Harry Potter and Co. belong to Rowling.

A Sheep In Snake's Clothing.

ss/lm

Chapter 10. The Blacks. Part one.

The day of the Malfoy-Black dinner….

Lord Abraxas sat reading the owl Lord Black had sent him requesting that dinner take place a week from that day. The dark wizard mentioned that his oldest niece had dispappeared and that they were searching for her. Lord Abraxas did not like the change but agreed neverthless.

At Grimmauld Place…

"Are you sure you can manage it?"

"Yes Uncle. I can do it," the soft voice answered opening a blank book. Cutting her finger she filled a small jar with her blood and then dipped the pen and began writing.

Six days later…

Severus was listening attentively to Lord Malfoy go over the two spells he had been told to master.

"Make sure that when you flick the wand you do it to the right pointing down not the right pointing up or worse to your left."

"Because if I do that, then the spell will be twice as powerful?" Severus asked trying to remember.

Lord Abraxas shook his head, "No. That was not what I said."

Severus frowned, "Oh! You said that it would last twice as long. "

"Exactly." The tall wizard uncrossed his arms and put his wand away. Severus was making steady improvement, and although he still needed a lot to learn he would catch up sooner that he had originally thought.

"I was close." Severus whispered to himself.

"Close is not the same." Lord Malfoy corrected immediately. "You are Lord of Snape Severus and a Malfoy, if you do not learn to be exact with your words then how do you expect those around you to understand exactly what you mean or you understand them in turn."

"I suppose you have a point." The boy agreed grudgingly.

"You will go far if you just accept that you are not always right." The blonde continued moving into another room that served as Severus' school room. The boy had started tutorials and was doing exceptionally well especially in potions. According to his teachers, he was gifted.

"But isn't that a sign of weakness Sir." Severus asked slipping his wand carefully up his sleeve pocket.

"A sign of weakness?" Abraxas sat down and watched the thin dark haired boy put his books away. Severus was meticulous in his study and the most organized child he had ever met.

"I mean…I thought Malfoys were always right." He said turning to the sitting wizard. Abraxas smiled with dry wistfulness. If Malfoys were always right, Lucius would not have tried to marry Narcissa against his wishes. "I see you and my son have talked."

"Well actually, he talks, I just listen." Severus replied with a frown, Lucius had gone back to his snobby self lately and had started preaching at him again.

"Don't you have an opinion?" The blonde asked his grey eyes unwavering.

"Of course…" what a silly question his father-in-law asked sometimes.

Silly? "You must never be afraid of voicing it." the Wizard continued not giving the fact that he could read Severus' thoughts away. Speaking of which it was time for his weekly chat with Lucius. His tutors had told him that unlike Severus, Lucius seemed distracted for some reason.

"But what if no one listens..." Severus asked giving himself away.

"Then you talk a little louder." Lord Abraxas suggested.

"I thought you said it was beneath us to shout." Lord Abraxas had told him that, hadn't he?

"I meant figuratively." The wizard clarified watching Severus nimble fingers organize the ingredients for tomorrow's practice potion.

"What's that?"

"It means metamorphically."

"Oh." Severus had read the word yesterday and Lord Abraxas had explained it to him.

"You and Lucius are getting along better I hope."

Severus shrugged, "I think so." They didn't argue as much he supposed, but Lucius had taken up writing and they hardly spoke anymore. He preached at him but that wasn't speaking. The blonde was distant and Severus knew why but he was not going to cry about it to his father-in-law. If Lucius spent his time mooning over Narcissa Black especially when he wrote, there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Lord Malfoy picked up the boys' thoughts and frowned over Lucius' recent writing fixation. That he knew Lucius did not have a journal.

A little later…

Severus entered the large bedchamber and found Lucius sitting at his desk writing, an odd look on his face. "Your father wants to talk to you."

Lucius stopped his scribbling and turned to face him. "I'll go down immediately."

"He taught me two more spells and wants me to come up with one on my own. When I get it down can I show you so you can tell me what you think?" Severus asked

Lucius closed his book and put it away. "Yes, when you learn it."

Curiosity finally got the better of the young boy and he peered at the closed drawer. "What are you writing?"

"What do you mean?" Lucius asked pulling on his cuffs a little irately. Severus was such a curious child!

"You've been writing for days but you always seem to be on the same page. Is it a magical book?! Can I see it?" Severus asked hopefully.

"No!" the savage negative made Severus jump back. Lucius caught his mistake immediately, "I meant no…it's a private book. I hope I can trust you to keep away from it."

Severus couldn't help but feel offended. "I'm not prying. If it's private, it's your business not mine."

"Yes it is. I'll see you at dinner."

An hour before dinner…

Severus was about to practice the new spell. It was a variation of the two spells his father in law was teaching him. He had researched the intonation and felt reasonably capable to practice it aloud. Lord Malfoy had drilled in him how dangerous it was to mispronounce a word or phrase while holding a wand. After of blowing up the fireplace, he had learnt his lesson.

He stood back and prepared himself like he had been taught but paused when the door to the library was flung open. "You told him." Lucius hissed walking towards him angrily.

Severus instinctively raised his wand and Lucius stopped. "You point your wand at me!" Just like a Snape! Severus would never be a true Malfoy.

Although afraid, Severus lowered his blasphemous hand. He could no more lift his wand against Lucius than he could at his own father. Unprotected, Severus' wand was knocked from his hand and he was pushed roughly against the wall. "You couldn't keep quiet, could you?"

"What's wrong with you? Leave me alone!" Severus cried struggling to get free.

"You are nothing more than an ungrateful charity case." Lucius hissed before pulling away and letting Severus fall to the floor. Severus looked up feeling the anger through the bond. Grabbing his wand, he quickly left the room. He might not be able to attach Lucius but that didn't mean he was going to stick around and allow the blonde to hurt him!

Lucius watched him leave and stood back uncertain of what had just happened. His father had made mention of him not spending enough time with his bonded and had told him that if his writing was so important maybe he should have it published. When Lucius told him that they were just scribbles the Wizard had looked at him oddly and told him to go spend time with his husband. He couldn't remember what had happened after that.

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Severus walked from the room unsure of what had happened. Lucius had been furious, but what about? He had done nothing…he stretched his senses through the bond and came in contact with the young blonde's turmoil. Lord Abraxas had gotten after him for not spending time together. Gods! Lucius thought he had told on him! 'He's always writing...' the Wizard had probably thought that Lucius was writing about Narcissa! He had really stuck his foot in it this time. No wonder Lucius was starting to distance himself. He probably thought he told his father-in-law everything!

Severus sighed tiredly and promised himself to be more patient and understanding. Patient and understanding, it was starting to be second nature to him...dumb bond. Why couldn't Lucius be patient and understanding too? With a heavy heart Severus went into another room to practice his spell.

That night the pair sat at dinner and the blonde was oddly pleasant. Was Lucius afraid that he was going to tell Lord Abraxas about the incident? He never would…he hadn't even done it on purpose the first time. He'd have to be more careful next time. Maybe Lord Malfoy was trying to help but the man couldn't be coming to his rescue everytime he and Lucius had an argument.

It was past ten when Lucius and Severus entered the bedchamber in silence, the dark haired boy waited for Lucius to say something but when the blonde said nothing, neither did he.

Lucius felt slightly light headed and moved to the bathroom to take the draught Narcissa had told him about, half an hour later he was asleep.

Severus watched Lucius closely and couldn't help but feel that something was wrong. Had he messed up that bad or was it something else?

Grimmauld Place…

"Well?" The large dark haired Wizard asked drinking the last of his firewhiskey.

"He's very amenable Sir." The melodious voice answered.

The Wizard pressed on. "You're sure no one knows."

A small innocent smile came over the beautiful young face. "No one does." Lucius had given her the book months ago, not a writer, it had lain in her desk drawer until recently.

The Dark Wizard laid his head back, a youth!

A slight figure watched the tall beauty leave Lord Black's study. When she turned the corner, the slim shadow stepped away unnoticed.

-------------

Sirius and his brother were trying to catch the small three-headed-lizard that had taken refuge in the garden when their father interrupted their hunt.

"Inside!" the Wizard ordered.

Regulus looked at his older brother with a grimace and stood up. "Did you do anything?"

"No…but when has that ever stopped him." Sirius answered gruffly. At least their mother was dead and they only had their father to contend with.

"We've been invited to the Malfoys for dinner." The gruff man announced to his children as they entered the dark and drab room.

"The Malfoys!" Sirius couldn't believe it. Lucius Malfoy had thrown off his cousin for the Snape squib. Why would they be going there?

"Yes the Malfoys! Blasted snobby bastards! Marrying their son off to a blasted squib carrier just so their precious blood wouldn't be tainted with ours."

Sirius actually didn't have anything against the Malfoys but he did have to admit that Lucius was a snob. "Why are we going?"

"To show them what they gave up! I expect you to dress for the occasion. Be polite to the family but the Snape brat is a different matter all together." Lord Black murmured with a glint in his eye, a glint that Sirius knew quite well. A fight.

"Won't Lucius try to protect him if we get in a fight?" Sirius asked curiously.

"Afraid brat!" Lord Black sneered at the young boy. One thing he hated almost as much as muggles and half bloods was cowards.

Sirius chin went up. He was no coward! "No."

"That's good to hear but just so you know, Lucius Malfoy has more important things on his mind than his brat husband. I am ordering you to make this night memorable. Can you do that?"

Sirius nodded. Not like he had a choice. "Yes."

"Good. Wear your dragon boots." The Wizard ordered and dismissed his children.

The boys left their father's study feeling ill at ease. They had basically been ordered to pick on and beat up Lord Snape under his husband's nose and in his own home. And all because Narcissa had gotten jilted. Sirius loved fighting more than casting spells, but he wasn't too sure about beating up a carrier especially while wearing his dragon boots. As far as he knew carriers were supposed to be weak. What was the challenge in that? Still, he knew what would happen if he didn't obey.

The following evening….

Severus pulled on his collar again and earned an emotionless glare from Lucius. How Lucius could manage to glare without moving his eyes was beyond him but Severus wished he could do it. He'd start practicing in the mirror to see if he could manage it.

Severus had been told to dress for the occasion, so he had, with Lady Malfoy's help. The result had been dramatic…he wore dark pants with a pristine high collared shirt and cuffs that came down one inch past the wrists; over the shirt was a long knee vest with tiny onyx buttons from the top to six inches above the knee. Around the waist was a dark silk sash that was tied several times around. Over it was another vest, this one with no buttons and four pockets, two on the inside and two on the outside. Then there was a long open coat which also had no buttons but was closed by three gold clasps at the chest. Lastly, was the only thing he truly liked, the floor length cloak which hung from his shoulders and was charmed to flare when he walked. It gave the illusion of a dark wings and he had to admit that he looked well…cool. Lady Malfoy had given it to him along with five others; they were made of the most expensive magical material and would alter in size as he grew.

"Well you finally look presentable." Lucius observed from his superior height.

"And it's black too." Severus managed to whisper before his father in law signaled for the pair to be silent. The Blacks had just pulled up in a carriage. Severus took a deep breath, here we go!

The first to get off was an extremely tall and evil looking man with blue eyes and dark blonde scraggly hair. Severus gulped and instinctively moved closer to Lucius. The young teen noticed the action but did not acknowledge it or did anything to ease his husband's nervousness. He was going to see Narcissa today! Finally! Lord Abraxas noticed the lapse and frowned, Lucius had been having way too many lapses lately.

The man, who even by wizarding standards was dressed in antiquated clothing, stalked the long entrance hallway to meet his host. Behind him were two young boys, what were their names again…Sirion? Or was it Sirius? The second child Severus remembered as Regulus but the first was drawing a 'blank.' The blank was about his size but slightly muscular while the second was a smaller and extremely thin replica of the first. Both boys looked at him as if he were a bug they were getting ready to squash. It wasn't a very nice feeling but Severus knew that even if he couldn't take on their father he could give the Wizard's sons a run for their money. He had a wand and he wasn't afraid to use it.

The closer the older Wizard got though, the more Severus got the urge to stand behind his father-in-law. He had to admit that even Lucius looked a little ill at ease for once; Severus couldn't really blame him though. The man just didn't inspire an ounce of sanity. Behind Lord Black Severus noticed another Wizard this one was shorter but looked, if possible, more insane. What kind of family had Lucius been planning to marry into? Knowing who would be coming next, Severus arched his neck trying to see the witch but his view was blocked by the solid mass of insane muscle that now stood no more than two feet from him.

"Abraxas!" The booming voice carried through the hall and Severus thought that had Lucius married into the Blacks he would've been deaf within the first month. Spotting the expressions on some of the paintings, he knew they also agreed.

Lord Malfoy greeted his guest coolly and Severus had to admit he was impressed.

"So this is who you married your son off to!" The wizard shouted staring at Severus as if he were, well a bug…a very small and ugly bug. Severus, whose courage was back, stared right back. "Not much to look at, surely Narcissa would've been better eh Abraxas?" The Wizard whispered none too quietly to Lord Malfoy.

"I find him adequate." Lucius answered for his father's sake.

Severus fumed, adequate! What the hell did that mean?

"Yes, I'm sure. Well no sense in crying over what could've been. The Blacks are here to extend their congratulations and offer their friendship to the both of you. Sirius! Regulus!"

"Yes father." The much smaller replicas of the man answered.

"Congratulate Lucius and his carrier! Regulus you too brat!" Lord Black added noticing Regulus, 'I don't want to' face.

With a smirk, Sirius turned to the dark-haired boy and smiled knowingly, "Congratulations Lucius I'm sure sh- I mean he'll give you plenty of children." The Black heir finished turning to Lucius at the last minute.

Severus bit his tongue at he/she part and swallowed his pride on the 'bearing plenty of children comment.' He had already gotten into trouble for not holding on to his temper with his bratty ex-cousins; no sense in getting into more trouble; besides, Lord Malfoy had threatened him with taking his wand away if he so much as sneezed in the wrong direction tonight. Liking his wand where it was, in his secret sleeve pocket, Severus simply arched and eye brow and remained silent.

Sirius waited for the outraged the reaction but none came. Angrily he crossed his arms before him. Stupid carrier! How was he supposed to hit him if he didn't react to his insults!

Regulus stepped forward and although a good four years younger than his brother insulted him just as good. "Hope you have babies soon."

Lucius acknowledged the congratulations with a simple nod. His father had been quite clear; I will not have any scenes. But like Narcissa had said, the night would be a taste of what awaited him once Severus was presented to Wizarding society. Noticing his bonded's emotional reaction, Lucius had to admit that she was right. Severus would never be the spouse he needed and required.

"Well just so you know what you'll be missing I brought her with us. Narcissa!" Lucius felt his heart beat faster and then freeze. His beautiful Narcissa!

Severus crossed his arms. The man was just too loud! What was that spell he had read about…shilencio, celens? Maybe shut up would do?

Lord Black and his brother parted like the proverbial red sea and a vision of blonde loveliness and blue eyes stepped forward. Damn! She was tall, blonde, and looking at him as if he were diseased. Severus snorted and while everyone was looking the pair's way he rolled his eyes at her cousin Sion or was it Sirius? No one saw it but the boy was not pleased. Severus one, Sirion zero! Abraxas noticed the sour look on Sirius' face and turned to Severus discreetly. The young boy was the image of innocence. Abraxas knew better though, he hoped Severus would not forget his warning, the Blacks do not fight fair. Signaling with his hand, he ordered the paintings to keep the Blacks under close watch.

"Good evening Lucius." Narcissa smiled from under her lashes.

"Narcissa." Lucius responded feeling finally whole again.

"I was surprised to hear of your bonding to Mr. Snape Lucius…" The lovely girl murmured with just the right amount of distressed betrayal. "I hope you are happy."

I hope you are happy! What about him! He had been forced to marry too. Little suck up! Severus was fuming but tried not to glower, too much.

Lucius was about to answer but his father interrupted him. "I do not see your other daughters," Lord Malfoy observed ignoring the scene his son was creating by ogling the young witch. Narcissa Black was beautiful, but she was too much a Black to ever be anything else.

"The eldest ran off with a blasted muggle. Disowned the wretch! Bellatrix was in the carriage. Belllatrix! Where are you girl?" The younger wizard explained and then shouted into the hall. Minutes later, a young girl, a couple of years older than Severus, strolled in. Severus had to admit she was pretty even if she did look a mess. Didn't anyone in the family own a comb? Repressing the urge to spell her wild hair into some sort of order Severus watched her slow approach. She was taller than him by at least three inches; she had long dark hair and brightblue eyes, and she was dressed like a boy!

After bowing, not curtseying, before Lucius and Lord Malfoy she walked to Severus, "You should've stayed in muggle England like your father Snape." The girl said threateningly.

"I have no problem hitting girls who deserve it." Was all Severus got out before Lord Malfoy interrupted the exchange and escorted the lot inside. This time Lucius glare showed quite clearly but Severus didn't care. He was not going to let the Blacks walk all over him just because Lucius was still in love with Narcissa!

-----

Lady Malfoy, who had been seeing to the last of the preparations, greeted the group and graciously showed them to the dining room.

"So how old are you?" Sirius asked the dark clad boy.

Severus looked up from his food and turned to Sirius who sat next to him.

"Eleven."

"You're kind of puny for eleven." Severus frowned, he wasn't small! He was regular for his size. "I read up on the Snapes you know." Sirius continued half listening to his father speak to Lord Malfoy and Bella's incessant humming. The girl had been crucioed one too many times.

Severus tensed immediately but remained silent. If Sirius insulted the Snapes, he was going to lose some teeth.

"Is it true that your father was a carrier too and that he escaped to Muggle England and ignored his duty to marry like you?" Regulus cut in a high squeaky voice.

The table was silent except for Lucius' and Narcissa's murmuring. Lord Abraxas waited for his son to say something but it was clear the youth hadn't even heard what was going on not two seats from him.

"Severus' father has recently passed; he doesn't wish to discuss him." Lady Malfoy told the young Black. Sirius ahhhed and then smirked at Severus.

When Lady Malfoy turned to her son, Sirius leaned over, "Does she hold it when you go to the bathroom too?"

It was a reflex action Severus would one day explain. Without a word he elbowed Sirius in the mouth and the boy fell to the floor. "You stupid half blood!" Sirius wailed rising and throwing all his weight against Severus and knocking him to the floor. The Black heir knew what to do and how to do it but bid his time, it had to look like a regular kid fight or his family could get in trouble. The pair rolled under the table, Severus pinned Sirius and punched him repeatedly until the table was magically raised and Lucius picked Severus by the scruff of his neck and dragged him to one side of the dining room. "I will not have your ill manners ruin our night!" the blonde said angrily while Narcissa watched with a small satisfied smile. Severus was enraged, our night! Our night! Merlin he wanted to strike Lucius so badly!

"You damn squib!" Sirius was being held back by his father as blood ran down the boy's nose and mouth.

"I'll show you carrier squib!" Severus shouted trying to break Lucius' hold on his body while at the same time trying to get to his wand. "Get off me!" he demanded pushing Lucius away.

Unprepared for Severus fury, Lucius lost his hold and Severus flew against Sirius. Regulus was ready and sticking his foot out he managed to trip him. Severus slipped to the floor and his wand fell from his hand. It was picked up by Abraxas Malfoy. Seeing his chance Sirius lost no time and kicked him twice. Severus felt the side of his face explode and tasted his own blood. Before darkness over took him another sharp pain came at him from his side. He heard a scream not realizing it was his own. When he came to he was in his and Lucius' bedchamber. His husband and Lord Abraxas' fuzzy forms were arguing.

"Had you been paying more attention to him than to that wench, this would've never happened?" the slightly taller Wizard said enraged.

"You invited them!" Lucius defended himself.

"They needed to know I'd back you! They were here so that we could gain some insight, not for you to strike up were you left off with that girl."

Lucius shook his head vehemently, "You made a mistake and you're trying to blame me for it!"

"You should've guarded him with your life." Yes, he had made a mistake. He had underestimated the Blacks and had unestimated his son's fascination with the Narcissa witch. Never again!

Lucius looked away. He didn't want... he hadn't wanted Severus hurt! Blasted! The boy wouldn't have gotten hurt if he hadn't acted like such a muggle about it! "I'm not responsible for this."

"Yes you are. He is your husband; his duty is to give you children and yours is to protect him."

Lord Malfoy's words were the nail on the coffin for Lucius. Was that it? A protector? Narcissa had been right! He'd be a damn protector to a child for the rest of his life "I didn't want him and I still don't want him," was all he said.

Severus heard the words and curled into himself wishing darkness would take him for good. Just someone who wanted him a little…but not here.

Lord Abraxas shook his head in exasperation, "Until you realize that you and he are all you have…, that he will be the only person you can count on besides your mother and I, you will not succeed and you will never be happy. You look to the Blacks for a wife, for friends and for independence from me. You are a fool Lucius! Do you think Lord Black does not have, did not have his plans for you and her?" Lucius simply looked away stubbornly. "Do you think that Lord Black's son kicking him in the stomach was a coincidence? Do you think that I had you marry someone without ties for no reason? I saved you from their manipulations!"

Lucius' mind had never been so torn. Something was keeping him from making the right decision, but he didnt' know what it was. Severus was not for him. "He's not for me."

"You're bonded until you die."

"Then I hope it happens quickly." Lucius murmured.

Lord Malfoy could not believe what he was hearing. Something was not right!

In that instant Lady Malfoy rushed in with two healers behind her and Lord Malfoy had to leave Lucius with his thoughts.

The Wizards cast several spells and looked and spoke to one another before turning to the Malfoys.

"He's bleeding inside…we'll give him something to sleep and for the pain so we can examine him more thoroughly."

"He's awake." Lucius demanded walking around the bed. Sure enough Severus pained filled eyes were open and looked at him reproachfully. Severus words came back from nights before; I just wish they had wanted me…just a little.

"Quite lucid, but in terrible pain I'm afraid." The healer murmured taking out a number of vials from a large medical bag.

-----

Severus was swimming in a sea of broken images, hushed whispers, and pain but he didn't want to wake up. Liquids were pressed to his lips and he was told to drink but each time he moved away and tried to spit them out.

"He's not reacting well; he may die Lord Malfoy." The healer shook his head unable to understand the boy's symptoms. They had healed the internal damage this shouldn't be happening.

Just then Severus eyes flew open and he screamed in pain. Lady Malfoy wrung her hands and looked around for her son. The youth must 've slipped away. How could he be gone at a time like this! "I'm going to find Lucius!"

"This can't be just from a kick!" Abraxas stated and looking at the writhing boy. "Check for poison!" he ordered.

Although popular at one time poisons weren't used as much. Why go through the trouble of brewing a potion when a spell could kill more effectively? But if not poison then what else? Lord Abraxas shook his head…and then remembered something…Sirius Black's boots. The had scales...they were made of Dragon hide. Not waiting, he pulled the blanket from his son-in-law's body and raised the pajama top on the delirious boy. Severus' lower stomach was a red and beginning to blister.

"That wasn't there when we checked him the first time!" The healers gasped casting several spells.

"It's not a spell. It must be poison. It's burning his insides." One of the healers announced.

Lord Abraxas knew that he had failed. Lucius had the excuse of inexperince and youth but not him. He had underestimated them! All of them! "More specifically his womb." Dragon poison in a small dose caused abortions, in greater doses the poison could cause sterility or even death. "Can something be done?" Lord Abraxas asked touching Severus feverish face.

"It all depends on how long it's been inside and how strong he is. I know a healer, he specializes in poisons, he was my mentor. I need to get him." The healer murmured.

"Do so."

"Give him the fever reducing potion and make sure he stays flat on his back." The healer instructed his colleague and moved to floo call for help. Luckily, dragon poison was slow working …the child did not look good but he was magically strong and that was slowing down the poison's progress. If they could give him the antidote in time, they might be able to save him and heal his womb.

Lord Malfoy watched from the foot of the bed as Severus was made to swallow potion after potion and then was immobolized against the bed.

"Abraxas!" Lady Malfoy shouted entering the room. Spotting Severus injuries she gasped in shock.

"What's wrong? Where's Lucius?"

"It's ….oh" Lady Malfoy shook her head mournfully, "Merlin….look!" She exclaimed thrusting a blank book in her husband's hands.

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End chapter 10
AN:

Again thank for your patience. I've been so busy with work and exams that I don't which was is up anymore. However, I love writing and hope that you enjoyed the chapter. Let me know what you think. R and R.

Thanks.