Work Text:
Propose
You’re my destiny, you are my dance.
When James saw Severus for the first time in the train to Hogwarts, he immediately felt the soft connection between them.
A thin, red band wrapped around James’ pinky and floated through the air until it reached Severus where it disappeared into his chest, curling around his heart.
The way Severus moved mesmerised James. The young boy took long steps and his hips moved so smoothly, it looked like a wave flowed through his lower body. His shoulders were slightly slumped but they still made a pretty line. Severus’ chin was slightly lifted and showed off his long neck and his sharp jawline. His eyes twinkled softly because of their dark colouring and his hair fell in small spirals along his face, covering and emphasising features. The strands bounced with each step, making his face younger despite the sallow skin and the continuous frown.
It fascinated James and the first year resumed with him observing Severus.
He slowly discovered Severus' brilliant mind. The Snape was a genius when it came to potions. He always knew when and how to add each ingredient without having to look at the recipe. Severus also succeeded in casting spells, transfiguring objects, and staying awake in History class. It impressed James, even though he himself was doing quite well.
The two boys had been sorted into different Houses but James had still tried to keep a close eye on Severus.
Soon, James started his infamous prank career, especially targeting Gryffindor's rival house Slytherin which Severus was part of. He did so because of Slytherins’ vile behaviour. Interestingly, he did not see Severus as a part of Slytherin because the person he liked could not be a Slytherin and therefore could not be hurt by his pranks.
You are my past and my future.
You make me breathe continuously.
Years later, after experiencing seven years together, they would still know each other. James was sure of their future.
They were dependent on each other.
No one would survive without the other in the upcoming wizarding war against Lord Voldemort. The Dark Lord of the Death Eaters would be notoriously known for blood prejudice and cruel murders.
Severus would be on their side while James would be fighting with the Light Side.
They would have to survive.
You feel my jealousy, growing everyday.
Back in their first year, James had noticed the close relationship between Severus and Lily. He felt jealous of Lily spending time with Severus. Therefore, he tried to become friends with Lily to make Severus feel jealous as well. Severus would have to realise James' feelings and break the friendship with Lily.
It was a weak plan and Lily was simply annoyed by James’ behaviour. The latter though did not give up.
After a while, he began to see Severus’ smile when Lily laughed at his jokes and he saw Severus’ indignation when people treated Lily differently because of her Muggleborn heritage. It was fulfilling to see Severus this happy. So, James decided that his plan had been a stupid plan. His intentions changed and he approached Lily now because Severus’ friends had to be his own as well.
Following your shadow,
I am with you in your breath.
James followed Severus everywhere, to every class, making sure he was safe and sound. Severus would never feel alone.
Don’t run away, you can’t escape my love.
Severus did not notice James most of the time but if he did he always turned on his heels and walked away. He did not like the boy who always pranked him.
James simply continued following Severus.
I can’t let go.
I’ll cast a spell.
Even in their second year, James still could not let go of Severus. He tried getting closer to Severus. He partnered up with him whenever he could. He sat next to him in the library when doing homework or learning. This way, Severus warmed up to his company slowly but steadily. He still refused any conversation, still James was delighted by the progress.
Our love’s a curse but I can’t get enough.
Propose!
(Just before we dive, pull you into my kiss.)
James had become aware of his passion for Severus the moment the winter holidays began and he could not see Severus anymore. His heart felt empty and the band stretched thinly into nowhere, leaving him with the wish to relax it. He could not let go of Severus.
By the time they had reached the Easter holidays, it was clear to him that the Slytherins despised Severus and did not consider him a part of them. But they also hated it when Severus spent time with Gryffindors as he was still an official member of their House. It would ruin their image if they excluded someone because of their claimed solidarity.
James tried to help Severus by pranking him and pretending he was an unwelcome member within the Gryffindor community. That way, the Slytherins would be friendlier and happier.
James did not realise that these actions confused Severus as he had begun to like James. It hurt his heart and he started to avoid James again.
They had cold confrontations. It angered James deeply because he could not allow the pretty boy to dislike him.
Call me evil.
I’ll show you more.
I get what I want but I can’t get enough.
Propose!
Their dislike for each other continued for the next two years until the fifth year’s Valentine’s Day. Mistletoes had been hung up in the castle and James had placed one on the Astronomy Tower, a place Severus would visit at night.
That night, the moon lit up the dark sky and as James climbed up the stairs to find Severus caught in the plant’s arms his face softly glowed.
After he had reached the top, he carefully approached Severus who seemed to fiercely but unsuccessfully try to free himself from the mistletoe.
Severus looked breath-takingly beautiful in the black night. His skin gleamed, he looked outer-worldly. His eyes seemed to be part of the starry sky and his hair blended with the background. James’ heart raced and licked his lips.
When Severus noticed James, his eyes closed and he let out a dejected sigh.
There was a moment of silence before James stepped closer, leaned in and pressed a kiss onto Severus’ thin lips.
With every touch I feel the burn.
The mistletoe let go and Severus fled.
Love’s a curse.
The rest of the fifth year passed silently. James avoided Severus because he did not know what to do. His heart was rushing when around Severus, his cheeks felt hot and he jumbled his words. Severus had become more and more attractive and James’ desire to claim Severus’ heart rose with every day. He observed Severus most of the time, hiding in the shadows.
Severus was still hurt because of James’ avoidance and his pranks. The pranks had stopped because James wanted to focus on his education but they kept a certain distance.
Severus slowly turned towards his fellow Slytherins, seeking comfort in the cruel ideas of Lord Voldemort who was rising in power.
The first question is, what do you avoid?
Do you keep your distance from fear?
James had tried to protect Severus so he would be safe and sound.
Secondly, what do you obey?
Do you follow the coercion of the powerful?
James had tried to keep the Slytherins from Severus so he would be safe and sound.
Remember.
Disobedience belongs to me.
James had tried to help Severus so he would be safe and sound.
Peyote.
Including both body and mind.
James had tried to make Severus love him.
Love’s so creepy but it’s crystal clear, so clear.
My heart belongs to you, my dear.
The band strained but whenever they were close, it would immediately recover and shine in a healthy red.
James had hurt Severus. He wanted to do better in their sixth year. He tried to befriend Severus once again.
Unbreakable chain.
He would never let go.
I can’t let go.
They slowly but surely became friends over the course of their sixth year, slowing Severus’ career as a Death Eater down.
James had stopped asking Lily out which relieved the relationship of the three. He had also apologised with a heavy heart for his pranks. Severus had taken a while to regain trust in James but the young boy was captivating and he could not resist being pulled in.
I’ll cast a spell.
They grew closer.
Our love’s a curse but I can’t get enough.
James forgot about other friends because seeing Severus happy was his happiness. He did not notice the breaking friendships. He instead completely focused on Severus, following him everywhere.
Propose!
(Just before we dive, pull you into my kiss)
James and Severus finally kissed again on Valentine’s Day in sixth grade under a mistletoe on the Astronomy Tower. Softly pressing his lips onto Severus’, James held his pinky over the other’s heart. The string glowed in a bright red and then split into more bands that connected the two everywhere.
Call me evil.
(I was.)
I’ll show you more.
(You want it.)
I get what I want but I can’t get enough.
(Give me more.)
Propose!
With every touch I feel the burn.
(Does it hurt?)
Love’s a curse.
I will follow you into the night.
Severus’ father died the same spring. James had been told about the grim man and had not felt sad but Severus,
Severus crashed. He had not been close to his father but they had still lived together for many years, his father had cared for him in his own way. It also hurt to see his mother who was distraught by the death of her husband.
She took her own life a month later and Severus,
Severus broke. His mother had always been there for him. She had taught him so much about magic and potions in particular.
Luckily, James was there. He fixed Severus slowly, sewing his heart’s pieces, mending his mind’s tears, and healing his soul.
Our love can be our guiding light.
James kissed his wounds and held him tightly at night. He guided him through nightmares and bad days.
Severus was thankful for the other boy.
What can I do without you?
He would not have survived.
He still became a Death Eater that year.
Every step you take,
I’ll follow you.
James was always close to Severus, they were inseparable in their last year. James watched Severus even in his sleep.
Severus had become the most beautiful human on earth within the last month. After he had recovered from the loss of his parents, he started living healthier with the help of James. They played a lot of sports and cooked for themselves. Severus’ skin was now in a soft pale tone, his cheeks had filled and James liked to squish them.
James himself had as well changed. His appearance was bulky and his hair grew longer, curling around his face. Severus liked to run his hand through the waves.
I’ll be there too.
‘Cause I wanna cherish you forever.
The bands between them had strengthened further and shone in a crimson colour.
I can’t let go. (I can’t let go.)
I’ll cast a spell.
Our love’s a curse but I can’t get enough.
Propose! (Propose!)
Just before we dive, pull you into my kiss.
Call me evil.
The war came.
I’ll show you more.
Severus fought as a Death Eater.
I get what I want but I can’t get enough.
James fought as an auror.
Propose!
They finally married on Hallow’s Eve in 1981.
With every touch I feel the burn.
That day the war ended with the death of Lily’s son.
Love’s a curse.