Unofficial Portkey Archive

Chapter Seventeen

Harry woke up to warm sunshine on his face. He automatically felt around for his glasses on his bedside table and froze as he became aware that there was no table, he wasn't in his bed and what was the weight on his chest? Harry experienced a panicky feeling as he finally realized he was on the couch-but not alone.

"Good morning, Harry."

He tensed even more as he heard Hermione's tentative voice.

"Hermione?" Suddenly his dreams from last night blazed into his mind-`or were those memories'?

"Yes…are you okay?"

"Yeah…" he said a little breathlessly. "Do y'see my glasses?"

He felt and saw her turn and stretch toward the ottoman-`Oh my God!' "Here they are…" She placed them in his hand and he pulled them on. He was almost afraid to look at her face but finally met her eyes and saw that they were anxious.

Harry couldn't stand it any more-as uneasy as he was to hear the answer to his question, he had to ask. "Hermione are we…did we…" Harry stopped realizing that he was gibbering and tried again. "I have all these things running through my head and I need to know if they really happened or if I dreamed them."

Hermione hesitated; her face etched with apprehension, but then replied quietly, "Harry, it wasn't a dream."

Harry let out the breath he had been holding and his face slowly broke into a wonderful smile. "Then last night was the best night of my life."

"Mine, too," Hermione sounded almost giddy with relief at Harry's response.

He pulled her closer into a hug, pressed his lips against her temple then buried his face in her hair. Harry couldn't get enough of her scent-it wasn't perfume or any other particular smell that he could put his finger on. All he knew was that to him, she smelled like…happiness. He felt her snuggle her face into his neck and heard her whisper, "Happy Birthday, Harry."

"Thanks," he whispered back. "My first present is definitely my best."

They rested in each other's arms for a while little longer then Hermione said, "We'd best get up before Remus comes down and I need to go take a shower and get dressed. I'll be back down in a bit." She gave him one last squeeze, which he returned, pushed the ottoman back to its place and headed upstairs.

Harry just lay there with all that had happened running wildly through his mind like some sort of fantastic dream. But as he sat up, those thoughts were interrupted by the realization that Ron, along with his mother and Ginny, would be there later on that day to celebrate his birthday and to stay while the moon was full. He wasn't sure what he was going to say to Ron. He and Hermione really needed to talk before everyone arrived. Harry turned his head to the door as he heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

"Happy birthday, Harry!" Remus greeted him with a smile.

"Thanks," Harry smiled back.

Remus' smile changed to a grin as he sat in one of the armchairs. "So…did I see what I thought I saw last night?"

"Dunno…what do you think you saw?" Harry raised his eyebrows in mock puzzlement.

"I think I saw you finally realizing how you feel about Hermione-and about time, too."

"Well, you are and were right…happy?"

"Yes, very." Remus said a bit smugly, leaning back and putting his feet up on the ottoman. "Congratulations, then, Harry."

"Thanks…but I'm still a bit stunned by this…it seems very strange to me to think of Hermione in this way. Don't get me wrong-I like it. But I'm going to have to get used to it." Harry's smile dimmed a bit. "And I'm going to have to talk to Ron. When are they coming today?"

"Molly sent an owl asking that we come to The Burrow around five o'clock for dinner and then help them floo back here with their things. That sound all right?"

"Sounds fine," Harry nodded.

"Do you think there's going to be a problem with Ron?"

"It's possible…" Harry went on to tell Remus about his and Hermione's conversation the night before. "Anyway, I'm worried."

"I had seen some things that made me wonder how he felt but I never saw Hermione act that way towards him, so I wasn't sure what to think."

"I guess we'll see…Hermione and I need to talk about how we're going to handle this," Harry paused and gazed at the fire, which was mostly glowing embers now. "I'm also worried that Voldemort will somehow use my relationship with Hermione like he did with Sirius." He looked back to Remus and said quietly. "I couldn't stand it if something happened to her again because of me."

Remus nodded. "Harry, with or without you, she's already in danger because she's muggleborn. But I understand …we're just going to have to be very careful. But we're also going to live our lives and live them well. You can't let Voldemort dictate your decisions."

"Yeah, I know…Hermione had this same conversation last night. She and I understand what we're choosing but we're still very scared of the possibilities for each other." Harry paused for a moment then asked, "Do you know about the prophecy?"

Remus nodded solemnly. "I've known about it for a long time. James told me before they went into hiding with you."

"Then you know that I might die fighting Voldemort."

"Yes…I know," Remus replied quietly, meeting Harry's gaze. "Does Hermione know?"

Harry nodded. "So does Ron."

There was silence for a moment then Remus said, "All I can tell you, Harry, is that you can count on me for any help you need. And I believe you're going to beat Voldemort and be alive and well at the end of all this."

Harry mustered a smile. "Thanks, Remus." Then his head turned as Hermione walked back in the room. "Hi," he said, his smile brightening.

"Hi," Hermione said returning his smile as she sat beside him on the couch and reached for his hand.

"Morning," Remus said cheerily. "And congratulations."

"Thanks," said Hermione, her cheeks pinking up a bit. She turned to smile at Harry again, caressing his fingers with hers. "So what are the plans for today?"

Remus replied, "I think Dobby's making breakfast and it should be ready pretty soon, so, Harry, if you want to take a quick shower before breakfast, you better get going."

Harry nodded and gave Hermione's hand a quick squeeze as he got up. "Be right back."

~>^<~>^<~>^<~>^<~

Dobby had fixed chocolate chip pancakes with chocolate syrup and whipped cream, bacon, and toast for Harry's birthday breakfast.

"Wow, thanks, Dobby," Harry grinned at the elf as he sat down.

"Happy birthday, Harry Potter," Dobby smiled back. "I is hoping sir likes it."

"These are delicious, Dobby," Hermione closed her eyes as she savored a bite of pancake.

Dobby beamed as he trotted off to clean the pans he had used.

Harry's hand crept to Hermione's and she laced her fingers through his with a sidelong glance and a quick smile. Harry returned her smile and began to enjoy his birthday pancakes.

"Since when are you left-handed, Harry?" Remus asked, his eyes twinkling.

"Since my right hand is holding Hermione's," Harry answered leveling a look at Remus but with a smile in his eyes. "Keep it up, Remus and it's gonna be open season on you and Tonks…"

"Speaking of which," Hermione smirked, "I guess I should congratulate you as well."

"Yeah, Harry told me you were on to us."

"Wasn't that hard to figure out," Hermione said between bites.

"Really," Remus said, amused. "Took Harry here getting an eyeful for him to notice."

"He can be a little thick when it comes to the romance department…" Hermione chuckled.

"Hey," Harry protested. "I've had other things on my mind, all right?"

"Yes, and her name was Cho Chang," Hermione smiled sardonically.

"Oh, good grief…" Harry shook his head but then turned and grinned at Hermione. "Jealous?"

"Terribly," Hermione nodded and gave his hand a squeeze. "Thank goodness you finally came to your senses."

"More like shocked to my senses…" Harry snorted.

"Well, what ever it takes," Hermione replied with a smile and a shrug.

Remus pushed his plate away and leaned in on his elbows. "Harry tells me there may be a problem with Ron when he finds out about you two."

Hermione nodded, her smile fading. "Yes…we're a little worried."

"I'm going to suggest that you both keep your relationship secret until you have the chance to speak with him in private," Remus said.

"I think that's the best thing to do, too." Hermione agreed.

Harry nodded. "I want for Ron to be the first to know-or I guess the second," he glanced at Remus, "and not hear anything second hand. Hopefully there won't be a problem anyway."

But Harry and Hermione cast an anxious look at each other.

~>^<~>^<~>^<~>^<~

"Ready?" Remus asked Harry and Hermione as they stood by the fireplace preparing to go to the Weasley's for dinner.

They nodded.

"Think it'll be all right for me to take my Firebolt?" Harry asked holding his broomstick up. "Maybe Ron and I can fly for a bit while the sun's still up." Dumbledore had returned his broom to him before he left school but he hadn't flown on it since his last Quidditch game.

"I think that'd be fine…Incendio!" Remus said and the fire burst to life. "I'll go first, Hermione you follow, and Harry, you bring up the rear."

Remus threw a handful of floo powder into the flames, stepped in and said "The Burrow!" and he was gone.

"Remember, we've got to act just the same as we always have until we talk to Ron," Hermione said, starting to get some floo powder out of the pewter jar.

"Hang on then…" Harry pulled her back for one last kiss. "Don't know when we'll get to do this again."

Hermione leaned toward him and kissed him longingly for a moment then broke off saying breathlessly, "I better get going."

Harry grinned, "See you in a minute, then."

Hermione quickly flooed away and Harry waited for a bit, then followed. He stopped whirling abruptly and stumbled out into the Weasley's empty kitchen. "Hermione…Remus?" Harry looked around in bewilderment then walked to the back door and out into the yard.

"SURPRISE!"

Harry stopped in his tracks and dropped his Firebolt. He turned to see a large group of people beaming at him from around a table laden with all sorts of food and a sizeable cake. There were balloons, streamers, and a large banner stretched between two trees that said, `Happy Birthday, Harry!" On another table close by were quite a few presents.

Harry was speechless and his feet felt as though they were bonded to the ground.

"Harry?" He heard Mrs. Weasley's voice as she walked over to him. She quickly picked up his broom and leaned it against the outside wall of the house. Smiling at him, she took his arm. "Come on over here," she said gently guiding him to the group of people.

As Harry neared the group, he began to pick out individual faces. Hermione and Remus were there, of course, with Tonks and Mad-Eye were standing next to them. And there was Hagrid smiling at him from beside Dumbledore and McGonagall. He could see all the Weasley's (with the exception of Percy and Charlie) grinning at him. And there, beside Ginny were Neville and Luna with wide smiles on their faces.

Harry looked around at all of them and, trying to keep the tears back that were prickling in his eyes, said, "I'm sorry…it's just that I've never had…thank you so much."

"Here's to you, Harry," Arthur Weasley held up a butterbeer, "Happy birthday!"

The rest that had drinks lifted theirs to him and they all chorused, "Happy birthday!" Then Harry was surrounded by them, receiving handshakes, claps on the back and hugs.

"Good to see you, Ron!" Harry said happily as his best friend thudded him on the back.

"Happy birthday, Harry!" Ron said and then muttered, "Don't eat anything the twins give you…"

"Thanks for the warning." Harry nodded then received a bone-crunching hug. "Hagrid!" Harry gasped into the front of the half-giant's scratchy vest, "It's good to see you!

"Well, when Dumbledore tol' me `bout yer party, I wasn't gonna miss it fer the world!" Hagrid said, releasing Harry and holding him back at arms length to take a good look at him. "How are yeh, Harry? Gettin' taller, I see. Been doin' well?"

"Better, Hagrid, much better now." Harry nodded as his heart contracted remembering that Sirius would've been here, too if-

"Everyone, please help yourself to the food before it gets cold!" Mrs. Weasley called.

Harry got in line behind Neville who shook his hand. "Happy birthday, Harry. Hope your summer holidays are going well."

"I'm having a good time, Neville. And happy birthday to you, too? You've had one recently, I guess." Harry said remembering the prophecy.

"Yeah…thanks. How did you know?" Neville looked at him quizzically.

"Somebody recently said that our birthdays were close," Harry fudged. "So how has your holiday been?"

"Well, it's been nice to have a break and all, but I'm ready to go back." Neville said. "It's just been Gran and me most of the time. My uncle's been traveling."

Harry nodded then changed the subject. "Look, Neville. I want to thank you for all your help the night of the Ministry battle. You really came through and I don't know what I would have done without you."

Neville's smile was surprised and delighted at the same time. "You're welcome, Harry. I'm glad I was able to help. Oh, and by the way," he continued excitedly, "I've got a new wand." Neville held it out for Harry to see. "Twelve inches, made of mahogany and the core is a unicorn tail hair. Can't wait to get back to school to try it out."

"That's really great, Neville," Harry said sincerely. "I bet it'll make a big difference for you to have your own wand-at least that's what Mr. Ollivander said when I got mine."

"Yeah, he told me that, too," Neville nodded as he put his wand away and began to fill his plate from the table.

Harry turned to see Luna standing in line next to Ron and Ginny not far behind him.

"Hi Luna! Hi Ginny!" Harry said.

"Happy birthday, Harry!" Ginny smiled at him.

"Yes, happy birthday, Harry," Luna said in her slightly dreamy voice.

Harry noticed she was standing rather close to Ron who seemed to be oblivious due to his being distracted by the platters of food just in front of him. Luna didn't appear to be wearing any strange jewelry tonight. She looked almost normal-even pretty.

Harry's gaze slid further back to Hermione who was standing in line behind Luna. He smiled and winked quickly at her and she did the same back to him.

When Harry had gotten to the end of the table, he found Mrs. Weasley there serving drinks.

"This is wonderful and I can't thank you enough," Harry said gratefully, taking a cup of pumpkin juice from her hand.

"Oh, I had some help, but you're quite welcome, Harry dear," she smiled back at him. "It was Dumbledore's idea."

"Dumbledore?" He asked quietly.

"Yes…he wanted to give you a bit of cheer on your birthday since you've been cooped up for so long."

"Well he certainly did, then. Thanks for letting me know that."

Mrs. Weasley smiled at Harry then he walked over with his plate and drink to sit and wait for Hermione to come through the line. But before she could get there, Neville, Ron, Ginny, and Luna all came to join him. Hermione had to sit in the last chair, which was down and across from him. At least he could sneak looks at her without having to turn his head too much. Soon the twins came and sat on the ground with their plates.

"Happy birthday, Mr. Eight O.W.L.s!" Fred said grinning at him.

"Eight!" Neville exclaimed. "That's what I got, too, Harry."

"Hermione got twelve," Harry smiled across at her and her cheeks turned a bit pink.

"Wow!" several people chorused.

"So how many did you get Ron?" Hermione asked.

"Seven." He replied with a smile.

"That's really good," she returned his smile. "Nice work, Ron!"

Ginny looked nervously at Luna. "I guess it's our turn next."

"Yes," she said serenely. "This year will be quite different from the others…"

"I know you'll both do very well," Hermione said reassuringly.

Ron changed the subject. "Did I see you with your Firebolt earlier, Harry?"

Harry nodded. "I was hoping to get some flying in tonight before sunset. Sound good to you?"

"You bet!"

The twins and Ginny nodded, too. "Who's on for a bit of Quidditch?" George asked.

"I am," Harry said. "I haven't been able to fly all summer." Just then he spotted Dumbledore walking with McGonagall across the yard heading toward the group of adults. "I'll be right back," he said putting his plate and drink down on his chair.

Harry walked quickly toward the pair. "Professor Dumbledore!" he called as he neared them. They both turned and stopped.

"Happy birthday, Harry," they said almost together.

"Thank you," Harry smiled at them. "Professor Dumbledore, I just wanted to thank you for this party. I can't imagine anything better."

"It was my pleasure, Harry," Dumbledore smiled gently back at him. "But I had quite a lot of help."

"I know…but Mrs. Weasley told me it was your idea, so thank you. And thanks for coming Professor McGonagall. It's good to see you."

"My pleasure Potter," she smiled. "And congratulations on your O.W.L. results. I'm proud of you."

Harry nodded. "Thanks, but I couldn't have done it without you and several others, so thank you, too."

"You're very welcome. I look forward to seeing you back in my class in the new term." She turned and walked with Dumbledore on to the chairs ahead.

Harry met up with Tonks, Remus, and Mad-Eye on his way back.

"Happy birthday, Harry!" Tonks said. "I'd give you a hug but my hands are full and I know you don't want this all over you."

"That's okay. Thanks for the thought, anyway," Harry returned with a smile.

"Happy birthday, Potter!" Mad-Eye said in his gravelly voice. "Been practicing anymore of the things we worked on?"

"Harry nodded. "Thanks-those spells you taught me are going to be really helpful. Can't wait to show them to Ron and Hermione."

"You did very well with them-I was quite impressed and even bragged about you to some of the other Aurors. Hope to see you in that department one day."

Harry felt his face grow warm at this praise. "Thanks, that means a lot coming from you. Well, I better get back to my food before it gets too much colder. See you later." The others headed towards the group that Dumbledore and McGonagall had just joined and Harry walked back to sit in his chair.

He was so overwhelmed by this party that he almost couldn't eat his food. He glanced up to see Hermione looking at him. He kept his eye contact with her.

`Hello.'

`Hello, yourself. Having a good time?'

`Yes, but I can think of something even better. Go into the kitchen and I'll meet you there in a bit.'

Hermione nodded slightly and turned to see if anyone had noticed them looking at each other for so long.

Luckily, the others seemed to be engrossed in conversation.

After a few seconds, Hermione stood up with her plate and said, "Be right back." Harry watched as she made her way quickly to the back door.

About a minute later, Harry stood and said, "I'm going to get a refill on my drink." He put his plate in his chair and picked up his glass, taking it with him as he walked to the kitchen door. The kitchen appeared to be empty but just then, he heard a quiet, "Harry," and he turned to see Hermione motioning to him from the pantry. Smiling, he set his glass down on the table and walked quickly to her into the small space. He pulled the door almost to and wrapped his arms around her.

"Now this is where I want to be," he whispered as he leaned his lips to hers. He kissed her softly and felt her hands in his hair. Just then they heard footsteps coming into the kitchen and broke apart quickly. Peering through the crack in the slightly open door, Hermione and Harry saw Ron walking in the kitchen with Luna right behind.

"I thought I saw him come in here-that looks like his glass there on the table. I wanted to ask him if I could have a go on his Firebolt. Harry?" Ron called and then shrugged. "He must have gone out a different way and I missed him." He turned to walk back out and ran straight into Luna.

"Oh, sorry…" Ron apologized reaching out quickly to steady her. "Are you all right?"

"Yes…actually, Ronald, I wanted to tell you something," Luna said.

"Sure…what?"

"I wanted to tell you that I like you."

"Well…er…thanks. I like you, too," Ron said, sounding a bit baffled.

"No, I mean I…oh, good grief-here!" And with that, Luna grasped Ron by the shoulders and lifted herself up on her toes to press her lips against his.

Hermione gasped and Harry briefly put his hand over her mouth.

Ron appeared to be shocked by Luna's actions and was almost frozen in place as she ended the kiss and leaned back to search his eyes.

"Are you all right, Ronald?" For the first time ever, Harry heard a bit of anxiety in Luna's voice.

He nodded dumbly as he stared at her with wide eyes.

After a long moment, she cast her eyes down. "I'm sorry, Ronald…I'll go back outside."

Hermione turned silently to look at Harry, tears forming in her eyes.

"Wait."

Hermione's head snapped back around at the sound of Ron's hoarse whisper.

Luna stopped in her tracks and turned back questioningly to him. Ron closed the gap between them and, putting his hands on her arms, slowly drew her to himself. He looked into her eyes for just a moment before he bent his head to gently touch his lips to hers. After a moment, their arms wound around each other and the kiss grew heated.

Harry could feel Hermione almost bouncing up and down with happiness and he grinned as he turned her in his arms for a hug. Harry heard a noise, looked back out the pantry door and was surprised to see Ron stepping quickly back from Luna with an almost panicked look on his face.

"Luna…" Ron tried to catch his breath and shook his head. "This isn't right…I like you and that kiss was…incredible." He avoided her eyes. "But I have feelings for someone else that I haven't totally sorted through yet. I can't do this right now…I'm sorry."

Hermione stood very still and Harry held his breath and waited.

Luna was silent for a moment but then smiled sadly. "One thing I've learned is that people who are willing to be patient usually end up with what they want. If you're patient, maybe you'll end up with what you want."

"She's already told me that she doesn't feel that way toward me. She loves someone else." Ron said miserably.

Hermione buried her face in Harry's chest. Harry ran his hands quietly up and down her back.

Luna lifted a hand softly to Ron's face. "I'm very sorry, Ronald."

Ron met Luna's gaze, put his hand over hers and said quietly, "I hope you'll be patient, Luna."

Luna nodded and lifted her face to kiss Ron softly on the cheek. "I'll see you outside." She turned and walked through the door into the yard.

Harry let the breath he was holding out slowly and pressed his eyes closed for a second then opened them at Ron's sigh.

Ron turned and slumped into one of the chairs by the kitchen table, lowering his head into his hands. He sat that way for a little while then, after raking his hands through his hair, lifted his head and looked out the door. After a moment he got up and walked outside too.

Hermione lifted her tearful eyes to Harry. "Ron…and Luna. What are we going to do?" She whispered.

He leaned his forehead against hers. "We're going to have to tell him…the sooner, the better. He'll feel betrayed if he finds out some other way or thinks we're hiding something from him," he answered quietly. "At least that's how I'd feel."

Hermione nodded. "We'd better get back outside. You go on first so I can fix my face a bit from the tears. I'll be out in a minute."

Harry pulled her close for one last moment. "All right," he said softly. "See you soon."

Harry went outside to find Ron already flying with Fred and George. He quickly retrieved his Firebolt and kicked off the ground to join them. It had been about six months since he had last felt the wonderful feeling of soaring freely through the air.

"Where've you been?" Called Ron as he zoomed by.

"Sorry…had something I needed to take care of," Harry responded as he took off after Ron, his feeling of joy at the wind in his hair dampened a bit by what he had witnessed in the kitchen. He thought to himself, `If only everything could be as easy as flying…'

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