CHAPTER 16 - HARRY'S BIRTHDAY (part 2)

Notes:

Hello dear reader!
HAPPY AUGUST! Those of you that are on holidays, I hope you're resting!
Here we go with the second part of Harry's birthday, I hope you like it :)))))) thanks for the patience!

.

Severus had made the bed and was waiting, sitting in the armchair, with the Daily Prophet in his hands. He could've waited in bed, but he had been making an effort to stay out of bed except for sleep.

When the door opened, Severus's heart skipped a beat, and he narrowed his eyes, wondering why he felt so anxious all of a sudden.

"Hello, Professor!" said Charlie's boisterous voice as he located him and walked towards him. His smile widened. "I see you're out of bed, that's fantastic! How are you doing?"

"Better, thank you," Severus said as he pushed himself up.

Charlie raised an eyebrow as he walked to him. Severus watched as Charlie Weasley approached, his presence filling the room with easy confidence. The last time Severus had truly observed him, not in passing at headquarters but really looked, Charlie had been a student—one who seemed to effortlessly straddle the line between discipline and mischief. Now, the years in Romania had added to his already robust frame, making him more muscular and weathered, but with the same clear blue eyes standing out against his tanned, freckled skin. His long hair, curling slightly at the ends, framed a face that perpetually wore a welcoming smile that made Severus's heart warm.

"Mr Weasley," he said as he extended his hand.

"Charlie, please," Charlie replied, his smile never fading, "you haven't been my teacher for so long, and there are enough Mr Weasleys around."

The calloused, burned hands gripped Severus's own with strength. And yet, Charlie was warm and cheerful, even in the face of Severus's reserved demeanour, which was both disarming and unsettling. Severus nodded, feeling the awkwardness of the moment, though Charlie didn't seem to notice it. His hand was as warm as Harry's but bigger and rougher; he could even feel the calloused and burned fingers.

Once they had shaken hands, Charlie claimed Harry's usual chair. He smiled lopsidedly as he winked, took out his wand, flicked his wrist, and the chair transfigured into a much more comfortable armchair.

"Ah, much better now," he said as he widened his smile.

Severus noticed that, while he'd placed the armchair close to him, there was ample space for him to stretch out his legs beside Severus.

"So, Harry says you've improved and I can see the result," Charlie said, "you should hear him, Professor, he can't stop talking about you. His friends are quite confused."

Severus sighed, looking down at his lap. A thin blanket appeared and covered his thin legs, keeping him warm, and he wrapped it more around his thighs.

"As am I," he admitted in a low voice.

"Hmm?" Charlie asked, and his eyebrow rose.

Severus just shook his head.

"It's nothing," he said, "what brings you here, Weas—Charlie?"

Charlie shrugged, tilting his head thoughtfully as he observed him, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"Oh, I wanted to see how you were doing!" he replied, his smile widening, "when Harry mentioned you were alive and he was helping to heal you, I was so glad. For a long time, you made us think you were someone you weren't. I even believed it for a while, despite not wanting to."

"You didn't know me, Charlie. Not really," Severus said.

"No, I didn't. But I sensed you were not a bad man," he replied, "remember that Christmas; when you healed me up after I hurt myself decorating the tree? Remember when you told us about Holiday Blancmange?"

Severus nodded at the memory. He had been nostalgic that year; Lily's absence had been hitting him hard. He was devastated when he went to Hogsmeade and found out the last person who had the recipe for Holiday Blancmange had passed away.

"Yes, I remember that Holiday Blancmange you made for me. You brought so many memories of my youth," Severus said, his voice soft.

He hadn't tasted Holiday Blancmange since before his mother passed away, and even then, she spent years without making it. It tasted like home. A home he barely remembered, with the few precious little happy moments he'd had.

"When I was at Hogwarts you were not the man my siblings, Harry and Hermione talked about," Charlie said, "not with us. I knew there was something else going on. And even if I had to succumb to the evidence, deep in my heart I knew you were not a Death Eater. You couldn't be."

Severus scoffed and looked at Charlie through narrowed eyes, his brow furrowing.

"Even after the war, you have a naive view of the world," Severus said, "the world is not divided into black or white, Death Eaters or not. It's much more complex than that, and many Death Eaters were his followers for several reasons, not just being evil. He offered money, prestige, belonging, and a rightful place for those of us who always felt displaced. It's not a matter of bad or good people."

"It's precisely because I've grown that I know how normal people can do horrible things," Charlie said, "we're not black and white. But we're not even red, or green, or blue or yellow either, are we? We're all a bit of everything. What matters is what we do with the colours that we are provided with."

Charlie then leaned forward, his elbows pressed against his knees as he opened his legs and curved his back, closer to Severus.

"And I knew that you were not all black, despite what you tried to make everyone believe," Charlie said with a soft smile.

Severus nodded but found he couldn't say anything. Faced with such raw honesty, he had no words to offer. He looked down, his hands clutching the blanket in his hands, desperate to say something. Anything.

"I don't deserve your high regard," he eventually muttered. "I've done terrible things. I'm not the man you or Harry think I am."

"Oh, Harry knows your most terrible things, as you want to put it. He's been dealing with those for seven years," Charlie said with an understanding smile, "but he sees, as much as I do, that there's more to you than meet the eye."

"But I joined Him. Nobody forced me, nobody brainwashed me. Nobody put a wand to my throat," Severus tried to explain, his voice rising, "you don't understand, I was one of them! I spied for him, killed for him!"

Charlie nodded.

"I know. And I also know you deflected before Harry survived the encounter while his parents did not," he said, his voice warm. "Professor, do you want to convince me to leave you alone? You actually seem to want me or Harry to hate you."

Severus shook his head and looked to the large window, seeing the grounds as the trees moved with the gentle summer breeze outside. The sky was clear but it didn't fit his state within, as he felt more confused and troubled than before.

"No, I... I don't want him to leave. But I don't… understand why he's here. Or you," Severus said, not looking at Charlie, "I don't deserve it. Any of it."

Charlie then leaned back in his chair. Severus then wondered for a second if this was it, if this was the thing that would make Charlie leave. And he didn't understand the sudden dread that went through his very soul if that were the case.

But no.

Charlie just sighed and then, taking his wand out again, he conjured a teapot and two cups of tea. Severus felt a pang when Charlie asked how he liked the tea, and then passed him the teacup, serving one for himself.

"Severus, I hope you allow me to call you Severus now," Charlie said as he paused. At Severus nod, he continued, "Has Harry ever told you that he blames you for anything other than your treatment towards him?"

Severus shook his head, clutching at the teacup with both hands, letting the warm drink warm his cold hands. A memory of a conversation held weeks ago, about how Harry didn't blame him for his parents' deaths, or Dumbledore's death. Or for anything other than how he treated him poorly during his years as a student.

"That's because he doesn't. He doesn't care about what you did before, he doesn't care what the Death Eaters made you do. He cares that you did everything Dumbledore asked of you. Including using the killing curse on him."

Severus closed his eyes shut, the memory of that fateful night still etched onto his very soul.

"I reckon you want to think you deserve nobody, it's easier that way," Charlie went on, his voice composed. "To blame the world for your solitude, or worse, to blame yourself and spend your life licking your wounds."

"Licking my…" Severus asked, and a sudden fury exploded inside of him. He clutched his hand into a fist, almost throwing the teacup onto the ground, and repressing the urge to get up from the armchair, "How dare you?! I gave everything for the cause and for Harry to survive, I was willing to give my life for it! Don't you dare come here and—"

"And that's precisely my point," Charlie interrupted in a calm voice; as if Severus's outburst had never happened. "Severus, you gave everything, even your life, for Harry and the cause. Who would be more deserving of Harry's forgiveness than you?"

Severus leaned back onto the armchair, resting his head back and breathing hard. He closed his eyes, willing his heartbeat to slow down. There was silence for a long time as Severus tried to calm down, Charlie only watched him and sipped his tea, giving him time and space.

"Apologies, I shouldn't have reacted like that," Severus eventually said in a whisper, avoiding his gaze.

Charlie, though, just smiled. He moved the armchair closer, sitting right in front of Severus, so he could look at him in the eye.

"No need to apologise. But you said you were confused, and I am trying to make you see," Charlie said, "that Harry has very much forgiven you for the only thing he has to forgive you. And he wants you in his life. Heck, Severus, you should've heard him talk about you, he's so happy! And from what I can gather, you want him in your life, don't you?"

Severus scoffed, crossing his arms. But his façade never fooled Charlie, who looked at him with an amused smile on his lips.

"Then don't fight it," he told him, "your friendship with him is very important to him, and he's trying to make Ron and Ginny understand. Hermione is taking it much better."

"Just the fact that his best friend—"

"His best friend is an idiot sometimes, don't worry about him," Charlie said as he shook his head, "but that's not the point, Ron will come round sooner or later. The point is that Harry wants you so much in his life, that he's trying to make his friends understand how important it is for him. So they'll respect you too, same as he does."

Severus swallowed. He hadn't even realised that, he had always assumed it was just something Harry did with his friends, to talk about things. And Harry didn't have a lot of news, after spending the summer in the castle helping rebuild it and looking after him.

"And as for my family, maybe my younger siblings will remember you differently," Charlie continued. "but you'll have no problem with Percy, Bill, myself or my parents."

"Not even… with Molly? Or your brother George Weasley?"

Charlie chuckled a dry laugh.

"Mum might want to give you a piece of her mind, you know what she's like, but it won't last long," Charlie said, "but George? Nah, he likes having one ear now. It's humorous to him."

Severus offered a small, what he hoped was an apologetic smile.

"I have done so wrong, caused so much pain… I cannot in good conscience be what you want me to be," Severus said.

But Charlie shook his head.

"We don't want you to be anything you're not," he said, "all I wanted was to see how you were doing. And since you don't seem to understand what's happening, I want you to see that neither Harry nor I are here with ulterior motives. I liked you in school, I knew you were different from what you showed to the world, and it turns out I was right. Harry spent his life thinking you were something you were not, and now that he's found out the truth and he's seeing the real you, he wants to keep you in his life.

And that's the point. No more hiding, no more deceiving, or lies or half-truths. Be you, Severus. That will be enough."

When Charlie finished, Severus swallowed thickly, a lump had formed in his throat. He choked it back and tried to breathe, and he blinked, his gaze blurring with tears that fought to come out.

"Thank you, Charlie," Severus said in a breathy whisper.

Charlie only smiled, reaching out to squeeze his forearm.

"Now, enough emotions for one day, I'm spent," Charlie said dramatically as he let his body sag on the chair, eliciting a dry laugh from Severus. "Tell me about life at the Hospital Wing, is it terribly boring? Have you gone mad yet?"

"Perhaps I have, a bit," Severus replied with a smirk that made Charlie laugh.

It was so easy with him and with Harry.

For a second, while Charlie talked, Severus looked at him and wished Harry could be here with them. It was just so different from everything he'd encountered before. Even his friendship with Lily had been difficult for him, being the socially awkward child he was.

But Charlie was all smiles and his voice was loud and warm, and his hands rough. 'A bit of a brute' he'd described him once, and it was exactly what he meant when he'd described him like that. And yet, despite being so different to Severus himself or even to Harry, Severus felt himself relax in the armchair as he sipped his tea.

.

Harry entered the Hospital Wing and saw Charlie and Severus sitting close together in armchairs, deep in conversation. When they heard the door open, both raised their heads, and Harry immediately searched Severus's eyes. They were clear. No tears, no anger, no screams.

Just Charlie's wide grin and Severus's glistening eyes. Harry beamed at them.

"Hope I'm not interrupting!" Harry called out as he walked towards the bed. "Charlie, they've just apparated back to the Burrow, but if you want to stay a bit longer, you're welcome to."

Charlie chuckled and shook his head. "No, I think I've tested Severus's patience enough for one day," he said with a warm smile. "It's your turn now to keep him company."

Harry laughed at Charlie's comment while the older Weasley turned to Severus, a soft smile on his lips.

"I hope to see you soon, Severus, if you want me," Charlie said as he reached and squeezed Severus's shoulder.

"Your company is most welcome," Severus said in a low whisper, his lips pulling into a soft smile. Charlie squeezed again, nodding.

"Enjoy the rest of your birthday, Harry," he said with a smile.

"Will do, thanks for coming, Charlie! And give my thanks to your mum!" Harry called, as Charlie turned around, his hair billowing with the movement, and he left the Hospital Wing.

Once Charlie was gone, Harry looked at his old chair, now transfigured into a plush armchair, and let himself sink into it.

"Hey, how have you been?" he asked, smiling up at Severus. "Did everything go okay?"

Severus looked at him, the small smile hadn't disappeared from his lips and his eyes softened when he looked at him as he nodded.

"Did you miss me, by any chance?" Harry asked with a mischievous smile.

Severus instantly shook his head, his cheeks tainted with a slightly pink colour.

"Don't be ridiculous," he replied.

As he said that, however, Harry felt warmth spread from his chest as he smiled, looking down at their hands. An index finger, cold and delicate, grazed Harry's fingers.

At first, it was slow and hesitant, but Harry's smile grew softer as he held Severus's gaze. He remained perfectly still, and soon Severus's fingers made contact with his hand, still tentative.

Harry gently turned his hand, palm up. The movement made Severus flinch slightly, but Harry's smile only grew. Gradually, Severus's palm rested against Harry's.

The contact sent shivers through his body. Warmth spread from his chest, making his cheeks and neck hot, and his stomach tumble. Severus's expression, with crinkled eyes and tense lips, revealed his emotions.

"Yeah… I did too," Harry whispered. His words made Severus tremble, then relax as he swallowed. His hand remained pressed against Harry's until Severus leaned back.

Harry leaned back and conjured a teapot and two cups. Just as he reached for the teapot, Severus deftly took it from his hands and began pouring the tea himself. Harry's heart warmed at the sight of Severus preparing the tea exactly to his liking—two lumps of sugar and a splash of milk. Severus prepared his own cup with just tea. Harry smiled in appreciation, and Severus gave a small nod as he handed over the cup.

Harry's fingers brushed against Severus's, much longer than his, and Severus seemed to notice it too, as he looked away, letting his hair hide part of his face. The light from the candles added a beautiful touch to him, his aquiline nose coming from the bush that his hair was. But Harry didn't want him hiding.

He reached, brushing his hair away from his face as his palm cupped Severus's cheek. He had no words but found he didn't need any. A small smile, and looking into Severus's eyes that reflected the candlelight, was enough. Severus nodded slightly, letting his hair fall beside his face instead of hiding in it.

Severus took a deep breath and composed himself, grabbing his own cup of tea and taking a sip. Harry took this as a cue to lean back, stretching his legs to one side of Severus's armchair.

"So, how did it go? Did you have fun with Charlie?" he asked, as nonchalantly as he could.

As if the moment they had just shared hadn't happened. As if his heart wasn't beating so fast it seemed it would leap from his chest.

Severus nodded.

"I remembered Charlie Weasley a bit more savage and wild, but of course, he was a teenager back then," Severus replied. His voice sounded a bit breathy, and he cleared his throat, "he's matured with age."

"And he likes you and respects you," Harry added. At Severus's arched eyebrow, Harry nodded. "I told you, when I talked to Ron and Hermione, he was the one who said you were different. He was the only one that supported you and me burying the hatchet and starting again."

"He… has changed. For the better," Severus said, pensively, "I suppose the war has changed us all."

Harry nodded slowly, the war had dragged for so long that it had affected everyone.

"He asked if he could visit me, see me more often," Severus said out loud, "I… didn't know how to respond to that."

Harry beamed at him, his eyebrows raised.

"Well, from the looks of it, you'd like that, wouldn't you?" Harry asked.

Severus looked away and his hand went under his chin, stroking pensively.

"Yes, I am… strangely willing to spend time with him," he admitted in a low voice.

"That's fantastic, Severus, I'm glad for you," Harry said as his smile widened, "and I might be wrong, but I think… Charlie has a soft spot for you."

At that, Severus almost choked on the tea that he was sipping and he cleared his throat.

"What makes you have such a ridiculous notion?" Severus asked.

"Really, ridiculous you say? Think about it. He was the first to tell me that it was great I had changed my opinion of you and to encourage me," Harry said, his fingers enumerating. "He seemed to have good memories of you here at Hogwarts, saw something in you that none of us could during all these years. And he wants to reconnect."

Severus swallowed thickly and looked away.

"He… he did say that as well," he said in a whisper, even his voice had changed in tonality. Harry knew he was mulling over what he'd said.

"That's because it's the truth. Nothing wrong with that, he just appreciates you," Harry said with a wink.

He chuckled and took a sip of his tea, scorching hot and exactly as he liked it. He licked his lower lip, tasting the bitter taste of the tea.

Severus, then, cleared his throat. Harry looked up, narrowing his eyes.

"Harry, I… I didn't want to give it to you this morning, with all the rush," Severus said, "but I do have a present for you."

"Oh?" Harry asked as he raised his eyebrow.

Harry hadn't expected anything from Severus. Not only because he didn't need anything, material or otherwise, but also because Severus was still unable to leave the Hospital Wing.

"It's not… much. But I thought you might like to have them," Severus said as he reached over the bedside table and opened the first drawer.

He took a small package badly wrapped with newspaper.

As Harry unwrapped the package, a rush of emotions overwhelmed him, causing tears to spring to his eyes.

Inside there were not just any photos.

But cherished memories of Severus and Lily from their childhood in Cokeworth. Harry's breath hitched as he revealed the first image—a black-and-white photo of Lily mid-jump, her red hair flowing in the breeze. A young Severus gazed at her from below, his eyes filled with admiration.

The next photo depicted them seated under a tree, lost in their own world. Lily held a twig like a wand while Severus leaned in, his face tender as he showed her something. The subsequent photos were vibrant polaroids, many taken by Lily herself, she was adept at it it seemed. In many Lily appeared at the forefront, and they captured Severus in unguarded moments—some with a bored expression, others with rare, genuine smiles. One photo, in particular, stood out: Lily with her arm around Severus's shoulders, and Severus in a Black Sabbath T-shirt, cigarette in hand. The contrast between this younger Severus and the man Harry knew was striking.

"Wow," Harry said with a laugh, "you mentioned you listened to them, but I didn't expect you to be into Black Sabbath."

Severus smirked.

"I wouldn't call myself a fan, but I did enjoy their music."

Harry's eyes twinkled. "Now I'm curious about your rock 'n' roll phase. Maybe an old Ramones T-shirt is hiding somewhere?"

Harry giggled, imagining adult Severus with a T-shirt of the Ramones, The Clash or Sex Pistols.

"They are very well kept, as they are, I believe the muggles say, 'vintage'," Severus said, a smirk present on his lips as he raised his eyebrows.

Harry giggled again and looked at the next photo. And the next. They were ordered chronologically, as there was an abrupt stop of the pictures. They both knew why, and it was a painful subject for Severus, so Harry knew better than to comment on it.

"Lily was self-taught. One of the first things she learned was to move twigs, so they could press the button and take pictures while she left the camera on the floor."

Severus's voice was soft. Coming from the depths of his soul, as he recounted his most precious memories.

Harry smiled tearfully as Severus pointed at another picture. His face was focused on Lily, smiling and completely oblivious to the camera.

"I didn't know what she was doing until later," he admitted, his cheeks a slight tinge of pink, "and she loved catching me unawares."

Harry chuckled, that sounded exactly like something he would like to do.

He looked back at the pictures.

His fingers traced the silhouette of his mother, laughing with his hair blowing in the wind. And of young Severus, looking at her from afar with a dreamy smile.

"Severus, this is incredible, but I can't accept it," Harry said, his voice thick with emotion. "These are your memories to cherish. You should keep them."

Severus shook his head.

"I've held onto them. For years, they were the only thing that kept me going, the only thing I had of her besides my memories. But you don't have any that. That's why I want you to have them."

He gently placed his hand over Harry's, keeping the pictures safely in Harry's grasp.

"Take care of them," Severus said in a whisper, his voice breathy and thick.

Harry nodded and swallowed, taking the pictures and Severus's hand against his chest.

"I will," he said, struggling to keep his voice steady, "Thank you."

Severus nodded, squeezing Harry's hand and keeping it against his chest. They lingered in silence, their hands connected over the pictures. Harry felt Severus's thin fingers gently stroking his hand, his thumb tracing soft circles on the back of it.

Harry's mind was a whirl of emotions, but when he opened his eyes, he saw Severus looking up at him with the same warmth he had seen in the pictures of his mum. Something inside him trembled.

"This is the best gift I've ever received, Severus. Thank you," he said, his voice thick around the lump in his throat. Severus only nodded and squeezed his hand in response.

Harry's smile then shifted into a mischievous smirk.

"And if I were you," he said with a playful glint in his eye, "I'd keep those 'vintage' T-shirts well-kept. Or you might find they've mysteriously disappeared…"

"It wouldn't be mysterious at all," Severus replied, with a smirk of his own, "all the more reason if you let me know. Intelligence, Potter, intelligence."

Harry giggled and shook his head. And with that, Severus sighed and leaned back, and Harry smiled. Harry giggled and shook his head. Severus sighed and leaned back, and Harry smiled. He realised that when emotions ran high, Severus needed a moment of respite. And Harry was more than willing to provide one.

They started talking again, about this and that. Harry lost track of time until his stomach growled. They both locked eyes, and Harry giggled as he looked down.

"Okay, time for dinner," he said.

It only took a minute for Kreacher to be summoned and bring dinner for two, and they used the side table in the middle to be able to eat comfortably.

"You know, I just realised. In a few weeks, I'll be eating at the Gryffindor table, and you'll be up there with the teachers. I bet it'll feel weird, not eating together all the time," Harry said as he munched on delicious sausages.

"You could always try and join the staff table with me. But that will surely get you more odd looks than your scar has ever done," Severus said, a smirk on his lips.

Harry shook his head.

"Urgh, no thanks, what I have is enough," he replied, Severus scoffed.

Their conversation changed topics, as it always did, but it was natural. In the back of his mind, Harry was amazed at how easy it was to talk to Severus about anything. Contrary to what he had thought for years, Severus was an engaging conversationalist, a good listener, and always gave sound advice. Before getting to know him, Harry had always assumed Severus was a lone wolf, someone who only spoke if spoken to and wasn't great at socialising or conversation. Now, though, he was astonished and wondered where Severus had picked up this ability.

After eating, Harry leaned back on his armchair, full and content.

"Merlin's beard, the food at Hogwarts is just the best," he said as he touched his tummy with a smile on his face.

Severus nodded, also pushing his empty plate a bit away, and sighing.

"I hope you have space in your stomach for something more, though," Harry said as he took out his wand from his new wand holster and flickered it. In an instant, a chocolate cake big enough for two appeared levitating beside him, and it had eighteen candles.

"I thought you'd be blowing candles with them," Severus said, his eyebrow raised.

But he shook his head as he smiled.

"I wanted to do this with you," Harry said, "you are the reason I am alive right now, after everything we've been through. I want to celebrate it with you."

"Well, then... we have two desserts to choose from," Severus said as he snapped his fingers.

In that instant, Kreacher appeared holding a silver plate. Harry didn't even have to look to know what dessert Severus had requested. And his heart skipped a beat.

Treacle tart.

Harry hadn't eaten treacle tart often since Severus had woken up, preferring other, lighter desserts. The implications of that made Harry's heart jump and emotions wash over him.

"Oh, Severus... you didn't have to..." Harry began, his voice choked with emotion.

"I wanted to," Severus whispered, his eyes dark and soft, "humour me, Harry."

Harry felt his gaze blur and blinked back the tears that wanted to come out, swallowing thickly. He looked at Severus, smiling as he saw Severus's soft expression. His eyes were half-closed, and his lips curled upwards in a ghost of a smile. His hair was thrown back, his entire face open and without the mask of disdain or impassivity he had worn for decades.

With utmost care, Severus placed the candles Kreacher had brought, nine in each cake. Once they were done, Harry snapped his fingers and all the candles lit up.

"Don't forget to make a wish," Severus murmured, his voice trembling.

Harry offered his hand, and when Severus took it, he squeezed.

He closed his eyes, feeling Severus's long fingers clutch at him, sensing his soft eyes staring. And he wished. He wished upon the stars, wished upon Merlin and the Hogwarts founders to never, ever lose what he had with Severus right here, right now.

He took a breath and blew out the candles.

When he opened his eyes, Severus was still looking at him with a wet smile, which widened when they locked eyes. Harry got lost in those black pools of darkness that were able to hold so much with just one look.

"Happy birthday, Harry," he said, squeezing his hand.

Harry smiled as he squeezed back, his eyes never leaving Severus's.

With another flicker of his wand two plates appeared next to the cake and the treacle tart, Harry cut them in half and served Severus's plate.

"I'm not sure Poppy would advise me to eat this," Severus said as he eyed the desserts. But Harry smirked.

"As if she didn't already know of your sweet tooth," Harry said, "come on, dig in."

Harry did the same, unsure of where to start. He took a bite of the chocolate cake first, closing his eyes as he savoured it. It was easily the best chocolate cake he had ever eaten, and that was saying a lot coming from the Hogwarts elves. It was sweet but not too much, with hints of bitter dark chocolate.

Then he turned to the treacle tart. With the first bite, he felt a rush of warmth and nostalgia. The flaky pastry melted in his mouth, perfectly complementing the rich, gooey filling. It tasted like Hogwarts, like comfort. Like home.

He had no words to describe it. The flavour transported him back to countless Hogwarts feasts, to simpler times when the biggest worry was winning the next Quidditch match. The taste was so familiar, so deeply ingrained in his memory, that it brought a lump to his throat.

"Merlin, Severus," Harry whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "This is... perfect."

Severus watched him, a small smile playing on his lips, his eyes soft and wrinkled.

"I'm glad you like it," Severus said softly.

Harry nodded, taking another bite and closing his eyes again. His heart was as full as his stomach, and sharing this moment with Severus made it all the more special.

They ate in silence.

Harry watched Severus when he was looking away, until he suddenly raised his gaze, falling into Harry's eyes. He averted his gaze, feeling something hot in his cheeks, and hid behind the cake as he took another mouthful.

After both desserts were gone, Harry leaned forward, gently holding Severus's hand in his.

"Thank you for sharing this with me," he whispered with a smile, "and thank you for being here."

Severus nodded and swallowed, his eyes blinking. He seemed to be gathering his thoughts, as he opened his mouth but no words came out. Harry waited.

"No. Thank you, Harry," he said, and his voice trembled.

Their eyes locked, and nobody could look away this time. Their breaths mingled in the space, but neither of them pulled away. Severus's eyes were dark, impossibly black, and Harry was so close he could feel his hot breath on his face. He swallowed, his throat dry, a tingling sensation spreading through their joined hands.

Time seemed to stand still.

It wasn't until the Bell from the Bell Tower chimed that it broke the moment. Reality was calling.

Harry blinked out of his stupor and saw Severus do the same, as he blinked and slightly shook his head.

Without a word, Harry gently helped Severus up and out of the armchair and walked the few steps that separated them from the bed. He let him get in bed and fluffed the pillows so they would be comfortable for him to sleep in. He smiled when Severus leaned back and sighed.

Severus didn't have to ask, and Harry didn't have to say anything. Harry used his wand to move the armchair closer to the bed and sat down. He held out his hand, and Severus grabbed it, as Harry squeezed.

His face, though, fell as he remembered Ron and Ginny's reaction to him spending time with Severus.

"I wish Ron and Ginny could understand what I see in you, Severus. How happy you make me," Harry said softly.

Severus nodded. "Charlie mentioned your argument."

"Yes," Harry said, "they're struggling to accept the change. Hermione understands, but Ron… he's finding it hard to adjust."

Severus nodded his head and squeezed.

"I am sorry they don't understand. Weasley probably feels his friend has lost his marbles. I honestly do not blame him," Severus replied.

"I don't need to have lost my marbles to be your friend, Severus, I thought we got that cleared up," Harry replied. Then he just shrugged, "I guess they need a bit more time. Maybe when they come back to class and see how much you've changed they'll understand better."

"Perhaps..." Severus said, scratching his chin.

Harry breathed out and sat back into the armchair. Severus sighed again, leaning more into the mattress and closing his eyes. Harry waited, the feel of Severus's hand in his speeding up his heart, and he looked away, letting Severus find his peace.

One thing that had probably helped in his recovery, was how much sleep Severus now got. Nothing was left of the insomniac, almost pathological workaholic that roamed the castle corridors at night.

This night, as every other night, it didn't take long for his breathing to even out.

He gently extricated his hand from Severus's and got up, making sure the bedsheets covered him entirely. Then he leaned down and he brushed his hair away from his face.

"Good night, Severus," Harry whispered.

As he turned to leave, he heard Severus's soft reply. "Good night, Harry."

Harry turned around and grinned at Severus. It was dark and he couldn't see, but somehow he knew Severus would see it, Severus would know.

He closed the door and began his short walk to the Gryffindor tower. He took out the pictures from his pocket and looked at them again. His eyes stopped at the picture of the young boy with black eyes and raven black hair, looking at the red-headed girl with an innocent smile. Harry felt for the people in the photo.

Harry gazed at them, feeling a deep sadness for his mother, who had died so young, and for the boy in the photo who would endure unimaginable horrors.

He pressed the photo against his chest, closing his eyes. He wished he could do more for the boy who had grown up through so much pain and was now resting in the Hospital Wing. And he made a silent vow to do everything he could to honour and support him.

.

Notes:

AAAAAAAAAAND THAT'S IT!
What did you think, did you like it? Did you like Charlie?
I love writing about him, he's one of my favourite characters to include!

Anything you'd like to read, any suggestions? Any predictions? Let me know in the comments!