Oh yes. This was fantastically done, mystery author. You wove your compelling plot masterfully, and I loved all the details in this. Also? This makes so much sense as a reason to explain Severus and Lucius' inexplicable (to me at least) actions in canon. *G* Far better than "they are Slytherins" which seems to be JK's explanation. *eyeroll* Fabulous work! I really enjoyed that. And I have to tell you, the bit where Lucius proves to Severus just how much intelligence turns Severus on? Guh!