Chapter 20:

James had an unsure look on his face, musing whether his present is making Severus feel secure or if it is creating distance.

Severus clears his throat, trying to pretend this is a natural morning routine but once he saw the doubt on James's face.

Severus reach out to touch the top of James' hand and murmurs lowly "Morning."

It had the desired effect as the doubt disappeared and James smiled a little. "We should head downstairs for breakfast."

Severus nods and pushes the blanket off the bottom half of his body. James jumps out of bed and stretches. As James got ready in the other room, Severus stood awkwardly off to the side, watching James. Severus is surprised at himself; that he could somehow see James Potter and completely understand where he is coming from. He has no doubt that the reason he connected with James so well is because he met James' parents in his first year.

He recalls sitting in Headmaster Dumbledore's office, uneasy and prickly in his first year of Hogwarts. James sat in the chair next to him, lounging casually despite his arm in a sling. Madam Promfey puffed and puffed when she realized James had a broken bone and announce that James couldn't be treated until his parents gave permission and force a pain reliever down James throat. Severus felt vindictive and enjoyed the scene of James almost drowning as he tried to swallow. Severus had to turn away before anyone notice his satisfied expression. Despite trying to hide, Severus was young and average in his magic. His education was common, stall by his own mother in her attempts to pretend Severus was a normal muggle child. His mother was vigilant in hiding any signs of magic from her husband; unfortunately, she was not watchful regarding Severus' well-being. She turned a blind eye from the beatings Severus suffered from the other children in the neighborhood.

Therefore, Severus was not able to hide the air around him, pretty much outing his elation about James' pain and discomfort to everyone in the room. James had glared him, muttering threats under his breath.

Madam Promfey didn't appreciate the whispering from her patient and shushed James as she expertly wrapped and tied the sling. Professor McGonagall quickly shooed the two young wizards to the Headmaster's office, away from the prying eyes of their classmates. Black looked fierce, eager to seek revenge for his new friend and Lupin had the eyes of a worried mother. Pettigrew practically held on to Lupin, worried, angry and seeking comfort.

Lily had fretted with worried. Severus could tell she wanted to follow along but Professor McGonagall already knew Lily well enough because she shot Lily a look. Despite Lily's worried for her friend, her obedience to authority figures outweigh her concern for Severus. She remain rooted to her spot and once Severus had disappeared, returned back to her dormitory. Lily laid in her bed, turning as she waited out her self-imposed exile for Severus. It was during this 'exile' that Lily met Emily, her roommate. Emily was not a selfless witch; she approached Lily with the intentions of gossip and found herself a loyal friend.

Severus sat his bottom in the chair and James sat in the other. Headmaster Dumbledore sat behind the desk, his arms folded on his stomach. Professor McGonagall informed Dumbledore that she sent out an owl and the parents will be here in minutes. She stiffly stood by the door as all the occupants in the office waiting for James' parents. Severus' stomach tighten, anxious because he would be surrounded by adults.

Severus had to force his arms to stay at his side; crossing his arms would be showing defiance in the eyes of the adults. And hugging himself would be showing fear to the Potter boy so keeping them where they are is the best option. Severus would be showing no fear but in his mind, he agonizes over what would happen to him. He didn't mean to break Potter's arm; the idiot landed roughly after Severus had shoved him. Potter had slugged Severus hard in the eye causing pain to explode and Severus reacted like a frightened cat. Only eleven years old, Severus had seen his mother beaten more than once and he heard the loud wailing of his mother in pain so Severus pushed.

Hard.

Instead landing on the ground, James was too close to the corner wall and his arm took the brunt of the fall. The sickening crack forced Severus to stay, his black eyes unfocused and blank. When James curled around his arm in pain, Severus stepped away. This isn't supposed to happen! This is Hogwarts! My life is suppose to start. I'm supposed to be happy.

This isn't suppose to happen.

Professor McGonagall materialized quickly, kneeling beside James. One of the older students already ran for the nurse and Professor Slughorn gripped Severus' shoulder. Severus jerked away in complete fear before collecting himself.

He forced the weak emotions of fear, pain and agony down and exhale. The right eye of his was swollen and Severus could feel the area pulsing with anger. Professor Slughorn grimaced, letting Severus know that the sight of his eye is ugly. Professor Slughorn released Severus and actually took a step back.

Severus' burned in humiliation as his potion Professor shudder in revulsion. He already had a big nose and crooked teeth. He must look like a monster with his black eye.

"I'm leaving; his eye looks disgusting" an older Ravenclaw muttered, turning away.

"I'm never going to get this sight out of my mind" a girl said, pretending to throw up. Some people rolled their eyes at her exaggerated reaction; some students nodded in agreement.

Lily glared at the female, her righteous fury and jump to defend Severus.

"You shouldn't be making jokes; he's hurt badly."

The girl rolled her eyes muttering "Gryffindors."

Professor McGonagall immediately had everyone silence as she ordered all the students to clear the area. "I expect you all here already know to keep your mouths shut. I won't stand any rumors. Understand?"

Her harsh order had the Gryffindors cowed; some of the Slytherins deflated though they had sly upturned lips as they left the area. Severus knew once he returned to the den, everyone would already know. McGonagall couldn't guarantee the Slytherin's silence on this matter and by her white pursed lips, she knew that.

Professor McGonagall and Professor Slughorn had a small discussion off to the side, though it was a one-sided and practically an order as Professor McGonagall had Slughorn followed the Slytherin students and ensured they wouldn't gossip. It would delayed the cunning students but it was the best McGonagall could do for Severus Snape.

The little trip down memory lane had Severus jerking his head in surprise when James exited the restroom noisily.

Forcing the weird nostalgic emotions away, Severus quickly ran his fingers through his hair and brushed past James to wash his face and change out of his night clothes.

Downstairs, the older Potter couple were already eating. "Joining us a bit little. Fleamont and I are already done with our plate."

Severus looks at their plates, a little subdued in nature but sits down nonetheless. James, on the other hand, only grins as he serves himself quickly.

"What are your plans for today?" Euphemia asks.

"Despite the fun party last night, I have to work today," James says.

Euphemia raises an eyebrow. "Good thing you didn't drink last night then."

James shrugs, munching on a toast while Severus only smirks a little, satisfied. James' parents probably didn't understand the significance of James not drinking but Severus did and it made him contented.

"Severus?"

"I have to see the goblins about the wedding gifts. They must have collected dust so I better collect them before the goblins pawns them off" Severus says, a little annoyed. James wouldn't be able to accompany him but he should be fine. He's just picking up the gifts and dumping them in an empty room. Then once James returns and has free time, they'll look through the gifts.

"I suppose it has been awhile" Euphemia says thoughtfully. "I guess you both have busy days ahead of you. That's a shame. I wanted to see if you wanted to tag along to my meetings."

Severus pauses in eating to ask, shock in his voice, "You have a job?"

Euphemia laughs. "No, no, I don't have a job but I do have small meetings with friends of mine. It's a bit like a job."

Fleamont doesn't say much at the table, choosing to stare at the newspaper and frowned. James takes a little after his father as he glared intently at the sports page. James balances both eating and reading surprisingly well. Euphemia smiles at Severus as both father and son frowned at the same time at the newspaper.

Severus sips at his tea, leaning in his chair.

The Potter family enjoys the comforting quiet. Despite no excited chattering, everyone was content.

Euphemia sighs as the sunlight shines through the windows. If she were a cat, she would be purring.

Severus smoothed down the robes, huffing again. The wizard robe the house elves pick out for Severus was too much. The robe was a soft emerald, closer to being black and he could see the gold threads, including the small flower sew the ends of the sleeves. The collar didn't cover all of his neck so his pale throat was exposed and made him vulnerable. The buttons along the front of his chest were decorative, not purposeful.

Instead, Severus slip on the robe over his body and the clasp was clipped by the house elf assigned to him. Severus assumed that was it but the house elf snapped his fingers again and a black sash floated towards and tied around his waist. Severus grimaced. He gets it already. He has no hips.

Finally done, he doesn't bother looking at himself in the mirror again. He might start to develop a habit.

"Master sit" the house elf mutters. Severus bites his tongue, sitting primly on the bed. The house elf snaps again and the brush runs through his hair. There were small knots here and there from sleeping on the bed. Severus once more assumes the house elf was merely brushing his hair so he flinches a little when his hair was drawn back and lifted. The brush was used again, smoothing down any bumps and a ribbon tied the hair in place.

"Gobby is done" the house elf croaks, standing off to the side. "Gobby helps others now" and vanishes from sight without a sound. Severus purses his lips, upset that he had been dolled up by a house elf like a female. He shouldn't be this surprise; somehow he is though. The Potter family from an outsider's view, seemed to be lax when it comes to pureblood niceties so it is surprising that a house elf had appeared in his room after breakfast to 'prepare' Severus for his trip to the bank. He would expect this type of treatment from attending an event or a formal party of some type, not for a trip to the bank. Severus wouldn't expect this from a simple outing.

Even so, Severus stands, dusting the robes with one hand.

He considers for a moment waiting for James but he figured his husband had left already. After the late breakfast had ended, Fleamont asked to see James in his office. Severus was a little worried as James never came out and Severus lingered a bit before returning back to the room where the house elf was waiting.

In the end, Severus leaves the room. He can't exactly stay in the room waiting for James. His Gryffindor husband has likely already left as it is almost noon. His fingers twiddle with each other and as he had predicted, James was nowhere to be seen.

He did not see his in-laws either.

Downstairs was empty and quiet unless Severus called for a house elf, he was alone. He stood in the foyer where the floo is located. He paced for a bit.

Back and forth.

Three times before he would pause and look at the fireplace.

Then back and forth.

Four times.

Pause.

Stare.

Gripping the front of his robe, he gritted his teeth and firmly grasp whatever courage he has, which is approximately 5%, and shouted.

The shout was entirely unnecessary but there was no one to witness this side of Severus. Unlucky for the Slytherin, he couldn't use his Gryffindor husband as a buffer anymore. He landed on his feet like a cat and had to move quickly.

Severus could see the favoritism that the goblins show to wizards with money to those that don't. Particularly the muggleborns.

The room that Severus is in would be the foyer of a pureblood manor. A bit surprising that the goblins could decorate in such a homely matter. The stone walls and marble columns. Sofas, chairs and benches decorated the room. Severus could see witches and wizards alike, chatting but it was completely silent. Severus curiously look around the room, idly wondering if the room enforced privacy spells or if the wizards cast the spell themselves.

Before Severus could exited the room, a goblin cleared his throat behind him. Quickly turning around to meet the goblin, Severus cursed himself for being distracted. Though he couldn't blame himself completely because this is the first time he has ever heard of the bank having a floo and to think, it was accessible to purebloods only.

The prideful goblins are actually willing to inflated egos of the purebloods by giving them a different entrance though it seems the floo fireplace is rarely used.

"Potter, we've been expecting you for days."

Severus only grimaced in response. The amount of letters the goblins were borderline harassment. Unfortunately the goblins didn't see it that way.

The irritation in the squinty eyes of the goblin prove Severus's suspicions right as the goblin got right down to business.

"I'll show you to the room" the goblin said going around Severus and opening the door. Severus followed along.