All Hallow\'s Eve

DISCLAIMER: Not mine, never will be. All HP characters belong to JK and Warner Brothers, etc.

Written for Red Reign\'s October 2005 Challenge #2: ALL HALLOW\'S EVE on Cipher.

This fic takes place during the Marauder\'s Fifth Year at Hogwarts.

Beta\'d by EAS. Thanks, Luv!


Friday, 31 October, 1975


~~~~~~ONE ~~~~~~~~\"ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN\"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Snape stood stiffly in a dark corner of the Great Hall, sipping his spiced pumpkin punch. This was his second cup, and he had vowed to march right out of there and head straight back to his room in the Slytherin Dungeons as soon as he was done with it. What sort of madness had ever led him to believe this was a good idea? There had to be some reasonable explanation. Well, maybe it wasn\'t reasonable. Surely not. But he knew what, or who, to be precise, had driven him to this sad state, as much as he hated to admit it. Snape sighed, sipping on his punch once more as he scanned the huge room.

It was filled with a writhing mass of students attired in various and sundry costumes. There were famous Wizards and Witches from every age, mythical creatures, notable professional Quidditch players, and even a few contemporary celebrities of the Wizarding World. There were more than a few costumes representing the Muggle world as well: A Frankenstein, a couple ghosts that were simply old sheets with holes cut out for the eyes, an absurd Wolfman, and many more that Snape didn\'t recognize.

The Great Hall was abundantly decorated for the event. Scores of pumpkins levitated through the air, each one illuminated from the inside by several dutiful fairies. The ceiling of the Hall was showing a very cloudy night sky, with a huge, blood red moon peeking out from behind the swirling clouds. The walls had been rendered semi-transparent. Several large, leafless trees had been placed strategically throughout the hall, giving the effect that the Ball was being held outdoors. Smaller, bare trees and shrubs dotted the space. The floor had been enchanted to resemble dry grass and bare earth. Dead leaves rustled about from a charmed breeze. A faint, ankle-high mist wafted around the room. Tables and chairs were grouped here and there at various intervals, and the House Ghosts swooped about with obvious glee.

Flitwick had charmed an ancient harpsichord to pluck away by itself, tinkling out a series of slightly discordant, ethereal selections that added to the setting. The diminutive Charms Professor had chosen to dress as an executioner, complete with black leather hood, gloves and trousers. His huge, blood-stained axe towered over him. Snape snickered as Flitwick growled menacingly at passers by. Slughorn had decked himself out as some sort of swami, featuring billowing white silk robes adorned with gold. A huge turban with a single black feather was perched atop the Potion Master\'s round head. He puffed on a water pipe as he sat cross-legged upon an enchanted rug that floated several inches above the floor. Slughorn blew a smoke ring at Snape as he bobbed past.

Snape had never attended the All Hallows Eve Ball before. What was the purpose in it? Don a ridiculous outfit, wander about in public in it, make a complete fool of oneself, eat and drink too much, and feel horrible the next day. Bloody daft. Yet, here he was, dressed as Merlin no less, complete with flowing purple robes, pointed hat, and the requisite long white hair and beard. Actually, he was one of many Merlins that were dotted about the Great Hall on this particular occasion. He huffed as one of the other Merlins shuffled by, tripping on the hem of his too-long rental robes. Smiling underneath the itchy beard, Snape counted no less than six other copies of the famous Wizard moving about the Hall. It was of no consequence. It actually played very well to his purpose.

There was another burst of precocious laughter from a corner of the Hall. Snape craned his neck to see over the crowd. Nothing. Just another dungbomb. The young Slytherin watched as Dumbledore ambled over to dissipate the resulting noxious cloud. The Headmaster had outdone himself this year. Snape snickered again.

The old fart truly made a respectable Pirate!

Dumbledore had transfigured one of his legs into a knotty, wooden peg. He was clomping about on it with great abandon. He wore purple and white stripped leggings with a huge, black hip boot on his other foot. He had donned a ratty old maroon waistcoat with giant brass buckles. A thick, leather belt with a skull buckle was lashed about his waist, and a long rapier was slung in its holder at his side. A simple black shirt was under the coat, and a collection of golden medallions hung about his neck, clanking together. He had placed a patch over one eye, and had found the most ridiculous three-pronged felt hat to perch atop his head. A huge pink feather was lodged in the hat. Dumbledore\'s beard was contorted into three rough little ponytails, each with its own red bow. His hair hung down his back in a single thick braid with a huge velvet bow at the end that swung and swayed with his every move. Perched on his shoulder was an obviously fake parrot.

Apparently Fawkes couldn\'t be persuaded to demean himself, Snape thought airily, taking another sip of his punch. Cautiously looking about, he pulled a flask of firewhiskey out of his robes and dumped a rather large amount into his cup. Returning the flask to his pocket, he swished the cup around and took a long swig. The liquid burned his throat all the way down, and he spluttered noisily. Some twit dressed as a Truly Headless Nick was passing by, and whomped Snape on his back repeatedly with Nick\'s fake, severed head.

\"Chin up, there, Merlin old boy!\" As the well-meaning student ambled away, Snape shot the sod his most withering stare, which was totally obscured by the scratchy beard charmed to his face.

Bloody Hell, nothing is worth this indignity!

Just then, there was a loud commotion by the entrance to the Hall. Snape moved out of his alcove for a better view, gulping his spiked pumpkin punch as he went. After several steps, he could see the cause of the ruckus clearly. A herd of Whizzing Worms were zipping into the Great Hall, shooting colorful sparks and leaving glowing, iridescent trails in their wakes. They had arrived. With the usual grand entrance.

Sodding pompous bastards!

Four figures stood just inside of the massive doors to the Hall. The tallest was dressed as a Muggle Hunter, complete with plaid hat, matching coat, suede trousers, and huge brown leather hip boots. He was carrying some sort of Muggle weapon. Collar length light brown hair. Bright golden eyes. Slim. Lupin.

Beside Lupin stood a rather short, plump jester, the colorful, patchwork costume complete with a three-pointed cap and bells. Pale, flaxen colored hair sticking out. The jester was jumping about excitedly, waving a puppet on one hand. Pettigrew.

Next to him was a monk, whose long black hair had been tied back into a tail. His rough brown tunic fell perfectly upon his sandals. The tunic was cinched to his waist with a simple rope. Handsome. Black.

Black was holding a leash, which was connected to a collar. The collar was around the neck of a huge, black wolf. A black wolf with extremely spiky, unkempt hair. Potter.

The Marauders, as they liked to call themselves. Snape snorted, downing the rest of his drink. Bloody arrogant pricks! And he desperately wanted to join their little club. To be completely accurate, Snape desired to join with exactly one member of the Marauders. This very night, if he had his way about it. The Slytherin watched as the group traipsed through the Hall, heading for the food tables. Pettigrew hopped around like a demented skrewt, his bells clinking madly. Lupin was virtually pasted to his boyfriend, Black. The tall Gryffindor grinned stupidly, tossing tiny Poppers into the crowd. Black wore his usual smug expression, concentrating on controlling the wolf at the end of his leash.

Potter had outdone himself. Snape knew it had to be a glamour, as he was certain that the Gryffindor hadn\'t mastered the art of Transfiguration. Yet. It was typical that Potter would disregard the costume guidelines. The spirit of the Ball required that the vast majority of any costume be assembled by hand. You were not supposed to transfigure yourself or wear glamours. Snape snorted as he re-filled his cup with punch. Moving back towards the Marauders, he watched as they strode across the Hall. The wolf stalked menacingly at the very end of its leash, swinging its shaggy head this way and that, growling and snarling at the other revelers. Most simply laughed, but more than a few gasped and yelped at the sight of Potter, which was most likely the desired reaction. Lupin and Black were eminently pleased with themselves, having once again become the center of attention. As the four passed by directly in front of Snape, he noted that Potter had given his glamour wolf an extremely large set of balls. They swung lazily to and fro as the wolf sauntered along.

How bloody typical! And accurate, as well!, Snape mused. The Slytherin laughed out loud at this, so loud in fact that Lupin turned to see who the source was. The tall Gryffindor nodded knowingly, tapping Black on the shoulder to inform him of how well their joke was going over. The two snickered loudly, just as Potter took off at a right angle, jerking Black off balance. The monk regained control, and barely managed to lurch after his galloping, four-legged friend.

Potter bounded up to a female student dressed as an old hag. The hag was startled but stood her ground, smiling as the wolf began sniffing the hem of her filthy skirt. A second later, Potter pushed his snout under the skirt, snorting away with gusto. Lupin had just caught up with his friends, and Black was barely containing his laughter. Meanwhile, Potter had begun to whine as he snuffled under the hag\'s skirt. Then, without warning, he reared up and threw his massive front paws around her waist. She shrieked in alarm as Potter began to hump her leg, his whines becoming louder and louder. Lupin and Black were now leaning on each other, immobile as gales of laughter wracked their bodies. Pettigrew arrived on the scene, attempting to perform a cartwheel. He failed miserably, flopping upside down onto a nearby table with an immense crash.

The girl in the hag costume was now completely mortified, and was attempting to push the wolf down and off of her. Potter was now howling loudly, humping away with abandon. Snape moved towards the commotion, and joined the huge circle or partygoers that were either cheering on the wolf or sympathizing with the hag. A moment later, Minerva McGonagall strode through the crowd, her thick brogueish accent cutting above the din.

\"That\'s enough! ENOUGH! Mr. Potter! Stop that this instant, and drop that glamour! NOW!\"

McGonagall glared at the wolf, her hands on her hips, her mouth a thin line. The wolf stopped his ministrations to the hag\'s leg, and with a reluctant bark, released the girl and sat down. A second later, James Potter stood up, clad only in very tight fitting black leather trousers, a leather harness binding his chest, and a studded collar about his throat. The leash was still attached to it.

\"I\'m sorry, Professor. Just having a bit of fun. Doggy style!\" Potter snickered, a wicked grin on his face. Lupin and Black were nearly breathless, gasping and red-faced.

Snape noted the flush of color in McGonagall\'s cheeks. Oh shit! They\'ve gone too far and the old bag is going to chuck them out!

\"Not amusing in the slightest, Mr. Potter. And I\'m not so certain that your current outfit is at all appropriate.\" She glanced at the girl in the hag costume, who was adjusting her skirt. \"Are you all right, Miss Evans?\"

Lily nodded, shooting an acidic glance towards Potter. \"Yes, Professor, I\'m fine, thank you. It takes a bit more than some mangy mutt to get my knickers in a twist.\"

Potter, Lupin and Black continued to shake with laughter as Pettigrew joined them, covered in pumpkin punch. McGonagall raised both of her eyebrows, drawing in a deep breath. She was just about to make a pronouncement when the Headmaster clomped into the circle of students, his charmed parrot squawking loudly. McGonagall sighed in relief, turning to Dumbledore with a small smile.

\"Albus. You have arrived just in time. I was about to eject these four miscreants from The Ball. With your permission, I will escort them to the Dungeons and...\"

Dumbledore held up one of his skinny, wrinkled hands, silencing her. \"Oh, I do not believe that will be necessary, Minerva. This is the season for tricks and pranks, is it not? As long as no permanent damage has been done, I see no reason for any punishment to be enacted.\" He grinned knowingly at Potter and his cohorts, who had calmed down somewhat. The four were giggling quietly now, their breath returning.

McGonagall went white. \"But Albus, surely....\"

The Pirate Headmaster chuckled good-naturedly, waving his hand again.

\"I am satisfied that our rowdy Gryffindors will behave themselves for the remainder of the evening.\" The old Wizard glanced at Potter, Black and Lupin who all nodded exaggeratedly, snickering. Pettigrew was intently attempting to charm his costume dry. Dumbledore smiled widely, his pale blue eye twinkling noticeably.

\"And no harm done, Miss Evans?\"

Lily sighed, a small grin crossing her lips. She shook her head from side to side. \"No, sir, no harm done.\" She looked at Potter, who winked mischievously.

Dumbledore beamed, raising both of his hands in an expansive gesture. His parrot squawked happily. \"Ahh, you see, case closed!\" Turning to the gathering of students, he motioned for them to disperse. \"I suggest that you all continue to enjoy The Ball! Off you go!\"

The students moved away as McGonagall fumed silently, her thin arms folded across her chest. Snape could barely contain his laughter as he reveled in the old bat\'s obvious displeasure. Serves the old bag right, he thought. She hadn\'t even bothered to put on a costume! Bint!

The Transfiguration Professor moved next to the Headmaster, her cheeks flushed to a deep, beet red. \"Honestly, Albus! You are far too lenient! If we allow discipline to falter in this manner.....\" The old Wizard cut her of for a third time, looking over her shoulder and across the Hall.

\"I\'m so sorry, Minerva, but it seems that Peeves and The Bloody Baron are at it again. If you\'ll excuse me, I\'ll see to it.\" Just then, a series of loud belches erupted from the food and drink tables. Dumbledore chuckled. \"It appears that someone has spiked the punch with Belching Powder. Again. Minerva, if you would be so kind?\" With that, he adjusted his hat and clomped away in the direction of the arguing ghosts, his charmed parrot cackling with glee.

McGonagall glared at the Marauders, her gaze livid enough to melt iron. The four Gryffindors stood innocently, their hands clasped at their waists, their facial expressions angelic. McGonagall harrumphed loudly, and stalked off in the direction of the increasingly loud belching, her robes kicking up a small flurry of dead leaves. Potter and Black began laughing the instant she was gone. Lupin tossed another handful of Poppers in her wake, their snaps and cracks causing giggles from the surrounding partygoers. Black turned to Pettigrew, who had resumed his ridiculous hopping routine.

\"Oy, Wormtail! Punch! Now! And make sure it doesn\'t have Belching Powder in it!\"

Pettigrew bowed deeply. \"Oh, yes, Sirius, sir! Four punches, coming right up!\" The plump jester then gyrated off to fetch the drinks, bouncing into the crowd.

Snape watched as Black pulled three small vials from his tunic, handing one to each of his friends. The three quickly popped the corks and downed the contents. They then tossed the empty vials over their shoulders, and looking quite pleased with themselves, began to saunter about the Hall. Pettigrew returned shortly with their cups of punch. Black pulled out four more vials, and each Marauder added the amber liquid to their cups. Snape smiled wickedly. This was perfect. He hadn\'t counted on them spiking their drinks! This would allow his plan to play out even easier than he had thought. With a stealthy sideways glance, Snape dumped some straight firewhiskey into his nearly empty cup. Taking a swig, he smiled as he began to follow the Marauders around the Great Hall.

It was purely a coincidence that Snape had gotten to know Pettigrew. It was during the very first Potions class of the year. Snape had chosen an out of the way table near the back of the classroom, confident that no one else would choose to sit with him. He didn\'t want company for the most part, but he truly only wanted a whole table simply because he liked to spread out and have ample space when he worked. Snape had been congratulating himself on his forethought when Slughorn waddled over to the table immediately to his right. The four Marauders had attempted to squeeze themselves at one table, and the Potions Professor would not allow it.

A minor debate ensued, with Slughorn winning out and a distressed Pettigrew being plopped down at Snape\'s table. \"Here\'s a partner for you, Severus. Help him out for me, eh?\" Slughorn smiled warmly, wagging his bushy eyebrows. Snape could do nothing but frown as the Professor walked away. Pettigrew had smiled weakly at him before hunching down over his Potions textbook. The Slytherin had smoldered inwardly for that first class, throwing evil stares at the hapless Gryffindor stranded at his table. It was during one of his many staredowns that he looked past Pettigrew at the table of Marauders. This was how Snape had first realized it. When it hit him like the proverbial ton of Muggle bricks. How truly breathtaking those, bright, hazel eyes were. The full, pink lips, the wonderful smile, the spiky ebony hair. The way his entire face lit up when he laughed, which was often. That was how Snape knew that he was really falling for James Potter.

Snape had secretly admired the four Gryffindors, easily the most popular students at Hogwarts. He was keenly aware of Potter as the Chaser for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Snape enjoyed the game immensely, and found that he also took great pleasure in watching Potter zoom about the pitch. The Slytherin had covertly attended every Gryffindor match the previous year. Yes, Snape realized that he had it bad for Potter. But the object of his attentions was also arrogant, pompous, condescending, rude, and self-centered, strutting about the castle like he owned the place. Perhaps that was why he was so attractive to the solitary Slytherin. Never mind the fact that Potter had the most gorgeous arse Snape had ever seen. And a lovely, slim but muscular build. And that smile. And those eyes!

So that is how he came to befriend that prat Pettigrew.

It was absurdly easy. Pettigrew literally gushed about his \'membership\' in the Marauders. Eager to impress Snape with his self-perceived lofty status, Pettigrew was soon divulging nearly every scrap of information about the four Gryffindors that he possessed. Most if it was boastful drivel. But some of Pettigrew\'s anecdotes were of extreme interest. It seemed that Black and Lupin were lovers. The pairing was a mild surprise. Snape had that vague vibe about Lupin, but he never would have guessed it of Black. Where Potter was merely full of himself, Black was truly conceited, in love with everything about his person. Sodding pure bloods! After this revelation from Pettigrew, Snape wondered how he ever could have missed the signs. Black and Lupin were literally joined at the hip most of the time, exchanging sappy looks and touching each other whenever possible.

Well, bollocks for them!

Then the epiphany of epiphanies. A few days prior to the All Hallow\'s Eve Ball, Pettigrew had burst into the Potions classroom, late and winded. Black and Potter followed a moment later, their robes in disarray. After the requisite remonstrations from Slughorn, the class proceeded to begin work on a Sleeping Draught. Snape could tell that Pettigrew was exploding with information. The Slytherin had played it cool, taking perverse pleasure as the Gryffindor literally began to tremble with the information he wished to share. When Snape thought that Pettigrew would actually spontaneously combust, he turned to his table mate and blithely asked, \"So, Peter, what\'s new?\"

It appeared that Black had a little action on the side. Action in the form of one James Potter. Pettigrew had barged in on them in the dormitory, just as the trousers were dropping. And it was clear that this was not the first time the two had snogged or shagged. Snape was gobsmacked. He knew that he lusted after Potter, but he held no hope of ever consummating a relationship. Potter appeared to be totally straight, flirting with any female student with ample breasts and a shapely arse.

But this? It was too good to be true. Snape paid careful attention to the three Marauders at the other table. True to form, Black was schmoozing with Lupin, but when the skinny, pale Gryffindor was otherwise occupied, Black all but oozed affection upon Potter, who batted his eyes and demurred like a second-year on her first date. Merlin, could it be? Was there even the slightest chance? Snape could scarcely believe it. He began to get an erection right then and there.

That was when he began to scheme. How could he pry Potter away from the others? The four of them were practically joined together constantly. And he was not a favorite of the Gryffindors, either. He knew that he would have to make the attempt. He would hate himself if he didn\'t try. It was when Pettigrew asked if he was attending the All Hallow\'s Eve Ball that the light of inspiration flooded Snape\'s brain.

So that is how, barely three days later, Snape moved his way about the Great Hall, dressed in a ridiculous Merlin costume, sipping on firewhiskey and desperately wanting to tear away the insanely scratchy fake beard. He had been following the Marauders for some time now, becoming less concerned about concealing himself as the evening wore on. Black and Lupin were quickly becoming plastered. Snape wondered how many vials of firewhiskey the monk had stashed in his tunic. Potter had skipped a few of the booze shots, focusing instead on annoying various partygoers with Lupin\'s Poppers and Crackers. Snape watched as Potter moved languidly across the Hall, the skin-tight leather trousers clinging deliciously to his gorgeous arse. Gods, he was beautiful, and Snape thanked Merlin for the voluminous robe that concealed his throbbing hard-on.

Pettigrew had noticed Snape some time ago, but was keeping his distance, according to their plan. Snape had convinced the short Gryffindor that he would assist in playing a prank on Black, Lupin, and Potter. The three teased Pettigrew mercilessly, and the fourth Marauder had jumped eagerly at the chance to turn the tables on his companions. Snape had told Pettigrew that he would concoct a special surprise for each of the three Marauders, supply them to Pettigrew, who would slip them into their drinks at the appropriate moment. The Slytherin had told his table mate that the potions would merely cause embarrassing colorations and growths to appear on his friend\'s skin, and Pettigrew had been beside himself with glee at the prospect.

In reality, the potions would be a bit more advanced than that. Snape had decided to condense the potions to a tablet form, which would be immensely easier to handle. Lupin\'s tablet would be harmless, as would Potter\'s. The other pair of tablets would cause the two persons who took them to become immediately and undeniably attracted to each other, to the point that they would be unable to resist the idea of shagging immediately. What Pettigrew didn\'t know was the he would be receiving one of these \'love\' tablets, and Black would get the other. Snape hoped that this would get Black and Pettigrew out of the way. Once certain that they would be occupied for a least a few hours, Snape would put on a glamour and impersonate Black. Hopefully, Potter would respond, and with any luck, Snape would have his way with the Gryffindor Chaser.

Snape had run across the old Mutual Attraction Potion some weeks ago while doing research in the Library. Luckily for him, he had found the other information he was looking for on the very same page of the ancient volume. Snape made a habit of leaving small bookmarks in every Potions manual that he had used. It made it that much easier to go back later and find the information if needed. The old potion was somewhat complex, but combined perfectly for Snape the very first try. He tested a sample on a pair of house elves, and the two disgusting creatures were shagging impressively in minutes. His plan was ridiculously convoluted, but it was the best that Snape could come up with. There was no way on Merlin\'s earth that he could walk up to Potter and simply proposition him. Hence, the glamour idea. The crowded atmosphere of The Ball and the copious amounts of firewhiskey were extremely conducive to the plan.

Oh, bollocks! It was a long shot at best. Nothing to do now but slog onward.

Snape watched as first Black and then Lupin downed their latest cups of spiked punch. Pettigrew looked over at him with a wicked grin, and Snape nodded. Pettigrew moved towards his housemates, gesturing towards the empty cups. Black nodded roughly, motioning for Pettigrew to get fresh drinks. The jester cast one more knowing grin at Snape before hopping away. Snape\'s heart was thudding in his chest, and he was now perspiring rather profusely. He moved a little closer to the remaining Marauders. He watched as Lupin reached in a stole a kiss from Black, who had just finished giving Potter\'s nearest exposed nipple a smart twist.

Snape took a deep breath as a loud crash erupted off to his right. Turning quickly, he saw that Pettigrew had spiraled into some twit dressed as the Chudley Cannons\' Seeker, knocking the poor sot into a group of three students costumed as overgrown Cornish Pixies. Pettigrew had spilled one of the cups, so now he held only three. Bloody Hell!

Pettigrew arrived with the drinks, holding them out. Fortunately, Potter was still nursing his last cup as he ogled Lily Evans for the hundredth time. Reaching into his robes, he pulled out the four tablets. Two were black, two were pink. The black tablets were the harmless ones. The pink tablets were the special ones. Snape grabbed one of the cups. \"I\'ll hold this one, Peter. Don\'t want you to spill it, as well.\" Into the cup in Pettigrew\'s left hand, he dropped the pink tablet. There was a tiny fizz and a puff of smoke as it dissolved. \"This cup is for Black, understand?\" Pettigrew nodded excitedly. Snape then plopped a black tablet in the right-hand cup. \"This is for Lupin. Don\'t mix them up!\"

Pettigrew gaped at the Slytherin. \"What about James?\"

Snape shook his head. \"Don\'t worry about that now, just take those over there! Remember, left hand, Black, right hand, Lupin! Go!\"

Pettigrew shuffled over to his friends, snickering as he went. He offered the left-hand cup to Black, who took it eagerly. Lupin took the other, thanking Pettigrew before returning to his eye feast of Black. While this was happening, Snape dropped the other pink tablet in the third cup of punch. Pettigrew ambled back over to the Slytherin, his eyes atwinkle with mischief. Snape offered the still smoking punch to Pettigrew. He took it and eagerly gulped half of it down. Snape could barely contain himself. He tapped Pettigrew on the shoulder.

\"Peter, here, sneak on over there and carefully drop this in James\' drink.\" Snape pressed the remaining tablet into Pettigrew\'s hand.

The Gryffindor jester hesitated a moment, but Snape nodded encouragingly. \"Go on! Things will start to happen soon! You want to be close to the action, right?\"

Pettigrew snickered. \"You\'re right Severus! This is going to be great!\"

He skipped back over to his friends, who hadn\'t noticed his absence. Pettigrew managed to drop the last tablet into James\' cup almost immediately. The jester grinned and wagged his eyebrows, downing the last of his potioned punch. Snape began to pace nervously, taking up station next to one of the large trees. Partygoers milled about excitedly, oblivious to the little drama that was playing itself out.

Remembering to breathe, Snape watched as a strange expression passed over Pettigrew\'s face. He seemed to go blank for a moment, and then he began looking about the Hall, as if searching for something. A few seconds later, the jester\'s eyes locked onto Black, growing wide. A lecherous smile crept across Pettigrew\'s lips, and the empty cup slipped from his fingers. He began to move towards Black, who was also looking rather strange. The monk had abruptly turned from his conversation with Lupin and was staring at Pettigrew with an expression that was equal parts confusion and amazement. Lupin was looking at his lover oddly. As Pettigrew drew closer to Black, there was an obvious erection growing in his jester\'s tights.

Jumping Merlin\'s Tits! They were going to go at it right here!

Snape nearly froze with indecision. His mind a blur, the Slytherin raised his arms and strode towards the four Gryffindors. \"Ah, my friends, accept Merlin\'s blessing! May your wand never break, and all your spells cast full and true!\" Snape waved his wand about grandly, touching each of the Marauder\'s heads in turn. Potter and Lupin rolled their eyes good-naturedly, while Black and Pettigrew barely noticed his arrival.

\"Ah, I have a special blessing for the Fool!\" Leaning down, Snape hissed loudly into Pettigrew\'s ear. \"Not here, you imbecile! Take him to the Pitch! Say you need fresh air!\" Pettigrew nodded hazily, never removing his gaze from Black. Snape straightened up, gesturing widely. He turned to Black, who was grinning blankly at Pettigrew.

\"Oh, my, it seems our seminarian is somewhat pale. Perhaps a bit of fresh air will return the color to your cheeks?\"

Black looked at him for a brief moment, and began nodding. \"Yeah, sure, cheeks.\"

Pettigrew was nodding as well. \"Fresh air. Let\'s go!\"

Snape brought his hands together. \"I believe I shall escort you both. I could use some air myself.\" Bowing to Lupin and Potter, Snape gently but swiftly guided Black and Pettigrew towards the entry Hall. The remaining two Marauders exchanged quizzical glances before returning to their drinks. Once in the entry Hall, Black and Pettigrew nearly ran through the open front doors and out into the night. Snape breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Phase One, complete. Next, Phase Two!

Quickly moving down the first flight of steps towards the Dungeons, the Slytherin concealed himself underneath the stairs and cast the Glamour Charm. Rushing back up into the entry Hall, Snape checked his reflection in one of the huge mirrors there. Sirius Black as a monk stared back at him, smiling from ear to ear.

Perfect!

Now all he had to do was get rid of Lupin. Striding back into the crowded Great Hall, he cut through the milling throng and grabbed three more drinks from the food table. Lupin and Potter were right where he had left them. Grinning, Snape passed out the cups, and sipped on his own with satisfaction.

Lupin thrust his cup under Snape\'s face. \"Well, Pads, what are you waiting for?\" Snape stared for a moment, not realizing what Lupin wanted.

Oh, yes, the booze! The concealed Slytherin fumbled in his cloak, pulling out his near-empty flask. He dumped most of the contents into Lupin\'s cup.

The tall Gryffindor was staring at the flask. \"Where did that come from, Padfoot? Are we out of vials already?\" Lupin\'s large, golden eyes were the slightest bit blurry.

Snape smiled uneasily. \"Oh, this thing? Just some old flask I found. As a back-up, ya know.\" Inspiration struck. \"And yes, we\'re out of vials. Perhaps you could go fetch us some more, eh, Moony?\" Snape hoped that it had been appropriate to use Lupin\'s odd nickname. Apparently it was.

\"Sure, Pads. I\'ll head back to the dorm. I know I\'m not done drinkin\' yet. What about you, Prongs?\"

Potter\'s head bobbed up and down. \"Right by me. I\'m still thirsty. Hurry it up, you skinny bastard!\" Lupin nodded and headed towards the entry Hall. Potter gestured with his cup, and Snape dumped the rest of the firewhiskey into the gorgeous Gryffindor\'s drink with a shaky hand. Potter chuckled.

\"Looks like you\'ve had a snootful, this evening, Padfoot!\" Snape returned the empty flask to his tunic, and laughed nervously. A bit too nervously.

Potter laughed louder this time, and gave Snape\'s nearest shoulder a squeeze. A bolt of electricity shot through his body at Potter\'s touch, setting off a warm tingling sensation in Snape\'s balls. His cock was now at full attention, and the Slytherin was trying not to stare at the delectable, leather clad body standing next to him. The bare flesh of the Gryffindor\'s upper body was smooth and somewhat pale in contrast to the black leather harness. His small, dark nipples perched perfectly on his lean but sculpted Quidditch-toned pecs.

By the Gods, he\'s perfect!

Snape nearly gasped at the sight of Potter\'s wonderfully taut stomach. He noted the trail of little dark hairs that made their way up from inside his leather trousers, ending at the base of his belly button. Looking a bit further down, Potter\'s package left nothing to the imagination, the tight leather accentuating everything in perfect relief. Remembering to breathe yet again, Snape pulled in a breath and took a swig of his punch. When he finally lifted his gaze, he started to find Potter\'s bright hazel eyes locked onto him. The Gryffindor was grinning widely. Potter squeezed Snape\'s shoulder again, allowing his hand to move down Snape\'s back, gliding seductively to stop on his arse. After a playful pinch, Potter withdrew his hand. Taking a drink from his cup, he stepped closer to the trembling Slytherin.

\"So, here we are, Pads. Just you and me. For a change.\"

Snape realized his mouth was hanging open. He clamped it shut. And then he just stood there. Silent. Like a moron.

His mind was screaming at him: Bloody hell, say something, you simpering idiot! Say anything! He\'s right in front of you!

All Snape croaked out was a strangled \"Nnng.\"

Downing the rest of his drink, he tossed the empty cup over his shoulder, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. Potter was now standing so close they were nearly touching. Snape could feel the wonderful heat of the Gryffindor\'s body, as if it were the fuel that was feeding the flames of his arousal.

Potter snickered, placing a forearm on Snape\'s shoulder, leaning in so close that the Slytherin could nearly taste the wonderfully sweet, firewhiskey-infused scent of the Gryffindor\'s breath.

\"You weren\'t so shy yesterday in the dorm, Pads. Playing hard to get? I hope not. We may not have much time before the others get back. C\'mon, we\'d better hurry!\" Potter leaned in and gave Snape\'s cheek a quick lick with the tip of his tongue. He then took hold of the rope belt of Snape\'s tunic, tugging at it gently.

\"Sirius, I can\'t wait to get you out of that costume.....\"

Snape goggled at the wickedly smiling Gryffindor, willing his legs into motion. They moved quickly through the Great Hall, out of the front doors, down the stone steps, and across the huge lawn. The moon was a large, yellow sliver in the star-flecked sky, and a few long clouds drifted in a light, cool breeze. Snape could make out a few other forms, obviously other students, as he and Potter fairly flew down the gently sloping grass towards the lake. For a short while, he feared running straight into Pettigrew and Black. But it was rather dark and they were moving at a very good clip. Almost to the lake, Potter veered sharply to the left, heading towards the edge of the forest. He stopped abruptly, impatiently motioning for Snape to hurry.

\"How many times have I told you? Should\'ve played a sport, Pads! You\'d better have enough energy left for me!\" Potter placed a hand on either side of Snape\'s face, eagerly pressing his moist, warm lips against the Slytherin\'s. Before Snape could react, Potter withdrew, and bolted away into the darkness.

\"C\'mon, Black! Move that shapely arse of yours!\"

Snape licked his own lips, and continued his pursuit. After a few moments, he could make out the unmistakable outline of the Whomping Willow looming ahead. And Potter was heading straight for it. Stopping short just outside the range of its flailing branches, the slightly winded Gryffindor called over his shoulder to the gasping Snape.

\"What are you waiting for? Stun it. You\'ve got you wand, yeah?\"

Snape fumbled in the tunic and extracted his wand. Pointing it at the Willow, he gasped out \"Immobulus.\"The ferocious tree stilled almost instantly. Potter laughed, and moved quickly towards the base of the tree\'s trunk. Following, Snape could just make it out when Potter reached the base of the tree and disappeared. A second later, he arrived at the same spot, finding no trace of the object of his affections. Looking about confusedly, Snape yelped as a hand grabbed one of his ankles from out of the blackness.

\"Quit fooling about, you sorry git! Get down here!\" Potter yanked on Snape\'s leg, nearly costing the Slytherin his balance. Peering down at his feet, Snape could make out a darker area of darkness, some kind of hole, obviously.

Where in the Fates was Potter leading him?

Cautiously putting one foot into the black void, Snape quickly found a rough set of steep steps, barely large enough to perch a shoe on. It was a tight fit, but after several feet, the entrance opened up into a rather large chamber. Roots from the Willow formed the ceiling of the room, and the walls were rough stone. Snape ignited his wand, and he could now make out that a tunnel of sorts opened off of one wall, and Potter was calling to him, apparently some distance away.

\"Bloody hell, Black. It\'ll be morning before we get to it!\" The Gryffindor\'s voice echoed out to him through the mouth of the tunnel.

Snape moved into the passage. He could make out that the tunnel sloped upwards gently, for what looked like a few hundred yards. Potter was far ahead by now, a small shadow in the distance. After a few minutes, Snape could see a rough stone stairway rising ahead of him. It led up to an open trap door. Taking two steps at a time, he climbed the stairway and poked his head through the opening. He was in the entry hall of some abandoned house. The Shrieking Shack?! Dust and dirt covered every surface. Snape hoisted himself up and onto the floor. There was a very rickety looking staircase to his left. Potter called to him, this time from upstairs.

\"It\'s not nice to keep me waiting, Pads. A boy never wants to be without his dog, you know!\"

Snape threw himself up the creaking stairs, reaching the landing and looking about for signs of Potter. A set of double doors to his right stood open. A flickering light could be seen emanating from within. His breath hitched slightly in his chest, and his legs ached. But the anticipation of what was about to happen was slowly building into a palpable energy. There was once again a stirring in his groin, and Snape walked nervously through the doorway. He found himself in a large bedchamber. The room was in a state of disrepair. Wallpaper hung from the walls in sheets and strips. Huge sections of plaster had fallen in many places, revealing the bone-like lath. The windows were boarded up, and the floor canted slightly to one side.

Snape noted that a fire had been set in the large hearth. By the flickering light that it cast, he could see that even though the room was falling apart, it appeared to be quite clean. The rug in front of the fireplace was bright and looked new. A large, squashy sofa flanked one side of the hearth. A couple of thick quilts were folded on one arm of the sofa. A large coffee table sat before the sofa, the firelight reflected in the deep mahogany finish. A trio of scented candles had been placed in the center of the table. Right next to them stood a crystal decanter filled with an amber liquid. Firewhiskey, most likely. Two crystal goblets flanked the decanter. Snape was stupidly taking it all in when the sound of someone clearing their throat pulled him out of his reverie. Potter\'s voice came from somewhere off to his left, behind the huge four poster bed.

\"So, I see you like what I\'ve done with the place.\" Potter was leaning against one of the bedposts, his arms crossed across his chest. He had taken off his collar, harness, and boots. The top buttons of his skin-tight leather trousers were undone. The flickering firelight was reflected in the lenses of his eyeglasses. His smile was ear to ear.

Snape gulped as he extinguished his wand. Potter moved towards him, reaching out to untie the rope belt of his tunic. Snape toed off the sandals as Potter lifted the scratchy tunic. Snape lifted his arms, and the Gryffindor pushed the tunic further up and over Snape\'s head. Potter tossed it aside, a puzzled look crossing his handsome features.

\"Uh, when did you start wearing boxers, Pads?\"

Snape could do nothing but shrug as Potter grinned and yanked the boxers down. They pooled about the Slytherin\'s ankles, his engorged prick now free of its confines. Potter whistled.

\"Now, that\'s more like it.\" He quickly knelt at Snape\'s feet, grasping the Slytherin\'s hard length with one hand while the other cupped and massaged his balls. Snape moaned softly as the tip of Potter\'s tongue played with the leaking slit at the head of his cock. Potter alternately massaged with one hand and pulled gently but firmly with the other as his tongue lapped and laved at the Slytherin\'s throbbing prick, eventually taking the entire length into his eager mouth. Snape slowly rocked his hips forward and back, as Potter worked his mouth, lips and tongue in a wonderful synchronicity.

Snape bucked once or twice, suddenly aware that if this continued, he would orgasm very soon. Reaching out and running his hands through Potter\'s wild mane of hair, the Slytherin gently pushed the Gryffindor\'s head away from him. Potter complied, reluctantly relinquishing Snape\'s member.

Grinning, Potter looked up, his bottomless hazel eyes filled with desire. He stood up swiftly, mashing his lips against Snape\'s, thrusting his tongue over and past the lips and teeth to invade and explore the Slytherin\'s willing mouth. Snape gasped as the bare skin of their torsos touched, thousands of receptors flooding his entire body with wave after wave of intoxicating pleasure. Potter was grinding his hips against Snape\'s hardness, soft moans vibrating through his lips and tongue into Snape\'s. The Slytherin fumbled with the remaining buttons of Potter\'s trousers, finally loosening them and shoving the tight leathers down over the Gryffindor\'s hips.

At the same time, Potter began moving them both backwards towards the bed. They bumped into it, the Gryffindor falling backward onto the soft down coverlet with Snape on top. The concealed Slytherin pulled away, and quickly stood up and pulled the leathers the rest of the way off, tossing them to join his tunic on the floor. Potter had fully pulled himself up into the bed, and was lying on his side, his head propped up by one hand and the other tracing a lazy circle on his bare hip. His fully erect cock defied gravity beautifully, looking as if it were pasted to his lower belly. He pulled off his eyeglasses and tossed them onto one of the sidetables.

Snape stood motionless, awestruck. There were no words to describe how beautiful Potter was. A mass of swirling emotions welled up in him, nearly making him swoon. He knelt on the bed, focused on the angelic face staring up at him.

\"James.\" How he had longed to say that name aloud.

\"James.\" It felt wonderful on his lips.

\"Oh, James, I.....\" Snape faltered, afraid of what he might say.

Potter smiled and reached out to run his hand through Snape\'s hair, slowly moving it down, caressing his cheek. Snape moved his head into it, sighing. He brought his own hand up to Potter\'s, and softly shifted it over, kissing its palm repeatedly. Snape then lay on his right side, facing Potter, and both of them moved towards the other, pulling as close together as possible. Their lips again met, and they strived to touch with every molecule of skin that was available.

They both gasped and groaned as their erections slid together deliciously, both working in perfect harmony. Their arms were wrapped tightly around each other, in an embrace neither had experienced before. Comforting. Safe. As One. Snape threw his left leg over his lover\'s hip, as Potter slid his right leg between both of Snape\'s. Two sets of hips worked together, gently but firmly, with a measured but arousing intensity.

Sweat popped out on both of their bodies, making every slip and slide of skin on skin even more delicious. Their tongues dueled in the most pleasurable battle imaginable, as their hungry lips attempted to wantonly devour each other. Hands and fingers drank in every surface they could reach, assimilating every sensation and feeling they could. Smooth, firm shoulders and backs, sinewy arms, supple arses, all velvety smooth and musky soft.

Time stood still as eternities passed. All of creation faded away, leaving only the two lovers, locked together in an erotic symbiosis, a universe unto themselves.

And then the power of creation welled up inside them, building slowly at first, undeniably approaching release. Stronger and stronger the energy welled up inside them, every sensation and feeling heightened to near sensory overload. Gasping and bucking in an almost uncontrollable ecstasy, the two lovers felt their orgasm rising inside them as a huge, warm wave, engulfing them both in its release. They both came together, their seed spilling between them, binding them, as One.

Snape and Potter lay closely, breathless, spent, sated. Neither had spoken, nor had either tried to move apart or clean up after their orgasm. They simply held each other, reveling in the feeling of being at once and forever connected.

After a time, Snape murmured \"Scourgify,\" and propped himself up on one of his elbows. Potter was staring up at him, smiling, one arm behind his head and the other ghosting over the surface of Snape\'s stomach.

The Slytherin had never imagined in his wildest dreams that this could have been possible.

Merlin, he\'s beautiful! Thank You!

Snape took a deep breath.

\"I love you, James.\"

James grinned, giving Snape a tiny little nod.

\"Me too, Severus.\"


to be continued.........