Harry wrote a letter to Snape, sharing his and Ron's results and thanking him for remedial potions. He received two letters back later that day; one from Hermione who had nine Os and one E, and one from Snape saying that he regrets it already. Snape's letter was actually kind of entertaining. He made sure Harry was aware that he wasn't looking forward to having two dunderheads in his class on a NEWT level and that he better keep up with the work. He doesn't know what temporary insanity caused him to help Harry and Ron study, but he expects to regret it every day of the next two years. He made sure to add his congratulations at the end and to let Harry know he will do whatever he can to help him. It was the last line though that really made Harry smile. Snape wrote, "You're lucky I loved your mother." Harry kept thinking that if not for his dream, his love wouldn't have been enough.

Harry asked Sirius if they could have all the Weasleys, Hermione and Remus over for his birthday. Of course, Sirius agreed. Bill had come back to the country and was working at Gringotts. Harry said that Bill could bring a girl if he wants. He was wondering if Bill and Fleur got together yet, and this was the best way to find out.

Harry was relieved to see Bill and Fleur together at his birthday party but made sure to express surprise.

"How did they end up together?" he asked Ron.

"Fleur decided to stay in the country to work on her English," Ron said. "She met Bill and Gringotts and he's tutoring her in English, although I think her English is fine. Mum hates her."

"She'll come around," Harry said. "Fleur just needs to learn some manners and your mum will like her."

When Remus walked in, Harry immediately asked if there were any dementor attacks.

"Are you still having nightmares about dementors?" Remus asked quietly.

"You're still having nightmares?" Hermione exclaimed. "I thought you do occlumency."

"I do," Harry said. "This way my nightmares aren't completely out of control. I still have some occasionally. I think most people do."

"There were no dementor attacks," Remus said. "Even if you would ever see one, you have a good patronus."

"You know how to do a patronus?" Bill asked. "Can I see?"

Harry did his patronus.

"Who taught you?" Bill asked.

"Remus," Harry said, smiling at him.

"He was having nightmares about dementors," Remus lied. "I taught him how to do a patronus hoping it would help with the nightmares."

"Why would you even think about them?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"The night Tom and Peter were arrested, Fudge told me they were kissed by dementors," Harry explained. "I didn't know what he was talking about, so I asked some questions about dementors. After that, I read about them and completely spooked myself."

"I don't blame you for being spooked," Mrs. Weasley said. "They're horrible creatures."

"Is Florean Fortescue still around?" Harry asked Bill.

"Of course," Bill said. "I take it you like ice cream."

"We'll have to go there this weekend," Sirius said. "It's been a while since I took you to Diagon Alley. I think I'll apparate you this time. I can't have you get lost in the floo again."

"You got lost in the floo?" Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny said the same time.

"I went out one grate too far by mistake," Harry said blushing. "Sirius came to get me right away, but he doesn't trust me to use the floo anymore."

"Where did you end up?" Ron asked.

"Some place called Knockturn Alley," Harry said. "I didn't really see much there since Sirius grabbed me right away and said I'm done with Diagon Alley."

Harry was surprised that Sirius brought up the story that didn't happen but figured he was glad to have an excuse to apparate Harry. As a result, Harry had no problem lying about the anxiety Sirius must have felt if it would have happened.

"Is Olliviander still around?" Harry asked.

"Of course," Mr. Weasley said. "He's not going anywhere."

"When did you get lost?" Hermione asked, struggling to hide her amusement.

"I think it was the year the Weasleys all deserted me and went to Egypt," Harry lied.

"Maybe we should all go together," Mrs. Weasley suggested. "We can't have Harry get lost again."

"I wasn't really lost," Harry muttered. "I went one grate too far. Sirius caught me right away and brought me home. It was the only time I ever saw him get upset with me."

"I wasn't angry," Sirius said. "I was worried. How about if we all meet at Diagon Alley on Saturday?"

"I can't wait to see Fred and George's store," Ron said.

They agreed to meet. Hermione said she'll see if her parents could drop her off.

After everyone left, Harry asked Sirius why he mentioned a story that didn't happen.

"I hate using the floo all the time," Sirius said. "You just gave me a perfect excuse to apparate you everywhere we go."

Sirius offered to take Harry, Ron, and Hermione to Madam Malkin's while everyone else went to buy school books. Harry wasn't surprised to see Draco there.

"I think this left sleeve could come up a little more, dear, let me just"

Harry ran closer to Draco to look.

"Are you looking for what I think you're looking for?" Draco asked.

Harry nodded.

"Will you practice quidditch with me tomorrow?" Draco requested.

"Sure," Harry said, looking at Draco's bare arm.

When they finished at Madam Malkin's, they all met at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. The store was just as amazing as Harry remembered. Harry bought a nice amount of joke products, and the rest of the trip was uneventful.

The next day, Harry practiced quidditch with Draco. Draco was a good flyer. He was fast, but not as fast as Harry. When he complained it was because Harry had a better broom, Harry agreed to switch brooms for practice. Even after switching brooms, Harry kept beating Draco to the snitch.

"It's not fair," Draco complained. "We never have a chance of beating you."

"Second place isn't bad," Harry said.

"How do you always get the snitch?" Draco asked.

"I don't know," Harry said. "I just do. Similar to how I always mess up at Potions."

"I guess nobody is good at everything," Draco said.

Draco's bad mood increased when Sirius put Harry on his shoulders to take him home.

"What are you, a baby?" he asked. "Sirius has to carry you everywhere?"

"I got lost in the floo once," Harry explained. "Sirius doesn't trust me to use the floo anymore."

Draco laughed.

"How'd you manage that?" he asked.

"That's one of my many talents," Harry told him. "Take me off my broom and I turn into a major klutz."

"It's good to know you're as flawed as the rest of us," Draco told him.

Upon returning home, Harry was relieved he wouldn't have to see Draco for the rest of the summer.