The Bonds of Friendship

Introduction

~7~

"Sev, he's here, waiting in Father's study."

Severus quickly finished his letter to Aleanor. "Alright, just give me a minute."

Lucius leaned back against the closed door with a disagreeing 'thud'. "It is not advisable to make this man wait."

Tying the parchment to his friend's eagle owl, Hades, the dark haired boy glared. "I'm not asking for an hour, Luc, don't get your knickers in a bunch."

The blonde grinned. "Who said I'm wearing any?"

"Merlin, Lucius, I don't need that kind of mental picture!" Severus slammed the window shut behind the bird before walking over to the blonde. "I won't be able to eat lunch for a week."

Opening the door, his friend went even further. "Cissa gave me the idea."

"Now, you've gone too far." Clamping his hand to his forehead, he dragged it down over his closed eyes as if to erase the image threatening to form in his mind. "All I need is to picture the two of you ogling over your love wand!"

Grabbing his friend's shoulder, Lucius led the nauseated Severus down the stairs. "Glad I could be of service!"

As they reached the bottom step, a house-elf crossed their path. Lucius kicked the wretched creature out of the way. "S, sorry young Master Malfoy." All the blonde did in response was snarl at it as it scurried away. Standing outside Lucius' Father's study, the fair boy knocked. "It's us Father."

"Enter."

The large chestnut door creaked as Lucius pushed it open. They normally didn't enter the forbidden room this way, but by the passage leading from the library. Thinking about the library made Severus wish he had a book stowed away in his pocket, just in case. Books gave him security.

Inside, the elder Malfoy stood by the fire, a glass of cognac in his hand. The only indication that anyone else was present was the fact that the old, silver haired man was conversing with someone seated in the high back chair facing the warm flames. "Lucius, Severus," Mr. Malfoy motioned they forward. As they drew near, a man stood from the chair, slowly turning towards the two boys.

The man looked about the same age as the elder Malfoy, but had a much more appealing air about him as he gracefully extended a hand from under his velvety black robes. "Lucius, what a pleasure to see you once again." The man's voice flowed like honey, smooth and rich, with a touch of dark golden color. "I see you are becoming more of a man than the boy I remember, and I dare say, very much the image of your father."

Lucius smiled, the corner of his mouth rising as he took the man's hand and shook. "Thank you sir. I hope to become as great a Malfoy as my father." The elder Malfoy beamed with his son's words.

"If not greater," the man added, a glint in his eye. If this offended Mr. Malfoy, he made no effort in showing it. The velvet robed man then turned his attention to Severus. "Mr. Severus Snape, I presume?"

As the man extended his hand once more, the dark boy took it, quickly noting the chill that seemed to radiate from the man's skin.

"I have heard much about you, young Snape." Again, the man's voice flowed confidently. All the while, elder Malfoy stood by, silent, which Severus could never recall seeing before. This strange man had a presence that demanded respect, but not in the way Severus' father did. This man didn't scold, hit, or look upon the dark boy with distaste. This man looked upon him as if he was looking at the most intriguing person he had ever met. No man had ever looked at Severus like that before.

"Thank you sir. I hope you may find me deserving of Lucius' praise." He felt compelled to continue to gaze into the man's eyes.

"As do I." The words were drawn out, and deep, as if formed of tar. With a grin, the man released Severus from his grip.

Stepping forward, Lucius' father began, "Severus, this is my old friend, Lor..."

"Call me Voldemort, Severus," the man turned to look at the old Malfoy, "no need for formality here, old friend." He then turned back to the dark boy. "I've been looking forward to meeting you, Severus. Why don't we sit and become better acquainted?"

****

Aleanor groaned as she heard her brother's footsteps outside her bedroom door. Not again, can't you leave me alone? She was relieved when no knock came at her door.

Gregory had come to visit for the holidays, and brought his American girlfriend home with him. After graduating from Hogwarts the previous term, he moved to America to train as an Auror, something he had been talking about doing since his fifth year.

Though she liked seeing her older brother, in small doses; having him across the hall again was more than she could stand. After he left in July, she had enjoyed being the only child left in the house, no brother around to taunt her about her love life. Now the annoying twat had an accomplice, Delia, his girlfriend. She felt Aleanor was too young to know what love is and reminded the redheaded girl every chance she got.

Merlin, they're perfect for each other.

Finishing her letter for Severus, she quickly rolled it up, sealed it, and headed out of her room. Walking past her brother's bedroom door, she could hear the sound of lips smacking and an occasional moan. OH, Merlin! Here? I'm going to be sick!

Downstairs, she walked into the foyer. Where is he? Checking the lounge and kitchen, she stopped in her mother's studio. "Mum," Aleanor walked over and put her hands on her mother's shoulders. In front of her, her mother was working on a beautiful watercolor landscape. "Oh, Mum, it's wonderful!"

Setting down her brush, Louise Delaney covered her daughter's hand with her own. "Do you really think so Alie?"

As her mother looked over her shoulder, her dark blue eyes meeting Aleanor's, she smiled. "Of course I think so! Mum that is gorgeous!" She walked around to stand beside her. "Can I have it?"

Her mother laughed, brushing a stray piece of light brown hair out of her eyes. "Sorry dear, but no. This was commissioned." She then picked up the brush and resumed her work.

"Alright, alright," Aleanor laughed. "Mum, where's Kaizer?"

Her eyes still focused on her task, Mrs. Delaney answered, "In your father's study, go on in. Just don't touch anything, you know how you father gets."

The redhead rolled her eyes as she left. "Do I ever!"

Quickly climbing the stairs, she walked back past Gregory's room. Oh, don't you two ever stop? Passing her own room, she opened the door to the staircase leading up to her father's study. Considering the fact that she hardly ever got permission to enter it, especially alone, she found it hard not to nose around a bit.

Chancellor Delaney guarded his study like a precious jewel. Against one wall sat a set of bookshelves lined with his journals and books so old some were literally falling apart. An ancient tapestry depicted the old tale of Mortimier and Aqwellyn, the Adverse twins, hung on another. Her father's desk was covered in scrolls, quills, and magnifying glasses of every size. Archaeology intrigued Aleanor, though she never really considered it as a future career. Too boring.

Walking past the large mahogany desk, she stopped between two large windows. Perched on a polished mahogany stand, was Kaizer. He was the perfect companion to her father. They were both stubborn, possessive, affection when the mood suited them, and easily aggravated. And just like her father, you don't want to aggravate Kaizer.

The large brown owl looked asleep, its white abdomen rising and falling softly, but you could never rely on that. Rubbing her arm in memory, Aleanor thought, no, I certainly don't want to make him mad! Cautiously, she stepped closer to the perch. "Kaizer?" she whispered. Better find out what mood he's in.

No response.

"Kaizer," she said a little louder. A single yellow eye opened slightly and quickly closed. Ah huh, heard me coming, did you? "Kaizer, I know you're awake!"

He turned his head away from her.

"Kaizer! Come on!"

The stubborn bird flapped its wings, sending several downy feathers flying in her face, before completely turning its back to her.

"Oh, you little pain in my arse!" Rather miffed at the moment, she prodded the rude pile of feathers with her wand. "Stop acting like a damn pigeon and do your job!"

Kaizer slowly turned his head to look at her, both yellow eyes glaring at her.

Aleanor laughed. "Hate being compared to a common bird, do you? Good! Maybe now you'll take that stick out of you arse!"

Before she could react, the bird had snatched her wand out of her hand. Flying across the room, it dropped it on top of the highest bookshelf, and then sat defiantly next to it.

"KAIZER! GIVE ME BACK MY WAND!" Aleanor shouted, grabbing a rather heavy scroll off her father's desk and throwing it at the owl.

"What are you doing?"

Grabbing another scroll, she stopped as Gregory appeared in the doorway.

"Kaizer, get back to your perch!" he barked, walking over and ripping the scroll from her hand. As the russet retaliator returned to its wooden home, her brother started on her. "Father's going to kill you if he finds out you were in here, tormenting Kaizer no less!"

"I was not tormenting that damn bird!" she pointed to the brown fluff ball while continuing to glare back at Gregory. "I was trying to send a letter! Mum told me I could come up here!"

His nostrils flaring, her brother walked over to Kaizer. Gregory was just like her father, and so he was one of the only people the brunette brat would somewhat listen to. "Give me your foot," he demanded of the bird.

The giant feather duster hooted and turned his back on Gregory.

Aleanor laughed.

"Shut up Alie!"

She covered her mouth, but made no effort to stop.

"Kaizer, I will say this only one more time. Give... me... your... foot." Gregory's voice suddenly sounded frighteningly like her father's, sending a chill down Aleanor's back.

With a look of complete loathing, the bird turned back around, barely lifting it's foot off the perch. Quickly, Gregory tied her rolled up parchment to its leg, and sent the disgruntled owl out the window.

****

"Lucius tells me you are an avid reader," Voldemort said, accepting a glass of cognac from Mr. Malfoy.

Severus couldn't recall the last time someone had shown such an interest in him, other than Aleanor. Adults had always either ignored his existence or pushed him to the side. Secretly, the dark haired boy was enjoying the attention. "Yes, I am. Though Lucius thinks it's a ridiculous hobby, I see it as a means of acquiring knowledge."

A satisfied grin spread across Voldemort's face. "Indeed. Some put too much trust in their own wisdom and fail to seek it out." Lucius' face paled. "I myself have spent the greater part of my life seeking knowledge. I traveled the world in hopes of learning all there is to know of this world, and all the magic it possesses."

Severus' curiosity was peaked. He too wanted to know everything. He constantly was in search of answers to every question that invaded his thoughts. Reading was all he could do at the time, but it left no room for experience. This man however, had experienced it, ran after it, and he wanted to know what it was like.

Apparently Voldemort had sensed his curiosity. "I interest you, Severus?" he asked with a devious grin.

Nodding, he answered, "Yes sir." Voldemort's black velvet sleeves fell back as he leaned back on the couch, entwining his hands as he brought his index fingers to rest on his closed lips. Severus could feel the man's eyes measuring him.

Finally, he spoke. "You remind me a lot of myself when I was your age." Voldemort lowered his hands to rest on his chest. "I shall tell you some of my experiences, for the sake of knowledge," he said with a cool smile, "but not all. Only those I trust will ever hear my full tale."

Sitting up straighter than he ever had before, Severus hung on every word that began to pour from the man's lips.

~~~*~~~

Aleanor sat picking at Christmas Dinner. She missed Severus and wished they could have stayed at Hogwarts and spent the holidays together.

"Aleanor, don't play in your food."

"Yes, Father," she replied, setting down her fork to pick up a roll.

As her father began discussing his day at work with her brother, she looked over at her mother. "Mum, could I use the fireplace to talk to someone tonight?" she whispered, hoping the two men were engrossed enough in their discussion to not pay her any mind.

With a wink and a nod, her mother agreed. Aleanor smiled and quickly began to shovel her dinner down.

Feeling near to bursting, I should have turned down dessert, Aleanor walked upstairs to her father's study as fast as her legs would carry her. Her mother would try to keep her father occupied until she returned, but she still wouldn't have long. Quickly locking the door behind her, Aleanor grabbed a handful of powder from a small jar on the mantelpiece and knelt on the stone hearth. What did he put again? Oh, right.

Throwing in the powder she said, "Malfoy Manor, Ebony Suite." As the green flames swirled around her head, she kept her eyes closed and tried to hold her breath, she always hated it when she accidentally inhaled hot ash. Finally, a large dark room appeared. "Severus? Are you there?" she called out, hoping he wasn't gone at the moment; she might not get the opportunity again.

The distinct sound of a book being slammed shut hit her ears as the curtains around the bed were pulled back. "Aleanor?"

She smiled as Severus quickly made his way to the fire, kneeling as well. "Miss me?"

"What a ridiculous question," he said before leaning in and giving her a quick kiss.

"So Malfoy hasn't turned you against me yet?"

"Aleanor, not now, please. I'd much rather talk to you than argue with you." His face didn't look at all pleased.

"Sorry," she apologized, waiting to see if his usual grin would return. Thankfully it did. "How's your holiday been?"

Severus smiled. "Better than I expected."

As she prepared to ask him how it had been better, she heard someone trying to turn the doorknob. "I've got to go!" With a quick nod from Severus, she pulled back from the fire, the flames spinning around her again. Standing up, she went to shake the soot from her hair but froze instead.

"Were you contacting that friend of yours?" Her father's voice sent chills down her spine. Chancellor Delaney loathed the Snapes nearly as much as the Malfoys, and had forbid her to have any dealings with Severus.

"Well..."

Pointing at the open door, he bellowed, "OUT! You will not use this or any fireplace again, and Kaizer will not deliver any letters I do not personally approve of." The russet fluff ball hooted with pleasure from its perch.

Casting the bird a look fit to kill, Aleanor left her father' study as quickly as she could, before the tears welling up in her eyes could be seen.

****

"I should have known she'd get into trouble." Severus chided himself as he stood up, still staring into the fire. He missed her so much, it hurt, but he couldn't talk about that with Lucius, or anyone else at the Manor. Getting to his feet, he began to worry about Aleanor and the punishment her father would surely inflict upon her.

Slowly, he changed into his nightclothes and climbed into bed. It seemed an eternity that he lay there, staring at the ceiling, envisioning her trying to hold back tears, or locking herself in her room to cry freely. Like him, she hated to show weakness, especially fear and sadness. But unlike him, she would cry, when alone, she had admitted to it once.

It wasn't working. The harder he tried to not think about her, the more he did. There was only one cure for this...the library. Severus needed to drown his thoughts in a new book. Quickly he got out of bed, wrapped his dressing gown around him, and headed downstairs.

The corridors were dark as he went; it appeared everyone else had gone to bed. Entering the library, the dark haired boy began to scan the shelves for a title that interested him, something he hadn't read before. Having been a regular guest at the Manor for most of his life, there were few he hadn't read. Then an idea hit him. Lucius' father had a private collection in his study, which Lucius never let him even look through whenever the two would sneak into the room.

Severus grinned and turned towards the large portrait of Lucius' great-grandfather behind which lay the passage to the forbidden room. Finding the right carved nut on the gilded frame, he pressed it and the portrait slowly opened, letting the dark boy enter. As the portrait closed behind him, Severus reached the end of the passage and pushed open the panel leading into the study. Quietly he closed the panel behind him.

"Severus... what a pleasant surprise."