Friendship and Beyond 41/?

Rated: R contains mentions of rape and torture, although not actual scenes. Possible HP/SS in later chapters, also HG/RW.

Authors Notes: I do not own Harry Potter or it's characters, that would be JKR. Subject matter not for children, although nothing too graphic, but be careful when reading just to be on the safe side.

Lucius Malfoy

"It shouldn't be." Harry answered, glaring at Malfoy angrily.

"Oh, that's right, you four are bosom companions now, if my son is to be believed." Lucius responded sarcastically, eliciting a snort from Severus.

While Harry continued to stare a hole through Malfoy's chest, Hermione glanced between them with a frown of concern. She lit up suddenly when she noticed Harry watching Severus covertly. The Potion's Master seemed oblivious to his regard, as he was smirking at Malfoy.

"I thought we were having secret escapades every night." Hermione suddenly blurted out loud causing everyone to look in her direction. She almost quailed under their regard, her face loosing color, before she continued. "Then again, we're supposedly having an orgy right now, so you will be included in the gossip mill from now on Mister Malfoy."

She was watching the elder Malfoy's reaction carefully, which was why she noticed the tightening of his jaw at all.

"I shall persevere, Miss Granger." Lucius answered silkily. "I am sure no one will believe I am involved with children after all."

"No of course not." Ron agreed snidely, while Harry just stared at them all in confusion. "You are above allying yourself with powerful wizards, aren't you? I'm sure you would never do anything above the pale."

"What are you insinuating, Weasley?"

"I am not insinuating anything, Mister Malfoy." Ron answered calmly, for once keeping his temper admirably. "I am sure nobody will believe you are capable of such deviance. If you hear imagined slights where there are none, that is not my concern."

"I will not be insulted by a muggle-loving brat such as you!" Lucius sneered, pulling his wand a few inches from his cane.

"Enough, Lucius." Severus interrupted. "I assume you came here for a reason."

"Just a visit, Sev." Lucius answered aristocratically, sneering at the trio above Severus' head.

"Very well then. You have all visited, now I shall ask you to leave posthaste. Thanks to your incessant arguing I now have a headache as well."

"Shall I get you a pain potion, Severus?" Lucius asked in a honeyed voice, ignoring the growl Harry made in response.

"You four have done enough damage for one day, thank you." Severus sneered as they stood up to make their exit. Just as the trio was near the doorway, Severus motioned to Harry to stay behind. "A moment if you will, Potter."

"Of course, Professor." Harry answered anxiously walking back toward Severus' bed. "What can I do for you, sir?"

"I believe we already discussed that particular honorific, Harry." Severus mentioned calmly, yet still a bit distant. "There were two things I wanted to mention while we were alone. Fist of all, what the bloody hell was that display about?"

"I have no idea, Severus." Harry answered cautiously. "They're not usually so argumentative."

Severus raised an eyebrow in disbelief causing Harry to dissemble a bit.

"Well, Hermione isn't usually like that, in any case."

"That explains their reaction, not your own." Severus commented shrewdly watching as Harry fidgeted from foot to foot. Harry thought quickly and decided to tell Severus a small portion of the truth.

"He makes me uncomfortable." Harry answered softly, looking at Severus' blanket-covered legs, rather than his face. "He may have changed allegiances at the last moment, but he had no such change in views, as his last comment alluded to. Malfoy was present when Voldemort tortured us and was amused at our helplessness. I don't trust him and frankly I have to control myself to keep from punching the bastard whenever I happen to see him."

"It would seem your friends are aware of your distaste and have appointed themselves your champions." Severus commented thoughtfully. "However, you should try to be civil to Lucius in the future. He is a powerful enemy to make when you don't have to."

"Can't be any worse than Voldemort." Harry sneered disdainfully.

"Ah, now the real reason for this chat. I am quite familiar with your act first think later philosophy to problem solving, but even I didn't think you would be so foolish as to cast a powerful ancient form of dark magic in full view of many Aurors and ministry officials. If this won't give Fudge the excess rope in which to hang you I do not know what will." Severus sneered. "The Headmaster can only protect you for so long, Harry. "

"I do not expect the headmaster to protect me from the Ministry. All three of us checked the law closely before we even decided to attempt the spell. There is nothing Fudge can do to us even if he had the authority and power to do so." Harry answered

"I hope for your sake that is true."