Re: Severus + Al + Sneaky James
Severus blinked, positively disconcerted at the thought of James seeking him out in a social situation. But then, Al was right by his side, which made it unlikely James was planning any truly damaging prank.
Because James didn't want to hurt his grandson; Snape accepted that much as an axiom.
"Er, I've been well. I enjoyed our dinner. How have you been? And Lily, is she well?" Even as he spoke, his toes curled in his shiny black boots, with the sheer force of embarrassment at having produced such a string of vapid platitudes.
It was amazing the damage unfocused apprehension could do to one's conversational gambits.