McKay (scribbulus_ink) wrote in time_of_storms, @ 2005-10-15 13:47:00 |
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Original poster: black_cauldron
Music: Voodoo, by Godsmack.
I do not know which is worse... being cooped up alone, slowly going out of my mind, or having to put up with Bellatrix and her posturing. Much more of either, however, and I think I shall be tempted to slit my own throat.
Severus stood apart from the other Death Eaters, arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against a wall, watching the discussion going on around him but not taking part. He could listen more effectively if he weren't distracted by having to respond to inane chatter, and, fortunately, no one seemed disposed to approach him directly. Which wasn't surprising, really - everyone thought that anything said to Severus probably went directly to the Dark Lord.
Which wasn't true, of course. Not that anyone present had any way of knowing it.
The gathering was rather morose, anyway, and if Severus could have avoided it he would have. But even among the Death Eaters there were a certain number of social obligations, and Severus had stayed away from as many as he could. But he could hardly ignore Narcissa's direct invitation to celebrate her birthday; not when her rather surprising help was just about all that was keeping Severus alive at this point.
Surprising, indeed. Narcissa Malfoy and Remus Lupin - who would have thought that two such disparate people would claim to have my best interests at heart? Especially when neither of them even gave a bloody damn about me before. It was certainly easier on me, when no one claimed to 'care'. But they only care because they find me useful; when that use is finished, neither will spare me a thought.
Even to himself, however, Severus couldn't truly classify Lupin and Narcissa as being in the same class. But it was much easier - and safer - to think of them in the same terms. Especially after...
No. I will not think about that, Severus told himself firmly. He pulled away from the wall abruptly, reminded suddenly of the feel of hands on his body, stroking him, making him gasp and writhe and moan. And the dreams didn't help at all.
"What we need is someone who isn't afraid to risk his precious skin," Bellatrix' voice carried to him suddenly, and Severus glanced over, almost grateful for the distraction from his wayward thoughts. The dark haired witch gave him a nasty look, before she grimaced and looked back at Narcissa. "What we need is Lucius. He would know what to do."
Severus went cold inside, but he kept his face neutral, refusing to rise to the needling. Lucius was absolutely the last thing Severus wanted to deal with at the moment. Lucius knew him too well, for one thing, and for another, no doubt his old "friend" would want to supplant his position in Voldemort's favor, which was Bellatrix' true aim. Draco had failed, after all, and so she was having to grasp at anything to enhance her own stature.
"I would like to have Lucius back," Narcissa said, her voice low and husky, and Severus' eyes moved to her face. There was, surprisingly, actual affection between Lucius and Narcissa, and Severus hadn't thought about the loneliness she must have been feeling at the loss of her husband. Narcissa was a strong woman, but Severus knew from bitter experience that even strong people could crumble and fall without support.
It was all too complicated, and Severus gave an internal grimace. He could not afford to have sympathy for Narcissa's plight; he was all too busy worrying about his own.
"Of course you would. Lucius is a real man, willing to suffer for his convictions," Bellatrix said, her voice practically oozing false concern. Again, dark eyes turned to Severus, become hard. "Unlike some, who spent so long cozened up to the enemy that they became as soft as those we fight."
"I am surprised to find you suddenly standing as Lucius' champion, Bellatrix, after having said so many unkind things about him in the past. And Potter might beg to disagree with you about my softness," Severus replied, his silken tone containing nothing but pure venom. "As might Dumbledore, the Ministry, and the Order of the Phoenix. But rest assured, I will spare you any of my so-called tender feelings, if the time ever comes where I have to pull you off the battlefield, Bellatrix Just so you cannot claim I'm soft on you."
"Why, you..." Bellatrix began, her eyes flashing with fury. She turned and started toward Severus, only to be brought up short when Narcissa placed a hand on her arm.
"Please, Bella... not at my party?" Narcissa said quietly, her cheeks flushed. "I really would like to have my Lucius back, though... perhaps Our Lord would entertain a suggestion to help Lucius escape?" Blue eyes turned to Severus in mute appeal, and he didn't need Legilimency to see that Narcissa was begging him to stop his needling of her volatile sister.
Severus straightened, raising an eyebrow but otherwise making no comment. Bellatrix continued to glare for a moment, and Severus could see her lips quivering with the desire to continue her vitriolic attack. But after a moment she subsided, turning her back to Severus and slipping an arm around her sister's waist. "Let's go get some more wine, Cissy," she said, voice cold and haughty as that of a queen.
Severus only just barely kept from rolling his eyes as he watched them depart, but after a moment he relaxed, unconsciously leaning once more against the wall. Soon he could depart, and he would be more than happy to do so; it was bad enough that he was staying in Lucius Malfoy's Wizard Hole; spending time in yet another of the Malfoy estates, albeit this time in France, was repugnant to him... almost as repugnant as being in Bellatrix' presence.
"I don't want my father to come back."