Happy Birthday To Me
Author: SOrion
Fandom: HP
Characters: Severus Snape, Harry Potter
Rating: all audiences
AN: On the occasion of Severus' birthday.
The young man on the old tattered bed started to stir and Severus allowed himself to sigh.
It wouldn't be long, now. It wouldn't be long until he had to face the accusations, the hatred and the bile of one sixteen year old Harry Potter.
The battered body of the bane of his existence took so long to heal that Severus was almost grateful that the waiting was about to end.
And he was ready to face the judgement.
Coward, coward, coward…
Was he?
Severus knew that even in the unlikely situation that Harry would allow him to defend himself; it would not change the facts. He had killed Albus Dumbledore. He had failed to find another way out.
Severus watched the boy's brows furrow and a small groan escape his lips.
Had it only been for the Greater Good, his own safety or Dumbledore's fool hearted plan… He would not have done it.
He would have risked peace, safety and wrath… But not Draco. Never mind the vow that would have killed him instantly, had he not helped the boy; his life didn't mean that much to him, anyway.
But to both Dumbledore and himself, keeping Draco's hands free of blood was worth more than either of their survival.
The door opened and interrupted his musings.
A pale blond head peeked around the corner. "How is he?"
"About to wake."
Draco stepped inside. "You should put a body bind on him. He'll just throw a tantrum and re-open all his wounds, otherwise." Then he smirked. "And that way you can explain to him about… you know."
Severus nodded. "The explanation won't do any good. But you're right about the wounds." He sighed, again. "And you should leave. You'll upset him even more."
Draco threw a quick glance at Harry and rolled his eyes. "Idiot. Getting in the crossfire like that…" he mumbled and left.
Coward! Coward! Coward!
He didn't know. Was he a coward? He killed and then he ran. That would make him a coward. It didn't matter whether he just did to the old man's bidding or not.
Coward!
He heard the faint sound of potions utensils from downstairs. Draco passing the time, no doubt.
Coward! Murderer!
Perhaps. But whatever he might call it, it saved Draco. And for this, he didn't mind being called a coward or worse.
The old clock in the hallway chimed twelve times. Midnight.
And the green eyes opened.
Severus quickly uttered the body bind, before the clouded vision of the boy could clear and quietly thought to himself: 'Happy birthday to me…'
FIN