Severus's Envy
Severus was the only one that saw through it; their malicious partnership, their seemingly intense devotion to the Dark Lord's wishes. Unlike Narcissa and Rudolphus, he was aware of their true motives. Unlike Narcissa and Rudolphus, he did question their reasons for disappearing often days at a time to fulfill seemingly insignificant tasks for their master. Unlike Narcissa and Rudolphus, he wasn't quite so naïve.
Severus had accustomed himself to the idea of Lucius and Bellatrix's affair through careful scrutiny. They were cautious of their advances around the others, and yet clumsy where it mattered most- their tone. He watched their secret reveal itself before him through smug smiles, lingering fingers, and sensual whispers. He witnessed the exchange of lustful glances and playful flicks of the tongue. And even the briefest moments in which Lucius would discretely place a kiss along the dark locks of her mane before slipping away to the far end of the room.
Lucius appeared to have an intoxicating effect on Bellatrix. As though he held her under some strange, erotic enchantment. And as much as the thought sickened him, Severus couldn't help but envy it. When around Lucius, the woman was almost- human. Tamed in a way that he never thought possible. Something about Lucius's presence brought vigor and passion to those dark, hooded eyes.
Perhaps Severus's envy resided within the power that Lucius held over such a defeated woman, as if he were breathing life into her soul. Perhaps he longed for Bellatrix to look upon him with that same desire and adoration. But alas, when cast upon him, her gaze was unmistakably cold and distant.
"She's inexorable." Lucius had confided in him one day, in the privacy of his study. "The complete contrast of my dear wife. So- demanding. I can hardly manage to satiate her hunger."
"Is that so?" Severus inquired, feigning unamusement. He knew his friend would offer eloquent detail without his coaxing.
"Hardly being the key term, of course." His eyes flashed vainly as he leant closer. "I can assure you that I keep her fully satisfied."
That all too familiar feeling of envy turned in Severus's stomach. He pictured Lucius thrusting above Bellatrix; her handsome square jaw jutted upwards and her thick lips parted in ecstasy.
"You could imagine the trouble I go through just to hide the claw marks from Narcissa."
"An animal, is she?" He cocked an eyebrow. Lucius's words had only added to his mental image; her red, sharpened nails scratching along the pale flesh of his back. He imagined them drawing blood and her heavy tongue darting out to taste it.
"As the mad ones tend to be. Such a pity you have no interest in her- shall I say- offerings?"
Severus nearly sputtered on his tea. "I beg your pardon?"
"I was merely implying that my vixen has no qualms… indulging, if you will."
"I find it somewhat difficult to believe Rudolphus feels the same way." He said carefully. "Much less Narcissa."
"A well deserved blow, my friend." Lucius raised his wine glass in a mock toast. "But lest we forget who the fulfilled one is here?"
Severus eased back into his chair as he contemplated these words. The image of Lucius slowly faded from his thoughts and in its place was the familiar form of his own body, pumping into Bellatrix, spilling his pleasers inside her. The corners of his mouth twisted into a smirk at the thought of this.
"By the look on your face, Severus, I'd say you're considering my offer." He drawled silkily.
Ah, yes he envied this man's power.