Chapter 5
The sheer amount of distrust that was flooding through the younger Slytherin's eyes was impressive, but almost insulting. It was true, there was much that they could offer each other. He did not doubt that the other was weighing the pros and cons, and contemplating how much he should trust Lucius. It was almost insulting, but he could not doubt that it was a wise thing to do. Slytherin's never did anything for free, after all, and considering the spectacle today, well, Lucius was no idiot. This was definitely not the first time that stupid group of Gryffindors have tormented this Slytherin boy, and he doubted that it would be the last. Should the others get another chance, they will undoubtedly return retaliation once again.
"I am sure that you know full well, without my help, those boys will continue to play games like this with you, and it will only get worse the longer time goes on." Lucius began, realizing that Severus was not going to say anything to him yet. "I have connections, and whilst I am not entirely sure I can get the boys expelled, I can definitely ensure that they leave you alone, at least for a while."
"I have dealt with this, for five years now. Another two and a half years is nothing in comparison." Severus began stiffly, his nails cutting into the fabric of the couch as he attempted to remain calm and collected. It was impressive, Lucius would give him that. The other was likely incredibly overwhelmed. He had been humiliated, assaulted, eviscerated and demasculinated by three idiots in front of the whole school, proceeded to almost get threatened by Dumbledore, something Lucius was sure would have been far worse had he not been there, and yet here was some Slytherin Prefect offering aid. He was right to be overwhelemed, and suspicious, something which he had to remind himself of.
"We have a common enemy, Severus," Lucius said softly, his eyes softening, leaning slightly forwards, hands falling over the edges of his knees as he moved forwards. "I hate the Potter family, though perhaps not as personally as yourself, and I despise that group quite a bit actually. Sirius is disowned by the Black family, for good reason, James Potter is merely a menace that needs humbling, that...that Remus merely got being Prefect likely due to some audacity of Dumbledore, as we all know he should not have gotten it, and that rat...Pettigrew, is annoying at best. Whilst perhaps my reasons for disliking the group is far different than your own, we both would prefer to see them taken down a few pegs. I can help with that, along with a little bit of aid from yourself, of course." Lucius said gently. Severus grit his teeth, narrowing his eyes in distrustful slits.
"I do not trust you," Severus said simply, the words meant to disarm, but considering Lucius already figured that, they did not do the job they were meant to. He merely nodded, solemnly, giving a sort of understanding.
"I don't expect you to, I have not given you a reason to trust me, however...I do want you to know that while perhaps our trust is called into question with each other, I do wish to knock Potter and his friends down a few degrees. They have become quite the trouble to my family. It would be quite beneficial for us to work together, Severus."
"What exactly is it that you need me for?" Severus hissed, eyes still narrowed. "You said it before, you have connections, and you obviously have money and power. Why not deal with whatever problems Potter is giving you yourself. You surely have no need to get me involved. Unless that is not the real reason you wish to get me involved, and there is something else that you want, in which case I suggest you come clean about it now."
Lucius had to admit he was quite surprised that his deception did not work as effortlessly as he had thought it would, but it was not entirely seen through either. He sighed, slumping backwards in the chair, leaving Severus quite surprised at the lack of decorum. "I know, I have money, power, connections. The reality is so do the Potters. Whilst their family is not close to matching ours, they do have Dumbledore, which I am sure you have noticed, since the last war, is quite powerful in his own right. Seen as the good of...whatever. I need more than just money and power and connections. I need a weak spot. You...are their weak spot." Severus scoffed.
"Is that so, care to tell me how that thought process works."
"They are scared of you, for one," Severus rolled his eyes. He knew that, the cowards could not even bear to duel him in a fair fight. They would lose, he knew it, and he knew sure as hell that they knew it as well. "But more than that, many people have witnessed their bullying. Primarily of you, but of others as well. Using the right strings, pushes and pulls, I can at least get us a trial, or something close to one. Your memories, would be evidence that cannot be inadmissable, and damning as well."
"I do not wish to give my memories, to a group of strangers I've never seen to peruse for their pleasure." Severus hissed. Lucius nodded.
"I understand. Of course, there are other ways. Your help would be greatly appreciated. At the very least I could plan out a few situations to coerce the boys into trying to attack you a few times, more unprompted shows, then in the aftermath, as long as I am with you, I can release my own memories. Your memories, while valuable, are not going to be demanded of you."
"What is the cost of this?" Severus questioned. Lucius gave a small chuckle.
"Cost? The cost is your cooperation in working with me to get the Potter Heir to lose some credibility with the public, particularly the political public. As of now, a heavy amount of their wrongs, are being hidden, and whilst that is not necessarily bad, all heirs are given that minimum from their parents, I happen to dislike the Potter family, their...light agenda, and yet they raise such a scoundrel. Hypocritical, I would say. The Malfoy family may play in shades and mirrors, but we never directly lie, merely imply. I would appreciate getting to knock the Potters down a few ladders on the Political scale. It will also bolster my image quite a bit, particularly since I was coming to the defense of a halfblood slytherin boy. In return for your help at aiding me in such a thing, I will do my best to ensure your safety from them, and Dumbledore, in the coming years." Severus narrowed his eyes but he could not deny that it was a good deal.
"Fine," Severus hissed. "But don't think that I am easily manipulated. I don't have to cooperate, and I can stop working with you at any time." Lucius nodded, reassuringly towards the boy.
"Of course," Lucius said simply.