A Rose by Another Name - Chapters 1-4
Thursday, 19 July 2007 04:21![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
immaWritten for the Lucius/Severus Romance Fest in severus_lucius on LJ.
Title: A rose by another name.
Author:![[insanejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/ij-userinfo.gif)
tinamuggi
Pairing: Lucius Malfoy/Severus Snape
Rating: PG-13 (or maybe even just PG – oh my)
Warnings: Angst, pretend death, romance
Disclaimer: The characters depicted in this story are the intellectual and copyrighted property of J.K.Rowling. No financial nor intellectual infringement is intended.
Summary: A tale of starstruck lovers, caught betwixt two feuding families, and their struggle for love and freedom (Romeo and Juliet - Revisited)
A/N: Written for the Lucius/Severus Romance Fest April 2007. Thanks go to my friend and Uni fellow student Lisa for initial Beta. (I think I might have turned her to the Dark Side :D) All the mistakes are mine. Severus is 16 and is starting his 6th year after the summer at Hogwarts. Lucius is 17 and starting his 7th year after the summer at Durmstrang, so I've manipulated and falsified and canon-raped their ages and Lucius' school records in order to make this fit the premise of Romeo andJulio Juliet. Spank me, I've been bad.
Chapter 1
"I'm not going!"
Why Severus had to go to this party, was beyond him. He knew of Mother's relatives, but he had never met them as far as he could remember. Surely it wouldn't be necessary for him to come, right? He'd know nobody there other than perhaps Avery, Rosier and Wilkes, and he suspected it would be a complete waste of time anyway.
No, he knew it would be a complete waste of time. Hours and hours of pointless empty chatter, self-important people fluttering about like overstuffed peacocks, an absolute maximum of grace, elegance and breeding… and an equally absolute minimum of intelligence and wit.
He did not want to go, and for once his father agreed completely. Which might be a first in his life, Severus wasn't sure but it sounded likely. However, he didn't want that. He wanted nothing his father might view as good and well. Especially not when he saw the glee badly hidden in those black eyes that were almost too much like his own, at Severus' insistence that he would rather stay at home to study. And also not when he saw the stricken expression on his mother's already strained face. And he knew she wouldn't insist, knew that if she did, he would once more lie awake a night, listening first to the abuse, and then to her crying
"On the other hand, it might be worth it simply to create good connections I can use later, when I leave Hogwarts." He said, calmly, speculatively, hiding behind a learned facade of innocence, as if he'd only just realised that possibility. He wilfully didn't react to the light that came back to his mother's eyes, didn't want to put Tobias' attention back on her. Keep looking at me... punish me, not her. He could take it. He'd learned to bear and banish the pain, but he could no longer bear the pain of hearing his mother's cries and seeing the bruises, before she covered them up with the much-hated magic that would only make Tobias even angrier.
"You don't need to go to that depraved lot's party to get connections, son," Tobias drawled, his voice still not sufficiently slurred by drink, the bottle on the table still over half full. One day... one glorious day, Severus would...
Dumbledore would know. Mother would know. But did it matter that they knew? As long as it would set them free? There was also the small risk that both his mother though and he would be under suspicion. And it was that small risk, and only that, which had held him back from doing it long ago. It would be so easy...
"I'll set you up with the right people... not filthy heretics like your mother there," Tobias continued, unaware of his son's thoughts and even feelings, in spite of looking straight into the boy's face.
"But he needs to know his family to-" Eileen tried to interject, but was interrupted by Tobias banging the mug that held his favoured brew down on the table, spilling a fair bit of it, which only made him angrier.
"WHAT HE NEEDS IS TO GET AWAY FROM ALL THAT ... UNHOLY MAGIC, WIFE! GO TO A PROPER SCHOOL AND LEARN PROPER SKILLS SO HE CAN BE OF SOME USE!" Tobias yelled, making Eileen shrink back in fear of the blow that was likely to come. It didn't come, but the look in Tobias' dark eyes held the promise of 'later'.
This was not turning out like Severus had intended. Not at all. And it was his fault for refusing mother in the first place, turning it into a discussion. He needed to get the attention back on him. "I'll help you in the shop the rest of the summer, if I can go. No magic, I promise." He said, disgusted with his own subservient tone, but he knew it would work. It always worked on Tobias to let him feel like he was in power, that they served him in spite of being endlessly more powerful than him. In spite of their capability to kill him with a simple spell... or potion.
"No magic!" Tobias pointed a bony finger at Severus, giving him a stern look that told volumes of the punishments that would follow, should the boy dare bring magic into his domain.
"No magic," Severus said and nodded "And I'll help every day." And every night he would study and brew in peace, until he was too exhausted to go on. If he was really good, this would keep Tobias happy for the summer and maybe even a little after that. So mother could have at least a small respite. He couldn't bear looking at her right now though, knowing the gratitude he would see in her face. He didn't deserve it, he didn't want it. It would only haunt him once he got back to safety at Hogwarts and he really had enough hauntings there to last him a lifetime.
"Good. Good boy. Perhaps I'll let you go then, as long as you remember your place isn't among them! You're a Snape! Not some foul hell born witch," Tobias groused. "Now leave me alone, both of you. I can't stand the sight of you anymore today!" With a wave he dismissed them, thinking himself secure in the role of patriarch and ruler over those unworthy creatures he'd so stupidly allowed to enter his life and household. Both Severus and Eileen didn't hesitate and rose, leaving the kitchen as quietly as possible.
Chapter 2
"I'm not going!"
Lucius looked stubbornly over the breakfast table at his mother. She gently dapped her lips with a silk napkin, then sighed "Lucius, my sweet. They are family. I know it can be a bit boring, but both Sirius and Regulus will be there. And also the Black sisters... surely that will be enough to entertain you?" She would not mention Eileen Prince was coming, as well as her Mudblood son. That was really beyond mentioning in this company. She glanced over at Abraxas who seemed to pay no mind at all to the discussion between son and mother, as he read the Daily Prophet.
Well, if Sirius and Regulus would be there, it wasn't that bad after all. Lucius was sure they could think up something exciting to do, other than sitting around or Merlin forbid, dancing. The Black sisters... well, Narcissa had a certain charm about her, and she was undoubtedly beautiful. But she always looked as if she'd smelled something bad. Even when she smiled. And she was no fun, always so pretty in her silk gowns and colourful bows, always wanting to dance and touch. No, Bellatrix was a lot more fun then. Her pranks were definitely the best, if a little bit … mad sometimes. But Lucius liked that. It made him laugh.
Andromeda... well, nobody really spoke of her anymore and he barely remembered her. Running off with a Muggleborn was just not commes il faux. Especially not for a Black and effectively removed your name from polite conversation and even thought in that family faster than you could say 'blood traitor'.
"I suppose I could drop in for a little bit, make an appearance." He finally conceded and was rewarded by one of his mother's most brilliant smiles. The smile that told him the woman was up to something. Lucius narrowed his eyes slightly and instantly decided he would have to watch her a little bit more closely.
Chapter 3
Severus felt both good and bad. Good, because he for once was dressed fairly well and elegantly, judged by the pureblood Wizarding standards. Bad because … of too many reasons. One was the mask, which had been an unpleasant surprise. Especially since it had been sprung on him in front of father, so he couldn't make any scene without involving the man. His mother apparently hadn't lost all her deviousness yet. Another reason was the colour of his robes… a light soft blue that clashed – in his mind – so badly with his gaunt and pale features, black eyes and black hair, it was an offence to eyes. Thirdly, he was expected to parade about for several hours, in the midst of the crème de la crème of Wizarding Britain's purebloods. The aristocracy so to say, if the Wizarding world had had a royal court.
More like the aristocrazy he thought petulantly as he put his hand on the portkey mother was holding. A few harrowing moments later, they landed in a grand hallway, filled with marble and gilded wood, chandeliers and mirrors, a double set of gently sloping stairs that led to the first floor with intricately carved banisters and a mass of paintings, all of them Wizarding. Last, but certainly not least, the hall was filled with an overwhelming amount of people who all stood around as if they had poles up their lily white and oh so refined arses, glittering and dazzling in their silken outfits and masks that made you think more of a zoo than a ball.
Considering the number of people in the hallway, the noise level was acceptable, all conversations being performed in low hushed and very haughty tones. Severus stared at them for a long moment, wondering when they'd start staring at them or at him, more precisely. But it didn't happen. Instead they were met with an almost too smiling woman who he knew was the Black ... Widow, so to say. In the most real sense of the word, since her name was Black, and for the past year she'd been a widow.
It was still amusing though and he wondered if all aspects of being a 'black widow' applied to the slightly agitated and obviously nervous lady. He really wouldn't put it past her, knowing the Black history as well as he did, from the stories mother had told, and a small smirk found its way to his lips as he watched her welcome them. He bowed as he'd been taught and told the woman how honoured and grateful he was to be here. Fake words for a fake world. So very fitting. But it pleased mother and apparently also the Black widow, so he'd done his duty.
However, their welcome had also brought their presence to the attention of those around them and Severus could literally feel their eyes piercing the back of his neck, like little mites nipping away. And there were the whispers... The smirk faded from his lips, but that was the only outward sign that he'd noticed. And he proceeded to ignore them as he took his mother's arm and led her into the banquet hall that was even more lavish than the entrance hall, if possible. Merlin, how he hated this already. And yet he was curious and couldn't help wonder what else this gilded den of the Blacks might hold in its less than public places. A dungeon perhaps? Dark secret rooms holding even deeper and darker secrets? Books that would melt your eyes or maybe even take your soul if you looked at them long enough?
He would have to explore and do it inconspicuously, which luckily was one of his strengths. That thought brought the smirk back and after snatching a small glass of something he wasn't going to drink anyway, he excused himself from his mother with the pretence of 'mingling' to see if any of his 'school mates' would be here already. Avery, Rosier and Wilkes would most likely turn up if they weren't already here. Macnair sadly wouldn't, since he'd been grounded for the summer by his parents.
Would be a fitting punishment to drag him here though.
But at least he'd have three mates to make up for the presence of the infamous Black boys and the Potter idiot. Severus couldn't see them as he slid away from mother's side and weaved through the throng, but that didn't mean they weren't there. That just meant he'd have to watch his back better, since every mask could be hiding one of their obnoxious visages and he really preferred to see them before they saw him.
-
Lucius stood between his parents, almost as tall as his father now and certainly no less impressive with his long blond hair that was tied back in a neat ponytail and fit body that filled out his rich dark green robes nicely. The half mask was green as well and led your thoughts wander towards fierce dragons. He was quite pleased with his turn out. It emphasised everything it should, made him stand out slightly while remaining subtle and elegant. He knew he looked good and everything about him breathed self-confidence and haughty pride.
Mrs. Black greeted them with profound and almost overwhelming happiness, as if she'd not expected them to show up. Of course the Malfoys would come to one of the highlights of the social calendar this summer, even if some on the guest lists didn't have quite the level of purity as they normally wanted to associate themselves with. That could be overlooked though in the face of the otherwise very illustrious guests that floated around like the colourful fishes of the South Coral seas, mingling and mixing until your eyes saw rainbows.
He instantly spotted Rabastan and Rodolphus next to their parents and quickly excused himself to go over and meet them.
"Grand party, eh, Malfoy?" Rodolphus said with a matching smile as Lucius reached them.
"Yes, at least it has the potential of becoming that." There was a certain tone to Lucius' voice that told both the Lestrange brothers that he was hoping for some action that might take full advantage of that potential. A masque was in itself a bland affair, especially since all knew all and it wasn't as if the halfmasks really hid identities that well.
"How's school been? Hogwarts is a drag. I wish Dad had sent us to Durmstrang as well. It's all about Dumbledore sucking up to those sodding Gryffindors and Defence against the Dark Arts is a laugh. I guess he's afraid we might turn bad or dark." Rabastan rolled his eyes, which made Lucius laugh.
"Oh, school's all right. Passed my exams with top marks of course, so next year will be a breeze." Lucius bragged shamelessly. He was bloody good and he didn't mind telling everybody.
"Did you learn something wicked?" Rodolphus asked eagerly, his dark eyes gleaming with excitement. Malfoy always taught them the most interesting things every summer and he hoped very much this occasion would involve an update on that matter. Perhaps it would impress Bellatrix Black so much, she'd consider more than just a fleeting, teasing kiss in the dark hallways of Hogwarts that was always followed up by her low dark laughter that made his stomach flip with arousal.
Lucius smirked knowingly and patted Rodolphus' shoulder "My friend, you wouldn't believe what I've learned. Have you seen the Black sisters yet?" The smirk turned teasing and he laughed again at the light blush to Rodolphus' ears. Rabastan recognised the blush and laughed as well.
"Sod off and no, I haven't seen them. They'll be fashionably late as usual, I guess." Rodolphus groused
"Come on. Let's get something to drink and then watch the masses for a bit." Lucius knew both the Lestrange brothers were itching to see what he'd learned, but he wasn't going to cater to their simple whims before he'd seen who else were here. It was all about making connections, talking to the right people, pouring the right words into the right ears. Especially the ears of one. The one his father was speaking with at the moment, a tall gaunt and for his age, very attractive man who's gaze seemed capable of piercing everybody it rested upon; Tom Riddle. Or more precisely - as father had informed him - Lord Voldemort. Lucius knew he at some point would be ushered over so he could be introduced properly and even as that thought excited him, it also made him slightly nervous. For now though, he'd just enjoy and watch out for any kind of entertainment that could be had and not think too closely on the reasons for this nervousness.
-
Severus had finally managed to escape into a somewhat quiet corner. He hadn't yet ventured upstairs, but by now he knew where the kitchen was and the library. Too bad there had been others in the library, or he could easily - and happily - have spent the rest of the party in there. On the other hand, it was just a matter of time before he'd get up those stairs and then he'd see if the Blacks truly were as devious - and deviant - as he thought they were.
"Oi, Severus!" A well-known and fairly well liked voice interrupted his musings and Avery sidled up next to him. "Very ... blue, today, aren't you?" The prat said with a grin and poked Severus' thin, and admittedly very blue, shoulder.
"Shut up, Avery. Nobody asked your bloody opinion," Severus growled and beat Avery's hand away, annoyed even if he'd known that would be the reaction. Severus looked away at the laugh with a peeved expression but didn't shake off Avery's hand when it came back to his shoulder.
"Relax, mate. You look good." if only Avery hadn't sniggered, Severus would almost have believed him "Just be careful nobody mistakes you for Lockhart." Avery nodded towards another figure clad in vibrant light blue hues, glittery colourful stones and large fluffy feathers adorning the mask, making him look very much like a discoloured ostrich's arse, as seen in a mating dance.
"Merlin..." Severus whispered in horrified awe, backing slowly away from the nightmare vision. Only Lockhart would look like that. Nobody but Lockhart would wear that and think he looked 'fabulous and absolutely darling!' With a shudder he looked away, instead facing Avery.
"Is Wilkes and Rosier here too"
"Yeah, they're raiding the buffet, as usual." Avery gestured towards the table.
"I guess they're out for an hour or so then. I'll just have to tell you alone. I won't be able to meet up very often this summer. Father wants me to help out in his shop and that's the price of going here." Severus' expression darkened slightly with anger.
"Aw shite! No way to get out of that?" Avery said with feeling. It would be no fun, if Snape wasn't going to be around. He always had the best ideas.
"No. I promised." Severus left it at that and Avery knew better than to push. He didn't wish to share with anybody that should father catch him in doing anything else, it would be on mother's head. And if Avery knew, all knew.
"Bugger."
"Yes, quite."
That killed their conversation for long enough to make Severus antsy. "I'm up for some exploring, Avery. Are you game?" He met the other boy's eyes, arching one of his eyebrows challengingly.
"Well, dad wants me to meet this Voldemort guy," Avery nodded towards the small circle of men, who seemed deep in conversation, looking eerily like a cult with their masks. Severus wrinkled his nose for once happy he wasn't really involved in the pureblood venture for universal power and purity. He'd heard enough of Voldemort to be slightly apprehensive about him. As he looked away, blond hair caught his attention, and then the green robes.
Malfoy.
Severus hadn't seen him for years and still there was something arresting about Malfoy that he couldn't look away. He should hate the guy, really. The Malfoys had on every occasion possible, made it very clear that the Princes were nothing but lowly blood traitors who should be treated with the utmost condescension and disregard. And he'd felt that on several occasions, both through his mother's reactions and his own encounters with especially the Malfoy patriarch. A snooty lot, all of them. And judging by the way young Malfoy held himself, chin tilted slightly up, stance wide and confident, it had passed directly to the next generation.
Finally Severus tore his eyes away and looked at Avery again "Never mind then. I'll be back." And with that he was off, quickly disappearing in spite of his garments garish colouring.
-
Done with chatting, Lucius let his gaze wander about the big room, slowly taking in and measuring up what he saw. Everybody looked much like they always did at such occasions. There were only that many variations of a theme after all, and things repeated themselves perpetually in this world. A constant like magic, the world turning and the sun rising every morning. He was so utterly bored, it almost brought tears to his eyes. Bellatrix and Narcissa had better show up soon, or he'd not greet them at all. That would teach them not to stretch the boundaries of 'fashionably late' like this and leaving him without their pretty and inspiring company. Regulus had of course joined their little cadre, but the only other Lucius truly wanted to speak with was apparently completely absorbed with Potter. Lucius grimaced slightly. It was bad enough Sirius had turned Gryffindor, but did he have to look like he enjoyed rolling in that filth? Wealthy purebloods or not, the Potters were not exactly the people Lucius would care to associate with. Muggle lovers, the lot of them.
Out of the corners of his eyes, he saw a flicker of light blue paired with black hair pass them by a few yards away. The combination was so preposterous it drew his full attention and he looked more closely at the person with narrowed eyes. Was that... the Prince halfblood? Snape? There was something about the intense look in the other boy's black eyes and the ... focused, rigid way he held himself, that intrigued Lucius. Objectively, he was ugly, thin hooked nose, black lanky hair and a complexion that made vampires look healthy and fresh. As if he spent all his hours in a dungeon.
Which he likely did, since it was Snape, a Slytherin like the Lestrange brothers and Regulus. He shouldn't care, but the surprisingly graceful way the gaunt boy simply ... disappeared from view, made him care. Made him want to see what Snape was up to. Made him want to get a closer look. From what he'd heard, Snape was a genius with potions, curses and hexes. Which all in itself was enough to warrant a second look.
"I'll be right back," he muttered and slipped away from his mates, quickly following Snape out of the room.
Chapter 4
It had been far easier than expected to slip upstairs. The doors were mostly warded but Severus had found a few that weren't. And really, if he wanted to, he'd get past the wards. He just didn't want to push his luck, as long as things were interesting. The room he ended up in was beautiful, he had to admit that. Lining the walls were large display cases of finely carved wood and with elaborate glass doors, filled with intriguing trinkets. Deep dark leather chairs stood heavily in between the cabinets, stained glass lamps on the tables....
He'd not seen anything yet that would make a Ministry employee twitch, but it was still fascinating. Especially since he wasn't supposed to be there. So fascinating, he failed to hear the small click as the door snicked closed behind Lucius.
Severus was bent over a flat display case on a table, intently reading the scribbled Latin on the visible pages of the opened book inside it, lips moving faintly with every word his brain translated. Lucius watched in rapt silence, not really sure why he wasn't asking Snape what he was doing here, so very much out of bounds. That Lucius was out of bounds too, was inconsequential. Mrs Black would think nothing of it and simply laugh in her slightly disturbing way and pat his shoulder, telling him he was welcome to look at anything in her 'humble home', should he so wish. But right now, all he wished to look at, was Snape.
The 'why' was becoming less and less important as he kept watching the dark haired boy, taking in the small movements of the lips, the way the long and surprisingly elegant fingers curled carefully around the edge of the display case, the light arch of his bent back, his nose that peeked just beyond the border of the mask and the generally sharp angles to his body... so different from the soft delicate Narcissa or the voluptuous enthralling curves of Bellatrix. And yet... alluring.
"Hello." He finally said softly, taking a few steps closer.
Severus reacted with blinding speed, an ingrown reflex from years of dodging hexes and sneak attacks from the Marauders, and whipped out his wand and aimed at Malfoy. His heart pounded in his ears and throat, the hex teetered on the edge of his tongue. He stared at Malfoy, trying to figure out if he should expect a good hexing or something else. His bet was on the hexing, even if Malfoy's wand wasn't drawn
"Hey!" Lucius exclaimed, stopped in his tracks by the sudden threat of Snape's wand. He held up his empty hands "I just said hello."
Severus narrowed his eyes and asked in his most icy and impatient tone "Fine. Are you done?" He had no wish standing around for the verbal abuse he was certain Malfoy had in store for him.
Lucius' eyebrows shot up in surprise. Nobody talked to him like that! "There's no reason to be rude. It's not like I'm wandering about where I have no business or threatening another with a wand for that matter!"
"Yeah? Well, you shouldn't go around sneaking up on people like that! Next time I might cast the hex." Severus' voice was caustic. It was always annoying to be caught red-handed and he would be damned if he'd stand down now. Least of all to somebody like a Malfoy.
This was not going as well as Lucius had intended. He was used to other reactions than this, more favourable and pleasing reactions. It wouldn't deter him though, so he pressed on, now determined to get the wand out of Snape's hand so he could get a closer look at the boy, and talk to him. "I'll watch my arse the next time then," he said with a light smile "I'm sorry" Which he wasn't at all, but that didn't matter.
Caught a little off balance by the unexpected apology, Severus lowered his wand and just looked at Malfoy in disbelief. After a moment he recomposed himself and put the wand away with an annoyed expression "You'd better be. What are you doing up here anyway?"
"I followed you."
Severus blinked, not quite understanding what Malfoy was up to, then demanded "Me? Why?"
"Because I wanted to get a closer look and talk to you." Lucius was telling the truth on purpose in this situation. His occasional honest bluntness mostly caught people off guard and made them react in interesting ways. It also helped to make him more believable in situations where he worked around thruth in a more ... creative way.
To Severus, that statement made no sense at all and he had no idea what to answer. He'd come up with something. Soon. When he was done staring.
Now that was more like it, Lucius noted with satisfaction and took off his mask to reveal himself fully, in case Snape was unaware of whom he was faced with. "I saw you downstairs and realised I've yet to be introduced to you." Which, considering Snape's family relations, was no wonder at all.
It was becoming slightly embarrassing and vexing, this staring. Especially when Malfoy removed the mask. It was unfair that somebody like Malfoy should have it all; the looks, the money, the status... especially the looks though, and Severus' ears heated at the way his thoughts took a somewhat hard turn towards how that hair might feel against his fingers, how those lips might feel as well... and how those grey eyes would look when they looked on something Malfoy wanted...
Stop! Severus clenched his teeth and tilted his chin slightly up before removing his mask. Malfoy was probably just taunting him, flaunting all the things he had which Severus would never possess. "Well, I'm Severus Snape. Consider yourself properly introduced. Are you done now?"
Lucius laughed, more and more intrigued by this Severus Snape. The fact that this was a Snape and a halfblood slipped more and more in the background at the same time. "No, I'm not done. I'm Lucius Malfoy. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Severus Snape." He reached out his hand in polite greeting, expecting the other boy to close the remaining distance and shake it.
The laughter made Severus press his lips together, making them even thinner than usual. Malfoy was just as annoying as he'd expected. He glanced down at the outstretched hand, then back up at Malfoy's face. Then he stepped closer with a shrug and shook the hand firmly a few moments before letting go again.
Snape's hand was very warm and the grip rather strong. Why he'd expected it to be cold, Lucius wasn't sure. But he was very sure suddenly, that he'd enjoyed the too brief contact. And wanted more of it. "Are you enjoying the party so far?" Lucius asked, keeping his voice soft as he looked closer at Snape's face. Why did all those sharp and almost menacing angles attract him? They shouldn't... they shouldn't make him want to reach out and touch.
"Sure, I'm having a blast. That's why I'm up here." The sarcasm was finely tuned after years of practice, and Severus was quite proud of it.
Lucius chuckled and let his lips curl into a warm smile as he tilted his head slightly, flawlessly sliding towards ... flirting? "These balls are usually dreadfully boring. You showed good sense in spending your time in a more... interesting manner and I'm glad I have the opportunity to get to know you."
That voice and that look went straight to the pit of Severus' stomach and he almost hated them for it. And Malfoy, because surely he was playing with Severus, making him think he was interested in this conversation... and in Severus himself, only to make a fool of him afterwards. "So, first I'm snooping about where I don't belong and then I'm showing good sense in actually doing that? Make up your mind, already, Malfoy."
Snape's rebuffs only made Lucius more determined to flirt with the boy. There was nothing like a good hunt, a challenge instead of the easy surrender he mostly encountered. "Good point, Severus. Once more I apologise for my conflicting statements, but your wand caught me off guard. You must be terribly good at duelling. I've heard about you, of course, and your spell work. Quite impressive." Flattery should do the trick.
Flattery however, had never worked on Severus. It more often than not had the exact opposite effect, making him doubly suspicious "What do you want? A duel? Is that it?" In a way, Severus almost hoped it was that which made Malfoy look at him like that, eyes darker somehow.
"Oh no! I'd lose in a second and I wouldn't want Mrs Black having one of her fits just because of it." When flattery didn't work, even more flattery should be applied.
"I wouldn't mind seeing one of the Black widow's fits, actually..." Severus muttered before he could stop himself. He'd heard of the woman's temper, which at times reached almost astronomical heights. It could be fun to watch, but that wasn't exactly what he'd meant to say at all.
Lucius laughed heartily at Severus' use of that delightfully funny moniker and had to steady himself against Snape's shoulder, of course. The table next to them wouldn't do. "Ohh, you wouldn't want to witness that, I promise you that. It's not as entertaining as it might seem." He chuckled and enjoyed the warm bony feel of Snape's shoulder against the palm of his hand. He liked Snape, he decided. Sod his bloodline, which to be honest rarely guided Lucius' decisions unless it was favourable to do so, he wanted to get to know Snape better. A lot better, he hoped. But he needed to figure out if the slightly younger boy was interested in that.
Severus more or less froze at the hand on his shoulder, far too enraptured by the feel of it to really appreciate Malfoy's mirth, even if his rich laughter made the corners of his mouth twitch. "I won't test it then." And still the hand was right there, on his shoulder, left there by Malfoy as if it was the most natural thing in the world, to touch Severus. To keep touching him.
"You really shouldn't. I can think of more entertaining ways of spending the evening." Lucius said in a low voice, aiming towards a purr.
A purr that reached Severus' attention quite easily along with the words, and together with the warm presence of Malfoy's hand on his shoulder, once more sent a small rush of heat through his stomach. And into his ears and cheeks, because it made him think of all sorts of things that he shouldn't be thinking off right now. Least of all about a Malfoy. He had to save face in some way and pretend it hadn't affected him at all "Like what?" he snapped, shaking the hand off his shoulder and regretting it instantly as he moved around to the opposite side of the table. Yes, that was better.
Lucius' pale eyebrows arched, both in surprise at the blunt question and annoyance that Snape had moved away. Like a skittish colt, that one. And just about as spiky as a hedgehog. Merlin, he was enjoying this! "You really want me to tell you?" Lucius asked, letting his voice drop even further.
A thrill went down Severus' spine and by the gods yes, he did want Malfoy to tell him. In great and elaborate detail preferably. He also wanted him to shut up and stop this before Severus made a fool out of himself. Malfoy was obviously aware of his own attractiveness, by the way he moved and held himself. And there was nothing Snape hated more than conceited gits who loved themselves too much. He should hate Malfoy too, kick his arse and leave. But he didn't want to. He wanted to hear more of that voice, see more of those lips moving, forming words that flowed in his ears like buttered honey... wanted to know what else Malfoy might say to him... and if he meant it. "Yes."
Snape was certainly not budging an inch, it seemed, and Lucius was suitably impressed with his perseverance "I will then..." Lucius moved along the edge of the table, slowly inching his way towards Snape as he spoke, trailing his fingers over the smooth surface. "We could talk... you could tell me about yourself... tell me about the things that interest you. In a nice private corner?" In a way, Lucius was flirting, trying to seduce Snape and win the challenge it presented. On the other hand, he did want to hear more about Snape. There was intelligence in those black eyes that went beyond what he'd expect from somebody younger than him. And the way he'd not been intimidated at all by Lucius was even more of an attraction.
He liked Snape.
Was Malfoy being serious? "I can't see why you'd be interested in that. I'm sure you've heard all from the Blacks and Lestranges." Severus slid away from the table, when he realised Malfoy was coming closer.
"Oh, they have told me about you. But they're silly prats, more caught up in themselves and girls than anything else. I'd rather hear it from you and form my own opinion." Lucius continued moving towards Snape, slowly but surely closing the distance.
Severus stopped, when he realised he was actually backing away from Malfoy's approach. He was not going to let the boy get to him, he just wasn't. "Well, what do you want to know? Ask away!" It was hard to keep the sharp edge in his voice, when his heart was fluttering like a nervous bird at the smell of Malfoy so close again and how his shoulder still yearned for that warm touch.
Get a sodding grip on yourself, Severus! You're acting like a bloody girl!
"I want to know it all," Lucius murmured, now so close he could touch. He didn't though, and stopped with a hands breadth of space between them. Once more he was struck by Snape's features and how different they were from his usual taste. There was just something ... he couldn't resist. Something, he wanted to explore further.
Severus bit his tongue not to say something blitheringly stupid like 'touch me' or 'I want to know all about you'. It didn't make sense and it was pissing him off that Malfoy had such an effect on him. When he tasted blood, he eased up and finally said something "I hardly think you do. Why don't you go back to your mates and play with them instead." It didn't come off as harshly as he'd meant it to. Actually, it didn't even sound like he meant it, which he didn't. But he didn't want Malfoy to know that.
"I want to play with you though," Lucius blurted out before he could stop himself. What in all hells?
Once more Severus was stunned into silence, both verbally and mentally.
"I mean... " Yes, what exactly did he mean? Lucius felt the situation slip slightly out of his grip and that wouldn't do at all. But every time he looked into Snape's black eyes, he just couldn't... think. What was going on? Had Snape hexed him after all, with a non-verbal spell. It was Lucius' turn to become suspicious although, he wasn't sure Snape was good enough to sneak in a hex so stealthily. And perhaps it was something else?
"I would rather talk to you." Lucius added, a little bit more serious than flirting.
Busy trying to come up with something to say, Severus wasn't paying much attention when he moved slightly further back and bumped into a small table with a vase, which tilted over and dropped to the floor, splintering into a thousand pieces. Severus jumped and gasped, horrified that somebody might know, appalled that he'd destroyed something that didn't belong to him and which very likely was very valuable, very rare and very irreplaceable.
Not to mention, irreparable. He stared at the pieces and hissed "Shit!"
Lucius was just about to tell Snape to watch out, when the vase fell and shattered. He sighed and stared at the pieces too "She's going to have a fit. You might get your wish after all." It was just a little bit amusing, even if he was sure this was a prized possession.
With a snort Severus glanced at Malfoy "Thanks to you! Why did you have to go say something like that? What exactly do you mean by you want to play with me?" Impatience warred with sincere curiosity and disbelief. He wanted to know, damn it all!
Once more there was no resisting the pitch-black stare that pierced into Lucius' mind and fished out the truth with small clever hooks, somehow "Because you interest me. I want to get to know you."
"Right." On the surface unimpressed, Severus was inwardly flailing a little. What was this all about? Why was Lucius Malfoy suddenly interested in 'getting to know' him? There had to be an ulterior motive. At least, that's what he was trying to convince himself of so he wouldn't have to deal with the other possibility. That Malfoy truly was interested...
"You don't believe me?" There was a carefully measured note of hurt feelings in Lucius' voice, learned from years of observation of his mother and the effects it had on his father.
That tone confused Severus even further "I don't know... I can't see why you would be interested in knowing me. Wouldn't that soil your spotless pureblood reputation to associate in any way with a halfblood?" The ice was back and Severus hoped it would be enough to make Malfoy realise he couldn't be so easily played with.
Are you sure you don't want to be ... played, by him? Merlin, he wasn't sure about anything right now, attracted against better judgement, intrigued beyond reason, mesmerised by haughty lips and cool eyes.
"I don't care..." Actually, Lucius didn't think anything really could soil his reputation for a longer period of time, even less so permanently. And why was Snape so determined not to be interested? Wasn't he protesting a bit too much? Lucius stepped closer again, ignoring the crunch of fine porcelain beneath his shoes.
Severus' expression didn't change, but his hands curled into fists inside the sleeves of his robes and his breathing picked up in fear or something else he couldn't quite define. Because he wanted Malfoy to move closer and he didn't. He wanted to slip past the older boy and run out of the room and he didn't. Instead he looked stubbornly into the grey gaze that held his.
"All right, if you don't believe me, let me prove it?" Either Snape would make a run for it, or he'd give in now. Lucius wasn't sure he'd give up even if Snape 'escaped' for now. The challenge was much too tempting and failure was not really an option in Lucius' world.
"How?" Severus demanded, fighting a losing battle to keep his voice from sounding exactly as breathless as he felt by clenching his fists even further, nails digging into the palms of his hands.
Lucius was now so close, he could feel Snape's body heat and smell his scent very clearly. There was something sharp about it, tangy, mouthwateringly alluring. How would he taste? For a few moments he actually contemplated taking a kiss, since that surely would convince Snape he was interested. On the other hand, it could cost him a hex or even a curse from that swift wand he was sure would be whipped out before their lips parted again. Instead Lucius raised his hand and touched Snape's cheekbone. The skin was once more softer and warmer than expected and he wondered what would happen, should he leave his fingers there for a bit longer.
"You can come and visit me at the manor? When would you have time?" It was an unashamed invitation and Lucius didn't bother hiding the underlying current of desire in his eyes and voice. Because that's what it was, desire. Not only to know this prickly elusive creature, but also to touch ... and taste. He had long forgotten that both Bellatrix and Narcissa would be here now. They were no longer interesting.
Quite against his will, Severus' lips parted and he gasped lightly at the touch that was far more intimate than any touch he'd ever felt. It didn't bear comparison to the crude gropes stolen in deserted hallways and the harsh hungry bruising kisses he'd experienced in dark alcoves. Nothing compared to it and the sensation was almost electric, stripping away his defences like they were nothing but a smoke screen. "Whenever." he muttered, when he managed to draw in a full breath.
Almost too elated with this sudden and slightly unexpected victory, Lucius smiled wide "Good! I'll owl you tonight." It shouldn't feel this good, it usually didn't. It shouldn't matter this much and Lucius wondered if he'd simply been away for too long. At Durmstrang there were no challenges, at least none he wished to pursuit. And it had been a long winter and spring with no visits home. It had to be that.
Severus had difficulty with concentrating fully on Malfoy's words when those fingers still rested against his cheek, hoping they would move, praying they would disappear before he started liking the touch too much. "All right." He finally agreed when he noticed how Malfoy was looking at him expectantly.
Moving his hand away, Lucius did caress Snape's cheek very lightly as if by accident. His fingers tingled slighty when he let his hand drop to his side. "Don't worry about the vase. I'll just tell her I was so busy admiring her collection of sneako-scopes and bumped into the vase." Mrs. Black would forgive him.
"All right," Severus repeated dumbly, unsettled by how dizzy this all made him, both worried and thankful that Malfoy was going to take the blame and suddenly realising that Malfoy was going to owl him. Tonight. Suddenly he just had to leave, had to get some fresh air and get the heck out of here, away from Malfoy's presence. Quickly Severus pushed past Malfoy and exited the room, fumbling on his mask as he rushed down the stairs. Tonight he'd get an owl.
It didn't worry Lucius that Snape didn't thank him. There would be plenty of time for that later
*
Continued here.
Title: A rose by another name.
Author:
tinamuggi Pairing: Lucius Malfoy/Severus Snape
Rating: PG-13 (or maybe even just PG – oh my)
Warnings: Angst, pretend death, romance
Disclaimer: The characters depicted in this story are the intellectual and copyrighted property of J.K.Rowling. No financial nor intellectual infringement is intended.
Summary: A tale of starstruck lovers, caught betwixt two feuding families, and their struggle for love and freedom (Romeo and Juliet - Revisited)
A/N: Written for the Lucius/Severus Romance Fest April 2007. Thanks go to my friend and Uni fellow student Lisa for initial Beta. (I think I might have turned her to the Dark Side :D) All the mistakes are mine. Severus is 16 and is starting his 6th year after the summer at Hogwarts. Lucius is 17 and starting his 7th year after the summer at Durmstrang, so I've manipulated and falsified and canon-raped their ages and Lucius' school records in order to make this fit the premise of Romeo and
Chapter 1
"I'm not going!"
Why Severus had to go to this party, was beyond him. He knew of Mother's relatives, but he had never met them as far as he could remember. Surely it wouldn't be necessary for him to come, right? He'd know nobody there other than perhaps Avery, Rosier and Wilkes, and he suspected it would be a complete waste of time anyway.
No, he knew it would be a complete waste of time. Hours and hours of pointless empty chatter, self-important people fluttering about like overstuffed peacocks, an absolute maximum of grace, elegance and breeding… and an equally absolute minimum of intelligence and wit.
He did not want to go, and for once his father agreed completely. Which might be a first in his life, Severus wasn't sure but it sounded likely. However, he didn't want that. He wanted nothing his father might view as good and well. Especially not when he saw the glee badly hidden in those black eyes that were almost too much like his own, at Severus' insistence that he would rather stay at home to study. And also not when he saw the stricken expression on his mother's already strained face. And he knew she wouldn't insist, knew that if she did, he would once more lie awake a night, listening first to the abuse, and then to her crying
"On the other hand, it might be worth it simply to create good connections I can use later, when I leave Hogwarts." He said, calmly, speculatively, hiding behind a learned facade of innocence, as if he'd only just realised that possibility. He wilfully didn't react to the light that came back to his mother's eyes, didn't want to put Tobias' attention back on her. Keep looking at me... punish me, not her. He could take it. He'd learned to bear and banish the pain, but he could no longer bear the pain of hearing his mother's cries and seeing the bruises, before she covered them up with the much-hated magic that would only make Tobias even angrier.
"You don't need to go to that depraved lot's party to get connections, son," Tobias drawled, his voice still not sufficiently slurred by drink, the bottle on the table still over half full. One day... one glorious day, Severus would...
Dumbledore would know. Mother would know. But did it matter that they knew? As long as it would set them free? There was also the small risk that both his mother though and he would be under suspicion. And it was that small risk, and only that, which had held him back from doing it long ago. It would be so easy...
"I'll set you up with the right people... not filthy heretics like your mother there," Tobias continued, unaware of his son's thoughts and even feelings, in spite of looking straight into the boy's face.
"But he needs to know his family to-" Eileen tried to interject, but was interrupted by Tobias banging the mug that held his favoured brew down on the table, spilling a fair bit of it, which only made him angrier.
"WHAT HE NEEDS IS TO GET AWAY FROM ALL THAT ... UNHOLY MAGIC, WIFE! GO TO A PROPER SCHOOL AND LEARN PROPER SKILLS SO HE CAN BE OF SOME USE!" Tobias yelled, making Eileen shrink back in fear of the blow that was likely to come. It didn't come, but the look in Tobias' dark eyes held the promise of 'later'.
This was not turning out like Severus had intended. Not at all. And it was his fault for refusing mother in the first place, turning it into a discussion. He needed to get the attention back on him. "I'll help you in the shop the rest of the summer, if I can go. No magic, I promise." He said, disgusted with his own subservient tone, but he knew it would work. It always worked on Tobias to let him feel like he was in power, that they served him in spite of being endlessly more powerful than him. In spite of their capability to kill him with a simple spell... or potion.
"No magic!" Tobias pointed a bony finger at Severus, giving him a stern look that told volumes of the punishments that would follow, should the boy dare bring magic into his domain.
"No magic," Severus said and nodded "And I'll help every day." And every night he would study and brew in peace, until he was too exhausted to go on. If he was really good, this would keep Tobias happy for the summer and maybe even a little after that. So mother could have at least a small respite. He couldn't bear looking at her right now though, knowing the gratitude he would see in her face. He didn't deserve it, he didn't want it. It would only haunt him once he got back to safety at Hogwarts and he really had enough hauntings there to last him a lifetime.
"Good. Good boy. Perhaps I'll let you go then, as long as you remember your place isn't among them! You're a Snape! Not some foul hell born witch," Tobias groused. "Now leave me alone, both of you. I can't stand the sight of you anymore today!" With a wave he dismissed them, thinking himself secure in the role of patriarch and ruler over those unworthy creatures he'd so stupidly allowed to enter his life and household. Both Severus and Eileen didn't hesitate and rose, leaving the kitchen as quietly as possible.
Chapter 2
"I'm not going!"
Lucius looked stubbornly over the breakfast table at his mother. She gently dapped her lips with a silk napkin, then sighed "Lucius, my sweet. They are family. I know it can be a bit boring, but both Sirius and Regulus will be there. And also the Black sisters... surely that will be enough to entertain you?" She would not mention Eileen Prince was coming, as well as her Mudblood son. That was really beyond mentioning in this company. She glanced over at Abraxas who seemed to pay no mind at all to the discussion between son and mother, as he read the Daily Prophet.
Well, if Sirius and Regulus would be there, it wasn't that bad after all. Lucius was sure they could think up something exciting to do, other than sitting around or Merlin forbid, dancing. The Black sisters... well, Narcissa had a certain charm about her, and she was undoubtedly beautiful. But she always looked as if she'd smelled something bad. Even when she smiled. And she was no fun, always so pretty in her silk gowns and colourful bows, always wanting to dance and touch. No, Bellatrix was a lot more fun then. Her pranks were definitely the best, if a little bit … mad sometimes. But Lucius liked that. It made him laugh.
Andromeda... well, nobody really spoke of her anymore and he barely remembered her. Running off with a Muggleborn was just not commes il faux. Especially not for a Black and effectively removed your name from polite conversation and even thought in that family faster than you could say 'blood traitor'.
"I suppose I could drop in for a little bit, make an appearance." He finally conceded and was rewarded by one of his mother's most brilliant smiles. The smile that told him the woman was up to something. Lucius narrowed his eyes slightly and instantly decided he would have to watch her a little bit more closely.
Chapter 3
Severus felt both good and bad. Good, because he for once was dressed fairly well and elegantly, judged by the pureblood Wizarding standards. Bad because … of too many reasons. One was the mask, which had been an unpleasant surprise. Especially since it had been sprung on him in front of father, so he couldn't make any scene without involving the man. His mother apparently hadn't lost all her deviousness yet. Another reason was the colour of his robes… a light soft blue that clashed – in his mind – so badly with his gaunt and pale features, black eyes and black hair, it was an offence to eyes. Thirdly, he was expected to parade about for several hours, in the midst of the crème de la crème of Wizarding Britain's purebloods. The aristocracy so to say, if the Wizarding world had had a royal court.
More like the aristocrazy he thought petulantly as he put his hand on the portkey mother was holding. A few harrowing moments later, they landed in a grand hallway, filled with marble and gilded wood, chandeliers and mirrors, a double set of gently sloping stairs that led to the first floor with intricately carved banisters and a mass of paintings, all of them Wizarding. Last, but certainly not least, the hall was filled with an overwhelming amount of people who all stood around as if they had poles up their lily white and oh so refined arses, glittering and dazzling in their silken outfits and masks that made you think more of a zoo than a ball.
Considering the number of people in the hallway, the noise level was acceptable, all conversations being performed in low hushed and very haughty tones. Severus stared at them for a long moment, wondering when they'd start staring at them or at him, more precisely. But it didn't happen. Instead they were met with an almost too smiling woman who he knew was the Black ... Widow, so to say. In the most real sense of the word, since her name was Black, and for the past year she'd been a widow.
It was still amusing though and he wondered if all aspects of being a 'black widow' applied to the slightly agitated and obviously nervous lady. He really wouldn't put it past her, knowing the Black history as well as he did, from the stories mother had told, and a small smirk found its way to his lips as he watched her welcome them. He bowed as he'd been taught and told the woman how honoured and grateful he was to be here. Fake words for a fake world. So very fitting. But it pleased mother and apparently also the Black widow, so he'd done his duty.
However, their welcome had also brought their presence to the attention of those around them and Severus could literally feel their eyes piercing the back of his neck, like little mites nipping away. And there were the whispers... The smirk faded from his lips, but that was the only outward sign that he'd noticed. And he proceeded to ignore them as he took his mother's arm and led her into the banquet hall that was even more lavish than the entrance hall, if possible. Merlin, how he hated this already. And yet he was curious and couldn't help wonder what else this gilded den of the Blacks might hold in its less than public places. A dungeon perhaps? Dark secret rooms holding even deeper and darker secrets? Books that would melt your eyes or maybe even take your soul if you looked at them long enough?
He would have to explore and do it inconspicuously, which luckily was one of his strengths. That thought brought the smirk back and after snatching a small glass of something he wasn't going to drink anyway, he excused himself from his mother with the pretence of 'mingling' to see if any of his 'school mates' would be here already. Avery, Rosier and Wilkes would most likely turn up if they weren't already here. Macnair sadly wouldn't, since he'd been grounded for the summer by his parents.
Would be a fitting punishment to drag him here though.
But at least he'd have three mates to make up for the presence of the infamous Black boys and the Potter idiot. Severus couldn't see them as he slid away from mother's side and weaved through the throng, but that didn't mean they weren't there. That just meant he'd have to watch his back better, since every mask could be hiding one of their obnoxious visages and he really preferred to see them before they saw him.
-
Lucius stood between his parents, almost as tall as his father now and certainly no less impressive with his long blond hair that was tied back in a neat ponytail and fit body that filled out his rich dark green robes nicely. The half mask was green as well and led your thoughts wander towards fierce dragons. He was quite pleased with his turn out. It emphasised everything it should, made him stand out slightly while remaining subtle and elegant. He knew he looked good and everything about him breathed self-confidence and haughty pride.
Mrs. Black greeted them with profound and almost overwhelming happiness, as if she'd not expected them to show up. Of course the Malfoys would come to one of the highlights of the social calendar this summer, even if some on the guest lists didn't have quite the level of purity as they normally wanted to associate themselves with. That could be overlooked though in the face of the otherwise very illustrious guests that floated around like the colourful fishes of the South Coral seas, mingling and mixing until your eyes saw rainbows.
He instantly spotted Rabastan and Rodolphus next to their parents and quickly excused himself to go over and meet them.
"Grand party, eh, Malfoy?" Rodolphus said with a matching smile as Lucius reached them.
"Yes, at least it has the potential of becoming that." There was a certain tone to Lucius' voice that told both the Lestrange brothers that he was hoping for some action that might take full advantage of that potential. A masque was in itself a bland affair, especially since all knew all and it wasn't as if the halfmasks really hid identities that well.
"How's school been? Hogwarts is a drag. I wish Dad had sent us to Durmstrang as well. It's all about Dumbledore sucking up to those sodding Gryffindors and Defence against the Dark Arts is a laugh. I guess he's afraid we might turn bad or dark." Rabastan rolled his eyes, which made Lucius laugh.
"Oh, school's all right. Passed my exams with top marks of course, so next year will be a breeze." Lucius bragged shamelessly. He was bloody good and he didn't mind telling everybody.
"Did you learn something wicked?" Rodolphus asked eagerly, his dark eyes gleaming with excitement. Malfoy always taught them the most interesting things every summer and he hoped very much this occasion would involve an update on that matter. Perhaps it would impress Bellatrix Black so much, she'd consider more than just a fleeting, teasing kiss in the dark hallways of Hogwarts that was always followed up by her low dark laughter that made his stomach flip with arousal.
Lucius smirked knowingly and patted Rodolphus' shoulder "My friend, you wouldn't believe what I've learned. Have you seen the Black sisters yet?" The smirk turned teasing and he laughed again at the light blush to Rodolphus' ears. Rabastan recognised the blush and laughed as well.
"Sod off and no, I haven't seen them. They'll be fashionably late as usual, I guess." Rodolphus groused
"Come on. Let's get something to drink and then watch the masses for a bit." Lucius knew both the Lestrange brothers were itching to see what he'd learned, but he wasn't going to cater to their simple whims before he'd seen who else were here. It was all about making connections, talking to the right people, pouring the right words into the right ears. Especially the ears of one. The one his father was speaking with at the moment, a tall gaunt and for his age, very attractive man who's gaze seemed capable of piercing everybody it rested upon; Tom Riddle. Or more precisely - as father had informed him - Lord Voldemort. Lucius knew he at some point would be ushered over so he could be introduced properly and even as that thought excited him, it also made him slightly nervous. For now though, he'd just enjoy and watch out for any kind of entertainment that could be had and not think too closely on the reasons for this nervousness.
-
Severus had finally managed to escape into a somewhat quiet corner. He hadn't yet ventured upstairs, but by now he knew where the kitchen was and the library. Too bad there had been others in the library, or he could easily - and happily - have spent the rest of the party in there. On the other hand, it was just a matter of time before he'd get up those stairs and then he'd see if the Blacks truly were as devious - and deviant - as he thought they were.
"Oi, Severus!" A well-known and fairly well liked voice interrupted his musings and Avery sidled up next to him. "Very ... blue, today, aren't you?" The prat said with a grin and poked Severus' thin, and admittedly very blue, shoulder.
"Shut up, Avery. Nobody asked your bloody opinion," Severus growled and beat Avery's hand away, annoyed even if he'd known that would be the reaction. Severus looked away at the laugh with a peeved expression but didn't shake off Avery's hand when it came back to his shoulder.
"Relax, mate. You look good." if only Avery hadn't sniggered, Severus would almost have believed him "Just be careful nobody mistakes you for Lockhart." Avery nodded towards another figure clad in vibrant light blue hues, glittery colourful stones and large fluffy feathers adorning the mask, making him look very much like a discoloured ostrich's arse, as seen in a mating dance.
"Merlin..." Severus whispered in horrified awe, backing slowly away from the nightmare vision. Only Lockhart would look like that. Nobody but Lockhart would wear that and think he looked 'fabulous and absolutely darling!' With a shudder he looked away, instead facing Avery.
"Is Wilkes and Rosier here too"
"Yeah, they're raiding the buffet, as usual." Avery gestured towards the table.
"I guess they're out for an hour or so then. I'll just have to tell you alone. I won't be able to meet up very often this summer. Father wants me to help out in his shop and that's the price of going here." Severus' expression darkened slightly with anger.
"Aw shite! No way to get out of that?" Avery said with feeling. It would be no fun, if Snape wasn't going to be around. He always had the best ideas.
"No. I promised." Severus left it at that and Avery knew better than to push. He didn't wish to share with anybody that should father catch him in doing anything else, it would be on mother's head. And if Avery knew, all knew.
"Bugger."
"Yes, quite."
That killed their conversation for long enough to make Severus antsy. "I'm up for some exploring, Avery. Are you game?" He met the other boy's eyes, arching one of his eyebrows challengingly.
"Well, dad wants me to meet this Voldemort guy," Avery nodded towards the small circle of men, who seemed deep in conversation, looking eerily like a cult with their masks. Severus wrinkled his nose for once happy he wasn't really involved in the pureblood venture for universal power and purity. He'd heard enough of Voldemort to be slightly apprehensive about him. As he looked away, blond hair caught his attention, and then the green robes.
Malfoy.
Severus hadn't seen him for years and still there was something arresting about Malfoy that he couldn't look away. He should hate the guy, really. The Malfoys had on every occasion possible, made it very clear that the Princes were nothing but lowly blood traitors who should be treated with the utmost condescension and disregard. And he'd felt that on several occasions, both through his mother's reactions and his own encounters with especially the Malfoy patriarch. A snooty lot, all of them. And judging by the way young Malfoy held himself, chin tilted slightly up, stance wide and confident, it had passed directly to the next generation.
Finally Severus tore his eyes away and looked at Avery again "Never mind then. I'll be back." And with that he was off, quickly disappearing in spite of his garments garish colouring.
-
Done with chatting, Lucius let his gaze wander about the big room, slowly taking in and measuring up what he saw. Everybody looked much like they always did at such occasions. There were only that many variations of a theme after all, and things repeated themselves perpetually in this world. A constant like magic, the world turning and the sun rising every morning. He was so utterly bored, it almost brought tears to his eyes. Bellatrix and Narcissa had better show up soon, or he'd not greet them at all. That would teach them not to stretch the boundaries of 'fashionably late' like this and leaving him without their pretty and inspiring company. Regulus had of course joined their little cadre, but the only other Lucius truly wanted to speak with was apparently completely absorbed with Potter. Lucius grimaced slightly. It was bad enough Sirius had turned Gryffindor, but did he have to look like he enjoyed rolling in that filth? Wealthy purebloods or not, the Potters were not exactly the people Lucius would care to associate with. Muggle lovers, the lot of them.
Out of the corners of his eyes, he saw a flicker of light blue paired with black hair pass them by a few yards away. The combination was so preposterous it drew his full attention and he looked more closely at the person with narrowed eyes. Was that... the Prince halfblood? Snape? There was something about the intense look in the other boy's black eyes and the ... focused, rigid way he held himself, that intrigued Lucius. Objectively, he was ugly, thin hooked nose, black lanky hair and a complexion that made vampires look healthy and fresh. As if he spent all his hours in a dungeon.
Which he likely did, since it was Snape, a Slytherin like the Lestrange brothers and Regulus. He shouldn't care, but the surprisingly graceful way the gaunt boy simply ... disappeared from view, made him care. Made him want to see what Snape was up to. Made him want to get a closer look. From what he'd heard, Snape was a genius with potions, curses and hexes. Which all in itself was enough to warrant a second look.
"I'll be right back," he muttered and slipped away from his mates, quickly following Snape out of the room.
Chapter 4
It had been far easier than expected to slip upstairs. The doors were mostly warded but Severus had found a few that weren't. And really, if he wanted to, he'd get past the wards. He just didn't want to push his luck, as long as things were interesting. The room he ended up in was beautiful, he had to admit that. Lining the walls were large display cases of finely carved wood and with elaborate glass doors, filled with intriguing trinkets. Deep dark leather chairs stood heavily in between the cabinets, stained glass lamps on the tables....
He'd not seen anything yet that would make a Ministry employee twitch, but it was still fascinating. Especially since he wasn't supposed to be there. So fascinating, he failed to hear the small click as the door snicked closed behind Lucius.
Severus was bent over a flat display case on a table, intently reading the scribbled Latin on the visible pages of the opened book inside it, lips moving faintly with every word his brain translated. Lucius watched in rapt silence, not really sure why he wasn't asking Snape what he was doing here, so very much out of bounds. That Lucius was out of bounds too, was inconsequential. Mrs Black would think nothing of it and simply laugh in her slightly disturbing way and pat his shoulder, telling him he was welcome to look at anything in her 'humble home', should he so wish. But right now, all he wished to look at, was Snape.
The 'why' was becoming less and less important as he kept watching the dark haired boy, taking in the small movements of the lips, the way the long and surprisingly elegant fingers curled carefully around the edge of the display case, the light arch of his bent back, his nose that peeked just beyond the border of the mask and the generally sharp angles to his body... so different from the soft delicate Narcissa or the voluptuous enthralling curves of Bellatrix. And yet... alluring.
"Hello." He finally said softly, taking a few steps closer.
Severus reacted with blinding speed, an ingrown reflex from years of dodging hexes and sneak attacks from the Marauders, and whipped out his wand and aimed at Malfoy. His heart pounded in his ears and throat, the hex teetered on the edge of his tongue. He stared at Malfoy, trying to figure out if he should expect a good hexing or something else. His bet was on the hexing, even if Malfoy's wand wasn't drawn
"Hey!" Lucius exclaimed, stopped in his tracks by the sudden threat of Snape's wand. He held up his empty hands "I just said hello."
Severus narrowed his eyes and asked in his most icy and impatient tone "Fine. Are you done?" He had no wish standing around for the verbal abuse he was certain Malfoy had in store for him.
Lucius' eyebrows shot up in surprise. Nobody talked to him like that! "There's no reason to be rude. It's not like I'm wandering about where I have no business or threatening another with a wand for that matter!"
"Yeah? Well, you shouldn't go around sneaking up on people like that! Next time I might cast the hex." Severus' voice was caustic. It was always annoying to be caught red-handed and he would be damned if he'd stand down now. Least of all to somebody like a Malfoy.
This was not going as well as Lucius had intended. He was used to other reactions than this, more favourable and pleasing reactions. It wouldn't deter him though, so he pressed on, now determined to get the wand out of Snape's hand so he could get a closer look at the boy, and talk to him. "I'll watch my arse the next time then," he said with a light smile "I'm sorry" Which he wasn't at all, but that didn't matter.
Caught a little off balance by the unexpected apology, Severus lowered his wand and just looked at Malfoy in disbelief. After a moment he recomposed himself and put the wand away with an annoyed expression "You'd better be. What are you doing up here anyway?"
"I followed you."
Severus blinked, not quite understanding what Malfoy was up to, then demanded "Me? Why?"
"Because I wanted to get a closer look and talk to you." Lucius was telling the truth on purpose in this situation. His occasional honest bluntness mostly caught people off guard and made them react in interesting ways. It also helped to make him more believable in situations where he worked around thruth in a more ... creative way.
To Severus, that statement made no sense at all and he had no idea what to answer. He'd come up with something. Soon. When he was done staring.
Now that was more like it, Lucius noted with satisfaction and took off his mask to reveal himself fully, in case Snape was unaware of whom he was faced with. "I saw you downstairs and realised I've yet to be introduced to you." Which, considering Snape's family relations, was no wonder at all.
It was becoming slightly embarrassing and vexing, this staring. Especially when Malfoy removed the mask. It was unfair that somebody like Malfoy should have it all; the looks, the money, the status... especially the looks though, and Severus' ears heated at the way his thoughts took a somewhat hard turn towards how that hair might feel against his fingers, how those lips might feel as well... and how those grey eyes would look when they looked on something Malfoy wanted...
Stop! Severus clenched his teeth and tilted his chin slightly up before removing his mask. Malfoy was probably just taunting him, flaunting all the things he had which Severus would never possess. "Well, I'm Severus Snape. Consider yourself properly introduced. Are you done now?"
Lucius laughed, more and more intrigued by this Severus Snape. The fact that this was a Snape and a halfblood slipped more and more in the background at the same time. "No, I'm not done. I'm Lucius Malfoy. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Severus Snape." He reached out his hand in polite greeting, expecting the other boy to close the remaining distance and shake it.
The laughter made Severus press his lips together, making them even thinner than usual. Malfoy was just as annoying as he'd expected. He glanced down at the outstretched hand, then back up at Malfoy's face. Then he stepped closer with a shrug and shook the hand firmly a few moments before letting go again.
Snape's hand was very warm and the grip rather strong. Why he'd expected it to be cold, Lucius wasn't sure. But he was very sure suddenly, that he'd enjoyed the too brief contact. And wanted more of it. "Are you enjoying the party so far?" Lucius asked, keeping his voice soft as he looked closer at Snape's face. Why did all those sharp and almost menacing angles attract him? They shouldn't... they shouldn't make him want to reach out and touch.
"Sure, I'm having a blast. That's why I'm up here." The sarcasm was finely tuned after years of practice, and Severus was quite proud of it.
Lucius chuckled and let his lips curl into a warm smile as he tilted his head slightly, flawlessly sliding towards ... flirting? "These balls are usually dreadfully boring. You showed good sense in spending your time in a more... interesting manner and I'm glad I have the opportunity to get to know you."
That voice and that look went straight to the pit of Severus' stomach and he almost hated them for it. And Malfoy, because surely he was playing with Severus, making him think he was interested in this conversation... and in Severus himself, only to make a fool of him afterwards. "So, first I'm snooping about where I don't belong and then I'm showing good sense in actually doing that? Make up your mind, already, Malfoy."
Snape's rebuffs only made Lucius more determined to flirt with the boy. There was nothing like a good hunt, a challenge instead of the easy surrender he mostly encountered. "Good point, Severus. Once more I apologise for my conflicting statements, but your wand caught me off guard. You must be terribly good at duelling. I've heard about you, of course, and your spell work. Quite impressive." Flattery should do the trick.
Flattery however, had never worked on Severus. It more often than not had the exact opposite effect, making him doubly suspicious "What do you want? A duel? Is that it?" In a way, Severus almost hoped it was that which made Malfoy look at him like that, eyes darker somehow.
"Oh no! I'd lose in a second and I wouldn't want Mrs Black having one of her fits just because of it." When flattery didn't work, even more flattery should be applied.
"I wouldn't mind seeing one of the Black widow's fits, actually..." Severus muttered before he could stop himself. He'd heard of the woman's temper, which at times reached almost astronomical heights. It could be fun to watch, but that wasn't exactly what he'd meant to say at all.
Lucius laughed heartily at Severus' use of that delightfully funny moniker and had to steady himself against Snape's shoulder, of course. The table next to them wouldn't do. "Ohh, you wouldn't want to witness that, I promise you that. It's not as entertaining as it might seem." He chuckled and enjoyed the warm bony feel of Snape's shoulder against the palm of his hand. He liked Snape, he decided. Sod his bloodline, which to be honest rarely guided Lucius' decisions unless it was favourable to do so, he wanted to get to know Snape better. A lot better, he hoped. But he needed to figure out if the slightly younger boy was interested in that.
Severus more or less froze at the hand on his shoulder, far too enraptured by the feel of it to really appreciate Malfoy's mirth, even if his rich laughter made the corners of his mouth twitch. "I won't test it then." And still the hand was right there, on his shoulder, left there by Malfoy as if it was the most natural thing in the world, to touch Severus. To keep touching him.
"You really shouldn't. I can think of more entertaining ways of spending the evening." Lucius said in a low voice, aiming towards a purr.
A purr that reached Severus' attention quite easily along with the words, and together with the warm presence of Malfoy's hand on his shoulder, once more sent a small rush of heat through his stomach. And into his ears and cheeks, because it made him think of all sorts of things that he shouldn't be thinking off right now. Least of all about a Malfoy. He had to save face in some way and pretend it hadn't affected him at all "Like what?" he snapped, shaking the hand off his shoulder and regretting it instantly as he moved around to the opposite side of the table. Yes, that was better.
Lucius' pale eyebrows arched, both in surprise at the blunt question and annoyance that Snape had moved away. Like a skittish colt, that one. And just about as spiky as a hedgehog. Merlin, he was enjoying this! "You really want me to tell you?" Lucius asked, letting his voice drop even further.
A thrill went down Severus' spine and by the gods yes, he did want Malfoy to tell him. In great and elaborate detail preferably. He also wanted him to shut up and stop this before Severus made a fool out of himself. Malfoy was obviously aware of his own attractiveness, by the way he moved and held himself. And there was nothing Snape hated more than conceited gits who loved themselves too much. He should hate Malfoy too, kick his arse and leave. But he didn't want to. He wanted to hear more of that voice, see more of those lips moving, forming words that flowed in his ears like buttered honey... wanted to know what else Malfoy might say to him... and if he meant it. "Yes."
Snape was certainly not budging an inch, it seemed, and Lucius was suitably impressed with his perseverance "I will then..." Lucius moved along the edge of the table, slowly inching his way towards Snape as he spoke, trailing his fingers over the smooth surface. "We could talk... you could tell me about yourself... tell me about the things that interest you. In a nice private corner?" In a way, Lucius was flirting, trying to seduce Snape and win the challenge it presented. On the other hand, he did want to hear more about Snape. There was intelligence in those black eyes that went beyond what he'd expect from somebody younger than him. And the way he'd not been intimidated at all by Lucius was even more of an attraction.
He liked Snape.
Was Malfoy being serious? "I can't see why you'd be interested in that. I'm sure you've heard all from the Blacks and Lestranges." Severus slid away from the table, when he realised Malfoy was coming closer.
"Oh, they have told me about you. But they're silly prats, more caught up in themselves and girls than anything else. I'd rather hear it from you and form my own opinion." Lucius continued moving towards Snape, slowly but surely closing the distance.
Severus stopped, when he realised he was actually backing away from Malfoy's approach. He was not going to let the boy get to him, he just wasn't. "Well, what do you want to know? Ask away!" It was hard to keep the sharp edge in his voice, when his heart was fluttering like a nervous bird at the smell of Malfoy so close again and how his shoulder still yearned for that warm touch.
Get a sodding grip on yourself, Severus! You're acting like a bloody girl!
"I want to know it all," Lucius murmured, now so close he could touch. He didn't though, and stopped with a hands breadth of space between them. Once more he was struck by Snape's features and how different they were from his usual taste. There was just something ... he couldn't resist. Something, he wanted to explore further.
Severus bit his tongue not to say something blitheringly stupid like 'touch me' or 'I want to know all about you'. It didn't make sense and it was pissing him off that Malfoy had such an effect on him. When he tasted blood, he eased up and finally said something "I hardly think you do. Why don't you go back to your mates and play with them instead." It didn't come off as harshly as he'd meant it to. Actually, it didn't even sound like he meant it, which he didn't. But he didn't want Malfoy to know that.
"I want to play with you though," Lucius blurted out before he could stop himself. What in all hells?
Once more Severus was stunned into silence, both verbally and mentally.
"I mean... " Yes, what exactly did he mean? Lucius felt the situation slip slightly out of his grip and that wouldn't do at all. But every time he looked into Snape's black eyes, he just couldn't... think. What was going on? Had Snape hexed him after all, with a non-verbal spell. It was Lucius' turn to become suspicious although, he wasn't sure Snape was good enough to sneak in a hex so stealthily. And perhaps it was something else?
"I would rather talk to you." Lucius added, a little bit more serious than flirting.
Busy trying to come up with something to say, Severus wasn't paying much attention when he moved slightly further back and bumped into a small table with a vase, which tilted over and dropped to the floor, splintering into a thousand pieces. Severus jumped and gasped, horrified that somebody might know, appalled that he'd destroyed something that didn't belong to him and which very likely was very valuable, very rare and very irreplaceable.
Not to mention, irreparable. He stared at the pieces and hissed "Shit!"
Lucius was just about to tell Snape to watch out, when the vase fell and shattered. He sighed and stared at the pieces too "She's going to have a fit. You might get your wish after all." It was just a little bit amusing, even if he was sure this was a prized possession.
With a snort Severus glanced at Malfoy "Thanks to you! Why did you have to go say something like that? What exactly do you mean by you want to play with me?" Impatience warred with sincere curiosity and disbelief. He wanted to know, damn it all!
Once more there was no resisting the pitch-black stare that pierced into Lucius' mind and fished out the truth with small clever hooks, somehow "Because you interest me. I want to get to know you."
"Right." On the surface unimpressed, Severus was inwardly flailing a little. What was this all about? Why was Lucius Malfoy suddenly interested in 'getting to know' him? There had to be an ulterior motive. At least, that's what he was trying to convince himself of so he wouldn't have to deal with the other possibility. That Malfoy truly was interested...
"You don't believe me?" There was a carefully measured note of hurt feelings in Lucius' voice, learned from years of observation of his mother and the effects it had on his father.
That tone confused Severus even further "I don't know... I can't see why you would be interested in knowing me. Wouldn't that soil your spotless pureblood reputation to associate in any way with a halfblood?" The ice was back and Severus hoped it would be enough to make Malfoy realise he couldn't be so easily played with.
Are you sure you don't want to be ... played, by him? Merlin, he wasn't sure about anything right now, attracted against better judgement, intrigued beyond reason, mesmerised by haughty lips and cool eyes.
"I don't care..." Actually, Lucius didn't think anything really could soil his reputation for a longer period of time, even less so permanently. And why was Snape so determined not to be interested? Wasn't he protesting a bit too much? Lucius stepped closer again, ignoring the crunch of fine porcelain beneath his shoes.
Severus' expression didn't change, but his hands curled into fists inside the sleeves of his robes and his breathing picked up in fear or something else he couldn't quite define. Because he wanted Malfoy to move closer and he didn't. He wanted to slip past the older boy and run out of the room and he didn't. Instead he looked stubbornly into the grey gaze that held his.
"All right, if you don't believe me, let me prove it?" Either Snape would make a run for it, or he'd give in now. Lucius wasn't sure he'd give up even if Snape 'escaped' for now. The challenge was much too tempting and failure was not really an option in Lucius' world.
"How?" Severus demanded, fighting a losing battle to keep his voice from sounding exactly as breathless as he felt by clenching his fists even further, nails digging into the palms of his hands.
Lucius was now so close, he could feel Snape's body heat and smell his scent very clearly. There was something sharp about it, tangy, mouthwateringly alluring. How would he taste? For a few moments he actually contemplated taking a kiss, since that surely would convince Snape he was interested. On the other hand, it could cost him a hex or even a curse from that swift wand he was sure would be whipped out before their lips parted again. Instead Lucius raised his hand and touched Snape's cheekbone. The skin was once more softer and warmer than expected and he wondered what would happen, should he leave his fingers there for a bit longer.
"You can come and visit me at the manor? When would you have time?" It was an unashamed invitation and Lucius didn't bother hiding the underlying current of desire in his eyes and voice. Because that's what it was, desire. Not only to know this prickly elusive creature, but also to touch ... and taste. He had long forgotten that both Bellatrix and Narcissa would be here now. They were no longer interesting.
Quite against his will, Severus' lips parted and he gasped lightly at the touch that was far more intimate than any touch he'd ever felt. It didn't bear comparison to the crude gropes stolen in deserted hallways and the harsh hungry bruising kisses he'd experienced in dark alcoves. Nothing compared to it and the sensation was almost electric, stripping away his defences like they were nothing but a smoke screen. "Whenever." he muttered, when he managed to draw in a full breath.
Almost too elated with this sudden and slightly unexpected victory, Lucius smiled wide "Good! I'll owl you tonight." It shouldn't feel this good, it usually didn't. It shouldn't matter this much and Lucius wondered if he'd simply been away for too long. At Durmstrang there were no challenges, at least none he wished to pursuit. And it had been a long winter and spring with no visits home. It had to be that.
Severus had difficulty with concentrating fully on Malfoy's words when those fingers still rested against his cheek, hoping they would move, praying they would disappear before he started liking the touch too much. "All right." He finally agreed when he noticed how Malfoy was looking at him expectantly.
Moving his hand away, Lucius did caress Snape's cheek very lightly as if by accident. His fingers tingled slighty when he let his hand drop to his side. "Don't worry about the vase. I'll just tell her I was so busy admiring her collection of sneako-scopes and bumped into the vase." Mrs. Black would forgive him.
"All right," Severus repeated dumbly, unsettled by how dizzy this all made him, both worried and thankful that Malfoy was going to take the blame and suddenly realising that Malfoy was going to owl him. Tonight. Suddenly he just had to leave, had to get some fresh air and get the heck out of here, away from Malfoy's presence. Quickly Severus pushed past Malfoy and exited the room, fumbling on his mask as he rushed down the stairs. Tonight he'd get an owl.
It didn't worry Lucius that Snape didn't thank him. There would be plenty of time for that later
*
Continued here.
