priori incantatem~ a harry potter fanfic.

ten. harry's birthday

"Now that we're back home, it's time to study!" said Lily, the day after they reached back in London. The children groaned at the breakfast table and Harry repeatedly banged his head on Draco's shoulder, while Hermione was excited. Sirius threw a pea at Lily and Lily said "you don't have to study, I don't see why you're cribbing," Sirius did a hairflip and said "because, you're gonna make us teach them!" James and Remus agreed and said "he's not wrong," she let out an exasperated sigh and sat back down. She held her breath for a second and then said "you start learning tomorrow," Harry's birthday was day-after. shit.

There was going to be a big ball for him. He didn't like the idea, but age old traditions had to be followed when they have a party, ergo he didn't mind it. The party would be simple, his dorm mates, Blaise, Pansy and some nice families of the Sacred Twenty-Eight. After this would be Sirius', then James and then Ivy. Lily was married to James, so she couldn't have a ball, even though the idea appalled her, Remus was the same. Sirius was adopted, legally by the Potters, ergo, he got a birthday ball, where after a year, he always had his first dance with Remus.

They started learning and asked their house elves to bring in the rest of their books for the year. The books came and in an hour, Lily had formulated a tight-knit schedule for the kids, which included fun time. They had scheduled time for fun. Jesus. Around lunchtime, an owl came in which Harry recognised as Neville's grandma's after seeing it so often. He gave the owl some treats that he summoned and said "good boy, Paulie," just like how Neville did everytime the owl arrived.

It hooted happily and left, leaving the letter in Lily's hand. She read it and said "Augusta wants us to come for Neville's birthday, said he didn't want to do anything, until she and Flo convinced him," they nodded and Draco said "won't it be awkward if I come, I mean Neville and I haven't really been friends," Harry thought for a second and said "I'll write to Neville," he picked up some parchment and called Hedwig and wrote to Neville asking him if it was okay that Draco could come and that it was totally okay to say no given their history.

An owl came back three hours later saying that it was okay if he came because Neville wouldn't mind putting their past behind him. Harry told Draco and then began furiously discussing gift ideas with Ron, their lead being a hat for Trevor. They mutually agreed on it and placed an order at Madam Malkin's and asked her to make it as fast as possible. Draco bought him a new Remembrall as an apology considering it was never replaced when Draco physically broke it the next day.

Harry and Ron found Potions to be much easier when Lily taught them, practically and theoretically. James was very good at Transfiguration and Charms, Sirius taking Astronomy in theory while Remus took DADA. Just for knowledge, they had to take the previous three years for Ivy, so with her they tutored Ginny, Fred and George as well. Ginny's schedule matched with Ivy's and the two got on beautifully. Fred and George had a completely different schedule and to say James loved them was an understatement. He helped them with some pranks they intended to play in general. Lily also offered to tutor Blaise and Pansy, who agreed just to see Ron and Hermione.

They studied for the day and then in the evening, it was time to go for Neville's birthday. They packed their gifts and got into the Floo. "Longbottom Villa!" each of them bellowed, Draco still didn't trust Harry with the Floo alone. They Flooed into Neville's living room, where he was waiting for them. Harry smiled, but then leaned over as though wanting to puke, something that had never happened to him. Draco rubbed his back and said "you okay, love?" he felt better and moved for the others to come. He gave his present to Neville and said "for you and Trevor," Neville looked at him weirdly and said "okay," and Draco said "I'd like to apologise for how I've treated you over the years," Neville smiled and extended his hand and Draco shook it.