All My Stars

*Chapter 5*

Harry was not looking forward to trying to explain this to Ron and Hermione. Did he tell them the truth. He could trust them but did he want them to know... He pondered this while he sat between Severus and Hermione. Everyone joked and laughed but it all seemed forced. No one pointed out how odd it was to have the Headmaster and the potions master at Harry's birthday. They included Severus in the conversation and pretended that this was normal. That's what Harry loved about them. They were welcoming, Even to the man that they despised for the last 5 years.

After dinner, there was cake. Everyone talked as they ate the chocolate cake and complimented Molly's cooking. Harry sat close to Severus and getting to know each other better. Harry never really thought of Severus as a person. He was just a mean Professor but now Harry saw through all of that. "So why are you so mean to all of us?" Harry finally asked. Severus smiled at Harry. "It's fun and everyone expects me to mean because I'm the head of Slytherin and I hate to disappoint." Harry laughed and set his plate down. "You're not that scary you know." Harry teased. "It doesn't work on a brave Gryffindor." It was Snape's turn to laugh and Harry was slightly amazed by the sound. It was soft and made Snape seem quite cute. Harry thought back to earlier that day when Severus laughed. It wasn't like this. This was genuine. This was Severus without his guard up. This was him letting go. He smiled at Harry when he stopped laughing. Harry became aware of Severus's hand laying on his thigh but Harry didn't mind. Harry was leaning forward. He didn't know why or when he leaned forward but he did. He could feel Snape's warm breath against his cheek. He smelled like cake. Harry thought about kissing him. How would Severus react? How would everyone react? Harry realized that he was surrounded by people who were now staring at them in silence.

Harry sat up straight and looked around at everyone who didn't bother to look away. "Yes?" He asked cheekily. Hermione was the first to react. She turned red and started to ramble. "We're going to start cleaning and Professor Dumbledore and Remus are leaving now..." She trailed off. Ron continued to stare but Fred and George were now messing with Ginny and Molly was vanishing the dishes to the kitchen. Arthur was shaking Remus and Dumbledore's hand. Severus stood and stretched. "I should be leaving too." Harry sighed and stood too. He walked with Severus over to Dumbledore and Remus. Dumbledore said his goodbyes and apparated. Harry hugged Remus and watched him apparate. "Let me walk you down to the road," Harry said. It was a lame excuse to spend a few more minutes together. Severus nodded. They walked slowly towards the road. They didn't say much but it felt natural to be together. When they reached the road Harry turned to Snape and smiled at him before throwing his arms around his neck. Snape put his arms around his waist. He leaned down to Harry's ear. "Happy birthday Potter." He said softly. Harry took a deep breath before reaching up and kissing his cheek. "Thank you." He said quickly. Harry let go and started running back towards the house before he could think about what he did.

Severus watched him run. He touched his cheek softly. He shook his head before going home.

A/N: I need to find a way to stress that this isn't because of the bond. I guess this will do.