Lessons for Hogwarts students began again on Monday, January 2nd, and Harry's started up then as well. While there were changes as far as who would teach him on which day, Severus remained insistent that Harry would have lessons only during the mornings. Harry was glad for this. He liked having afternoons free, to explore the castle, fly on his broomstick (or a school one, still under supervision), or play outside. He was also happy that none of his teachers assigned homework.

Harry's first lesson was with Professor McGonagall. Her lessons were always rather difficult, even if he couldn't perform magic, because there was a great deal to understand about Transfiguration theory. But, as she frequently reminded him, this would give him a leg up when he became an official student.

He liked her very much, and found her lessons to be very interesting. Harry was also glad that her lesson was the first because they both knew his dad's birthday was coming up.

"He gave me lots of presents for Christmas," Harry confided, after his dad had left, and they were seated beside each other on the couch, "and I'd like to give him something for his birthday."

She smiled, then placed a hand on his shoulder. "That's very thoughtful. Mind you, Harry, you are a child. Surely, your guardian doesn't expect you to spend your pocket money on him."

Harry had also thought it would be very difficult to get his dad to take him to Honeydukes or another shop in Hogsmeade so soon, not to mention purchase something and hide it without his knowledge.

"I was thinking of making him a card?" he asked, hopefully. "A magical one!"

They'd done those in school, for all of the holidays. Aunt Petunia would place Dudley's on the refrigerator, and gaze at them fondly. She wouldn't even touch Harry's.

Since Harry hadn't known he would one day have a parent who cared, he'd taken to throwing his projects in the rubbish bin before leaving school for the day.

"Oh, yes! A magical card would be a very good idea, dear!" Professor McGonagall praised, and Harry noticed her shoulders relax a bit. "Let's see how it would go. If you like, I could charm the ink to appear in different colors, and, perhaps, Professor Flitwick could do something similar if you were to make a drawing."

"I'd like that!" Harry beamed. "Can we do it today? After our Transfiguration lesson?"

"Of course." She smiled, a little slyly. "We must find a safe place for the card, so Severus doesn't find it before his birthday."

Even though Harry had never received a birthday card before, he had seen Dudley's enough to know what they tended to look like. (Dudley would throw them out after pocketing the cash, and if there wasn't cash, he'd get very annoyed-even if there was a gift as well.) They always said, "Happy birthday!" Sometimes, there was a message about age, but Harry knew that this was just for kids, not adults. On the front or the inside, there were pictures. Harry decided that, for his card, he would draw a picture of his dad on front, and the two of them with Calla on the inside.

He had never won any art contests at school, but Harry reckoned he could draw reasonably well for his age. Back when they colored in picture sheets from coloring books, he'd never struggled to stay in the lines.

When he was finished his picture of his dad, Professor McGonagall gave it high praise. When she saw the picture inside of the three together, she beamed.

"It's lovely! You did a particularly fine job with Calla. Once we charm it, you will almost feel her fine fur," she mused. "Your penmanship has also improved greatly since you began. Better than many first years, I dare say."

Harry grinned, a bit embarrassed at her high praise. "Thank you."

Professor Flitwick was also delighted to perform a charm on Harry's card. He made the letters dance and change colors, and enchanted the picture of the three of them so that the picture was in various colors. Harry was wearing his favorite blue robes, while Severus in his traditional black ones. Calla looked as fluffy and content in Harry's arms as she did in real life. Harry carefully placed the card in the bottom drawer of his wardrobe, and eagerly awaited January 9th.

The day began as usual, with Severus creeping into Harry's room to tickle him awake. After bursting into his usual peels of laughter, and Severus wrapped both arms around Harry's frame, Harry murmured, "Happy birthday, Dad."

His dad chuckled. "Thank you, Harry."

Harry took the opportunity to scurry out of his guardian's arms, even though they seemed especially toasty that morning, and retrieve the card from his wardrobe.

"I, er, made this for you," he whispered, suddenly shy. What if his guardian didn't like it? "Well, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick helped with the magical bits." He handed it over, quickly.

Severus's lips twitched in a smile, focusing his attention on Harry, not the card. "That was thoughtful of you, and rather sneaky of them. Not in a bad way," he added, still smiling. "Very well, let's see it."

Harry felt his heart race. What if it wasn't good enough? Or his dad didn't like the pictures? His teachers had said they were good, but Harry knew his guardian had very, very exacting standards when it came to potions. What if he felt similarly about magical drawings, and Harry had let him down.

He needn't have worried. His dad's smile widened when he gazed at the front of the card, and even further when he opened it. Harry remained where he was, next to the bed but not quite within arm's reach of his guardian.

"It's lovely, owlet," Severus praised, softly. "The magical charms certainly enhance it, but your work stands on its own. Not only has your writing greatly improved, but you have quite the artist's eye." He patted the place next to him, and Harry joined his dad in bed. "Thank you, Harry. I love it."

Harry grinned, nestling against his dad. "You've given me so much, and I wanted to at least give you a card for your birthday," he said, suddenly shy again.

"I hadn't expected it, much less required it as a token of your affection." Severus wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulder, still holding the card, but focusing his attention on him. "I don't wish you to feel that you must earn my love."

"I don't." It was mostly true. They'd been to the Mind Healer last in the middle of December, and that was something they had both said, then. "But it is your birthday, Dad."

Severus chuckled. "Fair enough."

The card was not the only gift Severus received. Professor McGonagall, when she came by for Harry's morning lesson, brought over two boxes. One was a collection of items that, she explained, were difficult to find for potion ingredients. The next was a box of sweets, nearly identical in size to the ones she'd given for Harry's birthday.

"You can enjoy them before the Hogwarts elves deposit your cake this evening," she said, watching them look at the box with interest.

"Cake?" Harry spoke up, smiling.

His dad ruffled his hair. "Hardly a birthday without it, now is it, owlet? Yes, the house elves create a cake or preferred dessert for every teacher on their birthday," he explained. "This year, I chose cake. There will be plenty to share with you, Harry. We'll have it after dinner."

"Yum!" Harry cheered, earning a laugh from both teachers.

It was rather a shame, Harry thought after his dad left, that he still had to teach lessons on his birthday. Then again, students still had to attend lessons on theirs. Even Dudley hadn't been allowed to skip school, if only because Piers's parents had been slightly more strict than the Dursleys. Dudley would celebrate the weekend afterwards, but still open all of his presents on the actual day. Not that he hadn't usually received extra gifts on the day they celebrated it with Piers...

Harry felt grateful that his own birthday fell during the summer holidays. It didn't matter what day of the week July 31st was on, because he'd never have to attend lessons. His dad wouldn't have to teach then, either, so it would always be a nice day with the two of them.

After his morning lessons, Severus returned for lunch, in better spirits than usual.

"It's frightfully cold," he cautioned, "so if you don't wish to stay indoors, Harry, you'll need your full winter gear."

"I was thinking of trying to find Dora, and exploring the castle a bit," Harry explained.

"Ah. That's fine." Severus smiled at him. "You'll certainly know the castle better than most first year students by the end of term, with Miss Tonks's aid."

Harry got the sense that Dora wasn't exactly his dad's favorite student-she tended to get into trouble, even if she had high marks-but he was all too aware of how she'd defended Harry against the bullies. Besides, Dora Tonks never got Harry into trouble.

"I won't stay too long," Harry promised.

"No rush." His dad tousled his hair. "The elves won't arrive until after dinner time with the cake."

"They come to your quarters?"

Severus chuckled. "Indeed. They sing the dreadful birthday song, too!"

Harry frowned. "It's dreadful?"

His dad leaned forward conspiratorially. "The words are fine, but with their naturally high-pitched voices, it's rather akin to nails across glass across a chalkboard. Mind, we have to smile and act like it's a performance worthy of a standing ovation."

"Should-should I join in?" Harry asked, wondering what his dad would think of his singing voice.

"Please do. It will slightly tamper the commotion," Severus chuckled. "Now, I must be off, and so should you, if you have plans to meet Miss Tonks."

Dora was waiting for Harry at the entrance hall, and gave him a bright wave and a grin.

"I can't explore for too long today," she told him, sounding apologetic, and looking rather harried. "I have a lot of homework and studying to do. As it is, I don't know if I'll finish tonight."

"I-I could come back tomorrow, if you like," Harry offered.

"Oh, no need for that! If I don't get away from my books for a bit, I'll go start raving mad!" She made a face. "Not to scare you unnecessarily, but fifth year is the worst. There are the OWL exams at the end, and every teacher has it in their head to give us as much work as they possibly can. Becky was up until past midnight yesterday, in part because of Prefect duties, but the rest of us don't go to bed much earlier. Mind, it will be worth it if I get top marks."

They began walking, then, Dora chattering as she went.

"At least it's interesting, what we're studying. I've a knack for Vanishing. Charms are great, as well. I like my electives I chose the year before last. Did I tell you about them?" When Harry shook his head, she went on. "Muggle Studies and Divination. I wanted to learn more about Muggles, because my dad's Muggle Born and his family visits us at least once a year. We have a telephone at home, and a television. But my mum's family cut her off for marrying a Muggle Born. She was a Black before she was a Tonks," Dora explained. "They're practically the oldest family there is, but the two sons are either dead or in Azkaban."

"Azkaban?"

"The wizard prison. The guards there are supposed to be downright awful. Not witches or wizards at all. Mum says they're dark creatures and, instead of guarding prisoners, we ought to have figured out how to Vanish them entirely." She shrugged. "Anyway, the Black line is all but dead, unless you count Draco Malfoy, and I don't. All right. Let's see if you can retrace your steps from here."

Despite keeping his attention on the new information Dora had told him, Harry found himself able to return to the Great Hall with ease.

"Great job! You're getting really good at this," Dora praised. Then, she checked her watch. "I need to get back, now. But have fun with Professor Snape at his birthday party."

"You knew?" he asked.

She grinned. "Just because he forbids his snakes from singing at breakfast doesn't mean we don't know. Everyone is especially well behaved in lessons, too," Dora added, impishly. Then, she gave Harry a hug. "See you tomorrow!"

"See you!" Harry returned, smiling.

Her hugs were nearly-but not quite-as good as his guardian's.

With a couple of hours remaining until Severus would return, Harry passed half of the time reading, and the other half working on a puzzle. An hour before his dad returned, his stomach began to growl, so Harry helped himself to an apple and some crackers. Severus had placed the birthday card on one of the cupboards, easy for anyone to see. Hogwarts didn't have Muggle devices like refrigerators, so Harry reckoned this was nearly the same thing.

Everyone must have behaved particularly well, or perhaps it was because Severus taught the older students on Monday afternoons, because he arrived in a better mood than usual. Come to think of it, though, he'd been in a good mood during lunch. Severus wrapped Harry in his arms after greeting him, and Harry held on longer than usual. Even Calla, who seemed to do little more than tolerate Harry's guardian except when he gave her food, rubbed against his legs for a moment.

Long enough to get some of her white hair on his robes.

Severus rolled his eyes as he lifted her up. "I thank you for waiting to deposit your fur until the end of the day, Calla," he said, studying her.

"Meow," she responded, before wriggling free.

"It was her birthday gift," Harry noted, settling down on the sofa.

"I prefer yours," his dad returned, eyebrows raised, then settling down beside him. "Did you enjoy your afternoon?"

Harry nodded, curling against his dad, and was rewarded with a head scratch that would have made Calla envious. Eyes closed and beginning to feel sleepy, Harry relayed the afternoon events with Dora. Soon, he was aware of blankets tucked around him, of his dad's arms around his frame, and drifting off to sleep.

Five house elves arrived just after Severus sent down their finished dinner items. Harry couldn't tell if any of them were the elf who had spoken to them during their first visit to the kitchens. They all looked alike, really, and they all wore the same tea towels that bore the Hogwarts crest. Two of them held the cake, then lowered it over the table.

"We is here to give ProfessProfessor Snape his birthday cake!" one of them squeaked.

"And is wishing him a very, very happy birthday!" an elf who had been holding the cake added.

"That is very kind of you." Severus gave Harry a secret look, and he had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing. "It is quite a large cake, Tilly."

"All the more for Professor Snape and Harry Potter to be enjoying!" Tilly explained, beaming. "Shall we be singing the birthday soon, now?"

"Very well. Harry will be joining you," the man informed them.

They turned to Harry and grinned. "Very good!" one exclaimed.

Some music came out of nowhere, and the elves began to sing, Harry immediately joining in.

Really, their singing wasn't quite as bad as Severus had implied it would be, but it was far from pleasant. Still, it was sweet of them to sing the birthday speech to his dad. If they hadn't, Harry would have needed to by himself, which he would have done, but he would have felt a little awkward.

His dad kept a pleasant, if rather strained, expression on his face. It softened somewhat after the last note ended.

"Well done," he praised. "Now, unless you wish to join us...?"

"Oh, no!" Tilly squeaked, and Harry thought there was something like disbelief in her voice. "We is to be cutting the pieces of cake, and then back to the kitchens!"

The other elves nodded vigorously, and Severus did not press further.

The cake was enormous, even larger than Harry's birthday cake, and that had ended up lasting Harry and Severus over a week. One of the elves cut two very large pieces, each easily large enough for two, and placed them on plates for Severus, then for Harry. After more wishes for a happy birthday, they promptly disappeared back-Harry supposed-into the kitchens.

"I suppose that's our cue to begin," Severus quipped, smiling. "Eat as much as you wish, owlet. They always serve me more than I could possibly eat, and it looks like they increased the portion size since last year."

It was delicious. The cake itself was fluffy and tasty, and the vanilla icing was thick and nearly melted in Harry's mouth. All the same, Harry couldn't even finish half of his, and Severus still had quite a bit left before he put his fork down. He put the remainders of both slices aside, instead of Vanishing it.

"It will certainly last throughout the week," he mused, once the elves had gone. "They always provide a great amount. Enough for a party, never mind that most of the teachers celebrate by themselves."

"Just most?" Harry queried.

"Professor Sprout is the only one who invites her house students as well. I can only imagine the size of that cake." Severus shook his head, but a smile played at his lips.

Harry thought that was kind of her, but rather glad that his guardian didn't. Perhaps it was unfair of him, because of his one bad experience after the first Quidditch game, but they didn't seem as nice as the other students. However, if the hat put him there in a few years, he would live closer to his dad, and that wouldn't be so bad...

"After your bath, would you like me to read to you and sleep in my bed?" Severus asked, interrupting his thoughts.

"Really?"

He nodded. "If you like."

"Okay." Then, an idea came to Harry. "How about if I read to you, tonight?"

Severus opened his mouth suddenly, shut it, and a strange look came across his face.

"Very well. I shall take over if you tire of reading, owlet," he replied.

"I won't, Dad!" Harry promised, then hugged him suddenly.

A half hour later, they both sat in Severus's bed, which was even larger than Harry's. He curled up against his dad, but sat straight, lest he should fall asleep. He read slowly, clearly, occasionally casting glances at his guardian.

It was more difficult than reading quietly, but still rather fun. After concluding the chapter, Harry carefully closed the book, and placed it on the table.

"That was very nice, Harry," his dad praised.

"Thank you." He turned to the older man. "Did you have a nice birthday?"

"Yes, it was lovely." He wrapped one arm around Harry, but then gently tickled his side. When Harry burst into giggles, he added, "And that was a satisfying conclusion."

"One day, I'll tickle you awake!" Harry promised.

"I've no doubt." The second arm joined the first. "Sweet dreams, owlet."

"Sweet dreams, Dad."

Author's note:

Next up-Harry contacts a particularly bad case of the magical flu. Severus's POV.

Severus: I am perfectly capable of reading to myself, but I would not reject the offer from my son.

Me: I know, sir.

Severus: I was simply clarifying my position on it.