A/N: All right, as I said last chapter, this is a "meanwhile" of what is happening to Snape. I decided that Hermione and Draco's last detention deserved a chapter of it's own, so it's not in here. Lucius, however, is. Now, for all those who didn't read the author's note (which this is replacing) it was an explanation of why I was gone. You see, my life got kinda crazy and about a month ago, a close friend of mine died in a car crash. I didn't really feel much like writing after that. Or doing anything, really. In any case, I just posted it today and tonight I got a suddent burst of inspiration. I hope you like it and thanks for sticking with me. I know how difficult it is when a story remains unupdated and I promise I would've if I could've. But, to be honest, I've been useless lately due to grief. But I'm back and here, my friends, is chapter 22. The song is "Mindless Domination" by Gardenian. But, as always, lol, the disclaimer and review replies (even if they're from forever ago lol) :
I don't own anything but the storyline. Please, I'm broke, no sue.
samhaincat: Thank you :) I think they're a funny pair too.
Star Katt: Hi :-) lol, I'm sorry. Eventually, they will.. erm.. kinda get along? lol. Next chapter the sparks will fly! :)
Cinnamon Angel: Yo yo, lol. But those were all perfectly valid excuses then, lol. And here I am, updating. If you were online, I'd tell you, but you aren't. At least, you better not be, lol, it'd be 6 AM there now.
Elle Granger: HIIII!!!! hehe. Here it is!! Hope you like :-) I hated Dante too. Actually, I know someone named Dante and hate him, which is why I picked the name, hehe.
goldenhorse: thanks :) I'll check your story out.
Jewelkitten: ok, so this wasn't soon.. but it's here, lol. Hehe, aren't the insults fun?
Cho Chang-Emotional Dark Hole: interesting sn, lol, I like. Thanks :) I love halloween. Happy REALLY belated halloween and happy early easter :)
Chelsea: Hi, thanks :) Sure I can. But I just noticed that you reviewed my author's note, so I shall email you to inform you of this chapter :)
Darcel: Hi! Thank you :-)
Claire: Hey, how are you? Sorry this took so long, please don't hurt me, lol. I really like how this one went, so I hope it helps to soothe people over, lol. It would truly be horrid for you not to be able to threaten, I hope this renews your fervor lol.
YW: Eventually, lol. I emailed you :)
Ms Padfoot: Ahh, I can't wait to catch up with all my fics again, especially yours!! I haven't been to fanfiction.net in forever and thus have fallen behind. Thank you :)
BlackKat/Kirby: Hi :) LoL!! I'm glad you like me doing these, some people get annoyed with them and say they're too long. But I love all my reviewers. If you can take the time to review, I can take the time to say thanks :) Sorry about the delay, but here it finally is. I hope you like it :) Blackkat rules!!! hehe :-D No review is pointless!!! I love all!!!!
ToraSilverHeart: Hey, hope you're still out there, I know this took so long. Awwwwwww, you're so sweet. 100 pages? Wow. lol, no I didn't know. Wow again, lol. I'm so touched that you like it enough to show your friends. Thank you :) Yes, I am a meanie, lol, but next chapter they should be happier with eachother... Or not... *evil grin*
pupulupk: Thank you :) Of course I'll read. I see you like Legalos, me too *drool* lol Aragon too.
Dirt is Yummy: Hi, how are you? Well, I may be amazing, but God? lol, jk. Thank you very much :)
Amber-and-Ash: Hello, thank you for reviewing :) Ah, the deeply debated topic of song lyrics. I'm afraid I'm rather attached. But thank you. And I understand what you said about Draco's fumblings. The way I was thinking of it was that he was changing the way he thought about them, but didn't want to admit it, even to himself. Do you know what I mean? Like, he started thinking of them on a first name basis without realizing it, and trying to fix it once he did. Sorry, I could've made it clearer. Thank you again for your review and constructive criticism :)
LP13: Here it is!! Don't die!!! lol, thank you :)
ShadowCastle: Awww, I'm sorry. Not really, lol, I love making people cry with stories. I'm evil that way ;-) lol, ahhhh not the monster under the bed!! *runs and hides* Here's the next chapter, so he can stay with you ;-)
Loving: Thank you very much :-) I always thought Draco should have a relationship with ONE of his parents, and I like Narcissa. Fanfic Narcissa anyway, lol. Don't worry, there will be things 'felt' at times, but it won't go way out or anything. Mary Sue's drive me crazy as well, I hope I'm doing ok in that field so far? If I start to veer, please let me know :) Thank you again.
Jadyn Potter: Thank you. You are probably the reason this chapter was finished. I didn't really realize that people wanted to read my story that much. I was in such a slump. I don't know what your rant did, but the words flowed. Thank you for caring about my story and I hope you like this chapter :)
Severus smirked to himself in anticipation of the quidditch game. Ravenclaw was good enough, true, but he had sat in on some practices and knew his team was up for it. He has also seen the odd looks Draco had gotten from some of his teammates. Severus had wondered what would happen when people realized the Slytherin wasn't the slimeball he had previously acted like. It was worrying, what if someone told Lucius? Voldemort?
*~You're destroying
everything
Everything you touch~*
The potion's master shook himself, stressing over it would change nothing. So far, it seemed to be just mild suspicion. If it got worse... well, it would be handled when the time came. Now, however, he had quite a day to take on. After the Quidditch game would be the last detention, and then a defense lesson for Draco by himself and the were- Lupin. Severus sighed, that would take some getting used to.
Absentmindedly, he thought about what would become of Draco and Hermione's truce after that night. It seemed like they were doing rather well. Last night Severus had sat in on the detention for a change and was amazed at the two. While cleaning they actually worked together and he hadn't heard one death threat. Well, not a real one anyway. Sev hated to admit a Gryffindor might be good for Draco, but he couldn't fight proof. The question now was, would it continue?
With that thought churning around in his mind, he was about to leave his office when a house elf popped in.
"Professor has a visitor, sir", she squeaked.
Severus' eyes narrowed as he tried to imagine who would be visiting him at Hogwarts, "Who, Myra?"
The little elf shuddered a little ("Uh oh" Sev said to himself), "Mister Malfoy, sir".
Every muscle seemed to freeze. Lucius was there?? Why the HELL had he come to the school? He knew that he couldn't very well beat Draco right within the walls, right? Severus wanted to scream in frustration, but managed to calm his voice, "All right, tell him to come in".
*~When you are here in me~*
While waiting, he concentrated on suppressing any and all homicidal thoughts. That was hard enough to do when Lucius wasn't near him, how could he do it now? All Severus could see was the condition Draco had been in after the previous weekend. Hatred surged, today was supposed to be a good day, it was such nice weather for quidditch... "Damn!" he swore softly. The quidditch game!! He had been looking forward to going. Not only to see the Ravenclaws be beaten, but to watch Draco play. He was unreasonably disappointed that he would miss some of it. How had that happened?
*~This is how close you'll
get
with me, I'm like the criminal~*
The entrance of a tall, blonde man broke into that trail of thinking. He smiled at Severus, the other man cringed internally in response, and greeted him.
"Hello Lucius", he hoped the anger was successfully reined in.
"How are you?" Lucius questioned politely.
"Fine, and yourself?" Severus wanted to scream, why the hell wasn't the man getting to the point??
*~Insane with an urge of
rage in me
I shouldn't still be free~*
He nodded and finally answered the silent question, "I came by to check on Draco".
"What?" The word flew out as Severus went completely still. What exactly did that mean?
Lucius didn't seem to notice the reaction, "You know, make sure there were no suspicions about before", he smirked.
'HOW DARE YOU!' The professor's mind raged, but he struggled to smirk back, "Everything went perfectly".
"Breathe in and out, Sev" , the voice cautioned.
*~The voices in my head twist my mind groundly~*
'Yes yes, I know', he snapped back. He knew the importance of playing his part, but still said, "You did quite a number on him".
Lucius shrugged and leaned on his cane a bit, "He angered the Master".
"Well the Master does need him alive", Severus made his tone careless.
"You'd be amazed what that boy can live through", he laughed.
"Ignore him!!!" Sev heard the command in his head. Fine, he wouldn't say anything about that comment, but he was desperate to have the monster leave, "All right, hope your mind is eased now. It was nice seeing you, Lucius".
*~Paralyzed my fears of my own judgment~*
"Eager to get rid of me, Severus?"
Severus saw the smirk and knew he was safe, Lucius didn't really suspect him of anything, "Of course not. I just figured you would want to be getting back home".
"I have nothing to do there. I heard there was a quidditch game today, thought I would stay for it. Then afterwards I can speak with Draco, say hello and all", the smirk became even more sadistic than usual.
*~Not standing on my own
controlled
by a voice in my head~*
"Well, there's his detention...", he trailed off, Lucius didn't know about the detention, oh no...
"Detention?" The cold silver eyes narrowed.
'Shit!' Severus mentally cursed. He couldn't very well reveal the reason for it. Grasping for an explanation, he clung to the first one that his mind came up with, "It's not really his. That Granger girl, I think you know of her? She mouthed off in class and got a week of detention. Albus and I have needed to discuss course plans so I send Draco down there to supervise her". 'Please believe it', he begged in his mind.
Lucius nodded, "Those filthy mudbloods, not surprising, they have no respect for their betters. I'll just have a minute with him beforehand, if that's all right".
Incredibly relieved that Lucius bought his lie, Severus just nodded, "Of course".
*~Losing the control of
life
can't decide about my own visions of life~*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
The two men watched the match closely. Both were looking for different things, though. One was searching for errors, mistakes, ammo for later. The other was keeping an eye out to see when the boy would see the snitch, until then he was content with the outstanding moves Draco made. Having Lucius right next to him, though, added another picture to his mind. One of a white-blonde boy hurtling down to the earth at an alarming rate. And it was all the fault of the beast that dared to invade the safety of the school.
*~So sickened of the lies~*
"He's going to expect you to cover up whatever he does", the voice said sadly.
'I know!', Sev answered angrily, 'What am I supposed to say? 'Oh sorry, Lucius, can't help you there. You see, I'm actually a spy for the light and am going to teach Draco how to fight you'?!'
"Add a few obscenities and it's perfect"
*~The voices in my head twist my mind groundly~*
Despite the tension, Severus laughed a little to himself. It all seemed so unbelievable. How the hell had he gotten to be sitting here thinking these thoughts? He shook his head, sometimes life was too twisted for even him.
Finally, Severus saw Draco zero in on the snitch. 'Please please please', he repeated to himself.
*~Paralyzed my fears of my own judgment~*
"Yes!" He couldn't help semi shouting. Lucius would have no reason to torment Draco over this match. Sev smirked at this victory and glanced over to see how his "friend" was taking Draco's success. Unsurprisingly, Lucius' face remained emotionless. If anything, there was an air of annoyance about him. As if Draco had no right to do something correctly. Severus shook his head, the kid was damned if he did, and damned if he didn't.
*~Cause of what they say no
matter what
Still I hear their screams, terrified, afraid~*
"Think happy thoughts", The voice cautioned.
Sev rolled his eyes and rose. There were more important things than him yelling at Lucius right now. It was time for the monster to see Draco...
*~Grow~*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
Severus left a message with a third year Slytherin to send Draco up to his chambers immediately. The professor and Lucius went there themselves and settled down to wait. Sev didn't think it was quite fair that fate was making him spend so much time with this creature. Wasn't it enough that he hadn't inflicted bodily harm yet? Just how strong did the universe think he was??
*~A piece is getting sicker my mind is contaged~*
Conversations were started, awkwardly ending. Small talk was attempted and discarded. Severus hoped Lucius just assumed he was distracted about classes, it would not do to have his odd behavior get back to Voldemort.
Finally, however, they heard the door open and a voice floated through.
"Professor Snape, they said you wanted to see..." Draco trailed off as he caught sight of the whole room... and the fact that his father was in it.
"Close your mouth, Draco, it's unbecoming", Lucius smirked, "Aren't you happy to see me?"
*~Insane, prevailed~*
Draco, meanwhile, was trying to figure out if this was a nightmare or a giant cosmic joke. It wasn't enough that he had all the Hermione issues swirling in his head, no, now Lucius had to show up. He unknowingly repeated Sev's question, just how strong did fate think he was??
"Of course, Father, I was merely surprised. I did not know you had a visit planned".
"I didn't. I wished to speak to Professor Snape about last weekend. When I learned there was a quidditch match, I just had to stay. What kind of father would I be if I did not?" The mocking tone could've wilted a rose.
'I don't know', Draco wanted to retort, 'What kind are you now?'. It incensed him that Lucius could be so casual about last week. He had practically beaten his own son to death! But it didn't matter to him, not at all...
*~It could happen to us all in a day~*
"I hope you enjoyed the game", he kept his tone controlled.
Lucius nodded slightly, "Well, I must admit it was nice to see you succeed for once. Congratulations".
Draco recognized the sarcasm but thanked his father anyway. His mind wandered to why Lucius would want to speak with him now. He didn't expect to do anything within Hogwarts... did he? The thought made him cold.
*~Falling down into my crypt~*
But, no, he had to know about the detentions, so he couldn't do anything too bad. Draco didn't know how the professor had explained the detentions away, so figured he wouldn't mention them as of yet.
Severus was doing his best to not intervene in the discussion between 'father' and son. The damn man couldn't even congratulate his son right. What a waste of life... And so he simmered in anger and remained silent. Then he heard his name..
*~The voices in my head will stay free~*
"Severus", Lucius was looking at him, "Could Draco and I speak privately for a moment? It won't take long, I promise, I know he has to go make sure that Granger girl doesn't blow up your lab".
So that was it, Draco thought idly. Actually, it was pretty clever.
"What would you have done if he'd asked you about them?" The voice intruded.
*~Voices!~*
'I don't know', he answered honestly, 'But I'm sure I would've thought of something'.
"Maybe".
'Shut up'.
The potions teacher wasn't quite sure what to do. He couldn't think of a valid reason not to do as Lucius asked, but he was wary of leaving them alone. Even if Lucius couldn't physically harm Draco, his tongue could do almost as much damage. He caught Draco's eye and the young man nodded, as if in consent. Sending a prayer up to the heavens, Severus answered.
"Of course it's not a problem. You can just send him down to my classroom afterwards, I should get to Dumbledore's. Nice seeing you, Lucius", he choked on the last words.
*~The voices in my head twist my mind groundly~*
"Thank you, friend, and you as well".
Friend. Severus shuddered and slowly left his chambers. In his mind a familiar chant was going on, "Please, please, please, please.."
Lucius stretched out an arm, "Do sit down, son".
Draco obeyed immediately, sitting as far away as possible without arousing suspicion.
"Much better. Now, how are you feeling?" The smirk hovered beneath his features.
"I'm doing fine", Draco answered carefully, not sure where his father was going with this.
*~Paralyzed my fears of my own judgment~*
"Good", his tone seemed to suggest the opposite, "The purpose of this discussion, child, is to insure that there are no more episodes like last week. I simply cannot have you acting that way around our Lord".
"He blamed you", the teenager commented without thinking.
Lucius' face twisted into a deep frown, "Yes, as a matter of fact, he did", his eyes narrowed even further, "Listen, boy, the Lord wants you alive. Rest assured that is the only reason you are breathing right now. So I wouldn't be angering him too much if I were you. The second he loses interest..." he didn't finish, letting Draco use his imagination.
"Yes, Father, I understand. It won't happen again", Draco was struggled to stay polite.
"It better not, or last weekend will seem like a vacation. He needs you alive, yes, but there are things worse than death, Draco", Lucius performed his version of a smile.
'Yeah', his son thought to himself, 'Like my life'.
*~Cause of what they say no matter what~*
"You're such a drama queen".
'Drama king', Draco shot back then, realizing what he said, groaned inwardly, 'Just shut up!'
"Very well, you may attend to your duties now", The tall blonde man stood and waved his son off, "Make the mudblood pay".
"As always, Father". Draco had to keep himself from running all the way to the classroom. He wanted to separate himself from that monster as quickly as possible. Just being near his father made Draco feel dirty, feel wrong. Made him realize just how close he was to becoming him. Breathing a deep sigh of relief, he entered the potions room. The relief only lasted a second, however, because he glanced up and was met with Hermione's fierce glare. He redirected his gaze back to the floor and sulkingly wondered with fate was worse.
*~Still I hear their screams, terrified, afraid~*
A/N: So, how was it? Bad? Good? Just eh? Please tell me!!! Reviews make my world go round :-D