The site of the annual Christmas ball for the Malfoys, which had been full of laughter and music, was now a crime scene. The Malfoys knew the war was coming, and many old bloods were with Voldemort, but the Malfoys never were. The fact that their party was swarming with aurors now, had nothing to do with the war, but with the attempted murder of one of the guests. She was none other then seventeen year old Narcissa Electra Black, the niece of Lord Black, and intended bride of the Malfoy heir, if their mother's succeeded. Lucius had no interest in marrying, and his father had seen no need to push his son, he was still young yet.
Narcissa had been attacked, and stabbed like a muggle in the shoulder with a knife; a few inches further and it could have been her heart. She was laid out on a couch in the den; a healer was staunching the blood flow, and seeing to repairs.
And her accused attacker. An auror had him in binds. "Severus Tobias Snape you are under arrest for the attempted murder of Narcissa Black."
Severus was pale and quiet. "I would never hurt her. I never touched her. I swear I never attacked her."
The half blood Slytherin, a member of the Prince family on his mother's side but she had been disowned, had practically been raised here at the manor. Abraxas' late wife and Eileen had been best friends, and when Eileen died when the boys were eleven, and he spent holidays here. He was quiet, and spent most of his time in a lab or reading, and no one in their right mind, could think he would try to kill her.
Abraxas came to his side. "I am sure there must be some mistake. I know my foster son; he would never have hurt someone. Especially not my guest."
Narcissa looked up from her place. "He had a hood on but I know it was him, he taunted me. He was angry because he wants Lucius all to himself."
It was no secret that Lucius and Severus had been lovers for a few years now, in love since they were ten. Old bloods had never believed in it, even if there was male pregnancy, for an heir was to marry a proper young woman, and have kids. Many lords had male lovers, and even children from them, but not marriage. Abraxas was much more open minded, and he had not wanted to tear them apart, the reason he had allowed his son not to be betrothed.
Severus looked at Lucius who was off to one side. "You know it isn't true, you know I would never hurt her Lucius. You know me Luc, please you know me."
Lucius would not even look at him and went over to where Narcissa sat. "I can't believe you would attack her. After all my father and I have done for you."
Looking at the man who had been his best friend since they could talk, and the love of his life for five years, Severus could not believe this. Lucius knew him, he knew him better then anyone else in this world, and he did not even believe him. Lucius knew that Severus didn't have murder in him, Merlin he had been a target for his father and bullies in school, and though he knew more hexes then most, he never used them.
Abraxas put a calming hand on him. "I will have an attorney see to your case. We will clear this up."
Severus sent one last pleading look to Lucius. "You know I am innocent Luc, you know I am. I love you Luc, please, please Luc."
The other man did not look up from where he was with Narcissa, but only Severus saw the glint in her eyes, she knew she had won. Severus was taken to Azkaban and the promised attorney came, but it was weeks before he received a trial. In that time, the engagement of Lucius and Narcissa was announced, and when he was led into the courtroom, neither father or son was there. The only friendly faces were Lily and Remus, and he knew, even before the verdict came down, he was doomed.
The judge finally spoke. "Severus Tobias Snape you have been found guilty. You are hereby sentenced to ten years in a black cell, with no chance of parole."
Author note: This was in answer to a challenge from jessitose 85. We will get a lot more of their romance, in flashbacks in the story. There is no Voldie, well he will actually die on Halloween, and there will be definite Weasley bashing. I hope you read, enjoy and review.