Harry Potter and all related Characters belong to JK Rowling
Chapter 5 - A Party, Presents and A Prophecy
As Harry and Dumbledore walked out of Broomgate's office into the corridor Dumbledore noticed Harry's shoulders sag ever so slightly and that the smile on Harry's face seemed rather forced.
"Are you alright Harry?" he asked placing a hand on Harry's shoulder causing the teenager to look up at him.
"Yes thanks Sir," he replied before turning and looking out of the window into the alley. "Its just…well I knew he was dead but there was a part of me that was hoping I was wrong but this just makes it real." Dumbledore now gave a nod and sighed before speaking again.
"I understand Harry, and I know you still blame yourself but I must bare some of the blame myself. Not just for the fact that I should have told you the Prophecy sooner and that it should have been me who taught you Occulmency but I should have take precautions to have prevented Sirius from leaving Grimmauld Place but the fact was that after spending all those years in Azkaban I couldn't bring myself to confine Sirius to another prison and I relied on his common sense to keep a low profile. Unfortunately I forgot just how hot-headed and reckless he could be."
"He would have probably found someway around anything you did to keep him there anyway," replied Harry "After all he did get out of Azkaban and that must have had more powerful wards than even you could have produce." At this he quickly turned to Dumbledore with a sheepish expression. "No offence Professor!"
"None taken Harry," chuckled Dumbledore. "And you'd be right, Sirius would have easily been able to break through any wards I placed around Grimmauld Place. After all it took the best one hundred Aurors of their time to create the wards at Azkaban and he successfully escaped from there." A wistful look now crossed the old Professor's face. "He was always the most resourceful of your father's friends but as I said, he was also reckless to the point of arrogance, much like your father was until your mother tamed him."
At this Harry gave a sigh and nodded remember the images from Snape's pensive.
"Like father, like son," he said with a slight smile, a comment that caused Dumbledore to chuckle softly again.
"Indeed, but I believe you have a much calmer head on your shoulders. Plus I'm sure Miss Granger will keep you in check from now on," said the Professor with another chuckle as he pulled a pocket watch from within of his robes and glanced at it before turning to Harry with a smile whilst returning his watch to it's place within his robes. "I don't know about you Harry but I'm feeling a little peckish, would you care to join me in an ice cream?"
Now that the Professor mentioned it Harry was feeling a bit peckish and he now gave a nod at which Dumbledore's smiled widened.
"Good, it that case we should be on our way."
***
As pair stepped out of the offices of Broomgate and Maskelyne into the bright August sunshine Harry notice that some of the people in Diagon Alley seemed to be look towards him and Dumbledore with expressions that seemed to be a mixture of embarrassment and guilt.
`Guess a few people are still feeling bad because they thought we were trying to stir up trouble last year,' Harry reminded himself as he and the Professor continued down the alley until they came to the door of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour where Florean himself quickly lead them to a table.
"I will have a small Chocolate Volcano please Florean," said Dumbledore smiling broadly. "Harry?"
"Could I have a Multi-Flavoured Flasher please," replied Harry. Florean smiled broadly and removed his wand from his robes.
"Excellent choices gentlemen," he said and gave a small flick of his wand. There was a sudden small flash before Harry found a small bowl of ice cream that currently looked like vanilla but as he watched it there was a brief flash and suddenly it was chocolate. Dumbledore meanwhile was tucking into a small mound of chocolate and wafers, which was covered by strawberry sauce, which would squirt out the top of the mound at intervals whilst Florean had also conjured up two strawberry milkshakes, which he placed before Harry and Dumbledore before hurrying off to deal with his other customers.
"Professor," said Harry looking from his bowl after a few moments. "May I ask you a question?"
"By all means Harry," replied Dumbledore. "What do you wish to know?" Harry now glanced down at his bowl again before looking up at his mentor.
"I was wondering about this bond between me and Hermione, why did it start now?"
Dumbledore leaned back in his seat and looked around but luckily Florean had placed them in a corner far away from any other patrons so there was little chance of them being overheard. He now a deep breath before speaking.
"Firstly I must confess not knowing much about this particular form of Occulmency but from what you Grandfather told me about the connection he and your Grandmother shared Harry it requires a trigger event. Sometimes this can be happy, say a physical encounter. Unfortunately in your case it was the opposite, it was the fear of losing Hermione that activated the bond, as it forced you to realise you truly loved her. Ironically however it has also appears to have given you a way of defending yourself against Voldemort and that, if you don't mind me saying Harry, is something of a gift. Albeit one which came at a terrible price."
"So how do we use it?" asked Harry firmly deciding not to dwell on how his new ability had come to be.
"I'm not sure yet," admitted Dumbledore. "As I said yesterday, our first task will be to see if Voldermort can enter your mind again and if needed to train you and Miss Granger in the skills of Occulmency and Legillemency and then we will see. But at the very least it should help stop your nightmares from occurring so regularly although I will not guarantee they will disappear totally."
"Just as long as he can't trick me again," said Harry firmly before swallowing one last scoop of ice cream.
"Oh, I doubt he could now as he'd need to trick Miss Granger too," replied Dumbledore. "And, well no offence Harry but Miss Granger does tend to have a calmer head on her shoulders for the majority of the time."
"No arguments here Sir," replied Harry, a small smile.
"Good," said Dumbledore with a nod before he took one more sip of milkshake. "Well then, I suppose we should be heading back. There is still much for us to do before your party begins." At this Harry paused slightly remembering the task he'd mentally given himself before leaving Grimmauld Place.
"Actually Sir, if you don't mind I'd like go and buy Neville a birthday present if that's alright?"
Dumbledore had to resist the urge to chuckle as once more Harry showed his ability to think of others before himself, plus there was the added bonus of putting a small part of his much larger plan into action and so he now gave a small nod of approval.
"Of course, and if you don't mind Harry, seeing as Mr Longbottom's favourite subject is Herbology, may I recommend the newly released `Rare Eastern European Flora and Fauna'?" A relieved smile now crossed Harry's face and he nodded.
"Thanks Professor," he replied. "I wasn't sure what to get him."
"That's quite alright," said Dumbledore. "Actually, I need to nip along to Honeydukes myself, I'm almost out of lemon sherbets. I'll meet you in half an hour at the Leaky Cauldron alright?"
"Okay Professor," said Harry with a nod as he rose from their table and headed for the door whilst Dumbledore made his way over to Florean to pay for their ice creams.
***
Harry quickly made his way to Flourish and Blotts where he easily found the book Dumbledore had recommend and was paying for it when he happened to glance across the road at the store opposite and as he did so an idea sprang into his head and a small grin crossed his face. Thanking the shop assistant as she handed him his book and change he quickly hurried out the bookshop and across the street to the shop opposite. On arriving there he was quickly recognised and the manager himself came to serve him. Harry quickly outlined his request after which the manager smiled warmly.
"That shouldn't be a problem Mr Potter," he said cheerfully. "19th of September you say?"
"That's right," replied Harry with a nod. The manager gave a nod of his own before pulling out a parchment pad and a quill.
"And is there a message you'd like to send?" At this Harry swallowed nervously before replying.
"Yes, could you put `To Hermione, Happy Birthday, with all my love, Harry'?" he asked shyly. The manager laughed and nodded.
"Not a problem Mr Potter, is there anything else?" Harry quickly purchased a few small items, which he could take with him now before paying then headed out the shop and started towards the Leaky Cauldron.
***
On arriving at the Leaky Cauldron Harry found Dumbledore talking to Tom the Barkeeper who smiled broadly as Harry stepped through the door into the pub.
"Morning Mr. `Arry," said the Barman cheerily as Harry joined Dumbledore by the bar.
"Hi Tom," replied Harry with a smile.
"Have you made you purchases Harry?" inquired Dumbledore with a small smile. Harry was about to reply when he froze.
`Did he just say purchases?' Then however Harry felt a sheepish grin cross his face. This was Albus Dumbledore; of course he knew what Harry had been up to.
"Yes Sir," he said with a nod.
"Good," said Dumbledore, the smile on his face widening. "Tom's been kind enough to say we can us his Office so I think we should head back now."
Tom now opened the bar hatch before leading Dumbledore and Harry through to his office. Amazingly it was totally unlike what Harry had expected. He'd been expecting something like Ron's room or Mr Broomgate's Office but instead it was well organised although the desk was slightly less organised as it was strewn with papers and folders.
"Invoices," offered Tom with a shrug. "Usually the missus does the paperwork but she at her mothers." Harry grinned at this, he'd never thought about Tom's domestic arrangements but he guessed not even a wizard could run a pub on their own.
"Anyhow, I'll be leaving you now," said the landlord with a smile.
"Thank you Tom," replied Dumbledore as the younger man disappeared out the door, which closed behind him. Dumbledore then walked over to the fireplace and quickly muttered something that Harry didn't quite here before the Headmaster turned back to him.
"Alright Harry," he said offering Harry some Floo powder from a small bag, "Off you go, I'll be right behind you."
Taking a deep breath Harry took a handful of powder and threw it into the fire before stepping in.
"12 Grimmauld Place!" he commanded and with a flash he disappeared.
***
Molly Weasley looked up from the hob as Harry stumbled at the fire and smiled warmly at the boy she thought of as another son began brushing down his robes.
"Hello Harry dear, how did it go?" she asked with a soft smile.
"Alright I think," said Harry casting a glance over his shoulder as Dumbledore emerged from the fireplace without a single soot mark on his robes.
"Ah Molly, dinner smells wonderful," said the Professor with a broad smile. "Will Arthur be joining us?"
"Of course," said Mrs Weasley. "Oh, and Tonks will be here in about ten minutes," said something about being summoned?"
"Yes, yes indeed," acknowledged Dumbledore. "Now what time are we expecting our guests?"
"Two O'clock," came back the reply at which Dumbledore nodded.
"Good, then we have just enough time. When will Arthur be back?"
"Just before one," said Mrs Weasley with a curious expression. "Professor, is something wrong?"
"Not in the slightest Molly," said Dumbledore with a reassuring smile. "It's just that we have a few details from Sirius's will to go over."
"Oh," said Molly paling slightly at that piece of information before turning and giving Harry a weak smile.
"Harry, why don't you go and find the others?" suggested Dumbledore quickly stepping in to try and stave on an embarrassing moment from developing. At this Harry gave his mentor an appreciative look and hurried out of the room.
"I think their in the library dear," called Mrs Weasley after him as he hurried out the kitchen.
***
"Guys?" called Harry as he stepped into the large library that took up most of the left side of the ground floor. A moment later Ron's head appeared around the end of the bookshelves and he grinned at Harry.
"Over here mate," he chirped. Harry grinned back and headed quickly to join Ron and found the two girls both seating crossed legged on the floor with books open in their laps.
"Hey Harry," said Ginny cheerfully.
"Hey Sis," replied Harry, his grin widening as he sat down beside his girlfriend who now looked up from her book and smiled warmly at him.
"Hey," she said softly, her eyes twinkling warmly at Harry, which sent a buzz of excitement through him.
"Hey," he said in reply before leaning in and claming her lips.
"Ugh!!" groaned Ron with a roll of his eyes. "Do you guys mind?"
"Not really," said Harry with a chuckle as he broke the kiss whilst Hermione blushed lightly.
"Wouldn't be jealous by any chance would you brother dear?" giggled Ginny causing Ron to give her a sharp look.
"Watch it Minny Gin," he growled causing Ginny to scowl.
"Don't call me that!" she snapped with a slight pout. "You know I hate that!"
"You didn't use to hate it," said Ron with a chuckle whilst Harry and Hermione watched the sibling confrontation in bemusement.
"I didn't mind it when I was six," muttered Ginny. "Besides, I'm not that small anymore!" In this she was right as, despite being almost a year younger, she was already a good couple of inches taller than Hermione although both girls still trailed Harry and Ron by a great deal and Harry himself only just stood taller than his best male friend's shoulder.
"Minny Gin?" said Hermione finally managing to get a word in while a small smile crossed her face whilst Harry smirked. At this Ginny gave a sigh whilst glaring at her brother who was smirking himself.
"It's what my brothers used to call me when I was little," she sighed. "And before you ask it wasn't the twins who came up with it, it was Charlie!"
"Bet you loved him for that?!" chuckled Harry. Ginny just wrinkled her nose before noticing the package under Harry's arm.
"What have you got there?" she asked causing Ron and Hermione to look towards Harry who now gave the book a pat.
"A present for Neville," replied Harry handing the book to Hermione. "It was his birthday two days ago."
"You're kiddin'!" exclaimed Ron whilst Ginny and Hermione both stared in shock at him.
"I always wondered when his birthday was," said Ginny quietly. "I did ask him once but….well, you know Neville." At this Harry and the others all nodded. Although Neville had obviously made progress last year, especially in the courage department, he was still a very shy young man.
"Poor Neville," sighed Ginny and Harry now noticed the look on her face just as Mr Weasley appeared around the corner.
"Ah, there you are," he said smiling warmly.
"Hey Dad," said Ron. "How did it go?"
"It didn't really," said Mr Weasley with a grunt. "The Wizengamot's called a special session for this afternoon so I've got to go back then."
"So they haven't selected anyone then?" asked Hermione curiously.
"No, but then the Chief Warlock was absent this morning," said Mr Weasley with a slight smile. "Everyone at the Ministry now seems to be of the opinion anyone he recommends would probably become the next Minister. Downey-Ffolkes has even stated that he wouldn't stand against a candidate put forward by the Chief Warlock."
"But who could Dumbledore suggest?" asked Ron.
"Oh I don't know," said Mr Weasley. "Moody maybe or perhaps Kingsley."
"What about you Dad?" piped Ginny repeating the question that her mother had interrupted that morning. Mr Weasley went slightly red and stared at Ginny as if she'd just declared she was a Death Eater.
"Don't be silly Ginny, I'm head of Misuse of Muggle Artefacts. I'm hardly like to be made Minister of Magic now am I?"
"Why not?!" said Ron quickly. Mr Weasley now opened his mouth but then sighed and smiled softly.
"Politics is a tricky world Ron, but I can assure you I won't be the next Minister." He now gave a soft chuckle whilst his two children just looked at him with despondent expressions. "Anyway, come on. Professor Dumbledore wants to see us all in the kitchen."
***
Soon the four friends and Mr Weasley were back in the kitchen where Dumbledore was sitting at the head of the table whilst a slightly bewildered Tonks (whose hair was a brilliant shade of blue today) was beside Molly who looked quite puzzled herself.
"Ah good," said Dumbledore. "Take a seat all of you, Harry, would you sit beside me?" Everyone quickly took seats at the table with Ron sitting at the far end whilst his father sat down beside Molly. Hermione meanwhile took the seat beside Harry whilst Ginny sat down beside her.
"Alright then," said Dumbledore. "Now Sirius wanted Harry to read this element of his will but I feel Harry would rather merely be a spectator so if he has no objection I will read Sirius's bequeathments, if that's alright Harry?"
"That's fine Professor," said Harry feeling a wave of relief wash over him. Dumbledore now nodded whilst a smile crossed his face.
"Very well then," he said before picking up the packet that Mr Broomgate and opened the packet and pulled out the sheet of parchment.
"Alright then," said Dumbledore pushing up his spectacles. "Let us see." And with that he began to read.
"In addition to the main body of my will, I Sirius Black also make the following bequeathments.
To my oldest and dearest friend and only surviving Marauder Remus John Lupin I leave the sum of fifty thousand galleons and the sanctuary of Grimmauld Place whenever you require it.
To my only living direct blood relative worth a damn, Nymphadora Victoria Alice Tonks, I leave you the sum of fifty thousand galleons."
At this Tonks yelped as if stung and looked at Dumbledore in shock obviously trying to get words out before giving up and slumping back in her chair still looking stunned whilst Dumbledore continued.
"To Arthur and Molly Weasley, I leave you the sum of one hundred thousand galleons."
Now it was Mrs Weasley's turn to yelp as she grabbed Mr Weasley's hand so hard he winced whilst also looking at Dumbledore with a stunned look on his face. The headmaster merely smiled slightly then turned to the other side of the table.
"To Ronald Billius and Ginerva Molly Weasley and Hermione Jane Granger, I leave each of them fifty thousand galleons to be held in trust for them by Albus Dumbledore until their eighteenth birthdays with the prevision they receive two hundred and fifty a year whilst still attending Hogwarts." Harry now shot a looking at his three friends. Ron's jaw just hung slightly whilst Ginny and Hermione were both crying softly. Harry now quickly slipped an arm around his girlfriend who now turned and gave him a teary smile.
"Well, that is it as far as the bequeathments go," said Dumbledore folding up the scroll as everyone's gaze turned back to him. "However, there was one last matter and that was Harry's guardianship." He now turned and met Tonks's gaze straight on. "And that Nymphadora he entrusted to you."
"Me!" Tonks squeaked, any colour left in her face draining away. "But…but why?"
"Because he trusts you dear," said Molly putting her hand on Tonks's arm. Tonks still looked a little stunned but then slowly smiled and looked over at Harry who grinned at her.
"So, I guess the main question is will you sign my Hogsmeade's Permission slip this term?" he chirped causing everyone to laugh.
***
Shortly afterwards Mr Weasley and Dumbledore disapparated to the Ministry where Dumbledore would be chairing the meeting of the Wizengamot whilst Tonks headed outside to wait for Neville and Luna to arrived and shortly after two she returned to the kitchen where Harry and the others had been having lunch with a nervous looking Neville and a broadly smiling Luna. In fact on seeing Luna, Harry and his friends had to do a double take. Gone was the odd jewellery and dreamy expression to replaced by a normal looking teenage girl dressed in a light green t-shirt and jeans with her blonde hair cascading behind her whilst her face bore a light tan. Beside Harry, Ron was stood gaping at her for a moment before Harry's elbow in his ribs brought him out of his trance.
"Hi Luna," he managed to get out with out sounding like an idiot.
"Hey Ronald," she replied smiling softly at him whilst Hermione and Ginny greeted Neville with hugs that seemed to fluster him even more.
"How have you been Luna," said Harry with a grin quickly stepping in to prevent the moment between Luna and Ron becoming awkward.
"Fine thank you Harry," said Luna with a small smile before a sympathetic look crossed her face. "What about you?"
"Oh, I'm alright," replied Harry truthfully before casting a glance over at Neville who was grinning nervously at him.
"Hi Harry," he said offering his hand which Harry took and shook warmly,
"Good to see you Nev," he replied. "How are you?"
"Pretty good actually," replied Neville and he looked it. Over the summer he'd had a bit of a growth spurt and whilst not as tall as Ron he had probably half an inch on Harry. Furthermore, he was also not quite so chubby looking but had grown into quite a handsome young man, which was probably why Ginny was looking at him with a dreamy expression that Luna would have been proud of.
"Okay, presents!" roared Ron with a broad grin.
"Hang on there Ron," said Harry and hurried out the room to return a moment later with a large package, which he now thrust, into Neville's hands.
"This is from all of us," he added indicating Hermione, Ron and Ginny. "Happy birthday mate."
For a moment Neville looked like he was about to break down crying but he seemed to get hold of himself and managed to give Harry and the others an appreciative smile.
"Thanks guys," he murmured, "Thanks a lot."
"Your welcome," said Harry whilst Ginny placed a hand on Neville's arm.
"Presents now!" said Ron rubbing his hands together as he crossed over to a cupboard, which he opened and pulled out a package, which he now carried over to Harry with a broad grin.
"This is from me and Gin," he said with a nod towards his sister as Harry took the package.
"Thanks guys," said Harry and quickly removed the wrapping paper to a set of Seeker gloves.
"With extra grips to help hold onto your broom and the snitch," said Ginny helpfully as Harry tried them on.
"These are great, thanks guys," said Harry. Next came Mrs Weasley who presented him with the usual pullover (this one being plain green) and a Honeydukes selection. Then Neville presented him with a chocolate frog assortment whilst Luna gave him the Quibbler Archives annual. Tonks fumbled with her present for a moment and nearly dropped it before presenting Harry with a book entitled `Bletchley Hoggleton's Quidditch Tactics and Strategies'.
"Thought it might come in useful this season," chirped Tonks as Harry quickly flipped through the book and he was just turning to thank Tonks when there was a deep rumbling noise followed by a crash and a cloud of dust from the direction of the fireplace followed by a loud voice.
"'Elp, elp, I'm stuck!" roared Hagrid's voice as Harry and Ron hurried over quickly followed by the others.
"Ron, you and Neville take that leg," said Harry. "Tonks, your with me. And on three pull."
At the command all four gave a tug and the large form of Rubeus Hagrid tumbled into the fireplace.
"Oh…ruddy `ell," muttered the half-giant as he staggered to his feet. "Think I missed my stop, Dumbledore told me to use the study but…well, I've never been really good with the floo," he grumbled as he brushed himself down.
"No kiddin'," chuckled Ron. "How are you Hagrid?"
"Oh, fine Ron, just fine," replied Hagrid before turning to Harry and grinning broadly.
"'Ello `Arry," he boomed grabbing Harry in a bear hug that was unrivalled by anyone Harry knew. "'Appy Birthday!"
"Thanks Hagrid," said Harry with a laugh. "Eh, would you mind letting go now, I think I can hear my ribs cracking!!"
"Oops!" muttered Hagrid and quickly released Harry. "Anyhow, sorry I'm late and all but, well we had a little problem at the castle."
"Oh," said Hermione. "What's happened?"
"Gremlins!" muttered Hagrid flatly. "Perishing little buggers somehow got in to the castle so me and Filch have spent the better part of a week tryin' to catch `em all. We finally managed to catch `em all but not before they'd wrecked the place. You lot had better watch it when you get back `cause Filch is gonna be in an even fouler mood than usual!"
"Oh come on Hagrid," snorted Ron. "This is Filch we're talking about, he was born a miserable bastard!"
"RONALD BILLIUS WEASLEY!" roared Molly causing everyone to flinch. "How dare you use language like that!"
"Sorry Mum," murmured Ron quickly, an apologetic expression on his face. Molly opened her mouth to obviously berate him again but then gave a grunt.
"Even if Mr Filch is a grumpy old git I won't have you using…that word to describe him understand?"
"Yes Mum," replied Ron who looked rather shocked at being let off so easily.
"Right…well," said Hagrid with a cough before reaching into his coat and pulling out a small box (at least it look small in his hands, it was actually about the size of a larger shoe box) and handed it to Harry. "'Appy Birthday `Arry," growled the groundskeeper smiling through his beard.
"Thanks Hagrid," said Harry taking the box with caution. Knowing his friend as he did Harry knew that the gift would either be absolutely harmless or highly dangerous and so he decided to err on the side of caution and unwrapped the package carefully to reveal a moleskin jacket similar to Hagrid's own.
"Warmest there is," said Hagrid whilst Harry looked at the jacket with uncertainty.
"Uh, thanks Hagrid," he said with a small grin. Luckily the giant didn't seem to detect Harry's uncertainty over his gift and just clapped Harry on the shoulder causing him to stagger forward slightly.
Luckily at the point Molly came forwards staggering under the weight of a tea cup and saucer that she'd obviously enlarged and placed in on the table before removing her wand from her apron and enlarged a chair for Hagrid who now gave her an appreciative smile.
"Thanks Molly," he rumbled sitting down whilst Harry put the coat with his other presents before turning to find Hermione standing beside him, a shy smile on her face.
"Happy birthday Harry," she said softly and handed him a small box before quickly raising herself on tiptoe and kissing him on the cheek.
Harry grinned happily and opened the box to reveal a gleaming new watch.
"Wow Hermione, this is just…wow!"
"Here, let me show you something," said Hermione. She now pressed a catch on the side of the watch and the face now flipped up to reveal a second face, which also had two hands. However unlike the proper face this one instantly reminded Harry of the Weasleys clock at the Burrow. However, this one was not quite as complex as the Weasleys as the face was divided into three sections. Safe, imminent danger and mortal peril and current both hands, one marked Hermione and the other Ron were well into the Safe section.
"Wow," said Harry softly.
"Do…do you like it?" asked Hermione hesitantly, a nervous expression on her face. Harry now looked up and met her gaze.
"I love it," he said with a warm smile. "Thank you." And with that he leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. At this Hermione blushed softly and ducked her head briefly before looking up.
"You…you can add more hands if you want," she stammered quickly. "That is if you want to." At this Harry nodded and looked back at the watch.
"I will," he said softly.
"Plus it's completely tamper-proof," added Hermione. "That means even if Voldemort does get through to us and tries to trick us we'll know if it's true or not."
Harry now slipped the watch on before turning to Hermione and wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Thank you," he said softly before kissing her softly on the lips just as Hagrid turned from talking with Molly.
"Well I'll be," he murmured softly. If he didn't know better he would have sworn he'd gone back in time twenty odd years and was witnessing a scene between James and Lilly and the half-giant now felt a tear trickle down his cheek into his beard.
"You pair look after each other," he said softly before suddenly feeling a hand on his arm and turned to see Molly looking at him curiously.
"Are you alright Rubeus?" she asked softly.
"Yeah Molly, I'm alright," he replied patting her hand gently. "Just thinkin' how those two remind me of James and Lilly," he added nodding towards where Harry and Hermione where having a quite moment alone.
"They do don't they?" agreed Molly with a small smile. "I just hope they have better luck than James and Lilly."
"I think we can all agree with that Molly," chuckled Hagrid. "And if there's anyone who deserves some `appiness it `Arry." Molly now gave a nod before given her apron a tug.
"Well, I think we're all set," she said casting a look over the table that was now covered with food before turning around. "Alright you lot, tea!"
***
The party had been in progress for nearly two hours when there was a pop and every turned to see George and Fred Weasley standing side by side and grinning merrily.
"Hello all," they chirped simultaneously causing Harry to chuckle while Ron rolled his eyes, a broad grin on his face.
"I wondered when you two were going to show up," said Molly with a slight smile. "Grab a plate each, I think Ron's left some food!"
"Hey!" spluttered Ron whilst everyone else burst into laughter. The twins meanwhile made a beeline straight for Harry and Fred now reached into his cloak and pulled a round tin, which he now handed to Harry.
"Happy birthday mate," he said with a grin.
"Our latest product," said George gleefully. "Miniaturized Mischief."
"Oh good grief," murmured Molly with an exasperated expression.
"Mother, you should be proud of us. We're very successfully," said Fred cheerfully.
"Make close to five thousand galleons a week," added George added as the twins threw an arm over each other's shoulder. For a moment Molly just stared at them before giving a small smile.
"Well, I can't say I really like what you do, but I can't argue with the results and you do seem to work hard."
"Damn right we do," said George. "Anyway, why are we standing here talking? This is meant to be a party." And with that he fired a blast of stream of party ribbons out the end of his wand.
***
The arrival of the twins brought a renewed buzz to the party and Harry was beginning to think things couldn't get better when there was suddenly another pop, albeit a louder one causing everyone to turn to see an ashen faced Mr Weasley being held up by Charlie and Bill where a worried looking Percy stood behind him whilst beside Percy stood a broadly smiling Dumbledore.
"Arthur," cried Mrs Weasley hurrying over. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Don't worry Mum," said Bill who was obviously trying hard not to laugh.
"Dad just got a nasty shock, that's all," added Charlie who like his older brother was struggling not to laugh.
"What do you mean? What shock?" demanded Mrs Weasley.
"They….they…..made me…..made me Minister of Magic," stammered Mr Weasley.
"They what!" exclaimed Mrs Weasley as the room suddenly went quite.
"By a unanimous vote," supplied Percy quickly poking his head over his father's shoulder. As he did so Harry got a good glimpse of him and realised Percy's robes were covered with dust, as was his hair.
"What happened to him?" he asked Ron quietly.
"Oh, he survived being sacked by the skin of his teeth," said Ron with a snort. "But they threw him right to the bottom of the pile, he works in the archives now. Still, it seems to have done him some good, he's not such a prick anymore!"
Harry gave a nod and turned back to the conversation and noticed Mrs Weasley was now pointing at Dumbledore.
"You!" she blurted accusingly. "You planned this!" At the accusation Dumbledore at least had the good grace to look guilty.
"My recommendation may have had something influence on the vote," he admitted, his eyes twinkle merrily.
Harry now shot a look at Ron whose face was split in the biggest grin Harry had even seen on his face.
"Oh man, Malfoy is gonna be crapping himself this term!" chirped Ron gleefully. The twins meanwhile had linked arms and where dancing around the room singing `Our Dad's the Minister' which in turn was causing Ginny, Neville and Luna to laugh. Harry then turned and looked at Hermione who was also laughing and it wasn't long before Harry and Ron joined them in fits of laughter as the twins continued to do their jig whilst occasionally firing sparks out their wands. As he wrapped his arms around his girlfriend Harry figured that so far today was a pretty good day for a party.
***
After the news of Mr Weasley's unexpected appointment the party turned into a dual celebration. Mr Weasley had finally snapped out of his stupor and was now seated in on a sofa in the study beside his wife who'd also gotten over the shock and both were now wearing nervous smiles as they watched they children and friends celebrate. As the evening wore on several members of the Order arrived including Shacklebolt and Moody both of whom couldn't stop teasing Mr Weasley about his new job. Harry meanwhile had left Hermione's side and had now joined Dumbledore in a quite corner.
"You planned this didn't you Sir?" said Harry quietly. It wasn't an accusation but more of a statement and Dumbledore now turned to him with a wry smile.
"Not exactly," said Dumbledore. "Either of the two leading candidates would have been acceptable but I quickly realised that neither of them would be able to claim a majority in the Wizengamot. What we needed was someone acceptable to both sides."
"And that was Mr Weasley," finished Harry with a nod of understanding.
"Indeed," said Dumbledore. "I would have nominated Kingsley or Alastor if had been possible but Aurors are not allowed to hold the post of Minister unless they have been inactive for at least ten years." He now turned to Harry with a smile. "But when all is said and done I think Arthur will do a good job yes?"
"Yeah," said Harry with a nod. "I think he will."
***
It was almost two in the morning before the party began to break up and as it did so Dumbledore took Harry aside.
"Tell them," he said firmly. Harry nodded and shot a look over to Hermione who, despite obviously being tired, was watching him with curiosity.
"What was that about?" she asked slowly. At this Harry took a deep breath, cast a quick look at Dumbledore who was now talking with Arthur and Molly then turned back to his girlfriend.
"Bring Ginny and Luna over when everyone's gone to bed," he said quietly. "I'll tell you then." For a moment Hermione just looked him with a puzzled expression then suddenly her eyes widened and she had to cover her mouth to prevent gasping audibly.
"Is…is this about….about the Ministry?" she said quietly.
"Yeah," said Harry just as quietly. Hermione now closed her eyes and reached out and grabbed one of Harry's hands and squeezed tightly.
"Harry," she whispered softly.
"It's Okay," he replied quickly hoping he was right. "Remember, wait until everyone's gone to bed." Hermione now nodded biting her bottom lip nervously.
Just then Harry felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to find Dumbledore smiling at him.
"Well then Harry, I will see you tomorrow," said the Professor.
"Goodnight Sir," replied Harry and watched as Dumbledore headed off towards the fireplace stopping to have a last word with Charlie and Bill whilst Mrs Weasley, who still looked a little shaken at her husband's promotion, headed over to the teenagers.
"Alright you lot, bedtime," she said firmly. Amazingly there was no argument from anyone and the six friends trooped out and upstairs where Harry and Hermione exchanged looks before disappearing into their rooms.
***
"Come on Harry, what's going on?" said Ron half an hour later as he tried hard to stifle a yawn as he watched Harry who was stood listening at the door.
"I'll explain when the girls get here," said Harry for the umpteenth time.
Ron now frowned and turned to Neville who was sitting crossed legged on his bed and now just shrugged at the red head's questioning stare.
Harry meanwhile was listening carefully at the door and a moment later heard a soft knock followed by a hissed `It's us!' from the other side. He quickly pulled the door open and Luna and Ginny hurried in followed by Hermione who was carrying Crookshanks.
"Sorry we took so long," said Hermione softly. "But Charlie and Bill stood outside talking for ages.
"Yeah I heard," said Harry quickly closing the door before casting a silencing charm to prevent anyone hearing them as he was sure what he was about to reveal might cause a few raised voices. He then turned and looked around the room and allowed a small grin to cross his face. Hermione was now sitting crossed leg on the end of his bed with Crookshanks in her lap while Luna was sitting beside an obviously pleased Ron whilst Neville and Ginny where sitting together on Neville's bed. The smile however quickly faltered and he now crossed over to his bed and sat down beside Hermione and faced the others.
"So what's this about Harry?" asked Ginny with a curious look.
Harry now took a deep breath and rubbed his hands on his pyjama bottoms.
"It's about the prophecy," he said.
"But…but I thought it was destroyed," piped up Neville looking slightly embarrassed.
"Yeah, it was," said Harry. "But Dumbledore already knew it."
"Should have guessed that," muttered Ron softly.
"So what did it say?" said Luna curiously. At this Harry took another deep breath before speaking the words.
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches...born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies...and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not...and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives...the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..."
To his surprise Harry got through without being uninterrupted before looking around the room. Hermione was sniffling hard with tears trickling down her face whilst Ron, Ginny and Luna had all gone white. Neville meantime looked like he'd been stupefied.
"It…it could have been me?!" he said with terror evident in his voice. That was enough to bring Ginny out of her shock and she wrapped her arm around him whilst Hermione threw herself at Harry sobbing uncontrollably and for a few minutes the only noise in the room was the sound of her crying whilst Harry gingerly rubbed her back slowly.
"So, who made the prophecy?" asked Ron after a few minutes.
"Trelawney," said Harry slowly. Almost at once Hermione's head flew of his shoulder and she stared at him in shock through her tears.
"That old fraud! But she can't be right! Dumbledore must know she can't!" Harry now gave his girlfriend a sad smile and shook his head.
"She's not wrong this time Hermione," he said softly. "And if truth be told you know it." He now gazed at Hermione for a minute before she gave a miserable nod.
"So what's next?" said Ron slowly.
"I guess I get ready to kick Tom's butt," said Harry. "I think Dumbledore has a plan for that but I'm not sure what it is."
"Any room for us in it?" said Ginny. Harry now cast a look around the room and saw the looks on his friends faces.
"Are you sure, it's not going to be like last year. This time it could…well…"
"Mean we get killed?" supplied Ron. "Harry mate, if Voldemort wins I reckon we're all dead anyway. I'm in!"
"Me too," added Ginny."
"I don't think my father would approve," said Luna slowly. "But he wouldn't try to stop me. Count me in Harry." Harry nodded then turned to Neville.
"Nev? What about you?"
"We'd understand if you say no mate," supplied Ron. Neville now looked up with a determined look on his face.
"Voldemort's responsible for what happened to my Mum and Dad," he said softly. "If I didn't come with you guys I'd be betraying them!"
Harry grinned before turning to Hermione.
"Harry James Potter, don't you even dare ask me that question!" she snapped softly. "Of course I'm coming with you!"
"Well in that case we'd better go to bed," said Harry. " I get the feeling we're going to be busy tomorrow!"
Author's Note
Firstly a big thanks to everyone whose been giving me reviews, I really do appreciate it. I will try to post a chapter once a week but I'm not going to guarantee it!
Secondly, the biggest question that you all seem to have is will Harry learn about his Grandfather, the answer is clearly yes but not for a few more chapters yet!
And finally, I have a hum-dinger of an Epilogue planned but that's all your getting on that for now!
Just one thing before I go thought, KypDurron, LMAO??? What the heck have you been smokin' pal? Never heard of that one!
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