A/N: You guys, I am so sorry for the super long wait! I hope no one gave up on me! We've finally moved, & then I got sick, and I was going crazy trying to get through my first week of classes and do work too. I was so exhausted. But maybe now I'll finally have a little more time, since I've only got to get our stuff unpacked & a couple of tests & one class a week. It shouldn't be so bad. But enough of my blabber, here's the next chapter!

Disclaimer: I really am J.K. Rowling, and like Gilderoy Lockhart, I erased her memory, also took her name, and took her work. Now I write fanfictions. Just kidding, I'm not the honorable Ms. Rowling. A dream is a wish your heart makes…


Chapter 5

Harry Potter awoke in his hospital bed the next morning surprisingly not surrounded by family for the first time since his parents' return. He was so warm and comfortable; he was still groggy from his potion the night before, and he wanted to fall back to sleep. Voices coming from the other side of the door at the other end of the hospital wing told him he wouldn't be alone for long once Madame Pomfrey or one of his parents saw that he was awake. Harry decided to sit up, but he immediately regretted it – his ribs were still smarting, and his back was not completely healed yet. His head was throbbing, and he groaned and fell back into his pillows. He focused on the voices coming from outside the hospital wing, deciding to wait until someone else came in to move again.

Harry heard several voices float into the wing, few of which he recognized. He could pick out his mother and father's voices, his godfather, Remus, Dumbledore, and was that Professor McGonagall and Professor Moody? Harry strained to hear what they were saying.

"…said Harry has had a very rough summer," he heard Professor McGonagall say. He felt a surge of embarrassment that his Head of House was brought into this. "Should I, as the Head of Gryffindor House, be aware of anything?"

There was a pause in conversation, and Harry heard Dumbledore say, "Minerva, Harry's aunt and uncle were abusive towards him."

McGonagall gasped. "How badly?" she asked, horrified.

This time, Madame Pomfrey answered. "He had so many injuries. I have honestly never seen that many injuries on a person – child or adult – at one time. Some are still healing. He is severely malnourished and has to take a nutrient potion twice daily. He's sleep-deprived as well, and I've had to give him two sleeping potions since he's been here, partly so he won't feel the pain. He has to take pain potions every few hours, as well as have his dressing changed and burn and bruise pastes applied."

"Sweet Merlin," said a female voice Harry didn't recognize.

"Potter will be okay, though?" came Moody's voice.

"Physically, yes," replied Madame Pomfrey. "Emotionally, the damage has been done. What will help him best now is rest and being with people who actually care for him."

"My poor baby," he heard his mother say quietly. Harry smiled at her voice. It was nice to know that she and his father were so close by, and that they cared so much.

"It's time to give him his potions," said Madame Pomfrey, "and to reapply the dressings and pastes."

Harry was grateful for this – his ribs and back were beginning to smart fiercely again. His burned arm was throbbing. It hurt to move much, so Harry just turned his head and waited for Madame Pomfrey to give him his potions.

He was not disappointed; Madame Pomfrey walked swiftly down the hospital wing, potion vials and two jars of creams in hand.

"Ah, good, you're awake," she said conversationally. "You have quite a few guests."

Harry smiled at the mediwitch as she handed him his glasses and the potions and began to work on the dressing on his arm. Harry mumbled a small "Thanks" as he finished the pain potion.

When she had finished assessing his injuries, Madame Pomfrey set off back down the wing and out the door. "He's awake," she said to all the people waiting.

Harry heard a rush as several sets of footsteps headed for the door. The first thing he saw was his mother, closely followed by his father, both of who were quickly walking towards him. Before he knew what was happening, they were at his bedside and Harry was surrounded by thick, dark red hair. Lily had scooped Harry into a hug, which startled Harry, causing him to jump and tense unconsciously before he fully realized what was happening. Lily took note of this behavior, but showed no sign of having noticed.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Lily said, releasing Harry and giving him a bright smile. "Happy Birthday!"

This took Harry by surprise – he had completely forgotten the date.

"Morning Mum," said Harry with a wide grin. "Erm, thanks. I'd kind of forgotten what day it was."

"Happy Birthday, son," said James brightly, also pulling Harry into a hug. Harry's grin widened even more.

After a chorus of "Happy Birthdays" from the crowd around his bed, Lily addressed Harry again.

"I'm so sorry you have to spend your birthday in the hospital," she said sadly. "But Harry, I promise, when you're released and feel up to it, we'll have a huge party for you with presents and cake and whatever you want."

Harry reddened, but this lifted his mood considerably. "Really? I've never had a party before. But I don't need presents; I've got everything I want now."

This response prompted another fierce hug from his mother.

"But of course you'll have presents, dear," said Lily softly. "You don't realize it yet, but Dad and I have made it our mission in life to spoil you rotten."

"And you have a slightly-crazed godfather who enjoys that pastime as well," quipped Sirius, ruffling Harry's hair.

Harry's face broke out into a huge smile. This was better than he could have ever hoped for.

"Hate to barge in on the love-fest," growled Moody, "but a few of us actually have business here."

"Oh, lighten up, Mad-Eye," said a young witch with bubblegum pink hair. "Nymphadora Tonks at your service, Harry. Call me Tonks, everyone does."

"Nice to meet you," said Harry, and Tonks flashed him a smile.

"Kingsley Shaklebolt, it's a pleasure," said a tall, bald, black wizard who had a deep voice and a warm smile.

After several more people introduced themselves, Dumbledore finally explained, "Harry, these people, including Remus, have volunteered to be your guard. They will be watching out for you should you need to be out in public from here on out, or if you need anything in general."

Harry nodded and looked around at everyone. There were so many people willing to protect him.

"We only came down here to establish the guard with you," Moody said gruffly. "We have an important meeting with Dumbledore."

"Thanks, Alastor," said James.

"If you all will, follow me to my office, please," requested Dumbledore, gesturing to Harry's guard. "Remus, you may stay here and I will fill you in later along with Sirius, Lily, and James, if you prefer."

"Thank you, Albus," said Remus.

Dumbledore led Harry's guard from the hospital wing and Sirius turned to his godson.

"So, Harry," said Sirius with a grin, "think you're up to seeing your friends today? They've been driving me mad about you."

Harry's face lit up; he had been dying to seen Ron and Hermione all summer. "Yes! I'd love to see them!" he said eagerly. The four adults smiled at him – it was so good to see him happy.

"Brilliant. I'll floo Molly," said Sirius brightly. "And if Poppy will ever release you from this bloody hospital wing, maybe you can have dinner with everyone tonight for your birthday, and a party tomorrow. They'll be over as soon as I can get to the Headmaster's office, so be ready."

"Er, Sirius," said Lily, "a quick word?"

"Sure," he said. Sirius quickly followed Lily out of the hospital wing, leaving Harry alone with James and Remus.

"What do you want for your birthday, Harry?" asked James.

"Nothing," replied Harry, dodging his father's question.

"Right then," said James slyly, "surprise you, got it."

Remus laughed. "Oh, now you're in for it, Harry."

"Why?" asked Harry tentatively.

"Because now James is plotting," said Remus. "He wants your birthday to be the best one ever."

"But it already is," said Harry quietly. "I got my parents, and that's all I've ever wanted."

Harry was saved from the argument as Lily walked back into the room. James whispered a quick "We'll talk about this later" to Harry as she resumed her seat.

"What did you want to talk to Sirius about?" asked James.

"Nothing really," Lily said with a smile. "Just something for Harry's party."

Lily smoothed Harry's hair lovingly and he raised his eyebrows at her.

"You can tell me," said Harry playfully. "I'm good at keeping secrets."

"Don't we know," said Lily sarcastically. "No dear, I won't spoil your surprises."

"What do you even want to do to celebrate?" James asked Harry yet again.

Harry thought seriously on this for a moment. What was he supposed to do? He'd never been allowed to be at any of Dudley's parties.

"Um, I guess just hang out with Ron and Hermione," Harry said simply.

Lily and James looked at him.

"That's is?" said James incredulously. "You could invite more people, you know. Or do something special…"

"James," warned Lily, "don't give it away. I want ideas, too, but I don't want to ruin everything."

Harry was thoroughly confused. He was eyeing his parents suspiciously and wanted to know what they were planning to celebrate his birthday. After all, how could they possibly top their own returns?

After a few minutes, the doors to the hospital wing swung wide and he was greeted by a fury of red hair and noise. Harry broke out into a wide smile.

Ron and Hermione were practically running towards him, Sirius jogging behind them. Mrs. Weasley was walking quickly with Ginny, and was lecturing the twins to behave themselves.

Lily stood up and moved from Harry's bedside to make room for the newcomers. Harry was immediately engulfed in bushy brown hair and Hermione squealing, "Harry!"

"Merlin, Hermione," said Ron, giving Harry an uncharacteristic hug himself. "Scream his bloody ear off. I think he knows his own name."

Hermione punched Ron's arm lightly and said, "We've been so worried about you! After we didn't get any owls, we started to wonder…"

"So you know then?" Harry asked grimly.

"Yeah," said Ron. "Sirius and Remus told us. But it's not their fault, mate. We pestered them until they finally broke down and told us. We were thinking something way worse had happened, that you were dead. We were worried."

"Well, I'm alright," said Harry, trying to get off the subject.

"We'll talk about it later," said Hermione. Harry was grateful she caught on to his silent plea. "So, anyway," she changed subjects, "Happy Birthday! We would've brought your presents, but Sirius said not to because your mum wanted us to bring them to your party. Oh my gosh! We haven't even met your parents yet! How horrible of us! Come on Ron!"

Harry laughed and shook his head as Hermione dragged Ron off to meet his mum. Ginny was standing next to his bed and immediately took Hermione's recently vacated spot. She bent down to give Harry a hug and he got a strong waft of her flowery perfume as her hair hit his face. When she pulled back, Harry realized he had never taken the time to notice just how pretty Ginny really was. Maybe it was because she reminded him of his mum a little, what with both of them having red hair, but she really was pretty. And Ron's sister. And she had a boyfriend. And now Harry was staring at her with a goofy smile on his face, and Ginny was looking at him like he needed mental help.

"Erm, hey Ginny," Harry muttered, blushing furiously.

Ginny laughed and Harry blushed even harder; her laugh was strangely intoxicating.

"Hey Harry," said Ginny. "Happy Birthday! How are you? Erm, well, obviously not great; brilliant, now it's my turn to be embarrassed."

"Thanks," said Harry through a laugh. "No, it's okay, I'm doing better. I think I only have a few more pain potions and other stuff to take before I can leave."

"That's good," Ginny said. "So, what do you think about having your mum and dad back? I think it's amazing."

"Yeah, it is," Harry said, his gaze wandering over to them. "I haven't really had any time with them, just as a family, but they haven't been back long enough for that."

"Well, you still have the whole summer to get used to each other," Ginny mused.

"Yeah," agreed Harry. "How has your summer been?"

"Pathetically boring," said Ginny sadly. "The same old thing as every year."

"Hey," chorused the twins.

"Quit hogging," began Fred.

"The birthday boy," finished George.

"Oh shut it," snapped Ginny.

"Look, Georgie," said Fred, "we interrupted the lovebirds."

"Shame on us," said George. "They could've been planning a date."

"Maybe their wedding. How awfully rude of us," said Fred.

Harry went red. "We weren't – we aren't – I'm not –" he sputtered.

"For your information," interrupted Ginny, mercifully saving Harry, "I have a boyfriend, and he isn't Harry!"

The twins gawked.

"Really now?"

"Who is he?"

"How long?"

"What house is he in?"

"Merlin, you two sound like girls," said Ginny, sounding thoroughly irritated.

"How insulting," said Fred.

"Anyway," said his twin, "we were going to tell you about Percy. He and Dad had a big row, and now he's moved out. He won't speak to any of us."

"Right foul git, he is," supplied Fred. "Mum cries every time she hears his name, and Dad breaks something."

"What we're trying to say," said George, "is just try not to mention him."

"We've basically been pretending he doesn't exist ever since," said Ginny.

"Wow," said Harry. "That's awful."

"It was bound to happen at some point," said Fred.

They continued talking for a few minutes about Percy and the twins' joke shop until Mrs. Weasley deemed herself and Lily properly introduced enough to extract herself from conversation and give Harry one of her signature, bone-crushing hugs.

"Harry, dear!" she said, pulling him into a much gentler hug than usual, for which Harry was grateful. "Happy Birthday! How do you feel?"

"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley," she Harry when she had released him from the hug. "I feel loads better, thanks!"

"Wanna play Exploding Snap, Harry?" Ron offered.

"Sure," Harry gratefully obliged.

They sat like this for an hour or so, the kids playing games and laughing while the adults watched fondly and talked amongst themselves.

Madame Pomfrey came bustling into the hospital wing. Everyone looked at her expectantly.

"Can I go home?" Harry begged.

The corners of Madame Pomfrey's mouth twitched, but she still looked rather cross all the same.

"Lily, James, I would normally never do this, but Harry is a special case," she said. At the same time conjuring a box full of potions. "For the next two weeks, he is to continue with his nutrient potions. Give him as much food as he'll eat, but not to the point he's sick. He'll continue with pain potions as usual for a week, then wean him down to one a day for the second week, and eventually he won't need it. I've also included some dreamless sleep and calming potions in case he needs them. No flying for at least a week, but I'd prefer two. And when he does start back, none of that usual nonsense from Quidditch – just low to the ground and slow is best to begin with. No strenuous activity for at least a week, and even then, make it light. If he gets so much as a fever, it's right back here!"

"So, he can come home?" asked James excitedly.

"Yes, Mr. Potter, you can take your son home," Madame Pomfrey said with a smile.

"Yes!" James exclaimed, punching the air before turning to ruffle Harry's hair and high-five Sirius.

"Thank you so much, Madame Pomfrey," said Lily.

"You're welcome, dear," said Madame Pomfrey kindly.

"I'll go get Harry's clothes," said Lily. She returned in a few minutes with one of Harry's t-shirts and a pair of jeans.

Harry dressed behind the curtain, and when he emerged his mother held him at arm's length, looking him up and down.

"Harry, sweetheart, we really need to get you some clothes that fit properly," said Lily gently. "Would you like that darling?"

Clothes that fit? That were actually his? Why? They were his parents, but why would they spend money on buying him clothes? This was so strange; was this what having parents was like?

Harry looked down at his shoes, but nodded just the same. He almost felt guilty, like a little kid who had done something wrong, but was terribly sorry for it. He knew he hadn't, but there was no other way to explain how he felt.

As they left the hospital wing, Sirius clapped a hand on his shoulder. Harry hadn't expected this, and jumped back in response. 'You prat,' Harry thought. 'It's only Sirius. Get a grip.'

"Easy, mate," Sirius said, eyeing Harry cautiously. "It's just me. Anyway, I just wanted to warn you, we're going to my parents' old house for the night tonight. I inherited the bloody thing, and it's become of some use to Dumbledore. You and your parents will only be there for the night, they have a huge surprise in store for you tomorrow morning."

"What is it?" Harry asked, now even more curious and hoping his godfather would let something slip.

"Harry, if we told you, it wouldn't be much of a surprise, now would it?" said James; he had fallen back to eavesdrop on Harry and Sirius.

Harry sighed in defeat. They weren't going to tell him – they were the Marauders.

Their party had finally made its way to the entrance to Dumbledore's office. Remus said the password, ran up, and was back down in a short few minutes.

"Here's a portkey to take us there since we can't use Floo," he said in a rush.

It was a crumpled-looking piece of parchment. Everyone grabbed a piece of the edge and Harry felt that terrible familiar tug behind the navel. Suddenly, they were standing in a very dark, gloomy hallway.

A thousand pictures flashed before Harry's eyes; all the ones he saw in his nightmares. He had to steady himself for a moment and blinked to keep tears from forming. Then he noticed he was being pushed into another room and he looked around: the place looked old. And dark. No wonder Sirius didn't like it here. The place was littered with Slytherin traces. Harry would be miserable here too.

He was brought into a big dining room with a long kitchen table. He sat down between Ron and Sirius, Hermione on Ron's right and his own parents directly across from him, leaving Remus on Sirius' left and the rest of the Weasley's to the other end of the table. Ginny, however, had taken her seat at the far end of the table, on Hermione's other side, in what Harry guessed was an effort to have both 'girl talk' and be more included in important conversation.

Within fifteen minutes, their meal was served. It was a wonderful stew that Harry enjoyed immensely, followed by his favorite, treacle tart.

Harry wasn't really listening to anyone's conversations. Sirius, Remus, and his dad were regaling the twins with stories of their pranks as the Marauders. His mother was talking animatedly with Mrs. Weasley about how in the world she managed to raise to seven children and stay sane. Ron, like Harry, had his stomach full and was now fighting sleep. Hermione and Ginny were discussing Ginny's boyfriend.

"The twins can be such prats," said Ginny. "Just because I've dated someone. It's not even their business. Besides, I broke up with him before the summer holidays even started."

Harry's heart gave an odd leap; he was suddenly wide-awake and attentively listening to every word of the two girls' conversation.

"Why?" said Hermione, shocked. "I thought you really liked him."

"Well, I did," said Ginny, not seeming to be all that upset. "But then he had to run his fat mouth and say some things I didn't particularly like, so I ditched him. He didn't seem too broken up about it."

"Well I'm sorry, regardless," said Hermione.

"Don't be. I'm not," said Ginny. "If he's going to be a git, I'm better off without him."

'So,' thought Harry, 'Ginny is single. I wonder if I still have a chance? Would Ron hate me if I asked his sister out? Maybe not, if I talked to him about it first…'

Sirius tapping his arm brought Harry back from his musings.

"Harry?" said Sirius worriedly.

"Sorry, what?" asked Harry.

"Well, your mum's been trying to get your attention for the past five minutes," said James, sounding slightly concerned.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Harry apologized. "I, er, zoned out."

James and Lily shared a glance. They obviously thought this was not good. Harry saw this and quickly tried to ease their minds.

"Really, I'm fine," Harry reassured them. "I just got lost in thought for a minute."

They still didn't look entirely convinced, but decided not to pursue the matter at any rate.

"Well," said Lily, "I was thinking it was nearly time for bed, dear. Poor Ron over there is already half asleep."

Harry looked at Ron and snorted. Ron was nearly slipping off his chair, mouth open, propping his cheek on his palm. Seeing Ron almost fully asleep caused a new wave of sleepiness to wash over Harry. He yawned widely and realized how exhausted he really was.

James chuckled. Lily stood up and cleared her plate from the table with a wave of her wand.

"Harry, sweetheart," said Lily, "come with me and I'll give you your potions so you can head on to bed."

Harry nodded and followed his mother to the kitchen.

Lily pulled three potion bottles from a box in one of the cupboards. When she handed them to Harry, he gave her a quizzical look.

"I thought I only needed a pain potion and nutrient potion?"

"Those are the ones you have to take," explained Lily. "I'm also giving you a dreamless sleep potion because I want you to sleep straight through the night and get a decent night's sleep. It'll do you good."

"Oh," said Harry quietly.

Lily smiled at Harry sadly. "I know, sweetheart. You won't have to take these potions very long. I want you to be fully rested for tomorrow; it's your party and you'll have a big day ahead of you. Tomorrow night we'll see how you do without the dreamless sleep, and maybe we can leave that off for good. How does that sound?"

Harry nodded.

"That's my sweet boy," said Lily, placing her hand on Harry's cheek. "Now, take your potions and I'll show you where you're staying tonight."

Harry did as he was told and handed Lily the potion bottles back. He walked back through the kitchen and saw that Ron, the twins, Hermione, and Ginny had all been sent to bed already. Everyone bade him good night, Sirius ruffled his hair as he passed, and his dad got up to give him a hug. It was sort of strange, being hugged and kissed and told he was loved before he headed off to bed. It felt nice though. At first, it kind of scared him when James wrapped his arms tightly around him and said, "Good night"; that had never happened to him before. Harry tried to wriggle out of it, but James only tightened his hold until Harry understood he did it out of love. This would take some getting used to.

Lily led Harry up the stairs until they finally came to a door on the right side of the hall. Harry made to open it and walk in, but Lily stopped him.

"Harry, I know you're exhausted, so I'll make this quick," she said. "I love you so much, sweetheart. If you need anything at all tonight, Dad and I will be just down the hall, and Sirius is at the other end of the hall and his name is on his door. Good night, love. Sweet dreams. And happy birthday sweetie."

She hugged him tightly for a minute and then kissed his forehead. Lily smoothed his hair from his face and turned to make her way back downstairs.

Harry opened the door to see Ron snoring in bed facing the doorway. He smiled and headed to his own bed. Harry changed into his pajamas that had been laid out for him and fell into bed, thinking for once in his life how much he loved his family and that he was glad it was his birthday.


A/N: Well, that was Chapter 5! A bit longer than usual! A reward, I guess, for faithfully waiting for my update and not giving up on me! How did you enjoy the Harry/Ginny stuff? I love them together so much. And the Weasley's. THERE WILL BE SO MUCH ANGST TO COME! Hahaha! Thanks you guys! Don't forget to review! Hopefully my next update won't take quite so long. So sorry about that! Hope you guys enjoyed it!