Within two minutes, six elves claimed places on the bench that surrounded the central table. They giggled, like children who were doing something forbidden. But since Lord Voldemort did not scold them, everything was apparently alright. This was surreal, and Snape could not get rid of the impression that this was all a dream. He had been outed as a spy; had been punished, but only briefly; had lost his Dark Mark; had gained a light one ... a lightning one! Now he was sitting beside the son of his best friend and shared his birthday cake. An absolute novelty for Harry, if his initial reaction was to be believed. "Petunia!" He spat out. Because who else would fulfil the requirements to keep the blood sacrifice of Lily Potter née Evans alive, yet make a magical child miserable. He regretted his outburst when Harry's fist clenched around his fork. The boy did not comment yet ... "I am sorry. I should not have brought her up."