Fic and Art: Indulgence Title: Indulgence Author:chazpure Rating: G Challenge: Severus's Birthday Challenge Prompt: "Presents" Word Count: 345 Summary: Severus Snape had one annual indulgence. Author's Note: It's short, it's schmaltzy, but what the heck! Happy Birthday, Severus! (G-rated?! OMG, I wrote something without smut in it! Eep! Alert the media!)
Every year since he'd finished school, Severus had celebrated his birthday with a fine meal, a glass of good wine, and of course, presents. After years of watching others receive cards, treats and gaily wrapped gifts on their birthdays, while his own went unremarked, he felt he deserved the indulgence. Each year he selected at least one gift, had the shop wrap it, if only in butcher's paper, took it home, and opened it after his birthday supper.
This year, the shopping bag was heavy with books, rare ingredients, a new alembic, and an assortment of sweets. The front door opened against the snowy wind, spilling golden light out onto dark, icy path.
Remus smiled at him. "There you are! Come in before you freeze!"
He stomped the snow from his boots and let the welcoming warmth envelop him. Enticing scents of sage, onions and roast duck came from dining room; a crackling fire burned merrily in the fireplace; and Teddy was fairly dancing with excitement by the end table, which was piled with wrapped and be-ribboned packages.
Severus put his bag down on the sofa and hung up his cloak. "Dinner first, young man," he said, "and possibly sweeties afterwards, for those who finish their peas."
Remus rolled his eyes as he gently guided the excited toddler away from the bright paper and fluttering ribbons and nudged him toward the dining room. "You didn't buy him more candy, did you?"
Severus refused to be abashed. "Possibly," he admitted. "And some ginger-lime truffles for you, and that book you were talking about, and...a few other things." He smiled softly. He could never resist buying treats for Remus and Teddy; it had become his favourite indulgence.
Remus chuckled and kissed him, draping an arm around him as they headed in to dinner. "You'll spoil him rotten, and me as well. But then, you haven't seen what we got for you, yet! Happy birthday, love!"
A fine meal, good wine and presents...but having someone who loved him to give gifts to was the greatest gift of all.