300A/N: I do apologize for the long wait on this chapter. Life, family, and these crazy times have made things a bit crazy. No, I have not abandoned any of my ongoing stories. Yes, they will be finished, it is just a matter of getting time and the right flow for which story is written and when. I plan on starting the next chapter of Family Matters soon, as well as Mark of the Phoenix for my X-Men readers. I also have several stories in the planning stages, both HP and X-Men. And don't blink, there may be some one-shots popping up from time to time. All in all, it's gonna be a crazy summer, so, please, bear with me. As always, thanks for the R/Rs.
Chapter 25: Summer Disrupted
5 July
"Memoras Restituere!" Ginny whispered as she twirled her wand. A light blue flash came from the end on her wand. She growled in frustration as she slapped her wand on the desk. Ginny was sitting in her and Harry's Master suite at Potter Manor waiting for Harry to come back from his evening training session with some of their younger classmates. She reread the instructions again on the parchment in front of her.
"Why won't this bloody spell work?" she growled in frustration.
Ginny had been trying to master the spell James Potter had left for her in his letter for almost two years, and it still wouldn't work properly for her. She had been trying to complete it more lately because Ginny was trying to make the spell part of her gift to Harry for his birthday at the end of the month. She was running out of time and only had a few times a day that she was alone to practice the spell since she wanted to surprise Harry with it at his and Neville's party. Ginny snarled, baring her teeth at the letter from James Potter on the desk after she finished reading the spell for the millionth time.
"Fat lot of good those instructions are, Mr. Potter," Ginny told the letter through gritted teeth. She had thought about asking for some help from Remus or Hermione, but the spell was so personal that she didn't want to ask for help unless it was absolutely necessary. It was almost to that point now. Ginny looked down at the spell again and thought maybe Bill would be a better choice to ask for some help. Her head shot toward the door as she felt Harry coming closer through their bond.
Ginny quickly hid the letter in her drawer, pulling out her summer homework list. She could feel his concern for her mood as Ginny felt him turn at the top of the stairs. Now all she had to do was convince Harry it was one of their summer homework assignments that was making her so upset. She picked out the perfect one as Harry came in the door.
"Hey, love," Harry smiled as he kissed Ginny's forehead. "What's got you all worked up?"
"Have you read this yet?" Ginny complained as she held up the parchment. "We have a five feet long essay due for Ancient Runes."
"Five feet?" Harry paled. "What is she trying to do? Make our hands fall off?"
"Oh, did I mention, it's not just an ordinary essay?" sneered Ginny. "It's another research paper!"
"Seriously," Harry whined as he took the parchment. "We just did one before the end of term! But it says it's not due until mid-November."
"We are not putting it off, Harry," Ginny scolded him lightly.
"Fine," Harry sighed. "Tell you what, with our bond, we can make this easier. You take this book," Harry handed the listed book to Ginny, "and I'll take this one. That way we cover both books at the same time."
"Fine," Ginny yawned as she stood with a stretch. Ginny felt Harry's shift through their bond as he stared at her. "But let's read in bed. I'm shattered."
"I could make you…" Harry started as he stepped closer. Ginny put a hand on his chest.
"No," she told him as she gently pushed Harry back, "we need to start reading."
"Killjoy," Harry grumbled. Ginny rolled her eyes as she collected her notes.
"It's not like we didn't indulge this morning," Ginny kissed his cheek with a sly grin before turning for the bedroom quickly. She giggled as she heard Harry grumble as he started to follow her.
After changing into their nightclothes, Harry and Ginny reclined on their bed to read the books that were assigned for their research paper. Harry looked at the title of the book he had chosen for the first time. The Essential Guide to The Binding Runes. Harry shrugged to himself. He thought he might find something they could use in a wedding ceremony when they decided to have one. Harry opened the book, looking first at the table of contents, skimming the chapter titles. As he turned the page, one of the chapter titles caught Harry's eye, Chapter XV: The Ties That Bind Us.
Harry hurriedly flipped to the chapter, examining the runes it discussed in detail. He found the rune of eternal love, marriage, and soul along with the binding runes used in certain wedding ceremonies in centuries past. He grinned knowing he had found the perfect things to use.
Ginny in the meantime was reading Runes of Mind, Body, and Spirit. She sat up straight as she found the rune for a soul bond. It was a line within a circle within a triangle. Then her eyes fell on a rune that made her shiver. The rune of immortality. Ginny's first thought was of Tom Riddle and his quest to avoid death. Ginny looked at the next rune, tilting her head perplexed. The rune for soul and immortality looked similar and very familiar. Ginny realized these were probably used to make a Horcrux. Her eyes widened remembering exactly where she had seen that rune before.
"Harry," Ginny spun around to look at him her voice quivering slightly. Harry looked up startled by the suddenness of Ginny's movement. "Let me see your scar."
"What? Why?" Harry asked in confusion as he lifted the fringe covering it.
"Oh, Merlin," Ginny breathed her eyes widening more with an almost wild look in them. Her face paled so much that her freckles stood out like ink spots on a white sheet. "Look at this."
Harry took the book Ginny had been reading. She pointed to the two runes she had found. Harry looked back up at her with a pale face and wide eyes of his own.
"I think we better wake Sirius," Harry finally choked out.
"Remus and Bill, too," Ginny nodded. She held her arm out. "Dolfia!"
"Fawkes!" Harry called with his arm stretched out. Both Phoenixes appeared within seconds. "Wake Bill and Sirius. Bring them here."
As soon as the flames died from the birds disappearing Harry turned to the edge of the bed. "Dobby!"
"Yes, sir," Dobby bowed.
"Wake Remus. Tell him to come here," Harry ordered as he and Ginny stood, throwing on their dressing gowns heading for the sitting room of their suite.
"Yes, sir," Dobby nodded as he disappeared.
Harry and Ginny hurried out of the bedroom into the sitting room. Harry flicked his wand at the door as Fawkes, Dolfia, and Dobby appeared with Sirius, Remus, and Bill. Ginny was about to start a pot of tea, but her hands were shaking too much. Dobby politely took the kettle from her, putting it on the little stove that was in their kitchenette. Harry guided her over to the sofa to sit down.
"What's wrong, Prongslet?" Sirius asked, concerned as Harry settled beside Ginny. Harry didn't answer, he just summoned the book from the bedroom. He handed it over to Remus, pointing out the two runes that had spooked Ginny so much. Harry hugged Ginny close as Remus looked over the book.
"Immortality and soul…?" Remus asked confused for a second. His eyes grew large as he looked up at Harry.
"Merlin," Bill breathed. He looked back and forth from Remus and Sirius to Harry and Ginny. "You don't think…?"
"Yes, Bill, I do," Ginny answered with a shaky voice. "Look for yourself."
Harry sighed as he turned to Bill, raising his fringe. Bill stepped closer quickly as he took the book from Remus.
"Still lost here," Sirius frowned.
"Pads, Harry's scar looks somewhere between Immortality and Soul," Ginny told him. Sirius still looked confused as Bill pulled his wand and started scanning Harry's scar. "To make a Horcrux, it involves murder and runes etched into the receiving vessel and the victim."
"Dear Godric," Bill stumbled back a couple of steps. The others looked at him.
"It is, isn't it, Bill?" Ginny gulped as she paled.
"I'm afraid so," frowned Bill as he examined his scans. He tilted his head slightly as one of the readings looked off. "But…"
"But?" Sirius asked as Bill stopped to run another scan.
"It's not a true Horcrux," he said after he nodded at his scan.
"What do you mean?" Remus asked.
"It's a piece of Riddle's soul, but…" Bill trailed off again, thinking. "I think your bond has weakened it considerably over the years. We may be able to get rid of it without killing Harry."
"Bill…" Ginny pressed with a look of desperation.
"I need to do some research," Bill told her as he stared at Harry's scar.
"Alright," Harry nodded. "Pads, call an Inner Circle meeting first thing in the morning. Remus, you and Bill choose some help for the research."
"Xeno and Hermione," Bill nodded.
"Why them?" asked Sirius.
"Both extremes of research," Bill answered. "One down to earth, the other specializing in the outlandish."
"Agreed," Remus nodded after a moment of thought.
"Dobby, plan breakfast for the meeting," Harry turned to the elf as he stood, helping Ginny up.
"Yes, Harry, sir," Dobby nodded.
Sirius, Remus, and Bill exchanged a concerned look as Harry led a still shaking Ginny back to their bedroom as they left. Harry and Ginny lay holding each other as the implications of their discovery started to sink in.
6 July
The next morning Harry and Ginny walked into the ballroom that was being used as a conference room for the foreseeable future. The rest of the Inner Circle had arrived already and started on their breakfast as Harry and Ginny came in. Harry noticed how the occupants were seated around the table. Despite age gaps, the members of the Circle that were still students were spread out among the adults, all talking about various things as they ate. There was laughter and smiles from many of them as they conversed with each other. He knew that laughter was about to end.
All conversation stopped as Harry and Ginny sat down at the head of the table. Many were about to greet them before they noticed the very grave looks on their faces. Ginny still looked a little rattled, but her hands were not as shaky as they had been the night before. Harry closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breath. He took Ginny's hand, trying to calm both of their nerves. He knew their discovery was going to cause quite a bit of alarm.
"Thanks for coming," Harry finally spoke when he opened his eye again. "Ginny and I were working on our summer homework last night and made a startling discovery. Bill?"
"Harry and Ginny called Sirius, Remus, and I to their room after they found this," Bill began as he stood. He walked over to the chalkboard behind Harry and Ginny's seats. He used his wand to draw two runes. "This is the rune for Soul. This is the rune for Immortality. We have a theory about these and what Riddle used them for."
"They do look similar," Molly nodded. "But why those?"
Fleur began whispering in rapid French as tears started to stream down her cheeks.
"They look like…" Hermione trailed off. She gasped, covering her mouth.
"Yes, Hermione, my scar," Harry nodded. Gasps were heard all around the table. Ginny raised her free hand for attention.
"In our research into the Horcruxes, Harry and I found that to make one, a rune has to be etched into the vessel and the victim before or during the act of murder," Ginny explained. "When I saw those runes in my book, it all fell into place. The reason Harry has a connection with Tom is because of his scar. The rune of Soul. There's a piece of Tom's soul in Harry's scar."
"Dear Merlin," Arthur breathed.
"No!" Molly cried placing a hand over her heart. Loud murmurs and sobs continued to be heard as everyone realized the implications of their discovery. Bill held up his wand, casting a whistling noise. Everyone quieted as they turned back to him.
"Harry's scar is only a pseudo-Horcrux," Bill answered everyone's unasked question. More loud gasps, curses, and a few sobs were heard around the table. Everyone looked pale or a little green.
Molly was on her feet and hugging Harry and Ginny before anyone else could move. Hermione and Fleur were only a step behind her. After an appreciative hug to each, Harry gently pushed the three women away with a look that told them they were not finished explaining. Bill had to fire another whistle to regain silence.
"I ran four different scans on Harry's scar last night," Bill continued after he had everyone's attention again. "There's a chance we can remove the soul piece without killing Harry because their soul bond has weakened it significantly over the years."
"We would do the research ourselves, but we have other research to do on Tom that has priority for us. And it's also a training day. Hermione, Xeno, that's where you two come in," Harry nodded. "Join Bill and Remus in the library for the research that needs to be done on this."
"Of course," Xeno nodded. Luna smiled as she patted her father's hand.
"You know I will," Hermione swallowed hard as she wiped her tears. George stood, pulling her into a hug. She smiled up at him. "Thanks."
"Anytime," George assured her.
Harry and Ginny raised an eyebrow. They knew Hermione and George had been semi-dating since just before Valentine's Day, but this open display of affection and caring between them was something new. Harry felt Ginny make a mental note of it for later, before turning her attention back to the table.
"We'll let you know as soon as we have something, cub," Remus gave Harry a small smile.
"Thanks, Moony," Harry returned his smile.
"Everyone else continue with your training today out on the Quidditch pitch," Ginny told them after a deep breath.
Sirius sighed as Harry was hit with another Stinging Jinx in the leg. Harry cursed loudly as he canceled the jinx. Sirius could tell neither Harry nor Ginny were very focused on their training. They had both made multiple mistakes that neither of them usually made. Sirius knew the reason, but also knew they needed to push through any distraction to be able to defend themselves if needed. Tonks hung her head as she copied Sirius' sigh as they watch Ginny taken down with a Tripping Jinx. Sirius met her eyes as they both frowned. They both shook their heads as they were joined by Kingsley Shacklebolt.
"This isn't working," King stated as he watched Harry fall from a Tripping Jinx from Lavender.
"Ya think, King?" Tonks asked sarcastically.
"Harry, Ginny," Sirius called in irritation. "Take five."
Harry and Ginny nodded as they moved off to the side without any argument. They sat under the shade of the stands. Sirius frowned more as Harry and Ginny started a silent conversation as they cuddled into each other ignoring all the other training going on around them.
"Fred, take Harry's spot," Sirius directed. He grinned slightly as he noticed Lavender gulp a little when Fred smirked at her. "George, take Ginny's position against Colin."
"Whatda say, Creevey?" grinned George.
"Wotcher, Georgie?"
"Oh, you did not?" George asked with a hint of an evil grin. "Nobody but Freddie-boy calls me that and doesn't end up pranked."
"Except Ginny and Hermione," Colin bantered back as he threw a surprise Leg-Locker Hex at George. George tried to dodge the spell, only to end up face-first on the ground.
"Oh, Merlin," Sirius sighed again as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Can no one focus today?"
"Considering what we found out this morning?" Tonks raised an eyebrow at her cousin. "Probably not. Even I keep thinking about it."
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Sirius shook his head. "We may have to change today's workout."
"My suggestion," Kingsley spoke up. Tonks and Sirius turned to him. "Calisthenics."
"Good idea," Sirius nodded. He raised his wand, firing a bang to get everyone's attention. "Line up in rows of four!"
"Oh, great," Ron grumbled as he lined up next to Lavender. "Caly-steni-catics."
"Calisthenics, sweetie," Lavender giggled. Ron frowned at her as Sirius began calling out exercises. As they paired to do sit-ups, Lavender looked around as she held Ron's feet. "Where's Hermione and Professor Lupin?"
"Doing research," Ron puffed as he sat up. "Can't say on what."
"Part of the meeting this morning?" she nodded.
"Yup," panted Ron.
"Switch!" Kingsley called.
"At least I have a better view," Ron grinned.
"Flirt," Lavender smiled smugly.
"Sirius!" Bill called as he ran across the pitch.
"What's wrong, Bill?" he asked as he jogged over to meet the oldest Weasley brother.
"We found it!" Bill puffed out. "Well, Xeno and Hermione found it, but the important thing is, we found it. Already called the rest to the meeting room."
"Hit the showers!" Sirius yelled as he turned back to the group. "Inner Circle meeting for those on it."
Harry and Ginny sat in the front row as Bill, Remus, Hermione, and Xeno organized their notes. The rest of the Inner Circle was filtering in slowly. Amelia was the last to arrive, taking a seat next to Arthur. Bill nodded to Sirius to seal the room.
"Fortunately, it didn't take us long to find the answer to this morning's meeting," Bill began after Sirius nodded. "Hermione."
"Mr. Lovegood and I…" she started.
"Xeno is fine," he interrupted placing a hand on her arm. "You are close enough to be of age, and you have the experiences of a witch twice your age. Plus, my Luna speaks quite highly of you, and you have spent so much time with us over summers that you have earned the right to call me Xeno." Hermione smiled at him with a nod before turning back to the gathering.
"Xeno and I were checking some of the more obscure references to Horcruxes and Soul Bonds in the library," she started again as she picked up a dusty book from the desk at the front of the room. "Basically, what we found states that they are direct opposites."
"A Horcrux being of Dark Magic and hate," Xeno continued. "A Soul Bond being of Light Magic and love. Harry and Ginny are already double bonded with their soul bond and their soulmate bond. From what we discovered a third bond would destroy the pseudo-Horcrux of Harry's scar."
"A third bond?" Molly all but screeched.
"Third…" Harry thought out loud. "Like a marriage bond?"
"Yes, exactly," Xeno nodded, pointing at Harry. "That is the only bond you're missing."
"Well, Gin?" Harry asked as he turned to her with a grin. "Marry me all over again?"
"Without a doubt, Potter," Ginny smiled, pulling Harry into a tight hug and kiss. "But this time we can share it with our family."
"Not to be a prat here or anything," Ron spoke up. Harry and Ginny turned to him with a glare. He raised his hands quickly. "Let me finish. With the Horcrux being destroyed by this new bond, it might cause quite the show. We might want to limit who comes to the wedding."
"For once Ron has a good point," Hermione nodded. "It might be hard to explain to too many others."
"I suggest the Inner Circle and maybe a few others," Sirius nodded. He turned to Ron with a knowing look. "That way we can control the situation because I know a few of us here will want a few people who aren't in the Inner Circle to be there."
"And as far as Lav goes," Ron interjected, "we can distract her and any others that don't know with a small Confundus or something."
"Can you believe it?" Fred asked astonished.
"Ron is actually making sense," George added.
"For once!" they half-yelled.
"When would you like to have it, Ginny dear?" Molly asked as she came over, hugging her daughter and Harry.
Ginny looked at Harry for a few seconds after Molly let go. "My birthday. That should give us enough time to plan everything." She looked at Harry with a self-satisfied smile. "I can even pull out some of my old plans and see which one or ones Harry and I want to use."
Harry grinned at her with a chuckle but rolled his eyes.
"Alright," Molly nodded. "Ladies, we will help Ginny with dresses and the like."
"Men, we'll help Harry," Sirius chimed in with a mischievous grin.
"Because we know," Fred started.
"That Harry really needs it," George continued.
"Or he would look like us!" they called out as they changed their clothes to a vivid purple. Everyone laughed, excepted Harry and Ginny. They sighed, shaking their heads.
8 July
"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked as she, Luna, Molly, and Augusta Longbottom entered Harry and Ginny's room.
"He just left with Neville, Ron, and Sirius to a dress robe fitting at Madam Malkin's," Ginny answered. She was about to close the door as Fleur waved from the end of the corridor. Ginny waited until the French woman was inside before closing the door. "Now that we're all here…"
"Why us specifically?" Hermione asked as they sat down.
"Well," Ginny sighed, "you and Fleur are like sisters to Harry. Mum is…well, mum. Luna is Neville's girlfriend and Lady Longbottom is…"
"You're planning something for Harry and Neville," Luna smiled.
"Yes," Ginny breathed. "Sorry. Have to be careful for a few minutes."
"'Arry might be liztening," Fleur nodded.
"Well, I brought some dress books with me until then," Molly gave her a significant look. "Have you two decided on anything yet?"
"Yes, we have," Ginny grinned as she Summoned the planner from her bedroom. "This is the one that fits best with the Ritual of the Bonding we need. Harry was ecstatic that we could use lilies for the flowers."
"Such a good boy," simpered Molly. "Thinking of his mother like that. What about the basin?"
"Harry and I have Bill and Remus working on it. They know the runes and spells needed for it," Ginny answered. She stopped for a second, looking away with a glazed look to her eyes. "Alright, he's too busy to pay attention right now. I want to plan a surprise party for Harry and Neville."
"Oh, Jinny," Fleur smiled. "Vous are zo zweet."
"And sneaky," giggled Hermione. "Bond or no bond you can still find a way to surprise him."
"Fleur, I need your help with something else," Ginny explained, giving her a pleading look.
"Vhat eez eet?"
"Harry's father left me a spell in a letter," Ginny sighed as she pulled out the folded parchment. She handed it to Fleur. "I've been trying to master it for two years now, and I just can't do it. I want to be able to do it for Harry as part of his birthday gift, but…"
"Ov corze, Ah vill 'elp!" Fleur smiled as she read over the spell. "Vhen do vous vant to zart? Eef Ah connot 'elp, ve vill geet Beel to geeve uz a 'and."
"Thanks, Fleur," Ginny smiled gratefully at her. She turned to the others with a pleading expression. "Anyone mind?"
The rest of the gathering shook their heads. Ginny pulled her wand, casting the spell away from everyone. The light blue flash shone brightly from the end of her wand. Fleur looked back at the parchment with a thoughtful look. She pulled her wand, casting the same spell. Again, a light blue flash lit the room. Fleur frowned.
"Ve vill talk to Beel," Fleur nodded. Ginny sighed as she accepted the French woman's advice.
"Now, as to the party…" Ginny turned back to the others pulling out some notes she had already written. "Hermione, take these and work with Luna on the plans. Mum, the food is your department. Just talk to the elves. Lady Longbottom…"
"Oh, posh," Augusta waved her hand dismissively. "Harry is my god-grandson. Call me Gran. And that goes for you three young ladies as well."
"Yes, Gran," Luna smiled. Augusta took Luna's hand, giving it a little squeeze and a smile.
"Oui, grand-mere," Fleur smiled.
"Of course, Gran," Hermione grinned.
"Gran, I would like you to organize with Luna and Hermione to keep Neville away from the second Ball Room while the elves decorate it," Ginny finished with a smile.
"Of course, dearie," Augusta nodded with a smile.
12 July
"Hey, sis," Bill smiled as Ginny opened the door.
"Hi, big brother," Ginny smiled as she hugged him.
"Harry here?" asked Bill as he glanced around quickly.
"No, and he's too busy to pay attention," Ginny answered as she ushered her oldest brother in.
"Fleur told me about the spell," Bill nodded as they walked over to the sofa. "May I see the spell? I promise I won't read the rest."
"I trust you, Bill," Ginny nodded as she handed him the letter from James Potter.
"I brought some of my books to help," Bill told her as he sat down. "Tell me what the trouble you're having with it, and we can figure out how to help you from there."
"Two years and all I've managed is a light blue light," Ginny complained as Bill read over the spell. "Fleur tried it the other day, and all she got was a light blue light, too."
"Hm," Bill mused. He pulled his wand casting the spell. A light blue light shone from his wand tip. Bill looked at the light curiously. He reached into the bag he had brought with him, pulling out a book on Memory Charms. After a quick search, Bill flipped hurriedly to the page he was looking for. He read the passage closely before breaking into a big smile and laughing.
"What's so funny?" Ginny groused.
"You didn't need my help," Bill chuckled as he turned the book to her. "You mastered the spell two years ago."
"What?" Ginny snatched the book from Bill reading the passage he pointed out. "Oh, for Merlin's sake! Two years of practice, trying to get the dark blue! And all I had to do was use it on Harry to get it!"
"Well, look at it this way, Ginny," Bill started as Ginny looked up with a glare. Bill knew by that look to choose his words very carefully. "You shouldn't have any problems with this part of your gift."
Ginny took a deep breath as she thought about Bill's words. She broke into a huge smile. "You're right! Thanks, Bill."
"Anytime, Gin-Gin," Bill smiled as he hugged her.
"You want to get hexed, don't you?" Ginny swatted his arm but was smiling.
30 July
"That was just what I needed, love," Harry smiled as they entered the back door of the Manor. The sun was just starting to set over the trees when they decided to head back from the lake on the property. Ginny grinned as they walked into the kitchen. Harry had been stressed out with all the training, wedding planning, and research for both school and on Voldemort for weeks now, and Ginny knew he needed to relax to refocus his mind.
"I could feel the stress getting to you," Ginny replied as she handed their picnic basket to Dobby. The little elf gave Ginny a big smile and a slight nod. Ginny knew everything was ready, now all she had to do was wait for Luna and Neville to arrive so they could spring their surprise on the boys.
"Hey, guys," Neville greeted them as he and Luna walked in the back door. "You have fun on your picnic?"
"Yeah. You?" Harry asked with a smile.
"Yes, we did. Thank you for asking, Harry," Luna grinned as she shared a look with Ginny. Harry noticed, looking at them suspiciously.
"What are you two up to?" Neville asked. He shared a knowing look with Harry. Just by the way the girls were acting he and Harry could tell something was going on.
"Why are you blocking me out all of a sudden?" Harry asked as he turned to Ginny.
"Who? Me?" Ginny feigned innocence.
"You will just have to wait and see," Luna giggled as she suddenly grabbed Ginny's arm, running out of the kitchen.
"Where are they off to?" Neville asked confused.
"I don't know," Harry frowned. He jerked his head at Neville as he started for the door. "Come on. I can still sense where she is, just not what they're up to."
"Lead the way," Neville gestured to the door.
Harry and Neville hurried down the corridor toward the west wing of the Manor. Harry turned a confused look at Neville, only to receive a perplexed look in return. The only things in the west wing were the three Ball Rooms and the formal dining hall they had turned into a cafeteria. One of the Ball Rooms was being used as the conference room for Order meetings, one was being converted slowly into an infirmary. The other one, at the far end on the north side, wasn't being used for anything, yet. Neville shrugged as they neared the unused Ball Room.
"Now I'm nervous," Harry frowned.
"Why's that?" Neville asked.
"It's way too quiet," Harry answered as he reached for the doorknob. "The whole Manor is too quiet."
Neville glanced in the direction of the cafeteria, listening closely. "You're right."
Harry swung the large oak door open slowly. He exchanged another confused look with Neville as they looked into the very dark room. Harry sensed Ginny inside feeling excited and impatient. No fear or danger, just happy excitement. Neville reached for his wand, but Harry stopped him.
"No danger, just…" Harry trailed off as he shook his head.
"But they're in there?" Neville asked.
"Yeah," Harry sighed. "Only one way to find out what they're up to…"
Neville nodded as they stepped through the door.
"Surprise!"
The lights of the Ball Room came on suddenly revealing everyone that was staying at the Manor and several people that weren't. The room was decorated in red and gold streamers and balloons. On the far wall was a banner declaring "Happy Birthday, Harry and Neville!" in big red and gold lettering. Ginny and Luna were in the center of everyone, surrounded by their closest friends and family. In one corner was a table with two very large cakes, in the other, were two tables piled high with presents. Each table had a sign attached to the front, one proclaiming it was Neville's gifts, the other Harry's.
Harry and Neville stood frozen in astonishment as the gathered people cheered.
"What in Merlin…?" Harry asked confused. "My birthday isn't until tomorrow."
"Oh, Harry," Ginny rolled her eyes at him as she hugged him. "Just enjoy it. Besides, two parties in two days doesn't make sense."
"So, we decided to have one party for both of you," Luna smiled, Hugging Neville.
"Besides, Prongslet," Sirius slapped Harry on the shoulder, "Who said we wouldn't be partying until after midnight tonight?"
Harry opened then closed his mouth as he looked at Sirius. He rolled his eyes at his godfather's boyish grin. "Fine. Thank you."
"That's better," smiled Ginny, kissing his cheek before leading over to Molly. Harry cringed as he was crushed by Molly's tight hug.
"Happy birthday, dears," Molly smiled as she let Harry go, only to grab a shocked looking Neville. Neville's eyes bulged under the pressure of Molly's hug.
"Sorry, forgot to warn you about those," Harry whispered to a breathless Neville after Molly made way for others to greet them. "She likes a good tight hug."
"I noticed," Neville breathed.
"Come on, love, time for dinner," Ginny grinned as she pulled Harry to his seat.
"You too," Luna smiled as she dragged Neville over.
Harry looked at the spread of food on the large table. His mouth couldn't help watering as he looked at all his favorites from both the elves and Molly. Harry noticed Neville was licking his lips at all the food as well. Roast chickens, roast portions of beef, all looked cooked to perfection. Ginny giggled as she started filling his plate.
"You two can thank mum, Gran, and the elves for all this," Ginny told him as she scooped mashed potatoes onto Harry's plate.
"They made sure our birthday boys had all their favorites for dinner," Luna chimed in filling Neville's plate.
There was plenty of conversation and laughter as the dinner stretched on. Everyone was used to the raucous way the Weasleys ate by this time that many just joined in on the loudness of a meal with them. Before the cakes were served Sirius and Remus stood. They sang a howling, badly off-key rendition of Happy Birthday to Harry and Neville that had everyone laughing. Not to be outdone, Fred and George clamored for attention. The twins performed their own version of the song, just as badly off-key, complete with fireworks and sparklers. Everyone was in tears as the twins set off a series of large fireworks as a finale, bathing both of them in red and gold sparks.
"Now your gifts," Ginny insisted after the cakes were completely decimated by the crowd.
Harry and Neville took turns opening their presents, ending with Luna and Ginny's. Neville grinned broadly as he opened the rare NEWT level Herbology book Luna had found for him. Luna opened the cover to show him the inside. Neville's smile slipped into shock as he read his mother's name inscribed there.
"Luna…" Neville choked out. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, sweetie," Luna smiled as he kissed her.
"Mine is two parts," Ginny told Harry as she handed him her gift.
Harry opened the Advanced Defense Charms book. Ginny pointed to the note she had placed on the inside cover.
"'Hold still'?" Harry asked confused. Ginny smiled as she drew her wand.
"Memoras Restituere!" Ginny incanted as she waved her wand.
A dark blue glow surrounded Harry as his eyes glazed. Memories flashed in Harry's mind. Memories of his parents. Memories of his loving family. Laughter, smiles and cuddling with his parents from the time of his birth to that horrible Halloween so long ago. Memories of Sirius and Remus visiting. Memories of some of his parent's friends that Harry only knew by picture, some only by name. Harry saw memories of Neville and his parents visiting. Of playing with Hagrid's beard as baby, pulling on it until he yelped. Memories of his mother hugging him close, singing him to sleep at night. Of playing with his father. Harry couldn't help the happy tears and laugh as the memory of his first birthday became clear. Finally, the memories came to an end, Harry blinking rapidly.
"Thank you, Gin," Harry swallowed hard.
Ginny smiled as she pulled Harry into a tight hug.
