The Bonds of Friendship

Idle Threat

~6~

"Lucius don't lie to me. My father's shipping me off to your house for Christmas, this wasn't your idea was it?"

Lucius continued to adjust his tie in the full-length mirror, making sure his silver Malfoy family chest was sitting prominently on top of the black silk. Severus could tell his blonde friend was trying to keep an indifferent look about his face, but there was one thing Severus did better, and that was lie. The pretentious Malfoy failed to respond.

Throwing his dress robes down on his bed, he walked over to Lucius, grabbing him rather forcefully by the arm. "Don't ignore me, Luc, I deserve the truth," he growled, causing the boy to break his connection with his glassy image.

Lucius' face fell. "Yes, Severus, your father did arrange for you to come to the Manor for the holidays. I only thought you'd be happier if you thought it was my idea."

Severus let go of his friend's arm, and walked back towards his bed, closing his eyes. He never cried, nor would he ever show Lucius his pain.

"Sev, I do want you to spend Christmas with me, you know that. Hell, without you my holiday would be nothing more than an endless charade to uphold Mother's social image and another round of 'upholding the Malfoy name' lectures from Father."

Reluctantly pulling on his robes, Severus tried to push aside the thought of how his father always pawned him off on the Malfoys when he didn't wish to suffer his son's presence. His mother would have no say in the matter, but would send him another expensive book and apologetic letter to make herself feel better.

Lucius' hand rested on the dark haired boy's shoulder. "Don't think on it. We'll have a wonderful holiday, and besides, we have two girls waiting for us to sweep them off their feet."

With a chuckle, Severus turned to face his smiling friend. "You almost sounded happy for me just now."

"Well, the blue-eyed Cardinal may not be to my liking, but I can't expect you to have as discriminating a taste as I," the blonde replied with a satisfied sneer.

"What you fail to realize, dear Lucius, is that if you marry Narcissa you will have Sirius Black for a cousin." Severus laughed, causing Lucius' face to turn crimson.

"Not at all funny, Sev. That ridiculous excuse for a wizard will never be considered family, there's always one bad apple, and as such, Black will one day find himself thrown out of the orchard."

The dark haired boy continued to chuckle as he led the way out of the dormitory and out into the common room. "Touch a nerve Luc?"

"Blow it out your arse!" Lucius snarled before walking over to Narcissa, taking her hand and kissing it.

"I've been waiting for nearly half an hour Lucius!" Apparently his graceful gesture was not enough to soothe the fuming Narcissa.

"Sorry my dear, we had important business," the blonde responded, charm oozing with every word. Smiling, she wrapped her arm around his. Lucius looked over his shoulder to his dark friend. "Shall we?"

Rolling his eyes, Severus led the way out of the common room.

****

Lucius loved the feel of Narcissa's arm on his. She was breathtaking in her silvery dress robes that flowed like a gentle breeze. Her blue-gray eyes carried a fire behind them, but also a reverence for him every time he looked in them. Her blonde hair, as brilliant as his own, was long and soft, as his fingers had often found themselves running through those tresses. With her gracious exterior, one wouldn't expect the devious nature hidden behind those eyes. Narcissa was a deadly beauty. Yes, you would make a worthy Malfoy.

Entering the Great Hall, Lucius smiled when he found the Cardinal standing by the fireplace, looking near to tears. The blonde's plan to reveal Severus' holiday arrangements just before the Ball had worked perfectly. He knew his dark companion would see right through his lie, causing an argument to ensue. If he could make them be late, not so late as to give Narcissa cause to hex him, but just enough to distress the fiery little Gryffindor Severus held in such high esteem, he could possibly spark some tension between the two.

"Sev, I do believe your little bird is by the fire," he said pointing towards the Cardinal. "I do hope she's not upset." Lucius didn't bother to cover his remark with a touch of fake sincerity.

With a glare fit to kill, Severus turned to make his way to the red haired girl.

"Wait," the blonde, said, grabbing Severus' arm, "We'll join you." Narcissa enjoyed toying with the Gryffindor as much as Lucius and grinned in agreement.

"Fine," the dark boy grumbled, continuing towards the Cardinal.

****

He's never late!

Aleanor was doing her best to hold back tears as the Slytherins across from her pointed and giggled at her. Turning from them once again, she crossed her arms and wiped a tear away.

"Aleanor?"

She jumped and smiled as she turned to find Severus standing behind her. "Severus!" Wrapping her arms around him, she asked, "Where were you?"

Rubbing her back and running a hand through her hair, he answered, "I'm sorry, there was something I had to take care of. You didn't think I'd forget about you, did you?" He wiped a final tear away with his thumb.

Smiling, she went to answer but was rudely interrupted.

"Come now, Delaney," as usual, her name sounded labored as it escaped Malfoy's lips, "Do you honestly think I would keep my best friend from his date?" His mouth curled into a sickening smirk.

That's exactly what I think, Malfoy, but Aleanor knew better than to give him her real opinion. "No, Malfoy," she snarled, "but I'm sure you didn't go out of your way to ensure he got here on time." She had a feeling he was the business Severus had to take care of, and she was probably the topic of discussion.

The corner of Malfoy's mouth twitched for a second, giving Aleanor a short moment of victory. Continuing to give the blonde viper a look that could kill, she felt Severus take hold of her hand. He wanted her to stand down, and though she'd rather unleash her fury on the platinum prat, she had learned that Severus knew when to hold his tongue, so she bit hers.

Narcissa had the usual smug look plastered on her face, which always reminded Aleanor of the look Gregory always got anytime someone had left off a dungbomb in the common room; most of which were compliments of the dark duo, Potter and Black. I wonder if she smiled, if her face would crack?

As a ballad began, students poured out onto the dance floor. Malfoy smiled, sending a chill down Aleanor's back. Why do I get the feeling that's a bad sign?

"Severus, why don't we trade partners for the first dance?" The blonde's eyes then focused on hers, his penetrating glance made Aleanor feel like she was standing trial. "I do think it may be time for us to become better acquainted."

Squeezing Severus' hand to tell him a resounding, NO, Aleanor swallowed hard. Don't do it Severus! Don't you dare sentence me to five minutes of hell with that creep!

Smiling, Narcissa released Malfoy's arm and took Severus'. "Yes, Severus, let's. We haven't talked much lately."

Severus used his other hand to pry Aleanor off him. "Alright Lucius, but only one dance."

"What?" she shouted, looking at Severus in disbelief.

"Relax Aleanor. Lucius only wants to dance with you, he's not going to bite,"

Severus tried to reassure her.

Looking at the blonde viper, Aleanor thought, yeah, he'll do worse.

****

Severus eyed Lucius suspiciously. It wasn't like his blonde companion to show such an interest in a half-blood like Aleanor, even if she was Severus' date. Realizing they were under every Professor's eye, and that he'd be looking forward to another discussion with his friend when they returned to the dormitory if he refused; Severus decided it wouldn't hurt to humor Lucius and let the blonde dance with Aleanor. His fiery Gryffindor could hold her own, after all, she had more in common with the platinum Slytherin then she'd ever care to admit. They were both hot-tempered, quick to form grudges, and equally sharp-tongued. If their dueling skills grew anywhere near their ability to lash their tongues, the two would be deadlier than they already were.

Feeling Aleanor's fingernails digging into the flesh of his hand, Severus began to pry her off. "Alright Lucius, but only one dance."

"What?" she shouted, looking at him in disbelief.

"Relax Aleanor. Lucius only wants to dance with you, he's not going to bite." Inwardly, Severus chuckled, if anything, you'll bite him!

Lucius took her hand as Severus held it out to him; he could feel the slight tremble in her limb as he handed his girl to the blonde. Narcissa had taken hold of his arm and began to lead him away from the other two. Finding a spot several yards from the pair, Severus nervously lifted Narcissa's hand and slid his hand onto the small of her back. Severus was not known for his dancing ability. He never would be. Instead of thinking of how to begin polite conversation, Severus concentrated on not trampling on Narcissa's feet. Why did I agree to this again?

****

Still fighting to keep a hold of Severus' hand, Aleanor found him handing her over to Malfoy. The blonde's hand was colder than she expected as he wrapped her arm around his and led her to the dance floor.

This is NOT happening. I'm hallucinating... I'm still in front of the fire. Looking ahead of her, she saw Black and Lupin pointing at her, their jaws hanging on the floor. I'm not dreaming, oh Merlin! Those two are going to have a field day with this!

Lifting her hand as he snaked his arm around her waist, Malfoy lightly chuckled. "Honestly, if you remain this stiff a moment longer, I'll be forced to put a relaxing spell on you just to keep from breaking you."

"You wouldn't dare," she lightly hissed, fire shooting out of her eyes. If she had to endure this torture, she wouldn't do it at his bidding.

"Wouldn't I?" he asked with a laugh. "I thought I was the devil in your eyes."

"You are," Aleanor replied, turning her gaze away from him.

Malfoy led her around the dance floor gracefully. "I'll take that as a compliment."

You would, she thought, realizing he was actually quite a good dancer, though she'd never tell him that.

"So, tell me," he began as Aleanor finally started to loosen up a bit, "what is it you find so enticing in my dark friend? I dare say it can't be his appearance."

Aleanor chuckled while looking over his shoulder. "That's not exactly the nicest thing to say about your best friend."

"Come now, let's be honest with each other. I'm only trying to get to know you better."

He spun her around as she laughed. "You? Honest?" His hand repositioning itself behind her, she stared into his gray eyes. "I doubt you would ever be honest with me. Do you really think I'm fool enough to fall for your little act? You don't approve of me, and never will."

Stopping in the middle of the dance floor, he pulled her against him, his grip around her waist growing painfully tight. Aleanor didn't like the feel of being held against him, not only because she loathed him with every fiber of her being, but also because nearly every set of eyes in the Hall began to lock on them.

This certainly doesn't look good.

Finding it difficult to breath normally, Aleanor began to tremble slightly as Malfoy leaned in, whispering in her ear. "Then we understand each other perfectly." His words hissed in her ear. "I'd be careful if I were you, Delaney. For if you interfere in Severus' future in any way, you will find your own future... very brief."

Her heart seemed to stop. A chill ran from her head to her toes as Malfoy released her and turned on his heel to retrieve Narcissa from Severus. Aleanor couldn't move.

****

"May I?"

Severus was more than grateful when Lucius cut in. With a nod he handed Narcissa over to his friend and looked for Aleanor. As several people moved out of the way he saw her standing like a statue in the middle of the dance floor. Something was wrong.

Weaving through the crowd of students, Severus made his way to her. "Aleanor?" he asked, taking her arm as she gazed past him, "What's wrong?" She wasn't responding, or moving which was beginning to worry him. "Come on." He began to lead her off the dance floor.

"Aleanor? You okay?" Lily had run over with Potter following close behind. When she failed to answer, Lily turned to Severus. "What happened?"

He didn't get a chance to answer.

"He had her dance with Malfoy!" Potter was pointing an accusing finger at him as the rest of the Marauders joined them. "What on earth would possess you to let that prat even touch her? Everyone knows he despises her!"

"Potter, if you would use your brain cells for more than just practical jokes, you'd realize Lucius wouldn't do anything to her. Unless you're as dumb as you look, you would have noticed that every faculty member is present. Only a fool such as yourself would do something asinine with so many witnesses!"

Potter grabbed Severus by his tie. "Don't you ever call me a fool, Snivellus. If anyone here is going to be made a fool of, it's you," he snarled.

Lily grabbed Potter by the arm while glaring at Black to stay put. "Let go of him Potter! You started it, and I'm ending it."

Slowly, he released Severus, but didn't break his glare. Severus went to open his mouth.

"NO, Snape...DON'T! I won't think twice about hexing you if you say even one more word."

Potter smiled.

Lily cleared her throat loudly, causing the black haired prankster to take a step back to join his friends. "Let's get her out of here," the emerald-eyed Cardinal suggested, taking Aleanor's other arm.

With a nod, Severus helped her lead Aleanor out of the Great Hall.

****

"Aleanor, please, tell us what's wrong."

Suddenly Aleanor broke out of her daze and looked at the two figures standing before her. Lily looked scared out of her wits; Severus' face was paler than usual. Realizing she was sitting on the staircase in the Entrance Hall, she asked, "How did I get out here?"

Severus sat down beside her. "We brought you out here. What happened?"

"What did Malfoy do?" Lily asked, sitting on her left.

Aleanor didn't want to repeat it. If Severus heard his best friend had threatened her life, he'd go ballistic on Malfoy and probably kill him, which would definitely not be good. If Lily knew about it, she'd tell Potter in a heart beat, and the Marauders would not only make Malfoy's life a living hell, but make Severus' more so than it already was. She had to lie.

"He was," think Alie, think, she told herself as the two stared at her, "he was nice."

"Excuse me? I don't think I heard you right. It sounded like you said Malfoy was nice."

"I did Lily. Malfoy was nice." Aleanor stated as Severus raised an eyebrow.

Lily's eyes widened a bit before she got to her feet. "I better go tell Potter and the others before they finish planning Malfoy's undoing." Turning to Severus, she asked, "You'll take care of her, right?"

Severus nodded as he took Aleanor's hand.

As Lily walked out of view and back into the Great Hall, Severus squeezed her hand. "Tell me what really happened. I saw the fear in your eyes. Tell me Aleanor."

I can't risk him doing anything to Malfoy, she thought, wiping away a single tear. With a nervous giggle, she replied, "He was nice Severus. If Potter was nice to you, wouldn't you be scared?"

Laughing, he wrapped an arm around her. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I believe I would be."

~~~*~~~

Lucius was beaming as they hopped into the carriage to head to Malfoy Manor for the holidays. He was looking forward to having Severus for company; normally the holidays were excruciating for the blonde, but with his dark friend there, he'd be able to avoid many of the usual boring engagements.

Severus pulled a book out of his robes.

"Merlin, Sev, PLEASE for one damn trip, could keep your nose out of a book!" Lucius went to grab the infernal thing as his dark companion quickly pulled out his wand.

"Don't even think about it Luc. I'm NOT in the mood."

Lucius laughed, "When are you? Anyways, you've already read that one."

With a defeated glare, Severus stuffed the book back into his robes. "So, what fun things do we have to look forward to?"

The blonde sat back in his seat, grinning with satisfaction. He had received word from his father that morning and had been waiting for his friend to ask that very question. "Well, Sev, in three days a friend of my father's will be joining us for the holidays. I've met him before, and although you haven't, I've told him all about you."

The dark haired boy's eyebrows rose. "What did you tell him?"

"Oh, don't worry. I sang your praises, of course." Adjusting his tie, Lucius continued, "He mentioned to Father his desire to meet you. I think you will find him rather interesting." By the way Severus continued to stare at him, eyebrow raised and arms crossed, the blonde could tell he had peaked the dark boy's curiosity.

"Luc, who is this friend of your Father's?"

Lucius smiled.