Title: Because You Smiled, Part Five: Faith Is Where Your Loyalties Lie
Author: La Mort Cramoisi
Pairing: JP/SS
Rating: R
Warnings: Nothing particularly offensive here, unless you object to snotty Slytherins.
Summary: Lucius is…well, Lucius is Lucius. What's new? The relationship that's tearing everyone apart through the eyes of a Death Eater.
A/N: I know it's short, but it's just a nice little interlude before the grand finale. One more chapter, guys, and it's aaaaaaaaall over. Any suggestions or request on what I tackle next? I love challenge fics.
I will not stand for it being said that I was a traitor. That must be known, first and foremost. Lucius Malfoy is not a traitor. To be treacherous, you must first be allied with someone or something. A Malfoy is allied with one thing only, self-preservation. That, I did not fail. I'm sitting here perfectly calmly, hands wrapped around a delicate china cup, sipping an expensive tea, very much alive, am I not? Then it must be said, Headmaster, that I was very true to my instincts of self-preservation.
What was that? Severus? No, I had no idea he would go so far. What exactly are you getting at? Did I know? You amuse me. Of course I knew. Why didn't I say anything? Why not alert the Dark Lord? What was to be gained from it? I had no reason. As I've said before, with him was not where my loyalties lie.
You didn't know? Come now, Dumbledore. Tell you about it? You want me to sully my mouth with an account of the whole torrid affair? Don't look at me like that. I won't do it, and you know it. The beginning? If you insist…
The first I knew of it, they must have been a few months in to their…relationship. Severus had a few…unbecoming marks on his neck, and the collars of his robes didn't quite do their job. Unfortunately for him, that sort of gossip gets around very fast. Naturally, with Narcissa around the manor, I had heard all about Severus' supposed illicit affair. Fortunately for him, the Dark Lord didn't set any stock in gossip…yet.
When I asked him, he led me on a merry little dance all around the subject, which was proof enough for me. I let the subject drop. It would do no good to have any of the others hear the conversation. Why? Must you really ask? Very well. I was…fond of Severus. He was enjoyable to talk to. He had a very quick wit and sharp tongue, no one can deny it. He kept me on my toes. I appreciated that about him. Are you happy? Was that sufficient for you? Very well. Good day.
One more thing? What could it possibly be? Did he love him? I don't think it's a question of whether or not Severus loved Potter. That much is obvious. I think the most pertinent question is: did your Gryffindor golden-boy love him?