Harry Potter and The Secret of The Heirs

Chapter Eight

The Coming of Age

Harry awoke early on the morning on his seventeenth birthday. Usually, his birthdays had been just another day, however since that fateful eleventh birthday that changed his life, each birthday had become a little more special, to the point where he was actually having a birthday party this year, and he was of age. Harry was so excited by the prospect; he fell out of bed and landed on his glasses, which had been in his hands. He could legally repair them now, though.

"Occulus Reparo," he said, pointing his wand at the glasses.

He smiled. Hermione would not legally be allowed to do that for another couple of months. He wandered downstairs and was bowled over by what he saw. No one had ever gone to this much trouble for his birthday. It was incredible.

Everything had been prepared for today. The invitations had been sent, and Sirius and Chrystal had catered, although after her having stayed a week, he sincerely hoped she had planned and not actually made anything. Her cooking was absolutely terrible. The night before, Sirius and Chrystal had decorated the house, so that when Harry woke up he would be confronted by symbols of joy and happiness, especially as he had never really celebrated his birthday before. They had chosen for the theme, "fairy tales" for Harry's party, but for what reason no one could remember. But this had resulted in numerous owls requesting a fairy tale to be sent. So everyone who didn't have Muggle relatives ended up being assigned a character.

The house was bewitched to look like a castle from the outside, and Sirius had arranged for a bridge to cross the lake. The inside of the house was filled with fairies, glowing lights and candles. It looked truly "magical" in the Muggle sense of the word.

Harry walked over towards thee kitchen, as Sirius and Chrystal had not woken yet and was greeted by Winky.

"Tis Harry Potter's birthday!" she said, "You must sit down, and Winky will be getting you breakfast master Harry. Winky knows it is Harry Potter's special day. Winky will be taking care of you today. Winky will be keeping you out of Mr Sirius' hair."

Harry obeyed and sat down. Winky came bearing a plate of bacon, sausage, egg, tomatoes and mushrooms, as Sirius and Chrystal came down.

"Happy Birthday, Harry," they said as they entered the room.

"What do you think of the décor?" Chrystal asked.

"Winky has been ordered to spoil you today," said Sirius at the same time.

They came around and gave Harry a birthday hug, while Harry thanked them for the decorations. Sirius well and truly looked like he was enjoying himself. His eyes had lost that haunted look and now had regained the sparkle that Harry had seen in the pictures of a younger Sirius.

By this stage Harry had gotten used to having Chrystal around. She was fun to be with, and Sirius had been right when he said that Hermione reminded him of her, because in some ways Chrystal reminded Harry of Hermione when she let her hair down. Harry sensed there was an unspoken bond between them that hadn't been there before she decided to "shack up" with them. Harry was happy for them and he got the occasional tidbit of information about his parents as well.

The guests were scheduled to arrive in the midafternoon, in time for the dinner party. Ron, Hermione and Lavender had been asked to come for lunch to help Harry get ready for his party. Hermione had politely declined, her letters having become less frequent since Harry had told her about Lavender. Harry wasn't sure if she'd declined because of Ron or Lavender. So it was going to be Ron, Lavender, Sirius and Chrys for Harry's birthday lunch. The Dursleys had been invited, but had politely declined, saying that it was too far to travel, but they sent Harry a quite generous present anyhow. Or at least Harry thought it was generous; he'd have to wait until he opened it later in the afternoon, in the time Sirius had set aside for presents.

Ron was the first to arrive. He appeared much happier than he had been when Harry had last seen him. He came over and congratulated Harry on being seventeen, and commented on the decorations being amazing. Sirius and Chrys entered the room to greet Ron, and Harry realised that he hadn't really explained the situation to Ron (not completely anyhow). Ron gave Harry a knowing look as Sirius introduced them. Before Harry could even open his mouth to ask Ron how the Chudley Cannons were treating him or Ron could ask Harry what was going on with Lavender, she appeared from the fireplace, giving Harry a long emotional kiss that embarrassed the other three people in the room.

"Happy Birthday, my Prince," she whispered.

Sirius gave Harry a look, that questioned she's staying here tonight?, raising his eyebrows at Harry, as he led everyone to the table where Winky had set out the food. The table was full of delicious things to eat. It appeared that Winky had found out every single one of Harry's favourite foods and made them.

"Don't worry if there's leftovers, Master Harry," said Winky, " Winky is serving it tonight as well, with other stuff she is making so master Harry doesn't have to eat Miss Chrystal's cooking."

Harry and Ron looked at each other giving each other a look that said, thank goodness Hermione isn't here to see this.

At the table, the conversation quickly turned to Quidditch. Lavender, being the only one who didn't play, could at least offer comments about her favourite team, the Holyhead Harpies, a Welsh club that was famous because it had only ever hired witches. Sirius seemed very impressed that Ron was already playing for the Cannons. Although Ron was enjoying the attention, he retained his modesty.

"I haven't played a real game yet," Ron kept saying, "I'm just the reserve."

Sirius' response was simple. "But their Keeper is so bad that they'll have to give you a shot soon, then you'll be off playing for England. Better yet, we'll have the playoffs for the English Keeper this afternoon, Ron against Oliver Wood. It will be spectacular."

Harry grinned at the thought. Sirius had watched their last Quidditch match of the year and had been extremely impressed with Ron's tactics. Hence, Sirius had decided to have a Quidditch match in the midafternoon. Harry had no idea where they were going to play, but Sirius had put together two teams consisting of the oldies, (in which he counted Chrystal and himself, as well as Wood) against some of the younger players. Harry couldn't wait for the game; it would be great to be flying again.

Harry and Ron, having finished their lunch, headed upstairs to get changed into their Quidditch gear. People would be arriving soon, and the game was first thing on Sirius' schedule, so that people would have time to get into costume before dinner. No sooner than they had pulled on their Gryffindor Quidditch robes and returned downstairs did the guests start arriving. Those who were playing Quidditch arrived in their playing robes; everybody else appeared to already be dressed for the dinner party later on. Sirius and Harry were standing at the fireplace to greet the guests.

First to arrive were the rest of the Weasleys, so there was already enough to start a party. The entire family arrived, and Harry was pleased to see that Fred and George had brought Angelina and Katie with them, and Harry was quite pleased to see Percy and Penelope. Percy looked good; Penelope's influence certainly had a visible effect on him. He was now growing his hair, like Bill's, and Harry wondered what Mrs Weasley thought of that. Harry was very pleased that Ginny had not decided to bring Draco. Seven of the arrivals were dressed in robes and the namely Mr and Mrs Weasley and Percy and Penelope, who were dressed like the King and Queen of Hearts and the King and Queen of Diamonds respectively.

As soon as Harry had greeted the Weasley's, Lee Jordan and Alicia Spinnet arrived together. Lee would be commentating their game (Quidditch at Hogwarts had really suffered a loss when he left) and Alicia would be playing, Lee and Alicia's arrival was followed by Dumbledore, McGonagall and Hagrid, who appeared to have come from Hogwarts. Dumbledore was dressed as Merlin (so he wasn't really that dressed up!), Hagrid as the giant from Jack and the Beanstalk and McGonagall as a Princess. She motioned to Harry that she had a frog in her hand.

"I hope I don't lose him as often as Neville does," she said, winking at Harry.

Hermione arrived next. She was dressed as Rapunzel, having done something to her hair to make it grow extremely fast. She looked stunning, Harry couldn't believe it was Hermione. And she had brought Crookshanks. She came over and kissed him on the cheek and wished him happy birthday. She explained Crookshanks' presence by saying that the cat had jumped into the fire with her; he had been doing lots of weird things lately. Then she headed over to where Lavender was having fun as Sleeping Beauty.

"Wake up Lavender," she snapped.

Harry grimaced. He hoped that they could get along for once. Perhaps that's why she didn't come for lunch.

Justin Finch-Fletchley arrived with his girlfriend, Sarah Fawcett, a sweet Hufflepuff girl who had taken quite a fancy to him. They were dressed as Hansel and Gretel, and Harry had to admit to himself that Sarah looked quite cute in traditional German costume.

Ernie McMillan and Susan Bones arrived soon after. They were kind of dressed as gnomes (in Muggle pictures). Harry couldn't guess who they were, so ended up having to ask.

"We're Tom Thumb and Thumbelina, we're trying to give the impression that we're little," they replied with a smile.

"I know it didn't work too well," added Ernie.

Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas arrived next. Seamus would be playing Quidditch, but Dean was dressed somewhat ridiculously, in rags.

"I'm Jack," he said. "Here are my magic beans, Harry. Where's my giant?"

Harry looked down and saw some Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.

'You been talking to Hagrid?' Harry asked. He saw the confused look on Dean's face and pointed towards Hagrid. Dean winked at him, leaving Harry to wonder whether or not he had actually been talking to Hagrid.

Neville arrived dressed as a toad. Harry thought that he shouldn't have been surprised.

Parvati and Padma arrived. They were dressed exactly the same, and looked as though they were enchanted.

"We're the Gemini, beware," they walked around whispering.

The last to arrive was Lupin. He was dressed like a wolf!

"Little Red Riding Hood, here I come," he said, chasing after Chrystal.

Harry guessed that Chrys' and Sirius' costumes must have something to do with Little Red Ridding Hood as well. He only hoped that Sirius wasn't going to dress up as the Grandmother.

With Remus' arrival, Sirius led everyone outside, where he had converted the meadow into a Quidditch pitch. It wasn't as good as the Hogwarts one, but Sirius somehow had erected stands for the spectators to watch, and goal posts to score. Dumbledore had acquired the school's Quidditch balls and the stadium, if you could call it that, or better-called Sirius' monstrosity, had been bewitched so it was Muggle-proof.

Sirius held up a piece of parchment and pinned it to a stand.

"Teams are on the parchment!" he called.

The players moved over first. The teams were as follows:

The Team who is reaching their prime and should wallop the others

Keeper:

Oliver Wood (Puddlemere United/ England reserve team)

Chasers:

Sirius Black, captain (Azkaban Ants!!!)

Charlie Weasley (should have played seeker for England, but because he loves dragons he can play chaser)

Alicia Spinnet (one of Gryffindor's finest)

Beaters:

Bill Weasley

Seamus Finnegan (both of Gryffindor; sorry, Seamus, you have to play with the oldies because I can't split the twins up)

Seeker:

Chrystal Àille (no comment about this one, head's already big enough)

The Team of Young people who think they can win

Keeper/Captain: Ron Weasley (Gryffindor; Chudley Cannons' true Keeper)

Chasers:

Ginny Weasley

Katie Bell

Angelina Johnson (three lovely Gryffindor ladies)

Beaters:

Fred Weasley

George Weasley (the horrid beater twins)

Seeker:

Harry Potter (son of James Potter, the English chaser)

Commentator:

The wonderful Lee Jordan

Referee:

Brave Arthur Weasley

Everyone had a laugh at Sirius' humour, especially the comment about the Azkaban Ants.

It was only then that Harry noticed the robes the others were wearing. While Harry's team were all in their Gryffindor robes, Sirius had found varying silly robes for some of the players.

Sirius for example was in fact wearing a robe with a big "A" and an ant of the front that he must have crafted himself, and Seamus was wearing some bright pink robe with a beetle on it. Charlie and Alicia were wearing robes that said, "I'm old," with the number 100 on them.

But Chrys, Bill and Wood were in proper robes, Bill was in Ron's Cannons robe, Oliver in his blue uniform and Chrys in one he hadn't seen before, deep purple with a gold star on the chest. Fred saw Harry staring at her. The twins began to shake their heads at Harry's ignorance once again.

"Didn't you know she plays for the Prides, Harry?" Fred asked.

Harry shook his head.

"She played a couple for Scotland as well," George added. "You'll have your work cut out beating her. So we'll have to score a lot. Don't worry, I'll whack a Bludger or two at her."

Harry was a bit stunned, but then her cooking was so bad, something would have to make up for it.

*~*

Once everyone had assembled in the stands, Arthur Weasley released the balls.

Suddenly people were flying everywhere. Ginny managed to grab the Quaffle and pass it to Katie, who then had a shot at the goal. Oliver was too quick, and Sirius caught the rebounding Quaffle.

Sirius passed to Alicia, as the twins sent a Bludger towards her and one towards Chrys. Chrys dived quickly to avoid it but Alicia was hit, and Angelina caught the Quaffle and had another shot at the goal. This time she scored.

"Ten points for the goodies," Lee yelled, happy for once that he didn't have McGonagall restricting his commentary.

Charlie grabbed the Quaffle and put a quick one through the hoop, while Ron wasn't concentrating.

"I know your weakness, Ron," he called.

"Ten points for the baddies, scores are tied," Lee called. "Should have been a penalty there, do you need glasses, ref?"

No sooner than Lee had spoken, Arthur did in fact call a penalty for Blagging. Sirius had been pulled up for seizing the end of Katie's broom. Katie accepted the Quaffle and put it through the hoop.

'Twenty-ten, Bell scores,' Lee called.

Harry saw the Snitch as Sirius grabbed the Quaffle. If he caught it now they'd win. Trouble was Chrys had also seen it. She dived as Harry caught her eye. Harry dived but lost sight of the Snitch, so he followed her dive, then she pulled up at the last minute and Harry almost hit the ground.

'Àille pulls the Wronski Feint on Potter as Weasley scores. Twenty all!'

Harry regained his composure as he looked around for the Snitch, as Sirius was pulled up for Blatching (flying with intent to collide), Angelina took the penalty and scored easily, making it thirty-twenty. Alicia grabbed the Quaffle and started towards the goal post when Fred hit a Bludger towards her, making another goal scored off a penalty shot.

Then Harry saw it. The Snitch was shining just above Wood's head. He dashed towards it, just as Chrys did, but he was gaining on her. It looked as though she was going to catch it. Harry raced towards the Snitch. He'd never live it down if Sirius actually beat them. Harry was gaining ground. He was nearly there. He reached out and grabbed. He felt the Snitch but also felt a hand. They looked at each other.

'Who caught it first?' she asked.

Harry shrugged his shoulders.

'I think you did,' she whispered. 'Happy Birthday, Harry.'

Harry held up the Snitch, with a smile on his face. They couldn't have a tie, and besides, now he could hassle Sirius.

*~*

Once everyone else had showered and changed into their costumes (Sirius was not dressed as the Grandmother; instead he was an axeman) Sirius invited them all to enter a room, where there was food galore and many fairies buzzing around.

"Grab a plate and eat," he yelled so everyone could hear him over the music that was playing from something that looked like a gramophone. Everyone was commenting on the Quidditch match, and suggesting that if Gryffindor didn't win the Quidditch Cup this year, that something would be severely wrong. People kept mingling and catching up on the holiday gossip, particularly Percy and Penelope's upcoming wedding, until Sirius hushed everybody.

"It's time for speeches," he said, "and as Harry's godfather, it's my duty to embarrass him a little."

"Harry was the most adorable baby, he always had a smile on his face, except for those times when he was being a pain and yelling and screaming because he wanted something. But I always loved coming over to see your family, Harry - you were so adorable that I was always spoiling you rotten. And perhaps things haven't really changed that much, because I missed out on so much of your life and feel sorry that you had to live with those Muggles. But although I've missed so much, I am extremely proud of the man you've become, even though I think I might have to pull you in line sometimes. When you look around this room, you see all these people who care for you, because of the person that you've grown into, and the credit must go to you. It would not be right if I didn't mention Lily and James today. All Lily ever wanted for you, Harry, was to grow into a young man that she could be proud of. You meant everything to them and I know that they would be very proud of the person you've become. And James would be proud of the fact that you have inherited some traits that your mother wouldn't be too happy about." At this point Sirius turned and looked at everyone.

"So, on behalf on James and Lily, I would like you to raise your glasses to toast their son Harry. To Harry." Sirius spoke as he raised his glass.

"To Harry." The room filled with the sound of resonating voices as everyone raised their glasses in a toast to Harry.

Sirius motioned to Harry that he should reply.

"Ahh," he muttered, "um, I want to thank everyone for coming. Thanks for everything you've done for me and I hope you enjoy the night."

Everyone applauded, though Harry didn't know why. Then Harry blew out the candles on his cake (that Winky had made, and not Chrys, thank goodness) when everyone finished singing Happy Birthday.

Sirius then motioned to everyone that it was time to dance. Lavender and Harry walked to the centre of the room and led the first dance. Sirius and Chrys walked out and joined them halfway through the dance. Harry was glad the two of them had briefed him on what was expected. He knew he would have to dance with Chrys for the next dance. He walked over and asked her if she would like the next dance, Sirius doing the same with Lavender, this seeming to be a signal for everyone else to join in.

"Enjoying your party?" she asked.

Harry nodded.

"It's the best party I've ever had," he said with a mischievous grin.

"Good," Chrys said, "but I see you didn't eat any of my cooking."

"Winky told me not to," Harry replied with a slight teasing edge to his voice.

"You're just like you father," Chrys said, with a hint of regret in her voice.

The song ended and Harry moved on. He was expected to dance with every female in the room, so he had his work cut out for him.

With Angelina, Alicia and Katie, he talked mostly about Quidditch, Padma and Parvati complimented him on improving his dance skills since the Yule Ball in fourth year, and Parvati threatened that he had better not hurt Lavender or she'd hex him. He didn't talk much with Susan or Sarah or Penelope, and Mrs Weasley kept telling him how proud his parents would be, as did McGonagall. That left Hermione and Ginny.

Ginny was quiet, asking him a couple of questions about how he was feeling, if everything was okay and did he like living with Sirius. But Hermione was strangely quiet. She appeared to be gazing into his eyes, mesmerised by his face. He was used to Hermione dropping bits of knowledge in every conversation, but she barely said a word.

After the dance had finished, it was time for most of the guests to leave, except for those staying the night. After Harry had farewelled everyone, it was at last time for him to open his gifts. He stared at the pile of presents for him. He had never been given so many before in his life. He smiled as he tore the paper off the first one. The room gradually became filled with paper wrappings as Harry opened all the generous gifts that he had received.

It was the best birthday he had ever had.