Chapter 4
Lucius carefully turned Severus around, pulling him out of the door in a showy manner, hand still clenching the halfblood's shoulder firmly. He did not release Severus until they had left behind the Infirmary, finally releasing his fingers from Severus' shoulder. The boy released a slight sigh, almost unnotable, had Lucius not been looking for it. Still, placing a hand upon the expanse of his back, inbetween the shoulder blades, he continued to steer Severus where he wanted him to go. Given the slight tension in the other's body as he did this, Lucius figured that he probably was not used to physical contact. Either way, Severus would become used to his contact, more or less.
A stinging hex. He thought. It was almost impossible to believe, and had the Madam not been the one who stated it, Lucius would not have believed that the spell had been such a simple one. And yet,it was so powerful...the boy clearly has some impressive genes, whoever his magical parent is. A stinging hex would normally not be able to do nearly that much damage, but it was clear that he had intent, and not only intent, but there was strength behind it. Impressive, is what it was. Lucius glanced towards the boy. He was quite interesting, and he fully intended to use this chance to get to know him. There was so much that was mysterious about him, and he was going to figure out what it was that was going on in his head. The boy was impressive, if nothing more. Lucius knew where to find impressive people.
He also was not so far beyond himself not to see a potential ally in someone, and a powerful one at that. He knew better than to make enemies of the wrong people, and he could tell that Severus was someone that could become quite the formidable enemy, and that was definitely not something that he wanted to worry about in his future. Just as Severus could be a dangerous enemy, he could become a vital ally. Lucius would prefer to make an ally of him before he has the chance to become an enemy of the Malfoys.
They came upon the Slytherin common room rather quickly, Lucius knew that it was mostly because there were few around, and those that were did not dare to interrupt him, walking with a stern gaze and a purposeful look to his face and his steps echoing with a clear destination in mind. Lucius cut a rather intimidating figure in general, now, though, he knew he had to look positively frightful. It did not help that there was an underlying cut of rage simmering through his eyes. Truthfully, he found it hard to understand Dumbledore's audacity.
That he would try to actively intimidate and threaten a Slytherin, and for what? Lucius glanced at the one besides him. He can't be more than a fifth year, at best, maybe forth. Dumbledore toying with any Slytherin sets my blood blazing, but particularly one so young. As powerful as the boy is, that does not mean he does not see what Dumbledore is doing. The old coot needs to stop toying with things that are not his to mess around with. He has overstepped his bounds, and I fully intend to ensure that he recognizes that.
Lucius pulled Severus through to the common room, moving him to a couch and pressing down on his shoulders so that he sits down, turning he gave everyone in the common room, all of which were watching him carefully, a dark look. "Leave," He hissed, his eyes flaring. The whole house scrambled away, hushed whispers under their breaths. Lucius knew, it was almost...almost scandalous. It was not, though, considering Lucius was aware that his followers had likely informed the important members of the happenings this afternoon, although he was certain they were still confused as to why it was that he chose to intervene in the first place.
Lucius waited until everyone left, before turning to Severus. He hummed, assessing the boy, watching as he met his gaze resolutely, a burning fire behind those dark eyes of his. it was wonderful to witness. There were not many people Lucius knew who had that sort of burning dedication to destruction, well, those that were in their somewhat sane mind. The Blacks were notorious for such things, but almost everyone in that blood line ended up going insane one way or another. If Lucius did not know that the Blacks were painfully careful with their seed, he would think perhaps Severus was a bastard of the line or something. As it were, he was still unsure what magical blood he came from, but he also knew he could not just ask Severus, that would be quite rude.
"What...exactly was that today?" Lucius questioned, clicking his tongue slightly as he stared Severus down.
"Just Potter and his lackeys doing what they normally do, as I am sure you are aware." Severus said with a roll of his eyes. "Have you not already interrogated me? What is the use in doing so again?" Severus questioned, his teeth gritted, but his eyes no less fierce, still holding his gaze steadily.
"I just want to acertain that I understand the entire situation, is all." Lucius said simply. Severus narrowed his eyes, clearly not entirely sure that he believed him. Lucius was fine with that. It would be a shame if he did not suspect Lucius of hiding something, after all, they were Slytherins. Lucius had no real reason, at least not one that was obvious, to be helping Severus to such an extent. His being suspicious merely heightened Lucius' appreciation.
"Well, you do." Severus hissed, his eyes narrowing distrustfully.
"That is good, then, I hope you will not mind my help." Lucius said simply.
"You're, help? Why would I accept that?"
"Because, I can be useful to you and you can be useful to me."