Harry Potter and the Green Flame Torch

CHAPTER SEVEN

~The continuance of a memorable birthday~

When Harry finally came to an unlabelled box, he was surprised to hear Dumbledore speak up.

"Now Harry, that present you are holding is from me, and there is also another from Professor McGonagall, which we will give to you later," he stated unexpectedly, then smiled humorously, "And no, it is not socks."

Harry laughed and he couldn't contain his interest to what the small box held. After shaking it gently, he quickly tore the paper away, leaving a strange looking antique case. Tentatively, he flicked it open and gasped at the sight. Inside was an obviously expensive gold chain, with a detailed pendant of a phoenix hanging from it. The Phoenix was spread out in a flying position, its beautiful golden plumage glinting in the light, and its eyes were emphasised by two tiny green emeralds.

"It's - wow!" Harry said, pulling out the chain so that everyone could have a closer look at it. He turned to Dumbledore. "Can I - Is it really for me?"

Dumbledore nodded and helped Harry clasp it around his neck. It felt cool against his neck, and Harry looked down at it in wonder. Everyone else stepped back to admire it, and even Ron was speechless.

"Now Harry," said Dumbledore, gently, when Harry went to slip it underneath his t-shirt and out of view. "This isn't just a necklace."

Harry's eyes shot up from his necklace at these words. "What else is it?" he asked nervously. What else was Dumbledore keeping from him?

Dumbledore stroked his long beard good mannerly, "It is also an inactive Portkey, signatured to you." he finally answered.

Harry frowned, not quite understanding. "Inactive?" he echoed doubtfully. He saw Hermione's eyes lighting up in realisation, and felt as though he was missing something. He turned to Dumbledore, hoping he'd continue on.

"Yes," replied Dumbledore, not disappointing him. "This year the Order and Hogwarts are going to take extra precautions for you. Should the need arise, such as if you are in any kind of danger, you can merely place your fingers onto the necklace and pronounce the words 'Phoenixa'. Your voice will then activate the necklace as a Portkey within five seconds and you will be transported straight onto Hogwarts grounds."

As Harry went to speak, Dumbledore warned, "It is to be used under extreme circumstances however, as it can only be used once and once only. The Ministry only allowed us to make it that way, lest you use it carelessly, which I have the utmost of confidence that you won't."

Harry heard the faintest of snorts coming from Snape's direction, but pointedly ignored it. Instead, he lightly ran his fingers over the necklace again, and smiled. At least this year he'd have a means to escape if Voldemort caught him other than his rather fortunate and probably almost run out luck.

"Thank you Professor." he replied simply, finding no other words to adequately express how much it truly meant to him. And it did. Being given this necklace showed how much Dumbledore did care for him, and it somehow lessened the pain of having so much kept from him all his life.

"Not at all," Dumbledore replied cheerily, "There is still more to come ... Professor McGonagall's part of our present is one. Bring it in boys." he directed the last comment to the kitchen door, where Fred and George suddenly appeared.

Harry gave a cry of joy at what he saw in front of him.

"Here's your Firebolt, looking none the worse the wear if I do say so myself." said Fred, looking at George who was carrying Harry's Firebolt as if it was something sacred - which of course it was, to Harry.

"Quite right, Fred," George replied, stopping in front of Harry. "Here you go Capt'n." he said, holding out the broom for Harry to take.

Harry accepted it with a grin as he finally gripped it in his hands. The Firebolt was and would always be one of the most treasured of Harry's possessions, and one of the only links left to Sirius. So even though he had previously known about having it returned back to him and his ban dropped, Harry couldn't contain the bubble of excitement as he once again held it in his grip. Just think, only a month until he could fly it as well, and play Quidditch with Ron. He glanced quickly at Ron, smiling widely, and then back at his broom, until he realised something.

"Captain?" he echoed suddenly, feeling confused.

There was a chorus of groans. "GEORGE!"

George shrugged, turning to Harry. "Whoops."

Harry felt he had missed something. "Wait ... captain?" he stammered, then looked in disbelief at Dumbledore. "I'm captain?"

Dumbledore nodded benignly. "As I was going to add, before Mr Weasley kindly interrupted-"

Mrs Weasley threw George a filthy look.

"-Professor McGonagall's part of the present was to inform you that she was able to get your life ban from Quidditch uplifted, your Firebolt returned and that you are now also the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain." Dumbledore finished.

Mouth working fruitlessly to form coherent words, Harry looked incredulously at Ron, who was grinning back at him.

"Why so surprised?" he replied, "Best seeker Hogwarts' had in 100 years. Y'think they wouldn't reward you for that?"

"But I'm no Wood," Harry protested, still in shock. "I thought Katie would get it. She's older and more experienced."

"-And completely addled in the brain from all those hits to the head," Fred added jokingly, "Sure she's great at Quidditch, but apart from being able to catch a ball, and knocking someone off their broom - not that she ever intends to, of course Professor." he added quickly, as though suddenly remembering Dumbledore's presence.

George continued on for Fred, who was busy flashing an innocent grin at Dumbledore, which fooled nobody. "Anyway, she isn't suited to being the one to give orders. She's better at following orders. If she was Captain, she'd just spend all her time devising ways to kill or maim the other team, not really winning."

Harry could only give a dazed nod in reply, as his eyes caught sight of a shiny, previously unseen captain badge pinned onto the back of his broom. He took it off, and with some prompting from Ron, pinned it onto his sweater. Being a Captain felt much more rewarding than a prefect would, Harry thought happily. Maybe this year would turn out alright after all.

"Just don't go all Angelina on me," pleaded Ron, shaking Harry out of his musings. "I never knew about Wood, but she sure scared the pants off of me."

Harry laughed loudly, and patted Ron on the back. "Not a chance, Ron," he reassured Ron confidently, and then tapped a finger onto his chin as if in deep thought. "Although - actually, we might have to double the practices, and I've been wanting to try a few new moves lately ..."

After the laughter from Ron's horrified look died down, and more congratulations had been passed to Harry, Dumbledore leant over to whisper in Harry's ears. "Now I'm not too sure about this but I daresay there is one present left for you to open."

Harry looked around in confusion. Apart from the discarded wrappings, and opened presents, nothing else remained on the table. Was Dumbledore putting him on? He suspected so, but wasn't sure as he caught that maddening twinkle in Dumbledore's eye.

Before he was given the chance to suggest that Dumbledore might need stronger spectacles, Harry was tapped on the shoulder by Remus and motioned to draw away from everyone else. He did so, gesturing for everyone to continue on the party without him.

"This present was left behind by myself and - Sirius." Remus said softly when they were apart from everyone else. He handed Harry a rather haphazardly wrapped present and an envelope, which Harry accepted with a rather unflattering drop of his jaw. Dumbledore had been right, the sly old coot!

Remus continued on, "He - and I prepared your birthday present whilst he stayed here last year. It was to be from the both of us." he hesitated before adding, "He wrote a letter to you as well."

A thrill of foreboding shot through Harry as he stared at the package and envelope that now lay in his hands. It was from Sirius. He found himself silently repeating it to himself. Sirius had prepared a present for him before his birthday before he fell through the veil ... when he was still alive. Harry was dumbstruck, and completely floored at this. Would he be able to handle reading Sirius' letter? It was, after all written before his death. Would it be too hard to read about him?

After a few silent moments of torment, a loud bang echoed throughout the room and Harry jerked his head up to see the twins setting off some of their spectacular fireworks. He gave a watery smile at their antics and lifted his eyes to look at Remus again.

As usual Remus seemed to miss nothing, and he smiled down at Harry who nodded gratefully. His throat constricting painfully, Harry also managed a feeble but heartfelt thanks. Remus gave a nod and a reassuring pat on the back in return.

"I'll let you read it in peace shall I?" he guessed.

"Yeah ... thanks." replied Harry, already looking for somewhere more isolated. He only vaguely noticed Remus move off to watch the fireworks shooting across the room. With shaking hands, Harry finally moved over to a secluded spot in the corner of the dining room to open the letter first. It was so painful to see Sirius's writing staring back at him, but he forced himself to read it. It was the last thing ever written by Sirius and he'd be damned if he'd never read it.

Dear Harry,

He read, drawing in a deep breath. He continued on.

With all the free time I seem to be having lately in this godforsaken house, I decided to put it to some good use. Moony and I spent ages on this here gift for you, so I really hope you like it.

I'm sorry for not being there as your godfather for so many years. I know this present along with the Firebolt I gave you in 3rd year isn't going to make up for it, but I really hope you'll like it. I doubt those stupid Muggle relatives of yours will give you anything.

Lastly, I know we're coming into hard times now Harry, but I just want you to know that I'll always be here for you if you need me for something. Being your godfather is the important thing in my life right now, and I've loved the time we've spent with each other, especially over Christmas.

Harry's breathing seized up, and it took a while for him to compose himself to read the rest of the letter.

You remind me so much of James sometimes, it's like going back twenty years. Sorry, I'm sure right now you're sick of hearing that, so I'll add that I know you aren't him; you're different, in a good way. I see it every day how much more stronger and courageous you are than your father. I sometimes forget that you were Lily's son as well; she was a lot like you too. Even stuck here in this place, I've never met somebody who is more selfless than you (anyone that can almost feel sorry for Snape has to be), and I want you to know that nothing that has happened so far or will happen is your fault. I know how torn up you were last year about that boy's death in the tournament, but you must understand that you're not behind all this. It is all Voldemort's doing, not yours. You have nothing to feel guilty about. Believe me, I've lived with enough guilt to know this.

I have to finish this off quickly because that damn Kreacher is trying to steal one of my dearest mother's possessions. I think this time it's another filthy signet ring.

Anyway, all I have left to say is that there's no doubt in my mind that your father and mother would be proud of you if they were here. I know I am.

Happy 16th Birthday Harry

Sirius

As Harry folded back up the letter, he realised with a start that tears were streaming down his face. He hastily wiped them away in embarrassment, hoping that nobody had noticed.

Apart from Moody's magical eye, which seemed to linger on him a bit, thankfully nobody else had seemed to notice, as they were all too busy watching Fred and George's fireworks display.

Suddenly, clutching Sirius's letter tightly in one fist and the unopened present hugged to his chest, Harry didn't feel much like celebrating anymore. Without another word to anyone, he snuck away through the door, with the intent of climbing the stairs up to his and Ron's room, where he could open the present in private.

However, luck wasn't on his side and as he went to climb the stairs he bumped into Snape. Too tired to even scowl, Harry wearily stepped aside to let Snape through, hoping that Snape wouldn't notice his surely red eyes.

"Leaving your own party early, Potter?" Snape drawled, not moving away from Harry's path. "I thought you liked all the attention?"

Harry stifled a sigh. "If I liked all the attention, I'd still be in there, sir." he replied quietly, his arms protectively tightening around Remus and Sirius' present. He saw Snape shift his eyes down to the wrapped gift, but was surprised when he didn't comment on it.

"Perhaps you were thinking of making another dramatic entrance." Snape replied unpleasantly, "By my account, I doubt the last one was up to your usual arrogant standards."

"No I suppose you don't." Harry mumbled dejectedly. He couldn't be bothered to snipe at Snape tonight. Tonight was his birthday, and he longed to spend it looking at Sirius' gift, not celebrating like he had no care in the world, or having all the attention placed on him like it always was when he went into the public. Tonight he didn't want to be Harry Potter, the bloody boy-who-lived. Tonight he wanted to be just Harry, godson of Sirius Black.

It was just too bad that Snape wouldn't move, so Harry tried to just ignore Snape and leave his presence before the tears started to fall again.

Snape seemed not at all amused when Harry brushed past him, and he called out harshly, "Where's your Gryffindor courage gone, boy?" he stopped and sneered distastefully, "Or actually Potter, where's your father's famous courage gone? You're supposed to be well known for it, aren't you?"

Slowly, Harry turned around, and his emerald eyes were sharply fixed on Snape.

"Can't you forget about the past for just one night?" he asked, before stiffly walking up the stairs. He only caught a momentary glimpse of Snape's face as he reached the top of the stairs, and what he did see made him blink twice.

For once, the usual scowl had been wiped off the face, and his black eyes had softened just enough for the creases on his forehead to disappear. It was the most human expression that Harry had ever seen on the emotionless Potions master.

If Harry had been in his right mind, it also would have struck him as unusual that Professor Snape had not uttered one word of negativity about Sirius or his letter to the Daily Prophet.

He wasn't though, so with his head down as he continued along the hallway, Harry finally retreated to his room, and locked it from the inside. He doubted anyone would come up anytime soon, but he made sure nonetheless.

Feeling a slight trickle of dread, Harry placed Sirius' letter on his bedside table and lay the present in his lap. From it's appearance and what it had felt like when he had carried it upstairs, Harry guessed it was another set of books on defence. Therefore, he wasn't immensely surprised when he opened the present to find two books on top of one another.

He was when he read the title on the top book though. Gaping in astonishment, he rubbed his fingers over the title of the well-worn book.

'The Animagus In You' by Meladine Cartory

Did this mean - were they suggesting - could he possibly be allowed to become an Animagus? Harry thought it was too unbelievable to be true.

For a while Harry just sat there with his mouth wide open, but then his senses returned to him and he pulled out the other, thicker book laying underneath. This book had no title, so Harry simply decided to open it. To his surprise the book remained shut, almost as if the pages had all been glued together. He tried to prise it open with his hands again, but to no avail.

Scowling, Harry turned back to the Animagi book and almost cursed aloud at his stupidity. On the front was taped another folded letter ... one which he had completely missed before. Harry recognised Remus' cursive writing, and began to read it.

Harry,

Sirius and I knew how important it was for you to know things about your parents, so what better way than digging up the Marauders' old Animagi book to follow in your father's footsteps.

Don't worry, Sirius and I had previously checked it out with Dumbledore and McGonagall, and they promised to help you out, if you're willing to. We'd even managed to rope Professor Snape into helping out with the potion side of things.

I thought that I'd also like to leave it up to you to determine whether or not Hermione and Ron can be told. I know how things are with you three, so it's all right if you want to tell them. Just keep it a secret from everyone else. It pays to have an advantage on Voldemort, as I'm sure you'll know.

That's not all though. I'm sure your wondering about the untitled (and locked book - completely Sirius's idea by the way). This just isn't a book; it's a diary, a journal of sorts. Apart from information and their progression of becoming Animagi, it also includes the Marauders' old letters, notes, etc, that we collected from Sirius's, your father's and my belongings. We thought it might recapture your father's personality, and show he isn't just what you saw in Professor Snape's memory. To open it, you must recite a ... certain password.

And lastly, I don't intend on filling Sirius's gap in your life Harry. I know how important he was to you, and I would never consider taking that away from you. However, if it's all right, I thought maybe we could keep correspondence with Sirius's mirrors as I found his mirror in his room the other day. I just want you to know that I'll be there for you if you need someone to lean on; tough times are upon us so don't hesitate to contact me whenever you want.

Happy Birthday Harry!

Remus

Harry whooped with joy and practically tossed Remus' note in the air as he jumped up in excitement. He couldn't believe what Remus and - he gave a painful gulp - Sirius had done for him. He would become an Animagi just like his father and Sirius, and he'd be able to do it using the very same books that they used and wrote in. It was absolutely incredible to have in his hands, pieces of their very own lives.

He sat back down quickly, deciding to open up the diary. There was no doubt in his mind to what password the book would open to now. Pulling out his wand from his pant's pocket, he confidently pointed it at the book and recited, "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good."

The book opened with a snap and Harry was faced with the front page. He eagerly began to flick through the book, reading journal entries, Animagi attempts and past notes written to each other in class. He laughed at one note in particular, that was pasted into the book; his father and Sirius had written to each other one day.

"NAH, I JUST WANTED TO SAY AT LEAST SHE DIDN'T READ THE NOTE." Sirius wrote.

Harry could only assume from what Sirius and Remus said that this next bit was his father's writing, "I RECKON. THE OLD BAT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE IN A GOOD MOOD TODAY, AND IF SHE SAW THAT NOTE, I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIPPOGRIFF DUNG. I WONDER WHAT'S UP WITH HER TODAY. MAYBE SHE GOT TURNED DOWN FOR TH-"

According to Sirius and Remus, the old bat his father had been referring to was Hogwarts very own Transfiguration teacher, Professor McGonagall, who had unfortunately caught James in the very act of writing the note.

"That's worse than what happened with her in first year," Harry laughed, remembering back to his and Ron's first proper encounter with their Animagus teacher.

Harry spent the next few hours taking in every little detail of the book. He was engrossed so much that he missed Ron's first cries to unlock the door. It wasn't until after five minutes of frantic knocking on Ron's part, that Harry was alerted of Ron's presence and sheepishly let him in.

"Sorry mate." Harry apologised. Ron came in with an annoyed grunt but didn't say anything about it. Instead he asked why Harry had disappeared from his party for all this time.

"To open Remus and - Sirius' present." replied Harry, going back to sit down on his bed. Ron followed close behind, looking at the books on the bed.

"From Sirius?" Ron repeated warily. He looked as though Harry had gone crazy.

Harry nodded absently, his mind still on the books, "Yeah ... they got it ready for me just after Christmas."

"What is it?" This time Ron seemed genuinely interested.

Harry made a split second decision and handed Ron the Animagus book and Remus' letter, watching in satisfaction as Ron's face flush in excitement.

"Bloody hell," breathed Ron, making Harry grin. "You're allowed to become an Animagus ..." he stopped then added quickly, "You think me and 'Mione can become ones too."

"I don't see why not," Harry answered immediately, and he meant it. He no longer had the urge to keep everything from Ron and Hermione. He was already keeping enough secrets to last a lifetime. "Remus never said anything about not allowing you to join me."

"Wow," said Ron, then reread the letter, "Hang on - so this other book's their journal."

"Yep," said Harry, proudly. "This includes all the official Marauders' stuff ... excluding that traitor Wormtail's though." he added menacingly. "They left everything of his out." And Harry wasn't the least bit regretful about that.

Ron gulped, "Can I - take a look at it with you?" he asked unsurely.

Smiling, Harry shifted to allow Ron to sit beside him. "Sure." He held the book in front of them, and Harry proceeded to proudly point out all the little bits and pieces that he had already combed through.

Soon after, Hermione too came to join them and Harry eagerly repeated it all to Hermione.

He would never tire of talking about his parents and Sirius.