A/N: So I did another series again. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever do just another single drabble. ;) But I wanted for this to show how Ron comes to realize that the most precious gifts don't come wrapped in fancy paper and ribbons; I just didn't think I could do that all in one single drabble. Hope you enjoy:)

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By the Numbers -- Eleven (Birthday Present)

When Ron turned eleven, he immediately wanted to go to Hogwarts.

He wanted to be a big and important boy, like his brothers. He wanted to learn magic so he could tame dragons, play Quidditch, and become Head Boy.

He asked his Mum if they could go to Platform 9 3/4 so he could go to Hogwarts; but she said, 'No, not yet, Ronnie.'

Ron was crestfallen because he couldn't have his birthday wish.

When Ron finally did go to Hogwarts, he met Harry Potter, and Harry became his best mate.

Ron decided that was better than his original wish, anyway.

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By the Numbers -- Fourteen (Birthday Present)

When Ron turned fourteen, he longed to be well-known for something. Anything.

Harry was well-known for, well, for simply being Harry Potter! Hermione was known for her cleverness. The twins were known for their pranks and jokes. Bill and Charlie were known for their adventures, and Percy was known because their parents made him seem important.

But March first came and went, and as usual, Ron went unnoticed.

The following February, closer to Ron's fifteenth birthday, Harry pulled him from the frigid lake, and Ron realized he may not be well-known to everyone, but to one person, he was everything.

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By the Numbers -- Seventeen (Birthday Present)

When Ron turned seventeen, he gave up on wishes. He figured this birthday would be his last, anyway.

The War had begun.

The Death Eaters had struck early, and hard, and many of the surviving Muggle-borns had fled.

Both The Order and the Death Eaters carried out attacks, counter-attacks, and raids with precision. Death Eaters were captured, some were killed. Order members were tortured and killed.

Three years into the War, Harry finally engaged Voldemort in duel. As Ron watched his best mate battle for the sake of their world, he wondered if birthdays had ever really existed at all.

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By the Numbers -- Twenty (Birthday Present)

When Ron turned twenty, he was unaware of it.

After defeating Voldemort, Harry fell unconscious and was transported to the hospital. Ron refused to leave his side. He stayed awake for days, but exhaustion finally overtook him, and he passed out.

Ron awoke when he heard hoarse laughter. "Wake up, git! You can't sleep through your own birthday!"

"My… huh? HARRY!" Ron was overjoyed to see Harry's open and shining eyes.

"Your birthday. Look at the calendar Sorry I couldn't get you a present."

Ron lay down beside Harry. "Doesn't matter. You've always been the best present I ever had!"