𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄; ʜᴘ (𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐃)

𝟎𝟏𝟐; sᴍᴏᴋᴇʏ ʀᴇɴᴅᴇᴢᴠᴏᴜs

JAMES STOOD at the top of the grand staircase, his heart pounding with anticipation and anxiety. He had donned an all white suit, adorned with intricate golden accents, as per Sephtis' request.

"Looking good, Prongs."

"Thanks, Pads."

As he looked down the staircase, his eyes caught sight of Sephtis ascending from the dungeons with a regal poise that seemed almost otherworldly. Each step he took exuded a grace and elegance that left James breathless. Sephtis' dark curls were styled to perfection, cascading down his shoulders in a mesmerizing fashion. His features were so divine that they seemed to glow in the moonlight.

Sephtis was dressed in a black suit, adorned with intricate silver accents that contrasted and complemented James' own suit perfectly. The two men stood at opposite ends of the color spectrum, but in that moment, they were united by their mutual beauty.

As Sephtis reached the top of the staircase, James couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the man before him. Sephtis was a work of art, a masterpiece that left James in awe.

"We can all just collectively agree that Potter is a lucky bastard right?"

"Mhm, definitely agree."

Sephtis stood before James, his eyes roving over the intricate golden accents on James' all white suit. The air was thick with anticipation, and James felt a shiver run down his spine as Sephtis' gaze met his.

"You clean up nicely, Potter." Sephtis said with a smirk, his eyes still fixed on James.

James let out a chuckle, trying to mask the nervousness that was bubbling up inside him. "Still on last names?" He responded. "You know since I'm your date for tonight's Slugclub, the least you can do is call me by my actual name."

Sephtis' gaze intensified, and James found himself getting lost in the dark arctic blue depths of Sephtis' eyes. For a moment, the two men just stood there, locked in a silent exchange.

"James." Sephtis finally said, his voice dripping with a sultry tone that sent James' heart racing. The way Sephtis said his name made him feel like he was the only person in the world that mattered.

James can die happily now.

James struggled to form words, his mind consumed by the intensity of the moment. Finally, he managed to find his voice. "You look stunning too.... Sephtis." said, his words barely above a whisper.

"Not fair. Even I haven't called him that yet. Nobody has called him by his name other than the staff at a few times." Remus pointed out.

"Ha, suffer."

Sephtis' lips curved into a small smile, and he took a step closer to James. "Hmm. While you my dear, are positively radiant." He replied, his voice low and seductive.

The two young men stood there, lost in each other's gaze, the world around them fading away.

Sephtis extended his arm towards James, and the latter nodded, accepting the gesture. Together they made their way into the Slugclub, the grandeur of the room, and the warmth of the fireplaces adding to the ambiance of the evening.

As they walked in side by side, all eyes turned towards them. James felt a sense of pride at being by Sephtis' side, knowing that he was the envy of many in the room. Professor Slughorn immediately approached them, his jovial demeanor welcoming them both.

"Verlac! You made it!" Slughorn exclaimed. "I must say, I was surprised when I heard the rumors of you bringing Potter here as your companion for tonight."