Hogwarts: I Am an Exemplary Wizard

Chapter 811: Chapter 706: Birthday Presents

As the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, No. 12 Grimmauld Place had rarely ever been this lively.

Every corner had been cleaned thoroughly—even the picture frames had been wiped, and draped with brightly colored decorations.

Although Mrs. Black’s shrill curses were jarring, that didn’t stop Fred from sticking a red pointed hat onto her frame. Even Kreacher pretended not to see a thing, whacking his head with his broom as he closed his eyes and shuffled upstairs.

All around the house, pointed hats in every color could be seen. The walls and windows were festooned with ribbons and streamers, and on the ceiling, balloons shaped like unicorns and phoenixes fluttered about, making the place incredibly festive.

When Kael pushed open the door, he saw Fred and George laughing uproariously as they let off a few fireworks.

The fireworks exploded on the ceiling, and seventeen golden, winged sprites joyfully circled around him.

”Don’t set off fireworks indoors...” Mrs. Weasley approached and said to the twins in a tone that was stern but not really angry.

Then she stepped forward and gave Kael a big hug. ”Thank goodness you’re back—today is a special day... Happy birthday, dear.”

”Yeah, a really important one,” Fred chimed in cheerfully.

”After today, you’ll officially be an adult wizard,” said George.

Wizards come of age at seventeen, and today happened to be Kael’s seventeenth birthday.

Starting tomorrow, all the restrictions for young wizards—especially the rule prohibiting underage wizards from using magic outside school—would be gone for good.

That also meant he could use magic freely now, without any limitations... Though, to be honest, he’d been doing that anyway, like during this morning’s Death Eater attack, and before, with the Dementors—no one had even mentioned his using magic outside school, including Head of the Auror Office Scrimgeour.

But that was only because everyone knew he was about to turn seventeen, so they just looked the other way.

If it were last year, Fudge would never have allowed him to deal with the Dementors.

But as of tomorrow, that issue would be solved once and for all.

”Don’t just stand in the doorway—get in here!” Fred and George dragged him off to the dining room.

Dinner was almost ready. Mrs. Weasley was still hanging two bright red banners over the already lavish table, with words written across them.

[Happy Birthday Kael and Harry]

[Congratulations on Kael Coming of Age]

That’s right, today wasn’t only Kael’s birthday—it was also Harry’s, though he was turning sixteen.

Two people sharing a birthday—that was certainly a big deal. Pretty much everyone in the Order of the Phoenix who could make it was here.

The first to return were Lupin, Mr. Weasley, Tonks, and Kingsley. It looked like they’d arranged to come together after finishing work at the Ministry of Magic.

Moody and Mundungus also showed up, and even though Mrs. Weasley wasn’t too fond of that thief, she didn’t say anything, seeing as it was a special occasion.

With so many people gathered together, the whole place was buzzing. For once, no one was discussing Voldemort or the Death Eaters—everyone was simply laughing and chatting.

Near eight o’clock, the door opened again, and Diana and Chris came in from outside.

”Oh, Diana, I’m so glad to see you! I thought you’d be stuck at the Ministry of Magic again,” Mrs. Weasley hurried over. ”Today is Kael’s coming of age—you’d hate to miss it!”

”You’re right, Molly, absolutely,” Diana replied with a smile. ”So no matter what, I had to come back.”

”But—you’re sure there won’t be any problems over there?” Mrs. Weasley asked anxiously.

Diana knew right away she meant the Department of Mysteries.

”Don’t worry, my colleagues are easy enough to get along with.”

...

By eight o’clock, everyone was seated at the table. Mrs. Weasley’s spirits were high—she hadn’t been this happy all holiday.

”Before we eat, I think there’s something more important we need to do.” She brought out two beautifully wrapped boxes and handed them to Kael and Harry.

”These are for you. Happy birthday.”

”Thanks.” Kael took the box with a grin. Inside was a watch with a golden planetary design on the face. Once he put it on, the strap fit his wrist perfectly.

Harry’s present was a watch too, but a different style—the face looked just like a Golden Snitch. It was clear Mrs. Weasley had picked them out with care.

Afterward, everyone else began to give their gifts as well.

Fred and George’s present was a big bag packed with the most popular products from their joke shop.

Moody’s gift was a Peeping Mirror—he said it was important for both boys to stay vigilant and watch out for any hidden Dark Wizards or Death Eaters nearby.

Lupin gave them ties—the very latest from Madam Malkin’s—and in order to buy them, he’d had to dip into next month’s salary in advance.

Then there was Mundungus; Kael didn’t know him well, only having met a few times before—his gift was two pieces of silver jewelry, though it was hard to say whether or not they were stolen.

Still, Kael thanked him all the same.

Tonks’s gift was a hair dye spray—after using it, your hair could change color at will depending on your mood... a sort of budget version of a Metamorphmagus.

Harry tried it right away, turning his hair bright red and excitedly asking Ron if it looked good.