All my plot bunnies

First thing, he went to the apocathery to pick up that item that he's been eyeing for the last few months and then he headed to his next stop.

Zonko's.

He walked to the front of the store. Paying no attention to the other students milling about, talking about the previous week's classes, complaining about the newest assignment that professor Flitwick gave them for the month and whispering quietly about the upcoming NEWTs. Ignoring the chatter of gossip about some Ravenclaw fifth year and her feud with Mildred Stills, fourth year Hufflepuff, for supposedly stealing her boyfriend. He barely even noticed the group of muggleborn thirdyears oohing and aahing at the many magical toys on the shelves of the store as he walked passed.

James simply made his way to the cashier, glancing briefly at the clock on the wall to make sure that he didn't waste too much time. There are only so many hours in the day and he managed to waste most of the bloody morning trying to figure out what to wear and what to do with his hair... which still looks like a bloody mess, but there's nothing to do about it now.

He made it to the cashier, waited about two minutes before the fourth year Gryffindors in front of him finshed paying. One of the boys, Anthony Gretchen, asked about the Quidditch try-outs for next year and whether or not he stood a chance to get picked. He had bright eyes and entirely too much enthusiasm. While James would normally entertain the questions of his many fans, particularly those concerning his favourite sport, he didn't have the time. He sent the teen off with a half-assed assurance that he was sure to do well as long as he practiced enough. Surprisingly, it worked out great and Anthony quickly scurried off with his friend a few moments later.

"Well, if it isn't my most valued customer." The portly man said on the other side of the counter, his moustache bending with the grin that spread over his face as he pushed the brim off his glasses up his nose. Grey hair with only a slight balding spot from what James could see as he leaned over the counter a bit, "What'll you be having today?"

"Morning Seamor." James greeted as he placed his purchase on the counter, "I'll just take this for today."

The old man raised an eyebrow, "Really now, just this?" and he smiled again, "You know, I just got a brand new slimeshooter in last week, its supposed to hold twice as much slime as the old one; even though its half the size."

James gave a sheepish smile. He's not surprised by the man's behaviour. The Marauders truly are his best customers; buying more toys, tricks and pranks than anyone in Hgsmeade ever did from his store. But, James isn't here for any prank related items. At least not this time.

"Maybe next time." He said, "I'll just take this."

"Well..." The man trailed off as he picked up the item in question.

Its a bear.

About the size of a text book, it had bright pink fur with almost glowing amber eyes, a glittering purple bow on the top of its head. Its belly had a large white heart over it to go with its furry white paws. It was charmed to carry the light scent of raspberries and the lable on ribbon tied around the bear's neck stated that the bear was charmed to grow to become six feet tall, once the bow on the powder blue ribbon was released.

"Bella Bear." Seamor said giving the teen a look over his glasses, "This doesn't seem like something you would normally choose for yourself."

"It... uhm. It isn't." James swallowed hard, "It's for someone else."

"Oh." The man started to smile, "A fair maiden, perhaps?"

James could feel his cheeks warm, "Yes."

Seamor's head gave a tilt, "Well, this is certainly a very... sweet gift. Girls these days are strongwilled, a bit stubborn. You're sure she'll like it?"

James pushed his glasses up to the bridge of his nose, "She likes cute things, things that sparkle. Loves them, actually. Her favourite colour is pink and... she loves raspberries and tomatoes."

"Tomatoes?"

"Yeah, its the weirdest thing."

"And she likes pink and things that sparkle. Sounds like quite the little princess."

James chucked softly before shaking his head, "I found her a book on fiaries last week, you know; the muggle sort with those huge wings."

"The big glittering ones. She must have liked that."

"She loved it. She's such a... girl. Sometimes I think its a little mad since-" he cut himself off when he realised that Seamor was sitting there watching him babble on like a moron. James' flush burned warmer.

"Just the bear, please."

Seamor let out an amused chuckle of his own, "Just the bear it is."

As he started to ring him up, James tried to force away the blush in his cheeks only for the older man to speak again.

"Although, if you're really looking to impress your fair maiden, you might like to get her something to nibble on as well. Raspberry sweets are a good start and I'm sure Honeydukes has something that might taste like tomatoes."

James paused in thought, "Maybe... I'm just afraid it might be a bit much."

"Too much? There's no such thing, princess' aught to be spoiled. That's how its meant to be." He handed James a package, that's when he realised that Seamor set the toy in a bag with pink and silver gift paper. He flushed all over again, just before he paid and made his way out of the store.

James shrunk the bag before leaving and quickly put it in his pocket before anyone else could see it.

Originally he'd planned on heading straight back to the castle after making his purchase, but then he paused as he looked over to Honeydukes just a few stores away and let out a soft sigh before he headed towards the store.

James walked out about ten minutes later and realised that he may have gone a bit overboard. The frosted tomato cupcakes were stupidly cute and probably good enough, but then he saw a small basket of raspberries done up with a white ribbon and pink netting enchanted to sparkle every time it was touched... and then he noticed the purple laughing taffy in the shape of butterflies with gold sprinkles and then of course there were those charmed sugar quills and he certainly couldn't leave without those-

This is a nightmare.

He looked down at the bags and noticed with a slight grimace that a few students had stopped to stare at him curiously. He realised that if he was going to do this without losing his nerve, he'd need to get back to Hogwarts; before the more rational part of his brain kicked in.

So he went back to the carraiges and made it back to the castle in no time.

James went from the main entrace, then through the halls and corridors. Ignoring the students that would greet him here and there as he made his way through the school. Down, down, down to the dungeons, where a few second year Slytherin stared at him in suspicion as they huddled up against the wall. James just thanked the fact that he hadn't run into any of the older snakes. Maybe he should've gone to the tower to get his cloak first, but he didn't want to lose his nerve on the way there. James just kept his mind on his destination, mindlessly thumbing at the shrunken items in his left pocket, while keeping a steady grip on his wand in the right.

He made it passed the entrance to the Slytherin common rooms, down further towards the head of house quarters but stopped just a few meters before he could reach Slughorn's rooms.

He stopped at a dark oak door, there were silver runes carved into the frame surrounding the door and a bright silver handle without a keyhole. James took a deep breath, and then another one as he dragged a hand through his hair resisting the urge to check on his clothes. Noticably free from any Gryffindor colours. A green shirt with brown slacks and a pair of dress shoes. The green felt a bit too Slytherin for his taste, but his mother told him once how the colour paired up really well with his eyes and made the bright hazel stand out a bit more. James didn't really see it but his mother was usually right about those types of things.

One more breath and before he could convince himself to chicken out he reached up and knocked on the door.

There was a moment of silence, about four seconds worth; so James knocked again. Another moment and then the runes around the door began to glow. James stood still and waited and waited... and waited before finally letting out an annoyed huff.

"You're obviously in there, just open the door."

Another moment, James was genuinely concerned for a second, only to sigh when the runes stopped glowing and he heard the soft clack of the lock. The door opened and James had to fight back against the urge to smile when a pair of dark dark eyes stared at him in annoyance, just as the teen on the other side of the door folded his arms over his chest. His hair is up again, tied away from his face with strands brushing against his cheek and neck, he was wearing a loose grey shirt with black pants, feet wrapped in grey socks.

"What do you want now, Potter?"

"I came to see you, of course. Also," He started digging in his pockets until he felt one of the shrunken items and took it out. The pink bag; perfect! He enlarged the bag back to its original size and held it up towards the Slytherin, "I brought something for Cal."

Severus' eyes narrowed down slightly, "Again?"

"Yes, again."

"She doesn't need anything else, Potter. My child is perfectly fine."

"So you keep saying, but this doesn't have anything to do with what she needs."

"Then what is this about?"

"Nothing." James explained, "I just... I saw this and I thought; why not?"

"Because she doesn't need it."

"C'mon, Sev-"

"Potter-"

"Its just a gift. I just wanted to do something nice, that's all." the raven just stared at him in silence and James leaned in, against the doorframe, "Its pink and sparkly and soft and we both know she'll love it and she'll be really upset when she realises that you wouldn't let her have it."

"She's three, this time tomorrow she won't remember that you were here."

James huffed out a sigh of frustration, "Why do you always have to be so difficult?"

"I'm not being difficult. I'm saying no and you're refusing to listen. If anyone is being difficult here its you."

"But I-"

"James!" A voice suddenly cried out and Severus tensed as he looked back over his shoulder, James' gaze snapped over to the tiny figure standing a few feet behind the Slytherin and grinned. She had pitch black hair pinned out of her face with an ornate silver hair clip with green stones, she had dark eyes just like her bearer, rosie cheeks almost seemed to flush a bit more as she smiled big and bright, her yellow sun dress coming up just below her knees

"Hey there Cally." Before Severus could react the girl had run right for the door and James went down to a crouch to accept the hug, wrapping his arms around the child who hugged him back tightly. She smelled like herbs, flowers and somesort of... fruit. James knew that Severus was constantly brewing things for Callisto. Health potions, things for her hair and skin; not that she needed any of it but James learned quickly enough that Severus was a very protective parent. Which is why he isn't surprised that the Slytherin cleared his throat and was crouched down beside them to quickly - but gently - pull them apart.

"Callisto, what did I tell you about doing that?" He scolded softly as he pulled the girl into his arms. Callisto didn't seem too bothered though, already beaming as she held her hands out for the pink package beside James.

"Mine?" She asked staring expectantly at the Gryffindor who only looked at Snape.

"Well Severus? Is it hers?"

The girl looked up at her Papa, who stared back into those dark eyes that echoed his own and let out a silent sigh.

"Yes."

James grinned as he handed the gift bag to the girl who almost squealed as she grabbed it. Severus sighed again as he stood with the girl in his arms and turned to walk inside.

James stood up as well, but didn't go in.

"May I come in?"

"... fine."

He walked inside the quarters and shut the door behind him.

There were family quarters in just about every house section of Hogwarts, meant for professors who stayed at Hogwarts fulltime and potentially wanted to start a family. Helga Hufflepuff had insisted and apparently even Salazar Slytherin couldn't argue with her logic.

The quarters didn't look all that different from the Slytherin common rooms; just black, silver and geen as far as the eye could see, with some browns and blues to warm it all up a bit. Severus walked over to the living room area to sit on the black leather couch with its polished mahogany frame and set Cal down beside him. James sat down as well, ignoring the Slytherin's stare as he sat down on the girl's other side, while she excitedly tried to get the bag open and struggle with the silver gift paper on the inside.

Severus' lips quirked up in a slight smile as he reached out, "Do you need help?"

"Yes." She nodded eagerly and Severus carefully opened up the bag and reached inside to pull out the pink teddy. James had to cover up a laugh when the raven frowned at the offendingly pink sparkly thing, but the moment was short lived when Cal squealed again before reaching out to grab it and hugged it against her chest.

"Its so pretty!" She screeched before she looked over to the Gryffindor, "It's really mine?"

"Of course it is." He smiled and then got up from the couch as he reached for the bear, "Come here, let me show you something."

Severus opened his mouth to protest but Cal was already scrambling out of his grip to join James on the carpet beside the couch. He took in a deep breath and watched as the Gryffindor took the bear and set it down.

"Now, pull this ribbon here." James said pointing to the blue ribbon around the bear's neck. Severus tensed slightly but didn't move just as the girl spoke.

"Why?"

"Its a surprise."

Cal frowned for a brief moment, but still reached out to the end of the bow and pulled it loose. There was a soft pop and a light puff of glittering smoke. Cal's eyes went wide and her mouth fell open in a gape when the bear was suddenly more than ten times its original size. Severus' eyes went wide as well only to snap out of his shock when Cal cried out and jumped onto the bear. The Slytherin flinched at the almost earbursting screech, before shutting his eyes as he prayed for patience.

"I love it! I love it! Love it!" She babbled at the top of her lungs before suddenly turning back and hugging the Gryffindor fiercely. Tiny arms barely applying any pressure at all but James still felt his chest warm so much he could barely breathe.

"Thank you, James!"

"You're welcome, Princess." He pressed a kiss on her cheek and then pulled back just as she jumped on the bear again.

James smiled as he watched the girl continue to lose her mind since the bear sparkled and smelled like raspberries and-

"I should hope, that this is the last surprise for the day." He heard Severus drawl out and James smirked as he looked over to the Slytherin on the couch.

"Of course not," He said as he went back to his previous seat, "Princess' aught to be spoiled."

The Slytherin stared at him in silence for a moment, his lips pursing and his eyes narrowing seemingly in confusion before the look just as quickly vanished and he looked away.

"I suppose, you'll be staying for dinner again."

James blinked, "Yes... I mean, yeah, sure." He swallowed hard and tried not to sound as eager and excited as the three year old currently attempting to smother the bear on the floor, "But I mean, I know you only cook for you and Cal so, if there isn't enough-"

Severus got up and headed for the kitchen, "There's enough."

James valiantly fought off a grin.

The rest of the afternoon was spent playing with Callisto, while also arguing with Severus just enough for James to stay entertained but not so much that he'd annoy the Slytherin into kicking him out. The rest was spent with Severus trying and just barely succeeding in making sure that Cal didn't devour all of the cupcakes and sweets that James brought as well. Promising that she could have one of the treats after dinner.

As for dinner, it was obscene.

The whole time James sat at the small kitchen table, watching as Severus fed Cal and smiled at the girl while she beamed right back at him. Pouting when he insisted that she eat all of her vegetables and giggling when Severus leaned in to press a kiss on the top of her head or cheek. James sat watching them as he ate his perfectly seasoned lamb, fluffly mashed potatoes and perfectly cooked greens. Even his goblet of water tasted sweeter.

Alright, so maybe he's exaggerating. But everything felt so...

He's been doing this for over two years now. Sneaking down to the dungeons to spend time with Severus and Callisto because-

Well, the first time had been nothing more than curiosity, but eventually it became concern and then a routine. And then James just stopped trying to answer those questions that sometimes formed in his mind, everytime he made the trip down to the dungeons or back to the tower later on. He's not sure when that happened, though.

It might have happened when Severus first started letting him stay to play tea time with Cally, on a stormy day when it was too cold to go outside. Or maybe it was that first time when Snape cooked and Cally begged her Papa to let James stay a little bit longer. Or maybe it was that first Christmas when he chose to stay at school without the other Marauders. They ended up falling asleep on the carpet in front of the fireplace and James woke to find both of the raven's curled into his sides Christmas morning.

He doesn't know when this turned into a thing that he did, James only knows that he didn't really want it to stop.

After dinner, Severus read to Callisto before tucking her into bed. In the meantime, James busied himself with washing the dishes... by hand, for Merlin's sake. The first time he saw the Slytherin do this he'd been utterly confused. Why not just charm the dishes to wash themselves? Severus just said that he prefered to do it by hand and the topic was never spoken of again.

He could feel those dark dark eyes on his back when Severus came back into the room.

"You're still here?"

James looked back at the raven, who was pulling the rubber band from his hair so that the raven locks would fall around his shoulders. The Gryffindor shrugged.

"Its Saturday, there isn't much else to do."

Severus gave him a very dry look as he walked over, "The great James Potter couldn't find a single one of his devoted fans to keep him occupied for the night? What about your mates?"

James rolled his eyes, "They had their own things to do and I have mine."

Severus shook his head and picked up a dishtowel to start drying the plates. James paused to watch him for a moment before bringing his gaze back down to the soapy water before him to start washing another plate.

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"You didn't have any plans for the day?"

"I finished my last set of assignments for the week, so I managed to find the time for a few of my potions projects before Callisto woke. After that I got the laundry done, set the elves to cleaning, we stopped by the infirmary to get Callisto's next batch of enrichment potions approved with Madame Pomfrey and then-"

"That's not what I meant and you know that." James said dryly and Severus gave him an even drier look as he picked up the next wet plate.

"I have a child, Potter."

"That doesn't mean you can't go out and do something."

"Something like what?"

"I... I don't know." James' lips pursed, "Today was a Hogsmeade weekend-"

"The elves bring me everything I could ever need."

"Well, sure but... I mean-" James stopped and then quickly dried out his hands. "Hold on."

Severus watched, still drying the dishes when James pulled out his wand and reached into his left pocket to take out a tiny package that he quickly enlarged.

"Here." The raven just stared at the brown paper package that was held out to him.

"What's that?"

"Open it and find out." James said with a smile that grew brighter when the raven didn't frown at the thing or take out his own wand to start diagnostic spells before he took it and set down the dishtowel in his hand.

But he did pause, "You bought me something?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Why not?"

Severus blinked at him twice very slowly and James huffed, "Do you need me to open it for you?"

Severus shook his head and got to work at opening the brown paper, seeming to go purposefully slow just to torture the Gryffindor before he finally got to the box on the inside and blinked in surprise.

"Potions instruments."

"Some are made from magically crystallised stone and others have dragon's blood cores. There's a ladle covered in dragon's scales too. The shopkeeper said they're the same tools that Damocles Belby listed in his paper for the Wolfsbane potion, he said they're the best there are and..." At this part James paused for dramatic affect, waiting for those dark eyes to look up at him first before he finished, "Really inexpensive too. When Belby was creating wolfsbane he was looking for cheaper alternatives to use in his experiments and they turned out to be much better than using actual crystal tools or dragon bones. So you don't have to worry about how much they cost or anything-"

"Why?"

"What?"

"Why would you do this?" Severus asked frowning at the other and James had to look away from those endless eyes that stared at him so openly. He cleared his throat and dragged a hand through his hair.

"No reason in particular. I just saw it a while back and thought you'd like it and..." He could feel his cheeks start to warm, "And I couldn't stop thinking about the stupid things so there." He finally looked up at the other, "If you don't want them you can just say so. Like I said they didn't cost much so..." James huffed, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "No, you know what; I bought them for you so just keep the blasted things."

Severus' lips pursed he looked down at the wooden box in his hands, before looking up at the Gryffindor who had turned back to start washing the dishes again. Severus set the box down on the kitchen table and stood beside him to reach for the next plate to dry.

"Thank you."

James almost dropped the pot that he'd started scrubbing as his head snapped over to the Slytherin beside him, who'd dropped his head just enough to cover his face with his hair. James felt a grin spread over his lips.

"You're welcome." He said softly as he kept scrubbing again. "You know, I was actually planning on going out next weekend again..."

"And?"

"And, since you never seem to have any plans I thought... well, Cal might like to visit Hogsmeade. You could take her to Zonkos or Hondeydukes-"

"Potter-"

"And I could go with you. Since Cal is such a handful sometimes so-"

"James." Severus said setting the bowl in his hands down to turn and look at the other and James forced himself to stop as well, "Why are you doing all this?"

"Why not?"

Severus took in a deep breath before letting it back out, "Callisto is not your child-"

"I know that."

"And yet you keep coming here for reasons that I cannot begin to understand and now you want me to go to... Hogsmeade with you? For what possible reason could you-"

Severus was cut off when James suddenly leaned in and pressed a kiss on the Slytherin's lips before quickly pulling back. The Gryffindor could feel the heat flooding his skin as he stared back at the slytherin. Whose dark eyes somehow went darker as he stared back in shock. Mouth snapping shut while his entire form went tense, James cleared his throat.

"I'm not Callisto's father... but I could be."

Severus' eyes went even wider, "What?"

"I spoke with my parents and-" James cut himself off with an awkward chuckle, "They know about your situation, they know that you had Callisto a few years ago and you don't really have anywhere to go after graduation and... they offered to let you both stay with us at the Potter manor, but that there might be talk from other people if you suddenly moved in with me after graduation... because of the situation-"

"James-"

"And I thought, it might not be so bad if people talk." James finished quickly and Severus stared at the Gryffindor in silence, "We'd just need to start an official courtship and-"

"Why?"

"Why not-"

"Prior to Callisto's birth you made it perfectly clear from the moment that we met that you hated me. You called me names, you seemed to be trying to make every single day miserable for me and-"

"And I was an idiot and I was wrong. I had no right to treat you the way that I did and I'm sorry."

Severus' eyes narrowed into a glare, "Did your mother tell you to say that?"

James let out a startled chuckle, "No actually, Mother planned on contacting your guardians and setting up a marraige contract." Severus took a step back and James spoke quickly, "She's not going to do that, I told her I'd handle this situation myself."

"Situation?"

"You know what I mean."

Severus let out a heavy sigh and turned to walk around the kitchen table, James quickly dried his hands and followed.

"I'm not asking you to marry me, its a courtship and you and Cal will have somewhere to stay-"

Severus suddenly spun around to face him, "And what do you get out of this?" he asked accusingly and James paused before taking a step forward.

"I want... this. You and Cal and... all of this and I know I was an absolute arse to you for years and it doesn't really make sense-"

"Exactly."

"But I-I like you, I fancy you. I think I have for a very long time and I was stupid about it. I just want to try and make it up to you." Severus turned away from him and James had to resist the urge to reach out to take his arm and turn him around, "Its just a courtship, the only obligation here is for us to spend time together. I can try to make it up to you and after the courtship period ends, if you don't want anything to do with me then it ends."

"What..." Severus wasn't looking at him, "What happens to Callisto and I, then?"

"Nothing."

Severus turned to look at him with a frown and James continued, "No one knows who Cal's sire is and, they don't need to know." James started to smile, "My parents love children and I know mother's going to adore Callisto. You can stay for as long as you want, even if you don't want me."

Severus took a deep breath, "How long is the courtship period?"

"Six months."

"And then..."

"Hopefully, you'll fall for my charms and be madly in love with me." He joked and Severus gave him a very tired look. Fortunately not annoyed as the Slytherin gave a soft scoff and shook his head. "If not, then you can leave if you want or stay. My mother and father said they'd help out with whatever you need."

"And you'll... you want to be in Cal's life?"

"Yes."

"What about Lily?"

"What about her?"

"You know what." Severus said, those impossibly dark eyes locking onto his own, "I thought you loved her. You've always loved her and now you just don't?"

James wanted to scream in frustration. He had the same conversation with Sirius a year ago after he and Lily broke up. Apparently everyone was shocked and surprised that the relationship would suddenly end after a few months, when he'd been so dedicated in pursuing her. James didn't really understand why. He knows himself well enough to know that he's a romantic, he's never been ashamed of that part of himself. Yes, for a very long time he fancied Lily, for a very long time he was convinced that he was in love with the redhead. But that changed after they started dating. Somehow, things between them just became different, they felt different. And so, James didn't see the point in continuing with it anymore and he could tell that Lily wasn't all that eager either.

Only Merlin knows why she even agreed to go out with James in the first place, when she'd been so adamant in denying him before.

Besides; between school, Quidditch practice, headboy responsibilities and his friends he just didn't have as much time to himself anymore. Sneaking off was getting infinitely more difficult and Callisto had just started saying his name. Of course, he couldn't tell Sirius about that last part.

Their relationship ran its course, it ended and James was fine with that. Padfoot kept asking him what changed, but James couldn't answer him. Things between him and Lily were different, he just wasn't as interested in her as he was before. Why did he need a reason beyond that?

"Why not?"

Severus' eyes narrowed into a glare, "Salazar, you're such an absolute-"

"I had feelings for Lily, I'd be lying if I said I didn't. But that's not how I feel now." Severus shook his head and folded his arms over his chest and James huffed, "You don't believe me."

"No, I don't."

"Why not?"

"Because it doesn't make sense."

"What doesn't make sense? I used to like her, that means I can't like you? I'm not allowed to like anyone besides her?" James said rolling his eyes, "Obviously that makes sense, no wizard has ever fancied someone without fancying someone else. Clearly I am incapable of ever fancying anyone Lily Evans, what could I be thinking? I must have gone mad-"

"That's not what I mean, you boneheaded twat, and you know it." Severus hissed with a dark glare and James felt his lips twitch up involuntarily at the sight and he shook his head.

"I fancy you, why isn't that enough?"

Severus didn't even flinch, "Because the day we met, you insulted me and called me names and that continued for years."

"I know and I'm not going to ask you to forgive me." James said softly and then he looked away. "I told my father about everything that happened, he told me to just apologise and give you space to think. When I told him that I think I fancy you he asked me why and... I didn't know how to answer him."

Severus said nothing and James looked up to see the those dark eyes still staring at him, "I tried to think of one thing that I liked about you, just one and I couldn't think of one. Because when I think about you, I can't think about just one thing. I remember what you look like in potions when you're trying to focus. I think about how you pull your hair back to tie it up and you curl your finger around the rubber band to make sure its on tight. I think about you playing with Cally and smiling every time she laughs. I think about that first day on the train and... how I kept looking at Lily, I couldn't look at you for too long because I'd never see eyes that dark before."

The Slytherin's skin had tinged a light pink and his lips pursed, "Lily-"

"Lily's great. She's smart, beautiful and she's a Gryffindor, through and through. But I like you... and that look you give me when I'm pissing you off."

Severus rolled his eyes and pushed the Gryffindor back, "You're ridiculous-"

"And my father told me to tell you my feelings, explain my intentions and give you space to think about it."

"What are your intentions?"

"To make up for lost time, if you'll let me."

Severus took in a deep breath and let it out, he seemed to struggle with his words for a moment and then-

"The Black's-"

"Sirius doesn't want anything to do with any of this-"

"That doesn't matter."

"It should!"

Bloody hell, Sirius almost got Severus killed and now house Black has the nerve to try and claim Callisto?

It was a heart stopping moment. They'd just gotten out of the tunnel to the Shrielking shack. Severus was injured so James moved as quickly as he could, dragging the Slytherin into his arms and hurrying off to the Hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey confirmed that he was alright, the scratch across his cheek was not from the werewolf. He hadn't been bitten, he was fine. Just suffering from fatigue, nausea, an increased weightloss... Pregnancy.

The mediwitch hadn't known that James was in the room when she read the diagnostic to the raven. He'd snuck back to the infirmary after Dumbledore dismissed them, to make sure that Snape was alright. The Gryffindor was shocked half to death when he heard her read from the clipboard in her hand. Pomfrey herself seemed to be startled by the news.

Snape was not.

James went back to the tower, he told the others what he had heard. Sirius went white as a sheet before suddenly storming out of the room. It would be a month later when he would learn the truth. Sirius was behaving oddly, disappearing at odd times and never explaining where he'd been. One night, James looked on the map and saw the animagus with his brother in the Astronomy tower. He put on his cloak and headed up and yet again received the shock of his life at the words that came from the younger Black.

"They're letting him keep it?" Sirius asked in shock and Regulus blinked at him before his lips pulled into a sneer that twisted his features.

"Are they letting him keep it? What did you think they were going to do?!"

Sirius seemed to ignore him, "Why are they letting him keep it?"

"Why do you think? You were supposed to be heir, as things stand, Severus is their chance at claiming an heir that comes directly through you."

"He's a halfblood."

"Half of that blood comes from house Prince." Regulus said and Sirius' eyes went wide. James had to suppress a gasp from his spot in the aclove a few feet away.

"What? Prince? No way, he can't be. That's impossible."

Regulus frowned at him, "You don't kno..." He trailed off before he just shook his head and glared, "It doesn't matter. I didn't come here for this; I've been told to inform you of the fact that you are not to go near Severus again."

Sirius blinked at him, "What?"

"You are no longer a member of house Black, you have no business going near a bearer associated with the family."

"A bearer associa-" Sirius let out an incredulous scoff, "They can't be serious! They can't possibly want... Mother would never-"

"You stay away from Severus and you are never to tell anyone of any of this ever." Regulus said clearly, "If you try, uncle Pollux will deal with you personally."

The Gryffindor tensed up tremendously even as he took in a shuddering breath and let it back out, "So what? They're accepting bloodfilth into the family now? Fucking hypocrites every single one of you."

Regulus took in a sharp breath, "Piss off, Sirius." he walked around his brother to leave the area.

"I bet Snivellus is bloody ecstatic. The worthless worm finally managed to get in with a pureblood family and all he had to do is whore himself out to do it. Make sure you congratulate him for me."

Regulus paused for a brief moment, before he picked up the pace and quickly left the area. James watched him go, shocked at all he heard only to suddenly jump when he heard Sirius scream before the animagus punched the nearest wall. He flinched at the sound of bones cracking and the blood that streamed from his friend's hand before he clutched the injury with the other and stormed away as well.

The next day, James asked Sirius about Snape, about who he thinks the sire of his baby could be.

"Who cares?" The animagus shrugged and let out a laugh as he joked, "Anyone willing to bed Snivellus must be absolutely demented." he said as he flencehd his hand, free of any traces of the blow from the night before.

After that, James felt uncomfortable even looking at Snape, knowing what he knew. Remus felt uncomfortable and awkward around him but that mostly had to do with the incident in the shack. The werewolf didn't know about the situation with Padfoot, James never told them. He thought that Padfoot would tell them eventually, he thought that surely Sirius wouldn't keep quiet about something like this. Getting someone pregnant? Even if it was Snivellus Snape, their supposed enemy since first year, he wouldn't say nothing.

But Sirius never said a word. The pranking stopped, but that was easily explained away. Things went too far with Moony, they needed to finally stay away from Snape and Snape didn't even seem to blink in their direction anyway. Seeming to stick closer to Regulus Black and spending more time in general around his housemates.

A few months after that Snape's friendship with Lily ended. No one knew why, just that they had somesort of fight and weren't seen around each other anymore.

James kept watching Sirius, waiting for somekind of reaction to Snape from his friend. But other than staring at the Slytherin across a classroom or the Great Hall sometimes, there were no interactions between them. James couldn't understand it. Why wasn't Sirius doing anything about this? How did he and Snape end up...

It was all uncomfortable and strange to think about. James tried to distract himself. He distracted himself with school, and quidditch and Lily who had finally agreed to go out with him.

And then Snape disappeared. By then Snape had started showing, he was very obviously pregnant. He was moved from the Slytherin dorms to his own private quarters. Rumors were running wild, everyone whispered and stared, a few braver souls would attempt to taunt and mock him. Snape mostly ignored them focused on school work. He was always in the library. Rumors came up that Snape was taking his OWLs early. Students questioned who Snape had shagged to be able to get that much mercy from the school system, to not only write his OWLs early and seperate from everyone else, but also leave school for months without explenation.

It was a lot.

Snape disappeared for months and then he came back... with a baby.

James yet again looked at Sirius for a reaction. The animagus went quiet, he became odd. If he was just staying out of Snape's way before, he started to compeletly ignore him then. James didn't get it. He didn't understand how Padfoot could be so... calm about all of this? How was he ignoring it? Wasn't he even a little curious to know about his child? What it looked like or even how it was doing?

Apparently not... but James was so curious he couldn't stand it.

Sixth year, Snape had been seen with his child in the hallways of Hogwarts on occasion. Some students had seen... her. It's a girl. Snape had a girl, people saw her, but Snape never let anyone get too close.

James was dying from curiosity, so he snuck down to the dungeons to get a look for himself. That's how it started and how things, somehow, spun out of control. He never told anyone about what he was doing, never mentioned it. It was his... secret. But he couldn't understand why Sirius was so-

Its like he didn't care. A full year and Sirius had yet to tell them anything, he didn't acknowledge Snape and never even tried to see Callisto from what James could tell.

Sirius doesn't care. He doesn't want anything to do with this. So where does house Black get the nerve interfere anyway?!

James almost growled in frustration, "What do they even care anyway? You know they don't actually care, you're a half-blood. For Merlin's sake, they disowned him! How are they trying to claim Cal after all of that."

Severus paused, "Alphard said that its... insurance."

"Insurance?"

"They know about my mother. In the event that things with Regulus somehow... don't go as planned. Orion wants to make sure house Black will have an heir."

"But Walburga couldn't possibly-"

"Orion said what she thinks doesn't matter, my mother's blood is enough. If they find out about a... courtship they'll take Callisto-"

"House Potter is just as powerful as house Black," James said taking another step closer, "I promise they won't touch her."

"Potter-"

"I'll protect you both-"

"James..." He took in another deep breath, "I couldn't make someone, anyone, raise my child-"

"You're not. We'll do it together and if anyone asks; then you tell them Callisto is mine too."

"What about-"

"We're two months away from graduation, Hogwarts doesn't matter anymore. All that matters is the future. We'll be fine. I know you don't trust me but... you can trust my magic." James said as he took out one final item from his pocket. A wooden box with the Potter crest carved on the lid, "Once you put this on, the courtship begins and-and I will be bound to you and Callisto. I'll protect you. I'll keep you safe and I'll do my absolute best to keep you happy."

Severus sighed, "Why?"

James took a deep breath, shutting his eyes for a moment as he spoke, "I've been going mad since the second I met you and I finally think I know why." he opened his eyes, "I'm absolutely mad about you and Callisto is perfect, so if Sirius won't do right by you; then I will."

"I don't know."

"Just think about it." James set the box on the table before reaching out to take the Slytherin's hands and leaned over to press a kiss on the raven's cheek. "I don't know what happened between you and Sirius, how any of this started-"

"James-"

"And it doesn't matter. I'm here if you'll have me, Severus."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Severus stepped out of the fireplace and Callisto lifted her head to look around the receiving room around them, still clutching the pink teddy in her arms. Her eyes lit up and she immediately started squirming to get out of his arms.

"Callisto, behave." He scolded and she huffed but kept still as he made his way out of the room into the hallway, headed towards the sitting room.

He knew the way well.

The first time he came here was in his first trimester when he was first summoned to the townhouse. He sat in the stiff uncomfortable chair, listened as the purebloods in the room spoke; told him what was expected of him. Told him what he owed them for forcing them to deal with the situation that he created. Told him he had no choice but to do as he was told. At just fifteen years old, what other choice did he really have?

The next time was after he gave birth. He gave birth to Callisto at St Mungos, Lord Orion Black had been there for the birth of the child, his wife Walburga was not. Not that Severus is complaining about that, he hadn't even thought the patriarch of house Black would show up.

The only reason the Black's found out about the issue was because of the family tree enchanted on the walls of the ancestral home of house Black. The tapestry would automatically create a new branch, a new entry into the family tree, once one existed. Though Sirius Black had been disowned, with his face burned off of the tree, that doesn't change the fact that he has Black blood flowing through his veins. When Severus fell pregnant, a new branch appeared from the spot holding Sirius' scorched spot, with his name appearing along with it.

Apparently, Walburga had fainted when she noticed the change and immediately - upon reaching conciousness - contacted Gringotts to find out what on earth was going on. Severus was then summoned to the home of Alphard Black since the Black matriarch refused to let the abomination step foot in her house. Orion Black was there along with his sister Lucretia, Alphard Black with his brother Cygnus and their father Pollux Black. Not the whole Black clan, just enough for Severus to feel completely insignificant and unwanted. Well... more than usual.

It was a long excruciating experience where he simply sat still and said nothing as his fate was decided. It was decided that he would be a... back up plan of sorts. Sirius and his unfathomable rebellion had left them with a problem. He was meant to be the heir of House Black, but since he was disowned those responsibilities fell to Regulus. However, there is a war coming and Pollux Black wanted a gaurantee at the continuation of the bloodline directly through Orion.

At the time, the gender of the child had yet to be discovered. It was decided that if the child was born male, then Severus' child would be named heir. But if the child was female, it would not. Orion had suggested making Severus child a potential heir regardless of the gender.

But that's before the identity of his mother was revealed, at which point Pollux agreed.

Regulus would remain the heir of house Black, however if he is unable to marry and produce offspring for whatever reason, then Severus' child would become the new heir. Cygnus suggested Regulus simply marrying Severus to resolve all of this. Unfortunately, though Severus comes from the Prince line, he's still a halfblood and Regulus their last pure heir. Such a union could not be allowed.

No no, Severus was a last resort.

Months went by, with house Black continously pulling strings on his behalf without allowing anyone know the truth. Don't misunderstand, Severus was grateful for the assistance its everything else that he had a problem with. If he needed something he was to contact Alphard Black, which he rarely did and was always surprised when he received a package from the man. Sometimes he received robes, other times school supplies. No one in school knew who the baby's sire was, besides the headmaster and Madame Pomfrey, of course. Every month Madame Pomfrey would send Alphard Black reports on Severus and the baby's health, in response Severus would get letters from Alphard reminding him to take care of himself. Orion would send him prenatal potions that he brewed himself but otherwise said nothing.

Lucretia seemed mostly unamused by the situation. He received letters addressed to the halfblood harlot, instructions on spells and charms and potions passed down through the bloodline. Each one more patronizing and condescending than the last. Insults on his general appearance and instructions on how to improve his hair, skin and teeth so "the bastard" won't be scared to death once it actually gets here. He ignored them at first, but he couldn't ignore them for too long. Somehow the woman had in fact been checking up on him and was threatening to pull him from school completely to keep him under her charge; if he continued to behave like "ungrateful classless bloodrot".

Pollux Black showed up at school once. Severus didn't speak to the man. He asked Madame Pomfrey and she implied simply that... threats had been made. Threats of what, he wasn't sure, all he knows is that he was reassigned to stay in the Slytherin family quarters the next day.

This went on for months, Severus chose to focus on his studies. Soon enough he started showing, kids in school started talking. And still Severus attempted to focus on his studies. He wrote his OWLs and left school to live with Alphard until it was time for him to give birth and he was taken to St Mungos.

Severus hadn't expected any of the Black's to show up at the hospital, but Orion showed up. Late at night, with a nurse quietly escorting him in and then quietly out.

Orion was there, he picked up the child from the crib beside his own cot, something warm in his eyes as his lips twitched up into a smile and then his eyes went over to the young man on the bed.

"You will name her Callisto." was what he said and again, Severus didn't mind. The entire pregnancy had been a blur, an awkward, confusing, terrifying time where he just tried to focus on his studies. He had no time to think of names. Dealing with the pregnancy and his sickness and the madness of the Blacks had his mind completely occupied, completely overwhelmed. He never paused to think of names. And Callisto... the fact that it was very clearly a family name made him feel... grateful, almost a little hopeful.

"She will keep your last name, unless the circumstances... change of course."

Almost hopeful.

The first six months he was to stay in a house under the family's control, in total secrecy. In the summer, he was not allowed to go back to Spinner's End. Lucretia insisted on Callisto's development being monitored. Insisted on seeing the child for herself to make sure there were no abnormalities. And once she saw the child, much to Severus' confusion and dismay, insisted on being the one to dress her. Alphard Black offered to host him and so Severus would stay in his townhouse.

Pollux Black never came more than once a month, speaking to Severus without ever actually looking at him. Lucretia came at least once a week, also ignoring Severus when he wasn't near Callisto and criticising and admonishing his every move when he touched his child. Cygnus Black showed up twice in the first three years of Callisto's life. He didn't seem too interested in Callisto. He was much more interested in Eileen and exactly what happened after his mother dissappeared from the wizarding world.

He made suggestions, mostly to himself, of what they could do with Severus. After all, he'd spoken to Lucius and the blonde spoke quite highly of the halfblood. He had even mentioned the teen to the Dark Lord on occasion. And now that he's managed to bear a potential Black heir... well, there's plenty they could do with him.

Marry him off to the Rosiers, to maintain that connection so Callisto can more openly be associated with the family. Send him off to the Macmillan's - house Crabbe has already selected an heir, however there was an alleged illigitimate child they wanted to marry off to a suitable match.

It was... a lot.

Fortunately, most of his time was spent around Alphard Black and this lord Black was-

"Alpa!" Callisto cried out excitedly and Severus decided to set the child down and allowed her to run over to the man, standing across the room beside the window looking out into the backyard. He smiled, deep blue eyes lighting up when the girl ran up to him and latched onto his leg in an attempt in a hug.

"There you are. I was wondering when you'd get here." He patted her head and his smile grew when she looked up and beamed at him. "I've missed you terribly, cub."

"I missed you too." She said and Alphard brushed her hair from her face before looking over to Severus.

"Severus, how have you been?"

"Fine, thank you sir." Severus answered, staying where he was by the door and Alphard scoffed with a shake if his head.

"Severus, you're hardly a guest, there's no need for you to behave like one." He said gently urging Callisto back to take her hand. "The elves are preparing the tea. Attle's been baking the sponge cakes since this morning. She's missed you, though she won't admit it."

He walked over to the seats arranged around an ornate coffee table, setting the girl in the loveseat beside him while Severus sat in the seat opposite to them.

"How is school?"

"Its been going well."

"And your NEWTs, Orion owled me. He said your results should be available soon." Alphard asked, "He seems very impressed."

Severus felt himself flush, "I did what I could, I'm hoping for the best."

Alphard nodded and then glanced over to the girl beside him who was clutching a pink bear, before looking back at Severus.

"And how are things with... Sirius?"

Severus looked away, "We do not speak."

Alphard nodded again before looking at the girl who was entirely - and fortunately - preoccupied with the bear with a blue bow around its neck. "And what's this? A new friend."

"Yeah." The girl smiled, "Her name is Milly."

"Is that so? Well, its very nice to meet you Milly. Was she a gift from your Papa?"

"No."

"No?"

"James gave her to me!"

"James?" Alphard looked at the Slytherin wo flushed a bit more.

"James Potter."

"Sirius' friend?" Alphard asked and Severus resisted he urge to sigh.

"He's been... insisting on being around us."

"Why?" Alphard asked with a frown, Severus bit his lip not wanting to answer, but Alphard was different from most of those that came from house Black. Kinder, more understanding. Something close but not quite the same as Regulus at times. Severus doesn't have many friends.

His friendship with Lily fell apart after she found out about his pregnancy. They had a horrible fight. Terrible insults and accusations were thrown back and forth between them until they finally seperated.

Regulus was his friend, and he'd been more understanding than Severus could have hoped for after he found out about the situation. But Regulus was younger and his proximity to the situation made it difficult for Severus to fully express himself sometimes. Alphard Black was also quite close to the situation, but being labled the slightly less aggregious black sheep of the family meant that Severus could speak more freely with the man.

Alphard encouraged it. In the first few months where Severus lived in the house he was never forced to censor himself or choose his words in any way. Things were a bit awkward at first, of course. Considering the circumstances, how could they not be? But Alphard managed to gain his trust, if not because of the man's kind and understanding nature then definitely because of his discretion. He intervened when Lucretia became overwhelming. Threw Cygnus out when he became inappropriate and helped to quietly excuse Severus when Pollux arrived to 'examine' them. Severus was grateful for all of his help.

Severus knew that he could tell the older man anything and he knew that the words spoken would not leave the room.

"He... Potter has requested... He intends to court me."

Alphard's eyes went wide, "What?"

"I-I haven't agreed to it, I don't even understand why-"

"A courtship to you would entail-" Alphard paused, "What does he expect you to do with Callisto?"

"He intends on... taking responsibility." Severus said quickly and Alpahrd's eyes went even wider than before, "Since no one knows who Callisto's sire is, he... he wants-"

The older man looked shocked. He looked down to the child beside him, lips pursing for a brief moment before he called out, "Attle!"

The elf popped into the room grey eyes glancing over to Severus in a slight smile before she brought her attention to Alphard.

"Yes master Black?"

"Please take Callisto out to the garden. Keep an eye on her." Alphard leaned over to press a kiss on the top of the girl's head, "I'm sure Milly would like to spend some time in the daisies."

"Yes, master Black."

Callisto paused to look up at Severus and the Slytherin gave her a soft smile, "Go on, I'll come out soon."

She let Alphard pick her up and set her on the floor. Callisto ran over to Severus and the raven leaned forward to accept the kiss on the cheek.

"O.K Papa." She went over to the elf who took her hand. Attle looked over to Severus.

"Very good to see you master Severus. I've prepared your tea. Attle will be bringing it, when you're ready."

"Thank you, Attle."

He watched the elf leave, watched as Callisto waved back to him before they hurried out of the room. Severus took in a deep breath, shutting his eyes just as Alphard spoke.

"He intends to claim Callisto as his own?"

Severus swallowed hard, "Yes."

Alphard shook his head, "Orion will not be happy. None of them will be happy. Salazar, Lucretia is going to go mad."

"I haven't agreed to anything-"

"But you want to?" He asked simply and Severus looked away.

"I... you told me that my life is my own, that I should make my own choices as I please."

"And you choose James Potter?"

"I... would like the option to decide." Severus looked back to the man. "James promised that Callisto and I would have his family's protection. He said we would have a place to stay and-"

"Severus-"

"I am very aware of my position. My mother has passed and my father is... Being dependent on house Black is not something that I want, at this point lord Orion could take Callisto from me at any point but if I accept James' offer-"

"House Potter would protect you from us?"

Severus looked up at the man, there was nothing accusatory in his tone it was a simple question but Severus still hesitated from answering.

Alphard took a deep breath, "Severus, I meant what I said to you. You should be able to choose what you want, how you want it. I understand that the idea of being bound to house Black is... daunting, considering the circumstances. But you don't have to accept a courtship from someone because of that. Do you even have any feelings for James Potter?"

Severus shook his head, "I don't know... he's been different for the passed few years. Less annoying... less of a brute."

"A brute?"

"He's Sirius' friend, I told you how he treated me. At the time all of this started, there was very little difference between them."

"So you'll exchange one brute for another?"

Severus sighed, "I don't trust him, however he's kind to Callisto and he seems to be trying to change. He gave me a courtship bracelet. He said if I wear it, his magic will bind him to the promises that he's made me."

Alphard nodded, "The charms would prevent him from harming you or Callisto, but only for as long as the courtship lasts and only if you remain faithful to him." Alphard sighed, "I know you're afraid of what will happen after graduation. But you know that I will be more than happy to have you and Callisto here."

"I-"

"And if I should pass, I've already made provisions for both of you in my will."

Severus blinked, "I beg your pardon?"

Alphard scoffed, "My intentions had been to leave all my assests to Sirius. However, under the circumstances, I think it is only fair that my grandniece is provided for as well." The older man glanced around the room, "I don't think this house has ever been as warm and welcoming as it is when you two are here. I want Callisto to have her own home. I left my other properties for Sirius but this one will go to you along with one of my vaults, the other will go to Sirius."

"I... I don't know what to say."

Alphard gave him a warm smile, "You should have the option to choose what you want Severus, without coercion. Now, I can't promise that Orion will not try to claim Callisto as his heir but at the very least, know that you have a home and the means to care for Callisto, regardless of what path you choose."

Severus was stunned silent as the man continued.

"I've always loved my nephew Severus, I still do. But I do not for one moment approve of his actions; in fact I'm very disappointed by them. But the past cannot be changed, he made his choices to deny Callisto and deny what happened between you. You have the right to choose what you want as well." He sighed, "Let me ask you this; do you see a future with James Potter?"

Severus frowned, "I'm not sure."

"But you hesitate in turning him down? I want you to think about why." He let out one final sigh, "Courtship lasts six months, if you agree to it you can test the waters, decide if this is what you want and if it isn't; I want you to know that you will have a home right here. Life should be beautiful Severus, suffering is an abnormlity and that is why we struggle with it. Whatever you choose, make sure it makes you happy."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Morning.

Severus took in a deep breath just before he walked into the Great Hall.

As usual, he got stares and whispers from the Hogwarts student body. The same stares and whispers he started getting three years ago. They were all the same. Shock at his pregnancy, shock that he was able to become pregnant, shock that anyone would get close enough to him to be able to impregnate Snivellus of all people. There were questions on who Callisto's sire could be. Some suspected Mulciber, who made sure to immediately put an end to those whispers. Some thought it was possibly Avery or even Rosier since the blonde had been his dormmate since first year.

A few horrifying rumors suspected that Lucius Malfoy was responsible, resulting in the immense annoyance of Narcissa Black who had to squash those rumors before they could get too far. Severus nearly had to beg the blonde so she wouldn't reveal the truth in her frustration and vindictive annoyance. It turns out that he hadn't had to. Regulus explained that the secret was set to remain a secret under the strict command of Walburga Black, who was hoping to forget all about the "Prince halfblood runt" and his unfortunate bastard. Narcissa would never say a word.

The whispers continued, though they became less intense as time went on. Before picking back up after Callisto was born and then cooling off again.

So as Severus entered the hall, he was able to ignore the whispers and stares as he went. Callisto didn't seem to mind or even really care. She hiked up onto Severus' shoulder to look over to the Slytherin table to enthusiastically wave at Regulus who gave her a soft smile in return, only to start to frown when he noticed that Severus was making his way towards the other side of the hall. Towards the Gryffindor table.

Severus took in another deep breath as he continued on his path, heart beating wildly in his chest.

James looked up and his eyes widened before he scrambled to set his utensils down. Sirius looked up at him at almost the exact same time. He blinked, those grey-blue eyes flickering between the Slytherin and the child in his arms before finally settling on the Slytherin, eyes narrowing and lips pulling into a frown. Lupin seemed to sense the sudden tension and looked up at him as well. Pettigrew seemed preoccupied stuffing his face.

Severus ignored the stormy grey eyes that stared at him and kept his eyes on James as he approached before stopping beside the Gryffindor chaser.

"Sev-" James swallowed what was in his mouth as he stepped over he bench and faced the other. Pettigrew finally looked up in confusion, Lupin stared at him sayng nothing. Sirius glared. Severus ignored them as James continued, "What're-... Hi."

Severus wanted to scoff, but Cal was already beaming at James.

"Morning James!"

The table went quiet as the girl enthusiastically called out the Gryffindor's name. James gave a nervous laugh.

"Morning, Cally. How are you today?"

"I'm O.K and you?" she asked, those dark eyes almost seeming to try and swallow him whole and James smiled.

"I'm alright as well, and you Severus?"

"Severus?" Pettigrew said incredulously. Sirius growled.

"James, what the hell-"

"Your question." Severus said quickly, keeping his eyes on James as he spoke, "What you asked me, the other day."

James swallowed hard, "Yeah?"

"I'm willing to let you try."

James' eyes went wide, "R-Really?"

Severus hefted Callisto up a little more in his right arm, to push the sleeve of his robes up and show the Gryffindor his left wrist.

James seemed to freeze at the sight of the bracelet around that pale wrist, gold links seperated by red and clear stones. "Bloody hell..." he gasped, "Last night, I knew I felt something but I didn't think-"

"Prongs?" Lupin asked and Severus continued to ignore them even as he could feel the look of shock on Sirius' face as he went completely silent.

"I..." James looked into Severus' eyes, searching for something in those endlessly dark eyes before he looked at the werewolf, "Remus, Peter; this is Callisto. Princess, these are my friends."

Peter continued to frown while Remus' head gave a tilt before he looked at the girl, "Hello, Callisto."

"Hello." The girl said politely.

"James." Sirius said loudly and clearly, "What are you doing?!" He seemed ready to get up from his seat but was holding himself back. Hazel eyes snapped over to his friend sharply, his jaw clenched before he almost growled.

"None of your business."

Severus had to look away when he felt those stormy grey eyes on him again.

"James?" Callisto suddenly asked in concern at the look on the Gryffindor's face, "You O.K?"

James looked at the child and he started to smile, "Yeah, yeah everything's great."

"Sure?" She asked as her head gave a tilt and James smile grew into a grin.

"Absolutely." He looked at Severus and before the Slytherin could react, leaned in quickly to press a kiss on the raven's cheek, earning a hall full of gasps and whispers. Severus blushed and James reached out to take Callisto, Severus let him. He pressed a kiss on Callisto's temple. The girl's nose wrinkled adorably as she giggled and threw her arms around his neck, "Are you hungry?"

"I already had breakfast with, Papa. Are you hungry, James?"

"I uhm," The Gryffindor paused to look around them, to the eyes staring openly in shock and confusion, he could very clearly feel the very pointed look he was getting from Sirius as much as Severus did. He smiled a the girl, "No. How about we go for a walk?"

"O.K." Callisto chirped with a nod and James couldn't help but chuckle before holding out a hand to Severus.

"Shall we?"

Before he could convince himself otherwise Severus took his hand and let the Gryffindor lead them out of the room, trying to ignore the stares that followed them as they went. He felt the need to say...

"If you're starting to regret-"

Before he could finish his sentence James tugged him closer into his side, a broom calloused hand tightening around his own as the Gryffindor spoke.

"You look nice today." James said softly and Severus started to flush when, "You didn't have to make yourself pretty for me."

Severus rolled his eyes hard, shoving at the Gryffindor's side, "Your ability to stroke your own ego is astounding."

James laughed.

"Papa always looks pretty, James." Callisto supplied and the chaser looked at the girl.

"Is that so?" And then he grinned, hazel eyes gleaming, "See? Its not just my ego."

Severus rolled his eyes again and, just this once, allowed himself a smile.