Harry stared out of his bedroom window at number 4 Privet Drive.

Like his other birthdays during previous years, he was eagerly awaiting the time when the big hand on the clock struck 12. This year, however, came with new promises.

17, Harry thought, the number of freedom. Harry could use magic when he turned 17. His last year at Hogwartz, after the defeat of Voldemort when he actually needed it, he could use magic.

He still had a list of things that he was eagerly awaited to do.

Such as to curse the Dursley's into next week, just for snoring so loudly that it was hard to think.

Stupid prats. Oh, well, I'll be rid of them soon. The clock was getting closer and closer to the 12. Come on, just a few more seconds. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5. what are those things in the distance?. 4, 3, 2Owls! Happy birthday, me! Maybe it's a good thing that I have to wait a few days before taking my apparation test. I'll probably need the entire time just to open my gifts, it seems.

Harry opened the first letter.

Dear Harry,

Happy birthday! I'm sure you won't misuse this chance to curse your family, of course you wouldn't, you're very well behaved. It's still illegal to do magic where muggles can see it, remember, and I don't want to have to come rescue you from the M&M's (Ministry of Magic) clutches, Harry. That means don't go dropping your uncle out the window, but when you give Dudley the pig's tail, add a little more curl to it. It looks much better. (Thanks for the tip, Remus). Here's- well, open and find out. I'm not going to tell you.

Remus Lupin

It was all Harry could do to contain his excitement. What could the small package be that Lupin's letter was attached to?

He tore of the ribbon and opened the box. A tiny, miniature owl fluttered out. It looked kind of like a miniature Hedwig.

I gotta get Remus to tell me what charm he used on this- it's really cool. Maybe he should create his own toy shop, since he's so good at this. I'll have to mention it to him sometime.

"Well, Hedwig," Harry asked his owl of seven years, "what do you think?"

At the question, Hedwig ruffled her feathers proudly.

"I should enter you in an owl beauty pageant. You would win for sure." Hedwig nibbled his finger affectionately. All women love compliments- even owls.

Okay, next letter.

He opened a box. Colin Creevey had sent him some pictures of him and Ginny Weasley over the past couple of years.

Ginny had gone from a little Weasley, who was everyone's little sister, to the talk of all the guys. Of course, he and Ginny were just friends. Nothing had ever happened between them- she had gotten over Harry years ago. They had become much closer after Lord (Ha! Not anymore) Voldemort's defeat during 6th year. There were still death eaters loose, though. Everyone had to be very careful.

He smiled when he thought of Colin taking the pictures. Since Ron and Hermione had begun dating, Ginny had become his confidante- at least when Ron wasn't there, which was pretty often since he and Hermione usually arrived back in the common room with dust from the broom closet on their clothes. What ever would they be doing? He had no idea.

He could tell Ginny anything, and did. Colin recognized that, and knew that Harry would like a documentation of their progressing friendship.

Here was a picture of Harry and Ginny when he took her out on his precious firebolt for the first time in her life. He could see the thrilled look on Ginny's face as the wind blew her in her face and she couldn't share less. She looked so pretty in there, so carefree. She did not look like a key conspirator in the plot to kill Voldemort. This was the first time the two truly really bonded.

Note to self: Find awesome present for Colin's birthday, whenever that is.

Moving on to Fred and George's gift, he decided to set it aside till a later point, when he wouldn't wake the entire neighborhood. Harry did listen to Remus's lectures, sometimes. After the downfall of Voldemort, Weasley Wizard Wheezes had become a hit. Everyone needed cheering, so George and Fred did what they did best. But that didn't mean that some of their products weren't a bit dangerous in a neighborhood of muggles.

"Girl, I might as well open the rest later," Harry murmured drowsily to his owl. "This is enough excitement for me for one night. I'm going to bed. 'Night, Hedwig."