Part 2
Fifth Year:
"Sev, is it just me or are Lily and Sirius acting..odd?"
"He likes her. She likes him. But both are being extremely knotty about it," the calm reply came from the bowed head. "Be quiet for just one more minute, I'm at a delicate point here."
James sighed, exasperated. "You're always at a delicate point, or a breakthrough, Sev. I'm beginning to think that you don't like being around me anymore."
The item in her hand went forgotten as she turned her dark eyes to him, "do you really feel that way?" It was spoken in a soft, vulnerable voice.
James nodded slowly, "you spend so much time in here with those things. Or with Remus that I barely even see you anymore."
"That doesn't hold water when you spend most of your time on the Quidditch pitch training with the new 5th and 6th year team." She reminded him dryly, turning back to her work.
He sighed, creeping up to her and resting his head on the top of hers. It had taken some time but he'd finally gotten his growth spurt and towered over her by a few inches. "You should be on the team."
"Hah! You just love watching me get air sick," she scoffed.
"Severus, we found a way around that," he reminded her.
Putting the final ingredient into the cauldron, she shook her head once. "Won't work this time, Jamie. I've rarely denied you anything but I am holding firm on this. Quidditch and I just don't belong together."
He shrugged, "can't blame me for trying."
"I could, but it would be hard to justify," she teased, smacking his wandering hand. "Stop that, Headmaster Dumbledore will be here soon."
"Spoilsport," he pouted.
"Don't start, J.P.," she warned. "Besides, friends don't mess around with friends like that."
"Why not? Do they have such a shaky foundation that they can't build upon it?" he mused, running a hand through her silky hair absently.
"Fear of ruining what they already have, I would imagine."
"Sounds ridiculous to me."
"Well, you are Gryffindor. House of no common sense and little grip on reality," Lily quipped from the doorway.
Remus entered behind her and watched the two for a moment, amused. James Potter's friendship with Severus Snape and the true nature of it was the most consistent piece of gossip in school. And none had ever come close to understanding the bond that just lived between them.
But the werewolf figured it had a lot to do with what happened during one of their practices when James had just seemed to lose control of himself. The vacant look on his face and the way he let the broom go, then Severus jumping onto her broom in a heedless rush to help him still caused him to shiver in fear. Of course, no one had known she could fly like that. In other circumstances, it would have been admired. But all they'd felt then was absolute terror.
"What are you doing?"
"Making something that will be a surprise to Lucius Malfoy, I hope." Sirius drawled, entering from the window on the far side of the room. Peter wasn't that far behind him, as usual. "Thanks for showing us this way in, Severus." He offhandedly said, shutting the window carefully, keeping an eye out for trouble.
"Not a problem." She rolled her eyes, "as for this, it isn't. I leave Malfoy torture in far superior hands than my own. This is for Remus. Hopefully, it will make his transformations less painful. And less dependent on my blood to regain his nourishment, not that I mind."
"But, I don't know...What I mean to say is," he stammered, trailing off.
"Maverick, you are a genius!" James exclaimed, twirling her around in circles.
"Jamison Potter! Put me down! Right now!" She cried between laughs. "And don't jump to conclusions, you crazy git, it hasn't been tested. Nor does it have Professor Dumbledore's seal of approval."
"Stop being such a pessimist, Sev. You created it, therefore, its bound to be a smashing success."
"I wish I felt that way, J.P. But there are so many things that could go wrong. It might not work. Or it might be addictive. It could kill instead of help. The transformations could be worse. Or become a nightly thing. Or..."
"Go exactly as you researched," Dumbledore's quiet statement cut through the worried speech. "Now, tell me what you've done so I can congratulate you."
"Aren't you guys being just a tad to hopeful? This is the first attempt," Lily said.
"I don't believe we are. Student Snape has built her potion based on the foundation of research initiated by Rowena Ravenclaw and other potion masters. Her Earth Mage status has also given her a step up in that she sees the way the ingredients blend together, much as you understand the various degrees of heat and their inner workings. Plus, this is a project three years in the research and making of this potion. On with the explanation, so that I can allay your fears," Albus ordered.
"Sir, before Severus begins what is sure to be an illuminating lecture, Peter and I are going to go." Sirius said, "no offense, but potions and all the stuff behind them is dull."
Part of Lily wanted to stay but...there was the allure of being near Sirius. Love rots, she thought, especially when it interferes with learning. "I'll see you later."
"Later, guys," Only James and Remus stayed, more out of supporting Severus than anything else. Though Remus was curious as to how this potion was supposed to help him.
Moving to the blackboard, where the recipe was, Severus proceeded to speak about how she'd been directed to this by something found in Rowena Ravenclaw's notes that helped her find the foundation for it. But the ingredients over time had matured or evolved to a certain degree, changing their properties to something else entirely.
Especially tricky was the element silver. Of all elements, silver had shown itself to be the most effective in controling the wolf's behavior. Yet, silver is a poison to wolves. Which leads to a quandary, do we use it and slowly let the toxins build up in the werewolf, thus making for a slow and agonizing death? Or find a substitute?
James covered a yawn as the lecture picked up sped. It wasn't that he was intellectually lazy, but he was not in league with Severus or even Lily when it came to things like potions, were logic was required. Now, give him transfigurations and he did it easily, but Severus was lost. Besides, he knew Severus only needed him there for moral support, much like Sev supported his games though Quidditch drove his friend nuts.
Which brought him to an interesting question, who was he going to take to the Halloween dance, now that it was on again?
There were any number of girls...but none of them had caught his fancy that year. He supposed he could always go solo, but that was slightly embarrassing. May be he could convince Sev to go, seeing as how the Ravenclaw never went to the dances. Or the parties they had. Come to think of it, his friend never even dated. Maverick needed to get out more, he decided to set the wheels in motion by getting her to agree to go to the dance.
As for Remus, he sat amazed and fascinated by all that he heard. If some things escaped his comprehension, he didn't mind. All this proved was that he had a brilliant friend in Sev.
In the back, Albus followed along and wished his friend, Nicolas Flammel, could be there to hear this. He would be absolutely swept away, enthralled by this dissertation. Plus, he was probably the only one who could truly appreciate what Severus was saying. Obviously, all of the travels Septimus Snape took his child on had only served to create this extra-ordinarily intellectual student.
"Well?"
"Its an intriguing proposition and may, in fact, work beyond your perceived notions." A strange voice answered the question.
Severus moved closer to James, seeking comfort from his presence.
In the doorway, an elderly gentleman with a trimmed beard of silver stood. His eyes twinkled merrily as he walked further into the room and over to the board. "Albus, you never told me that you were harboring a potions prodigy here in Hogwarts."
"Nicolas!" Albus warmly smiled, embracing the man with the familiarity of old friends. "I was just thinking of you. May I introduce you to Remus Lupin, James Potter, and the student whose work you just endorsed far better than I ever could, Severus Snape. I am pleased to introduce you all to Nicolas Flammel."
"Pleasure to meet you, especially the scion of Septimus Snape. I have long admired his work and enjoyed his most recent piece. How is he?"
But Severus couldn't speak over the awe that she felt. This was one of her only idols. This was the wizard who had taken alchemy from a despised form of magic into acceptability. As such, she couldn't bring herself to speak and drew further behind James.
Nicolas seemed to understand her behavior and was saddened. Both he and Albus were troubled by the pedestals their world seemed intent on placing them. They weren't dead yet, far from it, and it was ridiculous to treat them as revered gods.
James came to her rescue, "he's fine. In fact, he's in China on some expedition with muggle archeologists. There was a reference in an old set of scrolls that referred to an ancient form of river magic, he's gone to research it and destroy it, if necessary to prevent our exposure to the outer world."
"Really?" He asked, looking at the tanned young man closer. "Potter, I knew your parents. I was saddened when I heard of your loss. How are things with you?"
"Couldn't be better," he replied, recognizing nothing but sincerity in his face. This man was not going to criticize his guardian, which was a relief. He was tired of defending the man to everyone he met. "Although, I would prefer to be outside playing a game of Quidditch."
"Not surprising, your mother was quite a player."
"What brings you here, Nicolas?"
"You thought of me and didn't think I would come? I'm hurt." They exchanged smiles, then he sobered quickly. "But this is fascinating. Student Snape, I wish you would elaborate a few points for me."
"Okay," she whispered, feeling James push her forward.
"Wonderful," he smiled. "And while you're doing that, why don't we make it? I would like to see this work take shape."
James moved away from her and smiled at her panicked expression. From past experience, he knew she would relax once she'd gotten started.
---
"Nicolas Flammel's an amazing man," Severus remarked as they walked into the Gryffindor tower. "Not at all what I expected."
"What did you think he'd be like?" James asked, guiding her into his room with a light touch on her back.
"I don't know, J.P. Someone who was crusty and brusque, not willing to look at another's work with a fair eye. After all, his track record is amazing. He's accomplished so much in his life. One expects him to not have time for mortals like us." She finished, sitting down on his bed, one leg under her body.
"Hey!" he objected. "You, Severus, are no lowly mortal. Nor are you ordinary."
Her dark head shook, "you only say that because you want something. Spit it out, Potter."
Smiling, he sat down beside her, "I'd like you to go to the Halloween Dance with me."
"Jamie," she sobered. "You know I don't do parties. Plus, I'll be a guy."
"I won't let you get bored," he countered. "And I'll go as your harem girl."
"Jamie!"
"Well, you're always saying I should see how the other side thinks and feels," he replied, with a straight face.
Her response was to smack his head with a pillow repeatedly. He retaliated by wresting it away from her grip and tickling her mercilessly. "Mercy!" she cried, tears on her face.
"Nope, not until you agree to come," he replied.
"Okay, okay, harem boy. I'll go," she yielded. Their eyes met and he wiped away the tears gently. "But then, you knew I would. I always do what you want in the end."
"Not always," he reminded her.
"True, but Quidditch isn't something I do well. Nor is it safe for me," she pointed out.
"Why do you suppose you always agree with me in the end?" he asked as they sat up and leaned against the headboard.
"The blue eyes. Even an obsessed scholar such as myself can't resist a pair of eyes that blue," she joked.
"I'm being earnest," he glared at her. "I wish you would be so as well. Everyone in school says such foul about us and I hate it."
"It's the way they are, Jamie," she responded, resting her head on his shoulder. They sat in silence for a while before she stirred, "finish you herboligy homework yet?"
"Of course not," he scoffed. "Who do you think I am? You?"
"James, the change will occur tonight and I will be unable to help you tomorrow."
"So?"
"So, if you want my help, now is the time to get it," she spoke succinctly.
He reluctantly got up, "all right. You win-this time. You can be such a pain, Sev."
"But I'm your pain, J.P."
He laughed, "so, you are. I wonder what the houses make of it now that they know it was not a potion."
"They think I have you under a very advanced imperio spell," she was matter of fact.
"Do they now? Why am I never the villain in this?" he mused.
Accepting the book from him, she flipped to the appropriate page. "Because you are the great James Potter of Quidditch and all around nice guy. While I am the creepy kid with the strange potions fixation and gender problems. Oh, and I have the evil, dark lord wanna be father."
"Doesn't it bother you?"
"Why should it? I know the truth. The people I care for know the truth. The rest of the world may think what it wills. Besides, it bothers you enough for the both of us, and then some." Her last comment was wry, "ready?"
It was late when Poppy came searching for Severus. She found them curled up on the bed, fast asleep, surrounded by their books and papers. Using extreme care, she woke James up, letting him know what was going on. He nodded sleepily, watching as Severus was taken from the room.
It went against her nature to wake a sleeping student but James was different. The first time she'd separated them, he awoke in a frenzy. No one could calm him and charms didn't reach him through his worry. Only when Severus awoke and reached out did James feel free to relax.
This bond was deep-nearly obsessive and it worried the faculty, especially Poppy. If she didn't know better, she would believe it was a blood oath. But she did know better. She knew that, while impulsive, neither student was stupid enough to mess with that stuff.
Blood oaths had their place but not in the lives of the young.
---
James stretched and yawned, blinking bleary eyes. For a moment, he was disoriented, then he let his senses stretch out and found a familiar presence. The events of last night replayed in his mind then and he grinned in relief. Getting Severus to come was step one in shoving his friend out of academia and into life.
Severus had hid long enough from the world. He wanted everyone to know the Severus that he and a few trusted friends knew. The one who laughed and joked. The one who indulged occasionally in a prank war with Sirius. Who occasionally fell on his butt-ruining the image of perfect grace he'd attained. The wizard who stood against a pack of werewolves without flinching.
He wanted them to see what he saw. And Severus was going to do it whether he wanted to or not.
Mind made up, he went downstairs for breakfast. It had become the tradition for the 6 (occasionally 5) of them to sit at one of the house tables. At first, it had been merely for shock factor and had been James' idea. One day, he walked in and sat at the Ravenclaw table by Severus. The next, he sat with Peter at the Slytherin table. It was hilarious when he thought back upon it, the way those students had leapt away from him.
Well, the next thing he knew was that Severus had joined a shy boy at Hufflepuff. So, he sat with them. After that, the rest of the school seemed to either ignore them or follow his lead.
Walking in, he looked for them and saw them at the Hufflepuff table. Shrugging, he sat between Lily and Remus. "I thought we were going to sit with the Ravenclaws?"
"It isn't the same without Sev," Lily sighed. "Why does she have to change? I was just beginning to get used to having another female to help me deal with the excess of testosterone around here."
"Come on, Lily, we aren't that bad. Are we?" Sirius asked, trying not to stare at her. It was getting harder to ignore how much he really liked her. But James and she must be an item, they were almost joined at the hip.
Well, that wasn't entirely true because of Severus. Those two were thicker than thieves and seemed to be attached from the soul. It was downright creepy but it gave him some hope on the Lily front. No, you don't objectify her. You just make her out to be nothing more than a bloody campaign, he thought sarcastically.
"Some of the time you can be downright..." her voice trailed off, choked by a laugh.
Sirius and Peter turned to see Lucius Malfoy trying to slink into the room. The Slytherin seventh year boy looked...shockingly bad to say the least. His long, pale hair was now a striking hot pink. His skin glowed, not with health but a rainbow of colors-mostly green and gold. His robes were rumpled and...a lovely shade of puce and strained peaches.
As if compelled, he made his way to the head table and turned towards the Gryffindor table, beginning to serenade them. Loudly and quite badly. And what he sang gave everyone quite a shock, it was all about how wonderful the house of Gryffindor was. It condemned the use of mudblood as an accepted colloquialisms. He also seemed to be praising the work ethic of plough horses.
Narcissa Black finally took pity on him and led him out of the uproarious room.
Headmaster Dumbledore said nothing but Sirius knew that he was in trouble. With a sigh, he looked at Lily. "You were saying?"
"Lucius aside, you can be cruel," she finished.
"I suppose you have a point," he slowly agreed.
"Lily always has a point, Siri. You rarely pay attention to her to hear it," Remus' response was dry.
He affectionately responded with a kick to his shins, but Remus was prepared for it. "Ow!" he cried, glaring at the innocent looking Hufflepuff. "I'll get you for that, Rem."
"James, are you all right?" Peter asked, noticing the absent look in the blue eyes.
The Gryffindor shook himself out of his thoughts. "I'm sorry. What?"
Shaking his head, Peter repeated the question. "I asked if you were okay?"
He smiled slightly, "peachy."
"Severus will be fine. He...she...it always is," the boy stumbled over the words. Severus' 'condition' always made him nervous-more so than with Remus. At least with Remus, one knew what to expect and when to expect it. Even now, with the regular schedule, the changes of Severus were wrong.
"I don't think Severus would be happy to be described as an 'it'," James' reply was icy.
Lily rose, "guys, class." She reminded them with a glare to enforce her words.
"I don't have one until later," Remus said, shying away from the look. "Do you want me to check on Severus?"
"Would you?" James started, then shook his head. "Forget it. Severus is rather loopy after changing and wouldn't appreciate being seen like that."
"And miss the chance of seeing ever in control Severus loss it? Never."
"Remus, don't." The harsh tone in his voice shocked everyone.
"James, I was just teasing," the boy was contrite.
Lily glared at James and he flinched. Resting a hand on the tense shoulder, he squeezed it comfortingly. "I'm sorry. I realize that you would never intentionally hurt Severus. Its just that...he'll be sensitive and not see it the way you would."
"All right," he did understand. Severus would feel like he did after the transformations were over and he was back, open and exposed. Privacy was something craved, he would not push himself in when he understood all to well.
The Gryffindor felt no need for words, his blue eyes said it all. But he knew Remus needed to hear them, "thanks."
---
Severus groaned and rolled onto his side, wrapping his arms around his shaking body. These changes were getting more complicated and harder to get through. It was also becoming more and more difficult to hide the truth from James. He knew that James already suspected things were not quite right with them.
He giggled suddenly, smothering it quickly with his hand. James was quite a teddy bear unless riled-then watch out! More and more of that tendency had been turned towards 'helping' him emerge from his books.
It made him sigh deeply, feeling depressed suddenly. As much as he loved James, this desire to introduce the 'real' Severus to others really frustrated him. Rubbing sore eyes, he allowed them to close. He'd ponder the problem of James later. Hours later, he woke, slightly confused by the dim light and the feel of someone holding him.
The faint smell of the salty sea tingled his nose and he faintly smiled. "J.P."
"Maverick," the reply was sleepy. "Don't let Poppy know I'm here. I snuck back in after she kicked me out."
"All right," Severus agreed. "But shouldn't you be in class or at dinner?"
"Dinner was hours ago, Sev," he mumbled, rolling closer. Severus barely managed to grab the cloak and keep it wrapped around him.
"Jamie, you should be in your dorm," he reproached softly.
"Don't wanna, to cold." Jamie mumbled, "sleepy, Sev."
"Night, Jamie," his reply was lost in the soft snore that emitted from his friend. "Sleep well."
For a moment, the Ravenclaw tried to go back to sleep. When that failed, as he suspected it would, he opened his eyes and looked for something to do. A wry grin crossed his lips when he saw the glasses resting on the table, beside his class work. "Sure she won't know that you're here," he snorted.
Being extremely careful, he eased out of the slack embrace and sat up. Casting a dim 'lumos', he reached for them and read over Jamie's notes, wishing for Lily's instead. I must find a way to get these written automatically for me, Jamie needs works on his. He got the bare facts but none of the meat that made the work click in Severus' mind.
But they were better than nothing, he thought with a sigh. It was silent, not even the relentless movements of the quill broke the silence.
"Severus, must you be so diligent?" Sirius asked, peering at him.
Severus jumped, startled and the papers flew every which way. James stirred but, luckily, didn't wake up. "Sirius, don't do that. Are you trying to kill me?"
The Slytherin actually had the audacity to look like he was thinking over the idea. "No. It actually wasn't on my list of things to do. But, if you'd like, I'll get right on it."
"That's quite all right," Severus gave him a withering look, not liking the look in the other boy's eyes. "What brings you here?" he hurriedly asked.
Sirius gnawed his lip, studying his friend. "Can we go for a walk? We'll leave James in your place, Poppy won't know the difference."
He hesitated, debating his choices. James had a tendency to worry if he woke up to find him gone with no explanation. On the other hand, Sirius would not have come here if everything was okay. With a sigh, he rose and led the way. "But we can't go to far."
After walking for a while, Sirius pulled him into one of the corners. "In your honest opinion, what chance do I have with Lily when James is around?"
Severus stopped his jaw from hitting the ground. Barely. "You scared me because you want advice about your love life?"
"Severus, please."
He sighed, "Lily and James as a couple? Sirius, he has no interest in her. Told me that she was the pesky little sister that he always wanted-and was glad he never had."
"So, Jamie isn't interested in her. What about her? You know her, how does she feel about him?" he pleaded.
"Brotherly. Lily likes you, you dunderhead," he snapped.
"But what of Remus? What of that quiet intelligence he has? The fact that he doesn't go around pranking people? Girls like that shyness he has, don't they?" he was too lost in his world of worries to hear his reply. "Its that air of helplessness that he has, brings out the mother in women."
"Sirius!" Severus exploded, "just ask her out. If you're still worried, ask her to spend some time with you when we're at Hogsmead. That way, you will be on neutral ground."
"You think that will work?"
The Ravenclaw shrugged, "can't hurt to try."
"Thanks, Severus, you're the best!" he hugged him.
"Ugh! Sirius! Don't be such a sap," Severus struggled out of the embrace.
He just shook his head, "you can be such a drip, Severus."
"I do try. Now, you better get back before you're caught," he suggested.
"Worrywart," he teased.
"Only when it comes to covering my own behind from Jamie and your antics," he retorted with a glare. With a smirk, the Slytherin disappeared around the corner, waving once.
Severus entered the room, stopping when Jamie's owlish glare hit him. "You left," he accused him.
"I stayed where you could hear us, James."
"So? You should have let me know," he said.
Severus sat down, "it wasn't my prerogative. Sirius wanted to keep it between me and him."
"You're my guide," he pointed out.
"And if it had anything to do with you, I would tell you. But this was about Sirius and Lily, he wanted to know what his chances with her are."
He studied his hands, "I suppose its unreasonable for me to be so unsure."
"No. I'm unsure myself. I understand absolutely nothing about what's going on with your senses. All I know is that you're a sentinel and somehow, I keep you in tune. I worry that you'll find someone who knows what's going on with you and can help you. That you'll want to go with them."
"Hey, we're in this together." He enveloped his friend in a tight embrace, "whatever happens, we do it together."
End Act 2.
Author's Note: Bet you weren't expecting that, were you. In fact, neither was I. But it just happened. James likes being a sentinel. Go figure. (All that means is that all of his senses are advanced. He hears, sees, smells, and tastes things that we can't. He can also feel things that are too delicate for us.) And Severus? He isn't a cross dresser, he's transgendered.
Fifth Year:
"Sev, is it just me or are Lily and Sirius acting..odd?"
"He likes her. She likes him. But both are being extremely knotty about it," the calm reply came from the bowed head. "Be quiet for just one more minute, I'm at a delicate point here."
James sighed, exasperated. "You're always at a delicate point, or a breakthrough, Sev. I'm beginning to think that you don't like being around me anymore."
The item in her hand went forgotten as she turned her dark eyes to him, "do you really feel that way?" It was spoken in a soft, vulnerable voice.
James nodded slowly, "you spend so much time in here with those things. Or with Remus that I barely even see you anymore."
"That doesn't hold water when you spend most of your time on the Quidditch pitch training with the new 5th and 6th year team." She reminded him dryly, turning back to her work.
He sighed, creeping up to her and resting his head on the top of hers. It had taken some time but he'd finally gotten his growth spurt and towered over her by a few inches. "You should be on the team."
"Hah! You just love watching me get air sick," she scoffed.
"Severus, we found a way around that," he reminded her.
Putting the final ingredient into the cauldron, she shook her head once. "Won't work this time, Jamie. I've rarely denied you anything but I am holding firm on this. Quidditch and I just don't belong together."
He shrugged, "can't blame me for trying."
"I could, but it would be hard to justify," she teased, smacking his wandering hand. "Stop that, Headmaster Dumbledore will be here soon."
"Spoilsport," he pouted.
"Don't start, J.P.," she warned. "Besides, friends don't mess around with friends like that."
"Why not? Do they have such a shaky foundation that they can't build upon it?" he mused, running a hand through her silky hair absently.
"Fear of ruining what they already have, I would imagine."
"Sounds ridiculous to me."
"Well, you are Gryffindor. House of no common sense and little grip on reality," Lily quipped from the doorway.
Remus entered behind her and watched the two for a moment, amused. James Potter's friendship with Severus Snape and the true nature of it was the most consistent piece of gossip in school. And none had ever come close to understanding the bond that just lived between them.
But the werewolf figured it had a lot to do with what happened during one of their practices when James had just seemed to lose control of himself. The vacant look on his face and the way he let the broom go, then Severus jumping onto her broom in a heedless rush to help him still caused him to shiver in fear. Of course, no one had known she could fly like that. In other circumstances, it would have been admired. But all they'd felt then was absolute terror.
"What are you doing?"
"Making something that will be a surprise to Lucius Malfoy, I hope." Sirius drawled, entering from the window on the far side of the room. Peter wasn't that far behind him, as usual. "Thanks for showing us this way in, Severus." He offhandedly said, shutting the window carefully, keeping an eye out for trouble.
"Not a problem." She rolled her eyes, "as for this, it isn't. I leave Malfoy torture in far superior hands than my own. This is for Remus. Hopefully, it will make his transformations less painful. And less dependent on my blood to regain his nourishment, not that I mind."
"But, I don't know...What I mean to say is," he stammered, trailing off.
"Maverick, you are a genius!" James exclaimed, twirling her around in circles.
"Jamison Potter! Put me down! Right now!" She cried between laughs. "And don't jump to conclusions, you crazy git, it hasn't been tested. Nor does it have Professor Dumbledore's seal of approval."
"Stop being such a pessimist, Sev. You created it, therefore, its bound to be a smashing success."
"I wish I felt that way, J.P. But there are so many things that could go wrong. It might not work. Or it might be addictive. It could kill instead of help. The transformations could be worse. Or become a nightly thing. Or..."
"Go exactly as you researched," Dumbledore's quiet statement cut through the worried speech. "Now, tell me what you've done so I can congratulate you."
"Aren't you guys being just a tad to hopeful? This is the first attempt," Lily said.
"I don't believe we are. Student Snape has built her potion based on the foundation of research initiated by Rowena Ravenclaw and other potion masters. Her Earth Mage status has also given her a step up in that she sees the way the ingredients blend together, much as you understand the various degrees of heat and their inner workings. Plus, this is a project three years in the research and making of this potion. On with the explanation, so that I can allay your fears," Albus ordered.
"Sir, before Severus begins what is sure to be an illuminating lecture, Peter and I are going to go." Sirius said, "no offense, but potions and all the stuff behind them is dull."
Part of Lily wanted to stay but...there was the allure of being near Sirius. Love rots, she thought, especially when it interferes with learning. "I'll see you later."
"Later, guys," Only James and Remus stayed, more out of supporting Severus than anything else. Though Remus was curious as to how this potion was supposed to help him.
Moving to the blackboard, where the recipe was, Severus proceeded to speak about how she'd been directed to this by something found in Rowena Ravenclaw's notes that helped her find the foundation for it. But the ingredients over time had matured or evolved to a certain degree, changing their properties to something else entirely.
Especially tricky was the element silver. Of all elements, silver had shown itself to be the most effective in controling the wolf's behavior. Yet, silver is a poison to wolves. Which leads to a quandary, do we use it and slowly let the toxins build up in the werewolf, thus making for a slow and agonizing death? Or find a substitute?
James covered a yawn as the lecture picked up sped. It wasn't that he was intellectually lazy, but he was not in league with Severus or even Lily when it came to things like potions, were logic was required. Now, give him transfigurations and he did it easily, but Severus was lost. Besides, he knew Severus only needed him there for moral support, much like Sev supported his games though Quidditch drove his friend nuts.
Which brought him to an interesting question, who was he going to take to the Halloween dance, now that it was on again?
There were any number of girls...but none of them had caught his fancy that year. He supposed he could always go solo, but that was slightly embarrassing. May be he could convince Sev to go, seeing as how the Ravenclaw never went to the dances. Or the parties they had. Come to think of it, his friend never even dated. Maverick needed to get out more, he decided to set the wheels in motion by getting her to agree to go to the dance.
As for Remus, he sat amazed and fascinated by all that he heard. If some things escaped his comprehension, he didn't mind. All this proved was that he had a brilliant friend in Sev.
In the back, Albus followed along and wished his friend, Nicolas Flammel, could be there to hear this. He would be absolutely swept away, enthralled by this dissertation. Plus, he was probably the only one who could truly appreciate what Severus was saying. Obviously, all of the travels Septimus Snape took his child on had only served to create this extra-ordinarily intellectual student.
"Well?"
"Its an intriguing proposition and may, in fact, work beyond your perceived notions." A strange voice answered the question.
Severus moved closer to James, seeking comfort from his presence.
In the doorway, an elderly gentleman with a trimmed beard of silver stood. His eyes twinkled merrily as he walked further into the room and over to the board. "Albus, you never told me that you were harboring a potions prodigy here in Hogwarts."
"Nicolas!" Albus warmly smiled, embracing the man with the familiarity of old friends. "I was just thinking of you. May I introduce you to Remus Lupin, James Potter, and the student whose work you just endorsed far better than I ever could, Severus Snape. I am pleased to introduce you all to Nicolas Flammel."
"Pleasure to meet you, especially the scion of Septimus Snape. I have long admired his work and enjoyed his most recent piece. How is he?"
But Severus couldn't speak over the awe that she felt. This was one of her only idols. This was the wizard who had taken alchemy from a despised form of magic into acceptability. As such, she couldn't bring herself to speak and drew further behind James.
Nicolas seemed to understand her behavior and was saddened. Both he and Albus were troubled by the pedestals their world seemed intent on placing them. They weren't dead yet, far from it, and it was ridiculous to treat them as revered gods.
James came to her rescue, "he's fine. In fact, he's in China on some expedition with muggle archeologists. There was a reference in an old set of scrolls that referred to an ancient form of river magic, he's gone to research it and destroy it, if necessary to prevent our exposure to the outer world."
"Really?" He asked, looking at the tanned young man closer. "Potter, I knew your parents. I was saddened when I heard of your loss. How are things with you?"
"Couldn't be better," he replied, recognizing nothing but sincerity in his face. This man was not going to criticize his guardian, which was a relief. He was tired of defending the man to everyone he met. "Although, I would prefer to be outside playing a game of Quidditch."
"Not surprising, your mother was quite a player."
"What brings you here, Nicolas?"
"You thought of me and didn't think I would come? I'm hurt." They exchanged smiles, then he sobered quickly. "But this is fascinating. Student Snape, I wish you would elaborate a few points for me."
"Okay," she whispered, feeling James push her forward.
"Wonderful," he smiled. "And while you're doing that, why don't we make it? I would like to see this work take shape."
James moved away from her and smiled at her panicked expression. From past experience, he knew she would relax once she'd gotten started.
---
"Nicolas Flammel's an amazing man," Severus remarked as they walked into the Gryffindor tower. "Not at all what I expected."
"What did you think he'd be like?" James asked, guiding her into his room with a light touch on her back.
"I don't know, J.P. Someone who was crusty and brusque, not willing to look at another's work with a fair eye. After all, his track record is amazing. He's accomplished so much in his life. One expects him to not have time for mortals like us." She finished, sitting down on his bed, one leg under her body.
"Hey!" he objected. "You, Severus, are no lowly mortal. Nor are you ordinary."
Her dark head shook, "you only say that because you want something. Spit it out, Potter."
Smiling, he sat down beside her, "I'd like you to go to the Halloween Dance with me."
"Jamie," she sobered. "You know I don't do parties. Plus, I'll be a guy."
"I won't let you get bored," he countered. "And I'll go as your harem girl."
"Jamie!"
"Well, you're always saying I should see how the other side thinks and feels," he replied, with a straight face.
Her response was to smack his head with a pillow repeatedly. He retaliated by wresting it away from her grip and tickling her mercilessly. "Mercy!" she cried, tears on her face.
"Nope, not until you agree to come," he replied.
"Okay, okay, harem boy. I'll go," she yielded. Their eyes met and he wiped away the tears gently. "But then, you knew I would. I always do what you want in the end."
"Not always," he reminded her.
"True, but Quidditch isn't something I do well. Nor is it safe for me," she pointed out.
"Why do you suppose you always agree with me in the end?" he asked as they sat up and leaned against the headboard.
"The blue eyes. Even an obsessed scholar such as myself can't resist a pair of eyes that blue," she joked.
"I'm being earnest," he glared at her. "I wish you would be so as well. Everyone in school says such foul about us and I hate it."
"It's the way they are, Jamie," she responded, resting her head on his shoulder. They sat in silence for a while before she stirred, "finish you herboligy homework yet?"
"Of course not," he scoffed. "Who do you think I am? You?"
"James, the change will occur tonight and I will be unable to help you tomorrow."
"So?"
"So, if you want my help, now is the time to get it," she spoke succinctly.
He reluctantly got up, "all right. You win-this time. You can be such a pain, Sev."
"But I'm your pain, J.P."
He laughed, "so, you are. I wonder what the houses make of it now that they know it was not a potion."
"They think I have you under a very advanced imperio spell," she was matter of fact.
"Do they now? Why am I never the villain in this?" he mused.
Accepting the book from him, she flipped to the appropriate page. "Because you are the great James Potter of Quidditch and all around nice guy. While I am the creepy kid with the strange potions fixation and gender problems. Oh, and I have the evil, dark lord wanna be father."
"Doesn't it bother you?"
"Why should it? I know the truth. The people I care for know the truth. The rest of the world may think what it wills. Besides, it bothers you enough for the both of us, and then some." Her last comment was wry, "ready?"
It was late when Poppy came searching for Severus. She found them curled up on the bed, fast asleep, surrounded by their books and papers. Using extreme care, she woke James up, letting him know what was going on. He nodded sleepily, watching as Severus was taken from the room.
It went against her nature to wake a sleeping student but James was different. The first time she'd separated them, he awoke in a frenzy. No one could calm him and charms didn't reach him through his worry. Only when Severus awoke and reached out did James feel free to relax.
This bond was deep-nearly obsessive and it worried the faculty, especially Poppy. If she didn't know better, she would believe it was a blood oath. But she did know better. She knew that, while impulsive, neither student was stupid enough to mess with that stuff.
Blood oaths had their place but not in the lives of the young.
---
James stretched and yawned, blinking bleary eyes. For a moment, he was disoriented, then he let his senses stretch out and found a familiar presence. The events of last night replayed in his mind then and he grinned in relief. Getting Severus to come was step one in shoving his friend out of academia and into life.
Severus had hid long enough from the world. He wanted everyone to know the Severus that he and a few trusted friends knew. The one who laughed and joked. The one who indulged occasionally in a prank war with Sirius. Who occasionally fell on his butt-ruining the image of perfect grace he'd attained. The wizard who stood against a pack of werewolves without flinching.
He wanted them to see what he saw. And Severus was going to do it whether he wanted to or not.
Mind made up, he went downstairs for breakfast. It had become the tradition for the 6 (occasionally 5) of them to sit at one of the house tables. At first, it had been merely for shock factor and had been James' idea. One day, he walked in and sat at the Ravenclaw table by Severus. The next, he sat with Peter at the Slytherin table. It was hilarious when he thought back upon it, the way those students had leapt away from him.
Well, the next thing he knew was that Severus had joined a shy boy at Hufflepuff. So, he sat with them. After that, the rest of the school seemed to either ignore them or follow his lead.
Walking in, he looked for them and saw them at the Hufflepuff table. Shrugging, he sat between Lily and Remus. "I thought we were going to sit with the Ravenclaws?"
"It isn't the same without Sev," Lily sighed. "Why does she have to change? I was just beginning to get used to having another female to help me deal with the excess of testosterone around here."
"Come on, Lily, we aren't that bad. Are we?" Sirius asked, trying not to stare at her. It was getting harder to ignore how much he really liked her. But James and she must be an item, they were almost joined at the hip.
Well, that wasn't entirely true because of Severus. Those two were thicker than thieves and seemed to be attached from the soul. It was downright creepy but it gave him some hope on the Lily front. No, you don't objectify her. You just make her out to be nothing more than a bloody campaign, he thought sarcastically.
"Some of the time you can be downright..." her voice trailed off, choked by a laugh.
Sirius and Peter turned to see Lucius Malfoy trying to slink into the room. The Slytherin seventh year boy looked...shockingly bad to say the least. His long, pale hair was now a striking hot pink. His skin glowed, not with health but a rainbow of colors-mostly green and gold. His robes were rumpled and...a lovely shade of puce and strained peaches.
As if compelled, he made his way to the head table and turned towards the Gryffindor table, beginning to serenade them. Loudly and quite badly. And what he sang gave everyone quite a shock, it was all about how wonderful the house of Gryffindor was. It condemned the use of mudblood as an accepted colloquialisms. He also seemed to be praising the work ethic of plough horses.
Narcissa Black finally took pity on him and led him out of the uproarious room.
Headmaster Dumbledore said nothing but Sirius knew that he was in trouble. With a sigh, he looked at Lily. "You were saying?"
"Lucius aside, you can be cruel," she finished.
"I suppose you have a point," he slowly agreed.
"Lily always has a point, Siri. You rarely pay attention to her to hear it," Remus' response was dry.
He affectionately responded with a kick to his shins, but Remus was prepared for it. "Ow!" he cried, glaring at the innocent looking Hufflepuff. "I'll get you for that, Rem."
"James, are you all right?" Peter asked, noticing the absent look in the blue eyes.
The Gryffindor shook himself out of his thoughts. "I'm sorry. What?"
Shaking his head, Peter repeated the question. "I asked if you were okay?"
He smiled slightly, "peachy."
"Severus will be fine. He...she...it always is," the boy stumbled over the words. Severus' 'condition' always made him nervous-more so than with Remus. At least with Remus, one knew what to expect and when to expect it. Even now, with the regular schedule, the changes of Severus were wrong.
"I don't think Severus would be happy to be described as an 'it'," James' reply was icy.
Lily rose, "guys, class." She reminded them with a glare to enforce her words.
"I don't have one until later," Remus said, shying away from the look. "Do you want me to check on Severus?"
"Would you?" James started, then shook his head. "Forget it. Severus is rather loopy after changing and wouldn't appreciate being seen like that."
"And miss the chance of seeing ever in control Severus loss it? Never."
"Remus, don't." The harsh tone in his voice shocked everyone.
"James, I was just teasing," the boy was contrite.
Lily glared at James and he flinched. Resting a hand on the tense shoulder, he squeezed it comfortingly. "I'm sorry. I realize that you would never intentionally hurt Severus. Its just that...he'll be sensitive and not see it the way you would."
"All right," he did understand. Severus would feel like he did after the transformations were over and he was back, open and exposed. Privacy was something craved, he would not push himself in when he understood all to well.
The Gryffindor felt no need for words, his blue eyes said it all. But he knew Remus needed to hear them, "thanks."
---
Severus groaned and rolled onto his side, wrapping his arms around his shaking body. These changes were getting more complicated and harder to get through. It was also becoming more and more difficult to hide the truth from James. He knew that James already suspected things were not quite right with them.
He giggled suddenly, smothering it quickly with his hand. James was quite a teddy bear unless riled-then watch out! More and more of that tendency had been turned towards 'helping' him emerge from his books.
It made him sigh deeply, feeling depressed suddenly. As much as he loved James, this desire to introduce the 'real' Severus to others really frustrated him. Rubbing sore eyes, he allowed them to close. He'd ponder the problem of James later. Hours later, he woke, slightly confused by the dim light and the feel of someone holding him.
The faint smell of the salty sea tingled his nose and he faintly smiled. "J.P."
"Maverick," the reply was sleepy. "Don't let Poppy know I'm here. I snuck back in after she kicked me out."
"All right," Severus agreed. "But shouldn't you be in class or at dinner?"
"Dinner was hours ago, Sev," he mumbled, rolling closer. Severus barely managed to grab the cloak and keep it wrapped around him.
"Jamie, you should be in your dorm," he reproached softly.
"Don't wanna, to cold." Jamie mumbled, "sleepy, Sev."
"Night, Jamie," his reply was lost in the soft snore that emitted from his friend. "Sleep well."
For a moment, the Ravenclaw tried to go back to sleep. When that failed, as he suspected it would, he opened his eyes and looked for something to do. A wry grin crossed his lips when he saw the glasses resting on the table, beside his class work. "Sure she won't know that you're here," he snorted.
Being extremely careful, he eased out of the slack embrace and sat up. Casting a dim 'lumos', he reached for them and read over Jamie's notes, wishing for Lily's instead. I must find a way to get these written automatically for me, Jamie needs works on his. He got the bare facts but none of the meat that made the work click in Severus' mind.
But they were better than nothing, he thought with a sigh. It was silent, not even the relentless movements of the quill broke the silence.
"Severus, must you be so diligent?" Sirius asked, peering at him.
Severus jumped, startled and the papers flew every which way. James stirred but, luckily, didn't wake up. "Sirius, don't do that. Are you trying to kill me?"
The Slytherin actually had the audacity to look like he was thinking over the idea. "No. It actually wasn't on my list of things to do. But, if you'd like, I'll get right on it."
"That's quite all right," Severus gave him a withering look, not liking the look in the other boy's eyes. "What brings you here?" he hurriedly asked.
Sirius gnawed his lip, studying his friend. "Can we go for a walk? We'll leave James in your place, Poppy won't know the difference."
He hesitated, debating his choices. James had a tendency to worry if he woke up to find him gone with no explanation. On the other hand, Sirius would not have come here if everything was okay. With a sigh, he rose and led the way. "But we can't go to far."
After walking for a while, Sirius pulled him into one of the corners. "In your honest opinion, what chance do I have with Lily when James is around?"
Severus stopped his jaw from hitting the ground. Barely. "You scared me because you want advice about your love life?"
"Severus, please."
He sighed, "Lily and James as a couple? Sirius, he has no interest in her. Told me that she was the pesky little sister that he always wanted-and was glad he never had."
"So, Jamie isn't interested in her. What about her? You know her, how does she feel about him?" he pleaded.
"Brotherly. Lily likes you, you dunderhead," he snapped.
"But what of Remus? What of that quiet intelligence he has? The fact that he doesn't go around pranking people? Girls like that shyness he has, don't they?" he was too lost in his world of worries to hear his reply. "Its that air of helplessness that he has, brings out the mother in women."
"Sirius!" Severus exploded, "just ask her out. If you're still worried, ask her to spend some time with you when we're at Hogsmead. That way, you will be on neutral ground."
"You think that will work?"
The Ravenclaw shrugged, "can't hurt to try."
"Thanks, Severus, you're the best!" he hugged him.
"Ugh! Sirius! Don't be such a sap," Severus struggled out of the embrace.
He just shook his head, "you can be such a drip, Severus."
"I do try. Now, you better get back before you're caught," he suggested.
"Worrywart," he teased.
"Only when it comes to covering my own behind from Jamie and your antics," he retorted with a glare. With a smirk, the Slytherin disappeared around the corner, waving once.
Severus entered the room, stopping when Jamie's owlish glare hit him. "You left," he accused him.
"I stayed where you could hear us, James."
"So? You should have let me know," he said.
Severus sat down, "it wasn't my prerogative. Sirius wanted to keep it between me and him."
"You're my guide," he pointed out.
"And if it had anything to do with you, I would tell you. But this was about Sirius and Lily, he wanted to know what his chances with her are."
He studied his hands, "I suppose its unreasonable for me to be so unsure."
"No. I'm unsure myself. I understand absolutely nothing about what's going on with your senses. All I know is that you're a sentinel and somehow, I keep you in tune. I worry that you'll find someone who knows what's going on with you and can help you. That you'll want to go with them."
"Hey, we're in this together." He enveloped his friend in a tight embrace, "whatever happens, we do it together."
End Act 2.
Author's Note: Bet you weren't expecting that, were you. In fact, neither was I. But it just happened. James likes being a sentinel. Go figure. (All that means is that all of his senses are advanced. He hears, sees, smells, and tastes things that we can't. He can also feel things that are too delicate for us.) And Severus? He isn't a cross dresser, he's transgendered.