Disclaimer: You already know I own nothing. Why must I put this here?
Chapter Summary: The long awaited chapter that celebrates Harry's Fourth Birthday! :-)
A/N: Finally the long awaited chapter! Your reviews always bring a smile to my face, and I hope you like this chapter as much as you've like the previous ones!
Chapter 16: Harry's Birthday
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"Harry," Remus whispered, shaking the boy gently, trying to wake him from his sleep.
"…Harry, wake up, cub," he persisted. After a few drawn out seconds, Harry blearily opened his eyes and rubbed them.
"Moony?" Harry inquired tiredly.
"Morning," greeted Remus, grinning. "I thought you might want to get up earlier today."
"Why?" asked Harry confusedly.
"Don't you know?" Remus inquired, surprised. Harry shook his head 'no' as he sat up, no longer feeling that sleepy, but curious instead.
"It's your birthday, Harry" Remus stated smiling. Harry's emerald eyes widened.
"M-my birthday?" Harry asked, amazed.
"If you were born four years ago, then yes," Remus grinned. Harry's eyes lit up at this, grinning back.
My birthday! He thought excitedly; that is...before another thought crossed his mind, his face falling a good deal.
"I've…never had one before. Only Dudley," he sighed sadly. "I'm not awowed." Remus could not help but frown slightly at this pronouncement. There had to be a way to get Harry to completely understand that the rules of there did not comply here. He cupped Harry's cheeks in his hands and smiled reassuringly.
"Harry, you know things are different with us. And I can assure you that a year won't go by without us celebrating your birthday to the best of our ability. We care about you," Remus said affectionately. Harry smiled.
"Now then, Sirius is still asleep. What do you say we go wake him up?" Remus offered, eyes holding a mischievous glint, the one that only a select few had ever truly seen. Harry nodded before quickly crawling out of bed, pajamas and all, running for his Godfather's room. He tiptoed to Sirius's bed, when he got there however, and climbed on as quiet as a mouse. His first intention was to jump up and down on the bed, but thought better of it.
He might not like that… Harry self-consciously told himself. So instead he crawled over to Sirius's sleeping form and nudged him…to no avail.
"Padfoot," he said loudly. "Wake up, sleepy head." Still nothing. Harry looked back at Remus pleadingly, who was leaning casually in the doorway,
"Magic," Remus mouthed, giving Harry permission to use any means. Harry looked hesitant.
Fire? The Potter heir thought doubtfully. Though the amused look on Remus's face was encouraging and Harry relented and decided heat was the better choice. He placed his concentration solely on the bed. After a few seconds the bed began to get hotter and hotter, unfelt by Harry but felt fully by Sirius, who yelped loudly and jumped up from the bed.
"What in the-!" Sirius started but was cut off by loud giggles.
"Prongslet??"
"Uh-huh!" Harry giggled.
"You did this? You…find this funny don't you?" Sirius questioned in mock annoyance. Harry nodded grinning.
"I'll show you 'funny'!" Sirius said playfully jumping back on the bed and tickling his Godson mercilessly. Harry was quickly laughing uncontrollably.
"P-Padfoot!" he gasped through his laughter.
"Nope, can't hear you. No one pranks Sirius Black without receiving payback, kiddo," Sirius chuckled as he continued.
"M-Moony…M-M-Moony t-told me," Harry gasped through laughter again, causing Sirius to stop and let Harry catch his breath.
"What'd you say?"
"Moony…" Harry panted smiling. "H-he told me to." Sirius's gaze shifted to the doorway where Remus remained looking, if possible, more amused.
"You're the culprit," Sirius whispered dangerously.
"Me? You'd believe him?" Remus asked in mock innocence. Sirius looked down at his Godson, who eyes had a 'James' glint to them, then looked back at Remus.
"Remus Lupin, you've been charged with the corruption of Prongs Potter's son, Prongslet Potter, and are consequently sentenced to an attack by wand," Sirius declared, before picking up his wand from his nightstand, amid Harry's newfound giggles. Sirius sent a hex at Remus, who easily dodged it and looked at Sirius incredulously.
"You're serious about this."
"I couldn't be anyone else," Sirius smirked as he sent another hex that Remus deflected with 'Protego'. Before long there was an all out battle of hexes going on between the two men that led from the bedroom, to the hall, and ending on the first floor. Remus quickly found himself back in a corner, Sirius' wand pointing threateningly at his chest, a mischievous smirk playing at the Black's lips.
"Wait!" Harry piped up after having watched the whole affair in fascination. He quickly placed himself between Sirius and Remus.
"Don't hurt Moony." The boy supplicated. "He didn't mean it. It was my fault. Don't be mad at him."
"Aw, Prongslet, I'm just playing," Sirius smiled, placing his wand in his pocket, picking up his Godson, and kissing him on the forehead.
"You're not mad?" Harry repeated doubtfully.
"No way! Mad that my Godson's learning the Marauder way, from Moony, no less? Never happen," Sirius grinned.
"By the way, Mr. Four-year-old, Happy Birthday," the Black acknowledged brightly, ruffling Harry's hair affectionately.
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That morning had consisted of a delicious breakfast of FlapJacks made personally by Sirius who, it turned out, could cook …Well…flapjacks anyway, as Remus was kind enough to point out. But at the moment – afternoon - Harry was blindfolded and was in his Godfather's arms as they apparated to a place Harry did not know of. Harry was now not as scared of it as before, but Sirius could have done without the tight grip Harry had had him in. When they arrived the emerald eyed boy heard whispering and muffled giggles. Sirius gently placed Harry down, a grin on his face, and took off the blindfold.
"Happy Birthday, Harry!" shouted all the Weasley's, coming out of their hiding places. Harry could not hide his surprise, or delight, at the sight of them all.
Ron's house! Harry thought gleefully. The Burrow was covered in many sparkling and color-changing banners that said "Happy 4th Birthday!" Mrs. Weasley gave Harry a hug and introduced him to Mr. Weasley who turned out to be just as nice as the rest, Harry noticed.
All seven Weasley children had a present in their hands, which they all seemed eager to give to Harry.
"Now, now, children, lets not rush into the presents!" Mrs. Weasley reprimanded. This made Harry look slightly crestfallen but he quickly recovered at Mrs. Weasley's next sentence.
"First we should have cake; and Ron, you should give Harry a tour."
The kids seemed to all be fine with the idea; the only problem, now, was which two people got to sit next to Harry. Ron, naturally, got a spot on Harry's right side and after an argument that only subsided after Mr. Weasley said that Ginny could sit on Harry's left, for Ginny had not gotten into the fight. Sad to say, many glares were sent in the young girl's direction, mostly by Percy, while everyone sang Harry "Happy Birthday" and ate cake. Once finished Ron quietly sneaked Harry out of the kitchen before his brothers could stop him, then proceeded to show him the house.
"This is Fred and George's room."
"Messy…"
"This is Percy's."
"Too clean…and…is that a mouse?"
"This is Mum and Dad's."
"Big."
"This is Bill and Charlie's."
"Cool, Dwagon pictures!"
"This is Ginny's."
"It's…Pink."
"And lastly, my room," Ron stated proudly.
"Wow…"
Ron's room was covered in orange Chudley Cannon posters and bedspread.
"It's probably not as prettiful as yours," the youngest Weasley male admitted.
"It's the nicest room I've ever seen," Harry confessed truthfully, causing Ron to smile.
"Prongslet, you do want the presents, don't ya?" Sirius's voice floated up to the room. Harry and Ron looked at each other for a moment before dashing back down the stairs. Harry opened Ron's first. It was a box of Bertie Bots every flavor beans and a moving Picture book on Quidditch; that, to Harry, was the best thing he had ever received because…well, he had never received anything before.
"Thank you!"
Fred and George got him a jar of Cockroach Cluster, which Ron immediately told him were not peanuts.
"They'we not?"
Bill got him five Chocolate Frogs and told him about beginning a Wizarding Card collection.
"Not real frogs…right?"
Charlie got him some Licorice Wands and a stuffed Dragon, disappointedly saying that his mum would not let him get a real one.
"Dwagons are real?" Charlie's mouth had to be covered by Bill before he went on a never ending explanation on Dragons, his favorite creatures.
Ginny shyly gave him pair of knitted red and gold gloves that she had made with the help of her mother.
"Wow, thank you, I've never had gloves before."
Percy got Harry a book called "Laws of The Ministry of Magic" which Ron said he would not read even if he could read, causing Harry to giggle and Percy to look furiously at his brother.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley gave Harry a newly sown blue shirt that had the letter "H" in gold lettering.
"Can I wear it now?" he asked happily, and with a nod from Molly, slipped it over his head and over his other shirt.
Right when Sirius, who had been excitedly waiting for Harry to open his and Remus' presents, was about to give their gifts to Harry, there was a knock at the door. Mr. Weasley went to answer it and Dumbledore swept in, in his very Dumbledore-ish fashion.
"Sorry, for my tardiness. I was held up by Severus who had some things to inform me of," Dumbledore apologized.
"It's okay," Harry replied smiling before anyone else had finished processing what Dumbledore had said.
"Ah, Harry, a very happy birthday to you," the Hogwarts Headmaster greeted, blue eyes sparkling, smiling warmly at the now four year old. Harry flashed the world renowned 'Potter' grin. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley as well as Sirius and Remus exchanged greetings with their old headmaster.
"Oh, yes…" Dumbledore said as he pulled out from his purple robes a wrapped gift and handed it to Harry. "Here you are, my boy." Harry opened it to reveal a chain necklace that had an amulet on it with an emerald in the center.
"It was your mother's. She left it in my possession and I thought you would like to have it." Dumbledore stated kindly. Harry gazed at it closely. It was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen and was not sure what to say. He looked back up at the white bearded man.
"Thank you, sir," he said as he put it on. Dumbledore smiled and nodded once before sitting down on a chair.
Sirius had outdone himself in the buying of Harry's presents, Remus noticed. Harry could barely say thank you for one thing before another great thing was thrust upon him. He received a new Wizard's Chess set, a new Gobstones set, a new pack of Exploding Snap cards, a lot of new clothes, new toys, and candy.
"Sirius I have one thing to say to you," Remus sighed. "Self-Control." Sirius had a sheepish look on his face.
"I couldn't help it. I saw it and just had to get it Moony, you'd have done the same," the canine Animagus answered.
The next present Harry opened caused his breath to catch in his throat. It was a photo album. Not a regular one, but one that was full of pictures of his Mum and Dad. The room was silent as he slowly and carefully went from page to page. There where pictures of teenage James with Sirius, Remus, and Peter, pictures of James and Lily's wedding day, pictures of Lily pregnant and James' proud face, pictures of baby Harry, pictures of Sirius and Remus with baby Harry while Peter looked on from afar…many, many pictures. After a little while Harry looked up at his expecting guardians with tears in his eyes that melted Sirius and Remus' hearts. He softly set the album down and hugged both of them.
"It's the goodest," he whispered gratefully. They hugged him back and after a few seconds let go. Harry wiped his eyes and smiled.
"Go on, there's more over there," Sirius urged, motioning toward the pile that remained. Harry nodded and returned to opening. Remus had gotten Harry a toy snitch, a new traveling cloak, and a coloring book with crayons.
Harry's last gift from his guardians was one that confused Harry.
A bwoom? Harry though incredulously, memories of his time at the Dursley's creeping up on him.
"The new Nimbus 500, Prongslet. Remember that one you saw in Diagon Ally that day?" Sirius reminded grinning. Harry nodded, still not getting it. Sirius, who had been expecting the happiest little boy this side of England, was surprised but then understanding struck.
"You don't know what it's for, do you?"
"…Cleaning?" Harry attempted reluctantly. Sirius let out a bark like laugh, causing Harry to let out his held breath.
Not for cleaning, Harry deduced, fully relieved.
"No, kiddo, not cleaning. A broom is for flying," Sirius clarified for his small charge. Harry's eyes lit up, and he quickly jumped to his feet, broom in hand.
"Can I try it now? Will you teach me? Pwease, Padfoot?" Harry excitedly requested, almost bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Flying! Really flying! Draco was right. Bwooms aren't just bwooms, Harry thought as he eagerly awaited Sirius' answer. Needless to say, the Weasley boys were all eyeing Harry's new broom in awe, and did not seem to be able to speak.
"Sure, Prongslet," Sirius replied, only too happy to.
"Sirius…" Remus warned. "I don't really think that's-" he began but was cut off by his friend.
"Aww, Moony, it's in his blood! It'd be an insult to James if I didn't!"
"I'm not saying, never, I'm just saying he's young," Remus mended. Harry's face fell. "It's dangerous…"
"No more dangerous than some situations he's been in," Sirius stated with a pointed look at Remus. Remus looked surprised by this comeback.
"I didn't purposely-" Remus began to retort, annoyed, but was again cut off.
"Look, I'm sorry, Moony. I know it's because you care, and...I shouldn't have said that. I'll be right there and I won't let him out of my sight, alrighty?" replied the bluish-grey eyed male. Remus sighed and nodded. The others were silent through this, and Harry had been looking back and forth, a bemused look on his face.
"So…can I have a go after you, Harry?" asked Charlie into the silence, earning him a glare from his mother that easily shut him up.
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It took little to no time for Harry to get the hang of the broom. It had a knob with levels on it that could only be moved by magic and Sirius had set it to the 'Child' level so that the broom would not go more than five feet high and no more than five miles per hour. He had walked Harry through every step of mounting and basic flying maneuvers, and Harry had never enjoyed himself more. He loved the feeling that came with flying. It was…liberating. He was still slightly confused about the short squabble between his Guardians but it had left his mind the second he was in the air. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley where inside talking with Dumbledore and Remus, while the kids were outside watching Harry avidly.
"I'm next," Ron stated knowingly. "He'll pick me."
"Will not," Fred and George retorted. "He'll pick someone who knows how to really fly."
"Be quiet, you'll scare Scabbers. He's been edgy today, and I don't want him to bite me," Percy snapped at the three, Scabbers in hand.
Little did any of them know that someone outside of the invited was there. Someone who was not Peter Pettigrew, but was here on Pettigrew's information. Hidden well in the trees, he unsheathed his wand and pointed it steadily at Harry. With a few choice words he easily switched the broom to 'Expert' and took control of it with his wand.
What was that? Harry thought as the broom gave a twitch, then a jerk, then another, and then shot up ten feet. It took a second but Harry soon realized he could not direct the broom to the ground. The broom gave two more jerks, stronger ones that made fear rise up in the young Potter heir.
"Padfoot!" he called out, panic evident in his voice. Sirius, who had been conversing with Ginny - who had been asking question after question about Harry - , looked up, eyes widening at the sight he saw. Harry's broom was going crazy, left, right, left, right, up, down, up, down, and Harry was holding on as tight as he could, practically hugging the broom.
"Hold on, Kiddo!" Sirius shouted, trying to hide his fear as he whipped out his wand. He tried every incantation he knew on stopping things but each spell made it jerk more or raise more.
What's wrong with it?? he thought franticly, heart almost stopping when the broom bucked and tossed Harry off the side, dangling him. Ginny screamed and ran inside, leaving her speechless brothers, who either had not learned magic yet or were not allowed to use it even though they did know some.
Harry had his eyes clamped shut in fear, he knew Padfoot was trying, he had seen him. The broom jerked violently and he almost lost his grip, and a scream escaped his lips.
"No…no, stop, pwease stop," he whispered to no avail. A worried Remus, Dumbledore, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley quickly exited the house after hearing Ginny's crying tale.
"What happened?" Remus demanded, voice an octave higher than usual, not taking his eyes off Harry.
"I don't know. He was fine…he was fine…" Sirius murmured to himself, not wanting to believe what he was seeing…what he could not seem to stop. Remus took his wand out and Sirius stopped him from saying any incantations.
"It'll worsen," he stated gravely. Remus eyed him, and realized that if Sirius had tried everything and it had not worked, what could he do? So he turned to Dumbledore, helplessness beginning to consume him.
"Albus-" he began, dread filling him, but Dumbledore spoke, cutting him off.
"It is being controlled," he said knowingly. "No child could do that to a broom."
It was at that moment that a collective gasp was gathered, breathing stopped, and time seemed to go in slow motion as Harry's fingers lost their grasp and he began to fall, his screams piercing the air.
"No!" Sirius yelled, not willing to let the boy hit the ground. "Wingardium-"
But he stopped for Harry had in that instant disappeared in a burst of flames. Shocked, Sirius slowly lowered his wand, breathing heavy, trying to figure out what happened, blinking rapidly. Remus fell to his knees sobs rising in his throat...there was nothing they could do.
Another burst of flame appeared three feet in front of them and there stood Harry, sweating profusely and breathing labouredly. His vision blurred something terrible and he swayed dangerously on his feet. Before anyone could react, shocked as they all currently were, Harry collapsed into darkness' thick embrace…
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A/N: Cliffy…You are all going to kill me for that, aren't you? –Sighs- It can't be helped. Hope you did like it, though. It's my longest chapter yet! Wow…I don't know what possessed me but I just could not stop typing. It took all my will power to stop where I did. Anyway, chapter 17 will be out as soon as I finish it. Read and Review and tell me what you think of this chapter? Hated it? Loved it? It was Ok? Keep me informed, hehe. Until next time,
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