Sev's Gang

 “You are not still sulking, are you?” Lucius’ appearance was not a welcome one and Severus stifled a sigh as the blonde approached.

“What could I have to sulk about?” Severus replied dryly wondering if he would be allowed to walk away.

Lucius’ lips curled into a patronising smile and Severus hated how delectable they look. “Oh Severus,” Lucius smirked, “are you trying to pretend I did not punish you?”

“You did not punish me,” Severus replied. “You had MacNair do it, remember?”

Lucius’ eyes glittered and alarm flashed across Severus’ face. Lucius smiled again, having made his point that Severus should be fearful of him, and was. “Now do not be petulant Severus,” Lucius scolded. “You do not want me to have to give you a time-out, do you?”

Severus snorted derisively and did not bother to hide his sneer. “What do you want Malfoy?”

Lucius gave him a cold look. “I suggest you attempt that question again in another tone.”

Severus bit his lip. Lucius was right: Severus could do without being punished for a resistant attitude whilst he was still sporting brilliant bruises from MacNair. “What is it you want, Malfoy?” Severus repeated in a more subdued tone.

“Good boy,” Lucius praised tauntingly, and flashed another smile. “What I desire, Severus, is to see how my favourite boy is recuperating.”

“Who?” Severus retorted in evident disbelief.

“Now Severus, do consider your tone,” Lucius warned calmly. “Of course you are still my favourite despite your being naughty recently. I am not going to discard you for errant behaviour before you are even properly educated.”

“What?” Severus sighed.

“Severus really,” Lucius scolded, “your tone and posture are appalling today. Rectify it and once and maintain it properly.”

Severus frowned and pressed his lips together. “To what purpose?” he growled.

“You *will* desist using a disrespectful tone of voice Severus if you desire to avoid receiving a sore face,” Lucius warned.

“It’s already sore, like the rest of me,” Severus replied, but muted some of the venom in his voice.

“You *are* impossible,” Lucius stated, giving a dry smile that Severus did not understand.

“What are you talking about?” Severus asked.

“You, Severus,” Lucius replied. “I am fond of your spirit, despite its culmination in less desirable behaviours such as those you have been exhibiting just presently.”

Severus curled his lip slightly but was silent.

“What are you thinking?” Lucius asked.

Severus glanced at the older boy in surprise. Slytherins rarely asked that question of each other. “What good is my spirit to you if you have definite ideas about what you want from me?”

“I will marry a girl who compliments me in every way,” Lucius answered, “I want a lover who is challenging, surprising and unsicophantic.”

Severus spread out his arms. “I am not built to be a challenge.”

Lucius stepped forwards and reached out his hand –slowly enough for Severus to understand the move was unthreatening. Lucius tapped Severus’ forehead lightly. “You are built for it in here.”

Severus gazed at Lucius suspiciously. The younger boy was unused to touch or encouragement.

“Don’t get your hopes up,” Severus said. “Can I go now?”

“Whilst you can,” Lucius agreed with a cool purr.

“More threats?” Severus drawled softly as he stepped away.

Lucius exhibited a feral smile that sat perfectly at home on his face. “I have no need to threaten you, Severus. Life will show you that your existence will be difficult without the privileges I can bestow on you.”

“I am well-versed in ‘difficult’,” Severus replied.

“You will tire of it,” Lucius said. “Why should you struggle when I can transform your existence?”

“I won’t tire today,” Severus said, “and I won’t tire tomorrow. Not when you are my alternative.”

“The tomorrow I have told you of will come,” Lucius said.

Severus left. He was intent on finding himself as much enjoyment as he could before that time came, if ever. He wanted Lily.

In the following weeks Lucius seemed content for the most part to give Severus some space. Severus spent as much time with Lily as he could, despite the clear disapproval of his housemates. When Lily was busy Severus studied or allowed Avery to coax him into socialising with the other Slytherins.

The other Slytherins were suspicious of Severus at first and Severus knew it. His low blood and poor choice in company did him no favours. However, the more Severus’ dorm mates encouraged his presence in the common room, the more he relaxed there and showed himself to be witty and skilled. Lucius simply watched as Severus integrated into his house. It was still clear that Severus’ blood was tainted. The boy would never truly rise in the ranks without Lucius’ help.