A/N : Co Writer: Darklord331,Tyler Nator

Beta reader: Arwrite, Luke Knight, LadyLucius

Chapter 8

Harry woke up early; excited to celebrate his eighteenth birthday.

"Morning, Mum, Dad."

"Good morning, Harry, and happy eighteenth birthday," Mrs Weasley gave him a hug.

Teddy was laying in his crib near the dining table happily sipping from his bottle. Harry went to his crib to take a look at his godson.

Seeing Harry, Teddy changed his hair to black from violet, which, like always, made Harry smile.

"Happy birthday, Harry," Mr Weasley patted him on his back, while Mrs Weasley served him his breakfast.

"Happy birthday, Harry," Ginny exclaimed as she came into the kitchen and kissed him on the cheek.

"Thanks," Giving her a kiss in return.

The Dursleys were due to arrive after breakfast and Harry was worried about his uncle because Vernon still dislikes magic and he may say something to offend others.

Ron and Hermione walked in, at that very moment.

"What took you two so long?" Ginny asked, smiling knowingly at them.

Ron and Hermione both blushed at her comment.

"I… I…" Ron uttered awkwardly.

Instead of answering Ginny, Hermione pushed through the awkwardness, "Happy birthday, Harry."

"Thanks, Hermione," Harry returned her hug.

"Happy birthday mate," Ron patted his friend on the back.

After breakfast, Ron, Harry and Ginny grabbed their three new 'Lightning Four thousand' brooms and went into the orchard to play two-on-two Quidditch. They played two games, both of which Harry and Ginny won against Hermione and Ron. Hermione might have been the brightest witch of her age, but she was not good on a broom. Harry could see that Ron was frustrated so he called off the third game and they planted their feet on the ground and staggered inside to clean up.

Half an hour later, George and Dedalus arrived at the Burrow with the Dursleys in tow. Harry and Mrs Weasleys went out to greet them. Petunia and Dudley wished Harry, happy birthday probably for the first time in his life.

"So what do we do until lunch? I've brought my video game with me," Dudley asked.

"No, we can't play video games. It won't work here," Hermione looked amused.

"What? When we were in hiding I used to play my video games and it worked fine for me. How do you guys entertain yourselves?" Dudley asked, bewildered.

"When you were hiding there wasn't much magic to interfere with the video game, but here the magic is too strong to let your video game work properly," Hermione explained.

"How about we introduce him to Quidditch?" George butted in, trying to hide his smile.

"Shut up George, he can't fly on a broom," Ginny scolded him.

"I didn't say he will have to fly with us, I mean he can watch us play," George retorted, sticking out his tongue at Ginny.

"Yeah, that'll work," Harry nodded in agreement with George.

They all took their brooms and started playing two-on-two Quidditch. Harry teamed with George and Ginny teamed with Ron. Dudley was fascinated to see them flying. Being at risk of getting caught by Muggles they weren't flying very high, so they were able to hear the conversation between Hermione and Dudley.

"I thought flying on brooms was all fictional or imaginary," Dudley sat beside Hermione.

"Now you've seen it, believe it; it is real," Hermione smiled at him.

"Why don't you fly with them?" Dudley looked confused.

"I don't like flying; I'm more comfortable when I'm on the ground. But it's not like I've never flown."

The same moment Ron made a spectacular save while hanging upside down on his broom. Hermione cheered for Ron. "Nice save, Ron!"

"I thought all magical people liked flying on brooms."

"That's not true."

"I would like to experience how it feels to fly. Is there any way I can fly with them? I want to experience it," Dudley asked, a hopeful gleam in his eyes.

"If they take you with them on their broom it's like sitting behind them on a bike. In that case, I'd suggest not going with Harry, Ron or Ginny. Their brooms are very fast and you may fall," Hermione told him.

"Thanks for the suggestion. I was wondering why they're faster. It looked like they're all the same," Dudley commented, watching in awe.

"No, there are several models of brooms, and each model is different, just like cars and motorcycles. Harry, Ron and Ginny have the same model broom, and it is the fastest and one of the most expensive brooms in the world at the moment, most people can only dream of it," Hermione stated as if she were reading it from 'Quidditch through the Ages.'

Before Dudley could say anything, Mr Weasley called from a window. "Alright everyone get inside and clean up, lunch is ready."

After lunch, Harry took Teddy outside so Kreacher and Mrs Weasley could work on dinner without worrying about him. Dudley, who didn't know what to do or where to go, kept on following Harry. The guests started coming soon after lunch. The first to arrive were Bill and Fleur.

"'Appy birthday, 'Arry," Fleur kissed Harry on both cheeks.

Dudley was staring open-mouthed at Fleur while Bill just chuckled at him.

"Er… Harry, I have been meaning to ask you this for a long time. If… if you don't mind, can I stay with you for a few days?" Dudley asked hesitantly after some time when they were alone.

"Yeah, sure, but only if your mum doesn't have any problem with it," Harry said.

They sat together for the rest of the day, watched and played Quidditch, chess and Exploding Snap with Ron, Ginny and Hermione. At five in the evening, Charlie arrived from Romania.

"Happy birthday, Harry," Charlie greeted Harry.

"Thanks, Charlie. This is my cousin Dudley, and Dudley, this is Charlie, Ron's brother," Harry said.

"Hello," Charlie shook his hand.

"He… Hello," Dudley said, taking in all the burn marks on Charlie's short and stocky hand and arms.

"Susan! It's a nice surprise to see you here," Dudley exclaimed as Susan Bones arrived at the party.

"Dudley! I didn't expect you to be here,"

"You know each other?" Harry asked, surprised.

"Yeah! When we were attacked last year, it was Susan who helped us escape. After that she stayed with us the rest of the time," Dudley explained.

"You know, Dudley, it was Harry who taught me how to fight," Susan mentioned, looked admiringly at Harry.

Before Harry could say anything to push past the awkwardness that stirred inside him, Hermione arrived with Luna.

"How are you, Susan?" Hermione asked.

"I'm fine, Hermione. How about you?" Susan asked.

"I'm good too," Hermione said.

"Hello, Luna. I read the article about Harry's last year in the Quibbler; it was really nice," Susan said.

"Yeah, we should thank you for that," Harry agreed.

"No, Harry, it is I who should thank you. Your article helped us get back on our feet again. Our sales were really low before that," Luna replied in her dreamy voice before she moved on.

Professor McGonagall came just before dinner, along with Hagrid and Kingsley. Bill and Percy set the marquee while Ron and George set up the tables. Dinner was full of noises and laughter, consisting of all of Harry's favorites, including treacle tart. After dinner was over, Kreacher came in with the cake, placing it on the table. He was about to leave when Harry spoke:

"Kreacher, wait."

He cut the cake, giving the first piece to Ginny and the second to Kreacher. Kreacher looked at Harry in surprise; he knew Harry's nature but his kindness was still strange.

When the time for gift opening came, Mr Weasley nodded to George and Bill. They went off in the direction of Mr Weasley's shed and came out after a few minutes pulling something. Harry couldn't see it because it was covered by a dirty bed sheet.

"I've been working on it for the last few days. Go, uncover it," Mr Weasley smiled.

Harry moved forward and pulled the bedsheet swiftly. It was Sirius' motorcycle.

"I made a few adjustments to it as well, to make it even safer."

Harry was overwhelmed by this, "Thank you," was all he could say.

Bill and Fleur gave him an Egyptian amulet.

"This is known as Ankh. It is a symbol of life."

Percy gave him a set of seven books on magical laws.

"Thank you," was all Harry could say; there was a lump in his throat.

Professor McGonagall gave him a book on Animagi. "I thought you'd like to become just like your father and godfather," she said with a rare smile.

Hermione had given him a book on the history of Aurors. Ginny gave him a gold heart-shaped pendant. Hagrid had given him another moleskin pouch, but it was bigger than the previous one; it also was charmed with an Undetectable Extension Charm. When the party was almost over, George released the fireworks.

"Mr Potter, Miss Weasley, a minute please," McGonagall called as everyone was leaving.

"Yes Professor," Ginny said

"Here are the book lists for you."

"Er… Professor, as you know Teddy is in my custody now. Is it possible to bring him along?" Harry said hesitantly.

"I don't remember anything like this happening in the past, but I will see what I can do. Please bring him along,"

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Harry arrived at the Ministry fifteen minutes before the award function. Kingsley met them there and quickly escorted them to the room next to the banquet hall in the atrium, where the party was to be held. Harry had made sure that everyone who fought in the battle received recognition and an award, but with limited success; all the same, everyone was to be given a momento, and Neville was also to be awarded an Order of Merlin, second class.

"Welcome, everyone." Kingsley began. "We have gathered here for the victory party over the darkest wizard the Wizarding World has ever known, Lord Voldemort. We are also gathered here to recognise everyone who has fought against Voldemort and his followers."

Kingsley started reading the names of everyone who fought in the battle. Those whose names were called and were still living went to the small stage to take their memento. At last, it was time for awarding the Order of Merlin.

"Now I would like to present to Neville Longbottom the Order of Merlin, second class, for killing the snake of Voldemort and leading Dumbledore's Army in the absence of Harry Potter to protect the students from Death Eaters. "

Neville tripped on his way onto the stage, where Kingsley put the silver medal around his neck. Everyone applauded him, and Harry was the loudest of all. "Now I would like to present Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger with the Order of Merlin, first-class, for fighting against and defeating Lord Voldemort."

After Harry, Ron and Hermione walked to the front, he put the gold medallion around their necks. When the applause died down, Kingsley began again. "Now I would like to give you this as a gift from me." He waved his wand and Chocolate Frogs came zooming in.

Dudley wondered what was happening and his fear of magic from his earlier encounter was showing on his face. Mrs Weasley noticed it and said kindly, "Don't worry, there is nothing wrong; it is safe." Mrs Weasley tore her Chocolate Frog wrapper and bit off its head. "See?"

"It's Harry's card!" Ginny exclaimed first.

"There's Ron and Hermione's too," Neville yelled, excitedly.

Kingsley magnified his voice and read.

"Harry Potter, also known as the 'Boy Who Lived'. The only person who has survived the Killing Curse twice. He is also known for facing Tom Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort, and his followers in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, and 1997 and finally defeating Tom Riddle in a live-or-die duel in 1998 at the Battle of Hogwarts."

He paused for a moment as the cheering calmed down.

"Ronald Weasley is known for being a friend of Harry Potter. He fought against Tom Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort, and his followers in 1992, 1996, and 1997 and helped Harry Potter to finally defeat Tom Riddle in 1998. He is also a well-known chess player."

He again paused for a moment and then began again.

"Hermione Granger is also known for being a friend of Harry Potter. She fought against Tom Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort, and his followers in 1992, 1996, and 1997, and helped Harry Potter to finally defeat Tom Riddle in 1998. She is the brightest witch of the century," Kingsley finished.

"Now let's begin the dinner and dance," Kingsley announced after the cheering died down for the third time.

Kingsley led the way into a grand reception room.

"Want to dance?" Harry asked Ginny, holding his hand out to her.

"Yeah, sure." Ginny happily accepted his hand; they walked to the floor as Ron and Hermione followed them. They danced for three songs, then returned to their table for some drinks and snacks.

"Having fun, Dudley?" Harry asked.

"Yeah, all this is fascinating," Dudley replied.

"Hello, Harry; are you enjoying the party?" Kingsley came to their table along with Anderson, the head of Aurors.

"Yeah, I am," Harry replied 'out of courtesy' as Mr Weasley had said.

"Hello, Mr Potter; it is nice to meet you again," Anderson greeted him.

"Me too, sir," Harry said, shaking hands with Anderson.

"We are looking forward to the day when you and Mr Weasley join us," Anderson continued.

Suddenly Harry felt the same sensation he had felt on the day of the attack on the Tonks house. "Minister, we are going to be attacked," Harry told him.

"Are you sure, Harry?" Kingsley asked him.

"Yes, I am," Harry confirmed, springing into action.

Kingsley nodded to Anderson, who walked away as quickly as possible, trying not to draw any attention to himself. Ginny became alert hearing him; she called Ron and Hermione and informed them.

"Kreacher," Harry called. With a crack, Kreacher appeared.

"Master Harry called Kreacher?" he asked.

"Kreacher, take Dudley and Teddy with you somewhere safe and protect them," Harry ordered.

"Don't worry, Harry, I will go with them," having heard him, Susan came from her table to join them.

When Harry nodded in agreement, Kreacher apparated with Dudley, Teddy and Susan.

A few minutes later Anderson came back, running to Kingsley's side.

"Mr Potter is right, sir. I've sent a message for reinforcements."

"What about the Grangers?" Ginny asked.

"I will take care of them," Hermione explained hurriedly, and she disapparated with her parents.

"How did you confirm my hunch?" Harry asked Anderson.

"Two of our guards are stunned," he replied.

"That means they are already inside," Ron said, pulling his wand out.

Harry, Ginny, Kingsley and Anderson did the same. Harry instructed Neville to inform every D.A. member; Neville nodded and walked away. Suddenly, a red light beam just missed Anderson. There were more than thirty hooded figures in the hall who were pointing their wands towards them. Some people started running to save themselves; others took out their wands to fight against the hooded figures, and the fight broke out.

"Stupefy!" shouted one of the hooded figures.

'Protego!' Harry thought; a shield appeared and deflected the spell.

"Expelliarmus!" Harry snapped, briefly following the enemy's wand flying through the air before he followed up with the Body-Bind Hex.

Ginny was surrounded by four attackers, rolling to dodge the purple, orange and red beam of spells that were thrown at her; Harry was about to join her when someone sent a Killing Curse towards her, which missed by just a few inches. This made Harry angry, he sent two well-aimed stunners at the attackers with whom Ginny fought, taking both of them out of the fight.

Mr Weasley stunned one of the attackers, while Mrs Weasley and Kingsley both faced two persons at the same time. They were trading a series of spells so furiously with their opponent and seem to be having the upper hand on their opponents.

Harry left them on their own and turned his focus towards the other side of the Hall. The collective noise from shouting of spells by their caster or groaning of injured people was so high, it was impossible to understand who said what and to whom.

Anderson fell down, bound by the Body-Bind Hex, his eyes darting in every direction in fear as one of the masked men stood above him pointing his wand towards Anderson's chest. Harry sent another stunner towards the man standing over Anderson. As the red beam of light scurried off everyone in its path stopped suddenly, and looked towards the red beam. The man might have also noticed the stunner as he tried to raise the shield charm toward it but Harry's spell broke through it and hit him right in the chest throwing him, almost twenty feet away.

The doors of the hall opened with a bang as more Aurors arrived. The arrival of Aurors outnumbered the attackers two to one, so they started running away. Ron sent a stunning spell on one of them who was trying to run with one of their fallen comrades.

"Nice one, Ron," Harry complimented him.

"Let's see; who are they?" Anderson exclaimed to the Auror who had came to stand next to them.

When one of the Aurors removed the mask of the Stunned attacker, it was Macnair.

"This confirms our worst fears, it would seem that the Death Eaters are once again reunited. Who is the other one?" Kingsley asked.

When Ron removed the mask of the other Death Eater, everyone was surprised. "I thought he was dead," Ron said, staring at the motionless body of Dolohov.

"So did we," Kingsley agreed. "It seems we were wrong but not anymore; he is dead now. I don't know who killed him, but he is definitely dead now,"

"It was Harry's spell that hit him," Ginny whispered.

Harry was shocked to hear this.

"I haven't cast any Killing Curse," Harry explained.

"I know you haven't, but your spells were very powerful. I haven't seen such power in my whole life," Anderson thought out loud.

Harry didn't say anything after that.

"Alright, Anderson, take Dolohov's body and Macnair away; we will interrogate him later," Kingsley ordered.

"You shouldn't get back to the Burrow tonight, I think," Bill said after Aurors took away Macnair.

"I think you are right, they might have kept an eye on the house just in case," Mr Weasley agreed

"Let's go to Grimmauld Place," Harry declared.

"Harry dear..." Mrs Weasley began but was cut off by Harry.

"It's OK Mum, we can stay there tonight. Is the Floo Network accessible?" Harry directed the latter part towards Anderson.

"Yes, it is."

Harry took the floo to Grimmauld Place. Kreacher was in the kitchen, along with Dudley, Dedalus and Susan.

"Harry! You are safe. Thank God. How is everyone? Kreacher said its your godfather's house," Dudley looked around warily.

"Everyone is safe, and yes, it is my godfather's house. Hello Dedalus, I hadn't expected you to be here," Harry said.

"Susan sent me a message, so I came here," he replied.

"Where is Teddy?" Harry asked.

"Baby Teddy is sleeping above, Master," Kreacher told him.

"I think I should leave now; it's very late," Dedalus stood up.

"Good night Dedalus and thank you," Mr Weasley called as Dedalus was leaving.

"Don't mention it, Arthur."