Blessings and Birthdays

"Happy Birthday, love!" Dudley's voice called.

"Happy Birthday to you, dear!" Ginny's voice called.

"Happy Birthday, Chloe!" Harry's voice called.

Chloe opened her eyes, her vision clearing to show three people beaming at her.

The world lay hushed beneath a pristine blanket of snow, each breath visible in the crisp air, as the sun's feeble rays struggled to pierce the frosty veil of dawn.

Dudley took Chloe into his arms. "Morning, Chloe!"

"Morning, Dudley!" Chloe's voice was muffled by Dudley's chest. She looked up in time to see Ginny rush forward and hug her. "Happy Birthday, girl!"

"Thanks, Ginny!" She said it over Ginny's shoulder.

"Chloe! Have a great year ahead!" Harry said, extending a hand.

"Thank you, Harry! Oh, come here! We are friends! When Hermione and Luna hug you, I can hug you too." Chloe said warmly, pulling Harry into a hug.

"Thanks Chloe!" Harry said.

"That's right! Dudley, you're my friend!" Ginny hugged Dudley, who grinned.

"We should celebrate Chloe's birthday grandly!" Dudley said. "Last year, Chloe celebrated her birthday all by herself!"

"At Luna's house. Luna, like Ginny and Hermione, was studying for N.E.W.T.S." Chloe shook her head. "I always loved cutting cakes. Even when I started Hogwarts, I would eagerly wait for the winter holidays to go home."

Chloe lowered her head to Dudley's shoulder and said, "It went downhill after my parents and Dumbledore died. Luna tried to cheer me up, and Mr. Lovegood even baked a cake. Perhaps my loneliest birthday was last year." She sniffled against Dudley, who rubbed her back.

"Wait, so you were born in 1980?" Harry said.

Chloe nodded. "December. It is why I started Hogwarts in 1992, a few months before I turned twelve."

"Okay," Dudley said. "We should get going."

"Harry, you go have a bath. I'll go after you." Ginny said, and the two of them left. Chloe snuggled into Dudley's arms for a while while he cracked a few jokes to cheer her up.

That evening, Chloe, Dudley, Vernon, Petunia, Harry, and Ginny stood in the middle of the farm.

Ginny had enthusiastically joined Petunia in baking a birthday cake for Chloe. It consisted of layers of moist, golden sponge held together by a velvety layer of chocolate frosting, adorned with colorful sprinkles and glowing candles.

"What were you and Aunt Petunia discussing for so long?" Harry asked Ginny as Chloe took a moment to gather her running emotions.

"Your aunt gave me," Ginny said, taking out a small rose-colored box, "this ruby necklace that has been passed down generations in the Evans family. She has passed on this necklace to me on behalf of Lily!"

Harry's eyes widened. Nodding, Ginny continued, "Your aunt has gifted to Chloe an emerald necklace that's been passed down generations in the Evans family. She says she found the necklaces some weeks ago while rearranging old items. She says that the necklaces are the blessings of Mr. and Mrs. Evans for their grandsons and their better halves! These are the only two things your grandmother had kept, which your aunt passed down to Chloe and me."

"It means she approves of you, like she approves of Chloe!" Harry said this with an arm around her. "Everybody agrees that you and me are perfect for one another!"

"Oh, Harry!" Ginny buried her head in Harry's shoulder, blushing, just as Chloe lifted her head from Dudley's shoulder and wiped her eyes.

"O-Okay. Let's start." Chloe gave a watery chuckle. Ginny looked up.

"Happy Birthday to Chloe!" Everybody sang, and Chloe flashed watery smiles at everybody. She fed Dudley the first piece of the cake, and he fed her a piece too.

They all sat in chairs Ginny had conjured and ate cake.

"You should've let me help." Chloe told Petunia.

"Nonsense! Make the birthday girl work?" Petunia laughed.

"Of course, you can help, Chloe. You and Dudley can go for a long walk after you're done eating!" Ginny winked.

"Harry and I already went out." Dudley blushed pink.

"Where had you been with Dudley?" Ginny asked Harry.

"He showed me the school he studied at and the dorm where he stayed last year. From outside. It's a few minutes walk from here." Harry said.

"In that case, Dudley. Go for a second round. This time, go with Chloe." Ginny said.

Petunia kept sniffling. "Dudders has already become a big boy! I can't believe it; he was so small just yesterday."

"Harry, too, Mum!" Dudley said this in an effort to include Harry in their conversations. But Harry went pink in the face.

"Hagrid says Harry was no bigger than a bowtruckle!" Ginny said, making Harry blush harder.

"What's a bowtruckle?" Dudley asked. Chloe began explaining.

"Let's get to the wedding part, guys." Harry said as Chloe finished.

Dudley looked up from his drink. "Harry, speaking of weddings, when do you think Ron and Hermione will tie the knot?"

Harry pondered for a moment. "They've been together for ages. It's about time, I suppose. Maybe we should ask them tonight."

"You're visiting them tonight?" Dudley asked.

"Well, yeah." Harry said. "We live together and I'd promised to personally give them updates."

"Where do they live, then?" Dudley asked.

"Grimmauld Place, with us." Ginny said.

"They are planning to move out. But we insisted they stay with us till our wedding." Harry said.

"They've shortlisted a flat in Ottery St., Catchpole. The house overlooks the lake." Ginny added.

"Lovely!" Chloe said.

"They're getting the house renovated and modified to suit their tastes. Finding the location was hard, but worth it, according to them." Harry said.

"Have you come up with a location for your wedding?" Petunia asked.

"This farm is good enough!" Vernon puffed out his chest.

"Dad, actually, Harry and I spoke to Ginny and Chloe about it last evening. We have decided to get married at Hogsmeade." Dudley said.

"How will your mother and I come there?" Vernon asked.

"Oh, you can come. In fact, Chloe and I had been meaning to ask you to come to our house for ages. You can come in March and stay for the wedding preparations and arrangements." Dudley said.

"That is near Hogwarts, isn't it?" Petunia asked.

"Yes, Petunia. I know how you feel about the place. But please don't let that influence your actions. Your only son is getting married. Your sister's son is getting married. This could be your chance to make amends with Harry and his parents. Since Dudley and I live and work at Hogsmeade, it is practical for us to choose Hogsmeade. Harry and Ginny have chosen Hogsmeade because it is nostalgic for them and also because it is close to Hogwarts, where some of their best memories were made." Chloe said.

Dudley stared at her, his blue eyes betraying a sense of longing, his cheeks pink, and his jaw slightly open. He was looking at Chloe as if he'd never seen such a wonder before.

Petunia sniffled, "Well, my parents wished that Lily and I got engaged at Cokeworth. But we both got married in London instead. I guess that's how it works."

"So, you will come?" Chloe asked eagerly, and Petunia nodded.

Chloe squealed and tightly hugged Petunia, who patted Chloe's back. Vernon patted Dudley's lap softly.

"You weren't expecting Harry and Ginny, were you?" Dudley asked.

Vernon shrugged. "Well, we were surprised in the morning. But that's nothing compared to when we found out about the dual wedding!"

"And?" Dudley asked.

"You're a big man now. You take your own decisions." Vernon shrugged.

"That's right!" Petunia said. "So, have you guys thought of other things?

"As in?" Ginny asked.

"Shopping!" Petunia looked at Ginny. She turned to Chloe and said, "For robes, jewelry, and other things!"

"If you haven't thought of it, you should start soon. It's almost January." Vernon said, looking at the four youngsters.

"Chloe, why don't you and Dudley come over to Grimmauld Place? I bet Ron and Hermione will have good shopping ideas!" Ginny offered.

"Maybe next week, Ginny? We've to return to Hogsmeade actually. Our leaves end today." Chloe said. Ginny nodded.

"We'll come over on Friday evening and stay till Saturday night." Dudley promised.

"Sure, Big D!" Harry said.

"How many guests are we expecting?" Petunia asked.

"The Weasleys, Andromeda, Teddy, the Grangers, the Dursleys, our professors and friends from Hogwarts, people from the Order of The Phoenix, members of the D.A., our Quidditch friends, our colleagues, and finally some neighbors. Those that the four of us know." Harry did a headcount. "And portraits included, like my parents, etc."

"Over a hundred, I'm sure!" Ginny said. "Not to mention the publicity Harry Potter's wedding will gain in the press!"

"And what's your budget? Dudders? Chloe?" Petunia asked. "Harry? Ginny?"

"We can't afford wedding feasts for hundred of people even if we put money together." Harry said.

"So, let's draw a plan. See how much each one us can contribute. Based on that, let's take a look at all related expenses such as food, clothes, drinks, wedding hall, accommodations, etc." Ginny said. "I'll ask Bill."

Petunia nodded, "Okay, first figure out these things. Your budget should decide how much you can spend."

"I am so excited!" Chloe squealed. "I'll start saving money from my lunch allowances!"

"Vernon and I will be glad to pitch in. For both of you!" Petunia warmly smiled at Dudley-Chloe and Harry-Ginny.

"Thanks a lot, Mum!" Dudley said, "Dad!"

"Thanks, Petunia" Chloe said. "Vernon!"

"It means a lot, Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon." Harry said.

"Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Dursley." Ginny said.

"Well, you can call us by our names, now." Vernon said.

"Okay, Dudley, let's go walking!" Chloe held Dudley's hand.

"Sure, Chloe!" Dudley said.

"So, how do we get to Hogsmeade?" Vernon asked. Harry sat down and began explaining. When Chloe and Dudley returned, Harry bid goodbye to Vernon and Petunia. Harry and Ginny he took Chloe and Dudley to Hogsmeade, after which they made their way to London.

"This is the necklace, Mum!" Ginny showed Molly the necklace Petunia had given her.

"This is so sweet!" Molly's voice was thick with emotion, and she wiped her eyes. "I'm so happy for you and Harry! And for Chloe and Dudley!"

Arthur put an arm around Molly with a watery smile.

It was later that night. Harry and Ginny had dropped Dudley and Chloe off at Hogsmeade at supper time. The four had had supper, after which Harry and Ginny had returned to Grimmauld Place, soon after which Ginny sent an owl to Luna.

Dear Luna,

Harry and I are getting married this April! With Chloe and Dudley Dursley! Make yourself available well in advance!!

Best Regards,

Ginny Weasley

Ginny had left to the Burrow for a quick word with her parents. Harry was with Ron and Hermione, the latter rocking Teddy to sleep. Andromeda had gone over to Malfoy Manor because she was worried for her sister. Narcissa Malfoy had taken to drinking excessive alcohol after her husband was sentenced to life imprisonment and her son was given an additional 12 years in Azkaban after a hefty fine. Age was catching up with her, and she was growing lonelier with each passing day. Concerned, Andromeda was ready to forget old differences, forgive Narcissa for the past, and offer company to her sister. Nobody liked it, but they respected Andromeda's choices.

"How was everything here, Mum?" Ginny asked.

"Fleur is doing fine. And so is the baby! Bill is excited!" Molly beamed.

"Percy and Audrey have extended their leave so they can 'explore new houses to buy'!" Arthur chuckled with quotations. Molly and Ginny giggled.

"Charlie is busy as every with the dragons at Romania. We should inform him beforehand so he can make time to come here well in advance." Molly said.

"I see!" Ginny nodded.

"George is managing the shop at Diagon Alley. While he is able to pay Dudley's salary every month, he is finding it difficult. He just won't tell us what." Molly shook her head.

"I will have a word with him." Ginny promised.

"Tell us about Ron and Hermione. You and Harry.' Arthur said.

"We're all doing good. Harry and I met Chloe and Dudley. We spoke at length in Godric's Hollow. Today morning, we went to Vernon and Petunia's house." Ginny said, bringing her conversation with her parents full circle.

Once Chloe and Dudley reached the comfort of their house, Chloe grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill to write.

Dear Luna,

Dudley and I are getting married this April! With Ginny and Harry Potter! Make yourself available well in advance!!

With Lots of Love,

Clodagh 'Chloe' Gabbers

Chloe ran to the Post Office and paid for an owl. She was elated to write to her best friend and to see her. Upon reaching home, she snuggled into Dudley's arms and slept. The two had to commence work the following day and save up more money.

"Is that so, Phineas Nigellus? Thank you for the update!" Albus Dumbledore chuckled.

"Albus?" Minerva McGonagall woke up and approached the portrait. "What's going on?"

"Miss Weasley and Mr. Potter would like to share news with us, Minerva. It also concerns Miss Gabbers and Mr. Dursley." Dumbledore chuckled.

Snape rolled his eyes. "Albus, just tell Minerva that they're getting married! Frankly, I don't care much about Petunia's son. Nor do I care about Potter."

"We know, Severus." Dumbledore said, with a shake of his head. "Minerva, however, does care."

"So, tell her and be done with it! For Merlin's sake, let me sleep!" Snape whined. "It's not like I'm invited!"

"Umm, you're mistaken, Severus. You, along with Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Sprout, Flitwick, and Hagrid, are invited." Phineas said.

"And why should I believe you? You're Sirius' forefather. You could very well be pranking me!" Snape scowled.

"Severus! You shall not talk to Phineas in that manner!" Dumbledore said it in a shocked voice.

"I don't think he gains anything by lying to you about it, Severus." Minerva said.

Snape scowled.

"We are not a bunch of jokers, Severus Snape! You'd do well to remember that!" Phineas said furiously.

"He will, Phineas. Calm down." Dumbledore said.

Phineas shook his head with a scowl and left to his other portrait in Grimmauld Place.

"Go to sleep, Severus." Dumbledore said and began dozing.

McGonagall also went to bed with a yawn.

Snape shook his head in annoyance and shut his eyes in an attempt to sleep.