A Truce Between Enemies

James Potter rolled his eyes as his girlfriend – no, fiancé – paced, no doubt forming a permanent circle on the carol hued rug. He could hear her ranting, low mumbling under her breath; something along the lines about an absent and distant friend. A friend he couldn’t care less if they visited, a certain dark-haired, hooked nose Slytherin – James had wished the friendship hadn’t ever been rekindled.

Severus Snape, the name alone made James recoil in disgust. He had always hated Lily’s relationship with the man and had thought after their argument during 6th year that the friendship was over. However, Lily had a good heart and after ignoring him for a few months, well into their 7th year. Ultimately forgave him, she had also prohibited anymore taunts and jibes, voicing that if James, or Sirius were to even look at Severus wrong, their relationship was over.

James obviously agreed, he loved Lily – he may have hated Severus, but his relationship with Lily was important. So, he pulled back, also pulling Sirius back with great effort.

“Lil’s” he whined, “Forget about Snivellus—” he paused when sharp green eyes met his and he sighed, “You worry too much about Snape, he’s fine – most likely has his face inside a cauldron” he muttered as he leaned back.

She gave him a hard stare before she turned away from him shaking her head, “This is the 2nd time he has missed our date,” at James grunt at her choice of word she scoffed, “Oh stop it James, you know very well that Severus and I have never seen each other that way” she huffed crossing her arms, “I’m worried” she finished softly.

Now James bristled, his irritation towards the Slytherin increased. The man has always angered him for many reasons, some he had to admit were childish, but his anger only worsened when Lily was affected, seeing the faint sadness and worry in Lily’s green eyes made him growl as he stood and walked towards her, placing his hands on her shoulders.

“Lily,” he started but paused when she gave him a look that clearly said ‘watch your words’, with a sigh he continued guardedly, “I understand your relationship with him, but you both aren’t children, and you aren’t his keeper – maybe it's time you both grew apart”

She shook away from him, “It’s easy for you to say James” she said bitterly, “You have always’ disliked him” her tone was sharp, and James only grunted as a response, he regretted it when she rounded him her eyes flashing, “Will you and Sirius, Remus grow distant?” she growled.

James scowled his eyebrow’s forwarding at the prospect, “That’s not the same” he pressed.

She let out a chuckle, “No of course not, has nothing to do with the fact you have always been intimidated by Severus and I”, James’s hazel eyes darkened and she continued raising a finger, “No, don’t try to deny it James – you have never given him a chance, especially after he was sorted” she spat.

James lips pressed to a thin line, a deep scowl now becoming permanent on his handsome features.

“Unlike us, Severus has no one – something you and Sirius have always failed to notice” she hissed, “Which despite everything. I chose to ignore from your character James” her voice was like ice despite the flames in her green eyes, “A load of hypocrisy really, you accepted Sirius without much explanation despite the Blacks being prominently dark, yet a half-blood whose name has no indication on status you judged. For what really, give me one explanation as to why you targeted him?” she asked.

James opened his mouth to do just that but stopped short, in fact he really didn’t have a reason – well after a few years sure he did. Snape had retaliated or instigated a few fights, but Lily was right; his frustration was only because Lily favored Snape before she met him, and Sirius followed only desperate to befriend James.

“Cat caught your tongue James” Lily muttered irritated and ignored his offended glare, “Honestly, I’ve never understood how you noticed Sirius’ abuse and neglect but was so blinded to Severus” she sighed passing her hand through her red hair.

She had turned slightly losing sight of James as she gnawed on her bottom lip with worry, Severus wouldn’t miss a scheduled tea – not unless it was necessary and if so, would always owl her. A few minutes sure if a potion preoccupied him but he would show. It had been a day and she has heard nothing, she heard a strangled noise come from her fiancée and turned confused, her eyes narrowing by the affronted expression on James’s face.

“James?” She questioned her voice now returned to normal, she may have been upset with James’s treatment of Severus but that was in the past, they were civil with each other well at least in her presence.

James’s face was white as he sputtered, “What?” he finally forced out.

Lily eyebrow’s forward as she rewinds her earlier words, landing on her last sentence she stopped her own face paling, her eyes going wide mortified, “You heard nothing, understood” she jabbed a finger at him, “I swear James, if I find out you have taunted him on –” she stopped when James now looked at her with anger.

“Taunt him?” he said indignantly, “Lily, I would never – not about that”

Lily blinked; James was a lot of things – a liar wasn’t one of them. She straightened herself and crossed her arms looking at him with a raised eyebrow, “You really never saw it did you” she whispered softly shaking her head, “He was abused James” she desponded but didn’t elaborate her eyes dark, “Your treatment of him, didn’t help the latter” her tone was dry.

James winced, “Lil's, I-I didn’t know” he stepped forward his face torn.

Lily waved her hand dismissing his sort of apology with his eyes, then rushed towards her bag “It doesn’t matter now does it, our years at Hogwarts are over – I can’t wait here any longer” she said shaking her head.

James swallowed and reached for her arm, “Where are you going?” he asked.

She turned to him a hard look in her green eyes before she sighed relenting, “Unlike half-bloods or pure-bloods James, 17 isn’t the age in which we become legal adults. Muggles tend to be noticed as mature or legal in two different ages, 18 and then 21. Severus isn’t 18 yet, so his father has forced him to remain at home until then.” She responded.

James’s face fell, “He’s father’s the one—”, he could barely say it, the guilt laid heavily on his chest.

“Yes James, his father” she repeated, “Now, I’m going to Spinner’s end” she was going to turn and leave but the dejected look on his face made her sigh and walk towards him, placing a kiss on the corner of his lips, “I’ll be back shortly” she said swiftly as she turned but James grabbed her arm, “James” she sounds exasperated.

“Let me come”, he pleaded.

Her eyes flashed towards him a look of disbelief in her iris, “Let you come?” she repeated his words astonished, then shook her head, “Absolutely not, that would be a terrible idea” she said as she shook her hand out of his grip.

“Lily please” he implored.

She looked at him her mouth semi opened in a gape as her eyes blinked repetitively her head in a constant little shake, “No,” she said, at his small whine she looked at him defiantly “No, James, it’s bad enough we’re having this conversation. Severus gets even a small hint that I divulged his personal information, and our relationship is done” she said her eyes showing how much it would pain her.

James shook his head, “He’ll understand” he pushed.

“Would he?” she snapped, “Merlin James, you are his tormentor” she blinked when James winced and clenched her teeth, “Despite this possible change of heart,” she paused at his injured look, “The matter remains at hand, he does not trust you” she stressed.

James felt his heart clench at the truth of her words and let out a strangled moan, “I know, god Lily I know” he said frustrated as he passed his hand through his hair, “I was young and st—” she leveled him with a look and he sighed, “I’m not making an excuse for my behavior, I was wrong – we were wrong. I never gave him the benefit of the doubt, Sirius hatred for Slytherin helped in our friendship and then, when I met you and Severus” Lily face soften a bit, it was the first time she ever heard James call her best friend by his name, “He was bragging on how Slytherin was the best house and then made that snide comment, I just I reacted, I was 11 and house prejudice and all that idiocy.” He groaned again as he leaned back tiredly on his father’s bookshelf a resentful grimace on his face.

Lily chewed on her cheek, “he could be hurt” she breathed, “the last time he didn’t message me, his father had beaten him unconscious” she watched James’s face as she said those words and her chest felt a bit lighter when James’s face crumbled with pain.

“Please Lily, let me make this right” he begged, “If he reacts – when he reacts negatively to my appearance, I’ll tell him I overheard a conversation, or you were teaching me occlumency and I saw a memory?” he offered.

“No” she dismissed his proposition with a sigh, “No, no lies, for starters he can see right through them; if I were to take you, nothing but the truth” she gave him a pointed look when his hopeful eyes locked with hers, “I can’t believe I’m even considering this” she groaned looking away from James.

James pulled away, his face all too optimistic for her liking.

“Fine” she finally yielded, “You can accompany me,” at his air punch she pointed a finger at him her eyes narrowed, “on a very tight leash James, I love you and I trust you with my life – do not blame me for being hesitant with Severus” she said and enjoyed when James eyes sobered, “Let’s go, I have a gut feeling its bad” her eyes wielding pain and worry.

They both apparated at the end of a small round about, a place Lily had apparated times before and knew it was far enough from Muggle view and instantly made her way to the dark colored house on the corner, James struggling to catch up as she determinedly paced.

“This is Spinner’s End? You grew up here?” he questioned as he looked around the suburban area, now a little abandoned.

Lily only nodded her thoughts elsewhere but seeing the troubled look on his face, slowed her steps until they were both walking at the same speed, “Just down the street a bit towards the left is my parent’s home, if Severus is up to it, we’ll visit Mum and Dad. That is if Tunia isn’t home” she said with a scowl, “When she visits, she always brings that horrid man Vernon, don’t know what she sees in him.” Her eyes were irritated but then quickly flashed back to worry as they grew closer.

James’s throat went dry as he now took notice of Snape’s home, the house showed decay – the walls less vibrant than the other homes nearby, the yard had passed overgrown to straight abandon as weeds were also overpowering the house. Lily placed her hand on the rusting metal gate, shaking it a bit as it creaked and then opened under the force.

“Stay beside me, and do not, I repeat James, do not provoke Mr. Snape” she said firmly.

James’s jaw clenched, he had his run in with Mr. Black and if the man was anything like Sirius’ father; this was going to be hard. He gave her a short nod and followed her through the overrun cobble pathway until they reached a dark door with peeling paint and exposed wood. Lily took a deep breath and sighed then lifted her hand and knocked.

They waited for what seemed like forever, Lily knocking at least two more times before the door swung open and an irritated shrill women stood her eyes narrowed until she noticed the person on the other side.

“Lily” she breathed a look of relief passing her face, but her eyes tightened as she noticed James beside her.

Lily quickly rose her hand, “Don’t worry about James, Eileen” she rushed, “Is Severus alright?” she asked, then she happened to look down for a second and noticed the older women’s hands, “Oh heavens,” she gasped her hand coming up to her lips, blood covered the woman’s trembling hands.

Eileen hesitated her hard eyes never leaving the boy behind her but then with a resigned sigh turned back to Lily with haunted eyes, “Its bad Lily” she whispered, “Tobias, he got so angry” her voice faint, “You have to take him, he’ll kill him”

James felt his heart drop at her words, but before he could even speak Lily walked past her; “Where is he?” she asked firmly, Eileen just pointed to a direction that to James had many possibilities, but Lily knew where and almost sprinted towards a door. James went to follow but a hand stopped him, and he turned back, a lump forming in his throat when Snape’s mother stared at him with daggers for eyes.

“I know who you are Mr. Potter” her tone was cold, causing the hair on his arms to stand, “My son has suffered enough, he doesn’t need your derisions” she spat.

James’s licked his lips and gave her a soft look, placing his hand over hers despite the blood, “I deserve all the hatred you feel for me Mrs. Snape, all of it – but on a wizard’s oath, I mean no harm to your son” his eyes never left hers and she held it, firmly without wavering until her expression relaxed and she released her hold allowing the man to follow his fiancé.

James was lying to himself if he believed he saw all types of abuse, he had healed Sirius broken ribs, or Remus strained wrist but nothing would have prepared him for what he saw. In a corner of an almost barren room, aside from the necessity – like a bed and dresser – was a hunched, almost unconscious Severus.

It took a great deal of strength to not empty his stomach on the cement flooring as he saw a barely clothed Snape, his back covered in welts that were continuously seeping blood, he couldn’t see the man’s face. Partially covered with his black hair, but he could see the blood that now trailed down his neck, said neck that were covered in handprints.

Bruises covered every inch of his body, “Fuck Lily” his voice saturated with overwhelming surprise, he regretted it instantly when Severus almost broke his neck as his head turned sharply towards his direction, his eyes wide with fear and then betrayal.

“Potter!” James knew Severus most likely wanted to sound angry, but the deep embedded pain that seeped through his words was evident, onyx eyes glared at him as severely as they could, but they winced when a Lily passed a wet cloth over his wounds.

“Severus hush” Lily scolded, looking up, James watched as their eyes met for a solid minute – the emotions that were shared almost looked so intimate and private James wanted to look away but before he could Snape eyes looked back towards him, still angry but almost resigned as they closed again a grimace passing his face.

“James, I need you to go into my bag. Hand me the potions I list off ok” she instructed, not stopping as she cleaned and gently passed over a large bruise on Severus right side.

James instantly jumped into action, grabbing the discarded bag that Lily had most likely tossed from her body as she walked into the room and then pulled out his wand. Lily since he could remember had always placed an expandable charm on her purse. It would take hours if he would search manually with his hands, then turned awaiting instructions.

“Skeletal growth” she ordered, James’s obeyed accio’ing the potion then tossed it towards her.

Lily uncorked the bottle then gently placed her hand on Severus cheeks gently tapping his face to awaken his pained slumber, “Sev, please open your eyes” she begged, Severus groaned and to James relief his eyes lazily fluttered opened and obeyed the vail pressed onto his lips, “Good, we need you at full strength if we are to apparate from here” she muttered.

“Which will have to be very soon, Tobias is scheduled to return within 20 minutes” Eileen’s ghostly voice reached them, and James turned to her.

“What happened?” James couldn’t stop himself from asking, hoping his tone didn’t sound as accusingly as he meant it.

“I need a pain reliever James” Lily stressed, and James’s quickly tossed it to her, yet his eyes never left Severus’ mother who looked at him with narrowed eyes and pursed lips before she turned to her son, her eyes remorseful.

“Severus is normally very good at keeping his distance with Tobias, the man is drunk for 20 hours a day; so, it isn’t hard. If he doesn’t leave his room or remains out all day – we typically don’t have an altercation” James wanted to scream at how monotone the women sounded, “However, yesterday, my husband was in one of those moods – Severus was hidden in the library going over some material and heard us argue.” Her lower lip was trembling now.

Lily clenched her teeth to stop herself from lashing out at the woman and forced down her ire, especially when, despite the pain Severus was feeling noticed her eyes and gave her a pleading look to not argue. “I need bandages” she said through her teeth.

Eileen winced at the coldness in the girl’s voice but shook her head, “Tobias doesn’t allow me to bandage him, he-he burned all of our supplies” she whispered.

James felt his own anger rise yet he had no qualms in expressing it, “You allowed him to just beat him” he hissed. “You have magic, he is a plain muggle” he growled.

“James” Lily admonished.

James turned to her, his face twisted with anger, but his eyes also locked with Severus who held an unreadable look in his eyes – turning back to Lily, she gave him a leveled look and he swallowed down his rage, “My apologies Mrs. Snape” he forced out.

The women just grunted as a response but then turned back to Lily, “Take him, and do not let him come back” she said firmly.

James’s heart clenched when he noticed Severus eyes go wide as he looked at his mother, “Mother” he said raspy, “I can’t”

Eileen shook her head, “No Severus” her voice was steady, “You’ve done enough, your father has no intentions of letting you leave on your 18th birthday” she said, then jumped when she heard a door slam open, “Go” she snapped at them her eyes wide.

James’s could hear the angry steps from the living room and watched horrified when Eileen gave Severus one last longing look before she closed the door, hearing the faint charm placed to keep it lock and heard her speak with Tobias, when the man’s angry voice reaches him – he hadn’t noticed he taken a step forward when Severus voice stopped him.

“Don’t Potter,” James turned sharply at his faint beg, his eyes searching the man’s eyes before his shoulder’s slumped defeated and walked over, taking grasp of Lily’s bag.

“He won’t be able to apparate on his own” she said, her voice low, “he’s too weak, I barely passed my license for apparating” James placed a calming hand on her shoulder.

“Breath, it’s one of the few things they taught me in auror training” he said, then he turned to look at Severus cautiously, “I know you don’t trust me, but we need to get you out” he said his head snapping over to the door when he heard pounding.

“SEVERUS! BOY YOU BETTER OPEN THIS FUCKING DOOR!!” James eyes were back on Severus when he could feel the man’s magical aura trembling with fear.

“Severus” James’s tone changed, the tenor he would use with Sirius when he was scared or had a nightmare – it was low and soft, and he could tell Severus wasn’t comfortable with it as he tensed but looked at him, “I need you to trust me for just a few seconds” a harder pound on the door.

“SEVERUS! I SWEAR BOY!”

“Lean against me” James ordered, he wanted Severus to do it willingly, but he feared the man was going to burst through the door and James didn’t want Severus to see him kill his father – so, when Severus hesitated, he let out a growl, “Now Severus” he demanded and sighed when the abused man obeyed almost instantly, giving Lily a pained look, he held onto Severus’ too skinny body and waited until Lily safely disapparated and then disappeared himself.

James landed just outside his house, staggering a little with the added weight – they wasted no time to quickly bring a slowly losing consciousness Severus inside and into a guest room. Laying the battered body onto the bed and stepping back when Lily quickly started working on healing the opened wounds.

“James, I need a set of clothing please” she said over her shoulder, “as well as a towel” she instructed, he turned to leave but she called him back, “leave the items just outside the door ok” she said giving him a look in which he returned, “I need to see if there is any more damage,” she stressed.

James’s eyebrows scrunched confused then realization sunk in, “Oh,” he blinked his face a bit troubled, “Do, do you need help?” he asked.

Lily gave him a forlorn look and shook her head, “He’s suffered enough, and took your presence shockingly well – I don’t want to push his boundaries” she chose her words carefully, noticing the way James face grimaced a bit but his eyes feel, and he nodded walking out without much argument.

Lily took a deep breath, then turned her head back blinking when she noticed Severus eyes on her. “Hey,” she said softly.

“Hey” he responded tiredly and winced when the warm moist towel passed over an open welt.

Lily quickly apologized, “How’s the pain?”

Severus only grunted, “Had worse” he replied, “the potions working” he added when Lily gave him a look, she seemed pleased with his answer and went back to cleaning the dried blood and took interest in a particular bruise. “I think he broke some ribs” he followed her gaze.

Her jaw clenched as her eyes darkened.

“Lil’s” he whispered his voice was heavy and Lily knew he was lying about his pain but decided to ignore it for a now.

“Don’t, I don’t want to hear it Severus” she barked, “You always make excuses for them, I don’t know who’s worse, your blasted father who holds absolutely no conscious to even consider doing this to his son, or your mother who allows it to happen” she hissed as she pressed her fingers into his side delicately.

Severus inhaled sharply as a piercing pain shot through his side and internally groaned when Lily’s green eyes darkened even more, he wasn’t going to argue with her - they have had this conversation almost every year when she healed him at Hogwarts, the answer would always remain the same.

His mother, he couldn’t leave his mother alone – not with that bastard.

“Sev, I need to undress you fully” she said after a few minutes, Severus groaned his face heating up but closed his eyes and just nodded, it wasn’t like Lily hadn’t seen him naked before – he just hated the sense of vulnerability and added that he knew they were in Potter’s home only worsen the embarrassment.

He felt the soft brush of magic and then the coolness on his lower extremity, then a gentle hand on his shoulder instructing him to turn onto his side. Lily didn’t disappoint as he heard her intake of breath and then a string of curse words that were rare from Lily Evans.

“He took a cane to me” Severus answered her unspoken question, “After he kicked me around a bit, he ordered me over the sofa and caned me, covered every inch of skin he could reach” his voice was low, dry as he retold his abuse.

“H-How long?”

Severus let out a shuddered breath, “I-I lost consciousness, I didn’t come to until mother was trying to clean up the blood” he breathed.

“That bastard!” Lily hissed, “Death would be too easy”

Severus didn’t disagree with her or continue with the conversation the pain reliever potion starting to fully take effect, he could also feel Lily apply a salve to his wounds reducing the sting until it was barely a dull ache and slowly drifted into a restless slumber.

LINE BREAK

James could barely concentrate as he paced in the living room, his thoughts flooded with guilt, anger, regret, loathing – he was relieved his parents decided to take the time to travel, leaving the house to James and Lily. He could barely look himself in the eyes, if his mother were there – he grimaced, her disappointment would be enough culpability, not to add what his father would most likely do.

“James?” he spun around sharply at her voice; his eyes wide.

Lily looked at him, her expression complacent but guarded, “Are you alright?” she finally asked as she walked towards a sofa and all but slumped down, he could tell how exhausted she looked – her face drained.

“Me?” James scoffed as also dropped onto an armchair behind him, his elbows plopping onto his knees as he used his arms as support, after a few minutes of stressed silence he asked, “How long has this been going on?”

Lily licked her lips, contemplating if she should even answer then sighed, “Tobias has always been abusive, I’ve met Severus when I was 10, a few months before receiving our Hogwarts letters – I noticed even then the bruises on his skin” her voice was soft.

James’s face twisted with various emotions before it settled with a lost expression, “has-has it always been this bad?” he muttered, not sure if he wanted the answer.

“Oh, it’s been worse” Lily let out a humorless chuckle, “When we returned for our 4th year, he could barely open his eyes – they were swollen shut, he’s father had attempted to beat him to a point. Hoping it would stop his return to Hogwarts, but a drunk is always a drunk. He collapsed and Eileen was able to get him to King Cross.” She explained.

James tried to recall the beginning of 4th year on the Hogwarts’s express but didn’t recall even speaking to Lily until the sorting ceremony, as if reading his thoughts – she gave him a knowing look. “I placed a pair of 6th year Ravenclaws to guard the cart, no interruptions.” She said with a sad smile.

The unruly man lips twitched in a smile, “Right, O’Brien and Kurt” he said recalling the two menacing boys who now come to think of it, were oddly brawny to be so smart.

They remained quiet for a few minutes, processing the strange turn of events; to be fairly honest – James had envisioned a peaceful weekend. Spending some time with his fiancé, enjoy some peace in an empty home. Sirius and Remus would be accompanying them shortly, but they were rendezvousing around the muggle side of London for a few days. James was immensely glad for the short vacation; he barely had a grasp on what was happening himself – explaining it to his other brothers would create a larger headache.

An hour at most must have passed as James’s face lifted to Lily’s soft grunt as she rose from the sofa, her face looked less grim as it did. Most likely now relieved that Severus was safe not a few feet away from her, “I’m going to start dinner, he should have something to eat when he wakes up” she said softly,

James nodded his head dropping back down, before Lily left the room he whispered, “Do you think he’ll talk to me?”

Lily had taken some time to answer, enough time that caused James to look up expecting to find the room empty but found her now leaning against the entrance towards the kitchen a pondering looks on her face, “I don’t know,” but as his eyes feel a bit dejected, she continued “James, I’m a bit skeptical of this” she softly said her hand motioning to all of James.

James would be lying if he didn’t understand what Lily meant, and that it didn’t sting but he groaned leaning back against the armchair a subdued look on his face, “I deserve that,” he muttered, “I’m not lying, this isn’t just a spur of the moment.” He looked at her seriously.

Her lips pursed and she gave a little nod, then rose an eyebrow “What will happen when Sirius arrives, we both know you may have disliked Severus first, but Sirius was the mastermind behind various pranks. He rounds you up, he always did – especially about Severus” she implored.

Another wince from James and a deep groan, “No, to be honest. I think this, this will affect him more” he admitted, “Sirius has always had a hatred for child abuse, I caught him once stealing supplies from the Infirmary during our 5th year, when we would visit Peter or Remus. Turns out he was giving a group of Slytherins some bandages and some potions; a 2nd year didn’t have such a zealous summer” he explained.

“You think he’ll have the same feelings for Snivellus?” she said Severus Hogwarts nickname bitterly, earning a reproaching look from her fiancé – which she ignored, as she looked at him expectantly.

“I think he will be confused,” he answered, “But, he won’t react negatively – Sirius is a lot of things, but I know him Lily” his eyes bore into her, begging her to understand.

After a few minutes she let out a frustrated sigh, “Do not screw this up, you don’t get another chance to make things right” she held his stare for a good while, then turned walking towards the kitchen.

Lily Evan’s was a lot of things, she was kind, warm, carefree, and humble – yet despite all those positive attributes, her most fierce ones was her loyalty and her ferocious ability to love. She would fight tooth and nail to defend her loved ones and would stand up to about anyone. Her green eyes had the capacity to appear like glistening pools of jade when bursting with joy and life, and yet also cut through people with just a vicious glare.

James had walked towards the direction of the room about 3 times, each time stopping and returning to the living room with a pathetic excuse.

“He hates me” he muttered, “I open that door and I’m guaranteed a hex”

Once again, he built the courage and took a step towards the door only for him to just do a full 360 back towards his armchair, flopping down with an exasperated grumble, “Why is this so fucking hard” his hand grasped at his hair with annoyance.

‘You’ve treated him like dirt James’, his mind reminded him, ‘no, worse than dirt – he was an obstacle that was in the way of Lily, you hated him for that’

Hate? That was a tad harsh, would he say he hated Severus? He was jealous, he felt his ego wilt at the reluctant admission, jealous that Severus and Lily had such a deep connection despite being strikingly different. Jealous that someone from Slytherin could connect with a Gryffindor – a member of his own house, better than he could.

The truth now just caused him a headache, a dull, throbbing pulse at the nape of his neck that slowly creeped towards his temple. His heart also ached, he had been blind, so blind. Something he had seen almost instantly on Sirius, the way he walked or winced when an older Slytherin hissed at him from across the hall, the way Sirius would recoil when ‘blood-traitor’ was spat in his direction. All the signs were obvious, it was almost instantaneously when he had placed his arm around Sirius when they walked out of the sorting ceremony, cementing the beginning of their friendship – it had been so easy accepting Sirius, just like it had been so easy to ostracize Severus.

“Blast it all to hell” he growled as he rose from his chair, sitting and wallowing in guilt wouldn’t change the past or reverse the years, but he would be damned if it continued.

Severus groaned as his eyes fluttered opened, the pain and discomfort that filled his entire body was a feeling he knew all too well. He stared at the wall across from him with a distant look on his eyes, then they traveled down to the red silk blankets and closed his eyes the feeling of dread and anger feeling his chest.

“Potter” he growled into the pillow.

Of all his ruddy luck, he had to be saved from his father’s clutches from Lily and all so love-struck lion had to follow pathetically behind her – most likely uneasy with Lily visiting him at his home and didn’t trust his Lily with Snivellus.

He rolled onto his back grimacing as he did, the pain-relieving potion he had been given must have been a lower dosage – his pain almost too sharp, that or his father had done more damage than he first thought. As he let out a pain groaned, he knew the latter was most likely true. He shifted slowly as he gently placed his legs over the edge of the bed, then with careful movement he lifted himself into a seating position the bandages around his torso contrasting with his movements.

He glanced down, thankful that Lily had summoned him shorts and stared at the bruises that colored his arms and legs, it had barely been a few weeks of the summer and his father had been oddly vicious since his return, everything had angered the man – a wrong look, a lasting glance, an overcooked chicken, undercooked rice. Everything and nothing seemed to have irritated Tobias, he had been slapped, punched, kicked, flogged, whipped, belted, and lastly caned throughout his days.

Yesterday, however had been the worse. Granted, he may have provoked the man – something he knew Lily would rebuke angrily – but nonetheless Severus new he should never front, or even look the man in the eyes defiantly and yet, when he overheard the raised voices from the library, he at first tried to ignore it, his father was a drunk and violent towards him, but was just narcissistic towards his mother – never laid a hand on her.

When the voices rose and the commotion became angrier his interest and worry peaked, he tried to be discreet as he lowered the stairs and walked towards the noise, but a fury filled him when he saw his mother pressed against the wall his father forcedly touching her. Before he knew it, he had thrown the book in his hand at his father’s head, his voice raising to a level he had never dared yell towards the man.

The rest of course had been a blur of events, he remembered his screams and cries and his mothers’ desperate wails, the overwhelming pain that burned him and then numbness followed quickly by darkness.

With great effort he stood from the bed, a pained moan escaping his lips as his side disagreed with his sudden movement. He placed a thin hand on the covered bruise and felt slight dampness under his fingers, glancing down he noticed the discoloration on the white cloth.

“Damn it” he murmured.

A soft rap on the door stopped his thoughts and he tensed, if it were Lily, she would insist she re-bandage him and she had done enough already – however if it were Lily, she was only knocking to give him a few minutes and then proceed to enter. With a deep sigh he muttered a low - come in, not even bothering to look towards the door.

The door opened but never closed, and neither did Lily’s mother hen tendencies, a bit confused and curious he lifted his dark eyes towards the entrance and his body went cold as his eyes slanted, “Potter” he snarled his lips curling.

James stood a foot away from the opened door a look of pure hesitation and indecision, his eyes darting over the shirtless bandaged man who – with an angry thought looked far too skinny for James’s liking – he opened mouth a couple times, letting out short coughs in between it as he thought on his next words.

Severus narrowed eyes and raised eyebrow weren’t helping, that and the obvious cracks of magic that filled the room – the other man felt unnerved at his presence, so much his magic was reacting to his discomfort.

“Potter, are you going to ogle or speak?” Severus snapped, partially a bit nervous at the patronizing hazel eyes.

Severus expected a snarky reply, something common from the man but what he received was a sorrowful sigh and Potter lowering his eyes as he took the step back and leaned against the ledge of the door. He still hadn’t spoke, just remained silent much to the other man’s annoyance.

“Please don’t catch an aneurysm staring Potter” Severus drawled as he turned giving his back to the man, he didn’t trust Potter no more than he trusted the man’s brewing skills – however he knew Potter wouldn’t dare hex him a few feet from Lily’s disapproving eyes “I’ll be out of your lovely home shortly”

James’s eyebrows forward at the words, “You don’t have to leave” he blurted out, almost kicking himself when it sounded so forward.

Severus turned around at his words, his eyes a bit widened before they slanted again a scowl on his lips, “Pity is not something I accepted from you” he hissed, then rolled his eyes, “Well, then again I don’t expect much from you” James’s gave him a look in which Severus ignored, “Oh out with it Potter, Lily isn’t here to baby your words, go on? Say what you will” his hand motion towards him, but James heard the tiredness in his tone.

James swallowed, many sentences forming in his had before he plainly, dejectedly mumbled, “I’m sorry”

To say Severus was surprised by his words would have been an understatement, the dark-haired man turned sharply in his spot, earning a pained grunt as he twisted his torso his bruised ribs clearly not happy with his movement – losing his balance for a brief minute, enough for James to take a few steps forward concerned, his arms out to catch him – which had been the wrong action when Severus only stepped back his eyes glowing with anger.

“Do NOT touch me” his voice dripping with venom but something in his eyes made James stop cold..

“I won’t hurt you” James whispered, Severus blinked – he remembered that tone, the same manner James spoke to him when they saved him from his home, seeing the look of apprehension on Severus face he quickly continued, “You don’t trust me” he flinched a bit at the look of agreement from Severus and sighed, “but I’m hoping you will—”.

“Doubtful” Severus interrupted with a low hiss.

James gave him an injured look which was returned with a famous glare, “Severus” he earned a raised eyebrow, “Truce?” he bluntly asked, there was no use in beating around the bush – he wanted to change their dynamic, being straightforward was the only option.

“Truce?” the word came out of Severus like a chip of ice, his face cold, “Potter, you are offering me a truce? Why, because you are marrying Evans, to please her somehow?” he snapped.

“No, Severus—”

“You have no right to call me by my name!” Severus growled baring his teeth, “don’t insult me”

A strangled noise came out of James chest as he took a step back, he had turned his face – frustrated as he passed his hands through his hair and then looked back towards Severus his eyes wounded, albeit glad he saw the glare waiver.

“Please, I-I didn’t know Se—” he received another glower, “Snape, I didn’t know” he whispered brokenly.

Severus scoffed, “As if that would have changed anything”

“It would have!” James insisted.

Severus brushed him off, “It wouldn’t have, you made up your mind the moment you met me!” he hissed, jabbing his finger towards him, “I don’t need your sympathy or your fucking pity!”

James felt his own anger rise at his words, “This isn’t pity Snape, I admit – I never gave you a chance, never even tried to like you, but my apology is sincere” his eyes strong and firm.

Severus shook his head, looking away from the hazel eyes that had never looked at him with anything but loathing, “Forget it, it doesn’t matter – this is nothing but a lapse of judgment. No worries, I’ll be out of your hair in a few minutes – what ever possessed you to ask for a truce will leave your system” he growled.

“Damn it! Severus, you don’t have to leave! This isn’t some prank or trick” James stressed.

Severus shook his head, “Stop,” his voice sounded angry, but James’s heart clenched when he heard the slight hesitation, “You take me for a fool Potter” he roared, turning his eyes blazing, “I may be homeless, despite the fact I’ve never considered that place a home! But I will never subject myself to more torment, not at your hands”

James licked his lower lip as he looked at Severus, the words had hurt but he deserved them, “Wizard’s oath, I don’t need your forgiveness”, that was a lie, James heart ached for the man to forgive him – did he deserve it, no, “This won’t go away, its not pity Severus” he grimaced at the glare but was thankful Snape hadn’t interrupted him, “No amount of pity, or sympathy will make someone desire to kill” those words caused a flash of surprise to appear in Severus eyes before he controlled his emotions, “The moment I heard your father’s voice, I’ve never experience the rage I felt” he admitted.

Severus looked at him for a hard moment, his dark eyes piercing into James’s hazel eyes and for a brief moment James wanted to look away but didn’t. knowing holding this stare would be critical, he had been right, after a few minutes of just awkward silence James noticed Severus shoulders deflate and his mask drop.

“I still don’t trust you” Severus muttered guarded, pleased by the flinch he gained from Potter.

“That’s fair” James responded, keeping his voice light, “Truce?” he tried again, extending his hand out a hopeful look on his face.

Severus lips curled in disgust, but he rolled his eyes accepting the outreached hand, “Whatever pleases you Potter” he drawled, ignoring the wide grin James gave him – it felt odd being directed at him.

“James, you can call me James” he tried.

Severus only gave him a dark look, “Don’t push it” he snapped, and James only stepped back his hands coming up as surrender but the mirth in his eyes was present, another bit of awkward silence passed and James eyes darted down to the growing discoloration in Severus’s bandages, “Do you want me to fetch Lily?” he asked

Severus followed his eyes and grunted reminded of the growing pain, he noticed the step forward from the other man and quickly looked up his eyes defensive, but James was already looking him with gentle cautious eyes, “Easy,” he murmured, “You were in bad shape Severus, broken ribs and all – you really think you should be standing?” he asked.

Severus wanted to snap at him, but he was tired, and the potion had entirely worn off, before he could even say a biting comment, another ripple of pain went through him, and the hiss escaped through his clenched teeth.

“Alright, enough of that” James shook his head and despite the glowering eyes and growl that Severus gave him as he grew closer, he didn’t take heed and his hand gently were placed on Severus less then bruised arm feeling under his fingers the body tense at his touch, “I won’t hurt you” he repeated again when he was met with expressive black eyes filled with disdain.

“Potter—” he was caught off by James slowly pushing towards the bed.

“Enough Severus, I believe actions speak louder than words – I can not say anything that will make you believe me.” He explained as he all but forced the man onto the bed, “So, I will prove to you that I have changed” he vowed, “I’m going to retrieve another pain-reliever potion, and let Lily know you need a bandage change” he said.

“I can bandage myself” Severus insisted haughtily.

“Oh, I’m sure” James responded with the same amount of bite in his tone, “But it’s ill advised to do so, please remain in bed,” he pleaded yet something in his eyes made Severus squirm a bit, he propped himself up – leaning back on the headboard a scowl on his face, “Pouting Severus, how unbecoming” James teased as he glanced at him.

“Fuck off Potter” Severus growled his eyes narrowing, he knew he was being rude and part of him told him to stop; but the other part wanted to see how far he could provoke the Gryffindor – he was almost 100% sure the truce was just a façade and will eventually be mooted.

James eyes tightened for a brief second before he took a deep breath, “I’m going to let you rest, Lily should be by shortly with some food” he replied as he turned towards the door, he stopped for a second turning back and giving Severus a firm look, his hazel eyes smoky.

‘Here it comes, a jibe, a snarky remark, come on Potter – you can’t help it’, Severus tense, waiting for the blow, but James only gave him a smile, a sincere smile. Despite being 18, the unravelling of a war and his extensive training with the Ministry had caused wrinkles at the corner of his eyes that were pronounced when he smiled.

“I meant it Severus,” he leaned against the door frame, his arms crossing over his chest, “It will take some time, but I’ll get you to trust me”, at Severus eye roll he pursed his lips, “You’ll see” he pushed, then turned before Severus commented on anything else.

LINEBREAK

The truce had gone as smoothly as he expected, Severus remained in the room; venturing out only if James had been occupied by a floo call or had to attend a sudden training at the Ministry. Once he was out of the house, it was almost as if Severus sensed it, Lily would wait a few minutes at most, and like clockwork the door would slowly creak open and Severus face would pop around the corner; the first time he had done it – he had taken her by surprise.

She had turned her heart in her throat at the sudden voice behind her, the second time had been less startlingly – yet the third time she had expected it. She stood at the end of the hall a tea in her hands, a smirk playing on her lips and watched as the door slowly opened and a tentative head peaked.

“He’s gone” she hid her amusement behind the cup as she took a sip.

Severus head spun around so fast Lily had taken pity before she giggled again at his startled face that quickly turned into a scowl, “Shit Lily, I didn’t expect you there” he grumbled now fully coming out, “You can drop the smirk Evans” he crossed his arms, “I’m not hiding from Potter” he insisted.

“No?” she teased, “So I can call him over, he’s just in the study?” she said, “JAMES!” she yelled towards the empty room and bit her lip when Severus spun towards the hall his body partially going back into the room, “Oh he’s not here Severus” her hand came out to swat at the air.

“Funny, hilarious Lily” Severus dispended.

She shrugged, “This cat and mouse thing you both have going on is ridiculous Severus” she turned, “Come, I have some hot tea on the stovetop” she invited as she turned, she heard Severus hesitate for a second, and could almost see his fleeting look towards the study before he shuffled his feet and followed her into the kitchen.

“I’m not sure what you are insinuating” he grumbled as he took a sit on a wooden chair, his scow intensified when she snickered as she poured his tea, when she turned, she gave him a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, you’ve been here almost 4 days Severus, and the only time you are out here is when James’s attention is otherwise occupied” he grunted as he took a sip but neither denied or confirmed her allegations and narrowed his eyes at her amusement.

“His attempts are pathetic” he sneered looking into the cup and the floating leaves in the tan colored liquid

“Severus!” Lily admonished, “That was uncalled for”

The raven-haired boy looked up from his cup another remark on his lips but the fury in his best friends’ eyes made him sober quickly and he sighed, “Sorry”

She grunted, “I understand that letting go of your hatred isn’t easy Sev, he’s done many things for you to hold a grudge, however you aren’t a saint, you have retaliated and instigated various arguments the blame doesn’t fall on just James” she scolded.

Severus rolled his eyes, “Of course take Potter’s side” he murmured.

“Severus, enough” she insisted as she placed her tea down and gave him a firm look, “I love you, but you are a stubborn bastard – James is trying, really trying. He has attempted to coax you out of that room for the past days and all you have done is be curt.” At his annoyed sigh she leveled him with a look, “despite what you want to believe, it is hurting him, he wants your friendship Severus”

“No he doesn’t Lily, you’ll see – this is just some ploy, we are out of school he won’t have a chance to relentlessly bully me. This is his coy plan, I give him props – use my pathetic need for affection and exploit it.” he muttered, “He’s probably already owled Black on how weak I am, not that he isn’t right – I mean, I was almost killed by my muggle father”

“SEVERUS SNAPE” Lily eyes snapped up just as Severus porcelain cup tumbled over on the table his body frozen, “A word, now” James’s voice was leveled as his eyes flashed with a controlled anger.

Lily eyes were on her fiancé and went to try to control the situation but as she opened her lips, James sent her a look – her words dying on her tongue. She knew that look, it was the same look she used when Sirius ran to her when he was caught and James was going to have a certain discussion with him. Sirius would always give her these eyes and she would just fall for it every time, but every time she would try to talk James out of said talk, she would receive that same look.

Her heart contrasted, both in sympathy and a bit of pride – James had held true to his words. Yet seeing how still her best friend was she turned her eyes towards Severus who was trying very hard to melt into the wooden chair, “Severus, why don’t you talk with James” she pushed.

Severus shrugged off the sudden apprehension he felt and rose from his chair, “We have nothing to talk about, I’ll see myself back to the room” he snapped.

“Severus, it wasn’t an option” James tone caused Lily to swallow, and as Severus turned giving his back to her – she used that time to shoot James a look of warning, James wanted to position himself as something else in Severus life but she feared pushing so strongly would just cause him to run.

“Oh sod off Potter” Severus growled as he pushed past him but he was stopped by his arm being firmly grasped, “Potter, if you don’t let me go—” the threat was cut off when he turned and his throat went dry when James’s eyes cut into him, “Your study?” Severus dropped his eyes, hating how quickly he had submitted.

“My study” James responded releasing his hold and watching, well making sure the man had obeyed. Once he heard the door of his study open and close his shoulder slump and he looked towards Lily who looked at him with apprehension and a bit frustration.

“You aren’t—” Lily stopped as she chewed on her lower lip unable to even finish her thought.

James looked at with exasperated sigh, “Of course not, we’re not there yet”

“Yet?” she pushed.

“Yes, yet Lily, I am fully going to make that stubborn man a brother even if I die trying” he growled, “Honestly, I comprehend his apprehension but does he thinks so little of me?” James voice broke, “That I’ll just joke about his abuse, air out his secrets – we’re not student’s anymore. For fuck sakes, I’m nearly a few weeks from becoming an Auror and our wedding is in a few months, I would say that our childish ways are behind us – we have an impending war upon us, I sure as hell don’t have time to owl Sirius on something that has nothing to do with me or him” he let out a breath of air as he braced himself against the chair.

Lily pursed her lips, “Severus would never admit it James, but he’s scared. He only has 3 people in his life, his mother—” Lily gave him a look when James scoffed, “Despite Eileen’s choices, she loved him; and did the best she felt she could. If you take his mother out of the picture, he only has me and Lucius” she replied.

“Malfoy?” James rose an eyebrow.

Lily nodded, “Not the best role model but the only thing he had to a brother, I think he’s projecting his fear, he’s never been liked by you and I guess the sudden connection by the truce. Its forcing him to react, pushing you away or seeing how far he can push you until in his mind, you give up.” She whispered.

“I’m not giving up” James glowered.

Lily gave him a soft smile, “I know that, he doesn’t” she said her eyes flickering towards the room.

“How do I make him see it, how can I get him to know I’m saying the truth”

The slight beg in his voice made her smile a bit wider before her eyebrows scrunched forward and she walked towards her bag that laid on the hallway table, pulling her wand from her boot she summoned the potion she had planned to give to Severus as a birthday gift and then walked back towards James, placing the vial in his hand.

“A potion?” he questioned, then his eyes widened when he noticed the name of the potion, “Oh” 

“Only if you are sure, I’m not questioning your motives – but, I know that Severus could be a bit vindictive, it’s a high probability that he will ask you different questions. If you are willing to open up to him fully, here’s your option” she said as she walked back into the kitchen, she grabbed a small rag and began cleaning the spilled tea Severus had left behind.

She didn’t notice the determined face on James’s face, only heard his of shoulder comment to start dinner and to strangely invite over Malfoy.

“Oh Severus, I hope you understand” she muttered as she shook her head.

Severus temper had enough time to boil just below the surface, to be sent to the study like some sodding toddler; then having to wait for a godly amount of time was not only humiliating it was absolutely ridiculous. Yet despite his pure irritation he remained seated on the sofa, his body was still sore and his bruises still remained looking fresh. Despite the salve and potions, there were some deep wounds that remained bleeding, at the mention of his bandages he lifted his head and noticed the discoloration and let out a groaned – he was due another bandage change.

“When was the last change?” Severus eyes snapped up to find James leaning on the ledge of the door.

“Do they teach you in Auror academy on silence entrances” Severus glared as he lowered his shirt ignoring the question James had asked, “Are you going to enlightened me as to why we are here anytime soon Potter?” he crossed his arms.

James gave him a disapproving look as he walked towards his father’s desk but remained silent, the vial remained in his inner robe until he was ready to use it, he motioned to the chair in front of him – Severus held his stare before he rose from his spot and plopped down in an armchair his face stoic and voided of emotion.

James sighed, then pulled the vial from his robe and placed it on the table, “How much do I have to drink, for it to roughly last 5 minutes” he asked.

Severus eyes widened when he noticed the known clear liquid, moving forward in awe he couldn’t help but lift his eyes to meet James with a look of childish amazement, “Potter is that vertiaserum?” he asked the excitement in his voice made James chuckle.

“Yes, Lily was going to give you the potion for a gift” he said, Severus blinked his ears heating up as he leaned back into his chair, “How many drops?” James asked again.

Severus made a disgruntled noise as he watched James grab the vial and uncork it – he was angry at the man yes. He deserved to have reservations, James had tormented him for years; granted he wasn’t a saint and he had retaliated and as well as instigated a few of those fights. Yet he was so sure this truce was just a stupid lapse of judgment, that James had been blinded for a few seconds and then once again go back to hating him.

“Stop” Severus resigned, “Don’t be ridiculous Potter, I don’t need to know your life” he growled, “I have no interest in your personal doings”

James paused and gave Severus a hard stare, “that may be true Severus, however I do need you to understand that my feelings have changed; this is the only way I see us passing this hurdle” he let out a frustrated sigh, “So I ask you again, how many drops?”

Severus groaned, “Seriously Potter, this is ridiculous” he shifted uncomfortable, “Why does it matter if I believe you or not?”

James shook his head, “No, no questions yet; how many drops Severus?” he asked again, this time his eyes firm.

“For fuck sakes, 2 drops should be sufficient for about 3 to 5 minutes” he snapped crossing his arms.

James gave him an appreciative smile and tipped the vial onto his lips allowing 2 drops to fall under his tongue – it didn’t have much of a taste but the effectiveness was like having one too many shots of firewhiskey, his brain felt fuzzy and he blinked at his sudden tunnel vision. Once the potion settled, he blinked and turned to Severus who was looking at him with slanted skeptical eyes.

“Go on Severus” he groaned leaning back, “Ask me whatever you desire”

Severus licked his lips and moved forward, “State your name?” he asked.

“James Charles Potter” was instinctively answered.

“How old are you?”

“18”

Severus squared his shoulders, “Why do you hate me?” he was quick to ask, there was no point in avoiding the evitable.

James’s eye twitched, “I don’t hate you” his eyes landed on Severus with a ‘I told you so’ look.

Severus though didn’t fall for it and rearranged his question, “Why did you hate me?”

James gave him a hard look, “You had Lily” was his clear reply.

An irritated grunt left Severus chest, “Seriously Potter, you were jealous – of what, I thought it was common knowledge I was gay” he responded with a roll of his eyes, at James wide eyes and gasping mouth; Severus blinked leaning back.

“You seriously weren’t aware I liked men?” Severus asked a bit surprised; he had dated during Hogwarts; he was sure Remus had caught him snogging a 6th year Slytherin during their 4th year.

“No, Severus, I never knew – well I never really paid attention other than to torment” James lamented.

Severus swallowed and sighed pondering his next question, “Did you honestly mean the truce?” he asked.

“Yes” James breathed, glad that Severus asked.

A feeling formed in Severus stomach, but he pushed it away leaning forward in his chair, “So? What exactly are you looking for in this truce Potter, I’m not sure I have anything to offer you?” he muttered shaking his head.

“Brotherhood” James responded to the question, “You don’t have to offer anything Severus, truly. All I ask of you, is to open up and accept that really, all I want is to make up for what I put you through at Hogwarts.” He replied.

“Brotherhood?” Severus repeated sarcastically, “What exactly does that entitle?”

James leaned forward, “Exactly what I offer Remus and Sirius” he didn’t elaborate only answered enough that the potion was subdued by his response, he wanted Severus to ask another question.

Severus eye twitched, “And what do you offer them?”

James smiled, “Love, unconditional love. You aren’t shy that Sirius also had a hard childhood” at Severus eye roll he leveled him a look and was glad that Severus looked away instead of being defiant, “Your conversation with him will be up to you, but he will also share my same reaction Severus” he warned.

Severus brushed him off and thought of another question, “Love? Really Potter, that’s your play? Love me to death, that’s laughable” he said with a roll of his eyes.

James only gave him another smirk, “Love can come in different shades Severus, you see for Remus – I had to show a bit of tough love since he has always been alone. When he first started shifting, he hid his injuries broken wrist, sprained ankle, fractured rib. You name it, he would hide it; when I found out, I made him a promise” he explained.

“Promise, what promise?” Severus said the words faster than he would blink and winced; he held no hard feelings really for the wolf, so he felt a bit guilty after asking the question.

James also grimaced but the potion willed him to speak and he sighed, “Remus had, has no one other than Sirius and I, so when I found out he had been hiding his injuries after we learned he was a wolf; I made him a promise. Keep something to the extent that is harmful to him and he and I will have a private conversation” he tried to word his sentence correctly but the next question that left Severus lips made him internally groan.

“What the fuck does that even mean?”

“It means I would spank him” James grumbled out, he pinched the bridge of his nose when he noticed Severus wide eyes, “It’s a childish punishment yes but its effective, not something I particularly enjoy doing – but nonetheless it worked for our group” he said.

Severus remained staring at him for a brief minute before a spark of anger surged through him, “So that it, offer me a fucking truce Potter and then once I fall for the trick you take my fathers spot?” he growled.

James saw red at the question and he slammed his hand on the wooden desk as he lifted himself up to his feet, “Are you serious Severus, when Lily and I took you from that house? Do you know what I wanted to do? I wanted to kill your father, the only reason we left was because I knew you wouldn’t want that” he hissed, “I will never hurt you, please; I need you to see that” he begged his eyes filled with moisture.

Severus leaned back in the cushion his jaw clenched, his eyes wide, “How-How can you easily forgive what I’ve done?” he whispered after a few seconds.

James blinked, “Severus, you mostly retaliated – there wasn’t really much to forgive” he answered.

“I called Lily mudbood, I still hate myself for that” he muttered his throat dry.

“I led you to that, there is one thing on pranking – but another on public humiliation and we crossed that line. Lily coming to save you, from us; it pushed you over the ledge and since at that time I was pursuing Lily, her attraction to me, you felt betrayed and reacted” he answered, “beside Lily forgave you” he said.

Severus looked at him, then towards the grandfather clock in the corner, they had about 45 seconds left before the potion would run its course, “Will you, you know ever—” he trailed off shaking his head a flush in his ears.

James chuckled, “You kind of have to finish the question Severus” he teased.

Onyx eyes glared at him half-heartedly before they dropped and he muttered quickly, “Will you ever have a talk with me?” he asked.

Another chuckle and a flash of mirth in hazel eyes before it was question, “Yes” he answered swiftly, at Severus wide eyes James leaned forward, the feeling of the potion had worn off but he didn’t care, “We aren’t there yet Severus, don’t worry, but – I hope you come to trust me as your brother, and as your brother I will hold you accountable. Especially since I’ve been told you are going to start your Potions Mastery this fall” he said with a proud smile.

Severus shifted at the affectionate stare and turned his attention else well.

“I know you are passionate when it comes to potion, you have always aced it at Hogwarts and were a stellar protégé to Slughorn. I also know that it means hours over a cauldron and that could lead to days without eating. That won’t do” he said with a firm look.

“What, going to mother hen me Potter; make sure I have my serving of fruit and vegetables” he scoffed.

“Yes I am” James responded lightly as he sat on the chair.

“You can’t be serious?”

James stopped himself from using Sirius’ over used joke with a small grimace, “I fully intend to take care of you Severus, and I also am fully aware that you will fight me tooth and nail” he replied.

Severus scowled as he crossed his arms, “I don’t need taking care of, I’ve survived this long without anyone” he mumbled, “Correction, I’ve had Lily; but even I am not daft enough to not realize she can’t come to my aid all the time.” He added his tone softening at the end.

James sighed, “Severus, I want to be there for you” at Severus scowl, “I need you to give me the chance to prove it, and that means allowing me to”

Severus sucked on his teeth, “Fine, but no—” he paused his face red, “none of this talk or discussion shit” he waved his hand in front of his face.

James chuckled, “It doesn’t work like that Severus, I take my role as a brother seriously – I don’t think we’ll find ourselves in certain predicament, however I will swat you if I deem it necessary” he said, then rose and walked around the desk grabbing the vial of vertiaserum in his hand and offering it to Severus.

The skinny man took it hesitantly a raised eyebrow towards James in question.

“Sirius and Remus will be joining us shortly, they will also no doubt what to speak with you – I’m sure you’ll find that useful” James answered the silent inquiry.

Severus grunted but didn’t speak his hands twirling the shimmering vial, he tensed when a hand was placed on his shoulder but contained his instinct reaction of flight and looked up cautiously at James, “Are we good?” James asked.

Severus bit the inside of his cheek, he had asked the questions he needed answered; now he knew he was just being stubborn, “Yes, Po—” he saw hazel eyes fall for a second and sighed, “Yes James we’re fine” he answered.

There was that grin again, the wide smile that made James eyes crinkle at the corners.

“Wicked, well, I think I smell a pot roast. I’m starved” James moved from the desk, “Why don’t you go change those bandages and see you at the table today?” he asked.

Severus groaned, but nodded “Yea, I’ll be out in a few” he said getting up from the chair, James gave him another short look then walked out feeling his chest a bit lighter than before; he followed the aroma to the kitchen and found Lily moving softly to the sound of music coming from – he knew the answer, it was at the tip of his tongue.

Rudio, no that didn’t sound right, ryday – um that sounded terrible, what was it?

Radio, that was it.

He smirked as she did a little wiggle, her hands deep in the sink as she washed some potatoes; moving slowly in behind her, he slide his hands around her waste and placed a kiss on her neck, “You know how much I love to see you dance” he muttered.

“Damn it James” Lily gasped dropping a spud into the water and flinching when soapy water hit her cheeks, she wiped up the suds with the back of her hand and turned in his arms, swatting his shoulder when she had the chance, she only earned a deep chuckle from him.

“Dinner smells amazing” he muttered, after placing a gentle kiss on her lips.

She frowned against the kiss her eyes telling him she wanted answers, “So?” she pressed.

“I think he finally gets it Lil’s, its going to be a bumpy road; but I think he finally knows I’m not joking” his eyes were relieved and she smiled, placing a kiss on his cheek.

“Thank you” she whispered and couldn’t stop the tears in her eyes, “You have no idea, how much I’ve longed to have you two at least be nice with each other” she gave him a smile when he wiped the tear that escaped and they both jumped at the knock on the door.

“I’ll get it” both of them said, Lily shook her head as she dried her hand.

“It could be Lucius and I want the dinner to go smoothly, peel the potatoes while I tend to the guess” she instructed and walked towards the door.

James tensed a bit at the mention of Malfoy but bit his tongue, he had been so wrong when it came to Severus – if Malfoy had been there for him, how bad could it be. As he peeled, he heard Lily come back in and open the oven before grabbing for a potato.

“Is he waiting in the living room?” he asked.

Lily looked at him confused and then rolled her eyes, “Oh no, it was Sirius he must have gotten here sooner” she said absently, James nodded then his eyes widened and he dropped the potato, the peeler clashing onto the counter.

“Oh shit!” James cursed as he sharply turned.

“James” Lily called surprised, “James what is it, you’ve told Severus they were coming” she rushed behind him.

James was mentally cursing himself, “Yes, however I haven’t had the chance to speak with Sirius or Remus, the room Severus is staying is typically the room Sirius crashes in. Fuck!” he growled as he hurried his speed.

There standing at the door was a shell shock Sirius his eyes wide, James rushed inside placing himself between Sirius and Severus, turning to the other occupant he noticed Severus was shirtless, his back exposed showing the scars and bruises that remained as well as the difficult healing wounds.

“Sirius” James turned back to his brother, grey eyes met his and before James could even explain Sirius turned sharply and walked out without a word.

“Potter?” James winced at the anger and skepticism in Severus’ tone, that and the fact that Severus had returned to last names.

James turned, “I’m sorry, he arrived earlier than planned” he said softly, Severus only gave him a look but James could see the slight trepidation in his eyes, “Its alright Severus, trust me please; he normally sleeps here so it was instant, he didn’t know” he explained.

Severus swallowed, “Its fine” he stressed, “Its time for me to go anyway, I’ve outlived my welcome” he muttered.

“No” James exclaimed, “Seriously Severus, this house has about 5 rooms. Enough for everyone, please don’t go.” He begged, “At least, not until you are fully healed” he offered, he didn’t want to force the man to stay either. “Please” he begged again.

Severus picked at his fingers nervously, he hated feeling weak but the door slamming open as he unbandage himself had brought back images of his father and he froze. If James hadn’t walked in, he was afraid of what he would have done, he had been so close to a panic attack he would have surely fallen to his knees.

“Ok” he said lamely with a small nod.

“Thank you” James smiled, “finish up, dinner will be done in 30 minutes.” He saw Severus hesitant look but James moved forward and placed a hand on his arm, “Its going to be fine, I promise” he insisted, Severus only gave him a nod.

James knew he was feeling a bit hesitant and so not to push him further nodded and left him alone, closing the door he took a deep breath and found Lily looking a bit pale in the hall way. “Sirius?” he asked.

She pointed towards the living room, “Cursing up a storm in there” she muttered, “Severus, how is he?” she asked worriedly.

James rubbed his head, “Considering all the facts, shockingly well” he said, “I think Sirius slamming the door open, may have affected him, he won’t tell me – could you?” he asked.

She scoffed, “You don’t have to ask,” she said with a roll of her eyes as she walked past him and into the room.

James took a deep breath and summoned his house elf, Lily hated using them to do daily task so he hardly ever saw them unless they were directly summoned, giving the elf a quick task to finish the dinner. He turned to the direction to find Sirius pacing back and forth until he heard James entrance and looked at him with wide angry eyes.

“Did we do that!” he asked, “Those scars, was that us?”

James blinked, “No” he answered.

Sirius face seem to crumble at his words, “Then who the fuck is responsible?” he growled.

James sighed sitting down, “His father”

Sirius felt like the air was punched out of his lungs, “How long? How long has that been going on?”

“All his life” was the monotone response.

“Oh god” Sirius placed his hand in his chest, his eyes were fuzzy with rage and his heart pounded in his ears.

James blinked, he knew Sirius would react similar to him, but this; this felt personal, “Sirius” James whispered a bit concerned at his mates lack of breathing.

Sirius eyes turned to him, wide with fury, “All my life, I’ve wanted to distance myself from my parents; from what it meant to be a Black, and yet I was blinded to someone who shared if not had a worse childhood than mine” he muttered pained as he slumped down on the armchair behind him.

James sighed, “We didn’t know” the answer was true but hearing it out loud caused both men to grimace.

“I should have” Sirius voice was vacant as he placed his head in his hand, “I know those scars, what causes those bruises – I know the signs of abuse”

“Sirius, you can’t possibly—”

Sirius interrupted him with a miserable moan, “I was blinded by my hatred to Slytherin, so overwhelmed with this desperate need to prove to everyone that I wasn’t my parents son. Meeting you, James Potter, the sole heir of the Potter Line, a line of prestige’s Gryffindor’s. Light verse dark” Sirius looked up to James his eyes wide with guilt, “I needed you to accept me, then here comes Snape with Lily; and oh I saw it then, your eyes brightened when you saw her, but she was tied to the hips with Severus and one thing led to the other and he was sorted into Slytherin.” He groaned.

Silence filled the room for a few seconds, until Sirius sighed again.

“It didn’t take a lot to convince you that all Slytherins were dark you already had some of that knowledge, but my stories and my life at home. It only drove your hatred for them and subsequently towards Snape, Lily being his friend was an added bonus to your ire”

James shook his head, “Stop, you can’t honestly believe all of this lies on you?” he asked sharply.

“It does James, you have only wanted to prank him, I always had malicious intentions; he provoked a side of me I wanted forever dormant, a vivid remembrance that he was all what my parents wanted from their son; a good little Slytherin.” His eyes darkened when he looked down, “All the while he may have been hiding from his own demons, trying to make Hogwarts’s his safe haven like it was for me, and I made it worse” his voice cracked.

“Enough” James held out hand halting his monologue, “He’s open to talk, you just have to be honest” he urged.

Sirius let out a humorless chuckle, “Oh right, like he’ll even give me the chance. Fuck James, I almost killed him during our 5th year” he hissed.

“Almost” James stressed.

Sirius brushed him off leaning back in his chair, a click of a door being opened made his eyes turned to the noise; a lump in his throat formed when he made contact with Severus, the moment was quick the man giving him a look and a quick fleeting one to James before he briskly made his way towards the kitchen.

Sirius dropped his head with a groan, “He hates me”

James made a disgruntled tone but knew lying to Sirius wouldn’t bode well, “I can’t negate his feelings towards you, but wallowing in guilt won’t fix what we did.” Sirius winced, “Talk to him, and accept what ever inch he gives you” he offered.

Sirius groaned deeply, rubbing his hands on his jeans and sighed as he stood; “Wish me luck.” He met eyes with James who only gave him an encouraging smile and walked towards the kitchen, with a small smile he noticed Lily arguing with a house elf who seemed insistent in finishing the meal while she fretted after her.

“Hey Lil’s” he muttered, she turned to him, the elf taking that time to walk around her.

“Sirius” she said warmly, walking towards him and taking him into a hug, “How was muggle London? I need to take James one day” she said softly.

“We had a blast, Remus enjoyed riding the red busses, we saw the Buckingham Palace, tried to stop me from charming Queen Elizabeth” he winked at her as he wagged his eyebrows.

Lily slapped his shoulder, “Of course, speaking of Remus?” she asked.

Sirius eyes tightened, “full moon is in 3 days, he chose to go to the shack early, said he felt the change a bit stronger this month”

She frowned, “Oh poor Rems, well” she passed her hand on her apron, “Dinner will be done shortly” she said.

Sirius hummed in answer his eyes darting over her shoulder, “Where is he?” he asked.

“Oh, um” she paused, “out back, needed some air”

Sirius nodded and went to move but he felt a hand enclosed around his wrist, turning he made eye contract with hesitant green eyes, “Sirius” her tone was guarded.

“I know Lily, I won’t hurt him” he reassured, trying to swallow the slight hurt he felt at her masked accusation.

As if reading his eyes she opened her mouth to protest, “I didn’t—”

“Its fine Lil’s” he flashed her a smile, “I know I don’t have the best track record” he teased, “He’ll be back in one piece, I promise – me on the other hand” he gave a nervous chuckle but Lily released his hand with a hesitant pout and he gave her a two finger salute before heading out the back door.

The adrenaline he felt now two seconds ago, evaporated the moment he closed the door behind him. He turned his gaze towards the backgrounds of Potter Mansion and his thoughts flashed to the countless nights he had spent here during summers; running and ‘dueling’ with James. The Potter’s had all but adopted him, loving him like their own. His chest tightened when he thought of all those moments, how a third wounded abused boy could have found solace with two brothers.

“Black?” a voice brought him back to the present his grey eyes followed the tone and found Snape leaning against a stone statue, his face surprisingly seemed calm and relax but his body showed his true emotions. Tense, his shoulders rigid; arms crossed.

“Snape” Sirius said lamely, he leaned against another statue opposite of Snape and chewed on the inside of his cheek.

Severus narrowed his eyes at the man, it was one thing being friendly with Potter; another thing was making friends with Sirius Black, the man in front of him was the epitome of recklessness and selfishness – Black had made his days worse than what Potter had, a scowl formed on his thin lips, “Go on Black, I’m sure you have an abundance of questions to ask” he intoned lazily.

Sirius licked his lips, “My father started to build me into a perfect Black when I was 5, he—”

“I’m going to stop your right there; I didn’t ask for your life story and I sure as hell don’t need you to compare yours to mine” Severus sneered.

“Severus” Sirius voice was strained as he stepped forward.

A growl erupted from the raven-haired man, “Oi, what is it with you bloody Gryffindor’s!” he snapped, “For 7 years, 7 fucking years I have been called Snape, Snivellus, Snivlly, death eater in making – variations of my name and countless other insults from you!” Sirius flinched when a finger was pointed in his direction, “Now, now that this image you had of me has crumbled, you think you have rights to use it now?” he snarled baring his teeth.

“Of course, not” Sirius muttered, feeling perfectly chided.

Severus stared at him, his chest heaving until he took a deep breath and calmed his anger leaning back against the warmed stone, “Potter has made himself clear that his feelings have changed”, Sirius squared his shoulders but only nodded letting Severus continued. “But I will not be made a fool, to fall at the façade that yours has.” He hissed, “You can go back,” he waved his hand towards the house, “No need to follow Potters beck and call like a puppy”

Sirius felt the normal anger he would at that moment, his eyes flashing dangerously as his hand twitched towards his wand.

Severus let out a chuckle a smirk forming on his lips, “There it is, there’s that famous Black anger” he drawled and pushed himself off the statue, “Go on, pull it out!” he snarled, “Finish what you oh so wanted to accomplish 5th year, end me” he growled, his eyes flashing with pent up rage but something, something in his eyes made Sirius anger dissipate a look of horror playing on his features.

It was then that he realized Severus was wand-less, he was picking a fight without the means of defending himself.

“Snape” he breathed out, “What are you talking about?” he failed to find the right words as he stared at him with wide eyes.

Severus eyes remained on him, cold and black “Don’t fool yourself Black, you have always wanted me dead; Potter just impeded your plans” he scoffed.

Sirius felt as if he were punched in the gut, yes, they had a school rivalry; a bit more aggressive then some and he had his regrets but – to have someone actually believe he meant to kill him, “I never intended for it to go so far!” he gasped out stepping forward.

Severus clenched his teeth, “Lies” he growled through them.

“Severus for the love of merlin!” Sirius exclaimed, “We were 15,” his eyes bore into Snape’s, his shoulders slumping his breathing harsh, “I hated you, that part is true; the mere mention of your name, the brief glimpse of you brought out this unexplainable rage and it was only because you were the perfect child my parents wanted me to be” he admitted, Severus blinked his throat dry, he wanted to rebuke Sirius pathetic excuse but the pain in the man’s voice and the hold those grey eyes had on him halted the words on his tongue “I hated anything to do with them, I loathed Slytherin – you were the perfect target, I admit; I tricked you that night but its not because I wanted to kill you” his tone filled with a regrettable tremble.

Snape jaw tightened as he stared down Sirius, “Then what for?” he pressed.

“Gods” Sirius groaned as he placed his hand in his hair exasperated, “I was scared and stupid and you were always getting into our business” he spat which earned him an eye roll from the Slytherin, “When I saw you getting closer to Remus secret I saw red, not only would exposing Remus get him expelled but – James and I were illegal animagus, we would have been expelled as well and the mere idea of going back home” Sirius grimaced and Severus felt a ting of regret before he pushed it away, “My father would have loved that, used it to his advantage I’m sure”, the vacant glazed eyes that Sirius now held made Severus hold his breath.

‘Maybe we are more alike than I first thought’ Severus grudgingly admitted to himself.

“I wanted to scare you Severus, I swear; that was my only intent, scare you.” His voice was so low as he locked eyes again with Severus black ones.

The air was tense after the admission, both parties staring at each other – silently arms crossed and eyes trained on the other, a few minutes passed, Sirius eyes gazing over to the descending sun before he turned to Severus shifting a look of pondering concentration on his expression, “Penny for your thoughts?” Sirius asked.

Severus eyes turned to him and Sirius tensed waiting for a snide remark or a cutting insult but it never came and he raised an eyebrow at the contemplating face on his once enemy, “You don’t have—” he stopped and Sirius bit back the urge to state Severus looked very cute as he bit his lower lip, that wouldn’t go over well he was sure, “Potter want’s a truce, and I will oblige him, that doesn’t mean you have to follow – there is no obligation” he muttered his tone low.

Sirius eyebrows forward and he turned in his spot looking at Severus firmly, “James is my brother in all but blood, and some would say he has a way to control me” Sirius face flushed and Severus was reminded of the talk he had with James in the study, “However, as much as I love James, he has always had a hard time changing my mind” he explained.

Severus internally winced, readying himself for the moment Sirius would return back to his mocking ways.

“That being said, I’m not offering my own truce because of James. I’m offering it because I’ve been a down right prat and entirely hypocritical, I think its about time I took the stick up my arse out, wouldn’t you say?” he said, and extended his hand, “Could you be open to a truce between enemies?” he asked.

Severus stared at the hand with skepticism and raised an eyebrow, “Black, if this has anything to do with what you saw—”

“Severus,” Sirius looked at him exasperated, “Does it matter?” he asked and raised the hand he had extended up to stop his sarcastic answer, “it doesn’t, however if you are worried I changed my mind because of pity, its not. Its anger, anger because I allowed my parents to ruin my views, because they darkened everything that had do with Slytherin when quite frankly their known trade marks are cunning and ambition and all I saw was self-preservation and a sick loyalty to the Dark Lord.” He explained.

Severus winced at the mention of the dark wizard but continued to stare firmly at Sirius, “I don’t pity you Severus, I pity myself because I only proved what I tried so hard to refuse, I vowed I wouldn’t let the Black history cloud my judgement and the first thing I do is force my views onto James, not realizing the harm I was doing” he motioned to him, “I’m fixing the error I did on the train back in 1st year, I’m offering my friendship” he stuck his hand out again a hesitant smile on his face.

Severus jaw clenched but he sighed and shook hands with him, “Fine, don’t expect that I’ll be all lovey dovy Black” he muttered.

Sirius let out a chuckle the sound carefree and light, “Of course not Snape, I wouldn’t accept nothing less”

“Boys” they turned to find Lily standing by the door, “Dinner’s ready”

Sirius nodded as well as Severus, they noticed her tentative glance she gave them but bit her lower lip and walked back inside. Sirius waited for a brief moment, before he made himself back towards the door until Severus voice reached him.

“When ever you see Lupin, you might as well pass along the truce as well. I’ve never held any hard feelings with the wolf, and I don’t think I can stomach another one of these conversations” he muttered.

Sirius turned to look over his shoulder and gave Severus a genuine smile, “Of course, lets get inside – one thing is upsetting James but I’m sure you understand not to upset Lily” he gave him a knowing look and felt his chest tightened when Severus let out a chuckle his eyes brightening as he turned to walk inside.

“Oh, Lily is quite scary when upset” he agreed.

Once inside they both found James standing a bit too close to the door a flush look on his face when they caught him eavesdropping, Severus rolled his eyes, “Really Potter, I didn’t kill your pet” he drawled but the teasing sound was there, a sound that made James only smile and look to Sirius with a hopeful eyes, Sirius gave him a wink.

“Lucius?” Severus voice was surprised when he caught sight of his blond friend seated at the table,

Lucius face showed his complete discomfort but his steel eyes softened the moment they made eye contact with Severus, he rose to his feet, a small smile gracing his otherwise stoic expression and pulled Severus into a tight hug, “Can I have a word with you?” he whispered into his ear.

Severus swallowed a bit at his friend’s tone, “Um, of course” he said stepping away, he turned to the others and met eyes with James who had been staring at them with an unreadable expression on his face, once their eyes met, he raised an eyebrow.

“Could I burrow your study?” he asked after James came at a closer distance.

“Of course,”

Severus nodded and walked towards the room with Malfoy on his side, James eyes narrowed a bit causing Lily to walk towards him and Sirius.

“What’s with the face?” Sirius asked, “and why is Malfoy here?” added a bit of disgust dipping into his tone, he casted Lily a wounded look when Lily swatted his arm.

“Hey, opened mind remember?” she said giving James a look.

James sighed, “Its nothing to do with Malfoy, but all to do with Malfoy all the same” he muttered and both Lily and Sirius felt a headache at his words, their eyebrows forwarding to show their confusion, James let out a frustrated grunt, “Do you know if Severus and Lucius are seeing each other?” he asked looking to his fiancée.

Lily sputtered, “What?” she asked surprised, “James, no – why would you even get that idea?” she asked confused.

Sirius blinked, “Snape’s gay?”

James gave him a curt nod, “Yea, we were blinded to a lot of things happening around us” he said dryly, “Is he seeing anyone?” he asked.

Lily shrugged, “Last thing I heard he was speaking with someone named Jovan”

James eyes snapped towards her, “Jovan O’Hara, didn’t he graduate Hogwarts when we were in our 4th year?” he asked, his voice a bit tight.

“Yea, they owl each other time to time, I’m not sure when was the last time they’ve seen the other in person but – he was the last acquaintance I remember” she said, “I’m going to get dinner on the table, give them a few minutes and then go get them” she turned and walked away, a small smirk on her lips.

“That would make him about 4 years older than Severus” Sirius asked, he didn’t know why that idea bothered him; his eyes a bit slanted as he stared towards the study.

James let out a grunt, “Alright, I think that’s enough time” he said as he began walking towards the short hallway, Sirius snickered at the look in James eyes and followed behind him.