Drifting

Chapter 17: A Birthday Surprise

"Our lives are shaped

by those who love us

and by those

who refuse to love us-" Annette Bosco

~*~

"Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear Harry, happy birthday to me."

Harry sighed, lying back on his bed. It was 12:01 and he had just turned sixteen.

Harry was used to spending his birthdays alone so he wasn't surprised when Ginny's mum wouldn't let her spend the night. He laughed slightly at the thought of the argument that had gone on. Ginny's magic had gotten a little out of control, luckily it had been at Harry's house or else she would have gotten a notice from the Ministry. When Mrs. Weasley had come to take Ginny home from her last weekend stay Ginny had asked if she could come back and spend Harry's birthday with him.

Mrs. Weasley had said yes, until she realized exactly what day Harry's birthday was. Harry closed his eyes, remembering what he had witnessed.

"Oh, Ginny, I'm very sorry but that's the night that Bill is coming over for dinner with Fleur!"

"But mum," Ginny whined. "It's Harry's birthday! You know, the thing that only happens once a year? It's not like he's ever had anyone to celebrate his birthday with before!"

Mrs. Weasley's face softened for a bit. She was clearly thinking it over. Then she reached her decision.

"Absolutely not. You need to spend time with your family this summer, not just Harry."

Heat rose up in Ginny's cheeks. The combination of her blush and her anger made the red blotches darker than Harry had ever seen before.

"So now you're saying Harry's not family? Just last summer you were saying that Harry was like your own son! What changed? Is he too big of a target for Voldemort? Do you not want your children associating with him out of fear that they'll get killed along the way? This is war, mum! WAR! I'm willing, as I'm sure the rest of the family is, to pledge our lives to the cause!"

At this point Ginny was practically trembling with rage. Harry took a step back in caution. He knew how bad the Weasley temper could get and he didn't want to be in the path of the destruction Ginny was sure to cause.

As Molly paused, trying to carefully consider her next words, Ginny's temper blew. Aunt Petunia's prized vase shattered into tiny pieces.

Harry knew what would happen if he let her magic continue to get out of control. He knew she couldn't control it; he couldn't either when he was mad.

"Ginny," he called out.

She spun to face him. Her eyes gleamed a vicious brown that was starting to scare Harry even more than Voldemort did.

"Don't get in the way, Harry," she said in a dangerous tone.

Harry rolled his eyes. All he needed to do was distract her and get her to come over to him. Basically, he needed to piss her off bad.

"Like hell I'm not going to get in the way," he responded.

Ginny took a step towards him.

"I said stay out of this!" she screamed.

A picture frame holding a picture of Dudley in his Smeltings uniform burst apart.

"Yeah, so? Doesn't mean I have to listen to you."

Harry wished he didn't have to do this. The one thing he hated most, besides Voldemort, was hurting Ginny in any way. He knew this would hurt her, make her even madder then (than) she already was, but he had to take that chance.

Ginny kept advancing on him. Molly picked up on what was about to happen and called out to Ginny, trying to stop her. It was no use. Ginny kept walking and ignored her.

"Come on now," Harry taunted. "That's right Ginny. You're no match for me."

Inwardly Harry was about to kill himself for saying these things. He didn't mean a single on of them.

Ginny stopped right in front of him. She drew herself up to her full height, which was barely three inches shorter than Harry. Harry gulped. Ginny saw and a large smile appeared over her face. She leaned in a little closer to him, her warm breath floated over his cheeks.

"Scared now, aren't you, Potter? Never thought a little girl could have so much spu-"

She was cut off as Harry kissed her as hard as he could. Ginny struggled against him. Molly held her breath as she watched her daughter try to pull away. She gasped as Ginny kicked him hard in the knee and he didn't even flinch. She tried to wrench herself free of his grasp. Molly wondered how Harry could hold on to her with only one hand. She noted that his other hand was hovering slightly above the arm he wasn't holding. She couldn't understand why.

Harry pulled back very slightly.

"Stupefy," he murmured against Ginny's lips.

The spell left his hand and struck Ginny instantly. She fell against him, limp. Harry led her over to the couch and set her down gently.

Running a hand through his hair he muttered a few "Reparos" and then sank down in the chair next to the couch. His head was bowed and Molly couldn't see the expression on it.

Harry wiped his hand across his eyes and suddenly stood up. He started for the stairs but not before turning to Mrs. Weasley.

"Take her home, obliviate her if you like. Tell her I didn't mean a single thing I said and that I'll see her on Saturday if you'll let her come."

"Harry-" Mrs. Weasley called out to him.

He was already gone.

Harry yawned, stretching out. He was glad that he had stopped Ginny from burning the house down.

But at what cost?

He hadn't heard from her since the incident and he was sure she probably hated him now. He bit his lower lip, blinking back tears.

It's no good crying on your birthday. I'm sure I'll be getting Ron and Hermione's presents any minute now.

Yet the presents didn't come.

~*~

Hermione pulled Draco aside at lunchtime.

"Harry doesn't know a thing about his party yet."

"How do you know?" Draco asked.

Hermione fidgeted a little. "He's been looking depressed all day."

Draco's almost-smile turned instantly into a frown.

"I-I never meant him to react this way... At least for my birthday I already knew he had gotten me a gift."

Hermione felt the sudden urge to hug Draco. She could tell right then that he really cared a lot about Harry, despite the fact that barely a month before they had been archenemies.

Ewww! Hugging a Malfoy! What's gotten into me?

"Should we tell him?" Hermione asked.

Draco shook his head. "No. It'll ruin the surprise."

~*~

Adam led Orli down the stairs and into the Great Hall of Hogwarts. She was immediately amazed by sky, or what she thought was the sky but was really the ceiling.

"Adam, does the roof really open up to the sky?"

Adam laughed. He had had a similar reaction when he had first come to Hogwarts.

"No. It's just an illusion."

You know, maybe it wouldn't be too early to have her read my copy of Hogwarts: A History.

"Accio Hogwarts: A History!" he said, pointing his wand at the door.

A few seconds later the book came flying through the door and into Adam's outstretched hand. Adam pocketed his wand and handed the book to Orli.

"It's Hogwarts: A History. It'll tell you anything you want to know about Hogwarts."

Orli set the book down on the table they were at, which happened to be the Ravenclaw table. She threw her arms around Adam and thanked him.

Adam smiled and patted his younger sister's back.

"Anything for you."

~*~

"You WHAT?" Voldemort thundered.

Wormtail was trembling uncontrollably in front of the Dark Lord. Bellatrix was beside him. She was desperately trying to remain calm.

"Yes, Master. You heard us correctly. The girl somehow managed to escape," Bellatrix said.

Voldemort's eyes flashed dangerously.

"I trust you two with something so simple as watching over a nine-year-old girl. HOW HARD CAN IT BE TO WATCH OVER A PATHETIC NINE-YEAR-OLD GIRL!"

Wormtail emitted a small squeak. He got behind Bellatrix as fast as he could. However, it didn't go without Voldemort noticing.

"Wormtail," he said with a false sarcastic tone. "My faithful little rat. Why can't you watch over a little girl?"

"I-I-I don't k-know M-m-master."

Voldemort nearly laughed at Wormtail's fear. He had always known that Wormtail was a weakling. He was a pushover, always getting bossed around by people and doing whatever they wanted him to do without comment.

"You have failed me Wormtail. Do you know what happens to Death Eaters who fail me?"

Wormtail gulped. He knew exactly what happened to Death Eaters who failed the Dark Lord.

"Crucio," Voldemort hissed.

Bellatrix moved out of the way just in time and the spell hit Wormtail like it was intended to. Wormtail fell flat on his back writhing in pain. He screamed a very girlish scream. Bellatrix wanted to laugh but kept silent in fear of what would happen if she did.

Voldemort didn't lift the spell for another two minutes. When he did, Wormtail was unconscious on the floor.

"Now, Bella, I want no more foolish mistakes from you. I don't care how many magical children you find. Kill them all."

"Yes, Master."

"OUT!"

Bellatrix ran from the room, her cloak swishing behind her.

~*~

Draco stepped out of Petunia's car and stood by the door, watching Harry climb out. Hermione was already inside Draco's house. Harry jumped down onto the street, thanked his aunt, and shut the door.

"What did you want from Hermione?"

"Oh, I - er - just wanted to show her a book that I thought she might find interesting," Draco lied.

On a day when Harry was feeling happier he probably would have questioned Draco, since last time he checked, Hermione didn't want much to do with the blond boy. Today though, Harry was feeling slightly depressed that everyone had seemingly forgotten his birthday.

"Okay."

Draco still felt absolutely horrible for having to lie to Harry like this. He knew it was even tougher on Hermione, who hated to see her best friend hurt in any way.

"Come on, let's go in. You can see the book too."

Draco rushed through the still open front door and yelled back to Harry to get a move on it.

Harry walked slowly up the steps and into the house, shutting the door behind him. As soon as he turned around there was a huge shout of...

"SURPRISE!"

The lights flickered on again, (Harry had barely noticed they were off), and he could properly see the people who were in the room.

Draco and Hermione stood closest to him, wearing huge grins on their faces. Ginny and Blaise had come up from, once again, behind the couch. Ron had shot up from behind a chair and was now making his way over to Harry.

"Happy birthday, mate!" he said, clapping Harry on the back.

Hermione came around next, throwing her arms around him.

"Happy birthday, Harry," she whispered into his shoulder. "I'm so sorry for making you feel miserable on your birthday but we had to keep this a secret."

Harry squeezed her tighter. "It's fine, really."

Hermione beamed as he let go of her. Blaise hugged him next and said her part.

Draco held out his hand and Harry took it. Their free arms wrapped around the others back in a brotherly hug.

"Thanks for this," Harry said, smiling broadly.

"I owed you, big time," Draco said, releasing Harry.

Last came Ginny. Harry gulped. He was pretty sure Ginny hated him right about now.

Ginny stepped up to Harry slowly. She raised her hand. Harry was almost positive she was about to smack him. He held his breath.

Instead of the resounding sound of a slap, all Harry could hear was Ginny's soft whisper against his ear.

"Thank you for stopping me before."

Then she raised her other hand, cupped his face, and kissed him soundly.

Harry felt shocks running up and down his body. He hadn't realized just how much he had missed Ginny's soft kisses. They hadn't even been apart for a week and he was already experiencing a sort of withdrawal, like the kind smokers got when there wasn't anything more to smoke and they had to go for days and weeks without a smoke.

Harry could feel his knees going slightly weak as he leaned into the kiss, trying to get as much out of it as he could.

What is going on with me!

He pulled back suddenly. Ginny threw her arms around Harry and hugged him tightly.

"I'm so sorry," Harry mumbled into her hair.

As he squeezed her back, she said, "You stopped me from burning your house down, you shouldn't be sorry."

Ron coughed loudly. Harry and Ginny sprang apart, though not guiltily. Harry shot Ginny a longing glance, which made her blush. Then he turned to Draco and Ron.

"Let's get this party started!" he said, enthusiasm clearly heard in his voice.

Draco grinned and Ron whooped. Blaise turned on the music and soon it was just like Draco's party. Blaise and Ginny were trying to tug Hermione into the middle of the room to dance. Ron watched and laughed, shaking his head. Harry made his way over to Draco.

"You really didn't have to do this," he said, in a way of thanks.

"It was no problem. I think the hardest part was convincing Weasley to come. No - not Ginny - Ron," Draco added, seeing the look that came over Harry's face. "Ginny actually asked me if I was planning anything. She felt so bad about the 'argument' you two had had that she spilled everything to me and begged me to help her make it up to you. She planned this just as much as I did. She's the one who convinced Weasley to come."

Harry nodded in understanding. Secretly he was happier than ever before. He was sure the thrill showed on his face. He had never had a birthday party before, let alone a surprise one. He had everything he could have wanted at a party. His friends were there, he had presents, and he was sure it was going to be a great night. He only had one question.

"Is your mum going to break out the Firewhisky again?"

Draco grinned. "Of course! What's your sweet sixteen party without having Firewhisky?"

Harry laughed and allowed Ginny, who had just walked up to him, to drag him to the dance floor.

~*~

Two hours later, Harry plopped down on the couch, exhausted. Ginny had kept him dancing as long she could. Finally she had given in, seeing as he was leaning so heavily on her that he could hardly stand.

Harry reached down and massaged his bare foot. It hurt like hell from all the times Hermione had accidentally stepped on it. Harry had to admit that while Blaise and Ginny were better than the experts, Hermione lacked skill in club dancing. Harry nearly burst out laughing just thinking about it.

Ron fell onto the couch beside Harry.

"Bloody feet," he groaned, reaching up to massage his own foot. "Why did I have to pick the girlfriend who can't dance?"

Harry laughed. "No offense, mate, but you aren't that good yourself."

Ron looked highly offended, but he was laughing too.

"Yeah, and you're the pro here."

Ginny walked over just then. She had finally grown tired of dancing. Gracefully, she sat down in Harry's lap and laid her head on his shoulder.

"Harry's not the pro. Draco is. We taught Harry how to dance at Draco's party. He is a fast learner though."

Ron stared at Ginny.

Since when did she start calling Malfoy Draco?

Ginny couldn't see his gaze, however, since her face was currently placed in the crook of Harry's neck and shoulder. She began to kiss the side of his neck, running her tongue over the soft skin. Harry shivered and pushed her off.

"You know, your brother is right there and I'd really like to live through tonight!" he hissed.

Ginny replaced her head and began to laugh, the vibrations tickling Harry's neck.

A slow song came on and Harry and Ginny looked up to see Draco and Blaise spinning slowly in a circle, their lips locked in a passionate kiss.

~*~

"Presents!" Hermione exclaimed after another hour of eating, drinking, and merriment.

Harry was half-drunk at this point, as was Draco. Ron was almost completely drunk. Hermione refused to drink but Ginny had poured some Firewhisky into Hermione's punch when she wasn't looking and now Hermione was giggling at nonsense things, since she was only very slightly drunk. Blaise and Ginny were about as drunk as Harry and Draco.

Harry smiled. "All right then. Bring them over!"

Hermione muttered something that sounded like the words 'lazy' and 'git'. Regardless, she got up and brought the presents over to Harry. As she set them down she tilted her head sideways and took a real look at Harry.

Harry, Draco, and Ron had all unbuttoned the top halves of their shirts, revealing very muscular chests. Draco's and Harry's were slightly more muscled than Ron's, Hermione noted. Then she shook her head.

I am not going to start checking out the other guys! Ron is mine and mine alone.

She smiled and sat back down in Ron's lap as Harry thanked her and reached for her present. Ginny pulled her boyfriend up into a sitting position (he had been lying with his head in her lap). Now he sat with his head resting comfortably on Ginny's shoulder. His eyes were half closed and a small smile played across his lips as he opened the present.

In it was a customary box of chocolates, like what Hermione usually gave Harry for some present. But there was something else. He pulled out a small box and opened it. Inside was a ring, a version of a mood ring.

Harry, who having grown up with Muggles, knew exactly what a mood ring was. He gave Hermione a questioning look as to why she had given it to him. Hermione didn't say anything, knowing he would figure it out pretty quickly.

Harry got up and walked over to Hermione. He hugged her and whispered the answer in her ear.

"So I wouldn't have to share my feelings. You know the moods and what color represents them. Smart, Hermione. Wouldn't have expected any less from you. Thanks."

Hermione beamed as he let her go.

Next came Ron's present, which was a box of Honeydukes' finest chocolate and a package of Sugar Quills.

"I wasn't sure of what to get you this year, Harry. I hope you don't think it's too little."

"It's fine, Ron. I've been hoping that someone would replenish my chocolate supply!"

Ron chuckled. "Just keep them away from my sister. Merlin knows she's already hyper enough when she comes back from your house. Oh and Fred, George, and Lupin are sending their gifts tomorrow."

Harry blushed at the first comment.

Next he opened Draco's present. It was a Snitch that Harry could practice and play with. Also, Draco gave him a journal.

"I know how much you like to express your thoughts. Just not out loud. I thought the journal might help."

Harry was speechless that Draco knew exactly the kind of thing he had wanted. When he found his voice, he thanked Draco many times.

Last came Blaise's and Ginny's present. They had combined ideas and money to buy him a book series on the Mark of the Phoenix and its different powers. Harry was glad that he finally had a reference source on his newfound powers. He thanked the girls and agreed that they could borrow the book anytime they wanted to. Draco could too.

As he hugged Ginny in thanks, she whispered in his ear the promise of the best present yet when they got back to Harry's house.

~*~

Ginny pushed Harry back onto his bed and locked the door with a wave of her hand and a locking spell. She leaned down to kiss him. He returned the kiss instantly, his eyes fluttering closed. Shirts soon lay discarded on the floor. Ginny's bra was off seconds later. They didn't get off any more articles of clothing. Not because they were afraid, just because they both knew they weren't ready and didn't want to rush things.

As Harry lay back half an hour later, exhausted, with Ginny curled up beside him, he couldn't have wished for a better birthday.

~~**~~