Happy Birthday, Sirius Snape

* Crash! * "Ow!" Sirius exclaimed.

"Shhh! You'll wake them up!" Remus whispered.

"I think I just broke my toe!" Sirius whined. "I don't know how they stand it down here. Live like a couple of damned bats!" He growled.

"Lumos!" Remus whispered and a faint glow lit the room ahead of the wand.

Sirius and Remus were sneaking into the dungeon apartment in order to see Siri's reaction when he woke up. They were like a couple of excited four-year olds. They made their way to Siri's room. Sirius held a feather firmly in his hand. He almost laughed out loud when he spotted Siri, sprawled out, flat on his back, one leg hanging over the edge of the bed, arms flung wide and snoring softly.

"Ready?" Sirius asked Remus.

"Think we should get Sev?" Remus questioned.

"Nah! Let him sleep." Sirius told him. "He always did need more sleep than we did, remember?"

"Yeah, you're right." Remus agreed. "Well, go ahead."

Sirius lightly brushed the feather across Siri's lips. Siri only turned his head away. Sirius stifled a snicker and Remus bit the inside of his cheek. Next, Sirius brushed the feather under the tip of Siri's nose. Siri brought a hand up and rubbed his nose, but didn't wake. Sirius then tickled the teen's ear and Siri's eyes popped open as he swatted at the feather.

"Happy Birthday!" The two men greeted him.

He flashed a brilliant grin at them and flung the covers aside. He waved his hand and the lamp on the table came to life, lighting up the room. He looked around himself in awe. There were balloons and streamers covering every spare inch. A banner hovered over the foot of his bed and announced, "Happy Birthday Sirius Snape!"

"This is so cool!" Siri said as he admired their efforts. "Did you do this?"

"Yes. Your Dad and Juno were in on it too." Remus answered him.

"Thank you!" Siri exclaimed.

"You're welcome." Sirius laughed as he was mauled in a huge bear hug. Siri repeated the gesture with Remus.

"I'm gonna get Dad!" He said as he rushed across the hall to Severus' room. He disappeared inside as Sirius and Remus followed behind. They stopped when Siri quietly came back out into the hall and shut the door behind himself.

"What's wrong?" Sirius asked, noting the strange look on Siri's face

"Um…he's not alone." Siri answered quietly.

"Are you okay?" Remus asked, taking his arm. "You look a little rattled."

"I'm…uh…actually kinda thrilled." Siri acknowledged. "It just surprised me to see her there…with him."

"Her?" Sirius hedged.

"Dr. A…er…Juno." Siri explained.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Remus asked again as Sirius was valiantly trying to hide the smirk on his face. He was thinking ahead to when his friend learned that his son stumbled in on him this morning; every parent's nightmare, but worse due to this particular child's age. He couldn't control himself any longer and the laugh exploded from him with full force. He was quickly joined by Remus and Siri, who had recovered nicely.

Siri led them into the kitchen and he started to make breakfast.

"Oh no you don't, young man!" Sirius said, putting a stop to that. "It's your birthday. Sit!" He ordered.

Remus started a pot of coffee as Sirius began rattling around gathering all he needed for a huge breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausages and orange juice. Siri sat happily in his seat and watched his Godfather prepare the scrumptious food.

The smell of the coffee wafting through the rooms soon brought Severus to the kitchen.

"Happy Birthday, Siri." He said, placing a kiss on top of Siri's head.

"Thanks." Siri grinned. "Sleep well?" He asked innocently and Severus choked on the sip of coffee he'd just taken. Remus grinned and turned away before Severus saw him. Sirius had not moved from in front of the stove. He didn't dare turn around.

Recovering quickly, Severus told him, "Yes, I slept quite well actually."

It was Remus's turn to choke on his coffee. Severus eyed him sharply and then noticed the grin on Siri's face. He turned his gaze on Sirius. His back was still turned, but his shoulders were shaking as he silently laughed.

"Oh bloody Hell!" Severus cursed and all three of the other men burst right out laughing once more. "Don't you dare embarrass her when she comes in here!" He growled, looking pointedly at Sirius.

"When have I ever embarrassed a lady?" He asked with mock indignation.

"Shall I mention a few incidents?" Severus remarked arching an elegant eyebrow.

"Not necessary, Severus." Remus soothed. "We'll behave. Won't we Sirius?" He stared pointedly at his friend.

"On my honour." Sirius vowed.

Siri merely sat in his seat, fully concentrating on his breakfast. Severus leaned close and asked, "Are you okay with this?"

Siri looked steadily at his Dad. "You know that I am very okay with this." He declared.

Severus nodded, obviously relieved. He got to his feet and excused himself. A while later he returned with Juno. She was a little uneasy as she stepped into the room. Her eyes searched for and settled on Siri. He gazed steadily at her, his green eyes glittering like emeralds. He rose to his feet and stepped over to face her. He wrapped his arms around her and said, "Good morning, Juno."

She wrapped her arms around him in return and said, "Happy Birthday, Siri."

"Thanks." He told her. Whispering in her ear, he added, "It's okay.". He smiled at her. She could only nod, not trusting her voice.

After breakfast Juno headed home to shower and change into jeans and a summer sweater. She quickly returned to the old castle, Siri's owl in hand. She left the little boy in Severus' office until later. She set to work in the kitchen. Soon, heavenly smells were filling the rooms.

The three men were out on the grounds, gathering wood for a huge bonfire after dark.

Siri had been out to the Pitch and thoroughly enjoying his broom. He could perform stunts to his heart's desire, sure his father wasn't looking. When he'd finished his flying for the day, he made his way to the infirmary. His therapy equipment was still set up there. He worked through his two hour routine and the burn in his legs, abs and chest was exhilarating.

His nose led him to the kitchen upon returning to the apartment. "Mmmm! It smells great in here!" He exclaimed as he spotted Juno.

"Ewww! Siri, you don't!" She wrinkled her nose. "Go shower!" She ordered as she pushed him out the door.

"Okay! Okay! I'm going, Mum!" He grinned at her as he ducked a swat on his way out the door. He showered and dressed quickly, but his hair slowed him down once again. He really was getting tired of it. A plan for later formed in his mind and he smiled as he began to return it to its braid. He was wearing his "Seeker" shirt and jeans. When he stepped out and Juno spotted it, she had him turn around so she could read the back. "You might want to be careful wearing that in public, Siri!" She teased.

"Why?" He asked innocently.

"You're advertising when you dress like that!" She laughed.

"Yeah, well…" He blushed. "I never thought of it."

"You never thought of it?" She said in surprise. "When exactly was the last time you took a good look in a mirror, Siri?"

"I look in a mirror every day!" He growled indignantly.

She rolled her eyes and dragged him into his father's bathroom and parked him in front of the full-length mirror. "Now, take a good look." She ordered.

"Yeah?" He said after eyeing himself, not really impressed.

"Honestly, Siri! You're gorgeous!" She exclaimed. "Don't you even notice what goes on when you pass women in the streets?"

"No." He shrugged carelessly.

Juno shook her head. "Oh Siri, you really need to open your eyes!" She laughed and walked away. He stood there appraising himself. 'Okay, I don't have a baby face anymore. I'm taller, a lot taller. The knobby knees are gone. I've developed some muscles. I have a bit of a tan, that's new. My hair, well, it's my hair.' He wrinkled his nose, not seeing what was so remarkable about him. He shrugged again and whistled a little tune as he headed back outside to find his Dad.

By late morning, the birthday guests started to arrive. Sonya was the first, followed by Ron and Hermione. Professor Dumbledore arrived and lastly, Draco made his appearance.

Siri was happy to see his peers. They had stayed for the first day of the trial, but Siri insisted that they all continue with their after-graduation plans.

Severus, Sirius and Remus helped Juno and Sonya bring all the food and drinks to the courtyard. It was a lovely day for the last day of July. The sun was shining, but the temperature was mild and the humidity was low. A perfect day to spend outside celebrating

After eating their fill of the delicious food, it was time for presents. Siri settled on the ground in the center of his circle of family and friends. Draco handed over his gift first.

"I picked this up while I was vacationing." He explained. "I hope you like it."

Siri pulled the wrapping off, revealing a book, 'Legendary Aurors of the Past Century'. There were a couple of places marked with scraps of parchment. Siri opened it to the first slip. The heading at the top of the page read, 'Sirius Black'. Siri looked up at Sirius and smiled.

"What?" Sirius said in mock innocence, then laughed, a little embarrassed.

Siri flipped the pages to the second scrap of parchment. The heading at the top of this page read, 'James Potter'. Siri brushed his fingers over the name and nodded, swallowing hard.

"Thank you, Draco," He said quietly.

"You're welcome." Draco replied.

Ron jumped up and said, "Open Hermione's and my gift next." He handed him a small box. Ron and Hermione shared a small grin as Siri peeled the paper off and opened the lid. Tucked inside, were four tickets to a Chudley Cannons Quidditch match.

"Hey, thanks guys!" He exclaimed, thrilled at the thought of going to the game. "I can't wait!"

"They're open event tickets, Siri." Hermione explained. "You'll be able to go whenever it's convenient for you that way." Touched by her foresight, he could only nod.

Sonya went next. "I actually bought this right under your nose, Siri!" She laughed as she handed him her gift. He unwrapped it to find the green t-shirt that said "Kiss the Seeker" in silver lettering.

"When we went to the mall!" He exclaimed. "Thanks, Sonya!" He held it up for everyone to admire it.

"Great, more advertising! Just what you need, Siri!" Juno joked and everyone laughed. Siri shook his head, a sheepish grin on his face.

"Mine next!" Sirius said. "This was actually for graduation." He explained as he handed over a fairly heavy box. "The smaller one is for your birthday."

"Which should I open first?" He asked.

"Birthday." Draco said.

"Graduation." Ron said at the same moment.

"Okay, I'll do graduation, 'cause that came first." Siri decided. Inside the large box he found a beautiful pair of black dragonhide boots. Siri was flabbergasted. Dragonhide boots, he knew, were very expensive. The quality he saw in the making of these told him they were a top of the line pair. Caressing them with his fingertips, he said, "Thank you, Sirius. These are absolutely gorgeous. I love them. Thank you, so much!" He added, rising to his feet to hug his Godfather.

"Try them on. See how they feel." He urged

Siri sat again, pulled off his shoes and slipped his feet into the boots. They were butter-soft inside and sturdy, tough as nails, on the outside. They were also a perfect fit.

"They fit just right!" Siri marveled. "How did you know?"

"A little bird told me!" Sirius joked. Siri didn't change back into his shoes. He took up the smaller package and carefully opened it. Pushing aside the tissue paper inside, he exposed an ornate dagger. Siri appreciated that it was beautiful, but he couldn't pick it up. His eyes clouded over a bit and he quietly thanked Sirius for the gift.

"Is something…Oh Merlin!" Sirius exclaimed. "I'm sorry Siri! I've had that forever and I've saved it for your eighteenth birthday. I didn't think. I'm so sorry!"

"It's okay, Sirius." Siri said softly. "I think it's beautiful. I'm just not ready for it, okay?"

"Of course." Sirius agreed. "Do you want me to keep it for you?"

"No." Siri told him. "I'll have Dad hold onto it."

After a short, silently tense, moment, Severus rose and handed a small gift to Siri. "This is part of your gift, Siri. The rest I will give you later when we are alone." He informed him. Siri nodded as he unwrapped the small box. Inside, there was an antique pocket watch. When Siri popped the case open, a haunting tune began to play. On the back of the case were the initials 'J. A. P.'

"It was James'." Severus explained.

"What does the "A" stand for?" Siri asked as he snapped the case closed.

"Albus" Professor Dumbledore spoke up.

"Really?" Siri said, grinning happily.

"Truly." Albus smiled.

"Wow!" Siri exclaimed.

Sev spoke up, "Siri, the rest of your gifts are scattered about inside. Why don't you go with Albus and Remus and they will give you their gifts. Then come home and Juno will have hers ready. Draco, Ron, Hermione, you go ahead and join them. We'll clear up this mess and meet you inside."

They nodded their agreement and hurried to catch up to the other three.

Professor Dumbledore ordered, "Come up to my office. We'll do my gift first."

At the top of the revolving staircase, they waited as the Headmaster dropped the locking charms on the door. They all filed inside and Albus opened a glass case on a high shelf against the side wall. He carefully removed the sword from inside. From a cabinet below it, he removed a leather belt and sheath. He turned to face Siri, who's face had gone white

Albus paused after a step. "Is this too much for you, Siri?" He asked gently.

"No sir. I just had a rush of memories." Siri explained. Albus nodded, a grave look on his face.

"I told you all those years ago that only a true Gryffindor could have pulled this sword out of the hat." Albus told him quietly. "You accepted that statement at face value."

"Yes, sir." Siri agreed.

"Siri, I now wish to tell you more. You were able to pull this sword out of the hat because you were The true Gryffindor. You are the true heir of Godric Gryffindor." Albus explained as he presented the sword to Siri, palms up in a gesture of reverence.

Siri, sensing a shift in their relationship, took the sword from his hands. Brushing his thumb over the name engraved below the hilt, he nodded at the Headmaster.

"There is more I must tell you Siri." He stated. "You are not only the heir to Gryffindor, but you bear that title as a Hufflepuff and you share it as a Ravenclaw and a Slytherin." Albus revealed. Those gathered there looked around at each other in stunned amazement. "Siri, your Hufflepuff and Gryffindor bloodlines come from your mother. Your Ravenclaw and Slytherin bloodlines you share with Severus." Albus went on to explain.

"That's why Voldemort wants me dead?" Siri asked.

"Yes, child." Albus agreed. "He knows you will be powerful enough to defeat him once your powers peak. There is no doubt of it."

"They already have. I've reached them, the peak of my powers." Siri admitted quietly. His friends were shocked and worried. Albus nodded.

"I thought so. Others can feel the power roll off you, Siri. I can feel that your power has already surpassed my own." He revealed. "You now need to learn to use it and control it."

Siri nodded and slipped the sword into its sheath. He buckled the belt around his waist and shifted it more comfortably over his hips.

"We can talk more about this another time, however. We are celebrating and more gifts await you!" Albus said with a smile.

"My turn, Siri!" Remus said excitedly. "For my gift, we must go to an abandoned dungeon classroom!" He added cryptically. When they reached the classroom door, Remus opened it and ushered Siri through first. Arranged over in a corner was a complicated-looking set of drums.

"Drums!" Siri yelped. "I've always wanted to play the drums!"

"These aren't just for playing with Siri. These drums are tools. You're going to use them to develop control over your magic, by strengthening your powers of concentration." Remus explained.

"But Remus, I don't know how to play the drums!" Siri blurted.

"That's where I come in." Draco spoke up with a huge grin on his face. "I've played the drums for years. I can teach you! It's quite simple, really, when you get everything working together."

"Everything working together?" Siri parroted, clearly not following.

"Yes, both of your hands and at least one foot, two depending on the piece of music." Draco explained.

"I'm not sure I can do this." Siri said warily.

"It just takes practice and a lot of concentration. You'll do fine." Draco assured him. Siri nodded, clearly not convinced.

"Thank you, Remus." Siri remembered to thank him.

"You're welcome." Remus smiled.

Siri was nervously wondering what his gift from Juno would be. They left the deserted classroom and Siri's drums and walked down the corridor to the Snape residence. The four people seated there looked up when they entered. Juno got to her feet and looked nervously at Siri.

"What's the matter, Juno?" He asked.

"I'm not sure you'll like my gift." She admitted.

"I'll love anything you give me, simply because it came from you." He informed her.

"That's what I'm afraid of." She confessed. "I don't want you to accept it just because I'm the giver. I want you to accept it because you truly want it. Understand?" She said.

"Okay." He laughed nervously, wondering what on earth it could be to make her so tense.

Juno slipped down the hall to the study and picked up the small cage containing the baby owl. Crossing her fingers, she walked back to the living room.

He took a sharp, deep, breath as she held the cage up to him. Tears filled his eyes as he thought of his beloved Hedwig. He ducked his head a bit to look the owl in the eye.

"It's a boy." Juno explained. Siri nodded, sniffling softly. He reached out a finger through the bars. The little boy nipped at it playfully. He laughed gently. As he opened the door to the cage, he whispered, "Thank you, Juno. He's beautiful." He reached in and the little guy hopped right on his arm. Siri brought him out and held his arm up to his opposite shoulder. The little owl hopped onto it and turned around. He hooted softly in Siri's ear and settled down. Siri, feeling a little overwhelmed, needed to break away from the eyes in the room. He closed his eyes and took a deep, shuddering breath. He looked at Juno once again and nodded, "Thanks." He whispered again. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"What'll you name him?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know. Let me think." Siri wandered down to his room and placed the cage on his desk. He looked at Hedwig's cage sadly. With his new owl firmly in place on his shoulder, he removed the ivy plant from Hedwig's cage. With a wave of his hand, the cage shrunk to the size of a coffee mug. He placed it on a shelf next to a picture of he and Hedwig in his first year. He hung the new cage on the stand and stepped back to survey it.

"What do you think?" He asked the owl. The baby hooted softly and nipped at Siri's ear. "I think so too." Siri told him, as he took him from his shoulder and placed him in his cage. He settled on his perch and Siri watched him for a little while. "I think I'll name you Hercules. Do you like that?" Siri asked softly. Hercules hooted his approval. "Hercules it is, then." Siri nodded and returned to the living room.

"Okay, Siri?" Sev asked softly.

"Yes." He smiled. "He's decided he likes the name Hercules." Siri announced.

"Can we have cake yet?" Ron piped up.

"You and your stomach!" Hermione snorted.

"Cake it is!" Siri declared.

Juno retreated to the kitchen. She came out with a huge cake, but it only had one candle on it. She explained, "Siri, today is Sirius James Snape's first birthday, that is why there is only one candle on this cake."

Tears glittered in his eyes again. He breathed sharply through his nose and his chin raised just a fraction. Sev wrapped an arm around his son and whispered, "Make a wish, Siri!"

"You make one with me too." He ordered his father. "We'll blow it out together."

Sev's breath caught in his chest. He had missed his son's actual first birthday. Never had the opportunity to "Make a wish" and help blow out the candle. It was a gift he never expected to receive.

"Got one?" Siri asked.

"Yes, I think so." Sev replied and he added his breath to his son's and the candle blinked out.

"Don't forget to set a nice piece of that aside!" Siri reminded Juno.

"I won't, Siri." She laughed.

After everyone filled up on cake and pumpkin juice (Siri's favorite for years); Sev, Sirius and Remus lead them all back outside toward a huge pile of dead tree branches, weeds and anything they could pile up and burn. Sev took out his wand to ignite the blaze.

"Let me!" Siri begged.

"Go ahead. It's your party after all." Sev encouraged him.

Siri closed his eyes and raised his arm. He pointed a finger at the pile and muttered, "Incendio!" A blaze flared to life directly in the center of the pile. He opened his eyes to see his handiwork. He jumped up, punched the air and shouted, "Yes! I did it.!" Sev laughed and said "You sure did!"

They settled around the blaze. Before Siri sat down, he removed a pair of scissors from his pocket. Holding them up, he announced, "Today was more than my birthday. I feel as if I truly became Sirius James Snape today. That being said, I will no longer hide from the world. I am Sirius. I am proud to be a Snape. I will not hide behind my mask any longer!" He paused and took another deep breath. "Dad, will you cut my hair?" He asked. Only Juno noticed that Sonya nodded her head in approval, a satisfied look on her face.

Sev rose from the ground to stand by his son. Siri got to his feet and handed the scissors over to him. He hugged Siri fiercely to him before he took the scissors. Siri turned around and offered his "mask" to his father.

"How short, Siri?" Sev whispered.

"Like yours, Dad." He answered.

"Like father, like son?" He smiled.

"Exactly." Siri declared.

Sev cut the thick braid at shoulder length. Siri pulled the remaining scrap of leather from his hair and ran his fingers through it to loosen the remaining braid. His hair fell to his shoulders in soft black waves.

Sev handed him the severed braid. Siri stepped over to the flames and held it up for everyone to see.

"No more masks!" He shouted as he threw the braid into the fire. Everyone seated there had tears in their eyes. A cheer rose up from the group. They sat around and talked about anything and everything until the flames died away. They walked to the gatehouse to see Sonya, Juno, Ron, Hermione and Draco off. The five remaining men made their way to the castle, said their goodnights and went their separate ways.

Back in their rooms, Sev turned to his son. "Do you know how proud I am of you?" He asked.

"I have a pretty good idea, if it's anywhere near as proud as I am of you." Siri affirmed.

"Are you ready for your last gift?" Sev asked.

"Yes." Siri smiled.

Sev went into his room and returned with a small, ornately carved box. He handed it to Siri and held his breath while Siri opened it. His mother's letters, tied with a new green ribbon, were nestled inside. Siri swallowed around a huge lump that had suddenly formed in his throat. His hands shook as he set the box on the small table next to the sofa. He reached inside and pulled them out. He clutched the stack to his chest, tears falling freely down his face. A huge sob burst from Siri's chest and Sev crushed him to his chest and held him tightly in his arms.

"Thank you" Siri choked out. "I've wanted to read them for ages."

"Take your time with them, Siri." Sev urged gently.

"I want to read them together." Siri admitted quietly.

"Okay, together." Sev agreed. "But, not anymore tonight! It's really late and we have court tomorrow." Siri's joy took a marked drop in intensity.

"I'm off to bed." Siri announced. "Thank you for the best birthday I think I've ever had. I love you" He added, hugging his Dad tightly.

"I love you, Siri." Sev returned. "Happy Birthday! And take your potion!"

"No dreams." Siri nodded. "'Night!"

As he settled in his bed, Hercules hooted softly. "Night, Herc." He said as he tipped the potion into his mouth. His hand found his mother's letters as he slipped into oblivion.

.