Author's Note:
The Houses Competition (or THC) Round 1
Story Type: Drabble (up to 1,000 words)
House: Slytherin
Class: Ancient Runes
Prompt: 2. [Colour] Lilac
Word Count: 903
Beta Love: Thanks to Charlie for looking over my story!
A Very Lilac Lunch
"Lilac is a stupid color," Severus said with a sneer, as the diminutive shopkeeper took his measurements.
"Alas," Lucius replied, running his fingers through his long hair, "I do not have any say in these things. Narcissa and her family have chosen the colors for the wedding party based on the family star maps, and that is that."
"You really love her, don't you?" Severus said, wincing as the tailor accidentally poked him with a hemming needle.
"Is it that obvious?" Lucius said, looking at Severus with the kind of quiet joy that he wished he had for himself.
'That door is closed, and it's my own damn fault,' he thought to himself, trying to scrub out the mental image of Lily and that awful Potter boy necking in the Great Hall.
Truth be told, Severus was in awe of the lasting love that the two Slytherin pure-bloods seemed to feel for one another. Their relationship had begun as a calculated arrangement between their families and had deepened over their years together at Hogwarts. While it was obvious that some people met and married after graduation, Severus had never seen a formal courtship that followed the various archaic rules that pure-blooded families required without the usual reluctance. They doted on each other in equal measure.
"I apologize in advance for the bridesmaid you've been saddled with," Lucius was saying, and Severus abruptly felt himself stiffen with concern.
"Please, tell me it's not—"
"—Bellatrix, unfortunately," Lucius finished for him.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation, and quickly dropped his hand when the tailor protested. The lilac silk of the robes bunched up uncomfortably at his elbow and he received another poke for his troubles as the tailor took in the fabric.
"There, finally finished," the tailor squeaked, climbing down from his ladder. The man was taller than Professor Flitwick, but only just so. Severus supposed that his small fingers made for tighter stitches.
Severus gingerly shrugged out of the robes, watching the awful garment levitate away to drape onto a dummy.
"They'll be done by Monday," the tailor told Lucius, handing the tall wizard a receipt and scurrying away to his back office.
"Come now, Severus, I believe it is high time for lunch," Lucius said. "For your indignity, I shall cover the cost. I know a little cafe by Fortescue's that comes highly recommended."
Severus ducked out of the tailor's shop and followed Lucius down the street. As they passed the banners on the street and the various little shops and open market, Severus was reminded just how much he hated pastels. The spring displays were lousy with celery greens, pale baby-chick yellows, and periwinkle blues. Of course, there seemed to be some sort of wizarding memo to focus on lilac, as the color was being used everywhere. On advertisements, in the bookshop cover art, and an arrangement with lilacs featuring heavily sat in the center of the flower shop's large, glass window.
Lucius took one look at Severus' sour expression and tutted. "Yes, I understand that lilac isn't your favorite color, but it's spring! The weather is warming up, and it's a time for new beginnings."
"You say that like we're both in the same situation," Severus groused. "You get to walk down the aisle with the love of your life and pledge your undying love. I have to walk next to Bellatrix Black and keep my limbs intact."
Lucius let out a bark of laughter and gripped Severus on the shoulder. "I'm sure you'll survive. Besides, there will be other half-bloods at the party. I'd be happy to make introductions if you see anyone you fancy."
Severus felt his cheeks redden despite his attempts to stop them. "I— I appreciate the thought, Lucius, but—"
"—Tsk, tsk, Severus," Lucius interrupted. "I'm not going to throw you at some random witch. Just think about it. Now, no more talk of women! It is time to dine!"
Severus sat back, watching Lucius pontificate about the new wizarding laws that his father was sponsoring, wondering if he'd ever stop feeling like an outsider. The meal before him was a pastel monstrosity, but it tasted good enough. Soft, yellow noodles tossed in some sort of buttery sauce complete with small slices of chicken and topped with candied lilacs. The strange mixture of sweet and savory was oddly suited, and Severus idly wondered who had come up with the dish.
"Sickle for your thoughts?" Lucius asked, arching an eyebrow.
Severus realized he had been staring at one of the lilacs that had landed on an empty part of the plate, separated from all the other elements of the dish. The candy coating had begun to dissolve in the sauce, leaving it wilted and sad-looking. Severus felt an odd sensation in his belly that he couldn't quite describe.
"I suppose lilac isn't all that bad, after all," Severus mused. "After all, if it means you and Narcissa will be happy, then that's all that matters."
Lucius raised his glass. "To lilac!" he said jovially.
Severus raised his glass as well. "To your happy union," he replied silkily.
There were other, darker things to consider in the coming months, but Severus knew that for now, he would let in a little light to his life. If he couldn't be happy, then he could live with seeing Lucius and Narcissa have happiness instead.
