The Gift
He’s been practicing throughout the holidays, trying to get it right. Trying to make sure he manages to focus on certain voices while keeping others out.
Telepathy is a complicated gift.
Reading someone’s mind isn’t like opening a box and going through it. A person needs to actually be thinking about something in order for you to be able to see or hear it. Usually, the mind is silent or rather… not silent. The human mind is always at work, sending messages to your body to keep your heart pumping, your lungs breathing, for your eyes to blink when they begin to feel dry. Your arms to move while you eat and your legs to move while you walk. Thoughts and images are constantly moving through the human mind, its only when you stop to focus on a specific thought, image or memory that another may be able to read it from your mind.
That’s why legillimens is such a difficult skill to master, the ability to use your magic to sort through those complicated brainwaves in order to reach a specific memory is quite the task. But James is managing well enough and… and he’s finally about to take what could be the first step to the rest of his life.
As he walked down the hallway he passed multiple students. James tried to focus and isolate each voice that filtered through his mind.
There was a Ravenclaw who was already stressed as he thought of his scores from last term and how he could possibly get an O in Charms this term. A Hufflepuff girl who giggled with her friends, while making a joke about another girl’s hair resembling a wombat’s nest. And then he passed Frank who was on his way out to the courtyard to meet up with Alice. The brunette smiled as he greeted James and James just made sure he didn’t keep the other too long. He seemed excited to see the girl since they haven’t seen each other since the hols started.
All the other voices, he managed to tune out. They were still there, in the background. Low murmurs that he could pick up on here and there, but they weren’t as overwhelming as he feared they may be. James internally thanked his father for spending the time teaching him how to cope with his temporary… gift.
There is a curse, that runs through the Potter bloodline. Though James’ grandfather has always insisted that this birth right was nothing less than a gift, a miracle in its purest form.
When a Potter reaches the age of sixteen, a curse is activated. A curse in which, the heir in question will be granted telepathy; the gift of reading people’s minds.
The catch?
This gift was not a permanent gift, it was a gift that was supposed to help the heir find their soulmate. Because you see, the heir would be able to read the minds of everyone else, except for that of their destined. Which didn’t really make much sense to James. Shouldn’t you be able to read the mind of the person you’re supposedly meant to be with? His father explained that you would only be able to read your soulmate’s mind once you’ve bonded with them. At which point you would lose the ability to read anyone else’s mind. You and your soulmate will maintain this connection for a period of one month after which, the curse would wear off.
Fleamont tried to explain what purpose all of this would fulfil but James didn’t care enough to pay too much attention.
He was so… excited!
Supposedly, this is how his mother and father got together and before them his grandparents and now…
It’s his turn.
James is a romantic. He’s never kept that a secret. The idea of one day getting married and having a family of his own has always been present in his mind. His parents always seemed so happy and they seemed to love each other so deeply. The loved him immeasurably and James wanted that for himself.
He turned sixteen during the Easter holidays. Merlin, hadn’t that been interesting.
It was disorienting, waking up and suddenly hearing so many voices all around him.
His parents came in just as he woke up and he had the worst time trying to figure out what they were saying to him and… what they weren’t.
But he managed quickly enough and soon enough he started to acclimate to his new situation. It turned out to be easier than he thought it would be.
The only people in the house were him and his parents, the rest of the voices he heard around him were those of the elves and they mostly thought about cooking and cleaning and other chores anyway. Fleamont said that James had it easy. When his sixteenth birthday came around, he was at Hogwarts and had to learn to acclimate with the voices of hundreds of students all around him.
The lessons his father gave him mainly consisted of him being mindful. Mindful of his surroundings and those around him. He tried to remind his son to respect the personal thoughts of his fellow students. It wouldn’t be fair to start eaves dropping on personal matters when those around him don’t have a viable reason to be more careful. It wouldn’t be right to violate the privacy of others.
“You can’t… turn it off but you can distract yourself, James.” Fleamont explained, “Remember, the purpose of this gift is to find your soulmate, don’t waste time getting up to mischief. The private thoughts of those around you are private for a reason and they ought to be respected. So make sure you respect them.”
Of course James understood what his father was telling him, but what sort of Marauder would he be if he didn’t at least get up to just a bit of mischief.
At the end of the holidays he went to the train station like always, his parents saw him off like always but made sure to remind him to be mindful of his new… situation.
“You’ll be able to hear the thoughts of everyone except your soulmate, so pay attention but do not overstep your boundaries. Is that clear young man?”
“Yes, father.”
And of course, James doesn’t plan on using his telepathy for anything nefarious. Just the odd prank here and there. Maybe he could get a little boost to improve his potions marks this year or…
Or, maybe he could finally get into Snivellus’ head and finally reveal the slimy git for the evil prat that he is.
No one knew much about the Slytherin. He was always so tight lipped about everything. All they really knew about Snape is that he’s a halfblood and he obviously doesn’t come from a family with a lot of money. But that’s all they knew, there has to be more, right?
I mean, for a git like Malfoy to pay attention to him and all those other Slytherin gits to hang around him, there must be something else. Something they’re missing, something that James could use against him.
Use against him for what?
James hasn’t really thought that far ahead yet, but he certainly couldn’t be left the way he was, could he? If for no other reason, then definitely for the sake of Lily. The redheaded girl clearly didn’t know what she was dealing with.
Lily is so loving and kind, of course she wouldn’t see the slimy prat for the evil worm he is. Its up to James to reveal the truth to her and…
Well, if Lily turns out to be his soulmate – which he thinks is a distinct possibility – then there’s even more reason for her to stay away from Snape. He can’t allow his future bride to be around a future death eater, could he? Certainly not.
James realises, of course, that there is a slight possibility that Lily might not be his soulmate… But he couldn’t imagine the possibility of it being anyone else. It had to be her, right? James has known even before his parents told him about the soulmate curse. If not Lily Evans, then who?
James didn’t want to think about that though. His soulmate has to be Lily, it would be impossible for it to be anyone else.
That being said, he still did his best to avoid the redhead after getting on the train. He knew Lily would probably be riding with her friends anyway and… he should get to his friends anyway. They’ll catch up at school and if he can’t hear her thoughts then-
James took in a deep breath since he almost felt like he couldn’t breathe for a moment, before he reigned himself in and continued to look for his friends.
He found them quickly enough in the same compartment that they’ve been commandeering for the last few years, on every trip to and from the castle.
Sirius seemed to be complaining about his parents and the awful Easter that he spent with them while Remus just nodded sympathetically. Peter was nibbling at the same biscuits he always brought with him from home after the holidays as he hummed along. When the door to the compartment opened, they looked up. Sirius grinned and Remus gave him a warm smile. Peter was still nibbling.
“Morning Lads.” He greeted.
‘Look who finally showed up’
That was Sirius, James would be lying he if he said that he wasn’t relieved. With the possibility of Lily not being his soulmate came the possibility of it being absolutely anyone else in the world. Including one of his friends and though James loved the marauders, he’d rather not deal with that sort of headache.
“What took you so long? Chasing after Evans already? You can’t even wait till you get to school?” Sirius asked as he sat up and James rolled his eyes.
“Why? Did you miss me?”
“Like flies missing dragon dung.”
“Piss off.” He said as he plopped down beside Sirius. Remus laughed.
“Morning James, how was Easter?”
“Good, Mum and Dad didn’t have their usual Easter ball this time so… I didn’t have to entertain the Crowd sister’s again. What about you? Did you do alright with, Moony?”
The werewolf paused before nodding.
‘I have a few new scars’
“It went fine.” James frowned. Remus didn’t like talking about the full moon, he seemed wary of worrying them. James wanted to ask about the scars but he knew asking wouldn’t help Remus feel better. Plus he might give himself away and James decided to keep his little secret to himself for now… He thought it might be interesting to hear his friends thoughts for a bit.
Of course he’s going to tell them eventually, just not quite yet.
“What about you, Peter?”
“It was fine.” Peter mumbled with a full mouth and James felt his frown pull a bit more. He wasn’t really getting anything from Peter, which might just mean that he isn’t thinking about anything in particular right now, but it might also mean-
James swallowed hard.
“Yeah? Your cousin Matilda didn’t flirt with you again, did she?”
Sirius laughed, “Bloody hell! I almost forgot about that!”
“James.” Remus scolded lightly though even he looked like he was trying not to laugh. Peter turned red.
“That-that was… No, she didn’t! She wasn’t home this time and-” His blush went darker, “You promised we wouldn’t talk about that again!”
“Wait, you were snogging her at the family picnic before you found out she was your cousin, weren’t you?” Sirius grinned, “Merlin, what a freakshow!”
Peter’s hand clenched, crushing the cookie he held in his hand as he pulled his bottom lip into his mouth and then glared at him.
‘If anyone is a freakshow here it’s you with your parents’
James blinked.
Peter didn’t mean that.
James should’ve known better than to bring up that incident anyway. He was just slightly terrified of the prospect of Peter being his soulmate. Not because anything is wrong with Peter but… they’re friends, it would be weird.
“C’mon, Padfoot, that’s enough.” He quickly changed the subject, “How was Easter with your parents?”
Sirius sobered up pretty quickly as he sat up in his seat, “Same as bloody always. I got grounded again because Reg had to go and open his mouth about Snivellus and the pranks.”
“Why would they even care?” James asked and Sirius shook his head as he glared at the window, the train had yet to move.
“They wouldn’t, if Malfoy didn’t start running his mouth about his oh so talented halfblood pet. He’s so far up Snape’s arse, you’d think they were fucking or something.”
Suddenly there was a low growl.
‘Shh!’
That came from Remus. He looked over to the werewolf-
But before he could think to question it, James got a flash of an image. His eyes went wide when he realised that Sirius was actually imagining it, as his hand clenched on his leg and he glared hard at the window beside him. He imagined it with a disturbing amount of detail.
There was Malfoy in a black armchair fully clothed and there was Snape, completely naked, perched on the blonde’s lap facing away from him. Using the armrests of the chair to move himself up and down with his features twisted in ecstasy and his skin flushed as he rode Malfoy’s co-
“That’s a good one.” James said quickly, sharply, managing to break the Animagus’ train of thought as he gave an awkward laugh, “I mean, I’m sure even Malfoy’s standards are better than that.”
Sirius only glanced at him before shaking his head, “Whatever, it was fine. I was mostly just bored anyway. Just stayed in my room.”
“Doing what?” Remus asked. Sirius shrugged as he looked out the window again.
“Not much.”
And then the fantasy from before kept going. James almost chocked on his own spit.
Snape was facing towards Malfoy now, hands tangled in the blonde’s locks as he moaned into the older man’s mouth as they kissed and he slowly rolled his hips and continued to impale himself on Malfoy’s cock. Only… Malfoy’s hair looked a little different, darker-
No. No.
Stop stop stop-
“Stop!”
The marauders all looked at James and he realised that he’d spoken out loud. The bespectacled wizard blinked and felt himself flush.
“Stop what?” Peter asked and James cleared his throat.
“Stop… stuffing your face Wormtail.” James said as he quickly reached over to pluck one of the biscuits from the plastic container he had on his lap, “You’re supposed to share with the class.” He said taking on McGonagall’s usual scolding tone. Sirius scoffed and Remus shook his head. Peter also blushed as his lips pulled into a pout.
‘I wasn’t really planning to share… don’t be a baby, its fine’
James stuffed the biscuit into his mouth, he wanted to apologise but realised that it would be a bit weird if he did.
“What did you get up to Remus?” James asked around the honey and vanilla flavoured crumbs in his mouth. The werewolf shrugged and started talking about helping his dad with his work and then his mum around the house. James glanced over to Sirius who seemed occupied with Remus’ story.
He’ll need to have a word with Padfoot later.
Really, they all hate Malfoy and Snape but allowing that hate to drive weird kinky… whatever that was is completely unacceptable. Well, maybe he just thought of it because of that up Snape’s arse comment… but still.
Soon enough the train started moving and they were off to Hogwarts.
James heard more and more voices around them. Some vocal other’s mental. He spent most of the time trying to remember his father’s advice. Be mindful, be present and he focused on the conversation going on between his friends trying to avoid focusing in on anyone’s thoughts and it wasn’t too difficult.
There were a few odd moments here and there. An oddly vicious comment about one of them from Wormtail, there were these strange growls that seemed to come out of nowhere before quieting again and then Sirius’ mind would flash with images of… images of Snape.
Some James would recognise as coming from memories of a specific class or prank but others seemed less familiar.
Snape sitting by the lake reading. He wasn’t even doing anything just reading, the wind blowing lightly through his hair, causing the raven to lift a hand to brush the strands back behind his ear.
Snape rolling his eyes at some mumbled comment from Rosier, folding his arms over his chest before shaking his head just before the blonde threw an arm around his shoulders.
Snape in the Great Hall, eating breakfast. Lazily licking some jam off his finger as he munched on toast before lifting a cup of tea to his lips?
He really needs to talk to Pads about this. Of course, James hates Snape too but this just seems like a bit much.
They made it back to school around noon. The Hogwarts express emptied out and they were taken to the Castle via the carriages.
The voices in the train seemed to double. James figured that mostly had to do with the staff and elves in the school. Could he read the minds of the ghosts as well? There’s something James will have to check out later.
For now.
On the way to school he thought about it and he decided to just go up to Lily and face the music. If she’s his soulmate then… that’ll be great. Spectacular, even, but if she isn’t-
Its better to just get it over with and who knows, maybe he won’t get to meet his soulmate and, that wouldn’t be too bad would it? He’ll be able to read minds and have a future with Lily.
Just because his grandfather and father found theirs doesn’t mean he will as well and that wouldn’t be such a terrible thing would it? There are plenty of people who don’t meet their soulmates and they end up fine. So… he can be as well.
But… it would be such a relief it is Lily.
He kept walking, listening in on the thoughts of those around him. He found out from one of the girls in the common room that Lily was walking around with her friends.
Hopefully friends doesn’t include Snape. He’s pretty sure most of Lily’s friends don’t like him at all. Mary’s always pulling faces at him. Alice doesn’t seem like she has too much of a problem with Snape but Marlene absolutely does. She seemed to tease and taunt the Slytherin about as much as everyone else did. There was one time when James was trying to get some time with Lily Hogsmeade weekend, but she kept rejecting him saying that she was spending time with her friends.
Snape just happened to be there among her friends, they’d just come out of Honeydukes and the girls started sharing the sweets they bought among them. Sirius, Remus and Peter were waiting nearby to see if James got her to agree this time.
James was still trying to get Lily to go get a mug of Butterbeer with him when she rolled her eyes and handed Snape a cherry sucker from the bag she held. Snape muttered a soft thank you even as he glared at James while James glared right back since the Slytherin git was getting in the way yet again.
Snape pulled the wrapper from the red pop and put it into his mouth while Lily continued to refuse James.
“I said no, Potter. Now, go away, you’re being a nuisance. We’re having a girl’s day.”
“Then why is Snivellus here?”
Snape’s glare darkened, it was slightly ruined by the lollipop in his mouth. He looked away and glared at the street instead when-
“Snape doesn’t count as a bloke.” Marlene said with a smirk looking at the raven beside her who glared at her out of the corner of his eye. “It’s true though, isn’t it? Just look at you.”
Sirius laughed and Peter snickered, “He’s barely even human.”
James gave a snort only to stop at the look on the redhead’s face
Lily’s eyes narrowed down as she hissed at her friend, “Marlene!”
The brunette ignored her as she tilted her head to look the Slytherin in the eyes, “It’s true, isn’t it, Snape?”
Snape pulled the cherry sucker from his mouth, clearly about to give some sort of scathing remark only to stop when Marlene quickly snatched the sweet from Snape’s hand and popped it into her own mouth.
“Gross.” Peter said and Sirius stopped laughing while Remus frowned. Mary pulled a face and Alice rolled her eyes.
“Are we done now?” Alice grabbed a hold of Lily’s arm who stood almost gaping at her other friend, “She already said no, Potter. We’re busy, you can pester her some other time.”
They started walking, Marlene looked back at the Slytherin who stood glaring at her and pulled the lollipop from her mouth, “Are you coming Snape?”
Lily looked back at the raven and he shut his eyes with an apparent sigh before he followed. James almost called out in protest. He almost pulled out his wand to hex Snape but he knew that would do more harm than good so he said nothing as he watched them walk down the street.
All in all, Lily’s friends didn’t seem too fond of Snape. So he probably won’t be around them.
Now is the time.
He made his way towards the library, where the girls in the common rooms said they’d be headed. Taking in deep steady breaths he made the last turn leading to the library and paused when he saw Lily standing with Mary, Alice and Marlene just the way he hoped she would. With one more deep breath, he put on his best smile and headed towards them. Lily was faced away from him, with her bright red hair going down her back over her black cloak.
Marlene was the one to notice him first, since the brown-haired girl was facing him. She rolled her eyes dramatically.
‘Ugh, Potter. Why is Lily still entertaining him? It’s a mystery what she even likes about him’
On the one hand, James was a little miffed to know that that’s how McKinnon felt about him on the other it was reassuring to know that Lily did in fact like him. With the redhead rejecting him so consistently, he’d been a bit worried. Now he just needs to figure out-
Marlene said something that brought a halt to their conversation and nodded towards the oncoming wizard.
Mary looked up at him, a light blush spreading over her face.
‘He’s so hot. Not as gorgeous as Sirius, but-‘ She frowned at Lily, ‘What is her problem anyway? Seriously, spending time with Snivellus must be rotting out her brain or something’
That much they could agree on. Alice took notice of him.
‘Shit, what time is it? I wonder if Frank is waiting already’ She took out her wand and cast a quick tempus before letting out a sigh.
Right, three down and James is grateful to know that it isn’t any of them. Now-
Lily turned to face him, he was just three feet away, just passed the library doors when-
‘Oh, James’
James stopped and his heart sank. The words didn’t come from Lily’s mouth.
“Potter, the term hasn’t even started yet and you’re already trying to disturb me.” She said folding her arms over her chest even as a smile played on her lips.
“I…” he didn’t know what to say. Mary gave Lily’s arm a light shove.
“Don’t be so rude, Lil’s.”
‘Honestly, why do any of these blokes even like you’ Mary smiled as she spoke, “Afternoon James, how were your holidays?”
“They, were fine.” Was all he managed and the blonde nodded.
“Where are the other Marauders? Is Sirius coming soon?” She asked brushing her hair back behind her ear and Marlene rolled her eyes again.
‘Keep your knickers on, he isn’t even here right now’
“He, they said they’d catch up.” James answered.
“Oh.” The girl seemed to deflate and James just stared at Lily who frowned at him.
‘He actually looks upset’
“Something wrong, Potter?”
Yes, something is wrong. Everything is wrong!
Lily isn’t his soulmate? How could she not be his soulmate?! It couldn’t be possible for it to be anyone other than Lily. If not her, then who?!
“No, everything’s fine.” He forced a smile onto his face.
This… its alright. So Lily isn’t his soulmate, maybe he isn’t going to meet his soulmate. That just means he can move on with Lily and have a really cool ability, that’s all. This isn’t bad.
He ignored the voice in the back of his head asking what will happen if he eventually does meet his soulmate and just focused on the redheaded witch in front of him.
“I just thought I should be proactive and make sure I book myself in right now.” He said as he took a step closer and she arched a brow at him.
“Book yourself in?”
“Well, since you always seem so busy whenever I ask you out, I figured I could ask before anyone else could steal your time away from me.” James said with a charming smile and Lily’s face flushed just a bit, a light pink right over her cheeks. “So what do you say? First Hogsmeade weekend?”
Lily looked away.
‘Why does he have to be so handsome?’
James couldn’t help but grin, well that almost makes up for the disappointment he was feeling earlier. Almost anyway. It wouldn’t hurt to have this for the rest of his life though, would it? It could give him a bit of an advantage. And Lily’s so hard to read sometimes anyway, the soulmate curse would only help them in their future relationship.
“How do you know I don’t already have plans?”
“Do you?” He asked and Lily looked at him, her lips pursed as she brushed her hair back behind her ear.
‘Not exactly’
“Maybe.”
“No, you don’t. So,” His head gave a tilt, “We’ll meet Saturday, outside the school at around ten?”
“I…” She let out a sigh as her flush darkened and James knew she was about to say yes-
‘Hello’
That was Marlene.
“Snape!” That was also Marlene James felt a familiar thrill of annoyance go through him as he looked back to see that the Slytherin had just stepped out from the library and seemed to freeze when the girl called out to him.
Shoulders hunched over, pitch black hair partially covering his face. Snape’s eyes went from the girls behind him to the Gryffindor in front of them. Pitch black locked onto bright hazel and the Slytherin glared.
“Sev!” Lily called out and James wanted to groan since he could feel the smile on the girl’s face before he even saw it. She ran around him to get to the raven and wrapped him in a hug.
‘You always smell so nice’
No, that didn’t come from Snape – the slimeball – it came from Lily whose arms tightened around the Slytherin.
Snape didn’t return the hug exactly, he lifted his arm to pat her back before pulling away.
“Hello, Lily.”
“How were your holidays? Have you already started on the potions project yet?”
“They were fine. Yes, I already started. I was just collecting a few more books to finish.”
“You’re almost finished?”
‘Well that’s just unfair, isn’t it? I can never keep up with you’
Lily frowned and Snape finished, “I can show you what I’ve done later.” Those dark eyes went over to James and narrowed into a glare, “If you have the time.”
“Sure.” Lily brightened, “Mum and Dad were asking about you, by the way. I told them you might be able to come over in the summer.”
“Maybe. I should go.”
‘Uhuh’
“Snape.” Marlene said as she walked past James to stand next to Lily, “You’re not going to greet the rest of us? Mary’s perfectly crestfallen with you ignoring her.”
Snape gave the girl a very dry look, not even bothering to look at the blonde who’s face twisted in disgust.
‘Ugh, don’t bring me into this. He’s such a creep. Why is Lily still entertaining him? What does she even see in him?’
“Goodbye.” Snape said flatly only to stop when Marlene spoke again.
“What’s the hurry? We were just talking about Hogsmeade weekend. Would you like to join us again?”
James gaped.
“Marlene-“
“You can annoy Lily some other time, Potter.”
‘Go away’
“So, what do you think?”
Alice scoffed, with a shake of her head.
‘I’m not staying for this’
“I should go look for Frank.” The girl said as she walked by and waved to her friends who waved back. Mary rolled her eyes.
“Well, Snape?” Marlene asked tossing her brown curls over her shoulder and leaning in towards him, “You probably don’t have anything to do this weekend anyway, right?”
He glowered at the girl, lips pulling into a sneer. Lily frowned at her as well.
“If Severus says he’s busy, then he’s busy.”
‘Take a hint’ That was Lily and James frowned since he suddenly felt like he didn’t understand what was going on.
‘Keep your knickers on, he’s barely human’ That was Mary, James couldn’t help but stare at the girl as she came to stand beside him.
“James, did Sirius say when he’d catch up with you?” She asked, twirling a blonde lock of hair but James could barely focus on that-
“No, no he didn’t.”
“Oh, well, do you know if he’s seeing anyone right now?”
‘It better not be that tart from Hufflepuff’
“I don’t think so.”
“I’m busy.” Snape said as he took a step back and Marlene’s head gave a tilt.
‘Fuck, your mouth is pretty’
WHAT?!
‘Mary doesn’t know what she’s talking about. If anything his hair looks sort of… grungy. Like someone from one of those American rock bands. I bet it doesn’t even feel that bad’
American rock bands?
“Do you listen to music, Snape?”
The Slytherin frowned at her, “Pardon me?”
“Lily said you live in the same town, I figured if you’re a halfblood you might listen to some muggle music. There’s this American band called Kiss, have you heard of it?”
“Sev wouldn’t like Kiss.” Lily said quickly as she edged a bit closer to the raven, seeming to almost create a boundary between him and Marlene. Snape just continued to frown at the girl who gave the redhead a pointed look.
“He might if you let him.” and then she smirked, “In fact, I have the record with me at school. If you want you can come to the dorms and have a listen.”
“That’s against school rules.” Lily said clearly.
‘We talked about this, claws off’
“I’m sure Hogwarts Headgirl could make this one exception for one of her friends.” Marlene said just as clearly before looking back to the Slytherin. “You don’t have to worry about getting caught. We can just lock the door.”
Another flash of an image.
It looked like a Gryffindor dorm room, there were sheets of red and gold on a bed where Marlene had… Snape pinned to the bed, straddling his hips with her hands under his shirt and moaning with her mouth on his-
“McKinnon, what the hell…” He whispered in disbelief, his eyes impossibly wide as his mouth fell open in a gape.
For once, Snape looked just as confused as James felt as he stared between the two girls with a frown.
“No thank you.”
“Oh, c’mon Snape don’t be so uptight. What about Hogsmeade, then?”
“He probably can’t afford it.” Mary said which had Lily looking over sharply at the blonde who blinked, “I mean… I’m just saying!”
Snape tensed up and curled into himself a bit. Even as Marlene spoke.
“I don’t know, I bet Sev’s pockets are pretty deep.”
What?
Lily’s eyes went wide, “Marlene!”
Before anything else could be said Snape turned around and rushed away, faded black robes almost billowing out behind him.
“Great.” Lily huffed, “Really, Marlene?”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“Kiss?”
Marlene rolled her eyes and looked back towards Mary only to stop when her eyes fell on James.
‘Oh, you’re still here’
She cleared her throat to interrupt whatever it is that Lily was going to say next before nodding towards James. Lily’s words seemed to die on her tongue.
‘uhm…’
“I don’t know if I’ll have time this weekend, Potter.”
James frowned, “I… what was that all about?”
“What was what about?”
He looked at Marlene, “Since when do you get on with Snape? You’re trying to invite him to the dorms?”
James was so confused.
Mary let out a humourless scoff and Marlene shook her head, “What’s it to you Potter?”
“You know Snape’s a Slytherin, right?”
“And?”
“We’re leaving now.” Lily said as she grabbed hold of Marlene’s arm to drag her off and Mary huffed as she followed.
“Bye James, say hi to Sirius for me.”
The blonde hurried to catch up with her friends and he was left alone. He caught the last bit from Marlene’s head. It sounded like a song, something very muggle, something that Padfoot would listen to, electric guitar and drums.
‘Put your hands in my pocket, grab onto my rocket, feels so good to see you receive’
What the hell?
James was utterly confused as he started making his way back to Gryffindor Tower. Now might be the time to tell his friends about his gift. They might be able to give him some ideas on exactly what that was and why Marlene McKinnon of all people would be so friendly to Snape.
‘Fuck, your mouth is pretty’
What the hell was that?!
Thinking about snogging Snape and the song she was thinking about…
Marlene couldn’t fancy Snape, could she?
No of course not, that wouldn’t happen. It couldn’t happen. No normal functioning human being would ever develop romantic feelings for that greasy bat. Let alone a girl like McKinnon.
Sure, she wasn’t as breathtakingly beautiful as Lily, but she was still quite pretty with her brown curls and blue eyes. She’s great at Quidditch, holding a chaser position for the last two years, she’s smart and she has a decent sense of humour. There’s no way that-
Wait.
It suddenly occurred to James that he heard everyone’s thoughts in the hallway leading to the library. Lily’s, Mary’s, Alice’s and Marlene. And whenever someone passed them in the hallway he would catch their thoughts as well.
Everyone’s thoughts… except for Snape’s.
He didn’t catch a single word from Snape. Not for one moment. He sounded utterly silent.
James’ blood ran cold.
No…
No, it can’t be.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
He followed them all the way up to the astronomy tower, the silencing charm doing most of the work to keep him quiet and the invisibility cloak taking care of the rest.
The whole way there was… weird.
The whole day was weird but this was especially… weird.
The whole way there, he didn’t get a single thought from Snape. Not one! He had to keep going, make sure that he could hear Snape’s thoughts, because if he couldn’t…
It’s not worth thinking about. Snape couldn’t be his soulmate! He absolutely couldn’t be… could he?
All the way up to the tower, Snape’s mind was infuriatingly silent.
Unfortunately, Regulus’ mind was not.
James silently thanked that Sirius couldn’t read minds at the moment because if he could… that is also not worth thinking about.
“I really think Mother and Father would like you Severus.”
Snape glanced at him, “I’m a halfblood, Regulus.”
“I know, but, father seemed really impressed when Lucius told him about you and Mother… well, she can be reasoned with. So maybe next holiday, you could come over, just for a day. You could stay for dinner or… maybe sleep over.”
‘In my room’
“Your mother would allow a halfblood to sleep in her house?” Snape said with a scoff and Regulus bit his lip.”
‘She would if you were my concubine’
James stumbled and almost tripped.
“Its just, well, you know they’re looking to make me heir since Sirius has been so… difficult. I’d like it if you could come to my inauguration. And meeting her now would be a really good start to making that happen. And there’s this right, where after I come of age, I get to ask for anything I want anything at all and-”
‘If you meet her now, she won’t be able to deny me if I ask to take you as my concubine’
James’ eyes went wide.
No way.
Snape looked up at the younger man beside him.
Regulus swallowed hard, ‘Salazar, don’t look at me like that’
“And what?” Snape asked.
He blushed, “I just want you to be there, so, won’t you think about it?”
Snape’s lips pursed, “I’ll think about it.”
“Great! That’s brilliant.” Regulus beamed. They stopped at the top of the tower, leaning over against the barrier looking out at the courtyard way down below. “How were your holidays?”
“Fine.”
“I assume that you probably enjoyed yourself, having the dorms all to yourself. I wish I could’ve stayed as well.”
“Was your brother his usual charming self?” Snape asked and Regulus scoffed.
“Yes, but that’s not the only reason.”
“Trust me Regulus, you would’ve been absolutely bored.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Really? No classes, no quidditch practice, Lestrange and Wilkes went home as well. Exactly what would you do alone with me with absolutely nothing else to distract you?” Snape drawled out resting his chin on his hand, wind blowing the raven strands of hair from his face and Regulus just stared for three seconds in absolute silence.
James had to force back a shriek of horror at the image that suddenly filled his mind with horrifying clarity.
Snape and Regulus were in the library together. The older Slytherin was bent over one of the tables, clutching at the edge, pants around his ankles to expose his pale legs which shook and struggled to keep him up right as he panted and moaned while Regulus tongued his-
“I’m sure I’d be able to think of something.” The younger Black moved in a bit closer to the other, “What did you get up to? I hope you at least took a break from studying occasionally.”
Snape gave a slight shrug, “I did what I could to get ahead on a few school assignments. Worked on a few of my potions projects.”
“You study too much.”
“I kept myself busy.” Snape answered simply and Regulus nodded even as he moved in a bit closer into the older wizard’s side.
“So you didn’t miss me at all?”
Snape scoffed, “I missed you terribly. I’ve had nothing but sleepless nights.” He drawled out sarcastically and James was suddenly taken aback by the sheer lack of malice in his tone. Like he was only teasing the other instead of trying to hurt him, like it was a joke. He was surprised since Snape usually never sounds like that, at least not around them. Some voice in the back of his head almost wondered why, only for him to remember why. Its Snivellus, he’s never had a kind word for any of the Marauders let alone James. Maybe this is what he’s like with Lily too.
So he’s only nice to Lily and Sirius’ little brother?
James couldn’t help but frown.
Regulus started to pout, “I’m your junior, you know. You’re supposed to be nicer to me Sev.”
“Really?” The raven looked up at him and seemed to tease again, “I suppose you’d like me to pet your head and call you a good boy.” He reached up and did just that, Regulus’ cheeks flushed even as he frowned at the other.
“You never take me seriously.”
“Regulus-“
“Just once Severus, tell me what you think of me.”
Snape gave him a very dull look, “You’re entirely too dramatic.”
Regulus looked away.
‘You don’t even like me a little-‘
“You’re intelligent and you have an adequate amount of wit.” Snape started, sounding a bit awkward as he spoke looking out over the courtyard below. “If you had decided on spending the holidays here, I wouldn’t have been opposed to it.”
Regulus smiled, “Then come with me for the Christmas holidays.”
Snape looked up at him, “There’s no need and your mother wouldn’t allow it.”
“You don’t have to worry about my mother. I’ll take care of it. Besides,” Regulus then moved in a bit closer and almost seemed to hesitate before he brought his arm up to wrap around the older wizard’s shoulders. Snape looked at the arm before arching a brow at the junior, “I said I wanted you to stay over, to meet her. So you’ll be able to come for my inauguration ceremony.”
Snape shook his head, “I said I’ll think about it.”
“Don’t brood about it for too long.” Regulus said leaning into the raven in his arm and subtly took a sniff of his hair.
‘You always smell so nice’
James nose wrinkled. That’s the second time he’s heard that. Lily said so too didn’t she… or she thought it. As far as James knew, Snivellus was repulsive in every sense of the word so what-
His train of thought was cut off when he suddenly caught another thought from Regulus.
The thought of just leaning in a little bit more and to press a kiss on Snape’s lips, drag his fingers through the older Slytherin’s hair and-
“Dinner should be starting soon.” Snape said with a roll of his eyes as he pulled out of the other’s grasp, “I have potions first tomorrow morning and I’d like to prepare before I go to sleep.”
“Of course.” Regulus chirped as he fell into step beside the other, “Maybe you could help me with my runes assignment tonight as well.”
There was a moment of silence, like Snape was thinking about a response but James couldn’t hear a thing. “I’ll be in the common room for a few minutes after dinner. I can help you then.”
“That’s perfect.” Regulus beamed and James was tortured with the junior’s thoughts on how badly he wanted to reach out to take the other’s hand.
But nothing… Nothing from Snape!
He followed them all the way to the Great hall before he turned back. James felt beyond frustrated. Nothing, how can he hear nothing from Snape? Unless…
No it’s not possible. Snape can’t be his soulmate.
Maybe the Slytherin can occlude his mind? But Fleamont assured him that even Occlumency could do nothing against the kind of telepathy that he had.
Is it possible? Could Snape be his soulmate?
James walked back to Gryffindor Tower, pulling his invisibility cloak off just before he entered. He was immediately assaulted by the thoughts of everyone in the room. He made his way up to the boy’s dorms and right after walking into the dorm he shared with his friends.
Peter was thinking about his History of Magic marks and how he could possibly bring them up this term. Remus was reading a book on werewolves, while that same odd growling from before rumbled in his head and Sirius was complaining about his boredom. He was thinking about getting the map, looking for Snape and having a bit of fun.
The Animagus looked up when he stepped in the door.
“There you are! Where were you?”
Remus looked up, his nose twitched.
‘It doesn’t seem like he was with Lily’
James cleared his throat, “I was just, I went for a walk.”
“You went for a walk?” Peter asked with a frown, watching as the Gryffindor chaser went over to his bed to put his cloak away. “With the cloak?”
“Yeah.” James said shortly. Sirius didn’t seem to care though as he got up from his bed.
“You have the map, right mate?”
James looked up at him, “Why?”
“Bored out of my mind.” His lips pulled into a smirk, “I figured I could go look for some fun.”
“Does she have a name?” Remus asked with a dull look and Sirius rolled his eyes.
“I’m not looking for a bird. Honestly, Moony, the term’s barely started and your mind is already in the gutter.” Peter laughed and James scoffed as he put his cloak away only to pause when Sirius stopped him, “Wait, I want to borrow the cloak too.”
James frowned, “What for?”
“I want to go for a walk.” Sirius said, imitating his voice and James gave him a dull look, “C’mon mate, I haven’t got all day and dinner’s going to start soon.”
James sighed as he held the cloak out to his friend, “Seriously, though, where are you going?” He started looking through his pockets to grab the map with his other hand-
“Just a bit of pranking. I figured I could go greet Snivellus, make sure he hasn’t been too lonely all alone in the dungeons.”
The map was right there between his fingers. Peter laughed again. Remus frowned.
“You’re going to prank Snape?”
“Yeah, why not?” Sirius looked back at James, “Prongs, the map.”
James didn’t move.
“Maybe because the term’s barely started and you’re already setting on him.” Remus said, shutting his book, “What do you even plan on doing?”
“Haven’t decided yet.” Sirius shrugged, “I think I’ll just play this one by ear.”
The werewolf shook his head, the growling in his head got louder and James’ lips pulled into another frown.
“Why can’t you just leave, Snape alone? You haven’t even seen him yet and you’re already going after him. Merlin, it’s like you’re obsessed.”
‘Either that or you fancy him’
There was a sharp snarl, but James’ expression twisted at the thought that Moony thought that Sirius might fancy Snape. The memory of the thought from earlier came back to him, the fantasy that Sirius had of Snape and his frown grew. The most disturbing idea popped into his head, the idea that that fantasy was brought on by more than just weird anger.
Something unpleasant stirred inside of James at the thought.
But no… that can’t be right.
“I am not obsessed with that greasy bat and frankly I’m insulted by the insinuation.” Sirius said flippantly.
“Then what are you doing?”
“I’m bored.” He said clearly, “Besides, we all know that Snivellus must’ve been up to something during the hols. Especially with the castle empty. That’s probably why he stays here every holiday too.”
Remus shook his head and opened his book, taking in a deep breath before letting it out again.
‘Why won’t they just stop?’
“James.”
James blinked, “What?”
Sirius was frowning at him, “The map?”
James paused, “What’re you going to do to Snape?”
“I haven’t thought that out yet.” The Animagus said reaching for the invisibility cloak only for James to quickly snatch it away. That horrifyingly disturbing thought was stuck in his head and the words tumbled from his lips before he could stop them.
“What would you do to Snape?”
Sirius blinked, “What?”
“If you could do anything to Snape at all, without anyone ever finding out, what would you do?”
Sirius blinked again and pulled back a bit. Outwardly, the question seemed to stun him for a brief second.
Peter frowned, ‘What kind of a question is that?’
Meanwhile…
Belts and whips scattered across a stone floor. A ruffled yet vacant bed to the left. The room seemed to echo with the clink of metal while a low baritone voice, whined and groaned in pleasure.
Snape’s hands were chained above his head against the wall, his pale skin marred with angry red marks going across his back and along his thighs. The Slytherin moaned as Sirius sucked bruises and bites onto his neck and chest as he made long hard thrusts into Snape, seeming to try and take his time while the raven begged.
‘Master… Master please-‘
James’ was frozen in horror.
“Hypothetically?” Sirius scoffed, “I’d put the prat out of his misery and give him exactly what he deserves.”
“Sirius!” Remus scolded and the Animagus just laughed.
“It’s just a joke Moony, calm down. James, the map.” He held out his hand. James just stared at his friend, the oddest feeling of revulsion and disgust and… anger washed over him.
“There’s no time to go prank him right now. It’s almost time for dinner.” He put his cloak in the chest at the foot of his bed, “Besides, I’m not sure where the map is. I need to look for it first.”
“Ugh, fine.” Sirius said dramatically as he fell back on his bed. Remus went back to his book and Peter went back to stressing about History of Magic.
James took a deep breath as he looked back at Sirius who lay back staring at the canopy over his bed.
‘Maybe I could find him without the map, he should be headed to dinner by now right?’
Bloody hell.
What the hell is happening?!