Severus glanced at the sky, squinting as bright rays briefly obscured his vision. Recoiling under the heat, he averted his face, unappreciative of the warmth.
The din of numerous birds, projecting their noisy delight with the abrupt change in season, only added to Severus' impatience. The itching soreness around his face, which suggested that his pale skin had already begun to burn, was a cruel reminder that he was far better suited to the clouded, depressive nature of the preceding months.
He tensed when the figure, striding lazily beside him, gave a deep chuckle. ''It is a pleasant day, Severus. Why not take off your coat?''
Shaking his head, Severus jerked backwards from a speeding butterfly, narrowly missing its rapidly beating wings. He swirled round, robes fluttering, in order to follow its progress with a hateful stare.
His silent threat was broken when a poorly concealed snort suggested he'd provoked yet further unintentional amusement.
''I have to say, I never assumed I'd find you so...humorous,'' his companion admitted, almost tenderly. ''Perhaps we should dine together more often.''
Blinking, Severus straightened his spine in a belated attempt to portray a level of sophistication he'd somewhat abandoned in his flustered state. His scowl smoothed into wary apprehension as his gaze shifted upwards towards the tall, immaculate blonde at his side.
Severus shrank internally as he registered the unrepressed sense of mockery on the handsome features.
''Yes... Mr. Malfoy,'' he agreed hesitantly. He was not in the company of a boy his age, and therefore, Severus' limited experience in social situations did not enable him to readily extract the appropriate title. His fellow Slytherin was very nearly a man and Severus saw him as such.
Severus flinched involuntarily as a cool hand was placed on his shoulder, grey eyes burning into his own with an uncomfortable intensity. ''Lucius, Severus. How many times must I tell you?''
''Of course. I-''
''Quiet now,'' Lucius chastised softly.
Obediently silent, Severus allowed Lucius to twist him round until his back was pressed firmly against the taller boy's chest. A greasy strand of hair was flicked from obscuring Severus' ear, and then a voice had lowered to speak into it, barely heard over the frantic thudding of Severus' heart.
''Now tell me, do you see the foot of the mountain? Beyond the Forbidden Forest?''
Craning his neck, Severus followed the line of Lucius outstretched arm.
''And this track? Is the destination obvious?''
Severus winced when a cane crossed his vision, drawn from Lucius' side to swing sharply towards the earth beneath them for dramatic clarification.
Smothering his envy at the older boy's empowering possession, Severus examined the path, following it's vague progress with eager eyes. He had not noticed such an obvious, man-made clearing in the soft lawn of the courtyard before, but now it had been identified, he knew he'd never forget it. Not in a lifetime.
''I see it,'' Severus whispered hoarsely. His chest swelled with ambition, as dreams long left unfulfilled were given fresh promise.
There was no concealing the pure look of wonder and unmistakable adoration on his face, as he twisted awkwardly to meet Lucius sharp gaze.
Unintentionally, a lock of Lucius' silky hair draped across Severus' narrow shoulders as their bodies shifted. Why Lucius had not yet released him from such an inappropriately intimate hold, Severus was unaware. His puzzlement did not diminish the adrenaline, pounding his veins and rendering him unresponsive to such anxiety.
Selfishly, Severus wished he was able to welcome the shudders that shot through his body, as they were drawn into such rare, close contact. However, a twinge of guilt prevented him from fully appreciating how utterly intoxicating it was to have such a desirable, older and much more powerful boy, treat him with such attention.
Instead, he could only register discomfort and restlessness as Lucius smirked knowingly, doing nothing to rectify the situation and clearly using his position of dominance to induce intimidation.
Lucius' intrigue increased as he scanned Severus' face, as though considering the boy. ''Cast my instructions to memory,'' he instructed, before straightening up and nudging Severus forward.
A series of shallow pants assaulted Severus as he found himself mercifully released. He hadn't realised the extent of the threat in his constraints until he rubbed at his sore wrists, where the indents of fingernails were clearly visible.
''Now, I have fulfilled my duties to the Dark Lord, I will admit a little... surprise on my part, with regard to you, Severus,'' Lucius explained calmly, folding his arms behind his back and watching Severus squint in the sun. ''I never expected to find such a...willing server in you. Alas, I had not even considered you much of a Slytherin. I have always assumed you...frail. Weak. Selfish-''
A sharp hiss broke through Lucius' insults, as Severus' wounded pride ignited a rare flash of courage. ''I can assure you that I am none of those things. Loyally, I am a Slytherin, as I always intend to be.''
''You shall have to prove what you are not, Severus. Actions speak louder than words in the eyes of our Lord,'' Lucius said, a hint of amusement returning to his voice. His cold eyes raked slowly over Severus' form, his brow creased in thought.
Before Severus could protest, he found himself once again pressed to Lucius front, his hands prized to his side.
Severus swallowed, itching to shift in Lucius' tight hold in order to read the expression on the boy's face, but it seemed Lucius had intended purpose for their current position. Allowing his hands to slip from the boy's shoulders to rest at his waist, murmuring vague, explicit possibilities all the while, Lucius eased the doubt from Severus' mind until his intentions were quite clear.
''As I thought,'' Lucius breathed into his hair, as Severus moaned quietly against his chest. ''I could quite easily... bend you to my will. However will you serve the Dark Lord when you show such relief on release from my presence? And then mould yourself to me, once again, with such willingness. I will not have you fear intimacy, nor will I have you a mindless receptor of my attentions.''
Grounding down his rising panic, Severus forced himself to distraction. ''I do not claim complete competence. I shall require teaching.''
''Of course,'' Lucius replied smoothly, running his palm along the back of Severus' neck. ''You do not know how glad I am that you came to me, Severus, expressing your desire for...something much greater than what is offered by Albus Dumbledore. Your timing was quite inept. Recruitment is the Dark Lord's current concern. I shall prepare you quite well for a meeting with him. You shall find your place in our new...regime. I congratulate you on the success of your integration.''
Severus nodded mutely in nervous acceptance, drawn to the unimaginable power Lucius promised. It was worth every ounce of dignity Lucius ruthlessly tore from him. To serve Voldemort was his destiny. To match James Potter's power...To rival him in popularity...To equal his talents...It was the only way to sustain his existence once the Gryffindor had come to his senses, and left him.
With power on his side, he would not only be joining ranks with the most able, powerful wizard on the planet, but he'd retain James' respect when their relationship inevitably crumbled into oblivion.
''If you wish to be branded with... the mark, be at that that location on the night of the Ball,'' Lucius continued, keeping his position from behind very close to the smaller boy's face. ''I assume you are as distasteful with the headmaster's foolish tradition of public foolishness as I.''
A twitch resided in Severus' left temple, stuttering his immediate agreement and swiftly stealing it of any validity.
''Do not tell me you intend to attend such a...fiasco...'' Lucius wondered aloud, amusement once again underlining his words. ''Who on earth would go with you?''
Severus winced sharply, unhinged by the knock of confidence caused deliberately by the Lucius' harsh accuracy. ''I have no desire to attend,'' he muttered to the floor.
''Then I shall see you tomorrow at midnight. For a moment I thought perhaps you were implying that there was a place for the blind at this school,'' Lucius gave a short laugh. ''Not that you don't have fine attributes, Severus. You are merely an aquired taste. Now, do not be late tomorrow. The Dark Lord and I shall be waiting.''
Shivering in anticipation, Severus inclined his head. ''Thank you, Lucius.''
Keeping Severus close for a moment longer than necessary, Lucius gave into impulse and darted out a tongue to briefly lick the shell of Severus' ear, a hand roaming to twist in the boy's dark hair at the base of his neck.
His smirk widened when Severus stiffened in fear beneath him.
Daringly, Lucius clamped his hand more deliberately to Severus' bony waist, holding him still as his alternate palm travelled experimentally down the angular line of the boy's body. There was obviously no doubt in his mind that Severus would deny his advances, merely curiosity as how far the inexperienced, guarded male would allow him to go.
''With time, you shall come to serve me also, Severus,'' Lucius promised softly, eyes glinting with an emotion Severus could not quite identify. ''So young...''
A thrill of fear shot down Severus' spine, mingled with perverse excitement as Lucius regarded him without his usual, calm indifference. He loathed the man, but his power was something Severus had always envied.
''You would not be the first.''
A grunt escaped from Severus' tightly clenched lips, as Lucius' wandering hand fanned over his crotch with a meaning not even Severus could mistake. As he was grasped tightly with deft fingers, blood rushed to Severus' groin and he found himself recoil in distaste. Lucius was right. He was pathetic. For all his show of defence and toughness, he had no control.
Hissing as he was stroked with capable hands, Severus fought to concentrate on the present.
To throw off the Slytherin would prove suicidal, and a significant part of Severus was far too content with the erotic nature of their position, to so forcefully reject the attentions. Instead, he forced his brain to function rationally and pictured hazel eyes and a lean, tanned frame as Lucius massaged his crotch, convincing himself that if he did so, his current actions would not be considered unloyal to his boyfriend.
''Do not disappoint me now,'' Lucius murmured, as he gave one last, aggressive thrust against Severus' rigid form before releasing all contact abruptly and striding back towards the castle in complete, elegant composure.
Severus watched him leave with dark eyes, a despising frown on his face.
Snorting distastefully, he brushed himself down, able only to appreciate that his tented trousers began to shrink almost immediately as the distance between them increased. Sweat had built on his brow and his only thought was of finding shade in the cool, reassuring dampness of the dungeons.
If Severus dared to analyse his own actions, he'd find a small consolidation in the fact that a touch from James would leave him in need of desperate release, a plain and unwavering arousal, whereas the inclination he felt towards Lucius was much more difficult to place.
Unconsciously clutching his forearm, Severus' eyes drifted towards the quidditch final, where banners were already flying high.
His days of attempting restlessly to appease the older Slytherin boy had finally been rewarded. He knew he'd found a mentor in Lucius Malfoy; a boy he respected, admired, feared more than any other.
Blinking rapidly, Severus felt a chill descend through his entire being, despite the warmth, and fastened the highest buttons on his cloak. Ignoring the weight of caution, that urged him to pay greater attention to his dangerous actions, and prioritise more carefully, he basked in the satisfaction of being noticed, not only by James Potter, but by one of Voldemort's most trusted Slytherin's.
Striding forwards to briefly shield himself under the trees of the forest, Severus wondered at the coming hours. The whole school would be out at the stadium, cheering on James Potter...while he, rubbish, helpless, failed boyfriend that he was, fantasised in the dungeons over dark, explicit fantasies of his role in the Dark Lord's inner circle - A part of his life in which James could never play a part, as much as Severus may have wished it.
Jerking his head upwards, Severus could make out a small group, laughing and joking, making their way towards the field... None of them knowing James' dirty little secret. How different their reactions would be if they knew him, Severus Snape, to be a respected somebody. A death eater. He had to be prepared for the most likely direction for his future, with included, sadly, James leaving him for someone far more presentable. He needed security. He was not like James. The Gryffindor would not stay with him forever. He could not be so reckless so as not to have a backup plan. Lucius would soundly provide it.
''Oi! Severus!''
Recognising the voice instantly, Severus rolled his eyes over his shoulder, his thoughtful scowl gradually slipping as he watched James bound towards him like an excited puppy. How the boy had identified him in the shadows, he did not know, but a moment later he had reluctantly stepped back into the sunlight, smiling unconsciously.
Dressed in only a Gryffindor shirt and baggy shorts, James was obviously loving everything about the bright sunshine.
However, all dark thoughts flittered to the back of Severus' mind as he found his contentment with seeing his boyfriend unrivalled by anything malicious, uniting them on common ground.
James' shaggy head was flickering around in a preliminary sweep to ensure the immediate vicinity was empty. Hair flying in every direction, hazel eyes brimming with nervous excitement, he was a picture indeed.
Before Severus could protest, he had been spun around forcefully. He gestured helplessly towards the castle, but as always, James' enthusiasm was providing an irritating distraction.
''Where do you think you're going?'' James grinned, looping an arm round Severus' shoulders and planting a sloppy kiss on the side of his face. ''It's the quidditch finals!''
''Yes, I know,'' Severus answered, disentangling himself awkwardly. With one last covert glance at Lucius' retreating form, he turned his attention to James in the hope that he'd forget the entire encounter. ''I see you are prepared. Early, however.''
''Yup. I wanna get some practice in first,'' James nodded, full of adrenaline only his favourite sport could produce. ''Slytherin vs. Gryffindor. Placed your bets?''
A slow smirk spread across Severus' face, as he crossed his arms over his chest. ''I have no doubt of the outcome.''
''Don't tell me you're going to support the snakes?'' James cried indignantly, nudging Severus until his path was altered and they were walking, side by side, down to the stadium. Slipping an arm round Severus' waist possessively, James used his free hand to toy with the emerald scarf that hung loosely about the Slytherin's neck, despite the stifling warmth.
Severus snorted, without humour. ''In case you have not forgotten, I am a so called snake, Potter. Leave my scarf alone. I will not allow you to 'incendio' it.''
James blinked, snatching back his hand and feigning innocence. Another transgression with Severus' growing confidence was that he had reverted to calling James by his surname, more often than not. Whatever that implied in his boyfriend's subconscious, James didn't know, but as long as it was said without malice, he couldn't care too much.
As for Severus being a Slytherin, James had never felt warmer towards that particular house for producing such a delectable student.
''Fine... I shouldn't be seen fraternizing with the enemy anyway.'' With a sly grin, he pushed Severus away playfully and bounded ahead of him, broomstick thrown over his shoulder.
Severus rolled his eyes. ''You should have thought about that before you considered seducing me,'' he muttered, despairing of James' good mood.
Releasing a snitch from his pocket, James threw it up in the air to catch it effortlessly, diving onto his broom with entirely unnecessary melodrama to make the catch.
''Come here, you fool,'' Severus called finally, when he could bare James' pointed ignorance of his presence any longer, disgusted with the neediness he heard in his voice. That soon evaporated as James laughed loudly, a carefree expression that had Severus' own lips tilting favourably and his stomach swooping.
For as long as he lived, no matter what happened, he would not forget moments like this he spent with James.
''Did you honestly consider the consequences when you first... approached me?'' Severus asked, as indifferently as he could, while James wandered obediently back to his side to lay an arm round his shoulders and hum tunelessly.
''It's too late now, regardless,'' James shrugged around him. ''I guess I'll just have to tolerate it.''
''I am never going to change,'' Severus stated bluntly, twisting his head until he met James' hazel eyes, suddenly feeling that his origins were incredibly important. He wanted to keep James for as long as he could, after all. ''If you do not like the idea of... courting a Slytherin-''
''I find it quite...sexy actually,'' James confessed quietly, with uncharacteristic shyness. ''I never thought I would... But it kinda fits. We're opposites. The lion and the serpent.''
Severus coughed throughout James' bashful explanation, cheeks flaming.
James refused Severus the freedom to wriggle out of his grip. Instead, he lowered his head to the Slytherin's ear and repeated, ''sexy,'' again and again, loving how such a simple word had the ability to make his lover visibly tremble. It was a power James selfishly enjoyed.
As his nerves gradually subsided, Severus smirked to himself between a curtain of hair, taking pleasure in what he felt should be forbidden. He failed to rouse the motivation to challenge such a delightful idea that would include him as sexy.
''As for courting...'' James continued, staring down at Severus with a mixture of affection and bemusement. ''In case you haven't noticed, we're not in the Dark Ages any longer. I for one, prefer the term shagging. It unites all sorts of possibilities...''
Comfortable silence followed them through the grounds. Empty stands and a desolate pitch created an very different picture to the usual deafening roar of activity that usually occupied the space, not that Severus was complaining. Tentatively, he followed James into the changing rooms and watched curiously as the Gryffindor threw down his things below the peg marked 'Captain'.
''Not very glamorous, is it?'' James commented lightly, gesturing around, almost if apprehensive of Severus' opinion. ''Showers are through there...Boardroom in there. Pitch that way. I think that's it.''
Severus smiled tightly, pivoting on his heel and imagining James' quidditch friends occupying the exact space he stood in now, in just a few short hours. How the atmosphere would be different then. How he could no longer have a place by James' side.
Feeling himself recoil at the unpleasant thought, he shut his eyes and fisted his hands at his sides, wanting to block out the thought and envision a world in which he and James were the only ones that existed. Not even Voldemort was significant in the ideal world, where all Severus wanted was James.
Without confidence in their relationship, his attachment to the Dark Arts would only grow deeper. While Severus did not view this inevitable conclusion entirely bitterly, he still held some significant hope that he and James would at least last for the summer. He wouldn't be able to keep his desire to serve Voldemort a secret forever, and James would never want to be with him if he found out.
Warm, minty breath on his face roused Severus from his misery.
''Stop overanalysing everything. You think way too much,'' James murmured, resting his hands on Severus' hips to kiss him gently on the forehead.
Severus sighed, placing his palms on James' chest and searching his eyes warily. ''And you not enough. If your...friends knew I was here, they'd-''
''Forget them,'' James insisted, with frustration. ''I don't care what they think right now. I want to show my boyfriend where I get changed.'' His face broke into a slow grin. ''Completely innocently of course.''
Severus sucked in a breath as James' hand dropped to trace the curve of his belt. Recklessly, James slipped one hand up further, until it rested on the warm skin of Severus' side, while the other slipped beneath black trousers to finger the top of the boy's boxers.
''Do you have any completely rational set of your usual objections as to why I shouldn't kiss you now?'' James asked softly, the temptation too dear to pass up. ''Right here? No? Silence, Severus? I'd hate to think my naughty ways were rubbing off on you. Such a bad Slytherin. Sneaking round Gryffindor changing rooms, infatuating their captain...''
Severus groaned, and pressed his lips against James' thin ones in a rough kiss, before he could be teased further. James responded vigorously and Severus quickly forgot his surroundings altogether. For the second time that day, his trousers became distorted. However, on this occasion, he was quite comfortable with the idea of it happening.
''James...'' Severus muttered between kisses, almost to himself. ''Is this going to last?''
Severus wasn't surprised when James didn't verbally respond to the question that could have so many meanings. A probing tongue stemmed any further speech, mapping his mouth with renewed vigour.
Stepping out some time later, with swollen red lips and an achingly hard erection, Severus drew his collar higher about his neck, despite the gathering warmth, in order to conceal his impressive hickey.
''Fucking Potter,'' he muttered, watching his lover sweep through the sky at a hundred feet. Shoving his hands down his pants, he readjusted himself, only to groan when he hardened further at the contact.
Swearing, he folded his arms across his chest and watched James fly. It was a natural ability Severus would forever envy. Though the was sure that the Gryffindor was diving and swooping far too often than was required, as if he were attempting to impress someone, or at least put on a good show.
Severus smirked smugly when he glanced about him, to find he was the only person to whom that could apply.
When the first set of students began to filter into the stands, Severus shrunk back into the shadows and James drifted back to the ground, his face flushed and hair thrown back from the wind.
''One day I'll take you flying,'' he promised, throwing his broom over his shoulder and smiling widely. ''Just me and you.''
Severus swallowed nervously, diverting from such a scary thought with familiar cynicism. ''I now know how you managed to procure such an extensive line of lovers, Potter. You are a sentimental romantic.''
James' smile faltered for a moment, until he realised Severus was teasing. He was indeed used to entertaining girls with sappy, rehearsed sentiments. With Severus, he supposed the mush would have to be tuned down. He was still only learning about this boy.
''Stop calling me 'Potter','' he said abruptly, changing the subject.
''Why?'
''It's too impersonal.''
''How about...darling?'' Severus proposed innocently, eyes sparkling with mirth only bantering with James could bring out of him.
James snorted. ''Try it and see what happens.''
Placing a chaste kiss on Severus' smirking lips, James departed to the changing rooms. ''I want to see you in the stands,'' he called over his shoulder. ''Eyes on me.''
...
Sirius Black weaved himself into the mass crowd of students and teachers inconspicuously, ignoring their triumphant roars as they followed the quaffle through the air, eyes wide.
His mind was not on quidditch today. He was far too distracted with the task of tracking down a certain dark haired Slytherin. He'd heard enough the previous night, between Remus and James, to know that, in some way or another, Snape had bewitched James' mind with sinister dark magic. Sirius had no idea how, or even if there was a cure, but in cursing Severus to high heaven, he hoped to make progress.
He couldn't allow James to make a fool of himself. If Remus was in on their ridiculous plan, then he'd save James alone. Peter could hardly be trusted with such a delicate subject.
Climbing higher and higher, above the mass crowds, he found himself at the highest possible stall, currently unoccupied. It was not surprising as it practically brushed the clouds, the wind sharp. Shivering in the declining heat, Sirius scanned the crowds beneath him with narrowed eyes.
''Sirius?''
Turning sharply, Sirius found the stalls less empty than he'd first thought. Sat in the corner, red hair remaining miraculously elegant while it flew in every direction, Lily's lips were pulled down into a miserable expression.
Frowning gently in confusion, she took her half-hearted gaze from the game to tuck her feet neatly beneath her, gazing at Sirius curiously.
''What are you doing down here? You're normally at the centre of all... that,'' she glanced beneath them with a wistful smile, as if the carefree nature of the fans was a mood she longed for. ''Not cheering him on?''
''Him?''
Lily gestured towards the sky with her thumb, where a lone figure circled the stadium in search of the snitch.
''James has more than enough fans. I fancied a change of scenery,'' Sirius shrugged, throwing her a suggestive wink. Deliberately, he let his eyes travel the length of her leg, smooth, lightly freckled skin, modestly on display beneath the semi-transparency of her summer skirt.
Lily merely rolled her eyes, pulling the material further down her knees and gesturing to the seat beside her.
Sirius smiled playfully and complied. ''What are you doing up here?'' he asked, subconsciously following James with his eyes, just as Lily was, his attention drawn to the sky before them.
''Same reason, I suppose,'' Lily muttered.
A strangely comforting silence fell between them. Lily was acutely aware of the figure beside her, despite her fixation with one player in particular. James it seemed had given her up for good. She'd held significant hope that, before the week was out, he would have returned to her, with a playful smirk on his face and a long awaited kiss of apology. But he hadn't. And, worst of all, he didn't even seem to be suffering for it.
In fact, Lily could not remember a time when James had seemed more at peace with himself. It was irrational for her to feel so insanely jealous over James' other girl, when she was obviously making him so happy.
Lily sighed, dragging her eyes from the quidditch player to Sirius' handsome form beside her. So James Potter had found love at last. It was bound to happen. She was a fool to wait so long, and allow him to slip between her fingers. But Sirius... She'd heard no different than the usual string of broken hearts left in his wake.
Even though his eyes were screwed up in concentration, his face tense, Sirius was still ridiculously good looking. More than James, at least in the conventional way. Strange how she had never considered any potential attraction towards him before.
Checking to ensure he was focused on the game, she traced the silky strands of his hair, a strange impulse to reach out and touch it causing her hand to fist in her lap. It held a grace James' never would. Sirius' cheekbones were also higher and more pronounced. His manner held an easy charm, of someone who was very comfortable with themselves and always knew exactly what he wanted.
Perhaps she had chosen the wrong marauder. If she couldn't have James, maybe Sirius-
Sirius jumped up when Lily placed a hand on his thigh, squeezing gently at a point way too close to his crotch. Swallowing sharply, he brushed down his trousers and eyed her a mix of shock and caution. ''Evans...''
''Bugger...'' she cursed, scrambling to her feet. ''I'm so sorry. Oh god...What's wrong with me?'' she groaned. ''I just...I was thinking about James.''
Sirius eyed her dejected form with suspicion. ''You hate James. Everyone knows that.''
''Of course I don't hate him, even if he was, and remains, a complete arse,'' Lily argued impatiently. ''Who doesn't love James Potter?''
''Then why are you touching me up, woman?'' Sirius cried, feeling as though he'd betrayed James in some way, even though he was entirely innocent. ''I get more than enough action to know when someone's making a move. That was a come on.''
Lily's dropped back into her seat as her head fell into her hands. Despite her noble attempts to retain it, a weak sob escaped her.
Sirius, confused, dropped back into his seat beside her. Tentatively, he reached out to pull her hands from her face.
Lily reluctantly raised her eyes to Sirius' strangely compassionate gaze and smiled ruefully. ''Pathetic, aren't I? All week I've been like this.''
Unable to fathom an appropriate response, Sirius merely nodded, watching her closely. As Lily composed herself, Sirius' mind was busy collecting all of this information together. Her misplaced gesture had provided just the inspiration he'd been looking for. There was one way to prize James from Severus' lethal grasp. Lily Potter. But only if he could persuade her to co-operate.
If James still refused to see reason, which seemed unlikely, Sirius would just have to carry on the plan without him and humiliate Severus himself, bringing their relationship into the open in the most brutal way possible, making sure Severus knew of James' true intentions.
Either way, he had to do this for his best friend. James would lose all credibility he had gained during his popular years and would eventually regret his serious lack of judgment. Sirius would be quite willing to accept a full apology when that day dawned.
''James doesn't want me.''
Sirius frowned, perplexed. ''Impossible-''
''That's what I thought. With the way he's been hounding me for the last few years, I thought his feelings would be slightly more... consistent. I told him how I felt...But I think James has other things on his mind at the moment. Or more likely other people.''
Sirius narrowed his eyes with a shrewd expression. ''How much do you know?'' he asked quietly.
''Know about what?''
A plan rapidly formed in Sirius' mind and before he knew it he was blurting out, ''Go to the Ball with me.''
''What?'' Lily's eyebrows rose with bewilderment.
Sirius repeated himself, slower this time and with more deliberation. ''Please,'' he added as an afterthought.
''Er...no offense,'' Lily begun awkwardly, taking a hesitant step back, ''but when I touched you before, it was a mistake. James was always the one I liked. I hadn't given much thought to pursuing anyone else. Not that you're not attra-''
''Not like that you fool,'' Sirius rolled his eyes. ''Not me and you...sincerely. That's just wrong...on so many levels. Not that you're not attractive. You are, but I've always seen you as Prong's girl-''
''Sirius, it's ok, I get it!'' Lily waved her hands, laughing weakly. ''Why do you want to go with me?''
He sighed, watching her cautiously. ''To make James jealous. It will work to both our benefits. James will pull his head out of the clouds and realise what he's sacrificing in keeping Sn...his new lover. Me as a friend and you as-''
''A girlfriend... I get it, but do you know who it? His mystery lover?''
Sirius shrugged, unwilling to divest this particular information unless it swayed his chances of getting the redhead to co-operate. She and Severus were friends after all. She would, foolish as she was, undoubtedly put his happiness first.
Lily sighed. ''You're worse than Potter. Not even he would sink as low as to-''
''Look, do you want James or not?'' Sirius demanded, growing impatient.
''Yes, of course, but-''
''Good, because I want my friend back and unless you can think of a better way to convince him-''
''What's so wrong with his current partner?'' Lily shook her head. ''Surely you want what's best for him? James seemed pretty set the other day. He knew what he wanted.''
''Let's just say this...person he's got himself involved with, is not a nice piece of work. Think of it as a rescue mission.''
''Another bimbo?'' Lily sighed.
Sirius cringed. ''Worse. Much worse.''
Silence fell between them. Sirius held his breath as he awaited her answer, crossing his fingers tightly.
''Fine,'' Lily agreed at last, eyes darkening as they followed James back and forth. ''I'll do it. What do we have to lose?''
Sirius smirked, unclasping his hands in relief. ''Then it's a deal. Pick you up at eight? And you better dress good, Evans. I've had girls throwing themselves at my feet all week with declarations of love. You better not disappoint.''
...
''Severus...'' James begun slowly, as he slipped off his muddy, sweat filled boots with a grimace. ''Earlier, why were you hanging about by the forest? The quidditch pitch isn't in that direction.''
Leaning against a set of lockers, Severus gave a tense smile. ''I am aware.''
''Then why are you-''
''Because I didn't want to go.''
''But I've seen you at matches before,'' James argued, voice muffled as he pulled his shirt over his head. ''You seemed willing enough then.''
''I have not attended matches for...a while,'' Severus confessed guiltily, wondering whether, as he was officially James' boyfriend, he was allowed to openly watch him get changed.
''But you used to,'' James insisted, taking a deliberate step forwards with rare expression of seriousness. Shirtless, with his trousers hung low on his hips, he was oblivious of Severus' valient attempts not to glance beyond head height. ''You're not going to try and slip out of the Ball tomorrow as well, are you?''
''No,'' Severus replied uneasily. ''I swore I would come.''
James nodded to himself, apparently satisfied. Smiling suddenly in nostalgia, he gestured towards Severus with a clean sock. ''Last year, you came to every quidditch match. I don't know how I remember that, but I do. You stood right under the commentators box... Unless I was imagining it. Was I?''
Unable to see any benefit from lying, Severus shook his head. He had always loved to watch James fly. His raging jealousy and resentment of the rare talent could be matched only by his honest appreciation of the Gryffindor's elegant, skilful form.
''You never even cheered when Slytherin scored a goal,'' James mused, dirty socks following his boots. ''But when I looked to see your reaction when I'd won, you were gone. Not like today. I could see your scowl from the clouds. Why did you stop coming to matches?''
Swallowing thickly as, inch by inch, more bare flesh assaulted his vision, Severus turned his head away and answered to the wall. ''After your... friends used it as an opportunity to humiliate me. There was...one particular memory, involving my...bare buttocks.''
James winced, automatically striding over to Severus and waffling ungraciously through an apology. He was glad that the remainder of the Gryffindor team had evaporated, leaving Severus to slip his way in and reluctantly congratulate their captain on yet another victory. If anyone could see him now, he'd look a fool.
James' pathetic attempt at asking for forgiveness did not bring Severus the satisfaction it may once have done. Mildly irritated, he waved his hand impatiently and James fell silent.
''It is...water under the bridge.''
A slow smile spread across James' face. A question he'd been meaning to ask Severus for some time burned on his tongue, desperate to be spoken. 'Do you love me,' James begged himself to say. And then it would be over. He could relax and truly put the past under the bridge, and move on without such a tremendous weight of guilt.
''Severus, since when did you get so...articulate?'' he said instead, dodging stealthily round the question.
He was used to mumbled phrases and bad grammar. This Severus was far more sophisticated, his dry tone full of confidence and self-awareness. His voice was rich and smooth, not how he would have expected.
''Ah, and then he blushes and ruins the moment,'' James smirked, brushing such serious issues to the side to just simply enjoy the moment. The Ball would tell all, after all. ''But really. You're voice is like sex.''
Severus rolled his eyes, but there was a smug smirk pulling at his lips, mingled with bemusement. He was quick to refuse any notion of raising the point that he'd no idea what sex was like. James didn't need to be reminded of that, he was sure.
''Now, tell me more about those bare buttocks...''
Severus tensed visibly as James leaned forwards to gently press their lips together, in a kiss far too intimate for comfort. There was no darkness to hide in now, or heated passion filled urgency surrounding them. It was just him and James, with neither aware of how to approach an honest relationship.
''Sev...'' James sighed finally, grabbing one of Severus' hands and placing it on the warm skin of his chest. When it was not instantly pulled away, James smiled and placed the other one on his toned stomach, damp with sweat. ''Guess what we quidditch players do after a hard match?''
Severus swallowed, his hands itching to be pulled back, but somewhat unwilling to comply. He could feel James' muscles ripple under his fingers, and goosebumps appeared on his arms. ''I would not know...''
''We shower.''
Severus had no time to protest, not that he would have allowed himself to. Before he knew it, James had tugged Severus' cloak over his head, ruffling his immaculate hair. His shirt was to follow, and to Severus' immense surprise, James did not shout out in protest against the sudden appearance his frail form, bared to the stuffy air of the changing rooms.
Delicately uncrossing the arms Severus had closed over his chest, in order to hide himself, James inspected his upper torso with an unexpected silence.
He traced a scar, reaching from the line of Severus' collar bone with his palm, all the way to his hip. Another, unmistakable sign of abuse was slashed across his stomach. His back proved no better treated.
James let out a deep breath, as though he'd finally been allowed a treat he'd only previously dreamt of, even if it had turned out to be horrifically disfigured. To Severus, such an idea seemed preposterous.
He made a grab for his shirt, but James blocked his attempt with an impatient flick of his wand. The garment shot across the room, far out of Severus' desperate reach. He was now, whether he liked it or not, completely in James' hands, and entirely vulnerable.
James flicked his wand again and the door to the Gryffindor changing rooms locked with a clang. He turned back to Severus silently, raising an eyebrow for permission.
Severus swallowed, closed his eyes and nodded.
Swallowing deeply, James ran a delicate finger over Severus' protruding ribcage, unable to keep himself from wincing at the hollow stomach. The skin, however, was smoother than James ever could have imagined, and white as snow.
Severus was unwilling to watch, what he knew, would only be disappointment on James' face.
James chose to surprise him. Taking one of Severus' pale hands in his own, he kissed each one of his fingertips before lowering the palm to his crotch, where his arousal was unmistakable.
Severus opened his eyes, eyes wide as he stared at James' naked erection. When had he taken his trousers off?
Lowering his head, James smirked and latched onto a nipple, biting gently and sending shockwaves of pain and pleasure through Severus's quivering form. When James used skilful fingers to clasp at the other, Severus' grunted, trying to become accustomed to the foreign sensation.
''Sev...'' James started suddenly, pulling away to glance at the marks on his lovers' skin, as though he knew they needed to be verbally acknowledged in some way, before things proceeded any further.
Although he released all other contact, he kept light hold on Severus' hand, where it rested between his legs, enjoying the presence there far too much to allow him to move.
Severus tensed, panic rushing into his eyes. Unwilling to raise the subject, or ever talk about those particular experiences. He repressed his inner demons and huffed impatiently, dragging James' head down for a kiss, effectively distracting him.
Though he was surprised at Severus' forwardness, James responded with enthusiasm. When they finally had to break apart for oxygen, James moved to dance patterns Severus' chest, chuckling quietly when his boyfriend proved extremely vocal.
When Severus jerked in response to a particular sensation, so did his hand, causing James to groan deeply. Thankfully, Severus seemed to have lost control of most of his body, and therefore, appeared almost unaware of anything other than James tongue on his skin.
Severus was sure he was harder than he'd ever been in his life. He felt dizzy, light-headed, completely overwhelmed.
When he felt his wrist grabbed in a tight grip, guided more firmly against James' swelling erection and used for the Gryffindor to stroke himself with, Severus went weak at the knees. Gasping raggedly, he collapsed onto the bench beneath him, breathing heavily.
Panting just as much, James rested his head against the locker, shaking his head at himself. ''Sorry, Sev. Shouldn't have pushed. It was my fault...Too much too fast...''
He trailed off as Severus, taking a deep breath, his eyes dark with arousal and determination, tugged James onto the bench beside him and continued the path his lover had started. His hands shook almost uncontrollably as he nudged James legs apart to access his groin.
''Severus, you don't ha-''
''Quiet,'' Severus muttered, his heated gaze, filled with tension, flickering to James' face in desperation. ''Please. I want to... learn.''
James felt his breath catch, his heart suddenly pounding painfully in his chest as he watched, wide eyed, as Severus crouched down in front of him.
''Severus...do you know what you're doing? Have you...ah...'' James' hips bucked as Severus squeezed experimentally, his eyes darker than James had ever seen them.
''Like that?'' Severus asked, in such a timid tone that James felt himself flush from head to toe in arousal.
''Just like that,'' he nodded breathlessly. He couldn't help it, he had to push Severus for more. It was just too good. Laying his hand on his lap, he pushed the boys hand roughly and persuaded Severus into movement.
With a soft groan, James arched up, Severus' hand tightening around him as the boy grew in confidence. Surrendering himself to Severus' ministrations, James allowed the Slytherin to experiment and indeed learn. His knuckles turned white as he clamped onto the bench beneath him, begging himself not to give in and interfere as he helplessly jerked under Severus' exploration.
Black eyes were piercing his very soul as Severus soaked up his every twitch, every flash of pleasure ... Never before had James seen Severus pay such attention to a task, aside from his potions. He was regarding James with such awe...such adoration, that James felt almost self-conscious.
It was not a perfect hand job. Severus slowed down at the wrong time and squeezed inappropriately or often too hard, but James had never come so spectacularly.
Slumping back, his breathing gradually evened and he glanced up through hooded eyes to see Severus staring at him, never having once looked away from his face. Though James was quickly going soft in his lap, Severus' hand covered in the sticky substance, Severus continued to stare at him, as though in a haze, with some unfathomable expression. It was almost as though he were afraid to see the result of his own actions.
James glanced down at the Slytherin's own largely tented trousers and made a decision. He would not explain this. He wouldn't spell it out and taint it. He would show Severus what he'd just done for him.
Severus didn't know whether he was more deeply afraid or exhilerated, as James tugged him from the bench, but his mind seemed to have been made up for him. James grabbed a couple of towels and dragged him insistently towards the showers.
Severus was surprised when instead of insisting on furthering his arousal, James flicked on the warm water and reached for the soap and smothered Severus' back in it. He massaged the smaller boys frail shoulders, along the sharp ridges of his back, to his skinny hips.
''Severus...'' James began but Severus was already nodding. He unzipped his now-soaked trousers himself and yanked them down.
''Are you-''
''I'm ready,'' Severus insisted. He could wait no longer. His trust in James was complete. There was no turning back now.
James swallowed heavily and helped Severus out of his boxers. James held Severus' gaze, eyes wide but the Slytherin had a small knowing smirk on his face. James was afraid to look down, for the first time in his teenage life. Severus had frozen him. His heart was beating so fast it was almost painful.
James frowned in defiance, reaching down instead and taking Severus in his hand. The boy was smaller than him, considerably so, but James barely registered this as he watched Severus' face contort with pleasure as he stroked him.
He kissed Severus roughly, pushing their naked bodies together and groaning loudly at the contact. Severus jerked away from his mouth far too soon for James' liking, biting instead hard on his shoulder as he came between James' legs.
Severus gasped, breathing heavily. ''Sorry I-''
James smiled. He should have predicted the shortness of their first attempt. ''Shut up,'' he muttered, moving back so that the water could clean them both. He watched Severus appreciatively, soap and water pooling at the creases in the frail body.
''I'm not in a rush, are you?'' he smiled, eyes dark.
Severus' face smoothed into a genuine smile. He snatched the soap from James' hand and nudged the other boy around. No, he was in no rush.