"Really? I heard he's a half-blood."
Lucius frowned at Amycus' words, narrowing his eyes and stilling to listen to the confrontation around the corner.
"Half-blood's a Mudblood. No wonder he keeps company with the Gryffindor Mudblood bitch. Like falls with like." Alecto's sneer was audible.
It was rare for anyone but Slytherins to descend to the dungeons unless they must, much less this far, and those words. . .
Severus' voice faltered slightly as he attempted a defence, sharp tongue not quite quick enough. Lucius stalked around the corner, sweeping towards his housemates.
"Yet I believe our Severus has proved more useful than have yourselves, either of you, Carrow?" Lucius reminded sharply, fingers running lightly up Severus' spine, out of sight, offering reassurance. "His mother's bloodline has given our world countless skilled, powerful witches and wizards, many crafting new magics. Severus already honours that history."
Amycus looked affronted and angry, nearly spitting with each word. "But he's a-"
He fell silent, choking, as Severus hissed under his breath, fingers twitching, though there was no sign of his wand. Severus' mouth twisted into a small smile, quickly-hidden, and Lucius snorted quietly, amused, as Amycus' sister grabbed at him, thumping his back.
"If I were you, I wouldn't challenge someone I recognised as an equal, Carrow." Lucius arched a brow in challenge as Severus stiffened. The Carrows were visibly shaken.
Amycus choked again, shuddering. Alecto spat an insult at Lucius as she hurried her brother away. Lucius pursed his lips, flicking a mild jinx at her back, though she likely wouldn't notice until they reached the stairs.
"I- Lucius?" Severus' eyes were wide.
"You're truly surprised?" Lucius inquired, amused, fingers tracing Severus' jaw. "I love you. I'm a Malfoy; I don't settle." He sneered.
Severus nodded vaguely and Lucius gave him a light kiss.
I had to cut fifty full words out of the first draft to get this down to an even 300. . . One reason why drabbles are such excellent writing practise is they are definitely good at making you learn to edit ruthlessly.
