A/N: Severus' birthday and another key encounter in canon take place.

Chapter 15 Happiness

Before the holiday was even out, Harry made the decision to inform Severus and Lily of what he'd learned. Needless to say, neither of them was that impressed with his eavesdropping on the Headmaster, but they also couldn't deny that the information Harry gleamed from the conversation was useful. Learning that the three headed dog was guarding the Philosopher's Stone, and that Nicholas Flamel and Albus were in cahoots on its protection. Most important of all to Harry, and to Severus and Lily too, though, was the fact that Albus had unequivocally proven that Quirrell was the one going after the stone. The trio of youngsters felt especially vindicated and all were wary of the stuttering DADA professor for the remainder of the winter break. While Harry, Severus and Lily were concerned that Albus seemed awfully carefree of the threat on the stone, the one saving grace the three children could get around was that if Quirrell did try anything, Albus would be aware of the perpetrator's identity without need for deliberation. Quirrell wouldn't be able to do anything, not with Albus here at least; all he needed was a reason and their shifty Defense Professor could be thrown out.

In the meantime, Harry, Severus and Lily tried to put the dilemma of the stone out of their minds and enjoy the remainder of the break. As the end of the Christmas Holiday neared though, another important date in the calendar was upon them, and that was Severus' birthday. Severus' birthday was due to occur on the last Friday of the break, which didn't leave much time for Lily and Harry to plan something for their friend. Before they knew it, the end of the holiday was upon them and with it came the ninth of January.

Severus had never celebrated a proper birthday since he was three years old, his father and mother had gotten him a cake, and they'd gone out into town for a fancy dinner at his favorite restaurant to celebrate the occasion. These were the last days before the abuse and the neglect started, when the Snapes were still a happy family and Severus and Eileen weren't yet a wizard and witch, to Tobias at least. Tobias didn't drink away his hard-earned money at the mill, and he actually loved his son and his wife as any father and husband should. Severus had a hard time remembering it now, but he could recall some times in his youth when his father would look at him with genuine happiness and affection in his eyes, as would his mother, but those memories were far and few between. Only when his accidental magic started rearing its ugly head did the abuse, neglect and alcoholism start. For the time being though, the Snapes in 1963 could be considered an odd, but happy family.

On the morning of the ninth of January, Severus left his room at the crack of dawn and headed into the living room. Awaiting him, was a sight totally unexpected but entirely welcome. On the kitchen table was a banquet befitting of a king, looming over it, was Lily who appeared to be putting the finishing touches on it. The sound of his door opening ajar startled his redheaded friend, causing her to pull her gaze from the table to him, eyes widening and brightening as they met his. For a moment, the two friends stood there, staring at each other. Lily's eyes wide and bright, Severus' eyes slowly growing to match hers.

"Happy birthday Sev," Lily said with a broad grin—making his heart thrum. Her eyes shining like emeralds, Lily skipped across the room over to him and embraced him in a tight hug.

Severus' arms remained rigid stuck to his sides for a brief moment, before he returned the hug and slowly brought his arms up Lily's back and returned her affection. "Thanks Lily," Severus mumbled quietly. "This is…it's really nice."

"You're most welcome Severus, but this is just the beginning, Me 'n Harry have got a whole lot more planned just for you, birthday boy," Lily whispered back.

She wound her arms around him a little bit tighter, gliding over his robe-clad back and rubbing in circles until he relaxed a bit more—he was way too tense and rigid for a boy on his birthday, Lily thought. The two friends remained locked in each other's embrace, Lily sighing with blessed relief that Severus was now comfortable returning her hugs when he'd been so afraid and wary of them in the past. She had to credit Albus for that, he'd helped Harry and Severus loads in that regard, opening the two, abused boys up to physical affection and showing them that not every was supposed to hurt. Lily tightened her arms some more, sighing happily as Severus did the same and tightened his arms around her back, rubbing up and down the cottony material.

"You've come so far," Lily whispered, not intending for him to hear it, but evidently he had when he stepped back and eyed her warily.

"I've come so far in what," Severus said lowly.

Lily flashed him a lopsided smile, one side of her lip curling higher than the other as she stepped back from him. "You know…hugs. You never used to like it when we hugged or…or when I touched you, back when it was just the two of us back in Cokeworth. I think it's great Sev, that you've…you've managed to overcome this. I'm honestly, very happy for you, and Harry too, I really am." Her smile broadened as she gave another shrug of her shoulders. "Means I get to hug you more."

Severus' lips twitched into a smile, but before he could say anything, the door to Harry's room opened, revealing a smiling, messy-haired boy standing in the frame.

"Morning Lily, Sev'rus," he said groggily, wiping at his eyes behind his glassed. "Happy birthday Severus, Lily and I have got a big day planned for you, my friend."

"Yeah, breakfast was my treat Sev, me and the house elves made all your favorites," Lily chimed in. "But Harry's gonna be treating you to lunch, birthday boy."

"Aren't we gonna be eating in the Great Hall?" Severus asked confusedly, glancing between his two best friends.

Both shook their heads. "Nope, I asked Albus if it's alright to have Ron, Mandy and Tracey over here for lunch, and he said yes," said Harry. "And I, shall personally be cooking lunch. With the house elves' help of course, but I'll actually be the one cooking for you Severus, unlike a certain someone here who pawned off her work to the elves."

Lily huffed and folded her arms across her chest indignantly. "Hey that's not fair! I woke up at five thirty to begin supervising them, that's not true at all! Besides, it's better that they cook it because they can do a far better job of it than I can!" Lily said in defense of her decision not too cook.

"Can we not argue instead?" Severus said, dragging a hand across his tired face. "I'm starved, and could really use a bite to eat."

"Sure," Lily said brightly, eagerly waving the birthday boy over to his seat at the head of the table. Harry sat to his left, and Lily, his right, but before they could tuck in, the door to the sitting area opened and in came Albus.

"Good morning and a happy birthday Severus," the old headmaster said, a crinkled smile adorning his face.

"Morning sir, erm—I mean, Albus," Severus said in reply, his gaze drifted lower to the package in the Headmaster's hands, Albus noticing the movement.

"Oh, this?" Albus said, lifting the package he held. "This is for you Severus, I'll just leave it off to the side so you can open it after breakfast. I believe that Lily took it upon herself to organize this, ah, banquet for you, didn't she?"

"I did, Albus!" Lily said cheerily, clearly proud of herself. "And Harry'll be organizing lunch with Tracey, Mandy and Ron as well!"

"Yes, Harry had already asked my permission to have them over," Albus said, as he set the package down on the coffee table. He sensed the gaze of his three wards on him, and turned to them to say; "Well don't wait on my account, please tuck in. I only popped in briefly to deposit this. I'm afraid I have some business to attend to this morning, a quick trip into London and I'll be back with you for lunch."

Albus witnessed the brief flicker of disappointment cross Severus' face, and nearly frowned at the sight. "If it's any consolation, dinner will be my treat, and I think you'll especially enjoy it Severus."

Albus smiled and offered the three youngsters a wave, then left the room.

Once Albus had vacated the room, the three friends all served themselves portions of each dish, with Severus going first and piling his plate high with waffles drenched in maple syrup, whipped cream and berries, poached eggs, and slices of ham. Once he'd finished, Harry and Lily served themselves and the trio eagerly tucked into their meal.

"So, what do you think, Sev?" Lily asked, bright and eager, as she gestured to the delicious-looking spread.

"Looks good, you've got all your favorites your mum used to make," Severus said, eyeing the stack of food on his plate with barely-disguised hunger.

"Well go on then, try it!"

Severus answered Lily's call by lifting a his fork—a piece of egg and bacon impaled on it—to his lips, and took his first bite. Upon reflection, Severus could comfortably say the food wasn't as good as what Missus Evans used to make, but it was pretty darn close to it. There was hardly any grease, and the poached eggs seemed to melt in his mouth like butter. The Bacon too was cooked to near-Missus Evans' standard, just lightly burnt around the edges and perhaps a little on the crispier side of things.

"It's…it tastes good Lily," Severus said, as he stabbed another forkful of bacon and egg. "Not as good as your mum's of course, but it's still really nice."

"Nothing beats mums cooking," Lily said, her voice laced with pride and a hint of melancholy. "But I'm glad you like it Sev."

"Was my grandmother a good cook?" Harry asked, unable to keep the longing he felt from his tone.

"She wasn't just good, she was the best Harry, the best ever," said Lily. "But what you're eating now is pretty darn close to the standard of food my mum would make."

"I'd love to have met her," Harry said softly, staring wistfully at his plate.

Lily returned him a melancholy smile and said; "She'd have loved to have met you too."

An awkward silence descended on the trio then, prompting them to turn their attention to their meals. After a few minutes spent in silence—minus the chewing of mouths and scraping of cutlery, Severus eventually asked; "What do you guys want to do after breakfast?"

Lily and Harry exchanged a glance, then both turned to Severus. "Whatever you want birthday boy. This day's yours," Lily said with a grin.

"I suppose we could go to Hagrid's," Severus said, after a moment spent thinking about it. "What do you two think?"

"Works for me," said Harry.

"Me too," added Lily.

"Alright so it's settled then," said Severus with an air of finality.

An hour later, three, bundled-up first years stood outside the door to Hagrid's hut. It wasn't snowing any longer, but the heavy snowfall from last night made it tricky for the three friends to navigate the grounds. Severus raised his hand to the door and knocked three times, answered soon after by a loud; "Wait jus' a minute!"

Exercising their patience, they waited out there in the cold for a little while longer before the door swung open, allowing the three first years entrance into Hagrid's hut.

"Well hello there you three, fancy seeing you out here in this weather," Hagrid said in greeting. He quickly ushered the children in and slammed the door shut to seal the heat within his hut.

"Good morning Hagrid," said Severus. "I hope you don't mind us—"

"Oh no, oh not at all," Hagrid interrupted, waving his meaty hand dismissively. "I was jus' a little surprised is all that you three braved the elements to come visit me."

"It's what the birthday boy wanted," said Lily, smiling at the Groundskeeper. "Right Sev?"

Severus nodded sheepishly.

"Oh, it's your birthday then, is it?" Hagrid asks, the broad smile he wore partially obscured by his beard. "Happy birthday Severus."

"Thank you Hagrid," Severus said, smiling kindly.

Hagrid then guided them to sit around his kitchen table as he lumbered off to make a pot of tea. He returned a moment later and set the kettle down on the table with a loud thud, frightening the three first years a bit, as he then laid out a trio of mugs for them to drink from. Ever the gracious host, Hagrid poured out their mugs of tea, then sat down in his own—much larger chair, and regarded his three guests curiously.

"So how's yer birthday been so far Severus?"

"It's been fine, Hagrid. Lily made breakfast for me, and Harry says he's cooking lunch, so I'll be looking forward to that. But mostly…I don't want to do much today, just relax."

"Tha's wonderful to hear," Hagrid said, before taking a swig of his tea. "And why'd ye want to come visit little, old me, eh?"

Severus smirks, Lily and Harry know from that alone that's got some witty retort of his lined up. "I had to make time to visit my favorite groundskeeper don't I?"

"I think I'm the only groundskeeper ye know, aren't I?"

"Yes, but that doesn't change the fact that you're my favorite," Severus said in kind.

Hagrid released a booming laugh, one that shook the very walls of his hut, and startled the three friends. "Ah, that's very funny Severus," Hagrid laughed.

For the next hour, the three friends chatted to their favorite Groundskeeper and indulged themselves in tea and rock cakes—not so much the latter, mind you—before heading back to the castle. Harry needed to get started on lunch, leaving Severus and Lily free for the time being. With Harry directing a team of house elves in the kitchen, Lily and Severus told their best friend they'd be stepping out for a while so as not to have Severus' surprise lunch be spoiled.

"Say, we should go see Professor Sev!" Lily said exuberantly, as though the thought had suddenly struck her mind. With bright, wide, green eyes, she eagerly tugged on Severus' hand with the intent of leading him down the corridor to the dungeons; but Severus remained rooted to the spot as he regarded his friend with a slight frown.

"Why should we do that?" Severus asked.

"'Cus it's his birthday too Sev, c'mon, we should both go! You get along well enough with him as it is don't you?"

Relative to the rest of his class, this much is true, Professor Snape rarely had a bone to pick with him. For the most part, he kept his head down and did his work, in so doing, he rarely lost points and on occasion even gained some from the Potions Master. All the while, he was determined to avoid invoking his older self's wrath, something his peers also strived to avoid but were oftentimes less successful in. While he couldn't say that his older self liked him per se, he definitely didn't dislike him, which was more than about 80% of the school could claim for themselves. That in and of itself, not having Professor Snape loathe him, was enough in Lily's eyes seemingly for her and him to pay their grouchy and ill-tempered Professor a visit.

"Fine. We can go, but I'm only wishing him a happy birthday and then I'm going," said Severus.

Lily nodded eagerly, happy to have gained this concession from him. The two then set off down the first floor corridor that'll take them to the stairs down to the dungeons. A short, ten-minute walk later, they arrived at the door to Professor Snape's office. Lily, confident as she was, and assured in her belief that she and Professor Snape got on alright, raised her hand to the wood and knocked. The door swung open swiftly, as if Snape knew who was on the other side of it, allowing Lily to stride right in with Severus on her heels.

They spotted the man at his desk, his dark eyes fixed on Lily's and his younger self's. "Yes?" he said disinterestedly, glancing up at them, then back to the papers he was scrawling on.

"I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday, sir," Lily said respectfully.

She nudged Severus in the ribs, prompting him to say; "Err…right, happy birthday sir."

Snape nodded stiffly. "Likewise, I guess. Now are you through?"

"Err…are you doing anything later for your birthday Professor?" Lily asked lightly.

Snape arched a brow and returned to his writing. "Indeed I am, but it is of no business of yours."

"Well, we just wanted to wish you a happy birthday sir, and, uh…hope that you have a pleasant day."

If any other student had said that Snape would've regarded them with a scowl and sneer, so in that sense, Lily was lucky to be only given a dismissive wave of his hand which told her all she needed to know that her presence wasn't welcome.

"Have a…a good day sir," Severus added.

They quickly left their Potions Professor's office as quickly as they'd entered, and made the trip out of the dungeons back to their quarters where Harry's lunch awaited them. When Lily and Severus returned to their quarter, Severus was surprised to see not just Harry, but Ron, Mandy and Tracey as well. The broad smiles on all four of his friends' faces, and Lily's, made his heart clench in his chest, but out of joy not fear.

The rest of the day passed incredibly slowly for Severus, but it was something he was grateful for since he was able to savor the attention of his friends and guardian on him, trying to make his day the best it could possibly be. It was a novel feeling, being the center of everyone's attention, but he embraced it nonetheless. Lily, Harry, Mandy, Tracey, Ron; bright smiles and shining eyes adorning their faces whenever they talked or spoke to him, it filled his heart with pride and joy that for the first time in a very long time, his birthday was seen as something positive. The lone, positive memory he had of any of his previous birthdays was when he turned four, just a few months before he began showing signs of magic; his father had brought him and his mother to the zoo, and Tobias relished in every opportunity he was given to explain each of the animals they came across to his young son. Memories of his father smiling were far and few between, but this was one of the rare occasions Severus remembered a smile gracing his father's mouth; but it pales in comparison to all that his friends have done for him today. Without a doubt, this had been the best birthday ever.

The remaining two days of the Christmas holiday flew by for Harry, Severus, Lily and their friends, and before they knew it, their fellow classmates were returning to the castle for the start of the Spring term. Term began, and with it, came a deluge of assignments that nearly swamped the trio and their friends, but they just about kept their heads above water. Now entering the second half of their first year, their exams felt that much nearer than they had in the first half, and some students had already commenced their revision for it. Harry, Lily and Severus' concerns about the stone and Quirrell's attempts to steal it slipped their minds as their focus returned to their work, and their extracurricular commitments beyond their assignments.

Harry, for the most part, focused on Quidditch. He had a match coming up against Hufflepuff in the fourth week of January, and was determined to score his first snitch catch and win. He had confidence that Quirrell wouldn't try anything suspicious like he did in his first game against Slytherin, since Snape would be refereeing; so while he felt safe, the downside to Harry and the rest of the Gryffindors would be Snape's biased calls against the Gryffindor side. To counteract this, Harry trained diligently four times a week, and aimed to catch the snitch early in the match to prevent Snape from swinging the match too far in Hufflepuff's favor. He was desperate for his first win, to prove to his friends that McGonagall selecting him for the team wasn't a fluke or an accident, and that he deserved to be there. If he messed up and failed to catch the snitch both times in his first two games…then he knew he could as good as kiss his chance of making the team next year goodbye. While Harry's flying technique had improved by leaps and bounds from his first game, the downside to his rigorous training was that he wasn't able to spend as much time with his friends as he had before the break.

Severus and Lily in particular spent a lot of their time at the castle while Harry was out on the Quidditch pitch, working on their potion brewing or studying in the library to stay ahead of their coursework. They held three study sessions per week in the library, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Harry made it a point to attend at least one of those three sessions so he could catch up with his friends and get their advice on his assignments. He much rather preferred asking Severus for advice than he did Hermione or Lily. While on paper, Severus and Lily weren't quite as smart as Hermione was, his fellow Gryffindor was rather bossy at times and would often get on his case about not paying attention in class or not putting in enough effort as was necessary; Lily acted much the same. Severus on the other hand would quietly explain what needed to be said, and leave it at that, allowing Harry to put the pieces together himself. It was funny, Harry thought, that the younger Severus, his best friend, was a better teacher than the older Severus, grouchy, cantankerous Severus Snape. If given a choice in the matter, he much preferred going to Severus or even Mandy for advice as opposed to his other two female friends.

By the time the third week of school rolled around, Harry's second match of the year was upon them. And based on the results of said match, it was evident that all his hard work training had paid off. He caught the snitch within five minutes of the game starting, and while Gryffindor held a 60-40 lead, meaning Gryffindor won the match in a commanding fashion by the score of 210-40. Snape hardly had a chance to swing the match in Hufflepuff's favor before the Gryffindors had won it, and needless to say, the Potions Master was quite miffed about the fact that Harry caught the snitch and in record time too. He was congratulated by his teammates in the air, Wood, the Weasley twins, Angelina, Alicia and Katie all hugging him as he held the snitch aloft in his fist. When he landed on the pitch, the congratulations didn't stop as he was swept up in a hug by his friends who were all stunned and amazed at his incredible performance. The field was soon mobbed by a sea of gold and red, Gryffindor students from years one through seven all swarming the pitch to congratulate the rookie seeker. It soon grew too much for Harry, all the attention, all the pats on the back, the hugs, all of it, he didn't want all this attention on him. So he took off for the castle at a run, not even stopping to put away his broom. Severus and Lily raced after him, calling his name as Harry fled the throngs of his supporters.

Harry had done some growing in recent months, but he was still only the same height as Lily was, and considerably shorter than Severus. His knobby knees didn't make running any easier either as his friends were able to keep up with him all the way into the castle, where he found an unused classroom and burst in. He wasn't trying to outrun his friends, merely to get away from all the people that had mobbed him and swarmed him from all sides so he could find a little bit of peace amidst the chaos of their uproarious celebration. He soon realized he wasn't alone in the room, for there was a large mirror on the far side, and as Harry stared into it, he was shocked to see not just his face, but two more staring back at him, all with undisguised affection in their gazes. Harry dropped his Nimbus to the floor carelessly, and as if in a trance, he walked across the room to the towering mirror and placed his palm flat against the pristine glass. For a long moment, he couldn't help but stop and stare, for that was all he could do when presented with the smiling, adult faces of his mum and dad.

James Potter, his father, had his hand on reflection-Harry's shoulder, squeezing lightly, and eliciting a smile from the Harry in the mirror. He was tall, with broad shoulders, light brown eyes that twinkled with mischief, a messy mop of black hair, and a calming smile that helped put Harry's racing heart at peace. He truly looked just like Harry, just taller, broader and with brown eyes instead of green. Harry got his eyes from his mum, Lily Potter, and she was there too, looking just like the Lily that came into his life half a year ago, except older and taller. The adult version of his mum was tall too, nearly his dad's height, with long auburn hair, healthily pale skin, and bright green eyes that shone just like her younger self's and his own. His parents were stunning, and they were smiling, Harry struggled to blink the tears out of his eyes at the sight of them, here, with him. He dragged the sleeve of his sweaty Quidditch robes across his nose to wipe the tears that had fallen, but didn't dare take his eyes off the mirror for even a second lest he lose sight of the two people in the world he'd give anything to have in the flesh with him, by his side.

The door at the far end of the room, through which Harry had entered a few minutes prior, now opened once more admitting Severus and Lily into the room, Albus on their heels wearing a knowing smile.

"Harry," his guardian said calmly.

Harry whirled around, a thin veneer of tears in his eyes as he took in the smiling faces of Albus, Severus and Lily. His heart throbbed loudly—beating so strong and fast he could hear it thudding in his ears; but when he opened his lips to speak, no noise came out.

"Are you alright?" Lily asked, stepping towards him.

Severus followed her, but Albus stayed where he was at the door, his blue eyes twinkling as his indulgent smile widened.

"You…Lily, and my dad, my parents!" he said, pointing at the mirror. "They're here, you're here, and my dad is too, and…and they're all grown up!"

Lily looked at the mirror, blinked slowly, then shook her head, she couldn't see it.

"I don't see an older me and a James Pot—wait…" she squinted, green eyes narrowing for a second, then widening, a little gasp passing through her parted lips. "I see me…but I'm older, and I'm—" she glanced over at Severus, who so far hadn't said a single word and had his eyes transfixed on the mirror. "—I'm not alone."

"—is it dad? Do you see him? Do you see me?" Harry asked urgently.

Lily shook her head. "No, I…I see myself, but I'm older. My mum, my dad, Petunia…and there's…both of you too."

"I'm there?" Harry asked.

Lily nodded. "We're all older, you, me, 'n Sev."

"Severus what do you see? You don't see my…my parents do—"

"I don't," said Severus, his lips parted as raggedy breaths tore through him. "I don't, and I…I can't say."

Of course he couldn't say it. He just couldn't. There, in Severus' reflection of that mythical mirror, was an image he'd take to his grave without telling a soul. He stood tall and proud looking like his older self, except he wasn't alone either. His father Tobias was by his side with a hand on his shoulder, wearing a broad smile just like the one he remembered when Tobias brought him to the zoo. His mum Eileen is there too, beaming up at her fully grown son with pride and joy shining in her eyes. He has a family, parents that love him, and he…the other he, looks happy. He looks so happy and radiant, Severus' heart aches in the here and now, it pains him to look at the mirror yet he just can't get enough of it. Beyond the reflection of proud and loving parents, the love of his life is stood there by his side, looking as radiant as Aphrodite herself. He stole a glance at her in the flesh, standing by his side in-between himself and Harry, and he can't help but feel his breath catch in his throat. She looked just as beautiful in the here and now.

Sensing his gaze on her, Lily turned towards him and asked; "What do you see Sev?"

He shook his head, but offers up a small smile. "I'm afraid I cannot say. But I am happy."

Severus, Lily and Harry all look at one another, a thin veneer of tears above two sets of green, and one set of black eyes.

"I'm happy too Sev," says Lily.

"As am I," Harry adds, blinking away the tears as he smiles at his two best friends.

All three children know that their perfect worlds cannot exist, it's a fantasy. Lily's parents have been dead for the better part of a decade, Harry's are too—not counting his time-traveling best friend, and Severus' parents have been put six feet under for a long time as well. But it doesn't change the fact that these visions they see are the deepest, most desperate desires of their hearts. Above all else, they seek happiness, and in their visions they've realized that; but what they see in the mirror isn't the only way they can find their happiness, they'll come to realize that in time.

Albus gathers his three wards closely and explains how the mirror works to them, and as he does so, deep in the forbidden forest a long way from the castle, Snape and Quirrell are having a nice, polite conversation of their own.

A/N: I hope you all enjoyed the twist on canon with our three protagonists discovering the mirror at more or less the same time and seeing their own reflections. The Mirror of Erised has always been one of my favorite chapters, Harry learning about and seeing his family for the first time was such a powerful scene to me, so I hope you liked the spin on it in this chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it and thank you for reading!