The next day for Harry went by in a flash, He woke up early and spent the morning reading Quiditch Through the Ages. He was really looking forward to getting back on the pitch. He had read about a bunch of new seeker moves, and wanted to try them out. After coming up with some ideas on tryouts, and whom he thought would make a good Team Captain, he headed out for breakfast. As he walked into the kitchen he was surprised to see who was also there. By the looks of it, not only Percy was working for the MOM, but Charley and Bill were also. They were all wearing Auror robes, so Harry knew what they must have been doing. Miss Weasley was busy getting Anthony a new quill when Harry walked in
“Good morning dear, hungry?” the second Harry walked in Miss Weasley grabbed him, and led him to the table. “Eat up now, we are in a bit of a Hurry.”
“Hello Harry” Charley said coming over. “Glad to see you made it. I would love to sit and chat, but I don’t want to be late.”
With that said all four of the oldest of the Weasley children disapparated.
“Be careful and...” was all Miss Weasley was able to get out before the four were gone. “Hurry up and finish, we have a lot of things to do today.” She said, glancing at all 6 of the kids still remaining in the room.
“Well, you heard her, lets go!” Ron said grabbing Harry, and Hermione, and pulling them from their plates. “We are using the floo network and we'll be meeting in the Leaky Cauldron."
After arriving at Diagon Alley their first visit was Gringotts. Once they had filled their bags full of as much wizarding money as they could, Fred and George split up from the rest of the group.
“Meet you for Ice Cream at 12:00” they both yelled, as they headed down to Zonkos joke shop,
“Ok.” the rest og the group yelled back, heading in the direction of Flourish and Blotts.
After spending about 4 hours picking up everything that they needed for the new year of school, they made their way over to Quality Quiditch Supply's.
“Do you think there is a new broom out?” Ron asked looking very excited.
“I hope not” Harry said getting closer to the window. As soon as they were within eyeshot of the store, Harry noticing that the Firebolt was still the premier broom, and was content in thinking the quidditch cup was his this year.
“Well, should we go in?” Ron grinned as he headed for the door, not waiting for the answer that was not needed.
Just as they reached the door they heard a familiar voice came from behind them. “So Potter, decided to return to Hogwarts have you.” Malfoy's words slurred out of his mouth with contempt and hatred.
“Go away Malfoy” Harry spat, as the four of them turned around to come face to face with Malfoy, Crabb, and Goyle.
“What do you three gits want.” Ron said as he glared at Malfoys goons rubbing their fists in the palm of their hands.
“Just to see the three of you die, especially Potter, and that Mudblood there.” Draco said with an evil grin.
Ron lunged straight for Malfoy. He despised him, and whenever he insulted Hermione, Ron always tried to beat him to a bloody pulp. Harry and Hermione each grabbed an arm and tried to tell him to forget about it. But they weren’t fast enough, Ron knew they would try and stop him and was able to slip out of Harry reach to fast. He punched Malfoy square in the nose. Malfoy stumbled back a few steps, and was about to hit Ron back when Ron landed another solid blow to his stomach.
“You'll leave if you know what's good for you Malfoy. Ron will finish you off if you don’t." the voice came from the side. “ Mr. Weasley, out of all the people in the world to hit, why waste your time on such a slimy slug as that.”
“Remus!” Harry shouted in excitement, “What are your doing here” “Good question Harry, but that is Professor Lupin if you don't mind." Lupin winked at the group and smiled "I am here picking up some supplies for my first lesson this year.”
“Oh you have to be kidding me, a Werewolf teaching?" Draco glared at Lupin while he rubbed his nose, "Just wait until my father hears about this. He got them to kick you out once, he can do it again. Come on you two. Were leaving.”
“Oh really? What, exactly, is your old fool of a father going to do, try and buy the ministry again? Let me see. If I read correctly, your father is no longer in favor with the MOM. Oh yes, that’s right let me think...charged with practicing the dark arts if I remember correctly. And Ron, wasn’t it your father who found all the illegal potions that Mr. Malfoy had hidden?” Lupin grinned at Ron.
Malfoy ignored the comments, and quickened his steps.
It was all Harry and Ron could do to stay standing. “That was priceless” Ron said “Simply priceless”
“Well gentlemen, I mu...” Lupin started
“Ah-hem” Hermione, and Ginny both cleared their throats
“And Ladies, sorry 'bout that." Lupin diped into a low bow, "I must be off, got lots of things to do before school tomorrow. I will see you on the Hogwarts Express.” And with that, he turned and left.
“Can you believe he’s back? Oh I can’t wait! You know, he was the best DADA teacher we ever had,” Ron said.
Harry turned to Ron, “What I can’t believe is that you punched Malfoy in the nose! I thought he was going to start crying!”
“You know Ron, you should have just left it be. Mudblood coming from Malfoy means nothing to me.” Hermione looked at her feet and absentmindedly kicked at a rock.
“Well it means a lot to me. Hermione. That’s the worst thing someone can say, and when he says it to you, well if he says it again, I'll do more than just punch him."
Harry and Ginny started laughing. They both new Ron was just trying to play the Hero. From the look Hermione was giving Ron, she thought he was a Hero.
“Looks like its time for Ice-cream.” Harry said not intentionally changing the subject. “Fred and George will probably be waiting for us." They all agreed, and were headed to the long line that made its way out of the shop when they noticed Fred and George were not in the line.
“Wait until Fred and George hear about what you just did Ron!” they'll probably make fun of Malfoy at school for a week." Just then Hermione noticed Fred and George come out of an old building next to Gringotts with a Goblin.
“Hey you three look over there, what do you think those two are up to?” Hermione pointed.
Everyone just shook their heads.
“Ginny, did they tell you anything?” Ron asked looking at his sister.
Ginny shook her head “Nope, not a thing. They're almost here, lets just ask them.”
When Fred and George finally reached them. They noticed the long line, and turned to Ron. “Ron, we have a little extra time, follow us, we have a late birthday gift for you.” Fred said grabbing one of Ron’s arms. Ron looked at his brothers in doubt “Oh come off it Ron, can’t you trust your own brothers?” With that Fred grabbed his other arm, and they led him toward Madame Milkins Robes for all occasions.
Harry just laughed. He knew they were keeping up their promise to buy him a new dress robe and after only a few minutes, the three of them came back. Ron was smiling from ear to ear.
“Guess what guys you won’t believe it, Fred and George bought me some new robes!" Ron beamed. "Now I can through those old maroon things in the fire.” “Good for you Ron,” Hermione smiled, “I don’t know what would happen if you had to wear those old ones again, you made such a fuss last time.”
“Oh be quiet, I was more upset at the fact I wasn’t going with you…… I mean Oh never mind.” Ron’s checks flushed redder than his hair as all the Weasley’s including Harry were fighting not to fall to the ground in fits of laughter.
No one seemed to notice that Hermione turned just as red as she caught Ron's eyes.
“Ron! You ladies man you!” George said as he held his side to try and quell a stich from laughing so hard.
“Well it was only obvious” Ginny commented grabbing Fred’s shirt to keep from falling down again.
“Ok, that’s enough. Thank you Ron, you are very sweet.” Hermoine composed herself again and winked at him.
This successfully stopped the laughing. They stood in the line for a few more minutes before finally being able to order and then take a seat under a tree.
“So, what were you two up to?” Ginny asked, looking at her two brothers. “We all saw you come out of that old building over there.”
"We have no idea what you are talking about.” They said in unison.
“Anyway, nothing will be final until next year." George said.
Not wanting to push any information out of Fred and George, Harry changed the subject. “So did you hear, Ron bashed Malfoy in the nose.”
It was a success, Fred and George were now hounding Ron for details, and claping him on the back. After eating their ice cream, and listening to Ron describe the feeling of Malfoy’s noise concaving at the touch of his fist, they decided that it was getting late and they should probably be heading home. The 6 of them set off for the Leaky Cauldron, they were all talking and laughing when they came back up to Quality Quiditch Supplies. Harry stopped as he recognized a girl coming out of the store.
“Hey guys, I’ll be right back.” Harry said as he walked toward the girl, who was carrying what looked to be a broom box, and when he was close enough to where she could hear him, he called out. “Cho, is that you?” Harry still felt very guilty for Cedric’s death, and wanted to make sure Cho didn’t hold him responsible.
“Harry? She spun around smiling, "How are you?” she asked, walking over to him
“I’m ok, how about you?”
“I’m doing great” she said as she gave him another heart stopping smile. “I was hoping to see you today.”
“Oh really, why’s that?” Harry blushed
“Oh, umm I wanted to make sure you were ok, you know after last year and all, I was afraid that you may not come back to Hogwarts.” Cho almost whispered the last part.
Harry could tell by her voice she was concerned. “I’m not going to let you win the quidditch cup that easy” he said pointing to her new Firebolt. Anyway, Hogwarts is like my home. I am most comfortable when I am there.” He said still looking at her broom.
“Dad thinks I will have a better chance of beating you if we were flying the same broom.” She said holding it up a little. “He bought it for my Birthday.”
“Looks like I better start practicing.” Who knows what will happen with Wood gone. Harry looked up to see Cho smiling at him. He suddenly realized that he had a hug smile on his face, and quickly looked down at his feet. “You know Cho, I, I was really worried that you would hate me after what happened last year. I mean, well, with Cedric and all.” He said the last part so softly it was barely audible.
Cho reached out and placed her hand on his cheek. She held it there for a moment before sliding it under his chin, lifting his head up to where she could see his eyes. Harry was looking away, he wanted to look in her eyes, but his guilt was eating a hole in his heart. Cho persisted and he finally looked up to see her deep blue eyes full of tears. Harry Felt his heart melt when she moved her hand back to his check.
“ Harry, that was not your fault. If any one is to blame it's Voldermort. Don’t ever blame yourself.” Cho smiled through her tears.
Harry couldn’t help but smile back. The affection in her voice was unmistakeable, and her gentle touch seemed to heal his guilt.
“You know Harry, I was worried that after the last ball...well, you avoided me. Then, to top it all off, I lost Cedric. I just figured that you would never want to speak to me again. Harry, please don’t avoid me, I really like you, and I want you, no, want isn't the right word here. I need you to know that.” She kissed his check and Harry smiled back at her.
“It’s agreed then.” he finally said taking her hand from his check and holding it in his. Still looking straight into her beautiful eyes, “Friends?”
Cho grinned “Friends.”
“Well, I better get going, Ron, and the others are waiting.” She looked over Harry’s shoulder, and nodded.
“Can I stop over and say Hi” she asked slightly timid.
“Sure, let me bring you over.” With that Harry unknowingly interlocked his fingers with hers, and led her to where everyone else was waiting. When they got over to the others, Harry couldn’t understand the looks he was getting. “What?” No one answered, but Harry noticed Ron look from Cho, then to him, then down at their hands. Harry realized that he was holding Cho’s hand. Blushing a shade similar to Ron's hair, he looked over at her. She seemed not to mind. Overcome with the feeling that she new all along, and when she smiled at him all Harry could do is blush even more. It was easy to say that now, he was redder than any of the Weasley’s hair. Harry let go of Cho’s hand “...umm sorry...”
Cho lent over and whispered in his ear. “Don’t be, I kind enjoyed the looks they were giving us.” With that she kissed his check, a second time, and turned towards the chairs.
Harry smiled at the others. He new he was going to get the third degree when he and Ron got home.
After talking with Cho for about five minutes, Harry and the others said goodbye. Harry couldn’t help but smile as he looked over his shoulder to see Cho wave, to him. He waved back as he walked into the Leaky Cauldron. “The burrow” he said as he threw a pinch of powder in the fire.
Harry felt the familiar twirling sensation as he slid through the floo network, and put his hands out to balance his fall. When he finally felt something solid beneath his feet, he jumped out quickly. This was the first time he had not fallen on his face. Ron came flying out shortly after, and Harry had just enough time to grab him before slammed into the chair next to the fire.
“Bloody Hell! You would think after how many times I've done this, I could land on my feet at least once.”
After Hermione, and the rest of the Weasley’s arrived, they immediately started on Harry.
“So, looks like Harry got himself a girlfriend.” Fred said teasingly. Harry just smiled.
“No, but we are still friends, and that is what matters.” Just then Miss Weasley came into the room.
“I hope you all had fun, you didn’t get into trouble did you.” She said staring at Fred and George.
“NO MOM” They both said looking as if they were about to laugh.
Mrs Weasley looked slightly amused, “Alright, all six of you, go get cleaned up. Dinner is almost ready."
Harry left and headed for his room. He was starting to get hungry, so he changed fairly quickly, and went to get Ron. When Harry entered the kitchen he was shocked at what he saw. The entire kitchen had been decorated in wizard decorations. The words Happy Birthday Harry were displayed, blinking red, silver, and gold.
"Happy Birthday Harry!" everyone yelled.
He just starred at them tears starting to collect in his eyes. “I...I don’t know what to say. Thanks everybody, this is the best ending to a already excellent day.” After Harry took his seat at the end of the table, the room got twice as crowded. Arthur, Percy, Bill, and Charley had apparated right next to Harry, and were all patting Him on the back. Harry couldn’t help but smile. “I forgot all about my birthday, you guys shouldn’t have.”
“Happy Birthday Harry” Dumbledore said as he, Lupin and Sirus walked in from the livingroom, “And of course we had to, Its not every day your young man turns Fifteen."
Harry just smiled. He always thought Dumbledore could read his mind. And the fact that he arrived with Remus, and Sirus after Harry made the comment was another reason to think just that. Harry spent the next few hours having fun, and talking to all his friends. When he was finished opening up his presents, He was approached by Dumbledore.
“Harry, here is my gift to you, I hope you enjoy it.” He handed Harry a letter in which he opened once Dumbledore returned to talking with Charley.
Harry,'I wonder what it is.' He thought, but decided he would wait until the party was over. After a few more hours, and a lot more food, Sirus and Remus came over to say goodbye.
You once asked me why Voldermort wished to have you killed. I think you are
almost ready to be told. It is hard to explain, but you are something very
special to all of us. When the time is right I will explain everything you wish
to know. You will know when that time comes, until then, Happy Birthday. By the
way, I left a box on your bed with things you might enjoy, your father left them
in my position before his death in hopes that I cold give them to you
Dumbledore.
“Harry, we must be going. Happy Birthday.” Sirus said giving his Godson a hug.
“Ya, see you at school Harry.” Remus said roughing up his hair.
“Thanks so much for coming, It wouldn’t have been the same without you.” Harry smiled, patting Remus' hand.
“Well Kids, I suggest you go and pack your things for tomorrow, we wouldn’t want to be late.” Miss Weasley said. The room cleared quickly as those that could apparate left in a pop, and Miss. Weasley pushed those that couldn’t out. Harry stayed there for a few moments alone. “This was the best day ever.” he said out loud as he was re-living the events. After a few moments he decided to head to his room. “Ha! I have my own room, how great is that!”
Harry quickly packed all of his belongings into his truck, he was happy to be living with the Weasley’s, and Happy he no longer had to hide his possessions under the floor, but he still wanted to return to Hogwarts more than anything. When he finished arranging his stuff, he made his way up to Ron’s room. The two boys were packed and ready for the next day in less than an hour.
Once they finished, Ron turned to Harry, “So, what did the letter Dumbledore give you say?”
“I totally forgot about that!” Harry yelled as he ran out of Ron’s room headed for his own,
“Wait up!” Ron shouted, but it was to late, Harry was just too excited. He reached his room in less than a minute, and walked straight toward the package on his pillow. Ron showed up at the door just as Harry started to open the gift. “What was that all about,” Ron huffed. He hadn’t known that Dumbledore left Harry’s present on his bed.
Harry paid him no attention, and started pulling things out of the box. Ron quickly understood, and took a seat next to harry. The first thing Harry pulled out was a large book, covered in red paper with a note stuck to the front.
Harry,
This book should be good for some laughs, it is the marauders guide to mischief,
it has all of our pranks we played on the Slytherins, enjoy.
Harry started laughing, and tossed the book to Ron. “Looks like we found our new best friend.” Ron just looked at him bewildered. “Read the title.”
Ron laughed as soon as he looked down. “What else did you get?”
“I don’t know.” Harry reached back into the box, and pulled out a small box wrapped in Gold. When he opened it he smiled. The Potter Family Rings. Harry new that these were meant for him and his future wife. He carefully placed them back into the box, and read the note that came with them.
Harry,
Your father asked that if he was to pass away, I was to make sure that you get
these. Keep them safe, They are meant for you and your significant other.
Sirus
“Won’t be needing those for a while.” He said as he showed them to Ron. The two of them started laughing.
“I don’t know about that Harry, I saw how interested you seemed in Cho. You were holding her hand and she kissed you. Maybe you will need that box sooner than you think.” Ron grinned and poked Harry in the ribs with his elbow.
Harry ignored Ron’s comment. Rubbing his ribs, he turned quickly back to the box. He pulled out the last remaining item. “Looks like cloaks run in the Family.” Harry had pulled out a long black dragon leather cloak. He placed it over his legs, and started inspecting it. “Wow. This is surprisingly light."
“Harry, what is that emblem on the right side of the chest?” Ron asked taking interest in the cloak.” It looks like a Phoenix surrounded by a gold circle."
“Wait a minute, there is some type of writing. I can’t quite make it out.” Harry handed the cloak to Ron and started cleaning his glasses. “can you read that.”
“THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX,” he said handing it back. “Well go on, put it on.”
Harry stood up, and swung the cloak over his shoulders. Just as it settled on his back, he felt an overwhelming sense of strength, and energy. As he inspected the seams and explored the pockets. Suddenly he felt as if he was growing. Harry looked at Ron to ask him how it looked, but had to laugh at Ron’s face. “Ron, what are you doing?”
“Harry, you, you, you just grew like f-f-f-five inches, look for y-yourself.”
With that Harry took off the cloak, and walked over to the mirror, It was true. He was standing in front of the mirror, and the person looking back at him seemed to be growing both in size, and in strength.
“What just happened?” Ron asked.
Harry could only shrug. “I don’t know, when I put the cloak on I felt this surge of power, and strength, then I felt as if I grew.”
Ron just looked at Harry, then at the cloak. The emblem, surrounded by THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX seemed to be sticking out now. It looked as if it had just been polished.
“Harry, can I try it on?” Ron asked timidly.
“Sure, here you go.” Just like Harry, when Ron placed it on he felt the warmth coming from it, as well as strength, but he didn’t feel as if he grew. When he looked into the mirror he noticed that he looked very strong, but besides that, nothing appeared different.
“Harry, I like this cloak, but did you notice what the emblem looked like when you were wearing it? It stood out and it was shinning. When I wear it, it looks normal.”
Just then Author Weasley came in the room. “Ron, kindly take Harry’s cloak off, and give it back. Harry, I was advised by professor Dumbledore that you would receive that, please keep it safe. I am sure it is a prized position but gurad it carefully. With that author turned and walked out.
“What was that all about?” Harry said as he looked at Ron,
“I don’t know, but lets do what he said.” Ron took off Harry’s new cloak, and handed it back. “I suggest you put it in the bottom of your trunk. Once we get to Hogwarts I will show you how to create a hidden compartment so that no one but you can find it. My brother Charley taught me.” Ron grinned from ear to ear.
Harry quickly picked up his new things, and placed all but the book securely in his trunk. “Lets take a look at this.” He said as he opened the Marauders Guide to Mischief. As soon as he opened the first page, they started to laugh. On the first page was a picture of James, Sirus, Remus, and Peter. They were sitting in the kitchen eating ice cream. The writing on the top was the kicker. 3:00AM, never to late for a snack.
“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” Harry said looking at the picture. "It appears to be the Most Honorable Professor Lupinand he's..." Harry faked a gasp, "Breaking a school rule!"
Ron just laughed, and urged Harry to continue. Harry turned to the next page, and the two of them broke out in laughter. It was a picture of the Slytherin Quiditch team stuck to the goal post at the end of the Quidditch Pitch. Harry read the writing on the top of the picture out loud. “Super Glue.” The picture alone was priceless, the team was struggling to free themselves as rain and thunder were pounding down on them. Harry could make out Sirus, James, and Remus flying around them wands out throwing hex after hex at their helpless victims.
"Read this.” Ron said pointing below the picture. It was a detailed description of the incantation used, as well as about eight other uses for superglue.
“We are going to have so much fun with this” Harry said. The two of them stayed up late into the night planning prank after prank to play on Malfoy, Crabb, and Goyle. When Harry noticed Ron fighting off a yawn. He decided it was time to go to sleep.
“Ron, its getting late and I assume we've got a long day tomorrow. Lets get some sleep.”
As Ron walked off Harry changed into his pajamas 'I can’t wait to get back to Hogwarts' he thought, as he slowly turned in a circle to admire HIS new room.