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Chapter Three
"Wake up, lazy bones. It's time for breakfast!" said a cheerful Lucius, as he walked uninvited through Severus's room. All he got was a groan in response.
"Fuck off, Luc. It's Saturday."
"Yes, and we're going to Hogsmeade. So, you've got to get up now," asserted the blonde. He strode over to the bed and yanked back the duvet, leaving Severus in his black silk pyjamas with a very disgruntled look on his face. Lucius leaned over him, and grabbed his face. Moving in closer, Severus shrank back, assuming Lucius was going to kiss him. Instead, he moved upward and deposited a quick peck on the other boy's forehead. Smiling, he whispered, "right now. Move your arse." Stepping away, Lucius yanked open Severus' wardrobe and started pulling out clothes.
Sitting up, Severus said, "why are you so goddamned cheerful? I would have thought after the night we had, you'd be the last person to be up before midday."
"Admitting you can't hold your drink is extremely unwise, Severus. A more devious person than me might choose to blackmail you with that information later."
"It's not like we just had a pint or two, Luc. You knocked back more than I did." Lucius turned to face him, with a bored expression on his face.
"Whatever. Get dressed, and get moving. I need to go to London."
Severus got up, and started changing. Staring at his friend, he said, "London? What for?"
"Just a thing or two. We can Apparate, of course. I'll only be in Knockturn Alley an hour or so."
"Apparate? I haven't passed my test. You haven't either, have you? What do you need in Knockturn Alley?"
"Severus, you're being an idiot. Of course I've passed my test. Did it the moment I turned seventeen. Why haven't you?"
"Father said he didn't want me going off without his knowing until I was old enough to take the consequences of what I did," Severus mumbled.
Lucius snorted. "Well, I can take you with me, that's no problem. As to what I'll be buying, you'll find out soon enough. Well? Going to stand there like a gormless idiot all day, are you?"
Severus grinned good naturedly, his head starting to clear from the fuzz of sleep. "Well, get out, if you want me to come with you. I'm not going to stand naked in front of you. I'll see you at breakfast."
Lucius blatantly gave him a once-over, smirking. "Shame. I could do with a bit of excitement this early in the morning. I'm going!" he added, seeing Severus' warning look. Shaking his head, Severus completed his dress.
After arriving in the Great Hall, he sat down, and started eating. Soon enough, places were taken in the Hogwart's Express, and the train pulled out of the station. Severus tried to take advantage of the twenty-minute ride to Hogsmeade, but soon found his efforts thwarted, when Rosier and Lestrange came striding in, talking noisily.
"Don't mind if we join you, Luc? Severus?" said Rosier. After receiving a warning look from Lucius, and a glare from Severus, he smiled sweetly. "Didn't think so."
Predictably, an awkward silence fell upon the carriage. Lestrange, strangely enough, most uncomfortable out of all of them, shifted self- consciously and tried to stare out of the window. Rosier looked smug, as he knew he was the cause of the discomfited atmosphere. Lucius looked outraged, and kept an eye on Rosier, and the other on Severus. The latter stared pointedly out of the window as well, fixedly ignoring the new occupants. He hadn't forgiven Lucius for his affair, despite his pretences, and spending time with Rosier definitely wasn't top on his list of priorities. It took a lot longer than usual to get to the station.
As soon as they exited the train, the four parted and headed separate ways. As the rest of the train headed for Zonko's, Gladrags and Honeydukes, Lucius pulled Severus to the opposite end of the village where they could leave without being seen. At length, they came to a secluded wood, and looked round for followers.
"Don't think there's anyone here. God, we'll be in so much trouble if we get caught," mumbled Severus, trying to keep a hold his tongue after having nearly lost it after Rosier's performance. Lucius snorted.
"There's always a risk, Severus. With everything, there's always a risk. You know that. Now come on, get hold of me."
"You're sure you know what you're doing?" said Severus, as Lucius apparated them both to Knockturn Alley. Quickly letting go of the other boy, Sev looked round at the surroundings in distaste, taking in the dingy buildings, the fumes of opium, and the whores on the corner. Lucius recovered quickly and led them down the alley to a particularly disreputable shop, which had no signpost. Confidently, he opened the door and stepped in. It was obvious from the arrogant manner in which he handled himself, that he was no stranger to the underworld. Severus wondered what sort of shop this was.
He found out soon enough. The shop held a sturdy fog of simmering potion fumes, most of which he didn't recognise. He breathed in the poisonous air, suddenly feeling quite at home. Potions were his forte; no one could beat his marks, not even Lucius or Potter. Over the summer he'd been experimenting, although he was sometimes frustrated at his father's restraints, and he knew that brewing and formulating new Potions was what he wanted to do. Entering a shop like this was definitely something he wanted to experience more often. This was definitely not a shop the ministry would approve of.
Lucius strode up to the dubious looking shopkeeper sitting behind the desk. He gave the trademark Malfoy smirk, and the man recognised him. In a soft voice, that made the hairs on the back of Severus's neck stand up, he said, "and what would Master Malfoy be wanting today?"
"Shredded skin of a hippogriff, powdered spine of a manticore and the horn of a unicorn," Lucius rattled off confidently.
Black eyes bored into grey ones. After a time, the drawl came. "Interesting. And what would a young man like yourself be wanting with such ingredients?"
"Just something I wanted to try out. Do you have them?"
"Oh, I have them. The question should be, am I willing to sell them to you?"
"I have the money. Mine's just as good as the next person's. Well?"
Severus came up behind his friend, and whispered, "What do you need that stuff for? You haven't mentioned anything to me."
Lucius ignored him. He held the shopkeeper's gaze levelly, and didn't flinch even when the man drew out a long dagger and set it on the table. Without a word, Lucius took the knife, and the man set out a small glass on the table. The boy ran the knife down his palm, making a deep cut, and held it over the glass, letting the blood drip into it. After the glass was half- full, the man nodded, and Lucius set down the knife. The man stood up, and walked into the back of the shop silently. As soon as he was out of sight, Lucius performed a quick healing charm on his hand, and allowed himself a moan of pain.
Severus stared at him in disbelief. "What the hell was that?" he asked at last.
The other looked at him. "The man needs pureblood in some of his potions, and it's not easy to get it fresh. So in exchange for some of mine, he always gets me what I want."
"Surprised he didn't ask for any of mine."
"I may yet, Master Snape," came a voice from the back. "You never know."
Startled, Severus was caught off guard. He'd only spoken softly. He looked at his friend, who looked back with a determined glint in his eyes. "Don't worry, Severus," Lucius whispered. "I've done this before. We'll be back in Hogsmeade in no time."
"And then you're going to tell me all about what those ingredients are for. Because, if my memory serves me, you didn't always consider potions your favourite subject."
"I don't. They're for you, Sev."
"What?" he asked in disbelief.
"For you. I know how your father never lets you get your hands on any of the more, adventurous items. Thought I'd let you get your hands dirty. And I thought you'd be grateful," he added sarcastically. "They don't exactly come cheap."
The man came back, and set the ingredients down on the desk, which looked particularly revolting in their different coloured jars, pickled and green. Lucius paid the man an amazing amount of money, and the two left the shop, Lucius feeling smug, and Severus feeling dazed.
They were back in Hogsmeade shortly after. Lucius transfigured the bag the jars were in into a lighter, which he stuffed down the back of his jeans. With a slight nod of his head, they started walking back towards the village.
A thought suddenly occurred to Severus. "How did that man know my name?"
Lucius looked at him. "Don't know. Probably just put two and two together, and you do look a lot like your Father." Severus nodded, still unconvinced.
They rounded a corner, and were startled when a drawl sounded from behind them. "Or maybe he recognised that hooked nose and realised that it couldn't be anyone else apart from the famously ugly Severus Snape."
Lucius and Severus Snape stood dead in their tracks, and slowly turned round to see Sirius Black and Remus Lupin standing behind them. Sirius looked as though he was spoiling for a fight, and even Remus looked curious and excited. It wasn't often that any expression came onto that boy's face. Sirius stepped forward, and came close to Lucius. "So what were you just doing, Malfoy? There's nothing that way, only a few fields. One might think that you'd been somewhere other than you oughtn't to."
Lucius closed the gap between them. "Don't go poking your nose in where it isn't wanted, Black," he threatened. "Or you may find that your gang is in a fair bit of trouble. You wouldn't want me to accidentally expose you for what you really are?"
Sirius's features contorted in fury. "What the hell are you talking about, Malfoy?"
"Don't take me for a fool, or you'll find yourself disappointed. I know what you four get up to when the moon is full."
Sirius looked as if he was about to throw a punch, but Lupin came forward and grabbed hold of his arm. "Come on," he whispered to his friend. "We said we'd meet them at Honeydukes and that was nearly an hour ago."
Severus spoke for the first time. "I think you ought to listen to him, Black. You don't want your precious secrets let out all over the school do you?"
"You bastard," Black hissed. "You gave your word to Dumbledore. I don't think he'd be very happy to hear you'd broken it, do you?"
Lucius, who was rather enjoying this, turned to the two Marauders. "That sounds suspiciously like sneaking, Black, and even for a Gryffindor, that's despicably low."
Sirius started to turn pink, and was just about to return the insult when Remus grabbed at him again, this time pulling him away from the Slytherins. "Come on," said the younger boy quietly.
"This isn't over, Malfoy. Not by a long shot," Black called furiously.
"What the hell," Lucius said lazily. "Bring it on. I could do with some light entertainment."
Chapter Three
"Wake up, lazy bones. It's time for breakfast!" said a cheerful Lucius, as he walked uninvited through Severus's room. All he got was a groan in response.
"Fuck off, Luc. It's Saturday."
"Yes, and we're going to Hogsmeade. So, you've got to get up now," asserted the blonde. He strode over to the bed and yanked back the duvet, leaving Severus in his black silk pyjamas with a very disgruntled look on his face. Lucius leaned over him, and grabbed his face. Moving in closer, Severus shrank back, assuming Lucius was going to kiss him. Instead, he moved upward and deposited a quick peck on the other boy's forehead. Smiling, he whispered, "right now. Move your arse." Stepping away, Lucius yanked open Severus' wardrobe and started pulling out clothes.
Sitting up, Severus said, "why are you so goddamned cheerful? I would have thought after the night we had, you'd be the last person to be up before midday."
"Admitting you can't hold your drink is extremely unwise, Severus. A more devious person than me might choose to blackmail you with that information later."
"It's not like we just had a pint or two, Luc. You knocked back more than I did." Lucius turned to face him, with a bored expression on his face.
"Whatever. Get dressed, and get moving. I need to go to London."
Severus got up, and started changing. Staring at his friend, he said, "London? What for?"
"Just a thing or two. We can Apparate, of course. I'll only be in Knockturn Alley an hour or so."
"Apparate? I haven't passed my test. You haven't either, have you? What do you need in Knockturn Alley?"
"Severus, you're being an idiot. Of course I've passed my test. Did it the moment I turned seventeen. Why haven't you?"
"Father said he didn't want me going off without his knowing until I was old enough to take the consequences of what I did," Severus mumbled.
Lucius snorted. "Well, I can take you with me, that's no problem. As to what I'll be buying, you'll find out soon enough. Well? Going to stand there like a gormless idiot all day, are you?"
Severus grinned good naturedly, his head starting to clear from the fuzz of sleep. "Well, get out, if you want me to come with you. I'm not going to stand naked in front of you. I'll see you at breakfast."
Lucius blatantly gave him a once-over, smirking. "Shame. I could do with a bit of excitement this early in the morning. I'm going!" he added, seeing Severus' warning look. Shaking his head, Severus completed his dress.
After arriving in the Great Hall, he sat down, and started eating. Soon enough, places were taken in the Hogwart's Express, and the train pulled out of the station. Severus tried to take advantage of the twenty-minute ride to Hogsmeade, but soon found his efforts thwarted, when Rosier and Lestrange came striding in, talking noisily.
"Don't mind if we join you, Luc? Severus?" said Rosier. After receiving a warning look from Lucius, and a glare from Severus, he smiled sweetly. "Didn't think so."
Predictably, an awkward silence fell upon the carriage. Lestrange, strangely enough, most uncomfortable out of all of them, shifted self- consciously and tried to stare out of the window. Rosier looked smug, as he knew he was the cause of the discomfited atmosphere. Lucius looked outraged, and kept an eye on Rosier, and the other on Severus. The latter stared pointedly out of the window as well, fixedly ignoring the new occupants. He hadn't forgiven Lucius for his affair, despite his pretences, and spending time with Rosier definitely wasn't top on his list of priorities. It took a lot longer than usual to get to the station.
As soon as they exited the train, the four parted and headed separate ways. As the rest of the train headed for Zonko's, Gladrags and Honeydukes, Lucius pulled Severus to the opposite end of the village where they could leave without being seen. At length, they came to a secluded wood, and looked round for followers.
"Don't think there's anyone here. God, we'll be in so much trouble if we get caught," mumbled Severus, trying to keep a hold his tongue after having nearly lost it after Rosier's performance. Lucius snorted.
"There's always a risk, Severus. With everything, there's always a risk. You know that. Now come on, get hold of me."
"You're sure you know what you're doing?" said Severus, as Lucius apparated them both to Knockturn Alley. Quickly letting go of the other boy, Sev looked round at the surroundings in distaste, taking in the dingy buildings, the fumes of opium, and the whores on the corner. Lucius recovered quickly and led them down the alley to a particularly disreputable shop, which had no signpost. Confidently, he opened the door and stepped in. It was obvious from the arrogant manner in which he handled himself, that he was no stranger to the underworld. Severus wondered what sort of shop this was.
He found out soon enough. The shop held a sturdy fog of simmering potion fumes, most of which he didn't recognise. He breathed in the poisonous air, suddenly feeling quite at home. Potions were his forte; no one could beat his marks, not even Lucius or Potter. Over the summer he'd been experimenting, although he was sometimes frustrated at his father's restraints, and he knew that brewing and formulating new Potions was what he wanted to do. Entering a shop like this was definitely something he wanted to experience more often. This was definitely not a shop the ministry would approve of.
Lucius strode up to the dubious looking shopkeeper sitting behind the desk. He gave the trademark Malfoy smirk, and the man recognised him. In a soft voice, that made the hairs on the back of Severus's neck stand up, he said, "and what would Master Malfoy be wanting today?"
"Shredded skin of a hippogriff, powdered spine of a manticore and the horn of a unicorn," Lucius rattled off confidently.
Black eyes bored into grey ones. After a time, the drawl came. "Interesting. And what would a young man like yourself be wanting with such ingredients?"
"Just something I wanted to try out. Do you have them?"
"Oh, I have them. The question should be, am I willing to sell them to you?"
"I have the money. Mine's just as good as the next person's. Well?"
Severus came up behind his friend, and whispered, "What do you need that stuff for? You haven't mentioned anything to me."
Lucius ignored him. He held the shopkeeper's gaze levelly, and didn't flinch even when the man drew out a long dagger and set it on the table. Without a word, Lucius took the knife, and the man set out a small glass on the table. The boy ran the knife down his palm, making a deep cut, and held it over the glass, letting the blood drip into it. After the glass was half- full, the man nodded, and Lucius set down the knife. The man stood up, and walked into the back of the shop silently. As soon as he was out of sight, Lucius performed a quick healing charm on his hand, and allowed himself a moan of pain.
Severus stared at him in disbelief. "What the hell was that?" he asked at last.
The other looked at him. "The man needs pureblood in some of his potions, and it's not easy to get it fresh. So in exchange for some of mine, he always gets me what I want."
"Surprised he didn't ask for any of mine."
"I may yet, Master Snape," came a voice from the back. "You never know."
Startled, Severus was caught off guard. He'd only spoken softly. He looked at his friend, who looked back with a determined glint in his eyes. "Don't worry, Severus," Lucius whispered. "I've done this before. We'll be back in Hogsmeade in no time."
"And then you're going to tell me all about what those ingredients are for. Because, if my memory serves me, you didn't always consider potions your favourite subject."
"I don't. They're for you, Sev."
"What?" he asked in disbelief.
"For you. I know how your father never lets you get your hands on any of the more, adventurous items. Thought I'd let you get your hands dirty. And I thought you'd be grateful," he added sarcastically. "They don't exactly come cheap."
The man came back, and set the ingredients down on the desk, which looked particularly revolting in their different coloured jars, pickled and green. Lucius paid the man an amazing amount of money, and the two left the shop, Lucius feeling smug, and Severus feeling dazed.
They were back in Hogsmeade shortly after. Lucius transfigured the bag the jars were in into a lighter, which he stuffed down the back of his jeans. With a slight nod of his head, they started walking back towards the village.
A thought suddenly occurred to Severus. "How did that man know my name?"
Lucius looked at him. "Don't know. Probably just put two and two together, and you do look a lot like your Father." Severus nodded, still unconvinced.
They rounded a corner, and were startled when a drawl sounded from behind them. "Or maybe he recognised that hooked nose and realised that it couldn't be anyone else apart from the famously ugly Severus Snape."
Lucius and Severus Snape stood dead in their tracks, and slowly turned round to see Sirius Black and Remus Lupin standing behind them. Sirius looked as though he was spoiling for a fight, and even Remus looked curious and excited. It wasn't often that any expression came onto that boy's face. Sirius stepped forward, and came close to Lucius. "So what were you just doing, Malfoy? There's nothing that way, only a few fields. One might think that you'd been somewhere other than you oughtn't to."
Lucius closed the gap between them. "Don't go poking your nose in where it isn't wanted, Black," he threatened. "Or you may find that your gang is in a fair bit of trouble. You wouldn't want me to accidentally expose you for what you really are?"
Sirius's features contorted in fury. "What the hell are you talking about, Malfoy?"
"Don't take me for a fool, or you'll find yourself disappointed. I know what you four get up to when the moon is full."
Sirius looked as if he was about to throw a punch, but Lupin came forward and grabbed hold of his arm. "Come on," he whispered to his friend. "We said we'd meet them at Honeydukes and that was nearly an hour ago."
Severus spoke for the first time. "I think you ought to listen to him, Black. You don't want your precious secrets let out all over the school do you?"
"You bastard," Black hissed. "You gave your word to Dumbledore. I don't think he'd be very happy to hear you'd broken it, do you?"
Lucius, who was rather enjoying this, turned to the two Marauders. "That sounds suspiciously like sneaking, Black, and even for a Gryffindor, that's despicably low."
Sirius started to turn pink, and was just about to return the insult when Remus grabbed at him again, this time pulling him away from the Slytherins. "Come on," said the younger boy quietly.
"This isn't over, Malfoy. Not by a long shot," Black called furiously.
"What the hell," Lucius said lazily. "Bring it on. I could do with some light entertainment."