Their Favorite Student

by FrankieQuinn13

Summary:

James, Sirius and Remus encounter three new enemies. Enemies they could have never anticipated. Enemies that were annoyingly infatuated with Severus Snape. The new teachers at Hogwarts: Professor Abbey, Professor Cartwright and Professor Newport

Notes:

A/N: So I haven't forgotten about My Everything, the last chapter will be posted in due time. I was just really excited about this one

Apologies spelling, grammar and OOCness (Seriously I didn't really edit much)

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of its charracters

Chapter 1

 

Professor Jacob Cartwright. He was tall with short brown hair with a longer fringe going down the side of his face, lightly tanned skin and green eyes. The girls adored him, they were constantly vying for his attention and he seemed to welcome their unending fawning for the most part, giving a charming smile every chance he got making them all swoon. He’s the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and he was actually quite good at his job. He was ten times better than the last professor they had everyone thought so but even so-

Sirius loathed him.

And why did Sirius loath the professor?

Well…

N.E.W.T’s were just weeks away, to save time they had more mixed classes. Slytherin was usually paired with Gryffindor, something most of the students from both houses would complain about for hours at a time.

D.A.D.A was one of those classes.

The period had just started, professor Cartwright was having them practice the spell that he’d been teaching them in a previous period. The desks were moved off to the side, students were standing scattered across the large dimly lit room, wands raised as they tried the first part of the spell, most of them were failing but there’s only one student that their handsome charming oh so wonderful professor was paying any attention to.

“Mr Snape, having a bit of trouble?” the man said as he approached the raven haired Slytherin. Said raven haired Slytherin paused in surprise before quickly averting his gaze.

“Oh, I’m fine sir.”

“Professor Cartwright, I’d like some help.” A brown haired girl said, raising her hand a few feet away. Professor Cartwright waved her off dismissively.

“Flick your wrist to the right, Ms Mills, I’m sure you’ll be fine.” The older man said the girl huffed as she went back to practicing the spell. Professor Cartwright stopped at Snape’s side and gave him a soft smile.

“Now now Mr Snape, there’s no need to be shy. Here let me help you. Like this,” The professor said stepping in behind the teen and reaching out to position his hands, lifting his wand hand to mimic the necessary wand movements. The brunette leaned forward close to Snape’s ear, “See just like that, first to the left and then the right.”

Snape started to flush, “Yes sir.”

The older man chuckled, “You’re much too tense Mr Snape, you need to relax.” No one noticed, everyone was too busy with the spell, they didn’t notice the way the professor pressed even closer to Snape’s back. They didn’t see the way that Snapes blush went one shade darker as the older man spoke.

“Arch you back a bit more and tilt your head back just like that.” The brunette smirked as he used his free hand to take hold of Snape’s chin and moved his head. Professor Cartwright spoke with his lips mere inches away from Snape’s. “You need to feel the magic move inside you, coursing through your body. Understand?”

Snape seemed to shiver, “Yes-yes professor.”

“Very good.”

This.

This is why Sirius loathes professor Jacob Cartwright.

Stormy grey eyes filled with rage, Sirius’ jaw clenched, sparks started to light up the end of his wand as he watched the scene play out. Just then the teacher pulled back stepping away from the Slytherin and looked up at Sirius.

The man gave a snort as he turned around and continued his rounds through the class room.

“Mr Black, I suggest you stop gawking at your fellow classmates and get started before you fall behind.”

Sirius glared, hard.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Professor Paul Abbey

James despises him.

He’s the new Quidditch professor but he was also incredibly talented with Transfiguration. He taught flying to first and second years and sometimes, he’d stand in for professor McGonagall in some of her classes whenever Dumbledore needed her to take care of any other duties. N.E.W.T’s were coming up and professor McGonagall was busier than normal so of course professor Abbey took over her classes.

Professor Abbey had messy blonde hair and dark eyes, he had an average height with pale skin and a body that left very little doubt as to why he became the quidditch professor. The witches in school adored him, the wizards looked up to him, wanted to be just like him. He’s an incredible flyer and could transfigure just about anything.

Everyone loved him.

Except for James.

And why did James despise professor Paul Abbey?

“Ow!” James hissed when a hand connected hard with the back of his head and he looked up just in time to see the professor walk by his desk, his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Some of the students giggled

“As attentive as ever Mr Potter.” The man said glancing back at the teen as he kept moving, “I should hope you’ll pay more attention during your game against Ravenclaw next week.”

James glared at the man’s back, fingers clenching around the quill in his hand as he watched the man until he paused at the desk right in front of him

Snape’s desks.

“Excellent work as always Mr Snape.” Professor Abbey said putting a hand on the teen’s shoulder. Snape looked up in surprise before he looked back down at the parchment before him.

“Thank you sir.”

This is why James despises professor Paul Abbey.

“Although,” the older man paused with a slight frown on his lips as he leaned over the slytherin, “This part here isn’t quite right. Transfiguring liquids can be a bit tricky you see. Doing it this way might cause an explosion.”

“Oh,” James could hear Snape’s tone drop with disappointment when the man smiled.

“This is some solid effort though. It’s nothing that can’t be fixed with a bit of tweaking. There’s still some time before you need to hand this in.” professor Abbey lowered his voice so only Snape could hear him but James was still sitting close enough to hear, “I could help you if you’d like. Some private tutoring should improve your transfiguration skills quite a bit.”

Snape looked up at that, “That really isn’t necessary professor-“

“I insist.” The man offered with a soft smile, “It might even give us some time to improve your flying. Today after lessons, just the two of us.”

“What about dinner?”

“I’ll have the elves throw something together, its best not to have any distractions. We have a lot of work to do.” Professor Abbey pulled back with a smile, reaching out to brush Snape’s hair behind his ear.

Snape blushed, “Yes professor.”

“Good.”

James’ quill snapped in half.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Professor Christopher Newport.

Remus… well it’s not that he disliked the Ancient Ruins professor. No it’s just.

Alright fine Remus hates him.

Hates him with a passion.

The older man has pitch black shaggy shoulder length hair and bright blue eyes, tall with broad shoulders and pale skin. He seemed like an intelligent man, quiet and reserved. The girls called him brooding and mysterious.

Why did Remus hate professor Newport?

“We’ll need this one and this one.” The professor said, taking one book after the other from the shelf while the slytherin beside him stood with at least three books of his own clutched against his chest.

Snape nodded to another just a few shelves above his head, “What about that one? I read it in third year when I was looking for references on curse breaking spells.”

Professor Newport reached up to the leather bound hardcover book to look at the cover and blinked in surprise.

“Cursed curses and the magix that bind them. This is an eighth year book. You read it in third?”

Snape gave a nod as he looked away and the man stared at him in awe, “Se-Mr Snape, that’s incredible. Thirteen years old and already reading at this level? You should’ve been pushed up by at least two grades. You never cease to amaze me.”

Snape blushed, “Thank you sir.”

“Come along, we’ll need all the time we can get if we’re going to finish your assignment in time.”

“Sir you really don’t need to help-“

“I want to.” Professor Newport said and a light blush seemed to flood the older man’s cheeks, “If you’d like, I could set some time aside, tutor you more often. I know you don’t really need it but, a little support always goes a long way.”

“I-“

The slytherin paused before looking up and giving the older man a smile, “Thank you sir.”

“It’s my pleasur-oh!”

Suddenly Snape seemed to trip over his own robes and he might have gone crashing to the ground had the older man beside him not moved quickly to reach out and catch him.

“Are you alright?” The man asked as he helped the slytherin stand up straight but didn’t remove his arm from around the teen’s waist. Snape flushed.

“I’m fine, thank you sir.”

“There’s no need to thank me.” Professor Newport said as he started walking steering them towards a desk near the back of the library still with his arm around Snape’s waist while Snape fought against the flush in his cheeks.

Remus watched the exchange from three shelves away where he was looking for a book for his potions test. He found a book started paging thprugh it when he caught sight of professor Newport and his star pupil.

The werewolf watched them settle at a desk on the opposite end of the library. When he looked down his eyes went wide when he saw the shredded remains for the book in his hand.

“Great.”

This…

This needs to end.

 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The door opened with a slam.

“This was not part of the deal!”

The three men in the room looked up at their visitors.

Professor Abbey and Cartwright sat at a small side table near the bookshelf playing wizard chess while professor Newport sat in a large plush chair beside the fireplace reading a book of some sort.

In the door stood three teens. Remus Lupin, James Potter and Sirius Black. They were furious.

The three professors spared the wizards just one more glance before going back to what they were doing before.

“What on earth are you talking about?” Professor Cartwright asked as he looked down at the board deep in thought. James stepped forward and his friends followed.

“Snape! Seducing him was not part of the deal!”

Professor Abbey looked up at that, “Excuse me?”

Professor Cartwright leaned back in his seat to give the boys a bored stare, “The deal was you get rid of Pettigrew, look after Regulus and work on getting your relationship with Lily off the ground.” The man said giving James a pointed look and the boy almost flinched back as he continued, “We take care of Severus. That was the deal.”

“I think we’ve been doing rather well on our end of our arrangement.”

“I do too. Don’t you think we’ve been doing well professor Newport?”

The man only nodded his head and professor Abbey hummed, “We’ve been doing extremely well. How about you?”

“Exactly what part of taking care of him requires you to seduce him?” James hissed and professor Abbey gave a shrug.

“None, that’s just a perk.”

Sirius’ hands clenched, Remus stepped forward, “What about those things the what’re they called-“

“The horcruxes?” Professor Newport supplied and professor Cartwright nodded, “Oh right, we already took care of those.”

“Oh, remember the look on Malfoy’s face when he realised the book was missing?”

“That was brilliant!”

“Almost as good as Padfoot falling off the boat once we got out of the cave.”

“I was tripping on poison potion!”

“You would’ve died if it weren’t for the potion Sev made for us.”

“Yeah, we really should do something for him. he’s been helping us so much and he’s had no idea why.”

“There’s a Cannons game this weekend.”

“Do you think Dumbledore will let us take him for the weekend?”

“I don’t see why not, we are his guardians.” Professor Cartwright said with a shrug. Remus frowned.

“Guardians?”

Professor Abbey looked up, “Yes guardians, we just got the paperwork finalised this weekend now all that’s left is to tell Severus.”

Professor Newport smiled, “Oh he’ll be so excited.”

“I know right-“

“Wait wait wait,” James said shaking his head with a deep frown on his face, “What do you mean guardians. You weren’t supposed to become his guardians you were supposed to blood adopt him. So he’d be your son?”

The three professors shared a look until Professor Cartwright spoke.

“There was a change of plans,” The man paused brushing his hair from his face, “We realised that a blood adoption was maybe just a touch bit extreme and could complicate things in the future.”

“Complicate what?” Remus asked incredulously when Sirius spoke with a dark glare in his eyes, “Oh I get it. Making him their son would complicate them trying to shag him whenever they want. That’s not going to happen by the way.”

Professor Cartwright gave a sigh, rolling his eyes as he got up off his seat to walk over to the bottle of fire whiskey perched in the corner near the shelf of books.

“Merlin, was I always this dramatic?”

“Honestly I don’t see what our relationship with Severus has to do with any of you.” Professor Abbey said pointedly looking at James yet again, “He’s safe, he’s protected and he’s well taken care of and besides, you hate him remember. What he does in his own time has nothing to do with you.”

James tensed, glaring at the older man with seething hatred but he didn’t say a word. Remus sighed.

“We got rid of Pettigrew, Sirius’ made peace with Regulus and Lily-“ The werewolf paused to look back at James, “James is working on it.”

“Not hard enough.” The blonde hissed and James’ jaw clenched, Remus took a step forward, “The point is that we’re doing our part the way we promised we would. You on the other hand-“

“Oh fine, we’re trying to seduce him so what?” Professor Newport hissed in frustration as he went back to reading his book.

“Professor Newport.” Professor Abbey said dramatically and the other man sighed in frustration. “Oh so what, Severus is happy isn’t he? Isn’t that what’s important? He’s happy. We’re happy. Why does anything else matter.”

“It matters because you’re too old for him!” Sirius all but screeched.

“Again! This has nothing to do with you.” Professor Cartwright said after taking a swig of whiskey, “He’s not taking the mark, he’s staying far away from he-who-must-not-be-named. Whatever we choose to do with him now is none of your business. Isn’t that right professor Abbey?”

“Oh enough with the professor crap!” Sirius hissed, the men only smirked at him, “You’re not professors of anything, you’re just-“

Knock knock knock!

“Hello? Professor Newport, Professor Cartwright?”

Six pairs of eyes went wide at the voice they heard on the other side of the door. The blonde sitting in the chair quickly reached into his holster to pull out his wand and aim it at the three teens in the room.

“Stupefy!”

With no time to react they were frozen almost immediately.

“Get the cloak.”

Professor Newport immediately moved to the other side of the room, digging around in the large brown chest at the side of the couch near the shelf while Professor Cartwright levitated the three teens closer and up against the wall. A cloak was thrown over them and they vanished from sight.

Knock knock knock!

Professor Abbey took a deep breath, patting down his robes and fixing his hair before taking a deep breath.

“Right then, ready?”

Knock knock knock!

“Ready.” The other two said and the blonde reached out and opened the door to reveal a raven haired teen with pale skin and the darkest eyes standing on the other side.

“Professor Abbey.” The teen said sounding a bit surprised as he tugged at the strap of his bag, “I thought you’d still be supervising quidditch practice.”

The blonde man shrugged, “We finished a bit earlier tonight. Come in, I assume there’s a reason you decided to visit us?”

“Yes sir.” The slytherin stepped into the room giving a shy smile as he looked up at the other men in the room. “Good evening professors.”

“I thought we already discussed this whole professor thing,” the Cartwright said with a smile as he stepped closer to the boy while Abbey shut the door behind him, “When we’re alone, you call us by our names.”

Severus flushed just a bit, “Yes professor-I mean- Jacob.”

Abbey rolled his eyes while Newport gave the teen a soft smile, “What are you doing here so late? Its almost curfew.”

“I know but,” the teen walked over to the couch and set his bag down on his lap. Newport and Abbey both sat on either side of him while Cartwright leaned over the back of the couch as the teen pulled out a worn looking note book, “I’m working on a project for potions and I was hoping I could get your advice.”

“Of course, anything you need.” Abbey said reaching out to tuck the raven’s hair behind his ear and Severus flushed just a bit more. The teen cleared his throat.

“Right well, the potion is a bit like the Polyjuice potion, it alters the subject’s physical form only it alter’s their essence as well.”

“A potion with transfiguration and curse like properties, with a touch of dark magic.” Newport said, “Impressive.”

“Severus,” Cartwright said reaching out to place a hand on the teen’s head, “We talked about all this dark stuff-“

“Not all dark magic is bad, some of it is actually quite… with the right balance of light magic it-it’s actually quite beautiful and-” Severus interrupted with a sigh, “It’s not a dark potion. At least not completely.”

“Dragon scales, unicorn blood… wolfsbane…” Newport cut himself off to stare at the teen, “You’re trying to find a counter for the werewolf’s curse.”

Cartwright blinked, “Oh.”

“I know it seems like a waste of time-“

“No, no of course its not a waste of time.” Abbey said with a soft smile, “This is wonderful Severus. How can we help?”

Severus gave them a small pleased smile as he arranged his notes.

Through all of this, James, Sirius and Remus watched from the other side of the room, anger raging through their veins.

This all started at the beginning of the year when Professor Cartwright, Newport and Abbey first started teaching at Hogwarts.

At first it was just a weird thing that they noticed. They noticed how the new professors were somewhat more friendly with Snape as opposed to everyone else.

It started off with the odd, “Well done, Mr Snape”, “As brilliant as ever Mr Snape”.

But Snape usually got praised in class so it wasn’t really that big of a deal. But then they noticed how the professors would suddenly just stop in the middle of a period to pause by Snape’s table to ask him how his day was going, if he managed to study over the weekend, if he needed extra help with whatever new assignment they got.

It was odd but Snape was always a know it all goody-goody student so they brushed it off. But then they noticed other things. Like how professor Abbey would always reach out to brush Snape’s hair back or actually run his fingers through the slytherin’s inky black locks when he clearly thought no one was looking. they noticed how professor Cartwright insisted on personally assisting Snape in performing whatever spell he’d taught them that week, not that he didn’t help the other students but he didn’t get quite as handsy with them as he did with Snape. They saw how professor Newport would have Snape stay behind after class and once the rest of the students had left and he thought they were alone, the older man would pull the Slytherin behind his desk, supposedly discussing one of Snape’s essays.

Then they were asking Snape assist them after classes ended for the day. Whispering in the slytherin’s ear during classes. Pulling Snape aside in the hall ways to have some sort of secret discussion.

The last straw however was when the professors started punishing the Marauders for pulling pranks. Now, they usually got punished for pulling pranks whenever they got caught in the act but they were usually able to get away with most of them with a slap of the wrist. Maybe only have one days’ detention or something like that.

That changed after the new professors started working at Hogwarts.

They were usually pretty lenient whenever the marauders pulled pranks on other students but they’d be ruthless whenever the pranks were aimed at Snape. One day’s detention would suddenly turn to three or four weeks worth. Arranging books and paperwork in class turned into scrubbing down the dungeon walls, cleaning potions instruments for Slughorn or cleaning out the stables. Most of the time they wouldn’t even be caught in the act but the professors would still punish them since they somehow just knew that they had something to do with the last prank pulled on the slytherin. They lost hundreds of house points between the three of them. So many points in fact that even other students in Gryffindor didn’t find the pranks they pulled to be funny anymore since they knew it would be another sixty to a hundred points deducted from Gryffindor.

They were actually quite pissed to be honest.

It wasn’t till about three months later that it all came to a head. This came after they were sneaking around the hallways one night, trying to sneak back into Gryffindor Tower when they found the older men whispering among themselves in an empty hall after curfew.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. I checked to make sure Severus was still in bed. Malfoy hasn’t gotten the chance to sink his hooks into him just yet.” Professor Abbey whispered, “You know it’s a little disturbing how easy it is for professors to get into dorm rooms.”

“Exactly why can’t I check in on Severus again?”

“Because you don’t know how to keep your hands to yourself.”

“You can’t be trusted with him alone in his bedroom.”

“Oh please, like you don’t get turned on every time he calls you professor with that ridiculous look in his eyes.”

“Seriously its like they go on forever.” Professor Abbey said, “Why didn’t I notice that when we were younger?”

“You were too busy with Lily to notice.”

James tensed, “Lily?”

Abbey rolled his eyes, “Yeah, I’m not interested in her now so-“

“Speaking of your errant wife,” Cartwright started as they made their way down the hall, “You know who hasn’t been paying much attention to her. Have you noticed?”

Abbey sighed, “Yes, I’ve noticed.”

Newport shook his head, “You know why this is happening James-“

“James?” the three boys gasped in unison as Newport continued.

“You shouldn’t have interfered with what happened at the lake.”

“I couldn’t do that. Lily made me promise that I’d make sure she and Severus stayed friends and besides, I can’t stand the thought of him hating me. I had to stop it.”

Cartwright huffed, “Well now thanks to you we have to find some other way of forcing them together. We can’t risk losing Harry.”

The three men were moving closer now, Abbey sighed in frustration. “I know I know, I’ll think of something. Honestly though, this would’ve all been so much easier if I weren’t such an arrogant little twat-“

And then suddenly the blonde stopped right in his tracks, staring right at the spot where the marauders stood huddled under the invisibility cloak. James’ eyes went wide. Remus put a hand over his mouth to stop from breathing and Sirius instinctively moved closer to his friends.

“James, what’s wrong?” Newport asked in confusion, but the blonde didn’t answer so the two men turned to look in the direction where the other was staring. Cartwright’s eyes went wide.

“Shit!” he hissed and then he suddenly pulled out his wand. The three teens had no time to react before.

“Stupefy!”

The spell hit them and they froze involuntarily. Professor Abbey moved forward and much to the marauders horror pulled the invisibility cloak right off before his eyes went wide along with professor Newport's.

“Oh Merlin.” Newport gasped while Cartwright kept cursing in the background.

“Shit, shit shit! Wait O.K, maybe they didn’t hear-“

“We can’t know for sure.” Abbey said not looking away from the  teens’ frozen forms for a moment before he spoke, “We can’t leave them here. C’mon we’ll take them to the room.”

 

 

Chapter 2

Notes:

A/N: Been a while

Thanks for the reviews

I'll be posting on My Everything at some point, so don't worry about that

Usual apologies

Disclaimer: See previous chapter

“Professors?!”

The three men turned around and froze when they saw the pale raven-haired boy standing behind them in the vacant hallway. Cartwright gaped like a fish out of water and Newport just stood absolutely still.

“What are you doing?” Severus asked with a deep frown as he stared at the three teens levitating just above the men’s heads. Abbey quickly forced a smile onto his face as he approached the boy while Snape continued to frown.

“Aren’t those, what are-“

“It’s nothing you need to worry about Severus.” Abbey said as he placed a hand on the teen’s shoulder, “We caught these three trouble makers trying to sneak into the Hufflepuff common room with a bag filled with dung bombs.” The blonde shook his head, “We were just about to call the headmaster. Isn’t that right?”

Professor Cartwright nodded enthusiastically.

“Terrible miscreants aren’t they Ja – I mean Paul.”

“Yes yes, just awful.”

“Severus you shouldn’t be out this late, its passed curfew.” Newport said as he seemed to help steer the levitating teens away a few more feet. Abbey gave the raven a soft smile.

“He’s right you know. What are you doing out this late?”

Severus paused and pulled a book he’d had concealed in his robes, “I just wanted to return this. I suddenly remembered that I never gave it back and-“

“Severus this was a gift, you’re not supposed to give it back.”

“But, I couldn’t accept this. It must have cost a fortune-“

“If you really want to make it up to me then you can help me mark the first-year papers, tomorrow night.” The blonde said reaching out to brush the raven’s hair back behind his ear and cupped his face, “I could really use the help.”

Snape looked away, a soft blush flooding his cheeks. “Yes sir.”

“Good, now off to bed. Before one of the prefects catch you.” Abbey said turning the boy around and steering him in the opposite direction.

“Actually, there’s a perfect way to make sure the prefects don’t catch him.” Professor Cartwright suddenly said and they both stopped. Abbey looked up at him with a frown when his  face suddenly lit up with a smile.

“You’re absolutely right, Si-I mean Jacob.” Abbey turned back towards them and took a bundle of shimmering material from Cartwright’s hands. Newport gave a snort as he shook his head. The blonde grinned warmly as he held the material up.

“This, is an invisibility cloak.” The professor said holding the material up around him and Severus’ eyes went wide when he noticed parts of the older man disappear out of sight.

“It’s incredible.”

“It’s useful.” Abbey then pulled the cloak off and wrapped it around the Slytherin’s shoulders and Severus just watched on in shock, “Now get to bed, we’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Sir, I couldn’t-“

“Calm down Severus. You can give it back tomorrow evening when you come help me with the marking.”

“But professor-“ Snape started lifting the material up to look, “I can’t, Potter and his friends. They’re always running my things, I couldn’t bear it if-“

“You don’t have to worry about them, Severus. We’ll take care of everything.” Newport said with a warm smile of his own, “Off you go, back to bed.”

Severus looked like he wanted to argue but paused and gave them a shy smile instead. “Thank you, sirs. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight Severus.” Abbey said as the teen disappeared from sight and he could hear his footsteps fading down the hall.

He turned around and faced the other, “Right then, time to deal with these three.”

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James is a firm believer in love at first sight. In the belief that there’s just one person on the face of this earth that’s meant for you. That’s how it happened for his parents after all. His mum saw his dad across the table at school during the opening feast and they both knew that they meant something to each other, something important.

When James stepped onto the Hogwarts express for the first time, when he walked into that compartment with the raven-haired boy and the redheaded girl whispering softly amongst themselves… James isn’t sure what it was that he felt.

The girl was beautiful. Long red hair and bright green eyes, a bright welcoming smile on her face.

The boy was odd. James wasn’t sure what to make of him. He was pale, with raven hair falling limply around his face with a pair of dark obscenely intelligent eyes.

It’s those dark eyes that pulled him in and kept him from walking away when it was clear that they weren’t welcome in the carriage. And then it happened, Severus uttered the words that would bring James’ world crashing down in a matter of seconds.

He said that he hoped to be sorted into Slytherin. Slytherin! It was one of the most baffling moments of James’ life. Only the nastiest of pureblood kids said that they wanted to be sorted into Slytherin and the boy, Severus Snape, didn’t look like one of those kids. James reacted in the worst way possible and essentially guaranteed that he and Severus wouldn’t be getting along for some time, even though that hadn’t been his intention. His intentions had been to convince Severus that he shouldn’t be in Slytherin. That any other house would be better than to be placed in Slytherin but James soon learned that the raven-haired boy was as stubborn as he was.

They were sorted and everything just went downhill from there.

He didn’t realise how bad things had gotten till sixth when Sirius decided to play the worst prank imaginable. Tricking Snape into going to the shack was the absolute worst idea in the world. There’s so much that could have gone wrong, so many terrible outcomes that James couldn’t even begin to imagine what Sirius was thinking when he did it. James has played pranks on Severus, terrible pranks but they’ve never been so bad that they could have potentially gotten the other teen killed.

It nearly stopped his heart when Sirius told him what he’d done. He ran out to the whomping willow and made it just in time to drag Snape out through the hole and over to the lake. James was so scared that he almost didn’t notice just how scared Severus was.

His body was shaking hard, his eyes were wide and terrified. He held the Slytherin against his chest as they both tried to calm down and somehow, even through the fear, James couldn’t help but feel like all was right in the world. But of course, that didn’t last long and Severus seemed to hate him more than before.

Severus wanted nothing to do with him by that time the Slytherin’s relationship with Lily had also been harmed beyond repair, which was also technically James’ fault. The Slytherin was suddenly just so much further out of his grasp than he was before. and then there was Lily, beautiful, clever and kind Lily. Severus’ Lily. Somehow it just made sense.

Lily was beautiful. Lily was intelligent. And Lily was the one person Severus loved more than anyone else. Pursuing a relationship, a real relationship with the girl, just made sense. If he couldn’t love Severus, if he couldn’t care and protect Severus. Then he‘d love and protect the person that Severus loved most in the world. Somehow it made sense, somehow it almost felt like it made up for what happened with Severus.

He married Lily right after graduation, about a month after Severus Snape seemed to drop off the face of the earth. Less than a week after the rumours started to circulate that the brilliant raven had joined the Death Eater ranks. He was happy to marry the red head, he was ready to start a new life with her. Never mind that he nearly crumbled when he found a gift from Severus to Lily among the many others after the wedding. Never mind that he heard himself gasp out Severus’ name the night that Harry was conceived. Lily never mentioned that she found the gold locket with a picture of Severus and Lily as children hidden in one of the drawers in James’ study. She never said a word about hearing what he said that night.

Then Harry was born, the prophecy was revealed and Peter betrayed them. James’ last moments were something like torture. Voldemort’s spell didn’t kill him immediately. He watched from his place on the floor in the hallway outside of Harry’s door. As the life slowly drained from his veins he watched as Voldemort killed his wife and tried to do the same with his son. Harry survived, Voldemort was injured and fled. Severus arrived sometime after that. The raven had stopped by his side for just a moment, reached out to touch him, run his fingers through James hair as he lay the man onto his back. Those large obsidian eyes were filled with shock and fear, he opened his mouth to speak before just closing it again.

And then Severus left him, off to Lily’s side, he heard the man cry out in agony almost as loud as the cries that came from Harry’s crib and James could swear he felt his heart break anew as the edges started to blur and he was slowly sucked into the darkness. He wished for just a moment, that he could have a second chance. Another chance to do it all over again. To fix the things he broke and save the one’s he lost.

Just one more chance.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

“So, you’re in love with him?”

Remus lifted his hands to cover his face, “Merlin Tonks do you really just have to say it like that?”

“Well what am I supposed to say to my husband confessing his ever-lasting love for my old potions professor?” The woman said still staring up at the ceiling, “Don’t get me wrong, it was kind of obvious but I feel like I have the right to be a bit shocked.”

Remus dropped his hands and turned his head to look at her, “You’re taking this well.”

Tonks shrugged, “Its not the worst thing you could have told me. Besides, you could do worse than Snape. Are you going to tell him?”

Remus gave a snort, “Of course not, I said I’m in love with him didn’t say anything about going mad.”

Tonks looked at him with a grin, “You’re afraid of him?”

“Petrified.”

Tonks laughed, “You’re not the only one. I swear he has to have some kind of magical inheritance. It can’t be a coincidence. He’s completely terrifying at yet oddly alluring all at once.”

Remus looked at the  woman with an arched brow and she smiled, “You’re not the only one I’ve caught pining over professor Snape.”

“Of course not.” Remus sighed, “I wouldn’t even be surprised if he was aware of it.”

“What, you think Snape knows and he’s just ignoring your feelings and constantly insulting you in some twisted attempt at torture?” Tonks paused, “Actually, saying it out loud that makes perfect sense.”

Remus shook his head, “You’re not making me feel any better.”

Tonks shrugged, “They say love is supposed to feel like torture.”

“I’m not sure how true that is.”

Tonks laughed, “When did this start anyway?”

“Second year. Slughorn had us paired together for a potion’s assignment. He’d ignore me completely whenever James and the others were around but when we were alone, he was so… soft.”

“Soft?”

“I don’t know how to explain it. He was a snarky prat, even back then but somehow when it was just us he was just so lovely. I thought, as long as I don’t do anything and as long as James and Sirius don’t take things too far then I could always have this. I could sit next to him in class or in the library and he’d always be that lovely, but then things went wrong. So many things went horribly wrong and now-“

“Your entire existence disgusts him.”

Remus gave Tonks a withering glare, “You don’t have to be so blunt about it.”

She laughed again, “It might not be too late you know.”

He turned his head to give her a bored look, “It’s like you’ve never actually met Severus Snape.”

“I’m serious.” Tonks said as she turned over so she was lying on her side, her head propped up on her hand as she spoke, “After all of this, when it ends-“

“If it ends.” Remus said and Tonks just rolled her eyes,

“When it ends. He won’t have to be a spy, you won’t have to be afraid. You could apologise and try to start over.”

“I think its too late for that.”

“It’s never too late.”

Remus shook his head, “Too much has happened. Too many things have changed. If we were still in school, if I’d had more time to at least set myself apart from James and Sirius. But I was too much of a coward back then.”

“But you aren’t now.”

“What about Sirius? He’d never-”

“If he really cares about you then it won’t matter if you’re in a relationship with Snape or not. If your friend is standing in the way of your happiness then they aren’t really your friend.”

Remus looked up at her, “What about you?”

Tonks sighed leaned over to press a kiss on his cheek and gave a small smile, “Who am I to stand in the way of love.”

Remus gave a snort and shook his head, “I think we’ll just wait to cross that bridge when we get to it. We need to make sure there’s future to look forward to before we start making plans for it.”

“We’ll be fine.”

“You think so?”

“Its better to fight when you have something to live for. You have Snape and I have the fabulous life of a divorcee to live forward to.” Remus laughed and Tonks did the same only for her smile to falter just a bit, “But you should tell him, in case… well- make sure you don’t die with regrets. A soul can’t rest if it doesn’t have peace.”

Remus held Tonks gaze for a moment before he leaned up to kiss her on the lips.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Sirius!"

Well isn't this a bitch.

"Sirius."

More than twenty years have passed with Sirius fighting, teasing, torturing and just plain hating the greasy haired bat hovering just above him and now that he was just moments away from giving his last breath, now that there isn't any more time left, now that he would finally be separated from his greatest enemy for all eternity.

Now's the moment he realizes that he's been in love with this snarky bastard and his oversized nose since the moment they met.

Severus Snape.

"Sirius, you worthless mutt!"

Oddly enough, Sirius didn't pay attention to the insult this time, he focused solely on his name. Taking in how strongly enticing it was to hear Severus say his first name. In the days that he was still skulking around Hogwarts while he was in hiding, he heard a few students groan about their evil potions professor who was obviously out to get them, but then swoon over his deep voice.

He's never really thought about it himself but now that he really thought about it, Severus has an oddly inviting but dark voice.

Hell, you could almost say it was downright sexy.

Why hasn't he noticed this before?

"Of all the times for your incompetent idiotic arse to die you decide to do it now. Just bloody typical." Severus hissed and Sirius could feel the potions masters hand press down to try and stop the flow of blood coming from the snake bite on his neck.

Severus' hands felt surprisingly smooth against his skin, not even half as cold as he expected a cold hard snake like him to be. It actually felt quite nice.

"You're supposed to be at the front lines right now you moronic twit! What the devil could have possibly possessed you to come to the shrieking shack?!"

Well Sirius isn't quite sure what possessed him to go there either.

I suppose you could say he volunteered.

Someone needed to go to the shack and see what you-know-who was up to and who better than the brave and valiant Sirius Black.

Unfortunately, Sirius had arrived just in time to see the Dark Lord leave while his pet Nagini prepared to attack Snape upon her master’s command.

Things sort of get a little fuzzy from there.

"I suppose that moronic Gryffindor mentality is what drove you to come charging in here like some knight in shining armour. Stupid idiot."

Sirius wanted to give a snort at that but all he managed to do was give a pained cough that brought him back to the reality of the pain he was feeling.

Nagini's poison had left him paralyzed while its properties worked its way all through his body, systematically bursting blood cells and shutting down tissue. All while sending excruciating pain through his nerves system.

The animagus gave a pained moan when Snape spoke again.

"If I could just get to my potions lab, there could be time to make an antidote." Severus mumbled quietly when his voice suddenly went back to a snarl.

"You hot-headed idiot! Do you ever think before you act?" Sirius wished he could step back as he felt like a bratty little second year being scolded by his professor. "Did you think about what your actions would lead to before just charging in here?! Did it even cross your mind that you might be needed here? Did your oh so cherished godson even drift into your range of thoughts?"

At that Sirius was filled with guilt.

Harry.

He'd forgotten about him completely. Would he be alright all alone here in this world once the war was over? Sure he had the Weasleys and all his friends, but he and Harry have grown quite attached to one another over the course of the past few years.

Merlin he really is a hot-headed idiot!

But he couldn't just stand there and do nothing while Severus was killed, it wouldn't have been right. He had to do something to save Snape hopefully Harry would understand.

"The dark lord will be back soon to see if Nagini did her job." Severus said with a sigh, "I doubt he'll take it well seeing his precious pet splattered all over the wall. There won't be time to get us both out of here. I should just leave you here like the pathetic mutt you are, but I don't really think that would make much of a difference."

What does he mean by that?

"He'd just try to find me and hunt me down and with the order kept in the dark over Dumbledore's survival I have no doubt I'd be dead before I even reached the castle walls."

Sirius sputtered and chocked trying to speak but failing due to pain.

Albus is alive?

How?

"You know for a jail rat you are quite handsome, although this could just be the delirium from my impending death talking. But... I suppose I understand where my attraction towards you in first came from."

Wait what?!

Severus used to like him?

"Of course you were an intolerant, idiotic, arrogant bastard back then. You still are actually, it's no wonder I got over it so quickly. Call me petty, but I don't think I could forgive you and Potter for what you did to me. Even if we weren't about to die, I don't think I'd ever forgive you."

Well that's... Disappointing.

"But if we weren't about to die, I think I'd be able to move passed it. After all, life's too short to mourn over a school crush that tortured me every day until I graduated."

Sirius almost grimaced at how that sounded, were they really that hard on him?

"I might have even accepted Kingsley's offer to go out with him at some point that is if he was still interested. But I suppose I'll never know."

Shacklebolt fancies Snape?

Now there's something Sirius didn't expect.

It was silent for a moment and Sirius could feel pain begin to throb in his throat as it started to constrict and his lungs clench and burn.

It won't be long now.

Severus gave a sigh after another moment's silence when Sirius heard the sound of material ruffling before a soft press of lips met his and he felt shock rip through his mind.

Did Severus just...

"Disgraceful, my last kiss in all my thirty-six years and I give it to a half dead mutt just moments before my own death, how utterly depressing. I should have shagged Kingsley when I still had the chance."

Really?

If Sirius weren’t in so much pain he probably would’ve rolled his eyes at that one.

“Still, I suppose this is as good a way as any to die, truthfully I’m surprised that I managed to hold out for this long.” Severus let out a sigh looking down at the other for a moment before he spoke, “If there is someplace beyond this world and you somehow manage to end up on the good side of things. Tell Lily I’m sorry, for everything.”

For a moment the sadness and regret that he could clearly hear in Snape’s voice overruled the pain he was feeling and he desperately wished that he could speak and just say something to comfort the other when a sharper more intense pain suddenly shot right up his spine and Sirius screamed. But Severus’ head just snapped up at another sound he could hear coming from just beyond the room.

“Someone’s coming.” Severus said just after Sirius’ scream died away and the animagus’ felt the dark unrelenting fog of sleep start to take him. “Black? Black?! Sirius goddamn it?!”

Oh perfect, his last moments alive and he’s being cursed at by the person he realizes he’s been in love with since he was eleven years old.

Yup, definitely a bitch.

And then suddenly light, bright welcoming light that made Sirius feel safe and warm. At first Sirius couldn’t see much of anything as he stood in the bright empty void when the light almost seemed to move and form into colours and shapes and suddenly he wasn’t standing anymore but sitting by a table in a kitchen. An oddly familiar looking kitchen actually.

It looked like-

“Hungry?” A plate filled with what looked like pumpkin pasties was set before him and Sirius frowned as he looked up at the person standing beside him only for his eyes to go wide and his mouth to fall open in shock.

Shoulder length red hair fell over her shoulder and bright emerald green eyes beamed at him as the woman smiled and Sirius just stared as she continued.

“I’m afraid I can’t really offer you much else for the moment.” The woman gave a slight frown as she finished, “The turkey’s not near being done yet and I don’t think you’ll be here long enough to have a bite.”

“L-Lily?” Sirius stuttered as Lily gave his arm an affectionate squeeze before she turned away, “Were you expecting someone else?” Lily shook her head, “Still as slow as ever I see. Would you like some tea, pumpkin juice maybe?”

Sirius felt his chest ache with heartache at the sight of his best friend’s wife, Harry’s mother and swallowed hard before he spoke, “Yeah, tea would be lovely.”

Lily nodded, “What about you?”

It was just then that Sirius noticed the other person sitting at the table as he read through what looked like a copy of the Daily Prophet and that ache in his chest got stronger as his eyes began to sting.

“Actually I’d prefer a spot of whiskey.” James answered as he lowered the newspaper and Lily glanced back at him with a roll of her eyes, “Yes well, unfortunately you’re not getting any. Tea or juice, pick one.”

James gave a dramatic sigh, “Tea.”

“James…” Sirius breathed and felt the immediate urge to leap from his seat and wrap his friend in a tight hug, but some unknown force kept him seated right where he was. The other wizard looked up at him and gave him that bright smile, eyes beaming from the frame of his glasses, “Sirius, you’re looking good mate… well better than can be expected considering where you are.”

“I-I don’t…” Sirius‘ mind was whirling with so many questions he couldn’t really think straight so he simply settled for the simplest question he could. “How?”

Lily frowned as she suddenly appeared at his side again and set down a tray that held a silver kettle and three teacups with saucers, “You don’t remember? You, Sirius you, well you’re-“

“Dead.” James said quickly seeming to try and get the words out before he could convince himself otherwise, “Well half way there at least, we managed to get to you before you went through all the way.”

“Do you remember what happened before you got here?” Lily tried her eyes piercing his in pleading desperation, “Don’t you remember the Shack? Remember Severus?”

And right at that moment Sirius gasped when it all suddenly came back to him and he stared wide eyed at the two before him.

Right, the war; Nagini bit him Severus was there and now Severus is alone. Left to deal with Voldemort on his own or whoever it was that was headed for them before he blacked out.

The animagus started to panic and he started breathing hard as he tried to stand up only for that force to keep him still all over again, “Severus… he’s alone! I have to get to him, he doesn’t stand a chance alone-“

“It’s too late.” Lily said sadly as she started pouring out tea her voice steady and firm despite the tears Sirius could already see shining in her eyes, “He’s dead.”

“But-"

“Harry finds him after you die. After the war he tries to tell them about what Severus did but the ministry is forced to execute him in order to keep the public pacified. He gets the dementors kiss.”

“But I just left-"

“Time works differently here.” Lily said softly, “It’s too late.”

“But why isn’t he here?”

“He made peace with his death.”

“Even if you wanted to you couldn’t go back, not like this anyway.” James said as he looked up at his wife in deep concern before bringing his attention back to his best friend, “I mean, exactly where do you think you are right now mate?”

Sirius froze, admittedly he should’ve realized sooner.

“So this… I really am.”

“Half way there, but not quite dead.” James said just as Lily set a tea cup in front of Sirius before moving over to sit beside her husband and James wrapped a hand around her own with a soft smile. Sirius still frowned.

“If that’s true then-“

“Something smells lovely.”

And then Remus stepped out from seemingly nowhere to take the seat in front of him. Sirius’ eyes went wide.

“Remus? But what-… No you can’t be-“

“Sirius there isn’t time to explain right now.” Remus said looking across the table to James, “The portal is weakening. Tonks is trying to keep it open but there isn’t much time.”

“What-“

“Sirius, you loved Severus didn’t you?”

Sirius was thrown for a loop and he would have reared back if he could, “How-“

“I know because I loved him as well, just like James loved him.” Remus explained and Sirius’ head snapped over to his best friend who let out a huff as he dragged a hand through his hair.

“Is it my fault he’s so infuriatingly… Snape?” the bespectacled wizard let out scoff and shook his head, “I always hoped, I dreamed that I could have a second chance with him. To make things right and start over again. Haven’t you ever wanted the same thing?”

Sirius paused to look away as he thought to his last few moments, to the kiss he got but never felt. “Yeah.”

“Well we’ve found a way.” Lily suddenly said as she took the last seat at the table and Sirius’s gaze snapped up towards her.

“What-“

“We really have Severus to thank.” Lily beamed, “Some of that research he was doing on dark magic rubbed off on me. I managed to open a portal back to the past but I could only get it to go as far as our sixth year at school. Which actually works out quite nicely when you think about it.”

“Why’s that?”

“Sixth year is the year that Severus took the dark mark. It’s the last time that I ever spoke to him.” Lily explained sadly before shaking her head, “We’ve managed to figure it out you see. If we can send someone back to that year, we could change everything, fix everything that was done wrong.”

“If Severus never takes the mark, Voldemort never gets his hands on him.” Remus said sitting up a little straighter and making sure he was keeping eye contact with his friend, “He never finds out about the prophecy. We’d be able to stop Peter from ever getting close enough to betray us, James and Lily never die, you never go to Azkaban and Severus doesn’t have to become a spy. All we have to do is send someone back, and we can fix everything. Save Harry, destroy the horcruxes, there never has to be a war. And then there’d be a second chance, to make things right with Severus. A second chance to be with him.”

Sirius took in a deep breath feeling like a lot of information was being dumped on him all at once, but he also felt something warm and hopeful settle in his chest at Remus’ words.

A second chance.

“Alright, alright… so who are we sending?”

“That’s the best part.” Lily started to grin as she looked over to James who gave a snort, “I had planned to go myself but it turns out dark magic is a little trickier than Severus made it seem.”

“What do you mean?”

“I cast the spell myself and so I can’t use the portal myself, someone else has to go. And I have to stay here to make sure the portal holds until they make it to the other side.” Her smile grew, “On the upside because I’ll be holding the portal open until they get there, it means we can send more than just one person.”

“So…”

“So my darling husband has decided to leave me for my sixteen year old best friend. The nerve.” Lily teased and James laughed, Remus chuckled before and Sirius looked away.

“Oh so James is going.”

“I’m going too and we were wondering if you wanted to come with us?” Remus asked and Sirius’ eyes widened for the millionth time that day.

“What… really?”

“You didn’t think we’d ever split up the marauders did you mate?” James grinned Sirius returned the gesture only to pause.

“Wait, what about you?” he said looking to Lily who shrugged.

“If you all do your part, then everything will work out just fine. I can’t send you back as yourselves, you’ll still be in your bodies but slightly altered to accommodate you in the timeline. Do you remember professor Cartwright, Abbey and Newport?”

“No.”

“They were supposed to start teaching at Hogwarts in sixth year but then they got into some kind of accident and never made it.” Lily explained, “You are taking their places. We have your identities sorted, and a plan of action, you’re the last piece of the puzzle. Are you in?”

Sirius paused, “We’ll get to save everyone, including Severus.” Why was he even hesitating?

“I’m in.”

James and Remus grinned, Lily hopped out of her seat and reached over to give the animagus a hug. “That’s perfect. Just make me a promise Sirius.”

“Sure Lily, anything you want.”

The woman pulled back and gave him a soft smile, “Keep Sev safe for me.”

Sirius eyes softened as well as he gave a nod, “Of course.”

“Um excuse me? What makes you automatically assume that Severus is going to fall for him?” James asked folding his arms over his chest. Lily rolled her eyes.

“I meant it for all of you. As long as Sev is happy then you can all jump into bed together for all I care, just don’t hurt him.”

Remus seemed to flush, “I’m not sure it’ll go that far Lily. He’ll be sixteen and well…”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Let’s just get through the portal before it closes.”

“Right.” James, and Remus both got up and Lily looked down at Sirius and smiled, “Ready for a new start?”

Sirius took in a deep breath, he thought back to his last moments with Severus. To those final moments before they were separated and he knew.

“More than ready.”

“Let’s go.”

Notes:

A/N: Please review

Chapter 3

Notes:

A/N: It's been a while

Thanks for sticking around and thanks for all the reviews. I really appreciate it. I've been going through some stuff and it's just been hard trying to find time to update. Anyway...

I hope I answered all your questions in this chapter

Usual apologies

Disclaimer: See previous chapters

Divide and conquer. That’s the strategy they decided to go with when dealing with their younger counter parts.

When they got to the room of requirement, they managed to get it to divide into three separate rooms and they’d each speak to their other selves in there. The young marauders knew too much, they couldn’t risk letting the boys go and having them blab to the entire school or make things any more difficult than they needed to be.

They’d discussed using an obliviation spell, but Dumbledore would immediately be alerted so that wasn’t an option. So they decided to just try and come clean and hope for the best. They also decided to let the teens in on their mission. Give them a few small tasks to complete so they’d feel involved enough to cooperate but not so much that they’d be getting themselves into any real trouble.

They were to cut Peter Pettigrew out of their lives but still keep an eye on him, help James get his relationship with Lily off the ground and make sure that Regulus stayed on the right path. Their older counterparts would take care of the more dangerous tasks like destroying the horcruxes and protecting Severus of course.

It seemed like such a good idea. A simple idea. It couldn’t possibly go wrong right?

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Contrary to popular belief, Sirius isn’t stupid. Impulsive; yes. Stubborn; absolutely. But he wasn’t stupid.

Maybe that’s why he accepted it so easily when his so-called older counterpart explained their… situation.

He understood and it surprisingly made sense.

In the future things go badly. In the future they all die. In the future Severus Snape still absolutely loathes him. All of that he understood. It was an incredible story. A ridiculous story, a terrifying story. But he understood and accepted the situation pretty easily. Especially after his older self-mentioned one particular private incident that Sirius never managed to live down and absolutely no one except for himself knew about. An incident concerning a particular day when he’d had a particular dream about a very particular raven headed Slytherin that ended with him spelling his sheets clean in shame the next day.

The man knew way too much for him to possibly be lying. So Sirius accepted it and he understood.

But there was one thing he didn’t understand.

“Exactly why can’t we take care of Snivellus?”

The older ‘Sirius’, Jacob is what he’s called here, gave him a bored look as he walked over to sit down on the vacant seat across from him.

“The fact that you refer to him as Snivellus.”

Sirius opened his mouth before he shut it again and then he opened it again.

“Regulus… why does he become a-“

“Part of it is because of mum and dad. They encourage it.” Jacob said leaning back in his seat, “The other part is… after Severus becomes a death eater, well, Reg didn’t have too many friends to begin with but he was incredibly fond of Sev-“

“How do you know-“

“I didn’t before but after we came here, I noticed and Severus speaks very highly of him. It just makes sense doesn’t it? With mum and dad pushing and Severus already with a mark, there’s no reason why he wouldn’t.”

Sirius’ face fell, “We never make up then.”

Jacob let out a sigh, “I’m not sure how to tell you this, but you’re an incredible twat.”

Sirius rolled his eyes, “You realise that you’re just insulting yourself right?”

“That’s exactly why I’m saying it.”

“I don’t even know where to start with Reg.”

“Apologising would be a good start.”

“Apologising for what? He’s the one that decided to go running about with a bunch of death eaters-“

“Exactly what did you expect him to do? Hang around a bunch of Gryffindors like you? I think we both know exactly how that would have gone.” Jacob shook his head. “Things are never as simple as they seem. What you need to do is stop being a twat and apologise. Make sure he knows there’s at least one person in the family that cares about what he wants. He needs to know he has a choice. Severus has already started turning over a new leaf and I know Regulus has noticed as well. If you apologise now, it’ll make all the difference in the world.”

“Things’ll be better?”

“As long as you stop acting like such a twat, then everything should be fine.”

Sirius rolled his eyes, “Well,  what about Snape?”

“What about him?”

“What if I apologise to him, would things be better-“

“You’re going to apologise to Severus?”

“If you can do it then it means that I can too right?” Sirius said sounding a little offended while Jacob gave a snort.

“You can try, I’m not sure you’d get very far.”

“He hates me.”

“Loathes you.” Sirius deflated a little Jacob’s lips twisted a little and he couldn’t stop himself as he spoke.

“Do you want to know what Severus told me, just before I – we died?”

“What?”

“He said that he used to have a crush on us in first.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Then why-“

“You know why.”

Right.

He’s a twat.

Sirius took in a deep breath.

“Did he say exactly what he liked about me – about us.”

“Our looks.”

Sirius frowned, “That’s it? He doesn’t think I’m funny or charming or smart-”

“You have arguably some of the worst grades in school, you’re constantly insulting him and every single joke you’ve told in his presence has been at his expense. Does that answer your question?”

It did.

Sirius huffed, folding his arms over his chest.

“Stubborn prat.”

“That’s the pot calling the kettle black don’t you think?”

Sirius rolled his eyes, “So what now?”

Jacob let out a deep breath, “You do what I told you to do and we’ll take care of the rest.”

“Fine.”

“One more thing.”

“What?”

“That prank, the one you’ve been thinking about for the past few months.”

“What prank?”

A dark look fell over the other’s eyes, “The one involving Moony.”

Sirius blinked, then swallowed hard. “I-… I wasn’t planning on actually doing it. I was just… I mean, you know what he’s like-“

“I do know what he’s like. I also know that that’s the reason Severus never forgives us.”

Sirius froze, his eyes going wide. “But-“

“I know it’s hard, but for your sake… For everyone’s sakes just leave Snape be.” Jacob sighed, “You’re young. I remember what it was like when I was your age. Right now, the mistakes you make don’t seem like they’ll make that much of a difference in the long run. But they do. Being young isn’t an excuse for the way that you… the way that we treated Severus. I don’t want to lecture you, because I know we’re smart enough to make our own choices. But-” Jacob leaned forward, elbows braced on his knees as he looked the teen in the eyes, “I’ve lived your life. I’ve seen the consequences of the things that we did and very few of them worked out well. So if you can’t take this as advice then take it as a warning. You have the opportunity to do things better.”

Sirius looked away, Jacob took in a deep breath. “Remember that promise we made in first? We promised that we wouldn’t turn out like Mum and Dad, we promised that we’d be better.”

“So?”

“Sirius. You’ve been shunning your brother because he ended up in a house that you don’t like and spends time with people that you don’t approve of. You’ve been bullying a half-blood boy from a poor family for the past six years for no real reason. And for the past two months you’ve been planning a ‘prank’ with the potential to get that same boy killed and leave your best friend exposed. It’s a wonder mum and dad haven’t given you back your inheritance.”

“I-“

“I know it’s hard. I know you miss Reg but you just don’t know how to fix things. I know what it’s like when you just think about Severus. I know the feelings you have right now are so strong that it’s hard not to give in to them, and I don’t expect you to get everything absolutely perfect. I just want you to have a better future than what we got. All I need you to do is try.”

Sirius looked up at the older man, lips pursing together in a tight line, then he looked down at his hands and they clenched. “What if I can’t? What if I can’t be better.”

Jacob paused, “Yes you can.”

“Bu-“

“I’m you remember? I know what we’re capable of. Despite what I used to think – what I know you’ve been thinking since we were sorted; the hat didn’t make a mistake. You can save your baby brother, and despite what I said earlier you can make things right with Severus and don’t have to turn into mum and dad. But you’re not going to get anywhere staying the way you are. You don’t have to make the same mistakes. You don’t have to turn into me.”

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Remus was blushing.

He could feel the intense heat burning under his cheeks and he wished that he could hate himself for it but he couldn’t. It felt too good to feel bad.

It felt nice being able to talk about Severus and not having to pretend, even if the circumstances surrounding it weren’t ideal. It felt nice being honest about his feelings for the raven haired Slytherin without the fear of rejection and ridicule.

“We’re just here to help, to fix things and make them better. You understand that don’t you?”

The older man said and Remus nodded, “Yes, yes of course I do. And I’m glad that, there’s a chance to fix things now that you’re here.”

“That’s good.” The older Remus, Christopher, said with a soft smile, “I’m glad that this won’t have to be any more difficult than it needs to be.”

“I’m just… does he really hate me – us – in the future?”

Christopher took in a deep breath before letting it out. “Severus had a hard life and things got worse as the years went by. We’ve never really given him a reason to trust or even like us. So many things went wrong. It’s not fair what happened to him. He doesn’t really trust anyone.”

Remus looked down at his hands when the man leaned forward with a small smile.

“But if everything goes well, then hopefully that’ll change for the better.”

Remus nodded, his hands kept wringing together.

“I’d always hoped that things would work out. That maybe after we graduated it wouldn’t be so bad.”

Christopher gave a wry smile, “Things between us and Severus sour long before that.”

Remus frowned, “Why? The pranks can’t possibly get that bad, could they?”

Christopher let out a heavy sigh, “They get much much worse.”

Remus’ eyes widened, “But-“

“He finds out about Moony this year.”

“How-“

“If we stop what happens then hopefully that won’t happen so don’t worry about it. All you, James and Sirius need to worry about are Lily, Regulus and Pettigrew. We’ll handle the rest.”

“But Peter…” Remus shook his head, “I can’t believe that he… and all this time.”

“None of us did, not until it was too late.”

“But can’t… isn’t there a way to save him too?”

“Pettigrew started changing a long time ago. He resented James and Sirius for their popularity. He was always hanging around us but, no one ever really thought of him as one of us. He was even jealous of you.”

“Of me?”

“James and Sirius were the popular ones, you were the smart one.”

Remus frowned, “Not that smart.”

Jacob scoffed, “And he was the one leftover. He’s been around Mulciber and Wilkes for too long. He’ll be taking his mark soon if he hasn’t already.” The older man then took a deep breath, “Look, if you want to try and save him then you can. But unless you can prove that he hasn’t taken the mark yet you can’t let your guard down around him. What Pettigrew does doesn’t just put Harry in danger. James and Lily die and Sirius is sent to Azkaban.”

“But you said Severus-“

“We will take care of Severus.” Jacob said clearly, “You just focus on Pettigrew.”

Remus sighed, “Pettigrew. You won’t call him by his name.”

Christopher looked away, “There’s too much bad blood there.”

“But… we can still change that. Our Peter doesn’t have to turn out like yours. If there’s still some good in him then he can still be saved.”

Christopher huffed out a sigh despite the smile that tugged at his lips. “If that’s what you want to do. Then fine.”

“And-and Severus, maybe I could well – we could – apologise to him. To start with at least.”

“I’m not sure that he’ll give you a chance but you can try.”

“Maybe I could convince him to do an assignment with me.”

Christopher frowned, “Maybe.”

“And we could study together.”

“Remus.”

“Severus doesn’t really seem to like the Three Broomsticks but we could go somewhere else on the weekends.”

“Remus.” Christopher said clearly and the teen’s head snapped up. He blushed when he realised that he’d been rambling. The older wizard shook his head.

“Sorry-“

“Don’t apologise. I understand.” He gave the teen a soft smile, “It feels good doesn’t it? Being honest for the first time in such a long time. We were always so scared of what would happen if the other Marauders found out and if Severus found out.”

“Terrified.” Remus said softly with a pause, “What’s she like? Our – your wife. You said we get married.”

“She’s lovely, you don’t know her yet and I don’t think it would be a good idea to tell you too much about her but. She’s a wonderful girl.”

“Is she-“

“No.” Christopher chuckled, “She’s nothing like Severus and trust me that’s a good thing. It’d be a bit strange to marry someone because they reminded us of someone we can’t have don’t you think?”

“I guess so.”

“In any event, you’ll meet her eventually. I don’t think our presence here will change that much.” The older man paused when he saw the look on the boy’s face, “Remus, things are… difficult right now but, they do get better. You can be happy. You’re going to meet people that won’t be bothered by Moony. People who’ll be there for you no matter what. It won’t all be sunshine and roses, but it will be better.”

Remus sighed, “You said Severus finds out about Moony and things get worse between us.”

“Remus-“

“Is that why he hates me?”

“What happens scares him, very badly. And like I said before Severus’ life is hard. After what happens – what happened – I wasn’t exactly apologetic towards him.”

“Oh…”

Christopher took a deep breath, leaning in a bit with a tilt of his head. “But, Severus also ends up making a potion for the werewolf curse.”

Remus’ head snapped up, “A potion?”

“It’s not a cure, but it makes things significantly better during the full moon. It was his first attempts at making a cure. He worked on it tirelessly. If he hated werewolves, truly despised them; then I don’t see why he’d make a potion to help them.” Christopher looked away, “I always thought, the reason he was so angry with us was because of our history and not really because of Moony. I think that if he did find out about Moony, just under better circumstances, things would’ve been different. If you want to apologise to him, then you can try. But like I said before he doesn’t trust you very much, so I don’t think you’ll get very far. But I think there’s a chance that you can be friends… eventually.”

He looked over to the boy and found him staring at him. “What?”

“Do you still have Moony with you?”

Christopher’s lips twisted a little before he spoke, “No. Technically this is a new body. I was thirty-six when I died but this body is about twenty-five. Nothing is the same.”

Remus’ jaw clenched, only to blink when the older man suddenly spoke again.

“I miss him.”

“What?”

“Moony, sometimes it feels lonely without him. It’s strange but even when you’re alone you never really feel alone do you?”

Remus looked away as the man continued, “And after Severus started brewing the potion for us… In a way it felt like there was always someone there. Someone to protect you and talk to you. I miss that feeling sometimes.” Christopher shook his head. “I know it’s different for you right now, but you’ll understand one day.”

“I don’t think so.”

Christopher smiled, “You will. I know it doesn’t seem like it right now but one day, you’ll feel O.K.”

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When they came out of the rooms, they found James and the other James glaring at each other hard.

It was incredibly tense. Sirius blinked and stared between the two in confusion and Remus frowned. Things had gone relatively well with them, what on earth could have happened between James and the other… James.

“Alright then, James?” Jacob asked and Sirius looked up at his future self before he looked back at his best friend.

The other James, Paul, seemed to give a slight shrug.

“Everything’s fine. Isn’t that right, James?”

The teen’s glare got darker but he didn’t answer.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Life isn’t fair.

James has always had a nice life. A good life, so he’s never really understood that phrase before. He always got what he wanted and what he didn’t have…. Well, he knew that he’d get it eventually so there was never any need to worry.

On some level he’d assumed that the situation with Severus Snape would be the same. It would only be a matter of time. A person could only be so stubborn for so long before finally giving in to James Charlus Potter.

But Severus Snape was a situation that he never could have anticipated.

James thought that one day, Severus would finally wake up. One day he’d finally see reason and everything would be perfect.

They’d date for the rest of their years at Hogwarts and then they’d move in together after graduating. James would go on to become an Auror and Severus would continue studying in potions so he could teach at Hogwarts. They’d get married. they’d have three children.

Two children they could have via potions, James often dreamed of coming home every night to Severus waiting for him. Sitting with a heavy book in one hand and his other hand over a swollen belly. And then the third they could adopt. James wanted a big family but he already knew that male pregnancy could be a bit difficult at times. Their children would go to Hogwarts just like they did and then eventually they’d retire to Godric’s hollow.

He could have never imagined what would actually become of his life.

According to his older self. According to, Paul, he doesn’t marry Severus.

He and Severus don’t end up dating. They don’t marry and don’t have children.

Instead he marries Lily, they have one child and die shortly after. Severus becomes a death eater, then a spy. He lives a harsh and lonely life and he dies branded as a traitor.

James couldn’t believe it. He wouldn’t believe it. The mere thought broke his heart.

Lily was wonderful. Lily is a great girl. James doesn’t know anyone who wouldn’t be ecstatic at the idea of one day marrying the girl and having a family with her. But for James, Lily would always be his second choice. He wanted Severus. He wanted the Slytherin so badly that sometimes it almost felt like it physically hurt.

He couldn’t bear the thought of never being with Severus and marrying someone else. And yet here it is.

He didn’t want to believe any of it at first. He called Paul a liar because none of it could possibly be true. But Paul knew too much, he knew secret things. Things that even Sirius and Remus didn’t know.

Paul was telling the truth.

It was difficult but he accepted it, what he couldn’t accept however was when Paul told him that he had to leave Severus alone.

“What, why?”

“Why do you think?” The older man asked, barely even blinking at him, “We need to make sure we keep as much of the timeline intact as we can if we’re going to make sure Harry makes it. “

“But-“

“It would be better if things between you and Severus were more civil, but we both know that you don’t want them to just be civil.” Paul said clearly, “We both know it’ll never just be civil with him.”

“I-… No.” James suddenly got up and started pacing around the room, the older man glared.

“No? What do you mean no?”

“I mean, I’m not marrying Lily just because you say I should. It’s not my fault things get screwed up in the future. So why do I have to suffer?”

“Suffer. You say that like Lilian Evans is some kind of hideous troll.”

“She might as well be.”

Paul said with a roll of his eyes, “Don’t be so melodramatic. It’s not like I’m telling you to take the dark mark. I’m just telling you to do the thing that you were always going to do anyway.”

James stopped, “What-“

“Be honest, you were never really going to make a move on Severus. You were scared of him.”

“Me? Scared of Snape.”

“You’re still scared.”

“I am not-“

“You had hundreds of opportunities. You had plenty of chances to try and be nice to him; apologise and make amends and finally have him the way you wanted. But you’re too scared.”

“Scared of what?”

“Scared that he’ll reject you.” Paul said leaning back in his seat, “You’re scared he’ll say no. So instead, you decided to act like a bastard so he’ll never have the chance to reject you.”

“I-“

“Your future is with Lily. It’s always been Lily. Lily is the safe option because you’ll never have Severus-“

“Bu-“

“And you never really planned on trying to get Severus. You wanted him to just fall into your lap and beg you to love him, but we both know that he’ll never do that.” Paul shrugged, “It’s never going to happen with him so you might as well just move on.”

James glared hard, “And what if I don’t want to move on?”

Paul rolled his eyes again, “Honestly stop being dramatic. You’ve been flirting with her since first. All I’m asking you to do is to be a little more sincere about it.”

“I don’t want to be with Lily. I don’t want to marry her.”

“Well unfortunately for you, today is the day you learn that you can’t have everything that you want.”

James blinked, “Shouldn’t you be on my side? You’re me!”

“You’re right I am you, which is how I know that you and Severus would never work out. You’re a brat, Severus needs someone that can at least pretend to be mature.”

“What? Like you?!”

Paul shrugged, “Well…”

“You can’t be serious.”

“You realise that so far you haven’t mentioned Severus wants. You keep talking about what you want and how you want things to be but you haven’t said a thing about Severus yet. What makes you think that Severus would ever give you the time of day?”

“I-“

“James, just for once, think about someone other than yourself. Think about Severus’ happiness.”

James faltered almost stumbling over his words, “I could make him happy.”

“Last week you cast a spell to fill his pants with frogs in the middle of class.”

“But-“

“Two months ago you hit him with a stinging hex so severe he had to go to the hospital wing and stay there all day.”

“I-“

“Yesterday you tried to sabotage his potion by sneaking doxy shells into his cauldron, which would have caused it to explode.” Paul listed off with a bored look on his face, “And all of that you did in some twisted attempt at getting his attention. You did it because you decided that you wanted him to give you something he wouldn’t give you willingly so you decided to force him to. It’s all about you.”

“I-“

“It sounds cruel, but the best thing for both of you is for you to move on. You’ll both be happier if you do.”

James’ hands clenched tightly, “I care about Severus.”

“Your behaviour says otherwise. Besides, you want a family don’t you? You want to get married and have children. Have you even paused to think if that’s something that Severus would want?” Paul said not even moving an inch, “Since we came here I’ve been talking to him. Severus wants to continue with his studies once he finishes school. He wants to travel the world for a few years, learn as much about magic as he can and then eventually settle in London. Open his own apocathery. He wants to get married but, doesn’t know if he wants to have children yet. But you never thought of any of that, have you?”

James stopped, his hands fell limply at his sides.

“Exactly. You’ll see. Eventually you’ll realise that this is for the best-“

“I don’t mind.”

“What?”

“Whatever he wants. I don’t mind. We’ll make it work. If he wants to travel then, I’ll go with him. There are plenty of nice places to live in London and as for children-“ James took a deep breath, “I can wait until he decides.”

“What if he never does?”

“It doesn’t matter!” James all but screeched, “I love him. He’s the one I want!”

“You’re too young to know what love is.” Paul said, eyes narrowing own ever so slightly, “You can’t have everything you want just because you want it.”

“Well then neither can you.”

Paul blinked, “Excuse me?”

James scoffed, “Oh please, I’ve seen the way you look at him. You’re so obvious-“

“And you aren’t?”

“You’re supposed to be a professor!”

Paul rolled his eyes as he stood up, “You say that like it matters.”

James huffed, folding his arms over his chest, “You’re right. It doesn’t matter; because either way you can’t have him.”

The older man scoffed, “You say that like you think he’d ever want anything to do with you.”

“I’ve known that Severus was mine since the moment we met.” James said with all the conviction he could muster and Paul shook his head.

“You certainly have an interesting way of showing it.”

“Yes well, I was wrong… and I’ll find a way to make it up to him.” James admitted quietly, looking away for a brief moment before looking up to look the other man in the eye, “My point is, I’m not giving up on him and I’m not letting you get in the way either.”

Paul stared at the younger man for a moment annoyance flashing in his eyes before he stepped forward, “You’re making this a lot more difficult than it needs to be.”

“There’s nothing difficult about it. You had your chance and you failed.” James started, “I won’t make the same mistakes.”

“You know, I knew this would happen. But I was hoping that I’d be less of a spoiled brat than what I remember.” Paul let out a deep breath, looked away, over to the furthest wall before he stepped forward and looked his younger counter part right in the eye. “You’re not getting Severus.”

James met his gaze defiantly, “I’m James Bloody Potter. I get everything that I want.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“Yes, you will.”

Notes:

A/N: I'll be honest, I haven't totally decided on who Severus is going to end up with. I have a general idea but, I like to develop the story as I go along so things might change.

Anyway, set-up is finally over with. Next chapter the story's just continuing

Please review

Chapter 4

Notes:

A/N: Hey!

Thanks for all the reviews

Sorry for the wait

Usual apologies

Disclaimer: See previous chapters

“Reg!”

He thought about it all night, because honestly what else was he going to think about? When they got back to the dorms the marauders were oddly quiet. It just seemed odd, talking about it so they just didn’t.

It wasn’t until morning that they actually spoke about it, but that was only after Peter left for the Great Hall to get breakfast. Remus insisted on it. They talked about what each of their future selves told them, about Regulus, Lily and Peter.  But they didn’t talk about Severus. No… none of them were ready to talk about Severus just yet. It was a lot to take in, they weren’t really sure what to do. The only thing they could agree on was the fact that they couldn’t tell Peter.

Remus – or rather Christopher, was right. They couldn’t be sure that the portly boy hadn’t already pledged his allegiance to he-who-must-not-be-named. They couldn’t be sure about what Peter was doing. They decided that Remus would be the one to find out just how far gone he was. After finding out about his future betrayal, James and Sirius weren’t sure if they’d be able to control themselves around Peter just yet.

James agreed to making an effort to talk to Lily. Try to make amends for always being such a twat all the time, by apologising to her and promising to leave old Snivellus alone. It made sense. The whole reason the redheaded girl seemed so insistent on resisting him seemed to be because of the pranks that he was always pulling on the raven haired Slytherin. According to James, Jame-Paul told him that he and Lily are meant to have a son together, a son that would be very important in the future. So, James would be trying to make nice with Lily for the time being. And Sirius-

“Hey Reg!”

The raven froze as he glanced over his shoulder shock and confusion glowing in his eyes as he stared at the Gryffindor jogging up towards him. Only for those same stormy eyes to narrow down into a glare as he turned back and kept walking. Sirius huffed out a sigh as he picked up the pace to catch up.

The hallway leading to the library was near vacant, despite the fact that lunch had just ended. Sirius had been trying all day to find a moment alone with his brother, but between classes, teachers and annoying Slytherin prats he hadn’t gotten the chance. He ended up resorting to the map to find a time when he could get Regulus alone.

To be honest Sirius wasn’t even sure what he planned on saying to Regulus, he’s just never had an excuse to try talking to him before. Things were always so complicated with Regulus, not just because of their family but because of their situation at school as well. But now he has a reason, a very pressing reason.

“Regulus, wait!” Sirius huffed out a sigh as he finally reached his brother, “Will you just wait a second I want to talk to you.”

Regulus didn’t reply, Sirius finally reached out to grab the younger wizard’s arm to turn him around.

“Reg-“

“What?” Regulus hissed wrenching his arm free and for a moment Sirius was taken aback at the sheer animosity in his brother’s eyes.

“I just want to talk.”

“About what?”

Sirius swallowed hard and blurted the words out before he could stop himself, “I’m sorry.”

Regulus paused, “Excuse me?”

“I said I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For everything.” Sirius said and Regulus pulled back his lips tugging down to a slight frown. “I’ve been a right arse for years now and there’s never been a reason for it. I’m sorry for how I reacted when you were sorted and everything that happened after." Sirius took a deep breath, “I’m not sorry about the stuff with Mum and Dad, I’m not sorry for leaving.”

“W-“

“But I’m sorry for leaving you behind.”

Regulus just stared back at him, “What is this, some sort of prank. You and your little friends got tired of tormenting Sev you’ve decided to start on me?”

Sirius’ eyes widened, “No! Of course, not-“

“This is twisted, even for you.”

That stung. “It’s not a prank.”

“Then what is it?”

“It’s me apologising.”

Regulus huffed, “Why now? You’ve been a bastard to me for years why suddenly apologise now?”

Sirius almost paused at that; he couldn’t exactly tell Regulus the truth now could he? My future self, travelled back to the past to warn me about how horrible the future will be unless I get my act together and stop being such a twat. That wouldn’t go well. But still Sirius could tell him a truth.

“I miss you.”

At that Regulus he blinked, pulled back and almost faltered in his stance, before just looking a way to fold his arms over his chest as he spoke.

“It’s too late for that.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Yes, it is.” Regulus said clearly, “I don’t live in your shadow anymore. People finally see me as more than just the other Black. I don’t need your validation anymore; I can get my own.”

“I’m not trying to give you any validation.” Sirius said as he stepped forward only for Regulus to mirror his movements back, he tried not to flinch at the rejection, “I just want my little brother back.”

Regulus’ eyes narrowed down ever so slightly, “I’m not your little brother anymore Sirius.”

“You can’t mean that.”

“Yes, I do.” Regulus shook his head, “You don’t get it do you? You’re so used to getting whatever you want just because you’re handsome, just because you come from the house of Black, just because Dumbledore lets you get away with just about anything. You expect everyone to just give into you and let you have what you want, forgive you just because you flashed them a smile. That’s not how it works Sirius.”

“Reg-“

“You have no idea what I’ve had to go through just to get mum and dad to see me as more than just your replacement, let alone get anyone in this school to actually see me. It doesn’t matter if you miss me, the person you miss doesn’t exist anymore. Leave me alone.”

Sirius was shocked into silence, stunned speechless. Regulus turned around and walked away.

Down the hallway, standing just behind one of the statues Jacob watched silently before letting out a soft sigh.

“You’re going to need to try harder than that.”

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

“Where’ve James and Sirius gone off to?”

Peter asked glancing around the common room and Remus gave a slight shrug.

“James’ gone to look for Evans and Sirius didn’t say. I’m sure they’ll be around.”

Peter seemed to shrug as he reached out to take a toffee from the bowl on the table in the common room. As he reached out, Remus couldn’t help but let his gaze fix on his left arm as the sleeve of his shirt and jumper pulled back ever so slightly.

It wasn’t much but it didn’t seem like there was anything under there. But he couldn’t be sure. He’d been thinking about it all day, just how to figure out exactly what was going on with Peter. It was difficult, between keeping the James and Sirius from strangling Peter and keeping the portly boy oblivious to the tension; Remus hadn’t really managed to figure out a subtle way of getting the truth.

It’s not like he could just ask, ‘Hey mate, seen any dark lords lately?’ that would be beyond stupid. So how should he do it?

“Moony?”

Remus blinked and found Peter frowning at him, “Something wrong?”

“No. No things wrong.” Remus said with a smile as he thumbed at the pages of his herbology book, “Just thinking about next week’s assignment. Patridge said he’d have us working on Devil’s snare remember?”

“Oh right.” Peter’s grimaced, “Forgot about that.”

“There’s still a bit of time before then though, I can help you study if you’d like. If we’re prepared maybe it won’t be so bad. I wasn’t really  planning on going to Hogsmeade this weekend anyway.”

“This weekend?”

“Yeah.” Remus said and Peter seemed to look away and reached for another candy. The werewolf frowned, “Do you have plans this weekend?”

“I… Yeah-yeah I do.”

“Really? James and Sirius didn’t mention anything to me.”

“I’m not going with them.”

“Then who are you going with?”

Peter looked up at him and seemed to hesitate, “No one, I’m not going anywhere, it’s just… Slughorn gave me detention yesterday.”

“Yesterday? What for?”

“I knocked over a vile when we were leaving class yesterday.” Peter said wryly, “Old Slughorn was livid, said I’d have to clean all the cauldron’s this weekend.”

Remus’ frown grew, “Over a broken vile?”

That would be an overreaction, especially from Slughorn.

“OK, how long is detention going to be exactly? We can always just study after.”

“Slughorn didn’t say.”

“Right.” Remus took in a silent breath before he spoke. “Peter you know you can talk to me… talk to us about anything right?”

Peter looked at him with a frown, “Yeah?”

“It’s just, you’ve been disappearing a lot lately.” Remus said clearing his throat, “Evan James and Sirius have started to notice.”

“Oh,” Peter paused and then just looked away, “I-I didn’t realise…” His lips pursed together in a tight line, “I haven’t been doing anything special, I just-“ And then suddenly he huffed in frustration, “Why do you suddenly care anyway?”

“Suddenly? Peter, we’re friends. You’re a marauder, of course I care.”

“Yeah, well, you don’t need to worry because everything’s fine.”

“Well-“

“And why do I suddenly need to explain myself to you anyway?! James and Sirius run off all the time and you don’t go around questioning them. You don’t even know where Padfoot is right now.”

Remus blinked, “Peter-“

“No, I-“ the portly boy suddenly got up and headed for the portrait hole, “I-I need to go.”

“Go where… Peter!”

And he was out the door. Remus sighed as he dragged a hand through his hair and sat back down in his seat.

This doesn’t look good.

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

It was a lovely day to spend outside. Which is why Lily was headed for the courtyard right at that moment. She made Severus promise that they’d get a moment to catch up once they both get the chance and the day before, Severus informed her of the fact that he’d be free just after lunch today.

It’s been ages since they’ve been able to just hang out the both of them. After the incident by the lake a few weeks ago, it seemed that Severus just wasn’t too fond of the idea of being outside for too long and she couldn’t blame him. She can’t imagine what was going through James’ head that he’d want to pull such a cruel prank in front of everyone no less. She’s just grateful professor Abbey was there to intervene. Professor Abbey had been furious and immediately sent all the Marauders to the headmaster for punishment.

The witch’s lips twisted a bit at the thought. Professor Abbey was handsome, charming and best of all, it seemed that he’d taken a special liking to Sev, something that Lily was honestly grateful for. It wasn’t lost on her how some of the professors at school treated her friend. While most like Flitwick and McGonagall seemed to try and remain mostly impartial when it came to the students, others like Slughorn made their dislike for particular students very clear. It was very clear that the reason Slughorn never seemed to just outright pick on Snape was because of the fact that he was in Slytherin house and arguably the best student in school as far as grades were concerned.

It’s not something she liked to think about too often, but she noticed how some people treated her friend just because he was a little awkward and withdrawn. Unfortunately, Severus seemed to respond to their hostilities with even more hostilities which exasperated the problem quite a bit. Throw in the problem of Potter and his idiot friends it was just all so much worse.

But that’s before the new professors started in school. Professor Abbey, Newport and Cartwright seemed quite fond of Severus. They never made it too obvious and Lily’s sure that no one else has noticed, but she always tried to keep an eye out for Severus so of course she noticed.

Professor Cartwright seemed to always make time for Severus. Newport  was always encouraging him and Abbey seemed to simply dote on the raven. Though none of them ever did any of these things too obviously, it was quite interesting and maybe just a bit curious. Hence Lily’s frown.

There was something just a bit familiar about the professors, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Though she never said anything to Severus. Again, it wasn’t often that Severus received and accepted kindness like this unprompted so she really didn’t want to say anything that might upset him. But something about the new professors definitely nagged at her, she just couldn’t figure out what.

Lily had just made it outside, smiling up at the bright sun before she took out her wand to cast a quick tempus. Just ten minutes left, it might be nice to sit in the sun for a bit while she waits for Severus. Then again, Severus is probably already out there waiting for her. He’s always early. It was right in the middle of these thoughts that a voice suddenly called her and immediately caused her to scowl.

“Evans! Out for a stroll?” she turned around and found the annoyingly handsome face of James Potter coming up to her. Yes James Potter is attractive, she can admit that. The problem however has to do with his treatment of others, no amount of attractiveness can make up for that. So while she can’t deny that she sometimes enjoyed the attentions he showered on her, she didn’t like the way he treated her best friend. Not in the slightest.

With her wand in hand, she almost hexed him right there and then. The memory of what happened a few weeks ago still fresh in her mind. Severus, hanging upside down by the lake.

Thank Merlin for Professor Abbey.

“Mind if I join you?”

“Yes, actually I do.” She said folding her arms over her chest, “I have things to do and I’d rather not have you around me.”

“Things like what?”

“None of your business, now what do you want?”

James clicked his tongue, “Always so cold, tell me Evans, what’ll it take to warm you up a bit?”

“Nothing you’d be capable of, so leave before I make you.”

James raised his hands in surrender and gave her a smile, “There’s no need to be so hostile. I just wanted to talk.”

“About what?”

“About…” right then James seemed to hesitate; the smile on his face faltered, he moved almost like he wanted to take a step back but quickly stopped himself. Lily arched a brow at the other and James cleared his throat. “About uhm, about Snape.”

Lily’s eyes immediately narrowed into a glare, “You have a lot of nerve trying to bring him up after what you did.”

“Now hold on, I know you’re probably pissed but I swear its nothing bad this time.” James said in a placating manner, “I promise this isn’t some sort of prank or trick.”

“Then what is it?”

“An apology.”

Lily blinked and then she took a step back, “What?”

“I-I’m sorry about, everything that’s been going on with me and Snape. I know that I’ve hurt him and I’m sorry.” Lily was staring at him in confusion so he just kept pushing on, “Like, like that last one by the lake. That prank was going too far and, really, I’m glad professor Abbey stopped me and I’m sorry.”

Lily wasn’t sure what to make of the sudden turn of events and of course she didn’t believe a word of what Potter was saying to her. She wouldn’t put it past him to try and use something like this to prank Severus in some way or as some superficial attempt to try and gain her-

Of course.

The redhead glared, “Potter if this is another one of your attempts at flirting with me then you’ve truly reached an all-time low.”

“It’s not.”

Lily just stared back at him and he cleared his throat and gave her another smile.

“C’mon Evans, even I know how to take a hint after a while. Besides there are far too many lovely ladies around here, willing to bend to my charms for me to keep pestering you.” He teased and Lily rolled her eyes with a scoff before he continued. “I just wanted to apologise, hopefully put all of… put everything that’s happened behind us.”

Lily paused to just look at him for a moment, considering his explanation. For once, the arrogant toe-rag seemed sincere and though she did feel a slight sting at the fact that he’d apparently given up on pursuing her, she also felt relieved at the prospect of no longer putting up with his antics.

She let out a deep breath, “I’m not the one you should be apologising to.”

“I know. That’s actually part of the reason why I wanted to talk to you.” He said taking a step closer to the girl, “I want to apologise to Snape, but after everything that-that I’ve done, I’m sure you know just as well as I do that he wouldn’t let me come anywhere near him. So I was hoping you could help me.”

“Help you how?”

“Just get me five minutes with Snape, that’s all.” At the look in those green eyes, James spoke quickly, “You can be there the whole time and-“ James took out his wand and put it down on the ground, “You can even keep my wand with you. I just want the chance to say sorry.”

Lily looked down to the wand and then back up to James, “You promise you’re not going to hurt him anymore? Give me your word Potter.”

James nodded matching her gaze, “I promise.”

“Not today, or any other day for that matter.”

“I promise.”

Lily bit her lip for a brief moment, looking back to the trees where she was sure Severus must already be waiting for her.

“Fine.” She said as she picked up the wand and shoved it in her pocket, “But I’m keeping this with me and I swear to Merlin Potter, if you even think about trying something-“

“I won’t.”

Lily pulled back, “Good. Let’s go, I’m supposed to meet him right now.”

James seemed to sigh, “Great.”

She cast a wary eye at the hazel eyed wizard, somehow already regretting her decision as they walked across the grass and over to the courtyard beyond the trees. Lily immediately caught sight of the Slytherin sitting on one of the stone benches with a book in hand, brushing back the strands of hair that fell into his face because of the breeze. A smile tugged at her lips, only to falter as she glanced back at James.

“Potter, don’t forget your promise.”

James rolled his eyes, “I haven’t.”

They made it till they were about ten feet away when Severus lifted his head, the Slytherin gave a small smile at the sight of the redhead only for that smile to disintegrate the second he saw the person walking next to her. Severus immediately got up, shut his book and stuffed it into his bag.

Lily’s eyes went wide.

“Sev, wait!” she called as she ran over and quickly put a hand over the one that was slinging the bag over his shoulder, “Don’t go.”

“What is he doing here?!” the raven hissed, those dark eyes already filling with hurt and betrayal. Lily took Severus’ hand in her own and her eyes snapped up to the Gryffindor.

“Well, Potter? Come and explain yourself.”

Severus looked at her in confusion before he looked or rather glared up at James, who in turn seemed to hesitate before he swallowed hard and spoke quickly. Like he was trying to get the words out before he could stop himself.

“I’m sorry.”

Severus just stared, “What?”

“I said I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“For everything. Everything that’s… everything that I’ve done to you and everything I’ve said. I’m sorry.”

The Slytherin’s eyes narrowed in suspicion before they snapped over to his friend. “Did you put him up to this?”

“No, actually.” Lily answered, “He just came up to me and said he wanted to apologise to you.”

“And you believed him?”

“Sort of.” Lily sighed as she reached into her pocket and took out the Gryffindor’s wand, “He gave me his wand, said I could keep it with me the whole time. It’s the main reason I even let him come with me.”

The Slytherin looked down at the wand with a frown, “He gave you his wand to keep?”

“Yes, Potter gave her his wand. Now can we please stop talking like Potter isn’t here?” James exclaimed and the Slytherin looked like he wanted to roll his eyes, Lily didn’t bother suppressing the urge. Of course the toad can’t stand being ignored.

Severus then folded his arms over his chest, “What’s your angle Potter?”

“My angle?”

“What is this, a prank? Some twisted joke between you and your friends? What?”

“Is the thought that I might sincerely just want to apologise to you, so difficult to accept that you think that I must have some sort of ulterior motive?” James asked and Snape answered without hesitation.

“Yes.”

James opened his mouth and then closed it and then opened it again. Lily couldn’t help but scoff at the sight as she sat down on the bench Severus had previously occupied.

“I-“ James took a deep breath, “Alright, I guess I deserve that. But I really am serious about my apology to you Snape.”

“Why now? Why apologise to me now after all these years.”

Severus asked and Lily looked up since she was curious about that too.

James gave an awkward laugh, “C’mon Snape, we’re sixth years. We’re a bit old to be occupied with school yard rivalries don’t you think.”

Severus gave him a look, a look that made it very clear that his explanation left something to be desired and he wasn’t buying it for one second. Lily gave him a look of pity. James let out a sigh.

“Alright, the truth is…I’m failing potions.”

“What?”

“I’m failing potions.”

“I heard you Potter, what I don’t understand is what that has to do with me.”

“I talked to Slughorn and he said that I’ll need extra tutoring if I’m going to make it through OWLS. And I thought, since you have the best marks in school, who’d be better to ask right-“

“No.”

James gaped, “What? Why?!”

“Because I can’t stand you Potter, for what unfathomable reason would I ever agree to helping you?” Severus said clearly and James stammered for a moment.

“Well to bury the hatchet of course.” Severus scoffed even as James continued, “And-and, I’ll pay you. Five galleons an hour.”

The Slytherin’s eyes narrowed down at that, his eyebrows pulling together ever so slightly. James stepped forward only to stop when Severus took one back.

“C’mon Snape. You’ll get some extra money and I’ll get to pass potions and I promise, I’ll be on my best behaviour and you don’t have to worry about Sirius or the others it’ll just be me… and Evans if you want her there.”

Severus looked over to the redhead who shrugged

“I’ll be there if you need me Sev.”

The Slytherin bit his lip, a habit he seemed to have picked up from Lily before he took a deep breath and looked back at the Gryffindor.

“Fine Potter, you have a deal.”

James grinned, “Brilliant. I promise you won’t regret it.”

“We’ll start tomorrow after lessons. I’m busy today.” Severus said shortly and James nodded.

“Perfect, I’ll see you then.” He then looked over to Evans who rolled her eyes as she tossed him his wand and he caught it. Severus seemed to tense up for a brief moment before James turned around and left the way they came.

Severus let out a deep breath once he was out of sight and slumped onto the bench beside her.

“That was… odd.”

Lily nodded, “Do you believe his story, about him needing help with potions?”

Severus shrugged, “I believe that his marks are rubbish, but I don’t understand why he’d want my help changing that.” Severus’ lips pursed, “You really didn’t have anything to do with this?”

“Of course not, why would you think-“

“Other than impressing you, I can’t think of any other reason he’d want to suddenly apologise to me.”

“I thought so too, but apparently he’s giving up on chasing after me.”

“Did he say that?”

“Yup.”

“He must be lying.”

“I’m not sure.” Lily admitted and Severus frowned at her, “I’m not saying you should trust him Sev, but I think you should give him a chance, at least this one time.”

Severus shook his head, “I don’t want to think about him right now. I have too much going on today.”

“Like what?” Lily asked and Severus shrugged, “I have and assignment I need to complete and we have that test in a few days.”

“Right.”

“Oh, and professor Abbey said he wanted to see me today.”

Lily looked up and smirked, “Oh so you have a date with the professor.”

Severus flushed, “It’s not… it’s not a date. You really need to stop saying things like that.”

“Why? It’s pretty obvious professor Abbey adores you Sev and why wouldn’t he?”

“Stop that.” Severus said flushing a bit more, “He probably just wants to talk to me about my last Transfiguration essay or something.”

“If you say so.” The girl teased and Severus rolled his eyes.

“I do. Now what did you call me out here for. It wasn’t just because of Potter was it?”

“No of course not. I wanted to catch up. Did you hear the rumours about what happened in Partridge’s last class?”

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

Lilly kept her eyes on the magical void before her, hands raised and palms out to the front. Concentrating her energy on the palms of her hands to make sure she kept the portal open until James, Sirius and Remus made it through to the other side.

“Are they close?” Tonks asked and Lily nodded.

“It won’t be too long now.”

Tonks nodded in return before seeming to take a deep breath, “Do you really think this’ll work?”

“A lot of the things that go wrong…” Lily took a deep breath herself, “It’s not Severus’ fault, but there are choices that he has to make, choices that could have made things turn out differently if he’d just had someone there. Someone to care about him so he wouldn’t feel so alone and dejected. It’s the biggest reason why Voldemort managed to get his hooks into Sev, because he didn’t think he could do any better. He had such a soft heart and it had been twisted so much that by the time Voldemort got to him, Severus didn’t stand a chance.” Then she sighed, “If nothing else, there’s a chance to fix the Voldemort problem. This is a chance to fix things. If we could send them back earlier it would’ve been better but, our sixth year is the best I can manage.”

Tonks nodded lips pursing together for a moment, “What’s going to happen to us?”

“You already know, but if things go the way they’re meant to, then it won’t even matter.” Lily said looking over her shoulder at the girl before shaking her head with a smile. “Can you check on Harry for me while we wait?”

“I doubt much has changed since the last time you checked Lily.”

“I just want to see how he’s doing.” Tonks got up and walked across the room to the large grey ornate pensieve on the table, “How about… Two years after-after the execution.”

Tonks seemed to wave her hand over the pensieve and stared down at the shimmering liquid for a moment before cringing a little, “He’s arguing with Ginny again.”

“About what?”

“Snape, Ginny thinks he’s obsessed.”

Lily rolled her eyes and shook her head, “I can’t begin to understand what he sees in that girl. No one fought harder for Severus than Harry and after finding out about everything he did, of course his death would upset him.”

“She seems upset that Harry’s still going to the cemetery.”

Lily’s eyes filled with sadness.

After Severus’ execution Harry had been the one to make the arrangements for his funeral. He did this in secret of course, with the help of Ron and Hermione. The public outrage is really the only reason why the ministry was forced to have him executed. Harry didn’t want to risk the chance of anyone showing up during the little ceremony and causing a scene. It’s also the reason behind the headstone at Severus’ grave.

It was a simple black marble stone engraved Hadrian Prince; Teacher, Hero and Friend. Harry thought it appropriate and Hermione agreed, they couldn’t risk someone finding Severus’ grave and then trying to desecrate it. But having an unmarked grave would’ve drawn attention. Harry went to the grave often, though he made sure he was never seen. Understandable, Harry thought the man hated him only to find out about all the things he’d done to protect him, Lily would’ve been surprised if Harry didn’t have some sort of emotional reaction to his execution.

She shook her head.

“Move forward, six months later.”

Tonks waved her hand over the pensieve again.

“He’s out with Ron.”

“Arguing?”

“No, they’re just talking.”

“I suppose you think I’m obsessed with Snape too?” Harry asked lifting the glass in front of him to take a sip while Ron shook his head.

“No, I just think you need closure mate.” Ron seemed to pause as he stared at the glass of whiskey in his hand, “You know, Mione and I were talking and we think it might be time for you to sort through Snape’s things.”

Harry looked up at him in a pause before shaking his head as well, “I don’t know.”

“When Fred died, that’s what we did. We went through his things together, cried, laughed a lot. It helped.” Ron said softly, “I’m just saying, we went through Remus and Sirius’ things and you felt better right?”

“It’s not the same thing Ron.” Harry sighed, “I’m not sure I want to go through his things, I… I’m afraid of what I might find.”

“Hermione and I will help you; you won’t have to do it alone.”

Harry thought for a moment before looking up at his friend and gave a slight smile, “I’ll think about it, but if I do, I think I’d rather just do it alone.”

“Harry-“

“You two can help me sort out Spinners End, but I’ll go through the things he left at Hogwarts myself.”

“Alright, that’s fair enough. Whenever you’re ready mate.”

Tonks sighed, “That’s some progress at least.” Then she looked back at Lily, “How far are they?”

Lily’s eyes narrowed into the portal, “Almost there.”

“OK, how about we skip a year then?”

“Sure.” It was quiet for one long moment and Lily looked back at the girl, “What’s he doing?”

“Research?”

“On what?”

“I’m not sure, he has Snape’s things all around him and there’s so many books. Doesn’t look like he’s left the house in a while.”

Lily blinked, “Why not?”

“I don’t-… is that a time turner?“ Tonks eyes narrowed down, her lips twisted into a frown, her hair changing from blue to green to pink when all of the sudden, it fell limp at the sides of her face and she paled. “Lily-“

“Just a bit more.” The redhead said as she kept watching the portal and she started to smile.

“Oh my-” Tonks’ head snapped to the side and she looked over to Lily in alarm, “Lily bring them back!”

She looked up, “They’re already there.”

The portal seemed to swirl and waver before shutting with a loud snap and a flash of light. Tonks’ eyes went wide.

“Oh no.”

“What’s wrong?” Lily asked as she rushed over to the pensieve to wave her hand over the shimmering silver only for her eyes to go just as wide.

“Harry no…”

Just then the sound of thunder cracking boomed all around them. The room began to shake as the walls began to crack, bright slithers of white light seeping through. They’re heads snapped down when the pensieve on the table snapped in half and shattered. Spilling the deep silver liquid on the floor.

“Lily…”

“It’ll be fine. We knew this would happen.” She said her head snapping up when another thunderous roar echoed around them. Her voice wavered a bit even as she tried to stay calm. “This just means James, Remus and Sirius did it. Things are changing.”

“What if it’s because of Harry?” Tonks asked urgently and Lily swallowed hard and she took the other’s hand.

“We’ll be fine.”

The walls continued to crack and break apart, Lily lifted her hand to shield her eyes as the bright burning light finally broke through and enveloped them.

Notes:

A/N: Yeah

I was planning on having the older Sirius and Regulus talk in this chapter but I decided to save it for the next one instead.

Please review

For those wondering about My Everything, just don’t ask about that story. It’ll be up soon though. I’m basically done I just… don’t ask

Chapter 5

Notes:

A/N: Hey guys!

Thanks for all the reviews and for sticking around for this one.

This chapter I wanted to start with Harry's POV, just to get it started. It's a shorter chapter but, I got down what I wanted for now.

Usual apologies

Disclaimer: see previous chapters

12 Months before the execution.

It was dark and grimy and there was this… smell that seemed to be coming right off of the walls. He’d heard about Azkaban, both from the rumours and Sirius’ accounts of his stay at the prison itself but nothing prepared him for what he got.

It hasn’t been long since the new Ministry was formed so of course, there were still some things that were still very much products of the old regime. Azkaban was clearly one of the things that still needed a bit of an… update.

Snape was sitting at the table in the middle of the room, though his arms and legs were shackled to his seat. Wearing those dull grey and oversized prison robes, his skin more sallow than what he remembers, hair now just unreasonably greasy and dirty. Harry wondered if this was really because of the old regime or if the man had been receiving any special treatment since his incarceration. Honestly, Harry didn’t know how he felt about that.

His potions professor, the man he thought hated him with every fibre of his being and for a while, Harry had thought that the feeling was mutual. Now he wasn’t so sure.

He was angry in a way. After all those years of this miserable bastard being a miserable bastard to him, seconds before he was most likely supposed to die he reveals that it was all an act. That all those times that Harry had thought the man was trying to kill him he’d actually been trying to protect him. Because of course, of course this man would find just find one more way to torture him. Of course he’d reveal a wealth of kindness and compassion just right there, just beyond Harry’s reach just as he was about to leave this world forever. Of course, when Harry found him again, it would be in the bleeding shack, sitting over his godfather seemingly trying so hard to revive him. This man that Snape supposedly hated twice as much as he supposedly hated Harry himself. Snape was trying to stop the bleeding, start his heart up, find someway to counter the poison that was quickly claiming Sirius’ life.

Because only Snape would be so cruel. Only he would show the barest semblance of humanity just when it was too late. Now he’s in prison, awaiting his execution. He didn’t even seem all that opposed to dying. Really it seemed as though the potions master welcomed it and wasn’t that just the worst part of it all? He wants to die and so he’ll be able to die but he doesn’t deserve to die. Not after everything he’s done. He doesn’t get the right to throw Harry’s mental state so viciously upside down and then just leave like nothing happened. He doesn’t get the right to do that.

And that’s the reason – well one of the reasons – why Harry’s been trying so hard to get Snape’s verdict overturned. To get an appeal and just make sure that Snape survives. He doesn’t deserve to die. Not yet.

But its been proving difficult trying to prove the man’s innocence. Especially since he didn’t seem all that eager to save himself. But, Merlin be damned, Snape will survive. Because… he can’t just not be here anymore.

Yes, Harry was angry but he needed to reign in his anger for a moment. He didn’t make the trip to Azkaban for nothing after all. For the moment he had so many questions and the only person left to answer those questions for him is shackled in the middle of the room.

It wasn’t as hard as he thought it would be, getting access to Azkaban. Getting visitation with Severus Snape, the man currently deemed as the most hated person in all of Wizarding Britain. Well, the most hated man alive at least. Turns out being the saviour of the wizarding world carried the perk of being allowed into places that most people weren’t allowed into under most circumstances.

“We’re right outside if you need us, Mr Potter.” The guard said and Harry just nodded. At his name, the man at the table lifted his head for the first time since Harry stepped into the room.

Those dark soul consuming eyes went up to fix on him. There was shock there, confusion, Harry was surprised that he’d been able to even get that much. Usually Snape was impossible to read, his features always composed in either perfect neutrality or barely restrained disdain. But it seemed that the potions master had decided to let his walls down or rather; he didn’t even bother putting any up. Maybe he thought there wasn’t much of a point to it anymore and really, with both Albus and Voldemort gone… there probably wasn’t.

Harry felt something stir inside his chest.

Snape said nothing. Just stared at Harry with those dark eyes while greasy black hair fell limply around his face making him seem like some terrifying ghoulish thing despite the fact that he didn’t even have that signature glare up. No he just stared at Harry not saying a word.

Harry cleared his throat.

“Good morning Professor.”

Snape blinked and then scoffed, for the first time since they met seeming genuinely amused as he just stared back at the younger man. “We’re not at school and I’m no longer your professor. You’re under no obligation to continue calling me that.”

Harry paused, “Then, what am I supposed to call you?”

“Traitor, murderer, evil fiend. Take your pick.”

“None of those would be accurate though.”

“Accurate enough.” Snape said his head giving a slight tilt, “I’ve already given a full statement to the ministry and auror corps. They took down every detail for their records though predictably no one seemed to believe my story. I’m sure they’ll give the saviour of the new world the records if he simply requested them.”

It was odd. “The saviour of the new world”. Snape’s tone didn’t have that usual mocking yet somehow accusatory inflection to it. In all honestly, he just sounded…

Tired.

“I know.” Harry said as he finally walked over to the vacant chair at the table, hesitated and pulled it out to sit down. Snape frowned.

“Then why are you here?”

“I have questions. Questions that you can answer and the records can’t.”

Snape leaned back in his seat, but didn’t say a word.

“Will you answer my questions?”

“You ask that like I have a choice in the matter.” Snape said gesturing to their surroundings with his still shackled left hand and Harry felt his jaw clench.

“I’m not going to try and force you. I’m not-” Like them. He didn’t say that. He didn’t want to. It was one thing to think that the Voldemort had been a heartless, controlling bastard that cared for no one other than himself, it’s another to think of Dumbledore in that light. Though he knew what happened, understood the circumstances that led to what happened, the decisions that were made he still felt…

He’s not going to try and make Snape do anything he doesn’t want. Not now. Not even after everything that’s happened – especially after everything that’s happened.

“If you want me to leave then I’ll leave.” Harry finished, “So, I’ll ask again; will you answer my questions?”

Snape just stared at him in silence for a moment, not even attempting to move a muscle before letting out an audible breath through his nose as he leaned back in his seat.

“What do you want to know?”

Harry blinked for a moment, genuinely surprised at the older man’s response. He’d honestly expected Snape to tell him to bugger off, put up more of a fight. But he had to remind himself that this Snape was… different. Free from the shackles of two masters, free from the obligation of protecting Harry… Free from every other responsibility he’d had before; Harry realised that this might be the closest he’s ever gotten to seeing Snape as he really truly was. When he was debating the option of going to see Snape, Hermione had been the one to point this out.

“His execution date has been set and he’s already revealed every secret that the ministry could get out of him and with everything that’s happened… he has nothing to lose.”

Of course, what would be the point in keeping up any pretences now?

Snape was still staring at him, Harry had to take a moment to collect his thoughts. There’s a lot he wants to ask. A lot that he feels from all the years that he’s known this man and after everything that’s happened. But somehow, the question that left his lips first was-

“Did you really hate me?”

Snape blinked seeming just as surprised as he was that that was the first thing the younger man wanted to know. Harry just kept pushing forward.

“I know you hated my father and Sirius and Remus too and… for good reason.” Harry said that last bit quickly, trying his best to suppress the memory of Snape’s memories as he spoke, “But the moment we met, the first time in class… I hadn’t even done anything and you already seemed to despise me. Was it really because of my father or was it because you were being forced to protect me or was it both or-“

“I adored you.”

Harry’s blinked and then gaped at the convict. Snape gave another scoff, this time the barest smile spreading over his lips as he looked away, off to the wall.

“I always give the same opening lecture to all my first years every year. Most are too intimidated to do anything other than just stay still and be quiet when they first enter my class, the rest are barely able to stay awake. I’ll admit, that because of your… father I had expected more of the latter from you but,” Those dark eyes went back to him, “I looked over and you were sitting there making notes, writing down every word. I knew right then that I was going to absolutely adore you.”

The words were sincere, Harry could feel himself flush even as he frowned, “Then why did-“

“Knowing what you know now, what did you expect me to do?” Snape asked, “At the time there were already rumours circulating among the Dark Lord’s following about his possible return, I was still marked and I still had an oath to protect you. Showing even the barest amount of kindness to you could have put you in danger. If the Dark Lord found out that I managed to gain even a sliver of your trust I would have been ordered to use it against you.”

“But, you weren’t even civil towards me! Every day it was like you were trying to make me pay for something that I didn’t do.”

Snape shrugged, “I needed to keep you at a distance, as far away as possible. I knew that if I let you get close, I wouldn’t have been able to do what I needed to do. I needed you to hate me… I needed to make sure that there wouldn’t even be a chance and at the time, Albus also thought it to be best.”

Harry frowned, “Dumbledore? Why would he-”

“History has an ugly little habit of repeating itself.” Snape said with a wry smile, not mocking just… sad. “One of the reasons why the light was able to hold out for as long as it did against the dark was because of the very clear distinctions made between the light and the dark. Clarity is necessary in such uncertain times, regardless of how, artificial that clarity may be. In my time in school your father practically championed the war against the dark and the focal point for his crusade was Slytherin house.”

“Why Slytherin?”

“Why did you hate Draco?”

Harry’s mouth snapped shut, he hesitated-

“I… I didn’t-“

“Yes you did, for some time at least.”

“No-“

“Tell me Harry, how do you fight something without a face?”

Harry was caught off guard, first by the use of his name since he’d never heard the potions master even utter it before and second by the question. Snape scoffed.

“The equation is simple, its easy to hate what’s wrong and love what’s write. But how do you even know what’s right and what’s wrong in a world full of so much grey?” The older man explained, “You’ve heard the rumours about Salazar Slytherin, faced the dark lord himself, faced many of his followers and witnessed many of their atrocities, have you not?”

“Yes.”

“And you were aware, you’ve always been aware that the Dark Lord, his followers, many of them were in Slytherin.”

“Not all of them.” Harry said, “We’ve found out about Death Eaters who used to be in Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw-“

“But you didn’t know that before.” Snape said quietly and Harry’s mouth snapped shut. “And it made it easy didn’t it? It was easy to think of all Slytherin as evil. It made things clear, gave you a clear objective and an obvious enemy.”

“You-“

“Especially since the head of house was the evil greasy bat Severus Snape.” Snape actually laughed, an odd low chuckle that sounded unnervingly bright in the dark confines of the room. “Your father took one look at me and instantly decided that he hated me and everything I stood for. It was easy to think that you’d feel the same but I started my lecture and you weren’t just paying attention, you were making notes. For a moment, I had no idea what on earth to do with you.”

Harry’s hands clenched, “So you decided to be a bastard to me, for all those years.”

“You needed an enemy, someone right there in front of you to remind you of your supposed purpose since the Dark Lord was so fond of hiding. We do what we must for the greater good. Isn’t that what Albus used to preach… It was wrong, I’m fully aware of that. I’m not making any excuses, you have every right to hate me because of what I did and I have no right to ask for forgiveness, so I won’t insult you by trying; but it is the truth. I can’t really say anything other than that.”

Harry felt speechless for a moment. Snape didn’t say anything as he just stared back at the younger man. But Harry still felt angry, he felt upset because-

“I wasn’t scared of you back then, I don’t think I was ever really scared of you.” He started quietly and Snape arched a brow as the younger man continued, “You were different from all the other professors. Smarter, more powerful. Somehow I could tell and I… I’d never seen anyone with eyes as dark as yours before.”

Snape blinked and almost seemed to try and pull back before the younger man continued, “I knew you were the Slytherin head of house and I was a Gryffindor and after what Ron told me and after Malfoy was such a twat, I just, I wanted to make a good impression. I didn’t care about the light or dark, I don’t think I ever really cared. I wanted you to like me, I wanted you to think I was smart but it’s like the second you saw me you instantly hated me and I think… I don’t think I ever got over it.”
Snape just watched him for a moment and then shook his head, lips going up slightly in amusement as he let out another scoff, “If it’s any consolation, I’m quite sure that when I met you I fell absolutely in love with you.”

The words were said in such a matter of fact manner that Harry flushed even as his lips pulled into a slight pout, “Well, that’s not much use to me now, now is it?”

Snape blinked and laughed again, his lips now fully forming a smile. “Merlin, its good that I kept you at bay. You would’ve absolutely ruined me.”

 

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

Hogwarts, 1976

Ancient Runes is one of the few classes he shares with Severus without the other marauders.
It also happens to be last class of the day today.

Remus kept two very important objectives in mind when he walked into the classroom. The first was that he wanted to get the chance to speak with his older self about his interaction with Peter that day. Peter’s reaction to his question was… concerning and he was hoping to get some advice on what to do next. He didn’t want to ask James and Sirius. He didn’t think either of them would really be able to give him the kind of advice that he was looking for.

His second objective was… well-

He wanted to try and talk to Severus today, or at least just sit next to him in class.

Christopher’s words were still whirling through his mind.

Severus hates him in the future.

Severus wanted nothing to do with him.

Severus found out about Moony and things got worse.

“After what happened, we weren’t exactly apologetic towards him.”

No. No no, even if it happened before; Remus was going to make sure it didn’t happen this time around.

All he needs to do is pull some courage together and just… talk to the raven.

Remus sighed as he stared down at his textbook at his seat in the class as it slowly filled up. It would really help so much if he could just talk to James and Sirius about this but the werewolf isn’t sure.

James and Sirius still didn’t seem very fond of the Slytherin and Remus just knew that they’d have a fit if they found out that he may possibly fancy Snivellus of all people. He could almost see James’ face twist in disgust at the revelation. But he couldn’t just do nothing. Apparently he tried just doing nothing before and that didn’t turn out well at all. So, he’ll try to talk to Severus try and build up a civil rapport and once he was sure that the raven wouldn’t curse and hex him on sight, he’ll try to tell James and Sirius as well. Hopefully they’ll understand. Hopefully if Remus tells them about what Christopher told him, they’ll accept it. They’ll understand that Remus could have a future with Severus if he’s only given the chance.

He’ll tell James that Severus is his Lily; clever and strong-willed and defiant with a wicked tongue. That’s how James always talked about her and-and… Beautiful. Severus is beautiful. At least, Remus had always thought so. The first thing Remus even noticed about Severus were his eyes, dark and unforgivingly endless. Surely James would understand that much, he always talks about Lily’s eyes. How they seemed endless, how he could lose himself inside of them. Remus hadn’t really understood it at first, but then he looked at Severus and he understood completely. Yes he could reason with James, but Sirius? Sirius was a different story.

Just then another student walked in and Remus almost froze when he realised that it was Severus.

The raven paid no mind to his surroundings as he sat down in his usual seat at the front of the class and started setting out his things.

Remus took a deep breath.

He can worry about Sirius later.

He picked up his book and snatched his bag off the floor and quickly made his way over to the Slytherin, before he could convince himself to do otherwise. He set his book on the table and sat down.

The second he touched the table he felt the tension almost radiate right off of the raven’s form.

“Lupin.”

Remus cleared his throat, resisting the urge to look up at the raven beside him.

“Afternoon Snape.”

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Sitting.”

“Why are you doing that here?”

Remus finally looked up at the other and found those unforgivingly dark eyes glaring at him through pitch black hair.

His hair has been different these days. Usually it was anything from bone dry to greasy and stringy, particularly after potions class. Now, the curtain of black framed his face in the most ethereal way and Remus briefly wondered how the Slytherin would react if he knew that he was now more attractive than off-putting.

Remus cleared his throat, “I felt like it.”

Snape watched him for a moment before he just stacked his things together and made to get up to move to a different seat.

“Snape wait! Don’t go.” On instinct Remus reached out to grab a hold of the raven’s robes. Severus tensed more than before and he looked back to glare at the werewolf.

“Unhand me Lupin.”

“I-… I’m sorry.” He quickly let go, “It’s just, the truth is I… I need help.”

“What?”

“I need help, with the next assignment.”

That was a lie. Hopefully Snape wouldn’t notice.

Snape looked at him incredulously, “What?”

“The next assignment, its due in a few weeks and… I’ve been having a terrible time of it. It’s the Curse symbols that have me a bit stumped,” Remus said with a slight smile, “I asked Professor Newport and he said that maybe you could help me.”

The raven paused, “Professor Newport said that?”

No.

“Yes.”

“And you want my help?”

“Yes.”

Snape set his things down and folded his arms over his chest, “And this has nothing to do with your idiot friend asking me to help him with potions?”

“What friend?”

“Potter.” Severus spat and Remus blinked.

Why would James-

When did he even-

He’ll figure it out later.

“No, it doesn’t. I just really need the help Snape. Please.”

The raven seemed to hesitate, “Five galleons an hour.”

“Five galleon-“

“It’s exactly what I charged Potter when he asked me. Take it or leave it Lupin.”

That’s a bit steep. But-

Those dark onyx eyes were staring into his own.

“Deal.”

The raven watched him for another moment before he sat down, “We’ll meet tomorrow at lunch in the library. Lily will be there as well.”

Remus started to frowned, “But-“

He was hoping to get some time alone with Severus.

“I don’t know exactly what you and your hair brained friends are trying to plan Lupin but I have no intention on being alone under any circumstances with any of you.” Severus said clearly, “We’ll meet at lunch in the library and if I get even the slightest hint at this being a prank-“

“I promise it isn’t.”

“Good.” Severus seemed to glance up at him before letting out a soft sigh, “From what I understand we’ll be doing curse symbols today. If you need to borrow my notes after class, then I’ll give them to you later. I know it can be a bit difficult sorting through the textbook sometimes.”

Remus smiled, “I… thanks Snape.”

“I expect my first payment after our session tomorrow.” Severus said and Remus almost sighed in frustration.

“Of course.”

Just then Professor Newport walked into the class.

“Afternoon everyone. Everyone get settled down-“ the raven haired man seemed to stop right in his tracks when he saw Remus next to Severus, a frown pulled at his lips and he almost seemed to arch a brow at the two. Severus flushed ever so slightly and Remus frowned as he looked between the two.

Christopher cleared his throat as he made the rest of his way to his desk. The students around them got settled into their seats.

“Today we’ll be focusing on some of the symbols specifically involved in curses.” The raven looked at the two at the front of the class one more time before turning to the board.

After class ended, everyone packed up their things and Severus-

“Mr Snape.”

Christopher suddenly called out as he stood leaning against his desk with a smile, “A word, if you will.”

Snape paused from where he’d been slinging his bag over his shoulder, “Yes professor.”

Remus frowned as he got up, “Uhm, Professor Newport, there’s actually something I wanted to discuss with you before I left.”

The raven looked over to him for a brief moment, his smile faltering just a bit.

“Could you wait a few minutes, Mr Lupin? I really need to discuss something important with Mr Snape.”

“I-“ Remus let out a sigh, “Yes, professor.”

“Good, you can wait outside. I won’t be long.”

Something felt odd.

But Remus still picked up his things and left the classroom to wait outside. Watching as the rest of the students left the class until just Severus and the professor were left behind. He craned his neck to see into the class only for the door to suddenly move and shut right in his face.

Remus blinked in surprise but still let out a quiet huff as he leaned back against the wall beside the door and waited.

It was about five minutes later when the door opened and Snape came rushing out. What really caught Remus’ attention however was the blush staining that pale skin even as Snape had his head down with his hair covering his face as he rushed down the hall.

Remus frowned.

“Mr Lupin.”

The runes professor called out and Remus stepped into the classroom to find the man stacking up a few books on his desk and setting them aside.

“Close the door behind you.” He said and Remus did just that even as he asked.

“What was that all about?”

“What was what about?”

Remus walked up to the front row just in front of the teachers desk, “Severus, what were you talking about?”

“Nothing important.” Christopher said distractedly but Remus was still frowning.

“Why did you close the door?”

The professor looked up and his head gave a tilt, “I have to be in a meeting with the headmaster in a few minutes Remus, did you really just come in to ask me about Severus?”

“Well, yes and no.” Remus said as he set his bag down on the desk, “It’s about Peter too.”

“What about him?” The man said turning around so he was leaning against his desk, not unlike before and Remus took in a deep breath.

“I just… I tried talking to him a bit today. He’s been disappearing a lot lately and he never really as a good excuse for why. And when I asked him today he got all defensive and stormed out without giving me a straight answer.”

Christopher nodded, “That’s not a good sign.”

“Yeah, I just… I don’t think he’s taken the mark yet but its weird though right, that he’s keeping secrets. And I feel like I’m going a little mad cause, suddenly its like I’m remembering lots of other times when he’d just disappear and we just weren’t paying attention.”

“Remus, we’ve already spoken about this. You know what my feelings on Pettigrew are.”

“Yes I know but-“

“But you want to try and save him.” Christopher sighed, “You have to realise by now that he’ll never just admit it. You’ll have to actually catch him in the act and even then I’m not sure you’d really get anywhere.”

“I still want to try.” Remus said resolutely and the older man took a deep breath.

“Well, if you’re this determined then the first thing you’d need to do is find proof of what he’s doing.”

“And then what?”

“Confront him, if he’s still your friend then maybe he’ll surprise me and he’ll change.”

“And if he doesn’t.”

“You’ll have to report him.”

“But-“

“You don’t have to do it yourself. Just bring me whatever you find and I’ll take care of it.”

Remus’ lips pursed and Christopher stepped forward to put a hand on his shoulder. “It’s our best bet at saving him before its too late. He won’t be happy about it, he might absolutely hate you for it but at this point it’ll be your best bet and saving everything he destroys in the future.”

The werewolf paused and then sighed.

He’s right.

“Have you spoken to James and Sirius about this?”

Remus looked up, “No. I-I mean they know about Peter but they don’t… we agreed that I would be the one to deal with him for the moment.”

“I don’t blame you.” Christopher said with a wry smile as he gave the teen’s shoulder a brief squeeze before pulling away, “I can’t imagine that they’d be able to deal with him very well after learning about… everything.”

They aren’t.

Merlin, those two are difficult aren’t they?

Remus’ lips pursed, “What do you think about Severus?”

The professor seemed to pause, “What do you mean?”

“I mean… I really really fancy him but, I haven’t told James and Sirius yet, I want to but I’m not sure if-“

“I’m not sure it would be the best idea.”

“I know, James and Sirius can be… difficult but,” Remus shifted in his seat a bit, “I was thinking that if I just explain about what you told me then, they’ll understand and I-“

“Remus, I think you should just leave Severus alone for now.”

“What… but why?”

“You need to focus on Pettigrew remember? It’s fine if you want to try and be friends but I already told you that we would take care of Severus and make sure that he’s safe. Remember?”

“Yes, yes I remember. But I was also thinking that, since he’s going to be studying with me it would be a great opportunity to try and if James and Sirius know-“

“They aren’t even dealing well with the situation with Pettigrew, I don’t think you should exasperate the situation by adding Severus on top of everything else.” The man said looking the teen right in the eye as he spoke, “Just deal with Pettigrew first once that’s sorted, then we can think about Severus, alright.”

“I… yeah, that makes sense, I guess. Alright.” Remus said with a nod and Christopher smiled.

“Good, now I’m sure I’m not your last class for the day. You should get going.”

"Right." Remus turned to grab his bag only to pause for a brief moment-

"You never said, what you were just talking to Severus about."

Christopher watched the younger man for a brief moment before giving a slight smile, "A private matter. Nothing you need to worry about. Off you go."

Notes:

A/N: I'll get into what happened with Dumbledore later

Please review

Chapter 6

Notes:

A/N: Hey!

Its been a while for this one. Thanks for all the reviews and thanks to everyone that's been sticking around. I know my updates are erratic or just nonexistent sometimes, but life gets in the way you know. Sorry for the weird disappearances.

But lets move on!

So this chapter, Sirius pov. At this point Sirius hasn't fully accepted his feelings for Severus, nor does he fully understand them. In earlier chapters, Sirius didn't realise how he felt about Sev until he was literally about to die. Its going to take a minute for him to fully figure it out this time. Him and James are turning out to be a lot of fun to write for this story.

Usual apologies

Disclaimer: see previous chapters

10 months before the execution

 

It’s been two months since his first visit and Harry still hasn’t managed to figure out a way to get Severus’ verdict reversed yet. It would all be so much easier if Snape was actually cooperative in Harry’s efforts but the man wasn’t. He seemed convinced that he didn’t have anything left to live for. Harry was trying to convince him that he was wrong.

Harry visited him every weekend, Snape looked more surprised than the guards every time he showed up but he kept coming anyway. With each visit, Harry noticed that Snape looked better and better. After his first visit to Azkaban, he made it clear that he didn’t approve of Snape’s treatment in the prison. The warden seemed surprised that Harry would give a toss about the Death Eater let alone his living conditions, but the famous Harry Potter couldn’t be argued with and so things got a little bit better for Snape.

Every time Harry visited, he noticed that Snape looked a little bit better each time. Not by too much of course, he’s still a convict after all. But he didn’t look quite as bad as he did the first time. His hair looked clean if not incredibly dry and he didn’t radiate that stench of unwashed skin. He looked like he was eating something, though Harry still had no idea what they were offering the man or any of the other prisoners for that matter.

He seemed to be doing alright, all things considered.

But he still refused to save himself. No matter how many times Harry begged and pleaded with him. At least the man seemed to tolerate him a bit more. Even allowing the younger man to use his first name during their visits. Though Harry wasn’t sure if it was because Snape was actually fine with it, or if he thought he simply didn’t have a choice in the matter.

And that wasn’t something that Harry really wanted to think about.

“So, what do you think?”

Snape looked at the vial of potion, eyes narrowing down as he stared critically at the brew before he spoke.

“It’s absolutely perfect.”

Harry blinked, “Really?”

“Yes, if you were trying to poison someone using calming draught, then yes; it is flawless.” Snape drawled and Harry let out a sigh of frustration.

“I knew it.”

“You said, you received an Exceeds Expectations for it?” the older man asked and Harry shook his head.

“Its ridiculous Severus. You were never nice to me but at least I learned something in your class. The new professors don’t even seem to be paying attention when I’m in the room.” Harry huffed as he sat back in seat, “The DADA professor doesn’t even read any of my essays. I gave him a paper on why Boggarts are effective tools in the assistance of sleep deprivation and he gave me an outstanding for it.” The raven scoffed as he kept tilting the vial between his fingers and Harry continued, “When I called him out on it he gave me the most ridiculous response, ‘Well I certainly couldn’t argue with the saviour of our world now could I?’ Somehow, he actually managed to say that with a straight face! Like he actually believes it.”

“An infallible argument if I’ve ever heard one.”

“It’s so frustrating! What’s the point in even going back to school if they’re not actually going to teach me anything? I’ve already received an invitation to join the Auror corps anyway.”

Pitch black eyes snapped up to look at him, “You said you didn’t want to be an auror.”

“Well at this point I don’t see any other options.”

Snape’s lips pursed, “Have you spoken to Minerva about this?”

Harry shook his head, “The headmistress has her hands full; things aren’t great at school right now. The Slytherin students aren’t exactly… welcomed these days. There aren’t even any professors willing to take the position of head of house.” Then he leaned forward on the table, fingers tapping a bit before he spoke, “I thought maybe I could take the position. Once I finish school and get my mastery.”

“I’m not sure anyone would react too well to that sort of news.”

“Well it’s better than things staying as they are, isn’t it?” The green-eyed wizard huffed again, “But how am I supposed to get my mastery when everyone keeps kissing the ground I walk on? The only one who even tries is Ron’s dad.”

Severus blinked, “Arthur is teaching now?”

“Muggle studies.”

“It’s a good fit.”

“He talked about becoming the new head of house for Slytherin.”

“He did?”

“Yeah, Molly stopped him though. I think he would’ve done really well, he’s one of the few professors at school that’s still nice to the Slytherins.”

“Arthur has always been bafflingly sympathetic.”

“He said he was a prefect when you were in school.” Harry paused at the look the older man gave him, “Ron told his parents about me coming to see you. Molly wasn’t happy about it but Arthur was a bit more supportive.” Then Harry started to smile a bit, “He said you were one of the smallest feistiest first years that he’d ever seen.”

Snape gave a scoff, “Salazar, he still remembers that?”

“You don’t?”

“I’ve been trying to block out my school memories of Arthur for almost twenty years.”

Harry blinked, “Did he… was he like my dad and Sirius-“

“No, it was nothing like that. I-“ Severus then paused himself to look at the younger man and shook his head with a slight smile, “I suppose there’s no harm in telling you at this point.” He scoffed again, “Arthur Weasley was one of the few Gryffindors in the entire school, that was ever truly kind to me and so because of that and an apparent fondness I’d somehow developed for individuals with red hair; I ended up developing some unfortunate affections for him.”

Harry’s mouth fell open, “You used to fancy Arthur?”

“I was eleven years old, I didn’t know any better. Now close your mouth before you catch flies.” Severus said an almost invisible flush colouring his cheeks and Harry couldn’t help but smile, “At the time very few people were kind to me. It would only occur to me later, that Arthur was kind to everyone and his behaviour wasn’t exclusively reserved for me.”

“He didn’t say anything about that… Did he know?”

“Yes, well, that.” Severus set the vial in his hands back in the box with the other’s before picking up an off colour Dreamless Sleep, frowning at it even as he spoke, “Arthur was a sixth year when I suddenly found myself with a bout of unknown courage. I ran into him in the library in school, I told him I liked him.”

“What did he say?”

At that the potions master actually smiled, “He leaned in, kissed me on the cheek and said; you’re much too good for me, Severus. I couldn’t possibly ruin you for someone else.”

Harry grinned, “That’s a brilliant line.”

“Oh don’t let that bumbling exterior fool you, he was the epitome of the charming chivalrous Gryffindor. Or at least, I certainly thought so, until Arthur then tried to push me in the direction of your supposedly charming godfather. Black had never been very good at potions. Arthur asked me to give the… give Black a bit of tutoring to help him along. I agreed to it because Arthur asked me to and, it went about as well as I’m sure you can guess.”

Harry cringed, “What did he do?”

Severus shook his head, “I’m not sure if you noticed but Sirius Black didn’t like to admit to it when he was wrong. He got upset because I kept pointing out his faults instead of kissing the ground he walked on like he expected, and charmed my hands to the table in the library. Poppy and Minerva had to come in to help free me. I was furious with Arthur. I didn’t speak with him again after that.”

His lips pursed, “I’m sure he didn’t have anything to do with what Sirius did.”

“I’m aware, at the time though it was just easier staying angry.”

It was silent for another moment as the raven took out another potion before setting the other in the box, “But, really, I think Ron would lose it if he found out you used to fancy Arthur. You used to treat him just as badly as you treated me”

Severus gave a snort, “Ah yes, well that was mostly because he was your friend… and partly because he looked so similar to his father.”

“He did?”

“The first time I set eyes on him it was like seeing Arthur as a first year all over again, only with slightly lighter hair. Chivalrous in some ways but much less charming in all other respects.” He mused as his head gave a tilt and Harry laughed. “His brothers hadn’t looked so similar to their father. I was mortified. I got over it, eventually.”

Harry nodded and then his eyebrows furrowed, “I never asked before, you never really gave me the chance. But why did you go and check on Sirius that day?”

“What day?”

“Umbridge. When Voldemort tried to lure me to the ministry. When I told you that he was in trouble, you went to Grimmauld place. Sirius told me about how you drenched him in water and threatened to castrate him if he even thought about leaving the house.”

“I also charmed his hands into sticking to the kitchen table until Lupin arrived.” Snape smirked and Harry gave a snort.

“He didn’t say anything about that.”

“I don’t imagine that he would.”

“I just… I didn’t think you’d actually go, but you did. And then in the shack, you were trying to save him, weren’t you?”

“I… tried.”

“Why?”

Snape shook his head, “Should I have let him die? I wanted to and I’ll admit that I thought about it.”

“But you didn’t.”

“I’ve never liked Sirius Black, he never gave me a reason to, however,” Snape shifted in his chair a bit, “He was your godfather and if nothing else he did seem to care about you. I made a vow to protect you. Allowing someone that shared the same goal to die would have been pointless and completely counterproductive.”

“Did you… have you forgiven him for-“

“No.”

“So-“

“For a very long time, I hated Sirius Black, there are many instances where I thought about killing him myself. But that day, when you said that he was in trouble, I didn’t see the point. What would letting him die have changed? He’d be dead and then what? He’s dead right now and nothing, everything is the same – or worse in some ways.” He said with a roll of his eyes as he gestured to his surroundings. “Black dying didn’t take away the things that he and his friends did to me, it didn’t wash away his sins and it never will. I knew that then and now it’s confirmed. In any event, he had a duty to fulfil.”

“What duty?”

“He wasn’t there when Lily and… Potter needed him most. Black was used to getting away with things scot free, shrugging his responsibilities off onto others. I wasn’t about to allow him to do the same to you again. I’m only sorry that I failed.”

Harry looked away, “Madame Pomfrey said Nagini’s venom was too toxic, there’s nothing even you would have been able to do about it.”

“Still, I apologise.” Severus sighed as he set the potion in his hand down and then looked at the other, “If the stupid mutt had managed to survive then maybe I’d be able to die in peace instead of dealing with you every weekend.”

Harry glared at him, “Just for that, I’m going to come see you at least four times a week.”

Severus scoffed, “All the same, I’m sure Minerva will find an appropriate fit to fill the position of Slytherin head of House and potions master.”

“You are a good fit.” Harry said, “You were an absolute bastard but you actually taught potions, you didn’t just pass anyone purely for showing up to class. If you came back-“

“I can’t come back-“

“You could if you’d just help me help you.” Harry practically growled out before shaking his head, “I know Dumbledore isn’t dead.”

The older man tensed but didn’t say a word. “He’s the key to getting you out of here. If I could just prove that you didn’t kill him then-“

“Harry, don’t.”

“Why not?! Why do I have to watch you die months from now when we both know you don’t have to? None of this makes sense-“

“Harry it doesn’t matter if you prove Albus’ survival. It doesn’t matter how many trials you start and restart in Wizengamot, it wouldn’t change anything about what people think of me or how they treat me.”

“But-“

“I’m tired Harry. I’ve had enough. I’m ready for it to be over.”

Harry’s hands clenched, “You… you still owe me. My father saved you and you owe him a life debt and now that he’s gone that debt falls to me. And I-“

“You’re going to try and force me to live on for you? Is that it?”

“No, but-“

“I’m tired, Harry. I’ve done all I can for you. You have friends and apparently a world filled with adoring fans to take care of you now-“

“It wouldn’t be you.”

“And why would you need it to be?”

“Because you actually see me. I’m not the saviour of the new world to you, you don’t try to patronize or coddle me.”

“Your friends-“

“My friends have their own lives to live, I don’t want or need them to constantly stay by my side. I want-“

“Someone who insults and belittles you to stay by your side?”

“Yes! No! – I – “ He looked up and found the inmate smirking at him and glared, “That’s not what I meant you sarcastic bastard.”

“Then what do you mean?”

Harry took a deep breath in and then let it back out, “You knew my mother in ways that no one else did and I think in some ways, you knew my father just as well.”

“I’m not sure how accurate that is.”

“Remus said that you weren’t impressed by my dad or Sirius, not like everyone else was. He said that besides my mum, you were one of the few people that didn’t.” Harry shook his head, “You know Sirius hated your eyes. He said so all the time.”

“I aim to please.” Severus said and Harry laughed.

“He said it was creepy, how it almost felt like you can see right into his soul. Ron says so too. My point is, it feels good being around someone that actually sees me and who isn’t afraid to tell me the truth or just blatantly insult me. So just… let me help you, come back to Hogwarts-“

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“There’s no possible way that you could help me, Harry.”

“If you gave me a chance then maybe I could. Just… tell me what really happened to Albus. They never found his body, but I saw you curse him and Malfoy said you are the one that disposed of him and you didn’t deny that during the trials. Everyone assumes that you destroyed it but… Severus, please tell me.”

Severus just stared back at the younger man and Harry let out a sigh of frustration as the convict set the potions back in the box and closed it.

“Belladonna.”

“What?”

“A few more drops of belladonna, should fix your Draught of the Living Death.” Severus then looked right into his eyes, “Three drops, do not stir, wait for exactly three hours for a potion that would fool all of Paris.”

That’s not-… is that how you make it?

Harry frowned, “What? What are you even talking about?”

Severus rolled his eyes, “As illiterate as always Mr Potter. You should brush up on your literature. I hear the muggle arts can make for quite the interesting read.”

Harry’s frown deepened just as the door to the room opened with a loud creak and Harry looked back to find the guard at the door.

“I’m afraid time is up Mr Potter.”

“I… fine.” He got up and picked up the box, Severus just watched him go in silence and the younger man resisted to urge to scream in frustration as he left the room.

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

Hogwarts, 1976

 

Slippery, slimy, slithering Snivellus.

How Sirius detested him. If you asked Sirius why he hated the boy when they were younger; he’d never be able to tell you, at least not if he was being honest anyway.

His go to answer when it came to the raven haired Slytherin was the fact that he was dark and evil and ugly and Slytherin and just entirely too smart for his own good. Contrary to what some may believe, mainly Snape himself, Sirius wasn’t particularly bothered by the fact that Snape instinctively seemed to detest him.

No no no.

He’s not like James.

Even back in first, Sirius could tell that James’ main issue with the raven had to do with the fact that Snape very clearly didn’t think very highly of him, unlike – well – everyone else. Snape seemed to take one look at James and immediately found him lacking.

And unfortunately, Prongs didn’t take rejection well.

It’s not the way it was with Lily.

Lily Evans rejected James as well, but anyone with a decently functioning brain could tell that it was mostly token resistance. As long as James was persistent enough, he would probably be able to get into the girl’s good graces. After all, what girl doesn’t love the chivalrous dashingly handsome hero?

She put up a good front though. Ignored his advances and attempts at gaining her favour. Insulting him and throwing the odd hex here or there if James couldn’t be ignored. Lily Evans was quite stubborn, but that’s all it really was. She was stubborn.

Stubbornness isn’t the same as conviction. The true and pure belief in something. The unwavering preservation of a particular principle. And that is the thing that Snape had, that Lily lacked. Pure and unwavering conviction in the belief that James Potter and all those that associated with him; were obnoxious big-headed twats unworthy of receiving even a sliver of his favour.

That is what made Snape different.

After all, there are a few students in school that didn’t like the Marauders. Many of them were in Slytherin, they clearly dabbled in the darker arts, some were quite unattractive. But only Snape managed to gain their attention in ways that no one else ever could.

Why?

Because Snape was a slippery, slimy, slithering snake and the raven-haired boy seemed to revel in the infamy that surrounded him.

He wasn’t like Lily.

At the heart of it all, Lily is a nice girl. She was pretty and popular and well liked and she was well liked for a reason. You don’t earn a reputation like hers by being different or weird or holding beliefs that others find abhorrent or inherently evil. You don’t earn a reputation like hers by being viciously cunning and spiteful. You don’t get to be the next sure pick for headgirl by being ostracized by a large majority of the school. You don’t get a reputation like hers by apparently not giving a toss about your physical appearance.

Remus liked to joke about it sometimes. He liked to joke about how similar the two were, at least when it came to their dislike of the marauders but Sirius didn’t think that was very accurate.

Snape was nothing like Lily, which is why he found the girl significantly less interesting than James did.

Lily eventually giving into James is all just a matter of time. She didn’t actually dislike any of them, James is just a bit of a twat. An attractive, charming twat. But that’s all it is. You can’t be a strong-willed girl and give into the attractive charming twat without making him work for it a little. And Lily really is such a nice girl, isn’t she? She isn’t heartless enough to continue rejecting someone who seemed to be trying oh so very hard to impress her forever.

Snape wasn’t like that.

Snape held a visceral hatred of them. From the moment that they met he was clearly suspicious of them and by the time the conversation on the train ended, Snape had made up his mind on exactly what he thought of the marauders – before they even started calling themselves the marauders.

Remus tried befriending Snape. Sirius caught him doing it a few times. Of course, Snape being Snape, he’d reject most of those attempts with ruthless precision… Usually.

Sirius noticed a few times, when Snape actually seemed to be at least partially civil towards Moony. There was one time during potions where they ended being paired up that he was civil to the werewolf. He caught them sitting together in the library of all things. And hadn’t that just been the most mind-blowing moment.

Snape seemed to be trying to ignore the other while Remus kept whispering across the table to ask about this ingredient for that specific potion. Snape would glare at him but still answered his questions.

If Moony kept his tail after the full moon then it definitely would have been wagging, every time Snape responded without turning it into some sort of backhanded insult.

Sirius didn’t know how he felt about all that.

Snape’s always been different or at least, he was supposed to be. He wasn’t like Lily Evans or anyone else in the school. That’s why it was so incredibly weird seeing the raven sitting at a table with one of the Marauders and actually talking to them.

Snivellus wasn’t supposed to be civil with anyone, let alone Remus. Honestly, who told him he could do that? Sirius didn’t like that at all.

Again, Sirius wasn’t like James. He knew how to take rejection well enough. Spending most of one’s life under the charge of Walburga Black and her impossible standards, helps one become accustomed to burning cold sting of rejection. That’s not why Sirius detested Snape. If anything, it would have had Sirius vying for the Slytherin’s seemingly impossible to attain affections.

In that way, he’s almost similar to James but… no, no no. It’s not like it is between James and Lily.

It’s not the fact that Snape wanted nothing to do with him. Its everything else.

Ever since Sirius has been old enough to know better, he’s known better. He’s known that his mother bordered on pure evil. He’s been acutely aware of the perverse darkness that weaves itself through the Black bloodline and since then he’s done everything in his power to be different. To make it clear and widely known that he did in fact know better. That he wasn’t like anyone else in his family. Sirius isn’t dark. Sirius isn’t evil. Sirius isn’t prejudice. He isn’t a blood supremacist like most of the people in his family. Sirius is different and he prided himself on being different.

Snape was different as well, but not in the way that Sirius anticipated.

He was a halfblood. He was clearly quite poor and he had a muggleborn for a best friend. For all intents and purposes, Sirius thought that they should have gotten along quite well. What he hadn’t anticipated was just how different Severus Snape really was.

As we’ve already established, it had nothing to do with Snape instantly disliking them.

Snape is a halfblood, clearly poor, he had a muggleborn for a best friend and… he sorted Slytherin.

That in of itself wasn’t the problem. Not really anyway. While Sirius was determined to sort into any house except for Slytherin he didn’t think that anyone in Slytherin was inherently evil, not the way that Prongs did. After all, cousin Andromeda sorted Slytherin and she’s wonderful. By far his favourite member of the family, other than Regulus and Narcissa of course. A snake princess she may be but Cissa could be incredibly kind when she wanted and Regulus was actually far sweeter than he liked to pretend.

Slytherin house wasn’t the problem.

The problem was everything else.

Snape has the most piercing pair of pitch-black eyes. Impossibly dark and intelligent. Unnervingly intelligent. Even as a first year, Sirius felt uncomfortable when those endless pits of darkness landed on him. Almost like Snape could see things – see everything, regardless of how deep and far he buried them. Things that Sirius didn’t want anyone to ever see. Terrible twists and tendrils that laced themselves through the crevices of his soul and took hold. Pulsing and contracting as they slowly grew bigger and bigger.

The Black madness, that’s what they called it. Orion told him that there was no such thing. Bella liked to tease that you couldn’t be a Black and not have a little madness in you. Walburga like his father, insisted that there was no such thing. Instead she’d tell stories about all those relatives that exemplified all that the house of Black supposedly stood for. Brave, proud souls who did what needed to be done in order to honour the world of magic and all that is pure and good within it.

Did Sirius have the Black madness?

He had something, though even he didn’t know exactly what that was. He’s different from the people in his family. Different from all those evil demented individuals who did so much harm. But at the same time Sirius knew that he wasn’t like everyone else either. He wasn’t like James, though they both shared a hatred for dark magic and all that’s linked to it.

Too light to be dark and too dark to be light. But he hid it well enough. As far as everyone knew he was the perfect chivalrous Gryffindor. A valiant hero against all things dark and wicked. He was Sirius Black. That’s how everyone saw him.

Everyone, except for Snape.

When those dark eyes landed on him Sirius felt like the Slytherin could see that darkness. He saw those tangled twist corrupting his very core and it unnerved him. It wasn’t how it was with James, where the Slytherin simply detested him. No. Snape saw him and every time their eyes locked it felt like the raven was silently mocking him.

Sirius hated it. He hates being seen. He worked too hard to bury the darkness for someone to take one look at him and immediately start taking him apart. He really did hate it, but at the same time it was…

Fascinating.

Sirius likes a good challenge. He likes to play games.

Which is why he was never as interested in Lily as James was.

Lily’s just stubborn, there’s no sport in that.

Snape had conviction, he had ruthless ambition and cunning and he had darkness that… a darkness that mirrored his own. However, Snape didn’t deny his darkness, if anything he seemed to revel in it and that was-

Sirius struggled so much, he fought so hard to be different and better even as it all felt like he was fighting an uphill battle on an ice-covered slope. And then he saw those dark dark eyes for the first time on the train. Saw them across the hall and in class and he felt seen. Sirius hated it. He hated how good it felt for someone to see him and seemingly not care. To be seen and not receive fear in return. It was unnerving, but at the same time Sirius couldn’t help but feel inexplicably attracted to the raven haired Slytherin. Not necessarily in the romantic sense, but drawn in. Filled with the inexplicable desire to be closer by any means necessary.

In a lot of ways it felt like Snape is the only one that got him. The one who would look into his eyes and just instantly understand. That was a feeling that he loved and hated all at once.

But it was never romantic though, of course not or at least… it wasn’t at first. Sirius isn’t really sure when that changed or even if it really did change.

His feelings for Snape, or whatever it is you want to call it, were certainly different from how they started out. Before he just had the desire to be closer, now-

Now Sirius doesn’t really know what he wants, which is why he was caught off guard during his talk with the other Sirius or Jacob or whatever the fuck it is that he’s calling himself. His… whatever towards Snape have always been complicated. Complicated to the point that he didn’t dare examine or question or really look into them too closely. And thankfully he never needed to. James made it easy, the school made it easy… honestly Snape made it easy.

To Snape, he was an obnoxious bigheaded twat, much like his supposed best mate and that seemed like enough reason to despise Sirius. That is of course, ignoring whatever else the Slytherin could or could not see when those impossibly dark eyes locked onto his own and peered into his soul. He didn’t really know what he wanted from Snape… the only thing that he knew is that he didn’t expect that it would possibly get worse.

Unfortunately, according to Jacob, things get much worse.

Sirius let out a sigh as he turned the corner on the next hallway. There was no specific destination in his mind. Classes have ended, they don’t have quidditch practice today and the others think he’s making nice with Regulus.

Merlin, Regulus…

That’s a problem left for another day. Maybe tomorrow but Sirius really just doesn’t want to think about that now.

So he’ll think about Snape. Not the best option honestly, but thinking about the Slytherin has always had the weirdest way of making feel calm, almost focused relaxed in a way that was hard to understand. Especially since every interaction that he can even remember having with the raven usually entailed him screaming, fighting or duelling Snape. But that’s just sort of how their relationship went.

Relationship? Could you call whatever it is that he and Snape have a relationship? No rational person ever would, but Sirius thinks it counts… sort of anyway.

Its always been that way with Snape. They always fought, they always argued and on some level, Sirius enjoyed it. There were certain circumstances of course, moments when the arguments went too far. A spell was cast that may have been just a tad bit unsuitable for a schoolyard duel and caused more damage than anticipated. Someone ended up in the infirmary, another was sent to Dumbledore’s office but that was all part of the course.

It was a routine. Something they did regularly. That’s how their relationship worked, as undefined as the rules for this relationship were. But nothing too terrible ever happened between them and Sirius assumed that it would just sort of stay that way.

It was fine. But then Jacob told him that things get worse between them. Why do they get worse? Because Sirius apparently plays a prank on Snape, a prank that Sirius is very very aware of. A prank that he’d been thinking about for quite some time.

The idea was simple.

If Snape wanted to see a werewolf so badly, then why not just let him see one?

He never really thought he’d go through with it of course. The idea was just sort of there, in the back of his head. Why was it in the back of his head?

Because he caught Snape reading up books on werewolves a fair amount of times. Caught the git staring and watching them or more specifically Moony on more than one occasion. Why Snape was interested in werewolves is something that Sirius didn’t really think about. Why does it even matter?

Snape’s always been into dark magic and dark things, why wouldn’t he have some sort of weird fascination with dark creatures. Hell, most of the student body suspected him of being a vampire for a few years, inspiring the bloodpops prank in fourth year.

There was this second year Gryffindor. Adrian… something. He was one of the marauders many fans and decided to try and have a go at their favourite prank recipient. Clearly the little fool was punching above his weight, but he didn’t know that at the time. He thought it would be funny to taunt Snape by sending him a bag of the crimson candies along with a note that held some manner of insult in it.

That had been a hilarious day.

It happened in the library and Adrian something’s friends managed to get the marauders to tag along and watch their prank. That’s why they decided to give the juniors a little hand by getting Peter to lure Madame Pince out of the library. The kids didn’t know what they were dealing with, they needed at least a little help, but when it came to the prank itself, they refused to interfere.

It was… kind of glorious.

The library was vacant except for Snape. Adrian levitated the bag of candies right over to Snape’s table where he was studying. When the bag hit the table Snape’s head snapped back to find his newest assailant and his eyes narrowed minutely at the Gryffindor leaning back arrogantly against one of the shelves nearby.

Snape looked away. He read the note. Opened the bag and then just sat there for four seconds exactly staring at its contents.

It should be noted, that fourth year is also the year when Snape came back to school with that stupid bloody voice of his. Everyone else’s voices were still cracking and squeaking due to the hateful onset of puberty, but oh no. Of course Snivellus Snape had to be different from everyone else in the school, and he came back with a voice so deep and rich it induced instant hatred into any boy that heard him within a two hundred meter radius and caused some of the girls to either freeze or flush.

James was inconsolable.

Especially after catching a flush on Lily’s cheeks when she and Snape were sitting together in potions one day during a study period and the Slytherin sat there softly reading from his textbook.

That was also coincidentally one of the years that Snape seemed to speak the least, seeming to stop himself from giving the marauders too much attention whenever he was teased or pranked. Outside of classes, you’d rarely hear the raven speak.

So that day, in the library. They weren’t really surprised at what happened next.

Four seconds of nothing and then Snape reached in and took out one of the bloodpops, took off the wrapper and put it in his mouth.

The present audience frowned in confusion as the Slytherin just sat there sucking on the crimson candy. Adrian looked especially confused as his stance slackened and he ended up looking over to where the marauders and his two friends were standing.

“Just one second.” The blonde said apologetically as he and his friend rushed over to Adrian’s side to have some sort of hushed and slightly frantic conversation. The marauders just looked back to Snape and that’s when Sirius saw it. Slight movement so quick that you wouldn’t see it if you weren’t paying attention. But Snape had pulled out a wand and cast some sort of spell on himself and then another and one of the boys fell on his arse.

“What the hell?” He asked, staring at his feet in confusion as his legs were bent at the knees and he tried to move them but… they would not move. Quickly enough the other’s realised that they could also not move and then Snape rose from his chair.

The lights went out. Everything was pitch black.

“Shit.”

James blinked, Sirius reached for his wand. Adrian seemed to find his quickly enough and cast a lumos to light up the area around them, only for all three boys to let shrieks of shock when they suddenly found themselves face to face with Snape. The other two also fell over and they stared up at Snape with wide eyes.

Pale skin made even worse by the lumos that cast ghastly shadows around his cheeks. That greasy hair fell over his face in a stringy curtain and somehow, the dark of the Slytherin’s eyes seemed to have completely swallowed up the white as he leaned over the juniors staring unblinking at their terrified forms.

“Sn-Snape-“

One of them stuttered out only for Snape to lean in closer and speak softly in that ridiculous voice of his oddly breathy.

“I prefer my blood fresh.”

Slowly he pulled back to reveal a horrifying ghoulish crimson grin as, blood seemed to stream from his lips and over his chin. The next second Adrian’s wand hit the wall and the lumos started to go out just as Snape finished.

“How fortunate to have a fresh supply right in front of me.”

The lumos went out.

Its needless to say the three juniors shit themselves as they screamed out in terror.

That’s when the lights went back on and whatever sticking charm Snape used on them wore off. They scrambled off the floor with Adrian not even bothering to try and get his wand as they just ran out of the library as quickly as possible.

The marauders were speechless.

Snape wiped his mouth and chin on his sleeve and turned right on his heel. He went back to his table, wand in hand as he put his things away and left the bloodpops right where they were before he turned to leave the library.

Just as he did however, he caught sight of the marauders who were standing between two nearby shelves, not even bothering to hide themselves. Snape stopped and glared at them hard, with the black that previously swallowed up his eyes receding back to normal as he glared darkly at them. His lips pulled into a still bloodstained snarl with his hand still securely holding his wand before he immediately left the library, glancing back at the marauders in suspicion or hatred… they couldn’t figure out which. They didn’t really care either.

They were speechless.

They spent the rest of the night with Moony stubbornly keeping his nose in a book while James stayed oddly quiet, just staring at the canopy over his bed. Sirius on the other hand, was pacing around the room ranting about how evil Snivellus was and how he could dare to do something like that to couple of second years. Peter sat quietly listening to Sirius rant.

“They’re still crying in the common rooms for Godric’s sake!”

Meanwhile internally, Sirius was fuming. Fuming because bloody hell that was brilliant! Why couldn’t he have thought of something like that?! This won’t do. He can’t be outdone! They had to get Snape back… they didn’t really have a choice. Slytherin Snivellus Snape managed to scare the actual shit out of three second year Gryffindors. They really couldn’t let him get away with it.

Two days later they managed some level of revenge after setting up a prank that left the Slytherin covered in fake blood. Most of the school thought it was funny. The three terrified second years, unfortunately, still seemed somewhat worse for wear and seeing Snape actually covered in blood didn’t help the situation. Actually it made things a bit worse.

Yeah, those three are scarred for life-

But they don’t really matter and Sirius couldn’t waste time worrying about it. Snape isn’t actually a vampire, even Adrian whatever and his friends knew that. They were just slightly terrified of the Slytherin now, so its fine.

Sirius needs to focus on the werewolf prank.

What was the plan again?

Show Snape the werewolf that he so clearly wanted to see so badly.

He’s not going to let the raven get hurt of course, just one quick peek. He’ll drag Snape back out again and then-

And then what?

Well, Sirius hasn’t really figured that part out yet. Which is why he’s only been vaguely thinking about the prank.

He isn’t even sure what kind of a reaction Snape would give so he wasn’t even completely sure what he wanted to happen. How would Snape react? He’d probably be terrified right? Most people are scared of werewolves, almost irrationally so. With all the restrictions the ministry put on them its clear that they were scared too.

What of? Sirius isn’t sure.

Of course there are plenty of terrible dangerous werewolves like Greyback and his cretins but most werewolves like Moony weren’t like that at all. Perfectly normal and completely harmless. Remus wouldn’t hurt anyone if he could help it and he knows that most werewolves seemed to share that sentiment.

But why did he want Snape to see Moony?

Because Snape seems interested in werewolves and he seems to at least suspect that Remus might be one. The real question here is how Snape would react, what did he want?
Did he have some sort of nefarious plot that involved somehow drawing a werewolf into his schemes? Judging from the animosity that he openly displayed just as much to Remus – a person he at least suspected of being a werewolf – as he did to the rest of the marauders, that probably isn’t it. He’d try to be nicer to Moony if he was trying to trick him, wouldn’t he?

But what was it? Sirius was curious to know and he’s always thought that he and Snape were a bit similar, hasn’t he? Maybe Snape is curious too.

But… again, Sirius had only vaguely been thinking about the prank. He had no real plans to go through with it. According to Jacob however, not only does he decide to go through with it; but things escalate to a point of no return between him and Snape. Their relationship, or whatever you want to call it, deteriorates from friendly animosity to downright hatred.

Why?

What happens?

It can’t be that Snape gets bitten or killed which… now that he’s thinking about it, he realises might be a real possibility if he were to ever go through with it – point is, Snape definitely survives. He survives and he hates Sirius for it. Jacob didn’t go into any details as to exactly what happens but Sirius didn’t really think that it mattered anyway.

He didn’t plan on actually doing it. But he does? Why does he do it?

It’s this question that’s been bothering Sirius more than anything else.

That morning, he woke with the intention to get something done. Prongs planned on talking to Evans and Moony was going to deal with… Peter.

Sirius resisted the urge to growl. Apparently Peter betrays them, Peter becomes a fucking Death Eater?! How? How is it that they’d been friends and effectively living with someone like that without even knowing it?

Sirius had wanted to throw the rat out of their dorms that very night but Remus was right. They couldn’t be sure that he had taken the mark yet. They need to confirm first and then, Peter would be toast.

For the time being Sirius had his own issues to deal with.

Maybe he should ask Jacob. Ask why he decided to go through with the prank, because for the life of him, Sirius can’t figure out how he managed to decide to go ahead and do it.

With the decision made, Sirius headed to the DADA classroom, hoping to catch his older half still there only to stop just before the next turn. The halls were occupied as they always were with students wandering around just after class. What caused Sirius to stop was the sight of Snape walking down the hall with Regulus, seemingly headed for the library.

Regulus gave the older wizard a warm smile while Snape shook his head as they spoke about… something. Who knows what. Who cares really? Sirius cared, he’s always cared and if he was being honest with himself this weird shit has always bothered him.

Regulus has and always will be the favourite back home. The good obedient one that Walburga doted on and constantly praised purely because of the fact that Regulus was so obedient. He always did as he was told, never talked back, never questioned their mother or anyone in their family and of course, he continued the family tradition of heirs sorted into Slytherin once he started in school.

But that’s fine. Regulus has always been that way. He’s always been the ‘good’ child while Sirius was always the eternal Black sheep and that’s fine. Would Sirius have preferred it if things between him and his brother were better, sure. Would he have been happier if Regulus stopped being so good and obedient and actually stood up for himself every once and a while, if he opened his eyes and finally saw his family for what it was? Of course. But with the way things were Sirius knew that that outcome was unlikely. Walburga had Regulus firmly pressed beneath her thumb and he clearly had no plans of going anywhere.

And that’s fine.

Sirius might get loud and obnoxious about it sometimes, but he’d never wish the sort of treatment his mother used on him on his brother. He’d never want Regulus to receive the same verbal – or sometimes physical – lashings that Sirius endured whenever he was home. He’d never want Regulus to receive the same punishments, for him to go ignored or just outright attacked the way that Sirius was by his mother and father. He didn’t want to see Regulus hurt. He didn’t want things to be difficult for his little brother.

Regulus is his brother and Sirius loves him and it’s because of this love that all of this has been fine. Regulus would be a fine heir; he’s the obedient, responsible, good child and Sirius was fine with things staying that way but now-

The animagus let out a heavy sigh.

If what Jacob said is correct then-

He really can’t avoid this any longer.

What does he do?

Sirius looked up. Regulus and Snape seemed to the be taking their sweet time walking to the library. They both had a stack of at least three books each, the conversation looked light and easy. Regulus’ posture was as perfect as always, even as he leaned over to the older teen beside him every now and then. Snape’s lips pulled into a slight smile as he drawled out something that had Regulus’ cheeks tinging pink as he glowered at the other.

There was no anger or animosity, no tension none of that. They seemed to somehow just genuinely get along. If Walburga saw this she would absolutely lose her shit. Her perfect child consorting with a halfblood.

The absolute horror.

Which is why this has always bothered him.

There’s no good reason for why Regulus got along so well with Snape.

Snape is a poor, no name, halfblood. Walburga would never approve of their friendship and as far as Sirius knows, Regulus was still firmly planted under their mother’s thumb so how did this happen?

And Snape, well, other than Evans as far as Sirius knew Snape didn’t like anyone. Except for Regulus apparently…

And Arthur in first year.

Now that was a mind-blowing moment.

Sirius was struggling with potions, but he wasn’t too bothered about it. He never failed the class so he just figured that he needed to stick it out till fifth year when he could stop taking it.

Arthur just happened to be walking through the common room and overheard him complaining about the coma inducing nightmare that is potions. James complained about how no one really did that well in potions anyway, only for Remus to mention how he noticed that Snape’s been getting outstanding for every potions project and assignment that they’ve done so far.

They both glared at him while Peter sat bowed over his textbook when the Gryffindor prefect came over and offered to help them out. He said he could probably get Snape to help them out. James didn’t believe him and immediately refused. The tension between him and Snape had yet to become what its eventually escalated to now, but he was still very much aware of the fact that the raven haired Slytherin didn’t care for him. He had no intention of studying with him for any reason whatsoever.

Back then Sirius’ feelings on the prat were slightly less undefined than they are now, but that desire to be closer has always been there. So he took Arthur up on his offer.

The whole thing was a disaster.

If Snape’s constant – and annoyingly accurate – criticisms weren’t bad enough then his weird fawning over Weasley is definitely what did it. The Slytherin was trying to be subtle about it, but Sirius knows fawning when he sees it.

It was constantly just Weasley this and Weasley that and the stupid git blushing slightly as he asked when Gryffindor’s next quidditch match was.

That had been the last straw. They weren’t getting anything done anyway and Snape was being more infuriating than normal. So Sirius ended up gluing his hands to the table in the library. He got detention for that stunt, but somehow, seeing Snape now noticeably avoiding Arthur made it seem worth it.

Why? He didn’t know why, it just did.

The point is, Snape was weirdly selective when it came to people that he spent his time with. And yet, Regulus a junior from a family that should hate Snape on the basis of bloodstatus alone, managed to make the cut.

Really, sometimes it seems like Snape is trying to annoy him on purpose.

None of that matters for the moment though.

Sirius bit back a sigh.

He needs to figure out a way to fix things with Regulus. But Regulus already made it clear that he wants nothing to do with his brother so what-

The animagus gasped when it hit him and just in time too because Snape and Regulus were about to round the corner right about-

“Sirius?!” Regulus gasped only to immediately compose himself and glare, straightening his posture and looking his older brother right in the eyes as he spoke. “I thought I told you to leave me alone.”

“I…”

When Regulus stopped Snape stopped as well, those dark eyes filling with shock first before narrowing in suspicion. Those eyes went to Regulus and then to Sirius before going back again. His grip tightened on the books pressed against his chest and he stepped away.

He said nothing as he merely gave the younger Slytherin a nod that Regulus returned before he made to walk away. Sirius quickly stepped in in front of him.

“Wait!”

Snape tensed up and Regulus stepped up beside him.

“What do you think you’re doing, Sirius?”

“I-“ He cleared his throat, ignoring the way his brother glared at him while Snape made sure to stay out of his grasp and continued to stare in suspicion.

“I’m not here to talk to you, Reg. I wanted to talk to Snape.”

Regulus frowned, “About what?”

Sirius looked away from Regulus and focused on Snape. Those dark eyes filled with distrust but he pushed on anyway.

“I… uhm, I need help with potions, I figured you could help me out Snape.” He tried for a charming smile that only seemed to make the Slytherin glare in response.

“Is this some sort of joke?”

“No.” Sirius said, this is a terrible idea. But he started so he might as well finish. Besides, just because Jacob told him to focus on Regulus doesn’t mean he can’t make nice with Snape. He’s important for the stuff that happens in the future, right? He was going to have to do this anyway. “You know we have that big potions assignment at the end of the term. I’m trying to make sure I pass and you, well, you know you’re good at potions so-“

“Of course.” Snape seemed to hiss under his breath, “I should have known.”

“Snape?”

“No.”

“What?”

“I said no.” Snape said, still glaring at the Gryffindor and said Gryffindor scrambled with his words for a moment.

“Well, why not?”

“I don’t want to.”

“Oh c’mon Snape-“

“I don’t know what twisted game you and your mates are trying to pull right now-“

“Game?” Sirius frowned, “I’m not playing-“

“But I want no part in it.” Those dark eyes were boring right into his own as Snape’s lips pulled into a snarl, “And tell your little friends, to stay away from me as well. The deals are off. I’m not stupid enough to fall for whatever this is.”

Sirius was confused, “Snape, what’re you-“

“Piss off.” He hissed as he ducked his head down and determinedly walked around the Gryffindor and headed down the hall. Sirius was still absolutely confused only to look up when-

“Unbelievable. You never stop, do you?” Regulus growled out, a look of disgust settling on his face as he glared at his brother, Sirius gaped.

“But what-“

“Merlin, you and your idiot friends are just completely unrepentant.”

“What are you talking abou-”

“Save it and leave Severus alone.” Regulus said with finality as he walked around him and seemed to go after Snape.

Sirius just stared after them in complete confusion.

What the fuck…

“I didn’t do anything!”

Notes:

A/N: Please review

So, there’s a review I got from someone asking if this is underage. I feel like I put in enough tags to allude to this already, but I can’t really answer that question just yet. I’ll be honest I hadn’t really planned on any underage smut as of yet. Don’t get me wrong, there will be smut, but nothing necessarily underage. Or at least, I haven’t really planned for any yet. If you are sensitive to such content then maybe just stop reading. There will be a few scenes that might make you uncomfortable, so seriously; spare yourself and stop reading.

Also if you have a problem with polyamorous relationships or maybe you just don’t like reading about it in fanfics then you should definitely stop reading this. I’ve already decided on the end pairing; some people are definitely definitely going to get upset over it I think, but I’m having a good time so… yeah.

Then the last thing is, there are a lot of people who seem really excited about Harry ending up with Severus. I’m sorry to say that that isn’t how this is going to end. Harry’s relationship with Severus is going to get… complicated. Very very complicated but not in a way that’s romantic or sexual. It’s mostly platonic.

Mostly.

Notes:

A/N: Please review