James followed the insistent tugging on his sleeve, registering only dimly that the air around him seemed to be getting colder and the lights darker.

''What?''

James blinked.

''I said: what?'' Severus repeated patiently, looking up at him with a mixture of concern, anxiety, fear and almost something akin to amusement. ''You were muttering...''

''Was I? It was nothing. Where are we?'' he asked suddenly, realising for the first time he didn't actually know. Everywhere was dark and he could just make out Severus pale face, staring apprehensively up at his own.

''We're in the dungeons,'' Severus answered, as if this were very obvious. ''I brought you-''

''The dungeons?'' James repeated, realising for the first time that his breath was appearing in front of his face as mist, and that he was shivering, ''but wha-''

''Do you want to come to my room? Just to...Talk. Or something. If you want.''

James stared down at him silently, adrenaline still pounding through his veins. His head hadn't quite caught up with his body yet.

''I didn't mean to suggest...I just...I saw what happened with Black,'' Severus continued uncertainly, ''And if you're not with them, maybe…''

''I'll go with you,'' James finished for him with a short nod of approval. ''It's fine, Severus.''

He could feel only relief that Severus had been deceived by his apparent split from his friends, and did not appear at all suspicious about what had just taken place.

''Which way?'' James asked urgently. He only half-listened as Severus explained to him, a room that he sometimes used, a room that no one else used more importantly, and meant he could be alone.

Severus once again bravely grasped his hand in his own, as James's eyes grew distant and pensive with thoughts of Sirius, and pulled him along.

Just when James was getting tired and beginning to regret his decision to go, Severus stopped them beside two pillars wedged closely together and fumbled in his jacket for his wand. He tapped them, as James watched, and instantly they sprung apart, creating a small dark gap that appeared to be a tunnel.

Severus turned to James suddenly and eyed him as if analysing his size, but as James raised an eyebrow in enquiry, he looked away nervously and lowered himself, with a grace James hadn't thought him capable, into the gap and out of sight. James assumed that that meant he'd fit too and, sucking in a breath, forced his own, taller and muscular torso through the tight space.

If Severus had been more popular, James may have been slightly more cautious of entering somewhere so unknown, and perhaps suspect an ambush on the other side but, as things were, he thought he'd gained enough of the Slytherin's trust not to be worried and, regardless, he wasn't afraid of Severus in the slightest.

He stumbled out into a small, high ceilinged circular room. He straightened up and dusted himself off, careful not to knock one of the many cauldrons set in neat rows about the room. There must have been dozens, though most were sitting empty and ancient looking.

However, there were a few simmering away, casting odd light about the room. Aside from this, the room looked almost like a small house, all compressed into a very tiny place. Slytherin banners lined every square inch of the walls and, on noticing this, James couldn't suppress a grimace.

He heard a snort of amusement at the predictable reaction and turned to see Severus watching him with a small, hesitant, yet knowing grin on his face. James frowned in confusion at the expression. Severus never grinned or did anything like it... James felt his stomach flutter slightly at the odd, unexpected sensation this unfamiliar, albeit not wholly unattractive change.

Distracted, James's left foot snagged on the protruding base of a cauldron, and with a very undignified yelp, he tripped and fell painfully in a tangle of limbs.

Face tinged with embarrassment, he allowed Severus to help him up. Their faces were far too close as they rose together. Severus looked torn between expressing his amusement and issuing an apology.

''What is this place?'' James asked, disconcerted by the tingling sensation that Severus's rich, surprisingly pleasant laugh caused within him and wanting to distract himself from it. He cleared his throat and took a step back.

''It's a room I found in my first year here. I didn't mean to. You were chasing me at the time actually,'' Severus explained, smothering his rare smile and moving back over to the hole in the wall to replace the wooden board that covered it, ''I'd never come this far into the dungeons before. I don't think anyone ever has. I think it was just an old, abandoned room that got closed up but...'' He motioned towards the walls, ''I decorated.''

''I can see that,'' James said dryly, taken off guard for a moment by the confidence that had grown in Severus's voice. He had a very distinguished sound when he spoke properly. James was keen to keep him talking now that he seemed more able. ''And the cauldrons?''

''I like to brew,'' Severus shrugged, ''they're not dangerous. Do you want to...I could...If you wanted to see-''

James rolled his eyes, refusing to let his affection at the predictability of Severus's uncertainly compete with his exasperation. ''Show me the damn potions, Severus.''

Severus narrowed his eyes but began eagerly explaining its functions and James, though not understanding or being remotely interested in what Severus was so animatedly describing, could at least appreciate the passion he conveyed. He knew Severus liked potions but he'd never realised just how much.

Certainly, he hadn't thought him capable of passion. Not the mean, cold boy who regarded everything he met with such caution and hostility. But now his eyes lit up in a way that James had not before seen, and it was rather entrancing to witness such a change to come about the usually so grouchy and indifferent Slytherin.

For a moment, James forgot his anxiety over Sirius and just listened.

''What?'' Severus asked suddenly, on his guard, and James's realised he'd been staring perhaps a little too openly. He hadn't meant to make Severus's uncomfortable, but he was learning quickly that this was a very hard thing to achieve.

''Nothing. Just...You're really passionate about this, Severus. I had no idea.''

Severus nodded, glad that James appeared to be approving of this. ''I am.''

James gradually moved from the cauldrons and began to explore the rest of the room. He should have known Severus would know a place like this...It was so fitting. He'd imagined many times Severus Snape lurking around a dank, dungeon cave, all alone and miserable.

Severus watched James closely as he took in their surroundings, eager for his good opinion . He'd surprised himself by bringing James, of all people, here to this place that had served as his haven so many times. Just a few days ago he would have died rather than permit the Gryffindor entrance to such a personal treasure, but somehow, after today and all he'd seen with Sirius, he was feeling strangely accepting towards James. And what was this, if not an opportunity to progress in his plan?

''Do you like it?'' he asked suddenly.

James turned back to him. ''Mmm...Of course,'' he nodded but Severus was not fooled. James was very much Gryffindor and, if he intended on keeping him for a while, he may need to consider redecorating.

Silence settled between them and, fully aware that he was the host, Severus shifted from foot to foot uncomfortably, thinking of a way to entertain his guest now that he had him here.

''What you did back there...'' he said abruptly, his nerves making his speech unnatural. He felt the need to say something about James's earlier dispute with his friends, uncomfortable with it hanging between them. ''I think it was...It was very brave what you did. And I'm glad you won't be with Black anymore. He is just as bad as you...as you... used to be. He isn't a good influence. And the wolf...''

James caught himself from sticking up for his friend, for they weren't his friends anymore, as far as Severus was concerned.

''I told you. I've changed,'' he said quietly, wondering just how much this was true now, and braced himself for a much greater lie. ''I don't want to be with them anymore. I'm not like them.''

''Yes,'' Severus agreed, a small unconscious smile lightening his face for a moment as he acknowledged this. He'd no doubt in his mind now that this was so. He couldn't express the sheer delight he'd felt on witnessing James punch Sirius and walk away without a backward glance. It was more than he could have ever asked for. He'd needed them separated and now it had happened, without him having to do anything at all to intervene.

''Tea?'' he asked finally, as James said nothing further on the matter and the silence between them stretched.

''Huh? Oh, yeah sure,'' James answered with a shrug.

Severus wandered over to the sink and filled a muggle kettle, his wand laying the side so that he could make tea the muggle way. James watched, amused. The boy was most curious in his ways. He'd never met anyone like Severus which was of course, James convinced himself, a very good thing...

He stood awkwardly for a moment before taking a deep breath and joining him.

''It's very homey here,'' he murmured in his ear, curving his arms round Severus's waist. The Slytherin jumped in surprise, immediately tensing, but James held him steady. ''And I do like it here,'' he continued in a firmer tone. ''But I am a Gryffindor. I don't like snakes.''

Severus nodded, James's hot breath on the back of his neck very distracting. ''Yes I know...Sorry. Sugar?''

''No, but I know something else I want,'' James spun him round so that Severus was in his arms and instantly, in their close proximity, all the confidence Severus had gained from being in his own territory drained from his face. James didn't know whether this more pleased or irritated him. He wanted to remain in control, but he also desperately wanted Severus to be comfortable with him. He didn't want to push things too fast and scare Severus, but he was conscious of his deadline, and needed to establish a proper relationship which meant regular contact.

''Are you confident in me doing this?'' he asked, hooking a finger under Severus's chin and tilting his head up so that he could read his expression. ''You understand, Severus that I am your lo-''

Severus choked, struggling briefly in James's arms before slumping back into the embrace, looking completely torn.

James sighed, irritated with Severus's immature reaction to the word 'lover', and pointedly moved his hands from the Slytherin's waist, to the counter behind him.

''Better?''

With an apologetic grimace, Severus nodded miserably, ashamed at himself for showing himself up so badly. ''Sor-''

''Don't apologise,'' James cut him off abruptly, ''Just tell me what you want. I think it's time for us to put our relationship into words, and I can't do that if you won't communicate with me, Severus. You have to tell me what you are comfortable with. And what...not.''

Severus took a deep breath. A relationship, the requirement to actually make himself coherent, acknowledging the fact that someone else actually cared for him...It was all very new to him. Even being this close to someone else physically was proving more difficult than he'd ever expected. James was the opposite, and of course he would find this difficult to understand.

''Talk to me,'' James's voice broke into his thoughts. A hand was raised to his forehead and Severus felt James gently smooth the creases away with his thumb. ''Calm down,'' he murmured, ''I'm not going to hurt you. Just tell me...Are you comfortable?'' he repeated slowly. ''If you want this to be a...non-physical relationship, just say so. I can live with that.''

In fact it would probably be better, James thought.

''I am fine with it,'' Severus lied stubbornly, forcing himself to be still.

He couldn't push James away; it would be fatal to his plan, no matter how uncomfortable he was with this intimacy. He knew James was very physical with his girlfriends, so he would have to be equally as accepting, or James would go elsewhere.

A big part of Severus did enjoy being touched by James, very much, but until the rest of him caught up, he'd remain frigid. He couldn't seem to help it.

''You're a very bad liar, Severus Snape,'' James murmured, amused yet annoyed also. Severus was making this very hard work for him. ''I know you enjoy being close to me...I know you enjoy me kissing you.''

As he said this, he lowered his head and planted a small, delicate kiss on Severus's neck.

''But,'' he added, before bringing his lips to the pale skin once again, applying a little more pleasure, ''I know it scares you and, as much as you may think it, Severus, not all of you has forgiven me yet. You are still repulsed by me.'' Severus shivered from both arousal and disgust, as James's tongue traced patterns on his skin, proving the point.

''No!'' Severus gasped, wriggling. ''I'm no-'

'''Yes, you are,'' James looked him directly in the eyes, ''and it's ok. I understand. We'll just have to work on it.''

Severus had to fight not to look away, James's gaze was so intense. He looked liked he really wanted it...Severus just couldn't work out why. ''What are yo-?''

''I'm asking you to be my...'' James thought for a moment, ''my boyfriend, I suppose. I want to make us official. What do you say?''

Severus's breath caught in his throat and his eyes widened.

James could see he was terrified and desperately, in his need for him to say yes, was forced to influence his answer. He resumed his kissing of Severus neck, more deliberately this time. Severus hissed at the sensations and, subconsciously, tilted his head back, providing James with better access.

''Wouldn't you like that?'' James murmured seductively, finding a particular soft spot that made Severus gasp and sucking on it relentlessly with practiced patience.

Boyfriend? Severus repeated the word in his head, feeling it out. James's boyfriend? Wasn't that what he'd been aiming for? James seemed to want it desperately, enough to make Severus's head spin with wonder, and again he was incredulous and exhilarated by the thought. James Potter wanted him. Not some beautiful, perfect blonde that he could so easily have. Him. Severus Snape. And just the way he was, insecurities and all. They would work through it, that is what James had implied. It was enough to make Severus question his sanity.

James trailed a wet path to Severus's jaw, impatient for an answer. Finally, he was pushed back gently and Severus's eyes caught his own, silently asking for conformation.

James nodded sincerely. ''I'm being serious, Severus. Give me a chance. That's all I ask.'' He kept his face full of sincerity but, for a moment, couldn't help but smile in response to the giddiness on the Slytherin's face as he listened. James could well understand it. He'd seen it many times with those that were lucky enough to be his lover. Severus must feel on top of the world with someone like him asking him out. He marvelled again, as he did so many times, how Severus could believe in it.

''So Severus Snape...Will you will be my boyfriend?'' he asked again, for confirmation, as if the incredibility on Severus's face wasn't enough. He needed assurance. This was a vital step, and it would also be a step towards redemption if he could go back and tell Sirius he'd succeeded this much.

''Yes,'' Severus agreed shakily.

''Excellent,'' James beamed, oblivious to the dark look that shadowed Severus's elation. A huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders in forcing them this far.

Severus noticed the lack of contact immediately, as James instantly drew back and took his tea, wandering back across the room.

''So you just found this place?'' he asked, casually over his shoulder, as if nothing of significance had happened just a second ago.

''Urr...yes,'' Severus answered, his excitement dwindling as quickly as it has arisen. He couldn't help feeling slightly cold at James's abrupt change in behaviour.

James sipped at his tea and sat down on a couch, beckoning Severus to join him as if it were his room, not Severus's.

''And no one else knows about it?'' he asked, deciding his potential use for it in future.

He raised an eyebrow at Severus in questioning, noticing that the Slytherin seemed put out by something. It didn't take him long to work out what he was, and he had to stop himself from laughing. A large, purplish bruise was appearing on Severus's neck where it was still wet with saliva.

Slightly gross, he acknowledged, but stimulating nonetheless; a contradiction that he was growing increasingly accustomed to around Severus. It was strange. This boy was intriguing and incredibly erotic in ways that he didn't even have a clue.

''Just me and Lily,'' Severus answered his question, moving to sit next to him on the sofa and leaving a deliberate gap between them. ''And now you.''

''Evans?'' James asked, distracted for a moment. ''Yeah, I forgot. You two are really chummy.''

Some sort of resentful expression must have shown on his face, as Severus suddenly looked wide eyed and worried about what he had said. James realised, with a small condescending measure of affection, that Severus must have taken his reaction as jealousy of him with Lily, and not the other way around, as it rightly was. James was jealous of Lily's closeness with Severus, not vice versa, and it was just further proof of consolidation of his plan that Severus would think this way.

James's didn't put him right, but played along, hiding his amusement.

''You're always with her...'' he said, lowering his eyes and imagining Lily with Severus, and a number of other guys, and not him, in order to keep his bitter expression in place.

''I don't...'' Severus stammered, undone by the thought that James would be jealous of someone else with him. ''Lily and I aren't...We're friends. She's all I have.''

''You have me now, Severus,'' James reminded him. ''You don't need her.''

''But I...There's nothing going on. I swear. We just...''

Subconsciously, Severus was moving closer to James along the sofa, in his desperation to explain. ''She's nothing. Nothing. You are...You are my...''

A slow, satisfied smile spread across James's face as, for the first time, Severus was forced to put words to his own feelings.

''I'm you're what?'' James repeated, feigning confusion in the hope to make Severus say it.

''I'm your...'' A small bead of sweat had gathered on Severus's forehead and he struggled to speak clearly. ''You're my...''

Severus was arm to arm with James now and whispered, almost inaudibly, ''boyfriend.''

''Pardon?'' James asked loudly. ''Severus, I don't understand wha-''

''You are my boyfriend,'' Severus cried, his voice shaking slightly as he fought his nerves. ''My boyfriend...''

James grinned, satisfied.


''I thought you said you were good at this?'' Severus teased lightly, watching in amusement as James screwed his face up in concentration.

''I am!'' James argued, ''you're just...''

''Far more accomplished than you.''

James looked up sharply. He was certainly discovering a whole new side to Severus during this game. Usually he was indeed very good at chess, but it seemed that he'd underestimated Severus's abilities. He was being steadily beaten and Severus was doing nothing to hide the fact.

Severus's increasing confidence was also something he was being forced to contend with. He put it down to their surroundings. Of course Severus would feel more confident on his own turf and James berated himself for not considering it earlier. This was exactly the place to get Severus to open up more. He made a note to invite himself down here more often.

James finally moved a piece, his tongue stuck between his teeth in concentration, and Severus winced.

''What?'' James cried at the expression, ''stop doing that. That was a perfectly good mo-''

''Checkmate.''

James's face dropped and Severus smirked. They both watched silently as James's king was brutally beaten to a pulp, it's player looking incredibly sulky to Severus's amusement.

James Potter really was a sore loser, and Severus gained great satisfaction at beating him at something.

''I think we've played this long enough,'' James said, shaking his head and getting to his feet, his pride severely beaten. ''Well done,'' he said stiffly, formally holding out a hand for Severus to shake.

''Thank you,'' Severus smothered a smile, as he briefly grasped his hand in his own, before gathering their cups and carrying them over to the sink.

''Did you see where I put my shoes, Severus?'' James asked absently, grabbing his jacket. ''For fucks sake...It's only been...Blimey, Severus,'' his eyes widened as he looked at his watch. ''Do know what time it is?''

''You're leaving?'' Severus ignored the disappointment he felt as James nodded and shrugged into his jacket.

''It's getting late, Severus. We already missed dinner,'' James replied, moving to his hands and knees to look under the sofa. ''For the love of Merlin...'' he muttered irritably, causing Severus to snicker.

He lifted his wand. ''Accio James Potter's shoes.''

James was hit in the stomach as two shiny black objects came flying his way.

''Thanks, Severus,'' he winced and rubbed the spot, but smiled to let him know he wasn't angry. Severus seemed to have the tendency to cower whenever he'd done something wrong. James would one day question him on it, but not today. He didn't want to break the light, comfortable atmosphere that had developed between them after hours of mindless games and light, undemanding conversation.

Severus, having retired of his jacket and tie a few hours ago, fiddled with the cuffs on his shirt. ''If you wanted to win you could've warned me...''

James looked confused for a moment and then laughed. ''I'm not going because I lost. Is that what you think of me? I know I'm a sore loser, Severus but I guess I'll have to get used to it with you as my boyfriend.''

The word again caused Severus to blush. He couldn't help it. James felt something very akin to affection as he witnessed it, though he brushed it off. He'd never have thought it, but Severus's innocence and his bashfulness, so adverse to his usual harsh character, was very appealing.

''It really is late. I have to go,'' he forced himself to say. It was time for him to confront Sirius.

Severus nodded and leaned forwards expectantly, his lips parting. James looked at him, perplexed for a moment, before he realised what he was waiting for.

''My, my...Expecting something, Severus?'' he teased, unable to help himself.

Severus's face glowed redder than James had yet seen it, his mouth clamping together as he instantly stepped back. ''No. I just-'

''It seems like you're getting used to this intimacy faster than we thought,'' James said approvingly, ignoring Severus embarrassment to pull him forwards and place a warm, chaste kiss on his lips before departing.

...

Severus replaced the board carefully, covering the small entrance to his private room as James left, a faint smile on his face. It didn't take him long to clear up the mess they had made.

A pillow and some thin sheets were easily found and he quickly made the bed more comfortable, eager now to get to sleep before he allowed his mind to overrun any further with the day's events. He didn't trust himself, at this time, not to bring more significance to James's actions, to his movements...to his endearments, than was necessary. He would not get carried away.

He pulled his shirt over his head and let it drop to the floor, hissing as the cold air of the dungeons met his naked skin. His trousers followed and he pointedly ignored the heated, uncomfortable area between his legs that had been itching to be touched all day.

He carried out his new nightly routine almost as if he was in a daze, being very careful to brush his teeth properly. He scrubbed until he was satisfied his gums were raw, content in the thought that, if he got over his intense aversion to being touched quickly enough, he may just have that taste return very soon...and perhaps more.

With a small shiver, he dropped the brush into the sink and wiped his lips with a towel. Almost without meaning to, Severus glanced at himself in the mirror as he replaced the cloth in it's place, and was taken aback by how different he looked. His lips were curving ever so slightly upwards in a way that wouldn't be called a smile, of any sort, on any normal, happy person, but on him it made a remarkable difference to his features.

His eyes also held a glimmer of life that he couldn't remember seeing for a long while.

His chest, deathly pale and ghost-like in the dim lights of the dungeon, was so thin that his ribs were clearly visible. It was at noticing this that Severus's face swiftly reorganised itself into an expression of grim displeasure, realisation having returned in full force.

A deep sigh wracked through Severus's frame but he didn't stop to acknowledge it.

Severus dug out a clean t-shirt and quickly shrugged into it, hiding himself, though the love bite on his neck was still clearly visible. He closed his eyes for a moment and allowed himself the small pleasure in recalling how good it had felt having James's lips on his skin.

Without opening his eyes, he pressed his wand to the mark and with a muttered spell it disappeared. James would certainly not appreciate it if he turned up to class in such a state, and he'd no desire to be bullied over it.

Severus turned from the mirror without again glancing at it, though he supposed his neck looked remarkably plain without the mark.