Character Appreciation: "Is it true you can produce a Patronus?"

Showtime, Fantine's Arrest: pride

Love in Motion: SeverusLucius

Word Count: 528

"Is it true you can produce a Patronus?"

Severus glances up at the voice, surprised to find Lucius in his living room. It has been a long time since the two of them have been alone together, and he hates that the years have done nothing to lessen his desire. "I can," he confirms, holding his arms over his chest. "Why?"

The older man hesitates. A pale pink stains his cheeks, and Severus nearly laughs. Lucius Malfoy is as arrogant as he is handsome. Seeing him get flustered is ridiculously enjoyable.

"I… Can you teach me?"

Even better. Not only is Lucius flustered, he's resorted to asking for help. Severus glances at the calendar, reminding himself to mark this as a very special day.

…

"Expecto Patronum!"

Nothing happens, not even a wisp of silver. Lucius scowls. "This is ridiculous," he mutters bitterly.

"Have you considered using a different memory?" Severus asks.

"What on earth could be happier than my wedding day?"

Severus chokes back a laugh. Everyone knows Lucius and Narcissa don't love one another. Her eyes always stray to her sister's husband. And Lucius… Lucius is made of ice and doesn't give a damn about anyone but himself. Their union had hardly been a warm event.

"Try another memory," Severus instructs, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Lucius rolls his eyes before focusing. His handsome features scrunch together, and he seems to lose himself for a moment. A smile tugs at his lips, and he shivers with what can only be described as delight. "Expecto Patronum!"

It isn't perfect or corporeal, but it's there. A silver mist spills from the tip of Lucius' wand, forming a sort of shield around him. He lets out a triumphant cry. Even Severus can't deny the sense of pride he feels. Maybe he truly does have a calling for Defense Against the Dark Arts.

…

"What memory did you use?" Severus asks as he pours two glasses of Scotch.

Lucius accepts his glass with a smirk. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"As it happens, I would. That's the way questions work, Lucius."

The blond snorts and shakes his head before sipping the amber liquid. He pulls the glass away from his lips, letting out a satisfied sigh. "You. Our last night together," he admits. "It was the last time I felt truly happy, Severus."

Severus remains silent, sipping his Scotch. The admission makes him shiver, but he forces himself to keep his features composed. Lucius is a married man, and Severus' desires have no place here.

Lucius downs the last of his drink in one quick gulp and sets the glass aside before climbing to his feet and closing the distance between them. Severus' glass slips from his hand, the contents spilling onto the carpet. He doesn't care about the mess. It's hard to care about anything at all when Lucius is this close.

"I still want you."

Severus knows he should refuse. Even if he wants Lucius, it's so very wrong.

And yet, he doesn't give a damn.

Lucius' fingers tangle in Severus' hair. Severus feels his restraint slipping.

He gives in, and everything seems to fall away.