Chapter 42
‘Sirius!’ Severus called quietly. ‘Sirius, wait!’
Sirius hesitated, glancing around. He caught sight of Severus behind him and stopped, body half turned toward him and eyes on the ground.
‘Sirius, I wanted to apologise.’ Severus said stiffly. ‘I should not have overpowered that spell-‘
Sirius looked up at him sharply. ‘I’m not mad about that. I understand the anger, even if it was misdirected.’
‘Even so…’ Severus wasn’t sure what else to say.
Sirius shuffled his feet in agitation. ‘I wanted – I had hoped… That first day, back at Grimmauld… I told you I would apologise, that we could talk about things… But you just attacked me while I was unarmed. I had hoped you believed my sincerity…’ Sirius scuffed the toe of his boot into the floor, looking utterly dejected.
Severus stared for a moment. ‘I – I…’
Sirius glanced up at him. ‘I know I am no catch, not after Azkaban. Not after… but I hoped we might be something like friends at the least. I hoped there was a measure of trust between us starting to grow.’ He said wistfully.
Severus felt his chest constrict. ‘There was. Is. There – some trust. I trust you – I think… I mean – I do. You haven’t… Since Azkaban…’ He stopped and took a deep breath. This stuttering was embarrassing. ‘I do not entirely distrust you, Sirius. I cannot say that I trust you fully, as our history was… But each day I trust you a little more. You made a Vow to give me your House if you hurt me. Difficult to ignore something like that.’ He smirked slightly.
Sirius huffed. ‘Right.’
‘I should have known that something wasn’t right – no matter the sort of idiot you were in school, you were always careful with your friends. Always the last to run if teachers were nearby. Always the one to jump in and get yourself put on detention with someone else, so they wouldn’t be alone. Always ready with a shield spell to protect someone. I should have known you wouldn’t risk Lupin’s life for a prank.’
Sirius gave him a tentative smile. ‘You noticed an awful lot for someone who hated me.’
Severus resolutely didn’t blush. ‘Know thine enemy?’
‘And now?’ Sirius asked, stepping a little closer, facing Severus fully. ‘Are we still enemies?’
Severus’ breath caught in his throat. Sirius was close – very close. ‘N-No?’ he breathed.
‘Good,’ Sirius whispered. ‘That means I can try this.’ Sirius leaned even closer, stretching slightly on his toes, and pressed a careful kiss to the corner of Severus’ mouth. He pulled away with a pleased grin before Severus could react and bid him goodnight.
***
‘Come on, Sev. Spill.’ Lucius insisted.
Severus’ ears burned as he turned a flat look on Lucius. ‘Go away.’
‘Not until you tell me what has you acting like a schoolgirl who just had her first kiss.’
Severus grit his teeth in frustration at the dark blush that flared over his cheeks involuntarily.
‘Merlin’s balls, you are a schoolgirl who just had her first kiss! Oh, tell me Sev! Was it good? Did he use his tongue? Did you cop a feel?’
‘No!’ Severus snapped, then sighed. Lucius was nothing if not determined when he wanted answers. ‘Fine. It was a quick peck, and he was gone before I could react.’
Lucius’ eyes went even wider, and he wiggled in excitement. ‘Merlin and Morgana, I think that’s better than a snog! That’s so bloody… cute! A sweet little peck!’ he sighed, looking at Severus with a disturbingly soppy expression.
‘I have no idea how your wife tolerates you.’
‘She loves me. Just like how Sirius loves you!’ Lucius jumped from his seat and dashed out of the room as Severus sent a series of hexes and curses at him.