Day 4:

Harry sat at lunch and watched as Snape sat there with a frown. He didn't like seeing Snape being so hurt by the senders that he couldn't accept a present. Even Harry's day was ruined by those who sent in poor thought. Harry couldn't bring his fork to his mouth, while he was feeling like a part of his day was ruined by the actions of others. He needed to get back at them and make them understand that it was NOT ok to ruin not only Snape's Christmas, but also his gifters. Did they really think no one would want to gift Snape in a truly meaningful way? Harry sighed.

"What's wrong Harry?" Hermione asked, tilting her head.

"Just a long day. I wasn't even able to concentrate on potions. I feel like I'm falling behind."

"You could always ask Snape to help tutor you?" Hermione suggested with a small frown. Even she didn't believe that was an option. Even if Harry did somehow get up the courage to ask his professor, he knew what the answer would be. He didn't feel like being called an idiot or moron at this time of year when he was trying to be happy. When he was trying to make a point to someone who would never care or feel the same way.

Harry shook his head. "I don't think so. I don't feel like torture right now when all I'm trying to do is be happy like you and Ron."

"Aww, that's sweet Harry. Did you get someone to gift that could possibly turn into something else?"

"Possibly." Harry said and bit his lip. He didn't want to say anything else.

"I didn't even know you had a crush!" Hermione squealed and hugged him, a look of excitement on her face. "Maybe I can help you come up with a good gift for her?"

"Um..." Harry felt his face turning red and he turned, trying to make himself not to think of Snape being the girl in any relationship. But oh, that was an image he now couldn't get out of his head. He found himself laughing. "You know what Hermione, that would be great. Perhaps you could help me with another project too so that I'm not the only one feeling like this Christmastime is not going well."

"Oh?" Hermione asked.

"Snape's been looking so down lately and it makes me feel like the students at this school aren't able to take this seriously. For me to enjoy it, I want everyone to."

"Oh Harry, that's a great idea!" Hermione looked so excited. "I don't mind helping out with something like that."

"Mione'." Ron looked at her as if she'd gone mad. "It's not like he's not getting anything he doesn't deserve!"

"Ronald, if you really believe that, you need your head checked. Harry's in the Christmas spirit, so why aren't you?" Hermione looked at him with a little bit of hurt as if what he said was saying was hurting her.

"I am 'Mione." Ron frowned. "I'm sorry. What can I do to help?"

"Really Ron, I think I just need to borrow Hermione for a bit to get some ideas. Neither of you need to be involved. I just want help coming up with something to make people celebrate this wonderful time of year." Harry felt himself beginning to blush again, so he used that moment to get up. "We'll meet up after class tonight Hermione!" He said and walked out. Hermione watched him leave and smiled.

"Well, it is nice to see Harry with a crush!"

"A crush?" Ron asked, confused. "All he talked about was making Snape happy."

"Well, duh. In order to feel love, you need to see happiness around you. I was the same way when falling in love with you. I want Harry to be happy and if what he wants for that is to make Snape happy, I say we do it. I mean, that sullen face really is bringing down a lot of people."

Ron looked at the teacher table. "How can you tell? He looks the same as always to me."

Hermione rolled her eyes and hit the back of his head. He looked at her. "What was that for?!"

Snape noticed a bit of tension at the Gryffindor table and frowned when Harry left. Perhaps he'd been disappointed that he hadn't gotten a gift yet. Snape had wanted to give Harry a gift himself, but that would give him away. He had decided on a better way to do so. Harry would find a letter upstairs that would have him wandering the halls. Snape just had to run into him while he was heading to get his secret santa gift.

He stood and walked out of the hall.

Harry got to his dorm and noticed a note taped to the window.

'Harry,

Just so you know, your friends are not the only ones who know a lot about you. I don't know everything, but I'd love to know so much more. You are a very handsome young man who's had a lot on his plate. I don't think you've taken the time to think about what you'd like to do in your future, but I know one thing that would make it awesome. My gift today is right next to the forbidden forest, hidden by a pile of your favorite flowers.'

Harry frowned and bit his lip. No one knew his favorite flower. Mostly because he never said them out loud. His favorite was a Lily, which he didn't tell anyone because it hurt so much, being his mother's name and all. It hurt, but they were beautiful, just like her. Harry felt a slight flutter of pain. He didn't want to go down and see if the person was right or wrong. If they were wrong, then he'd feel bad for being so closed off. If they were right... he'd feel like he was ignoring someone special enough to know him despite his quietness.

Harry held the letter in his hand and walked down the stairs. As he was walking Snape walked by. Harry remembered Hermione's advice. "P-professor." Harry asked, stopping suddenly, looking at him.

"Yes Potter?" Snape asked, looking surprised.

"I have been having trouble concentrating on Potions lately and I..."

"Not surprised Potter. You never really have."

Harry felt his face go white. He didn't need this. He didn't want to feel like he'd disappointed Snape again. He shook his head. "Nevermind. Hope you have a happy 12 days of Christmas Professor." Harry was about to turn and walk away when Snape stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry Potter. I didn't mean that." Snape's tone was tense, as if saying so hurt him. "What did you need Potter?"

"I was just..." Harry found himself looking at the Professor. Snape had crossed his arms once more, taking contact off Harry. He decided to get it out. "I was wondering if you'd tutor me in potions." He felt himself shaking some. He could be let down much more easily by Snape than anyone else.

"You want me to tutor you Potter? What makes you think I'd want to take the time out of my busy schedule to tutor you?"

"I-I didn't think..."

"No Potter, you didn't. I will tutor you. Honestly I don't need to see another student fail. Despite how I feel about you, I think you need to learn this for your future. Whether you ever use the things I teach you, which although I doubt you will, I think you can at least get an E."

Harry could feel his mouth drop. Snape thought he could do even that well? He sure hoped so, but that would depend on how he did on his finals. "Thank you Snape. Shall we meet tonight?"

Snape nodded. "That sounds fine. Meet me tonight in the classroom. I'll get some potions together that you seem not to understand and we can discuss what you're failing at."

"Thank you Snape." Harry said, feeling a small smile creeping onto his lips. "I am going to do a task now, so we can meet after classes and I speak to Hermione. I won't be any later than eight."

Snape rolled his eyes. "Sounds like a plan Potter."

Harry continued on his way, looking back to make sure Snape or anyone else wasn't following him. Honestly, the gift felt personal. Something between him and his secret Santa that he'd share with them only on day 12 when he met them. Then he could decide how he felt about him or her. He was so into his own feelings that perhaps he was discounting someone else's. Harry could feel a bit of a blush creeping onto his face. The emotions put behind these gifts so far was much more than he expected. He was feeling special. And as he walked towards the forest and saw a pile of beautiful white and pink oriental lilies. Harry felt as if he was walking towards a dreamland. He looked back towards the school. No one was outside and no one was watching that he could tell. Harry sat down beside the pile of gorgeous flowers.

He felt bad digging through them to find a gift wrapped in green wrapping, the same color as his eyes. Who was this person? Who cared for him so much to make him feel happy like this? He couldn't hide the smile on his face. He shook his head and opened the paper to find a book. 'Wizard Floral Arts: Making Beauty in a Dark World'. Harry opened the book and noticed an inscription.

'Harry,

I know just how much you love flowers. I think that you could make such beauty in this world. Take it into consideration. You would brighten this world so much. You already do. Don't ever give up on your hopes and dreams. You are amazing.'

Harry felt as if he'd have a permanent blush. He could barely believe that someone cared about him so. And he wanted so much to want to be liked. Perhaps he thought he could be with whoever he wanted and he'd decided he only wanted Snape, but perhaps there was someone who wanted more. Harry wanted to open his mind up to the idea of love. In his mind's eye, he saw Snape looking at him with the love and adoration he wanted to see. It was only a dream though. He grabbed a flower from the pile and placed it in the back of the book. He wanted to keep this memory. However he still loved Snape.

Harry could feel himself smiling all the way back to the dorm room. He grabbed his books and made his way to his class.

Snape watched from a window as Harry made his way to the pile. As he sat down, he saw Harry's face looking so peaceful, so happy. Harry deserved that. He deserved all the happiness. He wanted to give Harry happiness like today. Maybe someday he could. Yes he was a teacher, but that didn't mean he didn't deserve love. One day Harry would be out of school and it was possible they could maybe even be together. Was it wrong to dream? He wasn't doing anything wrong. As Harry walked back to the school Snape made his way back to his classroom. He had more classes for the day. Then tonight he'd be able to help Harry with potions.

"Hermione, I am not evil. I just want them to turn themselves in for hurting Snape."

"Harry. Why do you care?"

"Because..." Harry frowned. "I can't say."

Hermione looked around, making sure no one was listening. "Harry, is Snape your giftee?"

Harry bit his lip, blushing. "Is it so bad to want your giftee to be happy? Hell, I can't even gift him now."

"So your crush... it's Snape?" She asked, eyes wide, surprised.

"It is." Harry admitted. "I want to be able to gift him again."

"So your gift would be... getting them to confess?"

"Yes."

"And you need my help because you don't want any of them telling Snape who you are?"

"Exactly." Harry said with a frown. "Would you help?"

"I will. Just Harry..." She looked at him with concern. "Don't tell Ron. He won't accept it. I know he wouldn't."

Harry nodded and felt as if his heart was dropping. Hearing Hermione say that Ron wouldn't accept a relationship with Snape just confirmed his fears. Would he lose his friend if he acted on it? "Thank you Hermione. I left a list. Just tell them to tell Snape that it is from his giftee. I know you can convince them."

"Oh, I know I can too." Hermione said with a slightly evil grin that made Harry grin. "Have fun at your 'tutoring session' Harry."

Harry rolled his eyes. "I am sure I will."

Snape waited patiently. The night was getting later, but Harry had said he'd come and he'd never known the golden boy to let anyone down, ever. He had to trust Harry would come as promised. He'd laid out ingredients and decided he'd let Harry guess what they were making based on the ingredients, then they'd make it. If he messed up, Snape would help him fix it. Tonight would be time together, seeing how Harry could fit into his life. Tonight would be nice. Hopefully Harry wouldn't regret asking him.

As Harry made his way to Snape's classroom, he found himself elated. He was looking forward to spending another night with his crush. He took a breath before opening the door and made his way in.

"Better late than never Potter." Snape said and walked over. "Did your meeting go alright?"

Harry nodded and looked at the Professor. Did it go as planned? Not exactly. He'd ended up giving up his feelings to Hermione. But did it turn out as he wanted, yes. Hermione had agreed to help him. "It did, thank you Sir."

"You can call me Severus in here, Harry." Snape said and looked at Harry with a small smile that made Harry's heart melt.

He nodded. Maybe it he called Snape, Severus, he'd call him Harry in the way that currently made his heart flutter. He liked it and Snape didn't do it that often. "Of course Sevreus. Thank you for agreeing to tutor me tonight. I've been a little distracted lately, which is no excuse, but I need some help."

Snape nodded. "It's a very distracting time of year, I'll agree. I put out some ingredients to a potion you should know, but you may not know how to make. If you can identify the potion, we'll go from there."

Harry nodded and walked over looking at the ingredients. Dare he hope he might actually recognize what the ingredients are for? He found himself frustrated and frowned. "I'm not sure professor." He admitted and bit his lip. This was the worst idea he'd had. He just made it so he'd definitely make Snape annoyed.

Snape shrugged. "Well, let's go through the book together til you find what you think it is. Maybe we can talk a bit more while we do. It's fine to not understand this subject, but sometimes you will need to learn. I will help you with that Harry."

Harry looked at Snape with surprise. Was this the same Snape he'd known for years? He just looked at Snape with confused eyes and then nodded. "I-I'd like that."

Snape chuckled. "I am not a bad guy Harry. I want my students to learn. Maybe I am a bit harsh at times, but it works on most people. Perhaps not on you." He said and moved to sit near the table opening the book. "Shall we start?"

Harry nodded. Tonight was looking to be a good night. He could feel it in the way his heart swelled looking at Snape in his true form. Oh, if this is not love, Harry did not know what it was.