A/N Thank you to everyone that read and enjoyed the last chapter. I very much appreciate all the support. I hope you will like this one as much.
"Harry! Harry! Come on its time to wake up bro!" Arielle called as she leaned over her brother`s sleeping form. Harry slowly opened his eyes. He rubbed them with the backs of his hands and focused them on a blurred vision of his sister. He raised himself up in his bed as he reached for his glasses which were placed on his bedside locker. He slid them into place and was greeted by an energetic Arielle. He smiled softly at her in response to her wide smile.
"What is going on Arielle?" He asked as he stretched his arms over his head.
"It's your birthday, duh!" She replied happily.
"Yeah, but after what happened last week we aren't going to celebrate it, remember?" He said staring her directly in the eyes.
Arielle shifted her eyes from side to side which Harry understood to mean that his request wasn't been taken seriously. He caught the quilt and threw it off his body as he swung his legs out to the right side of the bed. He looked at his sister who wore a devious grin.
"Arielle, please tell me the party has been cancelled." Arielle caught his hand as she pulled him off the bed. "Come and see for yourself." She said as she dragged him downstairs to the kitchen.
Downstairs the kitchen was littered with balloons all over the floor. There was "Happy Birthday" banners on the walls. Lily, Shari and Molly were each baking various dishes for the party later that day. Sirius, James and Remus were outside decorating the garden for the big day.
"Here comes the Birthday Boy!" Arielle exclaimed gleefully running into the kitchen with Harry lagging behind her. Lily, Shari and Molly all turned around to greet Harry. "Happy Birthday Harry" They called together. Harry smiled shortly at them saying "Thank you." Lily went and hugged her son tightly.
"My baby boy is growing up so fast." She relinquished him as Harry smiled at her softly. "Are you ok sweetie?" Harry nodded his head. "Yeah, where is dad?" He asked looking around the room. "He is outside with Sirius and Remus." Lily informed him. "Ok, I`ll just go out to them." He left the kitchen quickly in the hope that the marauders wouldn't be making such a fuss.
Outside he found them all sitting around the picnic table drinking beer. As soon as they heard the back door open they all jumped up and ran back to the spot where they were working. As soon as they realised it was Harry they all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Harry, mate ya scared us." Sirius said as he exhaled loudly. Harry smirked and said "I`m sorry Sirius. Maybe I should have announced it was me but then again that reaction..." He raised his two thumbs in Sirius` direction and said "...priceless." James and Remus laughed with Harry as Sirius smiled cynically.
"Happy Birthday champ." James said as he swung an arm around his son`s shoulder, who now was almost as tall as him. "Thank you." Harry replied smiling at his dad who winked at him. He removed his arm from his shoulder.
"Happy Birthday Harry." Remus called out as he approached him and hugged him lightly. Harry smiled softly and said "Cheers Moony."
"Yo Prongslet! Happy 15th Birthday mate." Sirius exclaimed coolly.
Harry stuck up his two thumbs to his godfather as he smiled and said "Thank you Padfoot." Sirius glared at him as he threw his hands out in front of him asking "Is that all you got? How about giving your godfather a hug?" Harry grinned at him he ran from the patio, down to the garden and jumped at Sirius, knocking him to the ground. Sirius caught Harry around the ankles and threw him over his head. Harry, now laying flat on his back with Sirius kneeling beside him. He looked perplexed at his godfather who simply said
"That is exactly how you catch ole Voldie off guard. When you got him like this, you kill him." Sirius winked at Harry who laughed lightly. Sirius then offered Harry his hand to help him off the grass. "Is this another trick Sirius?"
"No, it is not but good thinking kid." Harry took Sirius` offering hand as he was pulled off the ground. Harry hugged Sirius tightly as he said "Thank you." Sirius released him and patted his cheek lightly with his hand.
"Hey Harry I need you to go and get dressed now." James said firmly.
"What is going on dad?" He asked anxiously.
"You and I must go to Privet Drive remember? The Dursleys are coming to the party today so let's get a move on." Harry nodded and ran towards the house to get ready.
Twenty minutes later Harry finds James standing in the hall carrying what appears to be and old boot. Harry looks between the boot and his father with a perplexed expression. James notices this so he smiles.
"Harry this is a port key. It was the safest and most practical way Dumbledore felt to travel with the Dursleys. So are you ready?"
"Yeah, let's do this." Harry exclaims as he jumps off the last step and follows his dad out to the back garden.
"I thought we were going to use the front door this time."
"No, mate we`re not because the back is safer. Moody believed that by using the back garden it wouldn't draw attention to anybody outside. We will be operating the same way from the Dursleys." James explained as his son absorbed all the information.
As they arrived in the kitchen there were more people gathered around to honour Harry`s big day. The entire Weasley clan were under Molly`s instruction to be useful today. Fred and George were at the sink washing and drying utensils in accordance to when they were used. Ron and Ginny were decorating the table with finger food, napkins, cutlery and jugs of beverages. Hermione was sitting at the table with Tonks, each of them holding a child. Sirius and Remus arrived in from the back with Regulus who had helped them finish off the outdoor decorations. Harry, of course, got bombarded with birthday wishes and hugs. Hermione was the only one he had not received either from yet. She stood up as she saw him walk towards her with James. She approached him, still carrying Roxy in her arms. Remus saw this and held out his arms to Roxy who reciprocated her father`s actions, giggling all the while. Hermione and Remus exchanged soft smiles as Remus took his daughter into his arms. "You are very good Hermione to be taking on either of these trouble makers." Hermione smiled broadly saying
"Honestly Remus, it was no trouble at all. They both are like angels."
Tonks and Remus laughed upon hearing this as Remus went and occupied a vacant seat beside his wife. Hermione looked back and smiled but neither noticed. As she turned around she saw a grinning Harry standing in front of her. She gasped as she shouted "Harry!" and threw her arms around his neck. He brought his arms around her back as he tightened their embrace. Hermione stood back a little and said
"I hear that today is your birthday. Do you know if there is any truth in that rumour?" He reciprocated her sweet smile saying
"I think there might be some small element of truth somewhere." They laughed a little before Harry kissed her lightly on the lips.
"Happy Birthday Harry." Hermione said softly. Harry brushed the back of his index finger along her jaw line. He then held her chin between his thumb and finger as he brushed his lips once more against hers.
"Ok, Romeo, let`s get going." James called as he caught Harry by the collar of his shirt and pulled him towards the back door. Once they were outside James placed the boot on the grass. He then caught hold of it with his hand and instructed Harry to do the same. Before they knew it they were both standing at the corner of Privet Drive.
The street was the same as James remembered it from his visit a week earlier. It was calm and tranquil. The only noise to be heard was the summer breeze blowing against the leaves of nearby trees. It was different to how Harry had imagined it. He half expected to hear the sound of children playing and laughing, maybe the sound of music coming from somebody`s house or to see someone in their drive way washing their car. James, realising that his son was conflicted about being here, draped his arm around his shoulder. Harry looked up at his father and reciprocated James` warm smile. They walked silently down the street to house number 4. As they reached their destination, James removed his arm from his son`s shoulder and continued to walk to the front door. He looked behind him expecting Harry to be there. Instead Harry stood frozen to the pavement ogling the front door with great complexity. James sighed softly to himself as he approached his son. He raised an eyebrow at Harry who knew his father was looking for an explanation for his behaviour.
"I`m sorry dad but I just don't know if I can do this." He said dejectedly, starring at the ground. James furrowed his eyebrows, folded his arms and asked; "What is it you don't know that you can't do Harry?" Harry looked up at James as he said; "Why do I even need to be here? I don't know Dudley from Adam. What makes you so certain that he will want to come just because I`m here." Harry searched his father`s eyes for an answer but instead met a compassionate stare. James placed a hand on Harry`s shoulder, looking him firmly in his eyes as he said; "Harry, we are here to help. The Dursley family are not my favourite bunch of muggles I will admit but they are family and they need our help even if Vernon doesn't agree. Dudley is one age with you. So even if he acts obnoxious I need you to really try to get along with him for Lily`s sake. They being here today of all days means a lot to her." Harry nodded his head in comprehension as James released his grip. Harry walked behind his father as they approached the front door. James immediately rang the door bell upon arriving at the door. He turned to his son and winked at him. Harry offered a gentle smile as the door swung open. Petunia stood there aghast as her eyes lay on a mini James.
"Hello Petunia. How are you today?" James asked smiling politely.
"I`m fine thank you James." Petunia replied rather shakily. Her right hand found the pendant necklace which hung around her neck and began swinging it from side to side. All the while her eyes remained focused on Harry who became un-easy with the attention. He glanced at James whose head jerked in Petunia`s direction. He swallowed as he stepped closer to the door and smiled serenely. Petunia`s grasp on her necklace relaxed as it now covered her mouth in shock at seeing the lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead.
"Petunia, this is Harry. I do believe you both have been estranged for fifteen years to this exact day." Petunia gazed incredulously between James and Harry. Harry held out his hand to his aunt who took it curiously.
"It`s nice to finally meet you." Harry said politely as he withdrew his hand from his aunt`s.
"Yes, you too Harry. Why don`t you come in? Vernon and Dudley are in the sitting room." She stepped aside as they entered the hall. After she closed the door, the three of them walked to the sitting room together. Vernon was seated on the left hand side of the couch which was situated behind the door. Dudley was at the other head, his eyes fixated on the wide screen television. Vernon turned when he saw Petunia standing there with James and Harry. He called Dudley who was oblivious to their existence. Vernon stood up and shook both their hands. Dudley, however, did a double take when he saw James and Harry. He approached them cautiously, starring at them like a deer caught in headlights. Petunia placed both hands on her son`s shoulders as she said
"Duddy, this is James. You remember him from last week I think. That is his son Harry. He is having his fifteenth Birthday today."
"Happy Birthday Harry." Dudley said meekly.
"Thanks Dudley." Harry responded amiably.
"Ok, well if we are set to go then..."
"Yes, James. Let`s go." Petunia said as she released her son and left the room with Vernon and James. Harry and Dudley shared an awkward silent moment until James called them out to the kitchen. Once they were there James explained the operation.
"The plan is simple. We use this boot to travel back home because it is the safest and easiest mode of transport for everyone here today. We will of course be using the back garden rather than the front to avoid any suspicious glances so Petunia if you would do the honours?" Petunia left to open the back door. Once she had the others headed outside. James placed the boot on the grass and waited for Petunia to finish locking the door before explaining any further. Petunia returned to them, putting they keys into her bag.
"What we need to do is to take hold of the boot. It doesn't matter where you catch it just make sure not to let go. I cannot stress enough how important that is. Do not let go until I say."
"Alright Potter let's just get this over with." Vernon ushered irritably.
"On the count of three we each grab hold. One...Two...Three." Five hands grabbed hold of the boot as they began swirling through the air. The Dursleys` screams and cries of terror could be heard ringing through Harry and James` heads. After what felt like an eternity James shouted "LET GO!" All at once the five hands retracted from the boot and one by one Harry and the Dursleys came crashing down into the back garden of Grimauld Place. James landed gracefully having had years of practice to perfect his landing. Sirius, Remus and Regulus were outside relaxing at the picnic bench with cold beers when they arrived. The three of them immediately rushed over to help their guests off the grass only to be greeted by sour comments from Vernon.
"It would have been far more beneficial if you had told us how to land the way you did Potter!"
"I`m sorry Vernon but that type of landing takes practice..."
"You...you always were sly you know that?"
"Hey Dursley! That is enough. Don't go ruining my godson's birthday."
"I remember you." Vernon said pointing his finger at Sirius. "You are that Black character. You were Potter`s best man at his wedding. You tried to get off with Petunia`s friend..."
"Firstly my name is Sirius, secondly his name is James and thirdly I did get off with Petunia`s friend." He winked at Vernon who made a dive for Sirius but James and Remus intervened.
"All right now that is enough. Let`s all just go inside and celebrate Harry`s Birthday in a calm and grown up style shall we?" Regulus suggested.
"Sirius why don't you go in with Harry and Dudley and maybe call Lily out here for a moment?" James asked in an attempt to gain some peace.
"Let`s go Prongslet, Dudley. Are you coming Regulus?"
"Yeah, sure thing Sirius." Regulus ran behind them. As they reached the back door he addressed Dudley saying; "I imagine this must be all so strange for you."
"Yeah, it is a bit. I mean up until last week I didn't even know I had a cousin and now I find out all of you have magical powers."
"Don`t worry about it Dudley. You are in great hands with Harry and if you like I will help you get to know everybody." Regulus offered. Dudley smiled appreciatively as they went inside to a deserted kitchen.
"Dudley please make yourself at home kid. Yes, that includes helping yourself to food because we have plenty more where all that came from." Sirius said pouring himself a glass of water. Dudley sat at the kitchen table mesmerised by the amount of food and drink available to him. "Do you want a drink Dudley?"
"Yes, water will be fine Harry." He replied meekly. Harry began pouring out two glasses of water and asked Regulus if he wanted one. He declined.
"So, Dudley, let me introduce myself. I am Sirius Black. That is my kid brother Regulus. The other guy out there is another buddy of ours called Remus Lupin. I apologise also for arguing with your dad in front of you but he just presses my buttons sometimes." Sirius explained with a heavy sigh as he drank from his glass of water. Dudley smiled weakly as he took everything in. They hear voices approaching the kitchen. They detect the voices to be female. The kitchen door swings open. Lily and Arielle enter laughing. It doesn't take long for them to realise they have company.
"Lily flower, Prongs has requested that you join him outside." Sirius says drily.
"Yes, in a moment Sirius." Lily replies rather dazedly. Her eyes become fixated on Dudley. Her lips spread slowly into a welcoming smile. Arielle looks at her mom quizzically. Lily saunters over to the kitchen table to introduce herself.
"You must be Dudley." Dudley nods his head, eying Lily starkly.
"Hello, Dudley. I`m Lily and this is Arielle. I believe you have already met Harry."
"Yeah, I have. I remember that you and James came to my house last week looking for my mom and dad. I didn't realise that we were related."
"Yeah, well for what it is worth I am so sorry that we are only meeting now."
"It`s ok." Dudley offered flatly.
"Lily, James needs you outside."
"Yes, I am going Sirius. I`ll talk to you later Dudley. Please, consider this your home today and if you have any problems with anybody then let me know."
Lily left and Arielle took her place. She pulled out the vacant chair in between Harry and Dudley. She smiled widely at him which scared her cousin a little.
"Hey Dudley, I`m Arielle. I cannot believe that I finally have a cousin. I mean a real life cousin. A blood related cousin. This is so cool. It is so awesome that you are finally here..."
"Airs, love, let the kid breathe will ya?" Sirius suggested seeing the anxious look Dudley portrayed. Arielle sunk down in her chair and said sheepishly
"I`m sorry Sirius. I was just trying to be friendly..."
"...and I appreciate it Arielle." Dudley said smilingly.
"There will be a lot of scary characters here today kid but I promise you none of them mean you any harm."
"Yeah, and you`re the scariest Sirius." Harry said humorously
"Oh, you are so funny Prongslet." Sirius replied pushing him playfully.
"What does Prongslet mean?" Dudley asked curiously.
"Oh, that is a name Sirius has for me for as long as I can remember. You see Dudley, Sirius was in school with my dad and Remus. The three of them were best friends. They had these nick names for each other because they each have the ability to transform into different animals at will. Sirius can become a dog called Padfoot and my dad becomes a stag called Prongs. When my parents had me they made Sirius my godfather and so he calls me Prongslet..."
"Oh, I get it. That is so cool that you guys can transform like that. What can Remus become?"
Harry and Sirius look at each other uncertainly. Arielle clears her throat and excuses herself from the table. Regulus quickly follows her. Sirius faces Dudley.
"Here is the thing Dudley. Remus, when he was very young got bitten by a werewolf..."
"He`s a werewolf? That is so cool!" Dudley exclaims excitedly.
"Huh?" Sirius and Harry shout in unison.
"I have never met a werewolf before. I have read about them because I love horror movies but I never expected to meet a real one."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Dudley was still contemplating in his head what he just been informed.
"Wotcher fellas!"
"Hey Tonks!" The room chimes. Dudley looks up to find a new face in the room.
"Tonks, this is my cousin Dudley. Dudley, this is Remus` wife Tonks."
Dudley raises from his seat as Tonks approaches the table. He takes her hand and shakes it vigorously. Sirius and Harry smirk at Tonks` bewildered expression.
"Tonks, you are very popular with young Dudley here because you are married to the coolest person in the world."
"Come again?" Tonks asks re-claiming her hand.
"We told him about the animagus forms of the marauders."
"Oh...welcome to the world of the marauders Dudley where nothing is as it seems."
A loud pop is heard in the kitchen and at the same time a stampede rushes into the kitchen.
"I told you we would win, didn't I Fred?"
"Yes, you did Georgie."
"You only won because you can apparate." Samia exclaimed.
"Winning knows no means of limitation." Fred explained.
Samia and Kyrah crossed their arms and stuck their tongues out at Fred and George. Fred eyed George mischievously. They both gazed at Samia and Kyrah in the same way before running at them and grabbing them around their waists and spun them around in circles.
"Those fools are called Fred and George Weasley who are brothers to Harry`s best friend Ron. Their victims are my twin daughters Samia and Kyrah."
"They seem like fun." Dudley said smiling as he watched them put Samia and Kyrah back down on the ground. The four of them collapsed on the floor from sheer dizziness.
"I already told you Ronald that you are not copying my potions essay and before you ask no I will not do it for you."
"You really do need to start doing some work for yourself Ron."
"I`m with Ginny. We are going into OWLS year dude."
"When did you become so studious Rob?"
"Maybe you could learn a thing or two." Hermione said before pushing open the kitchen door to find a live audience. Her cheeks blushed after realising they heard it all.
"Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Ryan and Rob meet Dudley Dursley."
The four of them went to meet Dudley as Sirius rose from his seat and approached his daughters who were still lying on the floor.
"Sam, Ky, when do you plan on getting up and meeting Dudley?"
"Hi Dudley." Fred and George chimed as they stood up and approached the table.
"He is a really nice kid so I need you both to extra nice to him ok?" Sirius offered both his hands for his daughters to take hold of which they did as he pulled them off the floor. The table was now bursting to capacity with people. Samia and Kyrah ran over to meet Dudley as Sirius remained by the sink with his brother. Regulus smiled to himself. Sirius caught that.
"What`s going on Reg?" Regulus shrugged his shoulders as his eyes fixed on the sight of happiness in front of him.
"I was just thinking how nice it is to have innocence and laughter imprinted once again in this house. Especially after last week..."
"Shhh! Reg, this is Harry`s day. Let him have it."
"I admire you Sirius. No matter what happens to you always are able to muster up the strength and courage to carry on. How do you do it?"
"I guess it comes with being Sirius Black. I have a lot to be grateful to the old man for. He gave me that strength and courage to carry on. What happened last week was sad. Shari and I are still grieving in our own way but just look at what we have right here Reg. It`s a beautiful sight. It`s precious. Life is for living so let`s go and give Harry the best birthday he has ever had." Sirius and Regulus shared a joyous smile.
"There you are Sirius. How are you doing Regulus?" Moody asked as he hobbled into the kitchen.
"Hello Alastor. Are Dumbledore and Hagrid not coming?"
"They should be right behind me Regulus. Who is that chubby fellow sitting with Harry then?" Moody asked pointing at Dudley.
"That would be Dudley Dursley. He is Lily`s nephew." Sirius explained.
"Ah I see. Where are Lily and James then?"
"They are outside with Dudley`s parents. Why don't you go out and say hello Mad- Eye? I know they would love to meet you."
"This Dursley fellow needs some manners put on him does he? Leave it to me Sirius." Moody said as he hobbled through the kitchen greeting people as he went. When he finally got outside, he saw Vernon and Petunia sitting at the table with Lily, James and Remus. Remus immediately stood up and smiled politely at Moody who reciprocated it. James and Lily rose from their seat as Vernon and Petunia turned around to see Moody standing there. Lily ran to hug Moody who enveloped her tight with his one free arm momentarily.
"Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody let me to introduce my sister Petunia and her husband Vernon Dursley. I assume you met their son Dudley?"
"Aye, yes I did." Moody stared at them both gruffly which made Vernon feel quite un-easy. A man of 6 ft standing there with a studying them is intimidating enough but a man of 6 ft with one glass eye, a wooden stick and prostatic leg whose nick name was "Mad-Eye" is incomprehensible. Vernon quivered slightly as Moody passed him by. Both he and Petunia followed him around the table. He sat opposite them still staring at them menacingly. He reached inside his coat pocket and produced container filled with fire whiskey. He opened the top, still staring them, brought the container to his lips, jerked his head back as he drank some of the contents. When he had finished he replaced the cork and returned the container to its original hiding place. Another moment passed by before he actually spoke.
"These kids parties are a curse because if you need a drink, you must come supplied with it." Vernon and Petunia smiled, relieved that Moody didn't harm them.
"Now Alastor, you know why we can't have alcohol laying around here today. I promise you though that it will be supplied after the party is over. James bought some beer earlier, didn't you?" James eyes his wife guilt stricken.
"We may have started a little earlier than planned..." Lily shakes her head as Moody laughs a little.
"I swear I will be in Azkaban soon for murdering Sirius."
"Lily, don't you know by now that it is not possible to trust James and Sirius alone with alcohol?"
"You would think I would Remus but I stupidly still trust them..."
"So what is it you do in the muggle world, Dursley?" Moody asks roughly
"I work in computers." Vernon replied cautiously.
Computers? Those large screen contraptions that people sit and type at all day?"
"Yes, that is it. I help to programme them."
"Hmm I see." Moody took another swig from his fire whiskey as Hagrid and Albus arrived.
"Good Lord man! How tall are you?" Vernon cried upon seeing Hagrid.
"I`m 8 ft 6. How tall are you?"
"I`m 5 ft 8." Vernon answered flatly.
"Hagrid, Albus this is my sister Petunia and her husband Vernon."
"It`s nice to meet you sir. I`m Rubeus Hagrid, keeper of keys and grounds at Hogwarts."
"It`s nice to meet you Hagrid." Petunia offered smilingly which he returned. She then rose to approach Dumbledore who was speaking to James. He turned his attention to her as soon as she reached him.
"It is an honour to finally meet you Petunia. Please forgive me for not coming to speak with you sooner. I just had some order business with James."
"No, Professor Dumbledore I understand. I am glad we finally have the chance to meet. I wish to apologise for sending you that begging letter. When I heard that Lily had been accepted to study at Hogwarts, I guess I felt a little left out."
"It is quite all right Petunia I assure you. We are all here now willing to do what we can for the cause."
"Yes, of course sir." They both smiled politely at one another.
"All right people let us get this party started. We now can officially begin since Snivilus has had the grace to join us." Sirius remarked playfully.
"Sirius..." Lily warned.
"What? I`m just having some fun Lily flower." He replied grinning at her. She merely rolled her eyes.
"Severus, I am so happy you could make it. Do you remember my sister Petunia?"
"Yes, of course. How could I forget?" Snape answered smiling tensely.
Remus and James beckoned Sirius down to them. Petunia and Vernon saw them huddled together discussing something that they wished they could hear. The three of them walked further down the garden and suddenly stopped still. They then whipped out their wands and pointed them above their heads. They saw them create some sort of stand. The next thing they witnessed was the grass being converted to concrete and then half a dozen orange balls appeared. Remus stacked them together carefully in the corner. Harry emerged from the house with Dudley and company. Dudley was more shocked than any of them. Harry and the others were no strangers to the marauders transforming the garden into whatever took their fancy. Sirius, James and Remus ran up to the patio and addressed Dudley.
"We hear that you are an excellent basket ball player Dudley."
"I`m not sure that I`m excellent James. I consider myself to be fair."
"Well that is not what your mother tells us."
"My mom has a habit of exaggerating my talents Remus." He remarked meekly.
"Dudley, kid, we have created this amazing basket ball court and it would be an honour if you would play with us."
"Yeah, sure Sirius. We are going to need to split up into teams though if it's going to be a match."
"You leave that to us." Sirius said winking as he doubled back and jumped up on the table in order to address everyone.
"All right people listen up! We are all gathered here today to celebrate Harry`s fifteenth Birthday. The marauders have just created the most amazing basket ball court the world has ever seen. I think you will all agree..." Laughter was heard all around the garden.
"...We all know how the game works right? You grab one of those orange balls and fire it into that hoop. It's pretty close to quiddtich really if you think about it aside from the fact that there are no brooms involved and there is only one hoop to aim for...anyway the point is this. Those who want to play bring your asses down to the court now and we shall begin." Sirius clapped his hands together, smiled and jumped off the table.
Harry joined the marauders at the court with Arielle, Rob, Ryan, Samia, Kyrah, Ron Hermione, Fred, George, Ginny, Dudley, Neville, Dean, Regulus, Tonks, Charlie and Bill.
"The first thing we need to decide is who is going to captain each team." James stated look around at all ready participants.
"I vote for Harry!" Sirius shouted
"Sirius, wait a minute. I think it would be a good idea if Dudley explained some of the basic rules of the game first." Sirius shrugged his shoulders as James eyed Dudley to take the floor. He cleared his throat before he spoke.
"The first thing you need to be aware of is that each team has five players on each team who are on the court at any one time. There are also five substitutes available who are allocated to the bench during a match. There are three different positions; centre which is usually occupied by the tallest player, forwards which the two medium size players take and then the two shortest will take the position of guards. In terms of scoring, the following rules apply. Obviously we are all aware that by shooting the ball into the basket is the only way to score in this game. However, if a player shoots from the three point line then that shot is worth three points, otherwise it is only worth two. It is also possible to score one point when shooting from a free throw line. Now there are certain rules that apply in order for the game to be played fairly. When running with the ball you must not hold it in your hands, but bounce it instead or "dribble" as it's called. So basically run and dribble the ball rather than run and hold it. Finally there are two types of fouls. The first are called defensive fouls. They occur when the offensive player is being fouled by the defender. It is considered fouling if you push, block, and trip; strike etc any player in possession of the ball at any given time. The second type of foul is called the offensive fouls. This essentially means that a player in offence commits a foul when charging into a stationary offender. So, are there any questions?" Dudley was received by glances of disarray and boredom. Nobody had ever heard of a game so complicated and the desire to play was no longer obvious. James noted this so he stepped up to re-direct the energy on the court.
"Thank you Dudley for being so explanatory. I think it is only fair that you are captain on one team, don't you agree Harry?"
"Yeah, absolutely. I`ll be your first team mate." Dudley smiled at his cousin.
"That is great. Now all we need is a second team captain. Rob? Ron?" They both pointed to each other so James called Rob to step forward.
"You better start calling your first team mate Rob."
"I choose Ron then." Rob called as he winked at Harry who smirked, shaking his head."
"I don't think I have ever played against Harry before." Ron whispered to Rob.
"I have so I know his weaknesses."
Harry and Dudley decided on Fred, George and Neville whilst Rob and Ron chose Ryan, Dean and Charlie. Tonks was referee. The game was played fairly and amiably. The marauders decided to sit this one out so they could save their energy for quiddtich and have the opportunity to be seen as responsible adults. This of course applied to James and Sirius more so than it did Remus. Dudley shot the first three points for his team followed by an unexpected shot from Ron, who panicked when Rob threw the ball at him. As the game progressed the three girls, Hermione and Ginny found the perfect opportunity to discuss with Arielle the reason behind her and Dean breaking up.
"This is not something I want to talk about ok? We just decided it was time to explore our options." Arielle explained to her friends. Hermione and Ginny shared a quizzical glance. Arielle caught this. She sighed as she rolled her eyes.
"It`s not going to work Hermione. No matter what you or Ginny thinks, neither Dean or I are interested in anybody else at the moment."
"Then why did you break up? Both of you were really happy and for what it is worth, I thought that you made a lovely couple."
"Yes and when I spoke to Dean last Christmas he was stoked about you. I have never seen him so happy or you for that matter." Ginny remarked.
"It just wasn't right." Arielle commented lowly.
"He is fifteen and I just turned twelve and regardless of people believing me to be vastly more emotionally mature than I should be for my age...right now the gap is too big. It was amicable. Can we please just drop it?"
"Arielle, you have grown up around adults the same way that Harry has so it is not so peculiar that you are more mature than an average twelve year old should be. I understand that at the moment the age gap might seem un-usual or whatever, but Dean is a great guy and I don't know two people who are better suited. Don't let me or anybody else influence your decision. All I am saying is not to give up on the possibility of rekindling your relationship with Dean. I`ll bet he misses you just as much as you miss him. It's just the pair of you are too stubborn to admit it." Arielle smiled lightly at Hermione who embraced her in a one armed hug. The marauders were standing nearby and over heard the conversation unknowns to the three girls. Lily came behind them. She tapped James on the shoulder and whispered something in his ear.
"Apparently it is time to cut the cake fellas. I`ll just tell Tonks to call the game." James did just as he said he would. As soon as everybody was up from the court, Lily placed the four layer birthday cake on the table on the patio. There were comments flying out of everybody`s mouth when they saw the cake. The bottom layer was a biscuit based strawberry short cake, the next layer was oozing with toffee carmel, the layer above that comprised of white chocolate fudge and finally the top layer was pavalova; whipped cream, meringue texture and fruits such as strawberries, oranges and raspberries were neatly placed in a circle. The number 15 was shaped into sparkling candles. Everybody gathered around Harry as they sang "Happy Birthday." He was over joyed that his family and friends went to so much effort to make his birthday special. It certainly was unexpected particularly since he insisted he didn't want to mark it. Perhaps that was the reason his family decided on having an extravagant celebration.
Later in the evening when the celebrations had settled down Harry called Rob, Ron and Hermione for a meeting. He was thinking all day of a way to repay his family for the generosity they had shown him and he thought he finally found a way to do this. He called them outside to the garden where they could talk in private.
"There is something that I really want to do but if ye think it is a bad idea then please tell me ok?"
"Ok." They all replied.
"I know it was Sirius who wanted today to be the biggest success. That is how he operates. No matter what life throws at him, he picks himself up and moves on. What he and Shari experienced was beyond tragic. I don't want their kids to be forgotten. I want to create a memorial shrine to them."
"How are we going to do that mate? We have no photos."
"Yeah, Ron I know but we don't need them. All we need is something to mark their lives with. Hermione, you are the best at spells..."
"Harry, I`m not sure if it is a good idea. I mean, Shari miscarried. What if Sirius and Shari just want to grieve quietly without being reminded daily?"
"You think they are going to forget?" Harry asked smiling wryly.
"No, of course not but..."
Hermione, please, I need to do this. I believe it will be important to their grieving process. They will always have a place to go to be close to them. I know it will help...please...please help me to help them."
"I agree with Harry. Shari will need this more than Sirius because she is the one who miscarried." Harry nodded in agreement with Rob.
"All right fine. I will help Harry but if this doesn't go well..."
"I will take responsibility for it all." She nodded her head and muttered "ok." Harry smiled widely and kissed her on the cheek. The four of them set to work. Harry wrote out on a piece of paper what he wanted the memorial stone to convey, whilst Rob and Hermione designed it. Ron was on guard duty. Twenty minutes later they had designed the perfect stone. It was a white marble rectangular shape with a similar stand to support it. They planted it into the ground. Once they had finished Harry and Ron approached them. Harry smiled satisfied at the result."It`s all yours mate." Rob whispered. Harry reached inside his pocket and produced his wand. He pointed it directly at the head stone as he wrote in bold block captions;
We mark this stone with the memory of Matthew and Michael Black. The two marauders we never knew but will forever rest in our hearts and in our minds.
R.I.P.
Harry relaxed his hand as he read the writing on the stone. He sincerely hoped that what he had done would be deemed appropriate to the people it concerned. Hermione wrapped her arm around his waist. She rested her head against his shoulder as she said softly
"It`s perfect." Harry smiled a little, his eyes still fixated upon it. Rob and Ron both agreed with Hermione but Harry was still unsure. He couldn't help but feel that maybe Hermione had been right initially. What if this wasn't a good idea? What if this only made things worse for Sirius and Shari? None of them were aware that the marauders had recently emerged from the house. James, Sirius and Remus sat around the table on the patio, each holding a fresh bottle of beer. Sirius, being the only self confessed casual smoker, held a cigarette between two fingers. He recognised four shadows at the end of the garden. James and Remus turned in the direction which Sirius was pointing. The four shadows walked up towards them, still unaware of their presence. As they got closer James addressed his son.
"I thought that you were watching a movie with Dudley and the others."
"I thought that you were inside keeping uncle Vernon company."
James smirked and said "Ok I`ll make you a deal then. I won't tell your mother I saw you out here if you don't tell her that I was."
"Fine that works for me then." Harry remarked.
"What are the four of you doing out here then a part from ditching Dudley?" Sirius asked as he took a drag from his cigarette.
"It wasn't anything to do with ditching Dudley Sirius, honest." Rob replied.
Sirius narrowed his eyes as he looked at Rob. He took a final drag before extinguishing the cigarette. He squashed it down into the glass ash tray in front of him as he said "Honest you say Rob? I believe you kid. A thousand people wouldn't. We are all friends here. So, if we say we needed a break from Dursley hence the reason we are out here. What reason are you going to give us?" He brought the beer bottle to his mouth as he drank, pointing his finger at the four all the while. His finger pointed at Harry. He replaced the bottle on the table. He smiled a little and said "Are you going to tell me what the four of you are doing out here?" Sirius began to light another cigarette while Harry looked from one marauder to the other. Sirius laughed lightly.
"Harry, you have known me for fifteen years to this day. Don't you know that I`m playing with you? I speak for all of us here when I say that it really doesn't matter why you are out here. This is your home too. I`m just curious to know."
"Sirius, there is a reason for the four us being out here though. I will tell you so long as you promise to take your anger out on me and not them." Harry said pointing to his three friends. Sirius shared a perplexed glance with James and Remus before saying "Why would I be angry with you Harry?"
"I did something Sirius. Something that maybe I shouldn't have done. At the time I thought it was a good idea but I am not so sure anymore."
"Harry, what did you do?" Remus asked. Harry looked at him and said "I`ll show you." He began to walk down to where the head stone was. His friends followed as well as three confused marauders. When they reached the destination Harry and the others turned to face the marauders. Their bodies were hiding the stone. Harry then addressed Sirius.
"Sirius, I apologise profusely if my actions make things worse for you. I only did it because I care and I didn't...I didn't want them to be forgotten." Sirius looked at his godson starkly. Ron and Hermione were standing on the right and left respectively. They stepped away. Rob, like Harry was in the centre so he too stepped away. Harry eyed Sirius one last time before following suit. Nobody expected to find what they did. James stared at his son incredulously.
"Harry, you do this?" Harry looked at his father quietly saying
"Yeah, I did. I can easily remove it."
"No. No, don't remove it. It`s perfect." Sirius said. He looked at Harry incredulously. "I can't believe you would do this Harry. Where did the idea even come from?" He asked gently. Harry`s eyes deterred from Sirius to the stone as he slowly replied "It didn't feel right. All of you ensured that my birthday was celebrated. I know Sirius that you are the one responsible for this. It didn't feel right celebrating today when they haven't been celebrated. I know I should have consulted you and Shari first but I wanted it to be a surprise." Sirius walked closer to the memorial stone. He knelt down in front of it, his fingers running smoothly over his sons` names. "You called them Matthew and Michael?"
"We can easily change them Sirius if you don't like them." Hermione offered. Sirius shook his head as he said "No, there is no need to alter anything so perfect." He slowly rose from the ground. He turned to face everyone. His eyes rested on Harry. "I can`t thank you enough for doing this Harry and to all of you for helping. I know Hermione that you made it. You really are a remarkable witch for your age. Have I told you that lately?" Hermione smiled shyly. "Thank you Sirius but Rob helped me. Didn't you Rob?"
"You did most of the work. I merely suggested the style..."
"Well whatever you did, I`m grateful to you all." He beckoned the four of them over for a group hug. They ran immediately towards Sirius.
"Take it down." Everyone turned to find Shari standing nearby. Her eyes had tears brewing in them. She glared at them all in turn angrily. Sirius stepped forward. He looked back at the stone and then to Shari saying
"Shari, they were only trying to help."
"And you let them? I said take it down Sirius."
"Shari..."
"Now." She cried through gritted teeth. Lily and Tonks ran from the patio after hearing all the commotion.
"Shari, what is the matter?" Lily asked tentively. She pointed at the head stone.
"Nice job Sirius." Tonks exclaimed impressed at her cousin.
"It wasn't me Tonks. I wish I had thought of it. It was all Harry`s idea."
"Oh well of course it was! Harry can do no wrong in your eyes can he Sirius? If it was Rob or Ryan or the twins however, you wouldn't love it so much. Prongslet is perfect isn't he? I`ll bet you wish he was your son."
"Shari, what the hell is wrong with you? Harry was trying to help both of us mark the remembrance of our sons. And for your information Rob did help him. It was a nice gesture."
"Our sons are dead Sirius. They never even had a chance. How can you get over them so easily?"
"Shari, I think that is unfair for you to imply..."
"I don't give a damn what you think Lily! You with your perfect family and your perfect life. How can you possibly understand how I feel?"
"Sharina, will you just stop attacking the people who are trying to help! How dare you even consider the possibility that I am over what happened? There has not been a single second that has passed by since that I don't wish we didn't lose them. I will never be over them. Never. This shrine right here will be cherished by me as a place to remember our sons. I would like to think it could be a place for you too. You haven't spoken about them once since it happened. If anyone is over them, it's you Shari."
"I am only going to ask you one more time Sirius to take it down."
"I am only going to tell you one more time Shari, No."
"Fine!" She stormed back to the house as Sirius turned her back on her. The next thing he hears is James telling everyone to duck. Sirius turned around. He saw Shari pointing her wand at the memorial stone and firing a spell towards it. Sirius jumped out of the way on time. When they look up, they see Shari is gone and the memorial stone is now destroyed. There are large chunks of it lying all across the garden. Lily crawls across the garden to see that the four kids are all right. Harry and Rob rise up on their knees simultaneously to see their work in ruins. They catch the sad glances of Hermione and Ron.
"Are you all right Remus?" Tonks asks kneeling beside her husband.
"Yes, I`m fine Tonks. I just can't believe Shari would do this."
"Yeah, I know."
Sirius is sitting on the grass holding the piece of concrete which has his sons' names on it. James sits behind him. He sighs sadly and place a hand on his friend`s shoulder. Sirius continues to stare at the names.
"How can she do this James? The kids went to so much effort and this is how she repays them? I don't think I even know her anymore."
"Yes, Sirius you do. Shari is grieving. She needs you to be there for her."
"That is exactly where I have been. You know that. She is not the woman I married."
"How can you say that?"
"It's simple James. The woman that I married would not have done this. She would not have shut me out or pretend like everything was ok. I cannot help her when she is like this because I just don't know how to deal with her anymore."
"She is grieving Sirius..." Sirius discards the slab of concrete and stands up. "I am also grieving mate but at least I can appreciate a kind gesture. They are just kids. They didn't deserve it." James nodded in agreement.
"Why don't we grab a beer?" James suggested. Sirius followed James back to the house where they found Harry sitting in the patio alone. Sirius waved James inside. Sirius sat down beside him, grabbing the box of cigarettes from the table. He took one out, reached for his lighter and puffed.
"I`m sorry that you witnessed Shari`s tantrum Harry." He looked at his godfather whose eyes were focused ahead. "I guess she wasn't ready." Sirius smirked. "No, I guess she wasn't but there is absolutely no justification for her appalling actions. There is no way back from that."
"How do you mean Sirius?" Harry asked quizzically. Sirius exhaled loudly. "I can`t help her mate. Her grief has taken on a life of its own. One minute she is playing happy families and the next this happens."
"So what is the alternative? Are you going to throw her in a nut house?" Sirius laughs a little. He extinguishes the cigarette and leans forward with his hands joined propping up his chin.
"What do you suggest?"
"You`re asking me?"
"Yes, I am. You proved tonight that you are a lot more thought provoking than I ever credited you for. So, let`s say Shari was Hermione. What would you do? And for the record I sincerely hope you never experience this pain."
"Sirius, I don't know what I`d do. I do know that I wouldn't give up on her. Shari needs you Sirius. Even if right now she is too much for you to handle, you need to realise that she is hurting. She needs your support." Sirius jumps up. "I have done nothing but support her Harry. I have tried giving her space, being compassionate, trying to get her to open a little or a lot about how she is feeling and I am getting nowhere. She is draining my energy and my patience and I need both for this dam war that we have ahead of us. You are the priority Harry..." Harry stood up and addressed Sirius firmly.
"I think that you too are grieving even if you don't want to admit it Sirius so maybe its best if you and Shari have some space for a while because from where I am standing you both are poisoning one another and that is what is killing your energy and it will do the same to the order."
"I`m with Harry." Sirius and Harry turned to find Regulus behind them.
"You and Shari need some distance. All that you both seem to do is fight or ignore the others existence. It's not healthy for any of us living here."
"Reg..." Sirius protested but he was cut off.
"No Sirius this is not up for discussion. You both need time out to deal with what is laying heavy on your hearts. How else is either of you going to regain your focus? It`s all been decided."
"What has been decided?" Sirius asked curiously.
"Shari has agreed to leave first thing tomorrow. She is going to spend some time with her family in America." Sirius and Harry stared at Regulus stunned by the revelation.
"Who decided this?" Sirius asked curtly.
"I did." Sirius, Harry and Regulus turned to find Shari standing behind. She approached Sirius and said in a solemn tone of voice
"Sirius, we need to be a part for a while. Personally I find it difficult being around you at the moment. That is not natural. You are the one person I know I can rely on but right now you are also the one person I can't be with. I think this time a part will be healthy for the both of us. I promise I will be in touch when I feel ready so until then if you want to know anything then please speak to Dieter." She kissed him on the cheek as she left to go back inside. James came outside followed by Lily and the Dursleys. He looked to Harry who figured it was time to travel to Privet Drive. Lily hugged her sister and nephew goodbye promising to see them again very soon. Five hands caught hold of the boot as they travelled to their destination. As soon as they were home, Petunia rummaged in her bag for her house keys while Dudley and Vernon bid James and Harry goodbye. Vernon and James shook hands amiably as Petunia turned the keys in the door. Harry patted Dudley on the shoulder as his cousin smiled.
"You know you are always welcome Dudley." Harry said softly.
"Yes, Harry I do and thank you. I had fun today."
"Yeah, so did I. We must do it again soon."
"We`ll be in touch." James offered smiling warmly at the three Dursleys in turn. Then he and Harry caught hold of the boot one more time and within moments, they were home.
"All right there fellas!" James called to Sirius and Regulus who were sitting in the patio. They smiled at Harry and James who walked towards them. James took a seat beside Sirius.
"Are you going to join us Harry?" Sirius asked.
"I think I might go to bed actually. It's been an eventful day."
"Yes, that it has kid. I reckon I`ll be going there soon." Sirius replied.
"Goodnight Harry." Regulus called.
"Goodnight Harry and thank you for today." James said.
"Night Harry." Sirius said limply.
"Thank you all for today. It was the best Birthday in a long while. I`ll see you all in the morning."
A/N I hope you all enjoyed the story. I know the Dursleys are essentially different to what J.K. portrayed them as but that is why I decided to alter their characters. Anyways I`ll talk to ya soon no doubt.