Severus dreams of chains some nights.
He dreams of being lifted out of his bead and rising to the highest mountaintop. He sees all the world before him, like Satan's offering to Christ. It could be his; he could command respect, admiration, love. All he has to do is place chains around his wrists and ankles. Sometimes these chains are made of serpents; sometimes they are spattered with blood.
He always wakes up panting and sweating. He wonders as he dresses how true these dreams are, and if he is willing to pay the price for all he's ever wanted.