Chapter 2
Harry's life took a turn for the better during the next couple of weeks. He thoroughly enjoyed Hermione's company. They spent the day alone at home, as Hermione's parents went to work. They would chat, watch movies, go out for walks and occasionally have a meal outside. Soon it was Harry's birthday. Hermione had a surprise planned for him. Her parents wished him before going out. He got plenty of presents from the Weasleys, Hagrid, Lupin, Moody, Tonks, Neville, Dean, Seamus and many more. Just as he had finished looking through them he heard Hermione's voice.
"C'mon Harry! We're going to London. I've a treat planned for you"
Harry was pleasantly surprised. Quickly he and Hermione got into the cab which was waiting outside. Harry was trying to find out what Hermione had planned but she wasn't going to cave in. She giggled seeing the frustrated look on Harry's face.
`You'll know soon enough Harry. A surprise wouldn't be a surprise if I told you. I have been planning for weeks. This was my main intention for calling you to my place. I know you've never had a proper birthday and though two people hardly make a party, I hope you like it', she said.
They reached London and first went to a restaurant. Hermione asked Harry what he wanted to eat. Seeing the look of guilt on his face she patted him on the arm and said, `It's your birthday Harry. I'm treating you. I shall be very sad if you aren't happy'.
`Thanks a lot Hermione', was all he could say as they ordered club sandwiches with lemonade. They were given their drinks first. They chatted about their OWLs results during lunch. Hermione as usual received O's in everything. Harry had got O's in most except Potions, Astronomy, History of Magic and Divination. He'd managed an E in Potions while in the others he had to be satisfied with an A. However the important thing was he had good enough grades to take the subjects required for Auror training. After lunch Hermione had planned for them to watch a movie. The multiplex nearby was showing `Sweat Home Alabama'. They decided to watch it. Both of them hadn't noticed that they were holding hands and to any third party they would seem a couple.
It was a lovely movie and as the day was about to end they decided to have tea at a small café. Harry insisted on paying, so Hermione let him. They had scones, butter crumpets and ice cream. Harry just had enough muggle money to pay the bill. They took a cab back home. Harry was quiet during the journey. Hermione was getting worried, thinking if his scar was hurting or something like that. As they got off the cab he completely took her by surprise by hugging her tightly and kissing her forehead.
"Hermione I cannot thank you enough. What good dead did I do t deserve a friend a friend like you. All I've done is put your life in danger on countless occasions and what do I get in return? A birthday party fit for a king. You were saying that only two of us being there. Let me tell you my day would have been half as good, had there been anyone else. Even Ron', he said in an emotional yet firm voice.
Hermione just hugged him back and nodded. Words weren't necessary as she also felt that the day wouldn't have been as nice had there been anyone else. She didn't notice her mother smiling as she looked out of the window.
Hermione's mother had prepared a special supper for Harry's birthday. Though they were quite full after the day the food was so delicious that they couldn't help hogging. Soon it was time for bed. Harry lay in bed recounting the memories of the day. Just then a thought came to his head. Hermione hadn't given him any present. Of course her treat was by far the best thing for him on his birthday and it must have cost more than any other present. As he was about to sleep he heard a knock on his door.
`Come in', he said. Hermione walked in with a small package in her hand. No doubt it was for Harry. She was about to hand it to him but pulled her hand back.
`Harry I didn't know how you would react to my birthday present so I am giving it to you at the end of the day. It could be quite emotional for you at the moment but as time passes I'm sure you'll appreciate it', she said giving him the package. It was small album. All the photos had been pasted personally by Hermione. Each of them contained a brief write up in her handwriting. On the backside of the cover she had written, `Dear Harry, I hope this album gives you some happiness at this time of grief. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday. Love Hermione'
It had photos of Sirius right from his childhood, his days at Hogwarts with the marauderers, Lily and James' wedding and also some pictures with Harry. He was astounded. He had just one picture of Sirius till now. It was in his parent's wedding day. Tears came to his eyes as he saw himself and Sirius talking. How had Hermione got these pictures?
`Hermione, how did you manage to get these? I can't remember anyone having a camera anytime when I and Sirius were together', he asked.
`Harry I know how much you love Sirius. Yes my tense is right. The love for a person does not die even if the person does. About the pictures with you and Sirius, it was one of my brighter ideas. I asked Professor Dumbledore to take them from his penesive. The others I got from Professor Lupin, Tonks and Mr. Weasley. I also went to Grimauld Place and looked through the cupboards. The childhood pictures came from there', she replied.
Harry was finding it increasingly difficult to control his emotions. He threw his arms around Hermione, who was now sitting on his bed. As he sobbed Hermione patted his back. Gradually he calmed down. He thanked Hermione again and again saying that it was the best present he had ever received. Hermione was about to get up go when she saw that Harry had fallen asleep in her arms. She thought she'd wait till he shifted a bit or turned. But before she knew it she too was fast asleep with her head over his. It was the first night that summer that Harry slept properly without even a single nightmare.
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