Love Against All Odds // Jeverus

Chapter 7

The day passed slowly for James. He hadn't seen Severus at his class and free time, until dinner came. The worst part was that he could only steal glances at him from afar, and Severus wouldn't even look at him. He seemed focus on Mulciber, one of his fellow Slytherins.

James had witnessed them talk to each other a countless times now and paid no mind. But now, with this new connection between James and Severus, he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

Severus was drawn to the darker aspects of magic, but Mulciber was on a whole different level. He was not a good influence, and James feared that he might lead Severus into something evil.

A familiar feeling surged through James.

Protectiveness.

He had experienced it around his family and friends, an instinctual need to shield them from harm. Now, that protectiveness extended to Severus, someone he had never expected to care so deeply about.

Remus noticed James' lack of response in their conversation. When he glanced at him, he saw a dark look on his face that Remus had never seen before and it sent shivers down his spine.

James gripped the utensils tightly, looking like a man about to perform homocide. Remus followed James' gaze, his eyes landing on Severus.

Remus felt confused and concerned. Had something happened between them that made James changed his mind? But that couldn't be right, as James wouldn't go back tormenting him if something had occurred. Remus saw James' eyes flickering from side to side. He looked at the boy beside Severus, and realization washed over him.

At first, he was surprised and second, he was shocked, and third, he was stunned.

The first thing that came to his mind was to grab his glass of pumpkin juice and drink it. His attention shifted back to Sirius and Peter, who were using their wands to shoot pieces of food into each other's mouths. Remus would've found it amusing if he weren't so preoccupied and lost in his own thoughts.

It all made so much sense. That's why James had been so insistent towards them because he had feelings for Severus. That also explained why he had been acting oddly a few days ago and the look on his face today.

He had also noticed his lack of attention towards Lily. Did he no longer like her? How was he going to handle all of this? Questions swirled in Remus' mind, and he could only do one thing-support James.

"Remus, watch out!" Sirius exclaimed as a piece of food flew by. Remus opened his mouth and caught it.

The two cheered happily as Remus chew on the potato with a grin. Peter raised his wand, and a piece of bread floated towards James "Prongs, catch!"

James felt a poke on his cheek, bringing him back to reality. He glanced at his friends with a questioning look.

"What?" He asked, rubbing his cheek. What the hell hit him?

"Is this about Snivellus again?" Sirius deadpanned, suddenly not in the mood.

James switched his gaze back and forth between the three "Don't call him that, Sirius" He stated seriously.

"It's just a name, don't get so worked up" Sirius scoffed.

"A name that could hurt a person" Remus responded "Just drop it, Pads, please"

Sirius looked at him incredulously. Remus rarely pleaded unless it was important. Shame and guilt filled his chest as he stared into his kind eyes. He respected Remus more than anyone else-for his intelligence, loyalty, caring, and compassionate nature. The last thing Sirius wanted was to disappoint him.