A Closer Look In The Snake Nest

Chapter 3

Time trip *again*. Sorry. We’re on August the 12^th now, and you’re about to find out where did Narcissa go on the night of her son’s birthday.

--

"Shh, my dear, Shhh."

Ureck stroked Narcissa’s hair tenderly and kissed the top of her head. She moved closer to him, inhaling happily close to his chest. He smelled of hazelnuts.

Quite pleasant.

Narcissa herself smelled of expensive perfume, and faintly of roses.

Both Narcissa and Ureck wanted to inhale Lucius’ intoxicating, rare, fresh and maddening scent. Both of them wanted to, but only one would admit it.

Ureck couldn’t help thinking how much Narcissa resembled Lucius. That was one of the reasons why he was with her. In fact it had little to do with her and everything to do with Lucius. She looked like him. She was his. Ureck wanted both to have and to hurt him, and Narcissa produced a faint echo of both.

Narcissa wasn’t particularly found of Ureck Zabini either. He had just happened to be there, to be Lucius’ rival. Just like schooldays.

Out of all drooling boys in Hogwarts, I had to go for Lucius Malfoy. The richest, the most handsome. The one with the most bewitching smile and silver tongue, the most dangerous one. The one I trusted I could have. Look how that worked out for me... Me, the Faye heiress, for whose company many would have given the world, totally ignored.

I dated Ureck so that Lucius would notice me. Years later, Lucius once again doesn’t seem to care. Ureck shows up. I just... I thought it might work again.

It hadn’t.

Actually Lucius hadn’t slept in her bed since she had announced to him that she was bearing his heir. He had taken the news with great joy, well-conceived behind his unshakeable Malfoy facade. She had been happy to give him that pleasure, and had looked forward to having the child as something that would strengthen the bond between her and her husband. She couldn’t be more wrong.

He had not come to her bed during the 7 ½ months of her pregnancy. She hadn’t been exactly found of it, but had taken it as affectionate care and worry about her state. Her prayers were heard, and she gave birth to a boy. He was born 1 ½ month before he should, thus his lungs weren’t yet ready to breath. She had been astonished by the amount of time, money and worry Lucius spent to make sure his son would live, for Malfoys were known to kill children not perfect at birth. He surely loved that small thing with silvery-blond hair and grey eyes named Draco Lucifer Malfoy.

Strangely enough, Narcissa didn’t feel the same. She felt nothing of that need to love and protect the baby that women talked about. There was emptiness.

Ever since Draco was born, Lucius never came to her again. Neither would he find the time to have jewels or flowers delivered to her; thus it was a mystery to her how could he spend long hours teaching Draco.

She found out that she didn’t need her son, and neither did the boy need her. He would let her teach him good manners and listen eagerly whenever she talked about his father, and that was when he was a little boy. As soon as he reached the age of five, Draco did just the effort to be civil and polite to her, the same his father did. Lucius was the centre of his universe, as it was for Narcissa, and she found that she couldn’t possibly compete with Draco for his attention.

It enraged her. She didn’t seem to be significant enough to even draw Lucius’ attention; he’d tell her off with the same indifferent tone he used with the house elves or the Ministry. And she would boil with anger whilst resentfully watching his eyes shine with anger, amusement or satisfaction while addressing Draco.

Frustrated and tired of sleeping alone, she had started an affair. With who, it was irrelevant. If he’d just notice... to her awe and total disappointment, he coldly told her that she could do as she pleased since she kept it low. He didn’t even finch while talking to her, and she felt bitter pain on her heart while remembering the hard time he’d given that teacher at Hogwarts when Draco got his arm injured during classes. He’d turned the Ministry upside down and made sure heads would be separated from the respective necks just because of a small cut to his son’s arm. She had realised then how strong was the bond between Lucius and Draco, and how non-existent was she on their universe. And because she no longer mattered to Lucius, she no longer mattered to herself.

"Cissa?"

Great. Lost on my thoughts again.

"Yes Ureck?"

"I’ve been summoned."

He held out his wrist, showing the Dark Mark getting increasingly blacker.

"I think I’ll be back soon. You can stay in bed if you like. I must have something to do with..."

His voice trailed off in Narcissa’s head.

Like Lucius, just like Lucius.

Ureck also put his work before her.

Lucius puts everything before me. His work, Draco... Severus, blasted Severus Snape.

Her grudge against Snape was old. ‘Sev’ had been between her and Lucius since the time all three of them attended Hogwarts.

And,

she thought not without a bit of despair, Lucius actually cared about him.

Which was more than could be said about Narcissa.

First it was Severus... then Draco. His bloody Silver Dragon.

She sat on the bed, holding the sheets against her naked body as she watched Ureck clumsily jump in one foot while trying to put a sock on the other. He fell to the floor, and got up cursing under his breath.

Why am I with this fool? Because he can help you, Narcissa. He can watch Lucius.

Narcissa had always been resentful of not being a Death Eater. She had to bear long nights of waiting, not knowing what her Lucius was doing, if he was going to be caught by the Ministry... Ureck was also a Death Eater. He could enter circles she could not.

That even that damned child of his cannot.

Narcissa’s blood boiled at the simple thought of Draco. He couldn’t be with Lucius on those times either.

But soon he will. All Lucius ever talks about when he’s home is Draco’s initiation. I wonder why hasn’t it happened yet. Lucius must be worried about his darling Draco not being able to stand the Dark Lord. Worried that something *bad* happens to him.

She smiled viciously to herself before purring softly to the man in front of her,

"Ureck... has Draco been brought to the Dark Lord yet?"

"Who’s Draco?"

Incredibly dense. WHY on earth am I with him?!

"My son. I thought 16 was a proper age to serve the Cause."

She kept her tone innocent.

"No, he hasn’t."

"Oh."

Now leave it to genius. Eventually Zabini’s mind will *do* some work.

Ureck could have jumped in joy.

Trying to keep something from the Dark Lord, Lucius? Something you don’t want to lose. Something you *care*. And something that I’m going to destroy. Thanks, Cissa.

He waved a hand at her before Disapparating.

Narcissa pulled the sheets closer to her body, her heart filled with joy as she anticipated what was to come. She’d have her revenge on Draco. She’d have Lucius notice her, in one way or another.

-*-

End of time trip, and back to where the last chapter left.

--

Lucius was still smiling as he finally got home.

Sev’ll take good care of Draco. He’s always helped me. He’s always been there.

Lucius had wanted Severus by his side at the time of his own initiation. Since it was going to be Slytherin Common Hall with Voldemort as Head of the House, he better have someone he could talk to. And so Lucius talked Severus into becoming a Death Eater.

Or at least he thought he had done so. The Malfoy arrogance.

True, Snape had become a Death Eater for Lucius – not because of what Lucius with his silver tongue has said, but because of what had been left unsaid. That Lucius would miss him slightly. That he could be a comfort among all those evil people. No, Lucius hadn’t said that. He had implied it. Severus knew him just well enough to see that Lucius had intended to tell him that by means of emotional blackmailing, but that subconsciously it was the truth. Besides, Sev would not let go of a chance to be with Lucius once school was finished. But becoming a Death Eater was a difficult path to choose. One event made him decide, and it had little to do with Lucius. Or maybe it was all about him.

It was the fateful night when Severus found out Lupin’s secret.

:.

Severus had been scared to death and tried to hex Potter when the boy had pulled his arm rudely. Perfectly normal. But which Slytherin could make an attempt to hurt a Gryffindor and go unpunished? He said over and over again to the Headmaster that he had been under absolute terror that night and wasn’t able to respond for his actions. And Dumbledore had told him gently but fiercely that while he didn’t doubt a word of Severus’, the boy deserved the punishment for what he had done. Fifty points from Slytherin for both wandering alone at night and trying to hurt a fellow student. AND THE DAMNED POTTER HAD WON TWENTY-FIVE POINTS FOR BRAVERY. It was a Gryffindor school!

That night was hell. Severus came to the Slytherin Common Hall still shaking, due to fear or anger he did not know, and silently thanked whatever powers may be that everybody was already asleep. He made his way to one of the posh armchairs in front of the extinguished fireplace near the window, and slumped on it. Hands came to rest on his shoulders like hawk’s talons. There was a velvet whisper on his ear.

"Hot date late night Sev?"

It was Lucius. Severus let out his breath in relief, but instants later had erected all his protective walls around himself again. He couldn’t let Lucius see him that way, couldn’t allow him to doubt his strength and cold-blood.

How very Slytherin,

he thought not without a bit of irony, not letting the one closest to you see your weaknesses.

"Sev?"

Lucius’ voice shook him out of his reverie. There was curiosity on the cobalt eyes, and a twinkle. Severus hated the last, it always meant trouble and evil Malfoy plots.

"Lame Sirius fucking Black talked me into finding out where does Lupin go in the middle of the night."

"Go on."

He sat on the other armchair, facing Severus.

"It just happens that Lupin is very, very... moony."

"A werewolf."

It was a statement rather than a question.

"Did you know?"

"Let’s say I held, uh, suspicions."

"Lucius... is there *anything* you don’t know?"

He asked infuriated while casting his friend a look that would have had Hufflepuff’s sobbing in a matter of seconds.

Lucius, however, didn’t seem at all affected by it. He put on a pensive expression, as if considering the question seriously.

"Few I’d say, one of them being Lily Evans’ favourite underwear colour."

Severus felt like snickering. This was Lucius. He was angry and hurt enough to kill and the blond boy made him want to LAUGH. He turned his attention back to the Golden Boy when the last re-started speaking.

"There is one thing I know, though. How to payback all the Gryffindor favouritism."

Severus was now listening fully. Lucius seemed pleased to acknowledge that and continued in his velvet voice.

"We Slytherins must stay together. And as they’ve found a powerful wizard to lead them, so must we do."

"And I suppose that would be you, Malfoy?" Severus couldn’t help but be sarcastic. He had heard Lucius’ speak on world domination by the pureblood wizards nearly a million times. Strangely enough, Lucius didn’t seem at all bothered by his remark.

"One day, probably. But for now we have someone that they fear. Someone that reminds them how powerful a pure Slytherin is."

"Voldemort." The name left Severus’ lips holding no fear.

Lucius nodded.

"You want me to be a Death Eater. Have you become insane, Lucius?!"

"Look at me in the eye and tell me that you’ve never thought about it. Have you, Sev?"

Lucius’ cobalt eyes locked with Severus’ pitch black ones. He knew that the Malfoy heir could nearly read his mind on that moment, and knew better than to lie.

"I have. Many times. But you don’t know what you are talking about, Lucius. You may exceed school parameters and I’m sure you’ve learned something about the Dark Arts at home, but this... this is too big. You just don’t know."

"Don’t I?"

Slowly, Lucius pulled his sleeve allowing Severus a view of the skull with the snake coming out of its mouth. The Dark Mark, black against the creamy skin. Staining Lucius’ formerly immaculate beauty. Marking territory. Showing the world Voldemort’s control over that soul.

Severus hated it. Lucius was his own, not a servant.

"He brainwashed you Lucius."

"No." The other smiled. "He showed me things. I want to learn. I don’t care what happens to the Mudbloods, it’s not about it. I want to learn. I want to know, and to control."

"And you want me to join."

"Yes. I want you to join us, Sev. I want you to join me. We Slytherins must stay together. And I want us to be together."

Severus wondered if Lucius knew the significance of what he was saying.

Most likely, yes.

Lucius was manipulative, and seducing was one way to catch a prey. He probably knew. Maybe he’d known all along. But it didn’t matter. Lucius wanted them to be together. By ‘us’ he had meant either Slytherin children or he and Severus. He was aware of the duality; he knew and he twisted it to his favour.

Like everything else. Like serving Voldemort. But what could Lucius possibly win by having me join him on the Dark Lord’s service?

"You’re brooding, Sev."

The sentence shook Severus Snape out of his reverie, although it was all but said in an amused tone. Lucius had on his face a look of concern.

"We will discuss it some other day." He pulled his sleeve back, covering the mark. "It is not the reason you are so upset. And it isn’t about whatever Sirius Black has done to you either."

Damn.

The change of subjects had taken Severus’ mind out of the previous events. Had made him forget that he was angry and scarred and nearly crying, Sev cursed under his breath, he had been almost crying when Lucius came into picture. And although he had tried to hide it the best he could, Malfoy had noticed.

Damn him and his people-reading skills!

Lucius felt like smiling when he saw the expression on Severus’ eyes. Yes, of course he knew Sev was upset. He wasn’t that easy to read, but Lucius could tell from the lowered shoulders, the time he took before speaking as if measuring his words carefully and the lack of that sarcasm and wit that were so much Sev.

The silvery-blond boy was surprised when Snape talked.

"And I am not the reason you’re up this late either am I?"

Changing subjects again. If you want it the hard way...

"As much as I’d like to enlighten your mood, no." And in response to the enquiring silence, "it is the mark."

Severus sighed. Again that mark.

"You have not yet revealed to me your reasons for being so distressed, Sev."

The expectant glare on him again.

It feels much like, what is the word Mudbloods use? X-ray?

"Listening to you one might even come to think my usual self is friendly."

"Nice try. You could have gone straight to the dorm. Something is bothering you."

He could never win with Lucius now could he? There was no point in denying anything to the Golden Boy.

But there is always the pleasure of making it an effort for him to guess.

"Gryffindor favouritism."

"Has been there for years and never made you lose a good night’s sleep." He pointed out softly.

"I had never nearly died and got punished before."

The twinkle had left Lucius’ eyes by now.

"You lost house points?"

"For trying to hex Potter when he came to save me."

"Hum."

Now Lucius could see. Severus had been scarred enough to hex Potter, and to use a Dark Arts spell – of course there had been many times when Sev talked about bewitching Black and his friends, and when only one of Lucius’ witty remarks was all that kept him from doing so – and that was a huge neon sign telling anyone who paid *any* attention to Slytherin students that Severus had been out of his mind. Because he would never have allowed the Headmaster to even suspect that he, a 6^th year student, knew that much about Dark Magic. He had been scarred for dear life... and then he had been punished. As if his life hadn’t been threatened. And even more, it had been POTTER of all people to go and save him. Lucius knew how much Severus despised the infamous Marauders.

Lucius himself never bothered to give them much attention. Sirius Black and James Potter and their so-called pranks.

Stupid and childish all the way. Potter’s attitude was noble, but then what else could you expect from a Gryffindor?

Malfoy thought that beating them at a Quidditch pitch was paying them enough attention, and had tried countless ways of making Severus realise so. It had never worked. Severus Snape and Sirius Black hated each other. Lucius wouldn’t mind, except for the fact that the contend made his roommate angry and therefore caused several anger explosions, which usually included Gryffindors getting hurt and points being deducted from Slytherin. Like that same night. .:

Like that same night. If I knew what was to come, I’d have gone softer on Severus.

Lucius ran a hand through his hair, a bit nervous. The memories that were to come weren’t some of the most pleasant ones. It were memories of when he had been sick after receiving the Mark. Of the countless nights he had spent on his bed, covered in sweat, feeling cold despite the high temperature of his body. Hearing things, seeing things that weren’t there. Hallucinating. He could not go to the Hospital Wing for the nurse would see the mark, and so he had accepted the potions Sev had pushed down his throat.

Luckily enough Severus was as good at healing potions as he was with every other potions, and he was the one who kept Lucius sane and alive. Mr. Malfoy had wanted to come and pay his offspring a visit soon after Hogwarts sent him an owl informing Lucius had been missing classes, and Severus dealt with the problem in a simple way: he brewed some polyjuice potion and attended some of the classes as Lucius Malfoy. He also spent the nights by Lucius’ bed, which had him looking almost as bad as the ill blond boy.

Lucius was afraid that he might have said something not proper while he was delusional. He’d have to trust Severus, and so far the last had not given any indication of possessing a secret of Lucius’.

It is a fair trade. I’ve heard his secrets for years...

Lucius smiled at this thought. By the time he turned 16, he had realised that his shy friend fancied him. The way it happened was most unusual, and had nothing to do with Lucius’ people-reading skills.

During his entire life he had had the habit of laying awake for long hours on his bed. Insomnia, which was used to conceive evil plots. And Severus, his roommate, had the habit of talking during his sleep. Lucius had, of course, taken advantage of it.

When Sev had started to have wet dreams about Lucius, the latter had been most amused. Not shocked or surprised, but amused. He took rather pleasure in hearing Severus beg him, and he’d spend half of the night doing so. Sometimes he’d touch himself while hearing Severus moaning. The sound of his roommate calling out for him did arouse him. He didn’t know why that happened, because he believed himself to be straight. But he simply couldn’t fight his desire.

On the rational side, he had been flattered that Severus liked him, instead of being driven away by it. We must remember that during 5 years Lucius had had every girl drooling all over him, and all boys feared and adored him with equal intensity; it was natural for him to be liked.

Severus was his biggest trophy, and he still admired his companion for not showing his feelings or letting them interfere with the bond that they shared.

Very Slytherin of him,

Lucius thought, putting the head before the heart.

One of the nights Sev had spent by his bedside while he was sick after receiving the Mark haunted Lucius forever.

It was the night when he felt Sev come to him and take him, holding him close and tight, stroking and kissing and licking him in a painfully slow and playful way. He had welcomed Snape inside his body, but had never got to know whether it had been a dream caused by Sev’s habit of talking while he slept or if it had been real, because the raven-haired wizard did not say anything about it in the morning and neither did Lucius.

It felt awfully real...

But Lucius wouldn’t allow himself to think like that. They did not talk about it ever. And Severus did not become ill after receiving the mark.

Draco will have to go through it, though. But I’ll be there with him.

Lucius got himself lost on thoughts and plans about his son’s initiation again.

-*-

Severus Snape ran a towel over his wet hair. He had had to take a bath before going to bed in order to remove the blood and sweat from his body. Duelling Draco had been just as though as he had thought it would be. The boy was good. But then again, Lucius had told him so.

Lucius had scarred the hell out of Severus that afternoon.

I hadn’t seen him cry in years. Since we were both in the Slytherin house. Now Lucius is a true Slytherin, damn cunning and persuasive as he can be.

Snape was also a true Slytherin; although he claimed to have regenerated he bore the Dark Mark. He had the Dark Lord with him, wherever he went. But he had not sworn himself to Voldemort. There was another one who held his love and loyalty, and to this one he could never say a word about it.

They were friends. Confidants, maybe. Or as much of it as you can get being a Slytherin. Each one of them considered the other an equal, and this had not changed when Severus had started fancying Lucius.

It wasn’t about being a boy, it was about being Lucius. What Severus felt for him was way beyond the pleasure that flesh could bring, and had little to do with desire. It was more like adoration and undying love.

He did wish his body to join Lucius’, to be touched by him and to offer him any pleasure it was in his power to bring him. To be close to Lucius, so close that he would be inside him, that he could smell and touch him. To be able to look into his eyes and not have to hide the love on his own ones. But he knew that if he gave in, Lucius would see him as a toy; and there would be little time until all he would be able to think about would be how to keep Lucius’ interest. And so he restrained himself.

It may seem odd that Severus only considered restraining himself to be a problem, and not getting Lucius Malfoy into bed as one. Although he was entirely aware of his friend’s choice of sexuality, which would be straight, he just happened to know how to turn the Golden Boy on.

I’ve spent far too many years watching him choose his preys, far too many nights eavesdropping as he fucked them not to know,

he thought resentfully.

All one had to do was desire Lucius, adore him, crave for him, utterly and desperately NEED him. And tell him that.

Not words of course, you don’t want to be considered an easy catch and therefore a meaningless one; you must allow your body to speak for you. Let it tell him that once more he has succeeded at reducing a human being with strong willpower to a mess of sweat-covered pale skin, entangled messy hair, painfully hard erection and begging moans as maximum expression of self. Because Lucius’ biggest turn on is himself.

He and his power, the animal magnetism.

It has worked even for blasted Voldemort.

Yes, Severus knew. Lucius was unaware because he thought that all the deference was due to his brilliant plans and plots, but Severus knew better than that. Skilled eyes with years of experience, of watching and jealousy over Lucius did not fail to recognise that the Dark Lord himself desired Lucius. In more ways than one. He wanted Lucius’ soul, he wanted to tame that mind and that will. But what showed on Voldemort’s eyes was the animal lust for Lucius, which nauseated Severus. This had been one of the reasons he had quit being a Death Eater, that realisation of how human and imperfect the Dark Lord was. How far was him from the fallen angel that was Lucius Malfoy, how much he wanted to extinguish that bright light. Severus thought it to be rather fair: he had joined because of Lucius and was quitting because of Lucius.

Lucius knew that he was a spy, of course he’d know. He did not handle Severus over. Snape liked to think that it was for their friendship, and knew that Lucius liked to think that it was because he was useful at that position. He knew that both were wrong, and that neither of them would ever understand why Lucius protected Severus. Payback, maybe. Lucius owed him one... or maybe not.

Lucifer has saved me countless times, but so have I. And I got my reward.

It had been right after receiving the mark, which had happened on the night after Lucius’ birthday. About five days later the Golden Boy was ill, making the whole Slytherin house worried and giving Severus a lot of trouble and worry. The major problem consisted on the complete impossibility of Lucius being taken to the Hospital Wing because the nurse would see the Mark. And so the Golden Boy had turned to the one he would turn to at times like those: himself.

It had taken Severus a great deal of time to persuade Lucius to drink the potions he would prepare. Snape became Lucius’ private nurse, giving hell to the ones stupid enough to make jokes about it, feeding him healing potions and staying by his bedside when the blond boy would scream and kick during his troubled sleep as he had nightmares featuring his fellow Death Eaters and their Master. Lucius screamed, not in fear but in rage. Sometimes he would murmur things softly and Severus would bend over his head to hear but he could not distinguish the words. When Lucius seemed most troubled and anxious, Severus would hold his hand. And there was one time, when the Golden Boy was delusional and desperate, this was the night Severus had had his taste of Lucifer.

:.

Snape desired Lucius, it was as simple as that. The chance of having him without having to deal with the consequences presented itself before Severus’ eyes, and he wouldn’t let go of it. At the same time it was his chance to give his friend hell as he would lay awake in bed at night to wonder why was he having wet dreams about his brooding roommate. Severus wouldn’t miss it for the world.

It started with soft purring on Lucius’ ears, then kissing his lips. The blond boy was sprawled on the bed, eyes wide.

"Who.. ah..."

"Shh. It’s going to be all right, Lucius." Severus whispered into his ear. Then he bit it softly.

After that Lucius seemed to relax, and he surrendered to Sev’s touch, responding to the hands that ran all over his body, arching when his roommate touched his erection. He let out a soft moan. Snape smiled. He was laying besides Lucius, but in a second was all over him. He kissed the neck but did not bit it, as much as he wanted to. There could be no marks. It had to pass as a dream...

He teased Lucius slowly, getting more and more aroused and happy as he realised how much pleasure the creamy-skinned boy was getting, and how he was craving for more. He dropped small kisses like rain all over Lucius’ body, watching and feeling the other respond by twisting his body. He was pretty sure there were tingles running down Lucius’ spine by then. But he couldn’t do a thing, as Severus had magically bounded him to the bed. He could only do as much as gasp when Sev took him into his mouth, and let out frustrated moans as Snape gave him head but held his tights to keep him from thrusting.

Severus had a great time that night giving Lucius a good time. He tortured Lucius by taking him painfully slowly while he screamed for harder, faster thrusts. Then he attended his heart’s desire and took Lucius again, this time the way both wanted it to be, with pain and pleasure mixing to make senses blurry and leave them panting after both came.

Snape held Lucius close and they slept with their legs entangled; this caused Sev to take a good deal of time to get out of the bed in the morning without waking the Golden Boy. Because Lucius could not know, he could never know. It had to pass as a dream..:

Severus curled up on his bed and stared at the wall.

That was past. I cannot dwell on dreams and forget about the present. I must focus. Both Lucius and Draco will need me, and I must be strong and cold-blooded as I’ve always been.

Draco’s initiation was close. October 11^th was close to an end, and Lucius had already sent an owl to Dumbledore informing that Draco was needed at home for family reasons. Severus had been pretending to be sick for two days, and on the 13^th he’d need to rest and take the day off. He’d take Draco to the Manor, where they’d meet Lucius and then all three would Disapparate to Voldemort’s presence.

-*-

Draco took a deep breath, slowly and silently. He held his wand tight on his left hand. That was it, October the 13^th.

I’m gonna see Father. I’ll duel him. I’ll meet Voldemort. I’m gonna see Father. Fuck, where did Snape go?

His eyes snapped open. Draco swore in a low voice; he hadn’t even realised that he they had ever been closed.

Focus. Go see Father. Calm down, show him that you’re ready. Go to him. Go home.

He threw some Floo Powder at Severus’ fireplace and entered it, saying loud,

"Malfoy Manor!"

-*-

Were Lucius not a Slytherin AND a Malfoy, he’d be pacing back and forth impatiently. Not that Severus was late – Sev was never late – he was just nervous about the big event that would happen within a few hours. It wasn’t really safe to be around nervous Lucius.

I mustn’t show it, otherwise Draco will notice and he’ll break. I have to be a source of serenity. I have to be there for him. I can’t allow myself to break; I never have and this won’t be the first time.

Severus Snape stepped out of the drawing room’s fireplace, and in a few seconds so did Draco. Lucius took a step forward to greet both.

"Severus."

He nodded curtly by means of greeting.

"Lucifer."

"Draco."

He looked down at his son, and Draco returned his gaze.

He’s ready.

"Father."

"Sit down Sev. And you Draco go get changed. Your robes lay in your bed. There is one last thing to be done before we leave."

Draco walked out of the room obediently, but Snape didn’t take a sit. Instead he glowered at Lucius, granting him an inquisitive stare. Lucius held it for a few seconds before speaking,

"How’s he?"

"Doesn’t seem too nervous. He hasn’t slept last night, though."

"And how are you?"

Severus felt himself being scanned and analysed from the inside out. Lucius could give that impression, and it was quite frightening.

"It is not my son that will be exposed to Voldemort, Lucifer."

The sentence held genuine concern.

Severus had shown at Malfoy Manor on Draco’s birth. When he had first seen the boy, and that... that something on Lucius’ eyes as he looked at his son, he knew that some things would chance on his friend’s life. He saw the love Lucius dedicated to his baby son, and how timidly he would show it as he was sure the baby could feel but would not remember the displays of affection when he grew up. And now he saw Lucius about to put in danger the one thing he endeared the most, and could not help but wish he could be a source of strength to Lucius when the time would come that he’d need it.

Lucius looked over at his pensive companion.

Oh but he’s your son too, Sev. As much as I wish I could claim Draco as sole work, you too has left a mark on him. The pure nausea before the Gryffindor favouritism, the thing for Potions... and a few other subtler things. He’s your child too, and you love him.

He could see that Severus was also worried, and he had known it’d be that way since Draco was born. Snape was one of the selected few who were invited to come to Malfoy Manor for a cup of tea every now and then, and he was Draco’s teacher, Head of the House and mentor.

The only one I’d trust to look after my son. Because you love him.

"What’s your plan, Malfoy?"

What is it that you are going to do to protect Draco? Because you *do* have a plan, don’t you Lucifer? You always do.

"A Uylessea stone."

Lucius said simply.

Severus arched his eyebrows, but before the discussion could go on Draco entered the room.

He was dressed in plain white wizard robes that had long sleeves and a hood, resembling strongly a choirboy.

Or a fallen angel.

"I’m ready, Father."

"Good. Come here."

Lucius’ heart ached at the vision of his son. He was undeniably beautiful, and he looked just so mythical and... pure.

It is a pity that the Mark will maculate his skin.

"I have a present that I want you to have before we leave. It’s your birthday present, actually."

It’s the reason I wasn’t here.

Draco took the small square box in his hands.

All I wanted on that day was YOU.

But that wasn’t what came out of Draco’s mouth.

"But you got me the Fir-"

Lucius shook his head, silencing his son.

"That broomstick was a mere souvenir. Open it."

Draco did, and examined the necklace with great attention.

"I trust you to know what that is,"

Severus spoke at last.

"A Uylessea stone."

Draco’s mind was racing as he examined the pendant.

In the shape of a dragon. His Silver Dragon. That’s what I’ll always be to him.

Love hurt, and even more when it worked both ways.

I’ll have him with me through the whole mess. Thank you Father.

"Thank you, Father."

"I’ll assume that you’re aware of how it works."

"Yes."

Their eyes locked together, cool grey meeting cool grey. Severus felt an outsider.

"Put it on,"

Snape blurted in an attempt to draw the attention of the two Malfoys away from each other.

"Here, turn around."

Lucius clasped the silver chain around his son’s neck, and felt strangely compelled to kiss it.

Draco held the pendant on his hand, squeezing it tightly. As soon as the necklace was in place, conflicting sensations took over his body. There was warmth and at the same time cool tingles ran down his spine and his heart ached.

Love hurt.

He felt another heart beating in unison with his own, and looking around he quickly recognised it as his father’s. The warmth of being wrapped in Lucius’ arms, a memory from when Draco was a baby. That sensation that couldn’t be described, the sensation that his Father was close, watching over him.

... heart squeezing inside the chest. Nervous. But I’m not nervous, not any longer. I’ve got Father with me.

He looked up and saw his father’s eyes on him, and suddenly they were no longer dull and unreadable. He could feel the love waves emanating from Lucius, now more strongly than ever. He understood then that the squeezing heart was his father’s.

My empath abilities. Must strengthen the powers of the stone. Or vice-versa.

Draco smiled reassuringly, and could actually feel Lucius’ heart skip a beat. He savoured the power he had over his father, the sensation of being able to break into his facade, and most of all the sensation that the one being everybody wanted to like them loved him.

"The time has come."

Lucius sounded incredibly calm for someone whose heart was squeezing inside the chest. He put one hand on Draco’s shoulder and leaned close, looking deep into his son’s eyes. Draco then remembered that their connection worked both ways, and that he also loved his father with all his heart.

"Remember one thing, Draco. Voldemort likes to break his servants, and he will not spare efforts to see you suffer. I’ve never given him the pleasure of a single sound, tear or fearful look. All he has ever got from me is blood. The same blood that runs in your veins, and that is all he’ll ever get from you too. Do you understand?"

"Yes Father."

"This necklace is for you to know that I’m with you all the time. Think of it whenever he is hurting you. Think of me. And don’t even flinch."

Draco held the hand his father extended to him, and held Severus’ hand too. The Potions Master gave his pupil’s hand a light squeeze before they all Disapparated.

-*-

Stop. Go back to the very start of Severus’ musings over life and memories of himself and Lucius together, get up and find a way to play Melanie C.’s song ‘Never The Same Again’, because even without her license I’m officially declaring that this is the soundtrack and theme song to this part of the chapter. If you can’t find the song, hum it! *starts humming then realises how stupid she sounds and smacks herself in the forehead* Sorry... *embarrassed*

Review and tell me what you think of it! Oh, one more thing (I should have done this at the very beginning of the fic) whoever wants to e-mail me for criticism, compliments or whatever,

[email protected]

Up next: Draco’s initiation, at last! More Voldemort, more Draco and the usual huge doses of Lucius. Pansy does guest appearance!

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