Harry's Gifts

Harry's Gifts

By MischiefManaged

Harry's Gifts

By MischiefManaged

and back_to_back

Summary: Sequel to Hermione's Gifts, although this story can stand alone. Hermione plans a day full of birthday surprises for Harry. Fluff and humor. Ron/Luna mentioned.

Disclaimer: We're obviously not JKR since we are writing fan fiction.

A/N: For all of you who requested a sequel to Hermione's Gifts (all two of you I believe), here it is. My original story was only intended to be a one-shot, but once I started thinking about it I did get an idea for a sequel of sorts. I hope you enjoy it. For this story I collaborated with my wonderful side-kick back_to_back. Thanks for your amazing contribution. You are so witty and your encouragement is intoxicating. Thanks to DLH for being our beta. Enjoy!

Harry began to stir as the sun shone through the window of his cottage in Godric's Hollow. He took a deep breath and smiled when he caught a whiff of amber from his wife's hair. Rolling over, he opened his eyes and looked at Hermione. She was so peaceful looking and happier than he had ever seen her. They had just celebrated their first year of marriage and the second year was already proving to be just as wonderful. The past year had been the first time they had ever been able to live without any constraints, either from school, work, or evil wizards.

The past couple of years had been hectic. Hermione had trained to become a Healer and she had finally received her license just last year. She was now head of the infirmary at Hogwarts since Madam Pomfrey's retirement began. Harry had also achieved success with his career, becoming a full-time Auror with the Ministry of Magic. The hours were sometimes long, but he had access to all the information he needed to keep Hermione and all of his friends safe. After their engagement, he and Hermione had decided to live in Godric's Hollow and they rebuilt the cottage his parents had lived in. Hermione loved the idea of living in a Muggle village and the commute to work was not a problem since she could apparate into Hogsmeade. Harry had been nervous that living here would bring back too many bad memories, but Hermione made sure they made many new happy memories to replace the old ones.

Harry began kissing Hermione softly on the back of her neck and she began to stir. With delight he realized she had never put her night clothes back on after their activities the evening before. Just when he was about to move on to her ear she jumped out of bed.

“Oh Merlin, what time is it,” she frantically asked.

“A little after eight, but it doesn't matter because we've both taken the day off. It's my birthday, remember?”

“Of course I remember Harry. It's July 31^st and we've got to get a move on. Happy Birthday Harry,” she replied and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. Harry tried to pull her back to bed, but she persisted and they both got dressed.

“So, where are we off to then,” Harry inquired.

“Well, remember the day you confessed your love to me?” she asked with a smile. “You gave me a whole afternoon of gifts to express your feelings. I've always wanted to do something in return, so I've decided to give you a birthday full of surprises. This is going to be your best birthday ever!” she grinned excitedly.

“So, let's get going,” Harry encouraged as he wrapped his arms around his wife's waist in order to side-along apparate to his surprise destination.

They arrived just outside Puddlemere United's home stadium. Suddenly, they were greeted by Fred, George, Luna, and Neville all shouting, “Happy Birthday Harry!”

“Thanks guys,” Harry replied, “It's been a while since I've seen you lot. Fred, George, how's the shop?”

“Really well, thanks,” replied Fred, “we've just opened our third shop in Hogsmeade.”

“Yeah,” chimed in George, “and here's your birthday gift.”

Harry looked down and saw a small Flobberworm languishing in a slime-filled tub. It was obviously from the Joke shop, but Harry failed to see what was funny about a Flobberworm. Harry attempted to sound enthusiastic by replying “Thanks mate, I've never had one,” `Or wanted one' he grumbled under his breath.

Upbeat, Fred doted “These things have been flying off the shelves since that git from the Weird Sisters told that reporter from Witch Weekly that she had one for a pet.”

“What people will do to be like the famous,” George added, and with that he produced a handful of lightning bolt shaped temporary tattoos. Harry chuckled.

“These have been selling to the kiddies like mad too” Fred chimed in.

George, Fred, Luna, and Neville all brushed aside their bangs to reveal that they were wearing the familiar scar of the “boy who lived.”

They had a hearty laugh and Harry commented “Luna, you look lovely as a mom-to-be.”

“It does seem to agree with me,” replied Luna, “although I do feel a bit like a Crumple-Horned Snorkack."

“By the way, where are Ron & Ginny?” Harry asked.

“They are getting ready for the match against the Grosford Gillyweeds,” said Neville.

“Speaking of which,” interrupted Hermione, “here are two tickets to the match, which starts in about 10 minutes”.

“Wow, `Mione,” said Harry, “this is perfect. Thank you.” He grabbed her arms, pulled her toward him and gave her a powerful kiss.

“Why, you're very welcome,” she laughed as she recovered from the kiss.

The Quidditch match was as exciting as Harry had expected it to be. He and Hermione almost lost their voices cheering on Ron & Ginny, both of whom played extra well that day. After the game they were allowed in the team's room to share butterbeers with their friends and to get autographs from the entire team. Ron bounded up gloomily

“Viktor Krum's been traded to Puddlemere,” he said between swigs of frothy butterbeer.

“Honestly Ron, are you ever going to like him again? You used to worship him!” Hermione reminded.

Harry remained silent knowing how his best mate felt about Krum. They wound down their impromptu celebration and Harry and Hermione bade them all farewell.

As they left the locker room Harry confided, “Hermione, that was amazing.”

“But there's more,” Hermione reminded him with a smile.

“I don't need more,” he replied.

“Trust me on this one, you'll want more,” she grinned. “Now, we're off to begin your birthday scavenger hunt. You'll have to work a little harder to find the rest of your gifts.” Once again Harry apparated side-along with Hermione since he had no idea where they were headed next, not to mention they both liked the feeling of having to hang on tight to each other. They arrived at Hogsmeade and made the trek toward Hogwarts. Upon entering Hogwarts School grounds, Harry took a deep breath. The school had always made him feel like he was coming home.

“It's time for your first clue,” challenged Hermione. “Let's see how long it takes you to get this one.” Harry looked down at the parchment Hermione had handed him and read:

He's our biggest friend,

He treats all creatures with care,

He's just a softie at heart,

And has tons of hair.

“Hagrid,” Harry whispered, and then headed in the direction of Hagrid's hut.

“Happy Birthday `arry,” grinned Hagrid as he gave Harry a big hug. “You're so lucky to have a wife like Hermie. She spent a lot of time putting this scavenger hunt together for you.”

“Yes, I am lucky,” Harry replied glancing over at his intelligent wife.

“Now, in order to find your gift, you need to remember what do to with this…..”

With that Hagrid pointed his large pink parasol to sweep aside a drape from a long wooden crate that Harry had not noticed. Harry peered in, a bit fearful of the contents given Hagrid's predisposition to deadly beasts. The crate jumped and subsequently so did Harry.

“Oh, is the mighty Auror scared?” Hermione teased.

Harry glared at her and again peered in. He rejoiced to find not a Blast-Ended Skrewt as he had imagined but a black, stub nosed Niffler. He quickly pocketed his wedding band, well remembering the Niffler's love of treasure, and gently pulled the creature from the crate. Exasperated and visibly excited Hagrid said, “Well” as he gestured toward a sandy pit near his cottage. Harry let the Niffler go and it dug wildly about in the sand emerging with a broom with a gold “P” inlaid in the handle.

“What in Merlin's name…a Firebolt XS! Wow, it's the latest version.”

“Now you have no more excuses not to be home in time for dinner,” Hermione giggled.

Harry noticed a thin piece of parchment attached to the broom handle. It was his next clue and it read:

Although you gave it up,

You sometimes still get that itch,

So today fly sky high,

And maybe you'll find the golden _____.

“Snitch! Come on `Mione, let me fly you to the Quidditch pitch.”

“Uh, well, why don't I meet you there?,” she replied nervously.

“I really want to fly with you and it's my birthday,” he said pleadingly.

“Oh, alright,” she relented.

Harry put his arms tight around Hermione who began screaming as soon as he took off. Not wanting to scare her too badly he tried to keep his speed down, but as he got closer to the pitch he couldn't resist a barrel roll before landing.

“Harry James Potter….I'm, I'm …going to be sick.” Hermione ran to the edge of the stadium and returned a few moments later looking slightly pale.

“Sorry, `Mione. Just couldn't help myself there.”

Suddenly, out from Gryffindor's old locker room came Oliver Wood, Katie Bell, Fred, George, Ron, & Ginny Weasley, and Angelina Johnson.

“So, are you up for a little 4 on 4,” grinned Oliver.

“Hey, that's not fair, especially since you, Ron, & Ginny are all pros,” teased Harry. The old Gryffindor team spent a few minutes laughing and reminiscing, and then a familiar voice rang out over the speaker system. “It's a beautiful day for a Quidditch match and it will be the pros against the amateurs,” cried Luna. Everyone laughed at the memory of Luna's last commentary for a Quidditch match.

They quickly divided into pros versus amateurs. Although Ron and Oliver were both keepers on their respective pro teams, Oliver relented and let Ron keep during this game. Oliver took the position of beater, Angelina as chaser, and Ginny rounded out their team as seeker. On the amateur team Fred filled in as keeper, with George as Beater, Katie as chaser, and Harry of course in as seeker.

“And they're up” Luna bellowed.

The game had hardly begun when a bludger came soaring toward Ron.

Luna shrieked “George Weasley that's not funny!” as George doubled over in laughter, he almost fell from his broom. With a flick of the wrist Luna enchanted the bludgers into large flying cotton balls.

“Come off it Luna. Ron gets bludgers chucked at him every day” George retorted.

“Yes, but this is supposed to be a FUN game!” Luna exclaimed.

As George flew by Ron, Ron explained “Don't worry about it mate, she's like that all the time now, it's like living with a younger version of mum!”

Harry was in earshot and burst into a fit of giggles.

“Thank goodness it's you and not me Ron!” Harry announced “I don't think I could take that every day”

“Well, fortunately it will be over soon” Ron continued “the Healer says she's only got one more month, but Weasley's always come early.”

With that Katie flew in to make a score while Ron was lost in conversation with Harry. After numerous more scores on each side Harry and Ginny dove neck and neck for the shining gold prize that would end the game. Harry did catch the golden snitch and although his team still lost, the game was just what he needed. He hadn't played Quidditch in so long and it made him feel light-hearted and carefree.

Harry descended to the grass of the Quidditch pitch. “At least you got the snitch, and your clue,” Hermione reminded him. Harry looked down at the snitch, but it wasn't an ordinary snitch. It was heart-shaped instead of round and it had an engraving which read, “You've captured my heart - Hermione.” Harry began to blush when the others wanted him to read it aloud, but then decided to throw caution to the wind and after reciting it loudly he gave Hermione another passionate kiss.

His kiss was interrupted by a mild squeaking sound. As Harry pulled away with a wet smack he was greeted by two bulbous eyes brimming with tears.

“What an honor it is to see you again Mr. Harry Potter sir!” Dobby announced gleefully. It was obvious that Dobby was beside himself with joy at laying eyes upon Harry again.

“Er….Hello Dobby” Harry replied, gently draping his arm over Hermione's slim shoulders. Dobby looked particularly festive today; apparently he had worked hard to keep with the birthday celebration theme. Perched precariously on each bat-like ear was a cone party hat with a tinsel pom pom affixed to the end. He was swathed in crepe paper streamers likened to a multicolored toga and for shoes he had fashioned a hole in the top of two boxes, complete with a bow, and stuck his feet in. Harry rather thought Dobby looked like a parade float he had spied once on the telly while living with the Dursley's. He decided not to relate this to the whole group owing to the fact that no one but Hermione had even heard of a parade.

Dobby appeared so thrilled to see the pair that it seemed that he would explode at any moment. Hermione must have sensed this and announced

“Dobby you can give it to him now!”

“Oh no,” the elf replied, “ Dobby is having a birthday surprise for Mr. Harry Potter sir.”

“You what?” Hermione remarked dully.

“Mr. and Mrs. Harry Potter sirs please come with me, Dobby is having something planned!”

By Hermione's puzzled expression Harry correctly guessed that this was a detour from the birthday scavenger hunt his wife had no doubt meticulously planned. With Dobby peering up with watery expectant eyes they couldn't say `no'. Waving goodbye to the others, Harry and Hermione trudged toward the looming castle, following Dobby who walked with a pronounced bounce in his box-covered steps.

“Where are we going Dobby” Harry asked a few moments later.

“You will see Mr. Harry Potter sir!”

Harry and Hermione soon realized they were headed for the Hogwarts kitchen. “Surprise!” Dobby burst.

Harry wasn't at all sure what the surprise was.

“Who is all this food for?” Hermione addressed to no one in particular “It's still a week away from start of term.”

“It's for you” Dobby squealed again brimming up with happy tears.

“Dobby knew that Mr. Harry Potter would be here today so we made a late lunch”

While Hermione longed to use this as an opportunity to extol the virtues of S.P.E.W. she decided to allow the party to carry on without incident. Dobby loped up carrying two flagons of pumpkin juice as Hermione and Harry dove into the decadent meal at a specially prepared table for two. Dobby had obviously worked quite hard on the decorations for the table as there were so many bits of tinsel and bows they could scarcely find their plates. It was nice to have an elf-cooked meal but Harry would never admit that to Hermione.

Hermione motioned to Harry that the time was getting late.

“Well Dobby, are you ready for your part now?” Hermione questioned with raised eyebrows.

“Oh yes, Mrs. Harry Potter ma'am,” and with that he produced a small emerald green dragon suede pouch. He placed it in Harry's outstretched hand. The pouch bucked gently in his palm. Hermione encouraged Harry to tip out the contents and as he did out rolled a three inch high mountain troll. He wielded his club in the air and hit Harry on the soft pad of his thumb making an audible “thwack”. Harry winced and nearly dropped the troll with surprise for it smarted quite a bit considering the size of the combatant and the club. With the jolt a small scroll of parchment tumbled out of the pouch. As Harry read initially to himself, the troll ambled around in Harry's hand occasionally poking at a finger or bouncing firmly as if testing the solidity of the ground on which he walked. Finally Harry recited aloud the scroll's small script:

Your first act of bravery, defeating a troll was a breeze,

You performed the task with the greatest of ease.

Now guess my new riddle you almost are done,

The reward at the end is the grandest of fun.

Hermione was thrilled as understanding dawned over her husband's sharp features. This was a miniature of the mountain troll he had defeated to save Hermione many years ago. He was astounded she remembered and grabbed her up in his arms and enveloped her in a soft but strong kiss. While she recovered once again, he noticed that the scroll unfurled to add a new riddle for the next leg of their journey. It read:

To mix it proper,

It should be done in the right place,

In the room that's mostly deserted,

Because of a pale face.

Harry thought for a few minutes and finally picked up on the part about the “pale face”. He decided that it must be the girl's bathroom where Moaning Myrtle usually hung out. Dobby wrapped up more food in a small sack as the pair stuck off again on the hunt. As they left they encouraged Dobby to visit during the holidays with Harry, secretly hoping full well that they would not be taken up on the offer.

When Harry entered the bathroom, he almost regretted it.

“Ooooh Haaarrry. It's been soooo long. Why haven't you come to see me,” whined Myrtle in a pouty, high-pitched voice.

“Well, uh, I don't get around to Hogwarts very often now that I'm not a student,” Harry answered hopefully.

“Pity….. I miss seeing you so much,” she whined.

“Well, uh, Hermione is just outside the door and she said you have the ingredients I need for a special potion.”

“Yes, well, I guess I could help you out. They're over there, in my stall.” Harry looked around and saw a few jars & vials in the stall where Myrtle's toilet was.

“Do you know what it makes?” Harry asked.

“Yes, but if I told you it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it.”

Harry mixed the ingredients carefully and then as the instructions noted, he carried it out to Hermione. She grabbed the vile and drank it immediately saying that she trusted his potion making skills. Harry was fearful as Potions had never been his strong suit and he worried that Hermione might turn into a cat again as she had in their second year.

“But what's it for?” he questioned.

“You'll find out soon enough, but you'll have to find me first.” She began to run down the hall and then turned to fling some parchment to him. She quickly covered herself with his invisibility cloak and then disappeared.

Harry opened the familiar looking parchment to discover that it was the marauder's map. He opened it and barked, “I solemnly swear I am up to no good.” The hallways of Hogwarts came alive and he began searching the pages for Hermione. It took him a few minutes, but she was easy enough to spot since there were so few people at Hogwarts. Harry stared curiously at the map. His heart skipped a beat as he noticed something extremely peculiar. He saw her footsteps in the Room of Requirement, but for the name it said, “Hermione Potter, James & Lily Potter.”

“Bloody, hell, what's going on here? She's with my parents? How can she be with my parents? And there's only one set of footprints.” Harry knew the map couldn't be wrong since the incident with Pettigrew during his third year. Harry began to run up the stairs.

As Harry ran by a classroom on the third floor he heard loud banging. Curiosity got the better of him and he looked in to see what was happening. With no students on grounds to annoy, Peeves seemed to have taken it upon himself to perfectly destroy the ancient runes classroom. There were broken tablets everywhere and small bones scattered about. This was the worst mess Peeves had ever made in Harry's opinion. At that moment, Mrs. Norris strutted around the door of the classroom. With a menacing glare she screeched at Harry and raised the mangy fur on her back. Harry knew, of course, that if Mrs. Norris was here, Filch would not be far behind. Harry headed for the door and ran smack into the grimy character that was Filch. Harry spied from the corner of his eye as Peeves drifted out the back wall and into another classroom leaving Harry alone in the trashed surroundings.

“Ah ha!, Back to make mischief are you!” Filch rejoiced further in a sing song voice, “You shouldn't even be here! No one is allowed on grounds until start of term!”

“Filch, why would I come here to do this, I'm not even a student!” Harry retorted.

“Peeves was just here” Harry continued quickly pocketing the marauder's map as he noticed Filch beginning to eye the old bit of parchment.

“Likely of you to blame someone not here Potter” Filch grinned through slimy teeth.

Fortunately, the headmistress rounded the corner. “What is going on Mr. Filch?” Professor McGonagall inquired.

“ I just caught Potter here on school grounds making a nasty mess of a classroom m'am” Filch looked eager no doubt planning Harry's exile from the school.

Harry butted in “Minerva, Hermione said she arranged…” before he could continue Professor McGonagall raised her hand “I know Potter, but what happened in the classroom?”

“It was Peeves again.” Harry plainly stated.

Professor McGonagall sighed as she did every time she heard Peeves' name.

Filch opened his mouth to speak but Professor McGonagall cut him off stating “Mr. Filch, Mr. And Mrs. Potter have full permission to be on school grounds right now due to a special arrangement. You know full well Potter would not make a mess of this classroom. Now go on and find Peeves. I want him in my office immediately!”

Filch deflated at once and began to sulk off mumbling to himself and complaining to Mrs. Norris. Harry felt certain he saw the flicker of smile cross Professor McGonagall's lips when Filch had passed by.

“ I do hope the Potter's have a lovely afternoon” she called as Harry booked down the hall to avoid any more problems.

Harry surveyed the map again and saw that Hermione and his parents were all huddled together in the Room of Requirement. Just a bit further and he reached the area where he knew the room to be. After following the long remembered procedure for finding the door he entered the room and his mouth dropped open. Harry was totally bewildered. He looked around. He saw Hermione there, but not his parents. He looked down at the map which clearly stated that they were standing right next to Hermione. The map had never been wrong. What was going on? And to further confuse him the room was decorated as a nursery with a crib, toys, and soft animals.

“Hermione, what's going on? I saw my parent's names on the map.”

“Yes, but your parents are not in this room with me. Your last gift is the one thing that you've always wanted - a family. I'm pregnant and you are going to be a father Harry!”

Harry's head began to spin as the excitement pulsed through his body.

Hermione smiled softly and continued, “and the best surprise of all is that they are twins - a girl and a boy. The potion you mixed for me confirmed their sex. I thought the names James & Lily were appropriate, is that okay with you?”

It suddenly dawned on Harry that the names he had seen on the Marauder's Map were for his children, not his parents. And he was going to have a family? Finally the meaning of Hermione's words hit him and he raced to her, picking her up and spinning her around. She had been right. This was the best gift anyone had ever given him.

“How should we celebrate?” he asked.

“I have an idea,” replied Hermione. She grinned wickedly and nodded for him to look around. The Room of Requirement had just changed from a nursery to their bedroom. And the celebration went on all night.

~End

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