I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
52nd Course – A Proper Gathering
The door swung open silently, charmed so that it would make no noise. Two figures crept into the bedroom on similarly charmed feet, their steps making no noise. They fought down snickers and giggles and both stood beside the slumbering figure on the bed. They shared a nod and one flung the window curtains open while the other jumped on the bed.
"Happy birthday!" Sirius shouted as he let the sunlight in.
"Happy birthday!" Dora shouted as she jumped on the bed, shocking Harry awake. "Wake up! It's time to make this the best day ev-AAAAH!"
"I told them it was a bad idea," Andromeda sighed as she walked in but stopped at the sight. She watched with wide eyes as Dora and Sirius were belabored by an intensely irritated Hedwig carrying a very large pillow. The snowy owl screeched angrily as she chased a yelping Sirius and Dora around the room, thwapping them over the head solidly with the pillow she carried in her talons.
"Is this normal too?" Ted asked, smiling broadly at the sight.
"I've never seen it myself but from what I know of her capabilities, it doesn't surprise me," Remus said, his smile just as broad.
Harry sat there, blinking and yawning, still slightly fuzzy-headed by the sudden awakening. He put on his glasses and smiled as he also watched his owl chase his godfather and god-cousin-sister-person about the room, punishing them for their actions. "Good morning," he said happily.
"Happy birthday love," Andromeda said, sitting on the bed beside him. She gleefully accepted his hug and hugged him warmly in return. "Happy fourteenth!"
"Thank you!" Harry was really enjoying the warm greetings and the obvious care from the individuals there.
"How did you teach her that?" Ted asked, pointing at the one-sided melee.
"The Browns taught her, she's very good at it," Harry said. He helpfully tossed pillows to Sirius and Dora but despite being armed, they fared only a little better against the owl. It went on for some time before Sirius and Dora finally capitulated and Hedwig landed on Harry's head, hooting smugly, not quite gracious in victory.
"Ow, seriously, she hits hard," Sirius said, touching his face.
"This isn't over," Dora said, shaking her pillow at Hedwig, her hair turning pale white and also speckled when Hedwig yawned in reply.
"We wanted to surprise you," Sirius said sheepishly.
"I don't mind," Harry said brightly. "Hedwig doesn't like being woken rudely like that though."
"Noted," Sirius said dryly. He smiled broadly and sat beside Harry, hugging him too. "Happy birthday!"
"Thank you! This is already the best birthday ever," Harry said joyfully.
"And it's barely begun," Dora said with her own hug. "We're going to have so much fun today."
"I can't wait," Harry sighed happily.
After changing and doing the usual morning routine, he went to the kitchen where Kreacher and Winky were cooking. The two elves had fought with Harry about proper duties when he first moved in, though they had rapidly fell in love with Harry's cooking. His implacable kindness, and experience dealing with stubborn House Elves, had worn the two down and they just barely managed to negotiate in being allowed to cook breakfast at least on his birthday since Harry insisted on cooking for the rest of the day.
"Happy Day of Life, Master Harry," Kreacher croaked. "Breakfast will be ready soon."
"Master Harry no helping right now," Winky said, pushing him into his chair.
He had not been successful in getting them to not refer him as master, something both had clung onto with fierce determination. Cooking they eventually allowed but certain proprieties could not be taken away or ignored apparently.
"We already have the grill and oven set up on the rooftop garden," Sirius said while they ate. "And I'll be leaving shortly to help the Browns get here and Ted's going to do the same for the Grangers. Andi, Dora, and Remus will be here to help with the other guests arriving."
"Thank you so much. Sorry for all the trouble," Harry said.
"It's no trouble at all," Ted said. "Don't even think it is. Honestly, we're happy to do it and I'm pretty happy to be meeting other adults too so it's a win for all of us."
"We're glad to be here," Dora said brightly, her hair turning bright pink and shortened into a pixie-style cut.
Harry was still very unused to being told that doing things for him was not troublesome. He really liked how it made him feel even if he still felt a little bad about it. He took a deep breath and pushed that feeling away though and his smile was more at ease.
"Did we need to go get the groceries? That was not clear," Andromeda said.
"I was told they were being provided and they'd be delivered," Sirius frowned. "But not exactly how or who-"
They all jumped at a staccato of pops and suddenly large baskets and packages appeared in a very large neat pile on the kitchen floor. Other House Elves appeared with them and Inky waved with both arms. "Happy Day of Life Harry!" she squeaked happily and Ebbers, Quarters, Roosty, Wheatley, and a few other Hogwarts elves chorused along with her.
"Hi everyone!" Harry happily greeted them and hugged those that hugged him. "What's all this?!"
"Harry's gift from us of course," Wheatley said. "Best of the summer crops and things!"
"Harry said he likes our produce the best," Roosty said.
"That's so kind of you," Harry gasped. "That's too much though."
"Bah, none of that," Quarters said, poking him with his swagger stick. "Hogwarts takes care of her own."
"Where does Harry want it?" Ebbers asked eagerly.
Sirius looked on with astonishment as the elves chattered happily with Harry and fought gamely with an incensed Kreacher and Winky. "Did…Hogwarts elves came and brought food directly here?"
"The Hogwarts elves adore him," Remus smiled. "These are the closest of his friends. Especially Inky, she's fiercely protective."
"Oh? How so?" Andromeda asked with interest.
"During his second year, there was one that was 'protecting' Harry, a Malfoy elf actually," Remus said. "Unfortunately, his brand of protection was not very good. He tried to get Harry in trouble with the Department of Under Age Magic, then tried to block Harry from getting on board the Express-"
"How is any of that protecting him?" Dora asked flatly.
Remus snorted. "No idea. The worst of it was when he sabotaged a stove and it exploded in Harry's face, causing some minor injuries that should have been much worse if Harry wasn't being careful." He rubbed his eyes while the Tonkses and Sirius looked angry. "Anyways, in the aftermath of the basilisk situation-"
"Wait, hold on, repeat that." Andromeda wiggled a finger in her ear. "Did you say 'basilisk situation'?"
"Oh right, not exactly common knowledge." Remus flushed. "So during Harry's second year, the Chamber of Secrets was reopened and-"
"The Chamber was real?" Ted gasped.
"Yes and it was reopened," Remus repeated. "And it turns out the original monster was a basilisk-"
"There was a basilisk at Hogwarts?!" Sirius nearly shouted.
"Yes there was, two actually, and-" Remus tried to continue.
"WHAT?!" the other four shouted.
"Let me finish," Remus said hotly. "So it was reopened and the original monster that killed Myrtle was found dead and there was another. However we were able to get the second one out and exonerate Hagrid from the first time it was opened using the corpse of the original one."
"How did you get the second one out?" Ted asked, voice wondering.
"Harry's a Parselmouth."
"He is?" Sirius blinked. "Huh. Okay then."
"That doesn't surprise you?" Dora asked.
"I mean, finding out he can talk to snakes is small fry compared to the fact that there were two basilisks at the school," Sirius said.
"Okay, fair," she conceded.
Andromeda drained her tea cup. "Okay, well, all that aside, back to Inky's protective proclivity?"
"Right, so anyways, when Lucius arrived with the other school governors and Director Bones to put the matter to rest, Lucius summoned Dobby for some reason. By then, the Hogwarts elves had been searching for Dobby and had put their own magic into the school to alert them when Dobby's presence was felt. Inky appeared a second after Dobby did and tackled him to the ground rather violently." Remus smiled at the memory. "Remember that rugby game Lily took us to? Where the smaller weedier player absolutely floored the very large player?"
"Oh yeah," Sirius exclaimed, "that was an amazing hit."
"It was just like that. She folded him in half with a beautiful tackle, hitting him solidly in the middle. The others appeared and bound him securely with Quarters holding his stick over Dobby's knees. It was very impressive and slightly disconcerting if you imagine them doing the same to you."
Sirius shuddered. "Don't need that thought in my head."
"Bad Master," Kreacher said irritably, stomping over to them, "disperse the interlopers! The House of Black is served enough!"
"Those are guests of Harry," Sirius said mildly. "You wouldn't want to upset him, would you? On his Day of Life?" He grinned at Kreacher's unhappy expression. "Besides, you and Winky are guests for the day too for his party so just get along. That's an order."
"Yes Bad Master," Kreacher growled unwillingly. He stalked off, grumbling about rude elves and bad masters and the loss of order among other mutterings.
"If only my mother could see this," Sirius said with amusement. "She always wanted an army of House Elves to do everything and never saw it happen."
"It is surprising to see how much Kreacher indulges Harry," Andromeda said, also amused. "He was somewhat nicer to us girls when we were younger. And to Regulus." She and Sirius looked wistful for a moment.
"Harry's kindness is his greatest quality," Remus said softly, proudly. "And his cooking ability an incredibly close second."
Sirius looked proud too with a trace of sadness. "Well let's reward it properly." He finished his coffee. "Right, let's go get his friends and make sure he has the best birthday to make up for all the other ones."
"Hell yeah," Dora said enthusiastically.
-0-
After showing where he wanted the groceries and things put on the rooftop, Harry went to the Floo parlor to wait for the incoming guests. The Hogwarts elves had dispersed around Grimmauld to help, something that Kreacher and Winky found very upsetting, and Ted and Sirius left to bring in Hermione and Lavender. Remus went to make sure the rest of the things were ready while Dora went back to the Tonks home to grab some things.
Andromeda smiled at Harry as they sat and waited. "Do relax, love."
"Sorry," Harry said sheepishly. "A bit nervous. I've never been to or had a birthday party before. Or had friends visit."
Andromeda frowned at that. "Hmm, well, that aside, remember all are coming to celebrate you. And they do so because they care. Rest easy, they will find no fault if they genuinely care for you." She winked at him. "And if they do not, then they will be removed."
Harry laughed. "I'm sure they will be good. Thank you for helping and being with me. I've really enjoyed getting to know you and Uncle Ted and Dora."
Andromeda's heart melted slightly at his expression and she drew him in, hugging him firmly. "It has been a genuine pleasure. I have enjoyed getting to know you as well. And I know Ted and Dora feel the same." She sighed with mock weariness. "Though Dora admittedly might be thinking with her stomach some."
Harry laughed again. "She's cool though."
"Yes she is," Andromeda smiled and winked. "I find myself doing the same surprisingly." She enjoyed his happy smile, then let him go when the Floo fire flared into life, crackling and blazing in the hearth. "Ah, our first guests are arriving!"
Parvati stepped out from the green flames, followed by Padma. Two more women followed after, Durga and a woman that was younger than her and older than the twins, looking like a bridge between them.
"Hi Harry!" the twins said happily and once devoid of the usual soot and ash, they ran forward and hugged him. "Happy birthday!" they said together again, giving each other an exasperated look.
"Thanks! It's so good to see you," Harry said happily.
"Are we first?" Parvati asked. "Yes!" She smiled when Harry nodded. "Now I can tell Lavender that I'm the better friend."
"That's going to go over well," Padma said dryly.
Parvati winced when her grandmother poked her and the other woman snorted softly. "Harry, you remember Grandmum. This is our Mum, Aditi Patil. Mum, Harry Potter."
Aditi smiled and shook Harry's hand firmly. "A pleasure to finally meet you, Harry. I'm very happy the girls have a good friend such as you, especially one brave enough to cook for them. They're picky."
"I'm really honored to learn about curries and Indian cuisine," Harry smiled back. "Plus they're nice, they've only really not tried one thing so far and I don't blame them."
"Ahhh, understandable," Aditi said and Durga nodded when Harry explained. "That's an acquired taste." She smiled at Andromeda. "You might not remember me, but we went to school together for a year, I started during your seventh year."
"Oh yes, I do recall," Andromeda said pleasantly. "You were in Ravenclaw with Ted."
"He was my mentor and was ever so kind. I hear you married?" Aditi asked, smiling.
"We did and he will be here soon, he went to bring in a Muggleborn family."
Harry noticed Durga looking at him very closely and resisted the urge to sweat. "I swear I was joking about the Thai curry thing," he stammered.
Durga snorted, a deep and rich sound. "I do not know what you are talking about but it sounds like that is for the best." She gave her granddaughters a wry look, making them fidget too. "I have noticed that you are less scrawny than last we met." She took his hand and looked at it carefully. "You have been working hard."
"Mother," Aditi sighed with the twins echoing with, "Grandmother."
"Oh! Yes Ma'am," Harry said. "I've been working at a tavern and at the Gringotts main kitchen since summer started."
"Have you?" Durga looked at him approvingly. "Very good. To see a young person working hard for a passion is heartening."
"Hey!" the twins exclaimed.
"Why do you think I am referring to you two?" Durga asked with insincere innocence. "My granddaughters are terribly vain, thinking everything I say and do revolves around them. I have many grandchildren as you know."
"We don't think that," Padma complained indignantly.
"But you like us the best," Parvati said indignantly.
"I like her a lot," Andromeda smiled, speaking softly to a very amused Harry.
The Floo roared into life again and Millicent came through holding a basket that shook angrily. She waved to Harry with a big smile and took a step to the side and Pansy appeared right after, followed by Primrose.
"Hi Harry!" Pansy said, smiling brightly. As soon as she was cleaned off, she walked over and hugged him without reservation. "Happy birthday!" She missed the look of clear surprise from Primrose, looking astonished.
"Thank you!" Harry said, hugging her back. "Hi Millicent!"
"Happy birthday!" Millicent said, opening the basket and letting out a very irritated Sunny. She hugged him too and then Sunny leapt, climbing up Harry leg and side before settling herself over his shoulders, purring with satisfaction.
Pansy looked back and blushed heavily, seeing her mother still standing there looking shocked. "Ahem." She straightened her robes and composed herself slightly. "Harry, please meet my mother, Primrose Parkinson. Mother, this is Harry Potter."
Primrose blinked and slipped into a polite smile, offering her hand to Harry. "A pleasure to finally meet you."
"Thank you, it's nice to meet you too," Harry said, shaking her hand carefully. "Thank you for escorting Pansy and Millicent." He chuckled when Sunny made a noise. "And Sunny. I'm really happy they could come and I'm thankful you brought them."
Primrose blinked again and her smile became a touch warmer. "It is no inconvenience and I look forward to making your acquaintance." Her smile cooled once more when she turned to Andromeda who wore an almost identical expression of polite civility. "Andromeda, it has been too long."
"It has," Andromeda replied. "It is nice to see you again, Primrose."
"Alan, Hugh, and Linda send their regards and their thanks," Primrose said. "And I have brought affections with me for the hospitality."
"And they will be accepted graciously," Andromeda said. "You are our guest and we are happy for your company." A glint of fire appeared in Andromeda's eye. "I am sure my husband will be pleased to meet you properly when he returns."
"Of course, and I look forward to making a proper meeting with him myself," Primrose said very politely.
The slightly stiff and icy atmosphere thawed slightly and Andromeda nodded, becoming more natural once more. "Would anyone like a beverage?"
"I would please," Primrose said and she followed Andromeda to the side where a table sat with drinks of all sorts.
"Well now," Durga said admiringly, "I think I like her a lot too."
"What just happened?" Harry whispered.
Pansy gulped a little. "Mother came saying that she would be a proper guest and Andromeda said she is safe as long as she does. She also reminded Mother about her husband's blood status and Mother said she wanted to meet him properly as if he was Pureblooded."
"Oh, Uncle Ted is really nice and really good," Harry whispered. "Please don't hold that sort of thing against him."
"I promise I won't," Pansy said earnestly. She smiled weakly, "I like to think I've gotten better about that."
Harry hugged her again. "You have."
"You god-aunt is awesome," Padma said, eyes shining.
"She is," Harry said happily.
"Did you really invite Sunny too?" Parvati asked, scratching the kneazle behind the ears.
"A proper invitation," Harry laughed.
"I loved it," Millicent smiled. "So did she of course and even my parents and my brothers thought it was great."
The sound of tripping and falling accompanied by some whoops made them turn to the hearth. The youngsters snorted and laughed seeing Neville sprawled on the ground, having come through at the same time as someone else and colliding with them. Luna came out right after and fell onto the pile with a grunt and one last person came through and just managed to keep her balance.
"Is everyone alright?" Andromeda asked as she went over with Harry following.
"I am fine," the man said. He had long pale blonde hair that was almost white and were dressed in bright yellow robes. He climbed to his feet and helped Luna and Neville up. "Bit of a mishap, the Floo pipes must be twisted a bit today. This kind young man helped me knock the flibbergibbet off my back."
"Flibbergibbet?" Harry repeated. "Floo pipes?"
"Flibbergibbets are little things that clog up the Floo pipes," the man explained, "makes them twist and more likely to cause accidental collisions such as this."
"That is not the only thing twisted," the last guest said severely. Everything about her was severe. The lines in her face were sharp and her eyes were sharper. Her robes were older in style and well pressed and she wore a broad-brimmed witch hat with long feathers trailing off the top. "Neviile, are you well?"
"Yes Grandmum," Neville said, pink cheeked. He smiled at Harry. "Hi Harry! Happy birthday! This is my grandmother, Augusta Longbottom. Grandmum, this is Harry."
"As if he could be anyone else," Augusta said in an oddly kind tone. She shook Harry's hand with a firm grip. "You look just like your father, messy hair and all. Thankfully you have your mother's eyes. A pleasure to meet you properly, young man."
"Nice to meet you too," Harry said, intimidated by the woman's manner.
"Oh dear, who let you out of your home," Durga asked dryly.
"The same one that keeps you alive," Augusta replied just as dryly. "Good, I'm not the oldest one here."
"By a day! A day means nothing!"
"You hold your breath for a day and you tell me it's nothing. Go on, I'll wait."
"You don't have a lot of days left to waste on waiting, you old cow."
"Don't you revere cows?"
"Not the kind you are, you cow."
Neville groaned softly, a sound echoed by Aditi while the Patil twins were giggling hard. "Sorry," Neville said, red-faced. "She gets like that with her friends. She didn't know Mrs. Patil would be here and she's happy."
"I don't mind," Harry smiled. His smile grew when Luna hugged him tightly about the middle. "Hi Luna!"
"Happy Day of Life!" Luna said. "Harry, meet my Daddy. Daddy, this is Harry."
"Xenophilius," the man said, offering Harry a hand. "Lovegood as you know. A very good pleasure to meet you, Harry. I'm ever so grateful my daughter made a friend as good as you."
"She's a good friend," Harry said, flushing, and shook his hand. "Thank you for coming."
"I'm delighted to be here," Xenophilius said, and seemed like it. He looked around with interest and his smile grew when he saw Andromeda. "And Miss Andromeda! Good to see you again."
"Hello Xeno," Andromeda smiled back. "Nice to see you again. Ted will be very happy to see you." She smiled at Luna and Harry. "He and Ted were Housemates and roommates Hogwarts."
"Ted is very good people," Xenophilius said. "I've heard many things about this place. It's less dark than I imagined."
"We have done substantial cleaning and renovations," Andromeda said. "It was very dark a few weeks ago and some of the rooms are dark as well as Dark still."
Remus came in and when he did, the fire popped several times and Flitwick, McGonagall, and Hagrid came walking through. They greeted Harry warmly and the room was soon filled with different conversations as the party grew. Amelia showed up next with Susan who wished Harry a happy birthday.
"Goodness," Amelia said, looking at the other adult guests. "There are some serious personalities here. It's almost a mini-Wizengamot meeting in here."
"Not everyone has arrived yet either," Andromeda said. "It is going to be an eclectic mixture of people." She tilted her head and smiled at Harry. "The front door is opening; you should go greet you guests there too."
Harry walked out eagerly and smiled when he saw the front door open and Lavender and her family walking in. "Hi Lavender!"
"Harry!" She sprinted to him and tackled him, hugging him tightly. "Happy birthday and it's so good to see you!" She held him at arm's length. "Oh my goodness, you look great!"
He blushed happily. "I do?"
"You do! You look healthy and happy," Lavender smiled. She tucked her arm into his and pulled him to a very concerned looking Daniel, a very amused looking Leena, a very very amused looking Sirius, a happy looking Marigold and Clover, and a very friendly looking black-furred poodle. "Harry, you've met my sisters and Mum, this is my Daddy, Daniel. And this is Cokie."
"Thanks for letting us come!" the girls squealed and hugged him around Lavender.
"Thank you for coming," Harry smiled. He offered a hand to Daniel. "Hello Sir, thank you for coming and letting everyone come. Lavender's my best friend and it means a lot to me."
Daniel shook his hand warmly, his suspicion melting into an impressed look. "Well it's good to finally meet you too. Lavender talks about you a lot."
"Oof!" Cokie had nosed into Harry a few times and leaned against him heavily, looking up at him with a wide doggy smile. She whined dolefully, giving him a sad look until he started petting her. She panted happily, licking his hands and her tail thumped.
"Oh wow, she loves you already," Leena smiled.
"I knew she would. Plus animals love Harry," Lavender said.
"It's nice to meet you too," Harry smiled, sputtering when Cokie licked his face.
"Hi Harry!" Hermione and her family and Ted came walking up the sidewalk. Crookshanks squirmed in her grip and leapt down, weaving his way through people and rubbing up against Harry, tacitly ignoring the large dog in his way. "Happy birthday!"
"Thanks!" Harry said. "I'm glad you and your parents could make it."
"Mum, Dad, this is Harry Potter," Hermione said, introducing them.
"Hello Harry," David said, shaking his hand. "David, and this is Jean. It's nice to finally meet you. We've been meaning to thank you for allowing Hermione to borrow Hedwig's services."
"It's so nice of you," Jean said, shaking his hand too.
"Oh no problem at all. She gets bored easily and likes to fly so it's great for everyone," Harry smiled.
"Does she harass you too?" Daniel asked when the Browns were introduced.
"She doesn't harass you!" the twin girls and Lavender said indignantly.
"Does she sneak up and stare at you until you notice her?" Daniel amended.
"Oh that? Yes she does and she gets a kick out of it," David smiled. "As do my wife and daughter."
"So do mine," Daniel smiled.
"We must be friends already then," David laughed.
Sirius ushered them into the Floo parlor, smiling at all the people within. Sue had arrived when they did, introducing her mother Lin to Harry and Sirius and Andromeda. Dora came soon after with the things she went to get and joined in on the merriment. He sighed happily, watching Harry chatting happily with his friends and at the mingling adults. "Look at all these people," he gushed. "Grimmauld's never had a nicer group to visit."
"I agree," Andromeda smiled.
"Remus, come here." Sirius pulled Remus to him. "You will never guess who Lavender's mum is."
Remus looked over and looked thoughtful. "She looks familiar, have we met?"
"Her maiden name is McKinnon," Sirius said, his merriment fading slightly.
"Oh my," Remus gasped. "Marlene's cousin, she was a firstie when we were in our later years. She survived?"
"Yeah, I kept looking at her funny when we met and she told me on the way over." Sirius looked sad. "Turned out she left the Wizarding World for a long time."
"I don't blame her," Remus said sadly. "It is brave of her to return."
"She's doing it for her girls but I promised we'd do what we can and more," Sirius said.
"Good, I will do the same," Remus said resolutely.
"Uhm, Hi." Ron waved shyly to Harry. "Happy birthday. Likes for inviting us."
"I'm glad you came," Harry said sincerely. "Thank you for coming."
Ron smiled a little more easily. "Here, meet Mum. Mum, this is Harry Potter."
Molly Weasley wore a comfortable expression and she greeted Harry warmly. "Hello Harry. It is very nice to meet you. Thank you for inviting Ron, Ginny, and myself. I never properly thanked you for saving Ron and Ginny."
"Ron really protected Ginny," Harry said.
"And you did the same for them both, thank you," Molly said with a broad smile. "I hear you're a good cook. Oh and I brought my recipe for corned beef." She frowned a little. "You wanted it for some reason?"
Harry smiled wryly. "I would, thank you."
"We weren't the last to arrive, were we?" Molly asked. "A Weasley family trait unfortunately, running behind."
"Actually you weren't," Sirius said. "Still waiting on a few more and-oh here we go."
Out of the Floo stepped Dumbledore, Ariana, Aberforth, Nicolas, and Perenelle. The latter two were arguing in French with a gleeful Ariana joining in and Aberforth looked faintly amused and Dumbledore looked faintly irritated. Fawkes appeared as he normally did, a flash of fire and light, and flew over to Harry, singing happily to the delight and wonders of others.
"Pardon our tardiness," Dumbledore sighed. "Nicolas and Perenelle had a bit of trouble coming through customs at the Ministry but it is all smoothed out."
"No problem, Sir," Harry said happily. "Thank you for coming."
"Nothing would prevent me from being here," Dumbledore said warmly. He nodded genially to the others in the room, some of the adults looking at him with surprise and respect.
"Harry my boy!" Nicolas said loudly, striding forward and hugging him. "You look good! You look your age now! Which is…sixteen?"
"Fourteen," Harry grinned.
"Drat. I'm getting closer!"
"You do look wonderful," Perenelle praised, hugging him tightly.
"I've been working and like it. And I have good people to live with now," Harry said soulfully.
"Good," Perenelle said happily, patting him on the cheek.
"Ah speaking of." Nicolas turned and looked at Sirius, looking him up and down. "You must be Orion's boy."
"That's right, Orion was my father," Sirius said, looking back calmly.
"Thought so. You look very much like Arcturus," Nicolas said.
"Arcturus was my grandfather, you knew him?" Sirius asked, still cool and calm.
"Not terribly well, but we met in passing a few times. I was more familiar with his father Perseus and his uncle Denarius. You look like Perseus as well, which is a good thing."
The crowd had quieted down, watching the building encounter with bated breath. Dumbledore palmed his face, groaning ever so slightly while Andromeda looked alarmed.
"Yeah, I've seen pictures, Denarius was uglier," Sirius said with persistent remarkable calm. "Who are you by the way?"
"Ah, where are my manners? I am Nicolas Flamel," Nicolas smiled cheerily.
Sirius ignored the gasps and whispers that swept through the room. "Oh the chemist, right?" He also ignored Remus' sigh and Andromeda's choked gasp.
Nicolas' smile grew even wider. "Close, alchemist actually."
"What's the difference?" Sirius asked innocently.
"Only a few things here and there," Nicolas chuckled.
"Say, if you're Nicolas Flamel, maybe you can answer a question for me," Sirius grinned. "How did Denarius die?"
"I killed him," Nicolas said plainly. Perenelle snorted and there were more gasps and looks of surprise and horror. "He was very annoying and tried to steal from me many times."
"According to the family journals, he was a prick," Sirius said calmly, appearing unbothered.
"Oh yes, he was," Nicolas nodded agreeably. "Which leads me to the point I want to make." His cheery demeanor faded and he looked at Sirius with hard blue eyes. "If Harry comes to any harm under your care, if he is hurt in any way that is by your hand, if your negligence has any ill effect on him, I will kill you and take him away."
"Harry is my godson," Sirius said, bristling slightly but in a way that was very understated compared to the threat he just received to his face. "I love him and I will take care of him like he should have been. Also, by what right do you claim to do any of that?"
"He is my grandson," Nicolas said. "Our grandson," he amended when Perenelle coughed loudly. "Claimed of course, not by blood which is a true pity."
"I am?" Harry asked, eyes wide. He had stared in open astonishment when Nicolas threatened Sirius and this latest claim only added to it.
"Oh did we not ask you properly?" Nicolas said, turning to face him. "I thought we did. Well I mean, Filius mentioned you don't have any surviving grandparents and while we are only a bit older than traditional grandparents, we thought we would fill that role for you. We have thought of you as such for a while now truth be told. You do not mind, do you?"
"No, not at all, I think that's amazing," Harry said softly. He smiled when Perenelle hugged him hard. "I'd really like that…"
"Splendid!" Nicolas turned back to Sirius, looking smug. "So yes, that is the claim."
Sirius smiled thinly. "Because it's in Harry's best interests, I don't mind. You've got big shoes to fill, I met James' parents and they would have been amazing grandparents." He crossed his arms and his smile disappeared. He wore an expression that was carved from stone and his voice became cold and cultured. "This whole, 'I killed a Black and I'm old' thing though doesn't scare me. I lived in Azkaban surrounded by hundreds of Dementors and I did not break. I wasn't afraid then. I'm not afraid now."
Nicolas nodded approvingly. "That is a mark of your resiliency. That said, the first recorded instance of a Dementor's existence was about 300 years ago. I am older, and a lot more dangerous."
"And there is only one of you," Sirius said calmly.
Perenelle sighed. "Okay, we made our point. We all care about Harry here and that is the important thing. I think we all have a good understanding of one another then?" She smiled when Nicolas and Sirius nodded. "Wonderful. Now let us stop waving our wands about and trying to measure them and actually celebrate the reason we are here. We are guests, after all."
"That is true." Nicolas looked at Harry. "Are you still considered underaged for drinking?"
"Yes grandfather Nicky," Harry smiled.
Nicolas beamed. "Minnie? Ignore me for a moment." He looked back at Sirius while McGonagall groaned. "I have a bottle of wine from 1790. Been saving it for a good moment and this is it. We should share a glass with Harry."
"I'd like that," Sirius said, relaxing somewhat. "I have a bottle of 100-year-old firewhiskey I'd like to share with you too. You know, the Blacks thought it was a myth that you killed Denarius, didn't think he was important enough to be noticed by you."
"The man was more annoying than a tick and had to be dealt with," Nicolas grumbled. "Normally I would try to ignore such inconsequence but he made it impossible."
"Yeah that's what the journals said," Sirius laughed.
Perenelle sighed in the ensuing silence. "Boys," she muttered before brightening. "Oh, Harry dear, we brought another guest, hope you do not mind. She desperately wanted to come." She removed the scarf around her throat and revealed what at first looked like a shiny torc around her neck that was shaped like a snake. When she patted it, it uncurled slightly, blinking sleepily.
"Is that Blinky?" Harry gasped.
Blinky recognized him and hissed joyfully. She slithered down Perenelle's arm and up Harry's, coiling around his neck and hissing lovingly and butted her head against his chin, making him laugh.
"It is! It turns out that she could change her shape and size rather dramatically as you see. It takes a bit of time and when she becomes this small, she is stuck this way for a bit but just as well in this case," Perenelle smiled.
"Oh is that Blinky the basilisk?" Luna asked excitedly. "I've always wanted to meet her."
"There's a basilisk here?!" Primrose shouted, startling Pansy and others.
"She's okay!" Harry said swiftly. "She can control her gaze and her venom!"
"Actually, when she is this size, her gaze cannot kill at all," Nicolas said in what he thought was a calming tone that had no effect on the adults. "At worst, you get a light nosebleed and a mild headache."
"And how do you know that?!" Molly gasped.
"We have a neighbor who allows his dogs to do terrible things to my grounds," Nicolas grumbled. "After some surreptitious testing, we learned that and like good scientists, we repeated the experiments with the same results every time. She cannot even paralyze anyone. Now her venom is still rather strong, actually in this form it is almost concentrated, but we brought plenty of potions for it just in case an accident occurs."
"Also, Nicolas and I are licensed basilisk handlers," Perenelle said. "We took classes and brought the licenses."
"Ah yes, here it is," Nicolas said, fishing a card from a pocket.
Amelia took it and looked at it. "This says, 'I am Nicolas Flamel, the Alchemist, and by the powers vested in me, by me, I do what I want'," she read, giving him a look.
"Oh hold on, one moment." He fished about in other pockets. "Ah! Found it. Here you are." He handed another card over.
"It's legitimate," Amelia said reluctantly, handing it back.
"I should hope so," Nicolas grumbled. "The fees for it at the ICW are quite high."
"Perhaps we should move up to the garden and continue the party in earnest," Dumbledore said in the silence, sounding very weary.
"I'm hungry," Ariana smiled brightly. "Harry's gotten so much better at cooking this summer," she said to Harry's friends.
"Really?" Lavender asked, "even better?"
"Maybe a little," Harry said, flushing but happy.
"Oh then what are we waiting for?" Nicolas asked. "Let us go and feast and make merry and sneak drinks when not being observed by scolding Scottish women." He walked off brightly, led away by Harry who was surrounded by his friends and with Perenelle, Sirius, Dora, Ariana, Aberforth, Flitwick, Hagrid, Xenophilius, and an irritated McGonagall. They were followed by the impromptu herd of pets, with Hedwig joining them as they left the parlor.
"Ha, I'm not the oldest anymore," Durga said smugly.
"Sheer luck," Augusta retorted and the two women walked off, talking.
"Baby, are you okay?" Daniel asked worriedly.
"I'm in the home of one of the oldest Pureblooded families, with other members of some of the biggest Pureblooded families, and one of the most legendary figures in the history of Magic worldwide is here and just threatened to kill someone who fought back without flinching." Leena rubbed her chest and looked very overwhelmed.
"Wait, what? That Nicolas Flamel is that Nicolas Flamel?" David asked, his eyes wide and round. "Nicolas Flamel is real?"
"Yeah, imagine if Newton showed up to yell at you about maths," Ted said, also looking winded. "Or Beethoven appeared and criticized your family and your music and then said he had no problem killing you if he wanted to."
"I did warn him to be more discreet," Dumbledore said with a sigh of suffering. "Madam Parkinson, are you well?"
Primrose had a hand over her eyes while fanning herself with the other. "The Alchemist is here with his wife and they brought a basilisk and they claimed wardship over Harry Potter. And the Alchemist threatened to kill the newly returned Lord Black in front of a literal crowd of witnesses who literally stared death in the eye. No, I am not well. I need a drink. Please."
"I think we can all use one," Andromeda said. Her hand shook as she poured out measures of firewhiskey that everyone took and gulped.
"If it makes you feel better, he's mostly correct about the basilisk at being that size," Aditi said weakly. "I have family back in India that work with them and they have said similar things about small ones."
"Same, with friends and family in China" Lin said, her own smile shy. "As far as I have heard anyways."
"That actually does, thank you," Primrose said, some color returning to her cheeks.
"Are parties usually this exciting?" Jean asked timidly.
"Generally no, especially not children's, pardon, young adult birthday parties," Dumbledore said dryly. He drained his glass. "My apologies for being a poor guest, Madam Tonks."
"You are not to blame," Andromeda said, rubbing her temples. "Let us hope this will be the last of the dramatics."
Dumbledore's patient and understanding smile was not nearly as comforting as she hoped it would be.
-0-0-0-
Arnie1701 = Not quite alliances, but some new ways to look at things as you will find.
Professor Donger - Sorry, I cannot do that.
MauricoPS - Thank you so much. Good character growth that is believable is important to me and I still want her to feel like Pansy, but different due to the setting if that makes sense. I'm glad you like it.
Kaya - Thank you so much.
odonnellzoo99 - This chapter and the next I am very proud of. I had been planning this event since the inception of this fic save for some fair differences that developed since I started writing. I hope you enjoy them. I enjoy almost every Hedwig scene haha.
poka - It was a little tough making all the personalities work and not overlooking anyone or turning them into caricatures, but I think I managed it and await what you think. It was a lot of fun to write though, with one of my favorite scenes ever in this chapter. I hope you enjoy.
50 - I'm glad you are enjoying it and looking forward to more, thank you.
Richard Adelson - Thank you very much for the kind words.
Thundramon - Perhaps it was written as something slightly less recognizable, it will come across in the next chapter though.
bdwilliams3 - Oh hello there, good to see you again. Hope you've been well.
TheReader81 - Thank you, I wanted them to feel fun and different from person to person, despite the last two having very similar reactions for different reasons.
DarkRavie - Thank you.
alix33 - Hedwig giggling is the best. I really liked the scene with her prying Daniel's fingers apart a lot too.
Ronin Kenshin - Thank you very much.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - She needs all the food to keep up the flying. Thanks for reading.
AhsokaTheGreat - It was a lot of fun writing this chapter and the next. A lot of work but I was pretty satisfied with the interactions and dialogue and everything. Hope you enjoy.
SvenHPotterFan - I underestimated the scale of the party until I was writing it and it was wild, trying to keep everything orderly and together. I think it still came off well and not too busy hopefully.
Ezio Is A Boss - Thank you for reading, glad you find it so.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Sadly, you are just going to have to wait until it eventually happens. Thank you. Hope you are doing well.
Doombreed - It will be two chapters. Both longer than average, I didn't want to trim them too short. Hope you enjoy.