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Prequel: Chasing Severus
It all began at a dull Ministry gala.
James Potter, fresh out of Hogwarts and newly signed to a professional Quidditch team, was in high spirits. He’d just finished his first season with the Montrose Magpies, and while they hadn’t won the league, James had already gained a reputation as one of the most promising Chasers in the sport. The Ministry had invited him to this event to rub elbows with the wizarding elite, a prospect James found only slightly more appealing than being trampled by a rogue Bludger.
He was about to sneak out when he saw him.
Severus Snape, standing alone near the edge of the ballroom, arms crossed and a look of utter disdain on his face. He was dressed impeccably in black robes, and his hair—much to James’s surprise—looked sleek and deliberate rather than greasy. He wasn’t the same sullen boy James had known at Hogwarts. There was something… intriguing about him now.
James paused, a sly grin creeping onto his face. He couldn’t resist the opportunity to make conversation. After all, Severus Snape was the last person James expected to find at a Ministry party.
“Well, well, well,” James said as he sauntered up to him, drink in hand. “If it isn’t Severus Snape, terror of the dungeons. Didn’t think this was your kind of scene.”
Severus didn’t even look at him. “Potter,” he said coolly, his voice as sharp as ever. “I didn’t realize Quidditch players were invited to Ministry events. Did they run out of actual professionals?”
James laughed, unfazed. “Still as charming as ever, I see. What are you doing here, anyway? Brewing potions in the coat closet?”
Severus finally turned his head, fixing James with a glare. “Unlike you, I was invited for my contributions to magical innovation. The Ministry values actual intellect, not… brute force.”
“Ah,” James said, grinning wider. “So you’re the brains, and I’m the brawn. Perfect pairing, don’t you think?”
Severus stared at him, unimpressed. “Go away, Potter.”
But James didn’t. Something about Severus’s cool demeanor made him want to stay. Perhaps it was the challenge. Or perhaps it was the realization that Severus was… interesting.
Over the next few months, James made a point of running into Severus whenever he could. It turned out Severus worked closely with the Ministry as a consultant for high-level potions projects, and James—now a Quidditch star on the rise—was often invited to the same events.
At first, Severus was convinced James was simply trying to irritate him. Every time he turned around, there was Potter, grinning like an idiot and asking the most ridiculous questions.
“So, what’s the most dangerous potion you’ve ever brewed?”
“Do you think I’d look good in Slytherin green? Be honest.”
“Is it true potions masters all have secret dungeons? Asking for a friend.”
Severus responded with cutting remarks and withering glares, but to his frustration, James never seemed discouraged. If anything, he became more persistent.
“What do you want from me, Potter?” Severus snapped one evening after James had cornered him at yet another Ministry event.
James hesitated for a moment, his grin faltering slightly. Then he shrugged, his voice turning uncharacteristically soft. “Maybe I just want to know you. The real you.”
Severus blinked, caught off guard. “Why?”
James’s grin returned, this time smaller but more genuine. “Because I think there’s more to you than what people see. And I like proving people wrong.”
Severus stared at him for a long moment, his usual defenses wavering. He couldn’t understand why James Potter, of all people, would care about getting to know him. But there was something about the sincerity in his eyes—something Severus hadn’t seen before.
“Fine,” Severus said at last, his tone grudging. “One drink. But if you annoy me, I’m leaving.”
James lit up like a Christmas tree. “Deal.”
That drink turned into two, and then three. Over the next few weeks, their encounters became less about chance and more about intention. James started showing up at Severus’s favorite apothecary, asking for “help” with potions he clearly didn’t need. Severus found himself looking forward to James’s ridiculous letters, which were always filled with terrible jokes and questions about Quidditch.
Slowly but surely, Severus began to let his guard down.
One night, after a particularly successful match, James showed up at Severus’s door with a bottle of wine and a sheepish grin. “Celebration,” he explained, holding up the bottle.
Severus rolled his eyes but let him in. They spent the evening talking—really talking—for the first time. James told Severus about his dreams of winning the World Cup, and Severus admitted that he never thought he’d have anyone in his life who saw him as more than a bitter, brooding potions master.
By the end of the night, Severus realized something terrifying: he didn’t just tolerate James Potter’s company. He enjoyed it.
It wasn’t long before James confessed his feelings in the most James way possible.
“I’m in love with you,” he blurted out one evening, mid-conversation about potion safety protocols.
Severus stared at him, his teacup halfway to his lips. “What?”
“I’m in love with you,” James repeated, his cheeks flushing. “Have been for months. And I know you probably think I’m an idiot, and maybe I am, but I can’t keep pretending I don’t feel this way.”
Severus put his teacup down, his heart pounding. “You’re right. You are an idiot.”
James winced. “Ouch.”
“But,” Severus continued, his voice softer, “you’re also… persistent. And kind. And entirely too charming for your own good.”
James blinked. “Is that… a compliment?”
Severus rolled his eyes. “Don’t make me regret this.”
James grinned, leaning in closer. “So… is that a yes?”
Severus sighed. “Yes, Potter. It’s a yes.”
James whooped so loudly that Severus had to silence him with a kiss, and from that moment on, their lives were never the same.
Years later, as they sat in Severus’s chambers with Harry sleeping soundly in the next room, James would tell Severus, “I knew from the start you’d be the greatest thing to ever happen to me.”
Severus rolled his eyes, but his soft smile gave him away. “And I knew you’d be the most insufferable thing to ever happen to me.”
“Opposites attract,” James said with a grin.
“Unfortunately,” Severus replied, though he didn’t really mean it.