A/N OK Heads Up, This one is a little rough. Because what I have in mind for Lucius is not in JK's books, I had to describe it here. Not overly graphic. Describing torture is not pleasant, but crucial to the story. Sorry Lucius fans.

Big Thanks to all my reviewers. You make a better author of me! -Neminiwrites

Chapter 3

Lucius arrived on time. The room Severus had created was simple but useful with wooden floors and large windows for lots of bright light, but it had a concealment charm on it for privacy. There were several chairs, tables, rugs and large pillows for Lucius to choose from. Severus started, "So, How do you want to begin?"

Lucius was nervous now that they were going to begin at last. "It…It is quite horrible Severus. I'm not sure how to begin."

Severus had never seen his friend so out of character. Gone was the self-assurance and confidence of his breeding. The arrogance had apparently been beaten out of him and Severus knew just how ingrained it was in his pureblood family. He made sure to avoid pity in his voice as he replied. Lucius needed support, but not pity. "Start slowly Lucius. Take off as much as you can, until you can take off all you intend to."

Lucius hesitated for several minutes and then removed the links on the cuffs of his crisp white tailored shirt. Next the buttons, pulling out the tails from his slacks. He stopped short of removing it as he looked up at Severus unsure. "I don't know if I can do this old friend."

Severus understood only too well. "Would it help if I showed you mine Lucius?"

"Thank you, Yes."

Severus stood before Lucius, quickly removing his shirt and then turned his back to him. Lucius stared at all the scars in sympathy. Wanting to touch them in fascination, but not daring to. He knew such a multitude of injuries could easily have been fatal. He realized the only reason Severus had survived was due to his potions mastery.

The Dark Lord was careful never to go so far with Lucius. It would have spoiled his nightly entertainment for him to die so inconveniently.

Lucius swallowed hard and removed his shirt while Severus wasn't looking. "I'm ready now" was whispered so quietly he barely heard it.

Severus turned to see Lucius bare chest. There were a few scars slashed across his pale skin, but not enough for this reaction. Why was Lucius so…? Then he turned to display his back.

It was so hideous, Severus shrank away in shock and even fear. Grateful Lucius couldn't see his face. There, in the middle of his back, burned into his skin, was a moving image of Voldemort himself, laughing. Severus was speechless. He had to remind himself that the Dark Lord was dead and would never return. This was not a horcrux, just a cursed image of the monster, living on Lucius' skin.

There were tears in Lucius' eyes as he still faced the wall, trying to explain. "You are the first to see it since the war ended. Every night I was to report to the dungeons where he chained me to a post. I knew if I didn't show up he would kill me and my family, and I wasn't ready to die. Then it occurred to him that the scars from previous nights were healing and would fade in time, so he decided to do something more permanent. Being very careful to stop when I passed out from the pain. Only to be revived and start again. He was never alone as he created his masterpiece. He would often command Draco and Narcissa to watch how failure was punished. Bella and others enjoyed participating in the work by throwing fire whiskey onto the wounds. I often wondered why he never asked you Severus. I supposed it was because your time was so valuable at the school or creating his potions."

Severus bowed his head in gratitude that he had been spared that little bit of fun. "Have you gone to the healers? There must be something they can do!"

Lucius was on the edge of panic as he turned and confronted Severus. "NO! As I told you, no one knows. No one has seen it outside my family but you. The few Death Eaters that participated are dead. No one can know! You gave me your word Severus. I expect you to keep it!"

Severus shook his head at his friends stubbornness. "How can I help you Lucius? What could I do to make this easier?"

Lucius looked sadly up into his friends eyes. "You have already. Just by being here for me and seeing it, helps me. I cannot bear to let anyone, even Narcissa, touch me, though she's tried. It has caused a rift between us I fear will never be mended. She has left me for our southern estates and says she will not return until I have found some kind of peace with myself. You are an attempt towards that peace. Your acceptance of me is a start I didn't think I could make. Please. Do the portrait in any way you wish." He stopped and sighed. "I have had one hundred thousand galleons transferred to your Gringotts account. When you finish I will send the same again."

Severus didn't know what to say. It was a king's ransom. "Lucius. That is much more than I need. Are you sure?"

He looked out the windows of the room and said, "Just paint."

Severus had never concentrated so hard in his life. He needed to make this right for Lucius. It needed to remind him of who he was. Restore his pride and confidence. Help him to forget the terrible pain and suffering. Severus had misjudged Lucius, and his guilt was eating at him. He'd believed, as many did, that Lucius had gotten away with his crimes as a Death Eater. Thinking it was just his money that had saved him. But no amount of punishment from the wizarding world could equal what he had already endured.

It was an irony that many felt the same about Severus before his story was really told with his portrait. He must create one that the public could see. Many would find nothing redeemable in Lucious. Sympathy would be hard to come by. All the things Hermione had said were true. But if Lucius could be supported as he had been, perhaps mercy would not be out of reach. Severus determined to contact Luna and see if she would allow it. He would coach it so no names would be revealed. He would not break his word. And maybe he could come up with a salve or potion to cover or remove this hideous image that should have died with the bastard.

But first the portrait must be completed. Severus sketched several different approaches, but none stood out. This must be the best work he'd ever done. He finally settled on a direct approach much as his own portrait. He decided on a Vitruvian man, his head bent forward, his recognizable hair pulled to the front. He would ask Luna to write the article of the horrific incident without telling her who it was. Only asking for compassion and mercy. Severus was sure that the outpouring of sympathy would give Lucious what he needed without ever being shamed by the image.

He began to sketch. da Vinci had used a naked man and Severus could not gainsay the master. After an hour of scribbling he asked Lucius to remove his pants and underwear, not thinking anything more would be revealed. He was wrong.

Lucius refused at first. "Why do you need me to be naked? You didn't show any more than your back and legs!"

Severus was impatient. He had the completed image in his mind and needed to get the details to complete the sketch. "Lucius you told me to do it as I chose. Now either trust me or get yourself another painter." Severus remembered why they were here and spoke more kindly and with confidence. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Lucius looked down at the buckle of his belt and his eyebrows knitted in pain. Severus was right. It was all or nothing. He turned, dropped his pants and waited for the response.

Severus was concentrating on the picture when he heard the belt buckle hit the floor. He raised his hand to finish the line and looked up. His pencil clattering to the floor was the only sound in the room. The scars on his back were not alone in causing Lucious' agony. It was apparent that a chain had been applied to his buttocks and legs to bind him upright, leaving scars in the tell tail link marks. Severus had to know. "Turn around Lucius."

He turned slowly to reveal the shape of the post that he had been tied to. Severus almost threw up. He forced his gaze to go to Lucius' face and gasped. He stood there, vulnerable, naked to the world. The clouds had parted and a ray of sunlight was cast upon his tortured body. Enveloping him in its warmth and brilliant grace. The sunlight had lit his upturned face with such a look of quiet acceptance. As if the universe itself were granting him pardon and peace.

Severus knew now he was right about the pose. And began a second sketch to capture this moment. For indeed he was sure that Lucius the Death Eater, villain, and elitist would be given absolution. He had paid with more suffering than anyone should have endured, and by Merlin he would see he got it.