Chapter 21: New Year

Summary: Severus plays pool with Sirius.

Severus frowned when he saw Black followed them to the pool table. The boy had been keeping an eye on him all night, it was really annoying. Dan handed him a stick. "Here you go, lad. Now, show us what you've got." he said.

Severus sighed. He wasn't really in the mood, but he knew Dan wouldn't leave him alone unless he played. Suddenly Black stepped forward and chose a stick for himself. "I'll play. I bet I could beat you." he said cheekily.

"Do you?" snapped Severus, getting more annoyed by the minute.

"Yeah, totally. You want to make it more interesting? How about if I win, you give me any drink I want for the rest of the night?" added Black.

As annoyed as Severus was he didn't want to back down. Black and his friends always ambushed him and lately all he had done was running away. He looked at Dan, questioningly. The man just shrugged. Severus noticed one of the waiters had come over and was looking at him expectedly, Lupin was standing there as well with a couple of girls. He squared his shoulders. "Alright. But when I win, you're going to stop talking for the rest of the night." he said confidently.

Black grinned in answer and set up the table, then gestured for Severus to start. Severus narrowed his eyes, but came closer and shoot the cue ball, he stood aside for a second to study the lay out and then started the game. He managed to shoot a couple of balls in the pockets. Black grinned again. "Not bad." he said, with a friendly tone in his voice. Severus ignored him and tried to focus on the game.

They played for a while. A small crowd had formed around them, cheering them on. They were mostly rooting for Severus. Black wasn't bad but he always went for the most showy shots, while Severus analyzed the table and chose the easiest ones. Black had fallen behind from the beginning but he didn't seem to care. It looked like he was really enjoying himself. Severus won the first two games, their scores were equal in the third one. The game was finally over when Severus won the fourth round. Black gave him one of his cheeky smiles and opened his mouth to say something, but then closed it with a smirk, remembering their bet. Before Severus had time to react, Black reached over and shook his hand. The handshake went on more than it was necessary.

Severus couldn't understand how the other boy could be in such a good mood after losing like that. When Dan challenged him to another game, he accepted gratefully. He stepped up to the other table and tried to ignore the fact that Black was still staring at him.

...

Sirius couldn't remember the last time he had had so much fun. He had spent the last few weeks obsessing over Severus and now he got to play pool with him. He was thinking of the boy as Severus now. He had never felt so connected to another person. Everyone always made fun of him for liking muggle things. His friends didn't make fun of him but they didn't really understand his fascination, either. Severus was really good at pools. He was surprised when they got equal scores in the third game. The boy's face lightened up every time he scored and he blushed when people cheered him on.

When Severus went over to the other table, Remus and their dates stepped closer. They taught Remus a few shots and started a game, two on two. It wasn't in any way as fun as playing with Severus, though. Sirius snuck a look at the boy every once in a while, but tried to keep it discreet.

Before long it was close to midnight. Severus went behind the counter to help pour the drinks. Most people had a glass of champagne in their hands when the countdown started. Sirius' date kissed him enthusiastically as they announced midnight in the telly. He returned the kiss half- heartedly and turned to look at Severus. The boy was looking at his shoes. He brought his hand up to wipe at his face. 'He's crying' Sirius realized. He frowned. The boy had looked happy a moment ago. Sirius ached to reach over and comfort him. He watched as Dan patted Severus on the back as he talked to him. Then one of the waitresses came over and gave him a hug. Severus wiped his face again and nodded at them.

Sirius waited few minutes before moving to the counter. As he got closer, he tried to get a better look. Severus was standing in a corner. He wasn't crying anymore but still looked grim. Sirius could see he wasn't serving, but turned to him with a grin. "Two beers." he said cheerfully.

Severus rolled his eyes. "I thought you were supposed to stop talking."

Sirius shrugged, still smiling. "You said I had to be quiet all night. It's past midnight." he commented.

A moment later, Severus put the beer mugs on a tray. Sirius paid for the drinks, then put a 20 pound bill on the counter. Severus narrowed his eyes. "What's this?" he snapped.

"It's your tip" Sirius answered with another shrug.

"That's too much." the boy said, pushing the bill back towards him.

Sirius wanted to protest, but at that moment Dan came over. He picked up the bill and pushed it in Severus' pocket. "It's not polite to give back your tips." he said sternly. "It's a little crowded, why don't you go help Janet?" he continued as he put a hand on Severus' back and guided him to the other side. He turned his head and winked at Sirius over his shoulder. Sirius grinned in response.

All too soon, Severus disappeared in the back. Sirius found Remus and they took a cab back to Diagon alley, chatting about the bar and the girls all the way there.

...

Severus woke up feeling safe and warm. Someone was caressing his hair lovingly. He opened his eyes half way and saw a woman with black eyes smiling down at him. "Mom?" he whispered hopefully.

The woman pulled her hand back. "It's ... It's Mrs. Johnson, dear." she said hesitantly. "I'm sorry. I ... I didn't mean to wake you up like that. I'm sorry."

"It's OK Mrs. Johnson. It's good to see you." answered Severus, trying to be reassuring. He swallowed his disappointment and sat up, rubbing at his eyes. Mrs. Johnson looked upset.

"Happy new year." said Severus with a smile.

She smiled back "Happy new year, Severus." Her tension seemed to lessen. "Tomas and I wanted to be with you on new year's Eve, but we knew you were working, so we came today instead.

"Thank you for coming. It would be nice to have the bar to ourselves." answered Severus sincerely.

Mr. Johnson perked up. "I've made a special breakfast. Dan and Thomas are downstairs. Why don't you change and meet us there?"

Severus nodded in response and went to the washroom. As he was about to go down, he remembered the sweets he had bought at Honeydukes and took them with him.