Prophet or Profiteer
Hey you there in the mirror
Don't you know the sadder is oftentimes the wiser?
And I should be boxing the devil but somehow I never seem to locate my gloves
And I'll bail whenever push comes to shove
Oh, and all the wrongs I don't right just to curb his hungry appetite
The question is clear
Will I be a prophet or a profiteer?
~ Matt Caplan
A/N: My first HP fic. I'm gonna continue it.. I think. Please RnR and tell me what you think!
One thing became very clear to Severus Snape as his bony back was thrust against the cold granite wall. He had greatly underestimated Lucius. He watched those elegant fingers pluck the wand from his deceptively solid cane. Using those gentle hands, he lifted Severus' chin and dragged the wand along his jaw line. This would bother him none, pardon the utter condescending tone of it, except that the smooth touch of the rosewood against his skin was quickly replaced with burning pain. He refused to scream.
Now, Severus, I thought we had an understanding.
We did. He responded, trying to keep his voice as normal as possible. Lucius paused the wand by his left ear and the pain increased to an almost unbearable level. Almost.
Recite that understanding for me. Lucius smiled that cruel half smile. So charismatic. He lifted the wand temporarily and Severus was so distracted by the release that he hesitated to speak. Locus's smile turned quickly into a sneer and he thrust the wand back into Severus' neck. RECITE the understanding for me, Severus,
I will make sure that Draco will grow up to be almost— Lucius cut him off and thrust the wand deeper into his neck so Severus could barely breathe. To be the entire opposite of of his father.
The smile returned. The only thing Severus wanted to do was spit into the face of this hateful creature. But he knew better, oh he knew much better. And if he did that, Lucius might pull the wand away.
And turn out to be much more like his you. Lucius tanked the wand away and dropped Severus so he fell in a crumpled heap. He straightened himself immediately. He needed no reminders of his subordinate stature to his twin.
Now, Severus, brother, tell me. It is clear you understand this but then why is it that he is still so I don't know, how do you say it, so much like you?
I don't know, Lucius.
Well, we will make it CLEAR that you know, and you understand perfectly. We can't have more little Snapes running around. Lucius dropped the wand back in its receptacle. The metal head made a crystal noise. Severus rubbed his hand along the jaw line, not surprised to find no trace of his abuse. Those years with Voldemort had paid off well.
You know Severus, I'm also so disappointed that after all this, you still think I'm as daft as my wife. I may not be as cunning as you He tapped the top of Severus' head with his cane. But I have my ways. I do have my ways He chuckled to himself and looked off into the distance, watching the various members of Hogwarts mill around them. Thanks to another little spell Lucius picked up, Severus could scream and thrash all he wanted but no one would notice. Severus was not one to do something useless so he remained still. Calm and collected, much like his brother. Identical in every way, except for the fact that Severus was human. Severus could feel and did. He showed nothing because, again, it was useless. But Lucius felt only anger, hatred, and jealousy. There were times, oh there were times, when the desire for Lucius to be human literally hurt. It would bring Severus to his knees. He longed for his companion he would do anything, anything at all.
And Lucius had obeyed the letter of law, if nothing else. Severus had a companion. Not a friend, not a confidant, but someone who would sit next to him and perhaps hold a civilized conversation. Sometimes.
There wasn't a day when Severus wished for it back. But then at dinner, or a quidditch match, or some other social function when he would normally bit sitting in the dark and waiting to go home and Lucius talked to him and the whole world shifted its focus and Severus was a person again. That's when it seemed worth it.
So what do you want me to do, Lucius?
I don't know. You see brother, as I have stated, you got the brains and I got the looks. It will take me some time. But I'll let you know. Don't you worry. I will let you know. For now, carry on with Draco's education. If observe no improvement, well then, I'll increase whatever punishment I have devised. Worry not dear brother. It depresses me to see the look in your eyes, Do brighten up a bit before you go onto your next class. Lucius lightly touched his head with palm of his hand and cast off the barrier. He entered seamlessly into the hallways.
Severus blinked. He could've sworn he saw Lucius turn back to say something, but he was gone.