Disclaimer: I own nothing. Can you sense the dejection in my...erm...typing?

NB: From the Point of view of Lucius and Voldie.

Chapter 3:

He's been one of us for three weeks now, and Tom's interest in him has grown every day. I'm starting to think that I should have kept him away from this life, but his unspoken need for acceptance cried out to me until I could ignore it no more.

While most people glance away when Tom looks at them, Severus doesn't. When Tom looks at him, which is often, he holds his gaze, unblinking and empty. But, stranger than that, Tom seems unable to prize his attention from him, mesmerized. He's lost control and, although only the two of us know, he doesn't like it. It makes him feel vulnerable, and he'll do anything to get his power back.

Bdbdbdbd

I find myself staring again and look away hurriedly, although I think no one but Lucius is likely to notice. However, I can't help but look back at him, becoming lost once more in his dark, blank eyes. I finish talking and dismiss the Death Eaters. They bow their heads, murmur "My Lord" and rush from the room, not particularly eager to incur my hatred by loitering. Lucius stands up more slowly, nodding toward me respectfully, and Severus starts to follow him.

"Severus." He turns to me, his expression unreadable. "A word, if you don't mind." He walks back to the centre of the room lethargically. Lucius seems uncomfortable leaving him, but does so with a raise of my eyebrows.

We stand silently for a while and I smile at him, the solemn attitude of someone so young striking me as unusual. He blinks, but otherwise remains unmoved.

I kiss him, and I hear his sharp intake of breath. His lips are warm and soft. Untouched. He moves his head back and pushes me away, completely unafraid of me.

"Lucius tells me not that you're not to be trusted." I laugh shortly and place my hand beneath his chin, needing to see the expression in his obsidian eyes.

"My dear Severus, what makes you think you can trust Lucius?" I quietly rejoice in the fleeting look of uncertainty in his ever emotionless face, and lean once more towards his stainless lips.

Bdbdbdbdbd

I found Lucius in the library, a book open in front of him and his eyes closed.

"Lucius." He stands before me and bows his head.

"My Lord." His voice is mildly sarcastic, so subtle that I barely notice it.

"Don't patronize me, Lucius. And keep out of my affairs. You're a valuable member of this cause, and I would hate to have to let you go." He grins at the formality of my tone I haven't used when speaking to him in many years.

"Leave Severus alone." He looks into my eyes, all traces of a smile gone.

"Don't tell me what to do. I have let you get away with far more than anyone else I've ever met. Don't overstep your mark, and don't forget who you're talking to." His courage falters and he looks down at his feet. "I don't want to have to hurt you, but I will if you try to stop me getting my own way."

"You can't hurt me anymore than you have in the past. Lord."

"Can't I? How's your wife? Still as pretty as the last time I met her?" I grin as he flinches.

"Leave Narcissa alone. Please." I smile and turn on my heel towards the door.

"Good evening, Lucius."