A Chance at Happiness

27. Happy Birthday Nathan!

September 26th.

Nathan woke up as usual and headed to the common bathroom to make himself presentable.

Severus had already prepared a festive dinner at his private quarters.

When Nathan returned to Slytherin's Common Room, he saw countless presents for him.

Every Slytherin must have prepared a present for Nathan and of course he had friend in other houses too.

Slytherins started to sing "Happy Birthday" and they also brought a birthday cake made of pancakes, ice cream and syrup.

This was officially the best birthday Nathan ever had.

He was moved to tears and the older Slytherins started to tease him "Come on Nathan, people cry because they have no friends! Don't cry because you have more than you can handle !"

The first class of the day was Potions. Prof. Snape made them make Amortentia, which of course was extremely difficult and the only one who managed to make a perfect brew was Nathan. He was not congratulated for his achievement, though, as always.

The rest of the day was easy going. Nathan was excited for dinner with his family.

When he entered the private chambers, he was delighted to see his Dad, his Mom and his sister waiting for him. But they were not the only ones. Devon was there too, and Draco with Astoria. Albus Dumbledore and Minerva were there too , and Prof. Powell. Even the Bloody Baron was there.

He felt so loved.

When dinnertime was over and the candles were blown, the guests left.

Severus asked Nathan to join him for a walk outside, on special permission of course.

He took his son near the Lake, which surface was sparkling like diamonds under the night sky.

Severus turned to his son and he started talking first.

- I can't believe that I am standing here , next to you on your 11th birthday, he commented.

- I can't believe it either , Dad. It seems like yesterday when you came and took me out of that horrid Institution.

- I thought I lost you, when I was arrested. I knew I had lost my wife and unborn child but I was positive that I would never be able to find you again. When Albus visited me and informed me that you had been taken away, I was terrified that you would eventually forget me. But I was hoping that you would be alive. Each year, on your birthday, I used to cry and cry for hours. I used to remember your tiny little head struggling to come out of his mother. I was the first one to hold you. So fragile yet so strong. You changed everything in me. I love Bella very much, the same as much as I love you but you are the one who gave me the title "father". I felt so responsible for you. É wanted more than anything to do the right thing and be a good father. Not like the father I used to have. Not a cruel father but a loving one. I used to participate in everything, changing nappies, feeding, burping, bathtime. I wanted to be a part of every moment. Leave an essence of my presence in every moment.

Nathan interrupted his father.

- And you have. You have been there in my whole life, even when you were in prison. I tried very hard not to forget you, because I was too young. When you came back , you seemed nothing like the Dad I remembered. I was afraid that I had made a mistake. You seemed strict, although you were very loving.

I remember thinking if I should call you Sir or Dad. But when we sat down and ate, I can't forget your eyes on me. Your eyes told everything. You couldn't convey the love, the deep love and joy you felt for finding me. I was really happy. You still are the best, although I feel insecure. You feel insecure too, don't you ? Those years apart are really hard to heal. But I promise Dad to always spend my birthday with you.

Severus let his tears free and hugged his son tightly.

Then he took out of his pocket a small box and handed it over to his son.

- Dad!!! He son protested. I don't need any more presents, especially from you. Having you as a father is the best present I could hope for.

- Nonsense. Birthday without a gift from your father ? Never gonna happen. Open it! he suggested.

Nathan carefully opened the box.

- Cuff links ? really ? Proper cuff links ? These are amazing Dad! Thank you so much!

- You are welcome! And they fit perfectly with the new shirts your precious Mother bought you , he added with a wink.

- She always wants me to look my best, doesn't she ? You are both amazing!

- You can wear them daily. They are made of platinum and the gems are black diamonds. They are also charmed and linked to my cuff links. Whenever you need me, touch them and think of me . You will receive my help. It is useful since I am going to teach you Dark Arts, so this is something we could use for safety. What do you think ? his father asked him.

- I think it is brilliant! YOU are brilliant ! I can't wait to learn from you, as always. But, Dad, teach me as a Father not as a Professor, will you? he asked quite concerned.

- I promise, his father said and hugged him tightly.

When Nathan lied down to sleep, he was feeling happy and whole. Definitely the best birthday ever.