Rory could hear voices when she woke that morning. She wasn't surprised; Grimmauld Place was still the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters, but she was a little peeved that someone had dropped by on her birthday.

She walked down the hall to the dining room and was relieved to see that it was just Sirius and her dad. Sirius spotted her first.

"Happy birthday!" he exclaimed.

"Thank you," she said with a yawn. "Aren't I supposed to come by later?"

"Yes, but I had to drop off your present. It required some teamwork to move it," he replied.

Rory raised an eyebrow and looked over to her dad.

"He pointed out that he hasn't been able to get you what he feels is an adequate present since he got out of Azkaban," Remus explained.

"And it required teamwork to move it?" Rory asked.

Sirius nodded. "The hallways here are quite narrow."

"Narrow?" Rory asked. "What on Earth?"

"Let's just show her," Sirius said.

She followed Sirius back down the hall to the lounge and pushed the door open. Everything looked the same, except where the old, rickety piano had been, there was now a new, sleek black piano.

Rory gasped. "Is that a grand piano?"

"Merlin, you two. It's a baby grand piano," he said with a huff. "It's only seven feet long."

"'Only,'" Remus said. "Do you even hear yourself?"

Sirius shushed him. "Do you like it?"

"Of course I do. I love it," Rory said. "Thank you." She hugged Sirius tightly and he squeezed her back. Maybe this was a little over the top as gifts went, but he was trying to make up for 15 years of gift giving in one go. She'd cut him some slack.

"For future references, I really am okay with just books," she said.

Sirius scoffed. "I'll leave that to your dad."

Rory turned to Remus. "What book did you get me?"

"I actually didn't get you a book," Remus said motioning to the door. "I got you a French press."

Rory gasped.

"See? Same reaction," Remus replied.

"Have you made coffee yet?" she asked.

"For ourselves, yes. I'm sure whatever you're going to make is going to be so strong we'll all be able to see into the future if we drink it," Remus said.

"Ah, so this is a gift for me and a gift for you," Rory said. "How clever."

"It's a gift for all of us," Sirius said. "The last time you made coffee, I felt like was vibrating for hours."

"That's how you know it's working," Rory said. She turned back to the piano. "Anyway, it took teamwork to move this?"

"Look how big it is," Sirius said.

"You're both so clever and neither of you thought to use a shrinking charm on it?" Rory asked.

Sirius and Remus exchanged glances.

"Work smarter, not harder," she said. She gave them both firm pats on the back and headed to the kitchen.

After she had her coffee and dressed, she headed to Sirius' house where the kitchen had been taken over by Molly Weasley. She greeted Rory with a hug and a happy birthday and ushered her out of the room back to the solarium.

She found Harry, Ron, and Hermione there sitting at the table, but just like last year, Matilda and Neville were also there.

Rory hugged them tightly.

"Happy birthday," Matilda said. "Harry was just telling us what Sirius got you for your birthday."

"He really emphasized that it's a baby grand piano," Rory said.

"We're talking about the same man who got Harry the most expensive broom on the market for Christmas and Harry didn't even know him," Ron pointed out.

"He is not a man who does things halfway," Harry said.

"He's excited," Rory said. "He's never gotten to do, like, dad, stuff for me. Can't be annoyed with him for going a little overboard."

"How was meeting your brother?" Neville asked.

"He's really excellent, actually," Rory said.

"He's so much like Sirius," Hermione said. "But he's somehow less… I dunno."

"Doesn't exude chaotic energy the way Sirius does," Rory said.

"Well, I imagine being raised with love and not spending 12 years in prison will have that effect on a person," Matilda said. "I can't wait to meet him one day."

"He'll be back around before the summer is over," Rory said.

"You two will get on like a house fire," Ron said with a chuckle.

Rory couldn't help but agree.

They all sat down to breakfast a short time later. Rory was happily distracted by the chatting and the laughter and the teasing. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits. She was grateful for that. It was easy to get lost in the fact that there was a war building up right outside their little bubble. Rory had all but been forced from her home because of the Servants of Pythia, and who knew what they were up to.

But for now, it was just her, her family, and a breakfast with more food than she ever thought any of them could eat in a lifetime.

They somehow managed to clear their plates and as the table was cleared, Harry pulled Rory aside.

"Would you like your present now?" Harry asked.

Rory pouted. They'd had a conversation weeks ago. Rory's brain wasn't in any kind of head space to be thinking about gifts and they'd agreed that for their birthday this year they weren't going to exchange gifts. At least that's what she thought they'd agreed.

"I know this is probably contrary to everything anyone has ever told you about girls, but when I say 'let's not exchange gifts' I actually mean it," she said.

"I know you meant it. I just chose to ignore you because I still wanted to get you something," Harry said. "Of course if you don't want it, I'll happily return it."

Rory sighed. He was impossible. "Fine, if you must."

"I must," he said taking her hand. "Besides, it's not returnable."

"How convenient," she said. He led her through the kitchen and up to his room. He sat her down on the bed and went to his closet.

"Close your eyes. I haven't wrapped it," he said.

She closed her eyes as instructed it.

"It's not anything spectacular," Harry said. "I just saw it and thought you might like it. Is that alright?"

"It's your world, Harry Potter, I'm just living in it," she said.

Suddenly she felt a blanket come down over her head.

"Happy birthday," Harry said.

Rory pulled the blanket from her head and looked at it. It was black and white covered in similarly black and white fish. Koi fish.

"While I was wasting time this summer and last summer learning about tulpas and sourdough starters and not studying for classes, I learned that these fish, koi fish, they're actually kind of symbols of love and affection in Japan, because I guess it's a homophone for the word love over there. And I just thought it was a fun coincidence, since I call you fish and all that," he said, his face reddening with each word. "So, here's a fleece throw blanket with fish on it."

Rory smiled at him. "You know, sometimes I tell people the things you say and do and they tell me 'boys don't actually do those things.'"

"Yeah, but that's because other boys are terrible and I'm fantastic," he said.

"That's about what I tell them as well," she replied. "I love you. This is really sweet. I'm really lucky to have you."

"As it turns out, koi also symbolize good luck," Harry said. "I think the black and white one actually symbolize good luck in business and your career, but I thought this one looked the nicest of the options I had."

Rory laughed. She thought about her grandfather who thought Harry was putting on a show, pretending to be someone he wasn't. But Rory knew better. He could never fake this level of earnestness.

"I love you," she repeated. She folded the blanket and sat it aside. She got to her feet and embraced Harry tightly.

"I love you too, Fish," he said. "Happy birthday."

She gave him a quick kiss, not daring to do more with their friends and her dads and the Weasleys lurking around. But this was enough. Her birthday last year ended with Harry getting attacked by dementors, so just being with him now was more than enough.

Rory couldn't believe she was going to a party. An actual party. They'd had plenty of party-like events in the Gryffindor Common room, sure, but this was a proper house party. If you could call Matilda's mansion a house.

They'd taken a portkey to Matilda's house the day of the party, Sirius in tow to ensure they arrived safely.

"Merlin, she wasn't joking about the size of this place," Ron said.

"Have you seen Malfoy Manor?" Sirius asked.

"Ostentatious as hell," Rory said. "They've got peacocks roaming around the place. It's more like a attraction than a manor."

Matilda's house was charming, a brick facade with antique windows and a classic English garden out front. It was three stories with 10 bedrooms, a library, a study, a lounge, a formal dining room among other things. But Bryony Cerbus had updated the place considerably. When Matilda was 12-years-old she'd requested a pool. Being the only child of a divorced, rich, pureblood witch Bryony had put in a pool house outback, attached to an indoor pool so that when Matilda was home in the winter the pool was still usable.

This was to be the venue of Matilda's party. A pool party. She was nervous and it had nothing to do with the fact that she couldn't swim.

They were standing in the front hall and Bryony herself came down the stairs. She looked less frail than when Rory had seen her last. Her face was fuller, her cheeks redder, her golden hair shiny and healthy.

"Aurora, how long has it been. I think you were 13 the last time I saw you," she said.

She gave Rory a hug.

"You look well," Rory said.

"Thank you," Bryony replied. She looked past Rory and smiled. "And you must be Aurora's other dad, Sirius Black."

"I am," Sirius said, shaking her hand.

"You can't imagine my surprise when my daughter came home and told me she'd spent her summer and Easter with you so it was 'no big deal' when you turned up at the Ministry of Magic with her a few weeks ago," Bryony said. "Worse things I suppose."

"Sorry about the ruse," Sirius said.

"Don't be. I'm glad Aurora trusted Matilda enough to tell her about you," Bryony said. "Perhaps have her refrain from breaking the law in the future though?"

"My dad says that to me all the time," Rory said.

"I was hoping to see Remus, but then I checked my calendar, so just send your father my best, will you?" Bryony said.

"I will," Rory said. She introduced her friends, all of them familiar to Bryony by name.

"Mattie's up in her room if you want to get her, Aurora. I can show your friends to the pool," she said.

Rory walked upstairs. She hadn't visited since before fourth year, but she still knew her way well. She walked down the corridor and saw her friend's room on the left side, door ajar.

She was going to excitedly greet her friend, but Rory was immediately taken aback by what she saw in the room. Matilda was there, but so was Neville.

And they were kissing.

For a moment Rory thought about backing away and loudly announcing herself, but that wasn't really her style. Instead she put her hands on her hips and cleared her throat loudly.

Neville and Matilda separated, flushed and embarrassed. Rory smiled at them.

"Well, hello, friends," she said.

Matilda ran her fingers through her hair, trying to compose herself. "I'm sure this is a shock to you."

"Not even a little bit, actually," Rory said, shaking her head. "A relief maybe. Do you know how annoying it is to watch you date Seamus when Neville is literally right there?"

"Can you keep this to yourself for now?" Neville asked.

Rory groaned. "Why?"

"Because we just want to be sure we're not screwing anything up," Matilda said.

Rory couldn't argue with that. The last thing she needed was for them to break up and not be friends anymore.

"Alright," Rory said with a sigh. "But I need you to understand how much of an inconvenience this to me."

"You can't tell Harry," Matilda said.

Rory groaned. "I literally tell him everything. Isn't he the exception?"

"He's just going run off and tell Ron and Hermione, and you know Ron would absolutely accidentally tell someone and then everyone would know," Matilda said.

Again, Rory groaned. If she told Harry not to tell anyone, he wouldn't, but Rory agreed all the same. She would not say a word to anyone about it, not even Harry.

They went downstairs and outside to the pool house. Rory was pleased to see Tonks there, talking to Sirius and Bryony. Rory hadn't seen her since she came for dinner.

Tonks greeted Rory with a hug.

"Where have you been? You didn't come for my birthday or Harry's and you didn't get to meet Atlas," Rory said.

"I know, I'm sorry. Things have been insane lately," Tonks said. "But I'll make it up to you."

"How so?" Rory asked.

Tonks motioned to the door of the pool house. Her heart leapt into her throat as Anna and Atlas walked in.

"Well, this is a surprise," Rory said.

Atlas shrugged coolly. "Your friend wrote Sirius who then talked to my mom. Figured this would be pretty chill."

"Atlas, this is Matilda and Neville," Rory said.

"You're Atlas?" Matilda asked, shaking his hand. Her jaw was nearly on the floor.

"Yep," he said. "Nice to meet you. Rory talks about you all the time."

Matilda nodded and giggled. Rory rolled her eyes and gently extracted her friend from her brother. This was going to be an interesting day.

"And you finally got to meet Tonks," Rory said.

"Auror Tonks," Anna said, stepping in, "I just wanted to apologize—."

"Don't worry about. I was already very familiar with Levi by the time we met, so it made sense that you'd want to do all you could to keep him away," Tonks said.

Anna seemed relieved at this.

"She's been freaking out all day. I told her to chill, but Mom has none," Atlas said.

Anna rolled her eyes.

"I've got to get going," Sirius said. "I'll be back in the morning. Behave yourself until then."

"Always do," Rory said. She looked over to Atlas. "I have to be on my best behavior to look after this one don't I?"

"Do I look like I could ever cause any trouble?" Atlas asked innocently.

Rory glanced over to Sirius and then back to her brother. "As a matter of fact, I think you might be genetically predisposed to trouble."

"Well, only one of us has a literal cult following, so I think I'm pretty tame compared to you," Atlas said.

Yep, her brother was going to fit right in with her friends.

Anna promised to be back for Atlas that evening and then headed out with Sirius.

"I need to change into my bathing suit," Matilda said taking, Rory's arm. "Neville, can you show Atlas where to change?"

"Sure," Neville said.

Matilda pulled Rory around to the side of the of the where there was a changing room. Hermione was sitting with Ginny by the pool.

"Granger," Matilda said, motioning for her to follow.

"I've already changed," Hermione said.

"Just come on," Matilda insisted.

Hermione rolled her eyes and got to her feet, following the pair into the small changing suite. Matilda locked the door.

"Hermione, am I crazy or is Atlas really fucking hot?" Matilda asked.

Rory groaned.

"I mean, he is rather good looking," Hermione admitted, her cheeks reddening.

"He just looks like a boy. He looks like Sirius," Rory said.

"This might be news to you, but Sirius is also well fit," Matilda said.

Rory looked over to Hermione who simply shrugged.

"Look, just take it easy on him," Rory said. "Who else is coming to this party anyway?"

"Just the DA. Thought we'd have a little illegal club get together shindig," Matilda said. "I did not invite Cho and Marietta though."

"Obviously," Rory said.

"Did you invite Michael?" Hermione asked.

"Michael Corner? Yeah," Matilda said.

Hermione and Rory exchanged a look. Rory couldn't help but grimace.

"You're not worried about Ginny are you?" Matilda asked.

"I'm worried he might bring his girlfriend," Rory said.

"Think Ginny will have it in for her?" Matilda asked.

"Michael's dating Cho now," Rory said. "Easy way to circumvent not getting invited if you're a plus one."

Matilda gasped. "When did this happen?"

"End of term," Hermione said.

"Fuck. Sorry. I didn't realize," Matilda said. "But it should be fine, right? I mean, Harry doesn't fancy her anymore."

"I'm sure it'll be fine," Rory said, mostly to herself. "It's not like I'm obligated to talk to her. But I'll have to explain to Atlas why I don't like her."

"You didn't tell him?" Hermione asked.

"She doesn't want him to have a bad opinion of Harry so she's glossed over a few things," Matilda said.

"He'll understand," Hermione said. "He's very down to earth."

"Hot and down to earth," Matilda said.

"You're not allowed to go after him," Rory warned.

"I won't, don't worry. I have my sights set elsewhere," Matilda said.

"Who this time?" Hermione asked, mostly seeming amused.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Matilda said with a wink. "All the same, he's much more… Relaxed than Fred or Seamus. Someone to balance my chaos."

Hermione nodded. "So Neville then."

Matilda gasped and put her hands on her hips. "Merlin, Hermione, am I not allowed to have a bit of mystery?"

"Sure, but not about Neville," Hermione said. "You were right about him balancing you out."

"Well, it's a secret," Matilda said.

"You should just tell him," Hermione said.

Matilda chuckled. "Oh, we're well past that my friend."

"How well past that?" Rory asked as she pulled out her bathing suit. "Wait. Don't answer that. I don't want to know."

"We're not as familiar as you and Harry are if that's what you're thinking," Matilda said. "I have some sense, thank you."

Rory pulled off her shirt and had Hermione help her tie the back of her bikini top on.

"How familiar do you think Harry and I are, Mattie?" Rory asked.

"Well, you don't tell me anything because you two are so private," Matilda said. "So I've had to guess."

Rory finished changing into bathing suit; a bikini top and a high waisted, high cut bottoms, and looked herself over in the mirror. Her bathing suit hadn't seemed too revealing when she'd gotten it, but now she felt a little exposed. She grabbed her cover up and pulled it on.

"You're just going to jump into the pool. Why put that on?" Matilda asked.

"Just feels a bit weird. Wearing a bathing suit in front of Harry," she said.

"Neville has seen you in a bathing suit about a million times," Matilda pointed out.

"Yeah, but he's like my brother," Rory said. "Harry is very much not like a sibling by any stretch of the imagination."

"Sure, but he's seen you naked before anyway. Not sure why it matters," Matilda said.

"Harry has never seen me naked," Rory said. "He's never even seen me without a shirt on."

Matilda's jaw dropped and Rory prepared herself for the tangent her friend was about to embark on.

"Really? You two are always so handsy. I just assumed," Matilda said.

"Well you know what happens when you assume," Hermione said.

"No wonder you were asking how familiar I thought you and Harry were," Matilda said. "Although, you were broken up for a good while. I suppose for you two being as responsible as you are would want to take it slow after getting back together."

"I mean yeah, but..." Rory paused, seeing how eager Matilda looked at her words. She looked to Hermione for help of some kind. She's already told her about her visit to Surrey.

"What's that look? Does she know something I don't?" Matilda asked. "I'm only a little hurt."

"Don't be weird," Rory said.

"Fat chance. Did something happen?" Matilda asked.

"Yes and no," Rory said. "I mean, we mess around all the time, so it's not ever a big deal, but I dunno. It was all very... Different this time around, when I visited him at his aunt and uncle's house."

"How so?" Matilda asked.

Rory shrugged. "Different in that ever since I've found myself wondering why we didn't just do it."

Matilda raised an eyebrow at this. "Really?"

Rory nodded. "I mean, things just got really intense. It was to a point where we just kept going and going and until all that was left to do was... Do it. So we just stopped."

"You are a stronger woman than I," Matilda said. "What about you, Hermione?"

Hermione scoffed. "Viktor and I were never that serious."

"Can you believe her? Hermione's going to be able to spend the rest of her life saying 'I dated Viktor Krum, but it was never that serious.' Absolute legend," Matilda said. Hermione chuckled. "And then you, on the opposite end of the spectrum with Harry Potter. Very serious."

"We just don't want to make any rash decisions while caught up in the moment," Rory said. "But afterward, I just kept thinking 'Aurora Lupin, you and your dumb boundaries are the whole reason you're so wound up now.'"

Matilda laughed. "Tell your brain and boundaries that they're fine. You're more responsible than me. You just have to talk."

"We did talk," Rory said.

"And?" Matilda asked.

Rory shrugged. "We just decided that it's not off the table anymore. That if it feels right neither of us would mind crossing that bridge. I'm in no rush to get it over with or anything. I'm just open to it now..."

"And you're afraid that seeing you in a bathing suit might make Harry a bit too eager to cross that particular bridge?" Matilda asked.

"No. I mean, yes. It's just... I'm very easily swayed by his inclinations," Rory said. "Sometimes he just looks at me a certain way or whispers something in my ear and I just want to... I dunno."

"Let him do very inappropriate things to your body?" Matilda asked.

Hermione groaned. "Can I go if this what we're going to talk about?"

"Absolutely not," Matilda said. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Well if you find that you both can't possibly control yourselves, I'm happy to create a diversion so you can sneak away to one of the guest rooms."

"I'll keep that in mind, though I don't think it will come to that," Rory said. "Might I remind you that you invited my brother. I really am going to be on my best behavior with him around."