A/N: Happy 18th Birthday Severus! :D

January 9, 1978

Lily Evans laughed and flicked her long red hair over her shoulder as James Potter told a joke that had the entire Gryffindor table in fits of giggles. From across the room, Severus Snape eyed them bitterly as he picked at his breakfast. How could they laugh at something Potter said? He was nothing more than an arrogant git and Severus hated him more than anything. His blood boiled as he watched Potter slink his arm around Lily's waist and press a chaste kiss to her cheek. It disgusted him. How could she succumb to that imbecile? Surely, she was smarter than that. Severus knew she was smarter than that.

No matter how hard he tried to ignore it, the nagging voice inside his head continually reminded him that there was a time when Lily would laugh with him. But those days were long gone. Now, she hardly acknowledged him; merely cold, awkward glances along the corridors, or in Potions class. She probably didn't even remember it was his birthday today. A part of Severus was angry; angry that she hadn't remembered, or even given him a birthday card. But another part was ashamed; ashamed that there was no reason for Lily to remember his birthday; ashamed that he had ruined their friendship because of one horrid word and three horrid friends.

So, Severus decided to blame Potter. It made him feel better to believe that Potter had corrupted Lily's sweet, forgiving nature and turned her against him for his own satisfaction. If it wasn't for Potter, Lily would have forgiven him... Right? Severus could only hope.

Suddenly, his breakfast didn't seem all that appetising, and he pushed his plate aside and trudged out of the Great Hall, feeling utterly miserable. It didn't help that there was a cold draught in the dungeons as he made his way to the Common Room. He pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders and kept his head pointed towards the floor. As he was walking, he bumped into a solid body and stumbled backwards slightly. As he looked up, Professor Slughorn's round, cheery face beamed down at him.

"Severus, m'boy," he boomed and patted his large belly. "Watch where you're going, young man. You could have knocked over my pineapple." He gestured to the box of crystalised pineapple in his left hand and Severus nodded blankly.

"Sorry, sir," he mumbled.

He made to continue when Slughorn frowned and stopped him. "Say, why so glum, Severus? You've got Potions next, you should be smiling. That essay you handed in last week was absolutely outstanding!"

"Thank you, sir."

Slughorn continued to eye him cautiously. "Why don't you come inside, m'boy. You can help me prepare for class."

Knowing that, this way, there was no chance he could run into Lily and Potter again, Severus shrugged and followed Slughorn inside. The Potions Master hurried over to his desk and began to sort through papers, leaving sticky, sugary fingerprints all over the essays. With a cry of triumph, he pulled out a roll of parchment from beneath the pile and handed it to Severus with a flourish.

"Outstanding, Severus!" he boomed gleefully. "You have quite a gift, m'boy. Just like young Miss Evans."

At the mention of Lily's name, Severus faltered and cast his eyes down. Potions class used to be something the two of them enjoyed together, back when they were inseparable. His chest tightened at the memory of brewing the Draught of the Living Dead together, and how her face would light up when she received praise for her excellent work. Slughorn noticed his change of heart and sighed, leaning out and patting him on the back.

"I've noticed how you and Miss Evans no longer sit together in Potions Class, Severus. Why is that?"

Severus shook his head sadly. "I was foolish, sir," he replied simply.

Suddenly, the doors opened, and a dozen students piled into the class, ready to begin their lesson. Severus rolled his essay up and placed it in his bag before trudging over to the table he shared with Avery. As he did so, he passed Lily, and as always, their eyes met. Her brilliant green orbs stared into his soul and she opened her mouth, as though to say something. His heart leapt, perhaps she had remembered his birthday after all. But then Potter pulled on her arm, and she followed him; whatever she had wanted to say had left her. Severus watched her walk away with an ache in his chest. Never, had he ever felt so alone.

A/N: Awww poor Severus :(