A smile found its way on my face as I wandered through the dark halls, the silence was engulfing me in its serenity. Gripping my wand tightly in my hand, while the other was fiddling nervously with my necklace, I could only wish for Filch not to catch me for being out of bed at this late hour.

My nerves melted into a puddle of giddiness when I finally arrived at the huge window, and I leaned against the wall, watching as the moonlight fell through the glass, bringing a grin upon my lips. It was midnight. It was time.

"Happy birthday, Y/N."

I whispered under my breath, ignoring the pang of sadness in my chest, as I smiled, my eyes never leaving the moon. For a moment, I was so happy to live another day, thinking that perhaps there was something amazing was waiting for me in the future. I could not wait, and the thought of it was sending excitement bubbling in my chest.

"Happy birthday, sweet Y/N."

I muttered, tears pricked in the corner of my eyes, as I placed a kiss on my necklace. My parents could wrong me a thousand times, but I would remember that day forever. The last birthday I celebrated with them, as a family, they would call me their sweet Y/N, their little girl.

I was too young, and I was too happy. I did not know that it would be the last time I got to have such a precious time with them. After that, I spent my birthdays alone, faking a smile as the house elves brought gifts to my room, saying that my parents were too busy to come and see me. 

But the necklace was special, it was a thoughtful gift, and I smiled, wiping my tears away as I realised it was time for me to believe in myself. I could live on my own. I could create my own life. I could find my happy ending. I could love someone with all of my heart, without being like my parents.

I stayed there for awhile, staring at the moon, not thinking of anything as I just wanted to enjoy the beauty of it. Back home, I could not see the moon from the window of my room, so I had to get into my father's office, as the view was mesmerising there. However, I stopped going into his office because when I was eight, I once caught him snogging his mistress in his office.

It was traumatising, and it was crushing my heart in every way I could ever imagined.

I was shook from my train of thoughts when I heard soft footsteps coming from behind me. Pointing my wand into the darkness of the night, a wave of fear washed over me. My heart thud rapidly against my chest and I was torn— scared of being caught for being out of bed or scared of being hurt by someone.

"What are you doing here at this hour, Miss L/N?"

I let out a breath of relief when I recognised the voice of Professor Snape, and he walked out of the shadow, a glare was sent towards my way. I lowered my wand and shook my head.

"I couldn't sleep, Professor."

I lied, as my eyes were begging me to sleep but I was too eager to 'celebrate' my birthday, under the moonlight even if I could only get it from the window. Snape eyed me, seeking for truth in my words.

"50 points will be taken from your house if you do not tell me the truth."

He threatened, cocking his eyebrow as my eyes grew wide. I thought for a moment, before deciding that it would be absurd if I tell him the truth, thus I just shrugged.

"I was telling the truth, Professor Snape."

"It wasn't the truth, was it?"

He asked, and I sighed, mentally cursing him for being so good in detecting lies. Heat rose from my stomach to my chest, embarrassed to be caught by Professor Snape, when I was supposed to sneak out of bed successfully without being seen by anyone.

"Today is my birthday."

I said, slowly turning to look at him, who had a puzzled look on his face. Knowing that he would not understand, an amused smile was painted on my face. Of course, he did not understand. No one did.

"When I was a child, my father would take me to his home office, and I would gaze at the moon through his window for hours, while he read a book to me. His voice would slowly lull me to sleep."

I started, tearing my gaze away from him so he could not see tears welled up in my eyes. I tried my hardest to keep them at bay, as there was no way I wanted to cry on my birthday, and obviously not in front of my teacher.

"I see. It's your birthday so you miss your father badly."

Snape guessed, looking at the moon as well, finding its beauty astonishing now that I mentioned it to him. I chuckled half-heartedly, nodding at his words.

"Yes, I miss him. I miss being in his arms— it was the safest place I've ever been. He used to say that I was his only daughter, his gem, and he would treasure me forever."

But now he was going to have another daughter with his mistress, and she would be his gem, casting me away from his new family. I chewed on my bottom lip at the thought, realising time has changed, and I no longer had what I dreamed of. 

"I'm pretty sure your father is missing you too, Miss L/N."

I almost laughed bitterly at my professor's words, knowing how silly he was to think that my father had time to even remember my birthday now. But I just bit my tongue and gave him a nod, a small smile was emblazoned on my face.

"Are you trying to comfort me, Professor?"

I said, trying to push my dejection away, and I chuckled when he glared daggers at me, before moving his eyes back to the moonlight. After a few minutes of silence, I glanced at Professor Snape, watching as he relaxed, and I almost forgot how cold he was as a teacher because he looked so calm.

"Do you still want to take points from my house?"

He shook his head, sighing, and a grin was cracked on my lips.

"You shouldn't be out here at this hour alone, Miss L/N. It's dangerous."

He reminded, frowning at me. I nodded, acknowledging his worry over his students, regardless of how scary he might seem sometimes, he still cared for the students.

"I'm not alone, Professor. You're here with me."

My words seemed to cease his frown, and a small smile was playing on his lips. It was not much of a smile, but it was enough, as his presence alone was comforting me. That night, I did not feel alone on my birthday, even just for a mere moment.

The next morning, I was so enthusiastic to start my day. I talked with my friends as we ate breakfast, and for the first time since I came to Hogwarts, I did not mind to care if my parents would write a letter for me on my birthday. Usually, I would be anticipating their letter, which would never come until at least a week after the day, apologising for being late to wish me, like they always did. But that day, I was too happy to think about them.

Nevertheless, when an owl dropped a package in front of me, a frown was etched on my face. I did not want to put my hopes high, but if it was not from my parents, then it would be impossible because my friends would just give me a gift by themselves instead of through owl packages.

My friends were trying to see what it was but I raised my eyebrows, shaking my head, causing them to grin and look away, knowing how much it meant to me to receive that package on my birthday.

My smile widen once I realised it was an enchanted notebook. I almost squealed out loud, as I ran my fingers on the cover of the notebook, which was very pretty and elegant. It was enchanted so that no one else could read what I write in it, and I have been wanting it for so long— Needing a book to write without fearing anyone to find out about it. Perhaps I would start journaling now that I have the notebook.

But then I realised I never mentioned my desire to have the book to anyone, not even my close friends, except for— Professor Snape.

My smile turned into a grin when I noticed a note in the package, and I was right. The gift was not from my parents, but it was from the most cold hearted professor in Hogwarts.

"Happy birthday, Miss L/N. Keep smiling, the world needs your light.

-S.S"

I was smiling broadly until my cheeks hurt, touched that someone gave me thoughtful gift for once, instead of giving me lavish gifts to show off their wealth and nothing more. It was a nice feeling to know that he remembered little things I told him.

I quickly looked at Professor Snape who was talking to the headmaster. He glanced towards me and when his eyes met my gaze, he gave me a simple nod, but I did not miss a hint of smile on his lips.

I also did not miss the way my heart leapt as I stared at him, smiling.