The Date

"A double date?" James asked incredulously as he lay on his bed, giving his friend an equally incredulous look as he set his Quidditch magazine down, "You can't be serious."

"Think about it Prongs, the whole reason Evans won't go out with you is because of Snape, right? She thinks you're an arse for pranking him and stuff." Sirius said waving his hand in a vague gesture and James frowned.

"What's your point?"

"My point is, this is a perfect opportunity to make it look like you're trying to be civil with Snape." Sirius urged, "Besides, you'll finally get that date that you've been chasing after since third year."

"Yeah, a date I'd be on with Snivellus too. That's not my idea of a good time Padfoot. It sounds like a nightmare."

Sirius rolled his eyes hard, "You won't have to deal with Snape. I'll handle Snape, you just focus on Evans."

"And exactly how do you plan on handling Snape? If Lily catches you hurting him or pulling another prank, she'll throw a fit and this whole thing will be pointless anyway."

"I won't prank him. I'll be on my best behaviour. You won't have to worry about a thing."

James sat up on the bed, "A double date means that you'd be on a date with Snape too Sirius. You understand that, right? You'd have to go on a date with fucking Snivellus."

"Like I said before, don't worry about Snape. I'll handle him, he'll be distracted and you can finally have your shot with Evans."

James frowned, "I just don't understand why you would want to do this." Then he sighed, "Lily has plenty of other friends, actually human friends that aren't in Slytherin. Why can't we ask for a double date with one of them?"

"Because Snape is the one that really matters and if she thinks you're being nice to him, she'll be nice to you too."

James shook his head, "I don't know."

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but that's actually not a bad idea."

James looked up when Remus spoke from his bed where he and Peter were playing a game of chess. James frowned.

"Really Moony?"

"The reason Lily keeps rejecting you is because of the pranks on Snape. You know it’s true James."

"Yeah but-"

"If you go on this date and play nice with Snape, she'll probably be willing to go out with you again. Maybe even without the extras next time."

"But-"

"And if Sirius actually behaves himself," Remus said giving the Animagus a pointed look before looking back down at the board, "and keeps Snape distracted without hurting him, that would score you a few extra points too. You get your date and it looks like we're all trying to get along with him."

"Moony-"

"The only real problem here, is getting Snape to agree to it. I doubt he'd be willing to go on a date with  either of you, Lily or no Lily."

Sirius frowned, "I take offence to that, mate."

Remus rolled his eyes, "He hates us. He'd never believe that you'd ever want to spend time with him let alone that you would want to be his date for this double date. You don't even know if he likes blokes."

"He does." Sirius answered without missing a beat and the marauders all stared at him, Peter squeaked.

"How do you know that?"

Sirius seemed to hesitate before he spoke, "I heard Reg mention it once back home."

James blinked, "Really?"

"Either way, my point still stands." Remus said with a shrug, "Getting Lily to agree to this is going to be the easy part. The hard part will be convincing Snape that this isn't part of some elaborate prank and getting him to actually show for the date."

James sighed, "It's never going to work."

"Now, hold on. What did I say before? I said to leave Snape to me, right?" Sirius started folding his arms across his chest. James shared a look with Remus and looked back to the Animagus.

"Yeah."

"So let me handle Snape. I'll get him to show."

"Without threatening him Sirius?" Remus asked and Sirius rolled his eyes.

"C'mon Moony, I'm not completely without my charms. Even Snape couldn't resist me forever."

Remus scoffed, "We'll see about that."

James shook his head as he lay back down on the bed and Sirius frowned.

"What? You don't think I could do it?!"

"Tell you what Padfoot, if you get Snape to agree to go out with us; I'll pay for the next date with whichever bird you pick up next time."

"Careful mate, I plan on cashing in that favour sooner rather than later."

James gave a snort, "Yeah, we'll see."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"You actually did it."

James was gaping.

"I told you I had it covered." Sirius said with a wide grin as he thumped James on the back.

Standing under a street lamp on the side of the street in Hogsmeade, just outside of a store was Lily and Snape. The redhead was talking animatedly with a bright smile on her face while Snape listened, standing hunched over as always with his arms folded over his chest, those pitch-black eyes looking every which way until they finally landed on the Gryffindors a few meters away.

And he glared.

James was still gaping.

"How did you-"

"No time for that now." Sirius said as he dragged a hand through his hair, "We're already running late."

Sirius started walking. James hesitated until Lily paused to look up in the direction where Snape was glaring and looked up at them as well. That’s when he quickly moved to follow behind the Animagus, swallowing hard as Lily folded her arms over her chest as well.

"Potter. Black." Lily said shortly, "You're late. Severus and I have been waiting ten minutes."

"Waiting with eager anticipation I hope." Sirius joked and Lily scoffed with a roll of her eyes.

"Hardly."

Snape said nothing. He just glared. His hair looked different. Clean... nice. James couldn't believe it. For a minute he'd thought that Padfoot was lying and maybe Lily and Snape had no idea that this was supposed to be some sort of date. He thought Sirius had tricked them somehow. But Lily had that beautiful red hair done up and out of her face, she wasn't wearing school robes under her cloak and Snape's hair looked clean... somehow Snape's hair is what really drove the point home. How on earth did Padfoot-

James snapped out of his momentary stupor when Sirius suddenly nudged him with his elbow. He gave a pointed look and nodded at Lily who was looking at him with an arched brow.

James gave a charming smile, "Look at you, Evans. I have to say, I'm impressed. You look even lovelier than normal and I didn't think that was possible."

She gave him a very dull look even as her cheeks flushed. James noted with annoyance that Snape rolled his eyes hard. Irritating prat. James couldn't stop himself from saying the first thought that came up in his head-

"You-"

Thankfully Padfoot spoke before he could. Who knows what might have happened if he actually managed to insult Snape; Lily would've lost it for sure.

"Got cleaned up for me Snape?" Sirius said with a smirk. Lily started to glare, Snape just gave him a very bored look.

"Hardly." He said, echoing Lily's tone from earlier but Sirius didn't seem phased as his smirk just grew.

"No need to be shy. This is a date, right?" Snape scoffed Sirius rolled his eyes as he stepped forward to stand beside the Slytherin, "I got cleaned up for you."

"Really? I couldn't tell."

"You wound me." Sirius said dramatically placing a hand on his chest even as he grinned, "Ready to go?"

Snape just stared at him before looking back at Lily, the Animagus blinked and cleared his throat, "We're going to Madame Puddifoot's right, James?"

"Madame Puddifoot’s?" Lily asked and Snape seemed to cringe. "I'm not going in there."

"You have to!" Sirius exclaimed, "We all agreed right? One date. Everyone knows, you go on a date, you go to Madame Puddifoot’s, so we're going."

"Madame Puddifoot’s looks like a gaggle of pixies and fairies got drunk on love potions and threw up all over it."

"I think that's sort of the point Sev." Lily giggled as she took his arm, "C'mon, I've never been in there either. It'll be fun. Besides, they're paying for it anyway. Why not just try it?"

Snape seemed to hesitate as he looked at the girl before letting out a soft sigh, "Fine."

"Great." Sirius said before nudging the Gryffindor beside him, "Right, James?"

The other two turned to look at him and James quickly cleared his throat, "Yeah sure. Great."

Snape frowned before Lily turned him around and started walking down the sidewalk towards the shop in question. Sirius made to follow only for James to stop him by grabbing his arm.

"Seriously mate, how did you-"

"No time for that. We have a date remember?" Sirius said as he grabbed a hold of James’ shoulders and urged him forward, "Remember, you don't have to worry about Snape. I'll keep him busy. You just focus on Lily. Alright?"

James took a deep breath.

"Yeah, alright."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Snape was right, Madame Puddifoot's was atrocious. Briefly, he wondered what all those girls at school found so enthralling about the place. It was pink and red and frills and heart shaped whatever’s just everywhere. Charmed pink butterflies fluttered across the room around the tables which all had white tablecloths with silver candelabras and red roses set up in a crystal vase.

Really, how is this supposed to be romantic?

Snape muttered something, James looked back just in time for Sirius to let out a bark of laughter and he looked back at the two who were standing behind them.

"What's so funny?"

Snape just gave him a look of annoyance before looking away, Sirius shrugged.

"Not much." Padfoot said even as a smile stayed on his face, "So, which table do you guys want?"

"What?" Lily looked back at the Animagus, "I thought we'd be sitting together?"

Sirius rolled his eyes, "There aren't any group tables here, Evans."

"Well maybe we could ask-"

"No, this is supposed to be a date." Sirius insisted as he waved them towards the desk a few feet away where Madame Puddifoot herself was occupied with some sort of logbook. "How am I supposed to keep Snape entertained with you two bothering us?" He joked and Lily rolled her eyes. Snape sighed in annoyance, his default emotion for the day it seemed. James couldn't help but glare at him.

"I-"

"It's fine Lily." Snape suddenly said with a soft smile directed at the girl, because of course he always smiled for her...  wait, do Snape's teeth look different-

"I promised to stomach this train wreck for as long as I can stand and I will." He drawled out and Padfoot started to pout, Snape glanced up at him and scoffed, "Besides, there's no one else here - unsurprisingly - maybe we could just get a few tables close to each other."

Lily sighed, "Alright." and then she looked up at James who was still glaring at Snape and his stupid hair and teeth-

"Potter."

"What?"

"You're oddly quiet."

"I-"

Before James could even think to come up with an excuse, Madame Puddifoot seemed to finally take notice of them and quickly rushed over.

"Welcome welcome, young lovers!" The woman beamed at them from a face with entirely too much make-up wearing a bright red dress, and black heels that clacked loudly against the white marble floors. "Welcome to my humble little shop. It's always wonderful to get new faces. And what lovely faces you all have. My what lovely couples you make." She clapped her hands to conjure a stack of menus in her hand. "Two tables for two, of course."

"Close together, please." Lily said and the woman nodded.

"Right this way. Come come."

She led the way, James took a deep breath, trying to remind himself that he finally had a date with Evans and not to screw it up. Not even if it's technically a double date with bloody Snivellus, this is finally his shot to get the girl of his dreams.

He held his arm out for her to take.

"Shall we?" Lily rolled her eyes at him but still smiled as she took his arm and they walked on after the older woman.

Snape mumbled something else, that yet again had Padfoot laughing. He had to fight back against the urge to look back at the two. Focus. Sirius said he'd be keeping Snape occupied, he needs to focus on Lily.

Madame Puddifoot seated them at a pair of tables near large French windows, charmed to look like some idyllic countryside with rolling hills covered in flowers and trees.

James quickly moved to pull Lily's seat out for her.

"My, quite the gentleman today, aren't you Potter?" She said as she sat down and James smiled.

"Just trying to show you what you've been missing Evans." The girl shook her head as she settled into her seat and Madame Puddifoot set down the two menus in front of them just as James sat down.

"I'll give you a few minutes to look these over." She said before doing the same with Sirius and Snape and then walking away. As he picked up his menu and Lily did the same, James noticed with irritation how Snape opened his menu and immediately rolled his eyes as he muttered something yet again.

Sirius scoffed, "C'mon, it's not that bad. Hey look, they serve alcohol here, how about we share some firewhiskey?"

Snape gave him a dull look, "We're underage."

"I turned seventeen a month ago. If I'm old enough to do magic, I'm pretty sure I'm old enough to have a drink."

"We're students, she's not serving you whiskey."

"You continue to doubt my powers of persuasion Snape." Sirius said with an easy smile and Snape rolled his eyes at him, "Tell you what, I bet I can get her to serve us alcohol."

"She won't."

Sirius rolled his eyes, "If she doesn't then I'll do one thing. Whatever you want, you can dare me to do absolutely anything and I'll do it."

Snape arched a brow at him, "And if she does?"

Sirius suddenly got up from his chair to lean over the table and say something in Snape's ear.

What the hell-

"I think I'll have the pasta and lemonade, what about you?"

James blinked when he realised that Lily spoke and he quickly cleared his throat to look down at the menu, "I'm not sure really..."

He glanced up at the other table, Sirius had settled back into his seat and Snape looked slightly flushed, these odd blotches of pink flooding his cheeks and nose as he glared at the Animagus.

"Absolutely not."

"So you know you're going to lose." Sirius teased and Snape's glare intensified before he let out a huff.

"Fine. But only if you win."

"Potter."

"What?"

Lily frowned at him, those pretty green eyes gleaming in confusion, "I suggested the lamb."

"Oh right, I'm actually not too fond of lamb." James said, eyes scanning the pages quickly, "I'll just have steak with a butter beer. What about dessert?"

Lily looked down at the menu again, her lips twisting in thought.

"You can't get that." Sirius huffed, "Just because you look like a bird, doesn't mean you need to eat like one."

Snape just gave him a dull look, "I'll eat what I like Black." Sirius gave an exasperated sigh just as Madame Puddifoot came heading towards them. James and Lily gave their orders and just settled on the lovers surprise for dessert, whatever that is supposed to be. And then she went over and stopped at Padfoot's side.

"Have you two decided on anything or will it just be drinks for now?"

"I'-"

"I'll have the roast beef and potatoes and he'll have the lamb shank with extra veg and gravy. We'll both have the chocolate truffle cake for dessert." Snape glared at Sirius while the Animagus just ignored him.

"And what about drinks?"

"Actually, I was hoping for something a bit special for today. We're celebrating you see." Snape's eyes went wide when Sirius reached over to take his hand in his own before looking up at the woman beside them, "It's our five-year anniversary under contract."

James gaped even Lily turned to stare at the Animagus while Snape's eyes seemed to fill with horror. He tried to pull his hand free of Sirius' only for the Animagus to hold on tight. Madame Puddifoot's face practically lit up like Christmas.

"Oh well if that isn't the most... Congratulations!"

Sirius nodded, "I just turned seventeen last month so now we're just waiting for Sev's birthday in a few months as well. We're both really excited, aren't we love?" Sirius said giving Snape a pointed look, the Slytherin just kept staring at him with wide eyes until the Animagus gave his hand a slight squeeze. Snape looked up at the woman and gave a slight nod. "Can we get a bottle of bubbly? It's been ages since Sev and I have been able to spend time together and I really want today to be special."

"Oh... I don't know." The woman seemed to hesitate and Sirius gave her a charming smile.

"Or maybe just a glass, we'd be more than happy to share. We've always wanted our first taste of champagne to be together." Sirius then lifted the hand he was holding to press a kiss on Snape's knuckles and the Slytherin looked like he was using every shred of composure he had not to scream in horror. "Isn't that right kitten?"

Kitten?

Some coherence seemed to return to the Slytherin as he glared at the Animagus, but the older woman beside them let out a sigh, "Well, since you're of age and your fiancé will be soon as well. I suppose a few glasses couldn't hurt. But we keep this between us."

"Of course."

"Oh, congratulations to you." She almost squealed as she moved forward to wrap Snape in a tight hug. The raven seemed to tense tremendously before she hugged Sirius and pulled back.

"I'll be right back with your orders."

And then she hurried away. James couldn't help but lean over towards their table and hiss.

"Five years under contract?"

Sirius rolled his eyes, "Don't get mad at me just cause you didn't think of it first."

Lily shook her head, "We're not supposed to be drinking. It's against school rules-"

"You don't have to. So just mind your own business. This is our date not yours." Sirius said with a shooing motion before turning to Snape who was still very much glaring at him.

"Kitten?"

"Worked didn't it?" Sirius smirked, "Now about our wager, when can I expect you to make good on it?"

Snape flushed again, finally pulling his hand free of the Animagus’ grip.

"You had to lie to get her to agree to it."

"You didn't say I couldn't lie. It still counts." Snape huffed with a shake of his head and Sirius' smirk just grew, "Don't be so cold, kitten. It's supposed to be our anniversary, remember?"

"I'm going to slaughter you."

"Well, that'll just have to wait until after you pay up, now won't it?"

"Potter."

James blinked to look back at Lily who was frowning at him, "Sorry what?"

Lily glanced back at Sirius and Snape before bringing her gaze back to him, "Is something wrong?"

"Of course not, everything’s fine." James said clearing throat, "Why do you ask?"

"You seem distracted."

"No, I'm fine really." James then took a deep breath to try and focus on the task at hand, focus on Lily, "I guess I'm just wondering exactly what it is that Padfoot had to say to get you to agree to this. Not that I'm complaining mind you, this is long overdue." He finished with a charming smile and Lily rolled her eyes as she folded her arms on top of the table.

"Think of it as... an experiment. You insist on pestering me around every turn. I figured I should at least try and see what all the fuss is about. Besides, he asked that I bring Sev. Said it would be a good opportunity for you all to try and get along. Though I'm not sure what he had to say to Sev to get him to agree to it."

"What?"

Lily shrugged, "I didn't actually agree to any of this until Severus said that he'd go too. Don't think that I've suddenly forgotten about all those things you lot have been doing to him. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Sev. You should thank him later, if this all goes well."

So... Padfoot had to get Snape to agree to it first?

How did he manage that?!

James resisted the urge to look over to the other table just as Sirius laughed again.

Focus. You're on a date with Lily, don't let Snivellus distract you!

"Maybe I will." James leaned over the table as well, "So..."

Right... what do they talk about? Well, what does he usually talk about when he talks or rather tries to talk to Lily? Well...

She's usually chewing his head off over some prank he pulled on Snape or some comment he made in class. Usually he's trying to get her to agree on a date, but they're actually on a date right now. Other times he'd try to convince her to come to one of his games to support him-

"We're playing Ravenclaw next." James said with a smile, "You'll be in the stands cheering for me I hope."

Lily scoffed, "I'm a Gryffindor as well remember, of course I'll be there."

"We've been practicing for weeks, we're sure to win the house cup this year. Though practice gets a bit annoying sometimes. I like watching quidditch a bit more if I'm honest. Favourite team is the Cannons, what about you?"

"Oh, I'm not much of a quidditch fan." Lily said and James felt himself deflate a bit.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes."

"We'll I mean, you like to fly right? I remember you weren't too bad on a broom back in first."

Lily smiled, "Sure."

"I love being in the air. Wind blowing through your hair, going up as far as you can. It's great."

Lily hummed.

And then it went quiet between them for a moment. What else does he usually talk to her about? Well, he doesn't usually talk to her about much... except for Snape and school. But he doesn't want to talk to her about school now of all times. This is a date; they're supposed to be having fun.

But, oh hell-

"So, have you started on that transfiguration assignment yet?" James asked and Lilly shrugged.

"Well, Sev and I have started looking up a few references but I haven't really decided on a topic yet. I figured-"

"Oi! I might not get O's for every single potions assignment, but I do alright." Sirius huffed and Snape rolled his eyes.

"I’m sure you do."

"We don't all have time to be studying for hours like some people. I have stuff to do."

"Like what? Chasing after anything with a pulse?"

"Like quidditch practice for example." Sirius said clearly. Snape didn't look impressed.

"Ah yes, because it takes so much concentration chasing after a quaffle for ninety minutes."

"While in the air and also avoiding bludgers. That takes pure athleticism Snape." Snape scoffed as Sirius leaned on the table, "I bet you'd have a better appreciation for the sport if you actually came to a game every once in a while. You know, Gryffindor's playing Ravenclaw next."

"Good for you."

"C'mon, you won't even have to worry about house affiliations or anything since we're not playing Slytherin yet."

"I'd rather waste time studying for hours."

Sirius rolled his eyes, "Alright, how about you let me take you flying? I know you're rubbish on a broom."

Snape glared at him, "Piss off."

"It'll be fun, you know fun, that thing you seem so deadset on not having."

"Falling to my death because I was stupid enough to trust you behind the hilt of a broom isn't my idea of fun."

"I wouldn't let you fall." Snape scoffed again only to pause when Sirius suddenly reached out to take his hand again-

Wait what...

"I promise, I won't let you go for a single second." Snape looked down at the hand, but instead of pulling loose again he seemed to take a deep breath and gave the Animagus a very bored look.

"Somehow that doesn't fill me with confidence."

"So we're in agreement then."

"No, we're not."

"I'm taking that as a yes."

"And anyway, I'm not sure if it would be a good idea to waste so much time on such an abstract idea anyway. What about you Potter?"

James blinked, "Me?"

"Yeah, have you started on your assignment yet?" Lily asked and James cleared his throat again.

Focus damnit!

"No not yet."

"Really?"

"I've been busy."

"You know, if you spent half as much time studying as you did playing those stupid pranks you'd probably have the best marks in school." The redhead said and James couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance but quickly reigned it in.

"I like to have fun Evans, you should give it a try sometime instead of staying huddled with your books all day. How about we go flying sometime, just the two of us."

"Sure. If I'm not too busy huddled in my books all day."

Alright now she sounds annoyed. Moving swiftly along.

"I just got a new Firebolt this year." James started just as Madame Puddifoot came over with their drinks. A lemonade for Lily and a mug of Butterbeer for James. He couldn't help but pause at the two glasses of champagne on the tray as well.

"Thank you." Lily said and James did the same the older woman gave them a smile in return. "Your food should be ready soon."

She went over to Sirius and Snape's table to set down their glasses.

"And for the happy couple."

"Thank you." Sirius said and Snape just stared at the glass in front of him until the Animagus spoke. "Isn't this wonderful, kitten?"

Snape glared Sirius gave him a pointed look and Snape looked up at the woman and offered her a slight smile, "Thank you, this is... lovely."

"Oh, you're very welcome dear."

Focus James.

James quickly picked up his mug to take a sip of butterbeer. What was he talking about?

Firebolt, right.

"Firebolt flies much better than the brooms they lend you back at school. Faster too."

"I know."

"You do?"

Lily shrugged as she sipped from her own glass, "Marlene has one. We went out flying a few weeks ago on the weekend. It was fun, but I think I prefer flying on my own to sharing with someone."

"Oh. I suppose it's not as fun being a passenger."

Right, Lily's friends.

There's another thing they can talk about.

"I heard Frank's been courting Alice."

Lily scoffed, "He's been trying."

"She doesn't like him?"

"She does, Frank's just a bit of a mess you know. Last week, he owled her a box of sweets not knowing that-"

"How is it?"

Snape's expression twisted a little after he took a sip from the champagne flute, his skin flushed with warmth, causing a rosy hue to rise to the apples of his cheeks and his lips parted in a slight sigh. He cleared his throat.

"Not bad."

Sirius grinned as he sipped from his own, "It's good, you're allowed to say so you know." another sip and he frowned, "Not as good as some of the other stuff I've tasted, but not bad for a first drink."

Snape rolled his eyes, "Drink often then, do you?"

Sirius gave him a dull look, "I don't have some sort of addiction if that's what you're getting at. But I have the occasional drink now and then. I'm surprised you never have."

"Excuse me?"

"I've heard about those parties Rosier throws in the Slytherin common room sometimes. And you two are dorm mates, right?"

Snape shook his head, "Being dormmates doesn't mean we're friends."

"You seem like you are. He's always hanging around you."

Snape rolled his eyes, "How do you even know that we share a dorm room?"

Sirius paused, "I... heard Reg mention it once."

At that Snape immediately looked away and picked up his glass, "Regulus." he muttered quietly and Sirius frowned.

James frowned.

"You two are friends then?"

"Yes."

"Just friends?"

Snape's eyes narrowed at him, "Exactly what are you getting at Black?"

"Nothing, I just find it a bit weird that you're on such friendly terms with someone so much younger than you."

Snape took a sip from his glass, "I'm not entertaining, whatever this is."

"You spend all of your time with him and you're all he talks about-"

Yeah, what's up with that?

"For Merlin's sake, he's my friend. You know, like you and the brainless twats that you call friends."

Firstly, fuck off you greasy git! Secondly, that is not the same!

"That's not the same."

"It seems close enough."

"It was awful!" Lily said with a bright smile looking like she was trying to fight off the urge to laugh as she brushed that pretty red hair from her face. James blinked and quickly forced a smile to make it seem like he was totally listening to what she was saying.

What we're they talking about again?

"But I can't say it wasn't sweet, at least Frank was making an effort." Lily said with a shake of her head as she took another sip of lemonade and James nodded with a way more convincing chuckle than he thought he'd be able to manage.

Right Alice and Frank.

Stop letting Snape distract you!

"So things are going well for them then?"

"Hmm." She hummed, "Well, they're quite different from each other aren't they but, they still fit together really well too."

"Yeah."

"Alright, alright fine!" Sirius huffed as he sat back in his seat, "I won't bring up Reg anymore, even though he's my brother and I think I have a right to be upset about whatever it is that's going on between you two."

"Nothing is happening between us. And even if there were, it wouldn't be any of your business." Snape hissed irritably as he took another sip of his glass, his cheeks seemed to flush a bit more and James could see the way his lips parted slightly in a soft sigh.

"It's good isn't it?" Sirius asked with a smile and Snape looked up at him before looking away again.

"It's... fine."

"Hey, next year we'll both be of age and maybe we could have a whole bottle."

"And pretend like you and I are engaged again, I don't think so."

"Who says we'd have to pretend?"

The hell?

Snape blinked, "Excuse me?"

"You continue to doubt my powers of persuasion." Sirius said with a smirk, "Mark my words Snape, by the end of today, you'll be hopelessly in love with me, absolutely infatuated."

Snape scoffed, "By the end of today, you're going to be dissappointed."

James scoffed.

"We'll see, besides, you still need to make good on our bet."

Snape flushed even more.

Exactly what did Snape agree to that's got him blushing so bloody much?!

"Then again Mary didn't seem all that impressed either."

James blinked.

"She wasn't?"

Lily shrugged, "Well, yeah, but she can be a bit you know sometimes." She made a vague gesture with her hand and James tried to wrack his brain to figure out exactly what they were talking about, "But Alice seemed happy so I don't think it matters."

They're still talking about Alice and Frank? Maybe not. He can't be sure, he needs to change the subject and actually pay attention this time.

"Winter break is coming up soon." James started hoping it was a smooth enough transition from whatever it is they were talking about, "Going home for the Christmas holidays?"

"Yeah." She smiled, that beautiful smile that almost seemed to glow with that red hair still in those pretty twists and really, Snape's hair and teeth look a little different today but it’s nothing compared to this. "My mum and Dad already have a whole thing planned. My aunts and uncles are going to be coming over and that's always great. Of course I'll have to deal with my sister but, Tuney's easy enough to ignore."

"Right, I think you said once that you didn't get along, right? What's that all about?" James asked taking a sip of butterbeer and Lily gave an awkward shrug.

"Honestly, I'm not too sure. It's always been a bit tense between us if I'm being honest, though things only took a turn for the worst when Sev and I became friends."

Snape, of course. Doesn't he just ruin everything?

James glanced over to Sirius and Snape's table seeing the Slytherin roll his eyes for what had to be the hundredth time that day.

Annoying smarmy git.

"He taught me about magic you see." Lily said with her smile softening, "And we were just always together after that and then we both got our Hogwarts letters. Petunia stopped talking to me after that."

"She sounds like a piece of work." James was minutely surprise to see the flash of annoyance pass over her features.

"Things are difficult between us but she's still my sister. I'll thank you to remember that."

"Sorry." He said and quickly thought of something to brighten the atmosphere, "At least you've got a sibling. Been an only child all my life, but my parents are great so I can't really complain. I think they'd really like you."

"Really?"

"Yeah, smart beautiful. Of course they'd love you. How could they not?"

Lily flushed, her lovely cheeks going a rosy pink as she smiled.

It's true though. They really would love Lily, she would make the perfect Lady Potter. James couldn't find himself a better match if he tried. Just then Madame Puddifoot returned with their food and they got to eating. James told Lily a bit about his childhood and she talked about hers, unfortunately bringing up Snape a few times since Snape seemed to be such an annoyingly big part of it. All in all, James thought things were going well. Even if he had to ignore Sirius bursting out with laughter every now and then while Snape just kept rolling those pitch-black eyes of his the bloody-

Actually now that he's really looking, Snape's eyes don't look black. They actually look more-

Then dessert came out. Lover's surprise turned out to be this enormous pudding hidden away beneath sugar rose petals, that opened up when they tapped the edge of the plates and charmed with bright pink sparkles.

Merlin, this place really is ridiculous.

James looked over to see the slices of chocolate cake set down in front of Padfoot and Snape and wished that he'd just ordered that instead.

"What do you want to do after this?" Sirius asked as he lifted a forkful of cake to his mouth and Snape paused to look at him.

"This isn't the end of it?"

"Of course not." The Animagus said and Snape just shook his head as he brought his first bite of cake to his lips. The Slytherin's eyes fluttered shut for a brief moment, surprisingly long black lashes fanning against his skin before he seemed to catch himself and swallow.

"So you like chocolate then?" Sirius suddenly asked with a smirk and Snape glared at him.

"Shut up."

James stifled a laugh. The bat likes chocolate, who knew.

"Well, maybe we could go to Honeydukes after. My treat."

"I have errands to run. You can go wherever you want on your own."

Why does he always have to be so difficult? James' hand clenched around his spoon.

"No, you promised. One date, it's not over till at least five o'clock."

"I have things to do Black."

Then we'll do your stupid errands and finish the date.

"Fine, we'll do them and then get back to our date."

"What about Potter and Lily?"

Sirius blinked just as he swallowed another mouthful of cake. "Right, don't worry about it. It'll be fine."

Snape gave him a very dubious look before eating another piece of cake and James swears he saw the Slytherin almost go completely lax for a brief moment as he let out a soft moan. He took a deep breath, shifting a bit in his seat to straighten his posture as he ate another piece and flushed all the way right up to his hair, briefly biting his bottom lip as he swallowed and shifted in his chair a bit more. He seemed to forget himself as he pulled the fork from his lips almost torturously slow with a soft sigh, tongue coming out to lick the silver edge. Just before he took another piece, and let his head fall forward a bit. Pitch black locks covered his face and he sighed again before brushing some of his hair back, exposing a flushed cheek and parted lips before he ate another, squirming a bit more in his seat. His free hand seemed to clutch in the tablecloth where they sat as he rolled his neck the slightest bit. A shiver visibly raking through his core.

Bloody hell... Does Puddifoot spike the chocolate cake with aphrodisiacs or something?

James nervously licked his lips, before frowning at the pink pudding on his plate. It was sweet, but surprisingly not overtly so, with that delicate acidic bite from strawberries and hints of vanilla and chocolate and some sort of biscuit crunch. But he doesn't feel like he's on the verge of a bloody orgasm, unlike some people. Lily also seemed unaffected as she just ate with a happy smile, that beautiful oh so pretty smile but nothing like-

"Alright..." Sirius started staring at Snape as he briefly licked his own lips, squirming a bit in his own seat. His cake seemingly forgotten. "Do you want another piece? We can ask for another piece if you like. Two or three or four - as many as you want."

Snape blinked at him and cleared his throat, "This is fine."

He cleared his throat, but his voice still had this breathless sort of edge to it, made worse by the already ridiculous voice that Snape's been sporting since fourth year.

"O.K but... we're definitely going to Honeydukes after this." Sirius said still not looking away and Snape gave him a very bored look.

"No, we are-"

"Yes we are. I've decided. I'm buying you chocolate and you're eating some of it in front of me."

The Slytherin frowned at him, "Why?"

"Just... just because."

Yeah Snape, why do you always have to nit-pick everything? Just shut up and eat the damn chocolate!

Snape rolled his eyes just before he took another bite and his eyes slipped shut again with a nearly silent breathless

"...haa-"

"It's surprisingly good, isn't it?"

"Uh, what?" James asked his gaze snapping back to Lily.

"The pudding. I said it's not bad."

"Yeah," He said bringing a spoonful of the pink stuff to his mouth for show, which was a good idea since his mouth had somehow gone dry. "Not bad."

"It reminds me a bit of this dessert my Mum makes for Christmas." Lily started as she ate another spoonful, "I couldn't tell you what it's made from but it tastes like strawberries, cream and chocolate."

"Sounds good."

"It is, she's been making it for as longs as I can remember..."

"Are you sure you don't want another piece?" Sirius asked as Snape cleaned off his plate, letting out one more sigh as he straightened himself out and let out a deep breath.

Just one more-

"I’m sure."

Damn it!

"Well then, maybe we should just get going."

What-

"Get going?"

"You have errands right and we still need to stop at Honeydukes for more chocolate." Sirius said and Snape arched a brow at him.

"What about Lily and Potter?"

"Oh Right." Padfoot turned towards their table, "Prongs!"

Lily was cut off from talking about... what was she talking about again?

"Snape and I are going to head out."

Lily blinked, "I thought this was supposed to be a double date."

"It is, but Snape and I have alternate plans-"

"No, we don't." Snape cut in but Sirius kept talking like he was never interrupted.

"And I'm sure you two can keep yourselves occupied in the meantime." He said giving James a wink and the hazel eyed wizard was thrown for a loop for a brief moment. "We'll just meet up later, in an hour?"

He was already out of his seat, Snape stayed where he was. The Animagus started to pout.

"You promised, a whole date."

Snape sighed as he got up as well, "Fine."

"Sev-"

"It's alright, we'll meet later." He said and the girl's lips pursed before she gave a nod.

"Alright."

"We'll meet up at Zonkos later." Sirius said to James before turning to Snape with a smile, "Shall we?"

Snape sighed again, "Let's just get this over with."

They watched as Sirius and Snape made it to the desk at the front where the Animagus paid and Madame Puddifoot pulled them both in for another hug and a congratulations before she let them go.

The plates at the next table vanished and were replaced with a brand new clean set dishes.

Lily shook her head, "I hope they'll be O.K."

James watched as Padfoot opened the door and Snape yet again rolled his eyes as he stepped through before the Animagus followed.

"I think they'll be fine."

Even as he said this and smiled... James felt something unpleasant stir inside of him.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After finishing their desserts and paying they wandered around Hogsmeade for a bit. Sirius said that they'll meet up in an hour and James figured that it was just enough time to really try and impress Lily.

So where to take her?

The Three Broomsticks?

They just left a bloody restaurant and had something to drink. That didn't seem like a great idea. Hogshead? No, it has the same problem as the Three Broomsticks, plus James thinks it’s a bit too soon to try and convince the girl to try and sneak in there with him just yet. Especially after looking so unimpressed when Sirius managed to get Puddifoot to give him and Snape some champagne. Really, why didn't he think of that? Now that would have been really impressive or... Maybe not. James looked over to the redhead, remembering how her lips had pursed in disapproval when Sirius pulled his trick. Snape had looked downright horrified but, miraculously, he went along with it. James is surprised at that one, he thought the Slytherin would’ve blown their cover.

Well... Lily definitely would've gone along with it too, right? If he'd tried that? James couldn't help but pause with a frown.

Focus!

Sirius mentioned taking Snape to Honeydukes but that'll probably only be later and if they'll all be going together anyway then what would be the point? Too soon to go to Zonkos and honestly, with all of Evans' complaints about their pranks he didn't think that she'd enjoy that too much.

What about the bookstore?

But really... the bloody bookstore?

He might as well take her to the library back at school.

Pet store? No, Lily doesn't have a pet right? And even if she did what would they even really do in there? Briefly James wondered what Sirius and Snape were up to. He looked up around the street and just happened to catch sight of the two leaving the bookstore and headed for the apocathery. Because of course Snape would drag Padfoot to all the worst places on a Saturday. Padfoot must be bored out of his mind.

James frowned when he heard a laugh echo along the street just as Padfoot looked over to Snape-

"Potter?"

"Oh uhm." He stuttered when he looked over and saw Lily frowning at him. Well, why not just let her decide, "Anywhere you'd like to go Miss Evans?"

Lily's head gave a tilt as those pretty green eyes fluttered along the street and she shrugged, "How about the bookstore?"

James almost sighed in frustration but resisted the urge because-

Of course.

She's just as much of a bookworm as Snape is, isn't she?

Don't be a baby-

"Well then, shall we?" He said holding out his arm for her to take and Lily giggled as she took it and they made their way long the street...

In silence. Weird silence.

Shit, what should they talk about?

He looked over to her, seeing her eyes continue to flit around the street at the different stores. Her cheeks warmed with the loveliest rosy flush and that red hair brushing against her skin. Pretty pink lips with the slightest sheen of something... lipgloss? Whatever it is that girls usually used to make their lips look like that. Maybe he could steal a kiss... but no, it's too soon for that. She'd probably slap him if he tried to kiss her too soon.

Seriously, think.

What to talk about...

...

He's got nothing.

Shit... there's nothing else to talk about except-

"So what potion are we doing for class next week, I can't remember."

Lily rolled her eyes, "We're not doing a potion next week. Remember? The next potion is draught of the living death. Slughorn's got us for at least a few more periods before we're allowed to start brewing."

"Right."

"It's one of the most difficult potions to brew, not even Slughorn would have us brewing it right away."

"Hmm." He hates potions, its unbearably boring which is why it was undoubtedly his worst subject. The only reason he's taking advanced potions this year is because Lily was taking it... with Snape and he couldn't exactly leave her alone with the git now could he?

Stupid Snivellus.

"Snape probably already knows how to brew it doesn't he?"

Bastard could probably make it backwards in his sleep-

"I'm not too sure actually." Lily said with a tilt of her head, "Have to wait until we actually start making it. Honestly, I never really know what kind of potions Sev can make until we actually start making them in class."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, his Mum taught him he said. His Mum taught him lots about spells and potions and things. Sev doesn't really like to talk about it though."

"Have you ever met her?"

"Yes. She's nice, a bit quiet but nice."

His mother... So his father's the muggle-

"Snape's a half-blood right?" James has never heard of a pureblood family called Snape. "What's his mum's name?"

Lily blinked, her lips twisted a bit in a frown, "Eileen?"

That sounds familiar-

"What about her maiden name?"

"I think it’s..." Then she looked up at him, "Why do you even care?"

James blinked as well, "I'm not, just making conversation-"

Because bloody hell what else is there to talk about? Fucking school?

"Besides, I'm not too proud to admit that the gi-" He stopped himself when he looked into her eyes before rephrasing, "Snape is smart. If his Mum taught him everything then she must come from a really powerful family."

Lily's eyes narrowed down at him before she shook her head, "Sev also reads and studies regularly. It's not just his mum. So I don't really see how it matters."

Of course it matters! Why-

Right, Lily's a muggleborn. James had to remind himself. Of course she wouldn't really get it, things like bloodlines probably don't matter much to her. Not that they matter to James either, if they did then he wouldn't be chasing after her in the first place. But there's something to be said about knowing where a person comes from and Snape seemed to know too much for a half-blood from an obviously poor family.

He's right to be interested. It's all entirely too suspicious.

For all they know, Snape might be some sort of distant relative to the Malfoys or even the Dark Git himself. It would actually explain a lot about Malfoy's baffling interest in this one poor half-blood. And Regulus' attentions on him as well.

Seriously, what's up with that?!

"Well, it doesn't really. I was just wondering, maybe Snape's related to someone I know. Might make it easier to talk to him a bit, if we have something in common you know. I'm trying to make an effort here." He said with a look that he hoped was sincere enough, Lily just looked away.

"Even if you did know her, I doubt Sev would be happy about me telling you about her. Effort or no, it isn't any of your business." She huffed and James wanted to growl in frustration when he looked up and realised that they'd reached the bookstore. Good.

"What did you even want to look for here anyway?"

"Just something new to read. It's nice to just look around sometimes." She said and James took in a deep breath once they reached the shop and he moved quickly to open the door for her. Lily still smiled as she stepped inside and James was grateful that the previous conversation seemed to be forgotten for the moment.

Inside the store it was books and books and books and James was insanely bored. He followed Lily around the shelves as she pointed at this book and that, the only nice thing about the trip seemed to be the occasional smile she would give him when their eyes locked for a brief second. The store was mostly vacant, with only a customer or two here or there. Citizens of the village and a stray student looking for a reference for whatever subject.

Lily turned around the next row of shelves a few hairs escaping one of the many twists and clinging against her cheek. Well, maybe he can steal a kiss now-

Just then he looked up, the isle where they were standing looked out into the street and you could see the apocathery close by. See right into the windows where Snape was standing, leaning over as he gestured to something in the display case up against the window. Sirius was very clearly not paying attention as he just stared at Snape while the raven prattled on, oblivious to everything around him.

Figures the stupid git would love hearing his own stupidly ridiculous voice drone on and on. James noticed once how you could fall asleep with the prat going on like that. He had this odd low timbre to his voice, like the low rumble of a dragon sleeping. Unnerving and yet, seriously, James is pretty sure he could fall asleep with the greasy little shit just talking like that.

Boring bat.

Snape was still talking, Sirius was very clearly not paying attention. The Slytherin looked up at the other with a frown only for his eyes to go impossibly wide when Padfoot quickly leaned in and pressed a kiss on his lips.

James gasped, his own eyes going wide as he immediately stepped closer to the window.

What the actual fuck?!

Snape shoved Padfoot back hard, causing the Animagus to almost stumble into the shelf behind him before he caught himself. He could see Snape glaring, very obviously cursing the other out while Sirius just smirked at him as he said something else that caused the raven to stop and then take a step back. And another and then another, while Sirius kept moving closer until the Slytherin bumped into the shelf behind him. He jumped, looking back to make sure nothing had fallen only for his head to snap back when Padfoot had him boxed in against the shelf. Hands up on the shelf behind Snape's head as he leaned in to say something else.

"I think they sold it already."

James blinked as he looked back. Luckily it seemed that Lily's eyes were focused on the shelf of books in front of her.

"What?"

"The book I saw last time. I was hoping to find at least one copy but I think they sold the last one." She sighed and shrugged, "Maybe the library has a few copies to borrow."

"Yeah, probably."

He looked back to the apocathery. Snape and Sirius were gone, or at least, not in the window anymore.

What was that?

What the hell was Padfoot doing?!

Why would he kiss Snape?!

He has half a mind to storm right over there and-

"Oof." Lily gasped just as a book landed at her feet and she quickly leaned over to pick it up.

Focus you idiot!

Don't let Snape distract you. Sirius was just... he's supposed to be keeping Snape busy right? That's all it is. That doesn't really explain why he'd kiss-

Focus.

James cleared his throat and walked over back to Lily's side. The book that fell, seemed to have fallen because of another one that she was trying to reach further up. The girl huffed in frustration as she held onto the shelf trying to grab the book that was just out of her reach. He gave a scoff of amusement a as he moved in beside her.

"Do you require some assistance, my lady?"

Lily looked over to him and rolled her eyes, her cheeks tinging pink even as she stepped back. "How chivalrous of you, sir. I wanted that red one, with the silver print."

"Alright." He reached up and pulled it from the shelf. Briefly he noted how close he was to Lily, those pretty green eyes fixed on the book that he took and he gave into the impulse to lean in and kiss her right on the lips.

It’s the first date. A first date she effectively got bribed into going on. To be honest, James was expecting to get smacked for that one...

But she didn't pull back or hit him or shove him away.

Lily's lips were soft and smooth and tasted a bit like strawberries and vanilla - That dessert they had at Madame Puddifoot's James realised distantly.

He wrapped arm that held her book around her waist, the other hand going up to her cheek where he could almost feel her flush warm against his fingertips. She kissed him back, a soft moan escaping her lips and he-

Seriously, he expected her to have pulled back by now. He thought she'd be furious and already had a litany of apologies and excuses ready to smooth thing over once she did. But she didn't.

Distantly as he felt her wrap her arms around his neck, felt one of her hands run up into his hair, he remembered Sirius kiss Snape. It lasted all of what? Two seconds before the Slytherin shoved him back and started cursing at him? That seemed like a strong reaction. Was it really just because he hated the marauders or was it something else? Sirius said Regulus said Snape likes blokes so it couldn't be that. Then again, with Snivellus being Snivellus he probably wasn't used to anyone touching him let alone trying to kiss him. Maybe it was his first kiss or someth-

Was that Snape's first kiss?!

James' eyes snapped open and he broke the kiss, letting out a soft breath just as Lily sighed and hazy emerald green eyes fluttered open and James swallowed hard just as the girl cleared her throat and pulled away.

"No self-control at all, I see."

James huffed out a scoff, "With such a lovely lady at my side, how could I resist?"

Lily shook her head, "Alright, that's enough of that." She took the book from his hand and headed to the front desk. James offered to pay for it and Lily insisted on doing it herself. They stepped out into the street again. James couldn't help but look over to the apocathery again-

"Anywhere you'd like to go?" She asked and James' mind went blank for a split second when hazel eyes landed on a shop further along the street - of course!

"How about the broomery?"

She shrugged, he held out his arm and she took it as they started walking. Right passed the apocathery where he looked over and caught a glimpse of Padfoot with Snape. The Slytherin was glaring hard at the Animagus as they stood between the shelves of the shop. They were clearly arguing about something, Sirius just swooped down to press another peck on Snape's lips, earning yet another shove. James could almost hear the shopkeeper shout at them from his perch at the register by the door.

He looked over to Lily, and then back to the street. They're still a bit of a distance from the shop.

"I'm still a bit surprised you know."

"About what?"

"That Sirius managed to get Snape to agree to all this, again not that I'm not grateful, but Snape doesn't really strike me as the type to go out much."

Lily rolled her eyes, "Just because Sev likes to keep to himself, doesn't mean he doesn't have any friends."

"Well, going out with friends sure, but a date?"

Lily frowned at him, "He's just selective. Sev knows exactly what he wants and he isn't going to try and settle for anything less."

"Oh really? And exactly what does his highness deem worthy of his mighty self?"

"Well, he's not too fond of pompous arrogant  idiots for one thing." Lily said looking over to the street and James rolled his eyes, "Sev likes intelligence, someone with a quick wit, capable, responsible-"

And he agreed to a date with Sirius?

Sirius is his best friend, it's not like James thinks that he'd be a bad catch or anything it's just... Well.

Although Padfoot dates plenty none of his escapades could really be considered relationships. He's ill-tempered and aggressive and there's a reason why he elected not to take advanced potions this year.

And yet somehow, for some reason, he managed to get Snape to agree to this whole thing.

Seriously, how did he pull that off?

"And anyway, I'm not even really sure why you would care what his type is."

James blinked, "I'm just... trying to understand him a bit better."

Lily frowned at him, "Well maybe you could try by having an actual conversation with him."

James fought back against the urge to laugh.

"Finally."

They'd made it to the broom shop.

It wasn't anything fancy. Mostly a repair shop for damaged or old brooms in need of a tune up and refurnishing. They had a selection of secondhand brooms for sale but even though they're second had brooms James didn't have quite enough money to buy one for Lily. Instead he decided a rental would be a good option. She said she prefers to fly alone, maybe they could go flying later.

He suggested this and she agreed, James felt proud that he managed to find something for them to do that they could both enjoy.

Though most of them looked like older models, he figured they'd be good enough. It's not like he's looking for something for a match against Slytherin anyway. They were good enough for few hours of flying.

After going through the available options, with James discussing all of their pros and cons and Lily periodically rolling her eyes in between; they settled on an older model Firebolt. The shopkeep informed them that the broom would automatically fly itself back to the shop at six o'clock, so he reminded them not to put it indoors or anywhere with windows to break.

Once they were finished, brooms shrunk and put away they headed to Zonkos to meet up with Sirius and Snape.

They were already inside when they got there.

James walked in to find the Slytherin standing in between the isles staring at something on the shelf with a frown. Looking up he saw Padfoot a little bit further back. Lily spotted a few of her friends inside and excused herself to go say hello. James was left to his own devices for the moment. Snape was still staring at whatever it is that he was looking at on the shelf, James noticed that his hands hand clenched with his knuckles turning white. Filled with curiosity he walked over.

Lily suggested talking to the bat, didn’t she?

"Find something interesting?" He said by way of greeting and Snape jumped before he looked up at the other and glared.

"Piss off."

James glared back, "I'd love to, but Miss Evans and I are on a date that unfortunately includes you." Snape just looked away, James frowned, "What're you staring at anyway?"

"Nothing."

James ignored him and saw just one thing that could really be of interest to the Slytherin. It was a shiny silver ball. Bigger than a snitch but smaller than a quaffle, covered in little holes with a slight indentation on one side. James smiled.

Zonkos prank bomb.

They used that one on Snape in fourth year, right?

Made a few alterations and the silver ball exploded covering the Slytherin in green slime from head to toe. He'd just stood there staring in disbelief before suddenly running out of the hall as the whole school laughed. That was a good one.

Snape was glaring.

Well, obviously not good for Snape, but if he wasn't on the receiving end of it he would have found it funny too.

But he was on the receiving end of it wasn't he…

James had to quickly squash down the sudden and very unfamiliar feeling of guilt as he cleared his throat.

"C'mon Snape, I'm sure it wasn't that bad."

"It wasn't that bad?" Snape whispered and James rolled his eyes as he reached out to take the ball with its cardboard packaging to take a closer look.

"You got covered in slime, it's not like we set you on fire or any-"

"I was in the infirmary for two days because of your idiotic prank!" Snape hissed, glaring hard at the other and James felt the impulse to step back at the sheer fury in those dark eyes, "That prank filled my lungs with slime and it took two days to expel it. I didn't even make it to the infirmary! An elf found me chocking in one of the corridors and had to transport me there!"

James swallowed hard, his eyes going wide.

That couldn't have happened...

Yes, they got detention for the prank and... James didn't see Snape in any classes for a few days but he thought the Slytherin was probably just embarrassed or something.

No way, right?

"I-"

Before he could even try to respond Snape snatched the package out of his hand and glared at it. Something on there seemed to make him even angrier than before as his nostrils flared and his glare intensified before he huffed and made a beeline for Padfoot.

"Black!"

Sirius turned back with a smile, "What-"

"Buy this." He said shoving the bomb at the Animagus' chest and Sirius scoffed as he looked at it.

"Find something you like ki-" Stormy grey eyes widened as he looked at the package and he swallowed hard before he looked at the Slytherin.

"I... Snape, I don't think."

"I said, buy it."

Sirius' eyes flickered over to James who had gone closer, something guilty glowing in his eyes and James paused since-

Wait... did that actually happen?

"Sev-"

"Now." Snape growled and Sirius took in a deep breath before letting it out in a sigh as he turned to the cashier.

"Alright, alright fine."

James stepped even closer to the shorter raven, "Snape what-"

"You weren't even using it right." He mumbled and James frowned.

"What?"

Snape didn't answer his question, Sirius had turned back with the newly purchased item and Snape snatched it out of his hands.

He turned and headed straight for the door. James and Sirius shared a look, Sirius was the first one to move as he hurried to follow the Slytherin out of the store. Without even thinking about it, James followed as well, hearing the little tinkering bell above the door ring just as he saw Sirius finally make it to Snape's side along the sidewalk. He quickly ran to catch up.

"Look I'm, I don't..." He heard Sirius say just as he caught up and heard the Animagus huff out a sigh, "What are you even planning on doing with that?"

James was curious too.

Snape didn't answer, not until they'd made it just a few stores away from the Three Broomsticks where a group of fifth year Gryffindors stood outside and he quickly ducked in an alley beside one of the shops.

They followed him just as he was ripping the cardboard and plastic off to the bomb.

"What're you doing?" James asked and Snape glared up at him for a brief moment before letting out a hiss.

"I knew you were an imbecile Potter, but never for the life of me could I have ever guessed that you and your little minions were so inept, that you were incapable of reading simple bloody instructions."

James glared hard, "We read the instructions on the package you fucking git."

"You used slug slime and boomslang skin, with the doxie shells." It wasn't a question, just a very very irritated statement. Sirius nodded.

"Yeah... We wanted it to spray slime so we altered the bomb a bit and Remus found this recipe in a book-"

"Merlin, Lupin is an idiot as well. How is it possible that you're all beyond redemption?" Snape grumbled as he reached into his pocket to pull out three bottles very clearly just purchased at the apocathery. Doxie shells, fairy wings and-

"Unicorn hairs?" How did he manage to afford that? James looked over to Sirius who very pointedly did not look at him as he watched Snape.

He pressed the side of the sphere, right over the indentation which popped up and revealed an empty chamber inside. Snape poured in some of the doxie shells, five fairy wings and one unicorn hair before closing the chamber and shaking the sphere.

"Seriously, what're-"

Snape ignored them as he went back to the entrance of the alley and peeked over the wall. James and Sirius followed suit, peeking around the wall as well. Those fifth years were still standing outside, laughing and chatting. James recognised one of them. He tried out to be a beater on the quidditch team that year but didn't quite make it. Simon something.

Snape shook the sphere one more time and then pulled out his wand to mutter a spell around it. The sphere glowed a slight gold before he cast a levitation charm and sent it right over the student's heads before he dropped it and it fell at their feet.

"What the hell?"

One of them asked as they all jumped back in surprise at the silver ball that fell on the stone walkway.

"What's this?"

Simon something leaned over to pick it up before it could roll away and turned the sphere around in his hand just as his friends stepped closer.

"Some kind of ball?" One of the other's asked as he reached out to take it. That's when Snape whispered.

"Rubcis."

The ball then burst with a very audible pop. Engulfing the group of fifth years in a cloud of pink smoke. Sirius gasped and James blinked. A few startled cries and shouts echoed around them from the students and villagers on the street and people stopped to stare as the smoke seemed to quickly dissipate to leave behind four very shocked fifth years covered from head to toe in pink glitter that sparkled and shimmered in the sun, with the exception of the eyes, ears, mouth and nose.

"What-what the fuck?!"

Someone along the street burst out with laughter, which is when Sirius started laughing too. Soon the whole street was echoing with snickers and giggles as the four Gryffindors tried to shake the glitter off only for it to cling more stubbornly despite their best efforts and they were trying very hard. James grinned, that was brilliant. He looked down at the Slytherin beside them.

"How did you-"

"I read the packaging and didn't try to meddle with it. That is what it's supposed to do. It covers a person in glitter without restricting or even entering the airways. The glitter will fall off on its own after a few hours without any harm." Snape was smirking a little before, now any and all traces of amusement were gone from his features as he looked up coldly at the hazel eyed wizard. "If you had followed the instructions, it wouldn't have exploded the way it did. It wouldn't have almost killed me-"

James swallowed hard, "Snape-"

Before he could finish his sentence Snape suddenly grabbed Padfoot and dragged him back into the alley, before he reached out and grabbed James by his shirt to shove him back against the wall.

"What-"

"Get back!"

Sirius was on the ground, seeming to have sobered up for the moment as he looked over around the wall at something. Snape looked around the side, James looked over as well. The prank victims had started looking around themselves, trying to locate the perpetrators and huffing in fury until Simon whatever finally let out a growl of anger as he led his friends off towards the carriages back to Hogwarts.

Snape sighed.

And James froze.

His back was up against the wall.

Snape was right up against him, hands clenched in the hazel eyed wizard's shirt and cloak from when he'd shoved him back against the wall. Snape looked up at him just then-

His eyes really aren't black.

It's more of a very very very dark brown. When his eyes aren't narrowed in annoyance or anger or... both they looked bigger almost, especially with those raven hairs brushing against that pale skin and right over his eyes. He smelled like chocolate, probably from that cake James realised. That same cake that almost had the Slytherin orgasming right there in the open where anyone could see and - champagne, vaguely. Chocolate and champagne, that's probably what he'd taste like right now. His eyes were big and dark and you could see the pupil, just barely if you just looked close enough and he probably tastes like chocolate and champagne-

Snape suddenly let go and took a full step back, frowning at the Gryffindor and James blinked when he came back to himself and Sirius was laughing again, lying on the ground with just the biggest grin on his face. Snape took another full step away from James and James opened his mouth to say...

Something.

Whatever it was didn't make it out of his mouth.

Snape looked over to the Animagus and looked like he was praying to Salazar himself for patience. "If you're done rolling in the dirt, Black."

Sirius stopped laughing but he still grinned up at the other, "That was brilliant."

"Are you done?" Snape said clearly and Sirius rolled his eyes as he got up and dusted himself off. He frowned when the more resistant dirt clung and Snape seemed to still be praying for patience as he took out his wand and waved it around the other causing the dirt to disappear. Sirius smiled as he cooed.

"Thank you, kitten."

Snape glared at him, "Drop dead."

Sirius laughed, "But seriously, that was great. You should come pranking with us sometime. Right James?"

James cleared his throat and shrugged, "Sure."

Snape sneered, folding his arms over his chest only to pause and frown before looking back at James, "Potter, where's Lily?"

James tensed. Sirius frowned at him.

"Oh mate... you didn't just leave her there?"

Snape glared hard, "You left her there?!"

James couldn't answer that question. Sirius rolled his eyes hard, he quickly reached out to wrap his arm around Snape's waist before the Slytherin could let out the flurry of insults that were right there on his tongue.

"We'll meet you at Honeydukes."

Snape was still glaring even as he shrugged Sirius' hand off before the Animagus just put it back again and his hand got smacked away again. James just didn't have the time to deliberate that mental dilemma because shit.

How did he just leave her there?!

He made it back to Zonkos and - Thank Merlin, Lily was still talking to her friends.

But seriously, how the fuck did he just leave her there?!

Just then Lily turned back towards him and James gave her a charming smile. She smiled back, she didn't notice him leave, good. He's got luck on his side today.

As she came closer, she looked around the store.

"Where did Sev and Black go?"

"Oh, they said they'd meet us at Honeydukes. I told them I'd wait for you."

He totally did not run off after Snape and Sirius without telling her because that would be absolutely mental because why would he run off after Snape when he had Lily right there next to him on a date like he's always wanted and Snape was elsewhere and distracted like he's always wanted so why in Merlin's name did he just leave like that?!

They left Zonkos and headed for Honeydukes.

Lily started chatting about her conversation with Emily and Lisbet. They were at Zonkos because of some trinket Emily wanted to get for her boyfriend since he saw it in the window last Hogsmeade weekend. Some sort of bouncing thing. She tried to explain what it was, James just wasn't paying close enough attention to be able to figure it out. Honeydukes wasn't too far from Zonkos so they made it there in no time.

James eyes scanned the shop and he saw Padfoot with Snape, the Slytherin giving him the dullest look while Sirius loaded up his basket with chocolate.

Seriously focus!

James took a deep breath.

He got off lucky just now. He can't afford to slip up again.

"Anything you'd like Miss Evans? My treat." He asked as he gestured over the store and Lily scoffed as she stepped forward and they started making their way through the shop.

Lily only got a few things.

Crackling ginger biscuits, caramel popcorn, sugar quills and mint sherbet hearts. James got his usual selection of liquorish whips and candies, for once forgoing the jelly slugs since he just... he couldn't. When they got to the chocolate isle Lily only got two frogs and James-

"I'm not exactly sure how you expect me to finish all of this." Snape said sounding extremely bored and Sirius shrugged.

"I don't expect you to eat all of it today." He picked up a silver package before setting it back on the rack, "Just some of it. The rest you can keep for later."

"Later?"

"When you pay up for our wager for example." Sirius smirked and Snape blinked as he blushed and then turned around.

"You're revolting."

"Oh absolutely." Sirius said as he tossed another pack into the basket, "It wouldn't be any fun otherwise."

Snape flushed darker, "You... You know what, I'm not dignifying that with a response."

"We really should've asked Puddifoot if we could get some of that cake to go, but I think that's enough for now."

"For now?"

The Animagus just looked over to James and Lily, "You done yet James? Snape wanted to get back to school so..."

Get back to school for what exactly?

James looked over to Lily, with her pretty green eyes and red hair. Lily, who finally let him kiss her and it was...

Great, right?

Why does he suddenly feel like he can't remember?

Either way, this is the perfect opportunity to be alone with Lily and really really have a real date and focus.

"Actually, we were planning to go flying for a bit." Snape looked at Lily who gave a slight shrug as James continued, "You go on without us."

"Flying?"

And then Padfoot looked over to Snape and beamed. Snape immediately took a step back.

"No absolutely not."

"Yes."

"I don't have a broom, Black."

"You could just rent one Sev." Lily supplied helpfully with a smile and James wanted to groan in frustration because he really didn't need Snape there. "Potter and I rented a few just before we met up."

"We don't need another broom, we'll just use mine. I'll summon it soon as we get to school." Sirius said simply. Lily frowned.

"But-"

"This is our date not yours. Mind your own business Evans." Sirius said just like he had at Madame Puddifoot's with the same shooing gesture. Snape glared at him even as he continued, "Besides, you can't get on a broom on your own if you don't even know how to fly. It's just safer this way."

"I wouldn't call getting on a broom with you safe." Snape said and Sirius just scoffed.

"C'mon, it'll be fun. Afterwards we can call it a day, I promise."

Snape arched a brow at him, "Really?"

"Yeah, besides, we still need to do that other thing remember?"

Snape flushed red.

"What other thing?"

"None of your business Evans." Sirius said hastily as he wrapped an arm around Snape's waist and started to lead him to the front to pay for their treats. Snape of course smacked the hand away only for Sirius to grab hold of his wrist and drag him along. "We should get to the carriages."

"Black! What do you think you're-"

They made it to the front and James sighed.

There goes the idea of getting Lily alone for a really real date...

Lily huffed and shook her head, "We should probably catch up."

"Yeah."

Why does he feel so relieved?