Harry stood in the middle of the toy section, mesmerized by all the colorful objects that surrounded him. There were floating toy broomsticks above him and gold snitches zooming in and out of the view occasionally. Around him were an assortment of toys, all magical and alluring; but there was one particular toy that had caught Harry's eye, and it was the stuffed owl staring down at him from the top shelf, occasionally hooting and flapping its wings. Despite his fascination, he didn't dare touch the object. Toys weren't for freaks; they were for good boys like his cousin, Dudley.
He dragged his gaze down to his shoes, suddenly feeling ashamed. Not so long ago, his Uncle Severus had taken him in, and he had been more than nice. He had given Harry everything the Dursleys had ever deprived him of. He had a room of his own. A soft bed. New clothes. He even had his first ice cream cone just a few days ago. Yet here he was, being ungrateful and asking for more things.
Snape had been watching the boy for a while now. He had brought the child with him to Diagon Alley to let him get used to being around people; Harry was naturally shy. He was supposed to bring him to Fortescue's for another sundae cone but changed his mind as they passed by the toy shop. He couldn't help but remember the way in which Harry's face had lit up after eating his ice cream cone, but he realized that Harry didn't have any toys of his own. Snape's heart went out to the child. Seeing someone so young being denied something as small as ice cream and toys made his heart ache. It also made him want to march down to Privet Drive and strangle his relatives.
Harry trugded back toward his guardian, ready to leave empty handed.
"What's the matter, Harry? DIdn't you find anything you like?" asked Snape as he gently pulled the boy close. Harry shook his head.
"Really? Not even that owl?" he urged. He had seen Harry eyeing the stuffed owl for a long time and was waiting for him to at least point at it, but perhaps it was too soon. Harry wasn't ready to ask for things yet.
Snape sighed as he stood up. He took Harry's hand and led him outside, asking him to wait just near the exit as he went back for something he had forgotten. As soon as the man returned, he was carrying a medium-sized package in his hands, and he handed it to Harry.
Harry took it, thinking that Uncle Severus was asking him to help carry his things. He didn't really mind since this was a normal occurrence back at the Dursleys'.
As soon as they were back home, Harry politely asked where Uncle Severus wanted his package to be placed.
"Open the package, Harry."
Careful not to destroy the wrapper, Harry slowly removed the paper. His eyes widened when he saw a white stuffed owl flapping its wings.
"Do you like it?" asked Snape, his eyes glued to the boy; he didn't want to miss his reaction. It hurt to think simple things like this could bring such bliss to the child, all because he had been neglected his whole life.
"You mean... it's mine?" the boy whispered.
"Yes, Harry. That is a gift. From me."
Harry continued staring at his owl. His owl! Suddenly, his eyes filled with tears as he ran to his guardian, engulfing him in a fierce hug.
"Thank you, Uncle Severus," he whispered, but Snape was still in awe. The child had never touched him before, let alone initiate a hug. He put his arms around the boy in return, thinking that he was improving after all.
"You're welcome, Harry. In the future, remember that you may ask me for anything you want, and I shall try my best to give it to you."
"I already have everything that I want," said the boy, and Snape hugged him tighter.
"Me too, child. Me too."