Disclaimer: I don't own them, obviously.

Notes: Well, I decided in the end to continue from the supposed one-shot. The story builds backwards... This would be some time before Snape joined Dumbledore. Thanks for all the reviews and enjoy!!

Without a word of greeting, Lucius simply stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Snape's slim waist. Burying his face in the crook of Snape's neck, he inhaled deeply. Severus' lips twitched in amusement and some surprise at the unusual welcome.

'As pleasantly... surprised as I am with this reception...'

Snape said softly, returning the embrace somewhat awkwardly as his hands were occupied both with twin crystal bottles. Malfoy fidgeted, tongue flicking deftly over the sensitive skin where jaw melts into neck. His hands sliding suggestively down the other man's back. Severus gave an almost inaudible sigh of pleasure before breaking abruptly from his grasp. Malfoy straightened up and turned around to face his lover, eyes narrowed and steely.

'The Dark Lord wishes these potions to be completed by this week, Lucius. I have no time to satisfy your whims.'

Snape explained, his arms now laden with a couple of jars and a tightly wrapped box which was jerking suspiciously. He placed them on the wooden worktable and uncorked a vial which emitted a faint honeyed odor. Black eyes cast a quick glance at the other man who was standing silently by the cauldron, frowning lightly.

'Our Lord is indisputable of course.'

Lucius said finally.

Severus nodded and poured a few drops into the cauldron which hissed venomously, bathing both of them in heavy silver fumes.

'Narcissa is at home I believe...'

The raven-haired man hinted casually, with a raised eyebrow as he proceeded to open the small box. Lucius ignored him. He struggled as it thrashed between his hands and finally burst open, spilling a large tarantula on the table. It's pincers clicked menacingly and scuttled over Snape's arm.

'Avada Kedavra.'

The creature fell dead with a small thump on the floor. Snape's head shot up, an incredulous glare on his face.

'You could have killed me!'

He hissed in barely contained outrage. Malfoy simply smirked and grabbing his wrist pulled him into a rough embrace, his lips descending to give him a fierce kiss.

'I have a good aim.'

Lucius responded haughtily as they broke apart, raising a hand to caress Severus' cheek. Snape gave him a lopsided smile and pulled back again.

'I would still prefer not to have my life depending on your doubtful aim skills.'

He said silkily, retrieving the eight-legged creature from the floor and beginning to cut it's legs skillfully.

'What's life without risk? My own life is in constant peril.'

Severus raised an eyebrow skeptically, looking up from where he was slowly and carefully placing a hairy leg in the potion, which absorbed it silently and turned a violent shade of purple.

'Now Lucius, you underestimate yourself. Your magical prowess is surely to be taken into some account.'

Malfoy said nothing as he debated between offense or amusement. Finally, his lips twitched and he chuckled.

'Consider it. Though Narcissa and I sleep in separate bedrooms, she does, upon occasion, wish for us to consummate or marriage. What should I do if I should call out your name or moan for you in my dreams...'

Malfoy explained with a smirk.

'I see...'

Snape responded non-comittally as he added the final leg and stirred with a wooden spoon, but his lips were twitching.

'Well, this has got to brew for a few hours.'

He stated and set down the spoon, glancing at Malfoy.

'Have you planned how to occupy those hours?'

Lucius asked him suggestively, with a sly smile and hungry look in his eyes.

'Yes. More potions.'

Severus answered with barely suppressed grin.

'You work too much.'

Malfoy snarled and unceremoniously pulled Snape towards him, enveloping him in a rough embrace. Lucius pushed Snape against a nearby table, their mouths locked in a consuming kiss as hands traced well known paths down the other's body. Severus' fingers worked quickly to release Malfoy's cock from it's confines, playing with the golden curls around Lucius' hardness.

'Sometimes I wonder if you put something into my drinks.'

Snape's eyebrows rose questioningly at the unexpected and cryptic comment, although his hands did not cease in their ministrations. Malfoy, however, did not elaborate further, his mouth otherwise occupied. They were interrupted by the sound of breaking glass, as a particularly lust driven thrust shook the table and brought a bottle crashing to the floor. Severus, mid gasp, turned his head immediately to see what had fallen- though he kept the more dangerous potions closed away, it would not do to be intoxicated and somehow find themselves in the compromising position of having to explain why they were lying naked on the floor.

'Essence of murtlap.'

He identified it finally after a moment of thought, made very difficult by the fact that Lucius had continued where he had left off, imperturbed by the spilt potion.

'Expensive.'

Snape grunted, his fingers digging painfully into Malfoy's hips.

Lucius' eyes did not leave Snape as the younger wizard buttoned his clothes and walked to the cauldron, that was now bubbling thickly. Severus glanced at the clock, a slight crease appeared between his eyebrows as he saw the hour. Closing his eyes in intense thought and pinching the bridge of his nose with his slender fingers for a few moments before walking to a shelf and grabbing a small jar of a powdery substance Malfoy could not identify.

'Has it been ruined?'

Malfoy asked finally, as Snape did not seem to be disposed to explain and was done carefully measuring the powder.

'Nothing that cannot be fixed.'

Severus answered, waving his hand distractedly as he stirred the contents of the cauldron, now pale pearly blue.

'Dinner?'

He asked after a moment, glancing up at Malfoy who was already at the door. Lucius contemplated him in silence.

'You are mine Severus, aren't you?'

His voice sounding strange; a bizarre mixture of arrogance and insecurity.

'My only master is the Dark Lord.'

Snape answered coldly.

'Yes, but I own you. Not your skill or your devotion. Just you... Perhaps your love.'

'I must continue with the potions.'

'Of course, Severus. My love.'

Lucius pronounced softly.

'Dinner at seven.'

He announced before finally leaving, without a backwards glance. Snape glared at the bubbling potion.