This is chapter 10 so please enjoy!
"Why does this have to be so hard?" Severus asked himself.
"You know there are so many answers to that I just can't think of which one I like best".
Severus turned bright red from embarrassment, whirling around to meet the amused gaze of his beloved grandfather. "Shut up". He grumbled, there was little else he could say that wouldn't embarrass him further.
"What? You're the one who keeps making this too easy for me. Though I will say you'll be glad when things get hard, when you're a little older that is. Always keep them wanting more. You're the prize in this relationship my boy". Augustus clapped his hand onto his grandson's shoulder.
Severus merely scowled in response. He was far too used to his grandfather's eccentricities at this point to bother getting upset. The man loved him, of that he was sure, he just like to embarrass the hell out of him. Something he shared with just about every teenager on the planet. Parents or guardians, it didn't matter, when they were family they were always the first to embarrass you.
"Wear the red scarf. No doubt it'll have him thinking of you in his colours and who knows where that will lead". Augustus suggested. He figured he could give the boy a break just this once. The lad was nervous enough about his first real date. Oh sure he'd been kissed, groped and leered at plenty of times in his young life, but apparently he'd yet to have gone out on an actual date. Kind of a reverse tease as it were.
"Thanks". Severus wrapped it around his neck, fighting down a blush as he took a deep breath in order to calm himself.
'This is ridiculous. Why am I so nervous? It's just a date. It's just James. He's not Lucius; he's not a psychopath…I think. Damn it, stop thinking like that. Okay calm down, it's just a date. And it's not even a real date, he only asked me out to help me get back at Lucius. That doesn't mean anything. Oh hell what if we run into Lucius? What if he figures it all out? Shit, why did I agree to this farce? I'm such an idiot'. Severus thought to himself.
Such was the joys of the teenage mind. Where everyone was against them and everything they did would lead to complete and utter disaster. Whoever claimed teenagers were rational, reasonable beings had clearly never been around them for more than an hour.
"Don't do that". Augustus sighed.
"Do what?" Severus turned to his grandfather with a confused expression on his face.
"Overanalyse every little thing. You're going on a date. Let me rephrase that, you're going to England to meet a boy you've met once. To piss of a man five years older than you I might add. There you see it's perfectly simple". Augustus tried; he really did, to keep a straight face. But the situation was ludicrous enough that he allowed a smile to slip out.
"Do you think I'm making a mistake?" Severus asked. He toyed with the scarf in his hands. Truthfully he was terrified. Far too many things could go wrong, most of which involved running into Lucius before he felt ready. The man was not someone he wanted as an enemy.
"About dating a boy your own age, who seems to like you as more than a trophy to bear the next generation? No I don't think you're making a mistake. Lucius, while he has been a friend of yours for many years now, he is still five years your senior. And at fifteen that is a large age gap. And if I understand this correctly, you are dating this boy because of something Lucius has done. Now I don't necessarily condone your reasons for agreeing to date this boy, but I can agree that Lucius could be brought down a peg or two. But I will ask you to be careful. Not only about Lucius, but about this boy's feelings. I find it difficult to believe that someone you met just two weeks ago would ask you out on first sight, just to help you get revenge". Augustus warned.
"Yeah". Severus sighed. "Sirius told me he liked me. But I mean it is Sirius, he's not exactly the most reliable source for this kind of stuff. I mean okay yeah they are best mates so I guess he would know, but I just keep thinking it's some kind of joke or something. I just don't want to get too involved you know? What do you think?" It was times like this Severus wished he had friends that lived closer. Because discussing this sort of thing with his grandfather was just embarrassing.
"I'll say it again, you're overthinking it. You haven't even gone out with him yet. Go see him, kiss him; whatever you lads feel like doing and once your first date is over, then you can panic. Just don't go spreading your legs for him on the first date. I haven't raised my grandson to be some promiscuous hussy. You've got to keep them panting for more. Always make sure you're the one in power. Trust me you'll feel better for it".
Severus could always count on his grandfather to cheer him up. The man was an eccentric, old crackpot, who always seemed to know just what to say to get him to calm himself. And Severus would always be grateful for it.
"Thanks grandfather". Severus sighed, a smile tugging at his lips as he did his best to hide it.
"Just be safe lad. And if you run into Malfoy don't be afraid to cry. I can guarantee you it'll have the authorities come running. And that's not something he'll be able to recover from so quickly. Especially if you manage to do it in public. Remember witnesses are always a good thing to have around. Well maybe not when you're fooling around with that little boyfriend of yours. Although I suppose that would depend on what you both think of shagging in public. You know I remember when I was your age…"
"No! No, no, a thousand times no! I don't want to hear of it grandfather. Just no!" Severus clamped his hands over his ears, acting for the first time in a while like the child he was.
Augustus held up his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. Have it your way then". He waited for Severus to remove his hands before going in for the kill.
"But what a screamer she was, absolutely gagging for it by the time we got round to it". Augustus smirked.
The look of horror on his grandson's face told Augustus all he needed to know. Not only had he successfully distracted his grandson from having a panic attack over a silly date of all things, but he'd managed to absolutely traumatise him. Always an amusing sight that was for sure.
"Grandfather?" Severus asked after a moment's silence. He needed the time to try and erase any images that may have popped up.
"Hmm?"
"You're absolutely awful at giving advice. Please don't do it again". Severus said, turning and walking away in a hurry.
Watching his grandson leave, with his face flushed and hands trembling, Augustus chuckled to himself.
"Ah, sometimes it's just too easy". He said to himself, whistling a jaunty tune as he went to grab his coat.
The plan was simple. Augustus had business in Paris he needed to attend to, and would therefore travel with Severus to the capital. From there he'd make sure his grandson arrived in England via the International Floo Network, after which he'd be free to carry on with his own business. This way he could be sure his grandson would be safe. What with the war and everything, safety was something he took very seriously. Especially when it concerned Severus.
"Severus? Hurry up we need to be leaving" Augustus called. A minute later his grandson re-emerged, no longer shaking though his face was still flushed with colour.
"I'll say it again. Please be careful. You go around looking like that and it'll only lead to more hassle".
"What do you mean?" Severus asked. He was confused, there was nothing weird about how he was dressed was there? Fitted trousers, a nice shirt and his coat and scarf, it was pretty normal wasn't it?
"You look like you've just been and tugged one off in the bathroom. Your cheeks are flushed, you're breathing heavier than you usually would and you've got this kind of glazed look about you. It's like you're asking for it. Just try and compose yourself, alright?" Augustus was actually becoming worried at this point. His grandson wasn't some prude, he knew that much. But he could be surprisingly dense at times. And unfortunately it seemed like this was becoming one of those times.
"Shut up". Severus muttered, trying in vain to keep himself from turning an even darker shade of crimson.
"Come on, we're leaving". Augustus decided to give the lad a break, just this once. It wouldn't do to have the lad becoming little more than a puddle of goo before they got there. It would just be unseemly; they had a reputation to protect. At least when they were out in public anyway.
As opposed to the usual transportation by carriage, Augustus had rather reluctantly agreed to travel by floo to Paris. Just this once mind. He truly hated the blasted things. He tossed a handful of powder into the fireplace, said where they were going and stepped through. Severus following shortly after. The two arrived without incident, and rather gracefully at that. It was something every pureblood child of note grew up learning, how to maintain decorum even when they were being hurtled through the floo system at so many miles an hour. It was all about keeping appearances after all. Though if one was to look very closely, they might have noticed the way Augustus leant on his cane just a little bit more than usual.
"This way". Augustus led Severus towards the departure lounge.
Similar to how a muggle airport looked, it was a room filled with chairs and benches. On the wall hung a number of clocks depicting time zones of many different countries. The only difference being that instead of planes there were fireplaces, all lined up in a row. During peak times wizards and witches alike were required to wait their turn, hence the reason for the chairs. While it was notably faster than muggle planes, it didn't change the fact that hundreds if not thousands of people used the international floo every single day. As such it wasn't uncommon for there to be a wait, particularly around the holidays.
"It seems we're in luck". As it was several days after New Year's, the network wasn't as busy as it might have been.
'Just as well'. Augustus thought to himself. 'It'll mean less time for him to panic'. Augustus glanced at his grandson who stood calmly at his side. Not that it really meant anything. It was a mask, a very good one he could admit, but still just a mask. On the outside he was calm and collected, the way any decent young man should present himself. But inside, that was a different story.
Truthfully Severus felt sick to his stomach. As much experience he had gotten fooling around with boys at school and with the Black brothers, he'd never actually been on a real date. As such he couldn't stop himself from overanalysing every little thing. From how he looked to how he should act, from what he would say to how he would greet James when he first saw him. It was all very stressful and did nothing to help Severus feel any better.
Severus sighed when a fireplace became free. Now there was no other option but to go ahead as planned. He grabbed a handful of floo powder, turning briefly to smile at his grandfather before throwing it into the fire. "London, Ministry of Magic". And with those words and a flash of fire, Severus found himself hurtling through the network.
Severus arrived in a manner befitting of his status. Namely that he remained standing, clean and in control of his limbs. You wouldn't imagine the number of travellers, young and old, pureblood and not, that emerged from the fireplace staggering about as though they were common drunkards. Severus stepped through, flashing his identification at the auror standing guard and quickly found himself taking his first step into England for a very long time indeed.
"Severus!" A call directed his attention to a familiar mop of black hair. Severus smiled, a genuine smile at that and made his way to the other boy.
"Bonjour James". Severus smiled, receiving a joyful grin in return.
"Welcome to England. Well welcome back again I mean". James said, rubbing his neck sheepishly as he reminded himself that it wasn't the first time Severus had been to England. He was born there for merlin's sake.
Severus chuckled at the other boy's nervousness. His own nervousness seemed to have melted away once he'd spotted the boy. Feeling bold he dared to kiss the other boy's cheek. The brilliant blush that followed as a result only served to boost his ego. "It's what we do in France". It was a rather weak explanation, a custom reserved mainly for friends and family. He couldn't exactly count James as a real friend, considering he'd only met him once before. But it wasn't like James knew any better. In fact, given the rather dopey expression that had crossed his face, he didn't seem to mind one bit.
"Oh really? Well you know, in England we do this". James caught the smaller boy's lips in a kiss, giving Severus no time to think before he found himself being pressed against the Gryffindor's body. With one hand on his waist and the other on the back of his head, it was clear James had no intention of letting Severus escape. Not that Severus seemed to mind.
"There, that should get tongues wagging". James grinned as he pulled back.
Severus blinked, caught off guard, before it finally hit him that they were in public. Where anyone could see them. And as James had mentioned, there was a good chance that there would be some gossip about them. After all the two were from prestigious families, Severus in particular was highly desired by pureblood mothers and fathers looking to pair him with their children. So no doubt the rumours would spread. Of course that's what they had been counting on.
"Ready to go?" James asked, a cocky smirk on his face as he took in the rather pleasing sight of Severus' rumpled hair, flushed cheeks and most importantly his swollen lips. Nothing like a good snogging, if he did say so himself.
Severus nodded, try as he might he couldn't stop smiling.
"So how was your Christmas?" James asked. Not that he really needed to, they'd already written to each other several times. He knew the answer, but he wanted to start off with something he knew Severus would be comfortable with talking about.
"Good. Lots of food and presents as usual. And yours?" Severus asked, the two making their way out of the building and onto London's streets.
It posed a problem as it opened up onto a muggle street. It meant the two were forced to keep their distance for a time, close enough to seem good friends, but far apart enough that no muggles paid them any further attention. While in the wizarding world attitudes towards homosexuality were largely positive, most cared little about who was shagging who, in the muggle world it was currently treated as though it were a disease. Such was the ignorance of muggles, always afraid of things that didn't meet their own narrow standards of what normal was.
"Pretty much the same. Managed to meet up with Sirius and Remus again after Christmas, pulled a few pranks and such. So do you reckon Malfoy's heard anything yet?" James asked.
"It's only been five minutes. It usually takes him ten, unless he's in a meeting. Then it might take longer. But we'd best make sure we're seen together in public. Like maybe getting something to eat?" Severus suggested. All that panicking and such over what to wear and how to act had made him very hungry indeed.
"Sounds good. Come on I know a place".
James led him through London's streets, arriving at what appeared to be an abandoned old shop. Taking a quick glance around, James gave a nod and the two walked inside, making sure no muggles were paying attention. Severus glanced around the pub with interest. It was dark and a little shabby looking, but there was a warm fire that managed to brighten the room up a bit. James gestured for him to follow him through the pub, exiting through another door and arriving at a particular brick wall. A wall that was not as it seemed. Tapping out a sequence on the bricks, James drew back as he waited for the entrance to emerge.
"Watch your step". James led Severus through the hole and with a flourish, gestured towards the bustling street.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley". James grinned, receiving an amused smile in response.
"So where is this place you mentioned?" Severus asked. It was getting harder to focus the longer he went without food. Such was the problem of being a teenage boy. Whether it was food or sex, or even a combination of both, their minds were always focused on at least once.
"Over here, come on". James grabbed his hand and pulled him through the crowds of witches and wizards, as they went about their shopping. As they were in the wizarding world once more, James felt no reason to restrain his desire to touch the smaller boy. At least when it came to the small stuff. Kissing and the like, all perfectly innocent, nothing too scandalous.
"Here we are. It's pretty quiet, but I figured we could talk about this more while we eat. Maybe figure out what we should do when Malfoy hears about us". James held open the door for Severus, following him into the small café.
It was as James had mentioned rather quiet. Only a couple of elderly witches gossiping over tea and cakes in the corner. It was nice though; clean and inviting with a small fire and light streaming in through the windows. Quiet and a little secluded, it was a good choice for a first date. Particularly when that first date wasn't supposed to be a real date, but instead a way to enact revenge.
"What can I get you lads?" A middle aged woman approached them, two menus in her hands as she passed them to them.
"Butterbeer for me please". James said.
"I'll have the same". Severus added.
The woman nodded. "I'll be right back to take your orders". She left to fetch their drinks, giving them a chance to browse the menu.
"What are you getting?" James asked curiously. He was stuck between two English classics; fish and chips and toad in the hole and hoping the other boy's answer would help him decide.
"Toad in the hole, I haven't had in ages. I always used to love it back when I lived in England". Severus admitted with a smile, reminiscing from the few good memories he had about his life in England.
"Me too. You helped me make up my mind". James grinned before his face became slightly more serious. "Do you mind if I ask why you left England?" He'd heard from Sirius that Severus had moved to France to live with his grandfather after his mother's death. But he'd never gotten any of the details. There were times he suspected Sirius didn't even know the full story.
"I-" Severus was cut off from the arrival of the waitress. She placed their drinks down and took their order before leaving them to their own devices. Severus waited for her to leave before speaking again. "Basically my dad was a muggle; my mum was obviously from the Prince line. He hated magic and when I was five we were playing football in the garden. He was alright up until then, but then I wanted that ball. I wanted it hard enough that it just suddenly appeared in front of me. Wandless magic you know. Next thing I know he was hitting me and shouting. Then he sent me to my room, he and mum started arguing, she was crying and screaming and all of a sudden there was just silence. Turns out he killed her, blinded by his own rage and fear of magic. I was rescued and taken to hospital. Then the next thing I know my grandfather took me to France to live with him". Severus finished quietly, taking a sip of his drink as he waited for James to respond.
"Bloody hell". James gaped, gobsmacked. "I mean merlin's hairy balls". Judging by the rather affronted looks the women across the room were sending them, James was a bit too loud for polite society. James flushed muttering a quick "sorry" as he turned back to Severus.
"Are you okay?" Severus asked. He was worried about what would happen. James needed to know about his past, the whole thing with Lucius required it. Lucius had known the story for years now and it wouldn't work if James had remained clueless. They were supposed to be dating, they were supposed to be in love and all that stuff.
"I should be asking you that. Are you, are you okay? I mean really okay? If you ever need to talk, just let me know". James rested his hand on top of Severus' doing his best to look sincere.
It was a sweet gesture Severus had to admit. James seemed genuinely concerned about him. He'd been expecting it to an extent of course, telling someone something so personal and tragic was almost guaranteed to get them to show sympathy. Polite society demanded it of them. But to Severus, it seemed that James wasn't acting that way only out of politeness. He seemed to actually care about him. It was something he wasn't quite used to.
Sure Severus knew his grandfather and Drippy cared for him, how could he not? And of course he knew Mathieu cared about him as a friend, often expressing concern for his safety amongst the hormonal idiots that badgered him daily at school. Likewise he knew Sirius and Regulus cared, and even Lucius, although the man tended to care just a bit too much for his liking. But for Severus, the thought of James caring about his welfare made him happy. It made his stomach twist and turn in a funny way as the other boy smiled at him. It wasn't like with Lucius who demonstrated that he cared by sticking his hands down his pants. Nor was it like with his friends who showed they cared with a pat on the back or by offering him some sweets. It was new and a little exciting. And the more Severus thought about it, he realised he quite liked it.
"Merci James". Severus couldn't help himself from lapsing into French just a little. Having lived in the country for ten years it tended to slip out, particularly when he found himself flustered as he did now.
Severus smiled shyly, receiving a grin in return from the young Gryffindor. "So what's your school like? All I know is what Sirius told me and he didn't know very much. Do you have houses like at Hogwarts or what?" James asked, making an effort to switch the topic to something they'd both feel more comfortable with.
"That doesn't surprise me. Sirius has never been one to pay attention for long, unless he's playing pranks that is. We had four houses, like you have at Hogwarts. But ours are named for the magical creatures that supposedly founded the magical community. You know before there were witches and wizards. So first there's the Dragon house where people who're cunning and driven belong to. Then there's the house of the Phoenix, the one I'm in, for those that are observant and knowledgeable. The third house is the Griffin house, for the brave and strong and the fourth is the Unicorn house, for those that are loyal and unyielding Severus explained. James nodded in response as he listed off each house, one by one.
"They kind of sound like our houses then. I mean the griffin house, for the brave and strong, well that's kind of like Gryffindor. The Unicorn house sounds just like the Hufflepuffs, they're all for loyalty and stuff. The Dragon one sounds a lot like Slytherins, they're supposed to be really cunning and stuff. And they're right bastards at that". James looked as though he were about to start ranting, so Severus was quick to step in.
"And the house of the Phoenix is like the Ravenclaws right? Good with knowledge". Severus asked, receiving a nod in return.
"Yeah that's right. Sirius told me you're really smart". James added, grinning as Severus flushed a little under his gaze.
"Your meals sirs, will there be anything else?" The two were startled by the waitress who placed their food in front of them.
"No thanks". James said. He waited for her to leave before turning back to his date.
"Do you mind if I ask you something?" Severus asked.
"Sure, go ahead".
"Do you know a woman named Minerva McGonagall?" Whatever James had been expecting, that was certainly not it.
"Professor McGonagall? Well yeah she teaches transfiguration and she's our head of house. Why? Do you know her?" James was curious, especially as Severus began smiling without directing it at him. To be honest he found himself a little miffed. Here he was a young, fit and incredibly attractive lad, and his date was taking about a woman more than twice their age. How was that fair?
"She was one of the three that rescued me from my father. So yeah, I'd say I know her". Severus chuckled as James' jaw dropped open.
'Well that explained it' was James' first thought. His second thought, perhaps a little less eloquent, was 'oh bugger'.
Okay I'm going to stop this here for now. It is 4400 words so it's not like I haven't wrote enough. Anyway please let me know what you think. And thank you for everyone who has reviewed so far.
Just a little side note, I have an important interview next week so I won't be updating this for at least another two weeks. Just thought I'd let you know.
Please review!
KB