A/N: Hello again everyone! The urge to write has not disappeared these last couple of days. Hopefully no one was bummed to receive 2 chapters back to back though! Thank you for all the reviews that have come in, I love answering these! We have officially passed 50k words! These include a fair bit of review answers and character sheet postings but it still feels good.
Review answers below.
SorayukiChinatsu: I'm glad you appreciated the first pairing! I wanted to pick someone unexpected but natural and the setup after the discussions Harry had getting his living situation started was too good an opportunity to pass up. I can't promise that it will be the final pairing but it's definitely a nice one to write.
Frankieu: I can go ahead and spoil this with no, Rita did not bug their date. It was however a secret reason for Harry going about it the way he did. He knew anything on British soil risked having that useless bint getting into his business and he was not going to let that ruin a nice date.
Anon: Thank you for the review, even if it was unprompted. I have not bashed anyone in the story so far and hope that you'll give my story a chance before judging it.
Navn Ukjent: The quest system is being saved at the moment from becoming too monotonous or overdone. Harry has also taken a small break from grinding after the foray into the Chamber but he will be back at it soon enough! And yes normally he would have saved the skill points for emergencies but he also wanted to provide a special night for a girl that he wanted to impress. Harry's dating life from his past life, which was canon up until the final moments of the 7th book, was lacklustre and boring and when he started all of this he said that he wanted to seize every opportunity that presented itself with his new life. Lastly he will be improving his Perception at some point, when he brings all his stats to 20 like he plans, but its low very low on his list of priorities at the moment. His current glasses can transition into goggles at the moment and that is more than enough for him at his current level.
And away we go!
Chapter 10: Explanations, Exams, and Exciting Parties
Tracey dipped the quill into the inkpot and wrote another few lines, a look of intense concentration on her face. Daphne watched her friend from her place on the bed, a small cross-stitch project in her delicate hands. It had been a week since the night in Spain as Tracey referred to it in her mind and she was over the moon. Harry's owl had shown up the next morning, and what a pretty owl she was, with a photo that had been taken in the club without her knowledge. It showed her being spun by Harry's confident hand over her head and her dress flaring out. When the spin ended it showed her with a laughing smile on her face to match Harry's own. It was a great picture that definitely caught them both in a special moment. There had been a short letter detailing again Harry's thanks for having a great note and making sure that she got home well. It had won another few points in Tracey's book.
When Daphne had shown up this morning, the first visit since the date, Tracey had wasted no time telling her all about it. Daphne had been suitably impressed with the level of planning that went into a night like that, as well as a respectful acknowledgement of what had surely been a costly night. Tracey had waved off that concern. The photo of the dancing and the memories of that night were well worth it for both Harry and Tracey. And the kiss! Oh, Tracey's lips had tingled the rest of the night. She was unaware that Harry's had done the same.
Daphne had inquired about the architecture and the meal, dancing not really being high on her list of interests. Sure she knew how to dance well enough as all Purebloods should, but it was hardly a hobby for her. Tracey had scoffed at the questions, as they hardly seemed important in the wake of the other events of the night, but had answered them all for nothing more than an excuse to keep talking about it. Currently Tracey was responding to another letter from Harry, inviting her to his birthday party at the end of the week. It had contained a few other factoids about the boy that was quickly becoming her main interest, and joined a growing stack of letters that they had exchanged in the last few days. Also within the letter had been an invite for Tracey to bring Daphne as well. Apparently the party would have a lot of fellow students. The Quidditch teams for Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Hufflepuff along with most of the students from their year in those houses as well as the Weasley clan and any relevant plus ones. They were apparently the only Slytherins currently invited. Harry had stressed that he had no qualms against Slytherins at his party and promised to quash any complaints from the more 'loyal' Gryffindors.
"Do I have to go?" Daphne asked from the bed, eyes and hands focused on threading the cross-stitch correctly.
"I suppose you don't have to come if you don't want to, but I'd like for you to come. There's going to be a few Ravenclaws, the Patil twins, and apparently Cedric Diggory will be there. Not the worst crowd for your esteemed presence" Tracey teased her friend, and her crush on Diggory.
Tracey knew her friend was shooting a glare her way, "you know I hate crowds, Tracey"
"It won't be a crowd, Daph. Harry's manor has plenty to do, I doubt everyone will be clumped together. Apparently he has a lake, pool, and his own Quidditch Pitch" Tracey idly traced a heart in one of her i's before realizing what she was doing and using some ink-remover to fix it.
"Oh, so it will be a showboating excuse for Harry and his teammates" Daphne jibed. She quieted a curse when she pricked her finger. She made sure Tracey wasn't looking before sucking on the finger.
"I'm sure there will be a pickup game, but there's also a library! Please Daph, I'd love for you to meet Harry officially. You won't even recognize him!" Tracey dropped some sand onto her letter and left it to dry before turning to her friend suddenly. Tracey cocked an eyebrow in a poor imitation of her friend when she caught Daphne sucking on her finger.
Daphne popped the finger out with all the grace of a Pureblood, and glared back, "Fine, but if it turns out to just be a jockfest I'll be using some of his Floo powder and going home"
"Yay! Now what should we wear? I'm sure we'll need swimsuits" Tracey laughed at Daphne's groan and pulled her up and took her to the wardrobe. Fussing and teasing jibes could be heard from both girls through the door for the next hour.
***Break***
Harry was also over the moon since the night in Spain, as he had taken to referring to it in his mind. Tracey's letter stated to expect both her and Daphne at the party, along with a few answers and responses to the contents of his letter. He had confirmations from the Quidditch teams, Hermione, Ron and the Weasley kids, and a few people from their year but Tracey's had been the one he was most excited about.
Setting the letter onto the growing stack of letters on his desk, Harry got up and crossed off 'invite Tracey' from his to-do list and exited the study. The Weasleys had gotten back a couple days ago and Harry was set to visit today, a fact that he both enjoyed and dreaded. There would be quite a bit of talking today and he was sure that his new look, attitude, and above all living arrangement would invite a lot to talk about. Popping into his bathroom for a quick shower, Harry dressed himself in some casual clothes. Loose jeans, a belt, and a short sleeved t-shirt. On his belt he placed his wand holster, and slicked his hair into a comfortable style. He checked his watch and saw that he had about 20 minutes.
"Dobby! I'm headed to the Smithy!" Harry called out, and stepped into his yard. Harry crossed the short walkway to his smithy and checked that the coals were burning well. He had been testing different metals and their smelting temperatures to try and familiarize himself with the process over the past week. It would probably be advised to get a tutor or instructor of some sort but he had ignored that in lieu of books and trial-and-error. Nodding in confirmation that all was well he left Dobby with instructions to jot down anything he noticed, and headed to his Floo inside.
"The Burrow"
***Break***
Harry hardly had a moment to arrange himself properly before the crushing hug of Molly Weasley caused his ribs and back to pop ominously. He wouldn't trade the feeling for anything else though and easily returned the hug, much to the shock of the matron. She pulled back and looked him over twice, before looking at his hair.
"Oh Harry dear, you look so different! Arthur mentioned the hair after the press conference, but to see it myself! Why you practically look like one of my brood! You look like you've been eating well enough, but come come I was just getting lunch finished up. The boys are in the back degnoming the garden. Arthur should be in his shed, and Ginny was feeling faint so I sent her upstairs" Molly bustled off in the way only a mother could, fully expecting Harry to follow which he did.
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley. With the changes that my inheritance brought on, I decided to change some things up physically as well, honor both of my parents as well as I could. I hope you don't mind the hair, but if being mistaken for one of your kids is what happens then I hardly see that as a problem" Harry shared a laugh with Molly "is there anything I can do to help?"
"Nonsense. You're a guest! Sit, I'll have you served up in a moment" Molly waved her wand a few times, always amazing Harry with her culinary prowess. He inquired about some of the spells she used while he waited.
Almost as soon as his plate clattered onto the table, the back door boomed open and the thunder that was the Weasley children stormed into the Burrow. Laughter and camaraderie that was so common in the Weasley clan could be heard in the voices before suddenly cutting off when the first Weasley child caught sight of the bespectacled boy at their table.
"Oi! Mum! Is this some long lost cousin I see? Or perhaps a brother none of us knew of? Does Dad know?" George chimed in as he stepped into the kitchen.
"Methinks that it's a lost child that Mum has taken pity on, brother" Fred helpfully supplied.
"Harry!" Ron slipped past George and clapped Harry on the back, nearly knocking him into the plate in front of him. Puberty was taking the youngest Weasley male by storm and Harry could swear he had already grown another inch since he last saw him. All of the Weasley kids sported a slight tan from their time in Egypt.
Harry chuckled and stood up, shocking the Weasley clans again with a growth spurt of his own. He was actually eye to eye with Ron for once! He amicably placed his arm over Ron's shoulders and pulled him into an arm hug, before doing the same with the rest of the Weasley brothers before shaking Percy's hand.
"You've been well Harry?" Percy asked, nodding at Harry's confirmation.
"Out! All of you, out! You're tracking mud all over the place. Upstairs! The lot of you! Let Harry eat in peace while you wash up" Molly ushered the kids up the stairs, tutting at the muddy prints they left on their way up. She waved her wand and whisked the mud out of the carpet. She ushered Harry back to his seat and set some cutlery in front of him. She had prepared a delicious soup to accompany her grilled cheese sandwiches and Harry wasted no time digging in.
Harry was just declining another plate of sandwiches, opting to finish his soup, when the Weasley storm again came down the stairs. Freshly washed, they were a bit more subdued than their initial entry but still as boisterous as Harry remembered. Ron took a place next to Harry and grunted a greeting before setting into the soup and sandwiches with a fervor. Fred and George sat opposite, and also dug in heartily though with a modicum more decorum. Just a modicum. Percy placed a much more reasonable amount in front of himself and set into it with knife and fork, which his brothers had ignored.
Knowing it would be a moment before they talked much, Harry looked at the oldest Weasley boy. He remembered from his alternate life a slightly ostracized black sheep of the Weasley family. A true Gryffindor, but with a few more Ravenclaw properties than his family was used to. Harry knew that he had an opportunity to try and bring the boy more into the fold, or at least become more of a friend, and chose to take it.
"So Percy, since these wild beasts will be eating" Harry ignored the grunts of indignation from the 3 stooges at the table "for a while, how has your summer been? Was Egypt as awesome as it sounded?"
Percy seemed to be taken by surprise from being addressed directly, an uncommon occurrence with Harry, he took it in stride only taking a moment to wipe his mouth politely with his napkin before responding, "Yes actually. William definitely knows his stuff, and showed us around many of the popular sites in the area. There was a fascinating temple that plays a large part in the training process of potential Curse Breakers"
Percy and Harry conversed for a while while the twins and Ron devoured their portions and then some. Arthur was finally coaxed away from his tinkering and came in through the kitchen door. He stopped to kiss his wife before ruffling the hair of each of his boys, only Percy bothering to straighten it back. Arthur's hand hovered over Harry's hair for a brief moment before opting to pat him on the shoulder a couple times and take his place at the head of the table. Ginny could be heard moving around upstairs, possibly just waking up from a nap or just finishing some homework.
"Harry, so good to see you! I almost confused you for one of my own boys, thinking I had lost count somewhere. That hair will take some getting used to. How have you been?" Arthur asked the other redhead at the table, taking a few bites of his sandwich while Harry replied.
"I've been doing very well, thank you. Just finished moving into my new home" Harry dropped the house bomb since most of the people were present that he had wanted to tell.
Silence reigned for a moment, even Ron stopping to look at him in bewilderment "New home?" Arthur asked, shooting a glance at his wife.
"Yes. Actually, it's not far from here" Harry took a moment to sip his tea. He had omitted the living arrangement change from his letters, deciding that it was a conversation best had in person.
"Harry dear, is it wise to be living on your own so soon?" Molly asked, a worried expression on her face.
Harry took a deep breath and readied himself for bomb number two. At that moment Ginny came in and stopped at the scene ahead of her. Silence during lunch? Oddity. Strange new redhead at the table? Oddity. Strange redhead being cute? Oddity. Bewildered or worried expressions on most of her family's faces? Oddity.
"Errr... Mum? Is this a good time?" Ginny asked, taking her place next to the twins.
Molly nodded, not dropping the worried expression from her face but still managing to have another plate of sandwiches float over to her daughter.
"Hey Ginny" Harry said, catching her eye. Ginny's eyes got huge when she realized that the cute redhead was in fact Harry Flippin' Potter, the boy who she had last seen in the Hospital Wing after he had just saved her life from Tom Riddle. She let out a small eep, blushed profusely, and busied herself getting caught up with the eating of her brothers.
"So what did you mean new home Harry?" Arthur prompted, once he was sure Ginny was well. He also had not forgotten the last time that Ginny and Harry had been together, and hoped that her nightmares had lessened a bit in the time since.
"Well actually… Err. How best do I say this? I actually live not far from here, I bought up some land and had a house constructed" Harry started to explain before turning and side-eyeing Ron who was well known for his jealousy. The boy had a thoughtful look on his face.
Molly looked ready to burst before catching a glance from her husband and deflating a bit, she nodded solemnly and stood up. Coming around the table she swept Harry into another bone-crushing hug.
"I understand Harry. I don't think I could undo your decision or even convince you to. I just worry with everything that's going on with Sirius Black and it's such a sudden change. You let me know if you need anything and you're always welcome over. I will not have you starve on your own!" Molly hugged him just a bit tighter before setting him back into his seat and dabbing her eyes with her napkin once she settled back into her own. Her concern had always had a special effect on Harry, and he was touched that she was so motherly towards him.
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley. I promise I'm not starving. Actually I got a House Elf, you remember Dobby that I tricked Mr. Malfoy into releasing?" Arthur hid a chuckle behind a cough, after a warning glance from his wife, at the mention of the elf. Malfoy had complained for days at the Ministry about that. "Dobby makes sure that I'm well taken care of and has reminded me to eat on more than one occasion"
"That's all well and good, but you can still come whenever you like. You always have a place here" Molly said firmly.
The family was quiet for just a moment before Fred chimed in, "Yeah Harry, you already look like one of us. Get you in some choring clothes and put you in our garden for a week and you'll be called a Weasley before you know it!"
This served to break some of the tension in the room, and things slowly got back to normal enough for everyone to finish lunch. The children stood up to head outside for a while, but Harry was stopped by the Weasley patron. Arthur motioned for Harry to come with him to the living room, waving off his kids who tried to follow.
Arthur turned and clapped his hands onto each of Harry's shoulders and staring him in the eye. It was a firm look, equal parts concern and fatherly love. Arthur stared for just a moment before pulling Harry into a hug, shocking the young boy. After a moment Arthur released him.
"Thank you Harry, I know I said it in the Wing, but you truly saved this family from a tragedy by saving Ginny. You also portrayed yourself so well in that press conference a few weeks ago and you deserved a thanks for that as well. The Minister was quite annoyed when you said you wouldn't take an Order of Merlin without Ron getting one as well, let me tell you" Arthur chuckled a bit before slipping back into his firm tone "But you promise you're being safe? Sirius Black is still at large, and poses a very real risk towards you"
Harry nodded, knowing that Arthur was wrong about the danger but understanding just the same and knowing that there wasn't much he could do to convince Arthur, save revealing far too many secrets. He had expected this though.
"Yes sir, I am" Harry indicated his watch, necklace, ring, and wand holster "I carry a few emergency Portkeys on me at all times, and never leave home without my wand readily available. First sign of trouble, I am out of there. I also have Dobby, my elf, monitoring me closely for any signs of poison or trouble. He has strict instructions to bring me to St. Mungo's if there's anything different"
Arthur seemed shocked at the level of preparation but nodded with a small smile and clapped Harry on the shoulder, "Well it seems I don't have much to worry about. Just let me know if you see anything strange, I'll have the DMLE over in a jiffy"
Harry nodded again and thanked him, taking the escape that was offered to head out the door and join the Weasley children.
***Break***
"A house huh? What's that like?" Ron asked, scuffing his toe in an attempt to dislodge a rock that had caught his attention.
Harry sighed, knowing this would be a conversation best had now before Ron saw the house "It's different. Quiet. No Dursleys trying to get me to do chores, and more space than I know what to do with"
"So it's big?" Ron asked with an almost annoyed tone.
"Yes Ron. And before you get jealous, I didn't get a big house to show off my wealth. I got a big house to be able to do all the things that I've always wanted to do. There's going to be a lot of changes in my life going forward, and it would mean a lot to me if you were okay with that" Harry looked at his best friend, who hid his face by staring at the rock even more intently "You know, I would gladly trade with you. You can have the big house and I'll have your family"
Ron's head shot up and a look of anger crossed his face before disappearing immediately. Ron sighed and resumed trying to dislodge the rock "It's just a lot to take in you know? We have land, and a decent sized house, but none of it is mine you know? I'm not going to inherit much being the youngest male in a poor family. Even Ginny is likely to get a dowry when she's ready to marry someone. Dad had told us about your emancipation, but I had put it out of mind while we were away in Egypt. Bill caught me brooding and had a serious talk with me. He said that for every coin of money that you had, you had to give up a minute with your parents and how would I feel if the same were done to me, you know? That hit hard. I don't promise that I'll be immediately okay with it all, but I would be right shite if I held it against you. And then you show up looking like some long lost brother, and it just felt for a moment like you were stealing the spotlight"
Harry's eyes were huge, he had expected more complaining from Ron but this was a maturity that he hadn't expected to see so soon. He couldn't help it, he started laughing in amazement. Ron looked up at his best friend in disbelief, "Oi! Don't laugh, I'm trying to be serious here!"
"I know, Ron, I know. I just didn't expect it. I expected a huge argument, no offense. You know that everything that is mine you're welcome to at any time? You're my best friend, mate. I wouldn't trade you for a million Malfoys that showered me in gold" Harry clapped his friend on the shoulder, and dodged the smack of indignation.
"A million Malfoys? Talk about a horror story. Could you imagine their battle cry? My Father! My Father!" Ron started laughing at the thought, and Harry soon joined him, their impersonations of what a million Malfoys would be like getting more and more ridiculous.
***Break***
Harry eyed the test in front of him with an almost bored expression. It was his 5th that day, but he was rolling through them smoothly in the small room at the Ministry. A certified Examiner was overseeing his retaking of the exams and had easily accommodated Harry's impressive pace, after checking him 3 times for cheating instruments. Harry was on his 3rd quill of the afternoon, but understood the caution. He admitted to himself that he was rolling through these quite easily, but that was more due to the reviewing he had done with the help of his Gamer privileges than anything else. The Examiner didn't need to know that though.
Soon that exam was pulled and another was put in front of him. At this rate, what was expected to be 2 days of exams would only take 1 which was okay with Harry as it gave him more time for preparing for his party. He quickly jotted down the answers to the first few questions and the only sound in the room was the scratch scratch scratch of the quill.
***Break***
Harry checked again that he looked presentable. His guests were due to arrive at any moment, and he was nervous. He wasn't big on crowds but this party also doubled as a housewarming party so it was due to be big. Neville had sent word that he would be celebrating his own birthday with some extended family in Norway and would be unable to attend. Dobby had been working most of the early morning preparing all of the food and decorations, a task that had the elf singing, literally singing, the praises of the Great Harry Potter. Harry actually had to order the Elf to stop before his guests arrived, lest the Weasley twins catch wind of it. Dobby was under strict instructions to only refer to him as Master Harry.
Molly had had to be talked out of coming over and helping with the preparations, and Harry almost regretted giving the woman his Floo address after the 3rd call. Almost, if her motherly attitude didn't warm his heart so much. She was still going to be bringing some food items, he was sure of it, and had had Dobby pop over discreetly to coordinate what he was making with what she was making. It looked like this year he was at least getting 2 cakes, as Molly was already icing hers and Dobby could not be ordered not to make one of his own. To think a House Elf would flat out refuse an order!
Knowing that nothing could be done for it, Harry turned his attention back to his attire. He was in jeans, and a button up shirt. He had thought about having his swimming briefs on, even under the clothes, but had decided that that was a bit much and knew that he could just change if needed. Straightening his watch, and his collar, Harry headed off to his sitting room just in time to hear the first whoosh of arrival.
"Harry!" Was all the warning he received as a Hermione grade missile slammed into his side with the force of 10 Hippogriffs.
"Oof" was all Harry could say in return, and he accepted the hug from his best female friend. After a moment Hermione pulled back and took in his new appearance as well as the room around them, the lands visible through the window, as well as a multitude of other details in a split second.
"Wow. You look so different! I like the hair and the new look, it definitely suits you. What a place! This is all yours? Even that lake in the back there? And what is all of this artwork? You going for that bachelor look? You know I read in a mag-" Hermione cut off the start of her greeting rant when Harry placed a finger on her lips. This was not something he ever did so it shocked her into silence.
"Hello to you too Hermione. Thank you, the hair is in honor of my mother. I wanted to have a bit more of her in my look than just my eyes. This is all my place, including that lake out there. The artwork was provided by my House Elf Dobby, the same one from the incident last year with Malfoy and the Chamber. I technically am a Bachelor, I wasn't sure that would interest you but I'm sure we could explore that at some point" Harry winked at her rapidly blushing face "Now, you're in the path of the Floo and I've got quite a bit of greeting to do. Dobby! Can you show Hermione the library?"
Hermione's eyes lit up at the mention of the library, and she allowed herself to be led off by Dobby who she asked questions to at a staggering speed. Dobby matched it well enough, and Harry knew she'd be busy enough for at least a half hour.
The Floo lit up again and Angelina Johnson showed up, looking absolutely stunning in her summer attire, followed quickly by Katie Bell. Harry greeted and complimented them both, showing them the table of snacks laid out outside and visible through the window and answering a few questions about the new house. They each hugged him and headed off to check the place out.
Alicia Spinnet was next and wasted no time heading off to catch up with her 2 friends. There was a table near the Floo for gifts that Harry had only put there at Dobby's urging, that was actually getting filled despite the invitations requesting no gifts.
The Weasley clan showed up next, along with Lee Jordan and Oliver Wood much to Harry's enjoyment. Molly and Arthur were the de facto chaperones of the day as the only adults invited, and Harry was glad that he had sent over a full pouch of Floo powder for the clan. They would have taken the Ford Anglia but it currently had a home in the Forbidden Forest and it was this fact that had enabled Harry to convince the proud Weasleys to accept the powder. They had offered to walk, of all things, before he had shut that idea down.
Molly went to check out the Loom room that Harry had told her about, while Arthur beelined to the Mechanic's Shed. The kids and young adults greeted Harry one by one and headed off to the dock and to check out the Pitch. Luna Lovegood had accompanied Ginny today as a welcome plus one and Harry greeted her as well, even if her oddities at this age made that a little hard.
The next few arrivals were a smattering of various students from Harry's year, whose eyes were wide at the large house and the strange yet familiar boy that greeted them. The weirdness left them quickly enough and they too headed outside to grab a snack and greet the earlier arrivals.
Finally, Tracey arrived, and she looked amazing in Harry's eyes. At least, she thought she did if the way his face lit up was any indication.
"Earth to Potter" Daphne supplied behind her, as Harry had yet to say anything in the 15 seconds that they had been here.
"What?" Harry responded, whipping his head up to look at the Ice Queen of Slytherin. Harry cleared his throat and shook his head before sweeping into a low bow.
"Sorry about that, I was struck senseless by the lovely image that you two strike today. Forgive me, and welcome to Potter Manor" Harry recovered well enough, Daphne nodding her head in approval at his save. Dobby appeared from nowhere, as a House Elf should, and took Daphne's coat. Only someone of her upbringing would bother to bring a coat on the warm summer morning
Harry grinned and greeted Tracey much more familiarly, with a hug. The two stared into each other's eyes for a moment only for Daphne's raised eyebrow to interject almost audibly. Harry cleared his throat again and thanked them both for coming, offering them refreshments and an explanation of the location of the snacks and seats.
"Daphne! You don't have to be prim and proper all the time! Loosen up, it's a party!" Tracey complained as she led her best friend out the back door.
"Yes I do, and no I won't" she responded before the door shut. Harry chuckled. So different, the two of them.
The Ravenclaw quidditch team arrived in an almost coordinated fashion, and Harry had fun greeting them all as they were quick to challenge him to a match. Cho Chang was their newest addition to their team, and she was every bit as pretty as his alternate life remembered. Roger Davies looked eager to test how the newest Seeker for the Eagles stacked up to Harry. Harry ushered them into the back same as the rest of the guests and just in time to greet the Hufflepuff team.
Seeing Cedric Diggory was a surreal experience and served to drive home just how much had changed for Harry in such a short time. Luckily the storm of emotion was well hidden and Harry was able to greet them with no issue. This time however, Harry followed them out the door as they were the last guests to arrive. A fact that almost offended their Hufflepuff manners.
Hermione shuffled next to Harry as he was headed out the door and bumped into him with a grin, "the library is amazing, but don't think for a second that it saved you from telling me all about all of this!"
***Break***
The party was in full swing, with music in the air and the buzz of conversation throughout. Most of the guests had arranged themself by age, with the older students hanging out at one end of the long back deck, and the younger students spreading themselves out in the remaining space. Harry had answered a million questions it felt like, mainly from Hermione but also from his friends and acquaintances, but with his arm over Tracey's shoulders he had a smile on his face the entire time.
Ron had complained briefly about Harry dating a snake, but Harry had quashed that as promised with reminders that acting like a prat would bring the wrath of his mother down on them faster than just about anything else. He had huffed but accepted, and actually had Tracey's full attention arguing the merits and disadvantages of most of the professional Quidditch teams. Hermione had gotten the information that she wanted out of Harry, with most of the guests listening in as they were not usually privy to the inner workings of the Golden Trio, and had started a large discussion about some of the upcoming classes with most of the Ravenclaws of their year, along with Ernie Macmillan and Megan Jones from Hufflepuff. The other Hufflepuffs were busying themselves greeting familiar faces and chiming into various conversations while holding their own.
This was how Harry found himself looking at Daphne Greengrass, who was quiet and observing most of the other attendees. Her eyes refused to meet his, and instead remained occupied checking out various conversations but withholding comments despite looking like she wanted to interject.
"Can I get you anything Daphne?" Harry asked once he realized that she wasn't going to speak unless spoken to. She almost jumped when he addressed her directly.
"No thank you" She responded coolly.
"Are you sure? The snacks are quite good, and I included some more traditional hors d'oeuvres to satisfy multiple palettes" Harry tried once more.
Daphne finally turned and met his eyes, her own adopting a shrewd expression, "What's the deal, Potter? Can't a girl simply keep to herself if that is the preference?"
"Is it the preference though? This may be a Lord's manor but it is by no means a high society event. There are people from all walks of life here, and you've seemed like you've wanted to chime in a few times. Don't want to give up the opportunity to eavesdrop?" Harry challenged her directly. Tracey turned to them both in concern, but was soon drawn back into her discussion with Ron.
Daphne huffed and pulled her butterbeer closer to herself, crossing her legs and turning away. Harry nodded and turned his attention to Tracey and Ron's discussion. Daphne was an enigma, that was for sure, but Harry appreciated the challenge and knew that his relationship with Daphne would directly affect anything with Tracey.
***Break***
Daphne Greengrass looked across the gathered people. Purebloods, Half-Bloods, and Muggleborns mingled easily and seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was a sight that she had very little experience with. Most of her young life had been adhering to rules, etiquette, and navigating conversation that always, always, had an ulterior motive. But she could not find any of that here, despite trying her best. She couldn't for the life of her understand why Hermione was discussing the upcoming classes without a need to ask what the other students thought of their chances in those classes. Or why Justin Finch-Fletchley was talking with Susan Bones in a familiar and even warm tone. She was Old Blood and a face that Daphne actually recognized from the yearly galas.
She was out of her element, wholly and fully. This was not a place for her. She glanced at Tracey, who was laughing at something that Potter had just said. Clearly she was enjoying herself, so there was no chance that Daphne could convince her to leave. Excusing herself politely, Daphne stood up and headed inside where it was much quieter. She headed off to the hallway and passed a few of the doors. She eventually saw one labelled as the bathroom and stepped inside, sitting on the toilet. Even the bathroom was immaculate to her practiced eye. The manor itself was quite charming. Opulent without being oppressive and radiating a warmth and welcome of a home infinitely older than its recent construction would indicate.
Intimidated. That's what she was. Harry Potter had officially intimidated her. Not through the usual means of intimidation, Merlin, he probably didn't even realize he had done it. His direct questioning of her motives to being quiet and out of the way was a brazen challenge that no self respecting Lord would normally bring up. The sheer amount of enjoyment people were having at his party, an unorthodox marriage of warmth and decorum, and the way he navigated it with ease. It was an astounding change. One thing was for sure, she definitely did not recognize him. Maybe she should just go home, she had made that stipulation with Tracey already, and could easily slip out when she returned from the restroom.
A Knock knock knock sound came from the door along with, "Daphne? Is everything alright?"
There he was again, Potter. Just the thought of his probably smug attitude at having shook her so irritated and annoyed her. Her eyes watered for just a moment before her mask slipped back into place.
She opted not to answer and instead checked her appearance in the mirror, flushing the toilet to keep up appearances. She looked flawless with her ornate hairstyle and summer wear. Nodding to herself in acknowledgement and encouragement she opened the door.
"Yes, Potter, I am fine. Thank you for checking on me. I should get back to the party" She attempted to brush past him but Harry simply stepped in her way and stared at her. She looked back at him, meeting his eyes in a challenge.
Harry's green eyes were powerful and piercing, and he had an unfamiliar expression on his face. What was that expression? It certainly wasn't the smug one that she had envisioned just a moment ago.
"Come with me" was all he said.
"What?" She asked, normally an unrefined response but that was the only thought in her head at the moment
"Come with me" He said again, and stepped past her further down the hall.
She shot a furtive glance in the direction she had come from, before flattening her dress and following behind Harry, her hand clasped firmly on the bangle on her wrist where she kept a vial of liquid hidden. A deterrent for untoward advances. She was intimidated, but intrigued, and wanted to get to the bottom of the mystery that Harry Potter had become. Plus the idea of going back to the party when had planned on leaving frightened her.
***Break***
Harry stepped into his study, and magicked the chairs a bit further apart, settling into one in front of the desk. Daphne was right behind him, and cast a critical eye around the room. She didn't sit until Harry gestured at the chair across from him. It was farther away than societal customs normally would dictate and she hesitated just a moment before taking the seat.
Harry stared at her with an unreadable expression for a long moment before he began to speak, "When I was 4 years old, I learned what it meant to speak out of turn. 3 lashings with a belt, and a week spent in my cupboard. By the age of 5 I had learned the lesson to only speak when spoken to, lest I invite a week with no food and a hard kick to the shin at the table I was rarely allowed to sit at. 6 years of age I learned what it meant to ask questions that weren't meant to be answered, and there's still a scar on my ribcage from that lesson. 7 years of age I learned the importance of referring to people by their title and with the proper respect. 8 years of age I learned what it meant to succeed over my betters, a broken arm and sleeping in the yard. 9, the lesson had been burned into my skin that saying nothing is sometimes better than speaking up. These were not easy lessons, but I learned from them. They stayed with me in the worst way and certain situations, certain... actions would bring those lessons back with a clarity that would astound." Harry cleared his throat quietly and took a deep breath, "Crowds, guests in particular, were a hard thing for me to navigate. Should I do this, or say that, these questions raged through my mind until they were all that I could think of and these thoughts forced me to say nothing despite so desperately wanting to. I was unsure of my own actions. It's not a feeling I like to have, but it comes up frequently and often and I force myself to acknowledge it. I step away when I need to, get a breath of fresh air as it were. Which is why I am here, now. I thought that the party would be going well, and it is, but a terrible sense of unease came up and I headed off to my study for a moment to escape. It's a lovely study, don't you think? Dobby prepared it for me. It only opens to me, unless opened from the inside, and in the short time I've been here I've enjoyed the quiet and the organized clutter. It helps me collect myself. There's even a private bathroom just behind that shelf there, if you pull the book labeled 10,000 leagues under the sea. That's kind of what it feels like, that feeling of unease. Like being trapped under the sea"
Quiet reigned in the room for a moment and Harry looked up into Daphne's eyes from where they had shifted to the floor during his recollection of darker times. They stared into each other's eyes. His a warm and deep green and hers a quiet and muted grey. She had an unreadable expression on her face. Harry simply smiled and stood up, heading to the door. He made a show of tapping his wand on the rune at waist height and the door slid open, granting him his exit.
Daphne stared at that door for a long few heartbeats, before releasing a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. It would be almost a half hour before she rejoined the party and chimed into the ongoing discussion that Hermione was heading up. Harry watched with a smile before turning his attention back to Tracey who was chatting with the Puffs about some of the rumors around the school.
***Break***
"Potter passes to Inglebee, to Davies, to Weasley, GOAL! 100-60 favor to Potter's Posse" Lee Jordan did what he did best and delivered a live retelling of the game that played out above them with a Sonorous charm cast by Harry. On one side was Harry, Duncan Inglebee, Roger Davies, Ron, and Grant Page. On the other side was George, Oliver, Katie, Tamsin Applebee, and Cedric. It was a loose game, played with 4 chasers and one Keeper. No bludgers or snitches to bring excitement to the game but all participants were having a great time.
Below, the fellow party attendees cheered for who they wanted. It was a game that straddled house lines anyways, so no team was the overall favorite. Tracey walked over to her friend that was sitting apart from most of the attendees and flopped onto the stone wall Daphne had chosen as her seat.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Tracey asked, offering one of the two butterbeers she had brought with her. Daphne took it and opened with practiced ease, before trading and doing the same with the other. Tracey had never gotten the hang of the twist-tops.
"Yes, actually" Daphne answered and took a long swig of the cooling drink. It was creeping into the early afternoon now and the sun was letting that fact be known.
"Good! I was worried for a bit when you disappeared. Where did you go by the way?" She rested her head on her best friend's shoulder and took a long drink as well.
Daphne glanced at her friend, no other person being allowed to be so familiar with her. It brought a smile to her face whenever her friend was affectionate like this, but she hid it as there were others present. She glanced at the crowd as well and saw that they were suitably occupied by the game playing out overhead. Even Granger, probably the least Quidditch oriented of the attendees besides Daphne herself, was cheering from the sidelines under the tent that Harry had impressively magicked up.
Daphne sighed and took another long sip of her drink before telling her about the events earlier, leaving out the facts that Harry had told her and instead simply stating that Harry had explained that he understood the anxious feelings that crowds sometimes brought on and how he had graciously let her stay in the private study for a while to decompress. Tracey listened attentively, as she always did when her friend opened up like this, and hugged her once she finished.
"See? I told you that you'd like him" She jibed.
"Shut up, Tracey" Daphne said but with a small smile. They both turned to watch the game play out, with new players being subbed in from the interested parties regularly. Harry joined them after a while, hair windswept in a way that had Tracey cooing. Harry nodded at Daphne and received a nod in return and the three sat together to watch the games.
***Break***
With the Quidditch pick up game finally over, the attendees all gathered at the edge of the lake. One and all, even Daphne, they were dressed in their swimwear and each had a pool noodle under their arm. Harry grinned from the end of the dock where he was standing. He cleared his throat which echoed with the force of the Sonorous charm.
"You all know the rules?" he asked, receiving a multitude of ayes, yeps, and other affirmations.
"Okay. First to get the Quaffle into the opposing teams rings gets to use the Jet. This is a big advantage folks so don't lose it. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley will be nearby keeping an eye on things and making sure we don't drown. I'll be the referee and help keep the Jet primed. On your marks!" Harry called out, watching the tension increase in the faces looking at him from the shore.
"Get set!" varying positions of readiness were adopted by all the people. Harry brought his Firebolt into his hand with a thought, astounding the onlookers both by the casual display of supposed wandless magic and because it was their first time seeing the high end broom. The earlier games had been played on his Nimbus 2001s. They almost all lost their readiness, and Harry grinned.
"Go!" And he took off into the sky, one hand on the broom. They stared in amazement for just a moment before they all stormed into the water.
They were playing a bastardized version of Quidditch in the water. Lee Jordan and Fred had come up with the idea during the games earlier after even the casual onlookers were almost drenched in sweat due to the high heat of the day. It had taken a fair bit of planning and liberal use of the bedrooms and bathrooms on the second floor to get everyone changed into their swimwear but it had been a welcome idea even for the usually more reserved. The girls in particular had taken a bit of time, but that was mostly due to Harry loudly and suddenly calling out the Weasley Twins and Lee Jordan who were trying to prank the door to function like a one-way mirror. The shrieks of outrage were drowned out by the cries of pain from the twins and Lee as those who could cast magic were shooting Stinging Hexes and those who could not were hitting them with pillows or various other objects throughout the room. They had been attempting to spy on the upper-year girls that had felt comfortable changing in front of one another, but even the younger years had come into the hall to voice their opposition to the attempted peeking.
The rules were fairly simple. The Quaffle, that was magicked to float on the water, was copied twice to provide 3 balls. These three balls were set in the center of the lake. Each team would have 5 defenders and 12 attackers, and a Jet team of 3 that would function as either until the Jet was in play. The Jet was an interesting addition, it was the boat that normally sat at the end of the dock. It was enchanted much like the boats at Hogwarts to move in the direction that the caster wanted. The term caster was loosely applied as the only requirement to move it was to touch a wand to the prow and issue an order. Harry had had it equipped with a spare wand when he commissioned it, and had the wand detailed into the rim so that any riders simply had to touch it to get it to move. It was a bit faster than most people could swim and would provide a distinct advantage to the team that had it first. Each team would be able to use it until 5 points were scored in the game by a combination of both sides where it would switch sides and be used by the opposing team. Harry would fly overhead to keep an eye on things, and move the Jet to and fro as needed. They were playing first to 50 Points. The pool noodles could be used to hit the Quaffle as it was passed around and doubled as a swimming assistant so that no one got too tired too quickly.
"May the best team win!" Harry called out overhead and laughed as he zipped through the air and ran a commentary much like Lee Jordan would have.
***Break***
"The game rages on, the score is 45 to 47. A close match by all accounts. Both teams are starting to taper off as the action so far has been intense. The lethal trio of the Gryffindor Chasers has been matched with the organized defense led by Cedric Diggory, I hear he's single ladies, and we head into the final moments of this intense match of Quaffleball. Already, each team has lost 4 members to exhaustion, and a ring on each side has been removed. How will the next few points play out? Who knows" Harry's commentary had devolved into more of a live narrative.
"SHUT UP, HARRY" Tracey yelled from her position on the Jet. Harry wisely listened from his position above, though that could have been due to the way Tracey shot him the evil eye that was visible even from his height. She was alone on the Jet, having lost her 2 teammates to exhaustion from climbing in and out of the boat and swimming around. On the shore Daphne rested under an umbrella, beach towel giving her a sense of decency to allow her to watch the game with interest. Luna and Ginny as well as Terry Boot, Anthony Goldstein, Hermione, Hannah Abbott and Percy rested nearby, being the less athletic of both teams which had initially earned them a place in the Jet teams but upon review of the difficulty of climbing in and out of a boat had been ill advised in the team compositions.
Cedric's team was the 45 points, and their defense was the main reason that it had not been a shutout victory by the opposing team led by the relentless attacking of Oliver Wood. Harry had lost track of how many times the Jet had changed hands but the game had gone much swifter than they had anticipated. They removed a ring on each side as well as a Quaffle as the scoring had been very frequent at the beginning, but now the game had settled into almost an actual sport and Harry almost regretted not joining in. He eyed the way that the swimwear hugged the curves of some of the upper years, of which he had a unique vantage point from his position in the air. Almost regretted.
"Movement from Team Oliver, as they secure a Quaffle and strike out in their signature goose formation" "SPEAR FORMATION" Oliver yelled up at the commentator "You look like geese from up here Oliver. The geese head off to the Northern side of the water, circling around the side and pulling the defenders to follow. Oh but it is a sneak attack! From the Center, Cho Chang speeds forward. Her speed has spelled trouble for Cedric's Defenders in the past will she hold to form and break past them? It looks like she will but oh! ROGER DAVIES FROM OUT OF NOWHERE SHOWS BRUTAL EFFICIENCY IN DUNKING HER BELOW THE WATER IN HIS SIGNATURE OVERARM THROW! Ravenclaw loyalty means nothing in these waters! The Quaffle breaks free and is tossed to Tracey who looks so lovely on the Jet. She sends the boat forward and braces for impacts! There it is, the dreaded Pool Noodle Wall. An effective defense performed by both teams so far, it uses teamwork to form a wall that is then dragged across the top of the Jet and has spelled doom for Jet teams in the past but what's this! Tracey ducks beneath it! With the loss of her teammates she is able to fit below the rim of the boat! She breaks past the defenders and easily send the Quaffle into Ring One! Cedric's defenders score! 46 to 47! What a close game!" The onlookers that had been on Cedric's team cheered loudly as the score gap closed just a bit.
***Break***
Drenched and exhausted, the teams headed to the shore. The game was over. 49-50 in favor of Oliver's Divers. It had been close, but Katie Bell had made an amazing play by taking a running leap from the Jet and slam-diving the Quaffle for the final point. It had capsized the boat, but it had worked. Harry smiled down at everyone. It had been a great game and everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves. He looked at Tracey below him and grinned wickedly.
Positioning himself just to the side of her, Harry flipped over the edge of his broom and willed it into his Inventory. He immediately plummeted towards the water.
"POTTER BOMB!" He yelled which prompted Tracey to look up and shriek just before Harry's curled up form slammed into the water next to her. The splash was spectacular and Harry came up out of the water laughing uproariously. Tracey smacked him on the arm repeatedly but he laughed all the same. The water was cool and refreshing to Harry who had not had a chance to swim yet.
Tracey glared at him and hit him again before he swept her up in his arms and delivered a fierce kiss for just a moment. He winked at her and willed his Firebolt into his hand. She eyed it for just a moment in shock before Harry said "Hang on"
"Hang on? What? No. NO. NO!" Tracey shrieked again as Harry positioned the broom beneath them both and rocketed out of the water to the cheers of the other players. Her shriek did not stop immediately but soon turned into a whoop of laughter as Harry shot them through the air, his arms wrapped around her. The wind after the dive in the water felt amazing. They quickly passed the rest of the players and alighted onto the back deck where Harry gave her another fierce kiss, this one lasting a little longer as the adrenaline of the quick ride was hitting them both. Wolf whistles from the shoreline stopped them both and Harry's blushing but grinning face matched Tracey's. A quick spell had the Firebolt dried before being placed in his Inventory.
The players joined them quickly enough and drinks were passed around by Dobby much to the appreciation of the attendees. Harry caught Dobby's signal and raised his wand. A small sharp crack had them all quiet and attentive.
"Thank you everyone. Dobby just informed me that he has washed everyone's clothes if anyone wants to change into something dry and comfortable. Also supper will be served shortly. Thanks" Harry lowered his wand and most of the party-goers headed inside to change. Towels were floating near the door courtesy of Dobby and were used liberally by everyone.
"A Firebolt Harry?! A FIREBOLT!" Oliver came up from behind Harry and picked him up in a bear hug and spun him around laughing, "We're sure to win the Cup this year with a bloody Firebolt on the team!"
Harry laughed along with him, and took the excitement in good fun "Yes Oliver a Firebolt. Here, you wanna take it for a spin?" Harry brought it forth once more to the gleaming eye of Oliver.
"Take it for a spin? It's. A. Bloody. FIREBOLT, HARRY. Of course I want to take it for a spin" Oliver's careful hands were about to take the best broom on the market before Fred snatched it out of Harry's hand.
"Me first!" Fred said and laughed as he dodged the charge of his Quidditch captain allowing him to mount the broom and shoot off down the deck and towards the Pitch.
"Get back here!" Oliver yelled and ran off to follow him.
Harry laughed at their antics, and left them to argue over who would get to use the broom next. Catching the eye of Tracey next to him Harry put an arm around her shoulders and walked into the house. Ron and Hermione were next to them with Hermione commenting on how fun the day had been so far and Ron going on about Harry holding out on him.
***Break***
Everyone was dry and content, many of them having taken Harry's offer to use the showers to wash off the remains of the intense match of Quaffleball. Dobby had waited at the top of the stairs with the offer to cast drying charms on any interested. They were gathered outside near the shoreline under an even larger tent than during the Quidditch match and seated at the row of picnic tables that had been brought out by Dobby. Spread over the tables was a massive feast. Dobby had outdone himself. It was all summer food, burgers and hotdogs making a surprise appearance that fascinated the more traditional wizards present and enthused the Muggleborns. Conversations had been stricken up all over the tables, many with unexpected combinations of people who normally didn't get to interact with each other so familiarly. Molly and Arthur had pulled Harry aside to let him know that they were heading out, Molly being sure to warn Harry that she would find out about any 'funny business' and Dobby had affirmed this! Traitor! The mother and Elf had actually talked quite a bit in their time spent in the kitchen and during the match of Quaffleball and had become odd but quick friends in their mutual love of taking care of others.
The sun was just beginning to set, and lightning bugs were doing their best to provide ambiance to the relaxed environment with accompanying music from the frogs and various insects near the lake. Dobby's skilled spellwork had ensured none of these creatures would surprise them. The attendees had just finished singing Happy Birthday, and were starting to set into the food with ravenous abandon, the earlier games promising that everyone had an appetite. Harry was seated at a table with Ron, Hermione, Tracey, and Daphne.
"This party has been something else, mate. I don't think I've had this much fun in a while and I went to Egypt for 3 weeks!" Ron chimed in, nursing an injured rib courtesy of Hermione when he had tried to start speaking with a full mouth.
"It's definitely been a blast. I can't believe you blocked shots from the Ravenclaw Eagles during the pickup game! Everyone expected that team to sweep up" Harry laughed and took a big bite from the cool fruit salad that was on his plate.
Ron's ears shone red but he accepted the praise well enough. Normally nerves would have gotten the better of him but the relaxed environment had allowed him to play his best and prompted a long talk between Oliver and Ron presumably about the position of Keeper that would free up in a couple years.
"And Tracey, you shocked everyone with that rolling maneuver to bring your side to victory" Hermione praised. She usually didn't talk Quidditch but the excitement had brought out a sporty side of the bookworm "What did you call that again?"
"The Sloth-Grip Roll. I had heard it mentioned in a Wireless recap of the Quiberon Quafflepunchers out of France" Tracey said, laughing when Hermione choked on her water.
"The Quiberon what? Quafflepunchers? What kind of team name is that?" She asked, and this launched a three-way debate between Ron, Tracey, and Hermione about some of the ridiculous names of professional Quidditch teams.
Daphne politely sipped her lemonade, enjoying the coolness and the spike of tartness at the end. She had never had it before as it was typically American fare but she really enjoyed it. Harry laughed at the antics of their mutual friends before turning and looking at Daphne.
"I'm glad that you were able to enjoy yourself today, Daphne. I'll have to host a more formal get together sometime and invite you" Harry smiled at her and shockingly received one in return from the usually emotionless Ice Queen of Slytherin.
"That would be nice actually. But today was quite enjoyable. Thank you" She said sincerely, and Harry knew that the thank you was more than just a thanks for hosting.
"You're welcome, Daphne" Harry said, and chimed into the ongoing debate when the name Moose Jaw Meteorites out of Canada was brought up. Daphne observed for a moment longer before throwing in a dry quip that silenced them all before they burst out laughing, except for Ron who took offense at being referred to as Moose Jaw for his eating habits.
***Break***
Bellies were full. Both cakes had been tasted by everyone with Molly's edging out Dobby's as the crowd favorite and people lavishing praise onto their Weasleys for the cooking prowess of their mother. The night had just started and it was time for presents and the night's festivities. Harry graciously accepted the gifts in the sitting room that surprisingly was able to contain everyone even if laps were shared and the floor was used judiciously. Tracey looked to be thoroughly enjoying having claimed Harry's lap, and was using her seat of power to oversee the gift-giving.
There were a lot of combo-gifts that Harry had been thankful for as he had been dreading having 40 or so presents. Somewhere in the distance he was sure that he could hear Dudley's cry of outrage. From the Gryffindor Quidditch team he received a new set of Seeker Robes that actually had a few surprising functionalities, beating out his personal set as the preferred outerwear in future games. From the Ravenclaw team he received a set of Quidditch balls that were enchanted with different training regimens. Roger Davies' face was very intense when he stated that his team should be allowed to come use it once in a while so that the Gryffindors didn't have an unfair advantage. Harry had agreed readily, and extended the offer to include the Hufflepuff team as well. Watch out, Slytherin. The Hufflepuffs all had come together to provide a very comfortable and plentiful variety of throw blankets and pillows that were easily broken into and passed around for people to use.
"This one next, Harry" Tracey said as she passed over a small book. He had not noticed the gift before but opened it anyways. Revealing it to be a surprise gift from Tracey who had secured the help of Dobby to procure photos of Harry in and around his home, and a few from the party itself surprisingly. It must have taken some coordination to pull off and had plenty of room for more photos to be added. The cover was the same photo that Harry had taken in the club during their first date which had prompted a full retelling of the date for the enjoyment of the rest of the people in the room. Multiple wolf whistles were made, and some of the females aww'ed and ooo'ed at the romantic retelling and the book was passed around for a while. Tracey blushed and more wolf whistles were made when Harry thanked her for the gift with a sweet kiss.
It was due to this blush that Harry was able to pick the next present for himself which was from the Weasleys. Inside was a full set of Weasley jumpers, scarves, and hats along with some home-baked goods from Molly that were passed around for those still with an appetite. The twins had a grand time chanting "One of us. One of us" Until Harry put on one of the hats.
From Hermione he had received a full composition of her notes from the earlier years, combined into books for each subject. She even had some thesis papers that she had written up in her free time, the way only Hermione would be tempted to do. Hermione made sure to let him know that she expected his absolute best this upcoming year as Harry came the closest to sharing her workload. The Ravenclaws from their year descended on the book like the Eagles they were represented by and distracted themselves reading through it briefly.
Ron had thoughtfully brought together a photo album of his own, showing snippets from their last year that he had secured from Colin Creevey along with some family photos that Harry had earned a place in in the couple of years that he had known the Weasleys. In the album was a handwritten note from Ron that he had written during his time in Egypt that Harry took the time to read but quickly removed so that the book could be passed around. Tracey had read over his shoulder but the contents were not shared with the rest of the group. The contents could be inferred though by those who knew the two boys well enough when Harry clapped Ron on the shoulder and shook him a bit in thanks, small tears threatening to show themselves. Harry discretely passed the note to Hermione who read it in typical Hermione fashion. She glanced up at Ron in shock and amazement for a moment before prompting even more wolf whistles when she leaned in and planted a big kiss on Ron's cheek for the heartfelt gift. Ron's ears earned him a fair bit of friendly teasing after that.
The rest of the gifts were from his fellow year mates and used the same theme as Christmas gifts often did between the acquaintances. Various sweets and gift receipts for local hotspots including many in Hogsmeade in preparation of their planned visits this year. Harry thanked them all for the gifts and they spent a while just chatting in the comfort of the sitting room.
***Break***
The bonfire raged on in front of the remaining party-goers. Many of the younger students from Harry's year had finally reached the end of their curfews or energy and used his Floo to get home after saying their goodbyes. All that remained were Tracey and Daphne, Ron and Hermione, The Gryffindor team along with the Weasleys and Lee Jordan, and the remaining upper-years many of whom had broken away from the party a bit to explore feelings for various others that they had interacted with today. Oliver Wood and Angelina Johnson in particular were cuddling very close together at the end of the dock under one of the throws. Harry's warning of Dobby's watchful eye kept them from doing anything too risque.
Even Ron and Hermione were laid out in a more relaxed manner than they usually were. Ron sitting on one of the cushioned log benches around the fire with Hermione's head in his lap reading a book she had stolen from Harry's library. Harry could tell from his experience with the two friends though that in this go-around the feelings seemed to be more friendly than romantic. Maybe in the future but no signs of their past love at the moment.
Ginny was curled up on a bench of her own, head in Percy's lap and fully burrito'd in one of the throws while Percy read a book of his own that he had secured from the library. She was fully asleep, having given it her all in the pick-up games and Quaffleball earlier that day. She had tried her best to stay awake but after the day's events and plenty of food, she had given up and allowed exhaustion to claim her.
Daphne was perched at the end of Harry's bench, relaxed but alert, allowing Tracey's feet to rest in her lap while her head and back leaned against Harry who had his arm wrapped around her. It had been a fantastic day, all in all, and Harry chalked it up as one of the happiest moments of his life. This was cemented when finally the project that Fred, George, and Lee had been working on finally went off and the sky lit up in a dazzling display of fireworks over the lake that drew the attention of everyone nearby. Those that could got up and walked to the shoreline, Harry showing off some of his magical prowess and levitating the benches to follow. They all sat and watched the fireworks play out over the water, the booms and whistles echoing out into the calm summer night.
Tracey grabbed Harry's hand, leaning into him. Her eyes locked onto the fireworks above. There was a big crescendo in the frequency of the fireworks and Harry let himself be pulled down into her arms in a kiss that lasted longer than any of their previous exchanges. Hazel eyes met green as they so often did and Harry couldn't help but smile at her words.
"Happy Birthday, Harry"
*Fin*
A/N: Holy crap you guys. 12,000 words! That's the most I've written for anything in a long time. I promise that the story will head back into the Gamer life that Harry now occupies but this chapter definitely needed to be written. In case it isn't clear I'm trying to provide some life to the characters in my fanfic and I hope that I did a good enough job here.
Let me know what you think!
'Til next time!