by Olafr (olafr@iinet.net.au)
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and associated milieu, characters, and situations are owned by J.K. Rowling and her licensees. This is a work of fan fiction, produced solely for enjoyment. No infringement of rights is intended.
Rating: PG-13
Last updated: 12 May 2004: Release 2: Radically changed party scene (I wasn't happy with it).
Author's Notes: My take on Dumbledore, for those who wonder whether there is something beneath the affable and appeasing manner in which he is dealing with Harry: Dumbledore has personally seen three major wars that affected Britain significantly: The Boer War, the World War I (aka The Great War), and World War II. He has been working in a political environment (a school) for at least half of that time. The man lives and breathes intrigue, he cannot help it, and he has seen most situations so many times before that he is not necessarily planning but remembering and reapplying. He is old enough to have fallen into habits of thought, and at that age time passes very quickly indeed. He is very, very practiced at almost everything you can imagine. Five years, while not the blink of an eye, is not a big deal.
The bottom line here is that Dumbledore is still manipulating Harry... he's just changed techniques.
7. Happy Birthday, Harry
It was about an hour later that a knock came on the door. The four teenagers were sitting on Sirius' bed, talking. All turned their heads to the door, which opened after a brief pause. Inside stepped Dumbledore. He paused and looked all four over carefully, especially Harry. He then smiled.
'Harry, I'm glad to see you looking well,' he said. 'How are you? Are you feeling well?' His eyes carried a heavy freight of meaning, asking Harry about his wellness at a wide range of levels.
Harry looked around the room, thinking about what the Headmaster had asked. For a long moment he looked at the picture of the younger Sirius that hung above the fireplace, then at last he nodded.
'Yes, sir. I'm... fine.'
Dumbledore broke into a wide grin. 'Good, good! And Nymphadora has told me that you've celebrated the initiation of a relationship with Miss Granger. I'm very glad to hear that; I wish you all the best and hope she brings you some much needed happiness in your life, Harry.' Turning to Hermione, Dumbledore added, 'And to you as well, Miss Granger, I wish you and Harry all happiness.'
Ginny took a breath that was half-sob. Ron's reaction was immediate. 'WHAT?!' he yelled.
Stunned and disbelieving, Harry looked around himself at the others. Dumbledore's smile was approving, almost beatific. Ginny and Ron both looked betrayed, while Hermione was looking at Harry with an expression he simply could not understand... surprise bordering on shock, disbelief... and was that hope?
'Wha-what are you talking about?!' he asked Dumbledore. 'Hermione is my friend!'
Dumbledore looked confused. 'Oh? I apologise, Harry. But Tonks told me you had initiated a relationship with Hermione, and I see that she wears the ring of the Ceremony of Harbat.'
Ginny gasped and grabbed Hermione's hand while Ron's eyes settled on Harry's, glaring jealousy and betrayal. 'Wow, Hermione, that's beautiful,' said Ginny. 'Look at how perfect the ring is! Harry must feel really strongly for you!'
'But, but, it was just a friendship dedication!' protested Harry. 'What's wrong with you all?!' He focused on Ron. 'You're all acting like I asked Hermione to marry me!'
Hermione looked around in confusion. She could not steady herself emotionally; she felt as though she was being carried along in a bubbling stew of feelings. Sadness, confusion, betrayal, and paradoxically also closeness and love swirled in her heart.
'Harry,' said Dumbledore gently, 'the Ceremony of Harbat is sometimes used for precisely that. It is most often used, however, to declare a formal relationship that is often taken to be only one degree short of a declaration of intent to marry. For most wizards, the Ceremony of Harbat is difficult magic; many do not have the power or control to perform it. However, it is not simply a matter of power or skill. It requires a substantial emotional commitment as well, a clarity of feeling that is usually only found in those who wish to marry, which is why it is usually used, as I said, for exactly that purpose.' He bowed his head in apology. 'I apologise for the misunderstanding, Harry. It was not my intention to embarrass you or Miss Granger.'
Gathing his scattered wits, Harry eventually smiled. 'That's okay, Professor.'
Dumbledore smiled beatifically, and the others suddenly felt as though all was well with the world. 'Well, then. Do you have a moment? I have some things I need to discuss with you.' Seeing Harry look to his friends uncertainly, Dumbledore went on, 'Harry, I'm afraid that while some of the things I have for you can be shared with your friends, some must be kept confidential. Perhaps if we were to talk next door?'
Harry nodded and stood up from the bed. 'Back soon,' he said.
Next door to Sirius' bedroom was a large, richly-appointed library. Bookshelves lined the walls and stacks filled the room except for an area next to a large desk. There, the bookshelves changed to pigeonholes, and a reading nook had been set up with four wing-back chairs and a worn old Chesterfield couch, the dark brown leather worn and cracked to the colour of sand in places. This room, too, had two windows which faced the same direction as the ones in Sirius' bedroom. However they were shuttered tightly, leaving the room in a deep gloom, and Dumbledore lit the gas lights with a wave of his hand.
'Please take a seat, Harry,' he said as he settled himself in a large wing. 'Lemon drop?' he said as he offered a small tin of the boiled lollies.
'No thank you,' said Harry. Nodding, Dumbledore took one for himself and sucked on it contemplatively for a moment as he slipped the tin back into his robes.
'Well,' said Dumbledore, 'first, then, Voldemort. There has been no activity that we have noticed. Professor Snape has not been summoned since events at the Ministry. Have you felt anything in your scar?'
Harry shook his head, both disappointed and relieved. 'No, except for the one time which I've already told you about. I'm pretty sure that wasn't a sending from Voldemort, Professor.' He looked down. 'Just a bad dream.'
'Well, I'm sorry that you suffered that, Harry, but it's good that you also have not heard from Tom Riddle since his defeat.'
Harry nodded but his expression was strained. 'I worry what he's getting up to,' he said.
Dumbledore nodded agreement. 'Quite,' he said.. 'Nevertheless, the Order is hunting him and his associates, so until a lead is uncovered - either through them or through your link with him - all we can do is wait.'
'And train,' said Harry firmly.
'Yes, and train. I am very glad to hear reports of your progress to date. I am sure that you will continue to progress.' Dumbledore paused, sucking contemplatively on his lemon drop. Returning his attention to Harry, he said, 'Regarding which, Harry, allow me to explain something to you since I am not sure how you feel about it. Nymphadora, as you know, is your bodyguard. As such, she is in a position to observe the most intimate details of your life, and it is essential that you trust her fully. Furthermore, I felt that you needed someone to confide in, which was the main reason why Nymphadora was chosen rather than someone like Alastor. You should know, Harry, that Nymphadora passes on to me via Alastor reports your achievements and major events. She tells me how you are feeling and about your attitude and whether anything seems to be bothering you. However,' said Dumbledore forcefully to quell Harry whose darkening expression and body language showed that he was about to interrupt in indignation, 'she does not tell me anything personal, and her reports are general, not detailed. She is your Praetorian Guard, Harry. You can trust her absolutely to keep your secrets. While she is to report some things to me, it is mostly so that I know whether you need anything and so that I can track your progress. Only in case of strictest emergency would she reveal anything more, and then not necessarily to me, but only to whomever she needs to get the job done. Do you understand?'
'What about the thing with Hermione?!' Harry said, annoyed.
Dumbledore shook his head and smiled. 'The ring makes that public knowledge, which is why Nymphadora passed it on. If it had not been for that, she would probably not have told me anything except details of your magical and physical accomplishments.'
Harry settled down, mollified. He smiled sheepishly. 'Yes, Professor. I hadn't thought about it, really. Thanks for explaining it to me.'
Dumbledore smiled benevolently, his eyes twinkling. 'You are most welcome. You should be prepared for similar understandings, however. I suggest you ask Hermione if she minds wearing such a pure declaration of your love. She, too, will be asked about it, no matter what your original intent. Now then, what was next...?
'I am very worried about events at Hogwarts last year. I fear that they may be the cause of considerable bad feeling between Slytherin house and the remainder of the school this year. As I told you earlier this summer, in addition to being your bodyguard, I have hired Nymphadora Tonks as coordinator of security at Hogwarts. I am very grateful that you and Miss Granger have elected to continue to run a defence association this year similar to last year's Dumbledore's Army. I believe I have said before how much I like that name,' he finished with a chuckle. Then his face cleared and he continued, 'My thought was that a cross-house association would help heal the rifts that have only deepened in the past years between the houses. Have you and Miss Granger had a chance to discuss this in any depth? Have you started thinking about lesson plans and membership?'
'Not yet, Professor,' said Harry. 'Sorry.' He took a breath and went on, 'There's something we need to ask you, Professor. About the books you've lent us....'
'Ah, yes, Alastor told me about the oath he had you swear. Very prudent, I should have thought of it.' His eyes twinkled at this, and Harry's thoughts darkened.
'With respect, sir, don't play games with me,' he blurted. Dumbledore's expression drooped, and he nodded sadly.
'I'm very sorry, Harry. Allow me to explain fully by way of apology. I gave you and Miss Granger access to those books, firstly, because I felt you would find them useful in your quest to take control of your senses; secondly, because I felt you needed to know some of the information covered by them, particularly in the area of Wizarding history, tradition and ceremony, and thirdly, to use as an inducement to encourage you and Miss Granger to continue to run the D.A. in some form. Having a cross-house activity with broad membership is that important to me, Harry. Since you have agreed, I will give you two continued access to the books for as long as you need them. I will also appoint you student defence coordinator, with powers similar to a prefect, and you will work with Miss Tonks as part of the defensive planning for the school.'
Harry stared at Dumbledore, stunned. Gradually his disbelief gave way to pleasure, and he smiled and nodded. 'Thank you, sir. I appreciate your explanation.'
'Excellent, Harry. Now then, Professor Snape informs me that you appear to be having difficulty with Occlumency again. While it is true that everyone needs to arrive at their own method for screening their mind, perhaps I might share with you a few things that I found useful?' At Harry's eager nod, he continued.
'Well then, firstly, I found that in order to perform Occlumency it was necessary to learn to control my emotions. Consider a mask, Harry. To the world, the mask is happy, or sad, or neutral; whereas beneath the mask the wearer might have a very different expression, and the wearer's expression can change without being noticed. Or perhaps consider a swan. Above the water, all is serene and smooth. Beneath the water, the swan's legs paddle furiously.'
These examples crashed upon Harry's understanding like a wave pounding the shore. He took a breath to control himself and nodded, smiling. 'Yes, sir, I believe I do. I'll have to think about it, though.'
'Excellent. The other tip I wished to share with you is something I've asked Nymphadora to start teaching you - maintaining your awareness, moving and fighting while in a meditative state. Here, take these books,' he said, holding out a package the size of a sugar cube, 'and read them. They deal with Oriental philosophies that you might find useful both in establishing control and in learning the correct form of concentration. I wish that these books had been available when I learned Occlumency, as I feel they would have made it far easier for me to learn.' Dumbledore smiled kindly, finishing, 'But that is a story for another time.
'Now, before we move on to the final things I have for you, was there anything more you wished to ask me, Harry?'
'No, sir.'
'Well, then. I hope you do not mind, but I have taken the opportunity to act promptly using the information you provided me with yesterday.' He paused, turning his lemon drop over in his mouth with his tongue, pursing his lips to suck on it more strongly. 'Sirius Black was pardoned earlier today, thanks in part to your evidence. The pardon includes compensation for wrongful imprisonment which will go to his estate. Furthermore, with the pardon, Sirius' will becomes valid. It will be read tomorrow afternoon at four o'clock. Both you and Hermione are invited to the reading, which will be held at Gringotts. Nymphadora will be attending as well, since she is a member of a cadet branch of the Black family and is, of course, also named in Sirius' will.'
Harry closed his eyes against the brief gripping feeling in his chest, then breathed deeply as the feeling quickly left him as his feelings eased. Another closure.
'That's good news,' said Harry with a weak smile. 'It's nice to see that Sirius got justice at last.' His smile twisted, and he added, 'It's only a shame that this couldn't have been done before. I would have been happy to provide memories at any time.' Dumbledore nodded dolefully.
'Quite so, Harry. Alas, as I said yesterday, despite the right and wrong of things, we have not been able to bring the matter before the Wizengamot before this. You should know that although the Wizengamot is the highest judicial authority in the Wizarding world, it is a large body as such things go and like other courts of last resort it votes on which matters may be brought before it for consideration. The sad fact is, Harry, that all too many of the members of the Wizengamot are venal, and the Ministry has been able to keep certain matters from being considered despite a number of attempts.'
'Venal?'
'Capable of being obtained for money. Corrupt, in other words.' Dumbledore's expression reflected his deep sadness at this.
Harry's eyes flashed. He stiffened for a moment, then nodded and relaxed. 'I understand, Professor,' he said with a weak smile. 'Thank you for doing it.'
The twinkle returned to Dumbledore's eyes and he appeared to relax. 'We do what is right, Harry, but to the extent that you feel that you owe me thanks, you are most welcome. And may I thank you most humbly, for your part was far more important than mine. Without your willingness to share parts of your private self with strangers, and before that, without your willingness to risk everything to save someone in need, which in turn led to Voldemort's public exposure, this thing could still not have been done.'
With a more genuine smile accompanied by a slight blush, Harry nodded.
'Have you decided yet whether you will stay here for the remainder of your time before going to the Grangers' house on the sixth?' asked Dumbledore, changing the subject.
'I'd... I'd prefer not to stay here, sir,' Harry said, looking to the floor. 'Perhaps after a few more visits, but for now....' Harry shook his head.
'Very well, I understand. Nymphadora informs me that things are quite comfortable in the attic at the Dursleys'. I was hoping to consolidate some security functions, but it would only be for a few days and a separate detail will be needed for the Grangers' house, anyway.' Harry looked relieved. Dumbledore held out a large, old-fashioned iron key. 'Take this portkey; it will transport you, Miss Granger, and Nymphadora to the Fountain of Magical Brethren tomorrow afternoon at a quarter to four. You will be met there; the person who meets you will give you a password. The password will be "Rumplestiltskin".' Harry took the key and slipped it into a pocket. Dumbledore stood. 'I must go downstairs now, Harry. I leave you to your friends. I will be in the kitchen if you need to speak with me. Oh, and Harry?' He slipped a roll of parchment out of his sleeve and gave it to Harry. It was made up of several sheets, all rolled together and tied with a broad red ribbon. A blob of sealing wax sealed the roll. 'Happy Birthday, Harry.'
'Thank you, Professor Dumbledore,' blurted Harry in surprise.
Dumbledore simply nodded gravely, a smile creasing the corners of his mouth and his eyes twinkling. The door closed behind him and Harry was alone in the room. Sounds from the room next door began leaking in, and Harry realised that a silencing charm or perhaps an imperturbment charm had been ended when Dumbledore left. Smiling at the roll of parchment, he decided to share whatever it was with his friends.
Returning to Sirius' bedroom, Harry opened the door to see Ron and Hermione sitting fairly close together with Ginny looking from the other side of the bed with a smile on her face. Ron was speaking and leaning towards Hermione, his hands gesturing towards her as he spoke, whereas Hermione was sitting straight up, cross-legged on the bed, facing Ron.
Hermione looked to the door as soon as it opened, causing Ron to break off what he had been saying. Her expression was a little odd, and he felt a burst of wistfulness as he caught her eyes. 'How did it go, Harry?' asked Hermione. Harry shrugged and half-smiled.
'All right,' he said. 'It was mostly about the Defence Association, as he called it.' He turned to Ron, explaining, 'He wants to make the D.A. a formal student association this year,' he said. Returning to Hermione, he went on, 'He said he really wants something to help bring the houses closer together after last year, and that he'd help out a little bit with reference works if we needed it.' Hermione's eyes grew wide and she smiled.
'Oh, goody!' For a moment Harry thought she was going to bounce on the bed and clap.
'You are gonna do it aren't you mate?' put in Ron.
'Yes,' said Harry with a grin.
A pause settled on the group and Ginny spoke up. 'What's that, Harry?' she asked, pointing to the roll of parchment in Harry's hands.
Harry held up the roll. 'This? Oh, it's from Dumbledore. He said it's for my birthday.'
Ron bounced onto his knees in excitement. 'Well, go on Harry, aren't you gonna open it?'
Hermione moved back from the edge of the bed, making room for Harry. She patted the spot she had vacated. Harry stepped over to the bed and sat down on its edge.
Turning this attention to the parchment roll, he broke the ribbon's seal. The roll flipped open to reveal three sheets of parchment.
'Hmm, let's see,' said Harry. 'The top sheet is Sirius' pardon....'
'Wicked!' shouted Ron. Hermione laid a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently, and let go. When she did so, Ginny moved forward, kneeling on the bed, and hugged Harry.
'That's just wonderful, Harry,' she said warmly. She let him go, revealing Harry's blushing face. Ginny had pulled his head in between her breasts, and the feeling had been very pleasant.
'What else is there?' asked Ron enthusiastically.
'Let's see,' said Harry as he gratefully turned his attention to the next sheet. 'Huh, it's a wanted poster for Wormtail! Look at this!'
Harry held up a wanted posted for Peter Pettigrew a.k.a. Wormtail. It had pictures of both his forms.
'Wicked!' repeated Ron. He took the paper and took a close look before passing it to Hermione. 'What else?'
'Um...' said Harry as he saw that the final sheet was a letter to him from the Headmaster.
Dear Harry,
Now that your sixteenth birthday has come, you begin the final stages of your growth towards becoming an adult. In certain ancient times, sixteen was considered the age of majority. This can have implications in the Wizarding world of today.
I believe that you have not yet inquired of Gringotts as to the full extent of your inheritance from your parents. I urge you to do so at your earliest convenience. Some things may come into your full control today, and it is important that you ensure that any necessary arrangements are made.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Order of Merlin, First Class
'It's a letter from the Headmaster. He says I need to go see Gringotts. Something about my parents,' he said vaguely. Harry folded the letter and stuck it in a pocket. Sirius' pardon he rolled up again; the ribbon stuck itself together again magically when wrapped around the now-slimmer roll of parchment. 'Might as well go tomorrow, I have to go there for the reading of Sirius' will anyway.'
'Sirius' will?' asked Ron stupidly.
'Yes.' He stood. 'I'm going to go ask Tonks about disguise charms. Coming?' he asked Hermione.
* * *
In the kitchen, much of what Harry thought of as the 'inner circle' of the Order was gathered around the long table. Mrs Weasley bustled about as two large pots of something ambrosial were stirred gently by magical spoons. As he came in she looked up. 'Harry!' she cried, and bore down on him like a ship under sail.
'How are you, dear?' she asked, pulling him into a smothering hug. Then, plucking him out of her cleavage, she held him at arm's length. 'My, how you've grown! Are those muggles treating you well? You're at least looking fit and healthy for a change.'
Overwhelmed, Harry allowed himself to be manhandled by Mrs Weasley. 'I'm very well, thank you Mrs Weasley,' he said weakly once she allowed him to get a word in edgeways.
'No thanks to those Dursleys,' said Hermione darkly.
'What ever are you talking about, Hermione?' asked Mrs Weasley, her smile fading as she contemplated all the horrible things Harry could have been subject to. Hermione was about to answer when she caught a quelling look from Tonks.
'It doesn't matter, Mrs Weasley,' said Hermione politely.
Mrs Weasley held Harry at arm's length and looked him up and down, then said th Hermione, 'Well, Harry's certainly looking well enough-' She broke off with a gasp, he eyes wide. 'Hermione! Is that a Harbat ring?! Who did...?' Her gaze turned slowly back to Harry, her head turning as if being pulled by wires. Her eyes were wide.
'No, no, it's not that,' put in Ginny easily. 'Harry used it as a friendship pledge.'
'Oh!' said Mrs Weasley. She gathered up Hermione in a hug. 'You're so very lucky to have such a good friend as Harry,' she said, almost crying.
There was an awkward silence broken only by the bubbling of the pots of the stove. Then there was a clearing of a male throat from the far end of the table, and Mrs Weasley started herding the four new arrivals back out the kitchen door. 'Why don't you four wait in the drawing room and greet the guests as they arrive?' she suggested. 'We're just having a quick meeting here and we'll be up to help you celebrate your birthday in proper style shortly, Harry,' she said with a motherly smile. Then the door was closed in their faces, leaving Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny standing in relative dimness at the foot of the stairwell.
'Well!' huffed Hermione.
'Come on, Harry,' said Ginny as she took his elbow. She half-pulled him up the stairs, he following her reluctantly, with Ron pacing Hermione behind them. Half-way up, Harry stopped resisting and in a moment they stood in the drawing room. A banner floated in mid-air proclaiming "Happy 16th Birthday!". Another, fastened to the chimney above the fireplace, said "Happy Birthday, Harry!". Golden sparkles of light faded in and out around the banners, highlighting them genteelly. Seeing them, Harry cracked a smile.
The room was full of wing-back chairs as usual, but on a sideboard sat two large bowls of punch, one orange-red, one layered in all the colours of the rainbow. Glasses and trays of finger sandwiches sat between the bowls.
Ron stepped over and helped himself to a handful of the little sandwiches. 'Yum!' he said around a mouthful of asparagus, cheese, and bread.
'Ron!' yelled Ginny. 'Have you got no manners?!'
'Wha'?' he asked indistinctly, still chewing. A few breadcrumbs sprayed out of his mouth to land on the floor below. Swallowing, he added, 'What's your problem, Gin?' he asked without rancour. 'I'm not allowed to eat?'
Ginny looked to Hermione helplessly, who just rolled her eyes. 'At least use a plate,' Ginny said after an awkward pause.
'Hey, Hermione, 'd you like some punch?' asked Ron, unaffected.
'They're not alcoholic, are they?' asked Hermione cautiously.
'No, no, of course not,' replied Ron indignantly.
'They're just party drinks, Hermione,' said Ginny. 'They're hard to make so they're only used for special occasions, that's all. Dad made them earlier. Although,' she added with a dark look at Ron, 'the guest of honor is supposed to have the first drink.'
'Your dad?' asked Harry, puzzled. 'I thought he'd be busy at work? Today's a Wednesday after all.'
'He doesn't need to go into work until tonight,' said Ron easily. 'He's doing raids at the moment, and that always means night work.'
'Oh. Oh, I remember, when you and the twins rescued me before second year, he came back from raids when we were having breakfast.'
Ginny stared at Harry with an odd expression. Ron's reply was lost in the thud of people arriving in the hall.
'Wow, look at this place,' came Oliver Wood's voice through the open French doors. His tone was not complementary.
'Do you think this is Harry's place?' came a female voice that Harry took a moment to recognise as belonging to Katie Bell, who had just graduated. She sounded doubtful.
Recovering from his surprise, Harry called out, 'We're in here, Oliver!' He strode back towards the French doors.
'Bloody hell, that's Harry,' said Lee Jordan as Harry rounded the doorway and practically ran into Katie and Alicia. Behind them stood Oliver, Lee, and Angelina, all previous members of the Quidditch team. Just then, the twins appeared with a double crack! as they apparated into the drawing room.
'We're heeeere!' they cried in unison. 'Let the party begin!'
'Happy Birthday, Harry,' said Katie as she grabbed him in a hug. She let him go after a brief moment, then Alicia likewise grabbed him in an embrace. Kissing him on the cheek, she said, 'Thanks for inviting us, Harry. I've always wanted to-'
'Come on, come on!' cried one of the twins, cutting off Alicia rather loudly - Fred, Harry thought. He smiled at Alicia as well as he could.
'Thank you for coming,' he said with sincerity, then as she let him go he backed into the drawing room to allow the others to enter.
Once again the thud of people landing abruptly on the floor came, but Harry was being dragged over to the drinks table by Fred (or was it George?). Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Neville and Luna coming into the room, followed by Tonks.
'Come on, Harry, take a drink so we can get the party started!' said the other twin, who was standing by the punch bowl filled with orange liquid. Harry planted his feet, visions of himself as a giant canary flashing before his eyes.
'No!' he yelled as he struggled against Fred's grasp on his arm. 'How do I know what you've put in that bloody stuff?!'
The room stilled and there were several gasps. Harry felt shock emanating from those around him. The Weasleys were staring at him with big eyes, and as he looked around he saw that everyone else was in shock, too, except for Hermione, who looked confused, and Dean and Seamus, who were at the back of the crowd having just arrived.
'What? What'd I say?'
Tonks stepped forward. 'It's okay, Harry, I'll explain later. For the moment just take my word for it that the drinks are tamper-proof.' Raising her voice for the benefit of thei still-quiet audience, she added, 'It's not your fault you've never heard of Qualitas drinks. That Dumbledore! It's his fault for having you raised as a Muggle.'
Hermione stepped over to join Harry and Tonks. Putting her head close to theirs, she asked in a low voice, 'Tamper-proof?'
Harry was looking at the bowls uncertainly. 'What are they? Why are they so special?' he asked Tonks, feeling a little more comfortable with the notion of partaking of food and drink if the twins could not have spiked them with something interesting.
'A very good question, Harry,' came Dumbledore's voice. Harry jerked his head around to see that the adults that had been downstairs were now filtering into the room, Dumbledore at their head. The Headmaster came over to stand by the drinks table, a red-faced and bashfully proud Arthur Weasley following him. 'If I may have your attention please,' he said, capturing the attention of the entire room. Conversation that had been starting up again stilled once more, and Dumbledore was the centre of attention. A multiple thud broke the silence as another group of people arrived in the hallway.
'Thank you all for coming here today to help Harry celebrate the sixteenth anniversary of his birth. I do apologise for the short notice.
'As many of you will already know, one's sixteenth birthday is of particular importance in the ancient tradition. While many of the ancient ceremonies have no place in the world of today, it is common to mark the day with a celebration of special note. And so it is today. Perhaps we might begin with a quick round of Happy Birthday.' With that, Dumbledore held his wand high like a conductor's baton, then brought it down and then up.
On the upstroke, everyone responded in song. 'Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Harry... Happy Birthday to you!' Harry hadn't heard much music in the Wizarding world, so he tensed himself for a cacophony similar to the singing of the Hogwarts song. To his utter astonishment, however, everyone sang in tune and in tempo. Hermione and Tonks grabbed his hands during the song and, when the song was finished, they planted kisses on his cheeks. Then Ginny leaned over and kissed his cheek as well, then Ron shook his hand, and for a few minutes Harry's world dissolved into a happy blur of handshakes and brief kisses.
Harry was floating with happiness when Dumbledore spoke again. 'It is with the help of Arthur Weasley that we are able to enjoy something rather special today. He has made for us not only the standard Qualitas drink for such an occasion, but using Muggle techniques he has come up with the layered version you can see to my right. I must say, I am quite looking forward to trying it.
'But now, for the part of our guest of honor. Harry, would you please come forward?' Puzzled, Harry did so. In a voice pitched only to him, Dumbledore said to Harry, 'Harry, first fill a cup and take a drink. Then, draw your wand, and lick its tip. Think of how you feel about having everybody here to celebrate your birthday. With that feeling fixed in your mind, insert the tip of your wand deeply into the drink. The incantation is qualificare. Do you understand?'
Harry nodded, while his mind raced over some of the reading he had been doing over the past month. Qualificare meant to imbue, so the ceremony was no doubt meant to imbue something of his into the drink. His feelings, perhaps? He looked up at Dumbledore and deliberately did not attempt to shield his mind, and was rewarded with a fatherly smile and a twinkle of his eyes.
Stepping up to where Dumbledore had been standing a moment before, Harry turned to face the audience. His guests. People who had come specifically to be with him and join him for his birthday for the first time in his memory. He could not help but smile broadly.
'Before I do this, I just want to say, this is very special to me,' he said. 'You see, this is the first time I've ever had a birthday party, and having you all here is just brilliant. Thanks very much for coming, and I hope I can share with you just how much it means to me.' With that, Harry smiled to himself, dipped a cup into the orange-red liquid and, closing his eyes, took a large sip.
It tasted... zesty, he decided. Cool and fruity, but not tasting of any particular fruit he could identify. Magic tingled on his tongue, and the back of his mouth tasted... orange-red, he decided. How very peculiar. He swallowed, and it lit up within him in a kind of peaceful warmth that spread from his heart out through his body to his hands and feet. Added to the pure happiness of the fact that people were willing to come to his party, he now felt love and affection leaking in. Oddly, he also felt clearheaded and agile, which told him the drink was not an intoxicant.
Opening his eyes again, Harry drew his wand and licked the end as Dumbledore had said. Something about the potion - for he was certain that was what it was - was changed by its contact with him, and he now knew without doubt that the final part of the ceremony was to imbue that change into the main body of the drink. Pointing the wand straight down, he plunged half its length into the bowl even as he gathered his power. Pausing a moment to make sure he felt his love for his friends to the utmost, he tilted his head back and, closing his eyes, uttered with low-voiced power, 'Qualificare!'
Tonks' eyes widened in disbelief as she watched Harry enchant the drink. Standing in the front row of people next to Hermione, she felt a thrill run up her spine as she saw him put his all into the incantation.
There was a deep golden flash that spread throughout the bowl and then, for a long moment, nothing. Then, gradually, golden balls of will-o-the-wisp appeared here and there, spreading and multiplying until the bowl glowed so brightly that it almost hurt the eyes before settling down. She drew a breath at the appearance of the drink, which was now a metallic golden colour shot through with streaks of red and silver.
As the last sparkles of magic faded, she saw Harry open his eyes and pull his wand from the liquid. She saw him smile down at the transformed punch and then look up, first at Hermione, and then, in a heart-stopping moment, at her. He captured her eyes with his blazing green eyes, smiling a thank-you before moving on.
'Most excellently done, Harry!' cried Dumbledore, breaking the silence that had fallen over the small crowd. 'It is now ready to drink.'
'Do I have to do the same to the other one, Professor?'
Arthur Weasley stepped around Dumbledore. 'No, that's not needed, Harry; I'll just seed the other bowl with some of this one. My, wasn't that wonderful, Dumbledore?' he went on excitedly, almost babbling. 'I've never seen such a strong reaction in a Qualitas. I must say, I am looking forward to trying it.' He closed his mouth, looked a little confused for a moment, then started patting his robes. 'Now then, where did I put that funnel?'
Harry watched bemusedly as Arthur bustled about. From his robes he produced a funnel of sorts - it had a small, thistle-shaped bowl on top of a long glass stem. Taking about half a cup of the golden liquid, he dipped the stem fully into the layered drink and filled the bowl. Then, with a practiced lift, he withdrew it, emptying the funnel as he lifted it up. Broad silver and gold threads spread through each of the layers. Arthur watched carefully, then nodded in satisfaction. 'Good, it's done,' he said.
'Thank you, Arthur,' said Dumbledore. Turning once again, he raised his hand and suddenly everybody except Harry held a small glass cup, full of the golden liquid. Most seemed to be expecting this, although Hermione and Dean both jumped and almost spilled theirs. Dumbledore raised his cup and said to the crowd, 'I give you... Harry Potter! May long life and happiness be his.'
'To Harry Potter, long life and happiness!' was the fervent response. And then, as the echoes of the chorus died away, everyone drank.
The sudden silence that followed was shattered by Ginny, who broke into tears and fled the room. Harry reflexively moved to follow her but he was restrained by a small, firm, cool hand on his arm. Whipping his head around to berate whomever it was, he jerked to a halt upon realising it was Professor McGonagall who was restraining him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Tonks talking earnestly to Hermione against the left wall.
'You might want to wait a moment, Mr Potter,' said McGonagall, sternly but gently.
'But, why...?'
'Why was Miss Weasley so affected?' Harry nodded wordlessly, and McGonagall went on, 'Mr Potter, I thought you knew about the Qualitas potion? You certainly acted as though you did.'
Shaking his head, Harry replied, 'N-no, Professor Dumbledore told me what to do and I, er, I worked out that I was going to put something of myself into the drink, but...'
McGonagall sighed. 'Ceremonies have magical power, Mr Potter. This is a ceremony of sharing. We share our wishes for longevity and happiness, and you share something of yourself with us, so that we might come to know you better. We give you a little of our power; you give us a little of your self; we are linked.' She could see that Harry still did not understand, so she added, 'It is this ceremony that is one of the major bases for our extended life span compared to muggles. There are other factors, of course, but nevertheless this is an important aspect of wizarding life.
'As for Miss Weasley's reaction, she feels deeply for you and what she felt... look around you, Mr Potter. What do you see?'
Harry did as he was told. 'Everyone seems to be getting on really well. They seem happy, which is what I wanted, but some of the girls seem a little...' He drifed off, unable to categorise some of the looks he was getting. The men in the room were uniformly happy and were chatting enthusiastically. Ron had a handful of sandwiches in his hand, but even he seemed to be cheerful as he talked to Lee Jordan about something. The girls, though... Katie and Angelina looked wistful, Mrs Weasley looked like she was about to come over and mother him to death, Hermione and Tonks looked like they were sparkling with happiness. He finally noticed Lupin in the corner, looking at him regretfully. 'I don't understand,' he finished lamely.
'When I drank, Mr Potter, I felt happiness and gratitude and affection, all of which you no doubt intended. But I believe you put your all into the casting, and as a result I also felt some other things. Loneliness healing, anger and resentment for past injustices, grief for lost family, fear for your friends, pain from your scar, a lingering wonder and curiousity, hope, and a deep, agapé love.'
Harry goggled at McGonagall. He wanted to ask what agapé meant, but all that came out was, 'I... all that?' She nodded slowly, then shocked him by smiling warmly at him.
'The reactions usually differ somewhat from person to person. It's common to see a divide in people's reactions along sexual lines, but I have never seen one quite as deep as this. For myself... I am deeply honoured to have been allowed to see so deeply into you, Mr Potter. I will try to be worthy of your faith.' She glanced over his shoulder. 'If you will excuse me?'
With that, she swept away, and Harry was confroned by the three just-graduated Chaser girls: Katie, Angelina, and Alicia. This time it was Alicia who caught him up in a firm hug, babbling about how wonderful she felt and how grateful she was to have been included.
* * *
Harry stood against a wall, at long last left to his own devices. He was feeling bitter-sweet. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, and he was very glad for that, and it was nice to be left alone for a little after such intense attention, but the knowledge that he had shared something so intimate with everyone here left him feeling embarrassed and vulnerable. That vulnerability made him yearn to talk with Tonks or Hermione or even Luna, but he couldn't see Tonks or Luna anywhere and Hermione was being monopolised by Ron again. He watched them for a bit, seeing how they interacted. Hermione seemed reserved, but Ron was expansive, always reaching out in Hermione's direction but never quite touching her.
It was plain to him that Ron was trying to connect with Hermione, and he could not help but feel a sharp stab of jealousy at the thought. His thoughts moved to how it would be if the two of them formed a relationship, and an aching wave of loneliness rose within him and he swallowed a thickness in his throat. He told himself it was stupid to feel that way, he had plenty of friends; everybody in this room at the very least liked him and were here because they wanted to be with him, but it did no good. He finally thought of Sirius. Unutterable sadness at being alone in a room of friends choked him and he shivered at the intensity of the feeling, clutching his elbows to his ribs.
He saw Hermione look his way, concern in her eyes. She said something to Ron in passing and headed his way, never losing eye contact. In moments she stood in front of him, her hand warm on the chilled skin of his arm.
'Are you okay, Harry? I felt that something's wrong.'
A pair of arms snaked themselves around him from behind. Whomever it was was most definitely female and, jolted from his introspection, Harry half-turned in the embrace to see that it was Luna who now had him in a hug. She looked him in the eyes, the dreaminess gone from her expression for a long moment before she lowered her shutters against the world once more. 'He is feeling vulnerable and embarrassed so does not want to approach people, yet he craves touch and affection, especially from you and Tonks, and to a lesser extent myself,' she said. 'There are few things sadder than being lonely in a crowd of your friends.'
Hermione gaped at Luna while Harry closed his eyes, somehow relieved that Luna had speared his feelings exactly. Somehow he felt much better, and he did not think to ask how it was that she knew his mind so precisely. He swallowed and realised that he had been ignoring her the whole afternoon.
'Luna, I'm sorry if I-' Luna's finger over his lips silenced him.
'I arrived late and was simply waiting my turn to greet you,' she said straightforwardly. 'You have not ignored me, and I am glad I was able to be here.' She turned to Hermione, releasing one arm from Harry to gesture her closer.
Feeling better all the time, Harry released one arm from Luna and pulled Hermione in to make a three-way hug. Looking into her eyes, Harry said, 'Thank you, Hermione, for coming to help me. I don't know how you knew, but... thanks.' Turning to Luna, he added, 'Thank you very much to you too, Luna. Your letters were really helpful to me. Thanks for taking the time to write them. And thanks for seeing that I needed your help, again.'
Just then, Neville wandered over. 'What's happening? Is V-v-voldemort causing your scar to act up again, Harry?'
Harry looked up and, at the sight of numerous concerned faces, let the girls go. 'No, I'm fine, thanks, Neville.' He smiled to show he meant it. 'Really. It was just something I thought of.'
To Harry's surprise, Ron came over after detouring via the snacks. He pressed a plate of sandwiches into Harry's hands. 'Th-thanks, Ron,' he said, his surprise showing in his voice.
Ron nodded and smiled. 'You're welcome.' He glanced over at the door. 'We'll talk later about Ginny.'
Just then Mrs Weasley led a levitating birthday cake into the room. 'Harry,' she exclaimed as she bore down on him like a ship under sail, 'come and cut your birthday cake.'
* * *
The cake and sandwiches and other snacks were long gone, and both bowls of drink were almost empty when the last of the non-Order visitors left. Somewhere along the way the Order members had disappeared, leaving the teens to themselves in the drawing room. Harry sat bonelessly in a wing-back chair by the fire in the drawing room, with Ron, Ginny, and Hermione in the other three chairs. Ginny had returned earlier, given Harry a rib-creaking hug and a kiss on his cheek, and apologised for running off.
'That was amazing,' said Harry at last, breaking the crackling silence. He wore a happy smile. 'Thanks for organising it, 'Mione.' Catching her eyes, he broadened his smile for a moment just for her, trying to express the depths of his thanks.
She smiled back at him and nodded. 'It was something I really wanted to do,' she said. 'I'm glad you liked it. But you should also thank Tonks, Mr. Moody, and Professor Dumbledore.'
'Just call me Moody or Mad-Eye, girl,' said Moody from the doorway. 'And Potter, it was a real honor to share of you.'
'I agree,' said Professor McGonagall from behind Moody. 'Thank you, Mr. Potter, for allowing me - all of us - to share of you.' Her gaze shifted to include Hermione. 'We have finished the meeting, and Miss Tonks said that she would be available to return home whenever you are ready.'
Harry nodded and pulled himself to his feet. 'Yes, please,' he said. 'I had a great time, but this place still reminds me of...' He looked down, feeling regret and sadness at Sirius' loss but no longer disabled by grief. McGonagall nodded, and handed over a small cloth bag.
'Then take this, and I will send Miss Tonks up shortly. I look forward to seeing you again at the start of term, Mr. Potter. And after seeing what you did with the Qualitas, I must say I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do in my class.' She smiled briefly at him with genuine warmth before gathering herself and turning back towards the stairs.
Ron pulled himself out of his chair. 'I'm sorry you're not staying here for the rest of the holidays,' said Ron. He looked wistful, and Harry knew that Ron wanted him to stay to rebuild their damaged friendship. He smiled sadly and shook his head.
'Sorry, Ron, but... I just...'
'I know, it must be horrible being here after....' He twined his fingers together nervously, then added, 'I know Sirius was special to you.' Harry was amazed when Ron placed a hand on his shoulder. 'Are you okay, mate? Really okay?'
Nodding, Harry placed a hand on Ron's arm. 'Yes, I am. I really think I am.'
Ron flinched at the contact, but his tentative smile broadened and his face cleared as he realised that Harry really did feel alright. 'That's great! So how're the muggles treating you?'
'Tonks is living there with me, as a bodyguard I suppose, but she's got the place fixed up with magic and the Dursleys ignore me. We each keep to ourselves.' He took his hand off Ron's arm and put it on his own shoulder, holding himself unconsciously. 'It's really the best it's ever been. Tonks is like a kind of big sister, you know?'
'You look like you're eating well,' said Ginny. She and Hermione were still sitting, and were smiling up at the two boys.
Harry shrugged at the unspoken criticism of the Dursleys. 'Tonks again. When she first came I thought I was going to pop, but I'm used to it now. She's got me doing physical training, too.'
'I'll say,' said Ginny. 'Look at him, Hermione, doesn't he just look good enough to eat?'
'Ginny!' cried Ron.
'I'm growing up, Ronniekins. Deal,' she said in a flat voice.
Ron's response was interrupted by the sound of Tonks crashing over the umbrella stand in the hallway. A moment later she appeared in the drawing room. 'Are we ready to go, Harry and Hermione?'
'Hey, write me a letter and tell me what's been happening,' said Ron hurriedly. 'Poor Pig couldn't get across the water to England, and I'm dying to know what you've been up to. We haven't heard from you all summer.'
Harry nodded. 'It might not be Hedwig who delivers it, Dumbledore's got something funny going on with my mail so it all goes to Moody first.'
'That rotten-'
'No, Ron, he did it after asking me about it,' interrupted Harry. 'It's for my safety, and my sanity I suppose.' At Ron's dumbfounded expression he looked around and saw Moody still standing by the door. 'What's the latest count, Moody?'
'As of this morning, three thousand, six hundred and twenty letters and parcels had been received from persons not known to you. One thousand one hundred and seventy of these contain photographs or other items. Two hundred and fifty one had perishable contents and are under stasis; two hundred and three howlers and thirty-five dangerous articles have been destroyed. Sixteen arrests have been made in regard of the latter.'
Ron, Ginny, and Hermione stared at Harry in astonishment. Harry smiled wryly at Ron's reaction. 'I don't suppose you're still jealous about the famous Harry Potter?' he asked. Catching Ron's eyes, he said wistfully, 'I'll trade, if you want. I'd trade places with you in a heartbeat except that then you'd be the one in danger, and without a family, and I can't bear the thought of that.'
With that, he gripped Ron's shoulder and squeezed it companionably. Then he turned and headed for the entrance hall. Hermione and Tonks joined him and he grasped the rope in Tonks' hand. He waved at the still-stunned Ginny and Ron, and then the Portkey hooked him up and the world disappeared.
Author's Note: The idea of having a potion changed by contact with a person is from Dune by Frank Herbert, of course. If you have to steal ideas, steal from the best. :-)