Love Against All Odds // Jeverus

Chapter 24

Two months passed, and with the OWLs just a month away, everyone was busy preparing. Well, that's what Severus thought, but in reality, students were getting ready for the upcoming ball next week.

He sat in the corner of the room, preferring to study in James' arms rather than learning how to dance.

A yelp drew his attention. It was Professor Slughorn, who had been stepped on by a student for the fourth time today. Slytherins giggled at the scene, and even Severus couldn't help smirking.

"I know you're not just sitting there while you've got a date" Severus didn't have to turn his head to look who it was "James might get disappointed if you end up stepping on his toes"

Wilhelm sat next to him, who decided to take a break from his partner. If he kept going, he might not even be able to dance at the actual ball with how much his feet was hurting.

"Well, he'll have to suck it up" Severus sighed. What he meant was James will still accept him even if he's terrible at dancing. He'd accept all his flaws and admire his strength.

The blonde boy laughed "When are you going to be officially his boyfriend anyway? Everyone's been waiting. I'm sure he's been waiting the most"

Severus shrugged, not knowing what to answer. He'd thought about it a lot, maybe too much. He wasn't sure when the right time would come, but he felt it was near.

Eventually, the practice session ended, and Professor Slughorn clapped his hands "Excellent work, everyone! Remember, practice makes perfect. Now off you go!"

"I'll see you later, Severus. Um, i hope you decide to sit with us again..." Wilhelm said nervously. Severus stopped in his tracks to look back at him "We miss you, Edmund...Bruce. I know they fucked up, but please give them another chance"

"We're not having this conversation, again, Wilkes" Severus replied sternly.

With the tone of his voice, Wilhelm knew better than to push further "I'm sorry"

Severus watched him leave. He wasn't mad at them, he actually missed their company. If they truly missed him too, they should be the ones to reach out. It wasn't Wilhelm's job to deliver their message.

He made his way towards the lake and sat under a tree. It was his free time before dinner, while James had Dark Arts. Severus managed his time studying and taking notes for the OWLs, enjoying the sound of wind and birds chirping.

As the sky started to darken, he used a spell to illuminate the area so he could see better.

"Hi there, pretty boy" Came a familiar voice, the one which he grew to love.

Severus lifted his head up to see James "Hello, ugly boy"

James chuckled and sat beside him. Severus kissed his cheek and leaned his head on his shoulder.

"Ugly boy you'd kiss everyday" James kissed the crown of his head "Hm?"

"Mhm" Severus nodded, his eyes drifting closed.

They were both mentally tired, and being with each other was their way to recharge. Initially, they were awkward and embarrassed by the proximity, but they soon grew comfortable and made it a daily routine.

"How's the practice?" James asked.

Severus grumbled "Terrible, Professor Slughorn kept getting stepped on"

James laughed "Were you one of them?"

"If i was, i wouldn't be his favorite student anymore" Severus commented.

"Well? Are you his favorite dancer now?"

"Not quiet..." Severus murmured "I didn't dance"

"Why not?" His laughter quickly died down and looked at Severus questioningly.

Severus shrugged and sat up straight "Wasn't in the mood to dance"

The truth was, he had no friends in Slytherin to dance with. Wilhelm was there, but he was too shy to ask and he already had a practice partner.

James had a feeling he wasn't telling the whole truth, and that upset him slightly.

"Really?" James cleared his throat "That sounds like you're already a pro and confident at dancing if you weren't in the mood"

"I might be good at everything but that, sorry to burst your bubble"

"Alright, let's look into that, shall we?" James stood up and extended a hand towards Severus "Will you dance with me?"

Severus stared at it, then to his eyes "With no music on?"

"Focus on me, and we won't need any music"

Slowly, he reached out and placed his hand in James', letting himself be pulled to his feet "I..i don't know how to dance, James.."

James smiled, placing his hand on Severus' waist while the other held his hand. Severus placed his free hand on his shoulder.

"Just follow my lead" James said quietly, his eyes showing no judgement and discretion.

They began to sway gently, their movements slow. Severus focused on James, trying to match his steps.

"You're doing great" James encouraged.

Severus leaned in closer, resting his head against James' chest. They danced like that for a while, and the rhythm of their movements began to sync naturally.

"That's my boy" James whispered in his ear "You learn so quickly"

The compliment sent a shiver down Severus' spine, making him momentarily lose focus on his steps. With a soft gasp, Severus fell forward, instinctively clutching onto James. They both fall to the grass, giggling like little kids.

"You and your words, Potter" Severus buried his head to his chest, face red.

"Sorry" James chuckled, his arms wrapped around Severus as they lay tangled together on the grass "I just love complimenting you"

Severus lifted his head slightly and saw him already looking at him. He gave him a smile and a kiss on the chin, before burying his head in the curve of his shoulder. While James gently drew circles on his back.

"Should we intervene?" Mcgonagall asked, watching the two boys from the window

When she received no answer, she looked at the Headmaster, who had a distant look in his eyes. Her heart sank, realizing he probably saw a reflection of himself and Gellert in them.

"Albus?" She called softly.

"Young love" Dumbledore murmured, more to himself than to Mcgonagall "It reminds me of the innocence and hope we once once held, doesn't it?"

"Indeed it does.." Mcgonagall agreed quietly.

"Let them have this moment, Minerva" Dumbledore turned away from the window "There are more important matters we must attend to"

With one last glance at the boys, McGonagall followed Dumbledore to the Great Hall for dinner.