Thanks to everyone who reviewed and liked the last chapter. Hope you enjoy!
James Potter was used to getting things his way. It wasn't that he was nasty about it, quite the opposite in fact. He was suitably charming which meant people were usually all too willing to give him what he wanted. Except for Severus it seemed.
When they first met James was hooked. The boy was everything he realised he wanted. Someone intelligent without being boring, someone attractive without being a narcissist and above all someone who knew how to play quidditch. That latter had always been an important requirement for him. And James had initially thought Severus felt the same about him. He smiled at him, a shy smile that made him look so much happier. James had noticed that when he thought no one was looking, Severus would frown. Just a slight frown as he worried his bottom lip with his teeth. He always seemed so troubled during those times.
Not that James could blame him. He'd heard from Sirius what the other boy was going through. How not only Malfoy but some creep from his school kept hitting on him. Telling him he'd soon be having their babies. He was fifteen for fuck's sake, who the hell was thinking about babies at that age? Fair enough there was a war on but it didn't mean Severus should be forced into anything just to continue some pureblood twat's family line. He deserved better.
'He deserved…me' James thought to himself. It was true. Severus deserved someone his own age, someone who could take care of him without smothering him. Someone he got on with and had more to talk about with than just the weather or how his partner's day had been. Alright he might sound a bit conceited, James that is not Severus, but he was sure he had way more to offer than anyone else. And certainly a hell of a lot more to offer than that creep Malfoy.
"-ames? James? Anybody in there?" James blinked owlishly as Sirius waved his hand in front of his face.
"Oh good you're back with us. We were afraid we'd lost you mate".
"Just thinking of ways to make Malfoy's life miserable". James brushed off the questioning glance Remus sent him.
"Did you come up with anything?" Severus asked. On the surface he was calm and collected, but inside he was growing angsty.
They'd been at it for over an hour now without much luck. Everything they'd suggested he was forced to shoot down. He knew Lucius, he knew his weaknesses and more importantly he knew his strengths. And the man had a lot of strengths. So far suggestions had included public humiliation at the upcoming New Years' Ball being hosted by the British Ministry. It would be funny sure if they actually managed to pull it off, but what were the chances of that happening with everyone form Dumbledore to the Minister of Magic in the same room. The security alone would be a nightmare to bypass. Other suggestions had involved Severus seducing Malfoy, something that he flat out refused, in order to catch him half-naked with an underage teen forcibly held underneath him. Then they'd contact the appropriate authorities, submit their memory of the event and watch as Malfoy fought off child abuse and statutory rape charges. The flaws in such a plan should have been obvious, Severus felt. For one thing he could just submit the memory he already had to the French government. It'd be enough to get a warrant at least, but with Malfoy being English it would only at best result in him being banned from the country. There was also a strong chance Malfoy only needed to flash his cash and the problem would disappear from official records. A third suggestion came from Remus, suggesting Severus inform his grandfather so that he could go above Lucius' head and confront his parents. That idea was again shot down. Severus had to explain how his grandfather knew Lucius was pursuing him, and considered the blond man's advances to be just a bit of fun. The man wouldn't be convinced otherwise unless Severus showed signs of being injured. His pride didn't count apparently.
"Well what if you were already with someone? Then he couldn't claim you for himself".
Severus seriously considered it. It was an idea, a good idea at that. One he really should have thought himself given the obviousness of it.
"Like who?" He asked. Although judging by the grin on James' face, it didn't take a genius to work out who he meant.
"Well, someone around our age. Maybe a pureblood from a well-respected family, someone who happens to be devilishly good looking, fun to be around and who happens to be a fantastic quidditch player". Clearly subtlety wasn't James' strong point.
"Didn't you fall off your broom in the last match before winter break?" Mulciber interrupted with a smirk on his lips as he replayed the event over in his mind.
"Only because you lot had to resort to cheap tricks in order to try and win. Not that it worked". Sirius shot back.
"You were saying?" Severus interrupted before the two came to blows.
"Go out with me". Direct and to the point, guys liked that right?
"I-". Severus had been expecting it, but it didn't mean he was prepared for him to actually ask. There was a difference between fantasy and reality and to Severus things had just become very real.
"Whoa! Hold up! I never agreed to this". Sirius interrupted, Regulus not far behind.
"What do you mean you never agreed? You're the one who practically dangled him in front of my face on the ride over here". James argued.
Severus turned calmly towards Sirius. "Did he now?" It was quite funny how quickly Sirius paled at that.
"Now wait a minute I only said good things about you, good things. All I said was that I wouldn't go out with you because you were too much like a brother to me". Sirius backpedalled. He'd seen Severus pissed off plenty of times. It wasn't something he wanted to have directed at him. He wanted to live to see Christmas at least. Though the chances of that happening weren't looking too good.
"Didn't you say you'd sleep with him but you wouldn't date him?" Remus asked. He couldn't resist. Sirius was just too amusing when he was panicked and trying to get himself out of the hole he'd dug himself in.
"Why? Why would you-? Why?" Sirius spluttered. What was this pick on Sirius day?
"Oh I already know about that. We've already fooled around before so that doesn't bother me". Severus said, gaining shocked faces from practically everyone.
"You talk in your sleep". He added, looking directly at Sirius who reddened.
"So what do you say?" James cut in.
"Yes. I'll go out with you. To get back at Malfoy I mean".
It was a good plan. There was nothing that would piss Malfoy off more than the thought that Severus wasn't his. Besides James was very attractive and although it made him shallow, Severus could admit that it was a major reason for him agreeing to his offer. It wasn't like he had much else to go on. All he knew about him was that he was a quidditch fanatic, according to Sirius; he'd broken up with his ex because she'd cheated on him, also according to Sirius and he was ridiculously attractive. That pretty much summed up his knowledge on James Potter.
But hey, it was more than what most people knew before agreeing to go out with someone. And he'd learn more about him the more time they spent together, probably. Or at the very least they could fool around a bit. That was bound to piss Malfoy off. Always an added bonus.
"Y-yeah, to get back at Malfoy. Of course". James grinned, faltering a little as he couldn't be sure if Severus was serious or not. He wanted to ask him out so he could eventually fuck him, not just to piss Malfoy off. Although, James would later admit, that would be a very nice bonus indeed.
Severus smiled at him, a genuine smile at that. He couldn't help it, the other boy just looked so full of himself; he needed to be brought down a peg or two. Not that James cared. Severus had said yes, he actually agreed to go out with him. It didn't make them a couple, not yet anyway. But it was a start. And James was determined to have Severus all to himself. Call him selfish or possessive, but the boy knew what he wanted and he wasn't about to give it up. Much like a toddler with a favourite toy. Only this was a toy he was hoping to shag upstairs while his friends buggered off elsewhere for an hour or so.
Mulciber had to physically restrain Avery, unable to keep the smirk off his face. His fellow Slytherin wasn't happy that his new shiny toy was being taken away before he even got to play with it. Not happy at all. But what did he expect when going up against Gryffindors? They were bravery personified, known for being instinctive and stupid. They didn't back down from a challenge and in this situation, Severus was the challenge to be won. Avery made the mistake of relying on Slytherin cunning, instead of relying on Slytherin ambition and drive. And it resulted in him losing what he wanted.
Sucks to be him.
Mulciber carefully hid his smirk from Avery, aware that it just might be the thing to tip him over the edge. It was bad enough they were in the same room as Gryffindors without being able to pull any pranks on them. Add on top of that Avery missing out on Severus and the Slytherin was becoming increasingly agitated. Which would usually be funny. But when there were three Slytherins and three Gryffindors pitted against each other, two of whom were brothers, and most competing for the same attentions of one person, it quickly became complicated.
But still funny. There was no denying it was funny.
"Right can we do something else? Please?" Regulus asked, partly in an attempt to keep Avery from making a scene, but mostly because he'd quickly grown bored.
"Quidditch!" It was amazing just how alike James and Sirius thought.
"No!" Was the mostly unanimous response, drawing scowls from the two Gryffindors.
"Well we can go outside in the snow. Or go swimming in the indoor pool". Severus suggested, the latter gaining a dirty grin from more than one of the boys.
"But I never brought my trunks". James smirked. "Guess I'll just go commando".
"No you bloody well won't. I ain't swimming if I know your dick's gonna be flapping around in the water". Mulciber spat. Screw keeping Avery calm he was about to go off on one himself.
Severus merely chuckled. Partly at James for his misguided attempts at seduction, but mostly at the look on Mulciber's face. He looked well and truly horrified, as did the other boys after his outburst.
"Snow it is then". Remus piped up. He was actually quite relieved to be going outside. If only because the snow would allow his friends to wreak havoc, in a way that would only cause semi-permanent damage. Well provided they didn't try to blind anyone by throwing snowballs in their eyes. Remus was thankful, and not for the first time, that they were forbidden from using magic outside of school. He didn't want to imagine the carnage that might happen otherwise.
"Sounds good to me". Severus said, cutting off any protests.
And so a good time was had by all. Slytherins attacked Gryffindors and vice versa with snow. It was about the only time it was considered socially acceptable to try and inflict harm on another human being. And after a couple of hours of fun, consisting of several snowball fights which evolved into all out wars, the boys finally trudged inside, soaked to the skin and absolutely shattered. It was then they decided enough was enough; it was time for them to go and be with their families.
"Hey wait". James pulled Severus to one side as the others were preparing to leave.
"What?"
"When are you free? So we can go out on a date I mean". James asked.
"Oh, uh I guess after new year. We could do it the Saturday after, the week before school starts". Severus replied, a little caught off guard.
He hadn't exactly taken into account that agreeing to go out would involve actually going out on a date. In public no less. While logically he'd been expecting such a thing to occur, it hadn't really registered that he'd be going on a date. With one of Sirius' friends no less. As silly as it sounded, Severus had fooled himself into believing he and James would be going out, without actually going out. That it'd be in name only as a means to infuriate Malfoy into making a spectacle of himself.
'But then being seen in public together would only fuel the rumours of our relationship. It would give us credibility and allow the gossip to spread to Malfoy. So this is only logical, it makes sense to do it. So why is this making me so nervous?' Severus thought to himself. He swallowed instinctively, fighting a blush as he realised James was staring at him intently.
"Good". James smiled, relieved that he hadn't been rejected. Now he only needed to convince the other boy that he hadn't only asked him out to get back at Malfoy.
'But how long would that take?' He thought to himself.
James stared a few seconds longer, licking his lips as he watched the other boy grow nervous.
"What is it? Ja-" Severus was cut off by the other boy pressing his lips to his. Just a quick brush lasting seconds. But for Severus it left him wanting more, his heart racing as the other boy pulled away with a cocky grin.
"See you then yeah? Merry Christmas". James smiled, receiving a shy smile in return.
"Merry Christmas".
So with a final nod the two parted ways. James left with Remus and Sirius in tow, while Regulus escorted his own friends out. Severus followed them to the awaiting carriages. As was expected of any good host, giving a short wave as they made their way from the courtyard.
'What did I just agree to?' Severus asked himself as he returned inside the house. Partly horrified with what he'd gotten himself into, and yet he simply could not keep the smile off his face. Nor it seemed could he keep his fingers from brushing his lips. While not his first; he'd been pressed against various surfaces many a time by various boys looking for a good time, it was however his favourite. Possibly even the best kiss he'd had from a boy.
"Is there to be a Mr Severus Potter in the future I wonder?" Severus blinked. He was confused, unsure if it were just his imagination. Hearing someone clear their throat he turned around, face darkening as he realised his grandfather had been eavesdropping.
"G-grandfather! W-what are you doing back so soon? You said you would be back late." Severus stammered, embarrassed beyond belief for being caught so unaware. And all because he'd been thinking of a boy. A very nice, very attractive boy yes, but still it wasn't something he felt comfortable discussing with his grandfather.
"You sound disappointed. I suppose you'd have preferred to daydream about your little boyfriend for a while longer. Well I'm sorry to disappoint but I decided I wanted to be with my favourite grandson on Christmas Eve. Besides I was out collecting your present. I know you'll like it". Augustus chuckled as his grandson blushed at the mention of the word boyfriend.
'Young love. So sweet and yet…bound to end in utter disaster'. Augustus smiled. Though he'd personally see to it that it wasn't his grandson who ended up the hurt party.
"What is it?" Severus asked. Cheeks still red but this time part of it could be attributed to pure excitement. The way only a child could feel before Christmas.
"Ah, ah, ah. You'll find out in the morning. Now come, tell me about this new boyfriend of yours".
Severus groaned in embarrassment, drawing a raised eyebrow from his grandfather.
"Yes I'm sure you'll be getting up to that with him soon enough. Now tell me what he's like". Augustus led him into the lounge, much to his embarrassment.
What followed was quite possibly the most awkward conversation he'd ever had in his life. With the possible explanation of how he could bear children for a man of status and wealth. That was one he hoped to never repeat. Never ever again.
"Little master? Wake up, it's Christmas morning. Come, come rise and shine" Drippy coaxed the boy from sleep. With a little help from a well-meaning cat and dog who felt it best to walk all over their master until he awoke. With a few more scratches and bruises than he'd gone to bed with perhaps. Such was the hazards of owning animals.
"Mmh hmm. I'm awake". Severus mumbled, unable to hold back his yawn.
"Come now. Time for breakfast. Then you can open your presents". Drippy coaxed him from bed, dressing gown and slippers at the ready. He really wasn't at his best in the mornings. Even if it was Christmas.
Christmas at the Prince Manor had always been a lavish affair. Although it was usually the two of them, it was enough. Severus' aunt and uncle and would usually drop by in the evening with their respective families, but otherwise it were just the two of them. And Drippy of course. Oh and Connor and Jasper, but that was it. It was a day for merriment, for Augustus to sample his finest whiskey and liqueurs, while Severus begged his grandfather for a sip here and there. Not enough for him to become drunk, but just enough to keep him smiling and pleasantly tipsy in his grandfather's company. Naturally of course the day was filled with food. From the usual breakfast, with festive delicacies added in, to the traditional Christmas Lunch followed by pudding, cheese and coffee for afters. Dinner was rarely required; there was simply not enough room for it. And of course there were the presents. Big ones, little ones, grand ones and not so grand ones wrapped in all colours of the rainbow.
As a child Severus came to love Christmas. While he still lived with his parents it was the one day they kept their arguments quiet. A day for peace and spending time with family, or so his mother had said. Something it seemed she'd gotten from her father. And when he came to live with his grandfather, Severus found it was much the same. Filled with quiet tranquillity, a day devoted to spending time with family. Only there was a lot more food and presents. You know the only things children really take notice of at Christmas.
And snow. There seemed to be a lot more snow in France around Christmastime, Severus had found. Though he wasn't sure if his grandfather had perhaps cast a spell to make it so. But it was truly a spectacular sight to see. That was for sure. With the grounds covered in a layer of pure white, deep enough to create an array of snow creatures; snowmen and snowwomen, snowdogs and snowcats and of course the ever popular snowballs and snowforts. Truly a child's dream come true.
"Sleep well?"
"Yes grandfather. Here boy". Severus snuck a bit of sausage under the table, grinning as a slobbery tongue promptly divested his hand of its burden. "Good boy" he murmured. Augustus merely shook his head in mild disgust. He'd let the boy off, it was Christmas after all.
"Finished are we?" Augustus asked, amused at the guilty expression that Severus now wore.
"Yes sir". Severus nodded, struggling to keep himself still. Calm and poised, that was the way a proper pureblood had to act. Severus knew that, but still on Christmas it seemed the rule became so much harder to follow.
"Very well. Off you go, get your presents out from under the tree. And grab mine too while you're there". Augustus barely finished his words before the boy was off like a shot. Dog barking in excitement at his heels.
Turning to the cat sprawled at his feet, Augustus offered a bit of smoked kipper. It was Christmas after all.
Augustus found himself chuckling at the absolute carnage that had been left for the animals to frolic in. Wrapping paper and ribbon was strewn across the floor, each serving as a new toy for dog and cat respectively. Severus was curled up on the sofa, blanket thrown over his shoulders and head buried in a large tome filled with potions and spells long thought forgotten. It had cost an awful lot, particularly for knowledge that was thought to be useless. Full of spells and potions that would simply not work the way they'd been recorded. But it was why he'd chosen it. He had a feeling, a good feeling that his grandson would get at least one potion to work. And if he did, his career would be set in stone. It would guarantee him his masters. It would propel him on his journey to becoming an accredited potions master. Or healer, whichever he was going with, there was still time to choose. Though it was likely that it would be a mixture of the two. It never hurt to have more than one paycheque coming in. That was how the rich got richer.
Augustus glanced over at his grandson once again. Clearly he wasn't a morning person seeing as how he was now fast asleep, book resting on his chest.
"Ah, to be young again". Augustus sighed, feeling his own eyes droop before he followed suit. Minutes later the two were fast asleep, with only the pets still jumping about. They'd be up again within an hour or so, there was still lunch to be had, but until then it was a time to be lazy, bellies still full from breakfast.
This took me a little longer than I planned but I've been busier than usual. But still I hope you all enjoyed this.
Like always I'd like two reviews before I update, so please review.
KB
