Note: This is an alternate story to my AU, Veracity. That was a what if, with a female Snape who married James Potter, while they married each other under false pretenses, they eventually fell in love and took down Voldemort. You don't have to read the story, that's all you need to know, though minor references to the story and character details might be referenced. This story is going to be more mature than Veracity, which was rated M for violence and themes on a sexual nature. However, this story will have more overt sexual content.

As always, I appreciate your feedback

September 22, 2000

James Potter steadied himself as he stood by the fireplace waiting for his wife. He checked his watch, she was running late.

He poured himself a glass of the rather nice Pinot Noir he'd bought and starting without her, not that she'd particularly mind. Severa was never the romantic type, even after twenty-five years.

Twenty-five years. Where had the time gone?

It was a miracle, of course, that they had made it out of the war alive- barely at that, and destroyed the Horcruxes. Voldemort was dead and gone, and with the final shard released from Harry Prewett's scar, he was nothing more than a memory.

It still haunted him though, thinking about how Lily had to die so horribly, while he and Severa were still alive. They might not have had the happiest marriage, but they had lived, and had two beautiful children together. Laura had gotten married, and Richard had moved out- leaving James alone with his thoughts most days since Severa spent so much time at Hogwarts.

He hadn't much time to reflect. With a flash, Severa stepped into the fireplace and looked contemptuously at the glass of wine in his hand. "Bit early to start isn't it?" She sneered.

James leaned in to kiss her, and Severa half-heartedly accepted it. "Happy anniversary to you to, Vera."

"You too," Severa mumbled back. She took the glass out of his hand and took a swig. "I think I'll go mad having to teach those idiots. I've had the most terrible day."

"Is it the Third Years this time?" James asked.

"No, my NEWT class of you can believe it- can't even prepare a proper Elixir to Produce Euphoria. Got the proportions all wrong, and half the class was singing. It was disagreeable." She took another sip. "This is quite good, actually."

"I got it from that vineyard we visited a few years back in Côte d'Or." James said. "Do you remember that charming little inn we stayed at?"

"I certainly remember the bedbugs," Severa replied. "Shall we eat then? What have you in mind for this oh so special anniversary?"

"Nothing too grand, I thought I'd try my hand at Daube. But I did make those lavender thyme macarons you like."

Severa gave him one of those maddening, indiscernible little smiles of hers that barely reached the edge of her thin lips. "You certainly spoil me. Oh, afterwards, I was given something to take a look at, I thought you might want to join me."

After they had eaten, James cleared the table, floating the dishes to the sink. "So what is it you wanted to show me."

Severa took out a large leather bound book from her work satchel - the one she usually carried to grade papers in, and placed it gently on the table. "Regulus said he found this in Knockturn, and wanted me to inspect it, see if it was genuine."

"Did he purchase it legally?"

Severa waved off his question. "All minor details, the point is, after reading the runes- I think it's more than some average grimoire or spellbook. I think...this might have to do with deep magic."

James looked at the book with interest, but the runes looked indecipherable, the faded ink smudged on the vellum. "How can you tell? Also, shouldn't this be dealt with by the Unspeakables?"

Severa scoffed. "And have them take it away? Well, there are some words that have been lost in translation, but here- that's the Greek word Pneuma, which in this context means the soul. Soul magic is part of the deep magic, very old stuff that hasn't been properly studied in eons."

"For good reason," James added. "Or have you forgotten about the Horcruxes?"

Severa scowled. "Of course I haven't, but that's not the only use for it. And it's for purely academic purposes."

"As fascinating as it is, why don't you put that book away and let's head to bed. I've missed you."

Severa relented, closing the book and leaving it on the table. She followed him into the bedroom, where they made love for the first time in weeks.

After they had finished, James held his wife in his arms, her thin frame pressed against his, as he nuzzled his face in her neck, her neck facing him.

"James, are you...happy with how everything turned out?" Severa asked.

He paused. "I think so. We built a good life together, didn't we?"

"But, if you could do it all over again, choose differently, wouldn't you? I know I wasn't your first choice."

"Well, if I had the chance, maybe. But as far as I'm concerned, it's a moot point."

Severa nodded. "Forget I said anything then, just some silly musings before bed."

James yawned, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Goodnight then."

When James awoke, he was utterly alone.

Perhaps Severa has woken up early again, as usual. Usually he could smell the coffee brewing in the kitchen. The air however, smelled different. Musty. The sheets felt different too. He opened his eyes to find himself in a four-postered bed, something he hadn't used since his schooldays. Cautiously, he noticed it looked exactly like his old bed at Hogwarts. He was even in his own pajamas.

Nervously, he ran his hand through his hair and sat up. He grabbed the velvet curtain and opened it.

Much to his horror he was in the Gryffindor boy's dormitory. The sunlight was shining through the window as he could hear the sounds of the others- his friends- getting ready to start their day.

"About time you woke up, Sleepyhead." Sirius shouted as he threw a pillow in his direction. "I thought I was going to have to douse you with water! We're going to be late for class if you don't hurry up soon."

James blinked in disbelief. It certainly was Sirius standing in front of him, but he was just so...young.

James rubbed his eyes. "I don't know how you did it mate, but you had me fooled for a second. This is very good."

Sirius stared at him in confusion. "What?"

"It's clever, transporting me back to my old dorm, deaging yourself, you really had me going for a second. Who else is there? Remus?"

"Everything alright, Prongs?" Peter asked poking his head into the curtain.

James gasped. He knew for certain this wasn't a prank. Peter, the traitor, had died long ago and not even Sirius could have been able to resurrect him in his teenage state.

"He's acting a bit odd." Sirius commented.

"Should we take him to the Hospital Wing?" Remus asked, joining them. James has almost forgotten how young and carefree Remus was back in their schooldays. He certainly had less scars, and fewer grey hairs.

James shook his head. "No, I'm fine. I'll be ready in five minutes."

If he was going to get to the bottom of his strange predicament, he was going to have to play along.

As they navigated the stairs and passageways, James felt the memories of the past rushing back. Of course, he visited the castle frequently to see his wife, but it was different passing by classmates he knew were dead, or noticing little things about other students he hadn't known well before, but got to know better in his job at the Ministry.

It wasn't until he sat down in Defense that he noticed her. He couldn't have missed that fiery red hair anywhere. He felt breathless, seeing her alive, all flesh and blood and sinew as opposed to her marble statue at Godric's Hollow.

"Lily."

James cringed. He hadn't meant to say that aloud. She turned around.

"What is it, Potter?" She asked irritably.

He coughed. "Nothing in particular. I just wanted to say you look very nice today."

Lily gave him a withering glare, "Thank you," she replied sarcastically. "I only do so for your gratification." She turned to face her friend, ignoring him. James blushed, he really has made a fool of himself, but he hadn't meant it like that. He felt Sirius plaice his hand sympathetically on his shoulder.

After class, they headed for lunch. It was difficult navigating his new (old) body, all gangly limbs of different sizes, but he was getting used to it. He made sure to sit at the side of the table facing the other House tables, trying to scan for Severa. Even if she didn't remember him anymore, he felt some comfort knowing she was there.

She was reading a book, it looked like one of her old beaten up texts. He couldn't help but laugh, she looked so angular and scruffy. The years of comfortable living and a decent wardrobe had evened out her features when they were married, so it was jarring seeing her back to her old self in her twice mended, fading robes and stringy hair.

He still wanted to kiss her.

"I see you're keeping an eye on Scervix," Sirius noticed, bursting James's reverie. James remembered that nickname. He came up with it when he had found out that cervix was Latin for nape, and also he and Sirius had thought it was very clever comparing her to the rather unsavory aspects of her sex, since they weren't allowed to call her other names for female genitalia. "What say you about ambushing her before our next class? Have a little fun?"

Honestly, he was very opposed to the idea, but at this point in time old James- the person he was supposed to be, would be delighted at the idea. "Let's."

They followed her. Severa was unusually distracted, walking slower than normal, her head buried in her book. She was making it too easy.

When they reached a quiet alcove, Sirius sent an Immobillus her way, causing her to drop her book as she froze

They laughed, and ran over to her, undoing the spell as she came to.

"What is the meaning of this?" Severa shouted irritably as Sirius grabbed her wand, lifting his arm high above her head.

"Sorry, Scervix, you're going to have to do better than that," Sirius laughed. He signaled to James to jinx her. He sent a Jelly-Legs, but purposely missed. "If you want it back, you're going to have to say 'please,'" he said, taunting her.

"As if I'd beg to a curr like you," she said, folding her arms.

"No need for such vicious language," Sirius tutted, "A curr, indeed." He smiled at the irony.

Severa exchanged a look with James of exasperation, as if having to deal with a child. "Can you talk to him? This is getting tiresome."

"Padfoot, give it back." James asked. She wasn't acting at all like the angry girl he remembered. Usually, she would have had more choice words for the both of them. Perhaps it would have come to blows or hexes.

"But we're just getting started," Sirius pouted.

"We don't really have time for this," James reasoned. "We have to go to Potions in ten minutes anyway."

Sirius sighed. "Since when were you so responsible?" He asked. "Fine. Here you go, Scervix- catch." He threw her wand back at her, and she caught it in a swift motion, much to Sirius's surprise. He ducked, expecting her to curse him in return, but she placed her wand back in her robes.

Severa gave a pointed stare to James. "I expect better of you next time," she chided.

"I'm sorry," he replied, and he meant it.

He thought he might be seeing things, but there she was, giving him one of those maddening little smiles of hers. There was a knowing look in her eyes of some sort of comprehension, being in on the joke. "I'm sure you are. I'll see you around, James."

She called him James, not Potter. And the way she looked at him...she knew.

"Vera, wait!"

He ran after her, jumping in front of her.

"James, you're making a scene."

"Do you know what's going on? Why are we here. Don't pretend you don't know me," he added when she was she was about to deny it.

Severa pursed her lips. "Not here," she murmured, leaning close to him. "Your dear friend is still watching us. Meet me in the Room of Requirement, tonight after curfew. We'll talk later."

James nodded. "Right. I'll see you then. Don't hold out on me, Vera."

"Of course not." She whispered in his ear. Suddenly, she leaned over and gave a quick peck on the cheek, imperceptible and unnoticeable before walking away.

"What was that?" Sirius asked as he caught up to him.

James shrugged. "No idea."