rambunctious Raven claw members. He saw people he knew from classes and others he knew personally, like boys that shared a dorm room with him in the past five years. He spotted Neville right away along with Seamus Finnigan and other Gryffindor members. There had to be over a hundred or two hundred people there in the large room all there for him.

The first to approach him was a group of Gryffindors, patting his back and shaking his hands. Then it was just a gigantic mesh of people, Raven claws and Hufflepuffs that hugged him and said, "Happy Birthday." He shook so many hands and said "Thank you," so many times that he was beginning to grow sore. There wasn't much to do, but just seeing everyone was enough for him. There were multiple tables of foods and drinks, streamers all over the roof, and balloons in every room. The place seemed like a mansion with numerous rooms full of people. The last room that Harry finally reached was half outdoors and half inside. The walls stretched into pillars and the ceiling morphed into the fabric roof of a large gazebo. The massive crowd was at its largest here with people talking and laughing all over.

Sure enough, everyone made it their own party. People who were old enough used spells to start different games and shows. In one room was a giant table that resembled something like magical poker and wizard's chest. Whenever a move was made, the crowd cheered and jumped in unison. Another crowd of people formed some kind of magical limbo game with a floating broomstick. Everyone chanted and clapped together like a single roll of thunder as a line of people passed under the stick. It got lower and lower and soon people were struggling. Harry was watching with a wide smile until someone shoved him into the line. Multiple hands pulled him to the front and urged him to go on. Before he knew it, he was leaning under to get through. The stick lowered and the next person to go under was the first to screw up. Their chest bumped the stick and immediately the broomstick shot into the air, whirled around and smacked the boy in the hindquarters, disqualifying him from the game. As everyone laughed, Harry felt someone grab his hand and tug him away.

Hermione dragged him to a clearer spot in the room where Ron stood waiting. "How did you do this?" He asked the moment he caught his breath.

Ron shrugged with that playful Weasley smile. "Oh, you know, it was easy. Just sent practically everyone from Hogwarts a letter for your birthday. Not that big of a deal."

Hermione added, "It was Ron's idea. Since you'd be coming to stay with him anyway, it was a brilliant idea to gather everyone here for you." Then she seemed to turn sensitive and said solemnly, "A lot of people care about you, Harry." She glanced at Ron who nodded in agreement and Harry suddenly couldn't breathe again. Even Hermione looked like she was on the verge of tears. She whipped Harry around and shoved him back into the raging crowd. "Now go have fun! You…bloody idiot!" Harry laughed and did as he was told.

He was lost in the crowd, talking with others and admiring the magic until a hand landed on his shoulder. "Happy Birthday, Harry!" Neville said with that cheeky grin of his. Beside him was Luna.

"Thanks. Hey, Luna."

"Hello, Harry," She said sweetly. She wore a sparkling white dress that matched her bleached blonde hair with something like a grey sweater vest over top. "You're another year older. I always wondered why time moves so slowly and we age so fast. We have a lot of time to do things that we don't bother to do. I always get confused on it. But you're smart, Harry. Maybe you'll figure it out."

"Eh, okay. Thanks, Luna."

Luna wrapped her arm around Neville's and pulled him away. "Come on, Neville. Harry wants to do something else even if he won't say it."

"Okay, have fun, Harry!"

Harry waved as the two disappeared. Apparently everyone was telling him to have fun and he was enjoying himself, he just felt like he was missing something. Maybe Luna was right, he should do something that he hadn't bothered to, but what in the world could that be? He decided to shake it off. When did anything Luna said ever make sense?

As he moved further through the crowd, he found not only were Hogwarts students there, but also teachers. He found Mrs. McGonagall chatting with Hagrid in a far corner. "Ah, Harry!" Hagrid said with that deep tone of his. "Happy Birthday! I remember when you were just twelve years old and I had to bring you to Hogwarts for the first time." He laughed which echoed in the room like a roll of thunder. "Now you're seventeen! I can hardly believe it!"

"I hope you're enjoying your birthday, Harry," Mrs. McGonagall said with a warm smile.

Harry nodded politely and said, "Yes, ma'am. Um, not to be rude or anything, but… why are you here?"

"Someone's got to keep these kids in line." Mrs. McGonagall said. "And frankly, I quite enjoy parties."

Both teachers laughed as if there was some hidden inside joke behind her words and Harry felt a tad bit awkward from it.

"It's not just us," Hagrid said calmly. "Mr. Lupin is around here somewhere, but I doubt you'll find him in this crowd."

Harry nodded. "Tell him I say hello, will you?"

"Will do."

Harry jumped forward and gave the giant a tight hug. Seeing Hagrid with the scruffy touch of his dirty beard and the rough smell of charcoal always reminded him of home. After that he turned to melt back in the crowd. "Good seein' you, Hagrid. You too, Mrs. McGonagall!" They waved and he was gone yet again.

It wasn't long before the sun was lowering into a musky dark orange with a hint of pink across the rolling sky. It gave the party a settling mood which only hyped everyone up more. As the crowds started to form as one, the twins arrived on an upper railing standing above everyone. They tapped the tips of their wands like microphones until the whine of some hidden speakers caught everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" George's voice flowed over everyone like a tidal wave.

"We have not one-"

"-but two formal announcements to make."

"One-"

"Everyone give it up-"

"-for Harry!"

Harry flinched and had to cover his ears for a second from the screams that wrapped around him from the center of the crowd.

"And two-" Both twins held up something round and grey, like a ball of clay, in their hands and they both screamed, "Let's party!" As the crowd screamed again, the twins threw the pranks to crowd. They exploded on contact and the room was filled with smoke. It was thin so everyone was able to breathe in it even though it acted thick and colorful like stained fog. Lights of all colors imaginable danced around and pierced through the fog. The music that had been hidden by all the noise was now cranked up to maximum volume. It was elegant and fast paced all wrapped up into an energetic song. When Harry was able to peer through some of the fog, he noticed everyone was moving, dancing, jumping, singing along, and just plain shouting. He stood still for a moment until Ron and Hermione dragged him into it.

Before he knew it, night had fallen, his feet were sore, and he couldn't be happier. He had been stuck by Ron's side for most of the night gulfing down the butter beer that was being served until they could speak normally again. They were talking and laughing, but he couldn't shake something. A tight knot was twisting inside his stomach and it made him uneasy. When Hermione arrived, Harry nudged them over to a quieter corner.

"How long does everyone plan to stay here for?"

Ron shrugged. "Who cares?"

"It's a party, Harry!" Hermione said in a laugh. "We're not here to watch the clock. We're suppose to relax and go wild! You should try it some time. Just have fun!"

There was that word again. How the hell was he suppose to have fun when that missing puzzle piece still refused to fit into the puzzle? Harry couldn't get it off his back. Something was eating at him, something deep from his subconscious. He couldn't deny the party. He was having the time of his life and he couldn't be happier to see everyone so happy beside him. Still, something was telling him the night was over, or should be over, like now.

"That's why we're here!" Hermione finished over the music.

"And," Ron jumped between them and grabbed Harry by the sleeve, "to do some bloody magic!"

Harry immediately charged after him as the whole crowd began to move outside. As if they had planned this, everyone lined up with wands high above their heads and waiting. Ron and Hermione dragged Harry to the front of the line where the twins stood directing everyone.

"All right!" Fred, or maybe George, shouted over the commotion. "On your marks!"

"Get set!"

They turned and everyone faced the top of the nearest hill where the moon stood gracefully, glimmering over them all. Harry stared up at it until Ron nudged him. He glanced to his best friend and saw that look-the one where Ron was going to go crazy with magic- and Harry was right in line with him. This was the spell they were going to share for the first time over all the summers they had. All the doubt he had faded away and he easily raised his wand.

"Fire!"

All at once everyone shouted the spell. Beautiful lights emerged from the dozens of wands, some going faster than others and some taking their sweet time. All of the sparks rose high into the air, some swirling and others arching to the meeting point. The sparks added to the gigantic blue flame until it completely blocked the huge moon above them. Then it burst in one loud snap! Everyone cheered as it started to rain sparks of all sorts of colors. The magic glittered around the moon, outlining it and striking everyone with awe.

Harry stood panting and smiling with his arm still up in the air at the fading firework. The adrenaline was rushing through his whole body and his arm tingled. Oh, how good it felt to use magic again. He stared up at the firework with such happiness that he thought that time was going to stop. In fact it started to slow and suddenly he felt very still. Something washed over him and all he could see was specifically the red sparks floating down to him. Everything flashed and he saw the sparks morphed into the words, "I… Love… You…" Harry blinked at the cursive red flames until they disappeared. Everyone was still cheering and high-fiving like nothing had happened because nothing had happened. Harry looked beside him and could practically see Draco standing there looking at him in a glare of red under the firework he had shot. The way his golden eyes glimmered over him almost hurt.

Everything snapped back to him when a hand grabbed his shoulder. "You okay, mate?"

Harry blinked and was blinded by something warm. He could hardly see Ron under the tears lining his eyes and he quickly wiped them away. "Uh, yeah, sorry…" He said in a shaky breath. "Something's in my eye."

Neville ran up to Hermione at that next instant and whispered something into her ear. Her face lit up and she turned to Ron. "It's time," she said excitedly.

Harry looked back and forth between them. "Time for what?"

Soon they were dragging him away from the crowd, away from the building, and over the hill. "Seriously, guys, tell me!"

"Nope," Ron said casually and continued to lead the way.

Hermione held his hand as she strolled beside him, looking back to make sure Harry was following. "You have to see it, Harry."

Harry groaned, "I'm not really in the mood. I mean, thanks for the party and everything, but I'm tired of surprises."

"Oh, stop whining. You sound like a girl!"

Harry ran up and gave Ron a playful shove. "Just tell me what-"

"No."

"Then where-"

"Nope."

Harry groaned again and rubbed his eyes under his fogged up glasses. They led him down the hill, through the shadows, and to a completely isolated part of the land. Harry spotted the top of a tent lined with little white lights and he knew that's where they were going. As they approached it, he felt more and more tired.

"Honestly, guys-"

"Just shut up and look." Ron said and he and Hermione pulled apart, revealing the romantic gazebo before them.

Harry literally felt the air get knocked out of him. He choked on a gasp and had stopped breathing. Something bubbled up inside him from what he saw, but he couldn't name it. He felt happy, angry, and sad all at the same time that it burned his very being. He was suddenly light on his toes and was instantly awake.

The gazebo was a simple white tent propped up with a spell so the tarp was hovering in the air. The lights he saw earlier were actually tiny pixies carrying a single flame in their miniature palms as they circled around the roof of the gazebo. Shadows danced all over the blank platform, making it look as mysterious as it did romantic. Yet, out of it all, his silver eyes were locked on the golden pools gleaming before him.

He had imagined seeing him so suddenly like this three times already today that he figured it was just another dream. Until the soft words reached his ears. "Hey, Potter."

Harry felt his chest tighten and he couldn't respond. All he could do was stare and try to breathe. He heard the grass crunch behind him as Ron and Hermione were starting to leave. "We'll see you back at the party," Hermione's voice echoed. He would've turned to see them off, but he couldn't move. He stared for the longest time, looking over the snow white hair that gleamed in the moonlight, getting drawn in by the loose tie he wore over the white dress shirt and black suit pants; the way he was looking at him made him feel so whole again-and he needed to breathe!

Finally, his weight shifted forward and he started to run. Draco met him half-way and yanked him into a tight embrace. Harry clutched onto him with everything he had and melted into his warmth. He drowned in his sweet scent, the one that captivated him the first instant he sensed it, and made no attempt to escape. So much rushed through his head, how confused he was, how mad he was, and how happy he was. At last the puzzle piece slipped easily into the puzzle.

When they pulled away just slightly to gaze at each other, Harry picked up his head and began to speak. "I-" That was all Draco allowed him to say before he stole his lips for a kiss. Harry didn't refuse it because he wasn't even sure of what he was going to say. Besides, he couldn't turn down that kiss even if his life depended on it. He surrendered to the tight kiss and soon collapsed in his arms. Draco pulled him closer and pushed his head past his shoulder. He had a hand on the back of Harry's head and squeezed him like it was the last time they were ever going to meet again.

"I'm sorry," Draco said instantly, his voice hushed and hot in Harry's ear. "I'm sorry for everything… But I had to see you."

Harry wiggled free, but still clutched onto his arms as Draco did to his. "Why didn't you write back? Why did you just suddenly disappear?" At these questions, Draco fell silent. The shadows moved across his face and his golden eyes darkened in a fit of sorrow. Harry felt the knot in his stomach return and he couldn't breathe right. "Y-You could've just told me an-and I would've-"

"I know," Draco interrupted and pulled him close again. He stood face to face with him, every inch of their bodies touching and laid his lips gently on the brunette's forehead. "I'll explain everything soon. We'll talk about it later… But for now," he looked into the silver eyes of his lover and softly caressed his cheek. He was quiet for a minute at they stared and Harry found himself leaning into Draco's touch. "God, I missed you."

They kissed again and they held it longer than before. They hugged each other tightly and just merely stood there, embracing as one until they lost the sense of time. Just sharing the warmth and exchanging kisses was sweet enough to last them a life time. Such a chill of pleasure and an unnamable sensation would dance across their skin which only made them crave for more.

In amidst of it all, they caught the faint sound of the music coming from afar. The song was slow and classical, of course; the perfect slow song. Before Harry could even think of what to say, Draco dragged him under the center of the gazebo and snatched his hands. "May I have this dance?" The white haired fiend asked slyly with that teasing expression on his face.

Harry almost laughed. "I'm surprised you even know how to dance."

"Shut up," Draco muttered and yanked him close.

Two of their hands connected at their sides while Harry's hand went to Draco's shoulder and Draco's hand went to Harry's waist. They paused as the music did and then slowly started to move. Harry stepped back as Draco moved forward, leading the dance in perfect match with the music. Harry nervously followed, trying not to mess up. He wasn't a bad dancer; it was just that dancing so close to the man he loved after not seeing him for a while had his head spinning faster than he could think.

He had his head lowered for most of the dance, trying to concentrate on the slow paced steps. Back, then forward, pivot, forward, back, turn around and repeat- back, then forward…

After a while, he unconsciously raised his head. Draco was staring at him. His eyes were mesmerizing in the dimmed lights, looking as devilish and beautiful as ever, but his face… His expression was blank and lost-the way he looked before they started dating, the look when they were enemies. "What's wrong?" Harry asked almost instantly.

Draco slowly shook his head. "Nothing…" His expression didn't change.

Harry felt his stomach drop. They continued to dance for a minute until Harry's feet stopped firmly on the concrete. He grabbed Draco's hand and held it close. In a tight voice, he said suddenly, "If you leave like that again, I won't forgive you!" Draco stopped surprised, but Harry continued. "I-I'll let it go this time… but you'll have to make up for it… Er, well, I guess this counts… But next time tell me before you just disappear, okay?"

Draco stared for a second, then his hard shield dissolved. He smiled and a snicker escaped his lips. He pulled him close yet again and cupped his face once more. "I love you," he whispered softly before kissing him. When he pulled away, that evil smirk was on him again. "And don't worry, I'll make up for it in full."

Harry jumped with a gasp as Draco's hand gave him a quick squeeze on the butt. "You-!" Draco whipped him around fast, turned him off his feet, and dipped him back. Harry felt like a girl in one of those romantic movies where the guy dips her back when they're dancing and gets pulled up slowly for a kiss. Yet, Draco tugged him quickly back into his arms and squeezed him tight, one of those more realistic moments. But the kiss still came and it was sweeter and more passionate than any other cliché moment.

Yet, too soon came the time where they had to part. The music died down from the party and practically everyone started to cheer. It was loud enough to make both boys turn their heads toward the sound. When Harry looked back, Draco was starting to release him.

"You should get back."

Harry immediately leaned after him, not wanting to separate again. "But-"

"No." Draco said bluntly with a finger raised. "They're all here for you. So go see them."

"I've already seen them," Harry said, although it was a little selfish. "I've seen them, talked to them, hugged them, danced with them-I just don't want to go back…."

Draco smiled softly for a minute, then glanced back at the hill that separated them from the party. A chill seemed to wash over him as the wind kicked up a bit. He practically threw Harry's hands away in that moment. "I won't leave…okay?" He said, his voice a little tight. Harry was silent, but didn't move a single step. Draco took a step back and motioned his head for the party. "I promise I'll be here when everyone's gone. Just go have fun." The words rang in the air and Harry only grew tense. Draco sighed, stepped forward and snatched his face. Out of nowhere came a quick kiss where Draco's cold tongue slipped past his teeth and sent shivers down Harry's back. It made his head spin and all his doubt washed away. They pulled away for the slowest time all night and stood completely against the other.

"Everyone probably snuck out of their muggle homes to come here… The least you can do is say good-bye before I steal you. Right?"

Harry hesitated, but nodded. He was the one to pull away this time and stepped out of the gazebo. "Promise?" He choked out at which Draco smiled.

"I love you," was his answer.

The words made Harry stumble over his own feet. "I love you, too…" He quickly turned away otherwise he wouldn't have been able to leave at all. He charged up the hill the best he could and stopped to look back one more time. He could hardly see Draco's outline under the dim-lighted gazebo. He swallowed down the lump in throat, settled his racing heart, and returned to the party.

Everyone was as he left them, wild and excited like a bunch of animals. They were all crowding to the front of the half-indoor, half-outdoor room where the twins stood along with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Mrs. McGonagall and Hagrid stood close by and Harry spotted Mr. Lupin and a few other teachers somewhere in the crowd. He felt like he was gathering for a Hogwart's assembly and it was as magical as it sounded. Everyone was smiling and laughing. Others were playing with mild magic tricks. Harry stood in the middle of the crowd, gazing over everyone and how happy they were-including himself.

"We'd like to thank everyone for coming out here," Arthur said politely and loud enough for everyone to hear.

George spoke next. "We appreciate everyone's help in organizing this-"

"-and sneaking out of your houses to do it." The crowd laughed while Molly smacked Fred in the arm.

"So for one last time," Arthur said, "let's give it up for Harry!"

The crowd screamed once more and applauded. Harry received numerous glances, cheers, pats on the back and raised wands. It was the highlight of the party, the happiest moment of the entire day. Every face was bright, every pair of lips shouting and cheering with glee. Harry felt completely surrounded by it and watched everything happen until time stopped. It slowly tuned down until everything was in slow motion, happening frame-by-frame. That's when he suddenly felt cold. A surprising gust of wind came out of nowhere and seemed to circle around him. It was oblivious to everyone else, but Harry knew it was real. It covered his arms in goose bumps and the feeling it gave-that eerie, ghastly feeling-made the hairs on the back of his neck. All the sounds drowned out from him and all he heard was the wind; such a horrible wind. A loud, harsh breeze that was like a nasty whisper wrapping around him tighter and tighter like some vile snake. It constricted him until his breathing halted for a moment and he was forced to stop. In that one instant, faster than the blink of an eye, he heard it. The wretched voice that made his very soul leave his body and it whispered in the wind-no, it was the wind.

"Haaaarrrrry…."

Suddenly, Harry whipped around right as time, sound, and reality snapped back to him. At the back of the crowd, something exploded. It was a quick and loud pop that made everyone jump. Someone screamed, but it came up short. The applause stopped and the cheering toned down. In the next moment, another explosion. Then another. They came one after the other like some wicked firecracker. They happened in every room simultaneously until everyone started to panic.

A whoosh echoed through the air and the room lit up brightly. Everyone only had a second to see it before it crashed. Harry turned and all he saw was flames. So bright and so close that they burned his face to the point internal damage. The fireball crashed into the party, hitting right into the center of the crowd. It exploded, breaking the ground into pieces and shattering the crowd like they were a group of ants. The building trembled as the fire spread like crazy, burning anyone in close range.

Next thing Harry knew, he was on the ground. Everyone was running, screaming. He was on his knees, trying to see correctly. He saw blurred feet charging all around him. That's when he realized he had dropped his glasses. He patted his naked face then smacked the ground until he got them back on. Everyone was panicking, screaming, and running in every direction. Harry looked up above them and saw the hole in the ceiling where the fireball had entered. As he gazed up, the air was being ripped to shreds in his ears and he clearly saw more and more flames raining down toward the building. The crackle of flames was close by, too-in fact too close. He could feel the heat burning his back.

He was stumbling to his feet when Ron snatched his arm and dragged his away. "Move!" He screamed over the commotion.

Not long after they moved, another explosion happened behind them, where Harry was previously sitting. The tremor knocked them to their feet and half the room fell. Another fireball crashed through the ceiling with a horrible crack and covered the entire front of the room with flames. They were wild and large, whipping all over the room madly. Hermione ran into the boys and together they charged for the nearest opening in the pillars that wasn't blocked by flames. Another explosion split the ceiling in two an it started to rain down. A wand raised high in the air momentarily paused it with a strong spell. The caster was unknown, but Harry could see the Weasley parents still positioned by the flames. They were able to tilt the massive mounds of concrete away from the fleeing students and into one flaming pile.

A burst of flames snapped at the kids, causing them to scream and pull back. Mr. Lupin appeared behind them and shoved them toward a direction that seemed blocked, but as they approached closer, the flames were only swaying in the doorway. They sprinted out, rushing into the cold night air so fast that it stung. Like everyone else, they gathered on the bottom of the hill away from the building. Everyone was smoking, some were burnt, and they were all frightened. Just as the last people started to reach safety, the building collapsed entirely. The flames swirled up into one destructive cloud, rising higher than anyone imagined possible. Just as it seemed to decrease, it exploded one final time, the flames shooting straight up into the air. The black smoke and brightest flames morphed together in one quick motion. Soon, towering over them all was a flaming skull with smoky-black eyes and a blue-flame snake crawling all around it.

As much as everyone was taken aback by it, Harry was the one most struck. The sight pierced right through his chest in the most painful way that it ripped his soul and pride to shreds. The pain was as extensive as the fear, but all he could do was sit and stare, wondering exactly what the cause of such pain was…

From atop the hill, Draco peered over the flames. Through the burning building he could see all the students gathered like animals watching the flames go higher with every passing second. He was the last to lower his wand among the group of people. The rest of the darkly dressed adults were very peeked, backs straight with accomplished composure and others laughing with pure, evil delight. Draco was the only one with a hurt look gazing over the destruction he took part of. He knew it was going to be hard to do it, but never had he imagined it would be this massive, this painful. He stood in a fit of sorrow, knowing that the burnt brunette was somewhere down below. Yet, the others started to leave, despite his hidden feelings. He gave the building one last look, then followed the Death Eaters as they left from a job well done.

I AM SO SORRY! It shouldn't have taken me a whole month to update, but I was having personal problems, school problems, then there was Halloween. I know you guys don't care about my excuses but I just want you to know I didn't just get lazy and give up. I worked every minute I could. Anyway, I split it into two parts because it's really long. I hope it's good. Please review and tell me how it is.