Chapter 22
Happy Birthday
Friday, 26 July 1996
Arthur was busy working at his new office when there was a knock at the door. "Come in," he responded reflexively. He looked up to see an old colleague, Charles Petersen, from Trace Detection.
"Arthur, do you have a moment?"
Arthur put his quill down and paper off to the side. "Sure, Charlie, What brings you by?"
"Well, it's a bit embarrassing actually."
"Oh, we've known each other for a while now Charlie. Can't be that bad. What's on your mind?
"Well, the Trace report came out, and there was a new spike area, and- "
"It came from the Burrow." Arthur said very matter of factly.
"Yes. Sorry, but I need to at least ask."
"Charlie, how many children do I have?"
"Last I heard, seven?"
Arthur nodded, "And this summer we've got Harry and another friend staying over. Bit of a summer camp could say."
"Oh… that makes sense. So the kids…"
"Just having a good time. Bit of tin can target practice and what not. Makes them feel better after the battle a few weeks back."
"Ya, I heard about that." Charlie reflexively looked around. Then in a hushed town. "Nice work by the way."
"Well, it is what it is. But more importantly, does that clear up your Trace report?"
"Huh, Oh, Oh ya, I'll just write it up as parental ed. That's how Dad taught me how to cast."
"Bless you, Charlie, and for reference. Camp will be running till the end of summer."
"Lucky them, You're a good dad, Arthur." Charlie nodded as he left.
"Well, I try," he replied, as he returned back to work with a smile. He appreciated understanding the bureaucracy he worked in. It was like a special magic all its own.
Later when the Weasleys started to return home Ginny had not just a letter, but a full shipment from Nimbus of several boxes. "What the hell?" She asked after she saw it.
"I know what you know, babe. Packages flamed in, your mum had me move them around the corner here."
"Next time Ginny, let us know if you expect deliveries." Molly suggested.
"This is a surprise to me too, Mum." She opened the letter:
Dear Miss Weasley,
Accompanying this letter are samples of the promotional materials for the upcoming release of the Reign of Fire / Crimson Witch line. Please familiarize yourself with them. Materials are yours to keep, no return needed.
Additionally we would request your attendance the following promotional events:
Friday, 2 August - Saturday 3 August, Hogsmeade
Friday night at 7:00 - Wizarding Wireless Network News
-Interview with you regarding the Battle of the Burrow
—any of the Weasley Warriors available would be welcome.
—-We would be particularly appreciative if Master Harry Potter could be in attendance.
All accommodations shall be covered by Nimbus Racing at the Three Broomsticks Inn.
Saturday 3 August
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Spintwitches Sporting Needs
Promotional sales. Photograph and autograph opportunity with brief Q & A
Saturday 17 August - London
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Broomsitx
Promotional sales. Photograph and autograph opportunity with brief Q & A
If there are concerns or objections please contact us immediately as your satisfaction is our top concern.
Respectfully,
Devlin Whitehorn
Nimbus Racing Brooms
"You're going to be on WWNN!" Hermione cried. "That's amazing!"
Ginny's eyes went wide, "I knew that there would be some shop sales promos. I did NOT know about that. Merlin!"
"Congratulations honey." Molly replied with a hug.
Ginny slowly turned and even jokingly batted her eyes. "Harry, love, could I ask a favor?"
Harry smiled. "I do not want to step in front of you. Crimson Witch deserves her time."
Ginny continued undaunted, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I'm pretty sure I can handle the sales stuff. That's largely going to be a quidditch crowd. My people. I don't have a fraction of the experience with the press as you do. You handled Rita so well. Just be like that is all I'm saying. Crimson Witch will fly much better with her partner there. Please? "
Harry grinned. "You got me, Gin. I'll even wear the suit."
"Oh YAY!" she responded with a hug.
"To be clear, the suit is for the interview. And I will stick around for support and such for the sales, because… well I just want to be supportive, but I'm putting jeans back on for that."
"Totally fair. Thank you," she said with a peck.
"Now let's see what they have here." What was included was a copy of the releasing Nimbus Racing catalog with Crimson on the cover. As well as a host of posters, all sticking with the battle theme always touted. The broom specs were being touted also. It did have a few of its own posters. Field proven to 160 mph! But truly the Witch was front and center, battle ground in the middle and to varying degrees Harry's cry of His Name is Riddle. We are Not Afraid.
Hermione was jumping in excitement with Ginny. "We need to hang these up to get a better look"
"You know where my bedroom is." as they each grabbed a few boxes and went upstairs, as Harry just smiled and shook his head.
"Harry, a word." Molly asked.
"Of course, ma'am."
Upstairs the ladies had successfully covered every square inch of Ginny's walls and even ceiling with promotional art. Ginny's face was glowing as he just stood and slowing turned to take it all in. "Mione, which is your favorite."
She had to take a moment, with the smile of guilty pleasure on her face. "Truth be known, especially with how I felt after Luna's letter… "I really like that one." She pointed to a skyward view of Crimson loosing firebolts downward . At the top of the poster, it read, Reign of Fire by Nimbus and at the bottom: Vengeance by Crimson Witch.
"Good choice, it's yours."
"Ginny, I couldn't take your stuff."
"The hell you can't, 'Sides I get the feeling I could send an owl and have another shipment of everything without much trouble." Not giving Hermione a chance at a rebuttal Ginny grabbed her quil.
To Miracle 'Mione,
The sister I always wanted and lucky to have.
-Crimson Witch
"You are too kind, Ginny." She thanked her with a hug.
The two of them sat on their beds getting lost in the images around them for a few moments. Then Hermione's brain kicked in. She read through the offered letter.
"Ginny, I am incredibly happy you are having your moment here. But have you thought through your schedule?
"Ya, didn't you catch me inviting Harry to the interview. If he takes the lead on that, I'm sure me and anyone else will be fine. "
"Not talking about the interview."
"Oh, I'm totally not worried about sales. I know quidditch, and if the fan mail was any indication, it will be praise and compliment. Smile and nod for pictures, autographs… tiring I'm sure but not bad. I'm not worried."
"Not talking about sales promo, Gin."
"Then what the bloody hell are you on about?"
Hermione paraphrased from the letter "Friday, 2 August - Saturday 3, at the Three Broomsticks Inn…overnight." she added to make it clear.
Which it did. Ginny's eyes grew wide. "I'm dead. Nimbus killed me. To hell with the Death Eaters, Mum is going to kill me." She looked at Hermione. "I swear I didn't ask for this."
Hermione looked at Ginny, in complete belief. "I get it. I believe you, and I'm sure your parents will too. Look they will likely just have one of them or Bill play chaperone. But still, You and Harry likely will have a nice evening at Hogsmead."
"Merlin, that would be like a literal dream but there is no way I can see Mum letting this happen. She's going to kill the entire Crimson Witch thing before it barely starts. ARGH!"
"Well there is one option." Hermione pointed out.
"Sneaking out, for like two full days? I don't think so."
"No… just talk to your mother. "
"What, honesty? Like Mum, please. I want this job and I promise not to do anything stupid? Do you honestly think that would work?"
"Anything is possible…"
"If you've got enough nerve. Merlin, I hate my past self sometimes."
Down in the kitchen as Harry joined Molly in the kitchen. "I didn't know any of this was about to happen."
"Oh, I know that. Not what I wanted to talk about." She took a moment and a breath, keeping an eye on the staircase. "For much of your life you've dealt with fame and reporters, and such?"
"Yes ma'am." he nodded.
"Ginny hasn't. Now, Arthur and I actually are quite happy, as you said, she is getting a time to shine. And seeing as you've already stepped into the role as protector to her already. Well, Death Eaters aren't the only problems out there. We would ask you, stay close to her, keep your eyes open. Trust your judgment."
Harry smiled, "You didn't even need to ask." he said as he leaned up against the kitchen table, and watched the stairs.
"Thank you, Harry."
"Mrs. Weasley-"
"Harry, if we're on this level of being frank, at this point, I think you have earned, Mum or Molly, Whichever you prefer."
Harry shifted slightly uncomfortably. "Um… Molly, if we are, being frank as you say, I don't know if Gin caught it yet, but a based on that letter-"
"The overnight stay? Yes, Harry, I caught that."
Suddenly Death Eaters and Dementors seemed far more comfortable. "And again I feel like saying I didn't know about that."
Molly crossed her arms and leaned on the table next to Harry and watched the stairs also. "I know Harry. I know Arthur and I will not be attending, we are not ones for the public light." Molly took a deep breath considering something. "Harry, you're family now, and to show that, I would like to share something in confidence."
"I thought you never lied to your children," he grinned.
"We don't lie, but… but that doesn't mean they need to know everything." She looked over to him. "You damn charmer."
"Language, Molly." he continued, keeping the grin up.
"Well, Bill already knows this, but when Arthur and I were students, there may have been a midnight stroll one night… that we lost track of time… and received quite the tongue lashing for it when we were caught."
Harry let the comment hang in the air. Then deduced there was a reason she was sharing. "Molly, that may have been the first time you were busted, but why do I get the feeling that wasn't the first stroll you two had?"
Molly smiled coyly. He recognized it and a glint of mischievousness in Molly's eye. Harry no longer had to wonder where Ginny got her fire. She looked Harry in the eyes and simply answered, "I thought Hermione was the smart one."
Harry smiled. "Molly, I'm actually flattered you've invited me into this…. conversation, that I get the feeling never happened."
"You catch on quickly, Harry."
"Why though?"
Molly sighed. "Because Harry… I don't like how this war and these things are happening now. I truly wish they could have waited just a few more years. But… needs must when the devil drives and the simple facts of the matter are while all four of you are slightly shy of age, none of you are kids any more and all of you are good people. And if I am completely honest, I will admit in our youth, Arnold and I were not saints."
Then she turned to look at Harry not with mischief, but with fire. "That is NOT permission to throw caution to the wind young man, but …. saints too easily can become martyrs, I'm old enough and perhaps selfish enough I want all my children back around my table at the end of this damn war Harry. If to do that, my daughter becomes a Crimson Witch and I adopt a nobel house master for a seventh son… I'll sleep peacefully at night. Stay the gentleman you have been, treat my daughter right, keep her safe and bring her home…I'll be able to forgive… infringements. Do we have an understanding?"
"Yes ma'am." Harry replied.
"And again this conversation never happened."
"What conversion, Molly?"
Then Molly's eyes shifted from fire to love, and appreciation. Without warning she grabbed Harry and hugged him. "You really are a fine young man, Harry Potter. We're ALL lucky to have you."
Having gone through a bit of a roller coaster, Harry opted to keep his mouth shut and accept it. As they hugged Molly could hear Ginny's steps on the stairs.
"Harry." she said.
"Ma'am?"
"Be gone, I'll have a word in private with my daughter."
"Yes ma'am," as he dashed for his trunk and closed the door.
As the trunk lid fell close, Ginny came down the final flight of stairs. A tone of great concert and apology was clearly apparent when Ginny called, "Mum, do you have a minute."
And Molly responded with pure kindness. "Sure, honey, have a seat."
"I swear I didn't know this was going to be a thing, but I am just now realizing Nimbus wants me to stay over in Hogsmeade Friday night. I know this is likely a no. But I would really like to try to make my case."
"With the interview Friday eve and then the promo sale on Saturday it does make sense. They're footing the cost, but I know that's not what you would be worried about. This isn't just for friends or even school. It's for a legitimate job, one that as ridiculous as it sounds could be important and meaningful against Riddle. There are far worse things than being inspiring to people.
I would like to point out that it's Hogsmeade. I'm there often during the school year, so it's not an unknown area. I would like to say in general you've said I've shown the ability to take care of myself. And realistically and effectively Harry's been living under the same roof with us for the last month and I swear we haven't done anything stupid. If I promise I will not be dumb, is there any way I can do this?"
Molly looked to her daughter. "Yes." Ginny was shocked. "I would like one of your of age brothers with you for a chaperone, but if you can accept that, I'm willing to trust you."
Ginny was still in disbelief. "You're serious? I mean thank you… you're serious? Why?"
"Because of all of the reasons you mentioned. Because you haven't given any real reason to doubt you yet. Because I remember the last wizard war and I would like you to steal as much happiness as you can before this one takes it away."
Ginny ran around the table and hugged her mom. "Thank you."
Wednesday, July 31 1996, 12:57 AM
A gentle press to his lips woke Harry up from sleep. He opened his eyes to see Ginny kneeling by his bed. Her expression of pure adoration was about the best thing to wake up to. "Hi, nightmare?"
She shook her head, "No, but thank you for your concern." she replied gently rubbing his cheek. "I wanted to be the first. So, Happy Birthday Harry Potter." which she sealed with a kiss.
"Thank you." he replied with a smile. "Already my favorite gift."
"Oh, that's not your gift. That's just relationship perks." Gin replied with a smile. "Fair warning, your gift is a bit sappy. but it just… felt right A little light?"
Harry sat up and grabbed his wand. Luminos minima.
"Thank you. Now promise not to laugh from the sappiness?"
"Of course."
"Okay, close your eyes and give me your hand."
"You asked for light then for me to close my eyes." he smiled.
"I needed the light. You need to trust me. " she replied.
"I trust you." he replied as he closed his eyes and extended his right hand.
He could feel Ginny wrapping his wrist with something light and soft. Not a watch, not leather or metal.
"Okay, Happy Birthday Harry." Harry looked and around his wrist was a new bracelet but it was a braid of Gin's own fiery red hair.
Harry was surprised to say the least. "Gin, this is amazing."
"Oh thank you," she said in relief. "I was afraid you would think it was too weird. But to me at least, this is a way for you to always have a piece of me close."
"Ginny, I think that is the most romantic gift I've ever heard of. Thank you."
"Good answer," she replied with a kiss. Longer than probably was needed, but neither of them was in a hurry to stop. Finally, Gin did force herself away. "You have no idea how much I want to stay, but I don't want to mess up this weekend, especially since Bill is covering for us."
"Agreed babe. Go get some sleep, see you in a few hours."
"Good night." Harry fell back asleep staring at the bracelet. It even smelled like her.
They did get up at their normal time and largely had a normal day, except with breakfast time being filled with Happy Birthday well wishes. Gin and Harry share smiles as she knew this would happen so she did not feel sorry one bit about the 1:00 AM visit. Gin did adjust her schedule to take the day off so she assisted with Molly's healing class again. Both Hermione and he were getting the hang of healing basic cuts.
Finally with supper, the bell tolled for Harry. After the main course was done, Molly rose to get the cake and everyone knew it was time. Harry leaned over to Gin, "Any chance you brought my invisibility cloak with you?"
Ginny smiled, "I wouldn't give it to you even if I did. You are overdue for this."
Harry tried Ron. "You make a distraction, I'll make a break for it."
"Mate, you're family, I'd sooner tackle you than make a distraction."
"'Mione, got a spell to save me?"
She smiled. "I'd be willing to tie you to your chair."
"Traitors…the lot of you." Harry summarized.
Ginny took his hand. "For you, for your birthday, absolutely. Every year."
Molly waved her wand over a chocolate cake lighting all 16 candles. The 'dreaded' singing commenced which Harry took with a smile. It was embarrassing as hell in the best possible way. Molly laid the cake down saying "Make a wish." and Arthur said, "Now we see if all that exercise has done any good for those lungs." Harry got all the candles to cheers.
"And now for the gifts," Arthur announced.
"Sir, you really didn't have to. This last month…"
"Has been under my roof, and my rules. And my children will be blessed on their birthdays."
Ginny shook her head with a smile. "You will never win. Just surrender now."
"Alright, alright, I will play nice." Harry said with a sigh.
Arthur and Molly passed along an obvious book. He unwrapped it: Basic Accounting and Economics. The inside cover had an inscription from Arthur. To help you master your numbers, Master Potter.
Bill and Fleur passed along something that felt metal. Bill said, "Magic or not, you would be surprised how useful one of these is in real life." Harry opened it to find a folding knife, with spring open and lock feature, and an inscription in french.
"Okay, I'm going to butcher this but I will try. 'À coeur vaillant rien d'impossible' And unfortunately, Fleur, the only words I understand are vaillant and impossible. May I ask?"
"Oui, To a brave 'eart zere's nothing impossible." she translated with a smile. The sentiment brought many nods around the table.
The twins passed along a small box that had something rattle in them. Harry opened and found a glasses case, with a new set of glasses. "Hey at the rate I break mine, I appreciate this." as he tried them on. "And you got the 'script right. Thanks."
"Actually, Harry, we've charmed them up a bit." George corrected.
"Standard unbreakable protection. Light triggered sun shading and also dark vision."
"Wait, these let me see in the dark?' Harry questioned.
"And, " Fred continued, "Rub the right elbow."
Harry did so and the world around him and several items all around him seemed to glow with new life. "Fred?"
"Arcane auras, Gives you the ability to see and detect magic around you. We thought it would be good to have that on standby. There is a sheet in the case that explains what color relates to the type of magic.
"That is brilliant, thank you very much.
"Harry, I'll be honest," Ron said." I just got you something I thought you could use. Instead of playing the game of which pocket do I want my wand to stick out of, I just got you a wand sheath."
Harry saw it was basic black leather. "That is perfect, I will use it literally every day. Thanks mate."
Hermione passed along a box. He opened to find a silver backed compass. Harry turned it over and saw an inscription. Never doubt your moral compass.
"Wow, 'Mione, that's really deep and flattering."
"True but, more importantly," she said with a nod, "it's accurate." She smiled.
Harry raised a finger, with his right hand clearly wearing the bracelet. "Oh and before anyone asks or says a word, Ginny beat you all and did gift and birthday wishes first thing in the morning."
Ron laughed, "Merlin, Gin, you made Harry's birthday a competition too!"
"It's more fun!"
The family finished the cake, and Harry was almost thrown out of the kitchen, banned from helping. Bill finally joked, "Gin, would you please take the man of the hour away?"
"Happily!" she replied, taking Harry's hand and walking him outside. Then, partially surprising Harry, she didn't stop. He quickly came alongside her.
"Okay Gin, what's the plan now?" Especially with the dark vision glasses. He could see the wicked grin on her face.
"You have several more hours of your birthday. I know MANY secluded corners in this orchard. I intend to find one, and snog you the rest of the night."
Harry made no objection.