By Fair Means or Foul
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
22
Views:
14,452
Reviews:
55
Recommended:
2
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
22
Views:
14,452
Reviews:
55
Recommended:
2
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter Ten
Chapter 10
Torchlight glinted off the blond hair as the figure made its way down the corridor. His soft steps could barely be heard as he had been trained since birth to tread stealthily. Grey eyes surreptitiously scoped the darkened niches hidden in the stone walls. As many times as he had been in this castle he still didn’t trust that something wouldn’t be hidden deep in it’s depths.
Just as he passed a connecting hallway, something white jumped out of the darkness and plastered itself to his shoulder. Only due to extensive training was he able to hold his calm exterior.
“Really, Draco, have some backbone.”
“Yes, Father. I wasn’t expecting you.”
Lucius emerged from the shadowed hallway. He drew his hand away from his son’s relaxing shoulder and cast a notice-me-not and a hear-me-not spell, and then he gently cupped his son’s cheek. He looked into eyes that were identical to his own and again sent silent gratitude to Severus for pulling the wool away from his eyes and for protecting Draco while he had been blind. Lucius would have never forgiven himself if anything had happened to his son. That Severus had cared enough about Draco to protect and nurture him here at school was extremely important to the elder Malfoy. Family was foremost in Lucius’s mind. He had even tried to protect Narcissa in the end at the force of that edict.
“That is the point, Draco. Always expect the unexpected. Never be caught unaware. And if, for some insanely stupid reason, you are surprised, never show anything but contempt or pleasure at the revelation,” Lucius tapped the head of his cane against Draco’s other cheek. “It is evidence of weakness when one shows fear.”
“Yes, Father. Fear is weakness.”
“Oh no, my dragon. You misunderstood the lesson. Fear is not a weakness; it can actually be a wonderful commodity. It can clear your mind, focus you, and enable you to action. Why, think of the manoeuvres you are able to attain when you are in fear that that Potter boy will catch the snitch before you. The weakness is your enemy’s knowledge of your fear. It is a strong weapon in the hands of someone capable of using it, manipulating it. Believe me, I am quite aware of its insipient beauty. Fear, if wielded correctly, can be used to make a man pay vast sums to keep rumour of an indiscretion quiet or move an entire nation to unspeakable acts of cruelty. Remember Draco, never give that kind of power over you to anyone.”
“Yes, Father.”
Lucius placed a kiss on his son’s forehead and pulled away. Draco cocked his head to the side as a question arose in his mind.
“What of love, Father? If one were to show love could that not also be turned against you? The mere fact that you cared for and loved someone could then be used against you because would you not fear for their safety?”
“True, but always remember Draco, love, in present-day society, is just an exchange of two momentary desires and the contact of two skins. To crudely elucidate: just because you fucked them does not mean you cannot forget them. But, if you are fortunate enough to find someone in whom desire is stronger than this flippant attitude, then by all means seize it and keep it. Always bear in mind, you are a Malfoy and Malfoys always keep what is theirs. Why else would I bother instructing you in ways to capitalize on any and all situations? I am preparing you for your responsibilities. And one of those responsibilities is to protect you and yours.” Lucius stepped forward and stared into his son’s eyes. “Even if deep love is there, it is best kept private and hidden. Then your enemy will not know where your true affections lie and therefore it will always be harder to exploit them.”
Draco nodded, understanding the undertones of his father’s words. Lucius loved his son and his son was quite aware of it. It was outsiders that were confused on this point. Most believed he was as much a token in Lucius’s life as his mother had been; spoiled and exhibited like trophies, used when necessary, but no real deep sentiment. But Draco knew that his father always practiced what he preached. At least, when he wasn’t lying through his perfect white teeth. Draco smiled.
“Now, Draco,” Lucius said, reaching into his cloak pocket. “I would like for you to carry out a small errand for me.”
“Of course, Father.”
“I am having dinner with Severus shortly. I want you to take this vial and pour its entire contents into his dinner glass.” Lucius handed the blue tinted vial that he had removed from his pocket to Draco. “Then you will enchant a small gold band around the base of the glass as I have taught you.”
Draco remembered that lesson and was alarmed on behalf of his teacher.
“You’re going to poison him?” he exclaimed in a shocked whisper. Lucius shook his head in exasperation with his offspring.
“I would be quite vexed with you for forgetting what I just taught you so quickly, Draco. But as I am pleased that you hold such affection for Severus, I shall withhold any punishment and be thankful that we are in private.”
“I’m sorry, Father.” Draco fought the blush of embarrassment from appearing on his face. Not only would his father see it and reprimand him for it, but Draco also knew that with his fair colouring he would look dreadful.
“To answer your question, no, I am not planning to end our friend’s life. I am about to enhance it.” Lucius pointed to the vial. “You will do as instructed. I don’t think I have to tell you how very upset I shall be if you fail in this, Draco.”
“No Father. I shall not fail you.”
“Good.” Lucius smiled and then ended the incantations he had placed about them. “Good evening, Draco.”
“Good evening, Father.”
Draco watched as his father strode away to where Draco knew Snape’s rooms were located. He examined the vial and contemplated sniffing the contents to try and discern what it was. After a moment he decided on not opening the tiny bottle. If his father had said that he wouldn’t do any harm to Snape then he wouldn’t. Well, perhaps he hadn’t said he wouldn’t harm him, but Draco was fairly sure that no permanent damage would be done. Besides, he trusted in Snape’s own cunning skills and knew that Snape could definitely handle himself around his father. And then, of course, there were his own strong self-preservation instincts that firmly warned him about inhaling fumes from an unknown potion. And, more importantly, they warned him to stay out of the machinations of two veteran versions of the epitome of Slytherin. Draco opened his robe pocket and tucked the blue vial next to the red vial that Snape had entrusted to him just a half hour ago.
Draco continued on his way to the kitchens, where he had been headed before his father’s ambush, silently wondering what both Snape and his father were dosing each other with.
Torchlight glinted off the blond hair as the figure made its way down the corridor. His soft steps could barely be heard as he had been trained since birth to tread stealthily. Grey eyes surreptitiously scoped the darkened niches hidden in the stone walls. As many times as he had been in this castle he still didn’t trust that something wouldn’t be hidden deep in it’s depths.
Just as he passed a connecting hallway, something white jumped out of the darkness and plastered itself to his shoulder. Only due to extensive training was he able to hold his calm exterior.
“Really, Draco, have some backbone.”
“Yes, Father. I wasn’t expecting you.”
Lucius emerged from the shadowed hallway. He drew his hand away from his son’s relaxing shoulder and cast a notice-me-not and a hear-me-not spell, and then he gently cupped his son’s cheek. He looked into eyes that were identical to his own and again sent silent gratitude to Severus for pulling the wool away from his eyes and for protecting Draco while he had been blind. Lucius would have never forgiven himself if anything had happened to his son. That Severus had cared enough about Draco to protect and nurture him here at school was extremely important to the elder Malfoy. Family was foremost in Lucius’s mind. He had even tried to protect Narcissa in the end at the force of that edict.
“That is the point, Draco. Always expect the unexpected. Never be caught unaware. And if, for some insanely stupid reason, you are surprised, never show anything but contempt or pleasure at the revelation,” Lucius tapped the head of his cane against Draco’s other cheek. “It is evidence of weakness when one shows fear.”
“Yes, Father. Fear is weakness.”
“Oh no, my dragon. You misunderstood the lesson. Fear is not a weakness; it can actually be a wonderful commodity. It can clear your mind, focus you, and enable you to action. Why, think of the manoeuvres you are able to attain when you are in fear that that Potter boy will catch the snitch before you. The weakness is your enemy’s knowledge of your fear. It is a strong weapon in the hands of someone capable of using it, manipulating it. Believe me, I am quite aware of its insipient beauty. Fear, if wielded correctly, can be used to make a man pay vast sums to keep rumour of an indiscretion quiet or move an entire nation to unspeakable acts of cruelty. Remember Draco, never give that kind of power over you to anyone.”
“Yes, Father.”
Lucius placed a kiss on his son’s forehead and pulled away. Draco cocked his head to the side as a question arose in his mind.
“What of love, Father? If one were to show love could that not also be turned against you? The mere fact that you cared for and loved someone could then be used against you because would you not fear for their safety?”
“True, but always remember Draco, love, in present-day society, is just an exchange of two momentary desires and the contact of two skins. To crudely elucidate: just because you fucked them does not mean you cannot forget them. But, if you are fortunate enough to find someone in whom desire is stronger than this flippant attitude, then by all means seize it and keep it. Always bear in mind, you are a Malfoy and Malfoys always keep what is theirs. Why else would I bother instructing you in ways to capitalize on any and all situations? I am preparing you for your responsibilities. And one of those responsibilities is to protect you and yours.” Lucius stepped forward and stared into his son’s eyes. “Even if deep love is there, it is best kept private and hidden. Then your enemy will not know where your true affections lie and therefore it will always be harder to exploit them.”
Draco nodded, understanding the undertones of his father’s words. Lucius loved his son and his son was quite aware of it. It was outsiders that were confused on this point. Most believed he was as much a token in Lucius’s life as his mother had been; spoiled and exhibited like trophies, used when necessary, but no real deep sentiment. But Draco knew that his father always practiced what he preached. At least, when he wasn’t lying through his perfect white teeth. Draco smiled.
“Now, Draco,” Lucius said, reaching into his cloak pocket. “I would like for you to carry out a small errand for me.”
“Of course, Father.”
“I am having dinner with Severus shortly. I want you to take this vial and pour its entire contents into his dinner glass.” Lucius handed the blue tinted vial that he had removed from his pocket to Draco. “Then you will enchant a small gold band around the base of the glass as I have taught you.”
Draco remembered that lesson and was alarmed on behalf of his teacher.
“You’re going to poison him?” he exclaimed in a shocked whisper. Lucius shook his head in exasperation with his offspring.
“I would be quite vexed with you for forgetting what I just taught you so quickly, Draco. But as I am pleased that you hold such affection for Severus, I shall withhold any punishment and be thankful that we are in private.”
“I’m sorry, Father.” Draco fought the blush of embarrassment from appearing on his face. Not only would his father see it and reprimand him for it, but Draco also knew that with his fair colouring he would look dreadful.
“To answer your question, no, I am not planning to end our friend’s life. I am about to enhance it.” Lucius pointed to the vial. “You will do as instructed. I don’t think I have to tell you how very upset I shall be if you fail in this, Draco.”
“No Father. I shall not fail you.”
“Good.” Lucius smiled and then ended the incantations he had placed about them. “Good evening, Draco.”
“Good evening, Father.”
Draco watched as his father strode away to where Draco knew Snape’s rooms were located. He examined the vial and contemplated sniffing the contents to try and discern what it was. After a moment he decided on not opening the tiny bottle. If his father had said that he wouldn’t do any harm to Snape then he wouldn’t. Well, perhaps he hadn’t said he wouldn’t harm him, but Draco was fairly sure that no permanent damage would be done. Besides, he trusted in Snape’s own cunning skills and knew that Snape could definitely handle himself around his father. And then, of course, there were his own strong self-preservation instincts that firmly warned him about inhaling fumes from an unknown potion. And, more importantly, they warned him to stay out of the machinations of two veteran versions of the epitome of Slytherin. Draco opened his robe pocket and tucked the blue vial next to the red vial that Snape had entrusted to him just a half hour ago.
Draco continued on his way to the kitchens, where he had been headed before his father’s ambush, silently wondering what both Snape and his father were dosing each other with.