All My Stars

*Chapter 4*

Harry shook his head. He almost forgot it was his birthday. Harry looked up at Snape. He was taller than him by 6 inches and his eyes were brown. Harry used to think they were black but standing close to him, close enough to smell his shampoo, and in the light, they were brown. "Do I have to call you professor?" Harry asked. A desperate attempt to break the silence that surrounded them. Severus smiled softly. "Only when you want," Snape said jokingly, almost flirtatiously. Harry found himself laughing. "Okay, professor." Severus rolled his eyes at Harry but smiled. "You might want to in class. But at times like this, you can call me whatever you wish."
Harry nodded. He was feeling quite a bit like himself for the first time since the Ministry incident. He decided to test how far he could go. "Okay Severus." Harry couldn't keep a straight face. He laughed and Severus laughed with him. Severus felt light. "Happy birthday. This is one way to start it." Severus made a mental note to get away later and buy him something. Harry shrugged. "I'm used to my birthday being utterly ignored. This is fine." Severus raised an eye at Harry. "Didn't you live with muggles? Even muggles celebrate birthdays." Harry just shook his head sadly. "They hated me. Everything about me." Harry explained all his last birthdays to Severus. "But this year I'm with the Weasley's so its pretty decent. We should head back." Harry suggested. Severus nodded and led the way back to the burrow.

Once inside, Harry led the way to the living room because the kitchen was vacant. Molly, Albus, and Remus were sitting around talking while all the other Weasleys were out of sight. Molly smiled when she saw them. "Harry!" She walked over and hugged him. It didn't matter that he saw her at breakfast. "I'm gonna make your birthday dinner." She patted his cheek and moved on to hug Severus. Harry grinned while Severus looked rather surprised but hugged the witch back. With that she walked into the kitchen. Severus shook his head slightly and turned to Albus. "I'm going to go into Diagon Alley." Harry looked up at Severus, slightly hurt. Severus was not his favorite person but he didn't think he'd leave. "You're leaving?" Harry asked. The sound of his voice made Severus look down at him. "Only for a bit, I'll be back." Severus smiled. It felt nice to be wanted.

After Severus left, Harry played a makeshift game of Quidditch with Ron and the twins. It was time consuming and it didn't allow Harry to think about anything too serious. That's all he looked for these kind of distraction. They ended the game when they saw Hermione. When they landed, Molly told them to set up tables so everyone would have a seat.

As the set up the tables and chairs, Hermione questioned Harry, "Mrs. Weasley said Snape was here for you."
"Yea, he was he should be back soon." Harry shrugged as Ron cut in.
"Harry promised to explain later."

As Hermione nodded, Harry saw Severus walking towards them. Severus led Harry away from his group. "I don't know much about you, but I've learned a few things over the years." Severus handed Harry a book. Harry grinned at Severus. "Its amazing thank you." It was a book on different quidditch techniques and rules. Harry hugged him and Severus was surprised once again.

Hermione, Ron, and the twins all stared at the two. What could possibly make them want to hug? As Molly came out of the house, she had to stare as well. Harry and Severus embracing, Molly shook her head and turned to the other four who couldn't understand the scene. "Stop that!" She snapped. "Come on now. When they get back up here we'll start." Molly started to bring to food out and set the table. Ginny came out the house and stopped in her tracks when she saw Harry with the potions master but a pointed look from her mother made her come and sit next to Hermione. Albus and Remus came out of the house with a very tired-looking Arthur. They talked and didn't stop to notice Harry and Severus.

After a few minutes, Harry and Severus made their way back to the table and took a seat.

A/N: Wow this chapter was terrible