Chapter 46
Lucius watched on bemused as Severus warded the door so thoroughly, one might have thought a herd of Erumpets was about to try knock it down. When Severus finally relented, a teasing quip was on the tip of Lucius’ tongue – but it quickly disappeared when he caught sight of Severus’ face.
‘What is it?’ he asked urgently.
‘Sirius Black has offered me a courtship.’ Severus croaked, then slumped into a chair.
Lucius was ready to tease his friend, but again the look on his face was too panicked for that. He sat down beside Severus and laid a hand on his shoulder.
‘Breathe, Sev.’
Severus let out a hysterical half-sob, turning wild eyes on Lucius before looking away again.
Lucius had never seen the man so – undone.
‘Christ Almighty, Sirius Black wants to court me! Me!’ Severus cried.
‘I’ve not heard you use muggle curse words since you were in first year, Sev. Clearly this has rattled you, although I’m not entirely sure why?’ Lucius let his voice tail up a bit, a careful question.
‘Not sure why?! What do you mean not sure why?!’
‘Because I already told you this was going to happen. I told you Sirius was going to make a move on you. You said he didn’t kiss you in the owlery because he was waiting till he was healthier. Then he kissed you the other day. The two of you have been dancing around each other ever since he arrived here. I’m not entirely sure why this is a surprise to you, Severus?’
Severus stared at him in shock, then blinked hard. ‘Because it’s Sirius Black. And me.’
‘And?’ Lucius prompted.
‘And it’s me!’ Severus repeated.
Lucius gave him a pitying look. ‘Severus, you oblivious idiot. I know you have it in your head that you’re some poor, greasy nobody, but you could not be more wrong.’
Severus scoffed.
‘I’m serious. You have always been so oblivious to other people’s looks, sometimes I have wondered if you just aren’t… interested in romance.’
Severus looked at him in question.
‘Asexual. You are so oblivious I assumed you must be asexual.’ Lucius said bluntly. ‘That’s why I teased you so much – I didn’t think you actually cared. I thought you were just trying things out, trying to see if anything – anyone fit. The way people look at you, Sev – I honestly do not know how you haven’t noticed it. People look at you when you pass them. People stare at you. I’m man enough to admit I can’t stop looking at your hands, especially when you’re preparing ingredients – or just eating dinner.’ Lucius gave him a wry smile.
Severus stared back in shock. ‘You like my hands?’
‘Gods above, Sev, those long, deft fingers… Cissa has agreed that you’re welcome in our bed, if you were ever interested. Not that you’ve ever given any indication… You’re practically a monk. Oh – is that why Sirius has you so out of sorts? You’ve never…?’
Severus buried his face in his hands. Why he ever thought talking to Lucius would be helpful was beyond him. Lucius had only made him even more confused – and embarrassed.
‘If you’d like the opportunity to practice, Sev – our bedroom is always open to you.’ Lucius offered, completely sincere.
‘Merlin’s balls, Lucius, keep it in your pants!’ Severus hissed.
Lucius gave him a filthy grin. ‘We coul-‘ his voice cut out as Severus’ wand whipped toward him, and Lucius waggled his eyebrows.
Severus shook his head, lips tightening. Lucius relented, pulling his own wand out to remove the silencing charm.
‘Alright, Sev, I’m sorry for teasing. Seriously, though – just be honest. Not like he’s had much action either, being locked away all these years. He’s not into you because he thinks you’ll be good in bed. He’s interested in marrying you. He wants a courtship, not a fling.’
‘I don’t even know what that involves!’ Severus grit out.
Lucius blinked. ‘Oh. Right. It’s like… it’s been around forever. You both go on dates and spend time together, and if you both agree, it eventually progresses to engagement and marriage.’
‘Dating? He’s asking to date me?’ Severus asked flatly.
‘Well, sort of. It’s more formal than dating. If you were both younger, your parents would have a whole lot of extra rules around the courtship. And to enter into a courtship means you agree not to see anyone else. It’s sort of like a pre-engagement period.’
Severus sighed heavily. ‘So, if I agree to it, then we just go on a few dates and decide if things are going to go anywhere?’
Lucius snorted. ‘Sure. If that’s how you want to take it. If that’s how you want to interpret centuries of tradition and structure and guidance in how best to learn about a potential future spouse.’ Lucius rolled his eyes.
‘Every time I think you’re starting to share helpful information, you ruin it again.’ Severus grumbled.
‘I’m not a book, Sev. I’m your best friend. I’m here to support you and to humble you. Two-for-one deal.’
‘Best friend? Unlikely.’ Severus grumbled again.
‘You think anyone else would put up with your sour face like I do?’ Lucius smirked.
‘You just said everyone was staring at me when I walked past.’ Severus retorted.
‘Oh, they are.’ assured Lucius. ‘But they’re thinking about your hands and your arse and your lips and your brain and your mastery at nineteen – not your grumpiness.’
‘Oh, piss off!’ growled Severus, blushing darkly. He stood to leave, and Lucius gave him a slightly apologetic look.
‘Ask Barty if you want more details on courtship. He’s very knowledgeable on those sorts of things – historical traditions and such. And he won’t spread it around that you asked.’
Severus gave him a grudging nod, and unwarded the door.
He might as well go find Barty right now, before he lost his nerve.