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Chapter 19:- Birthday Treats

**
A/N: I'll like to thank Malehorntaildragon for his help.
**

Harry stretched and looked round the shed. Unusually he found that he was alone. Every morning that he had woken up Hedwig was there as if in a greeting but not today. As he continued to stretch his muscles he had the urge to lie back down and sleep some more. Today was his birthday and he didn't want to spoil it by getting up. He knew that if he got up and went into the house Vernon would some how find a way to spoil the day for him.

He laid there for a few more minutes before he eventually got up. The shed was nice if he wanted to quietly study and read but apart from that there was little else to do. Glancing at his watch he saw that it was almost time for him to start breakfast and shrugging to himself he climbed out of bed. If he was lucky Vernon might leave for work early and that would allow Harry to enjoy the day even more.

As Harry put his hand on the back door but could hear noises from the other side. It sounded like that the Dusleys were having and argument but one which was not too loud.

"What are they doing?"

"Waiting I think."

"Waiting for what ruddy Christmas!"

Harry pulled open the door to see what his Aunt and Uncle were arguing about. They were still wearing their dressing gowns and were standing in the doorway. It was evidently clear to Harry what had caused the problem but was surprised by the pairs reaction. Standing quietly in the centre of the kitchen table was Hedwig, her feathers bright against the gloomy backdrop. She was standing tall and proud and it looked to Harry that the owl had a smug grin on her face.

This would have been enough to cause great fury in Vernon but the rest of the gathering was what made him silent. In a single line on the table behind Hedwig were five owls and one small cat. Then at the back of the group perched on the back of one of the chairs continually looking round at Vernon was the huge swan size of Fawkes. The fiery red plumage bathed the area in heat and light. It was obvious to Harry that Vernon was scared of the Phoenix, but what muggle wouldn't be.

"Their waiting for me." He called out as he entered the kitchen.

"Well get rid of them." Blustered Vernon.

"I will it's just they've come to deliver me some cards."

"Cards...Cards, why boy?"

"It's my birthday Uncle." replied Harry actually getting pleasure out of seeing the shock of the answer hitting Vernon.

Vernon spluttered once and then again before turning and leaving him whilst muttering about breakfast.

"Happy birthday." Stammered Petunia before she too walked off leaving him with his animal collection.

Harry reached forward towards Hedwig and saw that she had two cards tied to her leg. He removed the first and saw the familiar handwriting of yesterday and knew it was from Ginny. The second card was smaller and the writing was unknown to him yet it looked perfect, it was clear readable yet beautifully set out, he knew that this had to be from Gabrielle.

The next bird was the Weasley Family owl. Errol still looked in a bad way, especially in the company of the other birds, but he did manage to present its leg without falling over, well just about. Harry untied the large card and placed it with the rest. Next inline was Pig, it was hopping almost fit to burst but Harry managed to get the cards off with little effort, he saw that there was one was from Hermione and the other (in a bright orange envelope) was from Ron.

Harry moved onto the next bird, by the way it was standing and also the small collar on its leg he knew that it was one of the school owls. Untying the large card and small package from Hagrid the bird immediately took flight and left the kitchen. Next hopped forward a brightly coloured bird, as he looked at the bird he could swear that the colours of the feathers were changing. He untied the single card but as soon it was removed it started to sing Happy Birthday at him in a very high pitch squeaky voice at twice the speed and at the end blew a big raspberry. It had to be from the Twins.

The last bird hopped forward, Harry recognised the plumage as one of the owls from the Diagon Alley Post Office. He was at first very, very cautions about removing the letter until he saw on the back of the envelope was a small written message.

I just hope the snokles let this bird through to you. L.

Only Luna would write something like that.

The last two animals were not owls so Harry was a little cautious about what to do. Fawkes he was pretty sure would respond like an owl, but a cat, a delivery cat? The cat padded forward and Harry saw that tucked into the collar was a card with his name on it. Slowly extracting it from the cat he turned it over and saw that drawn on the back was a large circle. Not understanding the cryptic message he left that one to one side.

Eventually Fawkes jumped over to him. The soft heat from the bird penetrated Harry and he felt happy. Every time he met this bird he learnt something new about it and today was no different. It was the first time he had felt heat radiating from its feathers. The bird untied its own letter and pushed it across the table at Harry. He looked at the writing and saw the familiar script of Dumbledore.

But before he had a chance to open any of the cards Dudley walked into the kitchen. His huge size filled the doorway as he surveyed the animals on the table.

"Where's breakfast!" he demanded not caring for the animals.

"It's just com..." started to reply Harry knowing that he was going to have to put a hold on his birthday so that he could make the Dursley's breakfast. But he was stopped from finishing his sentence as Fawkes stretched its wings to full extent and squawked loudly once.

Harry had never heard that noise before, but it sent a shiver of something down him.

Fawkes turned its head around to look at Dudley with its wings still outstretched and squawked again.

"You had better get that over grown bird..." started Dudley but he got no further.

With a blinding flash the whole kitchen was illuminated. Harry quickly turned his back to shield himself form the light and heard a loud thump from the doorway. As he turned back he was amazed at what he saw, all of the animals were gone. The kitchen table was laid out with a full breakfast very similar to those served at Hogwarts. There were no goblets on the table but he was sure that the glass jug on the side contained pumpkin juice. There were plates and plates of all differing morning foods and in the centre of the table was a silver tea pot gently puffing steam. But the other surprising thing was Dudley. He was lying face up and looked to be completely unconscious, and Harry was certain that there was a faint trace of a burn across his cheek.

**

Harry returned to the shed after what was the most magical breakfast he had ever had at the Dursleys. Dudley had quickly roused himself before either Vernon or Petunia had come down form upstairs. Duddley had immediately told his mother he wasn't hungry and bolted for his room. Smiling to himself Harry had sat at the table and started to tuck in. He found that the food tasted exactly like at Hogwarts. It didn't take Vernon long to realise that breakfast was the result of magic and so refused to eat, but the smell of the fried bacon soon drove that away and Harry, smiling to himself, saw his Uncle eat plate after plate of food.

The plates had disappeared as soon as it was time to clean up and so Harry had found himself with more time available today than he thought. Vernon had left his normal list as he walked out of the door still chewing on some bacon but Harry refused to look at it today. Today was his birthday and he wasn't going to do chores for his Uncle.

As he looked round the shed he saw the Hedwig was back on her normal perch but was not yet asleep.

"Thanks girl." He called out as he pulled the door shut behind him and settled down on the sleeping bag with his small pile of cards and presents. Feeling very pleased with himself he started to slowly open the cards; he was only now just beginning to realise why his friends always looked forwards to their Birthdays.

The first card that he opened was the singing card obviously from the twins. As he opened the card it started to sing Congratulations in the same high pitch and fast voice. The message inside was simple:

Happy Birthday Harry, See you this afternoon. Fred and George.

Quickly closing the card hoping that it would shut up and pleased that it did he moved on through the pile. He received and large card from Hagrid and it looked as though both Buckbeak and Grawp had marked the card by the rip in it and the large muddy mark covering the back. He had also received from Hagrid a knitted hat which was far too large but made him smile anyway. From the Molly and Arthur was the normal large card and message of love. Ron had sent him an Orange Chuddly Cannons card which had the players racing all around it. Hermione's was a simpler card with a picture of a book and quill on it; inside was a message telling him that she was always there to help. Luna's card looked almost normal except that he had to turn it upside down to read but it wished him a happy birthday as well.

All of this just left him the four remaining cards. One from Dumbledore, one mysterious one and two from the girls. He slowly picked up Gabrielle's card he opened it and pulled out a small card. Turning the card over he saw that on the front was a picture of a tree which slowly went through the seasons. Its leaves changed colour and then fell, the branches and ground slowly covered in snow. The snow then melted and eventually the leaves re-grew. The picture instantly reminded him of the lessons under the tree in the garden and so slowly opened the card. A small green leaf fell to his lap which he slowly picked up as he read the words written inside.

A leaf from the tree, from which under we meet.
A message from the heart, which was pledged to you long ago.
A promise to stay and never leave you.

Always Yours

Happy Birthday, Gabrielle.

As he looked at the leaf he felt a tear roll down his cheek. Something about these words struck him deep.

He carefully placed the card on his trunk so that he could see it and looked at the next card.

It was almost as simple of the last card; on the cover was a picture of a Golden Snitch almost instantly it started to fly around the card. He smiled as he saw it dash about and realised how much he missed the game. Opening the card he saw that Ginny had left him a message too.

I am the seeker, you are my snitch.
I've been seeking you for as long as I can remember.
Soon I'll catch you and together we will be, forever.

My love is always yours,

Ginny

He read the message slowly and imagined Ginny thinking up the lines. She knew that he was missing Quidditch and these few lines showed him how much she thought about him. As he reached up to put the card next to Gabrielle he noticed the something was caught in the spine of the card. Pulling it closer he saw that it was a single strand of golden ginger hair. Gently removing it he placed the hair next to the leaf. The two girls that he thought most about had both left him a small private gift and message. Whatever would come today nothing could be better than that.

He had to wipe the tear away from his eye before he looked the last two cards. He was getting more and more worried about the second one, the one with the circle on the back. He didn't think someone could attack him through a card but he didn't want to take any chances.

So picking up Dumbledore's card he opened it and read it. On the front was a night-time picture of Hogwarts with moving clouds. He opened it and started to read.

Happy Birthday from the Staff at Hogwarts.

Harry saw that many of them had actually signed their names. At the bottom in his neat script was a small message from Dumbledore.

Harry, I suspect that many people will be trying to send you cards today. With you still staying where you are I have taken the liberty of redirecting the cards to here. They will be awaiting you whenever you want them, and I will personnaly make sure that they are all safe to read.

He had to smile a little and the thought of so many people wanting to send him a card. His Uncle had flipped when he saw the small collection of animals in the kitchen this morning. If hundred of Owls had turned up it would have definably caused more of a problem.

As he put the card on the pile with the others he saw the picture on the front change slightly as the moon slid from behind the clouds and illuminated the Hogwarts towers. His mind looked at the moon and he suddenly knew about the last card. Quickly pulling it open he saw that the front had a large stag upon it and opening it he read the short note.

Birthday's are for family, he and the rest will always be watching over you.

Remus.

Harry could feel his emotions build as he closed the card and looked at the picture. He didn't know how but Remus had managed to get the stag to look exactly like his Patronus. As he looked at the picture he could almost imagine that it was his farther looking back at him. Closing his eyes he laid back and let the images of his Patronus, his mother, Gabrielle, Ginny, and the rest of Weasley's flow through him. At least in his mind he could have the birthday that he had always wanted.

***

Harry walked out of the house at exactly 2pm, a time was almost becoming something special to him. As he had suspected waiting for him by the gate was Remus. He looked about the same the last time they met and the unforced grin that spread across his face cheered Harry.

"Happy Birthday!" Remus called as Harry approached.

"Thanks Remus the card was...perfect."

Remus just continued to smile as he remembered the card. It had taken him a lot of time to alter the image so that it was perfect but seeing Harry face had made it worth it. As Harry walked through the gate he felt the now familiar sensation of vulnerability. Quickly running through the technique that he had been shown Harry calmed his nerves and looked up at Remus.

"Ready then Harry?"

"Now I am."

Remus held out his arm and Harry grasped lightly and then felt the sensation of apparition. As Harry regained his feet he noticed this time that he had more of a sensation of time passing than of the last time. Breathing in the scent of the country he looked around at where they had appeared.

They were standing in the middle of the lane to the Weasley's house. Harry could see the top of the house through the trees and the misshapen roof and walls produced another smile. He hadn't noticed how much he had missed this place until he was back here. The two of them started to walk slowly down the lane towards the house. The closer they got Harry could hear the noise of people and soon could make out the voices of the Weasley brothers. It was obvious that they were all out in the garden having fun.

Harry rounded the last corner and rested on the tall gate with Remus. He could see virtually the whole back garden form here and was slightly amazed at the changes from the last time he had visited. The grass looked neatly trimmed and the flower beds looked clear of weeds. Along one bush line was three or four tables laid out with a crisp white cloth over them. In the trees Harry could make out various different shaped lanterns. But the best sight was the group of people in the centre of the garden.

It looked like that most of the group were throwing a small quaffle between themselves. Throwing was too gentle a term for it, it looked like to Harry the Twins were trying to inflict damage on Ron with the power that they were using. Harry could see that most of the Weasley's were there as well as Hermione, Fleur and Gabrielle. The last two were a small distance off and seemed to be in deep conversation.

Harry continued to watch the group without saying a word. Just to see this group of people playing in the sun was a joy to him. As he continued to watch the group he saw that Gabrielle suddenly looked over her shoulder directly at Harry. He knew that their connection must have told her that he was there because he had yet to make any sound. Even from this distance he could see the smile on Gabrielle face and was pleased when she turned back to her sister without saying anything more.

"Oh come on Ron show some muscle." Called Fred as he dodged aside from another throw.

"Yeah Ron your girlfriend over there and all she can see is your puny body." Chimed in George.

Ron's ears turned even redder at the ribbing he was getting. Retrieving the small quaffle he sized up one of the twins and threw it as hard as he could at the other. Fred only just managed to duck out of the way as the speeding missile when past his head. The quaffle continued to rocket across the garden before eventually coming to rest a few meters away from Harry.

"I think I know why Ron is always the keeper if that's the best pass he can do." Called out Harry.

There was a squeak of delight and a cry of Harry as everyone around noticed him. The twins were laughing hard at Harry's joke and of the hurt expression on Ron's face.

Hermione immediately came bounding across the grass towards Harry. He opened the gate and walked towards her. Hermione flung her arms around Harry in greeting but Harry was surprised that he felt nothing, it seemed so platonic. In the past a small shiver passed through him whenever Hermione acted this way towards him but not now, now he felt nothing like that towards her. She was his friend that was all, never more, never less just his friend.

"It's good to see you Harry."

"Um... and you Hermione." Replied Harry not knowing what to say especially after the girlfriend comment from Fred.

"How are you?" continued Hermione as she pulled back slightly.

"Fine." Automatically replied Harry looking around at the approaching group.

Hermione stepped back so that she could look at Harry more closely. To her he did look a lot better, in fact his face hardly had any emotion on it at all, and it was almost like he was at peace.

"Hey mate!" called Ron as he was the next to approach.

"Hi, what this about a girlfriend?" askedHarry Harry.

"Um...ah..."stammered Ron not knowing how to reply.

Hermione quickly stepped next to Ron and slipped her hand into his. Harry saw this movement and couldn't suppress the smile.

"Oh...I see now." Said Harry.

"Ah....um..." continued Ron.

"He's still as articulate as ever." Called Bill as he walked up with the twins.

"Well he's always been slow." Replied Harry knowing the Ron was an easy target for a few quick jokes.

"No he hasn't." Hissed Hermione.

Harry's eyes widen slightly hearing this comment.

"Hermione I think that the first time you've really defended him."

Hermione face instantly turned red as a blush washed across it. Everyone, including Ron, broke down in laughter.

As Harry straightened up he heard a soft light voice, one he had been dreaming of for a lot of the summer.

"Happy Birthday Harry."

Harry stood rooted to the spot when he saw her. The last time he had seen her she had professed her love for him but now what was he supposed to do. His body wanted to reach out to her but in this company he didn't think that it was the right thing to do. Even a handshake seemed to be wrong as the seconds stretched he found himself just content to look at her face.

"Um thanks Ginny." He managed to reply but continued to look at her face. He had never really looked at it before and now as he did he started to see all the little different contours and lines. His eyes continued to wander across her face and he felt his body seemingly relax in this simple pleasure. As he stood there it was almost as thought the rest of the world didn't exist he was just content to look at her face.

Ginny felt Harry eye's all over her face. The green eyes were affecting her more and more as he continued to look but she didn't care one bit. She was studying Harry's face as closely as he was hers. She saw that it didn't look as strained as it had, it look calm. She started to see the little imperfections in the skin colour the way his ears were at the side of his face; how his hair hung trying it's best to hide the scar. For her she felt that time was slowing around her, it was almost as though she could feel every breath of wind on her face, each blade of grass brushing her ankles she just felt so alive.

The connection was broken in the instant as George barged her out of the way and into Harry's eyesight.

"How about a quick game of Quidditch Harry, before your party?" Asked George. He had seen the way the two were looking at each other and wasn't entirely comfortable with it.

As Harry saw Ginny being pushed to the side and slightly stumble his hand dropped to his side in a second. It was a completely automatic motion and he didn't even realise that he had done it.

"That's sounds brilliant but I haven't brought my broom."

"Don't worry I brought a few spares with me." Called Bill. Harry blinked a few times as he brought his mind under his control, as all it was doing at the moment was thinking of Ginny.

"What teams then?" said Fred.

"Well I'll suspect the girls don't want to play. Right?" asked Bill

"So right my dear. Happy Birthday Harry." Replied Fleur as she and Gabrielle joined the group.

"I don't really know how to." Quietly replied Gabrielle.

"Hermione?" said Bill.

"I'd rather not." She replied thinking that a broom was no place for her.

"Don't even think about not including me." Said Ginny before anyone could say anything.

"Ok then, Fred Ginny and myself against your three." Replied Bill grabbing a broom and flying off to the small Quidditch pitch hidden to the side of the house.

Harry bent down a picked up one of the brooms. The twins had already sped off after Bill laughing at each other. As Harry start to stretch up he saw from the corner of his eye Ron lean close to Hermione and give her a little peck on the cheek. Many things had indeed changed whilst he was at the Dursleys.

**

To any Quidditch fan watching the match they would probably say it was the worst Quidditch match that they had ever seen. To those that were playing it they would have said that it was probably the best game ever. The game had started fairly normal for a three and three match but it quickly changed. It seemed to Harry and the rest that the twins only motive in the game was to see who they could barge off of their brooms.

The pair had stared to charge into each other but when Hermione and the rest had wandered over to watch they started on Ron as well. It wasn't long before everyone was a fair target to them and they became like rogue bludgers in the game. The game might have survived this but when Hermione started to watch the game Ron fell to pieces, every time that he got the quaffle he would either drop it or pass it completely off target.

Even this might have not stopped a truly determined team. But when Fleur started to heckle Bill and he fell to pieces as well there was only really Harry and Ginny left to concentrate on the game. But Harry knew his mind wasn't on playing. The fun of being on a broom after so long was immense but during the game all he seemed to be doing was flying close to Ginny, this was normal as it seemed to be her job to mark him. Yet every time they were close Harry found himself just looking at her.

The way the wind was whipping her hair, how the breeze was flattening her t-shirt against her chest. The sunlight moving across her bare legs. He was seeing all of this and more and as she flew close in an effort to take the quaffle from him, but all he wanted was just to continue to fly with her and just marvel in the way she looked.

This attitude of Harry was not missed but at least one person on the ground. Gabrielle was surreptitiously watching the pair fly. As the two raced up and down she felt every so often a surge of emotion from Harry as his shield failed slightly at the sight of Ginny. She had thought that seeing the two together she would become very jealous of Ginny but now as she watched she knew that her earlier remarks to Ginny were right. She would share, she didn't care, and the joy coming from Harry as he flew with Ginny was so great she could never deprive him of it.

A shadow fell across the book that she was pretending to read and so she looked up to see Hermione sit down beside her.

"You've never taken you eyes off of him." She said.

"Pardon."

"Harry, I see your eyes are constantly watching him; what are you up too?" accused Hermione.

"Nothing." Gentle replied Gabrielle. Today was not the day for this argument.

"Don't lie to me! You're up to something and it's to do with Harry"

Gabrielle turned her face slightly so she could see the whole of Hermione's face.

"I don't lie." She replied putting as much steel into it as she could.

"I've seen you and Ginny talking you're planning something and it involves Harry you had better tell me."

"...or what?" Said Gabrielle very impolite of her but she didn't care.

"I'll tell Harry."

"Don't you think he already knows?" Asked Gabrielle getting to her feet and walking off. She could understand Hermione frustration but she wasn't prepared to tell her anything that would be up to Harry.

The game continued on for another hour or so before a halt was called. Gabrielle had made sure that she stayed close to her sister to stop the questions from Hermione. As the group landed laughing and smiling at each other Harry spoke up.

"Thanks everyone that the best birthday I've ever had."

This comment caused another round of laughter.

"Hey what did I say?"

"Harry mate. It's not over just yet." Said Ron

"What?"

"We were just having some fun for a little while. Ginny here has organised this whole party for you. The guests should be arriving soon."

Harry looked over at Ginny and saw that she had a slight look of embarrassment on her face at this announcement.

"I did say it was a party Harry." She said looking directly at him.

Harry then realised that in playing all afternoon his clothes were a mess, he had grass stains on his trousers and everything looked crumpled, also after a brief sniff he could do with a quick shower.

"But, but I've brought nothing to get change into!" he exclaimed.

Once more the group broke into laughter.

"Ron why do you take birthday boy up to your room." Chuckled Bill.

With Ron still smirking slightly behind him he entered Ron's bedroom. It was already laid out with a second bed in the position that it normally was when he stayed. But upon the bed was laid out a whole outfit of clothes. From trousers, shirt, T-shirt shoes everything. There even looked to be some bottles of something.

"Wha...wh..."

"Happy Birthday Harry. The family got you this, I got the trousers, and Twins got the shirt, Mum and Dad the shoes and Ginny the deodorant and cologne"

"I don't know what to say."

"It's alright Harry here..." said Ron handing him a towel "...jump in the shower first before Ginny takes all of the hot water."

**

Ginny couldn't believe how hot her body had gotten from the Quidditch match and she knew it wasn't anything to do with how physical it had been. She had felt Harry eyes on her for virtually the whole game. She had in turn watched him and every time they were close she had just wanted to fly with him and forget about the day.

Now she was back in her room after a quick shower she looked at the pile of clothes she had gotten out. For the afternoon she had been wearing a comfy top and loose shorts, but this evening she wanted to look special, not out of place just special. Secretly she had wanted to wear the red underwear but knew that she was never going to get Harry alone for that amount of time. She glanced across the room and saw that Gabrielle was already halfway through dressing, and Ginny knew that the young girl would be the best looking person there and she suspected that Gabrielle wasn't even really trying to impress.

Ginny picked up a brush and started to pull the knots out of her hair ready for her to tie it up into a pony tail when Gabrielle looked round and said.

"Leave it down tonight."

"What?"

"Your hair, leave it down. Brush it out but don't tie it up."

"Why?"

"It will frame your face and make you look older."

"I don't understand."

"Ginny you want to tell everyone that Harry's yours right?"

"Yes."

"Well tonight you're going to be his hostess. It will allow you to be next to him for most of the night and people will therefore assume that he's yours."

"But I don't know anything about being a hostess."

"It just so happens that there is a couple of experts around tonight who will help you."

"Who?" asked Ginny thinking through the friends she had invited.

Gabrielle laughed a delicate laugh.

"Me and Fleur, I've already talked to her and she'll help out."

"But...but..." stammered Ginny.

"Come now you'll have to hurry. You won't be making a grand entrance you need to be ready as soon as Harry is so the pair of you can greet the people as they arrive."

Ginny blush slightly as she thought that Gabrielle had read her mind. She had planned to make the Grand Entrance. She had seen it in her mind eye an entrance similar to Hermione's at the Yule Ball. All the men turning and looking at her as she walked out into the garden and straight to Harry.

**

Harry sat on the edge of his bed and fingered the small piece of paper in his hand. He had read it once in the bathroom but was slightly frightened to read it again. He glanced up and saw the Ron was back in front of his mirror again brushing and re-brushing his hair.

He quietly opened the small scrap of parchment and read the note again.

I can't be there yet but at least my gift can be where I want to be. Right next to your heart. G.

He was feeling two differing emotions at the moment. One of them joy, the other... the other he was scared. In the short time that he had officially dated Cho the pair of them had never so much exchanged one letter or anything it was though the pair of them where just feeling each other out.

As he sat there with this obvious love note in his hand he didn't have a clue how to react. The knowledge that Ginny thought of him that way was secretly something that he wanted, he had never really expected what she and Gabrielle had told him at the hospital to be true. But he was also very scared; he was scared of many different things. What was he supposed to do? Should he write back? Should he kiss her? What would Ron and the other brothers think? What would Mr and Mrs Weasley think? What would Hermione say? What would Gabrielle think? More and more of these types of thoughts ran through his head and he just looked at words in front of him.

He noticed that Ron had stopped moving and so quickly stuffed the scrap of parchment into his pocket.

"Come on then Harry. Let's wait downstairs I expect that the rest will take ages to get ready."

Harry with his mind still considering the note silently got up and followed Ron down through the house. As he cleared the last step he saw that Ron was wrong in his guess. Sitting quietly in one of the chairs was Ginny. Harry felt his mouth go dry as soon as he saw her but when she got to his feet his heart almost stopped.

Harry had difficultly remembering the last time that Ginny has worn her hair down and looking at her face he wondered why shy kept putting it up. Her face seemed to light up as she walked over to him smiling. He registered that she was wearing a nice fitting summer dress and he could easily make out her curves as she walked towards him. Not only was his mouth responding to this sight but much of his body was as well. Just the way she was looking and walking was affecting him.

"Well Harry you look good." commented Ginny as she in turn studied him. To her he looked every inch the hero and some one she would love to grab and kiss. The shy way he was standing there she thought was just so cute she found her own body start to respond to him.

"Thanks Ginny." Eventually replied Harry to the question.

Ginny kept a respectful distance as she didn't want to crowd Harry. He was still looking uncomfortable but she reckoned she had made a good start.

"Most of the rest are already outside come on then." She said and turned.

As the three of the walked out into the garden Harry saw that there had been a few changes. The tables now look to be laid with a large buffet and all round the garden were blankets obviously for people to sit on. The lanterns had been lit to give some extra light but as the sun was just setting so it wasn't needed yet. He also heard the soft music playing in the background and quickly found the source to be the Weasley small wireless.

"Great food, I'm starving." Called Ron making to move towards the tables.

Harry just looked around and was just amazed at everything around him and almost didn't notice Arthur and Molly approaching.

"Mrs Weasley, Mr Weasley what can I say..."started Harry.

"Nonsense Harry you know we like to do this for you and Ginny just insisted. In fact she did most of the work." Replied Molly.

Harry turned to look and Ginny. She hadn't moved from his side since they came out.

"Um...thanks Ginny." He stammered out to her.

"That's alright Harry I loved doing it."

Harry had to swallow once at the word love. It was though Ginny had placed special emphasis on it.

Before he could think of what to say next Ginny had spoken again.

"Harry your friends should be here about now, let's go and meet them."

Harry followed her like an obedient dog. He didn't know why he was doing this but it just felt right. The pair of them slowly walked across the garden towards the back gate. Ginny made sure to stay close to Harry but not too close.

**

Fleur looked at her sister as she spotted Harry and Ginny moving towards the back gate. Bill had moved off towards the twins who were looking at the food very suspiciously thus giving the two sisters some time on their own.

"They look good together." Commented Fleur to see if Gabrielle would react.

"Yes they do, don't they." Replied Gabrielle happily.

"Aren't you upset; I thought you wanted him for yourself?"

"Who say's I can't share, anyway can't you feel it."

Fleur looked shocked at her sister at the mention of sharing Harry but closed her eyes like the obedient student she had once been. She wasn't as good as Gabrielle but she could sense emotions and the power of love.

"It's...it's..." she stammered as she felt the waves of emotions radiating from the Harry and Ginny there was more there but she couldn't tell what it was.

"They don't know it yet." Whispered Gabrielle. It was the first time she had seen the pair together in such a calm setting and she knew that she had made two perfect decisions so far. One to help Ginny with Harry and the second was not to try and take Harry away from her.

"Are they connected?" Fleur whispered as she opened her eyes to look at Harry.

"Oh yes and even longer than I have been."

"When, were?"

"I don't know yet. Ginny hasn't told me much of her life or that of Harry's but that connection's been there for a long time."

"When will they finally realise."

"I think that their getting there, I just hope that no-one stands between Ginny and Harry."

"Why?"

Gabrielle tore her eyes away from Harry and looked at her sister. She had thought that her sister was stronger than this.

"Can't you feel it?"

"No."

"Their magic and their emotions are feeding off of each other."

"What does all this mean?" asked Fleur not understanding what her sister was telling her.

Gabrielle smiled at he sister.

"Simple Fleur, Harry will have at least two women in his life." She turned back and watched the party come together.

**

Hermione descended the stair slowly not because she had too but because she was listening to the party starting outside. She had rushed to get ready but didn't mind being slightly late. She wanted to look almost perfect for Ron tonight. With all their friends turning up for Harry it would be the perfect opportunity to show them that they were together.

She hadn't spent the time on her hair that she did for the Yule ball but that didn't make the results any less for it but it still had taken and awfully long time. She paused by Ginny's door, it was an almost certainty to her that Ginny and possibly even Gabrielle would still be in there getting ready. Ginny had wanted this party even more than herself and Hermione was sure that Ginny was going to make some grand entrance to the assembled friends. It had worked for her at that ball and Hermione was certain that Ginny was going to do the same. The look in Ginny's eyes at the mention of Harry told her more than words ever would have done.

Gently knocking on the door she waited for an answer. When none came she slowly opened it and peered in. It surprised her no end to see that it was empty. With a little wonder in her head she walked down the rest of the steps. As she entered the kitchen she paused and looked out. There were a number of people already arrived and the thought of walking out there and kissing Ron made her stomach flutter slightly.

Composing herself she took a couple a breaths and walked out into the fading evening light. Ron was standing with Dean and the pair was laughing at something. Without waiting Hermione walked straight to Ron's side and gave him a peck on the cheek. She felt Ron's hand find hers as Dean stopped in mid-sentence with his mouth hanging open.

"So he finally asked you?" said Dean eventually.

"Not really I got fed up waiting."

Dean laughed loudly at Hermione's comment, causing Lavender and the Parvati twins to spin round. A squeal announced to everyone that Lavender had noticed the joined hands of Ron and Hermione. The three of them rushed over and dragged Hermione away for a talk.

"So you eventually?" asked Dean as he watched the girls walk away.

"Like she said it just happened."

"Well it's what you wanted wasn't it?"

A small smile spread across Ron's face before he answered.

"Yeah it was."

Dean took a sip of his drink as he studied his friend and room mate. He couldn't remember the number of evenings that he had heard Ron rant about Hermione but he like the rest of the dormitory knew that Ron fancied her. That was one of the reasons why none of them ever said anything bad about Hermione, well not in Ron's presence anyway.

Ron looked over at the girls and saw them all giggling about something. He had never seen Hermione act in such away but the smile on her face meant more to him than he realised. Ever since this party had been planned and he heard that his mum and dad were leaving them alone for most of the evening all he could think about was Hermione and getting her alone for some time and what their friends would say when they saw them together.

As he turned back to Dean he remembered what Ginny had said at the end of term.

"I heard that you were going out with Ginny?"

Dean looked closely at Ron, this was not a question he had ever considered coming from Ron. Ginny was a nice looking girl but he had never thought about dating her just something about her told him, keep away.

"Ron mate you heard wrong, I'm a free agent at the moment."

"But...but..."spluttered Ron quickly looking across the garden to Ginny. She was standing beside Harry and he instantly understood. "Sorry Dean I must have heard it wrong."

**

The last to arrive was Luna, by the way she looked it seemed to Ginny that she had walked the whole way from her house. She had taken the trek a number of times but would have never considered taking it this evening it would have ruined anything nice.

"Happy birthday." Chimed Luna as she approached.

"Thanks Luna, it nice of you to come."

"Hi Luna." Called Ginny.

As the two girls started to chat Harry turned his back on the lane and looked over at the garden. He couldn't believe so many had turned up for his party. Most of the DA was their as were most of Gryffindor Tower. It was just like a night after a winning Quidditch match. As he watched his friends chatting and laughing away he felt Ginny move up next to him.

"Ginny I can't thank you enough for this."

"That's alright Harry I think you and the rest of us needed this."

Harry smiled and made his way over towards Ron and Hermione who seemed to be looking happier than Harry had ever seen.

**

Susan looked at the fading light and sniffed back a tear. She could not remember hating her mother any more than now. Grasped tightly in her hand was the handwritten invitation to Harry's party. When the owl had arrived yesterday she had thought all her worries were over but as soon as she opened the letter and read it her mother had taken it away. Susan's mind had bounded at the thoughts of going to the party and being with Harry. She didn't know how he would react, but to be near him would allow her to start to help him. But this fantasy had only lasted moments.

As soon as her mother had read the invite she had forbidden her from going. In fact she wasn't even going to reply to it. Susan had pleaded, begged and tried everything so that she could go but her mother had said no. It was then that Susan started to realise that she would soon have to make a choice, Harry or her Mother. Never once had she ever considered it but now she realised that she was going to have to choose, she couldn't have both, not now, but maybe, maybe she could later.

For the whole day her mother had stayed close obviously making sure that Susan didn't slip out and in her own words do something silly. Susan wasn't stupid enough to try anything just yet against her mother yet but soon she would and to hell with her. But all of that seemed incomprehensible now as she held the invitation this evening. As the light was fading she could imagine dancing and twirling with Harry, he would be approaching her to take her in his arms. They would spin and dance and she would be the happiest person alive.

Darkness enveloped the garden and so Susan turned back to her bed. This night for a brief moment had been magical in her mind but now she felt like she was the saddest person alive. Crawling under the duvet she pulled it tight around her, she slipped the invite under her pillow and closed her eyes to try to stop the tears from falling. The small scrap of paper wasn't much but it was a small link to Harry.

"Happy Birthday Harry." She breathed as a single tear silently travelled down her cheek before silence and darkness enveloped her.

**

Bill looked over the party and smiled to himself. It had been his idea to convince his parents that they needed a night out. He had been left in charge and was a little worried at what such a large group of teenagers could get up to but his only problems had been keeping the twins from using any of their products on anybody.

As the music changed to a slightly slower number Harry saw a number of people move towards the small area they were using for dancing. What surprised him the most was Ron almost immediately turning to Hermione and without a word the two of them had joined the group dancing. For virtually the first time in the evening he found himself alone but he was still the happiest that he could ever remember.

He spotted Gabrielle and Fleur and made his way over; he missed properly greeting them earlier. As he approached Gabrielle turned towards him as if by instinct.

"I missed not seeing you today." Harry whispered in her ear as they briefly hugged.

Gabrielle smiled as they pulled apart. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Count on it." Harry replied grinning.

"Hello Harry." Fleur said giving him the standard hug and kiss on each cheek.

"Hello Fleur." Harry said back happily.

Gabrielle had to smile at the noble attitude that Harry was displaying in coming and visiting the pair of them. Most people would have ignored them as both herself and Fleur were trying to keep out of sight.


"Harry this is your party, for you and your friends over there, you should go and enjoy it not just stand here keeping us company." Said Gabrielle as she directed him back to the makeshift dance floor. "So go, enjoy yourself and Happy Birthday." She said pushing him back giggling slightly.

Fleur waited until Harry was out of ear shot before speaking.

"Why didn't you go with him? I can see that you are just dieing to show everybody you're dancing and ..." Fleur left the rest unsaid but she knew that he sister understood the meaning

"As I said earlier. This evening is for Harry and Ginny not for me. If I went over there all anybody would talk about is me and you."

"ME!"

"Oh come on! If I went out there do you think you could stop yourself from joining me!"

"Why you..."

Gabrielle giggled at Fleur indignation before saying

"All anybody would remember about this evening would be the two Veela's at Harry's party. He deserves to have a party where everybody can be just themselves. Not a party where all the girls are jealous of us and all the boys can't stop looking or playing up to you! You know that the Veela inside us will make everyone notice us and nobody else. No matter how much of the Veela charm we try to suppress it will still affect them in someway. Let us just be happy to watch from afar."

Fleur smiled as a reply. Her little sister had it all planed out. She just wondered when did it all start and when Harry would finally realise he had no choice.

**

Harry made his way back to the where the people were dancing and sat down, content to watch the people he cared about smiling and enjoying themselves.

"You look happy." Said Luna sitting down next to him.

"I am." He had to admit.

The two of them continued in silence to look at the group dancing. Neville had spent most of the night dancing and Harry wondered where he had learnt to and the stamina he had for it. Shaking his head slightly Harry thought that virtually everybody had spent time on the dance floor except him. He hated to dance and just hoped that Luna wasn't going to ask him. About the only other people that Harry hadn't seen on the dance floor was Gabrielle and Fleur. In fact Harry had noticed that for virtually the whole evening the young girl and her sister had stood out of sight by the house as thought they felt that they were intruding.

"Harry?"

Harry brought his attention back to Luna and for the first time looked at her. Most people had worn smart clothes and Luna was no different. But as Harry's eyes looked at Luna they glance down her body he saw something that made him stop. He hadn't really taken any notice of her when she was in the DA and he was certain he would have noticed those breasts.

With Lavender as a member of Gryffindor House breasts where something that he had seen before. During the summer weeks at school Lavender and most of her friends liked to walk around wearing very lose or showy tops, but none of them had anything to show compared to Luna's.

He suddenly realised that he had been asked a question he flicked his eyes upwards to Luna's face and saw a dreamy smile on her face.

"Um yes...Luna?" He replied trying to cover his embarrassment.

Luna looked at Harry for a long moment before continuing.

"You're my friend aren't you?"

This question caught him a little off guard it was so simply put.

"Of course I'm your friend you're my friend as well."

Luna kept looking at Harry now with a more quizzical expression.

"Then why don't you want to have sex with me?"

Harry blinked once and was certain that he had just miss-heard Luna? He was still thinking about those large breasts inside of her dress and the way they were pushing on the fabric he could almost make out the contours of her bra and not really listening to what she had said. It was obvious that his hormone raging mind was making up words!

"Um...ah...what did you say?" He managed to stammer out.

"Why don't you want to have sex with me?"

"What!" he blurted out realising that he hadn't miss-heard her at all.

"All of the boys that have been my friend have wanted sex."

"But...um..." continued Harry.

"I really don't mind you know." Said Luna looking out across the garden.

"All the boys..." he asked.

"Yes the few boys in Ravenclaw that have gotten to know me have all asked for sex after a little while. You haven't yet."

"Luna... I...um...am, you are my friend. I don't like you just for sex. I like you for who you are." Replied Harry for the first time hating being such a nice guy as his hormonal mind ran rampaging through his body. He would have loved to see more of those breasts and of Luna.

"Oh ok then Harry, but really anytime you want sex I don't mind. I know for a fact that it's quite enjoyable." Said Luna getting to her feet and walking off towards the dance area.

"A lot of people take advantage of her you know."

Harry turned his head and saw Ginny sit down next to him.

"You heard."

"Yes...everything. There had been rumours and gossip but that's all."

"Rumours?"

Ginny smiled slightly and looked up at the night.

"Yes girl's talk you know. There are rumours that Luna sleeps with any boy who asks."

"It seems she thinks that she should have to."

"I know its sad isn't it?"

Harry looked closely and Ginny before tearing his eyes away to study the dance floor. He could see Luna jumping around but there was still a wide space around her, even thought she was his friend it seemed that most of the others just wanted to ignore her.

"Yes it is, what is more so I don't think she realises it. So is that all the gossip?" asked Harry trying to brighten the sudden mood.

"No I've also heard that Lavender has slept with virtually every decent Gryffindor except you and Ron that is. Also there is a girl in Huflpuff that's pregnant and a couple of seventh year Slytherin girls that are already married."

"You've heard all of that where?"

"Oh just talk between girls. You boys must have similar things."

"Um...no we just talk about Quidditch mainly." Replied Harry slightly embarrassed.

Ginny continued to look at the dark sky and realised that the Knight Bus would soon be arriving to take everybody home. She had tried to get Harry alone and away from everyone but it had been impossible but just sitting next to him was joy for her. Hearing the music change she turned to him.

"Come Harry let's dance."

"I ...um...not really."

Ginny laughed.

"Now Harry, don't make me write anymore letters, let's just have one dance."

Harry laughed at Ginny and followed her out onto the dance floor. The music was still a fairly slow dance. Those who were couple stayed close but the rest were still able to dance easily. Harry looked at Ginny and didn't know what he should be doing. Ginny didn't wait for Harry to make his mind up. She stepped as close as she could to him and snaked her arms around his back. As driven by instinct she felt his hands encircle her back and so laid her head on his should and began to sway to the music.

As soon as Ginny had come closer Harry had tensed up fearing what she was about to do. As she pulled him close his arms wrapped themselves around her as if they were driven by their own. He could feel the tension in his body and as the two of them started to sway he just hoped that the song would end soon.

After only a few moments Harry started to relax into the girl in his arms. The feel of Ginny under his hands was like nothing he had felt before. He felt himself begin to relax and then it happened he felt a response in his magic. It was small at first and then came on with more and more of a rush. His hands started to rub slowly up and down Ginny's back but his magic coursing through him was taking control.

He had felt something similar when Gabrielle had jumped into his arms but this was different. He felt his magic flow and move through him exploring every tip of him driving him to experience more. As the music died down Harry knew that they had to separate, the power flowing through him was intoxicating and he didn't know where it was leading him to.

Ginny face looked up and her eyes closed she was waiting for the expected end to come, but for her it never did, the kiss never arrived. The dance in Harry's arms had been truly magical, as they swayed together she felt the day just melt away and all that was left was the pair of them. As Harry's hands moved up and down her back she felt her response. No person so far had made her feel this way, she felt the tightening in her beasts and the tingling sensation down below but she had felt more much more. Her magic started to race through her seemingly trying to find something, but the music had ended and Harry had pulled away, and the feelings had ever so slowly died down leaving her very aroused but ever so unsatisfied.

Breathing slightly heavily they separated and made their way over to their friends.

**

The Weasley's and Harry watched everyone get on the Knights Bus for their trips home. The evening to truly be the most magical he had ever had. The single dance he had with Ginny was still fresh in his mind as he turned and looked over at everyone. This was his family and he would do anything to protect them.

"Fred, George you help me clear up before you go. Why don't the rest of you go inside." Called Bill looking over the tired group.

Wearily Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny trudged inside to find that Gabrielle had already gone up to Ginny's room and Fleur was sitting on one of the sofas reading.

Hermione yawned as the lateness of the hour was catching up with her. The evening had been good she just wished she could spend the rest of it with Ron, alone. She climbed the stair and waited outside of her room. Harry immediately walked passed and carried on up to Ron's room. Ginny had given Hermione a quick smile before slipping into her own room one floor below.

"Ron." She whispered knowing that they had little time tonight.

Ron just closed the distance and crushed his lips against hers. Hermione immediately melted into his arms and pressed he body against his. She could feel his hard chest against hers through the thin material of both her dress and his shirt. She could feel herself slowly start to rub up and down before a small cough brought her senses back.

"I think you two need to go to bed." Said Bill looking at the pair. He had been watching them for a few moments before he had said anything, it was obvious that they were totally oblivious to everything around them.

Ron immediately turned bright red and bolted for his room. Hermione found that she was still panting slightly and felt very flushed. She was certain that if Bill hadn't arrived she would have pulled Ron into her room and not cared about anything.

"I'm really sorry but Mum left me in charge and their due back any moment."

A noise down stairs alerted the pair of them that indeed Molly and Arthur had returned.

"Thanks Bill." Answered Hermione now blushing more realising that but for him Molly might have walked into something indeed.

**

Harry watched Ron enter his room in a daze and flushed red. He knew a little of how Ron felt because his mind told him exactly what it thought he was just doing and it was exactly the same thing that he wanted to do with Ginny a few moment ago.

He was glad that he was spending the night here and was even gladder that he was going back to the Dursley's tomorrow as he need time to think about what had happened with Ginny.

"It's been a great day." He called out as he started to get ready for bed.

"Yeah it was." Replied Ron dreamily.

Harry laughed as he saw Ron just sit on the side of his bed.

"Night Ron." Called Harry climbing into bed and closing his eyes.

"Night Harry." Answered Ron still not moving


**

Voldemort rearranged his robe slightly before he turned around. Tonight he was going to deliver his message to Harry Potter. A message that wasn't going to get confused or misinterpreted, everyone would know and everyone would fear.

"Have you completed it Snape?"

"Yes my Lord its here." Replied Snape holding out a small vial.

Voldemort turned and saw the potion master standing before him. He was the only other occupant in his small study. He opened his hand and waited, he felt the cold glass in his hand as Snape placed the small bottle in it.

"You must keep out of sight if you are to be continually useful."

"Of course."

Voldemort walked from the study and found that everyone else was waiting for him as he had instructed them too. He glanced at his watch as saw that there was only one hour left of this day, 31st July.

Snape moved to his place within the group and waited. Voldemort pulled his wand out and soon the group found themselves outside a small muggle house. Without a glance back he walked up to the front door and raised his wand. A small wave and the door opened silently. Voldemort could see a light streaming under a door frame and walked slowly to that room, he knew that the rest would work through the rest of the house to make sure he wasn't going to be disturbed.

Pushing open the door he saw a youngish man reclined on a sofa watching a television. As soon as he entered the room the man's head spun round and looked at him.

"Who the fuc..." blurted the man but was silenced instantly by the motion of the wand.

"Now...now, I need you to be quiet for a moment then you can scream all that you want."

The young man rolled from the sofa but before he could move any further he found his limbs locked to his side.

Voldemort drew out the small vial and uncorked it. He smelt it once to make sure and smiled an evil little smile. It was time, tipping the contents down his throat he felt it the effects immediately. Closing his eyes he started his attack.

**

Harry looked over to Ron's bed and saw that his friend was still not asleep, Harry felt tired yet a little restless. He rolled once in his bed and felt the first sharp stab of pain. It shot through his head in an instant and then was gone. Fearing what was too come he calmed his emotions and strengthened the dome in his mind. He felt the tension drain from him as minute after minute passed hoping nothing more was to come.

When the second attack came at it was fiercer than anything he had ever experience pain ran through his head once more but was focused on his scar. He wanted to open his mouth and scream as the dome in his mind was ripped open. A presence not his own invaded his mind and sought its secrets summoning his magic he tried to fight it off but it was a losing battle.

As wave after wave of magic attacked him he understood that it was trying to make a connection to him and then suddenly with a cry of pain escaping his lips it won.

**

Voldemort calmed his breathing as he felt the second presence in his mind. It had been much harder to connect to Harry than it had been a few weeks ago. The potion that he had just drunk should have made it easy for him to make the connection but he was breathing hard from the effort. But it had succeeded.

"At last it's good that you could join us." He spoke aloud knowing the Harry was watching and hearing everything.

"I've missed so many of your birthdays I thought I'll better get you a present or two or three."

Voldemoert looked at the frozen man on the ground it was time to begin.

**

Gabrielle's eyes flew open. She felt wrong; something about her didn't feel right. She quickly looked round the room and saw that nothing had changed. Almost as soon as Ginny had come in the pair had gone to bed and looking around nothing had moved since then.

The scary feeling started to build and build within her. Whatever was wrong was getting worse and she could feel it. Sitting up slowly and letting duvet fall she started to shake slightly. Drawing her knees up and hugging them she tried to calm her emotions and instantly found the problem.

"Harry." She breathed once as she realised she could not longer feel him. It wasn't as though he was blocking her he just wasn't there.

A crash of glass from upstairs announced that someone else now knew as well.

Ginny opened her eyes as the crash of glass died away. The dream she had just started was getting interesting but thoughts of it were driven as she saw Gabrielle sitting on her bed shaking. She sat up slowly intending to cross the room and comfort the girl when she heard the shouting.

"Help, help, it's Harry!"

Ginny jumped form her bed and started for the door but changed her mind in an instant as she saw that Gabrielle hadn't moved. Crossing to the young girl she pulled her close and saw that there were tears in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" She gently asked as she heard people running outside her bed.

"Harry, he's gone!" cried Gabrielle feeling her heart collapse inside of her.

"What left the house?" Asked Ginny fearing the girl's words.

"No he's not with us anymore. I can't feel him I think he's dead." Replied Gabrielle collapsing into Ginny's arms and sobbing her heart out.

**