The Ties that Bind-Part I: Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy are best friends as they prepare to enter Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When a girl enters the picture, their friendship is put to the test and Severus finds himself teetering on a very thin tight rope. When Severus becomes a Death Eater, did he really have a choice? There's a high price for a Death Eater's loyalty, and Severus' payment is due. A friend's influence is greater than we often want to admit...