| SERENITY |

1 [Birthday Surprise]

A 14k monster chapter that has been in progress for quite a few months- that I've only just gotten around to editing, specially for my birthday. I managed to write the second chapter, at 8k+ in five days, and the 3rd chapter is underway currently :) This is purely self-indulgent, honestly, and only posted because its too much work for it to not be shared ^-^

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31st July 1997- Harry's Birthday

Harry grunted tiredly in annoyance as sunlight crept through his curtains to shine on his face, waking him up mercilessly from his comfortable slumber. He cracked open his eyes reluctantly, only to squint at the sudden burst of bright colour that greeted him. God, he hated mornings.

With a huff, which drew his attention to the odd smell in the air- was that dirt?- Harry rolled himself out of bed to crouch on the ground for a few seconds. Attempting to rid himself of grogginess, he shook his head vigorously, only succeeding in dizzying himself with the harsh movement, which made him blink languidly at the floor. Said floor was, unexpectedly, covered with a bright green moss and the odd sprouting flower, almost looking like an unnaturally coloured and textured carpet. The sight was enough for the haze of sleep to dissipate as Harry stared down at it in what was mainly horror- although he could also sense the feeling of hilarity at the situation bubble up inside of him.

Harry snorted, and blinked a few times, before standing up with a groan, stretching out his cramped muscles, yawning. "Mum! Peony's turned my room into a moss bed again!" He called out, brushing a sprouting buttercup with his foot.

From downstairs, Harry could hear her surprised and exasperated exclamation. "Again?! Oh, for Merlin's- Dylan, please put that down! Peony, darling-"

"I didn't do it! Harry's lying~!" His youngest sister instantly rebutted with a long, loud, drawn-out whinge that made his brain itch.

"Sweetie, it's accidental magic. I know it wasn't intentional, I just want to know what made you so upset-"

"I didn't do it!"

The quiet of the morning, at least from his perspective, was shattered instantly by his sister's unrepentant screech that caused him to wince in sympathy for those nearer to her. Harry could barely hear his mother's attempt to pacify Peony, but after a little while, she quietened down. He listened as his mum clambered up the stairs a few seconds later, probably to come and help him vanish the stuff.

"I'm so sorry, Harry, I know it's your birthday but you know she can't control it-" His mum stopped dead in the doorway, staring at him with a slack jaw and wide eyes. He raised an eyebrow at her, questioning. "James! James, come here! Quickly!" She stumbled closer, arms raising but hesitating before she could touch him. There was a thud from downstairs, followed by giggles from his siblings at what was probably his father falling face-first up the stairs in his rush to climb them.

"Yes, my darling Lily flower? Sweet, beautiful, love of my life. What can this handsome husband do for you-" His father cut off as he walked through the door, laying his eyes on his son. "Holy fuck."

Lily was quick to admonish him, despite her eyes never leaving the changed form of her son. "James, language!"

"Lily, my love, our son has wings! I think the situation calls for a bit of leniency for my use of language."

"Excuse me, I have what?" Harry looked at his father with a disbelieving expression, desperately wishing what he'd just heard not to be true.

"A pretty pair of wings, most exquisite, truly, I implore your fabulous taste, and my genes, of course-"