Chapter Text
He almost got to touch the sweaty porcelain pale skin of the Slytherin, while the wonton body thrust up and down riding his cock wildly. The Slytherin grunted annoyingly and swatted his hand which was just trying to get a hold of his cheek and bought him down to have a test of those lips.
To his surprise, Severus giggled pinning his wrist to the mattress then leaned his face toward him and gave the sweetest kiss. The tongue was slippery wet and warm, all spiced and urged him to fall into it deeper. Every single millisecond their tongues brushed against each other, electrical sparked all over his body. He sucked and swallowed greedily like it was his last meal making the smaller boy who was sitting on his erect member moan and buck his hips back and forth.
He didn't want it to stop. The kissing, the sweet lovemaking but the Slytherin seemed to be out of his breath, so he needed to withdraw, but he would come back for more, later.
Both pale hands were placed on his strong chest as the little Slytherin gradually took up his speed, he whined and babbled incoherent words into his ear. He only caught some words, presumed that Severus called his name, telling him how great he felt, how best his cock was inside.
The dominant trait kicked in as he thrust up his hip, shoving his cock to the hilt and suddenly felt Severus' hole engulf and squeezed him tightly. The Slytherin arched his back beautifully exposing his flushed chest and crying in his ecstasy, small fists gripping tight on his sun-kissed skin until those pale knuckles turned colorless. He could feel something warm and watery on his stomach.
It was fine if Severus unintentionally left some bruises on him because so he was. Making the pale skin marred with hickies and fingerprints wasn't his liking but it provoked something in him, a possessive streak he didn't notice that he had it in him.
He flipped the lithe body over, it drove him insane what he witnessed seeing his one-night lover panting, body spasming, and recovering from a previous orgasm, as his hard length was still inside that sloppy little hole. The Slytherin was an incoherent mess, moaning and babbling about how good he felt.
Seeing the Slytherin under him, pale skin tattered and dotted with deep pink bruises made the Grffingdoy uncontrollably over-excited. Those possessive marks were all his to make by his chapped lips, hot tongue and teeth, as he bit lightly as sucked teasingly on Severus' neck and chest. His little princess squealed in surprise when he gave those rosy nipples a little touch.
It was an exquisite sight as he thought about it. The Gryffindor let out a long sigh in satisfaction and started ramming his cock in mercilessly making the smaller boy in his arms cried in pleasure as his hole pulsated with every hit. Pale arms clung to his back dear life. Lewd sounds of skin against skin and unintelligible words were loud enough to scare their neighbors away, but they weren't in the state to be bothered.
"James-" Fireworks lit on his eyelids, they were blooming like anything else. The climax crashed him as he heard Severus called, unconsciously jerking his hips deeper and deeper as he emptied his load. James, his name, he wanted to hear Severus call him that, call him it every day.
Even though James was spent and a bit drunk on the booze, he swore he remembered every detail of it. Not sure if the Slytherin boy who was in the same state would recall the same memory as him. James swore he wouldn't let the chance go. He would hold Severus tight in his arms telling him to stay the night or at least give him a chance to apologize. James looked at the onyx eyes, they glistening and dilating with pleasure, then he leaned in and was about to press his kiss to those lips.
But the alarm rang loudly into his ears.
James frowned as the dreams started to drift away, Severus was gone again. For the fourth time this week and left him with unfulfilled sexual frustration. He propped himself up on his elbow turning off the alarm with a flick of his hand.
Damn it, cursed that Snivellus! It was a thousand times the Slytherin boy kept haunting him in his dream and making his pajama pants wet. Sighed and stood up, James looked at the wet spot on the fabric.
It was almost five years already since the last time he saw Severus after graduation. It left his heart empty and cracked as he only saw the back of the Slytherin walking away from the platform and never gave him a single glance, even though they had the most memorable night together.
He could forget all about it. He could get over it.
Sometimes he got the bludger whacked him in the middle of the practice causing the coach and team members yelling at him with frustration and worry.
"I swear to Merlin, Potter! If you daydream about your girlfriend once again, I will transfer you back to Puddlemere!" The coach yelled and teammates laughed in unison.
"Can't help it, coach. My girlfriend is hot." He yelled back. Unless he wouldn't have any girl, instead he was dreaming about his school rivalry who appeared as a boy.
Some said that the dream is the message of the deepest desire, and maybe that was true. James used to ask around for Severus' address from his old friends but no one replied back. Evans did not even help with that. She sent him a Howler one and it exploded with a harsh loud voice threatening to curse him if he dared send another owl asking about her bestie again.
James scoffed. He wouldn't want to contact that greasy snake anyway, and if he did, he wouldn't even know what he wanted to tell him. 'I'm sorry for what I did. Please don't ignore me. That night means something to me and I want us to be together,' James didn't have a gut to say that.
The Gryffindor shook his head and glanced at the clock. He needed to prepare himself for whatever it was this morning, unless... He was going to be late for his friend's wedding!
"Fuck!"
***
The trip to the wedding venue wasn't a nice ride, or transporting by a Portkey in this situation, because his friends were bitching about him being late and caused them to skip their precious lunch. Padfoot's face twisted in displeasure as James suggested him to stopped at some muggle convenience store or flooed to somewhere else to get something to eat. James wanted to sew that mouth shut.
It was all Sirius's fault, wasn't it? Since he was the one who whined to Marlene that he desperately needed to participate, to witness Lily Evans and Even Rosier's wedding. Like a Gryffindor reunion, he convinced her, or else she wouldn't even bother telling her friend to invite them to Evans and Rosier's wedding party. Bet a thousand galleons for it that Patfoot wanted to go to the wedding because he would love to have a good one-night fuck with a pretty girl and free food.
James had been missing out on many things after graduated, after he got a huge opportunity to join Puddlemere United as a Chaser. It was almost four years and pushed himself hard for the career.
To everyone's surprise, both his friends, Remus and Sirius too, always thought that he was going to pursue another career path, like Auror. Profiling as a Headboy and great marks on his report could get him to be an apprentice without a bead of sweat but he wouldn't. Why risk himself to die young when he had a talent for quidditch? And Quidditch chose him.
Got to fly on the broom half of the day and planning their strategy for the next game kept him going with it. Plus the additional income from posting for advertisements. Everywhere he went there were always fans or someone who remembered his familiar face. This career suited him well, he dared say.
"Prongs! Hurry up!" Padfoot called in a few meters ahead.
"What makes you so excited about this, Pads? It's not even your wedding." James sighed taking long strides to catch up with his friends' speed.
"Pretty girls and free food. What else is for our friend?" Remus said.
"Come on, it's not that." He lied to Moony's face. "A Gryffindor reunion! A chance to meet our old friends. Won't you guys be happy to see them?"
"And Slytherin reunion, too. If you're not forgotten who the groom is."
"Oh."
"Don't tell me that you don't know who Rosier is." James covered his face with his hand. That was the Slytherin keeper, a captain of the Slytherin team who always stuck around Severus the entire seventh year. He felt relieved, had no idea why, that Rosier was going to marry Evans and not Severus.
"He's a... that guy, I think he played as a keeper for Slytherin, right?" Padfoot frowned thinking. "A big buff dude, all brawn and no brains."
"Shush. Wait until the bride heard that and she'll throw you out." Remus warned.
"What? I didn't say anything wrong."
"I'm going to pretend I don't know you if you trash about anyone at the party, and don't come near me."
"I won't." Sirius laughed. "Look, I just described what I perceived and he looked just like that when we were at Hogwarts."
"You and your attitude, Sirius." Moony shook his head disapprovingly.
"What about it?"
"Uuurrggg." James groaned at the bickering couple. "Stop it, please."
"You better behave Sirius, or we won't attend any party with you again." Remus warned.
Padfoot ignored Remus completely, pulling his attractive face while they were reaching the destination. Raws of chairs and a bunch of familiar faces he assumed they went to the same classes when he was at Hogwarts, which James didn't really pay much attention to. Somehow he wondered why he needed to be here anyway.
It wasn't like Evans stopped being friends with him, he guessed. As they were growing up, their environment and circumstances changed over time, they continued their paths in different ways. They were mutually ghosting each other. At least the last time he heard from Evans was an admirable Howler.
Recounted what he had done to her best friend, Severus Snape. James thought he have some ideas why she didn't want any contact from him. No doubt.
If it wasn't for Sirius who worked tirelessly to convince Marlene to some sense of reminiscence and got lucky enough to win the invitation from Evans, they wouldn't take a single step in their wedding. Still, James was quite sure why Sirius desperately wanted to be here.
They greeted the bride and groom then retreated to the table where they sat far away in the last row. It was a nice restored hay barn, classic and vintage with a natural atmosphere from wood barn and scents of flowers and herbs. The Gryffindor swept his eyes around the barn trying to find someone he wished he could see again for once. Thin figure with black raven hair, always kept his chin up and resting stoic nonchalant face, but James found none.
Every morning after James had dreamed of the good dream, he always woke up and found himself with vagueness, almost irritated him. It was frustrating to know that he wanted to know why Severus left him that night. They were great together, weren't they?
His gut feeling told him repeatedly Severus was into him, from the look he gave him, the touch, the saccharine sweetness he tasted for the first time from the Slytherin boy. No! No, that wasn't real, logic screamed in his head, because they were drunk as a lord after a cup of spiked punch.
Only a cup, no one got drunk that bad.
But... Severus must be confused and disappointed about this. That was why he left and avoided his face until the last morning, the last day James ever had a chance to see his back fading away from him.
Why didn't he be a bit brave? Like the house he was chosen to be.
Running as fast as his legs could take him, pulled the Slytherin in his arms and confessed to him how much he longed for him. That he wanted to apologize and start over with him. He would give Severus a loving kiss announcing to the whole platform how much he wanted him.
James drifted off again and didn't notice both Remus and Sirius excused themselves to find something to eat leaving James sulking at the table for no reason. Then a couple of unfamiliar faces and his friend approached his table, one of the pretty girls had her arm clung around Sirius's. That. That was Padfoot's goal.
"Ladies, I want to introduce you to-"
"Oh, my! I remember you." One of the ladies exclaimed. "You are James Potter! Puddlemere United's Chaser!"
Nope, not anymore. He was transferred to Chudley Cannons last winter, and if the girl told him she was a fan then he was going to walk off of this conversation.
"That's right! I heard you're a big fan of the team."
"I am!"
James smiled trying not to roll his eyes. Before he started to walk away from the exasperating conversation Padfoot grabbed his arm and pleaded him silently to stay.
"You couldn't imagine how awesome it was from the top of the floor. I can feel the snitch flying through my left ear." Sirius bragged as he stirred the conversation with the most impressive moment from his first match, a free ticket from James.
"Sounds amazing." The girl gasped.
"I always wanted to watch the game from the top floor too, but the tickets sold out so quickly."
Most of the chairs were filled with witches and wizards and their young ones running around playing tag, reminding James how time flies. They were just a bunch of stupid hormonal teenagers who didn't even know how to impress or say a word to their crushes, but now they were all grown up.
Finally, the ceremony was about to begin, so he could pretend to be sincere in his expression of congratulations. Plus, the girls who clung around him and Padfoot retreated to their table.
"What's with you today?" He went back to earth again when Padfoot elbowed him onto his rib.
"Nothing." James sighed. Of course, Sirius wouldn't want to know what was going on inside his head today or else his best friend would definitely freak out.
No one knew what had happened between him and Severus about the last night at Hogwarts, and wouldn't dare tell. James didn't feel a slight regret about what they did together, it was the best sex he ever had but he wished they could, at least, continue something. Maybe not for Severus, but after that night James realized that Severus sowed a seed and it bloomed preciously in his heart.
"Hey, isn't that- ." Padfoot elbowed him again, and this time he wanted to bash that thick head. "Severus Snape." Sirius sneered making his hazel-brown eyes flick a glance at the main table.
James gaped. It was him, his Severus stood there and recited a speech with his low tone beautiful voice wearing a fine tailored suit with a matching robe. The Slytherin gave a bright smile throughout the whole speech, without taking a peek at the memoir. His heart fluttered at the sight, couldn't comprehend a word Severus said but he could feel how overjoyed he was talking about his friends.
Attempted trying to sit straight and make himself look taller on the chair to attract Severus' attention, at least to notice him or his tousled hair or glasses, but James failed miserably. The red-haired bride shed a tear as she hugged her best friend after he finished his speech and sat back down beside her. James furrowed his brow and clapped along with the guests.
An uninspiring, dull ceremony lit up and ignited again as he spent the entire event observing the boy in his dreams. There were many chances and efforts James created to get closer and talk to him, but damn Padfoot and his off-the-leash energy dragged him toward a group of ex-Gryffindor housemates.
"Why didn't you guys tell us that you're married?!" Sirius exclaimed sounding excited about the news from his old friends.
"It happened rather quick, you know." Alice explained, "and I was having our little Neville at the time, so we were saving up for him."
James looked over Frank and Alice's shoulders peeking around the barn to find Severus talking and laughing with some of the guests. The raven-haired young man bent a little, smiling, and nodded to a little kid as the shaggy-haired boy pulled on his robe.
"We didn't plan for this," Frank chuckled and shook his head, "but we won't regret it."
"Never. He's the cutest kid." Alice sighed. "Our Neville."
A group of guest shielded the Slytherin from the sight, both Severus and the little boy who was holding his pale hand disappearing behind the crowd. James tip-toed turning his head around but the only thing he witnessed was the maddening fireworks exploding on the charmed roof.
"James, what's wrong?" Moony asked.
"I think I saw him." James said paying no attention to his friends or the animated photos of little Neville.
"Who?"
"He looks exactly just like you Frank." Sirius awed.
"He is." Frank beamed looking so proud of something James couldn't sympathize.
Without anyone's interest, James excused himself from the parents who were flaunting their awfully adorable kid to track down the boy in his latest dreams. Unintentionally pumped into some people and almost made a witch spill a drink on his shirt. Over there, a thin silhouette wavered behind the floating cupcakes.
James strode as far as his long legs could take him until he stumbled and kicked a chair making a witch in a pastel purple dress glare at him. Mumbling an apology, the Gryffindor ignored her completely and followed Severus.
His heart beat fast like a drum, never felt such an adrenaline rush like this since he first won against Appleby Arrows. Just a few steps, a few steps and he could reach his desire.
"Oh, no." A little voice exclaimed as he felt the wetness on his slacks.
"Oh." He suddenly stopped and stared at his ridiculously pricey suit, now covered in a wet patch.
"Saw-wee, sir." The tiny boy looked at him. "Hawwy is sowwy." Hawwy gaped looking stupored at James with those huge doe eyes.
Unexpected, James felt overwhelmed as affection showered all over his heart as the magic rushed through his veins, warm and comfortable, like the first touch of his wand but it was a protectiveness that escalated out of nowhere. Seeing this boy's innocence look made James' heart melt.
For a brief moment, James thought he saw himself in the kid, as his features appeared on the little figure; brown shaggy hair, little nose, handsome face, except the ebony eyes that looked like a doe. Exactly matched with the pair he dreamed of every night and yearned to catch that sight once again.
"It's alright, buddy." James cast a cleaning spell on his slacks vanishing the sticky damp spot. "Are you okay? Not hurt anywhere?"
"No." He shook his head but raised his sticky hands that were covered with pumpkin juice.
"Let's get you clean up." James dried those tiny hands with his washed handkerchief.
"Thank you."
"Where is your mommy? You know she shouldn't leave you wandering around."
"I don't hab mommy."
"I'm sorry." Poor kid. James said but the little boy didn't look somber and pensive at all.
"It's owkay, I hab papa." Harry said naturally.
"Where is he then?"
"He said he needs to work. I need to stay wif Aunt Marlene."
"Marlene?" James furrowed as the familiar name, Marlene from Gryffindor, the girl with long auburn hair. "Where is she then?"
Harry shook his head. "She needs to find a boyfriend."
"Oh." So, her friend asked her to look after his son while he was attending to all the guests but she left the boy alone at the table to find herself a hot date. Very mature of her. "How about I help you find your papa?"
"No." He shook his head.
"Why not?"
"Papa said shouldn't talk to stwangers." Seemed like his parent taught him well. James laughed.
"How about I told you my name so we don't have to be strangers?"
The kid nodded.
"I'm James, James Potter." James introduced himself. "What's your name?"
"Harry Snape."
Harry WHAT? Was this kid, Severus's?
Trains of unanswered questions crashed into his brain; Severus being a single dad, a child that kind of look-alike James, about four to five years old aligned with the last time he saw Severus.
"Sorry. Where is your mommy again?"
"Harry don't have mommy." Harry repeated.
"Only papa?"
"And daddy." A crushing sensation depleted him. It pained and ached to think there was someone Severus shared a house, a child and his entire life with.
"Er, where's your daddy?" James tried to smile.
"Papa said he works far away. Harry never see daddy."
"What? Why not?"
"Because Harry don't have daddy."
"Huh?" James furrowed. He couldn't catch what the boy said, not having his other parent but he did exist. Never saw him. He worked far away. "Don't you know anything about your daddy at all?"
"Daddy's name is Jaims." Harry said the name and that made the grown man shocked, taking his breath away.
James?
"Wow, we have the same name, your daddy and me." His heart raced fast like a drum. Could it be...?
"Do you know him?" The kid beamed at him with those innocent eyes. Seemed he believed that James might have an idea who his daddy was, and yes, James did. He doubted. That. It was him.
"Well, I might know him from somewhere. If you told me about him, I think I'll know." He just needed to be sure.
"Papa said they were friends in school like Harry and Draco and Won."
"They went to school together?" James questioned. "Hogwarts?"
"Yesh. Hogwarts." Harry nodded adorably. "Daddy was a Quidditch captain for the red house. Lion house."
"Oh. I used to be a captain in the Gryffindor." He whispered as he tried to remind himself. Quidditch captain. Gryffindor house. Went to Hogwarts in the exact same years as Severus. Wasn't it him?
"Don't tell papa but Aunt Cissy told Harry that Harry's daddy is handsome and wears glasses." The little boy pointed at his glasses.
James agaped, staring at Harry.
Yes. YES, he was, HEWASAFUCKINGFATHERTOTHISBOY, standing right here, in front of his own kid, his own bloodline.
"Oh," Harry realized, the bright little boy assimilated all the information he spilled in his head. "Jaims is Harry's daddy!" His clever son gasped delightfully, hugging and pulling his leg excitedly, ebony doe eyes lit up exhilaratingly. "Harry always want to see you."
James wanted to snuggle the boy in his arms. His son! This was unbelievable!
How could no one say anything to him about this? About Harry. How beautiful he was, how alike he was. For almost half a decade James wondered how Severus lived, and then he was with his kid, James' kid, the whole time. But why the Slytherin didn't claim anything? Why keep it a secret? Why?
Did Severus loath him that much, he didn't let James touch their son?
"Harry has a lot of fings to tell you. Harry love Quidditch and want to be a captain like daddy, but papa won't allow it." His son pouted.
"Why not?" Did Severus hate him that much he won't allow their son to play Quidditch? That was absurd and ridiculous.
"Papa said it's dangerous." Oh, right. For someone who was rubbish at it, flying was hazardous.
"It's not if you learn how to fly."
"Harry never learn how to fly. Papa won't teach Hawwy. Papa said Harry is too young to fly."
"How about let me teach you? Daddy is a professional Quidditch player in Chudley Cannons. Do you ever heard of Chudley Cannons?"
"Really?! Chudley Cannons?! I know that team. Won is a fan!" His heart swelled with pride. Harry might not know much about what he played in the team but he felt a sense of fulfilment as his son appreciated that.
"Oh, really?"
"Won said it's the gweat team" Harry's eyes sparkled with respect and amazement. "Is it true? Will you teach Harry to fly?"
"I do, I promise." James smiled at Harry. It was a great start to get James into Harry's circle of existence, to know the boy better and be a part of his life. Like practical father and son.
"Harry love daddy so much." His tiny arms wrapped around James' leg smiling merrily.
"Harry, I-"
"Harry!" The raven-haired young man dashed rapidly to them, panting and placing his pale hand over his chest. "Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you."
Severus, his Severus, was standing in front of him for the first time in years. The first time he got to watch him this close after that night, the night Severus walked off from his life. Heart beating was so damn loud in his ears, didn't even catch the words Severus said to his son. That tenderness and worried look Severus sent to Harry almost made the envious green flames burn a hole in his heart. James never saw the Slytherin boy look at anyone with warmth and gentleness except for Lily Evans, and now Harry.
The Slytherin boy he messed horribly with when they were at school, now he grew up to be a loving, concerned father of his son, their son. Still looked the same as the last time James saw him; pale skin, skinny and small build but healthier, onyx eyes but none of resentment or bitterness in them, fitted and dressed nicely, matured. Severus was pretty. Even prettier than the last time he saw him.
His son untangled his arms around his leg and turned his head abruptly to the voice. "Harry was looking for pumpkin joos!"
"Where's Aunt Marlene?" Severus frowned.
"She has to find a boyfriend." Harry said, hands still gripping tightly on James'.
Severus inhaled and was about to let a curse burst out from his lips, then held it as he faced Harry.
"Papa's sorry, I won't leave you again." The pale arm stretched out signaling Harry to hold it. So he did, pulling away from James' hand and grabbing his papa's hand instead.
There was a brief moment when the onyx eyes pierced into his, Severus stood looking at him, his mouth agape. Onyx eyes were purely shocked and wavered with sadness until Severus turned his back and carried his son in his arms. And there he was, starting to walk away. From him. Again.
"It's time to go home, sweetie."
"Wait! Sev-"
Harry rested his chubby cheek on his papa's shoulder waving a hand at James. "Bye-bye, daddy."
They apparated from his sight.
***
"I swear, James, I didn't know he's yours. I didn't pay much attention to him. Only saw him a few times at Prince Evans' Potion and Elixir." Moony confessed. "Come to think about that, I think he looks a bit like you, his face, his hair." He made a wild gesture with his hands.
"Prince Evans...?" James furrowed. "Prince?" From his comprehension, Evans as Lily Evans, it was her surname, of course, but he couldn't quite be sure about the Prince. The name wasn't a common family name but it did sound familiar on his tongue.
"His potion shop, their potion shop actually."
"Shouldn't it be Snape Evans instead?"
"Maybe it's his husband or wife's surname?" Padfoot guessed.
"Severus is not married and Harry said he doesn't have a mommy or daddy." Remus reminded.
"And you go there often?" James took note, both Severus and Evans owned a potion shop at Diagon Alley and he presumed Severus took Harry to work on a few occasions.
"I need to take care of my furry problem, you see." Remus shrugged avoiding eye contact.
"How could you not tell me?" The Gryffindor whined.
"Who the hell knows he is your son, James?" Moony retorted. "Lily keeps her cold, hard glare at me every time I give her small talk about the kid. If I dare ask any questions, I know she could overcharge a mountain of galleons, and there's no other shop that can be so masterful and brew the best medicine like them."
"What did you ask her? What did she say?" James interrogated.
"Er..., Whose son is it? Where's his mommy? I mean who left children in the potion shop, it's not the safest place for kids."
"How can you be so sure Harry is your son." Padfoot said. "You don't even have a piece of evidence, too soon to assume that."
"The evidence," James gritted his teeth and pointed at his own face, "is right in Harry's face. His hair. I mean we..."
"What if it's true, then why Snivellus won't tell you about it?"
"Hey, don't call him that!"
"Why he wants to keep it a secret?" For once, Sirius was right.
"It's 'cause he fucking hates me." He hid his face in his palm keeping his bitterness out of sight.
"Why won't you tell us anything, that you have feelings for him?" Sirius lowered his tone. "We're friends, aren't we?"
"Well, you guys hated him. We were treating him so terribly, so cruel to him, and I didn't know how to start over or make amends, so I just went along and it was the only way to get his attention." His heart was wretched and his confession made him feel ashamed.
"Oh Prongs." Remus placed his hand on James' back piteously. "You're an idiot. We are idiots."
"And we three idiots will make up for our wrongdoings, even if we must plead that greasy snake, we will do it. For our Prongsy." Sirius declared.
"You should start by stop calling him names." Remus corrected.
"Sorry, bad habit." Padfoot gave them a dry smile making Remus roll his eyes disapprovingly.
It took James a whole week to finally got a chance to step into Prince Evans' Potion and Elixir, since the shop had been closed after the wedding so he was standing there and waiting like an idiot for the whole week. Inside the potion shop was filled with cabinets to the roof, all containing herbs, bizarre parts of magical creatures, and something that was still alive. There was a cover with huge stacks of boiling cauldrons lined up in the air. And there he was, standing in front of the counter facing the most wicked witch of the century.
Her green eyes sparked with utter hatred and her red flaming hair seemed to rapidly grow and creep all its way to his neck, snapping his spinal cord in half. Even if she could grow her hair speedily and choke him with it, James wouldn't falter. He came here for his loved ones, to make amends, for the promises he made to his son, Harry, and make his empty heart whole again.
The Gryffindor took a deep breath and recalled all the script he prepared with Padfoot and Moony. Severus and Harry were the reasons why James came here, and he won't back off. Even though the newly wedded witch faked a smile at him and thrust the sign 'sorry we're closed today' in front of his face.
Beyond the irritation, James felt disappointed that he was treated as the great enemy in her eyes. It was going to be harder than he thought it could get. The way she looked at him was like an overbearing mother-in-law ready to criticize his trivial mistakes.
"Hello, Evans." James smiled at his old housemate. "Closed already?"
"Oh, hi, Potter. it's too bad, we're having too many orders and currently run out of what you're looking for." She shrugged. "Anyway, thanks for coming to my wedding last week. I didn't know Marlene invited you."
"Yeah, congratulations to both of you." James wondered how these two, Evans and Rosier ended up with each other. To ignore his inquisitiveness and get straight to business for what he came here for, he tried not to question her. "I came here to see Harry and talk to Severus. Are they here?"
"I won't let you take the boy anywhere." Evans stared coldly like he was some kind of criminal or something, trailing her hand down to the pocket of her apron and feeling her wand.
"I'm not taking him anywhere without his parent's permission." James said irritably and disappointed with what she thought of him, raising his two hands, yielding. "I promised him I would take him to fly."
"Oh," She nodded. "Sev would love you to do that."
"Or maybe I can just talk to him?" He tried to negotiate. "Here?"
"Why should I let you do that?"
"Why shouldn't you let Harry be with his father?"
Her emerald green eyes went wide and then narrowed. Evans reluctantly formed a word then went quiet, didn't deny or counter what he said about Harry and James' relationship. So it was true, Harry was his son. Emerald green eyes flicked on the left corner of her eyes avoiding his stare.
"Who told you that?" She went back at him looking tensed.
"No one. I found out on my own." James said. "He's mine, isn't he? Harry."
"Well, I-" She sighed.
"He is," James assured. "I know he is. Why won't anyone tell me? I have a right to know, Evans. Please just... I wanted to know."
"I-" She shook her head. "I can't tell you that. Sev doesn't want you to know it."
"Why?!" Anxiousness drowned him, he was impatient to know. "It wasn't like I don't want to take responsibility for this. I do. I want to be a part of their lives."
"Potter, please. It's not my-"
"Daddyyy! You came!"
"Hey, Harry." James beamed. Seeing Harry made his mood lightened so suddenly, James' gaze snapped up over the small boy with brown messy hair running out of the door behind the counter and clinging to him. He crouched down and accepted a tight hug from the boy.
The doe-eyes went wide as James handed out a package from his pocket and enlarged it with his wand, Harry beamed and squealed in excitement when his daddy handed it to him.
"Is this mine?" Harry gasped. He tore the wrapper revealing the gift which was a round small-sized shape of plump snow-white fluffy bird plush.
"Yes, it is."
The little boy grinned from ear to ear hugging the plush to his small chest like it was a priceless treasure.
"Aunt Lily, dis is my new daddy! He is a Quidditch player, he said he's going to teach me how to fly." Harry pulled his arm showing him off to Evans like he just got a new toy.
"Wow, that's really nice of him." Aunt Lily smiled and went along with Harry. "But your papa doesn't allow you to fly."
"Pwease let me go with him! Harry will help you extract venom from Venomous Tentacula."
"No. That's not going to happen." She warned. "And don't you go near that plant."
"Pwease." Harry asked nicely, making big puppy dog eyes at her.
"I'm sorry, Harry." So his tactic didn't melt the wicked witch's heart.
"But Harry want to go." He turned to James pouting his lips. "Harry want to fly."
"I know Harry but I can't let you go outside with strangers." What Evans said made James flare up a bit. Wasn't it because of them who created this situation? That he was a total stranger to his own son.
"Daddy is not a stranger! Daddy is Harry's daddy." Harry argued.
"Potter, what did you tell him?" She tensed and frowned at him with concern.
"I did not-"
"Lily! Darling!" Suddenly, the front door banged loudly interrupting their conversation that was about to escalate to argument, the bell ringing alarmingly, then there was someone barging into the shop. "Haven't seen you for age. Anyway, congratulations to you."
It was a tall, dark-eyed, attractive man with pitch-blacked hair, even though he was aged but the man was much much more handsome than James, seemingly he walked out off the cover of Witch Weekly and won the Most Charming Smile Award. If James was a witch, he was sure he could have his neck cracked while the man walked pass by. That old man was so dashing. He was dressed in a luxurious expensive suit and robe that screamed wealthy owning multiple vaults in Gringotts. Shiny oxford shoes clicked the floor as the handsome man stepped pass him, not even noticing James in the corner of his dark eyes.
"Your wedding gift." The present popped up on the counter, the square box wrapped with a pretty bow. "Hope you like it." He gave her a charming smile. His face looked rather familiar to James.
"Thanks, Tom." The present suddenly brightened up her mood making her ignore the previous conversation that was about to turn into an argument completely.
"And how is my favorite nephew?"
"Uncle Tom!" Harry grinned releasing his fists that clung tight to his leg and ran to the stranger. "Harry have a new daddy! He is a Quidditch player!" A little finger pointed at James.
"Oh, really?" Tom said, dark eyes flashing at James with intimidation. "What about me? I thought you wanted me to be your daddy. You make Uncle Tom feel so sad."
"Uhm...," Harry thought. "Daddy will be my number one daddy, and Uncle Tom will be my number two."
"You're the number two, Tom." Evans laughed like it was the best joke of the day.
"Hm. That doesn't seem fair to me, does it? Maybe we'll ask Severus about this." Tom ran his fingers through Harry's tousled hair with a soothing touch.
Oh, great. At least James wasn't the second choice for Harry but honestly, it aggravated him to see someone he didn't know showered his son with fondness and endearment. James realized that he hadn't been with Harry since he was born, didn't raise and be a part of their lives, not even existed until a week ago but it wasn't his fault for being possessive toward Harry.
"I believed you're James Potter." Tom offered his hand as he spotted James staring, a bright glint in those dark eyes Tom gave him a sharp smile and stared at him from head to toe, mesmerizing him. "I heard so much about you from Severus. Glad to finally meet you in person, Mr. Potter."
Somehow James didn't feel right about how this old man said 'I heard so much about you from Severus'. What did he know? Did Severus tell him that James was Harry's father? Did he know what happened between him and Severus? And stop terrorizing him with those eyes!
"Just James." James took Tom's hand faking his smile. Whoever this guy was, James despised him already. "And you are?"
"My apologies, I haven't introduced myself properly." Said Tom nonchalantly, yet pretended to seem interested. "Tom Marvolo Riddle."
Riddle?
T.M. Riddle... Merlin's beard!
James knew who this guy was! No wonder why this striking man looked so familiar to him. He was literally on the cover of Witch Weekly for various volumes! And other magazines about economics or something about wizards and witches' international business James couldn't remember. The winner of the Witch Weekly, Ordor of Merlin Third Class, an incredibly wealthy man from the ancient pureblood family, he was the only heir of a prestige family.
He might have skimmed some of the pages of those mind-numbing business magazines while he was getting his hair cut. Trying not to scoff, the hairstylist witch was raving about this man like she had a chance to be asked out for dinner with him. Single, she said, so all of them might get a chance to share a bed with him, or in her case, share property and fortune. That was him, T.M. Riddle, a somewhat model slash business wizard or something very famous in the wizarding world.
A perfect man he was. Then why the hell was he doing here? In the shoe-box shop... well, James wasn't intended to criticize Severus and his friend's business. It was just..., okay, he admitted that he was a bit jealous and unwelcome by the thought of the old man and Severus' relationship.
Frustration rushed to him after he heard the old man claim that Harry, his son, wanted or used to say something about this man being his daddy. No, James won't approve it, and Severus also won't approve it. Right?
A very selective and discerning he was, Severus wouldn't let anyone invade his personal life, he must be on his best guard when it came to their son. Judging from the small circle of companions Severus had, Riddle must have used all his prince-charming-esquire skills to get closer to Severus.
Infuriation thundered him, instead of shaking his hand politely, the Gryffindor wanted to bash the old man with a beater's bat. C'mon, look at those bewitching eyes. It was like they scanned James' thoughts and absorbed his soul like he was being read.
"Wow, you are that T.M. Riddle. I read about you, that interview was very impressive." James tried, wishing Tom didn't ask about which content he was talking about. He didn't bother to read it anyway.
"Is that so?" He seemed surprised. "I didn't take you for someone who likes to read about wormhole logistics."
What the fuck was he talking about? What the hell was wormhole logistics? No one in astronomy class taught him about this, or maybe this old man just made it up to insult his intelligence.
"So, Lily, dear." The striking man lost interest in him, already. Tom turned back to Evans and asked. "Where is my darling, Severus?"
Her bright green eyes flicked in his direction for a brief moment, same as her flaming head that tilted to James. After a little hand wave from Tome, those eyes rolled. As he remembered, it was her who tried to cut all the connections between him and Severus. Now, she treated him like an unfaithful husband who cheated on his partner.
"He'll be back, just out to Owl Post to deliver the orders." She put her hand on her hip, looking unpleased at Tom.
"Daddy, daddy. Please wait for papa and then we can ask him if you can teach me how to fly." Tiny fists were pulling his sleeve to get his attention.
"Yeah, we'll do that." James gave Harry a smile.
"Harry want you- Harry want you to tell papa about flying." Determined, he sounded. "That flying is not dangerous, so we can go out and fly. And Harry has been helping with the shop, got twelve knuts now and Harry will buy the beginner broom. Papa already said yes." His son said proudly. The more James looked at Harry the more he poured his heart into him.
James in his early childhood was filled with pride almost exaggerated and egocentric since he was the only son of his family, the only heir of Ignotus Peverell. Everybody adored him, filled him to the brim with their unconditional love. With plenty of expensive toys and plenty of exceptional friends, he had everything in his hands. Unless Severus.
It was because of his arrogance, conceited, restlessness and lack of empathy that pushed the Slytherin away. He threw hexes and slurs at the innocent boy for his enjoyment to gain his attention from him. Severus, many times, tried not to be involved or interact with them in as many ways as possible. The poor boy fought as hard as he could, to tell them that he wasn't the one who could let them mess with easily. Dark onyx eyes overflowed with anguish and pain, once they looked at him in the eyes with pure doubt asking him what had he done to deserve such vile treatment.
Maybe it would be better for Harry to be raised by Severus alone and not with him. He wouldn't want his son to be a heartless boy like him.
"I still have my old beginner broomstick." James said. "It might be a bit lag and couldn't fly higher than a few inches from the ground but I think it could be fine." If they waited for Harry to collect knuts, Harry would definitely not have a chance to buy his own broomstick until he turned thirty.
"No flying until you turn eight, remember?" The bored, dull sound told him that the person he would love to cross paths with had arrived.
"Papa! You're back!" A tiny hand vigorously pulled him toward Severus. "This is daddy," and introduced James to his papa. "Daddy promises he will take Harry to fly. Can I go fly with him, please?"
Severus sighed giving Harry a worried look while the boy looked eagerly at him with expectancy. Instead of refusing Harry's wish like James thought, the Slytherin dodged the question and talked to him for the first time in years.
"Why are you here?" Severus crossed his arms, looking distrusted.
"To see my son, and I always wanted to talk to you."
Flustered for a brief moment, Severus managed to subdue himself and nodded at him. "I see. I suppose I can't keep him as a secret from you forever, not that I planned to."
"Then why-"
"Severus. My kitten. Don't you tell me you forgot about our date?" Seemed like no one wanted James to be reunited, or at least allowed him talking to his one-sided love affair.
"A date?"
"Yes, a date." That smugness, he wanted to wipe it off of Tom's handsome face, with his fist like an old muggle way. "While we have our fun time, I'm sure James here can take care of Harry."
"There's no way I leave my son with him."
"Isn't he a father of your child, Severus? He's not going to take him and disappear, there's no reason for him to do that. He didn't come here for this." Okay, maybe James should keep his hands in his pockets for now.
"Please papa, please. Harry wants to learn how to fly with Daddy."
"How could you be unsupportive of your son's education, Severus?" Tom taunted.
"Fine. Just come back before dinner, okay?"
"Yay! Flyin! Flying!" Harry whooped merrily.
Severus said a tad exasperated in his tone, looking worriedly at Harry. "You better bring him home to me, Potter."
"Of course, I will." James gave him a confident smile, assured that he wouldn't do what Severus thought.
It wounded him a little when Severus thought that James was going to snatch his own son and disappear without a trace, but he couldn't blame Severus for that. If he was a single parent who raised his child alone for years then another father came up and demanded to spend time with his son, he would be very suspicious.
"Off we go then, my darling." Severus reluctantly followed Tom out of his shop as Tom took his arm and half-dragged him out of the door. "Leave the boys to their play, and we adults can have fun." Still, he would definitely not thank Tom for this.
The door was shut tight, they were gone. It left James agitated and fitful as he desperately wanted to know what was going on between Severus and the handsome man. From what James saw, it seemed Tom was just trying to provoke, or more like irritated him to make him jealous and it succeeded wonderfully.
Deeply, James admitted that he still had feelings for Severus, never changed from that night or ever. Wondered, if he hadn't behaved like a brat, bullying and being so unkind to Severus, all of this could turn out in a different way. Too late for that now, almost ten years too late and James had to face the consequences. But hopefully, it wouldn't be too late for James to make amends.
"Bye, Aunt Lily." Harry waved excitedly at her.
"Have fun, Harry. And you." She narrowed her eyes pointing two fingers at her own eyes then at him, and moving her lips silently, 'I'm watching you.' "Do come home before dinner. Okay?"
"Okay!"