Snape scowled at his students. Just because today was January ninth didn't mean he had to be cheerful.
"Today, we are going to be brewing an aging potion."
How ironic.
The Granger girl stuck her hand in the air, undoubtedly to ask another inane question; the insufferable know-it-all. He ignored her and spun on his heel, knowing the way his robes moved made him look like a bat. He didn't care.
Draco, who despite being a Slytherin was a bit of whiny kiss-up, stuck his hand in the air.
"Professor, is it true today is your birthday?"
Severus tried to ignore the drawl, but when Draco started to repeat himself, the Potions master sighed.
"Yes, Draco, it is."
The blond smirked triumphantly.
The Weasley boy whispered something to Potter.
"Mr. Weasley, perhaps you would like to share that with the rest of the class?"
Weasley turned redder than his hair, and Potter scowled. The boy had a talent for it.
Draco's smirk grew.
"Weasley was commenting on the irony of the age potion today, and he remarked upon how old he thinks you to be."
Severus turned toward the board to spell the instructions, and he rolled his eyes.
"Thank you for that, Draco. Fifty points from Gryffindor."
Potter's mouth dropped.
"Fifty?"
"Each, Potter, and if you don't want more, you should close your mouth and start your potion."
Severus sat down at his desk. He was sure there would be explosions soon, and he didn't want any of this potion on him.
After a rather unsatisfying day of lessons, and a lunch during which Albus had attempted, unsuccessfully, to wish him a happy birthday, Snape stalked back to his room. Upon opening the door, he saw a cake. He spelled it away immediately, as it had the feel of the Weasley twins around it.
He sat down heavily and began grading essays. It was simple work – fail everyone but Granger. Draco deserved a middle grade.
He ran his hands through his hair heavily. He had purposely skipped dinner in order to avoid Albus, and he was regretting it. He briefly considering food, but decided against it.
It was barely six. He would never be able to sleep on a day like today.
He heaved himself out of his chair, and walked around the corridors, taking points for the smallest infractions.
Somehow, he found himself standing in front of the Mirror of Erised. He sneered at it, and tried to refuse to look. He knew what he would see.
The temptation was powerful. He turned back to see her face. She was there, like always. James was nowhere to be seen, which was just how he liked it. She looked like she did in school, before their irreversible fight.
He spun away from Lily. He twined his hands in his hair, and closed his eyes. No use dwelling on lost chances – and lost love.
He left the room quickly. Albus, the omnipresent devil, was there outside the door. His eyes twinkled knowingly. Severus sneered, and stalked off, ignoring Albus's calls.
He watched as the students parted in front of him. He heard the whispers that started as he passed, but chose to ignore them. He slammed the door hard.
He laid down heavily on his bed and covered his eyes.
Happy birthday, Severus. Too bad you fucked everything up.
(AN: Wow, it started out humorous and got a little dark. I wanted to post something on Sev's birthday, and this was what I got. A little side shot from IPC, and just a one shot. Happy birthday to the best HP character ever. My cake won't turn you pink or vanish your robes or anything like the Weasley twins' would. Reviewers may have a slice. *puts rather drab cake on the table* Hey, it was for Severus, was I supposed to make it pink?)