Harry' sixteenth birthday. It had finally arrived. He woke up, not expecting any presents from the Dursley's, and went about his day like normal. The Dursley's didn't even acknowledge it was a special day, and they surely didn't say anything to him. They never did, and Harry liked it that way. 

"Happy birthday to me." Harry mumbled to himself, after going out for a walk. He passed his aunt and uncle in the living room, where they were watching tv, and then walked up the stairs into his bedroom. He opened the door, only to find an owl perched upon his open window. There was a letter tied to its foot. Harry eagerly ran to it, then untied the letter and the owl hooted. 

"Thanks," he said to the owl, as the owl flew over to where Harry's owl, Hedwig had her cage. The owl sipped some water then flew back out of the window.

Harry wasted no time in ripping open the envelope, and unfolded the letter. It was from Remus Lupin. 

Happy sixteenth birthday, Harry! 

I hope you had a good birthday, though knowing your aunt and uncle, they probably didn't acknowledge it at all. Attached is a special present from the marauders. Except Peter, of course. Right after you were born, James said to give this to you when you turned sixteen, if he was unable to do so. It is something we invented in our sixth year at Hogwarts. Hopefully it's useful. Seeing as the next person to hand it down can't, I have been tasked with the responsibility. Please use it wisely, Harry. For more instructions, ask Mrs. Weasley after Dumbledore picks you up. I am there now, but can't write anymore because of a mi- something. 

Take care, Harry, and have a good rest of the summer! 

-Remus Lupin 

Harry smiled at the letter, knowing whatever came out would be something from his dad. He quickly unraveled the package, which Lupin had wrapped in old Daily Prophets, and took a tiny box out. 

He took the lid off the box, and peeked inside. It was a shimmering gold watch, with different numerals than a regular watch. 

Instead of the numbers 1-12, it had the past twelve centuries . And the notches between them were the decades. There was a turner on the side of the watch, which when Harry turned it, made the watch hands move. 

Harry was confused; why had Lupin given him a watch? And the Marauders had spent their sixth year developing a watch? He would have to ask Mrs. Weasley. Dumbledore had sent a note the day before, saying he would pick him up the next Sunday to take him to the burrow. Harry still hadn't told the Dursley's; he planned to tell them closer. 

He clasped the watch around his wrist, still wondering about the confusing numbers, and walked down into the kitchen as Aunt Petunia called him for dinner. He slipped down the stairs and sat in his usual chair. 

Dudley spotted the watch. "Where'd you get that from?" He demanded, shoving spaghetti bolognese into his mouth. 

"A gift." Harry muttered, eating his spaghetti the normal way, not wiping it all over his mouth like Dudley. 

"What? You're getting gifts?" Dudley said crossly. "Dad, he's getting gifts! I want a gift!" 

Uncle Vernon looked at Harry. "I guess you're still in contact with those maniacs?" He sneered gruffly. 

"Mhm." Was all Harry said. That was the most the Dursley's had said to him in the past week. Harry couldn't wait until it was Sunday, and he could leave Privet drive. 

Once Harry got back upstairs, he saw two more owls. One was from Ron and Hermione, Harry could tell by the owl. It was Errol. The next owl was from Hayley Collins, Harry, Ron and Hermione's other best friend. 

In their letters, Ron and Hermione explained they were together at the burrow and Hayley was arriving the next day. For gifts, they got him a new sneakoscope and a box of Honeydukes chocolates. 

Harry opened the package from Hayley. It was a book called, "Why The Daily Prophet Stinks." Harry laughed at the title, and laughed even harder when he read the note. 

Had to get it before the new minister banned it. Was it Rufus Scrimgeour? His name reminds me of a lion. Anyways, this book has their facts correct 100%. Definitely read. Love, Hayley

He placed his birthday gifts in a pile, and waited for the day to come when Dumbledore would pick him up, which was now only a few days away.