CHAPTER 5

BIRTHDAY PAIN

Early in the next morning, Harry woke up groaning in his own pain. His lightning-shaped scar. It was hurting so bad. Harry rubbed it for a while, but the throbbing didn't go away. It was like a massive migraine that wasn't going away.

Harry didn't understand. He thought his scar only hurts if Voldemort is near. He's not here, is he? Harry checked. He was at the Burrow, in Ron's room, (who, by the way, was snoring rather loudly) he was safe. So why is he in this much pain?

Deciding to get his mind on something else, Harry got up and got changed, then went downstairs. No one else would be up since it was only 5 a.m.

Harry went to the kitchen only to find that he was not alone. Arthur Weasley was sitting on the dining table, rubbing his temples, and it seemed that he was reading the news. He looked troubled.

Harry walked over to him, he didn't even noticed Harry was standing in front of him until he said,

"Mr. Weasley? What's wrong?"

Arthur jumped, obviously startled, "Oh! Harry! I'm sorry, you scared me. Uh, what are you doing up this early?"

Harry shrugged, "I couldn't sleep, are you sure you're ok, Mr. Weasley? "

He sighed, "To be honest, I'm not."

Harry gave a confused look, then Mr. Weasley gave the newspaper he was reading to Harry. The headline was: 'HE'S BACK!'

"Now, I don't want to frighten you, Harry," Arthur said, "But I thought you should know."

Harry read the rest of the article:

Last night, dozens of homes, restaurants, and stores in Hogsmeade were completely ruined. There were a few fires and weapons lying around. It looked like an angry mob marched through Hogsmeade. Mr. Dawner, one of the workers of 'Zonko's Joke Shop' said to the media, "This is terrible. No one knows what happened. We were all asleep when this… this tragedy struck. Broken windows, stores on fire, trash everywhere. Who would do such a thing?"

At first no one was sure who would do such a thing. Wizards were searching everywhere for clues on leads. And then, they found it. The Dark Mark. You-Know-Who is back.

Harry gasped. "Wh-What? No! NO! He can't be… back." He nearly had a heart attack.

Arthur just sighed and nodded. "I know."

Harry was freaking out. "B-but what is the Ministry going to about?"

Mr. Weasley shrugged. "I don't know. They just called me in, that's why I woke so early. But, Harry don't worry."

"AND WHY NOT!" It came out a lot harsher than Harry meant it.

Arthur closed his eyes patiently, "Harry, as long as you're here or at Hogwarts, You Know Who will never be able to touch you. You are safe."

Harry took a deep breath. "Yeah, yeah. You're right. I'm sorry."

Mr. Weasley smiled warmly. "Don't be, you have every reason to be scared. But for now, relax. We will keep you safe."

Harry nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Mr. Weasley."

Arthur winked, "No problem, you're like a son to me, Harry. I wouldn't let anything happen to you. Now, I best be going." Just before he reached the door, he added, "And happy birthday, Harry."

After Mr. Weasley left, Harry's scar was easing the pain just a bit, so he went back to bed.

A few hours later, he moaned and woke up. As he sat up, he found that Ron wasn't in his bed. He was usually the one who didn't wake up till noon. Harry, who was confused, got up, brushed his teeth, took a shower and went downstairs. No one was in the kitchen.

"Quiet! He's coming!" someone whispered.

Harry raised an eyebrow but kept walking until he reached the living room.

"SUPRISE!"

The Weasleys' and Hermione popped out.

Harry jumped then smiled.

Mrs. Weasley came through with a big birthday cake with purple and blue frosting with a snitch in the middle. Somehow, Harry's smile grew wider.

"Happy birthday, dear!" she said.

Everyone then sang happy birthday and started to open presents.

"This is from me." Hermione said, holding a rectangular box covered with orange wrapping paper.

Harry smiled, "Let me guess…," he said, "is it a book?" Everyone laughed.

"Open it and you'll find out." Hermione said, grinning.

Harry looked at her questioningly, she just shrugged. What else would Hermione get him?

Harry ripped opened the present and gasped. "No way…"

"What is it?" Ron asked.

Harry was still astonished, "An autograph snitch from Luke Warlock." He said dreamily.

Luke Warlock was one of the best Quidditch seekers alive. People say he is a legend and born from the heavens.

Ron and the twins were amazed. "Blimey!"

"H-Hermione? How- how did you get this?" Harry asked, goggle eyed at Hermione.

Hermione shrugged. "Viktor gave it to me a couple of months ago, I didn't really know what to do with it, I mean I don't even like Quidditch, so I thought you might like it."

"Like it?" Harry said. "I LOVE it! Thank you so much, Hermione! You're the best!" He got up and hugged Hermione.

"Glad you like it."

Mrs. Weasley smiled, "OK, Ron, your turn." She said. "Ron? Ron? RON?"

Ron was still dazed from the autograph snitch to know what was going on. "Uh? Oh right." He said. Ron got up and handed his gift to Harry. "It's a bit renewed, but hope you like it."

Harry opened and saw it was a Quidditch kit. "Thanks, mate! I needed this! My broom looks like someone hammered it!" Harry exclaimed.

Ron smiled. "No problem."

"Ok! Here, open this one, sweetie." Said Mrs. Weasley, handing Harry a neatly wrapped box. "It's from Arthur, Ginny, and me."

He opened the gift, and saw something black and silky. New dress robes. "Thanks Mrs. Weasley! These are wonderful!"

"Oh, don't thank me," she said, "Ginny picked them out, she said it would look dashing on you!"

Ginny deeply blushed while Fred and George snickered. Harry smiled, also a bit embarrassed. "Thank you, Ginny."

Ginny muttered a your welcome, then looked away.

"Ok, ok!" said Fred, "It's our time. Here you go, Harry." He said, handing him a bag.

"Hope it brings you all the joy in the world!" George winked.

Harry had to admit, he was a bit scared. This was Fred and George. He could turn into a horse with 2 heads for all he knows. But at the end, he opened the bag and found all sorts of goods. (pranks) There were farting bombs, 'grow another arm' pills, color changing potions and so much more.

"Wow, guys," Harry said, "You really went all out, didn't you?"

Both Fred and George smiled their mischievous smile. "Well, after we leave Hogwarts next year, someone'll have to carry on the tradition." George winked.

"Might as well start now. After all, our youth is important." Fred said.

Mrs. Weasley rolled her eyes. Harry laughed, "Thanks guys."

Harry then started, "Everyone, thank you so much, it means a lot to me that- OW!" Harry groaned. Pain struck him, this time it was worse. His scar was hurting once again. He rubbed his forehead. He remembered what the news said. Voldemort was near. Was he here? Close?

"Are you alright, Harry?" He heard Hermione asked. Everyone gathered around him with worried expressions.

"Uh, yes. My scar was just…"

"Your scar?" she asked, frightened.

"Harry, honey, what's wrong?" Mrs. Weasley questioned.

Harry looked around, he didn't want to worry them more.

"Um, it's nothing."