Chapter Text
He still couldn't believe he was actually doing this. James sighed as he stopped at the entrance of the Slytherin common room. He almost walked past it, the passage being hidden just by stone, no portrait or other indicator of what sits behind. He thinks back once more to how he got into this situation.
His father is hosting a Christmas Ball soon. James promised he'd take his boyfriend when he wasn't paying attention to the conversation. He doesn't even have a boyfriend! And now his parents expect him to take someone. But that is why he was here, wasn't it?
Severus would probably think he went nuts. Yet he couldn't be blamed for that. It's not every day that you get fake asked out by someone you dislike on all levels. James braced himself and knocked on the wall, hoping he would be heard by the members of Slytherin.
After a few seconds an opening formed. James stood face to face with Lucius Malfoy, not the one he wished to see right now. "What do you want, Potter? Finally come to apologise for insulting Severus?" He looked extremely annoyed. "I didn't insult him, that was Sirius! Ugh nevermind. I do as a matter of fact need to speak with him." James can only hope he's taken seriously. It stays silent for a bit. "He's not here. Honestly I'm not sure of his whereabouts at this moment." There's a hint of concern in Lucius' voice. James offered him a smile. "I'm sure he's doing fine. He does wander around a lot."
This time Lucius just looked angry. "Are you stalking him?" Right. They didn't know about the marauders map. James quickly shook his head. "Just a hunch." Lucius nodded but his eyes showed suspicion. Suddenly another voice peeps up behind Lucius. "Severus went for a walk around the lake! He told me he needed some fresh air. I don't think it's wise to follow him."
"Perfect Regulus. Why don't you immediately spill Severus' darkest secrets?"
“I’m just telling him what I know.”
“Exactly. After Severus told us not to inform anyone.”
While the two continued their bickering James sneaked away. Even though Regulus said not to, he would be paying a visit to the lake. He hurried up the stairs and took the route he presumed the raven haired would take. It was already getting dark outside. James had to squint his eyes to find the silhouette of Severus. He decided to approach silently, making it seem like he had no idea of the other one's presence.
"Why are you here?" Severus' voice sounded in the dark. He had been spotted. "I have an offer for you." If Severus wasn't willing to listen, James would be screwed. There was no reply from the other boy. "Severus, I'm not joking," he sighed. "I genuinely have an offer for you and I'm a little desperate." That was only half a lie. If anything James was extremely desperate. Silence struck once more. James felt nervous. "Well what are you waiting for? Tell me what you want or sod off." Severus was a lot closer now. He also sounded quite annoyed.
James took a step back when he felt Severus' breath in his face. "Okay so this is going to sound really really stupid." he sighed. Was he really doing this? "Maybe it's better if I explain first what will lead me to my question." Severus didn't look very happy with that. "So my dad is hosting a Christmas Ball soon and I accidentally got them to think I have a boyfriend and that I'll bring him. However as you might have guessed I don't. I," he pushed up his glasses. "I need you to pretend to be my boyfriend for the Christmas Ball."
Before Severus could respond, a voice reached them. "Severus, is that you? You know you can't keep staying out like this." James recognised the voice as that of the groundskeeper. "Hide behind the tree." Severus whispered, pushing James away. "Severus?" "Yeah it's me. I had trouble sleeping again." Hagrid was a lot closer now. "You won't tell on me right? I just lost track of time, I swear."
"My mouth is shut. However, Fangs could use a walk in the woods tomorrow." Severus nodded quickly. "Of course!" Hagrid slowly walks away, back to his hut. Severus turns back to James. "Now about that offer. Are you absolutely insane? Why on earth would I pretend to be your boyfriend?! Especially after everything you've done to me." James tried to search Severus' face for any emotions Severus felt right now. Was he angry? Sad? He couldn't tell. He did know that his plan failed. What was he gonna do now?
"You have to understand! Severus I-" "Meet me tomorrow after dinner at the edge of the forbidden forest." And with that he was alone. What would happen tomorrow? Surely Severus wasn't planning to bite his head off. No because if Severus murdered someone that wouldn't be beneficial to his education. The forest was a good place to make it seem like an accident though. Slowly James trailed back to the castle. Once inside he was once again met with Lucius.
"What did you do with Severus?" James felt confused. Did his question really affect him that much? "I only asked him a question. Why?" Lucius didn't look very happy. "Where is he? What did you do?" James frowned. "You mean he didn't get back to the common room? He left a few minutes before I did." Where could Severus have gone? If it wasn't for the blonde in front of him, James would have checked the map.
Lucius turned around and started walking. "Follow me. We picked up on your request. I'm not a fan of it but it might be good for my brother." This surprised James. "Really, how? Also, your brother?" Lucius' chuckled. "We have eyes and ears everywhere. We're very close to each other. Last year Severus told me he saw me as his big brother. Ever since that moment, I proudly carry that title." He was smiling. James could tell he meant every word of it. James didn't bother to pay attention to where they were going, so absorbed in this new information.
"Why do you think it'll be good for him?" Lucius stopped walking. "Severus' life isn't always easy. He lost his mother at a young age and they don't have a lot of money. His relationship with his father isn't the best either. He's not a happy person." James looked down in shame. "Me and my friends aren't much help I suppose." He felt a hand on his shoulder. "We don't blame you, nor the wolf. The most pain surprisingly gets caused by Pettigrew." "He told you about Remus?!" James had to cover his own mouth.
"The secret is safe with us. Don't worry. What I was saying is that Pettigrew is not to be trusted. If I were you I'd cut off all ties with him immediately. But that's for later. Severus needs someone to love him and to care for him in a way that means more. Even if it's pretend I think it could help him. That's why he's gone now. I told him about it and he got upset. I was hoping you knew where he went as you always seem to find him." Lucius seemed serious.
James took a big sigh and reached in his pocket, pulling out the map. "Not a word." He received a curt nod from the other and unfolded it. The map was empty, Severus' name nowhere to be seen. How was that possible? It had to be there. People don't just disappear off the map. That only happens when you leave Hogwarts. He couldn't just have left right? Especially at this time. Lucius seemed to realise this too, but wasn't panicking. "Is it possible that it doesn't pick up the Slytherin dungeons?"
James looked up. "Slytherin dungeons? The who, what, where now?" Lucius smiled. "Follow me." Once again they started walking, this time towards the dungeons. They went past the Slytherin common room, towards the dead end. "This is just a wall." James observed. Lucius said nothing, pulling out his wand. He tapped it against the wall 3 times and an opening seemed to form. "Stay close, you don't want to get lost here." As they entered the dark hallway James took a hold of Lucius robes. There was no way in hell he would get lost and die here. Whether Lucius had noticed he didn't know.
Slowly the two of them made their way through the maze of dark halls. It seemed aside from the occasional rat, they were all alone. "Where exactly are we going?" James asked. "There's an old potions lab somewhere in these dungeons. Severus got permission to experiment and brew there, in trade for tutoring first years." Lucius stopped at what seemed like a crossroad. They stood there for a minute. Eventually Lucius sighed.
"I don't remember if we have to go left or right." Lucius seemed somewhat insecure. This worried James. Surely they wouldn't be lost? What would happen then? Nobody would find their bodies. Those rats would eat them. Then they heard a muted voice. "Lucius? That you?" Lucius shot forward towards the sound, pushing James back when he tried to follow. "Severus there you are. Is everything alright?" Severus nodded yet Lucius could see the exhaustion in his eyes.
"Listen I'm sorry about what I said and of course whatever you choose to do is your decision. I can't change that. No one can. I had just hoped you'd realise this opportunity could help you." James heard Lucius explain. Severus surely wouldn't be happy if he saw James standing around the corner like that. If only James knew the way back. "What's that heavy scent? It's almost as if someone sprayed Brut in here." Severus suddenly said.
James' eyes grew wide. Did Severus actually just smell his deodorant? He knew that according to others he sprayed it quite a lot but this was ridiculous. "Brut? I have not heard of that before." Lucius looked at Severus like he went insane. "It's this muggle deodorant. People like Potter are obsessed with it.” Lucius rolls his eyes. “And how would you know?”
Severus glared at him. “No reason.” He scoffed. “I’m probably going insane. Let’s just go back upstairs.” He walked in James’ direction but Lucius stopped him. “I don’t think our conversation is finished yet. You need to understand the way you’re living now is not okay. At least this way I’ll be sure you’re eating.” Lucius pulled him into a hug. “Please give it some consideration before making your decision.”
Severus softly nodded into Lucius’ chest. “I will think about it okay. Can we go up now?” They slowly let go of eachother. “Of course.” James' heart was racing. If only he had his invisibility cloak right now. Surely Severus would see him now. Maybe if he slipped into a corridor and then followed after them. That could work. Swiftly James slipped backwards into a corridor on the left side.
He held his breath as he stood there in the shadows, watching the Slytherins pass in silence. Lucius had wrapped an arm around the younger one in a true sibling nature. Or at least that was how James read it in the novel. If he had to believe Sirius, siblings always fight with one another. Then again, the two now walking in front were not related by blood.
James followed the pair, making sure to slip into the shadows whenever Severus threatened to look back. This might have seemed easy, yet it was almost as if the raven had eyes everywhere. “Lucius,” the younger whispered. “can we hurry? I think we are being followed.” Lucius let out a low chuckle. “You’re just tired I’m sure, but alright.” As the two started walking faster James had a lot more ease following them, Severus now primarily focussing on getting out.
Before he knew it, James found himself outside of the potions classroom. He considered going back to his common room; however he decided against it. He did not feel like dealing with Sirius’ questions. There’s a reason he only informed Remus of the plan. The rest of the night James spent wandering around the castle. He was fully lost in thought and did not sleep that night.
The next morning when James arrived at breakfast, Remus had saved him a seat. Sirius wasn't there yet. “Are you okay? How did it go last night?” Remus looked him in the eyes. “It was.. confusing.” James told Remus all about that night at the lake and in the dungeons. “So basically tonight you’re meeting at the forbidden forest? Please be careful, Dumbledore said there was an uprising of dangerous creatures.”
James smiled. “Don’t worry Moony, I'll take care.” From behind them they heard the drop of a bookbag. “What are you hiding from me James? Why were you not in your bed last night?” Sirius had joined them at the table now. “Not for any particular reason.” James avoided his gaze. “There’s something you’re not telling me. Why? Do you not trust me? Is that it?”
“James had been having some trouble sleeping recently. Wandering around the castle in silence helps him.” Remus cut off Sirius’ accusations. James quickly nodded his head. “Yes, insomnia like Remus said.” Sirius squinted his eyes. He would let it go for now. “Anyways where is Snivellus? I don’t see his slimy existence over at the table of snakes.” Sirius peered over for dramatic effect. “I mean it’s not uncommon for him to skip breakfast.” Remus stated.
After breakfast James had to use the restroom first. On his way there he came across Lucius. “Malfoy!” He called out. The blonde stopped walling and turned around. “What do you need?” James suddenly felt very judged. “I uhm. I need. Where is Se- Snape? Where is Snape?” Lucius rolled his eyes. “He was feeling a little dizzy this morning. Don’t worry though. Your evening walk won’t be cancelled.” James nodded. Before he could say anything else, Bellatrix, Narcissa and Regulus joined him.
“Is he being a bother?” Bellatrix had already gotten her wand out. “Bella don’t. Remember what we said?” Narcissa grabbed her arm to take her wand. “Ugh I know. No hexing until tonight's outcome.” She rolled her eyes. James was very uncomfortable. “I’m gonna go right now.”
The rest of the day went slow. James felt like he was barely picking up on anything. Why was Severus not feeling well? Was it because of him? And what would happen tonight? He wanted- no, needed answers. Sirius kept shooting him annoyed looks, while Remus seemed more worried about James. He too knew how difficult this was. Heck Remus probably even realised that as Lucius said, this would apparently be good for Severus. During dinner, James still hadn’t seen Severus anywhere. He couldn’t help but feel a bit of unease. Did something happen?
Sirius had made the decision to start fully ignoring James and Remus. He was angry, yet confused. James felt guilty for it, maybe he should tell him. No, James was not going to risk that. He played around with the food on his plate, not feeling particularly hungry. He wondered if maybe this whole thing was a cruel prank from Severus’ side. What if he was just luring him to the forest, so he could be eaten by a beast. Not that James would blame him.
Remus wrapped his arm around James’ shoulder. “Don’t worry too much about it. I’m Keeping the map close and if I feel bad about the situation I’ll be at your side as fast as I can.” James nodded. “Thanks Moony. I appreciate that, a lot.” Remus gave him a reassuring smile, before letting go. James said goodbye to Remus and left the great hall. He walked outside and immediately cold air hit his face. Wishing he had put on a coat, James made his way to the edge of the forbidden forest.
It was already starting to get dark when he arrived there. He looked around for a bit, yet he didn’t see a trace of the ravenhead. That’s when he heard barking in the distance. In no time Fangs stood next to him, Severus running after the Boarhound. “Fangs wait up! Don’t go so far ahead!” Severus grabbed Fangs in the scruff of his neck. “There you are, little bug-.” Severus looked up at James, who waved awkwardly. “You’re here already.” Surprise was evident in his voice.
“Well you didn’t mention a time. You just said after dinner.” James stated. Severus nodded. He hadn’t expected the Gryffindor to show up at all, let alone so soon. “Alright, well I still have to return Fangs. You can walk with me until the pumpkin field, beyond that Hagrid will see you.” He started walking in the direction of Hagrid’s hut together with Fangs. James quickly followed. “So.” Severus rolled his eyes. “So what?”
“Have you thought about my offer?” James felt anxious now. If Severus didn’t accept then James would have to admit he was not paying attention to his parents. The last thing he wished to do was disappoint them. There was a pregnant silence. “I have a list of requirements. I need you to meet them all and possibly more if we want this to work.” They entered the pumpkin field. “Wait here.” Severus walked ahead with Fangs and knocked on Hagrid’s door. “Hey lad! I was already starting to worry about you. Took you longer than usual.” Hagrid’s voice reached James, followed by a more quiet one. “Fangs was unusually disobedient today. Instead of doing his own thing he got really fixated on chasing creatures.” Hagrid seemed surprised. “Now that is not like my boy at all. I’ll keep my eye on it. Tea Severus?” The raven shook his head. “No thank you. Next time, I promise.” They bid each other farewell and James hears Severus’ footsteps approach once more.
James opened his mouth to say something, but he got interrupted. “My list of requirements goes as follows. You respect me, I’ll respect you. I will stay with you every break and or other moments we have to go home. You will provide me with proper meals during this arrangement and I expect your friends to behave properly as well. After this Christmas party we don’t suddenly break up, this will be a deal for the longer run. During my stay we will sleep in separate beds, when asked questions we will say I’m not comfortable to share a bed until engagement. Your parents should not ask anything about my family under any circumstances. Neither will you, unless specified differently. Lastly, I will be allowed to contact Lucius, Bellatrix, Narcissa, etc. during my stay whenever I feel the need to.”
James stood speechless. “You came up with all that last night?” Severus rolled his eyes. “And today, but that’s not the point. Do we have a deal?” James slowly nodded. “We have a deal, we should start getting to know each other. We only have a week before the party and we need to be a proper couple.” Severus sighs. “So who besides us and a few Slytherins know about this?” There was a bit of worry in his voice. That was new to James. “Only Remus knows. But don’t worry, he is fully in on this idea and will do anything to support us. If there ever is something you can also go to him.” Severus refused to look at him. “Listen, I understand this is probably really difficult for you. We have been truly awful to you for the past years, and after having a little chat with Lucius I understand your homelife probably isn’t much better. I really want to do better, even after this deal. What do you say?”
Severus sighs. “You’re right, it is quite difficult for me. I appreciate you trying, and so I will try my hardest too. I hope Lucius didn’t tell you too much as I’m not ready to open up about a lot yet, but even though I can’t forget, I can forgive. And right now I’m willing to do this and forgive you, no matter how hard that is.” James smiled at him. “So, how about a library date tomorrow?”