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The Rules of Servitude
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"My Lord," the Dark Prince announced as he threw the doors open. "I come bearing excellent tidings from the Headmaster Dumbledore."
The Death Eaters pulled their circle apart as Lord Voldemort's most favored entered the room. Lucius despised the expected treatment they were to give to the Prince. He despised it only because the Prince was the one man between him and his Lord. Lucius Malfoy only had two masters, the Dark Prince and the Dark Lord.
But in the rules of positioning, Severus Snape fell below him. The only thing that bothered him was that the mask was always present. Without it, he would be second. But no. The mask was always there. It was infuriating.
The Prince walked all the way to the Lord's throne uncontested and knelt at Voldemort's left arm. Knelt and waited for the Lord's blessing to begin. Instead the Dark Lord placed his hand on the Prince's head, as one might a loyal dog.
"Leave us!" Voldemort commanded. The highest of the Death Eaters filed out, Lucius was last among them, being the highest. "Lucius, wait by the door."
The doors closed leaving Lucius standing in the throne room. So he was to remain. And listen. He turned and watched Voldemort and the Prince. The Prince had not moved, but Voldemort was standing.
"My Prince, Lucius here has been under the impression he is of equal status with you while you are gone."
"Indeed, my Lord," the Prince said rising. Turning, he stepped to the Lord's left hand. "Is there something you wish of me?"
"I wish to see if Lucius could preform the tasks as required by the Dark Prince." Lucius watched as the wheels turned behind the Prince's mask. He was trying to decide if he was being replaced. He watched as the rules of servitude were broken. "The mask, Severus," Voldemort said tonelessly.
"My Lord?"
Rule number one of servitude: never question your master's orders.
"Severus Snape," Voldemort scolded, sounding more like a father reprimanding his son. "Do not make me repeat myself--"
"This is highly irregular, my Lord."
Rule number two of servitude: never interrupt your master while he is speaking.
Voldemort reached up with his left hand and removed the pristine white face marked with the three gray-silver bars with a sharp movement. Severus was left surprised. "Wait by the door and kneel."
Wordlessly Severus bowed and walked past his Lord. Lucius felt like smiling. He wondered if Severus had ever been forcefully defaced. Snape nodded, almost deferentially, to Lucius when he reached the doors. His face was still calculating, but his eyes never reached Lucius's face. Malfoy had a victory over this Prince. And he reveled in it.
Severus stood on the opposite side of the door frame from Lucius. "I said kneel, Severus." Stiffly, Snape bent knee, right arm resting on his right knee, and his left arm braced against the floor. Lucius felt oddly satisfied to have Snape in such a position so close to him. Taking a careful glance at Voldemort, Lucius saw the corners of the Lord's mouth curve into what should be called a smile.
So, Severus had finally obeyed rule number three of servitude: always obey your master's command to the letter.
"Lucius, approach."
One quick glance at Severus showed that he was clenching his teeth, glaring holes through the floor. Lucius stepped to his master's throne, but Voldemort was still standing, mask in hand. He knelt at Voldemort's feet, and felt like a conquering hero. "My Lord, how may I be of service." It wasn't what he normally said to Voldemort, but it felt more appropriate considering the circumstances.
"Let us see how you fair," the Dark Lord said. "Rise." And Lucius Malfoy rose as bidden. He found the coveted prize resting on the outstretched hand of his master. He felt a surge of pride swell within him. "Take it, Prince, and show me you are worthy."
Lucius smiled. He took the face and slipped it on. The mask molded itself to his contours. The fit was snug, like that of his own mask. But there were differences. These were mere slits yet he could see everything as though there was no mask. With his original, there were gaping holes like those of an empty skull. This one also did not have any curves for the mouth, that area was smooth. He felt the bars heavy against his skin. They were weighted with the responsibility.
"And shall the Prince stand by my side?" Lucius took a step to his Lord's left.
"NO!" The sharp objection rang through the air.
Rule number four of servitude: never speak out of turn.
Lucius turned to find Severus standing with a look of fury on his face. Under normal circumstances, Lucius would have backed down. But not tonight.
"It appears, Prince, that Severus is in need of a lesson in manners. Be so good as to give it to him," Voldemort said seemingly bored with the proceedings.
"Of course, milord." Unfortunately the mask hid his grin. Snape was now his to command. "Come here, Snape." The man's face twisted into a scowl as he hesitated. "Now!" Snape marched up to the Prince, head held high, back ramrod straight.
Rule number five of servitude: always show your master respect, whether by bowing, kneeling, down casting of the eyes, or another form of courtesy.
Snape stood three feet away, glaring.
Time to remove that insolence. "Kneel, Snape." It was not an unreasonable request. It was what they were expected to do to revere the Prince. "I said kneel," he said more forcefully when Snape remained defiant. "Kneel," he yelled. Snape stood. "I am your Prince, and I command you to kneel." He didn't miss Snape's glance over his shoulder at Lord Voldemort. He too stole a look. The Lord was sitting passively watching the scene unfold. Lucius began to get a nervous feeling.
"I have not sworn any allegiance to the Dark Prince," Snape said finding a technicality. Lucius gaped in surprise. One that Severus would be so bold as to say it. And two that it was true.
"Then I think it is high time you do," Voldemort said calmly, pulling Snape's glare to him. But Snape dropped the gaze as soon as he realized who he was looking at. "I want you to swear fealty to the Dark Prince, Severus. It is time we correct this lapse."
"As you command, my Lord," Snape said dropping to his knees before the Prince. Lucius could tell Snape was unhappy with the situation, but that fueled his resolve even more. There was silence as they waited for Snape to begin. "I, Severus Snape, swear to serve and obey the Dark Prince without question and to the last breath of my life. I ask the Dark Prince to accept my fealty," here Snape brought forth his wand and held by the middle, offering the hilt to the Prince. Lucius also noticed the ill disguised disgust written on his face. Snape took a breath and continued, "And I humbly offer my life to better serve the Dark Prince's needs."
Lucius smirked. He had said the very same words to the Dark Prince. He was please to get the same words repeated to him. He took the handle of the wand as Snape relinquished it. He held it threateningly at Snape's throat. He was shocked when, as Snape bent to kiss the end, he smiled.
Snape only ever smiled when he had figured out something. Whatever he had figured out this time, Lucius was in the dark. Snape kissed the tip of the wand and glared openly. Lucius growled in frustration and annoyance. He had Snape on his knees. The man had sworn him fealty. Why was he continuing to act as though nothing happened?
He glanced back at Voldemort and swallowed a lump that was building. Voldemort was smiling. "Well? Make him obey you, Prince." Lucius got the impression that he was being mocked.
Lucius hesitated and Snape stood. He was still smiling.
Snape plucked his wand from Lucius's lax fingers. "You are out of your element, Lucius. I suggest you return."
Rage overtook Lucius. Drawing his wand, he yelled, "Crucio!" Fully intending to seriously harm the man before him.
Snape did nothing to dodge. He let the curse hit him in full. He only staggered slightly.
This wasn't how it was suppose to be. Snape should be on the floor, writhing in pain, screaming for mercy. He was doing nothing. He stood as still as a stone statue. He cursed the man again.
And Snape laughed.
Rule number six of servitude: never ridicule your master.
"Is that the best you have to offer, Lucius?"
Lucius was about to advance on Snape when the three bars over his left eye flared into life. He collapsed, the pain unbearable. He knew he was screaming. He knew he was asking mercy. But what killed him inside was that he knew the Dark Prince never said a word.
He had broken the final rule of servitude. The strongest, the one that must be obeyed at all costs. Know your place and never step beyond your bounds.
He cried.
Weeping on the floor, he barely heard the conversation held above him.
"Reclaim what is yours, Severus. I hope the lessons have been learnt."
"They have, my Lord. And learned well." The coveted prize was removed from Lucius Malfoy's face. "Give me the resources, my Lord, and I shall return with a gift for you."
"Explain to Lucius why we had this little display."
"As you wish, my Lord." Lucius heard swishing robes approach him. "Up." And he obeyed immediately. Soon he was looking into the faceless mask of the Fallen Angel. "What occurred here was a test in strength. Both yours and mine." The Prince spoke so calmly, Lucius could hear the smile. "It was also designed for me to recognize how my command will increase. If I am not loyal to myself, how will anything get done. You are dismissed, Lucius. That is, unless our Lord and Master desires you to remain."
The Dark Prince turned to Voldemort in a questioning manner. "He may leave. You, however, have yet to tell me what you intend to do about Dumbledore."
Lucius rose and backed out of the room, staring at the two gods before him. Could anything bring them to their knees? The Prince only submitted to the Dark Lord, while Severus Snape, appeared to do the same. Except he was under Lucius's command.
Then he realized. Snape submitted to Lucius, but Snape had never submitted to the Dark Prince. So that was why he had been part of that scene. They had needed a stand in for the Prince, not a replacement as he had so desired.
Lucius cursed himself for not seeing it sooner.
So now Snape obeyed the Dark Prince. But where did that place him on the scale? Was he higher or lower than Lucius?
Lucius left before he could hear another word of his masters' conversation.
The Rules of Servitude
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"My Lord," the Dark Prince announced as he threw the doors open. "I come bearing excellent tidings from the Headmaster Dumbledore."
The Death Eaters pulled their circle apart as Lord Voldemort's most favored entered the room. Lucius despised the expected treatment they were to give to the Prince. He despised it only because the Prince was the one man between him and his Lord. Lucius Malfoy only had two masters, the Dark Prince and the Dark Lord.
But in the rules of positioning, Severus Snape fell below him. The only thing that bothered him was that the mask was always present. Without it, he would be second. But no. The mask was always there. It was infuriating.
The Prince walked all the way to the Lord's throne uncontested and knelt at Voldemort's left arm. Knelt and waited for the Lord's blessing to begin. Instead the Dark Lord placed his hand on the Prince's head, as one might a loyal dog.
"Leave us!" Voldemort commanded. The highest of the Death Eaters filed out, Lucius was last among them, being the highest. "Lucius, wait by the door."
The doors closed leaving Lucius standing in the throne room. So he was to remain. And listen. He turned and watched Voldemort and the Prince. The Prince had not moved, but Voldemort was standing.
"My Prince, Lucius here has been under the impression he is of equal status with you while you are gone."
"Indeed, my Lord," the Prince said rising. Turning, he stepped to the Lord's left hand. "Is there something you wish of me?"
"I wish to see if Lucius could preform the tasks as required by the Dark Prince." Lucius watched as the wheels turned behind the Prince's mask. He was trying to decide if he was being replaced. He watched as the rules of servitude were broken. "The mask, Severus," Voldemort said tonelessly.
"My Lord?"
Rule number one of servitude: never question your master's orders.
"Severus Snape," Voldemort scolded, sounding more like a father reprimanding his son. "Do not make me repeat myself--"
"This is highly irregular, my Lord."
Rule number two of servitude: never interrupt your master while he is speaking.
Voldemort reached up with his left hand and removed the pristine white face marked with the three gray-silver bars with a sharp movement. Severus was left surprised. "Wait by the door and kneel."
Wordlessly Severus bowed and walked past his Lord. Lucius felt like smiling. He wondered if Severus had ever been forcefully defaced. Snape nodded, almost deferentially, to Lucius when he reached the doors. His face was still calculating, but his eyes never reached Lucius's face. Malfoy had a victory over this Prince. And he reveled in it.
Severus stood on the opposite side of the door frame from Lucius. "I said kneel, Severus." Stiffly, Snape bent knee, right arm resting on his right knee, and his left arm braced against the floor. Lucius felt oddly satisfied to have Snape in such a position so close to him. Taking a careful glance at Voldemort, Lucius saw the corners of the Lord's mouth curve into what should be called a smile.
So, Severus had finally obeyed rule number three of servitude: always obey your master's command to the letter.
"Lucius, approach."
One quick glance at Severus showed that he was clenching his teeth, glaring holes through the floor. Lucius stepped to his master's throne, but Voldemort was still standing, mask in hand. He knelt at Voldemort's feet, and felt like a conquering hero. "My Lord, how may I be of service." It wasn't what he normally said to Voldemort, but it felt more appropriate considering the circumstances.
"Let us see how you fair," the Dark Lord said. "Rise." And Lucius Malfoy rose as bidden. He found the coveted prize resting on the outstretched hand of his master. He felt a surge of pride swell within him. "Take it, Prince, and show me you are worthy."
Lucius smiled. He took the face and slipped it on. The mask molded itself to his contours. The fit was snug, like that of his own mask. But there were differences. These were mere slits yet he could see everything as though there was no mask. With his original, there were gaping holes like those of an empty skull. This one also did not have any curves for the mouth, that area was smooth. He felt the bars heavy against his skin. They were weighted with the responsibility.
"And shall the Prince stand by my side?" Lucius took a step to his Lord's left.
"NO!" The sharp objection rang through the air.
Rule number four of servitude: never speak out of turn.
Lucius turned to find Severus standing with a look of fury on his face. Under normal circumstances, Lucius would have backed down. But not tonight.
"It appears, Prince, that Severus is in need of a lesson in manners. Be so good as to give it to him," Voldemort said seemingly bored with the proceedings.
"Of course, milord." Unfortunately the mask hid his grin. Snape was now his to command. "Come here, Snape." The man's face twisted into a scowl as he hesitated. "Now!" Snape marched up to the Prince, head held high, back ramrod straight.
Rule number five of servitude: always show your master respect, whether by bowing, kneeling, down casting of the eyes, or another form of courtesy.
Snape stood three feet away, glaring.
Time to remove that insolence. "Kneel, Snape." It was not an unreasonable request. It was what they were expected to do to revere the Prince. "I said kneel," he said more forcefully when Snape remained defiant. "Kneel," he yelled. Snape stood. "I am your Prince, and I command you to kneel." He didn't miss Snape's glance over his shoulder at Lord Voldemort. He too stole a look. The Lord was sitting passively watching the scene unfold. Lucius began to get a nervous feeling.
"I have not sworn any allegiance to the Dark Prince," Snape said finding a technicality. Lucius gaped in surprise. One that Severus would be so bold as to say it. And two that it was true.
"Then I think it is high time you do," Voldemort said calmly, pulling Snape's glare to him. But Snape dropped the gaze as soon as he realized who he was looking at. "I want you to swear fealty to the Dark Prince, Severus. It is time we correct this lapse."
"As you command, my Lord," Snape said dropping to his knees before the Prince. Lucius could tell Snape was unhappy with the situation, but that fueled his resolve even more. There was silence as they waited for Snape to begin. "I, Severus Snape, swear to serve and obey the Dark Prince without question and to the last breath of my life. I ask the Dark Prince to accept my fealty," here Snape brought forth his wand and held by the middle, offering the hilt to the Prince. Lucius also noticed the ill disguised disgust written on his face. Snape took a breath and continued, "And I humbly offer my life to better serve the Dark Prince's needs."
Lucius smirked. He had said the very same words to the Dark Prince. He was please to get the same words repeated to him. He took the handle of the wand as Snape relinquished it. He held it threateningly at Snape's throat. He was shocked when, as Snape bent to kiss the end, he smiled.
Snape only ever smiled when he had figured out something. Whatever he had figured out this time, Lucius was in the dark. Snape kissed the tip of the wand and glared openly. Lucius growled in frustration and annoyance. He had Snape on his knees. The man had sworn him fealty. Why was he continuing to act as though nothing happened?
He glanced back at Voldemort and swallowed a lump that was building. Voldemort was smiling. "Well? Make him obey you, Prince." Lucius got the impression that he was being mocked.
Lucius hesitated and Snape stood. He was still smiling.
Snape plucked his wand from Lucius's lax fingers. "You are out of your element, Lucius. I suggest you return."
Rage overtook Lucius. Drawing his wand, he yelled, "Crucio!" Fully intending to seriously harm the man before him.
Snape did nothing to dodge. He let the curse hit him in full. He only staggered slightly.
This wasn't how it was suppose to be. Snape should be on the floor, writhing in pain, screaming for mercy. He was doing nothing. He stood as still as a stone statue. He cursed the man again.
And Snape laughed.
Rule number six of servitude: never ridicule your master.
"Is that the best you have to offer, Lucius?"
Lucius was about to advance on Snape when the three bars over his left eye flared into life. He collapsed, the pain unbearable. He knew he was screaming. He knew he was asking mercy. But what killed him inside was that he knew the Dark Prince never said a word.
He had broken the final rule of servitude. The strongest, the one that must be obeyed at all costs. Know your place and never step beyond your bounds.
He cried.
Weeping on the floor, he barely heard the conversation held above him.
"Reclaim what is yours, Severus. I hope the lessons have been learnt."
"They have, my Lord. And learned well." The coveted prize was removed from Lucius Malfoy's face. "Give me the resources, my Lord, and I shall return with a gift for you."
"Explain to Lucius why we had this little display."
"As you wish, my Lord." Lucius heard swishing robes approach him. "Up." And he obeyed immediately. Soon he was looking into the faceless mask of the Fallen Angel. "What occurred here was a test in strength. Both yours and mine." The Prince spoke so calmly, Lucius could hear the smile. "It was also designed for me to recognize how my command will increase. If I am not loyal to myself, how will anything get done. You are dismissed, Lucius. That is, unless our Lord and Master desires you to remain."
The Dark Prince turned to Voldemort in a questioning manner. "He may leave. You, however, have yet to tell me what you intend to do about Dumbledore."
Lucius rose and backed out of the room, staring at the two gods before him. Could anything bring them to their knees? The Prince only submitted to the Dark Lord, while Severus Snape, appeared to do the same. Except he was under Lucius's command.
Then he realized. Snape submitted to Lucius, but Snape had never submitted to the Dark Prince. So that was why he had been part of that scene. They had needed a stand in for the Prince, not a replacement as he had so desired.
Lucius cursed himself for not seeing it sooner.
So now Snape obeyed the Dark Prince. But where did that place him on the scale? Was he higher or lower than Lucius?
Lucius left before he could hear another word of his masters' conversation.