Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“No.”

“Seeeev.”

“ No , Lily. I’m not going to go.”

“Sev, come on. Everyone else is going,” she whined.

“That’s entirely the reason I don’t want to go.”

Lily sat down on the couch with a huff, her red hair pulled back in a single loose plait. Frowning, she glared at him across the sitting room. He glared back taking a sip of tea. “You’re going.”

He rolled his eyes and placed the cup down. “I’m not. Are you going to make me?”

She pulled her wand out and pointed it at him. “Wouldn’t be the worst thing I’ve done.” It was then James Potter came in holding a babbling little Harry.

“Whoa. Hey Lils, I leave the room for two minutes and the wands are out,” his black hair a mess but that might be from Harry tugging on it. “Put the wand away, Lily flower.” Still glaring, she put it down slowly. “There, now why are we about to duel in the sitting room?”

“Sev! Sev!” Harry cried, squirming in James’ hold. The young boy slid his way off the couch and ran, as best as he could, across the room. Severus scooped him up and placed him on his lap.

James smirked at him, “Not a word, Potter.” To his credit, he just held his hands up in surrender. “And tell your wife, she can’t Imperius me into going to that sodding reunion.” Lily gasped in outrage. 

“That’s what this is all about? Why not go? It’s been five years since our graduating class has been together. I’m sure it’d be loads of fun,” James smiled as his Lily beamed at him. Severus sneered at him.

“Everyone has been so busy lately, it would be good to see them again. You don’t have to stay for the entire thing,” Lily bargained. “Come on.”

Harry leaned back into the embrace and Severus felt comforted by the warm solid weight of the toddler. “You won’t let this go will you?” He murmured into Harry’s soft curls.

“Nope.” She chimed brightly. Harry just giggled in his lap.

“Fine.” He bit out, “But it’s says formal dress only, I don’t have anythi-”

“Let’s go shopping! Remus is coming over soon anyway.” She stood, took Harry and placed him back in James’ lap in a flash. Both father and son looked a bit stunned by the sudden change. “We’ll be back dear.” A quick kiss and she tugged Severus out of the arm chair. The sudden crack of apparition, they were gone. 

Severus stumbled on some even stone pavers. “Lily!” He hissed after catching his breath. “What do you think you’re doing? What was that half-assed apparition, you could’ve splinched us!”

She just laughed, her cheeks flush. “No time like the present, plus you would try to work your way out of it if I let you stew for too long.” 

Severus grumbled but followed after her in the busy crowd of shopping witches and wizards. Diagon Alley was warm but not overly so. He blinked against the sunlight and realized he hadn't properly been outside in what felt like ages. His apothecary work, potion commissions and gardening in the greenhouse is how he spent most of his time. Occasionally he would visit the Malfoy’s when schedules aligned for tea or dinner. He’s been trying to be better about seeing Lily, but she’s also been busy with her apprenticeship and Harry. But look where visiting got him.

“Oh, come on! Malkin’s is just up the way.”

“Absolutely not!”

“Why not? They have some nice robes, that’s where Marlene got hers.”

“No, I refuse.”

“Stop being difficult but fine. There’s another shop down this way.”

The sign read ‘ Ramsey’s Robes for Every Occasion ’ in pale green and black. The shop windows displayed mannequins in various styles, casual to formal to down right gaudy. Lily pushed the door open and a tinkling chime sounded from overhead. The shop was all warm woods with racks and shelves of fabric. An older woman came bustling out from behind a curtained doorway.

“Welcome dears, how can we assist today?”

Lily greeted her in kind, “We’re looking for formal dress robes for him, it’s for a ball. Oh and it’s themed.”

“How wonderful, and just for him. You don’t want something to match?”

Severus blanched while Lily snorted, “Oh goodness no, he’s just a friend.” The older witch’s hands fluttered in apology.

“Well then sir, any thoughts or ideas? Colors?”

Before Severus could get a word out, “Nothing simple. I was thinking of something a little less traditional. You can’t tell but he’s quite slim, a bit fit.” He blushed hotly.

She smiled at them. “Sure, sure. And the theme?”

“A masquerade!” Severus walked away as the two women gushed. He shrugged out of his outer robes and placed it on a nearby chair, and went to tie his hair back. Maybe he needed to trim it, the length was well past his shoulders. Brushed out, it went to about his upper back. He never noticed since it was always up and out of the way while he brewed. It was at the beginning stages of where it started to tangle, plus Harry or Draco would find it a nice thing to tug at.

“Oh you have a lovely figure, quite willowy for a man but you have nice shoulders. Don’t hunch, stand up straight, there we go. See much better, turn towards the mirror and stand on the platform.” He did as instructed. “And call me Mrs.Biddlecombe, and you are?”

He stuck out his hand, the old witch’s hand was warm and soft. “Severus Snape.”

“And did you have any thoughts on color?”

“Black.”

She blinked and looked at Lily who just sighed. “Well let’s see if we can make black stunning. With your complexion you could probably pass as a Vampire. Seen a couple in my time, I tell you.”

“A vampire,” Lily echoed, clearly delighted by the idea. He just rolled his eyes.

“Don’t slouch! Let me take your measurements and see what we can do.” And Severus stood, was poked and prodded, draped in so many various shades of black he just stopped paying attention. He started getting annoyed after the seventh pair of trousers he had to try on. He quickly shot down the idea of him in a top hat.

It was hours later when he was swathed in black velvet and silk. It was an all black ensemble with the smallest touch of dark red in the finer details. When they agreed on a vampire look he did not know. He stared at his reflection, a pale man cloaked in all black that shimmered slightly when he moved. It wasn’t the worst thing in the world.

After promises of coming back for an alteration and paying the first sum which Lily insisted upon since she wanted him to go to the ball. They wandered down through the shops before coming into a craftsman shop. The beautifully intricate wooden sign read ‘Luptom & Sons.’’ On the walls hung various metal, wood, and even stone pieces of work. Walking sticks, picture frames, eye glasses, and things even Severus had no idea of what their purpose was. 

Him and Lily meandered about looking at shelves of bits and bobs. A young wizard behind the desk greeted them briefly. When they asked about masks, he left behind a door to fetch his father. After explaining the need for a mask for a ball, the older Mr.Luptom took some measurements of Severus’ face. Mr. Luptom brought out a couple of different materials and he sketched out a quick design. 

A sleek mask etched with lace detailing and small red gems leading from the tip of the mask to spattering across like a blood spray. Severus was stunned with the sheer speed this was created though that’s why the wizard was a master with his craft. With payment dealt with, he was notified that the mask would be owled to him. He left with a temporary mask that closely resembled what the final product would look like in case he wanted to owl any additional comments before the final product.

Severus and Lily wandered a bit arm in arm. The heat of the day cooled but the crowds remained. She wanted to get Fortescue's but Severus dragged her away from the long line.

“Well I think you’ll be a stunning vampire.”

“What are you and your husband dressing up as?”

Rolling her eyes, “Why don’t you call him James?” Severus made a face at her. “It’s a surprise anyway, so you’ll have to come.” She said cheekily.

Instead of going back to the Potter residence, he bid his friend good bye with a promise to see her soon. He stopped by the apothecary. The scent of ingredients greeted him and he let himself smile. 

“Severus! You’re off today, what are you doing here?” 

“Hello Leon,” he greeted deadpan.

The other training potioneer came out from behind the counter, he was tall looming over him. About half a foot taller than Severus with a matching pale complexion but with a sprinkle of light freckles. Leon Borchard had pale blonde hair, he could give Lucius a run for his money or maybe be a long lost cousin. His eyes were his darkest feature, dark warm brown. And he constantly was in a jovial mood which Severus was mostly getting used to - well depending on the day. 

“You here to shop? Or did Mr.Fellbrooks call for you?” He asked in his smooth light voice.

“Shopping.”

Leon rolled his eyes, “Thrilling, but since you’re here could you take a look at this draught in the back? The color seems off.” He followed him into the back room to where they brewed, as they compared notes and procedures time passed in a blur. Finally with a little more trial and error the draught turned a pearly green. “Thanks, this would’ve taken ages.”

“Not a problem, don’t forget-”

“The notes, I know. What’s got you here in the shop anway?”

Severus groaned, the memories of why he was here came back in a rush. “I’m being coerced into going to a reunion ball.”

“Who could coerce you?”

“A dear friend of mine.”

Leon smirked, lifting a brow. “Oh? How dear is this friend ?”

“Please. She is married and is only a friend, not like it’s your business,” sneering the last bit. But Leon only laughed. 

“Come on, show me.”

“Fuck off.”

“It just makes me want to see it more.” He made a move for it, but Severus pulled his wand out. Leon held his hands up but he was still smiling. With a twitch of his hands, the parcel sailed towards him. Of course he was able to use wandless and wordless magic. Fucker. “Oooh, this is very nice. Is it a vampire? That’s fitting.”

“Ha. Ha. Give it back, Borchard.”

“What kind of ball is this? And where?” He waved the mask around but gave it back to him. Severus all but snatched it out of his hands.

“None of your business.”

“Temper temper,” he replied mockingly. “Come on, just tell me.”

“No.”
“Snape, I’m just curious. I won’t let up.”

“Persistent bugger,” Severus muttered. Leon grinned. Letting out a heavy sigh, he wrapped the mask again. “If you must know, it’s a masquerade ball.”

Brown eyes glittered, “Well isn’t that exciting. Why didn’t I get an invite?”

“Hogwarts alumni, five year reunion. Too soon if you ask me. But I would hate to see most of them even twenty years from now.”

A snicker and then a full laugh, Leon wiped at his eyes. “Did you detest school that much? I don’t know too much about Hogwarts, just snippets here and there. Though I’ve met some clever witches and wizards over the years that have attended.” Giving Severus a pointed look, which he returned with an eye roll.

“The less you know the better honestly, why you left Germany I’ll never know,” he finished with a shake of his head, hair swishing behind him.

Leon waved a hand in the air and moved back to the front of the shop. Severus followed behind suddenly, very tired. “Too many memories, you might understand that.” Severus did, but he could never bring himself to leave even if he didn’t have much here. That was slowly changing though, and it was for the better too. They lapsed into silence as Severus picked up a couple of vials and dried flowers. As he paid, Leon perked up from behind the counter. “I have an idea.” 

“Just give me my things. You look demented, Borchard.” He made a grab for his box of ingredients but Leon pulled it out of his reach. Severus scowled.

“No, this is a good one.” Severus kept to himself that he looked like a Gryffindor with that feveerd look in his eyes, Leon wouldn’t get the reference anyway. And to explain was just another headache. “Are you allowed a plus one to this masquerade? I’m assuming it can’t all be alumni.” Dread spread through him, surely he wasn’t. “Take me as your plus one, I’ll keep you entertained and we can make up stories about your past couple of years.” And there it was. Severus was already shaking his head no, a vehement ‘no’ on his lips. “Just think about it, I’m loads of fun to be around.” He received a flat look. “Well off with you now, early shift tomorrow.”

Shaking his head as he walked out, then disapparated home. First Lily, now Leon, why was he surrounded with such pushy people? He wasn’t a pushover, he was actually known to be quite stubborn. 

The cottage was on the far outskirts of Birmingham. It was decent enough, one bedroom, a bath and plenty of outdoor space for his garden and small greenhouse. And a secret room that acted as his personal lab. His nearest neighbor was a sheep farmer that was over an hour away. Narcissa visited him once and was baffled why he was so far from London. As if to apparate or to Floo was taxing. He told her he needed space. And she responded with a rude phrase of him running away from everyone.

With a sigh, he lit the fire and placed the mask in his room. He heard a faint scratching and smiled as he opened the back door. A lanky smoke grey cat strode in and meowed as it trubbed his face against Severus’ trousers. Crouching down he scratched the chin affectionately. “Did you get into any trouble, Nettle?” He was answered with more intense purring, the vibrations were strong under his fingertips. “Come on, let’s eat you little gremlin.” Striding into the kitchen, he knew the cat was right behind him.

After a dinner of fish stew, Severus penned out a couple of letters and dozed in front of the fire with his tea forgotten on the side table. His dreams were a whirl of masked dancers and flying kittens. He woke the next morning with a crick in his neck, lap warm from Nettle splayed out. Confused as to how he fell asleep in his arm chair and what woke him. A rattle and quick harsh taps. Nettle jumped out of his lap with lightning speed and ran to the front windows. Sure enough, a tawny barn owl sat glaring down at the cat. 

“Leave him alone.” Nettle ignored him and swiped at the glass. He picked up the hissing creature and put her in his room. As soon as the window was unlatched the owl landed on the perch. A rather antique piece of furniture Lucius bought him. He was scolded that he needed a proper place for an owl to rest and the back of his arm chair would not do. A soft hoot and the owl lifted its claw. With a treat in its beak, another soft hoot and it shot through the window not waiting for a reply. 

The Malfoy seal gleamed in the light. With a wave of the wand, his room unlocked with Nettle at the ready - she came darting out on the hunt for the owl that was long gone.

Dearest Severus,

Hope all is well, we miss you around the manor. Draco of course misses you most, always wondering when his Uncle Severus will come by. 

Enough with the pleasantries, I have a family member who would be excited to discuss owl-order potion commissions with you but did not want to send your information along without your notice. You’ll find his notes included, his address is there. 

Hope to hear from you soon, come by for dinner when you’re available.

Regards,

Narcissa Malfoy

Short and concise as usual, he read the order and was intrigued at the complexity of the potion that they wanted. The letter was signed by Alphard Black. Huh. Severus didn’t know the name but he obviously knew the family name. Well, at least it was an interesting project. 

Taking the letter with him into his lab, touching a bookshelf on the uppermost book it slid away to reveal his haven. The room was dark but was remedied with a flick. Sconces flared to life and thin rectangle windows brightened as their thick curtains drew back. Two work tables stood in the center and thick wooden shelves held all his bottles and assorted ingredients. Nettle came trotting after him, probably realizing the bird was gone or bored of hunting nothing. She never jumped on the counters or never knocked over any bottles. It was a bit odd that he got a cat that understood the dangers of the lab but he wasn’t going to be ungrateful for it. 

He placed the letter on one work table and went about collecting the ingredients he did have. Looks like he would have to go to Diagon again sooner than he thought. Owl ordering some of these would be too much of a hassle and far too expensive. Maybe he could acquire some at a discount from the apothecary, even still, there were some ingredients even they didn’t carry in stock. Penning out some more  letters and notes, he worked into the night with Nettle dozing under a nearby stool.

Chapter Text

All too soon, he was back at Ramsey’s Robes for his final fitting. He didn’t tell Lily about his appointment knowing that the event would take far longer if she were here with her unnecessary comments. And he didn't give any more input than she already said. 

Mrs.Biddlecombe was not here this time but a young witch whom looked vaguely familiar. After some small talk that looked as if it pained them both, he found out she was a year younger when they were at Hogwarts. A Ravenclaw. That’s why he didn’t know her. Once they got past the awkward bit of her pinning down fabric onto his person in various places and cutting with ease at the finicky material, their conversations leaned toward academics. After two hours of on and off adjustments, Severus stood in front of the floor length mirror in the shop’s side room. 

A dark figure in the darkest shades of black and red stood tall and lean, the outfit seemed to leach the light around him creating an almost shadow like figure. Dark slacks hung straight from his waist elongating his legs. A velvet waistcoat hugged his chest and waist embroidered with shiny black thread of different moon phases and constellations. He was a bit annoyed when he saw the detail but held back his scathing retort. A crisp white high collared shirt buttoned to the throat was the blood red silk cravat. Matching red and silver cufflinks in the shape of tiny bats finished the look. A thick coat, not a cloak, was draped across his shoulders being held together by a shiny black chain.

“Well, Snape, I think we did a bangin’ job,” Moore, the Ravenclaw, stated with a self-satisfied look. “Feels like a bit of a cheat knowing what you’ll look like for the ball.”

Snape met her gaze in the mirror, “You’re going?”

“Oh sure, my husband was in your year. Richard Moore, Hufflepuff.”

“Ah, well it’s not like it really matters to me.” She huffed a laugh at him. “Is this good to take home or?”

“Oh, it’s all done, let me just make sure all the measurements are aligned. Go ahead and hang them up and I’ll wrap them up for you. It’ll take a bit.”

“That’s fine, I'll wait.”

He sat in a plush chair at the front of the store flipping through a copy of last week’s Daily Prophet someone left behind on the table. The midday light flickered as people walked by the shop window. A shadow fell across the page about the latest information on prices of potion ingredients, looking up a man was back lit but seemed to be peering into the shop. Sirius Black stood outside with his face nearly pressed up against the glass like a child. Severus sneered even though he was sure the other man couldn’t see him. Snapping the paper shut, he stood abruptly startling Moore who was shrinking the garments into a bag.

Severus tossed the small bag of galleons onto the counter and all but ripped the bag from her fingers. He ignored her gasp. “All the galleons are in the bag, and a tip for you and Mrs.Biddlecombe. Do you have a back door?” Moore blinked, and he wanted to snap at her. The door rattled, “Do you?” He was about to apparate on the spot.

“Pass the curtain to the first door on your left.” She gestured a bit confused. He nodded and stalked off when he heard the tinkling of the bell. Her attention turned away from him to the new customer. 

“Hello!” Black’s voice called, too loud and cheery as always but Severus was already beyond the curtain slipping into the crowd. He let out a breath. He was being ridiculous, Lily would be laughing for sure if she saw him. Running away from Black like he was being chased like a child’s game, there was no way Black knew he would be there. He didn’t tell a soul where he was going to be. 

It was just a coincidence that Black also went to the same shop. Maybe Lily even recommended it to him. If she did, he’s thinking about cursing her because he does not want to face Black on a good day. They got along better than they did in school, but that wasn’t really saying much. It was closer to tolerating one another in the same room. They came to a tentative truce when it looked like Lily and Potter were actually going to tie the knot. The happy couple essentially told them to get along or they’re not invited to the wedding. Severus could still feel how tightly Black gripped his hand, both of them grimacing more than grinning. 

He turned and walked towards the main shopping street, Flourish and Blotts displayed one of the newest editions of Particular Potions of Perception. He didn’t have the funds this month for such a splurge but it never hurt to look. The smell of books was nearly as comforting as the smell of his lab. The overcrowded shelves and stacks of the books made the shop feel cramped but he always loved it here. Madam Villanelle stood towards the back, a stack of books hovering at her side.

“Oh, Mr.Snape, long time no see.” She smiled, her dark skin wrinkling in the corners. He has no idea how long she’s worked here but he remembers picking up his school books from her in third year. And yet she looks the same. “You didn’t have an order that I missed?” She always treated him kindly, but she treated every academic that way. If rumors were true she was quite a linguist and used to translate and decode ancient texts before working here.

“No, no. Just here to browse.”

“Well you let me know if you need anything.”

He read a couple of spines, picked up a few potion books to just put them down. Wizards came and went, when Severus stretched a bit and bid farewell to Madam dusk was approaching. The candles flickered in windows and in the street lamps. With a huff, he walked into an alley and apparated. 

Swinging the front door open, Nettle came sprinting out of the shadows. 

“If you go outside, I’m not letting you back in,” he warned her. Nettle pressed her face into his pant leg and then stretched up, her claws pressing lightly into the fabric. Then let out a yowl causing him to chuckle. “I know, I’m hungry too. Come on.” She sprinted into the kitchen. He placed her portion on the floor and made a quick pasta for himself. His go-to if he didn’t feel like cooking. 

Severus changed into more comfortable clothes and retired on the sofa, Nettle claiming her spot on his lap. He fell asleep to her loud purring.

Severus yawned and blinked slowly in the dim apothecary. Today was a slow day. It might have something to do with the odd summer storm that rolled in this morning. Beyond the warped windows he could just make out sheets of water hitting the glass. He had a couple of potions going in the back, ingredients already prepped for some future orders and the shelves have been stocked. Potions Weekly sat open in front of him but his eyes started to glaze over. 

He knew better to stay up that late if he was opening the shop but he felt he was on the precipice of a breakthrough for the potion he was working on for Alphard Black. After the second attempt didn’t stabilize past two in the morning, he finally headed to bed. Yawning again, his eyes slipped closed. He didn’t know how long he sat like that on the small wooden stool when his wand buzzed causing him to jerk upright.

He shuffled into the back room. The Anti-Paralysis Potion was ready to be bottled, he turned off the burner and poured the liquid into a couple of vials. The chime went off from the front door. “With you in a minute!” He quickly capped the vials and placed them in a crate. Wiping his hands he stepped back into the main storefront. 

He sighed when he saw Leon Borchard standing eyeing some Glowstone Dust in a jar, as if he didn’t put them there. “Brochard, I know you are not here to shop.” He was just given an easy smile. His blonde hair plastered to his forehead from the rain and his robes dripping onto the floor. Severus muttered a drying spell. “Stop dripping all over the place.”

“Sorry, sorry,” he replied, he swept back his hair slicking it back. The earlier thought of Malfoy came back in his mind, they really could be related. Maybe they were. What did he know about Pureblood bloodlines? “Lunch should be coming up for you, and with this weather you could probably step out right?” He glanced around the store.

“It’s best not to leave the shop unattended, you know that.” Severus crossed his arms over his chest. “Why are you here? You couldn’t have come all the way to annoy me.”

Leon laughed and came closer to the counter, “No, I wanted to ask you out for lunch.”

“I’m working.”

“And you will be needing lunch, so…” he smirked.

“What?” Severus’ jaw dropped.

“Lunch, you and me,” he said with an easy grin.

“Are you ill? Or are you just mad?”

“Neither. I just thought it would be nice.”

“I don’t like-”

Leon held up a hand, “I know you like men.”

Severus frowned, “That’s not what I was going to say. I was about to say ‘I don't like you.’” Leon looked puzzled at this. “I don't know where you heard about me, or why you got it into your thick head that there was any attraction here.”

He rubbed at his chin and hummed while staring at Severus. “Well! We can still get lunch, you look dead on your feet. A nice hot meal is what you need.” He clapped his hands together. “I’m not bothered by this and I refuse to let it be awkward.” What an astonishing man.

“That’s very mature of you,” Severus replied slowly. He started to wonder if Leon was right in the head or not when the door chimed. The rush of noise from the rain fall startled Leon back away from the counter. “Mrs.Whittaker! We could’ve owled you your order.” The two men immediately went to dry and warm the older witch.

“Oh, please when you get to my age a little water is nothing.” That’s what she said but she looked extremely pleased with all the attention. “And I wanted to check in, and both of you are here! How wonderful. Fellbrooks knows how to pick talented fellows.” Leon preened from the praise, while Severus just gave her a small smile. With the wrapped parcel with water repellent charms in her arms she looked around the shop. “If you close up early, I won’t tell. Weather is awful out there.” With a wink and a smile, she was out back into the rain.

“Well you heard her,” Leon circled back around to him. Severus recrossed his arms over his chest and glowered. “Free lunch and my company.”

“You aren’t adding any value to that, you know.”

“You wound me, Severus, but I do like your snark.”

To his horror, Severus felt his ear tips heat up. Damn this man. “Free lunch, as colleagues.” He ground out. Leon’s face lit up. “Let me finish up in the lab, could you put the ledger away?” In the next couple of minutes, Severus was entering a cozy pub a few alleys down from their tucked away little shop.

The walk over was in silence since the rain was not letting up, but it was warmer out than he expected. The humidity was high, his hair already sticking to his neck. The pub was warm and cozy, a couple of people sat around chatting over bowls of stew and roast. Severus’ stomach grumbled at the smell of spices and fresh bread. Leon chose a booth and Severus slid in across from him. The pretty barmaid took their orders. Leon took a sip of Dragon Breath ale. Severus took a sip of his chilled water.

“Now tell me, Brochard, what do you really want? And stop the other nonsense.”

“What? The fact that I wanted to take you out to lunch?”

“Yes,” Severus hissed.

Leon shook his head, “If that’s what you want. I just wanted to tell you that I thought you were a talented potioneer and extremely smart. It’s always fun to pick each other's brains. I find your intelligence quite attractive, and not too bad to look at either.” He finished with a small smile. 

Severus scowled but he could feel himself blushing. “Cease your flattery and empty words.”

Sighing, “I wish you could see what I see. Merlin, some customers come in asking which potions are made specifically from you.” Severus didn’t know that. “And I don’t know why you hide your face behind your hair, you should keep it tied back.”

He shot him a glare, “Don’t mock me.” 

“I wouldn’t! I don’t know why you insist on hiding, you have very striking features.” Leon’s eyes roamed his face. 

“You wouldn’t understand,” Severus muttered. They both looked up as the barmaid put down their steaming bowls. With thanks, she was off. He was grateful for the excuse to eat so this meal could be over with and he can get back to work. 

They ate their food in relative silence until Leon cleared his throat. “Then help me understand. I’ll take the rejection if that’s what you want, but I would love to be your friend.” Severus considered the wizard across from him. It would be as if Lucius was a Gryffindor or Hufflepuff, such a strange sight honestly. He didn’t understand what he saw in him, and unfortunately he just wasn’t his type. Too pretty, too much like a Malfoy. That wasn’t his fault but Severus couldn’t change that perception. But did he want to air out all his past just for Brochard? He didn’t seem like the type of person to mock him over his youth but how much did he really know him though.

“I tell you, and you drop this. We can possibly be friends,” Severus stretched out the last word. Leon beamed at him. So he told him. About Hogwarts, the bullying, his poorness, and his urgency to be above it all. Told between their finished meals and more drinks. Severus laid it all out. Leon, didn’t comment, only took it in with furrowed brows and a small frown.

“I’m sorry that all of that happened to you.” Severus gave a small shrug, it was all in the past now. His bullies became like regular men, he got his best friend back, and he has a job that he enjoys. “Wait, are these the same people you’re going to see at that reunion?” 

“The very same.”

“You’re not going to hex them on site will you?” Severus rolled his eyes. “Now that I know, you have to bring me with you.” Leon started getting excited by Severus' horror. 

“Absolutely not!”

“Why? I won’t cause a scene. I just want to put names to faces,” he replied innocently.

“I think that this entire lunch has been a ruse so you can get an invite. I don’t know why you want to go so badly, I  don’t even want to go.”

“With stories like that I don't blame you. But come on, it’d be a bit of fun. At least you wouldn’t be bored if I came with you.”

Severus squinted at him. “No.”

“Aw, don’t be like that. If you’re a vampire, I can be erm…an elf? A wolf?”

“You’re not going to be anything because you’re not going.”

“Suit yourself, I’m told I’m delightful company.” Brown eyes glittered. “If you change your mind, owl me.” Severus doubted he would need to.

Someone bumped into a nearby chair causing both men to look up. Severus smoothed his face out. “Snape!” Remus Lupin said, startled when he saw him, gold eyes slid over to Leon and back to him. “Erm, just here to take the plates if you’re done.”

Leon pushed his bowl forward, “Thanks, mate.” Severus nudged it closer. 

“If you need anything, let me know,” Lupin said with a bland smile and turned on his heel.

“What was that about?” Leon whispered but Severus just shook his head. He withheld a sigh, somehow he could see this becoming a problem.