Love Against All Odds // Jeverus

Chapter 19

They sat together on top of the table, engaged in conversation about various topics. This time, Severus found himself talking more than usual, and James was genuinely happy to listen. He felt grateful that Severus was starting to open up to him, sharing bits of his life.

He spoke of his parents without going into the details, described the place he grew up in, and how he and Lily first met.

Severus carefully avoided any topics that might dampen the atmosphere between them. He wanted James to learn more about him while he continued to court him, feeling that it was unfair for James to know so little about his life.

"I really like playing the piano" Severus said, his eyes gleaming brightly "I started playing when I was four"

"Holy shit!" James exclaimed, breaking into a huge smile "Of course you do"

"Of course I do? What's that supposed to mean?" Severus raised an eyebrow.

"You either play the violin or the piano, it's one of the two. You just give off that vibe" James shrugged.

Severus snorted "What if i said i played both?"

"Are you serious?" James jaw dropped "You'd be the coolest fucking person i've ever met"

"Yeah um.." Severus' smile turned soft "My mother was a great violinist before she had me. She taught me how to play when i turned eight"

"And piano? You learned it by yourself?" James asked while Severus nodded "You're incredibly talented, Severus. I'm so lucky to be with you" He nudged Severus' shoulder.

Severus blushed slightly at the compliment "Yeah, you should count yourself lucky" He replied, returning the playful gesture "Now, what about you? Do you play any instruments?"

James smirked "What do you think?"

Severus pondered for a moment "I can see you playing the kazoo"

James looked at him curiously "What's a kazoo?"

Severus bit his bottom lip to suppress a laugh. It dawned on him that they were still in the library, and it's a mircacle that Madam Pince hadn't kicked them out yet. Well speaking of her, she appeared at the end of the bookshelf.

Madame Pince interrupted their conversation "Curfew is near. You two better be off"

Severus hopped off the table, adjusting his robes "Right, we'll head out. Thank you"

James followed suit, standing beside Severus. He glanced at Madam Pince and offered her a sheepish smile. The librarian gave them a curt nod before turning to leave. Severus started gathering his belongings and putting them on his messenger bag while James helped by putting the books back in their proper places. They walked together, leaving the library and bidding Madam Pince farewell.

As they strolled through the hallways, James suddenly turned to Severus in a hurry "Have you eaten dinner?"

Severus frowned, realizing that he hadn't "I... not yet" His stomach rumbled as if on cue.

James clasped his arm and dragged him towards the Great Hall. Severus stumbled, surprised by the sudden contact, but he did his best to match James' stride.

As expected, the Great Hall was nearly empty, with only a couple of students from each house remaining. James kept his hand on Severus's arm until he sat him down at the Gryffindor table.

"Why haven't you eaten yet? I didn't see you eat lunch today, and now if I hadn't mentioned dinner, would you even eat?" James said, his concern evident "Severus, you shouldn't continue this habit. Do you know how damaging it is to your health? Did you even have breakfast? That's the most important meal of the day, and you shouldn't be skipping it"