Dragon\'s Den

Title: Dragon’s den 02
Author: ejab
Pairing: SS/LM and some SS/RL
Rating: the story is slash and NC-17
Feedback: a true gift and highly appreciated
Disclaimer: alas, J.K. Rowling still owns these gorgeous men
Warnings: nothing *too* graphic... *g*
Category: darkfic
Summary: they both get spoiled, really
A/N: my betas Underlucius and silentpawz are the best! All remaining mistakes are mine.


2/9

Lucius kept true to his word, coming back home just before five o’clock and proudly handing Severus the promised purchase deed.

“It’s even more spacious than I remembered,” the Grandmaster of Potions nodded approvingly while looking over the enclosed ground plan.

“And checked on hexes, spells and lingering traces of energy. You will, of course, have to see to securing the property yourself.” Lucius picked up the appropriate cutlery and attacked his veal steak with a vengeance.

“I take it you are hungry then?” Snape looked up with amusement.

“Quite. Unfortunately I missed lunch as well.” His husband gave the purchase deed a meaningful look. Severus immediately understood; Number 8 Burly Street had been sold in the meantime and Lucius had been forced to buy it back. Or, more likely, he’d no doubt managed to ‘convince the present owners to relinquish on their rather rash and foolish purchase’. Either way, he now had his very own apothecary!

“Did you now? You poor man... “ Severus chuckled. Then disappeared out of sight.

Blissfully unaware of what was going on, Effy rearranged the wine his Master had requested on a silver tray together with the two glasses as he made his way down the hall towards the dining room. Before entering, he gave the presentation on the tray one last critical look and was about to enter the dining room when he noticed the husband of his Master. Mr Lucius sat in his usual chair but instead of the normal eating gestures his left hand was now immovably holding a fork halfway between his plate and his half open mouth while keeping his eyes closed, breathing more and more audibly as moments passed. Effy froze, for a second fearing the worst. He relaxed when he felt the magic signature of his Master coming from under the table. Ah. The house-elf looked away.

Torn between conflicting emotions, Effy hesitated on what to do.It was more than clear that his presence was not needed, not wanted even, but he had been ummoned and ordered to bring the wine! A loud shuddering moan made the house-elf look up; Mr Lucius looked funny with that grimace.
Slightly ashamed for his own curiosity and boldness, Effy bowed his head again, making sure to cover his eyes with his folded huge ears. Watching intimacy between his Master and Mr Lucius was absolutely unheard of for a good house-elf. And being the best house-elf his Master could possibly ever want was something Effy strove to be. Past, present and future. He didn’t dare to move and walk away, afraid that the movement would give his presence away.

“Oh GODS!” Lucius dropped the fork while his other fist struck the table forcefully. His head jerked back and a low guttural growl escaped him.

Effy lifted his ears and just had to watch. He simply had to. Mr Lucius’ face told of pure agony and heavenly bliss, all mixed with an alarmingly red colour. It was a good thing that house elves couldn’t blush! If he would ever start to look like that, perky Catty from the kitchen would never date him again! Ah yes, Catty! The one thing that thi—

“Oh gods, Sev... please, please, please... oh! Oh! Ahh! I... ohhh... OH!!!” Slamming his fist on the table again while seemingly desperately trying to buck his hips and jump up at the same time and trying to keep his convulsing body under at least some sort of control was one way of telling that Lucius passionately enjoyed what was being done unto him, his deafening scream was another.

Effy watched how quickly his Master crawled up from under the table to catch Mr Lucius, preventing him from falling to the floor.

“Merlin, Sev...” Lucius was still happily basking in the afterglow. Severus just chuckled and returned to his chair as if nothing had happened.

Lucius opened his eyes slowly. “You never did... where... gods, that was brilliant!” Getting his breathing back under control seemed to be proving an uphill struggle.

“Obviously. Thought you knew all about me, didn’t you?” The ambiguity of this remark was not lost on the new Grandmaster of Potions, but it didn’t worry him. It was safe. At least for now.

“Know you?” Dazed grey eyes stared at him for a moment, then Lucius snorted and smiled warmly – the very smile he only ever showed when they were in private. The one that always created these annoyingly childish butterflies in Severus’ stomach.

“After all these years it can still feel as if I have merely scratched your surface,” Lucius confessed, carefully straightening his outer appearances. “Just one of the many things I find extremely attractive about you.”

“The lack of nourishing substances is starting to make your thinking process irrational, I believe.” Snape shook his head in mock concern. “You really should eat something.”

“I know what I would like to eat... “ A meaningful look.

“You are incorrigible!” Severus sighed, for a moment acting the tormented man. “Anyway, that’s not on the menu at this point. We don’t ha-“

A high pitched squeak, the sound of breaking glass and the smell of burning flesh combined with a furious-faced Lucius pointing his wand at a spot behind him, was more than enough to silence Severus. He questioned the behaviour of his better half by staring at him.

“Either you teach it manners or, so Merlin help me, I will.” Lucius gave his spouse a threatening glare before putting his wand down next to his plate again. “I will not tolerate servants with improper conduct. Never! Do I make myself clear?”

“Did you kill him? Is he dead?” Severus glared accusingly at his lover, his whole posture radiating the promise of devastating mayhem if he’d done exactly that.

“Mmm... dead-ish... “ Lucius proved that yes, it was quite possible to drawl and sneer at the same time.

“Damn! Lucius, you... !” Snape restrained himself from going to check on Effy, knowing that the action itself would be a one way ticket to an instant divorce. He did, however, take the liberty to curse liberally.

“Oh, shut up, you bore me,” his husband sighed, completely unmoved. “It will probably survive. Ill weeds grow apace and all that nonsense.”

It took all the willpower he possessed, but Severus managed to bite his tongue. No matter how much he loathed his husbands attitude towards house elves, he knew it was a lost battle; Lucius would never change his beliefs.
“I would appreciate it if you left the punishment of my house–elf to me,” he finally snapped.

“Yes, yes, whatever... “ It really wasn’t worth mentioning any further, as far as Lucius was concerned. “Eat. We will have to leave soon.”

They continued their dinner in absolute silence, both changed into formal robes and, still without exchanging any words, finally left the manor.

~*~

The reception was a complete waste of time. As always. Snape walked around for some time, checking out who was there. The same idiots as usual. What was the purpose for those stupid social gatherings if you always ended up meeting the same people? Not only that, but the conversations also always seemed to repeat themselves. Even a mild stimulation of the mind was apparently too much to ask for. After walking around and eavesdropping for more than an hour he gave up and went for the nearest alcohol available. He really needed it. As far as he could tell, upper class intelligence was highly overrated.

“The lack of fellow Slytherins does nothing to stimulate your hungry brain cells, I know. Just hold on for a little while longer and I will reward your good behaviour generously,” the familiar voice of his husband suddenly flowed in to his left ear. Severus swirled around in surprise and smiled faintly.

“How much longer?” He managed to let it sound like a lamentation.

“Patience, my dark angel,” Lucius purred, giving him a quick squeeze with his left hand.

Severus felt his body tingle with anticipation and chuckled softly.
“Or else... ?”

“You will not get any tonight,” his other half whispered, eyeing him with amusement.

“Good. Then maybe I can finally sit down without discomfort for a change.” Snape countered.

“I am not responsible for your obstinacy to refuse the use of a simple healing and soothing charm.”

“What? And lose the afterglow? You really *are* evil, aren’t you?” And why did he all of the sudden feel this sickeningly mushy urge to ravage that delicious mouth in front of him?

For the second time that day Lucius proved to be able to read him exceptionally well, that is, if the smirk and the slow seductive way he tossed his long silvery hair back were anything to go by.

“You bastard.” He groaned and looked away.

“Stay hard for me, my sweet.” Lucius turned around, disappearing in the crowd again, without giving his husband a second glance. And why should he? He knew he was right – Severus was hard now. Hard and as horny as hell.

“Excuse me... Are you Severus Snape? The new Grandmaster of Potions?” An elderly woman suddenly clung on his right arm. Severus could only stare at her, as the aroma of an utterly sour and rancid perfume started to benumb his highly sensitive olfactory sense. It was enough to give her *the* glare and walk away. He tried to, anyway. The woman, however, was completely oblivious to his aversion and excitedly grabbed his other arm too. With hands covered in countless brown pigment spots that were surely due to symptoms of old age. Spots with hair growing out of them. Repulsive thick, black hairs.

“Yes, you are! You are the new Grandmaster of Potions! Oh, I am so excited to meet a Grandmaster in person!” she yapped cheerfully. “Imagine that! Such a young man and already Grandmaster of Potions! I read about you! You cure werewolves, don’t you?”

“No, madam, I do not,” Snape grumbled with pent up discontent. “My potion merely controls certain symptoms of lycanthropy.”

“Oh, and modest too!” The woman giggled and shook his arm yet again. “No need to be modest, my dear! But tell me... “ She bent her head forward in what probably was meant to be a confidential manner but Severus was sure it was due to the weight of her earrings. “Where on earth did you get a werewolf from? I mean... it’s not that they are... er... surely they are not that easy to find!”

Snape looked at her in wonder for a moment. “And why is that of any importance? Do you perhaps want one yourself?”

“You silly man!” She slapped him on the arm, clearly very amused about his ‘teasing’. “You are funny!”

Funny. He? The Grandmaster of Potions was *funny*? Severus refused to even comment on that ridiculous statement and remained silent, in his mind slowly dissecting her like a toad.

“Oh, and the silent type too! That gives a man such a very mysterious air, you know. We women really find that very, *very* attractive, my dear.” She patted him on the arm as if she just told him the biggest secret of the universe. Snape swallowed, feeling uncomfortable and bewildered. He just wanted to tell her *exactly* what he thought of her but knew he couldn’t. Not without starting a scandal, at least. Even he knew that society would not have any appreciation for him when he acted uncivil towards the elderly. Also, being a starting entrepreneur, he did not need any negative publicity. He resorted to mentally dissecting her with an extremely blunt knife. The image managed to make the corners of his mouth twitch slightly.

“Ah yes, of course. I’ve never met a man who didn’t enjoy being called attractive,” the woman chuckled, misunderstanding his faint smile. “It is such a silly idea that only us women would enjoy such a compliment. Let us get a drink and chat some more, shall we? Or did you poison the beverages?”

It was meant as a joke. Snape knew that. He also recognised an opportunity when he saw one.

So he slowly put on his most sinister smile. “Never trust a Master of Potions, Madam,” he then added scornfully, giving her a meaningful look for the right dramatic effect.

Her smile froze. As did she. For a second doubt slipped into her mind and onto her face. It was all the time Severus needed. He quickly freed himself of her grip and walked away.

“Found yourself a genuine groupie there, haven’t you, Severus?” A laughing Fudge appeared in his line of vision. Oh Merlin, would this torture ever stop?

“Never mind old lady Goyle, Severus. I have it from reliable source that she’s as mad as a hatter but nev-“

“Cornelius! I was looking for you! Can I have a quick word, please?” Saved by a stranger. Snape politely nodded his head and fled. This was it! He was leaving!

“Sev? You look er... hunted.” Lucius noticed him leaving the room and followed swiftly.

“I *feel* hunted,” his husband snarled. “I am leaving, Lucius. No matter what you say can make me stay. I. Am. Leaving. Now.”

“Very well. Just let me take my leave and then I will show you something that will surely enlighten your mood.”

Lucius disappeared for several minutes, then joined his husband who had already gone outside.
“We’ll Apparate. Just take my lead.” That was all the warning Severus got before Lucius grabbed him by the hand and Apparated them both out of there.

~*~

Burly Street. The moment they appeared at their destiny, Severus recognised the surroundings and immediately felt a rush of excitement going through his body. Lucius directed his attention towards the sign hanging on the front of number eight.

“The Snake Pit – apothecary of Severus Snape,Grandmaster of Potions.” He slowly read the words out loud and fell silent, staring at the sign in complete awe. The world around him was seemingly forgotten.

“Be my guest.” Lucius chuckled and shook him out of his trance by handing him the key and gesturing towards the black door. Severus looked at the key, then to his husband and back to the key again.

“Open the door, you idiot,” Lucius laughed, pushing him towards it. His curiousity fuelled, Severus quickly opened the door and stepped inside. Lucius followed, seeing to it that the door was firmly shut behind him.

“As you can see, the customers come directly into the shop itself.” He watched with amusement as his husband started to walk around , mesmerised and in utter disbelief at the same time. The large wooden counter stood in front of the big eye-catcher – a wall unit with countless compartments filled with the most common potions. Sealed vials and bags with the most used herbal remedies as far as the eye could see. Apart from that the furnishing was kept to a bare minimum. The whole decorum spoke of no tolerance for idle chit-chat but serious business only; buy or place your order and then please leave.

“So that is where my stock was disappearing to... “ Severus mumbled, checking out the back of the counter and the wall unit thoroughly.

“Come. I want to show you your domain.” Lucius sighed impatiently and pulled him away from the counter. Severus followed him through a door at the side, then froze on the spot. In front of him was the most perfectly equipped workplace possible. The room itself was spacious, light and cool and everything he could possibly ever need was there.

“Lucius! I... “ He was lost for words. For the first time in his life, Severus Snape was lost for words. Speechless and immensely touched. It was all too clear that his better half had gone to great expenses.
Severus walked around silently but for those who could read him, his whole body posture told it all – eyes shining with excitement and eagerness, fingers that almost reverently caressed a cauldron here and a doorpost there, his flushed cheeks... Lucius couldn’t help but think that his lover almost seemed to glow. It was erotic as hell, as far as he was concerned.

“Everything... everything is just * there*... ” Severus shook his head, looking at the golden pestle and mortar for the more specialised preparations. He even saw bronze cups and silver spatulas. Everything he could ever dream of but never afford – it was here, right in front of him. Surely it must have cost a small fortune to get it all!

“And here... “ Lucius showed him a small table in the far left corner, placed his hand on the surface and suddenly the table gave way to reveal a expertly hidden secret passage. “... is the room for the more delicate ingredients.”

They walked into the room behind the opened door. Within minutes of investigating Severus knew he had reached heaven. Literally *every* forbidden or even suspicious ingredient in existence was there. He now would be able to make even the most complicated, expensive dark potion known to mankind.

“Oh Merlin... “ After looking around silently for almost fifteen minutes, inspecting the stored goods with his famous thoroughness, Snape finally turned around and grinned. Words were superfluous, and could never express what he felt anyway.

“I take that as an approval, shall I?” Lucius kept leaning to the wall, returning the smile.

“It must have cost you a fortune! How can I- -“

“Hush. I told you before that I take care for what is mine. I also take great pride in doing so.”

Lucius silenced him with a firm gesture, slowly approaching him. “Besides, if you insist on showing me your gratitude, I can make certain suggestions.” He gave the large table in the middle of the room a meaningful look.

“The sacrifices a man must make to please his husband... “ Snape took on the role of the tormented lover again. “Very well, if you insist... “ Without wasting another second, he grabbed his husband and threw him roughly against the table. Lucius moaned, eyeing him hungrily. Severus normally wasn’t the one to initiate aggressive sex but when he did, Lucius knew he would soon see stars. It always amazed him how his lover would then suddenly turn into this very demanding slut with an insatiable appetite for the flesh. The only man he’d ever known to shamelessly act like a real slut, while at the same time undauntedly daring none other than Lucius Malfoy his dominance. Yet another part of his extreme attraction, even if this particular one always made Lucius feel slightly nervous and uncomfortable. No control meant nothing to hold on to. And that was a disturbing perception, to say the least.

“Relax, damn it... “ Feeling his inward struggle, Severus punished his other half by biting down hard on his shoulder. As the nails started to make bloody marks on his chest, Lucius slowly relaxed and did just that. Drowning in endorphins and by doing so becoming as vulnerable as a person could ever be. With Sev, it was a risk he was willing to take. Could take. And it would be worth it in the end.