AN: Basically, I had way too much HP stuff sitting on my hard drive and decided to post whatever was decent and complete. PLEASE read the warnings at the beginning of each chapter! Reviews are welcome, of course.
Warnings: angst, implied neglect, AU from DH
Disclaimer: If I had written HP, it would have been much shorter, much angstier, and much less popular.
The Best Birthday Ever:
On the day Harry turned seven, his relatives left him all alone in the house. They shoved him in his cupboard, but they forgot to lock him in. So, after they left, he had free reign of the house. He helped himself to bread and jam, watched the telly for a few hours, and enjoyed the solitude. It was the best birthday ever.
On the day Harry turned eleven, he met Hagrid and learned about the magical world. He had his first ever birthday cake, made just for him. He got his first birthday present, a beautiful owl who would be his companion for the next six years, from his very first friend. He learned he had money, and parents who had loved him, and magic. It was the best birthday ever.
On the day Harry turned thirteen, he stayed up late the night before like always. To his surprise and delight, owls arrived from his friends bringing gifts. Presents, picked out for him and sent early enough to be there at midnight. He even got cards! It was the best birthday ever.
On the day Harry turned sixteen, he had his first ever birthday party. There was cake to share with his friends. There were more presents than he could believe. There was music, and jokes. Best of all, he spent that day with the people he loved best. It was the best birthday ever.
On the day Harry turned seventeen, he defeated a Dark Lord. By the end of the day he was sweaty, and bloody, and sore, and tired. He had a sword covered in a blood, torn robes, and blisters on his feet. He kind of wanted to throw up or sit down and wail whenever he remembered what he had done. But the prophecy was over, and he was free. As he lifted his face to the sky, he decided that this was the best birthday ever.