Chapter 8
Chapter Text
When Harry awoke on the 30th of July he was excited all of his friends were arriving, but something felt off he felt smaller and Hermione was more on top of him than normal. It didn't take long for it to dawn on him that he was Rose again, she hadn't thought about it but she hadn't changed at all since they'd returned to the manor nearly a month ago.
"Morning Handsome." Hermione said sleepily from her position on top of her.
"Morning Mi but you might want to look again."
"Rose?"
"In the flesh." Rose giggled.
"Then good morning Beautiful." Hermione said kissing her. "You've been neglecting your ability again haven't you?"
"Just a little, I got comfortable just being here with everyone." She sighed. "This doesn't upset any of the birthday stuff does it?"
"No you just need to use my side of the wardrobe and let me dress you again."
Once they had both showered and dressed they entered the family room and woke up the portraits.
"Happy birthday Rose." Lily and James said together.
"Rose?" Fleamont questioned.
"Yes grandfather I chose that name for this form after mum told me that's what she wanted to call her daughter if she'd had one." Rose stated.
"He's just being forgetful again, little one." Euphemia Said smiling. "You are beautiful Rose, happy birthday."
"Yes indeed." Dorea said. "Now I asked Minerva to bring something up from the vault for you, I know you've not been down there yourself yet but I felt or rather we all felt that you should at least have one more of the family heirlooms now that you've had a whole year in the magical world."
"Thank you I'll open it in the Dragon room so you can all see." Rose replied. "Now if you don't mind I am rather hungry."
As they walked through the house arm in arm, Rose began to ask questions about the coming day but Hermione remained cryptic in her answers, and was glad of the distraction when they met Remus in the library.
"Good morning ladies." He called to them. "What brought this on?"
"She woke up this way again." Hermione giggled. "She's been neglecting her ability again."
"What have we said about that young lady?" Remus chastised her.
"To change every few days to ensure my form stays as I want it." Rose replied looking at her feet. "I could change back now but it sort of feel comfortable right now."
"We know and none of us judge you for it." Remus smiled. "But perhaps we can play a little prank on Padfoot, he's in the kitchen with Viv and Richard sorting out breakfast to give Josie a break."
"And none of them have met Rose yet." Hermione smiled. "You go ahead I'll follow with Uncle Remus in a few minutes."
Rose took off running, glad that Hermione had dressed her in jeans and not a skirt today, she slowed down to a walk as she reached the hallway that lead to the kitchen. She entered the room and winked at Aunt Minnie who had joined the rest of them making breakfast before she sat down at the small table that they had added to the room earlier in the summer.
"Good morning everyone." She said quietly.
"Good morning young lady." Viv smiled as she turned around. "But who are you?"
"Oh I'm Rose." She smiled back. "Is there any tea?"
"Oh course little one." Aunt Minnie said pouring a cup, and barely holding in here laughter as she set it down on the table for Rose.
"Are you one of Harry's friends then?" Richard asked sitting down opposite her.
"Not really no." Rose giggled.
"Dear Merlin!" Sirius exclaimed having finally turned around from where he was cooking the bacon. "I'm seeing things." And he returned to the pan shaking his head.
"There you are." Hermione said joining them in the room and kissing Rose on the cheek. "Why did you run off while I was talking to Remus?"
"I could smell the food, and I'm hungry."
"What on earth is happening here?" Viv asked in confusion.
"Mum, Dad, and Sirius, this is Rose Potter."
"Oh so a lost cousin of the family?" Richard queried.
"Right Lady Potter." Remus said as he walked in to the room. "We need to discuss the Greek villa renovations."
"What's wrong now?" Rose asked.
"So I'm not seeing things?" Sirius said turning around again. "That is actually my godson? Well goddaughter."
"Yes Padfoot it's me." Rose smiled. "I sometimes wake up as Rose and am too comfortable to change back immediately, I spent about half the school year as her sometimes just for a few days but others it was a whole month."
"And you're completely comfortable with this Hermione?" Richard asked looking at his daughter concernedly.
"She's still Harry, she says the same things, she treats people the same the only difference is that we share a wardrobe." She replied logically. "Am I as attracted to this form as I am to Harry? No, but I still love her all the same."
"Richard I know this might seem strange to you but we've been watching these two all year and honestly they are no different around each other at all." Remus stated.
"And after this point next year I'll probably be able to change as well." Hermione added. "Whether it's a full shift like Harry can or just small things we will only know in time."
Just as Sirius was plating everyone's bacon, Violet and Pansy entered the room.
"Good morning." Pansy greeted them. "It's good to see you again Rose."
"Rose?" Violet asked.
"Mum this is Harry's female form." Pansy explained. "You remember I told you he was a metamophmagi?"
"Yes of course sorry Rose, I wasn't expecting not to recognise you."
"That's ok I look more like mum in this form."
"I'm sure she's happy about that." Violet smiled. "So what time are our guests arriving?"
"They should all be getting here at 10." Viv stated. "Remus is going to collect them from The Leaky Cauldron, where Serverus is already waiting for them."
"How did you rope Uncle Sev into this?" Rose asked looking at Hermione quizzically.
"He volunteered actually." Aunt Minnie answered for her. "Said he needed to pick up your gift from the Alley anyway and said he'd wait for all of your guests. The only ones coming straight here are the Weasleys as they've already been here nearly everyday."
"So what does the Lady of the house want to do until then?" Richard asked.
"I don't know because I don't know what's happening today." Rose answered.
"How about we all go swimming." Pansy suggested.
"I don't see why not we told everyone to bring swimming gear anyway." Hermione smiled. "We can wait for them there."
Once breakfast was completed Hermione dragged Rose all the way back to their suite and into their wardrobe.
"So what do you want to wear in the pool?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know I've not been swimming as Rose before."
"Ok fine how about we just wear the only matching one pieces I have, they're black and offer a lot of coverage."
"Coverage isn't so much of an issue."
"Maybe not as Harry, but if I told you Ronald is going to be starting at you a lot of the time how would that make you feel."
"Ok you're right as always." Rose sighed. "Why do I always question you?"
"Because I ask you to, I'm not right all the time, and it would be boring if we always did what I wanted."
"I love you Mione."
"I love you too my beautiful Rose." Kissing her passionately.
They collected their swimsuits and towels and walked back down to the pool room arm in arm to find Pansy was already changed and sitting on the side of the pool kicking her feet in the water.
"What took you two so long? I've been waiting ages."
"Rose was a little uncertain on what she wanted to wear." Hermione replied innocently.
"Understandable, the worst ogler of Gryffindor is coming over and we're all showing more skin than he's ever seen." Pansy stated.
"Is Ron really that bad?" Rose asked as Hermione opened the changing room door.
"However did you know who I meant? But yes he spends more time leering at girls in the common room than you two do in the library, and he doesn't even try to hide it." Pansy answered. "But I suppose you two don't see it much as you prefer to have people come to your quarters."
"Well I can ask Sirius and Remus to keep an eye on him and maybe talk to him about being subtle." Rose sighed as she started to change. "I mean that's the first rule most boys learn when they are young, hell Vernon even managed to teach it to me."
"Well only being around his mother and sister growing up didn't help at all, at least his brothers know better." Hermione stated as she helped Rose get her swimsuit into a comfortable position. "You're all done, now remember you can call out anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable, don't forget Seamus and Dean are coming as well. And I know that the quidditch team have all got your back but you need to be able to say if they're making you uncomfortable."
"I know but maybe just don't go to far away from me to start with."
"I promise, now go and join Pansy I'll be out in a minute."
After Hermione had joined them on the side of the pool they all chatted casually while they waited for the adults to join them, it had been established early in the summer that they needed at least one adult poolside whenever they were in the water to stop the rest from having an anxiety attack about one of the drowning.
"Alright guys you're clear to get in." Sirius called as he walked into the room in a pair of luminous yellow shorts and a black t-shirt.
After they had been in the water for about an hour they were joined by a blur of red hair cannonballing into the water, as they came up for air the trio was happy to see that Ginny had joined them alone.
"McGonagall is giving the others a lecture about not staring at any of us, apparently Richard is concerned about Rose being here today." Ginny explained. "It's nice to meet this side of you, Rose."
"It wasn't planned." Rose giggled. "I've been neglecting my ability a little since I got home."
"It's ok though." Hermione said reassuringly. "We are all used to you in this form and if Ronald stares too much we can just hex him, you managed a wandless stinging hex yesterday, and I almost had stupefy working."
"Just remember to focus." Sirius said from his seat near the waterfall. "But I'll keep my eye on him."
"Is my brother really that bad?" Ginny questioned.
"He has quite the reputation in Gryffindor tower for staring at any female that breathes." Pansy stated.
"Talking about Ron again are we?" Fred asked as he sat down at the edge of the pool in the blue swimming trunks Remus had bought for him at the start of summer with a yellow 'F' on his leg.
"Apparently he's got quite the thing for you Rose." George said joining his brother in his matching but opposite colour shorts. "So dad, Remus and Richard are all giving him a stern talking to."
"Well at least he's had a warning before I hex him for staring." Rose giggled. "Now are you getting in or not?"
"Nah we're gonna wait for the others." Fred stated.
"Angelina wants to coordinate the quidditch teams gift for you before everything gets going so it'll be easier if we aren't in the water yet." George said.
"Sounds good." Hermione smiled. "I take it you all pitched in on a single gift?"
"Yeah, we thought it best, plus it meant we could pick something bigger to work towards." Fred smiled. "But once everyone else leaves tomorrow we have a gift for Rose as the only descendant of the Marauders."
"Boys come talk to me for a minute." Sirius called out from his seat.
Not long after the twins had sat down with Sirius, Ron walked through into the room sullen faced and couldn't look anyone in the eye, he was being followed closely by the rest of the adults, including Bill and Charlie.
"Hey guys." Rose called out in greeting.
"Hello Rose." Molly called back. "It's nice to finally meet you."
"I'm the same person you were teaching yesterday Molly."
"We know but knowing about your alternate and meeting them are two different things."
"I suppose so." Rose conceded. "So Mi when's Neville getting here?"
"Shouldn't be too long, his grandmother isn't joining them so as soon as she given her gift to him he'll be coming over." Hermione explained. "Aunt Minnie have you heard from Aunt Alice yet this morning?"
"Yes dear, she said they'd be the last here Augusta wants to keep to the tradition she has with Neville of a birthday brunch at Fortesque's Ice Cream Parlour on Diagon Alley."
"That will be fine we can just stay in the pool for longer." Hermione smiled. "Don't look at me like that Rose I never said we were on a tight schedule today, tomorrow on the other hand you'll barely have time to sit down."
"And if I don't want to be that busy?" She asked pulling Hermione into a hug.
"Then maybe you shouldn't have let me plan the entire day." Hermione replied kissing her softly.
"Ronald this is your only warning." Rose said as they pulled apart. "If I catch you staring at me again I'm sending a stinging hex your way."
"Fine but it's not like you have your wand with you." Ron replied blushing and looking intently at the floor.
"She doesn't need one." Remus stated. "She caught me with a wandless cast yesterday that had me in pain for 10 minutes, now why don't you join them in the water."
"I guess." He said standing up and jumping in.
The five of them in the water had picked up a game of tag by the time Rose felt the wards activate, she just nodded at Remus who disappeared to greet their guests, and a few minutes later Rose clutched her head in pain as the wards tolled a loud bell in her mind and Remus came back without any of their guests.
"Velma." She called out.
POP
"Yes Lady Rose?"
"What's wrong with the wards?"
"There appears to be a group of wizards at the front gate attempting to bring them down."
"Thank you little one."
"Aunt Minnie can you go to Neville and tell them to hold off coming here and to wait at Longbottom Hall for us to contact them." Hermione asked
"Yes Lady Hermione." She replied before she apparated away.
"Sirius have you given Amelia a mirror yet?" Rose asked.
"Yes I'll call and ask for back up." He replied running from the room to fetch his mirror.
"Remus, Arthur, Bill, and Charlie can you head for the front gate and see if you can see who it is I'll send Sirius after you as soon as he's called Amelia." Rose requested.
"Of course Lady Potter-Merlin." They said sprinting after Sirius.
"What about the rest of us?" Molly asked.
"We wait here." Hermione smiled. "If anyone does make it in and gets this far they're going to only expecting you to be able to attack them but Rose and I can do some serious damage without our wands."
They weren't waiting long before Hermione was proven right, Lucius Malfoy entered the room at a run, he was alone. Rose suspected he had come through the fireplace disillusioned and sent his friends to attack the gate as a distraction to allow him to attack.
"So you kept yourself out of prison again." Rose said getting out of the pool while Hermione did the same on the opposite side.
"You may have taken my money but I am still a respected member of society and am or rather was owed favours from the right people."
"Not enough to help your son though." Rose taunted him.
"It is a pity but no he was stupid enough to confess to his crimes something I have never done."
"There's still time." Rose stated.
"Unlikely I'm here to get you to right the wrong you had done to me in January, you will give me back what is rightfully mine, these blood traitors don't deserve to live in my ancestral home." He stated forcefully. "And you don't need any of the money you stole from me."
"And how do you propose to make me." Rose laughed. "And let me guess you promised all of your friends outside that you'd lobby for each of them?"
"Naturally."
"Have you ever spoken the truth to anyone other than Voldemort?" Rose demanded. "But once again you have underestimated me, while you were able to use my open Floo to enter this house I have been able to get a message to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement through my godfather's fiancé."
"You really think some low level witch could rouse the Department of Magical Law Enforcement against me."
"No I don't his fiancé is Madam Bones." Rose stated flatly as she held her hand towards him "VELOX DOLORE!"
Lucius faltered in disbelief as the large ball of white magic sped towards him, had it just come from a girl with no wand but that wasn't possible at her age was it, then it hit him and he was thrown off his feet writhing in pain in every part of his body, he'd never felt a stinging hex of this magnitude before it rivalled the dark lords cruciatus. He wasn't in pain for long but by the time he was able to move of his own free will Amelia had arrived with her band of Aurors with the group Rose had sent to the gates and an unexpected guest.
"Lady Potter-Merlin it is good to see you again." Amelia greeted her. "I only wish we were meeting under better circumstances, we've arrested 9 of the 10 persons who were attempting to breach your gate, among them were several members of one of your families, the Flints to be precise."
"I, Lady Rose Lily Potter-Merlin hereby, cast all members of the House of Flint out, and strike the house from nobility for all eternity. So I have spoken so it shall be." Rose said confidently as the magic built up around her.
"What did you just do?" Lucius demanded.
"I think that's fairly obvious don't you." Hermione said joining Rose.
"They were one of the houses in the sacred 38 to have retained their full status." Lucius snarled raising his wand. "How dare you treat it so frivolously."
"STUPEFY!" Hermione cast pointing her hand at him, the force of the spell lifted him of his feet once more and propelled him into the Aurors behind him. "Well at least he was caught in the act this time."
"Agreed Miss Granger." Amelia smiled. "Now we'll leave you all in peace and take these prisoners with us."
"Not so fast why is Gerald Greengrass with you? He is no auror as far as I know." Rose questioned.
"Lady Potter-Merlin forgive my intrusion but I was with Madam Bones when Lord Black contacted her and offered her an additional wand given the need for urgency." Gerald stated.
"Then it appears that the House of Potter is in your debt." Rose smiled. "I, Lady Rose Lily Potter-Merlin hereby gift my position as Head of House Greengrass back to Gerald Greengrass it's rightful owner. So I have spoken so it shall be."
"If you were just going to give it back why bother taking it in the first place." Ron questioned.
"I never wanted it but I had to act as the terminology of the contract specified." Rose stated. "That and I needed a reason to actually give it back."
"I don't know what to say." Gerald said in disbelief of what had just happened.
"There's not a lot to say, but why don't you join our growing alliance and then we can really start to build a better relationship." Rose suggested.
"With pleasure." Gerald smiled.
"Excellent." Hermione beamed. "We will have our proxy forward you an invitation to the next gathering."
Once their unexpected guests had left Rose and Hermione settled back down into the pool to await their actual guests for the day, the first to arrive was a very worried Alice Longbottom, being closely followed by Aunt Minnie and the others of her party.
"So what on earth happened." Alice demanded as she came to stand on the edge of the pool.
"Nothing much." Rose said innocently. "Lucius Malfoy tried to force me into giving him his title back, but he underestimated us again and now he's been arrested for attacking us."
"Well at least he's got something in common with his son now." Remus stated, causing most of the room to burst out laughing.
"Aunt Minnie do you know how Draco is doing?" Hermione asked.
"He's still in the Psychiatric ward under constant observation, he keeps talking to people who aren't there." She replied. "Narcissa goes to see him most days and is keeping me apprised of his situation, but it's likely to be his permanent residence from now on."
"Is there anyway we could help? I never wanted this to happen." Rose said solemnly.
"Unfortunately not." Aunt Minnie sighed. "But that's enough about that it's Neville's birthday let's get on with celebrating."
"Agreed are you joining us in the pool Nev?" Rose asked.
"With pleasure." He replied jumping in over her, before suggesting as he surfaced. "How about we get the net up and have a game of volleyball."
And so that is how the rest of their birthday guests found them, with Rose, Hermione and Pansy on one team and Neville, Ginny and Ron on the other, they were so engrossed in their game that they hadn't noticed the others arriving and continued to battle it out even though no one was really keeping score, at least no one in the pool was.
"What's the score?" Katie asked Fred as she sat down near him.
"Rose's team are ahead by 4, Sirius says he's going to call it when they're 5 ahead." He answered.
"And there we have it folks." Sirius said loudly as Ginny just missed hitting the ball. "Rose's team wins 30 points to 25."
The occupants of the pool practically jump at the sudden cheer that surrounded them.
"Are we really that oblivious?" Rose asked Hermione quietly as they moved to the edge of the pool.
"No we were just having too much fun."
"So what's the plan for the day then?" Angelina asked.
"Today it's just relaxing by the pool and sleeping out with the griffins if they accept all of you." Alice stated.
"Tomorrow is another matter but it's still a surprise for Rose." Hermione smiled hugging her fiancé.
"Awesome let's all go and get changed." Alicia smiled.
"We'll see you all in the pool." George said to the rest of the quidditch team.
"Lavender did you manage to get swimsuits for you and Pavarti?" Pansy asked her best friend.
"No I only got back from visiting my Gran yesterday and Pavarti's mother was a little sceptical about getting muggle clothing." She replied frowning. "But it's ok we'll just sit on the side and watch."
"Nonsense." Violet smiled. "Viv took me to get Pansy's and I got her a few more than she really needed you can each have one of hers, follow me."
Once all of their guests had changed the entire group spent the day playing in the pool and the surrounding gardens, at about 4 in the afternoon Richard disappeared with Remus and they returned carrying a large barbecue, upon which Richard proceeded to grill everything he could persuade the elves to let him have from the kitchen. By 7 everyone had eaten their fill and changed out of the swimsuits and relaxing on the lawn in the warm evening air, when Rose had an idea.
"ZEUS!" She called out towards the forest, and the grey feathered griffin landed in front of her sniffing her curiously a few minutes later. "It's me Harry I just look a little different today, can my friend Neville and get a ride?" She asked quietly, to which Zeus cawed and lay down at her feet. "Hey Neville I know you said you didn't want any gifts, but how about a ride with me and Zeus?"
"I'm not sure Rose, you know how I am about flying." Neville responded.
"And you know how I am in the air, plus Fawkes is about he'll catch you if you fall." Rose retorted.
Neville conceded quickly and as soon as they were settled in front of his wing joint Zeus took to the air flying in lazy circles over the manor, Neville only managed to keep his eyes open by hanging onto Rose's waist as tightly as he could, by the time Zeus touched down on the lawn again nearly hour later Neville was beaming.
"That was brilliant." He said ecstatically as he climbed off of Zeus' back. "Thank you Rose I'd never have asked for that but I would happily do it again."
"Glad to hear it Nev." Rose smiled. "Now Zeus do you think we could sleep in your clearing tonight with the other griffins?"
Zeus cawed loudly, stamped his feet, shaking his head wildly, before Fawkes flamed in onto Hermione's shoulder.
'He has another idea, there is a clearing deep in the forest that contains a pagoda that Fleamont built for Euphemia. He will lead you there then collect the willing griffins to join you.'
It took more than an hour for Zeus to clear the path that had gone unused for more than a decade, but by the time that the group reached the clearing they all felt it had been worth the arduous trip through the dense foliage, before them stood a traditional style Japanese pagoda, at two storeys high and at least 15 meters wide it dominated the clearing, but even its pointed roof failed to clear the tops of the towering fir trees that made up this section of forest, the inside, once Rose had opened the bamboo door, was completely open, and consisted of a floor of large pillows around a central fire pit.
"It's beautiful." Hermione smiled with her arm around Roses waist.
POP
"Good Evening Lady Rose." Fredrick smiled. "I will be your elf in waiting tonight, as Velma is making preparations for your birthday tomorrow."
"Thank you Fredrick, can we get a few butterbeers each." She replied.
"Certainly, would you like me to open the walls?"
"They open?" Hermione asked excitedly.
Fredrick clicked his fingers and two of the walls folded away letting the cool night air into the room.
"If you need me, my Ladies just call."
POP
"Will you be staying Fawkes?" Rosed asked her familiar who was still perched on Hermione shoulder.
'Yes young one, it is a tranquil place to rest ones head, and I don't get to spend time with this many people often.'
The group stayed awake chatting and drinking their butterbeers late into the night, each of them spent time with the griffins who were happily gathering around the edge of the pagoda, by the time midnight rolled around only Rose and Hermione were still awake.
"Happy birthday beautiful." Hermione smiled kissing her fiancée soundly after Fredrick had informed them of the time. "Let's hope it's better then last year."
"It already is." She giggled in response. "So going to tell me the plan for later?"
"Never, now let's get some sleep these guys will be up early I imagine."
Rose was awoken the next morning by the feeling of hot breath on her face, she knew it wasn't Hermione, who was still asleep on her shoulder, and there was far too much of it, she opened her eyes and found a scarlet feathered griffin stood above her.
"Hey young one." She said stroking its beak. "Have you come to find the others from the herd?"
'Indeed she has.' Fawkes stated. 'This is Frigga, Zeus' youngest offspring, she shares your birthday, and has today reached her majority, he is passing the torch, as it were, to her.'
"She's the new alpha?"
'She will be if you accept her as another familiar.'
"Without a doubt in my heart." Rose smiled, and there was a blinding flash, Frigga cawed loudly and the rest of the nearby griffins joined in.
Ten minutes later Charlie came running through the trees from a deeper part of the forest, followed closely by a large number of griffins, more than Zeus had brought to meet Harry and Hermione on their first day in the manor.
"What's going on?" He asked looking at Rose who was still stroking Frigga from where she was laying. "The herd heard the ascension cry and started heading this way, is Zeus ok?"
"Yes he's fine, but Frigga here bonded to me and he passed the mantle of Alpha to her." Rose stated.
"Merlin, you really don't do things by half do you?" He asked smiling. "First you bond to a several hundred year old phoenix, then you bond with the only scarlet griffin I've ever even heard of, what's next a dragon?"
"Where would I even meet one?" Rose asked laughing.
"Let's just say I'm not taking you to the dragon sanctuary when I go back to visit next month." Charlie laughed. "Happy birthday Rose."
"Thanks Charlie." Rose smiled. "Do you think this lot will be up to fly everyone back to the manor for breakfast?"
'It is tradition for the newly bonded Alpha to fly with their Potter and the entire herd upon their ascension.' Fawkes trilled.
"Fawkes says it's a herd tradition to fly with the new alpha and their Potter so we should be able to sort this." Rose stated before Charlie could answer. "Hermione it's time to wake up."
"What time is it?" She asked groggily.
"Not long after 6." Charlie replied.
"What on earth were you doing with the herd at this hour?" Rose asked.
"There was a calf born yesterday, I spent the night making sure he and Osiris were ok."
"What's going on Rose?" Hermione asked sitting up.
"I bonded to Frigga here and she became the new herd alpha." Rose replied. "Charlie can you help get the others up?"
"Sure, I learned a decent spell for use on Ron a few years back." Charlie smiled. "But it's fairly loud so we'd better clear out the griffins first."
'They have been warned.' Fawkes stated.
"You're good to go." Hermione smiled. "Fawkes has warned them about the impending noise."
"Awesome." Charlie chuckled. "TUMULTUM MAXIMA."
A sound akin to a ringing symbol rang through the clearing scattering the birds who were roosting in the trees and in turn adding their own noise to the din, most of the pagoda's occupants sprang awake at the sudden noise but the three Weasley brothers were slow to rouse and in the end it took most of the quidditch team to get Ronald to stir at all.
"Now that we're all awake do you want to tell us why we were subjected to such a noisy start to the day?" Oliver asked.
"The herd has graciously offered to fly us back to the manor before they start their daily hunt." Rose stated. "And given that it's a 40 minute walk back to the house for breakfast I thought you'd all prefer it even though it's only 6AM."
After they had all begrudgingly agreed that this was in fact the better option, Charlie set about matching them to their mount and the set off into the sunrise heading slowly towards the manor, with Rose and Hermione on Frigga leading the way, they circled the manor in a slowly decreasing spiral as the guests and residents alike enjoyed the flight, as they approached the rear lawn Rose was happy to see the rest of her family waiting for them, silently watching in awe of the sight they were witnessing.
"Can someone check if Sirius is ok he's never been up this early before." Rose called out cheekily as she dismounted Frigga.
"He's fine Rose." Remus stated. "I dragged him from his bed myself, and he moaned the entire way here until he saw you flying."
"Good I was worried something was wrong with him."
"Since when did you get so good at teasing people?" Sirius questioned.
"We had a good teacher." Hermione stated as she joined Rose on the ground.
"Ok then everyone this is Frigga, my newest familiar and the head of the herd." Rose said as she patted the beak of the the scarlet griffin.
"Could you stop gaining familiars already?" Remus asked. "I thought once Padfoot was making a near permanent change you'd stop."
"While he does make a great pet, I mean he's perfectly housetrained, I'd rather have a griffin." Rose stated managing to keep a straight face.
"James was alway suggesting I make the change permanently but I could never get passed the fleas." Sirius retorted causing the entire group to burst out laughing.
After they had all eaten their fill at breakfast Rose, Hermione, Remus, Sirius, and Minerva sequestered themselves in the Dragon room to look at the heirloom Dorea had requested for him from the family vault.
"So what's so important that our friends can't know what it is?" Rose asked as she sat in her favourite armchair facing the family portrait, she liked to spend time in this room, it was decorated with styles from the orient, and was lit by Chinese lanterns.
"Well." Dorea started. "You know you are descended from the Peverall family?"
"Yes."
"We are the only line descended from the three brothers none of the others survived." James stated.
"So naturally we have the grimoire." Charlus finished.
"So you had it brought up to add to our collection?" Hermione asked.
"Indeed, but not only that." Lily smiled.
"So why don't we go over the grimoires first." Sirius suggested.
"Sounds good which ones do we have now?" Rose asked.
"Well you know about the Potter one." Remus said placing it on the table from inside his bag.
"It's proved very useful, I still can't believe it's helped us so much this past year."
"And you've used both of the Black family grimoires." Sirius said placing both on top of the Potter book.
"Why are there two?" Hermione asked.
"Well my family hasn't always been on the right side of things, the one my grandfather let me read was the nicer side of our magic, but the one he sent to Andi was decidedly dark, most of it isn't exactly legal but we can use it so long as it remains a family secret." Sirius replied gravely. "The same goes for the Malfoy, Parkinson, Flint, and LeStrange magic." He said placing each of them onto the pile.
"So have any of you read these?" Rose asked.
"Yes." Remus replied. "How else would we know how to advise you to go about using it. The Sylwen and Bulstrode on the other hand are predominantly light magic but do stray in places, but the same could be said for the Potter magic, if you look into your offensive spells."
"Ok so that's not soo bad." Rose smiled weakly. "But do I need to read all of them?"
"You can take your time, it's more for research into what the other side is capable of." Minerva said. "In all honestly I would suggest letting one of us creating a condensed version of each one for you and then you can look up what actually interests you."
"That works for now but I'll probably end up reading them all at some point anyway." Hermione stated.
"And finally this is the Peverall Grimoire." Aunt Minnie said setting it in front of Rose. "Now unfortunately none of us can read this at all."
"Why not?" Rose asked opening the book.
"Because none of them are in possession of a Deathly Hallow." Fleamont advised. "This book was written by the three brothers and each of them wove their own magic into it, only someone who has all three items can read the entire book, but it can be used by a group of people who are in possession of the individual items."
"So I will be able to read parts of this book no Potter ever has?"
"Yes son." James sighed. "Our ancestor, Ignotus, was the last surviving brother and wrote the tail end of the grimoire from about half way onwards if my memory isn't failing."
"He states in his writing that with the elder wand you would be able to read the fundamentals of the Peverall magic written by his eldest brother." Charlus stated. "With that knowledge you would be able to wield the ancient magic of our family properly."
"It starts with a passage written to Rose directly." Hermione said looking at the second page of the book. "Lord Harry James Potter-Merlin/ Lady Rose Lily Potter-Merlin. I, Antioch Peverall, your great uncle a few centuries distant, am gifted in many of the magical arts, one of which I call foresight, it allows me to see the future of my family and only them, I know of your on going struggle with my only other surviving grand nephew Thomas Marvolo Riddle, the self named Lord Voldemort. I have enchanted my wand to answer to you specifically even if he does manage to take it from you he will never be it's master, my part of this book will teach you all you need to know to thwart him, I know at the time you will first be read this passage that you are only 12 but it is never too early to begin working toward your destiny. The first thing I suggest you do is to use the magic of the 2 heirlooms of my family you already have to call the third, your distant cousin has defiled it with a piece of his soul, the charm you need is on the next page, and the potion you need to cleanse it is detailed in the pages that follow. You will live a long and happy life nephew just keep your chin up and listen to Hermione. Yours in admiration and love, Antioch."
"Wow." Was all Rose could say.
"That was unexpected." Sirius continued. "So we call the other item."
"Not today." Minerva stated. "It's Rose's birthday and I don't think calling the Horcrux before we're ready for it is a wise idea."
"Agreed." Remus sighed. "How difficult is the charm he mentioned?"
"It's a 4 word phrase in latin." Rose said looking at what was required over Hermione's shoulder. "TERTIA PARS HIC APPAREBIT!"
"That has to be said while wearing the cloak and using the wand." Hermione said as she continued reading. "There's no required wand movement just the pointing at the end of where you'd like the ring to appear. Now the potion is another matter it takes 2 weeks to fully mature, I'm certain Rose or I could make it but I'll copy it down and ask uncle Sev."
"Rose." Lily said breaking the silence that had swept over the family portrait. "I need you to know that we all love you and that we never planned to make your birthday about him, enough of your life has been taken over by that madman it shouldn't have to be today as well."
"It's ok mum." Rose smiled. "I know my life is linked to his and that until he's gone I'll never bear free of him, and none of you could have known what would happen when I opened this grimoire, the only benefit we have is that now I have a name to give Rita to help her uncover who he is."
"You really did the name of Potter proud with that one." Charlus chuckled. "Giving that woman the chance to expose the darkest wizard this country has ever seen as a fraud without spending a single Knut more than her original salary was a stroke of genius."
"Thank you Uncle." Rose smile up at him. "Now where are we going to keep this collection of family magic?"
"Well you remember I suggested a dedicated bookshelf in the library that only the 5 of us could see?" Sirius asked Hermione nodded but Rose shook her head. "Well Remus and I managed to create a reading chamber under the coffee table in the library that we only need to add your blood to to complete the enchantment that will keep these out of the wrong hands."
Hermione and Rose followed Sirius to the library walking hand in hand while Remus and Minerva brought up the rear holding five grimoires each, as they entered the room Sirius swore under his breath, the rest of the group was gathered on the sofas around the coffee table they needed to move to access the reading room.
"Right guys we need the room." He stated calmly. "We have a family secret to hide, and not even Pansy gets to see this yet."
"That's fine." Alice smiled at them from her seat nearby before suggesting. "Why don't we all go and prepare for the gift giving on the patio off the swimming pool?"
There was a general consensus of agreement and the group slowly exited the room leaving Viv and Richard behind.
"So what's got you two down?" Viv asked looking at Hermione and Rose.
"Just a book that only we can read that had some important information that will help us fight Voldemort." Hermione sighed. "It's just taking time for Rose to processing it properly."
"Shall we do this?" Remus asked kneeling next to the coffee table.
"Of course uncle Mooney what do you need us to do?" Rose asked.
"Come over here both of you." He replied. "You see these runes indents?" They nodded as he pointed them out on the edge of the coffee table. "I've just opened them for your blood, you need only prick your thumb and run it along the entire sequence."
"Like the vault trunk?" Rose asked as Sirius handed her a pocket knife.
"Exactly Lily used a similar approach to locking that." Remus smiled.
As each of them ran their thumb and blood across the series of runes they each glowed a different colour and as soon as they were done Remus waved his wand over the runes and they became filled with Ebony a stark contrast to the mahogany table.
"Excellent." Sirius smiled. "Rose why don't you do the honours?"
She nodded and touched the runes again and the table lifted up into the air taking a section of the floor with it, revealing a set of stone steps that lead down into the ground. At the bottom of the steps they found a small square room containing two red leather armchairs and a small table, the rear wall had 11 indents each with a family crest carved into it.
"So what do you think?" Remus asked.
"That we're missing an important book." Hermione replied as she started to place the grimoires Minerva was holding into their correct homes.
"We know." Richard stated from behind them. "Your mother and I have agreed that you can go to Avalon directly after we return from France, but you're taking my camera as we can't join you and we desperately want to see it."
"Will that work?" Rose asked looking at Remus and Minerva.
"It might but I'll back to Hogwarts while you're on holiday and ask Merlin if he knows of a way to let them join us there." Minerva smiled.
"Awesome when are we leaving for France again?" Rose asked.
"In three days, for nine nights." Viv replied. "But you'll need to be Harry I'm afraid your passport and ticket are listed in your male name."
"Shouldn't be an issue." She replied smiling.
"I'll come back down here tomorrow and copy the potion down for Uncle Sev." Hermione stated. "Aunt Minnie could you broach the subject of him making it for us today please."
"Of course it shouldn't be an issue he likes a challenge, and has been itching to try another of your family recipes since he made the cure for Alice and Frank."
As they walked toward where their guests were waiting Rose began to fidget as she walked, but continued to persevere through the uncomfortable feeling of being in the wrong skin until Hermione snapped at her.
"ROSE LILY POTTER." She said stopping in her tracks. "If you are uncomfortable and need to shift again do so, I can't stand it when you fidget like that."
"Fine." She relented shifting back into Harry, he shook himself and turned his hair his mother's shade of red and kissed Hermione. "Poppy could you get me a set of male clothes to match these please."
There was a loud click and he found himself in an emerald green t-shirt and baggy dark blue jeans.
"I wonder why you needed to change again?" Hermione pondered.
"Probably because I'm nervous." He replied as the group started walking again. "The only other birthday gift I've ever received was Hedwig and I don't know what to expect from our friends."
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Their guests chorused at him as they stepped out onto the patio.
"It's good to see you again Harry." Alice smiled pulling him into a hug. "Now we've saved you two seats in the middle."
"Thanks Aunt Alice." He replied smiling.
"But first you have a surprise guest." She stated turning him to face the door into the swimming pool, where he saw the last person he was expecting to see.
"Aunt Petunia what are you doing here?"
"Well in all honesty I didn't have anywhere else to go." She said stepping towards him on the verge of tears. "Vernon and I are divorced now, he decided that you never coming back meant he needed a new outlet for his anger and he chose me."
"That's ok." Harry stated pulling her into a hug. "You are my family and are welcome to stay with us as long as you need to, so long as you don't resent my magic anymore."
"I never resented your magic, you were always the reminder that I'd never see my sister again, and that hurt the most."
"Then I forgive you." He smiled. "But mum is a whole other story, you need to apologise to her yourself."
"But how is that possible? She's been gone for so long."
"With magic we can place a echo of a person within a painting." Hermione stated. "There are several of Lily and James."
"I'd like to speak to them." Petunia smiled. "Thank you for explaining young lady."
"Aunt Petunia this is Hermione my soulmate, we will bond in exactly a year." Harry stated. "And don't worry about my hair I can change my appearance at will not 5 minutes ago I was Rose Potter."
"I know Harry, your friends were just informing me." She smiled down at him.
"Petunia why don't I take you to see Lily now?" Minerva suggested. "I can give Harry his present later."
"I'd like that." She replied.
"Aunt Minnie, you should find her a suite and get Poppy to go shopping for a new wardrobe for her as well." Harry stated.
"Of course Lord Potter."
"Before you go Aunt Petunia what happened to Dudley?"
"He was given the choice come with me or stay with his father he chose Vernon and I told him I would always be there if needed me." Petunia said starting to cry. "But I don't think I'll ever see him again."
"I'll have Amelia keep her eyes on him." Sirius stated. "She does owe the House of Potter a few favours."
"Thanks Sirius." Harry said as he and Hermione sat in the empty chair in the centre of their friends. "So who's first?"
"Why don't I get things started?" Alice suggested placing a large purple box in front of him. He ripped off the paper to reveal a muggle record player and a wide selection of vinyl records. "These were your mother's favourites while she was at Hogwarts with me and we found a way to make the record player run on magic rather than electricity."
"It's great." Harry said with a tear in his eye as he leafed through the albums.
"Why don't I set it up and put something on while you open the next one?" Remus suggested levitating it out of the way.
"Thanks Mooney." Hermione smiled hugging Harry tightly.
"I'll go next." Neville said placing a small box in front of him, it was less than 6 inches high and only 2 inches square, he carefully opened the box to reveal a blooming red and gold stargazer lily. "I cultivated this in Potter house colours, if you plant it in the right pot I can teach your elves to care for it and it should be hardy enough to survive even the harshest of winters here in Scotland."
"It's awesome brother thank you." Harry smiled as Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band started playing on the gramophone. "I think I need to line the front path with them, you'll have to show me how you made it."
"Not a problem but I have enough to do that at home already, I'm sure with the right care I can have them ready to help you plant them next summer."
"Sounds like a plan." Harry laughed. "Why don't you call Velma tell her what this one needs."
"Are you ok?" Hermione asked him quietly.
"Yeah I'm just worried about Aunt Petunia her whole life just got turned upside down."
"Don't worry you did the right thing she'll find her feet again."
"This one is from mum and I." Pansy smiled placing a small green present in front of Harry.
He unwrapped it to find a what to him could only be described as a glass spinning top, full of a dark cloud.
"It's a Sneakoscope." Pansy informed him. "It will light up and whistle when there is deception or someone is being untrustworthy nearby."
"I'll make sure he keeps it nearby at all times." Hermione chuckled. "You never know with Fred and George around."
"Hey we haven't pranked you two at all." One of the twins protested.
"Not for lack of trying mind you." The other laughed. "But you seem to have the most loyal elves in the history of the world, not even the ones at the castle were willing to let us get at you."
"And they are up for anything."
"Anyway this one is from Pavarti and I." Lavender said handing him a small parcel wrapped in brown paper.
"You really didn't have to go out of your way Lav." Harry said pulling off the paper. "I know you've been with your Gran all summer."
"It's ok she lives in Spain and they have some of the best shops." She replied.
"What in the name of Merlin is it?" He asked as he inspected the strange instrument in his hand.
"It's a type of harmonica, that's supposed to be pleasant for magical animals to hear." She stated.
"Well let's find out." He smiled and gave it a quick blow, And Frigga walked out of the forest towards them. "Well that works."
"That or she has impeccable timing." Hermione laughed as Viv passed her a present to give to Harry. "This ones from me."
"When did you even have time to get this? You haven't left the house since we got back."
"That's just my little secret." She giggled as he pulled off his wrapping.
"Is this one of Zeus' feathers as a quill?" He asked as he opened the box.
"Yes to match the one you got me for Christmas, it's even linked to its own ink bottle."
"Thanks Mi." He said kissing her. "I love you."
"Alright love birds that's enough." Seamus chuckled. "Dean and I got this for you."
"It's not much but we thought you might like it." Dean smiled.
Harry opened the box to find a pair of red dragon hide seekers gloves.
"These are great guys." He said trying them on. "But you really didn't have to spend this much, these are made with Chinese fireball hide."
"It was nothing mams a seamstress for the quidditch shop in The Glade, Ireland's Diagon Alley, and she made 'em for me when I said I needed to get you a gift." Seamus said.
"Now then there are only 4 left to give you." Sirius stated. "Mine, Remus', the Weasley's and the quidditch team which do you want first?"
"How about in that order." Harry replied.
"What about mum and dad?" Hermione asked.
"We upgraded the holiday." Viv stated. "You'll see next week."
"They're not going to tell us till we get there are they?" Harry asked.
"Definitely not." Hermione chuckled as Sirius placed a large box on the table.
"Are you trying to rot his teeth?" Viv asked as Harry opened the box to find it full of Honeyducks chocolate.
"Only a little." Sirius smiled. "Honestly I struggled like you did at Christmas."
"Right then." Remus said loudly placing a midsized box in front of Harry. "Mine will not make much sense to the rest of you."
Harry opened the box quickly and found an ornamental statue of a deer, a doe, a black dog, and a werewolf running through a copse of trees. Harry leapt out of his seat at Remus who had seen this reaction coming and braced himself as his honorary nephew hugged him tightly.
"House of Potter secret." Hermione said to the group. "Don't ask us we won't tell you."
"We weren't going to." Katie smiled at her. "It's enough to know it means something to Harry."
"That reminds me." Harry said sitting down again. "Where's Uncle Sev?"
"He needed to tend to an important potion this morning he'll be here after lunch." Sirius stated.
"This one is from all of us Weasleys except Fred and George." Ginny smiled putting a large box on the table.
"You guys really didn't have to you know." Harry stated opening his gift.
"Mum and dad insisted." Ron replied. "And honestly I'd never have been able to get you anything without their help."
Inside the box Harry found a clock, except it didn't look like any clock he'd seen before, there were nine hands and no numbers, instead there were written sections, Home, Work, School, Travelling, and Mortal Peril.
"Dad made you a family clock it will tell you where everyone is at all times." Charlie stated from where he was stroking Frigga, as Harry realised its hand had pictures of all of the residents of Potter Manor.
"Thank them for me please Ginny." Harry smiled at her. "I didn't know these existed but I know that it will give my family peace of mind to know that I'm safe."
"Now then you lot." Fred said looking at the soon to be second years who were crowded around the table.
"Make some room for the rest of us to see our seeker." George finished for his brother.
"We remembered that you told us that you couldn't find any quidditch gear out by your pitch." Angelina said as she and wood lifter a trunk onto the table. "So we pooled our money."
"And got you a professional set." Alicia said opening the trunk. "We just need to configure it to your pitch with the instructions and we'll be able to have a proper training match.
"I'll sort it for you." Remus smiled as Harry marvelled at the set in front of him. "It's not the first I've had to sort out."
After a quick lunch they all trekked out to the quidditch pitch on the south lawn, Harry was astounded to see that Petunia had joined them.
"So how long will this take Uncle Mooney?" He asked as Remus and Sirius set the trunk down at the edge of the field.
"Just give us a few minutes." Sirius smiled.
"More like 10 or 20 just to make sure it's all working correctly." Remus said shaking his head at Sirius.
"So Hermione." Petunia said as Harry approached the two of them. "Lily says your engaged to Harry."
"Yes it sort of makes sense, we are soulmates not that the bond has formed properly yet."
"And your parents are ok with the two of you being alone together at your age?"
"We trust our daughter." Viv said from nearby. "And having gotten to know Harry, we aren't worried, this time next year might be a different story, but that's bonding day and who knows what will happen to the two of them after that."
The next 20 minutes passed quickly as Petunia got to know Harry's new family, and just as Remus informed them that everything was set up as need Charlie arrived with Frigga.
"Aunt Petunia this is Frigga my griffin familiar." Harry said as Petunia looked at the scarlet feathered creature with fear in here eyes. "You have nothing to be scared of she will not hurt you unless you hurt me, and given that you've never actually done that you'll be just fine."
"So she's not dangerous?" Petunia asked with a slight quiver in her voice.
"Not in the slightest." Hermione replied stroking Frigga's beak.
"Charlie you want to join our game we need a second seeker?" Oliver asked.
"And fly against Harry? Sure." Charlie smiled. "But what am I flying? I haven't owned a broom since I left school."
"And that is the second part of my gift." Sirius smiled as 14 Nimbus brooms appeared beside him. "Enough for two full teams, they aren't as fast as Harry's 2000 but they'll be good enough for a pick up game."
"I knew you'd pull something like this." Harry said smiling and shaking his head. "You just had to spend more than everyone else didn't you?"
"Well I do have 11 birthdays to make up for don't I?"
"No you sent me 10 million Galleons to make up for not being here and that includes my birthdays."
"But as I didn't explicitly say that in my letter I can decide if I need to make up for them."
"Give up Harry, he's a big child at heart you'll never get him to agree." Remus smiled. "Plus if you like you can call it an investment for the manor rather than a birthday present."
"I guess I can live with that." Harry chuckled. "Now we need to split up the Gryffindor team otherwise it's not a fair match."
"You can count me out." Seamus stated. "I hate flying."
"If I join in we're only missing a couple of players." Dean stated. "That is if the girls don't want to join in."
"I will." Hermione smiled much to Harry's surprise.
"We won't be." Pansy said motioning towards herself, Lavender, and Parvati.
"What about Bill?" Fred suggested.
"He was Oliver's predecessor as keeper." George added.
"He's talking to James about some ideas he had for his next lesson with Harry and Hermione." Remus stated. "Velma can you have Bill join us please."
When Bill arrived 5 minutes later the teams had already been decided, Harry, Hermione, Angelina, Katie, Fred, Ron, and Bill on one team and Charlie, Dean, Alicia, Ginny, George, Neville, and Oliver on the other. The game was closer then anyone could have predicted, Hermione worked well with the two Gryffindor chasers and had even managed to score against Oliver on several occasions, Charlie was the toughest opponent that Harry had ever faced but he managed to prevail with a keen use of his metamorphmagi ability much as he had in his first ever match, but in the end the score was 310 to 160, and if Harry hadn't caught the snitch the game could have gone either way.
"When did you have time to practice?" Harry asked Hermione once they were all on the ground again.
"I didn't but I knew with a better broom I'd be able to fly just fine, you of all people know how bad the school brooms are."
"Well you did well anyway, most chasers struggle to get past Oliver."
"Agreed." Oliver said having overheard the conversation. "I'm making you a reserve for next year, and given how well you performed with Angelina and Katie I'm not taking no for an answer."
"Now you've gone and done it." Hermione said looking at Harry sternly, before she started laughing. "I knew that was going to happen the moment I scored."
"You'll be fine." Alicia said joining them. "The three of us rarely miss a match, but it will help us in training if you can join us."
"Anyway you lot have been at it for hours." Remus said. "All the others are waiting in the dining room, and Harry still has presents to open from Minerva and Severus."
"Did your really invite Snape to your birthday?" Ron asked, earning him glares from the rest of Harry's guests.
"Yeah he's a friend of mums and honestly he's been great to me and pretty much everyone else since Halloween." Harry replied. "And it's not like he's been here all day, he's turned up for dinner, just sit as far from him as you can and it's no different from being in the great hall."
Once they were inside Harry was met by Aunt Petunia who pulled him into an unexpected hug.
"Your friend Amelia just picked up Dudley, apparently Vernon left him alone in London today and he walked into the Leaky Cauldron thinking it was just a shady pub." She said.
"So he has magic?" Hermione asked.
"Only a little, just like me." Petunia replied. "She's bringing him here, if that's ok?"
"Yeah it's fine." Harry agreed. "But only if he can put the past behind him."
"I'll sit him down and make him see that it's for the best."
"And I'll help you." Remus said from behind Harry.
"I'll speak to him after dinner if he's calm." Harry stated. "Take all the time you need I can always talk to him tomorrow."
As soon as Harry was in the dining room his mood lifted, he put his cousin from his mind and focused on his guests. Severus didn't make an appearance until dessert was being served but for a few of the guests this wasn't a bad thing.
"I'm sorry I didn't spend much time here today Harry." He said as he sat opposite him. "I've been working on a change to the potion you get for Mooney every now and then."
"Sounds promising you'll have to tell us about it if it works." Hermione smiled.
"You'll be the first I promise, it came from Lily's notebook." Sev smiled placing a long thin present wrapped in green paper. "Now I know this probably won't be the most exciting or memorable present but here it is."
"It's enough for you to have gotten me something, if mum hadn't had a portrait I imagine our relationship might be very different." Harry smiled pulling off the paper and opening the box, inside he found crystal potion stirring rod.
"It's solid quartz." Sev explained. "And shows the amount of stirs you've completed in which direction in its pommel."
"It's great." Harry beamed. "Perfect for some of the more complicated potions I've been reading about in mums notes, doesn't the Draught of Living Death need 100 clockwise followed by 50 counterclockwise."
"Indeed, you should both get a lot of use out of it in the coming years." Sev smiled.
"While we're doing presents again." Aunt Minnie said entering the room with a present wrapped in the same tartan paper she had used at Christmas. "Here's mine Harry."
Harry carefully removed the paper and set it aside in a single piece before he opened the box to reveal a moving black and white photograph of Aunt Minnie, Charlus, Dorea, Fleamont, and Eurphmia stood inside the entrance hall of Potter Manor in an ornate golden frame.
"I don't know what to say." Harry said with a tear in his eye. "It's nice to see you all laughing together."
"Well when I found it my only thought was that you would like to see and and honestly I had no idea what else to get you." Aunt Minnie stated giving him a hug.