Day 8:

Snape found himself wandering. No classes today meant he was free to give his gift to Harry in an unexpected way. He was going to go to the forbidden forest to get a few ingredients and enjoy the weather. After that he'd be using a couple of the ingredients he had gotten to make a potion that would help give himself peace of mind and hopefully clear Harry's a bit as well. He glanced up at the trees and noticed some birds flying above him. He wasn't too worried about anyone else being around, so he allowed himself to voice his opinions out loud. "I don't even know if Harry's going to care about this gift. It's not something he's likely thought about." Who would come from a muggle home and think that scars and the like could be removed without many years and lots of creams. In an instant the scar on his hand from Umbridge would be gone. Obviously he couldn't release Harry from the torture of the cured scar on his head until the demon who made it was dead.

Snape felt his body go cold as he thought about Voldemort. Another reason Snape found himself falling for the young man was because in all the time Snape had known him, he'd gladly taken on tasks no one else would ever want to. He was brave. He was careful. And unlike his father, he showed compassion. Snape couldn't see Harry Potter picking on someone without reason, although he would kick someone's ass to defend his friends. It was a good trait to have.

As soon as he'd gotten the ingredients he needed, he made his way back towards the castle. Harry was out on the Quidditch field, testing out his new broom and practicing with his friends. It was obvious that Ron had gotten Harry's previous broom, which Snape hadn't removed from the room, just moved to make room for his new one. Harry probably found it not long after and decided the best thing for the Gryffindors was to give the broom to his friend so he could move a little faster which would help them to win more.

Snape rolled his eyes at the thought that he might have just helped the Gryffindor team in his attempt to do something for Harry. Still, it wasn't like he'd handed the Gryffindors the cup. Well, maybe he had. He grinned slightly and turned into a corridor that led into the Castle. Students were wandering around and singing carols. Some were making out, but stopped as soon as they noticed Snape. He found it quite amusing what power he had even when he wasn't trying. Still, he enjoyed it.

Today would be a long day of potion-making and he even had to read some books to make sure the Potion worked as planned. If one thing went wrong he would have to start over. It was going to be a long day.

Harry called out to Ron. "Defend!"

"From what?" Ron asked, rolling his eyes. "There's no one actually being a chaser, so…"

Ginny flew out from nowhere and threw the Quaffle right past Ron. Harry smacked his forehead. "Really Ron?"

Ron looked from Harry to Ginny and shook his head. "Not cool. You didn't tell me I'd have to do any work. You just said you wanted to test your new broom Harry."

"And you should be testing yours Ron." Harry said, frowning some. He wondered if he'd made a bad decision giving it to Ron. Just because Ron was his best friend didn't mean that giving the broom to him was the best thing for the Gryffindors. In fact, Ginny might have been a little more useful with it. He would likely gift her a broom for Christmas anyways. He needed to get her something. He didn't need to do that however until after the 12 days were done. He was glad he hadn't gotten her as his giftee because it would have gotten her hopes up and the broom would probably the best gift he could have gotten her. He loved her like a sister. She was sweet and friendly. But she had never been Harry's type. She seemed to know that now, but for the longest time she had been pushing for him to have a relationship with her. It got so bad that he had to tell her he wasn't interested in girls. She cried, but in the end she got over it and was there for him. She never asked any questions however, nor would Harry feel comfortable telling her. Just like she hadn't really told him when she started dating others in their year. He preferred to stay out of her business.

Harry shook his head and looked towards the stands where the Snitch flew by in no time and he almost missed. He carefully held the broom as he made his way towards the stands as the Snitch flew upwards. He turned his broom in almost perfect precision. He found himself feeling a rush as he made his way towards his goal. In his mind, the goal was clear. Not only would he catch this snitch, but he would be a world-wide known seeker on one of the two teams his gifter had helped recognize his abilities. He would prove to them that he was worth every penny. And he would see a smile on their face if it was the last thing he did. The only obstacle in his way was Voldemort. And for the timebeing, he didn't have to worry about him.

"Good job Harry!" Ginny screeched as Harry felt the fluttering in his hand. He didn't even remember grabbing it. He didn't care. He was going to prove himself to himself too. Ron flew over and patted him on the shoulder. "Good flying mate. Damn, would your gifter be proud if they could see you now."

Harry nodded and smiled. He couldn't wait to thank his gifter, not for the gifts, but for the hope and the happiness, even if it only lasted a short time.

Snape looked into the cauldron watching yellow smoke drift up as it slowly changed to a deep orange as he stirred. All he could think was if the smoke did not turn red, he would have to start all over. Two time clockwise, three counter. He felt as if the air went out of his lungs as he watched, holding his breath. Even as a Master Potions Master, he tended to feel powerless as he did a potion he'd never done before. Suddenly glimmers of red smoke started to mix with the orange. He felt an intense breath of relief as the potion itself turned the same shade of red as the flower shimmering next to it.

Snape poured the potion into a vial that was pure black so no one but Harry would be able to know what it was. He scribbled a small note and decided he'd send it later that night.

Harry felt elated as he packed the rest of his gift together. A charm anklet with small pieces of himself and Snape intertwined. Even if Snape never wore it, he felt like it was something that spoke his emotions louder than words. He found himself breathing peacefully, happy from the day's events and wondering what Snape would think of something so trivial, such as jewelry. He'd never thought of Snape to wear Jewlery, but if he did, Harry would love it to be from him. Despite his optimism, a feeling of worry overpowered him, wondering if he should even send the gift. He bit his lip, not wanting to second-guess himself, but still feeling scared. When Snape found out it was from him, would he destroy all the gifts Harry had given him? While it was possible, Harry felt it was worth the risk.

He closed the box and stuck it in his robe. As he walked through the commons, he noticed a few people holding each other and Harry felt more alone than ever. He wasn't a part of a couple and he was almost positive that he never would be. Harry wrapped his arms around his own shoulders as he walked. He pushed through the portrait hole and walked down the halls. Despite the cheery music and the obvious joyous nature of the castle, Harry was suddenly feeling very alone. His gifter was an unknown. He or she was likely feeling like they had a chance, despite the fact that Harry didn't want to hurt anyone when he died.

Harry closed his eyes. His gift was a horrible idea. He had wanted to let Snape know that he wanted a future, but he wasn't going to get that. It was possible neither of them were. Harry walked down to the ground floor and walked outside. He felt a slight chill and shivered, but kept walking. He saw Hagrid sitting outside and knew better than to run into him while looking like he'd about to break down. And it's very possible he would if he even tried to explain to Hagrid his thoughts. He could never mention his crush or the fact that he wasn't sure about his gift. He made a beeline towards the Quidditch field.

Harry felt the weight of his thoughts lessening as he found himself back in his element for the second time that day. Nobody was around, so he made his way into one of the stands and laid his head down, staring into the sky. There were gray clouds, making it look like it might snow. He watched his breathing as he lay there. A shrill screech made him look over and he frowned, noting that it was making it's way to him. Great, just the time for him to be getting his gift. He found himself nervous. Did he really want to be noticed? He waited until the owl landed and grabbed the package beneath and sent the owl off.

He ran his hands over the tube-like packaging, which was surrounded in a note. He unrolled it and read,

"Place a small bit on the scar on your hand.

Merry Christmas,

Santa"

Harry frowned to himself and unwrapped the vial and closed his eyes. He knew immediately who his gifter was. Even if Snape hadn't used the vial he had sent him, he would have known that only Snape would make him a potion that was surely to work. Sure enough as he poured the liquid onto the scar that read, "I must not tell lies" and watched as it vanished, as if it was never there. Harry wondered what Umbridge would think if she knew her punishment was a waste. As easily removed as it was for her to give it to him.

Harry closed his eyes and imagined Snape slaving over a gift idea for him and deciding on this. Taking away something that had haunted him for almost a year. He found himself beaming at the idea of Snape gifting him the books, the snakes, the figurines and amusingly enough the same Galleons Harry had used to purchase Snape ingredients that likely went into making this potion. He shook his head. He needed to confront Snape. He needed to know if his feelings were reciprocated. And if so, what he could do with that information.

Harry found himself almost racing back to the castle and into the dungeons where Snape was likely to be. He knocked at the door and was only mildly surprised when Snape opened it and stood there looking at him with a slightly annoyed look on his face. "What do you want Potter?" He asked, looking at the younger man in front of him. Harry looked at him and stuck out his hand. "I know you're my gifter." He said with certainty that made Snape's face falter. He grabbed Harry by the shoulder and pulled him into the office.

"What makes you so certain Potter?" He asked as he closed the door. Harry held out the vial and shook his head. "It's kind of obvious professor." He said and set the vial down. "But what I don't know is why you have me? Aren't I a little young to be compatible with you, Professor?" Harry tried for sarcasm, but the look of hurt that crossed Snape's face made him wish he hadn't.

"It's possible, Potter, that Dumbledore made a mistake. He seems to do that a lot, if you haven't noticed." Snape said with a sneer. He shook his head. "This game is a mockery of the holiday it represents. I am sorry that the outcome wasn't what you were expecting." He crossed his arms and turned away. "You may leave Potter."

Harry frowned, but decided that this was his chance. He took the box out of his robes and set it on the table and turned to walk out of the room. Before he left, he said, "Well, I hope that you still enjoy your gifts Professor." Before he closed the door.

Snape frowned, regretting his poor mood, but knew it was worth it. He couldn't give Harry false hope. As he turned he noticed a small box on the counter and grinned. So Harry had him too. No wonder he wasn't surprised. He didn't exactly break the rules, but he had done more than Dumbledore had been expecting, of course. As was Potter. He rolled his eyes and opened the box. Inside lay a round metal band with 8 charms. One was a Lily, then a cross, a needle, a cricket, a book, a moon, a caudron and a heart. The heart however was different. It was bright orange in the midst of all the silver. He unwrapped the note that was inside the lid of the gift.

"The heart shaped charm shows my emotions. It is the closest I have allowed anyone to get to what I am feeling. Please do not use it against me.

Santa"

Snape felt a small smile forming. Despite knowing he had made Harry upset, he also had a way to see when he calmed down. It was only a span of a few minutes, in which Snape knew he'd likely gone to be with his Snakes. How that gift had turned into many blessings. Snape made his way to his chambers. He needed rest before he talked to Harry the next day.