8 Hours

They stopped trying to escape about a year ago. They ran out of ideas, so they decided to just wait it out and hope that someone would come for them eventually. Its been six years since they were locked in the room. Somehow, they managed to make the days go by fast enough. That’s not to say however that things were suddenly just all sunshine and roses between them. James Potter was still James Potter and Severus Snape would never stop being Severus Snape. They still argued and bickered, though not as often as they did before they entered the room. James was still an arrogant toad and Severus was still a snarky bastard but they managed to make it work.

It took two weeks after James confession for Severus to give in and give the whole more than friends thing a shot. Partly because there wasn’t much else to occupy their time with in there but mostly because James’ constant lovesick puppy dog stare was getting unbearable. It was… a learning experience for both of them. Severus had never really dated anyone before and James’ escapades never really offered anything substantial.

It was awkward at first. Severus had to learn to call the Gryffindor James and James had to get out of the habit of referring to the Slytherin as a bat whenever they argued. James had to learn to give Severus some space every now and then and Severus had to get over the fact that James tended to get a bit clingy from time to time. There was a lot of give and take… a lot to get used to, but they managed well enough and eventually things stopped being awkward.

Its freezing.

They managed to estimate their time and realised that it was around Christmas time  in the outside world. James wanted snow, so Severus charmed the sky outside until the snow was thick enough to cover the ground in about a foot of snow and cover the roof in a thick layer of the white fluff. It took a while to figure out a way to get it right  but the wide grin on James’ face when the first few snowflakes started falling seemed to make it worth it. Until the cold set in which is when Severus started making immediate plans to get rid of the stuff.

“Better?” James asked as he settled into his seat on the floor beside the Slytherin. There was a fire burning in the fireplace warming the whole room but Severus still had two blankets wrapped around himself even after he managed to finish his cup of cocoa.

“I’m getting rid of it tomorrow.”

“No you’re not.”

“Yes I am.”

“Breakfast in bed tomorrow morning says you won’t.”

Severus looked up at the other with an arched brow, “You burnt the toast last time.”

“It was not burnt.”

“It was pitch black. You almost set the kitchen on fire.”

James rolled his eyes, “But this is nice right. A warm fire, beautiful snow outside-“

“It’s freezing.”

“All we need now is a few kids, maybe a pet like a dog.”

Severus just scoffed and James looked down at him for a moment, “Do you want to have children someday Severus?”

The raven gave him a dull look. “And exactly where and how would we find a child in here?”

“No, I mean, if we ever get out of here… when we get out of here.” James paused, “Have you ever thought about wanting children before all this?”

Severus was quiet for a moment, “Have you?”

“Yes.”

The Slytherin seemed to roll his eyes, “Of course you have.”

“You haven’t?”

“There was never a time where it seemed… appropriate.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Severus sighed. This… it’s a sensitive issue that he didn’t really want to talk about. Normally he’d just try to get the other to drop the subject but, being stuck in the room… there wasn’t really anything else to do except for talk. And since there had been no signs as of yet of them being rescued, talking didn’t seem quite so bad when it was just the two of them. Which is how he ended up being treated to every story of childhood adventure that James could remember and Severus ended up telling him about-

“I told you about my parents… about the way that my father treated me.” Severus said curling into the other just a bit more and James took in a silent breath as he stared into the fire, his arm tightening ever so slightly around the other man’s shoulders.

“I remember. Does that mean that you don’t want kids-”

“No, that’s not what I meant. I just…” Severus sighed, “There was a lot going on in my life and none of my plans would have made it safe or even really possible for me to have that kind of a family.”

James frowned, “What plans were those?”

Severus looked up at the other for a moment. Those dark eyes intense and calculating until he just let out a sigh.

“I planned on taking the dark mark after graduation.”

James eyes went wide, “You what?”

“Lucius… Malfoy had noticed my talent with potions and spells early on. He encouraged me to make sure that I made the right kind of friends, established appropriate connections. He said if I did that much then he could introduce me to someone that would change my life for the better. Someone who would see my potential just as clearly as he did. So I got friendly with Avery, and Wilkes and Mulciber. Made sure that I was on good terms with the Lestranges.” Severus explained as he waved his hand dismissively, “Eventually Malfoy told me that my efforts were paying off and that, a very special party had taken an interest in me. Apparently, they didn’t even care that I was a half-blood and they were oh so eager to finally meet me.”

James swallowed hard, knowing where this was heading but also dreading what was surely coming next.

“Was it-“

“He-who-must-not-be-named?” Severus asked and James nodded, the Slytherin scoffed, “Yes.”

“Did you ever meet him?”

“No, we got trapped in here about a week before I was supposed to.” James let out a sigh and Severus shook his head, “I suppose I should be grateful the room decided to malfunction the way it did. I was so close… Merlin I was so ready. Lucius made it sound so good and Avery he was always there, reminding me not to stray. Rumours of his interest in me started spreading around Slytherin and suddenly, suddenly things were different. Suddenly no one minded that I was a half-blood or that I was poor or that I had a mudblood for a friend. No one picked on me, no one glared. Suddenly I was accepted so I thought, if things could get this good just because of a rumour, then how good would they get once I finally got the mark?”

“Severus-“

“But it would have been a mistake. Nothing would have changed if anything things may have gotten worse. I might be a half-blood and I might be poor, but at least I don’t belong to anyone. I still have my freedom, as limited as it is in here.” Severus drawled out as he glanced around them and then sighed again.

James wasn’t sure how to respond, so he just leaned down and pressed a kiss on the raven’s temple. Severus seemed to shut his eyes before he spoke.

“Two.”

“What?”

“Two kids, one boy and one girl.” Severus started to smile a little, “No more than a year apart so they can grow up and play together.”

James nodded before he spoke, “I want at least five.”

Severus looked up at him in shock and James rolled his eyes.

“Don’t act like that surprises you.”

Severus shook his head, “Merlin help the poor woman that ends up married to you.”

“I thought we were going to get married?”

“And exactly how do you expect me to squeeze out at least five brats for you?”

James shrugged, “There are potions for male pregnancy.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“And honestly I wouldn’t mind adopting.” James said his lips twisting into a frown as he spoke, “We could end up helping someone that doesn’t have a family. My parents… they’re wonderful really but, I can’t deny that it felt lonely sometimes. It would have been nice to have someone else there, I wouldn’t have cared if it was a half-blood from another family.”

Severus blinked, “James-“

“So, it’s settled then.” James started as he gave the other man a wide grin, “We’ll have six children.”

“Six children?!”

“Two via potions and then we’ll adopt the other four.”

Severus let out a huff, “You really are ridiculous.”

James laughed, “Alright, then we’ll just have two... to start with.”

“To start with?”

“They’ll be strong, handsome and charming like me.”

“Of course they will.”

“And they’ll be smart and beautiful like you.”

Severus paused and looked up at him. James smiled as he reached out to brush a lock of hair away from the Slytherin’s face. “At least two kids with eyes just like yours.”

The Slytherin flushed ever so slightly before letting out a sigh as he looked back into the fire.

“I suppose that they’ll all be quidditch players then?”

“Of course, what else would they be?”

“You’re ridiculous.”

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It all happened so quickly, too quickly for Snape to possibly be able to counter.

The Slytherin gasped as his back hit the wall and a hand twisted in his robes. Sirius glared hard with a wand aimed right at the greasy bat’s face. The raven blinked.

“Black?”

“What the hell did you do to James?”

He blinked again, “What?”

“Don’t act stupid! I know you did something to him! He would never ask to be resorted, let alone want to marry you!”

Snape blinked at him again, lips twisting into a slight frown before he suddenly rolled his eyes hard.

“Of course.”

“What-“

“Expeliarmus.”

Sirius gasped as his wand suddenly flew right out of his hand and hit the opposite wall on the other side of the hall.

“How-“

“Incarcerus.”

Ropes seemed to come from nowhere and Sirius fell over onto his side with a hard thud. He struggled against the bindings and screamed.

“Snape! You-“

“Greasy bat. Yes, yes I know.” Snape drawled as he walked over to the animagus’ wand to pick it up and then turned back, “Honestly, one would think that you would’ve come up with some new material by now.”

“Bastard.” Snape only seemed to scoff as he stopped in front of the other before crouching down, “How did you-“

“Eight years gives one the time to learn new things. James and I learned a bit of wandless magic, nothing too advanced mind you. Just enough to put a mangy mutt back in its place.”

Sirius glared teeth bared, “Fuck you.”

“James and I also did a bit of duelling. Sneak attacks, catching each other of guard and such. I noticed you following me the second I left the library.”

His eyes went wide, “You-you knew-“

“Call it curiosity and maybe a touch of pity.” Snape said letting his arms rest on his knees, Sirius’ wand dangling from his hand. “You’re James’ friend, he’d like for us to get along. I figured I could stomach one attempt of civility with you, watch you fail and then move on.”

Sirius struggled a bit more, eyes fixed on his wand before just letting out a huff as he slumped onto the floor.

“Bastard.”

“Hmm. So, why were you following me? Did you really just come here to try and accuse me of brainwashing your friend?”

“It’s not an accusation. I know you did.”

“And how would you know that?”

“James would never just switch to Slytherin, he’d never give up the team, he’d never touch a slimy snake like you.”

“Agreed.” Severus said and Sirius blinked to look up at the other in confusion as he continued, “So how do you suppose I managed to convince him do all that?”

“I-I don’t know, but I know you did something. It must’ve been some sort of spell or potion or-“

“Well let’s see.” Snape said, looking up for a brief moment, “The Imperious curse would be a good candidate for something like that. But Dumbledore would immediately be alerted to the use of the Imperious curse on school grounds. As far as potions are concerned, there’s nothing I would’ve been able to use on him, that wouldn’t eventually fade out and require me administering the potion every few hours or days. Considering the fact that we were in different houses and move in different social circles that would’ve been difficult to accomplish without anyone taking notice eventually. And I did avoid him for two weeks so that would’ve been more than enough time for any such potion to wear off. Of course, I could have used Amortentia, but again Amortentia would require repeat doses. Tell me Black, is there anything else I could be missing?”

Sirius blinked, “I-“

“Right, there could also be the possibility that I’m threatening or blackmailing James in some way; but then the question would be exactly what I’m using to blackmail or threaten him with. You could argue that I’m using the little incident with Lupin against him; threatening to out the werewolf to the world but seeing as how I owe a life debt to James because of the incident with Lupin, he could just as easily use that life debt to swear me to eternal secrecy. That is of course, ignoring the fact that Dumbledore already swore me to secrecy on the matter.” Snape then let out a sigh and looked down at the animagus, “So tell me Black. How did I force James to do everything that he’s done?”

Sirius’ mind went blank. Snape scoffed and smirked.

“Nothing?” Snape got up and dropped Sirius’ wand about a foot away, he turned to leave-

“It’s not fair.” Sirius said his head flat on the ground as he stared at his wand and Snape turned back to look at him.

“Life isn’t fair Black.”

“Why did you have to take him away too?”

“Excuse me?”

“Regulus I could understand, I didn’t want to but I do. You’re in Slytherin and with mum and dad being the way they are of course you’d be friends but, James… how did you manage to take him away as well?”

Snape was quiet for a moment, “I haven’t taken anyone away.”

“Yes, you did. Regulus was my brother and James was my best friend. But for some reason they both prefer you.”

Snape rolled his eyes, “You’re such a child-“

“Go to he-“

“Regulus avoids you because you act like a controlling bastard when you’re around him and as for James; unless you have some sort of romantic inclinations towards him, the relationship I have with him isn’t the same as yours.”

“I-“

“Finite incentatum.”

Snape said and suddenly the ropes disappeared, Sirius looked around himself in shock for a bit before sitting up as the Slytherin watched him.

“I’ve already had this conversation with Lupin. Whether you believe it or not, James and I had eight years to work through our issues, so I can begrudgingly understand that you’re having trouble keeping up.” Snape folded his arms across his chest, “But whatever problem you have between you and James you sort out with James. I’m not going to be the target of your frustrations simply because you don’t know how to deal with your emotions.” Sirius reached for his wand when Snape snapped, “Try to hex me and I’ll make sure you’ll never be able to use that wand again.”

Sirius’ hand clenched and he glared at the other, the raven rolled his eyes yet again, “If you want to talk to James, then just go talk to him and as for Regulus, well… I’m not sure he wants anything to do with you at this point, but I could be convinced to arrange a meeting with him. Provided that I had the appropriate incentive.”

“What incentive?”

Snape sighed, “James, the absolute spoiled brat, insists that I get along with you for some baffling reason. We’re going to Hogsmeade this weekend, Lupin’s already agreed to go with us. I expect you to be there as well.”

Sirius looked up at the Slytherin with a frown, “Why?”

Snape looked away, a light flush rushing to his cheeks and Sirius blinked in surprise.

“It’ll make James happy to spend time with his friends again.” Snape then sighed as he turned to glare at the animagus, “But I won’t have you antagonising him and ruining the day. So, you will go to James and talk to him, sort out whatever it is that you need to sort out and then you will show up on Saturday and you will be on your best behaviour. Do that and I’ll speak with Regulus about meeting with you.”

Sirius twisted into confusion all over again. “Why-“

“Because I love him, Black. I want him to be happy.” Snape said with a sigh of frustration somehow looking annoyed and tired all at once, “So for once, just do as you’re told.”

Sirius gaped and then Snape took a step forward, eyes narrowing into a glare as his tone dropped. “Talk to James. Show up on Saturday and I swear to Salazar if you do anything to upset him, I will end you.”

“Wh-“

“Silencio.”

With that the Slytherin turned around and walked down the hall while Sirius tried and failed to curse him into oblivion.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

James has a cold.

“Alright, get rid of the snow.” The Gryffindor groaned and Severus gave a snort as he shut the door behind him carrying a tray with a bowl of soup, a glass of water and at least three potions.

“It’ll be gone by morning.” He said as he sat by the bed and set the tray down as well. He cast a cooling spell over the cloth on James’ head and the Gryffindor let out a soft sigh before giving a soft sniff.

“How come you’re not sick?”

“Because I took the cold prevention potion you insisted wasn’t necessary for me to brew.”

James rolled his eyes, “Fine, yes. Finish your gloating already. You were right and I was wrong.”

Severus arched a brow at him and then smirked, “I wasn’t trying to gloat but I’m glad you’re finally acknowledging you mistakes.”

James huffed only to let out a string of coughs into his hand, Severus frowned as he reached for the soup. “Sit up, you’ll need to eat something before you take the potions.”

James did as he was told, cringing and groaning the whole way until he was sitting up with his back up against a large pillow against the headboard.

“I hate soup.”

“It’s better to eat something mostly liquid.” Severus said taking a spoonful and holding it out to James who leaned in to accept it, before repeating the action again. ”It’ll make it easier on you in case you start vomiting.”

James started to pout as he looked up at the other, “This is so unfair.”

“I told you not to go out there in what you were wearing. That has nothing to do with fairness.”

“Not that.” James paused so Severus could feed him again, chewed and swallowed. “The one time you’re actually nice to me and I’m not even healthy enough to enjoy it.”

Severus rolled his eyes, “I’m being nice to you because dealing with a sick version of James Potter is ten times worse than dealing with a healthy you so I’d rather have you back to normal.”

James frowned, “You just had to ruin it didn’t you?”

“Don’t act like that surprises you.” Severus said feeding him again and James rolled his eyes again, The Slytherin scoffed, “Besides, if you stay sick, it’ll interfere with my plans.”

“Which plans are those?”

Severus shook his head, “The animagus experiment, remember?”

“Oh right. I can’t believe you were actually serious about that.”

“Of course I was. We have the time, don’t we?”

“Yeah, I guess.” James ate again, “When do you want to start?”

“I’ll get rid of the snow tomorrow, work on getting the room to create a forest outside the house. Then once you’re better, we’ll start whenever you’re ready.”

James let his head fall back against the pillow, “I’ve never really been Prongs for longer than a few hours. I’m not even sure what I’d do for a whole day.”

“You don’t have to do it with me you know. I could do it alone.”

“What and miss out on spending time with Artie? I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Severus set the now empty soup bowl aside and reached for one of the potions, “Then you’ll need to get better as soon as possible.”

James looked at the green vile of potion and cringed, “Did you at least make it taste better this time?”

Severus rolled his eyes but still gave the other a warm smile, “I added some mint, that should improve the taste a bit.”

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Saturday.

He didn’t get around to talking to James… exactly.

They talked, for a minute before Rosier ushered James off to the pitch just as Gryffindor finished off practice.

“Severus, invited you to come with us on Saturday?” James said with a frown and Sirius took a deep breath.

James was decked out in those Slytherin green quidditch robes. Honestly the sight just made everything feel way too real.

“Yeah, so I was just saying. I’ll see you there.”

The bespectacled wizard had stared at him with an arched brown for a moment, “And you want to come along?”

“I’m coming, aren’t I?”

James let out a sigh, “Not if you’re going to be a bastard to Severus. I meant what I said last time Sirius.”

“I… I know.” Sirius had to reign his temper in as he thought about their last argument. “But Remus said he’s going too and I don’t see why I shouldn’t either.”

James’ head gave a tilt, “What about Peter?”

“He said he’d catch up if he can, apparently he has some other plans for Hogsmeade.”

James watched him for another moment and that’s when Rosier interrupted them.

“Oi, Potter! Let’s go!”

The animagus resisted the urge to tense when he realised that Regulus was standing with him, arms folded over his chest and eyes narrowed in suspicion as he watched them. He almost forgot that his brother was a Seeker. James glanced back at the blonde before he looked back at Sirius. “Fine, I guess I’ll see you Saturday.”

And then he left. Sirius did the same, ignoring he glare his brother had given him as he questioned James on what he was doing.

Saturday came around, Remus was much more comfortable with the whole situation than he was.

“Stop fidgeting.” The werewolf said with a roll of his eyes as he lifted the mug of butter beer in front of him to take a sip and Sirius huffed.

“What’s taking them so long?”

“Severus said they’re going to stop at a few places before coming here, besides they’re not that late.”

Sirius frowned, “How are you already calling him by his first name?” he asked as he looked around the room. The Three Broomsticks was as crowded as it usually was on the weekend, filled to the brim with Hogwarts students talking and laughing at the tables set all around the room. They were sitting at a booth near the side. Remus thought it would be better to have a bit of privacy for this.

Remus shrugged, “We’ve been studying together.”

Sirius looked at him and almost gaped, “What, since when?!”

“Last week, it’s mostly been for potions and charms.” The werewolf then looked up at his friend and shook his head, “I told you about this Sirius.”

“You said he was experimenting on you because of Moony.”

“Yes well, that too.” Remus looked like he was going to roll his eyes again at the incredulity on the animagus’ face when a pair coming through the door caught his eye, “There they are.”

Remus wasn’t the only one to take notice. As Severus and James came in through the door, they noticed several other pairs of eyes tracking the two. The ex-Gryffindor smiled as he led the other through the tavern; seemingly oblivious to the stares and whispers that followed them as they went.

Sirius looked up and resisted the urge to tense, Remus noticed.

“Sirius remember you promised. So play nice with Snape, at least for James’ sake.”

Sirius looked over to the werewolf and forced himself to take a deep breath just as they reached the booth.

“Evening lads. I’m glad you made it.” James said, his comment clearly aimed at Sirius, “Sorry we’re late, Sev needed to get some things from the apocathery.”

“No problem.” Remus said with a smile, “We didn’t order anything for you though, weren’t sure when you’d arrive.”

“That’s fine, Sev hates butterbeer anyway.” James said just as the Slytherin slid into the booth and sat down across from Remus. James then leaned in to press a kiss on Severus’ cheek, “I’ll go get our drinks, hungry?”

“Starving.”

“I’ll get our usual.” James then looked at his friends, “Do you guys want anything?”

Remus gave a slight smile, “What’s your usual?”

“It’s vile.” Snape said and James rolled his eyes.

“It’s delicious and Remus’ going to love it, I’ll get enough for the table.” James then looked at Sirius, “Are you fine with that Padfoot?”

Sirius blinked at suddenly being addressed and tried for a smile, “Sure.”

“Well, come help me then.” He said nodding towards the bar where Rosemarta was working and Sirius hesitated before he got up and followed. He glanced back at Remus for a moment in concern only to notice that those two were already engaged in conversation and oblivious to the world around them.

Sirius sighed.

This is going to take some getting used to.

They got to the bar and James immediately waved the older woman over. She walked over with a warm smile.

“Ah, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you two together. What’ll it be then boys?”

“Three butterbeers and a ginger beer, and a garbage plate big enough for four people.”

“The ginger beer’s for you betrothed I suppose.” The woman seemed to tease before pulling a face, “I can’t understand how you two can eat that monstrosity.”

James rolled his eyes, “You’re the one selling it.”

“Only because you asked for it.” Then she looked over to Sirius and shook her head, “And now you’re trying to corrupt your friends.”

“They’re going to love it.” James grinned and Rosemarta turned away with a scoff.

“We’ll see.”

She disappeared to the back and Sirius just watched her go when James spoke.

“Severus told me that you talked to him.”

Sirius’ head snapped up and he swallowed hard, “What did he say?”

“He said you wanted to fix things.” James said with a slight shrug, “I figured, if you’re willing to talk to him then, at least you’re trying right?”

“Right.” Sirius resisted the urge to cringe as he thought about exactly how he went about talking to Snape before. He’s surprised Snape didn’t tell him that part.

“Look, Padfoot, I know this is all hard to take in. But I love him, he means the world to me and like I said before you don’t have to like him, just respect my relationship with him; that’s all.”

Sirius looked at his friend biting his lip for a brief moment before he spoke, “Fine, I’ll… deal with whatever it is that’s going on between you two.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m not happy about it and I’m not sure if I’ll ever understand but… I’ll try.”

James shook his head, “I need you to do more than just try.”

“Prongs-“

“I don’t know why the room of requirement did what it did, but I’m grateful. It showed me something that I don’t think I would’ve seen otherwise. It showed me what a future with Severus could look like and I want to have that future, Sirius. I’d like for you to be part of that future but, again, I meant what I said before. Don’t make me choose.”

“You really would choose him, wouldn’t you?”

“Sirius…” James let out a sigh, “I already have. What happens with our friendship now; that’s up to you.”

Sirius was stunned silent. It was just then that Rosemarta reappeared levitating two trays. One with drinks and the other with a large platter of… what is that?”

Sirius took the tray of drinks and just stared in confusion at the platter of what looked like chips covered in… everything.

Rosemarta shook her head, “I’m going to hell.”

James just laughed, “At least we’ll be there with you.”

He followed James back to their booth and the ex-Gryffindor gave a beaming smile as he set the platter down in the centre. Remus just stared while Severus scoffed.

“This is…”

“A garbage plate.”

“Literally.” Severus said with a scoff while James just rolled his eyes as he settled beside the raven.

“About a year before we got out of the room Sev and I were bored and we decided to just cook everything we could find in the fridge and tossed it onto a plate.” James explained just as Sirius sat down and set their drinks down, “We asked the room for a few extra things; peppers, garlic, cheese-“

“An inhuman amount of cheese.” Severus said even as he reached out to pick up one of the forks Rosemarta had set on the side and started eating, James did the same.

“Best experiment we ever tried.” He said as he ate. Sirius scoffed as Remus just stared at the platter with something close to horror.

“Severus was right, this looks revolting.”

“Just try it.”

Sirius and Remus shared a look before grabbing the other forks to start eating as well. It was an embarrassing moment when they realised.

“This is really good.” Remus said softly as he took what was his third mouthful and James smiled.

“I told you you’d like it.”

“Why does it taste so good?”

“Don’t question it Remus, you’ll go insane before you figure it out.” Snape said with a smile of his own and Sirius just kept eating. He hadn’t really said much at that point, he wasn’t sure what to say. It was all so different, all so weird.

What could he say?

“You didn’t eat this every day, did you?” Remus asked and Snape scoffed.

“Salazar no.”

“Usually the room would give us breakfast, lunch and dinner, unless one of us decided to cook.” James explained, “It was usually similar to what we eat in the Great Hall. Garbage plates were just for special occasions.”

“Like what?”

James shrugged but didn’t answer the question and that’s when Sirius remembered-

“Did you eat this after duelling?”

“What?”

“Sn-Snape, said told me about the duelling and spells that you learned when you were together in there.”

James’ eyes widened, his head snapped down to the Slytherin beside him, “You told him about that?”

Snape rolled his eyes, “I told him about the duelling and wandless magic.”

“Did you tell him about what happened with Prongs and Artie?”

“Of course not! Why in Merlin’s name would I ever do that?!” Snape hissed and both Remus and Sirius frowned as they stared at the two in confusion. Remus is the one that spoke.

“Who’s Artie?”

James looked up at his friends, his mouth opening and closing before, “So Padfoot, are you guys ready for your match against Hufflepuff?”

Snape let out a heavy sigh as he reached for his mug and took a sip, “Very subtle James.”

“Fine I guess, you guys have Ravenclaw first right?”

“Yeah, Rosier’s a slave driver. He has us practicing almost every day.” James then paused for a brief moment, “Regulus, well… he’s been doing so much better. You should come watch the match.”

At the mention of his brother, Sirius looked right at Snape who gave a subtle nod the animagus’ lips pursed for a brief moment.

“Yeah, yeah maybe I will.”

“What about you Remus?”

The blonde gave a wry smile, “Full moon’s the night before. I’m not sure if I’ll be up for it.”

“Oh right.” James said  and Remus seemed to pause before he spoke again, “Will you be coming along this time James or, maybe not with the match and all-“

“I-“

“You should go.” Snape suddenly said and James blinked, “Really?”

“Why not? The match doesn’t start till three in the afternoon. If you need some rest, I’ll wake you up in time. I can even brew you some pepper-up in case you need it.”

“But, but what about you?”

Snape seemed to flush ever so slightly, Sirius could barely believe his eyes at the sight.

Since when does Snape blush this often… or ever?!

“James, I don’t think it’ll be safe for Severus with Moony unless-“ The realisation seemed to glow in the werewolf’s eyes, “Unless you have an animagus too.”

At that, both Snape and James blushed. Snape quickly looked away to sip from his mug again just as James spoke.

“He… does.”

Remus smiled, “Well, then you should come along. You wanted to observe me, well, Moony on the full moon anyway right so-”

“Severus isn’t using his animagus form right now.” James interrupted, albeit a bit awkwardly, Sirius frowned.

“Why not?”

“We, ughm, it’s just… it’s just best that we don’t use our animagi at the same time… for a while-”

“At least ten years.” Snape interrupted and James cringed.

“But why?”

Snape shook his head, “Look, the last time I used my animagus form we were in the room. I’m not even sure if I can do it out here.”

“You mean you haven’t tried?” Remus asked and Snape and James shared another look.

“No.” they said simultaneously.

“Why not?”

“I-“ at this point James was starting to look like a tomato and Snape couldn’t look either of them in the eye. “No reason, we just… haven’t.”

“Well, then you should try it tonight.” Sirius suddenly said and James stared at him in horror.

“No!”

“Why not?”

“Be-because-“

“Fine.” Snape said with a slight growl to his voice, “We’ll try it tonight, when we get back to the castle.”

“But Sev-“

“It’ll be fine. I probably won’t be able to do it anyway.” Snape said and James started to frown.

“And if you do?”

“It’s been years – or – a while. We should be fine by now.”

“O.K, now you have me curious.” Remus said after watching the two with a slight smile, “What’s going on?”

“Nothing.” They both said at the same time again. Sirius and Remus both shared a look and the animagus frowned.