Lucius sat back, "True, true. That there are few here is evident, but don't slight yourself," he said, amused at his friends' reaction. Severus would be an acquired taste, Lucius knew, but some women were very tempted and swayed by smooth words and power; Severus had both, when he chose to demonstrate them. Lucius let his eyes rest on his friend's face, and he leaned forward slightly.
"Come, I have to ask. What have you heard about the breakout from Azkaban? Do you suppose it is a sign....?" Lucius asked, unable at first to voice his real question. So, he thought it, knowing that Severus could pick it from his brain if need be.