Love Against All Odds // Jeverus

Chapter 1

Ever since James bumped into Severus on that train in first year, James swore they'd be enemies forever. He never expected things to change when their fifth year started.

How did it even begin? For five years he tormented Severus, and now he found himself daydreaming about being with him romantically.

One time in Potions class, James purposely sat near Severus. From where he was seated, he could see Severus clearly. His hair was tied in a ponytail, making his sharp nose stand out.

In that moment, only one thought entered James' mind, Severus is gorgeous.

Sitting near him turned out to be a bad idea when Peter's and his potion exploded due to how distracted James was. He accidentally poured in too many ingredients, and Peter, who was just as bad at making potions, thought it was the perfect amount. As expected, Professor Slughorn deducted points from their house.

Severus, on the other hand, succeeded, earning him and Lily an Excellent grade.

Everything about Severus fascinated James. How did he do things so effortlessly and still get the best grades? And looked good doing it?

It made James slightly insecure about himself because he thought Severus deserved someone better than him, like Lily. But did that mean James would stop having feelings for Severus? No, of course not.

If only his determination was as strong as his bravery. He couldn't fathom talking to him, the very thought made his fingers shake. All he could do was admire him from afar.

Whenever James got the chance, he didn't waste it. Every time Severus is close by, he would steal glances. His crush got so bad to the point that he stopped bullying him. He refused to go along with Sirius, letting him and Peter went after him instead. But it was mostly Sirius doing the work.

"Prongs!"

James flinched at the outburst near his ear. Sirius looked satisfied to have finally gotten his attention.

"What the hell was that?" James asked, confused.

Sirius gave him an irritated look, which only puzzled James more.

"I've been talking to you for the past ten minutes! Your continuous 'mhm' and nods are pissing me off!" Sirius snapped.

Remus lowered his book to peer at the scene with a raised brow, while Peter, who was playing chess with Sirius, turned his attention to them.

James slowly blinked, once, twice, thrice. Sirius had calmed down and now looked worried about his friend's strange behavior over the past few days. No one mentioned anything, assuming it was about Lily.

"I think" James started, and the three perked up "...I think we have to stop tormenting Severus"

There was silence in the common room, which was reserved for the four of them since it was late. James suddenly became aware of what he had just said and panicked, though he didn't show it. He observed their faces. Remus and Peter looked shocked, while Sirius seemed like he hadn't heard him at all.

"Pardon?" Sirius asked in his usual tone.

James rolled his eyes "We have to stop bothering Severus"

There was silence again.

Until Sirius burst out laughing. The sound echoed through the room, followed by Peter's laughter. James was glad he had one sane friend, Remus, who looked as serious as he is.

"Peter!" Sirius wheezed, clasping a hand on the blonde-haired boy "You heard what he said?" He asked between breaths.

"Hear me out" James sighed, his patience already wearing thin as Peter only nodded, too occupied with laughing.

"Man! You need a rest. Did Snivellus hit you with a spell? Perhaps he bewitched you! Like those Muggles do to someone they hate or something-" Sirius was cut off by Remus, who also cut off James, who was about to retort.

"I agree with Prongs" Remus said "It's time to leave him alone. Aren't you guys tired of doing the same thing for five years?"

James gave him a thankful look, though Remus was already back to reading.

Sirius scoffed, leaning back in his seat "What's the sudden change of mind, Prongs?"

"We're getting older. It's time to be mature" James responded "What, are you planning to continue this until seventh year? Until we get married? Create a family? Till we're wrinkly and old? Come on, be serious. You're starting to have a mustache"

"He is Sirius" Peter let out an indistinguishable chortle that would have made them laugh if there was time for it.

"Well, you can't convince me with that" Sirius said, grabbing a pawn piece, and moving it. Peter winced as his piece was destroyed to bits.

James' hands subconsciously formed into fists "Fine! You and Peter can continue doing your thing. Just leave me and Remus the fuck alone"

He stood up and marched out of the common room. Before he could leave, he heard Peter.

"What? Why me?"

James released a huge sigh, eyes closed and lips thin. What did he expect? If James was stubborn, then Sirius was hard-as-rock stubborn. His persuasion wouldn't be easy.

Just days after he saw Severus in a new light, he thought of the things they did to him. The humiliation and embarrassment he must've felt when they made fun of his appearance in front of everyone. How unfair the battles were, though sometimes, Severus ended up winning. He was a brilliant wizard, a powerful one too.

James shuddered as fear filled him. If the rumors were right, and Severus was part of the Dark Lord's circle, then his potential was a waste.

He just hoped it wasn't too late. Maybe, just maybe, he could change his mind. Just that, he let out a laugh. Severus was right, Gryffindors have gallons of ego in them.

His eyes wandered to the hallways, seeing them dark and empty. He brought out his wand and map to see who was out of their dorms.

To his surprise, he spotted the person who occupied his mind and heart.

"What is he doing out so late?" James muttered to himself. Without a second thought, he quietly made his way in the direction Severus was at.