Thank you to LaurenTuckley for the presents suggestions.

Chapter Nineteen, Izzy's Birthday

The Weasleys had decided to go all out for Izzy's birthday, intending to make it very special for the young girl as this would be her first time actually celebrating her birthday since her First Birthday. Early that morning Molly was flitting around the kitchen making sure everything was prepared and ready for their day on the beach. They would have breakfast at home where Izzy would open her presents; then they'd all head to the beach, where they'd meet Luna, Xeno, Neville, Augusta and Hermione.
"Molly, stop worrying. Everything is perfect." Arthur assured, clasping his wife's hands so she can't quadruple check the basket.

"You're right. Sorry Arthur dear, I just want Izzy to be happy she's had enough grief." Molly sighed.
"As do I, dear." Arthur said, pecking his wife's cheek. At the moment an owl flew through the window with a letter in its beak addressed to Molly and Arthur but an obviously shrunken parcel was attached to its leg and addressed to Izzy. Feeling confused Arthur waved his wand and scanned both items and when they came back clear he relieved the owl of its burden and gave it some food and water.
"What does the letter say, Molly?" Arthur asked curiously, sitting beside her at the kitchen table. Clearing her throat Molly read the letter aloud after making sure none of her children were coming downstairs.

"'Dear Molly and Arthur,

I'm sorry if this letter takes you by surprise but I wanted to send my Pup a present for her birthday and ask how she is? I also wanted to thank you for yours and Izzy's help in getting me free. The reason for my no correspondence until now is that I needed to get myself well again, physically, mentally and magically, before I'm around Izzy again. But that doesn't mean I'm not thinking of her, I always am as she is my light and is what kept me going in that horrid place. The Healers say I'm doing better than they expected (my main thought in mind is getting better for Izzy so they think this is why) and expect to release me before September 1st.

I want to thank you for taking her in and all you are doing for her and I'm truly sorry for my part in her being sent to the Dursleys. I truly regret going after Pettigrew that night. I can't change that; no matter how much I wish, with every fibre of my being that I could. But what I can change is being there for Izzy now. I don't want to take her from you, but is there some way she could also stay with me, possibly in Potter Manor, once I'm discharged from the Healers and have everything set up? Even for just the weekend to start off with? I miss my precious Goddaughter and want to make up for lost time if I can. She's all I love in this world.

The present is a large art set from myself and Remus Lupin (mine and James's friend, he was made to stay away by Dumbledore due to being a werewolf since he was bitten at four years old. He's safe I promise), to Izzy. Professor McGonagall told my cousin Andy, Remus and I, how good she is at art, like James and even Lily when they visited me. Andy and Remus are the new professors this year. McGonagall is hoping if I'm cleared from the Healers that is, that I'll substitute for Remus on the Full Moon. Taking the correct qualifications once I'm healed. If you'll feel better about it I'm willing to speak to you both before I even meet Izzy.

Sincerely

Sirius Black'"

"I think we should give him a chance, Molly. He's bettering himself for Izzy and she does know about him, it wouldn't be right or fair to keep the family she has left from her. We can sort out the custody at a later point when Izzy is used to him." Arthur explained gently.
"You're right Arthur." Molly sighed, looking up at the click that said 7 0'clock in the morning. They weren't meant to be due at the beach until noon and no one got up before nine. If they hurried they could go and speak to Sirius in person and be back in time for breakfast and Izzy's presents. Explaining her plan to Arthur, who agreed with her, they quickly penned a note for Bill and Charlie before taking the Floo to St Mungo's.

***

Arriving on the correct ward, led there by Sirius's Healer, Arthur asked the question he and Molly had burning in their minds.
"Is he able to come out for the day and return this evening?" Arthur asked. "It's Izzy's birthday you see, and Sirius and us are the only family she has left now."
"Lord Black has been making dramatic improvements in both his mental and physical health, and his magic is recovering faster than we hoped. It's quite astonishing really, but given that Isadora Potter is his driving factor it explains a lot. Every day he asks if he can see her and I think this will be beneficial for them both. I also think you should bring Isadora in for an examination. I know my colleague Madam Pomfrey has expressed some concerns due to the abuse she suffered, what happened at the end of the year, the trials and now the removal of a Horcrux from her scar. It's a lot for anyone never mind a twelve year old girl." said Head Healer Valerie Smith.

"We'll talk to her in a few days. Let her have at least her birthday full of happiness." Molly promised.
"Of course." Head Healer Valerie Smith agreed, waving her wand over both Arthur and Molly before tapping the doors twice with her wand, keying the Weasley Matriarch and Patriarch into the Wards around the private room. "I'll perform the daily scan and if the results are good he can come with you for today." She promised, as she pushed open the doors and led Arthur and Molly inside. "Sirius, you have some visitors." She announced, as she entered the room, not seeing her patient anywhere but knew he was in the bathroom. A second later Sirius exits the bathroom dressed in blue jeans, an AC/DC shirt and white trainers. His curly black hair was shining around his shoulders, his grey/silver eyes shining and his skin having a healthy colour to it.

"Are those Muggle clothes? They're quite fascinating?" Arthur asked intrigued, making Sirius laugh as his trepidation at seeing them so soon after he'd sent the letter washed away a little.
"Oh, Arthur." Molly sighed, shaking her head.
"Sorry dear." Arthur apologised sheepishly.
"To answer your question, these are Muggle clothes. I always used to wear them growing up to annoy my mother, now it's just second nature to wear them." Sirius said, shrugging his shoulders.
"Now, Sirius, I'm going to perform your daily scan and if all is well you will be joining the Weasleys for Isadora's birthday today. Only for today, mind, as I think it will be good for the both of you. Which is why Mr and Mrs Weasley are here." Healer Smith explained, her wand at the ready.

At Sirius's excited nod she cast the Diagnostic charms and when she was finished she gave a confirming nod.
"Thank you. Thank you." Sirius said gratefully to Molly and Arthur.
"You're welcome. Izzy has become a daughter to us so it's only fair all her family are with her. We want today to be special as the last time she had a birthday she was one year old, although Hagrid did try his best last year." Arthur mused.
"You have to let Izzy come to you though, Sirius. She's very shy and cautious around people due to her.... relatives." Molly spat the word as if it was something foul in her mouth.
"Of course." Sirius agreed, but hurt was shining in his eyes as he thought about his poor pup. When he'd read in the Prophet that she'd been abused he'd screamed bloody murder.

"Good luck and have fun Sirius. If you need to come back early, come back and don't force yourself. Otherwise, be back here at 7pm." Healer Smith instructed firmly.
"I will thank you." Sirius thanked again, sort of feeling like this was all a dream.
"Let's go. I want to be back before the children wake up for breakfast." Molly said, looking at her watch that said 8:20am. "Fred and George are pranksters on their own but with Charlie home for Izzy and Ginny's birthday." She shook her head as they walked towards the Floo Network.
"They won't do anything on Izzy's birthday, Molly. Fred is already besotted with her." Arthur assured his wife.
"So Fred is her other half." Sirius realised.

"Lily, James, Remus and I always wondered who it would be. Not even James had a mark. Lily and Remus would try to guess who it was while James and I would sit there grumbling about Izzy never having a boyfriend." Sirius laughed rather sombrely.
"Don't worry we made it clear to Fred he is not to do anything with Izzy. Not that he would but we had to warn him, anyway, you'll see for yourself. I suggest you tell Izzy those stories her Aunt never told her anything Hagrid had to tell her the truth." Arthur said, as they reached the Floo Network. Molly went through first, then Sirius and followed by Arthur. While Sirius silently swore he'd tell her every story he had about both Lily and James.

***

Bill and Charlie were cooking breakfast when they heard the Floo fire up thrice before their mother, father and someone else entered the kitchen.
"Oh, boys, you didn't have to do that. Thank you." Molly said, bustling over to her two eldest sons who had cooked up a multitude of pancakes, a large bowl of chopped fruit sat in the middle of the table, as well as other things the others may like on their pancakes including honey, maple syrup and Honeydukes Chocolate Frogs chocolate spread.
"We wanted to Mum." Bill said, waving his wand as everything flew to the new and extended kitchen. They'd had The Burrow extended a little to fit all of them comfortably, especially in the kitchen and living room.
"Plus, you know if we didn't Izzy would." Charlie added. "She should be down in a minute. We heard her in the shower a few minutes ago."

Molly sighed as that was very true. She cursed the Dursley's in her mind for what they've done to the poor sweet girl.
"Boys this is Sirius Black, Izzy's Godfather. He'll be joining us for today as the Healers said he's making good progress." Arthur introduced them. "Sirius, these are our eldest son's Bill and Charlie."
"It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for turning in that rat." Sirius said, shaking their hands. Just as they opened their mouths a soft voice came from the entrance to the kitchen.
"P-Padfoot?" Izzy whispered, staring at the man she vaguely recognised. She'd heard enough on the stairs to help her piece it together. Everyone whirled around to face the birthday girl who wore a black flowered, short playsuit, black sandals and her hair in two French braids with some strands framing her face.

"Y-you remember me?" Sirius asked, his voice cracking from guilt and hope. Izzy nodded her head cautiously.
"A-a little. I remember that night too." Izzy said softly, looking down at the floor. Sirius came and knelt in front of her slowly so as not to startle her.
"I'm so sorry Pup. You needed me and I wasn't there, but I'm here now. I'm getting better, so much better the hospital allowed me to come spend your birthday with you, and soon I'll be around so often you'll be sick of the sight of me." Sirius declared, getting a little giggle from Izzy. But everyone was sad to see she had forgotten it was her own birthday. "Plus, I want to thank you; as I hear you were the first one to believe in me, my little light, and get me free. Happy birthday pup." Sirius finished his impassioned speech.

Izzy smiled shyly at Sirius muttering a small 'thank you', as she wasn't sure what to do.
"Happy Birthday sweetheart." Molly said, hugging Izzy who slowly returned the hug, her hair turning pink. "Come and have some breakfast before the others come down." She said, guiding Izzy towards the table making everyone laugh as they knew what they were all like, even Percy.
"Her potions, Molly." Arthur said, pulling a black case from the cupboard and handing it to his wife before she could dish Izzy up some breakfast.
"Happy birthday Izzy." Arthur, Bill and Charlie said happily, the latter two cooking up some more pancakes and bacon while Arthur kissed her forehead like he does the others.
"Oh, yes, thank you Arthur." Molly said, looking like she wanted to slap herself as she pulled out the correct potions and placed them in front of Izzy.

"Sit down and eat Sirius. You need to eat more also. You and Izzy are much too thin." Molly ordered, placing the potion case back in the cupboard as the remaining Weasleys entered the kitchen.
"Happy birthday Izzy." Ron and Ginny said, pulling her into a hug.
"Happy -" Fred started.
"Birthday -" George continued.
"My dear Izzy." Fred finished, bowing dramatically and kissing the back of her hand making her blush and giggle, her hair now the colour of neon pink and her cheeks scarlet.

"Happy birthday Izzy." Percy said, rolling his eyes at the twins but he had a smile on his face as he hugged Izzy.
"Thank you." Izzy said gratefully, and a little embarrassed to her friends and Fred.
"All right, settle down and eat so Izzy can open her presents and we can get to the surprise." Molly ordered her children who all complied.

***

Once everyone had eaten their fill and the kitchen had been tidied up, they all moved into the living room where Izzy could open her presents. She was shocked at the amount of presents she had and sat there for a second stunned as she was surrounded by a large pile on the floor.
"It's okay Izzy." Ron assured, hugging his best friend and sister while Fred hugged her from her other side.
"Just take your time. It's why Neville, his Gran, Luna and her Dad and Hermione sent them here so they didn't overwhelm you later." Fred said soothingly, just as Hedwig flew through the window and landed next to Izzy with a parcel strapped to her leg.
"Hi Hedwig." Izzy cooed, snuggling with her owl. "It's from Hagrid." Izzy said beaming, recognising the writing.

"Hedwig is Izzy's Familiar." Charlie explained to Sirius, noticing his confused face as Hedwig was trying to groom Izzy.
"Ahh. Thank you." Sirius said gratefully, understanding now. He watched as Izzy released her beautiful owl from the parcel and just cuddled with her for a bit before she let her go get some food and water. As Hagrid's present was on her lap, Izzy decided to open it first. Only to find a handmade card and two beautiful wood carvings; one of Fang and the other of Fluffy.
"Look Ron, it's Fang and Fluffy." Izzy said happily, showing them to her best friend.

"Of course you'd be happy to see a carving of Fluffy." Ron teased.
"He was cute when he was asleep." Izzy argued, while Fred just chuckled and hugged her shaking his head along with Ron and George.
"Whose Fluffy?" Sirius asked, dreading the answer.
"Hagrid's Cerberus." Izzy replied, as she picked up Augusta and Neville's presents and missed the palling looks from the others.
"When were you near a Cerberus?" Sirius asked, his voice almost shrill with alarm.
"Dumbledore's fault. He set tests to draw You-Know-Who in, tests four First Years could get through. I was knocked unconscious and Izzy had to face him alone and almost died.

McGonagall was so angry. She even told You-Know-Who to get out of her school!" Ron explained grimly, wincing at the part where Izzy had to face him alone and almost died. Sirius just sat there stunned at what he'd learned, until he felt anger course through him but he schooled his face so he didn't scare Izzy. He'd be telling Remus this when he next saw him and make sure he had no love for Dumbledore left within him. Shaking himself out of his thoughts he caught the eye of Molly and Arthur; he wanted to know what exactly happened, and they nodded, so he turned back to his Goddaughter who sat there nervously and coaxed back to her presents with a smile.

Half an hour later Izzy was feeling a little overwhelmed as she had well and truly been spoiled. From Augusta, she got a makeup box filled with all sorts of makeup; from Neville, she got fairy lights that had clips attached so she could put up her photos. From Ginny, she got a three way heart necklace with hers, Ginny's and Luna's name written on the hearts along with their birthstones. Which she immediately put on and handed Ginny hers, she would give Luna her necklace later. From Bill she got a jewellery box that was like her trunk and only she was allowed to open it after Bill had keyed her in. From Luna and Xeno, she got a moon light that changed colours and would help calm her down if she needed to, as well as a gemstone necklace that was supposed to bring good luck.

From Sirius and Remus (Sirius explained who he was and that tonight was a Full Moon), she got a large and extensive art set which she was stunned and thankful for; from Charlie, he got her a book on all the dragons they had in Romania and a large Owl Care box; from Ron he got her a large box of her favourite sweets. Percy had gotten her a Jane Eyre book box set; Hermione a Hobbit and Lord of the Rings book box set. Molly and Arthur had gotten her a necklace that said daughter on it and had a touching note which brought tears cascading down her face as she hugged the two. From George he got her a pranking journal and finally Fred got Izzy a very touching gift. He got her a handcrafted charm bead of Hedwig and of their Soulmate mark.
"Fred, they're beautiful. Thank you." Izzy whispered, running her fingers over them gently. "Can you put them on please?" She asked, holding out her bracelet clad hand.

"Of course." Fred agreed, as he kneeled down beside her and attached them to the bracelet. "There we go." He smiled as she hugged him tightly, before getting up and going round the living room thanking everyone and hesitantly and uncertainty giving them a hug.
"You're welcome Izzy." Sirius said, relishing the hug she gave him. "How about I help you put your presents away?" He asked.
"Yeah, then you can see her room. It's amazing!" Ginny rambled, helping to pick up some presents along with Ron, Fred and George. While Percy, Charlie and Bill helped their parents get things ready for the surprise trip to the beach. "Izzy designed it but Luna and I helped her paint it how she wanted." Ginny continued.
"I'd love to." Sirius agreed, following the kids up the stairs.

***

Izzy was a little confused on where they were going as Molly had slathered them all in sun cream, that was until she saw the beach and was mesmerised by it, having never seen it before.
"We're at the beach?" Izzy asked, looking around in wonder.
"Of course Izzy. And if you ever wanted to come again, all you'd have to do is tell Mum and Dad and if they can they'll bring you and the others here, if not then Charlie and I will if we're not working and Percy will too when he's old enough." Bill assured, Izzy beamed at him but he noticed tears were in her eyes. "Come on Lady Longbottom and Xeno are waiting for us with Luna, Neville and Hermione." He coaxed again.

Bill and Izzy were the last ones to arrive at the beach but he didn't care. He noticed Fred giving them a concerned look but he smiled reassuringly at him and Fred let out a sigh of relief.
"Izzy!" Luna, Neville and Hermione shouted, running over to the overwhelmed birthday girl. "Happy Birthday." The three said together.
"Thank you. And thank you for your presents. I love them." Izzy beamed. "Oh! Luna, this is for you." She added, pulling the necklace out of her pocket.
"Oh, thank you Izzy. It's very beautiful." Luna said happily, as Neville helped her put it on.
"Ginny brought them for my present." Izzy said, showing Luna her own around her neck. "And Ginny is wearing hers too." She added, beaming at them. "I just want to say thank you to your Gran and Dad." Izzy excused herself, which gave her time to calm down a little.

This was the happiest she's ever been but it's also her first birthday and a little overwhelming but she couldn't be happier. After she had thanked them and got pulled into a hug by both of them. Fred, George, Ron and Ginny roped Izzy, Luna, Neville, Hermione and even Percy into a sandcastle contest. Splitting off into two teams of four and just laughing and pulling faces at the other team to distract them. Then they buried Sirius, Bill and Charlie in the sand to the amusement of the three and the other adults. After they took a break for lunch and to add more sun cream as it was a rather hot day, all had grins on their faces as they went back to playing.

Hermione introduced them to some games she brought with her; like playing with a beach ball and a frisbee, then they decided to jump over the waves laughing and screeching when the ice cold water hit their legs or when someone fell into the water and wet sand. It really had been the best birthday ever as Izzy grinned at Fred as he helped her knock down George and Percy, the latter pair laughing along with everyone else. Up the beach the adults were grinning happily as their children laughed and played together without fighting.

Sirius was just happy he got to see his precious Goddaughter and that she was finally safe, happy and loved. He knew she, like himself, had a long way to go health wise but he knew they'd get there, and he would make sure that his pup would remain as happy as she has been today and he was glad he was a part of it. If he had to cast a Patronus now he knew this day; seeing Izzy smile so widely as she buried him in the sand with Luna and Ginny, would be his happy memory for the spell.
————————————————————————