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Post by snape on Mar 9, 2011 23:08:52 GMT -5
Severus Snape slowly made his way to Diagon Alley. He usually just sent an owl for the ingredients he needed, but that option wasn't available to him right now because the one he always used had a broken rib. Sure he could have picked any bird out of the available flock at Hogwarts; however, he preferred the black Screech owl. He Floo'ed to the Leaky Cauldron from his quarters and as it was a Saturday he didn't have to worry about his classes right away either. Not only that but he had already graded everyone's assignments so he was well ahead of himself for once. Perhaps this weekend excursion would do him some good. A few of the older teachers joked that the Potions Master didn't see the light of day nearly enough.
When he arrived at the Leaky Cauldron he thought about staying for a while to get a drink, but Severus was smarter than that. Alcohol just didn't agree with him and he definitely didn't want to get addicted to something else or end up like his filthy Muggle father. So he bypassed the bar no matter how much he wanted a Fire Whiskey and ended up in the heart of Diagon Alley. The street didn't seem too busy. It wasn't as crowded as it usually was. He figured though that most business came from students heading off to Hogwarts and since school was still in session that meant that the only people who came were probably just picking up the essentials. Severus shook his head slightly before he walked off towards the Apothecary. He was suddenly thrown into the past for a moment, remembering the weeks leading up to his seventh year which he had spent in the Leaky Cauldron on the meager inheritance his mother had left him… This was where he had worked; brewing Potions in the lab or his temporary room just to make it by until school started. It wasn't really a pleasant memory, but it reminded Snape that he hadn't quite buried everything yet after all. His lips tightened somewhat.
He entered the Apothecary and grabbed up some of the ingredients he couldn't get himself. He was glad that he didn't have to worry about the price tag as much as he had and he would get a discount anyway for being a former employee. Severus looked around for a few minutes more to see if he could find anything else of interest that he didn't necessarily need, but nothing caught his attention so he moved on. Before too long he had his purchases carefully wrapped up and packaged in a bag. Snape hit a few other places as well before he was done. Now normally he wasn't the type to stick around after finishing, but he didn't want to go back to Hogwarts again. He wasn't in the mood to plan his lessons right now.
So instead of heading back to the Leaky Cauldron and Floo'ing to his quarters, he went off to get that drink. He could have returned to the pub that connected the Muggle world to the Wizarding one; however, it was high time he went into Knockturn Alley. He had his appearances to keep up, after all... The Hanged Man was a dodgy place that kind of reminded Snape of the Hog's Head in Hogsmeade because it was a dark and dingy establishment where the customers made sure to keep themselves covered. Severus ignored them as he moved right to the bar and sat himself down on one of the stools. This was probably a bad idea, but before he could actually think his actions through he was already ordering a Fire Whiskey. He put a Galleon down and tossed back the shot; the alcohol burned his throat rather pleasantly on its way. Ahh... That was good stuff...
Without a word, the bartender refilled Snape's drink. |
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Post by Lucius Malfoy on Mar 10, 2011 15:30:49 GMT -5
Knockturn Alley, he concluded, was not a nice place at all. It was grimy and full of unsavory characters who were in desperate need of a wash. But it's standards of character were low enough that he could get anything he wanted here for a fraction of the price, not to mention the darker side of the magic spectrum and it's thousand books and potions that seemed to clog up much of the stock of Knockturn Alley's shops.
Money and a Death Eater history could get you far in places like these. He may not have been fond of his service to the Dark Lord, but it had its advantages, he could not deny that.
Face wrinkled in disgust, he turned away from a haggard old witch trying to sell him enchanted rings. He exhaled sharply through his nose, as though trying to rid himself of the woman's very presence. He had no work today so had planned to go straight home and enjoy a day with his wonderful wife, however she had sharply told him that morning that she was visiting friends and that he should find a way to entertain himself.
He had almost sulked.
Instead the blond had turned from the house and was lingering in the vile place for far longer than was needed. But he had a reputation to keep up and a lot of time to kill. His reputation extended far beyond some money and a place in the ministry, he could not be seen playing lapdog to Fudge or he would loose the respect of the dealers in Knockturn Alley and with the likes of Arthur Weasley nosing around, that was not a good place to be in.
The Hanged Man came into his vision and he paused, an eyebrow raised at the pub as he considered his options. He felt like a drink and it was the sort of place that Death Eater's were supposed to be seen, so it would be good for his image. Also, if he was lucky, he would meet some of the more tolerable of his acquaintances and they could share a few stories and have a few drinks.
So he entered, head held high. His outfit alone could buy this pub and everyone in it and he knew that better than anyone. He was in control and it felt good. His cane clicked against the floor as he surveyed the people inside the bar. For a moment he considered turning away, when a man caught his eye.
Severus Snape.
A genuine smile flickered across his features. He had always had a soft spot for the younger man and they had grown closer through the mark on their arms, he was the best Lucius could have hoped for.
"Severus. You were the last person I expected to see here, but I am glad to see you none the less. How are you?"
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Post by snape on Mar 13, 2011 0:18:52 GMT -5
Severus was more careful with his second shot of Fire Whiskey. He didn't normally drink and as such alcohol had an adverse effect on him more often than naught. He acted too much like his filthy Muggle father when he was under the influence. Some people got happy when they indulged while others grew sad or spilled every little secret that they had (whether it was theirs or not). Snape was the type who got angry and raged at the world for slighting him. So much had gone wrong in his life -- most of it his own damn fault. He sipped at the fiery liquid as he allowed his dark gaze to look around the smallish pub.
The Hanged Man had odd decor. Beyond the bar area on the back wall was a large mirror which showed the whole room located behind Severus and of course there were various bottles of spirits on the counter; however, it was the 'trophies' that caught the eye. They were basically stuffed heads of various Magical Creatures (like a unicorn) with a plaque under each one stating what it was, who had killed it, and when it had happened. Not only that but there were also some pretty gruesome paintings of torture or of Muggles being taught their 'proper place.' This was only part of the reason why Death Eaters were pretty much expected to show up here every so often. The Potions Master had long ago learned how to dissociate himself from such things though and the decor didn't bother him. He had seen much worse in his short life, after all...
Severus drummed his fingers on the counter as he stared at his shot. The drumming was a little-known nervous habit of his which came from years of smoking cigarettes and it always signaled the fact that he was craving another hit from his cancer stick. He heard the door open, but he paid no attention to it. He was therefore somewhat surprised when a familiar voice broke his concentration. He raised his head slightly and caught sight of Lucius Malfoy in the mirror. A slight smirk tugged on his lips. There had been a point in his life when he had considered the blonde man a friend. They had grown close over the years due to their shared interests (-inner shifty eyes-) and sometimes Snape wondered how buddy-buddy they would be if the truth was ever discovered... But for now the pieces were still in play so the game could continue.
"I could say the same for you." He quirked an eyebrow. This bar was more common among the lower rung of patrons; not for a high-and-mighty Malfoy. "I'm fair, thanks, and you? Have a seat. Can I buy you something to drink?" |
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Post by Lucius Malfoy on Mar 13, 2011 15:54:39 GMT -5
Lucius watched the man for a moment, as though considering him. But his eyes were blank of emotion, for he was far to clever to let any feelings he might have for the other man reach the surface of his mask. Lucius was not one to allow many others to see what he felt, unless it was in some way beneficial to him. It was a rare day when even his wife would get a gleam of his true affection for her, those were the good days.
His father's harsh rules had been beaten into him until he learned to control his emotions adequately and only reveal them when necessary.
He took a seat, glancing into the large mirror and quickly taking in the other occupants of the bar. They were mostly keeping themselves to themselves, apart from one group of six guys playing poker. Her was glad to see that there did not appear to be anymore of his Death Eater 'friends'. Lucius was not in the moods to retell the torturing sessions he had been forced to take part in when the Dark Lord had been in control of his life. He closed his eyes for a second longer than normal, suppressing a dark chuckle as he realized he was acting as though the Dark Lord wasn't still controlling his life.
He turned to the dark haired man, smirking at the contrast between the two. His long platinum blonde hair and mercury eyes, the other man with coal black eyes and hair. Yet they were both marked with the same blotch on their arms, a regret for both of them.
He gave the other man a small nod.
"That would be much appreciated.
A toast?"
He raised an eyebrow as a fire whiskey appeared.
"To the days long gone."
Severus would understand.
Not a toast of memory, but a toast to the alcohol that might help them forget.
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Post by snape on Mar 13, 2011 16:13:10 GMT -5
At the nod from Lucius, Severus set down another Galleon on the counter and the bartender passed out another shot of Fire Whiskey. He raised his drink at the toast. "To the days long gone." Snape repeated before downing the liquid in one go. "Not that drinking has ever really helped me much."
He gave a shrug of his thin shoulders and a dry chuckle. Alcohol rarely made him forget the things that he didn't really want to remember anymore. He basically had two stages of drunkenness; the first which resembled something his father often fell into and the second a kind of pleasantly passed out phase. Severus watched his glass refill with more Fire Whiskey. He drummed his fingers on the counter again and pursed his lips for a moment. There weren't any signs in the pub that said no smoking so he took out a cigarette. As soon as he had finished lighting up the cancer stick he inhaled the nicotine deep into his system and only then did he finally seem to relax.
"So... What are you doing here?" No one ever said that Severus was good at making small talk. "How are things going on your end?" |
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Post by Lucius Malfoy on Mar 15, 2011 15:59:23 GMT -5
Lucius's lips twisted into a wry smile at the younger mans words. Drinking never really helped, but it didn't stop him trying and it never would.
Lucius may have harsh principles with his children, but he had never told them that drinking was not an option, he would not lie to them unless he thought it would genuinely help them.
He flicked his own galleon to the table this time and his glass was refilled instantly. he looked down at it, rolling it between his fingers as he considered how to answer the man.
Lucius was not always a logical man, he might appear to have a heart of stone, but it was not the case. Lucius could feel, he could wonder and he could doubt. While many assumed he was above these emotions, he was left to suffer in silence.
He looked at his friends, eyes darkening as he thought of his wife's children, growing in her stomach.
He couldn't think of them as his own. She hadn't told him for so long, hiding it. He had been forced to learn by listening in on other people's conversations.
Why would she not tell him?
The only conclusion he had come to was that they were not his.
He spoke up, turning and looking at Severus with his sharp grey eyes.
"Narcissa is pregnant. I only just found out, she didn't tell me.""
He paused, continuing to watch the other man.
"She didn't tell me for so long. It made me think...they aren't mind. Narcissa never keeps anything from me."
He downed the drink and continued to stare at Snape, his eyes glittering dangerously now.
"If they are not mind... Whose are they?
He raised an eyebrow at the man, eyes dangerous.
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Post by snape on Mar 16, 2011 14:51:55 GMT -5
Severus pushed away the rest of his shot, sensing that he was already dangerously close to the edge of no return as he slowly drew from his cigarette. The bartender slid an ashtray down the counter, which Snape made quick use of. He raised an eyebrow at Lucius's first words and a rare smile broke across his features.
"That's good news, right?"
These days he wasn't so sure... Not to mention the fact that the blonde didn't seem exactly thrilled with the whole idea to begin with. He frowned when Lucius voiced doubt that the baby (or babies) weren't his. It was odd to hear Lucius so... so... unsure. It wasn't something Severus normally attributed to the other Death Eater. He said nothing to that, not even having the slightest idea as to what his friend was talking about. Purebloods were so confusing. He seriously doubted that Narcissa would cheat because he had seen the two together often enough; he knew they were pretty close compared to other arranged marriages he had witnessed in his time. His only response to the dangerous gleam in Lucius's gray eyes was another eyebrow quirk.
"I hope you're not suggesting I did this, Lucius. I barely see your wife alone much and I'm not interested in her like that." Snape shrugged. "Never have been and probably never will be. No offense. I mean, she is beautiful on her own right, but she just doesn't appeal to me... Not to mention the fact that I'm still a virgin." |
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Post by Lucius Malfoy on Mar 16, 2011 15:55:49 GMT -5
Lucius snarled at his words. They were lies, they had to be. He had thought it through, there was no one else who could have done it. Severus was the only one.
"Don't lie to me Severus. You are the only one who could have. The only one!
His voice was harsh and whispered and desperate. So desperate. Lucius knew they weren't his, how could they be?
He didn't want someone else's kids.
But then there was that voice, right in the back of his mind that told him they were his... So. He didn't want his own kids?
He tossed the idea away, glaring at his old friend with something akin to madness in his normally blank eyes. He was loosing it. Lucius was falling apart with confusion and despair and anger.
"Why Severus? Why did you do it?
Why did she do it?
What is going on?
He closed his eyes and his blonde head fell to his hand, his speech slightly muffled as he spoke up, sounding more angry than before.
I don't want them.
I don't care whose they are, mine, yours, anyones. I don't want them."
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Post by snape on Mar 17, 2011 11:14:23 GMT -5
"Why me...?"
Snape couldn't help but to wonder what had made Lucius even jump to this conclusion that he had actually... been 'together' with Narcissa at some point. The very idea was absurd to him. He was pretty much a one-woman man. He was loyal to Lily despite the fact that she had hurt him in the past and had married his archenemy; despite the fact that she had children and he wasn't even fond of kids all that much; despite everything that had happened to them he was hers and hers alone.
To hear Lucius sounding so desperate and harsh really caught him off-guard. Snape wasn't accustomed to receiving this sort of behavior from his friend, but he had seen it before so he didn't even know why he felt surprised.
"I didn't do it, Lucius. I can take some Veritaserum if you want to prove it."
He tilted his head somewhat as he watched the blonde unravel at the seams. He wasn't sure what to do. He basically had no experience in comforting people either and everything he said was just being twisted around anyway so he doubted that it would help much. He raised an eyebrow at those last words. How could Lucius not even want them if they had Malfoy blood? He could maybe understand getting rid of them if they were in fact the product of an affair, but this new development made no sense to him. Severus pursed his lips for a moment.
"I don't know what you want me to say, Lucius." He raised his shoulders in another shrug. "Have you told Narcissa any of this?" |
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