A/N: First of all, sorry for the inactivity. Second of all, I'd like to thank everyone for the fantastic support and lovely reviews that have been popping up. It's always nice to be reminded that people are enjoying the story. Yes, I will be doing a time jump every now and again from now on. Anyway… I hope you enjoy the chapter :D
Chapter 29: The Seventh Month Dies
July 31st, 1998
Harry apparated back to the safety of his home, where no one can disturb him ever again. At least for a little while, that is. He had just returned from his visit to Gringotts. If everything goes to plan, that will be the last visit this year. Hopefully. As usual, on his way out into Diagon Alley, it only took a couple seconds until he was attacked by almost all the witches and wizards in the area, including the daily prophet that arrived shortly after. These days there's usually a group nearby, always waiting to start asking him questions. Harry was almost sure that by now people would have started to move on with their lives, just like him. But apparently, that won't be the case anytime soon. At least there was one thing to look forward to; It was the weekend. This meant that Hermione would be home soon. Harry would make a lovely dinner and they could spend the evening cuddled up in the living room by the fire. As he approached the doors to the Manor, Harry couldn't stop thinking about something that has been bothering him since the morning. It was that feeling you get when you think you've forgotten about something, but no matter what happens, you just can't put a finger on it. Upon entering his Manor, he finally remembered…
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!"
At first, Harry's instant reflex was to reach into his jeans for the wand, but after actually analysing the situation and reading the room, he realised that his living room was filled with friends and family. A couple laughs erupted from the crowd.
"Are you alright mate? You look like you just had a makeout session with a dementor!" bellowed Ron.
Harry was quickly met with a hug from Hermione. "I hope you like the surprise." She whispered in his ear.
Harry was still too shocked to say much, so he just hugged her back before greeting everyone. All too early, Beemey arrived with a large cake in her hands. There was clear and neat writing on top spelling out 'Happy Birthday'. He looked around to see everyone smiling up at him. Everyone was here; The Weasleys, Neville, Luna, Hagrid, Teddy and Andromeda. It was great to see all of them.
"Think of a wish, Master Harry!" Beemey added.
Harry closed his eyes and pictured the one thing that mattered the most him. Then he blew on the candles. Cheers erupted from the room as people patted him on the back.
"Your first proper birthday party!" Called George.
He was right. It really was. "Thank you all for coming." Harry answered, "It really is a lovely surprise. To be honest, I completely forgot about my birthday." He laughed.
"It was all Hermione's idea. She started knocking on doors last week, instructing where and when to come." Laughed Neville.
Harry looked over at Hermione who was blushing. He reached for her hands and kissed her on the cheek, "Thank you, Hermione."
"I just… wanted you to finally know what it's like to enjoy your birthday." She smiled back at him.
"I do now. Thanks to you." He answered.
"Wait a minute, Isn't eighteenth like a really special year for muggles?" George asked.
"Yeah… that's when muggles become of age." Neville answered.
"Right… well, Harry… since you're technically half muggle, shouldn't you do a speech or something? You never got to do one last year." George added.
Everyone turned to Harry. "That's right, Harry. It'll be fun." Ron added.
"Speech, Speech, Speech, Speech!" George chanted.
"Alright! Alright!" Harry laughed. "What am I supposed to say?" He asked, turning to Hermione.
"Anything you like." She smiled at him.
The Manor went silent and all eyes turned to Harry. Beemey was pacing through the room, giving out glasses of Champagne.
"I think I would like to start by thank you all for coming. It truly does mean a lot. Being able to celebrate this day with my favourite crowd of people. Every single one of you will always be family to me."
Harry took a glass from Beemey.
"I can't begin to explain how much I've dreamt of a day like this. When all of us can just be together, happy and smiling all the time. I hope that we'll get a hundred more days like this one. So please don't hesitate to invite me and Hermione. We do like a good party."
Laughs rose from the crowd.
"Lastly, I'd just like to thank the people who couldn't be here today. If not for them, I wouldn't be here right now. So let's have a toast… for all of us here, and everyone who fought with us."
"Toast!" the room sounded.
Soon enough, everyone settled down on chairs and sofas. Beemey was handing out snacks and drinks, clearly in her element. But not without the help of Hermione who didn't want to overwork the elf. Harry watched her pace between the kitchen and living room, speaking with guests and making everyone feel welcome. The manor really was becoming her second home. Harry was glad to see that.
"How are ya, Harry?" came Hagrid's voice. This seemed to be the only friend of Harry's who never changed. Always the same smile, same beetle-black eyes and that long dark and fuzzy beard which never seemed to change length either.
"I'm great, Hagrid. How's everything with you?"
"Oh, ya know. Same old. Life is pretty boring at Hogwarts at the moment. Only me, old Filch and the ghosts hanging around. Can't tell ya how happy I am that yer coming along for one last year."
Harry smiled at the thought, "Yeah, I'm happy too. Hermione and I will visit for tea every week, I promise."
Hagrid smiled to himself, "Merlin. Feels like it was only yesterday when I first visited you on yer eleventh birthday. Time went fast. Anyways… Imma go see how old Beemey is doing. I knew her even before you did." He patted Harry on the back and left towards the kitchen
Harry made his way through the living room, greeting everyone when he stopped at Andromeda and Teddy.
"Hey, little guy!" Harry called as he took hold of Teddy's little hand. The boy's face lit up with joy as his hair went jet black. "How are you guys?"
"We're great, Harry. Teddy has become quite the talker. He's only three months and he's already trying to mumble to me. We could expect a word out of him sometime soon." Andromeda replied.
"I wonder what it will be…" Harry muttered.
"Me too." She added.
"I'm glad you guys could come. Thank you for the lovely surprise, Teddy." Harry smiled at the little boy. "If he starts feeling sleepy, let me or Hermione know and we can show you to a guest room."
"Thank you. I'll let you know."
Harry glanced around the room until his eyes fell on Hermione. She was pacing off back towards the kitchen when he caught her, wrapping his hands around her hips.
"Gotcha." Harry laughed.
"Enjoying the party?" she asked.
"Very… please stop pacing around and sit down with me. I don't want you working around the house while there's a party."
Hermione laughed, "I really wouldn't call it working. Just trying to help Beemey. She's still finishing up on some snacks."
Harry looked over at the huge dining table filled with food. "Right… do you think we'll eat all of that?" he chuckled.
"Do you think I should tell her to calm down a little?" Hermione laughed.
"Yeah, would be a good idea."
"I think she's just really happy to have so much work to do. The other day she complained to me that we don't make the house dirty enough."
Harry smiled and kissed her, "We could work on that… later."
"Sound interesting." She smiled, "So… did you get everything sorted out at Gringotts?"
"Yep. Ragnaff said that everything is going fine. The construction will start sometime in August. I figured we could check on its progress when we visit Godric's Hollow in October. It would be quicker but Ragnaff said we have to carry out an actual construction since there are muggles in the area. It would be quite extraordinary for a destroyed house to just turn into a completely different building overnight.
"Harry… are you sure you want to do this? I mean… we could always just buy some property instead." Hermione suggested.
Harry shook his head and brushed his hand on her cheek, "No, I prefer it this way. I think this is what mum and dad would want too. At least it will be more useful than some destroyed house."
"I think an Orphanage was the best idea. You still have to think of a name, though." Hermione answered.
"We'll think of something. We don't need to worry about that right now. Come… let's go sit next to Neville. He's sitting with Ron and I honestly can't imagine how awkward that must be for both of them." Harry took Hermione's hand and led her back towards the living room. They sat down next to Neville and Ron who appeared to have been sitting in silence as they listened to a conversation going between Luna and Ginny.
"Hey Neville, how did your birthday go? We never got an invite from you…" Harry began.
Neville shook his head, "I didn't really organise anything. Luna wanted to throw a little party but I decided to spend the day with mum and dad." He explained.
"Ahh, that makes sense. How are they, by the way?" Harry asked.
"They're doing alright. Same as usual. Mum seems to like Luna a lot more than me." Neville laughed.
"She likes you too, Neville," Luna answered as she sat down next to him.
At her words, Ron coughed loudly and stood up, "Imma go get some food. Be right back."
Harry noticed that the kitchen was not at all Ron's destination as he slipped away from the room towards the garden. He looked over at Hermione who also noticed it. She nodded at him, confirming his intentions before turning back to Neville and Luna.
"Luna, have you done all the shopping for school yet?" Hermione asked.
"No, I was planning to do it this weekend." She answered.
"That's great. Would you mind if Harry and I tagged along, we still need to buy everything, including new robes."
"I think it would be fun to go together." Luna agreed.
Harry excused himself from the group and followed Ron into the Garden.
"You alright?" Harry asked.
Ron spun around to face him "Woah. Didn't know you followed me… Just decided to have some fresh air, I guess."
"Right." Harry chuckled. "So, what's bothering you?"
Ron laughed "I guess we have this thing for life."
"Have what for life?"
"This… gift. You know… the three of us always know when something is wrong with the other." Ron explained, grinning
"Well… we are the golden trio." Harry grinned. "So, what is it?"
Ron's smile collapsed "Just… you know… still, a bit bummed out about the whole thing with Luna and Neville. I think they're great together, don't get me wrong. But… you know how it is."
"Yeah… I do." Harry agreed, nodding.
They stood together in silence, admiring the sunset.
"I wonder if I'll ever find anyone who'll love me like that." Ron choked out.
"Ron… don't be ridiculous. Of course, you will."
"How can you be so sure?" Ron asked.
Harry smiled, "Because I did. If Harry Potter can find love, then literally anyone can. Besides, you're only eighteen. Just because you haven't found love yet, doesn't mean you never will, Ron."
"I guess you're right. It's just a bit weird seeing everyone in relationships and me being the odd one out. Well, Ginny is still single so I can relate to her, but it won't be long before she returns to Hogwarts and I'll be literally the only one without a partner."
Harry let out a deep breath and placed his hand on Ron's shoulder. "Ron, listen to me… I'm by no means a love expert, and I cant help you find it. But one thing I know for a fact is that love always finds a way. No matter what you do, when you find the right person, you will know. It might take a while, but eventually, it will be as clear as water. There is definitely someone out there, waiting for you. All it takes is patience and time. Don't rush into anything, and give yourself a chance. Besides, being single isn't a tragedy."
Ron stared at Harry for a long moment, before smiling. "Yeah… you're right."
Harry laughed, "When did I turn into such a philosopher?"
All too soon, the guests started to leave until Ron was the last one. "So, I'm guessing I'll see you and Hermione tomorrow in Diagon Alley?"
"Sounds good." Harry shook Ron's hand, "See you tomorrow, mate."
"Have fun cleaning up." Ron laughed as he stepped through the door.
Harry returned to the living room and threw himself on the sofa. He took a deep relaxing breath and reached for his champagne. He was so busy talking to guests that he forgot to actually finish his drink. He took a long sip before placing the glass back on the table. The champagne was good. It made him wonder who chose it. He closed his eyes and leaned back into the sofa, pushing his head up. The sofas in Potter Manor were so comfy that you could literally fall asleep from just sitting in them.
Harry heard quiet footsteps to his right when someone collapsed on the sofa next to him. He opened his eyes to see Hermione. She smiled and shifted onto his lap, burying her face in his neck.
"Tired?" Harry asked.
"A little bit, but I'm mostly just happy to have you all to myself now."
Harry laughed and started to massage her back, "Thank you for the party."
"You don't have to thank me, Harry. It was nothing." She answered, curling her arms around him. "However…"
"However what?"
She lifted her head and smiled at him, "There is another way in which you could reward me for the gesture."
Harry chuckled, "I'm listening"
"Well… all this inviting and setting things up was rather exhausting and I think I deserve something for all my hard work." She giggled.
"I couldn't agree more," Harry answered, lowering his hands down to her thighs.
Her hands trailed down to the bottom of his shirt as she got under the fabric to reach his skin.
"Hey, guys!" Came Ron's voice from down the corridor.
Hermione jumped off Harry's lap and hid herself behind the sofa. Her cheeks blushing red.
"What is it, Ron?" Harry called, aggravated.
"I just came back because I forgot to get my jacket, I left it over here!" There was a silent pause "I have it! Alright, I'll get going now. See you later!" His voice echoed through the manor.
"Goodnight, Ron!" Harry answered, laughing as he looked over at his enraged girlfriend.
"Harry, I swear to you. If this thing doesn't stop. I will murder him."
"Do you think he does it on purpose?" Harry laughed.
"I don't know, but if it continues, I will end him." She answered as she climbed back into Harry's lap. "Right, where were we?"
"You were ruining my favourite shirt." Harry chuckled.
"Right you are" She laughed and started to kiss him.
