A/N: WOW! Thank you all so much for the wonderful reviews! It's really encouraging to see such a positive response. So, by popular demand, here's the first chapter! Expect chapter two sometime around Sunday (about three days from now). I'm going to be busy this weekend with a family wedding, and I don't know how much time I'll have to work on this. See the AN at the bottom for more!

Disclaimer: Malachi claims to own the Harry Potterverse. I've told him that he is not JK Rowling. He does not believe me. But we all know the truth, don't we? I do not own anything HP, nor do any of the voices in my head, despite what they believe.

Chapter 1

July 30th, 1997 11:55 P.M.

Harry finished packing his school books, shrunken broom, and other necessities in his trunk. He hadn't bothered packing any clothing. Frankly he could care less about keeping Dudley's old hand-me-downs. He decided to go shopping in the morning and buy entirely new Muggle and Wizarding wardrobes. For the moment, Harry was dressed in some decent clothes that he had transfigured wandlessly earlier in the day.

He sank down on the bed, surveying the bedroom he was in for the last time. In a few minutes Harry would turn 17, and would legally be considered an adult in the Muggle and Wizarding worlds. And the moment he turned legal, he would leave the Dursley's forever.

Harry reflected that the past month with the Dursley's hadn't been half bad, really. They pretty much ignored him and let him do whatever he wanted. Harry snorted to himself, It's not like they could've stopped me anyways. Harry was at least three times as powerful as he'd been the summer before, if not more so. He was so powerful now that even his incredibly Muggle relatives had noticed the difference in him. But I had to be powerful if I was destined to kill Voldemort, he thought idly.

He looked up and glanced on the clock beside the bed. The glowing numbers flashed from 11:59 to 12:00. "Happy birthday, Harry," he muttered to himself as he stood. Harry wandlessly shrank his trunk and Hedwig's cage, then placed them in his pockets. Hedwig was staying with Ron at the moment, but would be joining Harry tomorrow at his new home.

Harry grinned mischievously and drew in a deep breath. "Goodbye forever Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley! Thanks for nothing!" he shouted at the top of his lungs. There was a soft pop as the air around him was displaced, and he was gone.

He appeared in the living room at 12 Grimmauld Place, the most Ancient and Noble House of Black. Sirius had left him practically everything in his will, and Harry had been rather reluctant to accept. But now that old Snake-Face was gone and he was a legal adult, he needed a place to stay, and Grimmauld Place was one of the more convenient properties that Harry now owned.

He trudged up the stairs, suddenly quite sleepy and ready to get to bed. Soon Harry found himself in the master suite, and he hastily unshrunk his belongings. He surveyed the bedroom happily, glad to see that Dobby and his crew of Hogwart's elves had done a marvelous job of spiffing the place up. They'd even managed to take down the portrait of Sirius' mum (it now resided in a very dusty and unused corner of the basement, and would remain there until Harry decided what to do with it). The Headmaster had been more than happy to loan Harry the school elves to clean the place up before his arrival.

Harry smiled as he pulled off his shirt and shoes, then collapsed onto the bed. He snuggled into the black satin sheets and sighed contentedly. For the moment he could rest and relax. Tomorrow there were many things he needed to do.

He awoke in the morning to the smell of breakfast cooking downstairs. Perplexed and incredibly hungry, Harry didn't even bother to put his shirt back on before descending the stairs and making his way to the kitchen. He stopped dead when he entered the kitchen and saw just who was making breakfast.

"Ah, Mr. Potter," said a silky baritone voice, "sit down. Breakfast is almost ready."

Harry stared at Snape's back for a moment before slowly making his way to the table and seating himself. Of all the people to find making breakfast in his kitchen, Snape was the least likely candidate on Harry's list. And so Harry proceeded to stare blankly at the Potions Master as he made breakfast, clothed in a black t-shirt and black silky looking pajama bottoms.

A few moments passed before Snape came to the table bearing food. He set on the table a plate of blueberry pancakes, another of scrambled eggs, one with fried pan sausage, and a fourth with bacon. He then proceeded to pour himself and Harry a cup of tea, and then began piling some food on his plate.

Harry stared at the man dumbly for a few more moments, lost in thoughts about why Snape was at his house. "Well, Mr. Potter. I see that the summer has led you to forget a few things. Customarily when one is served breakfast, one eats the delicious food in front of him and then thanks the cook." Snape's tone was teasing, but not malicious.

He raised an eyebrow at Snape and took a sip of his tea. "Thank you, Professor," he said as he began to put some food on his plate.

"You're quite welcome."

They began to eat their breakfast in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Halfway through Harry looked up and started staring at his Potions professor again. "I'm sorry for my earlier rudeness, sir," he began, and Snape looked up, "but you caught me quite off guard. I was not expecting to find anyone in my home, much less making breakfast."

Snape smirked at him, "Yes, well, that's quite understandable. I apologize as well. I'd been led to believe Albus had informed you of my stay here."

Harry nodded, "Albus is quite misleading at times."

Snape raised his eyebrow at Harry's use of the Headmaster's first name, but said nothing about it. Instead, he continued to explain his presence to Harry. "You see, Mr. Potter, the Headmaster has decided to strengthen the wards on the castle, and so no one is allowed to be in the castle during that rather lengthy process. And, as you know, there are still a great many Death Eaters on the loose, meaning that basically I am not safe anywhere that is not Hogwart's. Albus suggested that I stay here, as it is the next safest place available. He led me to believe he'd asked your permission and you'd granted it."

Harry smiled and nodded again, "Yep, sounds like Albus. And it's not a problem, Professor Snape. Mi casa es su casa, as they say." He grinned, and was rewarded with a small smile from Snape.

"I thank you for your generosity, Mr. Potter." The smile turned into a smirk. "Now, I was just wondering... is it customary for you to take your breakfast without a shirt on?"

Harry looked Snape seriously in the eye. "Actually, Professor, it is quite customary. And generally, it is customary for my guests to eat only in their knickers, as they are guests, and I am the head of the house."

They stared at each other for a moment before Snape started chuckling. "Excellent come-back, Mr. Potter. You almost had me convinced for a moment."

"I wasn't joking, Professor." Harry continued to maintain a straight face, and folded his arms over his chest.

Snape looked baffled for a moment before a slight blush rose to his cheeks. "Not joking indeed, Mr. Potter," he huffed, which caused Harry to finally break into a grin. "You're getting more and more Slytherin every day, you know."

Harry grinned cheekily, "Didn't I ever mention to you that the Sorting Hat wanted to put me in Slytherin originally, Professor Snape? Unfortunately, I'd met Draco already, and he was spouting anti-muggle and anti-muggleborn philosophy at the time, and Hagrid had said that good old Tommy had been a Slytherin as well... so I practically begged the Hat to put me anywhere that wasn't Slytherin."

"Hmmm." Snape paused for a moment. "Interesting, yes. I can see why it would've wanted you in Slytherin. If you'd told me that two years ago I would have scoffed and said you were dreaming... but now I'm rather inclined to believe you."

Harry's grin broadened, "You don't even know the half of it, sir."

Harry was just starting to cook lunch for himself and Snape when the Headmaster waltzed into the kitchen. "Ah, Harry, my boy, happy birthday!"

Harry turned and smiled at the old man, "Thanks, Albus. But what are you doing here? I thought you were busy strengthening Hogwart's wards, or something like that?"

"Ah, I see you discovered your houseguest then," he said, his blue eyes twinkling madly. "I guess I forgot to mention that little detail to you, but it's not a problem, is it? After all, this is a rather large house, and the two of you get along much better than you used to."

He waved his hand in a dismissive gesture as he sat at the table and poured two cups of tea, "Of course, it's not a problem. I was just a little shocked this morning to wake up and find my Potions Master cooking breakfast for the two of us." Dumbledore sat down across from Harry and sipped at his tea as Harry stared off into space, thinking. "Though, I do wonder how he knew to make enough for the both of us... I didn't tell anyone that I'd be coming here the moment I turned 17."

"Well, I assumed that as soon as you became a legal adult you'd leave your relatives home, so I told Severus to expect you to be here this morning."

"Ah," Harry said, nodding, "that makes sense." He sipped at his tea, regarding the Headmaster. "So, you never answered my question, Albus. What are you doing here?"

"Can't I come visit my two favorite boys whenever I please?" Harry stared at him skeptically. "No? Ah, well... I came to give you your birthday present."

Harry groaned, "But Albus! I told you already that this year I didn't want a present! The simple fact that you're alive, that you made it through this bloody was is enough for me! I said no party, no gifts, just quiet time to enjoy the fact that we're all free."

Dumbledore simply smiled and stood. "Yes, yes, I know, my dear boy, but how could I not get you a birthday present? Come with me, I've left it in the study."

He sighed and smiled as he stood to follow the Headmaster out of the kitchen. Crazy old codger, thought Harry fondly as he trailed behind the old man.

As they reached the study, however, Harry was not quite as happy with the Headmaster. Dumbledore opened the door of the study to reveal the room was decorated and there was a large pile of presents off to one side. On the other side of the room sat a fair number of people who all got up and yelled "Surprise!" at him as he entered.

The Weasleys (minus Percy), Hermione, Professor McGonagall, Remus Lupin, Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, Draco Malfoy, and Professor Snape all began to wish Harry a happy birthday. Harry greeted them rather coolly, not as enthusiastically as he normally would have. Mrs. Weasley fussed about how he was all grown up now, and gave him a few extra hugs.

They all socialized for a while, eating birthday cake (thankfully Mrs. Weasley had made it, so it was actually quite good) and simply talking about anything and everything (the coming school year, Quidditch, potions, the aftermath of the war, etc.).

After a while they insisted that Harry open his presents, which he agreed to reluctantly. From Mr. Weasley (the new Minister of Magic) and Mrs. Weasley he received his customary summer jumper (it wasn't nearly as heavy as the winter ones, and was actually quite comfortable – this year it was a light grey with little black embroidered snakes and lions along the sleeves, neck, and bottom); Charlie and Bill had given him clothes as well, but it wasn't what you'd normally expect – a green silk button down, black dragon leather pants and matching boots, quite nice really; the Weasley twins and Ginny (who apparently had been made their assistant) had given him samples of all the latest Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes and a voucher for a free lifetime supply of all of their products; Ron (surprisingly) had gotten him two books – one on Quidditch strategies, and the other on chess strategies; Hermione gave Harry a new photo album with some pictures from their sixth year in it, but it had a lot of space left to add new pictures (and apparently was enchanted to add new blank pages whenever the album filled up); Luna gave Harry a black leather choker to wear that had embossed Celtic knotwork on it; Neville gave Harry his very own herb garden (full of medicinal herbs, herbs useful in potions of all sorts, as well as some herbs used simply for cooking). These were all the truly expected gifts.

Draco, on the other hand, was one person he had not entirely expected to get a gift from. Sure they'd resolved their differences, and even had a rather tenuous friendship, but it was rather a surprise to get anything from Draco. The Malfoy outcast handed a small black box to Harry, who opened it cautiously. Inside was a small piece of parchment that simply stated "One Complimentary Day with the Dragon for shopping on the house!". Harry raised an eyebrow at Draco, who merely grinned mischievously.

McGonagall handed Harry a rather large (and heavy) box. Inside Harry found everything that he could possibly need to become an animagus (something that he'd simply been dying to try for ages now). He smiled brightly and thanked his Transfiguration professor profusely.

Dumbledore gave Harry several pairs of socks, which caused Harry to look at the old many like he was barmy. Upon closer inspection, however, one of the pairs of socks held a key inside of it that Dumbledore refused to divulge any more information about at the moment. The Headmaster promised, however, to explain the key before the new school term began in September.

The person he expected a present from the least also had one waiting for him. Snape handed him a small black box tied with a green ribbon. Harry opened it to reveal a silver bracelet that looked like a snake, with two emeralds for eyes. He touched it reverently, and could feel the protection spells placed on it... the bracelet also seemed to almost move as he ran his fingers along it. Harry carefully clasped the bracelet around his wrist and thanked Snape profusely.

The majority of the rest of the party was spent with Harry sulking on the couch. He hadn't wanted a party in the first place, and though he was appreciative of the efforts and greatly appreciative of the gifts, he really just wanted to spend a quiet day in his new home, and perhaps go out shopping for clothes.

Draco sauntered over and sat lightly on the couch beside him. "What's wrong, Harry? Not enjoying your party?"

"Not entirely, Draco." Harry sighed, "I just wanted to have a quiet day to myself, you know? Plus, I really needed to go shopping for clothes today... but now I don't have time, cause of the party."

"Well, I gave you that little scrap of paper for a reason. Tomorrow you and I are going clothes shopping, and it's on me."

"But Drake..."

"No 'buts', Harry." Draco grinned wickedly, "I am going to drag you through Diagon Alley and through Muggle London, and we're going to shop until we drop. And by the time I'm through with you, you'll be drop dead gorgeous, and have to beat the guys off with a stick!"

Harry chuckled. Draco was one of the few who knew that Harry was gay... Draco was more of an equality kind of guy when it came to his sex life – a girl is just as good as guy for Draco. In fact, it was only the people in this room who knew the biggest secret Harry kept (well, what seemed like the biggest, at least... because Merlin knows that if the press ever got a hold of the fact that he was gay... oh, it would be a field day). "Alright, Draco, shopping tomorrow then."

"But for the moment I believe a drink is in order." Harry looked up at Snape, who had somehow settled down on the couch on the other side of Harry without being seen, heard, or felt. Snape handed Harry a glass of firewhiskey.

"Sir?"

"I do believe that alcohol makes parties you do not wish to be at more enjoyable." Snape smirked, "Besides, what's the good in celebrating being a legal adult if you don't celebrate it with a drink?"

And that was how Harry spent the rest of the afternoon – drinking firewhiskey with Snape and Draco on the couch while the others talked amongst themselves and slowly left. It was nearly eleven at night when Ron and Hermione (the last of Harry's guests, minus Snape) decided to leave, but only with promises to return later in the week. Harry bade them goodnight and then attempted to stand.

Snape laughed at his rather weak attempt, and quickly slipped an arm around Harry's waist. "Well, Mr. Potter, I better get you up to bed before you hurt yourself." And with that, Snape escorted Harry up the stairs and to the master bedroom. He helped the boy take off his shirt and set his glasses on the bedside able before tucking him in to the satin sheets.

As Harry drifted off to sleep, he thought it was odd that Snape was being so incredibly nice to him. Sure, during his sixth year he and Snape had come to an understanding, but they were never this nice to each other. Harry closed his eyes and let himself fall into unconsciousness, letting his last waking thought be of the hangover that surely awaited him in the morning.

A/N: Hope I got this chapter out quickly enough for all of you lovely people! I'm sorry if this chapter isn't as long as intended... Malachi has gone out partying, I believe... and will probably be plaguing me tomorrow while I'm at work on in class. I'll post chapter two ASAP, but I will be out of town for the entirety of Saturday at my cousin's wedding... so the soonest I'll update again will be Sunday. To keep track of updates and the goings on that affect my writing, check out my livejournal – the username is alannijade. Again, I'd like to thank EVERYONE who reviewed my story so far! Much thanks and love to: cdkobasiuk, Neo-silver Snape, moondancer, Shi Tsukino, Jamie Lynn Potter, Quila, Heat Wave On Ice, angel558847, Miss V, Rosemary Parkinsons, Pilas, kears, SilverandSilent, oracle, Freedom is Calling Me Home, and Daughter of Death!

Cdk - You'll just have to keep reading to see where it goes! :D

Pilas – Thanks for the awesome review! Glad you also liked "Afternoons".

Kears – I am writing more. Hope I can get this out quick enough to appease you.

Freedom - You may pay me in the form of reviews... or, Malachi suggests you pay us in the form of imaginary Snape-plushies. I apologize. Mal is kind of Snape-obsessed. But so am I. Hehe.

I thank you all again so much. Reviews are what drive me to write... I really appreciate the feedback, and simply adore reviews that critique and give helpful suggestions. Afterall, I really only write fanfiction to improve the overall quality of my writing. Thank you all again. –Aiko (and Malachi).