Author's Note: okay, so here's chapter 7. Yeah, I know I'm not updating as often as I was with "Infinity Pendant" but writer's block is to blame for that. Anyways, enjoy the chapter. Read Review & Enjoy!!

Harry opened his eyes and sat up in bed. It was morning already. Harry looked at the calendar and realized what day it was.

"Happy birthday," Cho said, waking up.

"Thanks," Harry said half-heartedly.

"Harry, why are you always hesitant to celebrate your birthday?" Cho asked, sitting up.

"Force of habit," Harry replied, "I spent so much time being disregarded on my birthday that I celebrate by myself briefly."

"You don't have to do that anymore," Cho said, "You have all of us now. You have me now."

Harry smiled and put an arm around Cho, pulling her in close to him. "Have I told you lately that I love you?" he asked.

"Not today," Cho replied, "But I think I should say it first. I love you, Harry Potter."

"I love you, too, Cho Chang," Harry responded.

Ron was still asleep, his twitching body expressing that he was dreaming. His twitches soon became more and more violent. He started mumbling inaudibly in his sleep. Sweat was drenching his face. Finally, he let out a shrill cry as he snapped awake, sitting straight up in bed. His heart racing and his breath quickening, Ron's eyes darted around the room, trying to establish a connection to his surroundings. Finally, Ron began to calm down as he realized he was in his room. Alice was sitting at the window, looking outside.

"Having nightmares, too?" Alice asked.

"I don't even remember what it was about," Ron remarked, "It all happened so fast. But I could feel pain. Lots of pain."

Alice said nothing. She knew what Ron's nightmare was about. It was the same one she'd had last night. But she couldn't tell him the truth. That the nightmare was brought on by Jason's emotional surge. She didn't even know the meaning of the images and she wouldn't turn them all on Jason unless she knew the truth for sure.

As Draco wearily opened his eyes, he got the feeling that something wasn't right. However, he couldn't figure out what was wrong until he woke up more and realized that Ginny was also awake. She was staring at him, smiling seductively.

"I was wondering when that would wake you up," Ginny said.

"When what would…?" Draco asked, but stopped when he realized what she meant. Draco felt a hand inside his boxers and realized it was Ginny's

"Well, that's…different," Draco remarked.

"If you don't like it, I'll stop," Ginny said.

"No," Draco said in half-protest, "I didn't say that."

Ginny grinned as she continued her activity. Draco closed his eyes, overwhelmed with sensation. Suddenly, there was a loud bang on the door. Both Ginny and Draco were startled as they immediately ceased what they were doing. Draco hopped out of bed and walked to the door, opening it a crack. It was Charlie.

"You and Ginny get ready," Charlie said, "We need you in the kitchen in ten minutes."

Draco nodded and closed the door. "That was Charlie," he said, walking back to the bed, "He wants us both dressed and in the kitchen in ten minutes."

"Oh that's right," Ginny said, "It's Harry's birthday today."

Hermione opened her eyes and sat up in bed, her eyes adjusting to the light in the room. She noticed she was in the bed by herself. Hermione started to panic a bit, but stopped when she heard the sound of strings tuning. She looked towards the window and saw Jason sitting in a chair, wearing only his boxers, tuning his guitar.

"Planning for a musical day?" Hermione asked.

Jason's head snapped up from his guitar and he smiled at Hermione. "Got a bit of music planned for today," he said, "Perhaps I'll start with a song for you."

"You know just how to give a girl a good wake-up," Hermione said.

"I know," Jason said, "But we'll talk about our sex life later." Jason grinned wide and Hermione turned a bit red. "Here's one for you," Jason said as he began strumming his guitar.

It's undeniable that we should be together
It's unbelievable how I used to say that I'd fall never
The basis you need to know if you don't know just how I feel
Then let me show you now that I'm for real
If all things in time, time will reveal

One, you're like a dream come true
Two, just wanna be with you
Three, girl, it's plain to see that

That you're the only one for me and
Four, repeat steps one through three
Five, make you fall in love with me
If ever I believe my work is done
Then I'll start back at one

Hermione sat in bed, leaning against the headboard watching Jason's hands move gracefully along the neck of his guitar. It reminded her of how gentle his touch is when he is holding her. Thinking of this made her smile.

It's so incredible the way things work themselves out
And all emotional once you know what it's all about
And undesirable for us to be apart
I never would have made it very far
'Cause you know you hold the keys to my heart

One, you're like a dream come true
Two, just wanna be with you
Three, girl it's plain to see that

That you're the only one for me and
Four, repeat steps one through three
Five, make you fall in love with me
If ever I believe my work is done
Then I'll start back at one

Say farewell to the dark night I see the dawning of the sun
I feel like a little child whose life has just begun
You came and breathed new life into this lonely heart of mine
You threw out the lifeline just in the nick of time

One, you're like a dream come true
Two, just wanna be with you
Three, girl, it's plain to see that

That you're the only one for me and
Four, repeat steps one through three
Five, make you fall in love with me
If ever I believe my work is done
Then I'll start back at one

Jason finished strumming as he trailed off the last vocal note. He looked up at Hermione and smiled, his blue eyes showing their familiar shine.

"I know that look," Hermione said, "You looked like that they day I first met you."

"The day I realized that love at first sight was more than just a myth," Jason said.

Hermione smiled and motioned for Jason to come to her. Jason set the guitar to the side and climbed into bed next to her, pulling her close and kissing her gently. A knock at the door interrupted their kiss.

"Who is it?" Jason asked.

"It's Ron," Ron said from outside the door, "Make yourselves decent and open the door."

Jason levitated a pair of clothes to him and put them on. He walked to the door and opened it, letting Ron in.

"Hermione I said make yourselves decent," Ron said.

"I'm decent enough," Hermione said, "Now what is it? It had better be good."

"Did you forget what today was?" Ron asked.

Hermione thought about it, then smacked herself on the head. "Bollocks, I totally forgot," she said, "Harry's birthday."

"It's today?" Jason asked.

"Get dressed and meet us in the kitchen," Ron said, walking out of the room.

Harry and Cho walked out of Harry's room and realized the house was way too quiet. "Hello?" Harry called out. Nothing but silence.

"Maybe they all left," Cho said.

"Someone would have left a note or something," Harry said.

They walked into the living and found it bare. Finally, they both walked into the kitchen and were startled by an uproarious "SURPRISE!" being shouted out by everyone.

"Happy birthday, Harry!" Ron shouted out. Harry, though completely shocked, couldn't help but crack a smile.

"It's your seventeenth birthday today," Fred said.

"How do you feel?" George asked.

"Like I've got some of the craziest gits in the world as friends," Harry replied.

Everyone took turns hugging Harry and wishing him a happy birthday. Harry didn't know quite how to feel. Last night was one of the worst nights of his life and this morning, that all seemed so far away in view of the happy, celebrating group of people who had graciously taken him in and befriended him.

"So, are you going to open your gifts or not?" Ginny asked.

Harry turned to the living room to see Jason telekinetically remove Harry's invisibility cloak, which was covering a pile of gifts. Harry walked over to the pile and began looking through them, discerning which gift came from whom.

"Open mine first, Harry," Ron said.

Ron dug through the pile and handed Harry an a small box. Harry opened it up and pulled out a whistle.

"A whistle?" Harry asked.

"Blow into it," Ron said.

Harry shrugged and blew into the whistle. Almost on cue, a dark grey owl swooped in through the door, through the living room, and landed on Harry's shoulder.

"Ron I've already got an owl," Harry said.

"This here's a mate for Hedwig," Ron said, "Could produce more owls for later use."

Harry thought about it for a moment. "Could come in handy at some point," he said to himself, "Thanks Ron."

Hermione reached into the pile and handed Harry her gift. Harry opened it and looked at it. It was a book entitled "Elemental Energy and How To Harness It."

"I found that in a bookstore and immediately thought of you," Hermione said.

"This might come in handy," Harry said, pulling Hermione into a hug, "Thank you."

Jason watched Harry hug Hermione and truth be told, he didn't care. The two of them were best friends long before he ever came around. Still, something deep inside him sparked. A memory of some kind. Perhaps something someone had said to him. The more Jason inwardly probed for the answer, the more his head began to hurt, so he stopped and focused once more on Harry's celebration. Harry had almost finished going through his gifts when there was a knock at the door. Mr. Weasley opened it up and welcomed Remus and Tonks.

"I hope I'm not too late," Remus said. Harry stood up and hugged Remus and Tonks.

"Happy birthday, Harry," Tonks said.

Mr. Weasley was about to close the door when it opened up again. Mad-Eye Moody walked in, followed by Hagrid.

"We came to wish Harry a happy birthday," Hagrid said.

"After all," Mad-Eye said, "It's not every day a good friend turns seventeen."

The day had continued on as everyone was enjoying the celebration. Harry couldn't believe how everyone had planned such an extraordinary celebration without him finding out. Harry sat in a chair outside as everyone celebrated and played games. Jason sat down next Harry, a large brown box in his hands.

"Happy birthday," Jason said, handing the box to Harry.

Harry opened up the box and looked down at a brand new keyboard. "What's this for?" he asked, "I can't play this."

"That's why I'm gonna teach you," Jason said, "It's not that hard. Everyone has musical inclination. It's a magic that predates magic. Besides, Bill wants you, me, Ron, and Draco to be the band that plays at his wedding."

Harry smirked and looked down at the keyboard. Without knowing why, Harry stretched a hand out and began hitting the keys on the keyboard one at a time. Soon, he began making basic sounds and notes.

"Looks like you can play it," Jason said, "I've got instruments for Draco and Ron as well. Later this evening, I'll round you all up and we'll talk. For now, less sitting and more celebrating, Harry."

Harry chuckled a bit and stood up with Jason as the two rushed out to join everyone in a game of quidditch. Hermione sat on the steps watching the boys play. She was joined by Alice.

"You know," Alice said, "I'm surprised you're not out there, mixing it up with the guys."

"Are you serious?" Hermione asked, "I'm terrible at flying."

Alice chuckled a bit, then noticed that Hermione was looking down at her hand, turning the ring on her finger over and over.

"Has he asked you yet?" Alice asked.

Hermione shook her head. "I'm sure he's waiting for the perfect moment," she said, "Alice, Jason said something to me recently. A fear he was harboring."

"He's afraid of his emotions and the way they fuel his telekinetic power," Alice said, "I think something happened to him last night in that fight with Voldemort."

"What makes you say that?" Hermione asked.

"Because when I touched his shoulder after he had come home, I was overwhelmed by emotions," Alice replied, "Lots of pain and anger. I didn't want to tell anyone until I could sort everything out."

"So why are you telling me now?" Hermione asked.

"Because I know you won't turn on him," Alice said, "I know you'll help to make sense of his anger as well and maybe together, we can figure out what's going on with him."

Hermione said nothing and looked out to the field where the quidditch game was going on. Jason was standing on his broom as it sailed through the sky. He was engaging Harry in a race to catch the snitch. Everyone was watching, as not too many could keep pace with Harry's flying abilities.

"What is this?" Draco asked, "A game of quidditch or an air show?"

Everyone chuckled as they played, half keeping their eye on what's in front of them and half watching Harry and Jason. Harry and Jason inched closer and closer to the snitch. Finally, both of them leapt from their brooms and dove through the air, hands stretching towards the snitch. Suddenly, gravity took over and they both began plummeting to the ground. A sharp gasp rippled through the field as everyone watched in shock as Harry and Jason fell to the ground. Just before they hit the ground, they both stopped. Jason, eyes closed and arms extended, levitated both himself and Harry to the ground safely. As everyone landed, Jason and Harry sat up, dusting themselves off. Harry opened his hand and looked down at nothing. Jason opened his hand and beheld a golden snitch. Jason glanced at Harry and smiled, tossing him the snitch.

"Don't worry," Jason said, "I won't tell nobody."

Harry stood up and helped Jason up as everyone crowded around them, checking to see if they were okay.

"Do me a favor, Harry," Cho said, kissing Harry, "Don't scare me like that again."

Harry smiled and held onto Cho. Jason dusted himself off and cracked his neck, his muscles a bit sore from the quidditch game. He suddenly felt as if he were being watched. Jason turned his head and saw Mad-Eye Moody sitting at a table, watching him.

Moody's magic eye had been picking up unusual magical traces since he had arrived. Now, sitting at the table and watching the quidditch game, Mad-Eye had finally been able to pinpoint the source. It was Jason. In his normal eye, Jason looked perfectly normal. However, in his magic eye, Mad-Eye could see how Jason truly looked. Jason himself looked fine, just lit up a bit by a white light. Behind Jason, though, was something else. At first, Mad-Eye thought it was just an echo, then perhaps a shadow. After watching Jason intently, Mad-Eye saw that it was an entirely different person, following Jason's body movements. It was a second Jason, shaded all in black. Mad-Eye felt his heart sink a little when he pieced together the puzzle. Jason's soul had been split into two sides. A light and a dark side.

"Everything alright, Alastor?" Mr. Weasley asked.

Mad-Eye quickly stood up and pulled Mr. Weasley inside. "What happened last night?" he asked, "The fight with Voldemort. How much do you know?"

"I only know what happened to me and Bill," Mr. Weasley replied, "Why?"

"I think Jason's fallen victim to the Spiritusectum curse," Mad-Eye replied.

"How's that possible?" Mr. Weasley, "That curse hasn't been used in ages."

"I think Voldemort or one of his servants performed the curse," Mad-Eye said, "I can see in my eye two different Jasons occupying one body. There's no way that's possible unless he's been hit with the Spiritusectum curse."

"What should we do?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"I'm not sure," Mad-Eye admitted, "Usually the body and mind start to shift from one side to another by now. Jason's mental strength must be counter-acting it."

"Plus, we don't know for sure if it's the Spiritusectum curse," Mr. Weasley added, "I'll keep watch on him and wait until I see any indication he's been affected before I bring the ministry into this."

"I don't whole-heartedly agree with this course of action, Arthur," Mad-Eye said, "But Jason's a good man and he does deserve the benefit of the doubt."

Jason watched as Mad-Eye Moody and Mr. Weasley had gone into the house. He had a strange feeling they were talking about him.

"Why was Mad-Eye staring at me so suspiciously?" Jason thought to himself. Suddenly, another voice rang out in his head.

"BECAUSE HE HATES YOU, JASON," The voice said, "HIM AND THE REST OF THEM. THEY ARE JEALOUS OF WHAT YOU ARE AND THEY HATE YOU FOR IT."

Jason quickly looked around the field, trying to find out who said that. Before he could continue this train of thought, his eyes came to rest of Hermione approaching him. Hermione wrapped her arms around Jason's neck and pulled him in for a deep kiss. Jason wrapped his arms around Hermione and returned the kiss.

"You played a great game out there," Hermione said, "Where did you learn to fly like that?"

"California," Jason replied, "I used to spend my summers out there with an uncle and cousins. They taught me how to surf and skate. I translated that over into broom-flying during my time at Dragonfire. We called it Skysurfing."

"It was amazing," Hermione said, "Draco's the only one who could keep pace with Harry at flying."

"Not anymore, it seems," Harry said, "Maybe when we go back to Hogwarts, Jason should try out for the team."

The day wore on and soon the sun was beginning to set. Mrs. Weasley had dinner prepared and everyone sat and ate, conversing with one another. Mad-Eye made sure to keep and eye on Jason during dinner, looking for anything that could further add to his theory about Jason's condition. Remus, who had been informed of Mad-Eye's theory, sat with Tonks, also keeping watch on Jason, but trying to appear that he wasn't.

"Remus, you mustn't think of Jason as a criminal," Tonks whispered.

"I don't," Remus replied.

"So why do you watch him like one?" Tonks asked, "If he has been affected by that curse, he's more of a victim than anything."

"I'm well aware of that," Remus said, "This is a delicate situation. Jason, while he is our friend, is still a powder keg. What's happened with the Spiritusectum curse has added to that and if we're not careful, anything could set him off."

Harry could see that Remus, Mad-Eye, and Tonks were all keeping an eye on Jason. What he couldn't figure out was why. Jason didn't seem to notice their watch and continued joking with everyone. He felt Cho grab his hand and entwine her fingers with his. At that moment, Harry could see no one else but her. He loved Cho, the only issue now was finding the perfect way to ask her to marry him. That perfect moment eluded Harry, but he hoped that it wouldn't be that way for long.

Ginny and Draco secretly were nudging each other with their feet and knees. Draco looked at Ginny and saw something in her eyes. Something he had seen before, but never quite so strong. Desire. Ginny leaned into Draco and kissed him on the cheek.

"Wanna go back to the cottage?" Ginny whispered into his ear.

Draco's heart raced. He knew what Ginny wanted, and he wanted it as well. As he was about to answer yes, a thought popped into his head. Thinking this thought, Draco decided to decline, but needed an excuse.

"We don't want to appear rude on Harry's birthday," Draco finally said.

Ginny thought about it for a moment, then smiled. "You're right," she said, "Later then."

Ron and Alice were talking to everyone, but carrying on a secret conversation in their thoughts. "You feel it, too, don't you?" Ron asked.

"Feel what?" Alice asked.

"The tension between us," Ron replied.

"Ron, are you implying what I think you're implying?" Alice asked.

"Alice, I sleep next to you at night," Ron began, "I see you each day and with every day that passes, I want more and more to get you all to myself and…well, and…"

Alice chuckled out loud a bit. "You never were good at getting that point across," she said, "But the feeling's more than mutual, Ron, and it's only a matter of time before one of us breaks the tension and we finally…well, we finally…"

Ron chuckled a bit. "Apparently I'm not the only one who's not good at getting that point across," he said. Alice rolled her eyes and gave him a playful shove.

The evening wound down and the guests had gone. Everyone was feeling tired.

"Well, it's getting late," Draco said, "Ginny and I are going to turn in for the night."

"Use a rubber," Harry said jokingly. Draco turned to Harry and stared at him, bewildered.

Ginny rolled her eyes at Harry's remark. "Draco knows the protection spell," she said, "So we don't need those."

Ginny grabbed Draco's hand and walked out the back. Ron and Alice stood up and walked upstairs to their room. Jason and Hermione did the same. Harry and Cho walked up to their room and got into bed.

Cho held onto Harry and kissed him. "Happy birthday," she said.

"The best I've ever had," Harry replied.

As Cho drifted off to sleep, Harry began going over his memories of the other night. Something had been eating at him, but he couldn't quite remember it. Then he remembered, Voldemort had said something to Jason. Something about betrayal.

"You'd save the life of he who will betray you?" Voldemort's voice echoed in Harry's mind.

Harry sat in bed and pondered these words. If Voldemort was telling the truth, even a twisted version of it, would he truly betray Jason? Harry shook his head.

"Jason's a dear friend," he thought to himself, "Betrayal is something I could never do."

Harry let the mind-boggling memory go and settled into bed, drifting off to sleep.

A/N: So there's chapter 7...the song was "Back At One" by Mark Wills...chapter 8 up as soon as I can get it up...for now, give me reviews! Tell what you like! Tell me what do you don't like! Tell me where you would take this story!