Chapter Twenty-Two: The Traitor

Monday afternoon Rose found herself twenty feet above the stone floor of the office scrubbing the cathedral window until, in the words of Lucius Malfoy, "it looks worthy of my name." That was a difficult yardstick with which to measure cleanliness. Which does one go by, his impeccably tidy facade or his nasty temper? As she chuckled at her own joke, her levitation spell wavered a bit and she teetered in mid-air.

Catching her breath and forcing her heart to regain it's normal cadence, she strengthened the enchantment and concentrated on scrubbing. Occasionally, she stole a glance over her shoulder at Lucius who was busy at his desk where he had been reading an enormous volume from his library and taking extensive notes. Presently, he was reading a letter that appeared to have him even more perturbed than usual. Finally, he balled up the message and in a fit of temper gave the desk a solid whack with his wand as he stood. The parchment was incinerated on the spot.

"Rose!" he barked.

"Yes, my lord?" She'd taken to referring to him in the traditional manner of servants in order to repel a bit of the wrath that he was pouring on everyone he encountered.

"We shall have a dinner guest at seven. I trust that you will be prepared," was his way of requesting dinner for three.

"Yes, my lord," she repeated, returning to her cleaning with renewed vigor.

A rush of flames was heard as he tossed a handful of floo powder into the hearth and demanded angrily, "Severus Snape's office!"

Her heart began to flutter. Oh, no! Not Severus! Not this soon after Alex had spent such a magical evening with Lucius! How much emotional damage could she take in a week?

"Severus! Dinner is at seven. Do not keep me waiting!" he ordered, stepping out of the flames and returning to his desk before the potions master could even respond.

Rose ground her teeth. How had such a great evening turned Malfoy into such a tyrant? Checking her watch, she saw that she had four hours to find some measure of calm before Severus arrived or she'd wind up making a huge mess of things.

Her feet hit something solid and she looked down to investigate. They were resting firmly on the floor. High above her head, the window sparkled in the sunshine. So much for concentration. She gave a light shrug, then turned to her employer. She was loathe to have to ask any questions, but if she screwed up dinner, he'd likely follow through on his threat to drag her to the dungeons and beat her. She stifled a hysterical giggle. Why in the hell did that thought give her a thrill?

"My lord?" she began, as meekly as possible.

"What is it?" he responded without looking up.

"I'm terribly sorry to disturb you, but would you like anything in particular for dinner?" she asked.

"Something edible would be nice, or is that too difficult for you?" he snapped.

Rose felt the tears forming and decided to beat a hasty retreat before they began to fall.

"No, my lord. I'll just fix bruschetta and penne." At least she knew he would be happy with the food. He requested those two dishes for dinner at least once a week. She raced for the door, but didn't escape in time.

"Rose!" he snapped.

She pivoted on her heel and was by his side in an instant. "My lord?" She hoped that the forthcoming lecture wouldn't be stern enough to call forth the tears that were threatening to fall, and despised herself for wanting nothing more than to fall into his lap, put her arms around him and cry on his shoulder.

"I'm going to make Severus a very unhappy man tonight, and he has a delicate stomach." He sighed and added softly. "Perhaps something more... traditional would be preferable."

A single tear fell as she contemplated Severus' likely reaction to the news, and she cursed her weakness. She tried to turn but he stopped her with a light touch.

"Rose?" He spoke her name delicately in much the same way he'd spoken to Alex as she drifted off to sleep in his arms. She opened her mouth to respond, but broke down instead, hiding her face in her hands.

It was then that she learned to be very careful when making wishes as he pulled her onto his knees and wrapped his arms around her protectively. It proved to be more than she could take. She laid her head on his shoulder... and sobbed.

He let her cry, rocking her softly, saying nothing. As the tears abated, she wondered at his behavior. He was not a man she would expect to ever comfort a saddened woman, particularly a servant, but on more than one occasion he had been her silent support as she fell apart. What else did she not know about Lucius Malfoy? What other tender mercies did he hide?

"I will not let anything happen to you, I promise," he whispered.

What did he mean by that?

"No one will ever harm you in my home again," he continued. "You're safe."

Suddenly she realized.

His eyes took on a dangerous glint. "Did Severus hurt you? Did he even touch you? He swore to me that he had not."

You have no idea, she thought, blinking away the remaining tears as he held her gaze, waiting for an answer.

"You do remember him, do you not?"

"Yes, sir," she finally managed. "He didn't touch me, but he sure as hell didn't lift a finger to stop them," she added angrily. The tears threatened to return and she breathed deeply, willing them away.

Lucius placed a hand gently on her cheek and captured her gaze with his own. "I know it's difficult for you to understand, but there was nothing he could have done to help you. I am their... superior, if you will. The only other person they answer to is the Dark Lord, himself. Severus had no authority to act on your behalf, whether he approved of what they were doing or not. And, if I know Severus, he was disgusted with them."

"I don't understand how a man like you came to be allied with such horrible people," she sniffed.

Lucius released the tiniest of laughs without smiling. "I am kind to you because you're a faithful servant. As long as you obey me without question, I will continue to treat you well. But, I do not tolerate disobedience. I am a terror to those who defy me.

"The Death Eaters, particularly those Death Eaters are powerful, lethal men, and if I do not assert my own power among them, I and my family will be overrun by them. That is a fate I will never accept. Therefore, I not only ally myself with them, I fought, tortured, and slaughtered my way to the top of their ranks. They are now mine to command, with my Lord's blessing." He guided her to her feet as he stood. "Do you understand?"

"No. But I accept it," she answered honestly.

"Can you do this?"

"I can do this for you, my lord." She smiled up at him.

"Make this evening an elegant affair. We can at least be uncivilized in civilized surroundings." He smirked, the closest thing she'd seen to a smile on his face since Friday night.

"It's good to see you smile again."

"It is good to have a reason," he answered softly before strolling out, walking stick tapping the floor in time.

Rose leaned across the table, using a tiny flame at the end of her wand to light the last few candles in the centerpiece. A shadow fell across her eyes.

"Well, this is a pleasant change," was Lucius Malfoy's quiet greeting.

She turned to face him with a proud smile. When he had suggested elegance, she'd decided to dress the part of a proper hostess in a simple straight black dress with a close-fitting, gray bodice. "Well, you requested elegance, and my uniform is a bit too practical for that," she answered logically, failing to mention that if she couldn't hurt Severus as badly as he was hurting her, she could at least remind him of what he had given up.

"It is indeed a bit Spartan." He hesitated, thinking, then added, "Well, don't let me interrupt your work." With that he disappeared through the dining room with a swish of a soft black cape.

Rose shook her head in wonder. What went through that man's head in moments such as those? There was obviously something he wanted to say, but felt compelled to hold his tongue. Strange.

Back in the kitchen, she donned her apron, checked the main course, and began whipping cream for dessert. She'd never served this white chocolate mouse before and hoped it would be a hit with Draco. He had been in such good spirits since Saturday night, she wanted to keep his mood elevated until they were able to slip out again. Concerned about the delicate sauce she was working on as well, she leaned over and checked the oven once more.

"You should be punished for tempting me so," drawled a voice directly behind her.

"Shit!" Rose leapt, wheeled on her heel and drew her wand before he finished the sentence. The oven door slammed behind her.

Lucius stood poised and calm, arrogant chin high in the air and his trademark sneer firmly in place. "That was a pathetically slow draw. You would have been dead before you even saw me." His sneer slowly evolved into a laugh as Rose lowered her wand and took a calming breath.

"My lord, I acknowledge that this is your home and it's your right to go where you please, when you please, but I'd appreciate it if you would refrain from sneaking up on me when I'm already a bundle of nerves."

Lucius didn't respond, simply held out his hand, and she took it without question. Following him through the kitchen to the dining room, she was surprised to find them stop in front of the enormous mirror that decorated the southern wall. Gently, he turned her away from him to face their reflections, pulled the laces of her apron and slid it over her head. It was dropped onto a nearby chair without a glance. She stood unmoving as he slid a black box from an inner pocket which opened slowly with a tap of his finger to reveal the most beautiful necklace she'd ever seen.

It was a silver serpent, so intricately carved that it looked as though it could come to life at any moment. With a solemn expression, Lucius placed it around her neck, clasping mouth to tail at the hollow of her throat and smiled arrogantly at the effect. She turned to face him, a look of awe on her face. "I don't know what to say," she admitted.

"It is customary to say 'thank you' when given a gift," he explained with a smirk.

She smiled sweetly, stood on her toes and thanked him with a single, tender kiss. His brows lifted in surprise before he raised his hand, traced her lips with his finger, leaned in slowly, and stopped an inch from her mouth. For an eternal moment, he searched her eyes as her heart fluttered wildly in her chest. "You're welcome," was his only response before regaining his full height and striding slowly from the dining room.

Rose fell into a nearby chair and concentrated on finding her breath. How strange that Malfoy would not return her affections. Normally, he would have taken her kiss as an excuse to ravage her. For a moment, her heart leapt. Perhaps his feelings for Alex ran deeper than either of them realized, perhaps he would feel some sort of guilt for taking another woman so soon after their encounter. She shook the hope from her heart and headed back into the kitchen, tying her apron as she went. It was more likely that he didn't want her to burn dinner.

At seven o'clock sharp, Severus Snape stepped through the hearth looking disgruntled in the extreme. Spotting Rose standing dutifully at her master's heel, his scowl deepened. She waited for Lucius to greet his guest before stepping forward to claim his cloak. For an instant, their hands met beneath the black cloth and his eyes snapped to the side, engulfing her in the storm which raged within. His eyes were back on Lucius a moment later.

"I see that your servant was not permanently damaged," he said coldly.

No thanks to you, you spiteful, controlling bastard, Rose thought, sure that the anger was plain on her face, and not really caring.

"She is surprisingly resilient for a woman," Lucius answered. "Rose, a bottle of wine, please."

Glad for an excuse to leave Snape's presence, she nodded briskly to Lucius who was not even looking her way and rushed from the room.

The two gentlemen sat for a moment communicating wordlessly. After a moment, Severus broke the silence.

"You received my letter?" he asked.

"Yes, I did."

"And, you have news for me as well," he stated in his tightest voice.

Malfoy's gaze never wavered. "I found her, Severus."

There was a charged pause during which Severus silently cursed Lucius for forcing him to drag the information out of him piece by piece. It was a sick game that Malfoy enjoyed playing, testing the patience of his oldest friend.

"And?" Severus forced himself to prod.

"It's complicated. We should discuss it after dinner," Lucius offered.

Snape's eyes widened, his head tilted slightly to the side. "Lucius," he breathed, his voice thick with dread. "What have you done?"

In the kitchen, Rose paused over the last-minute preparations for dinner and listened carefully, hating the pain she could hear in Sev's voice. He knew. That much was obvious. Severus could read people as if they were words on a parchment. It was one of his most impressive gifts.

"How did you ever let her go?" was Malfoy's answer. "I have never known such a woman."

Rose could almost see Sev's mind working to weave a new web around the confirmation of this dreaded news.

"Spend enough time in her company and you'll understand," he responded angrily. "She is, without a doubt, the most overconfident, uncompromising, willful creature I have ever met. There is simply no controlling her."

Rose narrowed her eyes as she passed through the hall with her serving tray. "Controlling me?" she whispered in disbelief to the walls.

"I will concede that, old friend," Lucius said. "She gave me nothing definite, just told me that she'd consider my words."

"That does not sound promising," Severus intoned.

"It isn't. I thought that if I allowed an intimate encounter, she would be charmed into submission. Obviously, as much as it pains me to admit it, I was wrong."

"Allowed an intimate encounter?" Severus repeated. "An honest man would admit his attraction. You've wanted her from the very beginning.," he asserted.

"No," Lucius answered quickly as Rose entered and began to serve them. "My attraction to her developed gradually. It was those very traits that so upset you that intrigued me. I first realized my interest when a team of mediwizards was repairing my face after her... unconventional method of self-defense. She's not what I am accustomed to in a woman." He smiled up at his maid. "Rose is the type of woman I am accustomed to; respectful, humble, and submissive."

"You honor me, my lord," Rose inclined her head, wanting nothing more than to slap that superior smirk off of her employer's face. She left before the temptation become overwhelming.

"Did you tell her about the contract, that your life is in danger?" Severus asked, steering them back in the direction of their original topic.

"Yes."

"And?"

"She said that she would think about it. Clearly, she does not trust me," Lucius admitted reluctantly.

"She hasn't much reason to, Lucius," was Snape's response.

"Ridiculous," he whispered venomously. "I have nothing to gain from harming her. She knows this."

"She knows that you stand to gain quite a bit of prestige by bringing her head to our master."

"I won't need his approval when he is dead," was Malfoy's cold response. "And, truly I have no desire to damage her in any way. There's something about her, Severus. I can't quite place it. She's captivating, not beautiful, by any means, but spirited and independent. I've come to be quite... fond of her."

Rose smiled, sure that she was blushing, as she rang the dinner chime.

Dinner was an unexpectedly pleasant affair with Draco and Severus chatting amiably about potions, poisons, antidotes, and Harry Potter. Draco and Severus seemed to take wicked enjoyment in discussing their distaste for the latter as Lucius listened quietly, a faraway look in his eyes.

When the last desired morsel had been savored , the three gentlemen retired to the sitting room to enjoy a bottle of very old wine (even Draco was poured a small glass) as they discussed school, politics, and current events. As the subjects died and the conversation quieted, Severus drained his fourth glass and placed it on the side table. When Rose stepped from her place behind her employer's chair to refill it, he covered it quickly and gave a tight shake of his head without looking up indicating that he had had enough.

"Lucius," he began ominously. "I thank you for a most enjoyable evening, but I think it's time we discussed one other matter of concern."

Malfoy placed his empty glass down as well, and Rose was unsurprised when she encountered no resistance in refilling it. "You said in your letter that it concerns an associate."

"I could risk saying no more. We have a problem within our ranks that must be dealt with... immediately."

It was frightening how quickly Malfoy's entire persona could change from friendly to furious. In a heartbeat, his expression had hardened, and his eyes turned to ice. "A traitor?" he whispered dangerously.

Severus nodded once and Lucius extended a pale, perfect hand to retrieve his glass and take a long, slow drink. When the empty goblet was replaced on the table, he addressed his son, eyes never leaving Snape's.

"Draco, please excuse us," he said tightly.

The younger Malfoy opened his mouth to protest, but seeing the black look that passed between his elders, he snapped it closed again and left quietly. The look that he gave Rose as he vacated clearly indicated that he expected to hear everything later that evening. She responded with a tiny wink, sealing the agreement.

When Draco had left, Lucius raised his wand to silence the room, then leaned forward freezing Severus with an all-too-familiar cold stare, and waited.

Rycca Wolfbane: You are so funny, sometimes! ;-) She is not fickle! She's confused, ya meanie! And, yes, I would love to play a game of wand-tag. It looks like it's right up my alley. I loved your chant at the end of your review. It had me laughing so hard I nearly fell out of my chair, which would have humiliated my cat into the very dust! You're right, though. If they get caught, she's doomed.

Merryday: Thank you. I'm glad that you like my Draco. He's a lot of fun to write because he's so world-wise in some ways and so naive in others.

PPP: Well, if that isn't one the sweetest comments ever made in a review! Thank you! More of the "wizarding night life" to come!

Silverfey: No matter how short your reviews, they're always precious. Thank you for taking the time. It's sweet that you agree about Draco deserving a night out. Poor little has to be just miserable stuck in that house! Looking forward to your next update, by the way.

Arabella Minerva: Wow! So many questions! Let's see, I can't tell you about Voldie, I refuse to tell you what I do for a living (it's humiliating), and Snape is back (I'm sure you noticed). As for Lucius' dark side, you haven't seen the last of it, I promise! As for Draco, I think he just wants to be a normal teenager right now. He's not too keen on the Death Eaters and hates the pressure his father has put on him to become one. You're not the only one who suspects that Lucius knows. I guess you'll know whether you're right abut that in the end (which is, I'm sorry to say) quite a long way off.

Annie: That would be a funny way to blow her cover, yes. I had fun writing the club scene and am relieved that everyone seemed to enjoy it. Thank you for being so open-minded about Alex's sexuality. Your attitude is rare, or at least it is here in the south. So, you think I should face my fears and go back to school, do you? You're probably right. I've wanted to teach for as long as I can remember, and I agree with you about needing fewer Shakespeare-spewing, sour old hags teaching such a fantastic subject. I'd like to play a part in breaking that cycle. So, enlighten me, what two kinds of people can teach English?

Lady Jenilyn: I am so sorry about your computer! I hope that you can fix the problem soon. You know, I thought that I was having trouble with mine when I couldn't access fanfic.net for about a week. It turned out that they were just revamping the site to accept an updated form of my browser, or some such technical jargon. It fixed itself, thank goodness, and I haven't had a problem since. I adored your long review! It was so full of information! Thanks for the first compliment. I really wanted have more than a good time come of their first night on the town. That's why I decided to teach her a lesson on Malfoy ethics, or lack thereof. What is it with guys and Lesbians? I, as well, do not know one man who isn't turned on by the thought of two women together. I can't have a civilized conversation with any of my guy friends about former girlfriends without having their eyes glaze over and losing them completely. It's bizarre! You're right about writing being such a personal thing. It's been hard standing up to the few critics I've had, but I didn't have much choice. They were being completely unreasonable! Constructive criticism is one thing, just being critical is quite another. Besides, I've found that positive reinforcement is infinitely more productive than negative. In closing, don't fret over me and "Darth Life." I've kicked his ass before and I'll manage it again.

Fleur K: You noticed the whole Rose/Alex shift? I try to keep that subtle, but I want to keep the two completely separate as far as their individual characteristics and reactions. Because Rose can't afford to think of herself as Alex when she's a maid, and Alex can't be like Rose when she's with Lucius or assassinating Death Eaters, she has to be split in half. There are strange blurs, sometimes, like when Rose murders the Death Eater who hurt her at the mansion, but all in all, I think it's the only to really make it work. Gee, did I talk your ear off enough? Sorry. I do tend to ramble. Hope you continue to enjoy!