Chapter 2

"What did you say?" Voldemort asked in awe to Snape's strange suspicion.
" I said I suspect Bellatrix is stealing my supply of potion." Snape answered through gritted teeth. He hated that woman with his life. If only the Dark Lord wasn't so close to her, or rather the other way around. Snape knew he had to keep his emotions in while he was around Voldemort.

"So let me get this straight. You... think..." the Dark Lord managed to say before roaring in laughter. It wasn't like him to show any emotion in front of anyone, for he knew the possible consequences.
"Yes my Lord. I was wondering if you knew anything about this," Snape replied calmly, yet taken aback at his master's reaction.
"Why Snape, even if I did, surely I would tell you. Besides, you're giving her way to much credit," Voldemort reassured him, his red eyes filled with something Snape had not seen before.
"I am sorry my Lord, you're right. Have you asked of any Death Eaters to do this?" Snape asked still unconvinced.

"Once again, I would have told you," Voldemort replied sternly. Looking into his now calm eyes, Snape got a strange feeling that he was lying but saw no sign of him speaking falsely. Feeling his uncertainty, Voldemort gazed into Snape's eyes so coldly; it would send goose bumps up anybody else's back. But not Snape, who calmly gazed back at him without a word.
"I did not send anybody to do this. I swear to you." His eye shifted to the right so insignificantly, anybody but Snape wouldn't have noticed. But Snape did, and with a little nod, he relaxed in his chair.
"That's all I needed to know."

"While you're here, I have a favor to ask of you," Voldemort whispered, looking around the small room. After accepting the fact no one was there he added, "It has to do with Potter."
"I am your faithful servant, whatever you ask of me I will do, and without failure. I assure you," Snape said as if reading off of a script.
"I know you're not a failure, unlike the others. That's why I am asking you. I know I can trust you." This time it was Snape's eye that shifted.

"Yes, my lord. What can I d-" Interrupted by a loud creak made by a teenage boy about the height of a large doe.
"M-m-my Lord?" he asked nervously.
"Yes, what is it Malfoy?" Voldemort asked annoyed, now giving Draco the cold stare.
"M-m-my father wishes to speak with you," Draco stuttered instantly breaking the deadly gaze.
"This better be good," Voldemort mumbled.
"We'll have to continue this later," he said, turning to Snape. Nodding in agreement, he swiftly strode out of the room leaving the nervous blonde with the darkest wizard that thirst for power more than any other wizard in the world. This can't end well.

"All right Malfoy, what is it you want?" Voldemort demanded with rage, closing the door behind him. After a long pause, Lucius whirled around in his office chair, comfortably resting his feet on his expensive desk. Lounging cozily, the blonde servant looked Voldemort in the eyes with excitement and desire.

"I have something you might find an interest in," he finally answered holding up a long silver sword.

"Gryffindor's sword? But how?" the Dark Lord asked in astonishment reaching for the sword.

"Let's just say I 'found it'," Lucius claimed, accomplishment filling his grey eyes.

"Very well done, I'm impressed. Now hand it over," Voldemort replied not softening his tone of voice.

"Now, now. You don't expect me to do this for free now do we?" he teased keeping the sword out of his master's reach.

"Yes, actually I do. Give me the sword, NOW!" he responded, harshening his voice. This wasn't like Lucius to go against his word, though he did give the man props for having the courage he never had until now.

"Oh, believe me I intend to. But first we discuss the subject of payment," he stated prominently.

"Ah the catch. There's always a catch, what is it you desire?" the Dark Lord questioned with surprise and apathy.

"Info," he answered.

"Info? What kind of info?" he asked suddenly gaining interest.

"How do you feel about m- I mean Bella?"

"Bella, well I- wait a second why would you want to know that?" Voldemort challenged. Seeing the fear in Malfoy's eyes, he got close enough to where Lucius could feel his warm breath. Shaking uncontrollably, he urgently slipped his feet off the table and weakly slid further into his seat. Oh my God. Oh my God. Closer, closer. Is he reading my mind? Yes he is. Shoot, what do I say. Stay still. Don't ever move. Wait, I'm Lucius! Um, lovely weather we're having, isn't it? No, too formal, yet very Lucius. I mean very me? Sitting back down, Voldemort raised his hairless brow line in suspicion. Not quite what he wanted, or expected, but interesting. This could be fun.

"So 'Lucius', tell me. Do you find Bella attractive?" he inquired. Noticing Lucius's defeated expression lighten up he added, "More so than Narcissa?"

"What? No, I was just- just," he stuttered, lost for words, placing the sharp and forgotten sword in his lap.

"Just, just?" the Dark Lord mocked. He was right. This was indeed entertaining.

"Just about to state how you were getting off topic. You never answered my question. How do you feel about Bellatrix?" Lucius repeated, clearly happy to change the subject. Darn.

"Why should I answer you? Give me one reason why I shouldn't kill you. Right here, right now?" Voldemort hissed, enraged now that his game was ruined.

"Because, might I remind you that you still require this sword. And a certain Prophecy," Lucius explained letting out an unusual wicked laugh. Grumbling, Voldemort slouched in his seat.

"Now, the answer," Lucius taunted leaning on the desk.

"Fine, you win. I guess-" he started looking for the right words. Yes this is it! The moment I've been waiting for! Come on say it, just three little words.

"I guess she's a loyal Death Eater. Yes. Very, very loyal," the Dark Lord stated slowly and thoughtfully.

"I love you too," Malfoy sang, leaping for joy. "He loves me, he loves me!" After jumping up and down for a minute or so, Lucius glanced over at his master. Voldemort was purely stunned, frozen. Only his twitching eye was moving.

"I am most… pleased… my… Lord. My Lord?" he remarked looking behind him with every word he sang out. "What's the matter?"

"Y-you-you-" Voldemort managed to spit out before falling backwards in his chair.

"Oh, right. I'm Lucius! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" he exclaimed, slapping himself with each word that came out of his mouth. Voldemort's fun had suddenly come back, along with his cross and obscene smile.

"Really Lucuis? Does Narcissa know? We wouldn't want any awkward meetings do we?" Voldemort tormented, having the most amusing time in years.

"No, sir," was all he could manage to say.

"No? Draco?" the Dark Lord staggered before roaring in laughter.

"No, sir," he repeated, hot tears running down his cheeks.

"Let me guess. You love Snape too!" Voldemort said between laughs.

"NO! NEVER!" Lucius screamed in revulsion. Taken aback, Voldemort sat there once again frozen. How dare he talk back to me like that! Does he know who I am? Calm down Voldey. You need him, or them, whoever this is.

"I'm sorry, my Lord. I'm not sure what came over me. Here I'll make it up to you. Butter beer on me," Lucius apologized. Standing up from his chair he disappeared in the dark hallway and came back with two mugs filled with what looked like beer.

"Here you are my Lord. I hope you can forgive me," Lucius added, looking very distant, handing Voldemort a mug. Taking a swig, he placed his feet up on his desk very gradually. Fear struck Malfoy when he realized that not only was his blackmail tool gone, but so was his Lord, his Master, and her love.