Allegiances
"You're the spy."
Severus didn't stiffen, didn't even react at all to the accusation. Plenty of practise over the years, even if he hadn't ever expected to hear it in those particular tones, at least not from that voice.
"Lucius. . ." he replied tiredly, turning to face his oldest friend. "We have all been over this, enough times for it to have become mind-numbing. You know I only return to Dumbledore on our Lord's orders."
Lucius didn't look accusatory, though. Severus couldn't quite identify the look in the intensely focused pale grey eyes.
"I know, Severus." Lucius said, fine voice exhausted, though still unwavering. He seated himself smoothly on Severus' desk. "I know where your true allegiances lie. I can probably even guess why."
Severus took a deep breath, meeting Lucius' eyes squarely.
"The Dark Lord killed my wife, and I believe he intends to push me back in Azkaban to force Draco's hand." Lucius said plainly.
Severus hissed, trying to judge how far this might have pushed Lucius, even in his shock.
Finally he decided.
"I think you have the wrong conclusion." Severus said easily, sliding back from the desk far enough to turn towards Lucius properly - it wouldn't have been so difficult in his own office, at Hogwarts, but, then again, in his own office, Lucius wouldn't be on the desk.
"You truly answer to Dumbledore." Lucius said. "I will not be talked out of this, Severus-"
Severus' mouth quirked. "I answer to my own self." he said. "As a true Slytherin ought. I serve our Lord and Dumbledore because between them they give me power and freedom."
Lucius' eyes went wide, and Severus knew that he hadn't been expecting that - either the answer or the implicit trust.
"I'll help you if I can, my friend." Severus said softly.
~Fin~
It is open to your interpretation how much of that little speech Severus really meant, and how much is carefully hedging his bets. Slytherins.