Chapter 5

Severus needed some more paint colors and decided to drop in on Draco. Malfoy Industries were mostly in his hands now that his father was a basket case. No surprise he was doing very well. Draco had a good head on his shoulders when it wasn't up is bum.

"A Mr. Snape to see you sir." A pleasant woman's voice chimed in on the speaker phone. Draco's eyebrows raised as he considered. He hadn't seen his godfather in months.

"Please send him in." Draco put the folder he was working with away and stood as Severus came in. "A pleasant surprise Severus, come in." He shook his hand as he sat in the leather chair. "Don't tell me you've finally decided to take me up on being the head of my potions department."

Severus smirked, "No, Draco. As I told you before I've no intention of changing one master for another. I'm quite happy where I am."

Draco would never stop trying. Not only because Severus was family, but he was the best potions master in the country, bar none. The money the company could make with him in the lab would double their profits in six months. "What can I do for you uncle?"

Severus was serious and caught Draco's eye to stare him into attention. A trick he had used often at Hogwarts. It always declared he meant business. "Draco I've seen your father. He came to me to have his portrait done. I know you have already seen it, so I feel I am not breaking my word to discuss it with you."

Draco grew pale and seemed to be in pain. "I have not seen it since…He won't talk to me about it. He won't talk to anyone about it, that's why mother left. Merlin knows I've tried to get him to see a healer, but he shuts me out. The manor is more like a mausoleum than a home now. Of course that's better than the torture chamber it was. I would do anything to help him. Do you have a suggestion?"

Severus sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers in front of him. "I, at least, have access to him while the portrait is being completed. Hermione and I want to try to create a potion to remove it. It is a dangerous proposition without knowing what exactly was done to create it." He stopped and stood to make his point. "Draco I want to go into your mind and see how it was done. It's the only way I can be sure of what happened. I can't do it to your father. The memory would probably kill him or drive him over the edge, his mind is so fragile. I know it will cost you much in your own private agony, but if I can help him it will be worth it don't you think?"

Draco sat there like a third year being told he had failed the end of term test. Sweat had broken out on his brow and his eyes were filled with fear. "Do you know what your asking Severus? There are nights I can still hear his screams. I had to prop mother up so she wouldn't faint while the monster was doing it. He would have killed us all for our cowardice. Why can't I just give you the memory in a bottle?"

"Because you don't know what I'm looking for and I need to see it all. Look, do you want to help your father or not?" Severus saw Draco wince and backed off. "Draco, I know this isn't easy for you and if you don't think you can do it I understand. I don't know how many of my own memories of the Dark Lord I could stand to see again. Please, just think about it and let me know."

Draco didn't look at him as he walked out the door. He wanted to help his father, but it was so hard to watch the first time. The bastard was well aware of what he was doing to them all. Draco didn't dare close his eyes or look away. So he saw and heard everything, and to experience it all again would be devastatingly difficult. In a twist of irony, what he was forced to see could now be used against the Dark Lord to heal his father. He decided he would do it when he got up the courage and had two days to drink afterwards.

oopOqoo

Lucius' sittings were going well. Severus did not need him to be totally naked now and so Lucius was much more relaxed. He seemed much calmer and the two of them chatted over everyday things and good memories of family, formal dinners, and Severus' first debutant. That invariably led to Lucius' collection of beautiful women through the years. His good looks and enormous wealth were very attractive and Lucius was not known for turning down an assignation in the back stacks of his library. "If those books could talk, Narcissa would have locked you up in a closet. Of course knowing you, you would not be alone in there."

Lucius laughed for the first time since he could remember. It felt good to be out of the manor and sit with a friend. To remember he was once a handsome man with a fabulous life of privilege. He found he didn't want Severus to be done with the portrait too soon and so tried to distract him with requests for tea and long breaks for lunch.

Severus was well aware of what Lucius was doing and indulged him. Going as slowly as he could to prolong their sessions. But even with his best efforts, Lucius couldn't sit for very long. He tired easily and was in constant pain. His mood would turn sour when he'd had enough and Severus would send him home for the day. He reminded Lucius that he had an obligation to fulfil potion orders. He would not be available to begin again for a few days. Lucius was perturbed considering how much he was paying Severus to do this, and said so. Severus reminded him of their agreement before any money was discussed and suggested he get over it. Lucius laughed and asked to be notified when they could begin again.

oopOqoo

Hermione came home to the sounds of laughter coming from the studio. Severus was a pensive, quiet man when not engaged directly in a conversation. He loved nothing more than a quiet night before the fire with a good book. Even when he was around Hermione he was rarely as animated as she was hearing now. Her Gryffindor bravery pushed her to see what was so funny. Going to the door in question she knocked and waited. The laughter stopped and Severus came to the door, opening it just enough to see. He knew it was her, but wanted to give Lucius time to cover himself.

"Hello sweetheart. I heard laughter. Can I come in?"

Severus was going to say no, and thought better of it. He kissed her and opened the door. Lucius had quickly donned a small blanket and stood in the corner of the room as if he could hide. "Lucius. Hermione want's to say hello." Lucius growled a brief retort, not wanting company. "Lucius! That's my wife you're growling at. I'll thank you to mind your manners."

Hermione was about to leave when Severus pushed her at Lucius, nodding at her to go to him. She asked if he was sure with her eyes, Severus' gaze was steady and confident. She began to walk towards him slowly, as if he were a wild animal. "Mr. Malfoy? I just want you to know you are welcome in our home. I'm so very proud that you wanted to have a portrait of your own done because of the articles. It is especially nice that your portrait will be done by Severus as mine was." He made no acknowledgement of her but was listening. "Mr. Malfoy." She was directly behind him now but he was still turned away from her. "Please don't be concerned. I would never judge you by what's happened to you. We all have battle scars. You've seen Severus'. And you were there when I received mine."

Lucius squeezed his eyes shut remembering what Bellatrix had done to her in front of him. "I'm truly sorry for what happened to you in my home Ms. Granger." He turned a little to see her face. "Please accept my heartfelt apologies."

Hermione looked at the broken man before her remembering her initial objections to Severus doing the portrait. She could not find enough hate left in her to condemn this man. In fact she felt an urge that probably should have been better to ignore. But Hermione, being who she was, could not ignore pain when she saw it. Could not ignore need when she saw it. As he turned to face her, she unexpectedly wrapped her arms around him in a hug, laying her head on his chest.

Lucius was so stunned he wasn't sure how to react. The blanket kept him from using his arms to push her away and after the initial shock he began to enjoy the warmth of another human being pressed against him. Tears began to fall as he realized he was not repugnant to her. She was doing this of her own free will and would choose herself when to release him. Hermione thought again of Luna and Severus and the hug that had shown her that she was still human and deserving of compassion.

Hermione released Lucius slowly and after seeing the tears in his eyes, she stunned him again by giving him a chaste kiss on his cheek. "I forgive you with all my heart Mr. Malfoy. Severus and I want to help you find peace if we can. Please stay with us for as long as you like."

With that she turned and walked away, giving Severus a hug on her way out. His eyes were shinning with pride. His woman was extraordinarily kind.

Lucius was frozen in place. Not sure what to do next. Severus took his arm and led him to the small sofa in the room to sit. "I think we need some tea don't you?" Lucius looked up helplessly at him and agreed. When Severus turned to get it, Lucius grabbed his hand. "Tell her… thank you… for me?" Severus smiled and nodded.