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The Brothers of War by elfandtroll
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The Brothers of War

elfandtroll

J.K Rowling deservedly reserves all rights to Harry Potter. We're just glad she lets him come out and play.

A/N - Since we post on both fanfiction.net and portkey, we decided it was easier to keep them in sync, hence the large update today. Thanks for the reviews so far. This is our first large fiction and we hope we are improving with each chapter. Please leave us a note and let us know how we are doing. We promise, there's a lot more to come. - Troll

Chapter Three- The Party

"Surprise!"

Harry's jaw dropped at the sight that greeted him when he entered the Weasley's living room. The room was packed with people. All the other members of the Order including Lupin and a bright purple haired Tonks were there. Also Ginny, Bill, Charlie, Dumbledore, McGonagall (his eyes widened slightly when he spotted his Transfiguration professor), Neville, Luna, and, standing with his arms crossed and scowling in a corner, was none other than Professor Snape.

His jaw dropped. Snape was the last person he would have expected to be here, especially after the events last year. Snape, noticing his stare, sneered.

Snapping out of his daze, Harry uttered one word.

"Wow."

Everyone laughed and swarmed towards Harry, all of them talking excitedly.

Feeling overwhelmed, Harry just stood there. For the first eleven years of his life, his birthday had been ignored and treated like any other day. When he had entered Hogwarts, he had at least received presents by owl from his friends. But he'd never had a party or any sort of celebration with his friends, much less a mob of people like now.

Ron approached Harry, grinning madly.

"Surprised, Harry?"

Harry grinned back. "Are you kidding? This is great! How long have you been planning this?"

Ron's grin widened. "Oh, about a week. Took us awhile to figure out who was coming, what to eat, stuff like that."

"Well, this explains why you were so eager to get me in here."

Ron nodded, then said, his tone hesitant, "We weren't sure how you would react to something like this so soon after..." He shrugged helplessly. "You know."

Harry nodded, smiling sadly. "It's okay, Ron. I'm getting over it." His grin returned. "I have a feeling this is exactly what I needed."

Ron nodded and his grin became mischievous, "Can you believe Snape is here?"

Harry laughed. "Judging from the way he's glaring, I think its safe to assume he was forced to come by Dumbledore."

Ron nodded in agreement. Just then, Hermione came running over, beaming. She enveloped Harry in a tight hug. After a minute, Harry spluttered, "Hermione...need...to...breathe!"

Hermione gasped, and jumped back. "Oh, sorry Harry!!" she exclaimed.

Harry smiled at her. "That's okay Hermione. It's great to see you all!" And it really was. Gone was most of the apprehension he'd felt at coming here. All he felt now was happiness and excitement.

Hermione smiled. "Sorry about the Dursley's, Harry. I tried to stop Ron," she glared at the red-head, "but he wouldn't listen." Her eyes narrowed. "I really didn't think they'd react like that!" She exclaimed indignantly. "They're an absolute horror!!"

Harry laughed. "Yeah, that was typical Dursley behavior right there. Don't worry over it. At least now I have an excuse not to go back there this summer: they wouldn't let me in the door!"

They all laughed, then Hermione commented, " You know, the trick the twins played on the Dursley's was a little unfair. After all, they don't know anything about magic, so it probably terrified them out of their wits." Noticing Ron's outraged look, she hurriedly added, "Although they did deserve it for the way they've treated you, Harry!"

Ron nodded in agreement. "What did they do to you this summer? Refuse to let you out of your room? Give you another gigantic list of chores to do?"

"Surprisingly, the Dursley's pretty much left me alone this summer. I think the threat from Mad-Eye scared them enough."

He didn't mention the marathon chewing out he'd gotten from Vernon as a result of that little threat.

Glancing around the room, he spotted Neville, Ginny, and Luna walking towards him, all smiling.

'Happy birthday, Harry!" Neville exclaimed.

"Yes, happy birthday," Luna said dreamily.

"Thanks you guys. I definitely wasn't expecting this when I arrived at the Burrow."

Neville chuckled. "That was kind of the point, Harry."

Harry grinned. "True, true." Addressing everyone, he said, "So, how have your summer's been?"

A chorus of "Great!" and "Wonderful!" arose.

'I've been working a lot in my Grandmother's garden. She's got some really rare and interesting plants in there," Neville said enthusiastically.

Hermione said, "I've been doing my summer homework mostly. I've been at the Burrow with Ron for about a week, planning this party."

Harry grinned. "Well, glad to hear I could be of some use." At her confused look, he elaborated. "I got you away from that blasted homework, didn't I?"

The whole group laughed, and Hermione swatted Harry's shoulder. Despite herself, she grinned.

"Well, we haven't really been doing anything," said Ron, glancing at his sister.

"Yeah," Ginny agreed. "We've done a little of our homework, because someone," she glared at Hermione, "wouldn't stop nagging us once she got here!"

Hermione grinned sheepishly.

Harry turned to Luna. "What have you been doing, Luna?"

"Oh, my father and I went on a research expedition in Germany to look for a Red-Crested Thrumper."

"A what?" they exclaimed.

Luna, with a exasperated look, explained. "The Red-Crested Thrumper. It looks a bit like a rabbit, but with a red chest and white fur. They live in forests in Germany. They're really fascinating." Seeing the still confused looks on their faces, she said, "Don't tell me you've never heard of them?"

When they all shook their heads, she sighed. "You all must start reading The Quibbler more often. If you did, you would have heard of the Red-Crested Thrumper long ago. It was in the March issue." Everyone just nodded their heads in agreement.

Hermione tugged Harry's arm. "Come on, Harry! Go and open your presents!"

Ron added, "Yeah, there's a huge load of them over on the table!" He pointed behind Harry.

Harry turned around, and his eyes widened. Sitting on the table were more presents than he'd ever seen, except on Dudley's birthday.

"Are those all for me?" he asked in a quiet, childlike tone.

Ron rolled his eyes and elbowed Harry. "Oi!" bellowed Ron. "Anyone else here having a birthday then? No? Well then I reckon they must be for you, Harry"

Struck speechless for the second time in a few hours, all Harry could say was "Wow."

Hermione gave him a baleful glance. "Eloquent today, aren't we Harry?"

With a sheepish grin, Harry replyed. "Sorry. Just... surprised is all." He gave everyone in the room a grateful smile. "Thanks, everyone. For... everything."

Hermione waved it off, and Ron said in an exasperated voice, "That's all well and good, but there's presents! Get over there and open them!"

Harry burst out laughing, and allowed Ron and Hermione to drag him over to the pile of presents. Hermione handed Harry a small but brightly wrapped package.

"This is from me, Harry." Hermione said.

Harry grinned at her as he felt the package. "Let me guess, Hermione… it's a book?"

Hermione glared at him even as she smiled. "Just open it, you git!"

Laughing, Harry tore the paper. Inside was, as he predicted, a book: Great Witches and Wizards Through the Ages: The Updated Edition. Glancing up, he saw Hermione smiling madly. "Turn to page 379."

Complying, Harry flipped to the page. In bold print at the top of the page was Harry Potter: The-Boy-Who-Lived. His eyes widened. "I'm in this book?" he asked, shocked. Hermione laughed and nodded. "Figured you would like that," Hermione said, snickering. Harry frowned at her. "Well, it looks like a great book, despite me being in it." He put the book aside and was promptly handed another present.

An excited Neville jumped in now with another small box in his hand, "This one's from me, Harry." Harry grinned at him and promptly ripped the paper of the package. Inside was a five-leaf clover.

"Neville… a five leaf clover?" Harry questioned. "I've never even heard of one, only three or four-leaf clovers."

Neville nodded. "Five-leaf clovers are really lucky, because of the extra leaf. They're really rare, but like I told you, my grandmother has some rare plants in her garden. The clover being one of them." Now he grinned. "I figured one could never have enough luck, Harry. Especially you, what with You-Know-Who trying to kill you and all."

Harry laughed and nodded. "That's for sure. This is great, Neville. If this doesn't help me, nothing will."

"Well, if you think you need more luck, Harry, open this one next," Ginny said, passing Harry another package. "Seems that good luck is a theme in gifts this year."

Mystified, Harry tore the paper. Nestled inside the box was a red, fuzzy rabbit's foot. Harry burst out laughing.

"Ginny, this is great! I didn't even know they had rabbit's feet in the wizarding world!" Seeing the confused looks of some of his friends, he amended, "I guess they don't, huh?"

Ginny chuckled and nodded. "One of my friends is Muggleborn. I got the idea from her, and I figured being raised by Muggles and all, you'd appreciate it." Her smile grew. "I see you have."

"I need all the luck I can get. Thanks a lot, Ginny."

Ron handed him another gift. "Well, sorry mate, but this one doesn't have anything to do with luck. Although, come to think about it, in your case, you'll needing Neville's clover when it comes to this gift."

Harry glanced confusedly at his friend. "Will the lot of you stop using little riddles to describe what you got me? It's maddening!"

Ron elbowed his friend, "Then open it already, Harry!"

With a glint in his eye, he slowly tore the paper of the package. Ginny shrieked in annoyance and Ron groaned. Chuckling, Harry tore the remaining paper off, and smiled in delight.

"A Wizard's Chess set! Brilliant!" Harry glanced at his friend. "Maybe now I can finally beat you."

Ron snorted. "Like I said, Harry, you're going to need more than luck beat me."

Harry smacked his friend, then laughed. "You've got a point, much as I hate to admit it. Oh well, there's a first time for everything." Ron rolled his eyes as if to say, Not likely. Harry chuckled. "Thanks, Ron."

Ron grinned, and Lupin stepped up beside the redhead.

"Harry, this is a box that Sirius and I found at the house, and I've had for quite some time. We…I wanted to save it until you graduated, but… now seems like a better time," said Remus, glancing sadly at the floor. He handed Harry a large box, who took it and gave a curious glance at Lupin.

"It was a box of our things from when we were in Hogwarts: me, Padfoot, Prongs, and Wormtail," his features tightened slightly at the name, "And even some of your mother's things, since we considered her an honorary Maurader."

Harry eagerly opened the box. Inside was a jumbled assortment of items: photographs, papers, letters, and sitting in a corner was the snitch Harry had seen his father toying with in Snape's pensive.

"Wow…" Harry breathed. "This is… great. Bloody brilliant." He heard Ron snort softly beside him, and grinned at Lupin. "Thank you, Professor," he said sincerely.

Lupin smiled kindly. "They were your parents, Harry. I know you don't know much about them, so I hoped this might help"

A thought occurred to Harry, "But don't you want any of this? I mean… to remember your school days by, stuff like that?"

Lupin shook his head. "I don't need any of that, Harry. I remember them well enough already. Every time I see you I'm reminded of your parents." He winked mischievously. "Besides, you can put these things to much better use than I." Harry laughed, the sad mood that had suddenly come up was broken.

Ron handed Harry yet another gift. He glanced at the tag, his eyes widening when he read, Professor M. McGonagall. His gaze sought out his Transfiguration's professor, who smiled kindly at him.

"Thank you, Professor. You didn't have to get me anything."

McGonagall nodded. "I know, Potter. But I did anyway, so don't keep everyone in suspense any longer and open it."

Harry grinned and obeyed. The package felt like a book, and he should know, after receiving so many books from Hermione. Tearing off the last bit of paper, he smiled when his suspicions were confirmed. There were two books, Transfiguration for Dummies and Potions for Dummies. He grinned. "Ha. So they have these here too." Noticing his teacher's slightly disconcerted gaze, he elaborated. "They have these kind of books in the Muggle world." He paused. "Well, maybe not for Transfiguration or Potions," he amended.

McGonagall chuckled, and Harry grinned at her. "Thank you, Professor. This will come in handy if I manage to get into your NEWT's class." McGonagall just gave him a knowing smile. Feeling slightly confused, Harry turned back to his friends. Hermione passed him a gift, this one from Luna. The package was long and thin.

Harry quickly opened it. Inside was piece of parchment. Picking it up, Harry read: "This certificate is good for a years subscription to The Quibbler." Harry gave Luna a look of delight.

"Thanks Luna! Maybe now I'll finally know what a -- what was it?-- Red-Chested Crumper is." "Red-Crested Thrumper," corrected Luna. "That was the main reason I got it for you. It gets rather tiring when I mention an animal like the Thrumper and not a one of you has a clue as to what I'm talking about."

They all laughed. Mrs. Weasley stepped forward and patted Harry on the shoulder.

"Now, Harry, we couldn't wrap our present, but I have a feeling you'll like it anyway." She smiled at him. "Now, do you remember the rather peculiar clock I have?" When Harry nodded, she tilted her head towards the wall. "Notice anything new about it?"

Harry turned and looked at the clock. Where previously there had been nine hands, now there were ten. His name had been added, and was now pointing at "home". A lump rose in his throat. For one of the few times in his life, he felt like he was, indeed, home.

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley," he whispered. He opened his mouth to say something else, but found he had no words to describe his gratitude. Mrs. Weasley gave him an understanding smile and patted his shoulder. "Not at all, Harry. We've long considered you one of the family." She chuckled. "Although after a while, you may not be as happy about this. Now I'll be able to tell if you're getting into trouble."

Ron nodded vigorously. "It's horrible, Harry. When the twins started playing pranks all the time and getting into trouble, she added the spot that says "getting into mischief". Now, we can't get away with anything! She always knows what we're doing!" Harry laughed at his friend, who glared and muttered, "Just you wait."

Now it was the twins' turn for gift-giving. "Here you go, Harry," said George, handing him a large box. Taking it gingerly, Harry gave a nervous glance at Ron, who just shrugged.

Slowly pulling off the ribbon and paper, Harry sighed in relief when he saw the contents. It was an assortment of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes products. He grinned at the twins. "This is great, you guys! This will come in handy once school starts." Glancing quickly at his professors, he said hurriedly, "Just joking." Snape snorted and McGonagall looked amused. Dumbledore's eyes just twinkled.

Tonks handed Harry a large a package. "This is kind of a group present from the Order, Harry." It was very heavy, and Harry quickly opened it, curious to see what was inside. He grinned excitedly. It was a set of Defense Against the Dark Arts books, ranging from basic to advanced spells.

"Brilliant! These will be just the thing for the DA." Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement. "Then that means you're continuing the club, Harry?" Neville asked eagerly.

Harry frowned. "I guess so. I hadn't really thought about it. Umbridge is gone, but if everyone wants to, I guess we can still meet." Glancing at Ron and Hermione for support, he saw them nod in agreement.

Dumbledore stepped forward. "About that, Harry." A sense of dread began to build in his stomach. Was Dumbledore going to ban the club from meeting again? However, his fears were quickly dispelled. "I was intending to tell you once school started, but now seems as good a time as any. I'm making the DA an official club, so you don't need to meet in secret anymore. Although," he glanced at Hermione, "The Protean Charm you used, Ms. Granger, was quite brilliant." Hermione blushed. Harry and Ron grinned at their best friend. No more sneaking around and worrying about being found out by Umbridge or even Snape.

Bill handed him a small present. "Here you go, Harry. It's not much, but I saw it at a little shop in Diagon Alley, and I couldn't resist." He grinned slyly.

Harry opened the parcel and blushed. It was a bottle of cologne which, according to the label, was "Love Potion #8 ¾, Guaranteed to make the ladies go wild!" His face turned crimson when everyone burst out laughing. Bill was laughing the hardest, with Ron a close second. Hermione sniffed and glanced disapprovingly at Bill. Glancing at Hermione, Bill added "I didn't think you were… quite ready for Potion #9 yet, Harry"

"Thanks, Bill. It's, er… interesting." Harry said, still blushing.

"Here's mine, Harry." Charlie said, handing a present to Harry. Then he grinned. "Although I doubt it can compare to what my brother just gave you." He chuckled, giving Bill a thumbs up.

Harry yanked the paper off. Inside was a small figurine of a Hungarian Horntail dragon. He glanced at Charlie. "Had to bring that up again, didn't you?"

Charlie laughed. "Pick it up, Harry. Although, you might want to watch your fingers."

Harry cautiously removed the figure from the box, and placed it on the palm of his hand. The miniature dragon swung its tail and flapped its wings.

"Cool!" Said Harry in amazement. "I didn't know that-OUCH!" he yelped. The statue had just bitten his finger. Charlie smirked. "Told you to watch your fingers." Harry smiled ruefully and quickly put the Horntail back in its box.

Dumbledore stepped forward. "I pondered greatly Harry, on what would be an appropriate gift for a young man of 16." His eyes twinkled as he glanced at Bill. "However, I came to the conclusion that something of a more practical use would be called for today. Therefore, I made this over the summer for you, Harry. It's a portkey, that, when the phrase 'lemon drops' is spoken, will take you to my office at Hogwarts. But be aware Harry, the portkey can be used only once, so use it only when in dire need."

Harry smiled at his Headmaster. 'Thank you, Professor. This means a lot, but I hope you aren't disappointed when I say I hope I won't have to use it this year. Although," he started to grin, "I'm five for five so far, you guys. Every year Voldemort's tried to kill me somehow. Who wants to bet on this year?"

Ron, struggling to keep a straight face, said, "Sorry Harry, but I value what little pocket money I have too much to take that bet." Everyone chuckled, and Harry added, "Probably a smart decision, Ron."

Harry couldn't possibly think of anyone else that would give him a present. He glanced over to where the once tall pile had stood. Now all that lay there was a small, shabbily wrapped parcel. With a look of curiosity at Ron, who shrugged, he reached over and grabbed the package. When he opened it, a note fell out, along with a roll of parchment and several quills.

For the many essay's you're going to be writing this year in my class.

Professor S. Snape

Harry's eyes widened in shock. Snape had given him a present. Hell must be freezing over. He glanced over at his professor, who sneered.

With a straight face, Harry said, "Thank you very much, Professor. I wouldn't want to run out of parchment when I'm writing your essays. My supply was getting low, too. Thank you."

Snape just glared, while everyone else tried to stifle their laughter. Mrs. Weasley clapped her hands. "All right, everyone. There's cake outside!"

Ron's stomach grumbled, and he gave a wry smirk. Harry just grinned at his ever-hungry best friend. Everyone stood up, stretched, and ambled outside.

On the large table the Weasleys used for picnics, was a large chocolate cake with the words Happy Birthday Harry written on it in green icing. Sixteen candles flickered as the wind blew.

Someone, probably Ron, started singing. Everyone soon joined in.

"Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Harry, happy birthday to you!"

Harry beamed at everyone. After a few moments, Ron, becoming quite impatient, exclaimed, "Well, Harry, go on! Make a wish and blow out the candles already!"

Harry rolled his eyes, but complied. He scrambled for a wish, and his mind settled on the one thing he wanted most: to have a year where nothing happened; Voldemort didn't go after him, no one died, and the school didn't hate him. He wanted to have the first normal school year of his life. He took a deep breath, and blew out the candles.

All but one, that is.

Ron laughed. "Come on, Harry! I thought you had more hot air than that!!"

Harry peered over his glasses at his friend, which only made the red-head laugh harder. With an indignant huff, the candle was out. He scowled at Ron. "Happy now?" Ron gave an agreeable nod, stifling his laughter unsuccessfully.

Mrs. Weasley started cutting slices of cake and passing one to each person. Harry dug into his. It was delicious. He savored the moment, trying to recapture everything that had happened that evening at his first birthday party. He felt a pang of guilt when he realized that he hadn't thought about Sirius at all that day, but quickly brushed it aside. He knew Sirius wouldn't have wanted him to dwell on his death on a day as happy as this one. So, Harry would do just that. He would spend the rest of the evening talking and laughing with his friend and teachers while thinking of the good times he had had with Sirius.

A while later, Harry heard McGonagall's familiar "Mr. Potter, may I have a word with you for a moment?" As she led them over to a quiet corner of the room, Harry pondered how he could be in trouble already, since the year hadn't even started yet. Seeing the look of concern on his face, she quickly added "Don't worry Potter. Your not in any trouble… yet." Her eyes twinkled slightly, and he grinned. She continued, "With that miserable Umbridge woman gone, Professor Dumbledore has lifted your Quidditch ban at Hogwarts. And as you know, with Wood having graduated, Gryffindor will be in need of a new Quidditch captain this year. Although, I have my doubts about your judgement from time to time…" she paused, with a stern, almost motherly look, "I believe, with Ms. Granger's continued help, you could fulfill your studies and carry out the duties of Quidditch captain."

Harry could only stare: a veritable deer in the headlights. 'Quidditch Captain!'he thought. "Well…Er… I…well… really hadn't given it much thought…" he lied, rather unconvincingly. "Well, what say you Mr. Potter?" prodded McGonagall. "Well… Er…well I really would be honored to, but…" started Harry. McGonagalll could see that he was struggling with something, and knowing Harry, knew that she was going to have to drag it out of him. "But what, Potter? Is there a problem?"

Glancing over at Ron "No, Professor. It's just that, well, I was thinking that Ron would actually make a better captain. I mean, I would love to do it and all, but Ron is a much better strategist and he knows all parts of the game so much better than I and…"

McGonagall smiled warmly at Harry, "I take then, that you were not being totally truthful about not having given it much thought then, hmm Mr. Potter? Although I do have my concerns regarding Mr. Weasley's studies suffering, I'm sure that Ms. Granger will oblige both of you, whether asked to or not. Are you sure of this Mr. Potter? Once turned down, it cannot be given back."

"I am, Professor," said Harry. "Quidditch is what Ron lives for. I just couldn't take that from him. He's always felt that he has been second in everything and I think it should be his turn for once."

"It is a fine and honorable thing you're doing Mr. Potter, and I do believe that Mr. Weasley does know how good a friend you are. Even if he is too stubborn to ever show it." said McGonagalll. As she turned to walk across the room to see Ron, Harry quickly added, "Professor?" "Yes, Mr. Potter?" "Please, could you not mention to Ron that we had this conversation? I really would rather he not know you offered this to me first," Harry said with a pleading look. "Don't fret, Mr. Potter. I agree this is something best left here between the two of us," with which she turned and walked off to find Ron. It wasn't but a few moments later that Harry heard Ron thunder "QUIDDITCH CAPTAIN!", whereupon Harry could only smile.

All too soon, the sky grew dark, and the party ended. Harry said goodbye to everyone, promising to try and meet Neville and Luna in Diagon Alley to shop for school supplies. After a few minutes, the Burrow was relatively empty: all that remained were the Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione.

Mrs. Weasley quickly ushered them off to bed. "Come on now, its getting late, and you all have had an exciting day. Off with you now!" Yawning, they complied without too much protest. Hermione headed over to Harry and gave him another hug. "Happy birthday Harry" she mumbled into Harry's chest. Then, with a moment of hesitation, she lifted herself up on her toes and gave Harry a light kiss on the cheek. Before Harry could say anything, she was swiftly off with Ginny to her room. With a bewildered look, Ron muttered "Come on, mate, off to bed with you."

After pulling on their pajamas, Harry and Ron sat talking in the dark.

"Have fun, Harry?"

Harry smiled in the dark. "Yeah, I did. My first party ever was definitely one to remember. Thanks a lot, Ron."

"Glad you liked it. See you in the morning, Harry."

"Night, Ron."

Stretching out on his bed, Harry drifted asleep, thinking, not of death and destruction, but laughter and parties. For the first time in weeks, he slept without nightmares.