The Vials Danced

James tilts his head at the shabby sign that was held by two fraying pieces of twine. In big bold yellow letters, the sign read: “Jackson’s Potions.”

When he opened the door, a bell rang to signal his entrance. A calico cat perched on a step ladder immediately perks up to stare at James. He stared back, muttering a small “Hello little lady” before turning his head to observe the shop. There wasn’t much to take in, it was just like how Remus bluntly described it–Ramshackle and Cramped. James couldn’t help but bend his knees and tilt his head to fit inside the shop, if he stood any straighter he was scared that his head would hit the ceiling. If it didn’t, it would still hover only centimeters away from the top of his head, and it made him uncomfortable. The wooden floor creaks as he makes his way toward the counter. He cringes at the sound of it but he made sure not to show it on his face. He positions his suitcase in front of him, fearing that he will swing it absentmindedly, knock over a beam, and make the shack collapse in on itself. 

There was another cat sleeping on the counter, right above it was a hanging sign that said “Ring for Assistance.” The damn cat was curled up on the bell. James began to question if Remus was pranking him, the shop is definitely not “Potter’s Potions Partner” (known among the industry as a “Triple P”) material. It seemed like what it appeared to be: An apothecary shop that only sees profit since it’s the only one in town. James winces at the sound of a sudden clang. He inspects the source and sees that it was the sound of a droplet hitting a metal bucket. James reconsiders if the shop sees any profit at all. 

He clears his throat, not wanting to stall for any longer, and calls for a clerk. There was a bit of silence before he heard the sound of hurried footsteps coming from the back of the store. A door behind the counter busts open and the potion ingredients on the shelves seem to dance from the force of it. James was impressed that none of it fell to the ground, he assumed that the shelves must be charmed. As decrepit as it was, at least the products were intact. 

A small boy, no taller than the counter, stood at the frame of the door. There was an army of cats by his legs, all staring at the stranger in their store. The boy had his pointer finger stuck in the middle of a book while the rest of his fingers held onto it. James was struck with an explainable bout of wistfulness at the sight of it. 

The boy had a vacant look on his face, the only indication of emotion was a subtle quirking of his brow as he observed James. 

“You’re not from here.” He says in a thick Welsh accent that James could only describe as logical but misplaced. 

“I am not, I’m from London.” James answers. The boy moves to stand parallel to James. He struggled to sit on a high stool, still keeping a firm grip on his book. “I represent Potter’s Potion Company” He continues. 

The boy hums unamusedly as he settles on his chair. He tries to pry the bell from the sleeping cat’s belly but the cat just curls up even more, all the while his finger is still stuck in his book. 

“You can just fold the corner of the page, you know.” 

The boy seemed to be thrown off guard by the statement, “Of the book?” he asks. James nods and the boy replies with a glare. 

“It’s disrespectful to the book.” 

James lets out a chuckle at how the boy’s words were filled with so much conviction. 

“I always thought it added character to a book, it serves as a physical reminder of all the stops you made until you reach the end.” 

The boy sneers. “You’re awfully sentimental.” 

“You’re the one who doesn’t want to hurt a book.” 

The boy huffs, keeping his brows furrowed. James stifles a laugh. He realizes that the quick exchange made him relax and that the ceilings were not as low as he thought they were. He decides to ride the momentum of comfort and places his suitcase on the counter as he pats his pockets for a calling card. 

“Are you going to buy something?” 

“Oh, no. I’m here to speak to the owner.” 

“That would be my Pa.” 

“Huh, and here I was assuming that I was about to draft a contract with a Potion Prodigy.” 

The boy rolls his eyes. “He’ll be down soon, are you willing to wait?” 

James lets out an exaggerated hum before answering “I don’t think so, No. I traveled all this way and I simply can not wait anymore. So I am taking my leave.” James gesticulated to emphasize each word and ended his monologue by placing the back of his hand on his head like a damsel in distress.

The boy stared at him with his mouth slightly agape, which turned into an amused half-smile. James felt another sense of wistfulness, he was trying to put his finger on it. It’s as if he had met this boy before. 

“You like to joke around don’t you?” 

“I try my best.” 

James hovers his calling card right between the boy’s eyes. He snatched it, tilting the card to observe the gold film that coated the back of it. 

“Use it as a bookmark. So you can use both your hands again without desecrating the book”

The boy smiles, “Potter’s Potions didn’t hold back with their calling card, Is this real gold? Do you reckon I can pawn this off?”

“It is.” James says rather too pridefully “It’s only a golden leaf though, you’d need thousands of these cards to get a significant amount.” 

“Bummer.” the boy says, eyes still affixed on the back of the card “What if I tell you I have a thousand books that need bookmarks?” 

James lets out a full laugh. The boy finally flips the card to examine its contents.

“James Fleamont Potter” he reads. The words were slow as they left his mouth, but not in confusion. No, the syllables of James’ name weren’t said as if they were foreign. It was the opposite, really. It was said with recognition. 

“That’s me.” 

The boy takes his finger out of the book and holds the card with two hands. 

“James Potter.” 

“That’s…me?” 

The boy's eyes flicks back to him. James suddenly took note of it’s overwhelming darkness, like light itself was getting sucked into it. 

“You’re my dad.” 

For the second time in his visit, the vials and bottles on the shelves danced when the door slammed open. This time, the figure by its frame was taller. The stretch of his body was covered with a black robe, its hems frayed and tattered. No different than it was when James last saw them. 

“Severus…” James says, more to him than anyone in the room. 

“Potter.” Severus nods in greeting, tucking his hair on either side of his ears. 

“Pa, this guy’s my dad.” The boy says nonchalantly. James’ eyes flick back and forth between his old-time foe and his apparent son. 

“Nice of you to finally meet,” Severus says, echoing the same nonchalant tone. “Have you told your dad your name yet?”

The boy shakes his head and looks at James before stating “Bryn,” while stretching his arm across the counter “Your son.” 

By instinct (because honestly, James was too befuddled to function outside of autopilot mode), James shakes his hand. 

It was easy to pinpoint the moment James started a less-than-appropriate relationship with his sworn rival. It was a night after winning a Quidditch game, he was bursting with energy, he decided to pick a fight with the Slytherin who just so happened to be sneaking through the same hallway as him, the adrenaline was overwhelming and a punch became a kiss became a fist became tongue became sneaking into the Room of Requirement, hands tightly gripping each other in desperate want. 

What the both of them weren’t expecting was for them to continue the thing they both deemed a “horrible mistake” the day after. They were teenagers who couldn’t distinguish hatred from attraction. All of it was just raw passion that they had to let out in any way they could. Hexes, Jeers, Banter, Fighting, Kissing, Holding, Holding, Holding. Any way they could. They kept it hidden and they never made an attempt to name it. 

There were small pockets of time, however, where they would be too tired to banter but just have enough energy to talk. Where Severus would allow himself to laugh breathily at one of James’ jokes. Where James would actually find it in himself to compliment Severus’ Potions prowess. Where Severus would whisper “Congratulations” after the Gryffindors win a Quidditch game. Where James would rub the Slytherin’s forearm until they both fell asleep. But the moments were too short. Too far in between to constitute a proper relationship. In the end, they were still James and Severus. Water and Oil. The mixing of which is uneventful at best and explosive at worst. 

Their relationship met its end 2 days before graduation. Severus finally asks the dreaded question “What are we?” to which James responds with an “I don’t know.” 

James can no longer remember the look on the Slytherin’s face when he uttered those words. All he could recall was the sinking feeling in his gut and the dryness of his mouth. The only thing vivid was the moment that came afterward. The Gryffindor stared at the tapestry pinned to the roof of his bed, of Heroic Knights, Helpless Princesses, and Evil Warlocks. He felt a wave of overwhelming regret. But, much like with everything with Severus, he couldn’t place whether it was regret over the relationship ending or with it starting in the first place. 

The last time he ever sees the Slytherin was when they arrived at King’s Cross. Severus hauled a single beaten-up suitcase, his back hunched over and his face obscured by his hair. James didn’t say goodbye. 

The two ex-lovers (if you could call them that) sat across from each other, the only thing between them was a round dining table that was well past its prime. Severus was stroking a cat on his lap. A tabby, loudly purring and blissfully unaware of the tension between the two men. They moved the conversation to the kitchen, which carried the theme of the store: cramped and falling apart. James stared at the refrigerator just beside Severus’ head. Its color had yellowed with age, most of which you couldn’t even see since the surface was covered with drawings, bills, and photos. 

“I wasn’t expecting to actually meet with you.” Severus finally broke the silence

“You’re partnering up with Potter’s Potions.” James answers perplexedly. 

“CEOs would just send representatives to settle these things, don’t they?” Severus laces his fingers together and places them in front of him. 

“I..uh..I’m not the CEO.” 

Severus lets out a “Huh” before beckoning for James to continue. The bespectacled man recounts how his life unfolded in the past 10 years. His father died not long after his graduation from Hogwarts, forcing him to put his Auror Training on hold to manage the company. In boyish pride, he thought that acclimate to becoming the head of the company in no time; as if it was his birthright. Only for it to plummet to becoming almost bankrupt not even 2 years under his authority. 

“So you’re demoted to Salesman now?” Severus tries to stifle a chuckle, James supposes that he deserves all the condescension. 

“Kind of. Remus is the CEO, I still hold the majority of the stocks and all that–” James looks at Severus and felt self-conscious under the Slytherin’s unrelenting stare “–businessy…stuff. I’m still the face of the company and I am the one sent to close off important deals…and stuff” James Potter get a hold of yourself. 

“Lupin…” Severus tilts his head “It fits him, being the CEO.” he smiles to himself. James felt a wave of jealousy. 

“I always saw him as the quiet leader. The one making sure that everything’s in order.” the man continues. James nods, jealousy quickly getting replaced by the permanent feeling of gratitude he holds for one of his best friends. Moony saved the company and built it up to be more than what it was. He broke away from primarily selling Sleakeazy’s to partnering up with up-and-coming potioneers and securing manufacturing rights to innovative potions. Being the recluse that he is, he refused James’ offer of including his surname in the company’s name, arguing that ‘Potter-Lupin…Lupin-Potter…doesn’t really roll off the tongue well…’ In less time than it took for James to ruin the company, Remus Lupin had breathed new life into what his father had built up from the ground. Potter’s Potions became a household name again. 

“I guess being a high-end salesman fits you too,” Severus says. James felt giddy when the Slytherin still kept the smile on his face “You always had a knack for charming yourself out of detention.”  The smile quickly became mischievous. 

“I use my charm for good now! I swear to Merlin’s Beard itself.” 

“Are you sure about that? Maybe you’re just tricking a poor Potioneer into signing over rights to his potion only to see a fraction of the wealth?” 

James lets out an exaggerated gasp. “I would any other Potioneer but never you. You’re special.” 

Severus quirks his brow, instantly making James realize why Bryn felt so familiar. 

“What kind of example will I be setting for my son if I sign with such a crooked company?”

The reality of all of it hits James like a truck. For a while, he had forgotten the elephant in the room. 

“We at Potter’s Potions recognize the value of the minds that develop the product we sell. We will provide you with an initial payment that will, between the two of us, get you set for life. Then you will see a paycheck for every sale of your product for as long as they’re on the shelves. Which will get you set for two more lives.” James hits every mark, his tone calculatingly casual. 

Severus laughs again. It felt kind of off to James. Not because it was different but more because it was too frequent. Too free. ‘I suppose that’s just the liberty that comes from growing up.’ He thinks to himself. 

“Such a refined Salesman you are, James Potter.” 

James bites his lips to stop himself from smiling like a child. 

“Can you give me time to read over the contract?”

“No problem, take all the time you need.” 

“Good. Because that one might want a word with you.” 

Severus points at something behind James. The Gryffindor turns to see a tuft of black hair poking out of the stair’s railing. “Bryn, eavesdropping is unbecoming of a man.” 

Bryn reveals himself and walks down the stairs, arms crossed in front of him “It’s a good thing I’m still a boy.” 

Severus laughs again. “Do you want to have a word with Potter?” 

“Multiple.” 

“Of course. Sentences even?” 

“Paragraphs.” 

“A long talk then?” 

Bryn waves his hand to make the “so-so” gesture. 

“Very well then, close up the shop for now. You can take Potter wherever you want.”

James was swept up in all of it. Bryn shared the same blunt humor with his father. Talking to them was like a form of mental exercise. The Gryffindor couldn’t hide his smile anymore. 

“Dad…” Bryn visibly cringes “Mr. Potter? Father? Yuck.” 

“Ouch…?”

“No it’s not you, I’m just not used to it. What do you reckon I can call you for now? While I get used to it, I mean.” 

“Does Prongs sound any better to you?”

“Prongs. Weird name but I’m oddly detached enough from it not to feel embarrassed over it.”

“It’s an old nickname back in Hogwarts.” 

“You gave yourselves nicknames?”

“My friends and I, yes. Moony, Pads, and Wormy.” 

“Did my Pa get a nickname?”

James purses his lips.

“Snivellus.” Severus answers from behind him. “They used to make fun of me because I cried a lot.” 

“Oh.” Bryn answers, staring back at James again. “I forgot that you were mean as a kid, Prongs.”

James couldn’t say anything. 

“Prongs.” Bryn repeats “I think I’m getting used to it now. Stay here, I’ll close the shop, and let’s go out to talk Prongs.” The boy chuckles to himself while muttering ‘Prongs’ as he skips towards the door that leads to the shop.

James turns back to Severus, who is now flipping through numerous pages of the drafted contract. 

“Severus…we’re going to be discussing this right?” 

“Our son? Or the contract?”

“Our son.” 

“Do you want to?”

“Why would you think I wouldn’t want to?”

Severus shrugs “I don’t know.” 

The realization dawned on him quicker than lightning. James felt like the floor was taken from under him and he was back 2 days before graduation again. Sinking. Dry.

“When you…” James pinches the bridge of his nose “The day you asked me that question, you already knew that you were carrying him?” 

“Pretty much.”

James stutters out a sentence but he couldn’t even get a proper word in. Severus just stared at him vacantly. It bothered James that the Slytherin wasn’t giving him anything. Not anger, not sadness, not even forgiveness. Just a placating expression that says ‘I’m past this.’ 

“Prongs. Let’s go.” Bryn was carrying the black cat that was sleeping on the counter. He stuffs the cat in a big messenger bag which he wore across his body. “Gareth’s coming with us.” 

Gareth the cat poked his head out of the bag, he doesn’t seem to be in any distress. In fact, he seemed to be excited about going outside. 

James glances back at Severus, who is looking straight at him. “I want to talk about it.” 

The Slytherin smiles.

“Okay.” 

When James’ said that he was the face of Potter’s Potions, he meant that literally. Remus had the brilliant idea of including photos of James in promotional materials and etching his face onto each and every product they sell. And much to James’ chagrin, it worked. He became some sort of celebrity over the years. Sirius told him once “You’re probably the sexual awakening of the new generation of witches and wizards across Britain mate, like Betty Crocker.” to which James teased him back with “Your sexual awakening is Betty Crocker?” 

James’ job was mostly just sitting pretty, talking to investors during fancy get-togethers, sitting pretty, closing contracts with new Potioneers, and sitting pretty. As the company grew exponentially, James also became in charge of training new salesmen to close deals for him. And with that, the sales department became a well-oiled machine. James was only reserved for high-end deals and clients that the company could not risk losing. Otherwise, the salesmen under him would do the job for him. That is why when Remus suddenly assigned him to travel to the outskirts of North Wales to close a deal with some nobody Potioneer, James was completely confused. 

“I need you to do this for me James, it’s important to me.” 

“I mean, I’m going to do it Moony, don’t worry about that. I just need more information here. What is it about this guy that makes it necessary for me to close the deal?”

Remus purses his lips before continuing “I am friendly with a pack in Wales. One of them let it slip to me once that someone was brewing an improved version of Wolfbane at a fraction of the time and cost it takes to brew it.”

“So this deal. It isn’t commercial at all isn’t it?” 

“I’ve consulted with Sirius in the Ministry about this. Potter’s Potions could manufacture the improved version and supply it to the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. And to…and to anyone who needs it.”

James nods. 

“This is the one favor I’ll ever ask of you, James.”

“I’m doing it Moony. Even if I lose an arm and a leg for it, I’m closing this deal.” 

“I’ve been in contact with the potioneer through my friend, but I haven’t personally met him yet. I don’t even have his name. All I know is that he’s interested.” Remus hands him a pile of paperwork “He’s aloof. Frustratingly so. But I trust you.” 

James takes a mental note to have a long conversation with Moony once he gets home. He’s half convinced that Remus knew that Severus was this mystery potioneer and sent James specifically as some calculated move. Half of him also thinks that Remus is far too smart to send one of Severus’ exes to close the most important deal in his life. But the whole of him knows that Remus doesn’t know about Bryn and he would never pull the rug out from under him like this. So James couldn’t really be mad. He couldn’t really be anything but confused. 

Gareth meows from inside Bryn’s bag, the boy takes out a treat from a candy tin and gives it to the black cat “Such a spoiled cat.” 

“Speaking of cats, you have lots of them in your house. I counted Seven.” 

“We have 14 and counting. But most of them come and go. Only Gareth, Steph, Ana, and Gwyneth stay in the house full-time.” 

James hums as if he knew who any of those cats were. 

“So who is it that loved cats first, You or your Pa?”

“My Pa.” Bryn hands Gareth another treat “He told me that they kept him company when he moved here. Gareth’s older than me you know? He had been with my Pa since day one so he deserves all the treats, I guess.” 

“I suppose so.” 

The two of them walk by the path that overlooks the coast. James takes in the salty air, a welcomed change of pace from the usual dusty London air. 

“Pa also does that.”

“Hm?”

“Take in the air like that.” 

“It’s nice on the face.”

“You’re weird.”

“Well, I’m your dad apparently so that makes you half weird by blood.”

Bryn blows a raspberry at James and the Gryffindor blows it right back. They both laugh at the fact right after. James felt good. He felt a new kind of happiness that he never felt before. Perhaps it’s the same feeling his dad used to get whenever they would run around the Manor’s garden. James felt young and old at the same time. 

“Earlier, you already knew my name.”

“Yeah.”

“So Severus always talks about me?”

“Not really.” James makes a gesture of clutching his heart in pain, Bryn chuckles at it “He tells me about you when I ask.” 

James hums.

“So what do you think about the real deal?”

Bryn tucks his mouth to one side before answering “You’re as funny as Pa says you are.”

“He thinks I’m funny?”

“Hilarious.”

James felt a surge of warmness fills his chest. Severus never admitted to it when they were…still together…but he knew that the Slytherin found him at least entertaining. The first time the boy ever laughed at him in earnest was when he slipped up on a spell which he quickly made an excuse for. Severus laughed with little to no sound coming out of him, he would cover his face with one of his hand and then slaps James’ arm with the other. James felt like a winner every time. 

“We’re here.”

The two of them reach a small makeshift park. The perimeter of the field was marked with short wooden fences, the grass within that was long flattened by the kids who played there. Bryn calls out to a group of boys kicking around a football. They all gather around James, curious about the stranger in a fancy suit. 

“Who’s the guy Bryn?”

“Prongs.”

“That’s his name? It’s weird sounding.”

“It’s his nickname. His name is James.”

“Oh. Then that’s normal sounding.”

“Prongs is my dad.”

“Cool.”

“And he’s here”

“Yes.”

“Then I want you to take back what you said about me being a liar. Because I’m not a Bastard, Owen.”

James' eyes flick back and forth between the boys. He wonders if he spoke like that too when he was Bryn’s age. He was pretty sure he spoke with more childishness to it, always making sure that he was on top and never letting insults pass. He was certain that Remus spoke with the same kind of bluntness that these boys do, though. Maybe it’s a Welsh thing. 

The kid named Owen tilts his head. “James, are you married to Bryn’s Pa?”

“...no?”

“See, then you’re still a liar Bryn. You’re still a bastard.”

“But my dad is right here.”

“But he’s not married to your Pa.” Another kid says

“So they need to be married for me not to be a bastard?”

The boys nod in unison.

“Huh. Okay.” 

One of the boys pats Bryn’s shoulder “It’s okay Bryn, you’re still our friend even though you’re a bastard.”

“I suppose it doesn’t really change anything does it.”

“Nope. Also, your dad looks like the guy in my mom’s potions, so it’s all cool.”

“That’s because he is. James is James Potter. From Potter’s Potions.”

The boys all gasped in shock. One of them pulls James by the collar to take a closer look at him. When he confirmed that he was indeed the guy from his mother’s potions, he jumped up and down in excitement. All of them said a version of “Your dad is cool, Bryn.” and his son seemed to beam at every iteration. Completely forgetting the fact that he just learned that he fits the definition of a bastard. 

James decides to do the righteous thing and put Bryn further in their good graces by giving each of them his golden leaf-covered calling card. They all held it with stars in their eyes. 

When the novelty of meeting James subsided, they invited him to play a round of football with them. James failed at it. He couldn’t translate his out-of-practice Quidditch skills into football skills at all. He settled with playing as the goalie and casting wandless charms whenever a kid seems like they’re going to trip. Bryn was laughing, breathily, much like how Severus always used to. James felt like a winner, like how he always used to. The game ended when one of the boys got called for dinner time, acting as a cue for the rest of them to head home. 

Bryn heads towards his bag that he left by the fence. Gareth was still in it, the old cat still sleeping. The boy coos at him, the cat purrs. As Bryn fetches his bag, James notices him yawning. 

“Bryn, hand me the bag, I’ll carry Gareth for you.”

His son doesn’t protest. When James had secured the messenger bag across his body, he bent his knees to a squat.

“And I’ll carry you.”

Bryn lets out another chuckle, wiping his eyes before allowing himself to be carried on James’ back. The Gryffindor walks up the same path, the breeze noticeably colder than before. 

“Bryn.”

“Prongs.”

“Have you ever asked your Pa the reason why I’m not around?”

His son shifts behind him before answering.

“He told me that it’s not because of me.”

“That’s all?”

Bryn hums

“Pa always told me that if you met me you would adore me.”

“He’s right about that.”

Bryn’s laugh turns into a yawn “Nice to hear. Nice to hear.” His son slumps over his back, cheek now resting on his shoulder. When they finally made it back to the ramshackle shop, Bryn was already asleep. 

The shop seemed more inviting than when James first set foot in it. The ceilings felt like they were the perfect height, it was almost caressing each shelf in the room. The creak of the wooden floor acted like the voice of the house welcoming each person who came in. The cats were all awake, rushing over to James' legs at the sound of the bell. Gareth jumps out of the messenger bag to meet his family, the black cat is still brimming with energy despite his old age. The door behind the counter opens, and the vials do their dance. 

“We might’ve overdone playtime, he was knocked out the moment we finished.”

Severus rushed over to check up on Bryn, a soft smile on his face. 

“I’ll tuck him in.” He says in a whisper “Do you mind?”

James turns his back so Severus can reach for Bryn. The Slytherin carries his son in his arms and gestures for James to follow him inside the house. Their army of cats follows suit, tales swaying back and forth. They went up the stairs, the walls were filled with framed photos of Bryn through the years. He was relieved to see that in all of it, his son was smiling. Despite everything, Severus had raised a happy child. 

Severus enters one of the two rooms in the hallway. Opening the door revealed bright yellow walls and stacks of books littering the floor. There were cats already on his bed, Severus shoos them and places Bryn on it. The cats immediately jumped back on when he was tucked in, purring at Bryn. The walls were filled with drawings, no different from those plastered on the fridge. James takes a moment to study it. Bryn drew knights, princesses, and warlocks. But also Lions and Snakes. And lots of cats. Somehow, all James wanted to do was to ask Bryn about it. He wants to get to know more about his son and respond with a quip that would make him laugh. But he looks back at Severus, his face somber and tired. Much like how it looked in Hogwarts. 

“Do you still want to talk about it?”

James could hear the sound of the waves crashing into the shore from where he was sitting. The stars shined brighter than ever. The last time he saw the stars so vividly was when he was still back in Hogwarts. Coming into adulthood and spending his time in the bustling city of London made it harder to see the stars, much less to find the time to do so. Time felt like it was paused in the ramshackle shop. People always said that the Welsh had their own pace in life, and they had always framed it as an insult. But now James could see the appeal of it. Of taking things slow. 

Severus hands him a cup of tea, he nods his head in gratitude and sets the cup on a table beside him. The Slytherin sits on the bench next to him. James felt a bit flustered when their arms grazed each other. 

“Fun day?”

“Bryn laughed a lot. His friends seemed nice.”

“They’re a weird bunch.”

“Blunt. They called Bryn a bastard you know? Like all nonchalantly.” 

Severus laughs. 

“It’s their word of the week. Every time they learn a new term they’re always so keen on finding a friend who fits it. More for taxonomy than anything malicious thankfully.”

“Thankfully,” James repeats.

He tilts his head up to look at the moon. It was a waning crescent moon, it looked like the sky was laughing with them. 

“I signed the papers. The terms were more than agreeable. I have to hand it to Lupin, he drives a hard bargain.” 

“He’s really passionate about this. Thanks for…uh…” James felt like he was 17 again “Thanks for signing with us.”

Severus smiles.

“It came at a perfect time. I was getting worried about finances since Bryn’s about to enter Hogwarts soon.”

James perks up “He’s going to Hogwarts?”

“Of course he is. Where else would I enroll him?”

James shrugs.

“Does he feel inclined to join any houses?”

“I’ll end your dream once and for all Potter. It’s not Gryffindor.”

James does an exaggerated pout. 

“It’s not Slytherin either…or even Ravenclaw.”

“So he wants to be Hufflepuff?”

Severus nods. “When I first told him about the houses, he really clung on to how Hufflepuffs are dedicated hard workers. He told me that it reminded him exactly of me, and he wants to be just that.”

“Severus, did you lie to our son about your House?”

“He knows very well that I am a Slytherin. He knows you’re a Gryffindor too for that matter. But I guess…When I had him, I already lost all that Slytherin cunningness. Apparently, if you take that away I turn into a Hufflepuff.”

“I simply can not imagine you in yellow.”

“It’s a garish color. But gold is no better.”

“Gold is way better.”

“Silver is better, it’s more subdued.”

“Alright” James puts his arms up in resignation “Since you are the master of the house, we shall table this conversation for later.” 

Severus rolls his eyes. 

“So,”

“So”

“We have a son together.” James supplies “You never told me.”

Severus leans back on the bench

“Right, I forgot about that.”

“Severus.”

The Slytherin sighs and sets his tea right beside James’.

“I only had a suspicion that I was pregnant before I asked you that question. At that point, what was I to you, really? I knew that with your impulsive bull-headedness, you’d ask me to marry me without sitting on the question of whether you loved me or not.”

James tried to protest but Severus had read him like a book.

“My mother didn’t sit on that question when she had me. And it led her to…a miserable life, to put it lightly. So I wanted to make sure.”

“And I didn’t know the answer”

“Because we were 17 and feelings are always so weird at 17.”

“Yeah.”

“It hurt a lot when you said that. But I don’t think I would’ve believed you if you told me you loved me from the get-go.”

“What would you have preferred?”

“That you’d think about it.”

James hums.

“But you didn’t. Then I confirmed that I was really pregnant and since I was as bull-headed as you, I swore to raise the child on my own.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be.”

“How did you end up in Wales?”

“I always wanted to live by the sea, and Wales just so happened to have a relatively lower cost of living. I gathered all my savings and ran here. The Wizard community here is smaller but they’re all so welcoming, especially to a pregnant teen who looks like a gust of wind would cause him to snap in half. The original owner of this shop–”

“Jackson!”

“The eponymous Jackson. Took Bryn and me in, and when he retired he left the shop to me.”

When James took the story in, he couldn’t help but think that Bryn was right. The Severus in front of him had always been a dedicated hard worker. 

“You should’ve written to me. I could’ve made it easier for you.”

“In the early years, I refused to because I wanted to prove something to myself. But in the middle of it, believe me, I wrote so many letters, most of them detailing how tacky I find the new Potter’s Potions logo to be. It was filled with so much resentment, and it was always been just about hurting you back than it was about Bryn. By the end of it, when all that resentment just dissipated, I felt like I’d already reached that threshold of…awkwardness…I guess? 10 years is an awfully awkward amount of time to suddenly drop the ball on you like that, don't you think?”

James shakes his hand in a “so-so” motion. Severus smiles at him. 

“But if Bryn wanted me to. I would’ve written to you.” 

“He never wanted you to?”

Severus shrugs. “I was just such a perfect parent that he never felt that need for another one.”

James rolls his eyes “You’re being mean.”

“He probably picked up early on that I didn’t want to write. So he never asked. My child is too kindhearted for his own good.”

“A Hufflepuff through and through.”

“You saw his room.”

“Garish yellow.”

“Do you think we could convince him to at least switch to Ravenclaw? Blue is easier on the eyes don’t you think?”

“No. I can never forget about how they beat our Quidditch team during 7th Year. I’d rather have a Hufflepuff for a son than a Ravenclaw.”

“Such a dramatic Gryffindor.”

They share a laugh. The cicadas laugh with them. When they settled down, the two of them absentmindedly leaned against each other.”

“I was in love with you back then. I probably still am.”

“I was too.”

“And you still are? C’mon Sev, follow the pattern.”

Severus straightened his back away from the Gryffindor. 

“Bryn is the love of my life. I’m sorry for…keeping you away from him for this long.”

“No hard feelings. You raised a good child, Sev.”

“I’m not going to keep you away from him. But if you decide on anything it better be more decisive than ‘I don’t know.’ This isn’t a game, Potter. It’s our son.”

“I’m in. If you allow me to, I’m in.” 

“Okay.” Severus reaches over to grab his cup of tea again, James grabs it for him. 

“And us? What about us?”

“Time had gone past us. It’s no longer about us.”

James purses his lips

“You don’t have any suitors I have to battle that you’re hiding, do you?”

“I don’t have time for suitors.”

“Not even some sexy Welsh werewolf you brew Brisbane for?”

Severus raises both of his eyebrows to signal a realization “Now that you mention it…”

“What–who-!” James immediately shuts his mouth when Severus bursts out laughing. “You wound me Sev.” 

“And you? Any suitors Potter?”

“I dated Lily for a while.”

“Oh?”

“It didn’t work out. Especially when she saw me facilitate the crashing and burning of my father’s company. Turns out that a failure of man doesn’t cut it for her.”

“Ah, such high standards.”

“I dated around, no one really stuck. Then I fell in love with my work.” 

“I see.”

“Now I’m here.” James looks straight into Severus' eyes

“You’re here.” Severus stares back.

James leans in.

“I’m not going to allow you to kiss me if that’s what you’re after.”

The Gryffindor groans.

“Can I work for it?”

Severus smiled amusedly, their faces were still close together. It was like they were back in the Room of Requirements again, the want was undeniable. 

“I guess.” 

The Gryffindor stood up from his seat with a smile that bared all his teeth. He looked nothing like how he did in the Potter’s Potions logo, he looked more animated. More goofy. More like he did when they were 17, sneaking out to make-out in an abandoned classroom. More like he did when Severus catches him pretending to be asleep while they were sitting in their favorite spot in the library away from any prying eyes; the sound of their laughter dampened by the bookshelves.

James felt heat on his face and opened his eyes to see an unfamiliar ceiling filled with stains of water. He sits up on the dilapidated couch, a worn-out blanket bunched up by his legs. A calico cat was perched on the rest of the couch by his feet, she was staring at him. James stared back, eventually lunging forward to pick the cat up close to his chest. 

“Good morning Miss–” He looks at her collar “Miss Ana.”

He felt good. 

He walks towards the kitchen that smells of bread, butter, and eggs. Severus was standing by the stove as he fried an egg, a book was on his right hand. Lodged between it was his pointer finger. James smiles at himself, remembering his interaction with Bryn and the wistfulness that he couldn’t place before now.

“Morning” Severus greets

“I’m in love with you, probably,” James answers.

“Hunger does weird things to the brain.”

“My love for you has nothing to do with the brain,” James makes a heart shape over his chest “It’s all in the heart, and it’s shouting ‘I love you Sev’ with each and every thump.” 

Severus makes a fake gagging noise.  

A few minutes later, Bryn (along with his army of cats) comes down the stairs. 

“Oh. Prongs.” 

“Hullo Bryn.”

The boy sits next to his dad, Gareth jumps onto his lap. 

“You’re still here.”

“Yep.”

“You’re here to stay?”

James inhales sharply. “I still have to go back to London for business, but I’ll try to come back here as soon as it’s settled. Maybe I could even take you there? What d’ya think?”

“You’re too eager about this Prongs.”

James shrugs “That’s just who I am Bryn.”

“Are you going to marry Pa?”

“The answer to that–” Severus sets a plate of eggs and toast in front of Bryn “lies with me.”

“Then are you going to marry Prongs?”

Severus sets another plate in front of James, then lastly in front of him.

“Dating a co-worker is inappropriate.” He says, resting his chin on his hands

“Workspace romance. Yikes.” Bryn adds while chewing a piece of toast. 

James continued to plead his case which fell on deaf ears by the time Breakfast was over. 

The Vials danced when James opened the door out to the shop. The cats greet him by rubbing against his legs. He looks towards the counter to see Gareth curled up on the bell. 

“You should really do something about that.” James points out

“Gareth’s a protector, he makes sure that people who want to buy from us really want to.” Bryn replies.

“What he said,” Severus adds. 

James rolls his eyes at the father and son duo. Bryn sat on the stool, a gold calling card peeking its head in his book. The taller leaned forward against the counter, resting his cheek on the back of his palm, a slight smirk to his lips. 

“Well then, I’m off.” 

“Bye Bye Prongs.”

James opens the door and the bell rings, signaling his departure. 

“See you again, James.”

The door closed and James had to blink at it a few times before he realized what Severus had said. 

He tilts his head to read the shabby sign that says “Jackson’s Potions” and smiles to himself as he makes his way toward the nearest Train station. A spring in his step. 

EPILOGUE

“What?”

“This is my son, Bryn and I’m showing him around Potter’s Potions Headquarters today.” 

“...What?” Remus repeats. 

“I’m Bryn.” 

“.......What?” 

James pats Bryn’s shoulders “I think that’s permission to roam. Let’s go Bryn!” the two, starts walking out of Remus’ office. The werewolf protests with a series of “No”s

“Sit down James Potter!”

“Prongs your friend is scary.”

“Shame on you Moony, you’re scaring my son.”

“You’re scaring me!” The boy echoes. 

“Just. sit. Down.”

Remus had his mouth agape the entire time James retold the story of how he discovered he had a son hidden from him for 10 years. By the end of the story he was pinching the bridge of his nose, he seemed like he had aged 20 years just from listening to it. 

“It’s really nice to meet you Moony.” Bryn says, tilting his head a bit. 

“Nice to meet you too Bryn. Sorry you have Prongs as a father.”

“Hey!”

“It’s alright. My Pa balances him out.”

“See, Sev balances me out.”

Remus rolls his eyes. “Let Uncle Moony show you around, I know Potter’s Potions like the back of my hand. Your father only knows my office, the lobby, and the salesman’s floor.”

“Okay!” Bryn replies enthusiastically. 

“I feel like I’m losing the room here.” James protests

Moony and Bryn close the door from behind them. 

“Huh” Sirius tilts his head “Okay then.”

“What?”

“Dude, Peter owes me so much galleons for this. But honestly, he bet pretty logically. If there’s going to be someone who bears an illegitimate child, it’s going to be me.” Sirius slaps James on the back “Thank you for breaking the mold mate.” 

“Bryn is not my illegitimate child. He’s just my child!”

“You’re not married to Snape now are you?”

“I am working on it.” 

“Terms are terms. Now Bryny…let Uncle Pads tell you about the Marauders’ best moments.” 

“The Marauders? You mean the band of bullies my dad was in?”

James was sure Sirius busted an artery upon hearing that.