Dragon\'s Den

Title: Dragon’s den
Author: ejab
Pairing: SS/LM with some SS/RL.
Rating: the story is slash and will be NC-17.
Feedback: a true gift and highly appreciated.
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling invented them, I simply abuse them.
Warnings: mwah... again, nothing too graphic. *g*
Category: all over the place but mainly darkfic.
Summary: introducing a dead man walking....
A/N: hugging my faithful betas underlucius and silentpawz for their wonderful dedication.

3/?

After waking up alone in bed again for the fifth morning in a row, Lucius threw some powder in the fireplace and stuck his head in the green flames.

“You have been living a solitary life too long. People get married because they want to share their lives and that includes sharing time!” he bellowed.

“Lucius.” Severus did not take his eyes off the cauldron the contents of which he was stirring. “Sleep well?”

“No, I did not! The only time I see you these days is when I happen to wake up at night! If I wake up,” his husband snapped.

“Seven in the morning and already whining.” Severus gave his better half a contemptuous glare. “Impressive. Even for you.”

“How dar – “

“Spare me the dramatics,” Severus said, annoyed with his intruding husband. “We will discuss this when I get home.”

“Think you’ll remember where to go to?” Lucius jeered.

“Vaguely... “With an evil grin Severus shut down the connection.

“Of all the... “ Struck dumb, Lucius sat on his heels, trying to come to terms with this new experience. Never! Nobody ever had the nerve to throw him back and break the connection! That attested to unprecedented rudeness! Undisguised contempt! It was –

“What are you doing here?” Out of the corner of his eye Lucius noticed a house-elf sneaking away.

“Wiley polished Master’s boots as Wiley does every day.” The scared house-elf carefully gestured towards the shoes. “Does Master need anything else?”

“Your blood would be a good start,.” Lucius snarled, rising to his feet again. The house-elf turned white as a sheet but dutifully remained where it was.
“Out!” Lucius walked to the bathroom, and took a long shower in the hopes of calming down. Unfortunately to no avail. At breakfast, he still felt angry.

Maybe he should just take away all Sev’s new toys? That would teach him! No, he couldn’t. Even if he knew it would teach the git a lesson. The man was a Grandmaster of Potions. The moment he’d received that title, his husband had become a man of note distinction, improving his status considerably. Which was just as well because he, Lucius Malfoy, would not have liked the idea to be married to a man who was simply in trades. Everything his other half did reflected back on him so it had better be good! Thank Merlin it was. Sev was not only a Grandmaster but also had received the offer to join The Council of those eccentrics at The High Council of the International Confederation of Herbologists and Potions Masters. Even St. Mungo’s had offered a very generous recompense if Sev was willing to become their main potions supplier. Yes... well... come to think of it, perhaps Sev was extremely busy indeed...

That realisation calmed Lucius down, to a certain extent. After all, it still did nothing to solve the current problem and he was damned if he’d let the career of his husband get in the way of his marriage. That was simply not acceptable. Perhaps it would be wise to bring up the subject of hiring employees. Which, without a doubt, would be fuel for another argument. Wonderful. Just what he needed.

Lucius sighed. This marriage already turned out to be rather tiresome. But in all honesty, he wouldn’t want it any other way. Not really. Life was good.


Two hours later Lucius was seriously reconsidering that last thought. As he was paying an informal visit to Fudge, they were discussing the latest developments. These days the talk was all about a half-blood by the name of Regula Pennysworth, who had applied for a banking license. An audacious request. Of course the Goblins didn’t have a jurisdictional monopoly for the wizarding banking, as was reluctantly admitted by the Secretary of the Goblin Liasion Office. But the prospect of having to allow others to start a rivalling institution was enough to make quite a few people nervous. The Goblins would never accept this new development and could get very, very nasty.

“I don’t see how we can refuse her, to be honest,” the Secretary, Timothy Copnicus, said. “The Goblins don’t have a competition clause so there really is nothing we can do.”

Zachariah Snoot huffed. “Just give me some time to clear out my account then. I trust an angry Goblin as much as I trust my mother-in-law.”

“That bad?” Fudge chuckled.

“You have no idea.”

“As much as I like that thought, we can’t all go and withdraw our money so we better come up with a different solution.” Gordon Freewater of the National Trading Standards Body got up and stretched his legs by walking through the crowded office for a moment.

“Is this all because of the Goblins or does it also have something to do with the fact that the applicant is a woman?” A sharp voice cut through the silence.

“Ah, Mr Haskett... “ Fudge turned towards the young man with a smile as if he was now facing a naughty toddler.

“As I have told you many times before, John; your task as a scribe is to take notes, when requested. Not to join the discussion.” Timothy Copnicus gave his ambitious employee a reprimanding glare and sighed.

Gesturing that no offence was taken, Fudge grinned. “These youngsters. So eager.” He leaned forward. “Please, Mr Haskett. Feel free to speak your mind.”

“Why, thank you, Sir.” John, pleasantly surprised, ignored the disapproving looks of Mr Malfoy and Mr Snoot. “Well, it’s all about a healthy economy, isn’t it? Everything depends on that. Nobody benefits from a repression. And a sign of a healthy economy has always been an open economy and therefore flexibility; willing to move with the times. Nowadays we simply can not depend on just one financial institute. We need competition! Competition automatically eliminates the weak and we, the customer, can only benefit from that. And yes, female entrepreneurs are equally skilled so why not give her a change?”

“Because, Mr Haskett, we humans are sensitive to all kinds of temptation and Goblins are not,” Zachariah Snoot said in a bored fashion. “No, Goblins are the only ones I’ll ever trust with my money.”

“If I am well informed, Miss Pennysworth is only twenty-two and has yet to show a flair for finance. Or, to put it in more disturbing terms: my sources tell me that she already has outstanding debt. Do you want me to give you a detailed survey on those? Because, let me assure you, I can. Added to this, she has never even attended a School for Witchcraft and – “

“Ah yes, I’ve heard about that... “ Timothy Copnicus nodded. “She only came to live in the wizarding world at age twenty, I think it was.”

“Exactly,” Lucius continued, again giving the scribe a disapproving look. “Did you know all of this, Mr Haskett? Have you even bothered to look into Miss Pennysworth’s past? Or did you just use one or two of those popular misconceptions for a quick score?”

“Careful now, Mr Malfoy. I detect a strong favouritism towards the wizarding world only. That is so very old-fashioned!” John said, anything but impressed by his well-known adversary. “So she went to school in the Muggle world. Big deal! As if Muggles – “

“Mr Haskett, kindly remember who you are talking to,” Fudge squeaked.

“I am trying to, Sir. It’s just that I can’t stand racism!” John bit, carried away by his feelings.

“Racism? Well, now... ” All others present now held their breath as Lucius displayed a remarkably imperturbable facade. “That is a nasty accusation, Mr Haskett. And what, may I ask, leads you towards this bold statement?”

“Why bother? Racism isn’t exactly a sign of intelligence, you see,“ John blurted out.

“WHAT?! YOU –“ Red with anger Lucius jumped up to his feet, pointing his wand at the scribe. Zachariah launched forward, forcing Lucius’wand arm down by throwing his own bodyweight over it. Chairs were falling on the floor.

“Enough! I don’t want to hear another word from you!” A shocked Timothy Copnicus couldn’t take anymore. By the looks on their faces, Fudge, Snoot and Freewater couldn’t agree more. Zachariah still held on to Lucius, who was now really looking alarmingly bloodthirsty and did not give any indication that he was calming down any time soon.

“I have to agree with Mr Malfoy on this: you clearly haven’t given this much thought and I certainly will not have any of my staff act in such disrespectful behaviour. Go back to the office. Or I will consider a career in archiving for you. Perhaps that would teach you the importance of thoroughly investigating anything before opening your mouth.”

“He insulted me! I demand satisfaction!” Lucius still tried to free himself but by this time Gordon Freewater had worked him down to the floor and was now sitting on him.

John Haskett gave his boss a rebellious glare but, seeing he had no choice, left. Angry and insulted. One quick look over his shoulder told him that all occupants watched his exit. The exception was Lucius Malfoy, trying to push off Gordon Freewater. The arrogant bastard!
Despite the countless excuses and kind words, Lucius remained furious. In his anger he smashed two chairs to splinters and smashed his cane against the table. It broke. A hissed “Reparo!” fixed that problem. Not the anger.

“Lucius! Calm down! Please!” Fudge did not take his eyes of Lucius’ wand, even if he himself had taken refuge behind Gordon Freewater.

“The boy will be reprimanded, Lucius.” Gordon smiled his most assuring smile. “Please sit down. Can I get you something? Tea? A brandy perhaps?”

“What? Oh... no, thank you.” Lucius took a deep breath, this time all too aware of the worried and nervous looks. He calmed down somewhat. “If you will excuse me... “

“Where are you going?” Fudge gave up his cover. “We still have to discu – “

“I am in no mood to discuss anything at this point and therefore will retreat to my manor. Gentlemen... “
Ignoring the weakly protesting minister, Lucius nodded and within minutes Apparated back to his house. He entered the study, determined to treat himself to a brandy, when his eyes fell on a notebook laying underneath the desk. Recognising it as Severus’, he picked it up, scanning the content. “Order dragon livers”, “17 antiseptic salves St Mungo’s before Friday 15th”, “Force door to alert me when customers enter”, “Buy more working robes” and so on. Page after page filled with orders, reminders, and payments. Lucius put the notebook on top of the desk and smiled. Seeing belongings of his lover felt soothing somehow. Comforting. Like a gentle reminder that he was not alone but cared for. Loved.

A last look at it and he was no longer in the mood for heated arguments. Deciding to give in into some serious self-pampering, even if it was only four in the afternoon, Lucius went upstairs. Ten minutes later he was lying in bed and reading a book.

It was only the sound of familiar footsteps that made Lucius stop reading. Ah, Sev had actually taken notice of his reproach then!Apparently miracles still did happen.

“Lucius? Are you not feeling well?” His husband entered, looking confused.

“Nothing like that.” Lucius leaned back into the headboard. “It was simply time for some serious leisure activities.”

“Ah.... “ Severus did not know what to make of it and remained standing at the end of the bed, watching his better half. “At half past five in the afternoon?”

“Why not?” Lucius patted on the empty space next to him. “Join me.”

“I thought you wanted to discuss certain issues?” No movement.

“Indeed I do.” Another pat on the bed.

“Ah, what the hell... “ As strange as this concept was to him, Severus was willing to go along with it, stripped and crawled under the sheets next to his husband.
Lucius rolled onto his side, one arm under his head and sighed contentedly. Severus mirrored his posture while suppressing a yawn.

“You know... I really think I need some staff. It’s too much work and I am starting to feel drained,” he confessed, returning the welcoming smile.

Lucius hid his relief and surprise well. “A wise decision. Would you like me to take care of the advertisement and first selections?”

“I’d appreciate that.” Severus rubbed his eyes. “Today was anything but productive. You were right, though; I am not used to sharing my life and have been neglecting you. Us.”

“Yes, you have.” Well now, this was a surprise. “I forgive you.” Following his own finger with his eyes, Lucius slowly caressed his husband’s bottom lip. “I shouldn’t but I do. Only this once so don’t get used to it.”

“Ah ah, no touching. Touching leads to other things and I am too tired for those.” Severus drew his head back until the finger stopped touching him.

“Mmm... I have been thinking... it’s time to send for Fiddler, don’t you agree?”

“Fiddler? Ah yes, your dogsbody.”

“The family lawyer, yes,” Lucius chuckled. “He can start investigations into Narcissa’s new life and once he hands us the basic information, we can decide on the actions to take.”

Severus grimaced. “Which reminds me... I’d better start making the potions.”

“What potions?”

“Surely the Dark Lord will ask us about any pregnancies one of these days. In order for us to successfully lie about miscarriages and infertility, there better be some evidence of those in our systems.”

Lucius flinched. “Please tell me I don’t have to get pregnant first!”

“Probably not. I hope.” They exchanged worried looks. “I’ll start the research the moment I have my staff and therefore time.”

“The advertisement will be in the Daily Prophet tomorrow,” Lucius said fiercely.

“Better also put it in the weekly edition of the Bubbling Cauldron of the Most Extraordinary Society of Potioneers. That will at least increase the odd chance of a somewhat suitable candidate.” Severus sighed. He didn’t have much hope.

“Consider it done. Anything else we need to discuss?”

“Not that I know of. Why?”

“Because I really want you.” Hungry eyes and a straying hand made it all too clear.

“No touching, Lucius.” Severus slapped the hand away.

“But I want you.”.

“As you should,” Severus smirked. “Are you already hard for me?”

“Oh yes... “Lucius’ hand went down and grabbed his own cock. His better half threw the covers back and enjoyed the sight.

“Would you like to touch me?” A whisper.

“Yes!” Lucius looked, only to receive a smile out of pure mischief. “Oh gods, don’t do this to me... “

“Tell me what you’d like to do to me.” Gone were the feelings of fatigue as Severus’ hand drifted down towards his own rapidly growing cock.

“Oh, you... tease... “ Lucius groaned. “I want to fuck you. Let me fuck you.” He tried to move closer. Severus pulled back.

“Details.”

“I want to bury myself balls deep inside of you... ” Lucius stroked his own cock. “Feel you all around me... so deep... “

“Not a very considerate lover, are you? No foreplay? Kissing? Touching? Like this?” Severus placed his hand on his neck, caressing himself. “No playing with my nipples?” He squeezed them and was rewarded with a gratifying gasp. “Or licking my belly button?” A finger circled it.

“Sev... “ Lucius growled, watching through hooded eyes and with flushed cheeks.

The fingers of his husband played with his pubic hair before continuing their way down, scooping up some of his own pre-come with this thumb which he then cleaned with deft movements of his tongue.

Lucius actually whimpered, mouth half open and completely mesmerised, swallowing audibly the moment the same fingers started playing with those delicious balls. Several rough tugs on the impressive cock and that was it. Up until this point he had exercised considerable restraint but now Lucius couldn’t take it anymore. He unceremoniously rolled his husband onto his stomach, crawled on top and entered forcefully, the only preparation being a handful of spit.

And while giving himself over to the brutal thrusting, Severus couldn’t help but think that this leisure concept was definitely something to repeat. Often.