Lucius Malfoy. He was Vampire Royalty. The epitome of elegance, beauty and fashion. He was a prideful man. No one could affect the ever confident man he was.
Except Severus.
Severus Snape didn't care to gain his favor. To respect his station. To beg and grovel as all others including his wife did. No! The man was equally if not more prideful. He stood confident even when he had none but in his incredible Mastery of Potions. An unusual beauty (that most people saw as ugly. Fools!) that piqued his interest. A sharp agile mind and equally razor sharp tongue that challenged his own. A fresh albeit pessimistic outlook on life. Severus was the true meaning of diamond in the ruff.
This man was the only person to make him feel less. Less intelligent. Less magnificent. Less of the Alpha Creature he was.
It was demeaning. Like grime he could never get off. Severus had to do nothing but give him that cutting look and suddenly he was felt all the air in his lungs leave him..
It had been a long time since Severus had given him a look of approval. That said I'm proud of you with no words needed. But Lucius remembered what it felt like. Ten feet tall, grin he couldn't care to wipe off and his ego literally purring with satisfaction.
He craved that feeling. It had been years since he felt it, but desperately needed it. Nothing compared. Not all the submissives, the galleons, or prestige.
Which was why he stood outside The Dark Lord's doors ready to do something stupid. Lucius breathed. This would not be the first time he had tried to stand up against the Dark Lord. But the difference between now and then is he had nothing to lose. Not his son and not Severus.
His mother always use to say love made you do stupid things.
Salazar help him.
"Draco!" Harry whined as he stood in Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. As soon as they entered Diagon Alley, Draco was quick to purchase the glamour accessory for Harry. A simple golden bracelet sat wrist.
The blond ex-prince had completely dismissed getting Neville one since no one knew or noticed him. The older male also decided he did not need one. He looked quite different without the long hair and he was considered 'dead'. Besides Harry had said he could past for a Veela with his looks.
"Hush! The glasses distract from your eyes, Which is exactly what we want." Draco said giving him a look that said he had no choice in the matter. Harry sighed adjusting the round lens on his face.
They had been at this for an hour now and he was ready to leave. However, the ferry wasn't scheduled to leave for another thirty minutes and Draco clearly was going to use them finding the "perfect" look.
"You're not making Neville wear all this stuff" huffed Harry.
"No one even notices Neville until they bump into him on accident. No offence Longbottom" Neville shrugged. It was a fact. He accepted it. Besides he really didn't want to be under the scrutiny Harry was under right now. Neville chose simple not distinct clothes. Green pants that weren't too baggy or too tight, boots that went a just below his knee and a warm grey tunic with a belt wrapped around his waist. He was topped with a charm laced cloak.
Neville had to give it to Draco. Harry did look good, glamour and all. In fact, in Neville's opinion Harry looked exactly the same just without the elven characteristics and ethereal glow that followed him. Shaggy hair, vibrant eyes, somewhat tan skin from numerous misadventures. Harry was a handsome wizard.
Draco nodded to himself quite happy with his work. He needed Harry to not stand out, but he was Vampire Royalty from France! He could not help his overwhelming need to coordinate Harry's fashion choices. Especially with the poor choices he had initially tried on.
'He looks gorgeous'
Draco couldn't agree more with the voice in his head. Harry looked more mature, but still held his boy-ish charm. The boots he wore gave him a couple of inches of height. The black pants were rouge-ish. The plain white shirt was loose due to his slender frame. Equipped with a nice grey cloaked charmed of course. Harry was a feast for his eyes even with the glamour.
Harry blushed under Draco's scrutiny.
"Alright, I think it is time we head out"
Draco gazed at Harry thoughtfully "I don't think I like the boots"
Harry groaned in despair and Neville did his best not to laugh.
Severus was greatly annoyed. Blaise had indeed gone missing and he was not in at usual places whoring himself to a body with a beating heart. Remus for his part was enjoying their trip on horseback immensely.
"That idiot boy! Wait til I get my hands around his throat! Having me run around to find his lazy ass! Again!" Severus hissed. Remus hummed to show he was listening.
"What competent Ruler leaves his kingdom to 'find himself'? What does that even mean?" Severus ranted.
"Maybe he's looking for his mate" offered Remus.
Severus scoffed. "Yea I've heard that one before."
Remus smiled serenely. "I've felt it. Sometimes. It's like a tug in a hollow place. Maybe Blaise handles that hollowness…differently from others."
Severus rolled his eyes. "I'd trade you for the hollowness Lupin. Believe me it's better than the pain and disappointment you will experience."
"You know I would take your word for it, but you make going to a ball sound horrible"
"Yes and the last ball we went to was horrible"
Remus couldn't deny it.
"I say what I say because it's true."
Remus decided to redirect the conversation.
"So, if Draco isn't Libera, where is he?"
Severus sighed aggravated.
"I don't know. However, I trust Draco to be smart enough to stay somewhere safe."
The werewolf companion nodded. Draco had always been brilliant, cunning really. He was a true Prince of Slytherin in Remus' opinion.
"If we're lucky Blaise and Draco will run into each other….then I can kill both of them."
Remus chuckled.
"You over step your station Lucius" hissed a very displeased Voldermort. Lucius nearly scoffed. He was a King not a subject.
Bellatrix laughed somewhere in the background. Lucius vaguely heard the words Ickle Lucy is in trouble before a sharp cry cut her off. The Dark Lord was already displeased and Bellatrix was not helping the situation.
"My Lord, you must understand. We have no heir. An heir is precious to the Dark creatures. It is a symbol of great prosperity. Draco has had a great influence over the land and the people adore my son. Word is getting out about his death and the cause for it. You are losing support. Even my own Kingdom is unhappy."
"Then produce another!" The Dark Lord spat with disdain.
"With whom my Lord? My wife did not even produce the first heir and I find her completely unfit to carry another." Narcissa cried out indignantly, her old wounds of shame festering. A cold glare from her Lord quieted her though.
Voldermort was in a difficult situation. He had not though much of killing Lucius' heir. Only that his daughter had been displeased and so he had to be punished. But now….maybe it would have been better to banish him for some time.
And worse he had sent Draco's actual mother away. He also did not want Severus breeding with Lucius again. It could re-establish their bond. He wanted Severus for himself. Harry was indescribably beautiful and so was his mother. However Severus was a challenge for the mind and The Dark Lord found the way Severus wore his intelligence highly…..attractive.
"What do you suggest then Lucius?"
Lucius shrugged and spoke plainly "The people are not happy. They will not take the idea of you killing my son who has won many great battles and is very loved by the people well because your daughter did not….fit Draco's preferences."
The Dark Lord sneered. The Carictus on the tip of his tongue. Lucius continued.
"I'm sure even Severus is displeased. He is very proud of Draco as you well know and to have lost his only son…." Lucius trailed off for effect. Allowing his words to sink into the Dark Lord's skull. It wasn't exactly a secret that Severus' was Draco's maternal parent. It was a scandal unlike any other in fact! It brought great shame to Narcissa (which brought immense joy to Lucius and Severus) and the juiciest gossip to the Kingdom. The beautiful and wealthy Narcissa Black tossed aside and cheated on by the dark, dirty, cold and heartless Severus Prince Snape. It was only the fact she was a Death Eater that held the tongues of his subjects to dethrone the witch.
Voldermort mentally winced at the comment about Severus. He had forgotten that little tidbit. The Dark Lord could kill his own offspring as he pleased but Severus was loyal. The Potion Master was often very cold so he forgot that the only other thing the man took pride in beyond his potions was Draco. Now that Lucius mentioned it this could even be the cause for his inpromptu journey. Distance needed from the man who took something very precious from his closest Advisor.
Voldermort cursed. He had not plan this through and it was not so easy to cast aside.
Lucius internally smirked.
Voldermort was in a rock and a hard place. One that was not diffcult to put the man in to start with. Without Severus around for even a second, Voldermort became rogue. Making careless mistakes and foolish (almost childlike) decisions that would have led to the destruction and loss of his Kingdom long ago. Bellatrix did not help adding her own dose of insanity and encouragement to the mix.
Which meant Voldermort was open to the power of suggestion.
"It would seem you have not loss your ability to be the Slytherin King you are yet" A voice that sound a lot like Severus whispered in his mind.
Okay I know its been a long long long time. Don't hate me. I'm trying to get over this hump of writer's block. So please send me you honest opinions of this chapter. Does it flow well? Did I transition well? Are you just plain confused? I'm nervous people!