In Daylight's Shadow

Chapter Three

The warm light of the dying afternoon sun drifted softly into the cramped kitchen on the first floor of the Burrow. Molly Weasley stood near the stove, her wand dancing through the air, as a dozen pots and pans clanged, sizzled and bubbled merrily. She turned her head slightly to see the group of red headed children sitting around the table. Half were frantically wrapping presents, while the others directed the slicing and dicing of various ingredients. Mrs. Weasley couldn't help but smile. It had been too long since she had had all of her children under one roof. Well, nearly all of them, she thought with a twinge of sadness. Her eyes fell upon the gap where Percy always used to sit. Percy had not spoken to any of his family members since the Ministry had publicly reversed its position on the reincarnation of Voldemort. Though she was still somewhat angry with her son, Mrs. Weasley always believed he knew he would always be welcome at her home. Still, she thought to herself as she turned her attention back to her cooking, I can't change how he feels. We'll all just have to wait for him to come around.

The birthday party for Harry was scheduled to start in three hours. A lifetime of experience in throwing birthday parties for seven growing children convinced Mrs. Weasley that the first extra-familial guests would be arriving within the hour. Arthur had left a few minutes ago to pick up the cases of butterbeer for the guests, and she let herself imagine his hand on the famed Weasley clock slowly shifting from "Away" to "Traveling".

The dull hum of her children's conversation drifted across the kitchen, only allowing her to catch bits and pieces of the conversation. As far as she could tell, both from the tone, and the reddish color of Ron's cheeks, Ginny was filling in his older brothers about Ron's happenings over the summer, particularly as they applied to Hermione. Bill and Charlie seemed to be taking the news well, softly goading their brother into working up the courage to ask the question he would certainly be dreading. Fred and George were being supportive in their own way, threatening to hex any man who stood in their younger brother's way. Mrs. Weasley was particularly impressed by the maturity of her daughter's opinions. In what seemed the blink of an eye, her seventh child, and only girl, had grown from a messy, grinning toddler to the picture of young woman hood. With a sigh, Mrs. Weasley noted that all her children were becoming adults, and she resolved to enjoy these last vestiges of childhood she could share with them. Grinning to herself, she turned back to her cooking.

Bill stood up, smiled at his mother, and picking up a handful of flour, walked over to where Ron sat, and dumped it unceremoniously on his head.

"Oi!" Ron shouted as the white flecks coated his red hair, and drifted down onto his jumper. "What was that for? I didn't do anything..."

Whatever Ron meant to say in his own defense was drowned out by the laughter of his five siblings sitting around the table. Ron looked at each of them briefly, then broke out into a sheepish grin. Grabbing a dollop of rice pudding sitting in the bowl nearest to him, he turned to Ginny.

"What's so funny sis?" he asked, grinning wildly, as he hefted the mushy pile across the table, hitting her directly in the face.

Within seconds, the kitchen had devolved into a whirlwind of giggles and shouts as all the food within reach of the fourteen Weasley's hands went careening into the air.

The makeshift food fight was only abated when Bill took a particularly nasty shot to the eye with a bell pepper. Molly Weasley had briefly considered putting an end to the fight, but decided to let it run its course. She was glad her children could still enjoy the last vestiges of their innocence. In a few moments, and with a quick flick of Mrs. Weasley's wand, all the traces of the carnage had been cleaned from the kitchen and her children. As soon as she had finished re-organizing her children into their assigned tasks, Arthur Weasley walked into the kitchen, followed closely by Mad Eye Moody and Tonks.

"Look what I found wandering outside," Arthur said as he motioned to the two new arrivals. "They say there's some kind of party happening tonight."

Fred reached slowly for a carrot at the edge of the table, and was about to throw it when Mad Eye Moody's head shifted, and he met the older man's gaze.

"I wouldn't try that youngster," Moody said in a gruff voice, his massive magical eye shimmering darkly. "There will be plenty of time for mischief once the party begins."

---

Harry had been very nervous from the moment he first found out about his birthday party, that his Uncle and Aunt would not let him go. Even though they spent most of their time now ignoring him, Harry doubted they forgotten the glee they both seemed to feel whenever they denied him even the most pedestrian of pleasures. Fortunately, the lecture they both had received from Mad Eye Moody at the start of the summer, coupled with a very stern visit from Remus Lupin, had conspired to force Vernon and Petunia to let him go. Still, they were not happy about it.

"So," Vernon said dully, as he, his wife and Harry waited in the hallway for Remus' arrival, "what time is this...friend of yours supposed to be here to collect you?"

Harry looked down at his watch. "Any minute now," he chirped. He was incredibly excited to leave what had come to feel like his prison, let alone see all of his friends. He was wearing his favorite pair of blue jeans, a simple red jumper, and his favorite black cape. The outfit, he decided, was magical enough to be respected by the older guests, but still loose enough to let him get into whatever fun he wanted. From what Remus had told him in quick letter he received the day before, his former Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was going to collect Neville from his Grandmothers home north of London, and then both of them would meet him in Little Whining. Dumbledore had apparently constructed as set of special portkeys to take them from place to place. Harry had no doubt that this was for a little added protection.

Vernon turned to Harry, and was about to ask another mundane question, when there was a sharp tap at the door. Grunting, Vernon moved, and opened it. From the sides of Vernon's hulking frame, Harry could make out what he assumed must be the shoulder of Remus Lupin, and, on the other side, the smiling face of Neville Longbottom.

"Hello. I'm here for Harry," Remus ventured politely, as Neville shrank back somewhat as he made eye contact with Petunia, who was doing her best to look as much like a school marm as was humanly possible.

"Yes indeed," Vernon mumbled, strategically blocking the door with bulk as to deny entrance to these visitors. "What time can we expect him home?"

"Oh, I'd expect a little after midnight," Remus replied.

"The witching hour," Neville piped in evenly.

Vernon gulped, and stepped aside, allowing Harry to dash past him and out into the night. He gave a quick "Goodbye", and heard the door slam behind him. Looking at Neville, he burst out laughing.

"The witching hour?" he said through barely controlled guffaws. "Did you see the look on his face?"

Neville smiled back shyly, and turned to look at Remus.

"Well lads," he said, a smile spreading across his weathered face, "just a quick walk up the road and then we can use the portkey. We wouldn't want to scare these muggles would we?"

"Not anymore than Neville just did!" Harry laughed, as the three started up the street.

---

Ron was in his room, just a few minutes before Harry was slated to arrive, straightening his hair for the fifth time as he looked at himself in the mirror. He had put on another inch since summer began, bringing him to an even six foot. His shoulders where slightly thicker as well, but he still had the thin arms and chest of the previous years. He had chosen what he thought was his best looking black robe and matching blue pants and shirt, which he felt, after several minutes of intent staring at his reflection, made him look a few years older. He was tussling his hair with the ends of his fingers when he heard a soft knock at the door. Figuring it must be his sister letting him know Harry was about to arrive, he gave one last glance in the mirror, and moved over to open the door.

"Just a second Ginny," he shouted, as he pulled the handle of the door. He swung it open, and stifled a gasp. Hermione was standing there, smiling at him softly. He barely had time to notice how beautiful she looked when she lept forward and wrapped her arms around him. Impulsively, as he hugged her back, he moved his head in and gave a soft peck on the check. He immediately regretted it. Pulling back, his cheeks turning a slight shade of pink, he lowered his head and slid his hands in his pockets.

"Hermione," he half mumbled. "Good to see you! Safe trip and all that?"

Hermione smiled back at him, and, when he looked up, her eyes were staring directly back at his.

"Yes it was Ron. And it's good to see you," she said as she touched his arm affectionately. "Professor Dumbledore arranged a special Portkey for me."

"Safest way to travel I'd imagine," Ron replied, shifting to the balls of his feet. "So, what have you been up to the past few days?"

"Oh, nothing particularly eventful. I did get to see the Tower of Michan though."

She paused, and Ron lept in.

"Oh," he said, trying to sound aloof, "that's where the Igbid the Conqueror finally got killed at the end of the Goblin Revolution of 1604 right?"

Hermione paused for a moment, and looked at him quizzically.

"Yes, it is-" she began, but Ron cut her off.

"I take it you go to see the Sword of Ishmar then. Nasty weapon. Hear he could nearly cleave a man in half with that thing."

"Yes I did," Hermione began, slightly bewildered. "But how did you..."

Ron again cut her off again, this time by grabbing her arm and pulling her softly towards the door.

"We'd better get downstairs, Harry will be here soon."

Hermione followed him out the door and down the stairs, more confused with Ron than she could ever remember being.

---

It was a warm night, and Harry slipped off his robe and held it in his cradled arm as he, Remus and Neville walked up the street. He was glad to be with his friends again. Neville was regaling them with the latest tales of Trevor's escapes. Trevor, Neville's large, green toad had an unfortunate habit of wandering off, often resulting in Neville wandering off to find him, and ending up with one lost toad and one lost boy being rescued by a seemingly never-ending parade of strangers. Remus seemed particularly interested in this latest tale, mostly because it involved a fairly large duck which took offense to Trevor sitting on it. Harry waited for Neville to finish his story, and then turned to Remus.

"So, who's coming tonight?" he asked.

"Oh, the usual suspects," Remus replied, smiling down at Harry. "The Weasleys of course, though minus Percy. Mad Eye and Tonks. Albus, Minerva, Kingsley Shacklebot, and I will hopefully make it there myself." He smiled. "Oh, and Professor Snape."

"What?" Harry asked as he heard Neville gulp loudly. "Why would he want to come to my party? He isn't exactly fond of me."

"That is something you'll have to ask Severus," Remus said as he turned and looked to Neville. "Don't worry about it," he said to the boy, whose face, in the past few seconds, had turned a clear shade of white. "I'm sure he's a very nice man away from Hogwarts."

"Really?" Neville asked, looking up at Remus.

"No!" Remus laughed, as they made it into a small clearing adjoining the neighborhood park. "But if you try to steer clear of him, I'm sure he'll steer clear of you!"

---

Ron and Hermione reached the bottom of the stairs and turned into the family room. The space was fairly well packed with people for Harry's party, and there where wrapped presents of various shapes and sizes scattered across the room. A fire burned softly in the fireplace, casting yellow shadows across the room. Hermione moved from Ron's side and made her rounds hugging the various Weasleys, and Ron sat down in an open chair. His mother or father must have conjured up some new ones, he mused, as he had never seen this many new chairs in his home before.

Ron was about to make his way over to Hermione, who was currently chatting with Bill and Ginny, when the front door opened, and in strode Albus Dumbledore, accompanied by Minerva McGonall and, Ron's least favorite potions master. Before he had a chance to voice his disapproval, Dumbledore spoke.

"Greetings, friends," he began, his voice soft and clear over the now quieted crowd. "I have just heard from Remus, and Harry and Neville should be arriving shortly. I suggest we take our places, and prepare for best!"

The assembled people slowly moved about the room, hunkering into corners and standing behind lampshades. Minerva changed into a cat, and slunk behind the sofa. Mad Eye Moody waved a hand over his face, and his entire body seemed to turn black as he sank into the shadows. The twins looked at each other, raised their hands in unison to their mouths, and swallowed matching small pink pills. In a flash, the two boys where replaced by matching pink mice, which scurried to the corner at the opposite side of McGonagall. The rest of the Weasleys, with the exception of Ron, in a feat remarkable similar to families in the Chinese circus, somehow intermeshed their limbs to form one lump ball of red wiggling behind a curtain. Severus Snape stood next to the fire place.

Ron sank down behind the large desk that faced the door. He soon felt the warmth of a body next to him, and turned to see Hermione smiling at him.

"Ready?" she whispered as she crouched next to him

"As I'll ever be," he hissed back. Without thinking, he slid his hand down and wrapped it around Hermione's. "This is going to be a good surprise," he said as he winked at her.

She smiled back, and the two tried their hardest to breathe without making a sound.

---

Remus looked up at the sky as he reached into his pocket, and pulled out the small card that acted as a portkey to the Burrow. Luckily, the full moon had passed nearly two weeks ago, and he was in good spirits. Extending his hand to the two boys, he nodded.

"This is it. Grab hold."

Neville paused for a moment and looked at the brightly colored card in Remus' hand.

"What is that?" he asked, motioning at the intriguing object.

"Oh, a muggle birthday card. Albus thought it was appropriate."

The two boys reached out simultaneously and grabbed a corner of the card. Soon, all three felt the familiar pull of the portkey just behind their navel, and then a sudden jerk through a bright white light. The next moment Harry's brain could process, he, Remus and Neville where standing just a few feet from the Burrow's front door.

"Before we go in boys," Remus said, as he stared a little too intently at the front window. "I just wanted to say you are both becoming fine young men." He paused, and looked up at the stars. "Nice night isn't it?"

Harry looked up at Remus for a moment, and then a grin broke out across his face.

"You're not stalling for time, are you Professor?" he asked.

"Of course not young Mister Potter," Remus replied in his most official tone, "And I resent the implication." He smiled, placed a hand on either boys shoulder, and led them on towards the front door.