Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any characters created by J.K. Rowling. Any other characters and the plot are my own.

WARNING: M/M SLASH... MAYBE F/F SLASH AS WELL... DON'T LIKE? DON'T READ!!!!

A/N: I realize that some of the characters are OOC, but I wasn't sure how to make this story work otherwise. Also, this chapter is a bit odd. I hope you like it though, and I'm sorry it's taken so long to get this chapter up.

Forgotten Birthday Presents

Harry walked slowly back to the Leaky Cauldron. He needed to get a room, then he would come back out to pick up his other school things. He had already accomplished his main purpose for coming here. He was wearing the most beautiful clothing he had ever seen and he felt good about himself. He knew he looked good, and it was amazing how much effect that actually had on his emotional state as well.

Harry was walking past a small wizarding diner when he noticed that there was a birthday party going on inside. It was then that he realized his birthday had passed weeks ago. Wow, how could he have forgotten? He was so caught up in working out and improving himself that he had completely missed his own birthday. He was seventeen! That meant he could do magic! And, he didn't have to worry about anyone asking him why he was staying at the Leaky Cauldron all alone! Harry thought to himself. Excitement overcame him once again. He just had to go celebrate! He conveniently forgot that his friends hadn't remembered his birthday either. Which was probably a very fortunate thing for them.

This summer had been doing more than just working on his physical appearance. He had also been working on his brain, spending hours into the night studying. He focused especially on potions and the dark arts. No, not DADA, but the Dark Arts. He figured he should have a better idea of how the other side worked. What he hadn't been prepared for was the overwhelming sense of power involved. He could feel his magic just infuse his entire being even when reading about it. Maybe Harry was meant to be a dark wizard? Maybe, not

All he knew was that he hadn't received any type of communication from his friends all summer. Which is part of the reason for his beginning to study the darker side of magic. He could just hear Hermione and her nagging about how if he studied them, then he would want to practice them. So, what if he did? What was wrong with wanting to know everything he could about magic? Hermione obviously reserved that right for herself. The damn know-it-all!

Sixth year had been odd for Harry. Nothing exciting had happened. He had simply followed his friends around with his head down and a constant frown on his face. He knew he hadn't been responsible for Sirius's death at the end of the fifth year, but for some reason Dumbledore kept making it out like it was Harry's fault. So, determined not to do anything stupid or heroic in his sixth year, Harry had kept his life simple. He had avoided Malfoy and his friends. He had avoided Dumbledore, who secretly thought that Harry was going dark already and that's why he had kept Hermione and Ron from writing him this summer. And he had began to take his studies seriously. Which all in all had made his sixth year rather normal. Harry was ready for a bit of action now.

Harry turned abruptly on his heel, doing a good imitation of Professor Snape though he didn't know it, and went back the way he had come. He stopped at Florean Fortescues for a triple dip hot fudge sundae. After taking his time eating that, he went down the street a ways and stopped in front of the quidditch shop. There was a new broom on display. It was said to be faster than the firebolt, more nimble than the Nimbus, and prettier than the Comet series all put together. Harry couldn't help himself. He deserved a birthday present. No one else had gotten him anything. Why shouldn't he buy himself something?

"Can I help you, Sir?" the large, fat man with the amber eyes behind the counter asked.

"Yes, you can. I would like to buy that!" Harry said excitedly, pointing to the broom on display.

The man looked him up and down and nodded to himself. This guy wasn't just all talk. Judging by the clothes he wore and the way he was built, he was probably some famous foreign quidditch player. Or so most people would believe. The shopkeep knew better.

"It's two thousand eighty five galleons. I can have it ready in twenty minutes. We just need to take your measurements and fit it to fit you." the fat man blustered.

Harry knew he didn't have that much money in his pouch, but he really wanted that broom. He decided to negotiate.

"How bout I give you one thousand galleons and my name, and you can bill my Gringotts account for the other thousand eighty five?" Harry tried confidently. He really didn't expect the man to agree. It was a beautiful broom after all.

"And what would be your name young Sir?" the shopkeeper asked. He really didn't expect the boy to answer him honestly.

"Harry Potter." Harry stated flatly. He really didn't think that his name would help, but maybe?

"Harry Potter? Well, in that case. Of course, I can bill you the rest. Now, let's get you fitted to your new broom Mr. Potter, Sir." the fat man said excitedly. Harry Potter! He really used his name! And he didn't appear to be afraid of it anymore. It didn't help that he wouldn't be able to lie since his hair was parted in the middle and it fell like an ebony waterfall down his back with his scar showing for the world to see, if they looked for it.

After fifteen minutes of measuring, and Harry sitting astride the broom, it was ready. Harry walked out of Quality Quidditch Supplies with his brand new Sirius Star. It didn't dawn on him that the broom was named after his deceased godfather, and the fat man didn't point it out. He didn't want to see that brilliant smile leave his pup's face.

Harry walked back to the Leaky Cauldron. Once inside, he approached Tom, the barkeep, who was cleaning glasses and eyeballing a crowd of teenagers at one of the tables. Harry followed his line of sight and saw that Lucius Malfoy, his minions, and the girl from one of the pictures his son had sent were all sitting at a table in a corner and speaking quietly. Harry was hard pressed not to stare. He couldn't get the image of the younger Malfoy without anything on out of his mind. It was amazing how the two men looked so much alike. Mentally shaking his head, he walked up to the bar.

"Hi, Tom. I'd like a room. You have anything?" Harry asked casually.

"Sure. Number 12," Tom said as he handed Harry a key, his eyes never leaving the group of Slytherins.

Harry was grateful that Tom hadn't looked at him. He was sure to recognize him and draw Lucius Malfoy's attention, and Harry just wasn't ready for that yet. Would he ever be?

Harry climbed the semi-rickety stairs to the rooms upstairs. He noticed that the floor had been freshly cleaned and it looked like the walls had been painted in the hallway. Someone important must be coming to stay. Harry just hoped that it wasn't someone like Fudge. Gods knew he'd had enough of that bumbling idiot.

Walking up to the door of room number twelve, Harry inserted the key into the lock. He pushed the door open and looked around the room he would be staying in until time to go back to Hogwarts. The room wasn't very large, but it wasn't very small either. There was a double sized four poster bed centered under a window with flimsy blue curtains hanging to the floor. In the corner of the medium sized room sat a large, dark blue armchair. It reminded Harry of a muggle Lazyboy recliner. A small beat up wooden table sat to the right of the chair. Across the room, was a large fireplace. It wasn't anything very impressive. Just some red bricks and mortar. The most interesting feature of it was the crackling blue and green flames inside. Harry wondered if it was connected to the floo network. He would have to try it out, but he had no idea who to call on. He wasn't very happy with his "friends" right now. Remus was nowhere to be found. He was quite tired of Dumbledore's manipulations, and he wasn't about to call the Order. He wondered if Dumbledore had realized he was gone from his relative's house yet. The old man was probably throwing a fit. Harry laughed out loud to himself at the thought of the Order looking all over for him, and he was right here.

After looking around the room, Harry decided he should probably go back out and get the rest of the things he would need for school. He sat his packages on the bed, taking note of how soft the blankets were. He just knew that he'd be able to sleep comfortably this evening. No snoring from down the hallway, no sounds of baby elephants tromping on the stairs, and he wouldn't wake up with a rash from itchy blankets either. Yes, this was going to be a good night. Hopefully, he'd be able to stay hidden from the Order for the next three days. Then, he'd have no choice but to go to King's Cross to catch the Hogwarts Express.

Taking one last look around the room, Harry headed back out the door. Performing a strong locking charm, he smiled to himself at the ability to use magic outside of school. It was sort of exhilarating. He felt as if he could probably fly.

As he descended the stairs, he noticed that the group at the table had grown larger. The younger Malfoy and his friends had joined the older people. Harry also noticed that Pansy Parkinson wasn't hanging on Draco Malfoy's arm. Instead, she was sitting next to the beautiful girl from the picture. Harry was a little bit surprised to see the girl. He wondered who she could be. Maybe Mr. Malfoy had decided that Pansy wasn't good enough for his "prince". It was about time that they had noticed what everyone else had already seen. Pansy just wasn't up to standard. She wasn't exactly ugly, but she wasn't pretty either. Maybe it had to do with the fact that she was a quite intimidating witch who resembled a slightly cute pug puppy. Harry couldn't stop the laugh from bubbling up in his throat when the image of pansy panting at Malfoy's feet with the aristocrat petting her head popped into his head, and by the time that he realized it, it was too late. He had just reached the bottom step when his throaty laughter rang out across the barroom. Harry's voice had changed into a deep, smooth baritone, and it was hard to miss the ringing laughter.

Twin heads of silvery blonde hair jerked up to see who had laughed so beautifully. Both were quite surprised to see the astonishingly handsome young man at the bottom of the stairs. Pansy's mouth dropped open at the sight of Harry. Blaise Zabini jerked his head up and gasped when he saw who was standing there. The pretty girl from the picture just looked up and gave Harry a blinding smile.

Harry decided that since the Malfoys hadn't yet recognized him from earlier that he should just continue on his way to Diagon Alley. Acting as if he didn't have the faintest clue as to why they were all staring at him, he just casually walked past their table. He didn't dare to look into the molten silver eyes boring into his back. He was almost to the door to the alley when a voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Excuse me, Sir." Malfoy senior called out. He had gotten to his feet when he saw the way his son was looking at the man who'd laughed so thrillingly. Draco had never looked like that before. He had ran his fingers through his hair with a sigh and his eyes still hadn't left the other boy's back. Lucius could see the sparkle enter his son's eyes, and he felt the magic in the room increase dramatically. If he was correct, his son may have just spotted his mate. Now, he only needed to find out who this boy, man?, was.

"Yes?" Harry asked turning around slowly. This, he did not need. He was sincerely hoping that the Malfoys still wouldn't recognize him. Then, he realized that his hair was pulled back and his scar was blatantly showing for all to see. Damn it all to hell and back!

"Would you care to join us for a dri-"Malfoy senior closed his mouth in mid-sentence when he saw the lightening bolt shaped scar on this beautiful young man's forehead. He just couldn't believe what he was seeing. Then, he noticed the green eyes. Oh, no.

"Sir, are you alright?" Harry asked. He knew that the older Malfoy had just recognized who he was, but he was hoping to still keep this encounter civil.

"Father?" Draco asked worriedly. His father had just turned an amazingly paler shade than usual. It looked as if all the blood had just drained from his face.

Lucius Malfoy had sat down hard in his chair when he saw that scar. Never in a million years would he have believed that he could be made speechless by the Potter brat. And the kid hadn't even said a word yet! How in the bloody hell had Harry Potter become so damn beautiful? And why the hell did he get the feeling that Voldemort was going to be gleeful about this? Lucius cringed at the thought of his master smiling.

"Mr. Malfoy, are you okay?" Harry asked walking up to the table of Slytherins. He had seen the look of shock and the cringe the older man had given. The closer he got, he saw the realization dawn on all of their faces. This wasn't going to be pleasant. And why the hell am I still here?! Why am I walking toward those amazing silver eyes? Harry thought as he couldn't stop his feet from carrying him to his destination.

"Potter!" Draco exclaimed in shock. He simply could not believe that the gorgeous creature standing in front of him was Harry Potter. Draco's stomach did flip flops. He looked up into those shining green eyes and to save his life, he couldn't look away. There was something there that hadn't been before. The naïve innocence that Harry had exuded in the past was totally missing. This was the same scrawny, ugly, gryffindork? No way! Draco felt a smirk come to his face as he remembered sending those pictures to Potter at Sev's request, which still puzzled him. They had to have at least a small part in Potter's improvement. It really was amazing what some sun and attention to your own body could do for someone. Potter was dressed in the most stunning outfit Draco had ever seen. Where had he gotten clothes like that? Draco was going to have to find out. Potter's whole appearance spoke of royalty and power.

"Malfoy," Harry answered inclining his head slightly. "Mr. Malfoy, are you going to be alright?" Harry decided to ask again. The older man was looking slightly off. Usually, he would have been humiliating Harry to the ends of the earth. Not to mention how Draco should have acted. He was very surprised to say the least. The wheels began turning in Harry's head. Maybe the Malfoys weren't as avid followers of Voldemort as he had always thought. Maybe they were spies like Snape? No, no way. Lucius and Draco both had very strong beliefs about muggles and mudbloods. Harry surprised himself when he thought of muggle borns as mudbloods. He used to be so offended by the term. Pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind, he focused on the Malfoys once more. There had to be more to their story than most people knew. Harry decided then and there that he'd have to research the Malfoy family. All he knew about them was what he had heard from others and from his own experiences. There had to be an explanation for why they were dark.

"Potter, why don't you just get the bloody hell out of here," Pansy sneered. She saw the effects he was having on her closest friend and his father. Gods knew that both of them were veela. Well, at least part veela. Lucius had found his mate when he was young, but was taken from him. Narcissa and Lucius had always been close friends, and she had been more than happy to help him pick up the pieces when his father had taken him away from his mate. Draco had simply been a bonus for them. He wasn't Narcissa's child, but he was Lucius's. Lucius's mate had provided what was needed for them to have a child, and Narcissa, their best friend had agreed to help them have a child.

Draco was still looking for his mate, and this gorgeous creature standing in front of them was not helping either of them. Both of the Malfoy men had a strong attraction to beautiful men. Neither of them could turn away. It must be because they are so beautiful themselves. They couldn't help wanting to be surrounded by others like them. Pansy was afraid of what Draco would do next, so she decided to act normally toward the gryffindor, which meant being a bitch. She had felt the increase in magic as well. She also was suspecting what had made Lucius Malfoy drop his mask and decorum the way he had done. Potter must be Draco's mate. Pansy had a very hard time from outright laughing at her friend's predicament. She soooo loved the drama! The Slytherin Prince and the Golden Boy? Oh! This was fabulous!

"As you wish," Harry said with a smirk, inclining his head once again. He turned gracefully and walked out the door.

"Draco, are you okay?" Pansy asked quietly. The boy was still staring at the door Potter had exited through.

"I can't fucking believe it!" Draco exclaimed suddenly, slapping his hand against his forehead. It had suddenly hit him when Potter had broken eye contact. He didn't care that he had made the other boys life hell for the past six years. He also didn't care if Potter was probably going to hex him to hell and back. He had to talk to him! He jumped to his feet and was about to run after Harry when his father wrapped an unyielding hand around his arm.

"Dragon, wait here." Lucius said in a deadly voice. There was no way he was letting his son run after the Potter boy to be outright rejected. Lucius knew that he and his son had a lot to atone for before the Potter boy would even accept them as aquaintences, let alone friends or family. He was going to try his best to explain to Potter what was going on before Draco could bungle it up by doing something stupid. The boy was always a bit rash when dealing with Potter. Now, Lucius knew why.

"Father! He's my fucking mate!" Draco all but screamed. He was not about to let the other boy out of his sight now! He had been feeling all itchy and uncomfortable all summer. When his eyes had met the malachite pools of Harry Potter's, there was nothing he could do. Draco Malfoy was ensnared.

"Draco." Lucius admonished, and Draco looked into his father's eyes and dropped into his seat. He wasn't about to question the Malfoy patriarch in public. His father had always treated him like a prince, but there were rules to be followed in public.

The other Slytherins around the table had all found the top of their drinks all too interesting when Draco had his outburst. They all knew better than to question him when his father was still around. That would come later. So, they all held their peace.

Lucius Malfoy climbed gracefully to his feet and exited out the same door that Harry had.

Harry walked slowly toward the entrance to Diagon Alley. He knew that he would be followed. He had heard Lucius Malfoy tell his son to stay put. He wasn't worried, though. For some reason, Harry just knew that things were about to get exciting, but not in a bad way. He was looking forward to it. After doing nothing, but working out and studying all summer, he was ready for something to happen. Gods knew, when the Malfoys were involved, things were never dull.

Lucius Malfoy saw the boy strolling slowly toward Diagon Alley. He couldn't stop the smirk that found its way onto his face when he realized that the boy wasn't in a hurry to get away. What did surprise him was that he didn't appear to be in the least little bit afraid, nor were any hostile feelings radiating off of him. Raising a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, Lucius decided that it would be best to get this over with and get back to Draco before the boy could make his way out here. He knew that Draco wouldn't disobey him, but he couldn't be sure that the veela instincts wouldn't take over and cause the boy to come after his mate. Veela couldn't always control their instincts where their mate was conerned.

"Mr. Potter," Lucius called. He didn't use the condescending tone he usually reserved for this child. He felt that he needed to be more civil than usual. After all, if he wasn't mistaken and according to Draco he wasn't, this boy was going to be part of his family soon. Well, he would be if all went well. Lucius couldn't bring himself to think what would happen to Draco if things didn't turn out. Veela couldn't survive without their mates. It was amazing how well Lucius himself had done so well all these years. It helped that his mate was also a close friend who he saw on a daily basis.

Harry stopped and turned around, the light catching a small silver glint just above his eyebrow. He had gotten a piercing one afternoon when the Dursley's were out. It had been quite an adventure. Harry hadn't expected the reaction, or non-reaction, from his aunt and uncle. Neither had said anything about it. Harry had been quite surprised at the time. Then, he found out that his body had put up a natural glamor to keep them from seeing it. It wasn't until his aunt had brought him here that she had even noticed it. Harry was even more surprised when she looked right at it, smiled, and didn't say a word.

"Mr. Malfoy?" Harry questioned, tilting his head to the side. His hair had come loose from its bindings when he had been wandering around the alley, and he hadn't bothered to pull it back again. He liked the way it looked when it fell around his face. Now, it was hanging softly creating an ebony frame for his angelic face.

Lucius couldn't do anything, but stare for a moment. The boy really had no idea how enticing he had become. He looked like a young lord from the old days. The outfit he was wearing reminiscent of the founders clothing. Mentally, shaking his head, Lucius knew he had better get on with it.

"You aren't running away. Neither have you drawn your wand. I had thought that the old fool had you ready to hex anyone not in his precious little club." Lucius said haughtily. He couldn't help that he reverted back to what was comfortable. Something had changed in the boy's eyes. He just couldn't figure out what it was. It was almost as if the child were waiting for something to happen.

"No, Sir. Why would I want to hex you? Obviously, you mean no harm. There has been bad blood between us, but people change." Harry said confidently. He could see the soft purple aura of Lucius Malfoy, and knew that the other man wasn't intent on harming him. He noticed the questions running through the older Malfoy's mind. He found it a little bit amusing.

"You aren't here to harm me are you? After the way you reacted to my appearance, I had assumed that you would like to speak with me. Was I wrong?" Harry raised his own brow in imitation of Malfoy.

"No, I'm not here to harm you. I followed you out here to ask to speak with you for a few moments," Lucius replied, stopping a grin from reaching his face at the boy's cheeky answer. He glanced around him. It wouldn't do for someone to see them out here talking so civilly.

"Perhaps we can go back inside the pub and speak in a quiet room?" Lucius suggested.

Harry allowed a small smile to grace his face. Lucius almost choked on the effect it was having on him. This boy had become a man. A very attractive man. Lucius could hardly contain himself when Harry walked up to him and patted him on the shoulder in response as he passed him by.

"Of course, Mr. Malfoy. Would you object to your son and his friends joining us?" Harry asked mischeviously. He just knew this had something to do with Draco Malfoy. This was going to be fun! Harry was slightly surprised with himself. He was agreeing to have a chat with Lucius Malfoy in private and he had even invited more of the Deatheater's friends along. For some reason, Harry just knew that he wanted to get to know this man better. He really wanted to know why the proud aristocrat allowed himself to be demeaned by a maniac like Voldemort. There really had to be more to the story than anyone knew.

Lucius couldn't believe his ears. He had Harry Potter willingly agreeing to join him and his son with his friends for a talk. Voldemort would be so very happy. Too bad for the damn psychotic wizard that Lucius wasn't as loyal as old Voldie thought him to be. At least Potter was giving him a chance. That was something that no-one else had ever really done. Maybe it wouldn't be as hard to explain things about Draco as he had originally thought.

Harry had gone back inside the pub, leaving Lucius in the alley with his thoughts. Lucius realized this and strolled in behind the Boy-Who-Lived. What he wasn't expecting was to find Dumbledore and his minions pointing ten wands at his throat. Harry was standing beside Draco with his own wand pointed at Dumbledore. If he hadn't been prepared for what Harry had done and said so far, he was totally stunned at what he saw now. Lucius Malfoy, for the very first time in his life, fainted.

Harry had gone back inside the Leaky Cauldron and was almost immediately surrounded by people. Dumbledore and about nine members of the Order were interrogating Draco Malfoy and his friends. Draco had drawn his wand the moment that Dumbledore had touched Harry. By the look on Harry's face, he was none too pleased with the old fool showing up.

"Potter!" Draco called, throwing something to Harry. Harry caught it and then realized that it was a wand. It wasn't his wand, but it was Draco's. Slightly surprised, Harry shouted a spell that caused Dumbles and his little army to fall back against the tables, crushing them on their way to the floor. Harry jumped over Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt to get to Draco's side. He almost felt sorry for whoever the man was that he stepped on when he landed.

"Malfoy." Harry said with a smirk, handing Draco back his wand. He pulled his own out of his boot, and aimed it at Dumbledore. Harry was a bit pissed off right now, and he began to glow. He was surrounded by a shining silver mist. The mist encompassed the whole group of Slytherins, causing Dumbledore to gasp. He had never seen Harry like this! How was the boy doing that?! Was that a shield of Elven magic? It couldn't be! Albus thought he had thoroughly researched the Potter family, but he had never come across anything like this. Lily had been a muggle born, or had she? Albus needed answers, and he needed them now! How had Harry learned to do what he was doing? He must have come across something that Albus himself had missed.

Just as Dumbledore opened his mouth to ask all the questions running through his head, Lucius Malfoy sauntered into the room. The Order members had jumped to their feet and trained their wands on him. Dumbledore smiled gleefully. He finally had caught the man! Lucius Malfoy was obviously tampering with Harry. He had probably cast the Imperious curse on the boy. Just as he was about to accuse the elder Malfoy, the man looked to where Harry and his son were surrounded by the silver mist and promptly fainted.

Harry saw the elder Malfoy slump to the ground, and he automatically did what his senses urged him to do. For some reason, Harry knew that he had to protect this man and his son.

"Accio Lucius!" he cried out in his deep baritone, shocking Dumbledore and the Order members. They had never heard Harry sound so commanding! Lucius Malfoy's body flew through the air and Harry caught him gently, cradling him like a small child. He passed the man over to Draco who looked as if he weren about to join his father in his boneless state.

"Dumbledore!" Harry shouted at his old mentor. "What the bloody hell do you think you are doing?"

"Harry? What's happened to you? I was notified by the Order that you were missing. I went to your aunt's house and she said she left you in London, but for some reason she couldn't remember where." Dumbledore tried to use his most grandfatherly tone, but was failing miserably. He may still be in shock, but he was getting furious. How did the boy hide his presence from his aunt? If she had dropped him off here, then she had to have known where he was. Then it dawned on him. Petunia Dursley had lied to him. Him! Albus Dumbledore! He hadn't used Legillemency on her because he had thought her too afraid to lie. If it hadn't been for Harry using magic in the wizarding pub, it might have taken days to find him. Unable to stop himself, Albus's mask slipped and Harry saw the man for what he was.

Harry smirked at Dumbledore as he saw the realization hit the old fool. It was then that Harry knew how they had found him as well. He had used magic to lock the door to his room upstairs. Why hadn't he thought before he had done that? He knew that the ministry had tracking charms on all underage wizards. But, wait. Harry was no longer underage. That meant-. Not finishing his thoughts of how Dumbledore had been tracking him like some animal, Harry reached for the pool of magic he could see clearly in front of him and yelled at the old fool.

"She doesn't know where I am, and now, neither do you!" Harry shouted right before he disappeared, taking the whole group of Slytherins with him.

Dumbledore, the Order members with him, and everyone else in the Leaky Cauldron were knocked flat on their backs from the backlash of magic that assaulted the room in a tidal wave of pure energy.

They landed upstairs in his room, and Harry accioed all of his things to him. Not bothering to explain what had happened. Before the Slytherins could ask any questions, or even come to terms with what had just happened. the silver mist encased the group once again, and they were gone without a trace of ever having been there.

AN: Thanks to those who have reviewed. For some reason my first chapter was taken down? Maybe it was a mistake. I hope so. Until the next chappie...