Midori Potter groaned and rubbed his temples, his head felt like it had had been bashed for hours… which wasn't entirely untrue

Midori Potter groaned and rubbed his temples, his head felt like it had had been bashed for hours… which wasn't entirely untrue.

He took a gulp of water, cursing under his breath. It was his birthday and he was stuck in a dark dingy room with Albus fucking Dumbledore, trying to tear a piece of Tom Riddle's soul off his.

It was tough, Midori had strong, permanent Occulemency shields in place and Dumbledore was a powerful Legillemency Master. Physics Scientists look no further for the answer of what happens when an unstoppable force hits an immoveable object. The answer? Pain for both the force and the object.

Dumbledore was sitting on the floor clutching his head, much to Midori's delight.

The old man looked up to see his (unwilling) pupil smirking at him.

"Ready to go again old man?" jeered Midori.

Dumbledore suppressed the urge to laugh at the child's arrogance. The foolish boy had no idea that with every mental attack at the main point of the shield Dumbledore was sneaking through less guarded areas and sorting through the child's deepest thoughts. Every piece of knowledge was noted and could and would be used against the boy in the future.

"Of course Harry," he said. Much to Midori's annoyance the ex-Headmaster insisted on calling him by his birth name, despite the fact he'd legally changed it three weeks ago.

Midori scowled and braced himself for the attack. Dumbles didn't disappoint and within nine seconds they were both on the ground panting and cursing again.

This went on for a few more minutes, the same thing over and over. Bumblebee would attack, Midori would defend and the soul stayed put.

There was a knock at the door and Midori sighed in relief. "Come on in if you're a sexy Metamorphmagus!" he joked.

The door opened to reveal a less than impressed Tonks. She'd taken to having her natural look; light brown shoulder length hair and grey eyes. Midori was certain it had something to do with the very secretive looks Remus was giving her.

"You're guests are at the house so I've been called to rescue and escort you to your birthday dinner." She shot Dumbledore a dirty look as she said this, he merely smiled at waved at her in response.

Harry got up and followed Tonks out of the room. "See you tomorrow you old bastard," he said as he closed the door.

"See you tomorrow my dear weapon," hummed Dumbledore cheerfully.

Quietly Tonks handed Midori the floo powder pot. He took a hand full and stepped into the fire. Casually dropping the powder onto the floor her said clearly, "4 griffin's Lane."

The fire swirled up around him and he stepped out into the Potter's living room. Lily rushed over and kissed his cheek.

"Oh Midori! Happy Birthday! Come on come on. Your friends are in the garden." He followed her out the back door into the garden that had been decorated with balloons and tables stacked with food and presents. Personally Midori thought it was all a bit extravagant. In Japan they used more humility and birthday celebrations were private affairs.

A flash of white and black obscured him vision and suddenly he was pulled in a deep hug.

"Hey Kash, Shimo," he mumbled into Kashi's hair breathing in her scent. He hadn't seen her since after the trial. She'd been disappointed and hadn't wanted to speak to him.

"Missed you!" gasped Kashi.

He smiled. "I thought you were mad at me."

She looked down and blushed. "Not really. I was just upset it didn't go our way."

He stroked her hair brotherly. "It went the best way that's what matters."

She nodded but still avoided his eyes. Matt appeared at her shoulder. "Hey Midori!" he said cheerfully. "Happy Birthday!"

Midori smiled, "And to you too. I hope you three have gotten on well."

He didn't miss the subtle look Matt and Kashi exchanged and the smirk Shimo sent at both of them.

"Yeah, fine," Matt said finally. "Come on. Presents!"

His brother grabbed him by the arm and pulled him over to the giant stack of presents. Midori smiled, soon forgetting the morning's painful session and focused on what he had with him, his family.

-

Yawning Midori turned the key and stepped into the one bedroom, one bathroom flat. It was still quite empty but he was slowly filling it up.

Flashback

"In the case of Midori vs. Potter vs. Kuragi the Wizengamot rules in favour of… Midori! Mr Midori will be awarded emancipation for three months. If he proves he is fit to live alone then he will continue to do so, if he does not the court will find a suitable guardian."

End Flashback

Dumping his presents on the couch something on the kitchen bench caught his eye. It was a small circular flat object wrapped in gold paper. A card was on the front in familiar handwriting.

To Midori

Happy Birthday

From Neville

He smiled broadly. Neville had sent him a present! It wasn't actual contact but it was a start.

He unwrapped it. It was a bronze pendant with the Longbottom family crest craved into it on a long bronze chain. Midori grinned and placed it over his head. The moment the pendant swung down and hit his chest he felt the familiar tug of a portkey and Midori Potter was pulled away from his new flat.

He crumpled to the ground ungracefully, since he hadn't been expecting the portkey. Was he taken to the Longbottom Estate to talk to Neville?

He got his answer as he looked up and found him self staring into two blood red eyes with snake slit pupils.

"Greetings Mr Potter," sneered Lord Voldermort.

A/N: It's not much but after two weeks of severe writer's block this is all your going to get today I'm afraid. From one cliffhanger to another I really am I horrible person.

Stonegnome1: Thanks for pointing out that mistake, I have since gone back and fixed it.

Adenoide: You forget that they'd been mourning Harry for years. They really did want him back, it had nothing to do with the fame. Also you're question about they should ask Harry what he wants is the question for every custody battle ever. Parents do want their kids to be happy but what they really want is for them to be happy with them.
I hope Harry living alone satisfies you that he was going to be happy… until Voldy butted in.

Petites Sorciers: Haha thanks for the long (and very funny) review Yes I did stuff up with his middle name, sorry, I went back a fixed that. I got a bit confused since I changed it (cause if you have twins why name one after you and not the other?). Hehe I have a plan for Hogwarts just wait and see :cackles insanely: I guess I just made you hope for nothing again with 'Neville's' gift. Sorry!