Hello friends! I want to apologize for my inexcusably long absence. I don't have much to say other than I'm really sorry. Life got a little out of control between a job change and moving crap out of two places into a new one. It's been a very busy ten months. But I'm back, back again, Shady's back... nevermind you get the picture.
I wasn't lying when I said this fic would be finished! We're a long way off, but I'm committed! I hope the lengthy update counts for something.
Thank you so so so much for everyone who left reviews, kudos or followed me during the hiatus. It means so much to me. I hope you all enjoy the chapter, if you like it let me know :) and see you next week with another chapter!
Finally a warning this chapter includes dubcon/noncon elements.
James and Sirius received their seventh year Hogwarts letters on a quiet morning in late July.
The takeaway curry containers looked out of place on Mrs. Potter's antique lace tablecloth. If she had been around to scold them, she certainly would have. As a woman of distinction, messy food so close to her expensive linens was simply unacceptable. Not to mention, the mere idea of cold Indian food for any meal, much less breakfast, would have sent her into a fit.
The Potters may have been liberal purebloods, but they were still purebloods.
Sirius knew this. Sirius also knew James knew this. But since the death of his parents, James had developed little idiosyncrasies that Sirius knew better than to even mention.
Like the way the nice linens were laid out for every meal (even if the meal was Muggle takeaway). Or the way James insisted on cutting fresh flowers from the garden every Monday for the vase in the sitting room. Or the way in the evening James would sit in his father's chair, the large wingback crafted from Hungarian Horntail leather, curled up watching the fireplace with an empty look in his eyes.
It didn't take a genius to see James was in mourning. Sirius had been doing everything possible to help him work through his grief, everything including biting his tongue on several occasions.
However when James pulled out the shining Head Boy badge from the heavy parchment envelope it took an impressive amount of restraint not to say anything insensitive.
At first, Sirius was sure it had been a mistake, or some sort of prank. "James Potter: Head Boy" was about as likely as "Lord Voldemort: Champion Salsa Dancer." But it soon became clear James Potter WAS Head Boy. Somehow, despite not being a prefect, barely scraping six OWLs, and the two dedicated drawers of 'offenses' in Filch's office James had received the most coveted position at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
But when James got a misty look in his eyes and croaked, "I bet Mum would have been so proud." Sirius decided against voicing his disbelief. Even if he knew James would make a terrible Head Boy.
Apparently Sirius was wrong.
Watching James in the aftermath of the attack on Waterloo Station was like seeing James in his element for the first time ever.
The way he managed inter-house communications, delivering the casualties list to the Slytherin dormitory himself when Eric Wilkes refused to comply. The way he acted as a liaison between the teachers and the students, using his name and connections in the Muggle Worthy Excuse committee and the Auror Department to ensure updated Muggle casualty lists would be sent and distributed whenever a new name was added. And the way he still made time for grieving students who needed an ear or a shoulder to cry on. It was downright impressive.
Sirius was aware of his own popularity. He certainly had the same clout as James did among the Hogwarts Students. But James had something else entirely, and for the first time Sirius appreciated that distinction.
James was not the most intelligent, or the best behaved, like the Head Boys of ages past. James was a natural born leader. And James was the Head Boy Hogwarts needed.
The aftermath of the Daily Prophet article was the longest thirty-six hours Sirius had ever experienced. He did all he could to help James manage the responsibilities, and although he only played a supporting role by the time Sunday night rolled around he was emotionally and physically exhausted. He could only imagine how drained James must have felt. But as much as he wanted to skive off Monday lessons, being there for James was more important than sleeping in.
And James would certainly need the support.
The disproportionate number of students walking around with smug smiles and green ties were hard to miss. And as the minutes counted down to classes with Slytherins, it was clear Monday would bring an entirely new set of challenges.
Sirius usually had difficulty willing himself out of bed, especially on Monday mornings. But at 6:00 a.m. he somehow managed to leave the refuge of his Montrose Magpies coverlet and brave the cold stone tile against his toes.
This feat was doubly impressive given how much he did not want to attend classes with the Slytherins. But despite the reluctance, Sirius groggily made his way to the dormitory bathroom, managing to trip over "the deathtrap" (the aptly named field of objects perpetually littered around Peter's bed) only once.
When he reached the bathroom, he was surprised to discover it was occupied. James had already claimed one sink, and was in the middle of shaving. On any other morning, Sirius wouldn't have bat an eye to see James up and about. What with James Potter being the only morning person in the dormitory, and perhaps in all of Gryffindor tower. But given the toll the weekend had taken, Sirius hadn't expected him up so early.
As Sirius grabbed his toothbrush, James shot him a glance.
"Morning."
Sirius responded to the salutation with nothing but a grunt and the sloshing swill of toothpaste rushing through his teeth. It was no secret that on Monday mornings, no one was allowed to engage Sirius Black in conversation until after his first cup of coffee, but James continued unperturbed.
"Remus and Peter up yet?"
Sirius spit out the toothpaste into the sink as though it was some sort of chore before answering, "No."
James didn't seem surprised, grabbing a washcloth from the counter and washing the residual shaving cream from his face.
As James cleaned his face and applied aftershave, Sirius took the chance to appraise his appearance. It was worrisome. James' eyes were rimmed with dark circles, and his skin was much paler than usual.
Sirius frowned, "If anyone should be having a lie in this morning it's you."
It was now James' turn to be brisk and dismissive. He snatched his comb and turned to the mirror. "Agree to disagree."
"What are you doing today?"
James heaved a dramatic sigh and ticked off his schedule on his left hand, "Classes. Meetings with McGonagall, Dumbledore, the prefects and the Auror department, Quincy hasn't sent any more names and I have a feeling if I don't nag him he won't follow up like he promised. Oh, and I have Quidditch practice this afternoon…"
Sirius quirked an eyebrow, "But you're cancelling practice."
"Not an option."
"James."
James slammed the comb on the counter, coincidentally pulling his hair into the perfect purposeful dishevelment he always attempted but rarely achieved.
"Sirius. It's only been two days. I'm fine."
Sirius shook his head. "You've been doing a damn good job, but at this rate if you don't relax you're going to run yourself into the ground."
"I can't Sirius."
Ignoring James' objections Sirius continued, "Evans is…" he paused, searching for a diplomatic word. He could think of many words to describe Lily Evans, but few he could say in front of James: obnoxious, micro-managing, neurotic… "Competent enough to do some of these things on her own. I really think you should delegate more responsibility."
"Sirius enough..." James' no nonsense tone cut through Sirius' protestations. "Lily is doing plenty, but there are certain things only I can do. And more importantly if I let up they win... I can't let them know they've gotten to me."
"Who cares what they think James? It doesn't matter."
"It does matter Sirius." Sirius looked down at James' hands. They clutched the edge of the counter, white knuckled and trembling. And when James spoke again it was with a weary voice, much older than his seventeen years.
"When Wilkes wouldn't post the list down in the Slytherin dorms I went down there myself. They were celebrating Sirius and it doesn't take a genius to figure out why. It looked like Slytherin had won the fucking Quidditch cup."
Sirius swore, anger boiling in his stomach, but still shook his head, "That's fucking sick James, but it doesn't change the fact you need to take better care of yourself."
"This isn't about me. These are people's lives. These are people's families. And if in exchange I lose some sleep, so be it."
Sirius was quiet for a moment, but when he saw the tears tracks that streaked the backs of James' hands, he sighed deeply and pulled his best friend into a brotherly hug.
"You know I'm here for you right? Whatever you need, just say the word and I'm there."
James nodded silently against Sirius' shoulder, arms held limp at his sides. Sirius let go, clapping James' shoulder before continuing firmly, "It'll blow over."
James' eyes were out of focus, looking towards the sink, "... This will, but they're not going to stop Sirius. Something else will come up and when that happens..."
Sirius put his other hand on James' shoulder. Forcing James' to look him in the eyes, "We'll face it head on. Together."
James gave a half laugh, half sob, furiously wiping away any evidence he had been crying.
"Thanks mate."
Sirius dropped his hold on James and thrust a toothbrush into his hand, "Who the fuck shaves before brushing their teeth? Your breath smells like Peter's dirty socks. Better fix that before you talk to Evans this morning."
James smiled and complied.
A few minutes later the two boys left the restroom, bumping into a groggy Remus Lupin on their way out the door.
Remus greeted the two with a yawn and a wave, "You two are up early."
James grinned running a casual hand through his hair before replying.
"Oh come on now who's surprised? I'm always up early."
Remus smiled, shaking his head, "But I'm pretty shocked to see you up and about Siri-"
"Hey. Hey. Hey." James cut Remus off, slinging an arm around Sirius, "You know the rules Moony. The man hasn't had his coffee yet. There are protocols Mr. Prefect."
Sirius nodded with a smirk and Remus chuckled in response.
"Alright then. See you two downstairs in a bit."
Remus watched his two friends bound off towards breakfast before starting his own morning routine.
Sirius' morning routine was interrupted immediately upon sitting down to breakfast.
Before he could even take a bite of toast, his table was swarmed by a mass of students shouting questions about everything, from casualties, to Quidditch practice. And within seconds of pouring his first cup of coffee, it was dumped on his lap by a flailing arm in the crowd.
Perfect.
Sirius swore and cast a quick cleaning charm on his uniform, thankful for the first time in his life that Hogwarts' coffee was served lukewarm at best. James shot him an apologetic look, and grabbed the coffee pot to pour Sirius another cup.
Sirius shook his head, refusing the mug.
James shrugged turning back to the group of students.
Sirius stared wistfully at the coffee before nudging James in the side. James held up a hand as he finished a detailed explanation of available grief counseling options, before turning with a tired smile.
Sirius gestured at the stack of casualty lists, and leave request forms.
"Give me some of those."
James blinked, "Why?"
Sirius dropped his voice to an undertone. "I'll deal with this crowd. Breakfast just started and it's only going to get worse. You go coordinate with Evans." He jerked his head to a haggard looking Lily entering the Great Hall surrounded by a different mob of students.
James smiled and thrust a stack of papers into his hands, "Thanks mate, I owe you for this big time."
Sirius waved away the concern as James dashed away. Many in the crowd looked crest fallen and made to follow their fearless leader, but Sirius stood up and waved his arms,
"Oi! James has something to do right now, but I'm answering questions until he gets back."
As the crowd descended on him, Sirius truly hoped what he said earlier rang true and this would blow over sooner rather than later.
"Damn it Wormtail."
Breakfast had wound down, and with it the mob had finally dissolved. Remus and Sirius had made a team effort of answering questions at the Gryffindor table while James and Lily had set up elsewhere.
Peter, in typical Peter fashion, had arrived at breakfast with barely enough time to shove some bacon in his face before leaving for class.
"What'a ma'er Pa'foot?" Peter asked through a mouthful of various pork product. Remus crinkled his nose as Sirius scowled.
"What do you think is the matter idiot? We could have used your help this morning."
Peter shrugged, piling his plate with more eggs.
Sirius rolled his eyes, before reaching for the coffee pot. If Peter had time to eat ten pounds of bacon and eggs before Defense, he better have time to (finally) drink his first cup of the day.
"It's not my fault. Hey, it's not! Can't fault me for sleeping in, I was up all night finishing Wimbley's essay-"
"FUCK."
Sirius hadn't even finished pouring his new mug before jumping up and grabbing his bag. Remus frowned.
"Padfoot wha-"
"Forgot my essay, meet you in Defense."
"You're going to be late." Remus shouted after him, but Sirius was already sprinting away.
He dashed out of the hall, desperate to prove Moony wrong. Between his athleticism and all of the secret passages he knew by heart, Sirius was sure he could make it to class on time.
It was a comforting thought. He typically didn't mind risking detention for something so minor as homework. But with all the free time he had lost since Saturday, the idea of writing lines with Wimbley for an hour was even less appealing than usual.
The cacophony of voices and footsteps from the entrance hall grew softer as Sirius navigated the side corridors with ease. By the time he reached the hidden staircase, it was all but silent.
He slid his hand on the polished wood banister, and bolted up the stairs. But his school bag hooked on the rail, and snapped him backwards against his will. He tumbled down the staircase, dumping the contents of his bag across the floor.
Sirius surveyed the mess of papers, books, and shattered vials of ink that littered the ground and cursed.
Scrambling on his hands and knees, he hurriedly stuffed his belongings back into his leather satchel. But as he turned and reached for his Charms textbook he was blocked by a pair of worn trainers, and loosely rolled black socks.
"My, my Black. I didn't expect to see you so fully embrace your new position."
Sirius stiffened, now hyperaware of the stones cutting into his knees and palms. Slowly he looked up at the smug face of Severus Snape.
Sirius suddenly felt very hot. The familiar rage flared in his gut and radiated through his entire body.
With everything going on, Sirius hadn't spent any time thinking about Friday night.
It had been easy to push aside any feelings or doubts about what had happened, and stand by his new resolve to ignore Snape completely. But now the floodgates were open and all of the hate and resentment and humiliation were bubbling to the surface.
Sirius took a shaky breath before shoving his Charms book hastily in the bag.
A test. A test of resolve. That's all this was.
"Why, having trouble standing up again Black? As you know I'm happy to help."
Sirius winced as the memories of taking Snape's cock in his mouth consumed him. He shot up, hands curling into fists. Snape's damned eyebrow was quirked, daring him to do something.
Sirius opened his mouth, on the cusp of saying something, anything, to shut Snape the fuck up, but found strength in his newfound resolution and closed it, instead choosing to dart up the staircase.
Snape's voice followed him, the timber of his laugh dark and cold. It filled the narrow stairwell like a physical presence, making Sirius claustrophobic. He ran, two steps at a time, until the laughter finally faded.
When he reached his dormitory, Sirius grabbed the essay neatly placed on his bedside table with trembling hands.
Snivellus was nothing but a pathetic, weak, disgusting excuse for a human being.
What did it matter that Snape tricked him into sucking cock? What did it matter that Snape thought he'd one-upped him?
None of it mattered. Snape wasn't worth the energy for revenge. The only thing Snape deserved was complete indifference.
Sirius didn't care about the events of Friday night in the least.
So why couldn't his hands stop shaking?
Sirius glanced down at his watch. He was only ten minutes late. Hopefully that meant Wimbley would take points and not issue a detention.
Grimacing, he reached for the door handle. But when he entered the class he couldn't believe his luck. Wimbley was nowhere to be found.
James shot him a thumbs-up from their usual seats near the back row and Sirius hurried over to meet him. But as he crossed the front of the classroom, he heard a murmur and turned in time to see a jet of red light shoot from Mulciber's wand.
Sirius, thankful for his quick reflexes, dodged and shot back.
"Conjunctivito"
Mulciber let out a cry as the curse hit him in the face, his eyes turning red and swelling to twice their normal size.
A few students gasped and Avery stood up. Sirius gritted his teeth, readying himself to duel, when a shrill, feminine voice broke his concentration.
"Incarcerous."
Sirius struggled as thick ropes appeared around his body, pinning his arms to his sides. Avery was bound as well while Mulciber was still bent over his desk in pain.
Lily Evans. Of course it was Lily Evans. Sirius almost rolled his eyes at how typical this vision was. She was standing (of course), behind her usual desk in the front of the classroom (where else) lips pursed in a thin almost invisible line and arms crossed in front of her chest (obviously).
Lily shot a searing glare the three boys. "Enough!" she snapped, "10 points from Slytherin, 10 points from Gryffindor. Mulciber hospital wing. Sirius. Sit. Down." The last three words were spat out in a singularly Lily way. It was the same tone of voice which had convinced Sirius in first year Lily was not a Muggleborn at all, but instead some unholy union of a dragon and a banshee.
The ropes dissolved into thin air, releasing their captor's from its' bonds. Sirius scowled. How did such a hot ass girl manage to pull of such a spot on McGonagall impression? Sirius assumed magic. He made his way to the back of the room, not taking his eyes off of Avery even as he plopped down next to James.
Avery looked no happier than he did about the situation. Sirius watched him bend down and whisper something to Snape before taking his seat next to Mulciber.
Snape shot up in response to whatever Avery had whispered to him, knocking books and papers to the floor in his haste to grab his bag. The classroom erupted into snickers at the Slytherin's clumsiness.
Sirius did not join in his classmates chortling, instead he silently frowned, watching Snape rummage around his eyesore of a school bag. It was strange Sirius decided, seeing Snape's jerky hands and greasy face begin to sweat in response to the attention he was receiving. How could this freak have humiliated him in the corridor less than an hour ago? Sirius felt his jaw clench.
Snape seemed to have found what he was looking for. He carefully handed a small clear vial to Mulciber and helped him drink. Almost immediately the swelling around Mulciber's eyes went down.
When fully healed Mulciber turned in his chair, to sneer at Lily Evans.
"I don't take orders from Mudbloods."
James nearly jumped from his seat, and Sirius readied to follow, but Lily raised a hand, silently willing them to stay seated. She turned to glare at Snape, but he was avoiding her eyes, seemingly interested in his essay.
Lily took a shaky breath and peeled her gaze from Snape, looking instead at Mulciber.
"I'm so glad you're feeling better Mulciber." Lily said, "Attendance is critical for success, especially during our NEWT year." With a stiff nod she lowered herself back down into her seat and began to read her textbook, clearly through with the conversation.
Mulciber snorted and rolled his eyes at Lily's typical response, but Avery's mouth contorted into a twisted smile.
"Ah yes, Attendance." he drawled leaning back casually in his chair, "I would argue the occasional break is worthwhile. Deserved even." Avery smiled even more broadly as Lily's jaw clenched and he leaned forward in his chair, "Did you know they sent the Hogwarts Express back to London on Sunday Evans? I for one would have loved to see you on it. For a. Well. Deserved. Break."
This time James and Sirius jumped up immediately, the scrape of their chairs loud and abrupt amidst the murmurs of their classmates. Blood was pounding in Sirius' ears as he recalled the scene from Sunday, watching the procession of muggleborns with dead or injured family members board the train.
Seeing Lily's sharp glare James unwillingly tugged Sirius' sleeve. Sirius could feel the angry tremors of James' hands as they pulled him back into his seat. Sirius was still furious, entirely fed up with Evans' and James' restraint.
Lily was shaking. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to collect herself. It only took a moment for her previous air of calm to return. She turned to the smug group of Slytherin's, meeting Avery's challenging gaze with her head held high.
"Why thank you Avery for the lovely sentiment but I'm afraid I can't afford to take a break. Becoming an Auror takes a serious commitment to academics." Avery and Mulciber looked murderous. Lily smiled at them sweetly before adopting a look of faux surprise, "But your future employer doesn't care about grades does he? How fortunate." she said, her revelation complete with a sarcastic chuckle, "Or is there a NEWT in bootlicking I'm unaware of?"
Practically everyone jumped up at that. Wands out and ready to duel. Sirius was ready, curse at the tip of his tongue when the door opened and a flustered Professor Wimbley burst into the classroom a full fifteen minutes late.
The class of seventh years froze and turned to look at their scatterbrained Professor, who blinked vacantly, before dumping his armful of books and loose-leaf parchment on his desk. Wimbley cleared his throat, his voice weedy and nervous.
"This class erm- has no practical defense components only theory- I welcome your enthusiasm but umm- you know- wands away and all." His voice tapered out at the end of the jumbled sentence and the class complied, mostly out of genuine confusion.
Sirius exchanged a dumbfounded look with James who shrugged and handed him a piece of parchment. Sirius rolled his eyes and began to take notes.
Wimbley never collected the essays.
Students trickled out of the defense classroom until only the Marauders were left. The four boys sat in silence. None of them seemed particularly concerned about the time, except Remus of course who was fidgeting with his watch when he thought no one was looking.
"We should probably get going if we want to make it to Charms on time," Remus said, the sentence benign but his voice sounding too strained to be truly casual.
James sighed peering over to Remus' watch face, "Yeah, you three better get going. I just need a minute." He trailed off at the end, shuffling through some papers in his bag.
"Are you sure you don't want us to wait up for you?"
James shook his head firmly at Remus' question. "Nah, you three go ahead."
Remus gave a tight frown but, "Ok, see you in Charms then," was all he said before walking off with Peter.
Sirius didn't move from his seat. Idly rocking his chair on two legs and then back to the floor over and over to work out some frustration.
"Remus is right you know," He said after a long silence, "We're going to be late to Charms."
"Don't care," snapped James, his voice muffled from his hands, which he had buried his face into as soon as Remus walked away.
Sirius cast James a sidelong glance and flicked him hard in the shoulder, "Are you telling me, that Hogwart's fearless leader, paragon of good behavior, the Head Boy unmatched by all past Head Boys is purposefully running late to Charms so he can mope!"
James didn't move, but Sirius could see between his fingers the beginnings of a smile.
James threw his hands down with a loud exhale, shaking his head, "Dumbledore is obviously off his rocker. I'm a terrible Head Boy."
"Only one half of that statement is true, mate," said Sirius, shaking his head, "And incase you're wondering which part I'm talking about just think about what Dumbledore wore to breakfast this morning"
James cracked snorting with laughter, but after a moment the laughter died down and his expression settled back into the agitated look he'd worn all defense class.
"Sirius, I know I'm Head Boy and I know Moony's right about not rising to bait and leaving the Slytherins well enough alone and focusing on what's really important. But, what I wouldn't give to do something, anything, to put them in their fucking place."
Sirius stood up, placing a hand on James' shaking shoulder.
"I think about that too," Sirius whispered.
James nodded, eyes closed, "I just needed to say it."
"I know."
Sirius' understanding seemed to unravel the last of James' frustration. He stood up from his chair slinging his school bag over his shoulder.
On their way out the door James shot Sirius a sly grin. "You know, Evans WAS pretty amazing in there." James couldn't help but laugh when Sirius gave him a bonk on the head for good measure.
Sirius glanced back at the classroom clock. He hadn't realized how late it had gotten. They were already late to class and the charms corridor was on the other side of the castle. After a quick weighing of options, he chose not to mention it, unwilling to put even more stress on James.
The two boys headed towards the Charms corridor. Sirius forced a smile and continued the friendly banter. James seemed to be more relaxed as the minutes ticked by, but the atmosphere was short lived.
"Well what do we have here?"
Turning the corner the boys came face to face with Mulciber, Avery, and four other Slytherins upper classmen all of whom looked more than happy to meet the two Gryffindors away from the prying eyes of their teachers.
James spoke first, "No loitering in the halls. Get to class now, or I'm taking points."
The group laughed and Mulciber took a step closer, "What do I look like Potter. A first year? Think I give a fuck about points."
Sirius started to respond, but a sharp nudge to the shoulder snapped his gaze away from Mulciber. James looked wary and cocked his head to the side, motioning for the two of them to leave the situation entirely. But when Sirius begrudgingly complied, the two boys noticed the group of six had grown to nearly twelve, and they were surrounded.
For the first time Sirius felt afraid. He and James were alone. Stuck in a cramped corridor, surrounded by enemies, the nearest classroom two floors above their heads. The hall was sure to be empty until the next class change. And god only knew what sort of damage could happen between now and then.
Mulciber's laugh snapped Sirius out of his train of thought. His blood boiled. Even if he was outnumbered he wouldn't let Mulciber intimidate him. He stepped forward and pushed Mulciber hard.
"Shove off Mulciber." He growled.
The two boys locked eyes; it was impossible to tell who looked more murderous.
James let out a deep breath, trying to diffuse the situation before it got even more out of hand. He grabbed Sirius' arm and pulled it backwards. Sirius stumbled back with the force of it and shot James a dirty look, but James didn't take his eyes off Mulciber.
"Get out of here Mulciber," James' voice was soft, and trembling with quiet anger, "Get out of here, now."
"Or what?" Mulciber spat, "Going to sick your mudblood girlfriend on me."
James turned white. Sirius could barely hear the follow up, "Oh that's right Potter, she's not your girlfriend is she," over his own rage and the chorus of laughter that had filled the hallway.
James and Sirius drew their wands at the same time, but a well-timed "Expelliarmus," from somewhere in the crowd sent their wands flying from their hands. The crowd cheered and Mulciber and Avery exchanged twin smirks.
James and Sirius were disarmed, defenseless, and out numbered six to one. The mob of Slytherins could easily curse them to oblivion, but didn't. Whether because they didn't want to risk expulsion or because they preferred playing with their food before eating it was anybody's guess.
"Yeah keep throwing that word around. Mulciber," Sirius snarled, "Great reminder to everyone about just who shut you down in there."
Mulciber's face darkened and his hand twitched towards his robe pocket, but Avery stilled his hand.
"On the contrary Black. I only saw two people being 'shut down' by the mudblood," said Avery, shooting James and Sirius a smile dripping with insincerity, "You and Potter, obeying her every whim, heeling like well-trained dogs." He morphed in face into a unflattering impression of Lily Evans, and shrieked in the highest pitch he could manage, "Sirius, sit down"
Sirius just glared in response "You're one to be calling me a well-trained dog Avery."
A hush fell over the crowd, and all of the Slytherins collectively tensed. Avery spoke in a soft dangerous voice, "Do not be mistaken Black. We do not follow senseless orders. We do our duty. To our house, our families, our Master. Duty is something you know nothing about. Luckily for your parents, they have another son. One who does understand duty."
At the mention of Regulus, Sirius lost all control. James tried to restrain him, but fueled by pure adrenaline Sirius easily broke his grip and charged towards Avery, ready to do more damage with his fists than he could with a wand. But he was hit with two Incarcerouses from the crowd and held firmly against his will.
Sirius struggled against the thick ropes like a wild animal. He was so consumed by rage he had lost all else, deaf to James trying to placate him.
"Stay away from my brother you sick fucks!" He shouted, eyes wild.
"Regulus is man enough to make his own decisions. Being Orion's oldest son." Sniffed Avery dismissively.
Sirius felt the burning under his skin and a burst of accidental magic, stronger than he had ever felt before burst from deep with in his chest. Ripping the ropes binding him to shreds. He charged Avery grabbing him by the collar.
Slytherins - These were the monsters responsible for tearing Regulus from him.
If it weren't for familial pressures, Regulus would have never been sorted into Slytherin. Regulus was kind and good and loyal -a natural Hufflepuff.
And if it weren't for Avery and Mulciber's influence, Regulus would have come with him the night Sirius left. Mr. and Mrs. Potter would have welcomed him with open arms and he could have been safe.
But as much as Sirius wished Regulus had ran away with him, nothing could change the reality.
Sirius was blind and deaf to the world. He could only see the look of surprise etched on Avery's pointed face. "He's just a kid!" Sirius screamed, shaking Avery, "You have no business… You have no fucking right."
Someone grabbed him, the grip was weak and Sirius could easily shake it off, but didn't when he heard the voice of who it belonged to.
"SIRIUS! STOP IT!"
Sirius immediately let go of Avery and turned to see his brother standing right beside him.
"…Reg…"
Regulus looked away and said in a barely audible voice, "Leave it be Sirius. You don't know anything about this."
Sirius came back to his senses. Looking around to see an even larger crowd than before, but this crowd was no longer exclusively silver and green. Class must have already ended.
Mulciber broke the silence with a scoff. "Regulus, Your dear elder brother seems to take issue with your life choices."
Regulus would not look at Sirius. Staring fixedly at the floor. "It doesn't matter. He isn't my brother."
Sirius felt his stomach drop to the floor. It took him a long time to realize someone was talking to him. He looked up to see James handing him his wand. James must have gotten them back somehow.
Sirius grabbed the wand. Ignoring the jeers of the Slytherins he turned to leave, but was stopped again by someone he did not want to see.
Severus Snape was smirking, standing elbow to elbow with his housemates.
Sirius cursed internally. He had already lost his cool once today, he could not lose it again, especially not to Snape. He tried to concentrate on his new resolution and the promise he had made to leave Snape alone. A decent human being, he needed to be a decent human being. Sirius took a shaky breath, conjuring the little restraint he had left and said,
"Move."
"And break up such a touching family reunion? Really Black I'm not that heartless." The jibe rocked Sirius in a way he wasn't expecting. It was the same tone and the same look before Snape had made him…
Sirius' wand shot a small spray of red sparks and made a noise like a car backfiring.
"Get out of my way. Now." He snarled, feeling his remaining control fraying.
Snape seemed unphased, and just smiled even bigger, "Why if you want me to move Black, perhaps you should get on your knees and beg me."
Sirius' eyes widened. He felt the last of his control slipping away and desperately tried to remind himself of his promise to never bother Snape again. To let bygones be bygones and stay as far away as possible. He shoved Snape hard and walked away from the jeering group of Slytherins.
Insults came flying from the Slytherins at James and Sirius as they walked away from the group. Sirius was content to leave, and crawl in bed until he had calmed down. Until a single voice and a single insult shattered the small amount of composure he had left.
"Cocksucker."
Sirius stiffened, that unmistakable baritone calling him a cocksucker in front of the whole school.
Sirius was in a daze walking back to the dormitory. He was only dimly aware as James told Remus and Peter what had happened. And didn't notice even when Lily came up and pulled James aside for a private conversation. His mind was consumed with other things.
He had unfinished business to take care of.
He was in his dormitory. And Remus was talking to him about something. He heard words like, "I'm glad you left." And "You did the right thing." And "Proud of you." But his mind was somewhere else.
He was too busy thinking about the invisibility cloak in James' trunk and the trip he was taking to Gringotts that night.
Severus Snape was happy.
It was a rare feeling, but at the moment how could he be feeling anything else?
Since the attack on Waterloo station Slytherin house was buzzing with camaraderie.
To be completely honest, he would be happy when the celebrations calmed down. In the long term, it was necessary to foster a good relationship with the purebloods in Avery and Mulciber's circles. But he was an introvert by nature and had little interest in frivolous socialization (for instance he missed eating alone). Eventually though the celebrations would die down and he could resume his typical routine.
No, he wasn't happy because of the parties, or the meals, or the group speculation on The Dark Lord's next move. It was because of the way his housemates were finally treating him with the respect he deserved. No more getting hit in the face with rolled up socks by Mulciber. No more hearing 'swot' or 'half breed' in the middle of a conversation. This week he belonged. Everyone was already treating him as if he had already taken the mark, like a future brother.
Severus knew this wouldn't last. He fully expected things to go back to normal next week. It wouldn't make sense for The Dark Lord to make another drastic move any time soon. And eventually the excitement generated from the "Win at Waterloo" would abate and the slurs would return and Severus would again be pelted with Dungbombs and dirty laundry.
And he would take it in stride.
Because this week had proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that once he took the mark, he would have finally have respect. The only thing he had ever wanted in his entire life was in his reach.
Achieving his life's principal ambition was one reason he was happy. The second reason Severus was practically giddy with excitement was one Sirius Black.
The chocolates had succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. Who needed kissing? He had gotten his cock sucked twice! The mere memory of being wrapped in that warm tight heat was enough to make him shiver.
Then seeing Black in the hall being humiliated by Regulus.
Then calling him a cocksucker in front of the entire school without outing himself.
That had been the icing on the proverbial cake. But best of all Black didn't even try to strike back. He had finally broken Black through abject humiliation.
Severus smiled to himself again moving silently through the halls towards the fifth floor.
It was Friday night.
Of course, it was impossible to know if Black would even show up. But it didn't matter either way. Severus had already won! They were on equal footing now. No matter what Black had to respect him now. Nothing could change that.
He finally reached his destination and pushed open the door. The classroom was empty. Severus looked at the clock. If Sirius wasn't here yet, it meant he wasn't coming.
Severus smirked and declared to the empty room, "I win."
The blow to the back of his head came from the empty desk beside him. Disoriented, he struggled but a strong hand pulled him down by the back of the neck.
He barely heard a low, "We'll see about that," before being plunged face first into a stone basin of not quite liquid not quite gas. And the room spun around and around and around…
When Severus came to he was lying face down on the floor of the classroom, his head still spinning from the blow to his head. He tried to stand but quickly lost balance when he realized his arms were locked to his sides and fell down again. A snort of laughter came from behind him and he whipped around to see Black leaning casually against the teacher's desk.
"Hey there Snivelly. Good to see you've finally come to."
Severus grit his teeth ready to spit out a biting retort, but when he tried to speak nothing came out of his mouth.
"Yep, I've had heard quite enough of your bullshit this week Snape. Today I've decided it would be for the best if to make you sit down and listen."
Black didn't move from his place against the desk. There was something different about him tonight, Severus noted. Different, but hard to place. Black stood stock still against the desk and the odd glint in his eye did not speak of good things to come. And when he spoke, it seemed to be as much to himself as it was to Severus.
"You've gotten cocky this week! I've seen you strutting around the school, reveling in your victory," Black snapped his head around and looked at Snape directly for the first time that night, "I bet you think you're tough shit," he spat, "What with all the attention you've been getting from Avery and Mulciber. And to think all of this happened right after you caught me off guard. So you must pretty pleased with yourself. I bet you think you're on top, in complete control. But don't you worry Snape I'm here to fix the flaw in your thinking. See, this is a reality check."
Severus' heart began to race. He had no idea where Black was going with any of this.
"Notice anything different yet Snape?"
Severus looked around. Things did seem slightly different, but he couldn't name anything specific. Well, except for the desk in the corner. The one he had broken a few weeks ago. Had Black fixed it? Was he going to fuck him over it again?
Black walked over to him and jerked his arm hard, forcing him to stand up. A wave of his wand later and Severus' clothes had vanished completely.
Severus opened and closed his mouth to no avail. No sound would come out. He tried to cover himself but his arms were still glued to his side and all he managed was bending helplessly at the waist and knees in a vain attempt to preserve any modesty. Black was on the opposite side of the room, not even looking in his direction, which somehow made the situation even worse.
And then the doorknob turned.
"And now the real fun begins."
Severus thought he would pass out on the spot. A million scenarios flew through his brain of what torture Black had devised for him tonight, each one more terrifying than the last. He stood perfectly still as tears began to prick in the corners of his eyes, naked, cold, exposed. But nothing could have prepared him for who walked through the door.
It was himself.
Severus Snape walked through the classroom door.
His first thought was Polyjuice Potion. But the way the other Severus had walked right past him, not even giving him a glance made him rethink the theory. Other-Severus moved mechanically over to the desk in the corner and perched on the edge, idly tracing patterns in the wood grain with his fingers. Severus was so engrossed by the puzzle he hadn't even noticed Black had moved again. Until he felt the warm breath tickle his ear.
"Figured it out yet?"
Severus jumped, body tensing uncomfortably. His breaths came in quick shallow pants. No. No, he had not figured it out yet. He hadn't figured out any of it. Not why a boy who looked just like him was sitting a few feet away. And certainly not why Sirius Black was behind him fully clothed, running his hands up and down his naked body.
And then, just when Severus' was sure the situation couldn't get more surreal, he heard a familiar voice from the very back of the classroom.
"I wondered if you'd come back here Snivilley. Didn't get enough last time?"
And Severus' eyes widened as he watched a different Sirius Black walk across the room to other-Severus.
It couldn't be…
"That's right Snape." Black murmured in his ear, his hands still roaming his sides and chest, "I thought it would be best if I just showed you."
Severus' blood ran cold and watched other-Black bend other-Snape over the desk. He remembered this. He remembered this entire scene, and if he remembered it, the only explanation could be-
"Bet you've never been inside a Pensieve before have you?" Black licked the outer shell of his ear and lightly bit it between his teeth. Before forcing him to walk in front of the scene unfolding.
Black was touching him in a way he had never been touched before. One hand lightly caressed his body tracing idle patterns on his thighs, chest and neck. And then the other cupped his chin with a tenderness Severus had no reference for. Suddenly Black's lips were pressing against the soft skin between his neck and chin, first with what could only be described as gentleness and evolved into something more sensual, sucking and nipping and biting his neck.
Severus felt his body flush, and his groin beginning to respond to the attention Black was paying him. But in his mind there was nothing but agony and desperate confusion in response to the physical attentions he had no power to question, protest, or stop.
He tried shaking his head to establish his usual sanctuary behind a curtain of hair, the same sanctuary that had served him since childhood. But Sirius' hands were in his hair now. There were fingers combing through the greasy lank tresses and catching on the matted knots throughout. Brushing them out of his face and away from his neck. Leaving no place to hide.
"I want you to look baby."
Baby. Baby?! Severus wanted to scream and run. This was too much. And what did Black even want him to look at? He looked up for the first time at the scene unfolding before him.
The two were fucking.
No. He and Black were fucking.
No. Black was fucking him. There was no other way to see it.
Other-Severus was bent over the desk. His fingers dug deep into the sides of the wood and his face was contorted in an unrecognizable expression. But even more unrecognizable than the face full of ecstasy were the noises Other-Severus was making. Keening, and begging, and whimpering. No, no, no. He didn't sound like that. He didn't look like that. Severus squeezed his eyes shut trying to block the scene from his mind. Trying to remember his Occlumency training. Anything that could save him from this torture. But even with his eyes shut, the noises persisted. Boring into his brain.
Black's breath was hot and sweet on his ear. "See your face Snape, that's what you look like when I fuck you. You can't get enough."
For the first time Snape was glad he didn't have a voice, because he was certain he would have let out a sob or something equally embarrassing.
Sirius' hands were moving again, but this time instead of his thighs Black reached around firmly grabbing his cock.
Severus' eyes shot open and his knees buckled in shock at the voluntary touch.
"See Snape, you're already getting hard."
Snapes' face contorted in horror as he watched Blacks' hand began to slowly fist his cock, the shirt cuff buttoned around Blacks' wrist further humiliating him.
"You want me to fuck you? Has it been too long?"
Yes? No? Severus didn't know anything any more. His body certainly wanted something. Was his raging erection an answer to that question? If so, why did he want nothing more than to run as far away as possible, burrowing deep under the covers of his twin bed in the dungeons and never surfacing.
Apparently Other-Snape had a more articulate opinion on the matter.
"Oh fuck yes…"
He felt Sirius' next words against his neck, "Alright then since I'm so generous." And then Black's fingers started fucking him in earnest with generous amounts of lube and attention to his prostate.
The preparation didn't take long. His body had longed for Black's attention and the perfect burn that always came with Black's entry. Stretching his muscles to a perfect fit for Black's cock whenever he bottomed out.
His orgasm didn't take long either. For the first time ever Black was the one pumping his cock as his thrusts rocked against Snape's prostate.
It spilled over the desk and the floor rocking his body with need.
Snape had never known cumming could feel so wretched.
Black didn't take much longer, his thrusts now quicker and less controlled until he released with a sated groan and Severus felt a warm fluid filling him up to the brim.
Severus blinked quickly when he felt Black finally withdraw and the sticky aftermath began to freely flow down his thighs. He blushed even harder, with his arms locked to his side he had no way to clean up the trail rolling down his legs and puddling on the floor.
Black cleaned himself quickly with a wave of his wand and zipped his fly, but left Snape naked covered in cum without so much a question after his comfort.
He walked now to the front of the naked, messy, Snape and twirled a lock of Snape's sweaty hair away from his face. Snape looked up into Black's face. He stood stock still in front of their memory counterparts still fucking over the desk. That infuriating look of self-satisfaction on his face.
"Mmmmmmm I could watch this all day long, but let's not dawdle; we have more to see right?" Black stood beside him and snapped his fingers.
The memory faded and changed, now the desk which his other self had been perched on was in the corner broken and Other-Snape was in front of Other-Black sucking his cock.
"Look at your face Snape," Sirius growled. The tenderness from earlier now completely gone replaced with fury, "Look at your fucking mouth worshiping my cock. Like it belongs down your fucking throat. Do you know who you look like?"
Sirius trembled at the look on Black's face. And jumped when Black began to snap his fingers slowly and first and then faster and faster.
Memories flew in front of Snape's eyes in a dizzing array. Girl after girl, some he knew, some he didn't, servicing Black. There were so many of them and all shared the same ecstatic expression and they licked and sucked and moaned and kissed Black's cock over and over again until they were covered in his cum. And he was there too. The memory kept flickering back to his own face, identical in every way to every other cum covered whore worshiping Black's cock.
"Hard to name just one person Snape. See, you're nothing special. You're just like any other bitch who craves my fucking cock."
Severus was nauseous from the dizzying string of memories and was glad when they suddenly came to a halt back in the same classroom they were in before.
Severus was disoriented. He was only dimly aware of the inhabitants of this memory. One kneeling and one sitting, obviously this was yet another blowjob.
"One more thing, before we go."
Severus was powerless to stop Black as he grabbed him off of the floor and dragged him over two the two memory occupants.
It was himself again. But this time Other-Severus was the one in the chair. His expression identical to the one he wore while bent over the desk. And Black was the one between his knees.
"See my face Snape? See my face? That's what I look like when I'm sucking your cock." Sirius spat accusingly.
Snape raised his eyes again weakly to see Other-Blacks face. It looked disgusted, pained, repulsed.
"Does it look like I'm enjoying it?! Am I worshiping your cock, am I putting it in my throat like I'll never be able to get enough?"
The Other-Black's eyes were narrowed in in intense dislike. Attacking Other-Snape's cock with singular purpose. But above all else, it distinctly lacked any thing that could be interpreted as pleasure.
"No. No I'm fucking not." Black was shouting now. Gripping Severus' arm so hard it would be sure to leave a bruise.
The memory swirled away again. Severus could tell this time as he felt something tangential to Floo travel. The next thing he knew he was fully clothed and sticky with cum, staring down at the swirling wisps of memory inhabiting the stone bowl. His jaw hurt and so he instinctively moved his hand to rub it. He was surprised when the gesture proved successful.
In a daze he realized every thing hurt, from his stiff arms to his dry throat. He made a few experimental sounds and fought to regain his equilibrium. Everything was just shaky and numb. Black was speaking, but it was difficult to pay attention.
"See Snape, that trick you pulled with the chocolates, you sure got me. Was not expecting that at all, a good little twist to keep me on my toes. But don't think for a SECOND it means you're in control of this situation. That you somehow get to make demands. I'm the one doing YOU favors. I'm the one in control. And don't you ever forget it!"
Black was staring at him. Displeased with the lack of reaction his speech had gotten. He shouted louder, gesturing widely with his arms, "I'm in control Snape. ME!" Severus couldn't tell which one of them Black was trying to convince.
It didn't matter. The declaration had seemed to shake Black of the last of his madness. With a quick clear of his throat Black slipped into his typical bullying personality.
"Would you like me to walk you back to your dorm Snivelly? I am a very chivalrous guy after all and ladies shouldn't be wandering the halls alone after dark."
Severus stood in front of Black, his eyes wide with fury, and bolted from the room. Slamming the door behind him as hard as he could.
Sirius felt his heart beat slow as he came down from the adrenaline high. He leaned against and slowly slid down the stone wall of the classroom until he was sitting against the wall with his knees to his chest. He buried his head in his knees and pulled the hair near his scalp so hard it hurt. Repeating the phrase again a few more times for good measure, "I'm in control. Me. I'm in control."
