Author's Note: I'm going to start this chapter off with a note…I'm SO sorry about the delay in this chapter. All I can say is that sometimes life gets in the way of the things I'd rather be doing…like writing this story. I hope I'm not too hard to forgive. To make it up to all of you I wrote my longest chapter EVER! Over 8 thousand words! If you will recall in the last chapter Harry was injured in a return mission to Greece to capture Lucius Malfoy. And the story continues….
The month after Harry's second mission flew by and suddenly it was the eve of Harry's eighteenth birthday. For the first week after Harry's second mission he was restricted from things like flying and apparition. He spent the majority of that week, despite feeling mostly fine, on the couch in the sitting room being cared for by Molly and Ginny. He was glad when the week was over and a healer at St. Mungo's cleared him to return to all his normal activities. Ron and Hermione had returned from Australia two weeks after Harry's mission but hadn't returned to the burrow until just the previous evening. Using Ginny's suggestion of looking into names similar to Granger, they tracked down Mr. and Mrs. Granger, who had been using the surname Granginett. Once they had been found there were matters to deal with before returning to England; and once back in England there were a whole mess of other matters to deal with. Arthur had been promoted at the Ministry and now worked more closely with Kingsley in regard to muggle relations. George and Percy were working steadily toward reopening the shop within the next week. Harry and Ginny had spent many afternoons there in the last month helping with what they could. While George was struggling with moving forward with the shop without Fred, the busy work was helping him immensely with not dwelling.
Currently Harry was sitting by the river trying to read his Auror handbooks. He'd made it most of the way through the dry material during his convalescence on the couch but he wanted to finish up the rest before he had another mission. Harry read the paragraph he was on for the third time before sighing and admitting to himself that he was not at all interested in Auror protocol today. Not that he had much choice. He'd been banished from the kitchen where Molly and Ginny were planning a birthday party for him. He'd insisted that he didn't need anyone to fuss over his birthday but his protests fell on deaf ears. He let the handbook slide out of his hand and onto the sandy bank below as he lay back on the warm rock and shut his eyes. He lay this way for several minutes just basking in the sun. When a shadow approached and fell across his face he hoped it was Ginny.
"Oy," Ron's voice said, "I was sent to keep you company. Move over."
Harry sat up and scooted over to make room for Ron to sit beside him on the rock, "How big is this party going to be exactly?"
"Sounds like they are inviting everyone you've ever been friendly with at school, Hagrid, Andromeda, Teddy, Kingsley, Reed, Noah, McGonagall…" Ron listed.
"So, big," Harry said interrupting.
"Yeah," Ron said, "Sorry mate, I know you said you didn't want a fuss but everyone thinks you deserve one. I guess that is what you get for saving the wizarding world."
"Any idea what Ginny is getting me for my birthday?" Harry asked, "I'm trying to figure out what to get her for her birthday and it would be helpful to know what she's getting me to gauge by."
"I know," Ron said with a grin, "But Ginny promised to cheerfully murder me if I told you."
"Can you give me a hint?" Harry begged.
"No," Ron said, "She said no hints either. You won't have any trouble buying her a gift, you buy her things now and she loves all of them. You'll be fine."
"I guess," Harry said. Truth was he knew what part of her gift was going to be. But that part of her gift was meant to be private between the two of them. He needed to figure out a part that she could receive in front of her family. He had considered an owl or a new broomstick but wasn't sure yet. He supposed he'd figure it out. He had almost two weeks after all.
After a few minutes of silence Harry asked, "Is there a big bash planned for Ginny when she turns seventeen in two weeks?"
"Nope, just family," Ron said, "She insisted."
"Sure," Harry complained, "I requested the same thing and look at what I ended up with."
Ron chuckled before saying, "I'm not supposed to tell you this, but the real reason my Mum and Ginny are planning all this is because of all the people who approached them about having a birthday party for you. They started getting owls weeks ago asking when the party was. At first they just ignored them, knowing that you wanted something closer to home but then there were so many requests that they didn't know what else to do."
Harry scowled a little before brightening and saying, "I should be happy; remembering all my miserable unrecognized birthdays with the Dursleys should make me ecstatic that I have so many people who wanted to share it with me now."
"That's the spirit," Ron said.
"I just really want to spend a quiet day with all of you though," Harry said.
"I know," Ron replied as he picked up a flat rock to skip, "Maybe next year."
"As long as I'm not allowed in the house, maybe I should go and shop for Ginny's birthday present," Harry said, "Is that allowed?"
"I reckon Ginny would be thrilled at the idea of you shopping for her birthday present," Ron said, "Care for some company?"
"Sure," Harry said.
"I'll just run up to the house to let them know that we are going," Ron said.
While Ron was away Harry contemplated whether or not he could include Ron on his plans for the more private part of Ginny's birthday gift. It was a tricky situation with Ron being both Harry's best mate and Ginny's older brother. In the end Harry decided that he'd best keep that part of the gift to himself.
When Ron returned, they apparated to Diagon Alley so Harry could get some gold out of his vault. As they approached the bank Ron blanched and told Harry that he'd feel better about going to visit George and Percy at the shop while Harry got his money. Harry explained that he'd felt the same way a month ago when he and Ginny had retrieved gold for shopping, but all their crimes seemed to have been forgiven. Nevertheless Ron told Harry to meet him at the shop when he was finished.
Tebodn was again the goblin assigned to take Harry down to his vault. He handed Harry a bag and held the door open while Harry got what he needed. Just as Harry was sure he had everything he saw something in the back corner of the vault that he'd never noticed before. It was a dark wooden box that was tucked into the shadows, practically impossible to detect. He set down the bag of gold and carefully moved the box into the pool of light cast on the floor through the open door of the vault. He cast a scourgify spell at the box to remove the heavy coat of dust before trying to manually open the box's lid. It was stuck tight. Harry was unsure if the box was not opening because it had been locked or because the many years it had spent in his vault had warped it. Harry tried Alohomora and heard a tiny click. Trying the lid, it now creaked open. Inside the box were multiple smaller boxes and some velvet pouches and a thick stack of letters tied with a ribbon.
Harry picked up the letters first and saw that the top one at least was addressed to Lily Evans from James Potter. Wondering if they were love letters he quickly returned them to the box, he wasn't sure he was emotionally equipped to deal with love letters between his parents at the moment. He picked up one of the velvet pouches and spilled the contents into his palm. It was a square cut emerald pendant on a thin gold chain. Opening another he found a pair of diamond earrings. Understanding dawned quickly that this box contained all the gifts his father had given his mother while they were together. They must have hidden it away here before they went into hiding in Godric's Hollow. Harry's breathing hitched a little at the thought. How close he felt to them when he was handling the things that belonged to them; but also how lonely, nothing would ever bring them back. All he had now were pictures and some of their old possessions. He opened a few of the little boxes and found emerald earrings to match the necklace and a fiery opal pendant on a silver chain. As he looked through these things he mused that one day he would give them to Ginny or maybe their daughter, if they ever had one. Harry looked through the rest of the jewelry before slipping one of the small boxes into his pocket. He relocked the box and it moved back into the shadowed corner.
"Took you long enough," Ron said when Harry finally entered the shop, "George put me to work."
"There was a line," Harry lied smoothly.
"Help me finish dusting this shelf and then we can go," Ron said. "Have you decided what you're going to get her?"
"I think I'll get her a Firebolt," Harry said with a grin, "She keeps stealing mine out of the broom shed. Besides, if we are going to be co-captains she should be on as good a broom as I have."
"I'm surprised that you're not getting her a more personal gift," Ron mused, "I thought with how close you two have gotten you'd be getting jewelry or something."
"Who says I'm not?" Harry asked.
"A broomstick and jewelry?" Ron whistled, "Too rich for my blood. Hermione will be lucky if I can afford to buy her a book for her birthday."
"The broomstick is the public part of her gift," Harry confided, "The jewelry is meant to have a more personal significance. Can you keep it a secret?"
Ron's eyes widened and he asked, "Are you proposing to her then?"
"No," Harry said, "Not that."
Ron looked relieved before saying, "Not that I wouldn't be thrilled for the two of you, but it would seem a little quick."
"You'll keep it a secret though?" Harry pressed.
"Of course," Ron agreed.
After a quick hello to George and Percy, Harry and Ron departed for Quality Quidditch Supplies. Harry wasted no time in asking the sales clerk about buying a Firebolt 2 and was pleased to discover that there was still one in stock. Harry paid for it quickly before perusing the store with Ron. As he contemplated different Quidditch supplies and gear Harry let himself think ahead to returning to school in the fall and captaining the team with Ginny. He hadn't played in a Quidditch match since his sixth year and how he had missed it. It was one of those shining moments when he knew without a single doubt that he'd made the right choice in returning to school for one last year. When he and Ron had tired of looking at the supplies they returned to Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes and Harry asked George if he could possibly hide Ginny's birthday present upstairs in the apartment until her birthday. While George led him up stairs to hide the broom Ron flooed the Burrow to see if it was all right for Harry to return to the house yet.
"If you could stall him for another twenty minutes we can hide all the evidence," Ginny said.
"Aren't you even going to ask what he bought you for your birthday?" Ron teased.
"No," Ginny said, "My birthday is nearly two weeks away and I'm not stupid enough to think that you'd actually tell me."
Ron grinned and said, "You are going to love it."
"I would expect no less," Ginny said with a soft smile.
When Ron and Harry returned home Harry was given strict instructions to stay out of the sitting room, the laundry room, Ginny's room and the cupboards in the kitchen. Harry thought for a moment before saying, "I'll be in the attic until dinner, is that okay?" When granted permission Harry headed up to the attic and flopped down on his bed. He pulled the box from his pocket and opened it to admire the piece of his mother's jewelry that he intended to pass onto Ginny. It was perfect. He heard someone coming up the stairs and quickly stowed the box in his school trunk under his boxers.
"Hey," Ginny said as she entered the room, "You're probably feeling neglected today."
"A bit," Harry admitted as he pulled her into his arms.
"I'm sorry," Ginny murmured, "You didn't even want this party and now you are being ignored while I work on planning it."
"It's okay," Harry said, "I understand."
"Do you?" Ginny said, "This party wasn't our intention. Mum and I were all set to have a quiet family birthday celebration for you. Then we started getting all these owls from people asking about a birthday party for you."
"Ron told me all about it," Harry confessed, "I understand. I still don't love the idea, but I'll be a good sport."
"You have to understand that based on all the things you were up against last year, by all accounts you should not have survived to see another birthday," Ginny explained, "People are looking at your birthday as further proof that you survived and Voldemort is really gone."
"Did you think I wouldn't survive?" Harry asked.
"I had a lot of hope and faith that you would survive," Ginny said, "If anyone had a chance of surviving it was you, but I'd be lying if I said that I never had any doubts. However my doubts had less to do with your ability than with my fear that the best thing in my life would not return to me safely."
Harry pulled her closer again and murmured against her hair, "Even if you had monumental doubts I couldn't be upset about that. I had major doubts myself. When I went into the forest I went in prepared to die."
"So, you understand," Ginny asked, "You're not too upset with Mum and I for planning this?"
"No, it will be fun," Harry admitted, "But I'd still prefer to spend the day with just you and the rest of the family."
"Next year," Ginny said.
"That was what Ron said too. I'm going to hold you two to it," Harry said.
"So I hear you bought my birthday present today," Ginny asked slyly.
"You heard right," Harry grinned.
"I also heard that I'm going to love it," Ginny said.
"That is also true," Harry said, "But I'm not giving you any hints."
"That's fair," Ginny said with a grin, "I'm not giving you any hints either."
After dinner Harry offered to visit Teddy and Andromeda in an effort to avoid spending the rest of the evening cooped up in the attic to be clear of the party planning. Ron tried to offer to accompany him to avoid being put to work, but Molly wouldn't hear of it. Harry spent the evening entertaining baby Teddy by making stuffed toys levitate around Andromeda's sitting room. When he returned to the Burrow he was met in the garden by Ginny who said that she needed to blindfold him before helping him up to the attic.
"Seriously?" Harry asked, "What if I'm not ready to go to sleep yet?"
"You don't have to go to sleep yet; Ron Hermione and I are going to keep you company up there. You just can't see most of the rest of the house until tomorrow," Ginny explained.
"What time is the party tomorrow," Harry asked, "How long am I going to be confined to the attic tomorrow?"
"The party starts at four," Ginny said, "But we've decided that you can see everything tomorrow before the party, just not before your actual birthday tomorrow."
"Well thank goodness," Harry muttered, starting to get seriously annoyed with the whole thing.
"I'm sorry," Ginny pleaded, "I know it is inconvenient."
"It's fine," Harry said dropping a kiss on her worried brow, "I know you are all doing this for me."
Harry submitted to being blindfolded. Ginny got behind him and placed her hand on his hips and began steering him toward the house. As they entered the kitchen Harry heard giggles that he was sure were at his expense.
"Sorry Harry," Molly said, "Just until tomorrow morning."
"Hey Harry," came Charlie's voice from the sitting room.
"Charlie's here?" Harry asked.
"Bill and Fleur, Percy and George are here too," Ginny said, "No one wants to miss this party."
"Explain to me again why this is such a big deal?" Harry asked dryly.
"May I?" Fleur asked from right in front of Harry.
"Be my guest," Ginny said.
"Harry," Fleur began, "My feeling on why this is a big deal is that it was inappropriate to really celebrate the victory when so many had suffered and died. But now that the funerals are over and the mourning is lessening people want to rejoice and celebrate and what better way than to honor you, the hero, on his birthday."
"I'm not a hero," Harry said stubbornly.
"You may not see it that way, but so many others do," Ginny said, "And whether or not you like it this party is happening."
"Fine, fine," Harry said, "But all of you hear this…next year on my birthday I want a small intimate family gathering. None of this hoopla."
Harry was ushered up to the attic where Ron and Hermione were already waiting with games and snacks.
The four of them played games, talked and laughed and really caught up with each other like they hadn't in a long time. By the time Hermione and Ginny went down to Ginny's room to go to bed Harry had to admit that the evening had been a lot of fun and well worth being confined to the attic for.
The next morning Harry woke to Ginny slipping into his bed with him and whispering, "Happy Birthday Harry!"
"Good morning," Harry replied with a smile.
"Do you remember what I gave you for your birthday last year?" Ginny asked.
Harry thought back to the scorching kiss she had bestowed upon him in her bedroom a year ago today and grinned at her in response.
"This will rival that in so many ways," Ginny said as she pressed the length of her body intimately against his and pressed her lips to his. His body reacted to her immediately as their tongues met and he felt her bare breasts press against his chest through her thin nightgown. He groaned into her mouth as he felt her hand stoking him gently through his boxer shorts. "Shhhhhh," Ginny giggled, "Ron is sleeping right over there." In response Harry slid his hands under her nightgown and up her naked back. Harry's hands lingered there as he considered sliding them around to the front.
He didn't get further than considering as at that moment Ron's voice floated over to them saying, "Happy Birthday Harry. My gift to you is not coming over there right now and forcibly removing your hands from my sister. Waking up to you two fooling around is my worst nightmare, do not let it happen again because today is your one free pass."
"Sod off Ron," Ginny growled at him, "Like every member of the family hasn't had the misfortune stumbling across you and Hermione this summer."
"It can't have been worse than waking up to it first thing," Ron shot back, "In your own room."
Ginny sighed and untangled herself from Harry. Before she rose from the bed she leaned toward him and whispered, "To be continued, later." Ginny stuck her tongue out at Ron as she left the room, shutting the door behind her.
When Harry's breathing returned to normal he said, "Sorry mate."
Ron groaned before saying, "It's not that I don't understand, it's just that she's my sister. I don't want to wake up to her moaning in bed with my best mate."
"We won't let it happen again," Harry vowed.
"Don't make promises you can't keep, Harry," Ron said.
"We'll do our best," Harry said. With that said he rose out of bed and plucked some clothes out of his trunk and headed to the bathroom.
When he headed down to breakfast most of the family was already gathered around the table and at the sight of him everyone cried, "Happy Birthday Harry!" Harry thanked everyone and slipped into the empty seat next to Ginny.
"Is he still angry?" Ginny whispered.
"Less angry, more disturbed," Harry explained in hushed tones, "We need to make sure it doesn't happen again."
As Harry was served a heaping plate of breakfast he noticed all the piles of supplies, decorations and a huge elaborately decorated birthday cake that were around the kitchen and spilling out of the sitting room. Outside the kitchen window he could see a large white tent, like the one used at Bill and Fleur's wedding, being erected in the garden. It was going to be quite the party.
"Normally we'd give you your birthday gifts right now at breakfast," Molly said, "But since the party isn't until later we'll wait."
"No one had to get me anything," Harry muttered, "You let me live in your house for free, that is gift enough."
"Of course we got you gifts," Molly said cheerfully, "And we love having you here."
When breakfast was finished Harry offered to help with the dishes but was turned away on account of today being his birthday. "There has to be something I can do to help with all this party stuff," Harry pleaded.
"Nope," Ginny said pushing him toward the back door, "Why don't you take your broom for a fly. We've got things to do."
"Be back for lunch," Molly called from the sink.
Harry heard the back door click shut behind him. He was somewhat annoyed that while he was allowed to see the party preparations today he was still being pushed out of the way. So it was his birthday and he was spending the morning alone. With a sigh he set off toward the broom shed to fetch his Firebolt but before he got there he decided on something else instead. He apparated to Godric's Hollow and walked toward the cemetery.
When he found his parent's graves he settled himself on the ground in front of them. "Hi," he began, "Today is my 18th birthday. It still seems so unfair to me that I only got to celebrate one birthday with you. Tonight the Weasleys are throwing a huge birthday party for me. It's funny because I don't even want it. I only wanted a nice little family celebration with all of them. I guess because Voldemort is finally gone and people see me as the hero they are using my birthday as an opportunity to really celebrate the end of the war. I understand, and I'm sure it will be loads of fun, but since it is my birthday I wish they'd respect my wishes. I'll try to be a good sport about it though. Ginny's birthday, you remember Ginny, I introduced you to her last time I came by, is in eleven days. I bought part of her birthday present yesterday and the other part I found in your…our…my vault at Gringotts. I'd been planning on buying her a promise ring. I don't think either of us is quite ready to get engaged but we are talking about getting married next summer when school lets out. Yesterday I was at the bank getting some money to buy her birthday present when I found the box of letters and jewelry. You aren't really around to ask but I hope you'd be okay with me giving her one of the rings from in there as a promise ring. I like to think of her wearing something of yours Mom, which Dad gave to you. It makes me feel closer to you. I didn't read the letters but I think someday I might. Ever since I found them I wonder about how the two of you were as a couple. Were you anything like Ginny and me?"
Harry lay back in the grass next to their headstone and thought about them. His eyes closed and the sun was warm upon his face as he imagined how they might have been as a young couple at Hogwarts. He thought about all the birthdays he might have had with them here in this little town. He thought about how different his life might be today had they never been killed. There were all things he'd thought about thousands of times before but somehow those sorts of thoughts always seemed more potent on a day like day, his birthday. Eventually he fell asleep where he lay in the cemetery.
He woke when the sun disappeared behind some clouds and a cool breeze ruffled his hair. He sat up, momentarily unable to place where he was. He glanced at his watch and saw that it was nearly lunchtime and he'd better head back to the Burrow or someone was bound to worry. He stood and brushed grass off himself. He conjured a bouquet of wild flowers and placed them beside the headstone. "Bye," he whispered.
Back at the Burrow Harry found Ginny, Molly, Fleur and Hermione in the kitchen working on food for the party. They directed him toward a plate of sandwiches on the table. When Ginny had a spare moment she settled herself on his lap and gave him a quick kiss. "Where have you been all morning? Ron said your broom was still in the shed." As she ran her hand along his arm she added, "What is this strange mark on your arm?"
Harry rubbed a hand over his arm and chuckled. "I fell asleep in the grass at the cemetery."
"You were at the cemetery all morning?" Ginny asked, "On your birthday?"
"My birthday is one of the days I miss my parents the most," Harry said quietly, "It's not like it was morbid. I went to talk to them and think about them. It was nice."
"And relaxing," Ginny added with a smile.
"Yes," Harry agreed, "I can't believe I fell asleep."
"What did you talk to them about?" Ginny asked.
"How today is my birthday and there is going to be this amazing party in my honor later," Harry said, "I talked to them about your birthday present and some of our plans."
"What plans?" Molly asked, clearly having been listening in on their conversation.
"Ginny and I are co-captaining the Quidditch team this year and we've already started discussing some of our ideas for the team," Harry invented quickly.
Molly's expression changed quickly, clearly not receiving the answer she had anticipated. When she turned back to her work in the kitchen Harry and Ginny shared a secret look that was not missed by Hermione.
"So, what am I expected to wear to the party?" Harry asked, "Robes, muggle clothes, casual, dressy?"
"You can wear whatever you like," Ginny said, "But I would recommend the green shirt you wore on our date."
"Thanks," Harry replied, "Is there anything I can help with now?"
"Nope," Ginny said, "You are not allowed to help with your own birthday party."
"I guess I will go for a fly on my broomstick then," Harry said, "I'll come shower and change for the party in an hour or so."
A few hours later found the household ready for a party. All the food was ready and the decorations were arranged. The family was all freshly washed and clothed and waiting in the garden for their guests to start arriving. Bill and Fleur were already taking advantage of the dance floor on one side of the tent. They were dancing to a quiet tune that Fleur was humming and they looked radiantly happy. Harry wondered if he and Ginny looked that happy when they were together, he hoped so. Just then a pop drew his attention away from the couple.
Kingsley appeared and said, "I'm early but I came with the aurors who will be standing guard around the Burrow. When someone like Harry Potter has a birthday party one can't be too careful. There are still rogue death eaters out there who would love an opportunity like the party tonight to exact some revenge."
Harry hadn't even thought of the risks that were still involved with holding an event like this one, but it made perfect sense and immediately he wished again that this party was not happening. Seeing the expression on Harry's face Kingsley strode over and said, "No worries Harry, nothing bad will happen tonight."
"How can you be sure?" Harry asked.
"Aurors I trained myself are stationed here, they will ensure that no harm comes to anyone tonight. Not to mention all the charms and spells that still protect the Burrow, no one that wasn't invited can infiltrate the party," Kingsley explained.
"Well that makes me feel marginally better," Harry admitted, "But there will not be a party like this next year."
Shortly after this the guests started arriving. Ron hadn't been kidding when he'd said that nearly everyone Harry had ever been friendly with had been invited. Ginny had him stationed with her near the entrance to the tent to greet people as they arrived. In the first five minutes alone he saw Neville, Luna, Dean, Seamus, Dennis, Ernie, Hannah, Oliver, Alicia, Angelina, Katie, Lavender, Justin, Cho and Hagrid. Shortly behind them was a group of Hogwarts staff including Professors McGonagall, Slughorn, Sprout and Flitwick and also Madame Pomfrey and Madame Hooch. Andromeda arrived with Teddy and it was only the arrival of more guests that kept Harry from taking Teddy into his arms. Reed, Noah and the rest of the team of aurors from the Greece mission arrived and Noah teased Harry about his fame. Harry just rolled his eyes and said he'd give it all up in one second if he could. As the group moved further into the tent Harry was amazed to see Aberforth Dumbledore making his way up the garden path. When he drew even with Harry and Ginny he held out his hand to Harry and when Harry accepted it he said, "You done good boy."
Eventually Harry and Ginny moved into the party themselves and chatted with various guests. Harry tired to remain facing the door so he could watch for late arrivals. He noticed quite a few Hogwarts students that he wasn't as close with arriving intermittently. Also, just before Ginny whisked him away to get some dinner he noticed Mr. Ollivander and Mrs. Figg arriving.
Harry filled a plate of food and sat down at a table with Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna. Ginny sat in the empty chair beside him a moment later.
"This is some party!" Neville said as he scanned the tent.
"I can't believe how many people are here," Harry mused as he noticed Neville's grandmother chatting with Kingsley.
"Why not?" Luna asked, "You have to know how famous you are."
Harry scowled a little before saying, "I know I'm famous Luna, but I've never enjoyed that part of being me."
"How much you want to bet the aurors are having a time keeping Rita Skeeter out of here tonight?" Neville asked.
"I'm sure she's behaving herself," Hermione said with a wink at Harry, "If she knows what's good for her."
As Harry ate his food and listened to the buzz of conversation around him he noticed a few more Hogwarts students arrive and suddenly wondered…"Ginny," he asked, "You didn't invite the Dursleys did you?"
"Merlin, no," Ginny replied, "Why would you think that?"
"Nearly everyone else I know is here. I just worried," Harry said.
When they'd finished eating Ginny pulled Harry toward the dance floor. "You need to make up for not dancing with me at Bill and Fleur's wedding."
"You wouldn't have wanted to dance with me anyway, I didn't even look like myself," Harry said.
"Didn't matter," Ginny murmured as she wrapped her arms around his neck, "I knew it was still you on the inside." Harry grinned at her and gave in, moving his hands to her waist.
After a time Ginny tightened her arms around Harry's neck and she moved her mouth to his ear to whisper, "Cho Chang can't take her eyes off of you, bet she's sorry the two of you didn't work out."
"I'm not," Harry murmured back, "It never would have worked because she's not you. You are it for me."
Harry felt Ginny's lips connect with his neck before she said, "I hope so, I will not be able to survive ever losing you again."
Harry stopped dancing and disengaged himself from Ginny so that he could look into her eyes, "Ginny, I love you. You mean more to me than anything else in the whole world. I hope you don't have doubts about our future."
"Not doubt," Ginny said, "Just little worries. What if you get bored with me or someone better comes along?"
"That is never going to happen," Harry insisted. He grabbed her by the hand and said, "Come on, I'll prove it to you."
As they swept past Molly and Arthur on the dance floor Harry said, "We'll be right back."
He led Ginny up to his bed in the attic and kissed her hard on the mouth. "Sit down," he commanded. Ginny sat as Harry opened the school trunk at the end of his bed and felt around for the little box. "I was going to save this for your birthday, but it is rather like a present for me too, so tonight works too."
Behind the lid of the trunk where she couldn't see he pulled the ring from the box and held it in his closed fist. When he came back around the trunk he settled onto the bed next to her and said, "I love you and I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone but you. I know that it's only been a few short months since the war ended and we got back together but it doesn't matter. I know that I will never feel for anyone what I feel for you." He took her hand and slid the ring onto the ring finger of her left hand before saying, "This is a promise ring. With it I'm making my intentions known. I want to you to be my wife. Not now, but soon I will ask you to marry me."
Ginny looked up from the ring, eyes sparkling with tears and said, "I love you Harry."
"You believe me now?" Harry asked, "Short of dying or losing my memory, I will be with you. There is not another person alive who holds the draw for me that you do. I think about you, dream about you and know that you are my home."
Ginny was crying too hard now to reply beyond nodding her head. Harry kissed her before saying, "This ring belonged to my Mother. I'd been planning for a while to give you a promise ring for your birthday, but hadn't purchased one yet. When I was at Gringotts the other day I found a box tucked into a dark corner which held love letters between my parents as well as a collection of jewelry my father gave my mother while they were together. I think they must have hidden it away before taking refuge in Godric's Hollow."
Ginny looked down at the ring and admired it. The delicate band itself was fashioned of four silver pieces that twisted and twined together. In the center was a silver snowden lily with four tiny diamonds set in rose colored gold bezels. "I love it Harry, but are you sure you want me wearing your mother's ring?"
"Yes," Harry said, "It makes me feel closer to them, like they are giving their blessing in a way, by you wearing it."
"Thank you," Ginny said, "I am honored."
"It looks lovely on you," Harry replied as he pulled her to him and kissed her. She settled on his lap and continued the kiss. A few minutes later they could hear Molly calling from the stairs, "Harry, Ginny, you up there? Time to return to the party…"
They straightened out their clothing and returned to the party where Kingsley was standing on the dance floor addressing the crowd. "Harry," he cried jovially when he and Ginny slipped through a side door holding hands, "What kind of mischief have you two been up to. A few of us wanted to make toasts, but we couldn't do that without the birthday boy." Harry and Ginny blushed impressively to whistles and catcalls before claming the two empty chairs at a table near the front.
Once they appeared settled Kingsley began, "Harry, when I, and several others from what I heard, approached Molly and Arthur about a birthday celebration for you I heard that you only wanted a quiet family celebration with the Weasleys. I am sorry to have spoiled your plans but there are too many of us who wanted a part in your day this year. For too many years the wizarding community has been at war and thanks to you Harry, we are finally free from that. I know that you will protest but you were the only one who could end it. We gather together today on your birthday to celebrate the end of the war and your continued survival. Thank you Harry, happy birthday!"
Applause swept through the room as Noah Irvine took center stage. "Harry, I would like to give you my thanks as well, but at a more personal level. When you were made an auror earlier this summer…."
Noah's words were drowned out by the sudden burst of conversation that sprang up in the tent. Noah looked about confused for a moment before understanding that news of Harry being made an auror wasn't widely known yet. He finally continued saying, "Sorry Harry, I guess I let the cat out of the bag. For anyone wondering Harry was officially made an auror at the beginning of the summer and has saved my life on both missions we've been out on together thus far. I was going to say that we got off to a rough start with me being an egotistical prat and assuming that because he'd not yet finished school and had no auror training he wasn't fit to be an auror. I'm here to say, Harry you are bloody brilliant and you make a wonderful auror. I'm glad to have you as colleague and I hope as a friend. Happy Birthday."
More applause and conversation spread through the tent as Noah relinquished the floor to Head Mistress McGonagall. "Harry, as someone who has watched you grow and mature during these last seven years that you have been a part of the wizarding world I would like you to know how proud I, as well as your Parents, Albus, Sirius and Remus, are of you. Undoubtedly, wherever they are now they can see all that you have accomplished and take great pride in your success. I look forward to your return to Hogwarts in the fall! Happy Birthday!"
Applause filled the tent again as Kingsley once again took center stage, "Harry, I will have you know that there are dozens more people who would have liked to stand up here and make toasts to you, but that might take all night. I'm sure they will find their own special way to tell you what you mean to them. If it isn't too much to ask, perhaps we could persuade you to say a few words?"
Harry flushed but stood and moved to the dance floor where Kingsley stood. He squirmed uncomfortable under the watchful eyes of so many but started strongly saying, "Seven years ago today, on my eleventh birthday, I found out that I was a wizard. Since that day my life has changed so drastically. Everyone is so thankful that I helped to end the war but what people fail to see is that apart from me feeling like it was my duty because of my role in all of it, I wanted to fight to protect this way of life. I love being a wizard and the doors that it has opened for me in life. I couldn't imagine not fighting to protect the wizarding ways and people I love. I want to thank all of you for being here tonight. While I didn't want a big party, this is amazing. This is my first birthday in memory that wasn't spent either at my muggle aunt and uncle's house, who hated me, or overshadowed by the war. It's amazing to realize how many friends I truly have. Thank you!"
When the applause finally slowed Mrs. Weasley and Fleur stepped forward with the elaborately decorated birthday cake ablaze with 18 candles. Mrs. Weasley had truly outdone herself with a Quidditch themed cake. The minute details the cake entailed were absolutely amazing. Everyone sang and Harry blew out the candles. The cake was moved off to the side to be cut and served. With the dance floor free again Harry beckoned to Ginny to join him.
"How long until we can sneak off alone together?" Harry whispered into her ear as he pulled her close.
"Not just yet," Ginny said, "You have to have cake, open a few gifts and I know there are people who are waiting to talk to you in person." Harry groaned as he eyed the gift table. "You don't have to open all of those until later, tomorrow if you want, but there are a few special gifts," Ginny explained, "I promise I will make it worth your while later for putting up with all of this."
"You'd better," Harry warned.
"Could I cut in?" Hermione asked when she appeared at their side.
"Sure," Ginny said, "Harry, I'm going to go get us some cake and butter beer."
Harry and Hermione awkwardly drew together before Hermione said, "Harry, I'm sure you could guess that I desperately wanted to give a toast tonight, but since so many of us wanted to they limited it to just three. I wanted to tell you what I would have said." Harry nodded and Hermione continued, "Harry, I want to thank you for being one of my best friends. You have saved my life countless times over the years and my time at Hogwarts was richer because of you. You helped me to learn that sometimes rules were meant to be broken and that is one of the most valuable lessons I've ever learned. Thank you."
"Thank you Hermione," Harry said, "You are one of my best friends too and I can honestly say that without your help I probably would have done much worse in school than I've done so far."
Hermione blushed and said, "Harry I noticed the ring Ginny is wearing, you didn't propose did you?"
"No," Harry whispered, "It's a promise ring. We are going to be married one day, just not quite yet."
Hermione threw her arms around Harry and said, "I'm so pleased that so many things have turned out for you. You deserve the absolute best, Harry."
"I think you do too, Hermione," Harry said.
Molly chose that moment to approach and take her turn dancing with Harry. Hermione left to dance with Ron. Harry could see Ginny return to a table with two plates of cake and butter beer but she looked content to wait for him.
"So Harry, what do you think of the party, alright?" Molly asked.
"It's smashing," Harry said, "I'm having a great time."
"What were you and Ginny sneaking off for earlier?" Molly asked.
"I had to prove something to her," Harry said. When Molly raised an eyebrow at him he continued, "She had a hard time believing that I'm as settled on being with her for the rest of my life as she is with me. I had something upstairs that would prove my level of commitment."
Molly seemed to be holding her breath for a moment before asking, "An engagement ring?"
"No," Harry said, "but it was a promise ring. I was saving it for her birthday but after what she said I made a snap decision to give it to her today. I was going to ask for you and Arthur's blessing before I really proposed to her…"
"You already have our blessing, you are like a son to us already, marrying Ginny would just make it official and you know that nothing would make us happier," Molly said with pride shining in her eyes, "I will ask you to promise the same thing Ginny did…when you two do get engaged please don't elope. We all want to be there on your special day."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Harry promised. Then he added in a whisper, "Thank you."
"You're quite welcome. Now, I see Ginny waiting for you with cake," Molly said as she relinquished him.
"What were you and Mum talking about?" Ginny asked when Harry sat down at the table.
"She wanted to know why we were sneaking away during the party earlier," Harry said.
"What did you tell her?" Ginny asked nervously.
"The truth," Harry said, "I told her about the promise ring and how I plan to ask you to marry me soon."
"What did she say?" Ginny asked.
"She said we had their blessing and they will be proud to welcome me into the family officially," Harry said.
"She didn't say we were too young to be thinking about getting married?" Ginny asked,
"No," Harry said.
"She didn't ask about when we were planning to get married?" Ginny asked.
"All she asked was that when we were ready to get married we don't elope, that we let the whole family be a part of our day," Harry said.
"That is exactly what she said to me," Ginny said quietly.
"When?" Harry asked.
"The day of your last mission my Mom asked me if we were making plans. I denied that we were but I don't think she believed me. She just asked that we not elope when the day came," Ginny said.
"I think she understands how serious we are and how soon this could happen," Harry said.
"Wow," Ginny said, "We're getting married…someday."
"Did none of what I said with the promise ring upstairs mean anything?" Harry said.
"It did, but I guess I always thought my Mom would be a big obstacle. Knowing that she is fine with us getting married just makes it all seem that much more real," Ginny said.
"I know," Harry said with a grin.
After they had finished their cake Ginny dragged Harry over to the dance floor, not to dance but so that she could present him with his birthday gift in front of their guests. With the help of her brothers something large covered in a white sheet was brought to the dance floor. "Harry," Ginny said, "This is a gift to you from the whole family. We all chipped into to get you this." Harry stood and pulled the sheet off a wire cage housing a large brown and white barn owl. "I know that he will never replace Hedwig in your heart, but hopefully he will be just as useful."
"He's beautiful," Harry crooned, "What's his name?"
"He doesn't have one yet," Ginny said, "Do you like him?"
"Yes, he's brilliant, thank you!" Harry said as he opened the cage to stroke his new owl. Nimbly he hopped onto Harry's shoulder and hooted softly.
Next Kingsley stepped forward and handed Harry a small box and said, "This is less of a birthday gift and more of a thank you gift from myself and the auror department. As we have said before, the entire wizarding community owes you a monumental debt of gratitude…please accept this gift as a small token of our thanks."
Harry took the box and opened it to reveal an intricately constructed, goblin made, golden pocket watch. Inside was engraved, "To Harry Potter for Special Services to the M.O.M."
"Thank you," Harry said, shaking Kingsley's hand.
The rest of the mountain of gifts could be left until later. Harry had fulfilled his party duties. He mingled with the guests a bit more, danced with Ginny, watched a firework display that George arranged in his honor and when no one seemed to be paying them much attention anymore the two of them slipped out of the tent and made their way to the broom shed. Quietly they took out Harry's broom and took off into the sky. They flew just far enough away to be alone and undetectable to the party guests. Harry conjured a large squashy armchair right in the middle the field they had landed in. They climbed into it and looked up at the stars.
"Thank you Ginny," Harry said, "This was my best birthday ever. I could have done without the big party, but even with it, it was excellent."
"I'm glad," Ginny said as she turned toward him. Her lips met his and they picked up where they had left off that morning when Ron had so rudely interrupted them.
Author's Note: Please review!! I love to hear what people are thinking and I always take suggestions from my readers. If anyone has a brilliant idea for what Harry should name his new owl let me know – for some reason I am stumped in that area. I will keep looking and thinking…but let me know! I promise the next update will be much sooner than this last one was. Thanks for reading!
I almost forgot - if you want to see a picture of the promise ring please see my profile and there will be a link.