Lucius Malfoy
"Kanda! You're here" Allen waved him over the next morning as the pair met outside the charms classroom.
"We only have an hour as there's a class in here after that and Filius wants me to help" Allen explained and Kanda nodded, quickly slipping into one of the many duelling positions Severus had shown him.
"Rictusempra" Kanda began the match and the pair began to block and parry until the bell chimed out, signalling that their time was up. Soon after, the third year Gryffindor and Slytherins began to enter as Kanda and Allen donned their robes.
"Ah Kanda! Can I ask you something?" Harry called him over to his trio and Kanda nodded, bypassing the boy's table.
"Do you know why Snape wants to see us three this weekend? Is something wrong? He's been a lot calmer in class. I'm not complaining I'm just-"
"Confused or concerned?"
"Both I think" Harry admitted and the other two nodded in agreement.
"Well, I can't say much but I'll be there also. And you're not in trouble"
"But why bring Scabbers?" Ron screwed his nose up.
"That rat is not all it seems. It may be the reason why Black tried to get into Gryffindor Tower"
"But I thought he wanted Harry. Why would he want a pet?" Hermione asked.
"Just make sure to bring him with you" Kanda sighed and, receiving Ron's confirmation, ruffled Harry's hair and headed out of the classroom. Draco caught him as he entered,
"My father will be here next lesson and yours fifth period" he mumbled. Kanda nodded his acknowledgement and headed back down to the dungeons to rescue Snape from dealing with the Weasley twins alone.
The man was a shock of platinum hair and fine clothes, looking very much like a princely politician. Lucius Malfoy stood at the back of the class, quietly observing the lesson and the interactions between his old friend and the new apprentice. He watched as they managed to dance out of each other's way, assisting pupils around the room a lot more than the Potions Professor was ever known for. Lucius watched Severus closely. The man seemed calmer in his teaching (he was definitely more patient with the students) and Kanda seemed to be holding his own as an assistant.
And then he began to notice other things. A hand on a hip as they moved past; a slight jolt as they met gazes across the classroom. Lucius smirked; this would be interesting to watch unfold.
Once the lesson finished, Lucius headed over to the potions professor,
"I'll pop by your office after the next lesson."
"I'll leave the door open for you" Snape nodded and Lucius looked over at Kanda who was currently reorganising the cupboard in preparation for the next class.
"Will your apprentice be joining us?"
"For a time. He also has an appointment with a friend in the library" Snape told him. Lucius nodded before smirking and Severus narrowed his eyes,
"What is it?"
"Oh nothing, nothing. I'll see you later" and Lucius waved, leaving the classroom before the professor could call him back. He headed over to the Transfiguration classroom and slunk into the corner, nodding at McGonnogal who nodded back in understanding. Severus had asked if he could mention his change in views to others in the staff and Lucius had quickly agreed. And he was glad he had - it was nice to not have to match the Scottish woman in a stare off like he used to. The apprentice seemed to be a similar age to Kanda but softer and was watching him curiously before he was distracted by the entrance of the fifth year Ravenclaws. The lesson passed smoothly with the apprentice, who Lucius learnt was named Alma, staying on the ball and helping the students where he could. He would slink over to Minerva from time to time to check information and Lucius noticed he seemed rather unsure of himself. This was something that Lucius usually found irritating but with Alma it seemed endearing. Lucius shook his head and thanked the teacher and apprentice duo before heading down to the dungeons to meet up with Severus.
"Alright there Lucius?" Severus observed his friend's slightly dazed expression with amused concern.
"Of course, why do you ask?" the blond asked with a slight frown. Severus shrugged,
"No reason. Come in. Kanda is with Alma currently I believe he said but he'll be back later if you're still here" he explained. Lucius followed the man into his quarters and, throwing his outer robe over the chair, joined him on the sofa.
"So this plan to inform Potter about everything. Are you sure?" Lucius turned to Snape who rolled his eyes,
"What, no small talk? And yes, we're telling him this Saturday. And the rat may be discovered also." he answered.
"We?" Lucius raised an eyebrow.
"Kanda and I" Snape specified, "How did you find the apprentices?"
"All competent, if a little unsure but I may leave that out of my report as the students seem to like them well enough" Lucius admitted.
"My my you have changed" Severus smirked and it was the blond's turn to roll his eyes.
"But about Potter. Are you sure? If people were to find out and he to return-"
"-which he will. There is no doubt in my mind about that"
"He'll kill you Severus. You were one of his most faithful; he doesn't suffer traitors"
"I know. I will be careful. But Kanda was right in that I need to know who I am fighting for. There is no point defending a boy that I hate. And most of the hate is born of family resemblance anyway" Snape admitted. Lucius's brows shot up,
"So the man admits it. Though I can't say I blame you. I'm surprised you didn't hold more resentment towards the teachers if I'm being truly honest." he added. Severus shrugged,
"They were always careful not to act up in front of the staff - and it was only the Slytherins who reported them and the Gryffindors shouted foul play. What were they to do?"
"You really have changed Severus" Lucius smiled.
"So have you Lucius"
As if in answer to this, Lucius sat up in his chair and grimaced lightly.
"What happened?" Severus gave the man a look.
"So I probably should have started with this - and before you ask, Draco knows and is happy with the situation - but Narcissa and I are finally filing for divorce. We only married for the family ties anyway. And now that we've basically discredited our heritage and have a continuation of the Malfoy line, we believe now is as good a time as any. We'll still share the Manor for Draco but with seperate rooms" he explained. Snape looked at his friend in shock as he spoke,
"And there was no love lost between you?" Lucius rolled his eyes,
"There was no love in the beginning. At least nothing romantic. You know we both swing in opposite directions" and Severus sighed before nodding.
"I do" he admitted and Lucius grinned lightly,
"And apparently so do you" he quipped. Snape frowned at him,
"What gave you that impression?"
"Kanda '' he answered simply and watched with suppressed mirth as his friend's expression changed from confusion to utter embarrassment.
"I'm not - I don't" he stammered and Lucius burst out laughing,
"Of course you do. You wouldn't be like this if you didn't" he stated through chuckles and Severus slowly connected the dots, slumping forwards with a groan.
"Why did you have to make me aware of this? I live with the man, I can't. I can't 'like' him. It's unprofessional" he moaned and Lucius felt for his friend, laying a hand on his shoulder and pulling him into his side.
"Ah young love -"
"-I'm 34-"
"-What a trial on the heart" he dramatised and Severus rolled his eyes at the man's antics. He seemed to have gotten worse.
Though, even Lucius felt the world was working against them when Kanda's patronus burst into the room,
"I'm on my way back - and Alma's with me as well. Hope that's okay. We can stay in my room if you're busy. See you soon" Kanda's voice sounded out and Lucius chuckled in sympathy when the brunette slumped his head onto the older man's shoulder with an uncharacteristic whine. He eventually looked up with a glare,
"I hate you" he glowered and Lucius knocked his shoulder,
"You love me really"
"Urgh"
Kanda entered the dungeon room with Alma in tow who seemed surprised by Lucius's presence but greeted him politely, if not timidly. Severus expected Kanda to take his brother into his bedroom but the man instead flopped into an armchair, leaving Alma to take a seat beside Lucius on the sofa. Severus raised an eyebrow at Alma's flush and looked at Kanda in question but he just gave a quick grin in reply.
"So Kanda, how are you finding living with our grumpy potions professor?" Luicius asked and Kanda tilted his head lightly.
"It's fine. He's not particularly grumpy until someone messes up in class. And we get on pretty well so living here is good" he admitted and Severus gave a small smile at the admission.
"How about you and Minerva?" Lucius directed the question towards Alma beside him,
"Um it's nice actually - she's pretty funny and makes really nice tea" he told him and Kanda grinned, Minerva's sense of humour was rather crass when there were no children around to hear. Snape smirked knowingly before moving into the kitchen,
"Tea?" he called over his shoulder and, receiving three affirmatives, waved his wand over the teapot. Kanda looked over at the professor before turning back to the duo on the sofa who looked very cozy. Lucius gave him a knowing look and Kanda blatantly ignored the blond, instead talking directly to Alma, making Lucius chuckle.
"What's so funny?" Severus asked his friend as four mugs levitated onto the coffee table.
"Oh nothing. Nothing at all"
"Not bullying my apprentice I hope"
"Of course not. That's your job"
Severus spluttered slightly at the statement as Lucius feigned a look of innocence. Eventually the quartet slipped into pleasant conversation and Alma jumped in surprise as the clock in the kitchen chimed 10pm.
"Ah, I'd best be leaving." Lucius announced, accepting his cloak off Severus. Alma jumped up off the sofa.
"I should head off as well. I could see you to the entrance?" he asked and Lucius nodded,
"I would be grateful for the company" he smiled kindly and Severus rolled his eyes as the younger man blushed in reply. Kanda walked the pair to the door as Snape returned the mugs to the kitchen.
"Well it was nice meeting you" Lucius shook his hand,
"Same to you"
"One last thing" Lucius leaned in to whisper in Kanda's ear,
"If you were to make a move, Sev wouldn't object" and Kanda froze in embarassed shock. Alma looked at the blond in confusion before turning to his brother,
"Um, I'll see you sometime this weekend? I think Lena wants to drag us into Hogsmeade on Sunday"
Kanda eventually returned to his senses and nodded at the man,
"I'll be there. Be safe"