Title: On a Pale Horse Pairing: Severus Snape/James Potter; implied James Potter/Lily Evans Rating: PG13 Summary: In between leaving and living, there are the bonfires Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.Warnings: IF ANY, otherwise, delete this line. Notes: Here's to yet another spook-tacular Halloween/Samhain Season at hp_halloween. Many thanks to the lithe and lovely goblins and gremlins that have brought us all together to celebrate the ghostly holiday and the inspiring lore's birthday. This treat wouldn't be possible without the careful eyes of my beta sighing_selkie; she's a pip! And, finally, here's to manghahabi who gave me a prompt I wrestled with, and causing me to torch a few double drabbles before I found the right eerie voice for it. Hope your shivers were delicious!
"I thought you weren't coming."
A twig snapped. A jack-o'-lantern wobbled and then righted itself on a set of broad shoulders. A hollow voice replied, "I thought you weren't going to be here."
The Samhain bonfires flared and danced under the moonless night sky as the two figures drew closer together.
"James..."
"Severus..."
They spoke at once, over and into each other's presence, as they always had.
"Our Harry's grown into a fine young man," James said with a nod toward one particular bonfire.
"Well, I was here to watch over him for you, wasn't I?" Severus grumbled.
The jack-o'-lantern nodded solemnly. "I'm sorry I left you, Severus." A hand reached out, but not too far.
Another hand, potion-stained, with spidery fingers, caught it and pulled the other being closer. "Why are you headless, James?"
"Ah, I lost a bet with Lily. It was this or riding the hills as a male Godiva, and I know how much you hate sharing me with anyone but Lils." James' ghastly carved grin grew more lascivious. "But we can make do, Severus. After all, we are wizards, aren't we?"
Severus barked out a laugh and tugged his lover closer. "Lucky you're my treat."