Over the next week Kurt coordinated with Hermione to plan a perfect party for Harry. Hermione told him most of Harry's friends had decided to take a journey across the ocean to celebrate his 19th birthday. Hermione had explained that until recently Harry had rarely got birthday parties because he was kept with his dreadful relatives. Kurt thought if he ever met those people he might be moved to physical violence. Luckily Harry had a close knit group of friends who all seemed to consider him family.
Kurt had broached the subject with Harry and had been treated to dozens of stories about the people he was secretly arranging to have visit. Harry never once mentioned his birthday though and honestly he wondered if the other boy had forgotten it was coming up. When he shared this thought with Hermione she'd laughed and told him it was very possible.
The day finally arrived and Kurt secured a solemn promise from Burt to keep Harry at the shop an hour later than usual so he could be sure everything was ready and in place by the time the other man arrived. Kurt begged off visiting Harry in the shop by telling him he had to help Finn with some essay he had to write. Harry had been disappointed but understanding and promised to rush home as soon as he was off.
Kurt had worried obsessively about what gift to give Harry but had finally settled on something that he hoped the other man would like. It was a pretty personal gift so Kurt hoped Harry would understand and appreciate it for what it was. They still hadn't had any sort of talk about defining their relationship but Kurt couldn't help thinking of Harry as his boyfriend. That was why he was anxiously checking his hair for the third time when the bell rang signalling the arrival of his first guests. He really wanted to make a good impression.
Hermione had told him that people would arrive in waves throughout the day because they all travelled separately. She assured him that she would help set up and make sure everything was organized as soon as she arrived and he only had to greet the few people who might arrive before her. Kurt checked his hair one last time before hurrying to open the door for his guest.
A slim blond girl with wide blue eyes stood before him. She was dressed in a long flowing paisley skirt with a belt that appeared to have real blooming flowers decorating it. She wore a long flowing tunic for a top and her earrings appeared to be made of small mandarin oranges. Kurt couldn't help but stare but if the girl minded she didn't say so. When she did speak her voice was floaty and distant.
"Hello, I'm Luna, I've come for Harry's party." Kurt remembered himself and quickly stepped back to allow her inside.
"Hi Luna I'm Kurt," As the girl stepped in Kurt noted that she hadn't bothered to wear shoes but her toenails were painted alternately in red and gold. Luna didn't respond to his introduction but looked curiously around the house pausing to study the television in the front room with interest. After a moment Kurt spoke again.
"You're the first to arrive. Harry will still be at work for several hours but Hermione should be along soon."
"Oh yes Hermione got waylaid by a very persistent flock of Stoozles but she's far too clever to let them hold her back for long."
"Oh. . .uhh okay good then. Would you like a drink or anything?" Kurt asked deciding to take the same tack he used with Brittany and pretended she hadn't said anything unusual.
"No but you must show me how to use this strange device. I've seen them in shop windows but how do the little people get inside? It's very clever." As Luna asked she pressed the volume button on the TV and seemed disappointed when it didn't turn on.
Luckily Kurt was saved from trying to explain the inner workings of his TV when the bell rang again. At the door a fairly huge group of people were waiting to see him. A slim brown haired woman dressed in an attractive sweater and jeans stood to the front of the group. She put out her hand.
"Hermione Weasley, I'm so glad to finally meet you in person." Kurt shook it with a smile.
"I'm glad to meet you as well. Umm only one person has arrived so far a girl named Luna." Hermione's eyes widened.
"Oh my! I'm sorry I had thought for sure I'd get here first so I could warn you. I hope she hasn't said anything too odd," Kurt felt a wave of relief glad to find that not all Harry's friends were totally out of their minds.
"Oh not really, I mean she asked me how the tiny people got in my TV but other than that she's been fine." Hermione laughed and followed Kurt into the living room to make the rest of the introductions.
As the day progressed more and more of Harry's friends arrived. Kurt wanted to help with the party prep but Hermione seemed to have everything planned out so he mostly ended up greeting guest and bringing drinks to the decorators. A short plump woman with flaming red hair had taken over his kitchen and insisted no one could enter until she was finished. Periodically Hermione would go check on her and emerge with huge plates of Hors d'œuvre's which Kurt would then pass to the guests.
It wasn't long until everything was in place and Harry was due back in a matter of minutes. With the instructions to hide everyone but Kurt disappeared from sight. Kurt was impressed he'd been to plenty of parties where people just hunched down but somehow despite the vast number of people, his living room looked empty when he returned from checking to see if Harry and his dad were back yet. Kurt sat on the couch and attempted to watch TV. He heard Burt's voice on the porch followed by a soft response from Harry.
A moment later Harry stepped into the living room and with an almost painful roar of sound people jumped from everywhere screaming
"SURPRISE!" at the top of their lungs. Harry stumbled back in shock before his face spread into a wide smile as he took in his guests.
"Oh my god you guys!" He exclaimed with delight. "It's so good to see you all." almost as one people from all sides closed in and threw their arms around Harry catching him in the center of an epic group hug. Kurt stayed back smiling at his dad as Harry revelled in the delight of seeing all his old friends. Eventually though Harry fought his way out of the crush to come and stand in front of Kurt.
"You helped plan this didn't you?" He asked softly and Kurt nodded. Harry smiled widely at him before leaning in and kissing him deeply. When Harry pulled back he breathed his next words across Kurt's lips. "You're amazing."
Kurt could only flush and smile happily. For the rest of the party Harry stayed beside him. Harry made a point to introduce all his favorite people to Kurt and even let him hold his godson Teddy. The happy toddler had spent about ten minutes in Kurt's lap before getting annoyed and demanding to be put down. Kurt watched as he toddled off when he glanced at Harry he saw him not watching Teddy but Kurt himself, with a soft fond smile that made Kurt's heart flutter.
It seemed that in the relatively short amount of time she'd had in the kitchen the Weasley matron, who Harry had told Kurt was practically his adopted parent, had prepared enough food to feed a small army. As the food came out Harry leaned toward Kurt and pointed out two twin boys who were almost identical.
"The paler one is Fred and the one with one ear is George. Do Not Under ANY circumstances accept food from either of them. They are notorious pranksters and will undoubtedly slip something into your food."
Kurt was thankful for the warning because not even ten minutes later George started circulating the room with a tray of pigs in a blanket. He offered it to Kurt but he put up his hands in a gesture of surrender.
"Sorry but Harry already warned me."
Soon everyone was fed and began to cheer for presents. Harry tugged Kurt onto the sofa next to him and began to open the gifts he'd been given.
Harry had just finished opening Hermione's present, a book about repairing antique cars, when the doorbell rang again. Harry was surprised since he couldn't think of anyone else who would want to attend his party. After all just about everyone Harry considered a friend was there, even Fred had come out of seclusion to be there. The other man had become much more reticent ever since he woke three days after the final battle to find himself a vampire. His family had assured him they were just happy to have him back but Fred had stopped working in the shop until he was more comfortable around crowds of people he wanted to eat.
Harry was also grateful that all his friends had given him muggle friendly gifts, except for Ron who had captured and shrunk the old Ford Angelina from second year and put it on a keychain for him. The little car would periodically rev its engine and spin its tiny wheels but Harry assured Kurt it had a little motor inside. Harry fully intended to unshrink it sometime soon so he could repair it and restore it too its prime.
Harry was quite surprised when Burt returned to the room followed by Kingsley Shacklebolt. Harry moved to stand up but was gestured back down. Kingsley wore an attractive and appropriate muggle suit and his bald head glistened under the sparkling christmas lights Hermione had strung throughout the room.
"No need to get up Harry, I won't be staying but I wanted to drop off your birthday present." As he spoke he drew a file folder from his jacket and held it out to Harry. Harry took it curiously and flipped it open. His eyes went wide, inside were four very official looking forms. Harry only read the top one to know what the others would say.
MINISTRY OF MAGIC OFFICIAL WAIVER
This form is an official waiver for one Kurt Hummel.
Once signed Mr. K. Hummel swears to keep secret the magical word and is therefore omitted from the International Statute of Secrecy Section 1 Subsection C which reads
"Any muggle outside of the direct family of a muggleborn or half-blood wizard will be immediately obliviated of any and all knowledge of the wizarding world. Including but not limited to: Seeing magic performed, meeting or interacting with magical creatures and the accidental discovery of broomsticks or other magical paraphernalia"
From this day forward K. Hummel may discuss or acknowledge the magical world with other muggles in possession of a waiver or any witch or wizard without fear of Obliviation. K. Hummel should keep the signed waiver in his possession whenever entering the magical world to display as needed.
Harry quickly snapped the folder closed before Kurt could see it.
"Kingsley this is amazing but. . ." Hermione cut in quickly.
"You don't have to do this today Harry, this just gives you the option if you decide you're ready later. How about I take them and put them in your room?" Harry nodded and cast Hermione a grateful smile. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell Kurt about magic because he really did. He just wasn't sure how the other boy would take it. He cast a smile at Kingsley.
"Thank you, I probably will soon but I'm just not ready." Kingsley gave him a knowing smile.
"That's alright Harry, take all the time you need. Now I must be off, you enjoy the rest of your party."
After all the guests had left Harry and Kurt found themselves curled up on Kurt's bed watching 'Chicago'. Harry had never much cared for musicals before he met Kurt but that was mostly because he'd never even seen one. Kurt had been horrified when Harry admitted that too him and was now determined to 'educate' Harry. Suddenly Kurt sat up.
"I almost forgot!" He exclaimed jumping off his bed running over to his desk. Harry watched him curiously as Kurt retrieved a nicely wrapped box from a drawer and handed it over.
"Everything was so hectic I forgot to give you your present." Harry smiled at him, he'd assumed the party was his present.
"You gave me a great party, you didn't have to do more." Harry told him accepting the present despite his words.
"Of course I did! Open it!" Harry carefully unwrapped the gift not wanting to tear the lovely paper Kurt had chosen. Inside was small box and when Harry opened it gasped. Inside was a necklace, a small crystal bird with a sparkling emerald eye and a lily held in in beak, dangling from a leather cord.
"It was my mother's, originally it was on a gold chain but I thought that wouldn't really suit you." Kurt said softly as Harry lifted it to look more closely at the bird.
"It's wonderful Kurt, thank you!" Harry told him leaning in and kissing him deeply. When Harry pulled back he held the necklace out to Kurt. "Help me put it on."
Kurt tied it on and when he pulled back Harry followed him and kissed him again. They kissed for a few more minutes before breaking apart to catch their breath and returned to watching the movie, well Kurt watched the movie and Harry watched Kurt. Suddenly Kurt turned and caught Harry staring. He smiled softly before a worried look crossed his face. Harry cupped his face in one hand, letting his thumb brush against Kurt's cheek bone.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked him. Kurt flushed which made Harry want to kiss him but he waited to see what was bothering him.
"It's just. . .we're exclusive right? You're my boyfriend and I'm yours? I know we haven't really talked about it. . ." He trailed off suddenly looking very nervous. Harry laughed and leaned in to kiss him again.
"Of course we are, how could I look at any one else when I've got you? I'm your boyfriend for as long as you'll have me." Kurt looked relieved and smiled at him.
"Good."
August
When Kurt woke up comfortably snuggled in his boyfriend's arms while still fully dressed the realization hit him. It was August first, he went back to school the first week of September. Soon he and Harry would be separated by a nine hour drive! Kurt hadn't forgotten what happened last time he'd gone off to school and left his boyfriend behind. Kurt looked at Harry's face, currently relaxed in sleep and he knew Harry would never cheat on him. That didn't mean he wouldn't meet someone knew though or that the distance wouldn't strain their relationship that was still so new. Kurt started his day off worried and it only got worse from there.
A knock on the door took Kurt away from the kitchen where Harry was making him breakfast. He swung open the door to a dozen roses, at first he was flattered until he realized that the person holding them wasn't a delivery man but Blaine. Kurt just stared and when he didn't speak or move to take the flowers Blaine set them on the porch and stepped back.
"I know you haven't called me back because you're still mad and I get that but please just listen." And even as Kurt started to object Blaine pressed play on the stereo that he had placed on Kurt's lawn. The music started and Blaine began to sing closing his eyes and drowning out any protests Kurt wanted to make
"I was as wrong as I could be
To let you get away from me
I'll regret that move for as long as I'm livin'
But now that I've come to see the light
All I wanna do is make things right
So just say the word and tell me that I'm forgiven
You and me, we're gonna be better than we were before
Loved you then but now I intend
To open up and love you even more
This time, you can be sure"
Kurt felt Harry's arm creep around his waist and he looked up at him away from Blaine. He could see the question and worry in Harry's eyes but Kurt just shrugged and rolled his eyes before leaning down and kissing Harry. Harry gave him a relieved grin and then returned to watching Blaine sing his heart out. Kurt almost felt bad for him. Almost because Blaine was the one who had cheated and couldn't seem to understand that over meant over.
"I'm never gonna let you go
I'm gonna hold you in my arms forever
Gonna try and make up for all the times
I hurt you so
Gonna hold your body close to mine
From this day on, we're gonna be together
Oh, I swear this time
I'm never gonna let you go
Lookin' back now, it seems so clear
I had it all when you were here
Oh, you gave it all
And I took it for granted
But if there's some feeling left in you
Some flicker of love that still shines through
Let's talk it out
Let's talk about second chances
Wait and see, it's gonna be sweeter than it was before
I gave some then but now I intend
To dedicate myself to giving more
This time you can be sure
I'm never gonna let you go
I'm gonna hold you in my arms forever
Gonna try and make up for all the times
I hurt you so
Never gonna let you go
Hold you in my arms forever
Gonna try and make up for all the times
I hurt you so
Hold your body close to mine
Oh, we're gonna be together
Oh, I swear this time
I'm never gonna let you go"
Blaine didn't open his eyes until he finished singing the last note. He wore a pleased expression obviously certain that this last act of redemption would be enough to bring Kurt back to him. His face fell when he saw Kurt watching him with his head leaned against Harry's shoulder.
"Kurt?" he asked timidly when Kurt didn't applaud or really respond at all to the end of the song. Kurt gave him a tight smile but before he could say anything Harry stepped forward.
"Hi, I'm Harry Potter, Kurt's boyfriend. I don't think we were properly introduced last time we met." Harry offered his hand to shake and Blaine did looking confused and hurt.
"Sorry but I don't think we've met before." he told him hesitantly. Harry nodded.
"We did but you probably don't recognize me with my shirt on, at the time you were pretty focussed on this area," as he spoke he gestured to his still perfect abs. Blaine blushed violently before casting an angry glare at Kurt.
"You really are a bastard Kurt, you could have told me you were seeing someone!" Harry scowled and Kurt saw his hand form into an angry fist. Not wanting violence to erupt on his front porch he quickly stepped forward and slipped his hand into Harry's forcing him to unclench his fist.
"Look Blaine I told you months ago we were over. I tried to tell you just now but you started singing before I could." Blaine scowled but couldn't seem to give up.
"I love you Kurt! How can you do this to me?" Surprisingly it was Harry not Kurt who responded after giving Kurt's hand a gentle squeeze in his own.
"Blaine I get why you're so upset. You had this amazing, sexy, funny, talented guy and now you don't. I can't imagine how much that must suck for you but the fact is Kurt didn't do this to you, you did. You made a choice and the consequence of that choice is Kurt is no longer with you. I know that's probably a tough pill to swallow but it's a fact. You cheated, not Kurt and even if Kurt were to leave me I know he'll never go back to you because he deserves so much better. So I think it's time for you to go. The roses are lovely but I think you should keep them and next time you meet someone amazing if they give you a chance don't throw it away."
Harry turned his back and Kurt followed him back into the house. As soon as the door swung shut, Kurt in a burst of forcefulness pushed his boyfriend against the closed door and kissed him for all he had.
Author's note: So. . .magic? I can't decide if I want Harry to tell and I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I hope you all enjoyed this Please review! It's what keeps me going. Also if you feel the urge check out my recently completed Stairs to No Where and it's sequel Going Forward While Looking Back.
I love you guys and it's your great reviews that turned this from a quickie oneshot into this great long story it's become so PLEASE review and give me your thoughts about the story and about whether you want the Hummels and Finn to find out about magic.
Poor Blaine's awkward song was Never Gonna Let You Go by Sergio Mendes