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Author: Robert Owen Story: Invictus Rating: Teens Setting: Pre-HBP Status: Completed Reviews: 1 Words: 146,488
Saturday arrived far too quickly for Harry's tastes. The past two days he'd spent with Ginny had been the best he could remember. Still, Saturday meant his birthday party and the arrival of Hermione! That afternoon, after a rousing impromptu game of one-on-one Quidditch, the two boys sauntered into the kitchen to find Molly busy icing Harry's birthday cake. She had just placed the last of the sixteen candles on the chocolate cake, which she'd baked in the shape of a Snitch and covered with gold icing, when Ron slipped his arm around her and scooped a bit of icing up with his finger. "RONALD BILIUS WEASLEY! YOU STOP THAT!" she roared as she took a half-serious swipe at her retreating son with the spatula. "That cake is for tonight, and I'd appreciate it if you left some icing for Harry." Ron easily ducked the spatula as he replied, "Ok Mum. By the way, where's Dad?" "He went to get Hermione. They should be Portkeying back any second." As if the clock had heard Molly's words, Arthur's hand swung slowly around the clock face until it pointed to HOME. Both boys turned to see Arthur and Hermione standing in the living room. Even though Harry had seen her only thee weeks earlier, he was still slightly surprised at the change in Hermione's appearance. Hermione usually didn't care that much about her attire. Not that she didn't always look neat and well groomed, but she wasn't a fashion hound like Lavender or Parvati, her fellow sixth years. Working with her parents at the dental clinic, and having to wear professional attire, had apparently had an impact on Hermione's wardrobe selection. She stood there in a black skirt and red turtleneck sweater and matching low-heeled shoes with just enough makeup to look nice without being overdone. Harry quickly realized that Hermione had made an effort to look pretty today and he fervently hoped Ron realized that. Unfortunately, it went right past him as though he was blind. "Hermione!" Ginny's squeal from the stairs filled the room as she rushed to embrace the older girl. Stepping back, Ginny gave Hermione an appraising look and then started firing questions. 'So, how was the summer? Did you have fun working for you parents? Did you go anywhere? Did you meet anybody famous? Can I borrow this outfit when we get back to Hogwarts?" Hermione laughed as Ginny rambled on for several more questions before Harry interceded by wrapping his arms around Ginny and whispering in her ear, "Hold up! She just got here! Give her at least a couple of minutes before you start interrogating her!" Ginny turned and stuck out her tongue. "I'm not interrogating her! I just want the latest gossip!" Hermione grinned at Ginny's explanation and turned to Harry with a smile. "Well, I can see you're looking better." Noticing Ginny's slightly puzzled expression. Harry frantically tried to signal Hermione that Ginny didn't know about his visit yet. Fortunately, Hermione realized it at that instant and added, "since last June." She prayed that would be enough. Harry quickly seized the opportunity to divert Ginny further by complimenting Hermione on her appearance. He hoped Ron would get the hint. "You really look nice, Hermione. Is that one of your work outfits?" She fluffed her bushy brown hair out, and brushed at what Harry suspected was an imaginary piece of dirt, as she turned towards Ron. "No, It's just something I threw on for today." Ron, oblivious to what was in front of him, simply smiled as he said, "Hi, Hermione," and gave her one quick kiss on the cheek. He completely missed the small slip in Hermione's smile as he pulled back. Harry wanted to reach out and smack Ron upside the head with his hand, but refrained from doing so. However, when Ron attempted to hug her next, Hermione pushed him away and she pointed to the stairs. "Not until you've had a bath, Mister!" Ron stopped with a mildly surprised look on his face. "But I thought you liked my earthy smell?" Harry and Ginny both grinned at the slight blush which arose in Hermione's cheeks. She hissed back, "I do, but not when you're this earthy!" Molly now came out of the kitchen, where she'd been talking with Arthur, and pulled Hermione into a hug. "Oh, it's good to see you again, dear! Now come along and tell me all about your summer while the boys put your stuff in Ginny's room!" Molly then took Hermione's hand and led her off to the kitchen to have a chat that Harry suspected involved Harry's summer, not hers. Turning to Ron, Harry grabbed one end of her trunk and together they took it upstairs. Leaving Ginny's room, Harry took the opportunity to needle Ron about his middle name. "Bilius?" Ron threw him a dirty look as he headed for the bathroom and muttered, "Sod off! He's my uncle." Harry grinned at his friend's discomfort as he returned to the living room and walked over to Ginny. But before he could get too close, she put a hand and pointed to the stairs. "Not until you get a bath also, Harry! You reek!" "Well, in that case, care to join me?" Ginny's jaw dropped and then, with a laugh, she grabbed a pillow off the couch and threw it at him. "In your dreams, Potter!" Harry dodged the pillow and started for the stairs, thinking to himself, "Yes, but they're nice dreams." An hour later, cleaned up and ready for the party, Harry was helping Ron and Bill set up some tables in the back yard when the first guest arrived. To Harry's surprise, it proved to be Professor Dumbledore. "Ah, Harry. Greetings and a heartfelt, if somewhat late, Happy Birthday!" Harry smiled at the Hogwarts Headmaster and replied, "Hello, sir." Dumbledore nodded and then looked around the yard until his gaze lit upon Ginny, who was helping Molly and Hermione set out the plates and utensils. He turned to Harry with a serious expression in his eye. "Have you told her yet of your travails this summer?" Harry blinked and then shook his head slowly. "No, sir, not yet. But I will when the time is right." Dumbledore's lips twitched as he gave a slight smile. "When the time is right for whom, Harry? You, or for Miss Weasley?" Harry grimaced and replied, "I'm not sure, sir." "Never fear. You will know when you're ready to tell her. Now, shall we join the rest of the guests?" As the two walked over to the tables, Harry was surprised to find, in addition to Professor McGonagall, Neville Longbottom and a rising fifth year Ravenclaw friend of Ginny's, Luna Lovegood, present. Luna had a reputation of being somewhat odd, the fact that her father was the owner of the Quibbler, a magazine often described as the Wizarding equivalent to a tabloid, did little to dispel. Harry knew she lived locally in Ottery St. Catchpole, but was still a bit shocked to see her here, and apparently with Neville! He left Dumbledore with Molly and Arthur and walked over to the two and smiled as he asked, "So, is there something you want to tell me, Neville?" Neville looked perplexed for a second and then almost jumped as Luna suddenly let out a laugh. Regaining her composure, Luna finally let Neville in on the joke. "He thinks you and I are dating, Neville." Neville turned various shades of red as this sank in. He stammered "No…no…no we're not dating, Harry. Luna and I worked together on several Herbology projects last year and got to know each other. Really, that's all." Harry grinned as Hermione and Ginny ran up to pull him over to the table full of presents. "Sure, Neville!" Ignoring the, "Really, there's nothing to tell," from Neville and another laugh from Luna, Harry allowed himself to led to his pile of presents. Ron pushed a brightly colored box at him. "Hurry up! Mum won't let us eat until you open all your presents!" Harry shook his head in mock disgust as Bill and Hermione both swatted Ron in the back of the head. Opening the first gift, Harry felt an intense pleasure in the simple act. The twins gave Harry an official copy of the business charter, which listed him as a co-owner, and a large sample box of their latest inventions. Dumbledore and McGonagall had combined to give Harry a gift certificate to Flourish & Blotts, which they assured him, would cover all his books for the coming year. Neville's gift proved to be a new set of leather Quidditch gloves, charmed to give a better grip on wood, while Luna gave Harry a framed picture of what she claimed was a Snorkack. Harry frowned slightly at the empty picture. Luna noted his reaction and explained. "They're very shy. They only come out at night when they think no one is looking." Harry nodded and smiled, not at all sure he believed her. Charlie's present was a complete set of the Muggle book series The Dragonriders of Pern. Charlie told Harry that he'd first read one of the books while laid up in the Hospital Wing after a Quidditch match and that they were what had inspired him to work with dragons. He'd pointed out that, "You'll like Jaxom, reminds me a bit of you." Ron, typically, had found him a Chudley Cannon's t-shirt, which Harry knew he would inevitably borrow. Hermione's gift was also typical but intriguing. A book entitled Practical Physical & Mental Relaxation Techniques for Use in Defense against the Dark Arts by Jessica Hunter. He raised an eyebrow at Hermione. "It's a really good book on ways to keep from getting tense or stressed out." Harry grinned, "Tense? Stressed out? What ever gave you that idea?" A chorus of voices rang out, "Experience!" Laughing at his expression, Ginny now handed him a small box. "It's from me." Harry opened it to find a small wallet sized wizarding photo of Ginny shyly peeking at him from under a pile of socks as she mouthed, "I love you." Harry pulled her into a close embrace and whispered in her ear, "I know." Bill's gift proved to be a very practical item. Harry opened the box to find a brand new leather wallet inside. Pulling it out, he opened it to reveal a compartment to hold Muggle notes, as well as a coin purse and a place for a photograph to be inserted. He immediately put Ginny's photo in the slot. Bill reached out and took the wallet from Harry. Opening it, he pointed to the coin pouch. "Now, this has a special feature. When you open it the first time, it will show any Muggle coins you have in it. But, if you close it again, wait three seconds, and then reopen it, you can access any Wizarding money you might be carrying. This way, you're never without either form of currency. Provided, of course, you keep some in it." Harry now turned to Molly and Arthur's present. He opened a big box to find nothing. Confused, he turned the box upside down and was rewarded with the sight of a key falling out. Stooping, he picked up the key and looked quizzically towards the two adults. Arthur grinned at Harry's bewilderment. "It's a key to your room at the Leaky Cauldron." "But I don't have a room at the Leaky Cauldron." "Not yet, but you will in twelve days." "Huh?" Molly now supplied the answer. "Arthur has to go to a conference week after next in Calais, and I'm going to join him for a little holiday. Bill has agreed to look after the four of you, while you stay at the Leaky Cauldron, before you catch the Hogwarts Express back to school." The cheers from Ron, Ginny, and Hermione could have been heard in the next county! Harry stood stunned at this revelation, as first Molly, and then Arthur, came over and gave him a big hug. He finally managed to stammer out, "Thanks." Arthur replied softly, so that only Harry could hear him. "After last spring and this summer, you deserve it." Then in a louder voice, he added, "Shall we eat?" The chorus of approval showed he didn't have to ask twice. Finally, the last present had been opened, the last bit of cake had disappeared, and the last guest had departed except for Professor Lupin, who had arrived late, and who now quietly took Harry aside and motioned for the two of them to move out of earshot of the others. Harry nodded and both men headed towards Mr. Weasley's shed. Walking around behind the building, Harry watched as his former professor reached into a pocket and pulled out an envelope and a small box. Lupin handed the items to Harry. "I'm sorry I was late, Harry, but I had to meet Sirius and he was delayed in getting to the rendezvous. I left your present inside. I hope you don't mind that it's a new set of school robes." Lupin paused and watched with amusement as Harry turned the small box over and shook it once, trying to determine its contents. "Sirius really wanted to be here today, Harry, but the possibility of other guests meant he couldn't risk it. The letter is from him and the box has a small but practical birthday gift. He also said to tell you that he'll get your real sixteenth birthday gift to you at a later date." The former Marauder watched as Harry eyed the items in his hands with a look of resignation and regret. He put his hand on Harry's shoulder and watched as a pair of sad green eyes turned to him. "I've got to get going myself, so I'll leave you here while I make my goodbyes to Molly and Arthur. Don't be too long because I think Ginny has plans to keep you all to herself tonight." As he turned to leave, Harry asked quietly, "Will I see you again soon?" Lupin paused in the act of rounding the corner of the shed and smiled ruefully. "I wish I had an answer for you, Harry, but I don't. Dumbledore has asked me to head over to the Continent to meet with Sirius and check on some things. Seems there are some rumors of Death Eater activity in Flanders, although, for the life of me, I can't imagine why. Still, it was good to see you again and here, before I forget, Sirius told me to do this for him," and with that Lupin reached out and ruffled Harry's hair as he said, "Happy birthday!" Harry watched as Lupin headed for the house and then sat down to examine Sirius's gift. After a moment's hesitation, he opened the box to find it contained a single Hogwarts button, like the ones on his robes. He picked it up, looked it over, and replaced it in the box. Now thoroughly confused, he turned his attention to Sirius's letter. Harry, I know this is no way to for me to help you celebrate your sixteenth birthday but I promise I will make it up to you one day when this is over. By now, you've probably opened the box Moony gave you and are thinking that I've taken after your Muggle relatives. Please be assured I haven't! The button is a genuine Muggle RAF button compass from their Second World War. If you pry the button apart, you'll find a miniature compass hidden inside. Whatever you do, DON'T tell Arthur Weasley about it! If he gets his hands on it, you'll never see it again! A friend, who shall remain nameless, has charmed the button to look like a Hogwarts button from your robes. He's also charmed the compass to always point the way back to Hogwarts when you activate the spell. You activate it by tapping it twice with your finger and sayingLocatus . As long as you're within five hundred miles of Hogwarts, the compass will point the way home. After the last two years, I realized that you'd been very fortunate to have a Portkey available. Merlin forbid it, but the next time you might not be so lucky. Harry contemplated this information and nodded grimly in agreement with his godfather's assessment, then he read on. I wish I could be there, but with Voldemort laying low after last spring, we can't afford to pass up any chance to try and tip the balance in our favor. I can't begin to tell you how proud I was of you when I heard from Moony what you did last spring for Ginny Weasley, I know that had James been in the same situation as you, he'd done the same thing for Lily. I've never met Miss Weasley but from what Moony tells me, you've got a very special girl there and I'm glad you have each other. I hope you did well on your OWLs and that you're ready to go back to school. Just try and remember one thing. HAVE SOME FUN!!! Now, mind you, I not suggesting that you destroy the school in the process, but every now and then, take a "Harry's Day Off" and just get out as it were. Maybe find a way to spend dome quality time with your girlfriend without anybody knowing where you are. Do not take this to mean that I'm suggesting you shag each other senseless! Just remember that you were very lucky last spring. Please try not to push your luck like that again. I've got enough gray hairs already without you adding to the collection! I know it's going to be difficult but with Ron, Hermione and Ginny's help, try to spend some time being just Harry, and enjoy life! Love, your godfather Sirius Harry stood there quietly for several moments, rereading the letter several times, before putting it, and the button compass, in his pocket and heading for the house. As he approached the back door, he found Ginny waiting for him. "You missed Professor Lupin leaving. He said to tell you to 'stay out of trouble or don't get caught.' It was your choice as to which option you chose." She smiled as Harry grinned at Lupin's parting advice. "So where did you run off to? I thought I saw you and Professor Lupin go around behind Dad's shed a few minutes ago." Harry shrugged and tried to act nonchalant by wrapping an arm around Ginny's shoulder. "We did. Professor Lupin just wanted to talk to me privately about how you were doing without your Mum being around." "And what did you tell him?" "That you were fine." "Is that all?" Harry pulled her close and whispered 'No. I also told him I was deeply, madly, hopelessly, in love with you." Ginny gave him an approving look. "Smart boy." By now, the two had walked into the kitchen to find Hermione helping Molly with the dishes and leftovers. However, there was no sign of Ron. "Mum, where's Ron?" Molly looked up and replied, "He went upstairs with Fred and George. Something about looking at some catalogs full of new merchandise I think." Hermione snorted derisively. "Looking at new merchandise indeed! He just wanted an excuse to avoid helping clean up!" Molly sighed and nodded her head. "You're probably right, dear, but I certainly appreciate your help since a certain somebody was too busy with other things," and she gave a pointed look at Ginny. Ginny turned bright red as Molly then gave a meaningful sidelong glance at Harry. "Mum!" Molly smiled at Ginny's reaction and made to shoo them out of the kitchen. "Hermione and I have this well in hand so go on and get out before I change my mind and put you both to work." Harry needed no further urging and silently tapping Ginny's shoulder, Harry pointed towards the door, which led to the garden, and leaned close so that Molly wouldn't hear him. "What do you say to the idea that we leave everybody in the house and go outside for a little private birthday celebration?" Ginny smiled and nodded her head. Once outside, and away from prying eyes, she leaned against Harry as they walked out into the yard and found a bench under a tree. "Hmmm, sounds like an excellent idea. By the way, with Hermione helping Mum in the kitchen, and Ron upstairs, whatever are we going to do out here to pass the time?" Harry chuckled and whispered in her ear, "I could think of a few ways, but your Mum would kill us if she walked outside." Ginny sighed and snuggled closer. "I suppose you're right, besides, it's the thought that counts." The two had not been sitting there more than five minutes when the window to the twin's room flew open and a magazine soared into the air. A second later, the two heard Molly's furious, "Incedio!" and watched as the magazine burst into flames before it hit the ground. A stream of invectives, which made Ginny turn bright red with embarrassment, immediately followed this. Harry turned to Ginny. "Wasn't Ron going up to the twin's room?" Ginny suddenly went pale. "Oh no! I think the boys just made a huge mistake. Come on!" and with that she jumped up and raced inside, with Harry, just a bit confused, following on her heels. Charging up the stairs, they stopped in the door of the twin's room to find Ron, Fred and George sitting quivering on the bed with Molly Weasley screaming full bore at them as she waved what Harry recognized as a copy of Playwizard magazine under their noses. "HOW DARE YOU BRING THIS FILTH INTO MY HOUSE! HAVE YOU NO RESPECT FOR ME! I KNOW I CAN'T STOP YOU FROM LOOKING AT THIS GARBAGE, BUT AT LEAST YOU COULD HIDE IT FROM ME!" She paused for breath and Fred tried to speak. "Honestly, Mum, we just were reading the articles! Besides, our competitors advertise in it, we needed to check out the merchandise…" "FREDRICK WEASLEY! IF YOU EVER TELL ME SUCH A BOLD FACED LIE AGAIN, YOU WILL FIND THAT ALTHOUGH YOU MAY BE AN ADULT IN THE WIZARDING WORLD, YOU ARE NOT TOO OLD FOR ME TO TURN ACROSS MY KNEE AND TAN YOUR BEHIND UNTIL IT'S GRYFFINDOR RED!" Then, in a quieter, but clearly furious tone, she added, "All three of you will go to bed right now! In the morning, I expect you up early and ready to spend the day working outside. After that, I'll decide what additional action I'll take." Molly rubbed her chin thoughtfully for a second and then snapped her fingers. "I know, I'll pay a visit to Amos Diggory's neighbor and see if he still needs those two fields treated with fertilizer. Since he's a Muggle, I'm sure you three would be glad to help out shoveling animal manure for a day or two." The three visibly shaken boys nodded their heads and scurried out the door like frightened mice seeking to abandon a sinking ship. Harry turned to Ginny. "I think we'd better find Hermione." Ginny shook her head and pointed at the door. "It's a little late for that." Harry looked over his shoulder and saw Hermione standing there silently, a single tear running down her cheek. She noticed Harry's gaze and their eyes locked for a second. The pain Harry saw in her eye ripped at his heart as he realized that Hermione had heard Fred's pathetic attempt at an explanation. Then she turned and, brushing past Arthur, Bill and Charlie, fled towards Ginny's room, slamming the door behind her. Ginny whispered in Harry's ear, "I think I'd
better go after her. My idiot prat brothers really made a mess of
things this time. Goodnight, Harry." Then she pulled him
down, kissed him on the cheek, let her fingers slide slowly down his
chin and hurried out the door. A/N Since I forgot this last time, once again, a very appreciative thank you to Imogen, Bart, and Kathy for their excellent Beta work. Between them, I might eventually learn to pass for a Brit with my writing.
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