Path of the serpent
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Snape/Lucius
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
37
Views:
15,118
Reviews:
48
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Snape/Lucius
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
37
Views:
15,118
Reviews:
48
Recommended:
0
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.
A wedding
Title: Path of the serpent
Author: ejab
Pairing: SS/LM with a little SS/RL and SS/DM on the side
Rating: story is slash and NC-17
Feedback: a true gift and highly appreciated
Disclaimer: yawn, yes, J.K. Rowling still owns them. I just abuse them.
Warning: sorry but none here
Category: all over the place
Summary: a wedding
A/N: first of all – eternal gratitude to my betas underlucius and silentpawz for sticking with me. I mean, 37 chapters!
So. We end this story as I had planned – with the wedding. And no, not an overly romantic one. That just doesn’t suit these men, imho.
In a few weeks I will start with a (hopefully much shorter) sequel to this story, called ‘Dragon’s den’.
It’s a good thing you don’t know what I have written so far... *evil smirk*
Path 37/37
With Lucius, his distraction had left and the potions master was back facing his new demons. Which he refused to do.And in order to get at least some sleep, Snape turned to the brandy. It worked.
Although he woke far too soon to gentle but persevering poking in his ribs. Severus reluctantly opened his left eye and found himself staring into big bulging eyes.
“What the - Effy?” Hardly able to believe what, or better who, he was seeing, the potions master slowly sat up and continued staring at his house-elf. “How... what are you doing here?”
“Effy is honoured to attend to Master’s needs, “ the house-elf spoke softly, whilst giving his subject of admiration, his whole reason of existence, a look of sheer bliss.
“I’m sure you are but that still does not answer my question,” Severus grumbled.
“Saving your reverence, Master...” Effy bowed humbly. “Effy is to make sure Master is getting dressed and appears in Malfoy Manor on time.”
“Oh, Lucius... “ Snape shook his head in annoyance. Oh yes, Lucius would have made very sure to ‘request’ his house-elf. Nevertheless, it would be wise to have a serious chat with Effy later on.
“Very well. As long as you are here; fill the bath, lay out my new clothes and polish the boots, will you?”
The moment Effy received his orders, the house-elf radiated total happiness and immediately got to work. The potions master shook his head in disbelief, instantly concluding that a potion against his headache would be extremely welcome. Knowing he had a potion against hangovers in the cabinet in his bathroom, he followed Effy there.
Moments later Severus slid into the warm water of the bathtub, watching his house-elf as he swiftly laid out several towels next to the tub.
“You know, Effy, you must be the only creature alive that still uses the phrase ‘saving your reverence’... It sounds highly old-fashioned,” Snape yawned and started to soap his chest. “I like it.”
“Master is too kind,” the house-elf bowed and left the bathroom. “Effy is good house-elf. Effy takes pride in serving his Master. Effy has remembered all of Master’s preferences and-“
The potions master heard the mumbling from the room next door and smiled faintly; obviously Effy had been alone too long. Maybe he should take him with him to the manor for good?
“Clothes and boots are ready, Master.” After a few minutes Effy’s face appeared around the corner for a second. Severus nodded, reluctantly left the warm, comforting water, dried himself and started to dress. As always entirely in black but this time with a hint of silver here and there on his well-cut waistcoat, made from the heaviest velvet. It looked rather sophisticated, he decided. That over and done with, he quickly combed his hair and allowed Effy to pull his hair back into a tail and tie it with an, oh surprise, black ribbon.
“Ready.” With a deft movement, the potions master put his wand away in the inner sleeve of the black silk blouse he was now wearing and turned to his servant. “You will accompany me to Malfoy Manor and help the other elves there to make sure Mister Malfoy and I and all the guests are attended to with the utmost perfection.” Snape started to walk towards the door.
“Effy can Apparate Master and himself to the Manor, if that is Master’s wish?”
“Ah yes, of course; you elves can go back and forth without being bothered by our wards. I had forgotten that.” Severus nodded thoughtfully. Then, slightly suspicious, “Are you sure it also works when you are joined by a wizard?”
“When the wizard or witch is willing, it should,” Effy smiled, again bowing his head.
The potions master stared down at his little servant for a minute and then snorted, his face now twisted with an evil smirk. “But it just so happens that wizards and witches are not aware of this possibility, am I correct?”
“Master truly lives up to his reputation of being extraordinary intelligent.” Effy cast down his huge eyes submissively but it did not fool Snape. Being in the company of his old house-elf was slowly making him remember more and more about his loyal servant and one of those things was the elf’s fondness for challenges and his inexhaustible loyalty towards him, Severus Snape. This extreme loyalty towards Severus had always been there, for as long as he could remember. Which was beyond him because he could clearly remember punishing Effy with Stinging Hexes every time the elf had not spoken proper English. As young a child as he had been, even then he was unable to listen to incorrect use of his mother tongue. Effy had turned out to be a quick, and strikingly eager, learner. And now his house-elf even shared a secret form of knowledge with him?
‘It’s all still just theory, isn’t it?” His stern posture was softened by the amused twinkle in his eyes.
Effy carefully looked up and for a split second there appeared a smirk on his face that could match that of his Master.
“You’ve convinced me. Lead on.” Severus laughed out loud and then gestured to his elf to take the lead. Effy did and they Apparated smoothly into Malfoy Manor. Into the study. Right in front of a slumped figure in the chair behind the desk.
“And a good morning to you too, Draco,” Snape said, eyes drifting over the visibly fretful boy with a look of disapproval after sending Effy away.
“I’m sorry, Professor, it’s... father and I have had a difference of opinion,” Draco quickly gave his Head of House an apologetic look. “Nothing to do with you or the marriage, though!” he hastily added, noticing the upcoming concern in the potions master’s eyes.
“I’m glad to hear that.” Severus followed his lover’s son into the dining room where Lucius was already waiting; all ready and dressed to kill.
“Don’t you look handsome...” The potions master shamelessly cast his eyes over his future husband, not even trying to conceal his admiration and rising feelings of lust.
Lucius smiled knowingly and greeted his lover with a long and deep kiss, his left hand firmly squeezing the other man’s buttock. Draco decided to unravel one of the croissants on the breakfast table with his eyes and sighed inaudibly.
“And thank you for following the one suggestion I have given you, concerning this memorable day.” After ending the kiss, Severus accepted the gestured invitation to take a seat at the breakfast table and slowly started to butter a warm and deliciously aromatic croissant.
“How could I not?” Lucius took his own seat, watching how Draco did the same, before mimicking the potions master’s actions. “I fully agree; everybody will expect Slytherin colours. “ He took a sip of his tea. “And besides, red suits me perfectly.”
“Especially this rich and dark red,” Snape nodded, staring at the red patterns across Lucius’ silk black shirt for a moment. The two men shared a conspiratorial grin and continued eating.
“Honestly,” Draco sighed extremely audible this time. “Aren’t you two a little too old to play pranks? And on such a significant day?”
“It’s merely a subtle, playful little dig,” the potions master shrugged, starting on his third croissant by now.
“And something you will completely refrain yourself from today.” Lucius’ voice suddenly had a warning, sharp undertone. He looked at his son with cold, angry eyes and the way Draco reacted, told Severus that father and son now were back at the subject of their argument from earlier that morning.
“Yes, father, I will behave according to my status, be the perfect host and treat everybody present politely and with respect,” Draco rattled off, somewhat recalcitrant.
“What is this all about then?” Severus asked curiously, cutting off any comments Lucius obviously was about to make.
“His future wife will also be attending the celebration. It seems that my son has a problem with that,” Lucius snarled, generously spreading jam over a bread roll now.
“Olivia Parkinson! We are talking about Olivia “Smelly” Parkinson, father!” his son whined.
“Parkinson? Related to-“ the potions master began.
“Cousins. And Pansy is the smart one,” Draco growled. Snape gave him a sympathetic look and whispered something that sounded very much like, “My condolences.”
“She has an unfortunate odour, that is true, but she is also your future wife. And that is the end of this little ‘discussion’. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, father.” Draco knew better than to push his luck and kept silent for the duration of their extended breakfast, after which he quickly disappeared.
“At least her parents had the decency to sent that little twit to Durmstrang,” Lucius mumbled, still slightly irritated, before letting himself get coaxed into more civil conversation.
Several minutes later a house-elf announced the arrival of none other than the Head of Family Affairs, the judicial department in the Ministry itself.
“Mister Bagley!” Lucius immediately went over to greet their guest. “We are extremely honoured by your willingness to solemnise our marriage. Please allow me to introduce to you Severus Snape, my future husband...”
Hands were shaken, pleasantries shared and for a moment all three men followed the unwritten rules of etiquette and shared only small talk. Then Lucius led Severus and Bagley to the window overlooking the east corner of the beautiful herb garden, rather famous for its extensiveness and number of rare species.
There, precisely in the middle of the huge lawn that was surrounded by all the different herb beds, had appeared a large beige tent. Numerous voices could be heard drifting upwards.
“I have been informed that all the guests now have arrived.” Lucius smiled politely while Severus was wondering how he could have missed that announcement.
“Splendid!” The Head of Family Affairs grinned and turned around again, now looking at the two men more seriously. “I have kept the service as short as humanly possible, as you have requested. There will be no magical bonds, no incantations or any other...” Bagley was not able to completely hide his aversion against all what he’d just mentioned, “...so called ‘romantic’ nonsense. I understand that this ceremony will be as short and basic as possible...”
“Indeed.” The potions master gave his lover a grateful look and even smiled slightly.
“And what a relief that is!” the Head of Family Affairs admitted fervently. “Back to the basics and marry out of mutual love and respect and dare to have enough trust in that to skip all that magical hocus-pocus everybody seems to want these days. That alone, gentlemen, is already enough recompense for me!”
And Bagley left, in a rather theatrical way, the room, calling out, “Ten minutes, gentlemen! Ten minutes to prepare yourselves!”
“I admit, he is somewhat eccentric,” Lucius chuckled, seeing the look of utter disbelief on his lover’s face. “Nervous?”
Snape shook his head. “Not really, no. More impatient and somewhat... unreal, I think. You?”
Lucius bent forward and brought his mouth against the potions master’s left ear. “Eager,” he whispered husky, knowing all too well the effect this tone of voice had on his lover.. “Very eager.”
“Oh gods...” Severus shivered and hastily stepped back, quickly composing himself again.
“Stop that, Lucius. Later you can indulge yourself. Now, however, we have other... obligations. And by the way, thank you for staying far away from the rose-garden. I hate roses.”
His future husband gave him a wry smile and instead settled for a long, long kiss.
“Ready?” he then asked, both foreheads pressed against each other for a moment afterwards.
“If I must.”
“I insist.”
“Oh, very well.” Severus snapped, contradicting his tone of voice with a genuine grin. A last kiss and Lucius called for his son.
“Yes, father?” Draco emerged suspiciously quickly back in the room.
“The cloaks?”
“Already here and waiting, father.” Draco gestured to a timid looking house-elf and seconds later their cloaks were dropped over both men’s shoulders.
The potions master couldn’t resist a short inspection of the fabric and nodded his approval; again the darkest, richest velvet in existence and enriched with the finest lines of silver. Handmade, no doubt.
“Oh, and Sev?” Lucius chuckled. “Please try to stay in the vertical position? At least, for now...”
“Ah, yes... thank you for reminding me,” Snape snarled, not amused at all.
Lucius definitely had too much fun. “You fainted! In front of me, the High Court and Dumbledore!”
“Yes, that does make me feel so much better.” The potions master sent his lover a warning look.
“Let’s shock the nation,” Lucius straightened his back, gave his son and soon-to-be-husband an evil grin and out the door they went.
Snape walked beside his lover into the tent, totally focused on the already waiting Head of Family Affairs at the front.
Maybe he was a bit too focused, he mused several minutes later, noticing that the man’s mouth in front of him was definitely moving regularly while he was hearing nothing besides the pumping of his blood through his ears. He really did not do well on public appearances so why, for Merlin’s sake, had he agreed with this ridiculous display? And why was Lucius all of the sudden looking so angry? He frowned in confusion. Mister Bagley now started to look funny at him too. Concerned? Frightened?
“Say ‘I will’, you stupid moron,” Lucius hissed, cheeks slowly displaying an interesting gradation of the colour red. Ah!
“I will. Whole-heartedly, as a matter of fact,” He gave his almost husband a smug glare, mainly to check if he’d managed to soothe his temperament. He apparently had, judging by the twitching of the corners of that delicious mouth.
During the exchanging of the rings, which were stunningly beautiful, delicate and tiny whitegold snakes, Severus was extremely moved by the intense and sincere look of love, pride and also possessiveness Lucius gave him while squeezing his hand for a moment. After that the potions master couldn’t give a rat’s arse about anything anymore. As fas as he was concerned, everybody present could now just scram and give them their highly validated privacy.
Instead he found himself on the lawn, receiving congratulations from every direction and frequently from people he’d never seen before in his life. It was a rather tedious and long-winded reception and he soon hated it with a passion.
Lucius, being used to this kind of thing and revelling in all the attention, smoothly made his way by every single guest, acting the perfect host to perfection. Even Remus Lupin received a short nod after giving his congratulations. Lucius kept a very close eye on the way the DADA teacher congratulated his new husband, but Remus behaved and simply gave Severus a firm handshake and a smile. All the same, it did feel somewhat provocative to him.
However, he chose to ignore it and silently thanked Dumbledore for the diversion when the Headmaster grabbed his hand and congratulated him.
Guest after guest after guest followed. After almost thirty minutes the potions master couldn’t care less if he insulted anyone with his behaviour and went into hiding in the stables close by.
“Oh yes, my weddingnight with my husband smelling like horse-manure. Exactly as I was hoping.” A considerable amount of time later Lucius himself walked into the stables.
“I’m sorry, I just couldn ‘t-“ Severus sighed awkwardly.
“It’s okay, Sev.” Lucius grinned. “Everybody has left so you can come out now.It’s safe.”
“Everybody?”
“Everybody. Even Draco.” His new husband gave him a meaningful look.
“How fortunate. Let’s eat first then.” Severus chuckled. They walked towards the house.
“What is it?” Lucius gave his husband a wondering look as he suddenly stopped, meters away from the front door.
“Just letting it sink in that this is now my house too. I actually have a home to go to now,”
Snape spoke softly. “Never had that feeling before.”
“Is that why you chose to change your name into Severus Malfoy and not Snape-Malfoy?” Several things slowly started to make sense to his new husband now.
“The name Snape is not worth t-“
“You will keep the Snape Manor! You never know when it can be of use to you and besides, it’s your heritage!” Lucius snarled.
“Yes, yes, I will keep the bloody manor... “ Severus gave his lover a certain look now.
“What?” His husband obviously didn’t get it. For the first four seconds. “Oh no! Do NOT expect me to carry you over the threshold! I will NOT lower myself to such a degrading action! No no no, out of the question!”
“You wouldn’t have the strength, anyway. You aristocrats are all such pampered, spoiled mother’s darlings,” the potions master snorted. “No stamina whatsoever!”
“Get your arse in there and I will SHOW you stamina!” Lucius gladly accepted the challenge.
“Promises, promises...” Severus tsk-ed twice and, with a proud look, entered the house. As one of the masters of the house, this time.
Gods, this felt GOOD! Life was good!
Deep, deep down, in the darkest depths of his being, a tiny, tiny microscopically scared little ion twisted with fear.
Phobos and Cindy – TX! Very, very much! It may sound weird but somehow I always feel somewhat bemused when I find out that others actually * like* what I write. Even after so many chapters.
Oh, and Phobos – me complaining about your late response? Now that would be the pot calling the kettle black, don’t you think? Lol!
Author: ejab
Pairing: SS/LM with a little SS/RL and SS/DM on the side
Rating: story is slash and NC-17
Feedback: a true gift and highly appreciated
Disclaimer: yawn, yes, J.K. Rowling still owns them. I just abuse them.
Warning: sorry but none here
Category: all over the place
Summary: a wedding
A/N: first of all – eternal gratitude to my betas underlucius and silentpawz for sticking with me. I mean, 37 chapters!
So. We end this story as I had planned – with the wedding. And no, not an overly romantic one. That just doesn’t suit these men, imho.
In a few weeks I will start with a (hopefully much shorter) sequel to this story, called ‘Dragon’s den’.
It’s a good thing you don’t know what I have written so far... *evil smirk*
Path 37/37
With Lucius, his distraction had left and the potions master was back facing his new demons. Which he refused to do.And in order to get at least some sleep, Snape turned to the brandy. It worked.
Although he woke far too soon to gentle but persevering poking in his ribs. Severus reluctantly opened his left eye and found himself staring into big bulging eyes.
“What the - Effy?” Hardly able to believe what, or better who, he was seeing, the potions master slowly sat up and continued staring at his house-elf. “How... what are you doing here?”
“Effy is honoured to attend to Master’s needs, “ the house-elf spoke softly, whilst giving his subject of admiration, his whole reason of existence, a look of sheer bliss.
“I’m sure you are but that still does not answer my question,” Severus grumbled.
“Saving your reverence, Master...” Effy bowed humbly. “Effy is to make sure Master is getting dressed and appears in Malfoy Manor on time.”
“Oh, Lucius... “ Snape shook his head in annoyance. Oh yes, Lucius would have made very sure to ‘request’ his house-elf. Nevertheless, it would be wise to have a serious chat with Effy later on.
“Very well. As long as you are here; fill the bath, lay out my new clothes and polish the boots, will you?”
The moment Effy received his orders, the house-elf radiated total happiness and immediately got to work. The potions master shook his head in disbelief, instantly concluding that a potion against his headache would be extremely welcome. Knowing he had a potion against hangovers in the cabinet in his bathroom, he followed Effy there.
Moments later Severus slid into the warm water of the bathtub, watching his house-elf as he swiftly laid out several towels next to the tub.
“You know, Effy, you must be the only creature alive that still uses the phrase ‘saving your reverence’... It sounds highly old-fashioned,” Snape yawned and started to soap his chest. “I like it.”
“Master is too kind,” the house-elf bowed and left the bathroom. “Effy is good house-elf. Effy takes pride in serving his Master. Effy has remembered all of Master’s preferences and-“
The potions master heard the mumbling from the room next door and smiled faintly; obviously Effy had been alone too long. Maybe he should take him with him to the manor for good?
“Clothes and boots are ready, Master.” After a few minutes Effy’s face appeared around the corner for a second. Severus nodded, reluctantly left the warm, comforting water, dried himself and started to dress. As always entirely in black but this time with a hint of silver here and there on his well-cut waistcoat, made from the heaviest velvet. It looked rather sophisticated, he decided. That over and done with, he quickly combed his hair and allowed Effy to pull his hair back into a tail and tie it with an, oh surprise, black ribbon.
“Ready.” With a deft movement, the potions master put his wand away in the inner sleeve of the black silk blouse he was now wearing and turned to his servant. “You will accompany me to Malfoy Manor and help the other elves there to make sure Mister Malfoy and I and all the guests are attended to with the utmost perfection.” Snape started to walk towards the door.
“Effy can Apparate Master and himself to the Manor, if that is Master’s wish?”
“Ah yes, of course; you elves can go back and forth without being bothered by our wards. I had forgotten that.” Severus nodded thoughtfully. Then, slightly suspicious, “Are you sure it also works when you are joined by a wizard?”
“When the wizard or witch is willing, it should,” Effy smiled, again bowing his head.
The potions master stared down at his little servant for a minute and then snorted, his face now twisted with an evil smirk. “But it just so happens that wizards and witches are not aware of this possibility, am I correct?”
“Master truly lives up to his reputation of being extraordinary intelligent.” Effy cast down his huge eyes submissively but it did not fool Snape. Being in the company of his old house-elf was slowly making him remember more and more about his loyal servant and one of those things was the elf’s fondness for challenges and his inexhaustible loyalty towards him, Severus Snape. This extreme loyalty towards Severus had always been there, for as long as he could remember. Which was beyond him because he could clearly remember punishing Effy with Stinging Hexes every time the elf had not spoken proper English. As young a child as he had been, even then he was unable to listen to incorrect use of his mother tongue. Effy had turned out to be a quick, and strikingly eager, learner. And now his house-elf even shared a secret form of knowledge with him?
‘It’s all still just theory, isn’t it?” His stern posture was softened by the amused twinkle in his eyes.
Effy carefully looked up and for a split second there appeared a smirk on his face that could match that of his Master.
“You’ve convinced me. Lead on.” Severus laughed out loud and then gestured to his elf to take the lead. Effy did and they Apparated smoothly into Malfoy Manor. Into the study. Right in front of a slumped figure in the chair behind the desk.
“And a good morning to you too, Draco,” Snape said, eyes drifting over the visibly fretful boy with a look of disapproval after sending Effy away.
“I’m sorry, Professor, it’s... father and I have had a difference of opinion,” Draco quickly gave his Head of House an apologetic look. “Nothing to do with you or the marriage, though!” he hastily added, noticing the upcoming concern in the potions master’s eyes.
“I’m glad to hear that.” Severus followed his lover’s son into the dining room where Lucius was already waiting; all ready and dressed to kill.
“Don’t you look handsome...” The potions master shamelessly cast his eyes over his future husband, not even trying to conceal his admiration and rising feelings of lust.
Lucius smiled knowingly and greeted his lover with a long and deep kiss, his left hand firmly squeezing the other man’s buttock. Draco decided to unravel one of the croissants on the breakfast table with his eyes and sighed inaudibly.
“And thank you for following the one suggestion I have given you, concerning this memorable day.” After ending the kiss, Severus accepted the gestured invitation to take a seat at the breakfast table and slowly started to butter a warm and deliciously aromatic croissant.
“How could I not?” Lucius took his own seat, watching how Draco did the same, before mimicking the potions master’s actions. “I fully agree; everybody will expect Slytherin colours. “ He took a sip of his tea. “And besides, red suits me perfectly.”
“Especially this rich and dark red,” Snape nodded, staring at the red patterns across Lucius’ silk black shirt for a moment. The two men shared a conspiratorial grin and continued eating.
“Honestly,” Draco sighed extremely audible this time. “Aren’t you two a little too old to play pranks? And on such a significant day?”
“It’s merely a subtle, playful little dig,” the potions master shrugged, starting on his third croissant by now.
“And something you will completely refrain yourself from today.” Lucius’ voice suddenly had a warning, sharp undertone. He looked at his son with cold, angry eyes and the way Draco reacted, told Severus that father and son now were back at the subject of their argument from earlier that morning.
“Yes, father, I will behave according to my status, be the perfect host and treat everybody present politely and with respect,” Draco rattled off, somewhat recalcitrant.
“What is this all about then?” Severus asked curiously, cutting off any comments Lucius obviously was about to make.
“His future wife will also be attending the celebration. It seems that my son has a problem with that,” Lucius snarled, generously spreading jam over a bread roll now.
“Olivia Parkinson! We are talking about Olivia “Smelly” Parkinson, father!” his son whined.
“Parkinson? Related to-“ the potions master began.
“Cousins. And Pansy is the smart one,” Draco growled. Snape gave him a sympathetic look and whispered something that sounded very much like, “My condolences.”
“She has an unfortunate odour, that is true, but she is also your future wife. And that is the end of this little ‘discussion’. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, father.” Draco knew better than to push his luck and kept silent for the duration of their extended breakfast, after which he quickly disappeared.
“At least her parents had the decency to sent that little twit to Durmstrang,” Lucius mumbled, still slightly irritated, before letting himself get coaxed into more civil conversation.
Several minutes later a house-elf announced the arrival of none other than the Head of Family Affairs, the judicial department in the Ministry itself.
“Mister Bagley!” Lucius immediately went over to greet their guest. “We are extremely honoured by your willingness to solemnise our marriage. Please allow me to introduce to you Severus Snape, my future husband...”
Hands were shaken, pleasantries shared and for a moment all three men followed the unwritten rules of etiquette and shared only small talk. Then Lucius led Severus and Bagley to the window overlooking the east corner of the beautiful herb garden, rather famous for its extensiveness and number of rare species.
There, precisely in the middle of the huge lawn that was surrounded by all the different herb beds, had appeared a large beige tent. Numerous voices could be heard drifting upwards.
“I have been informed that all the guests now have arrived.” Lucius smiled politely while Severus was wondering how he could have missed that announcement.
“Splendid!” The Head of Family Affairs grinned and turned around again, now looking at the two men more seriously. “I have kept the service as short as humanly possible, as you have requested. There will be no magical bonds, no incantations or any other...” Bagley was not able to completely hide his aversion against all what he’d just mentioned, “...so called ‘romantic’ nonsense. I understand that this ceremony will be as short and basic as possible...”
“Indeed.” The potions master gave his lover a grateful look and even smiled slightly.
“And what a relief that is!” the Head of Family Affairs admitted fervently. “Back to the basics and marry out of mutual love and respect and dare to have enough trust in that to skip all that magical hocus-pocus everybody seems to want these days. That alone, gentlemen, is already enough recompense for me!”
And Bagley left, in a rather theatrical way, the room, calling out, “Ten minutes, gentlemen! Ten minutes to prepare yourselves!”
“I admit, he is somewhat eccentric,” Lucius chuckled, seeing the look of utter disbelief on his lover’s face. “Nervous?”
Snape shook his head. “Not really, no. More impatient and somewhat... unreal, I think. You?”
Lucius bent forward and brought his mouth against the potions master’s left ear. “Eager,” he whispered husky, knowing all too well the effect this tone of voice had on his lover.. “Very eager.”
“Oh gods...” Severus shivered and hastily stepped back, quickly composing himself again.
“Stop that, Lucius. Later you can indulge yourself. Now, however, we have other... obligations. And by the way, thank you for staying far away from the rose-garden. I hate roses.”
His future husband gave him a wry smile and instead settled for a long, long kiss.
“Ready?” he then asked, both foreheads pressed against each other for a moment afterwards.
“If I must.”
“I insist.”
“Oh, very well.” Severus snapped, contradicting his tone of voice with a genuine grin. A last kiss and Lucius called for his son.
“Yes, father?” Draco emerged suspiciously quickly back in the room.
“The cloaks?”
“Already here and waiting, father.” Draco gestured to a timid looking house-elf and seconds later their cloaks were dropped over both men’s shoulders.
The potions master couldn’t resist a short inspection of the fabric and nodded his approval; again the darkest, richest velvet in existence and enriched with the finest lines of silver. Handmade, no doubt.
“Oh, and Sev?” Lucius chuckled. “Please try to stay in the vertical position? At least, for now...”
“Ah, yes... thank you for reminding me,” Snape snarled, not amused at all.
Lucius definitely had too much fun. “You fainted! In front of me, the High Court and Dumbledore!”
“Yes, that does make me feel so much better.” The potions master sent his lover a warning look.
“Let’s shock the nation,” Lucius straightened his back, gave his son and soon-to-be-husband an evil grin and out the door they went.
Snape walked beside his lover into the tent, totally focused on the already waiting Head of Family Affairs at the front.
Maybe he was a bit too focused, he mused several minutes later, noticing that the man’s mouth in front of him was definitely moving regularly while he was hearing nothing besides the pumping of his blood through his ears. He really did not do well on public appearances so why, for Merlin’s sake, had he agreed with this ridiculous display? And why was Lucius all of the sudden looking so angry? He frowned in confusion. Mister Bagley now started to look funny at him too. Concerned? Frightened?
“Say ‘I will’, you stupid moron,” Lucius hissed, cheeks slowly displaying an interesting gradation of the colour red. Ah!
“I will. Whole-heartedly, as a matter of fact,” He gave his almost husband a smug glare, mainly to check if he’d managed to soothe his temperament. He apparently had, judging by the twitching of the corners of that delicious mouth.
During the exchanging of the rings, which were stunningly beautiful, delicate and tiny whitegold snakes, Severus was extremely moved by the intense and sincere look of love, pride and also possessiveness Lucius gave him while squeezing his hand for a moment. After that the potions master couldn’t give a rat’s arse about anything anymore. As fas as he was concerned, everybody present could now just scram and give them their highly validated privacy.
Instead he found himself on the lawn, receiving congratulations from every direction and frequently from people he’d never seen before in his life. It was a rather tedious and long-winded reception and he soon hated it with a passion.
Lucius, being used to this kind of thing and revelling in all the attention, smoothly made his way by every single guest, acting the perfect host to perfection. Even Remus Lupin received a short nod after giving his congratulations. Lucius kept a very close eye on the way the DADA teacher congratulated his new husband, but Remus behaved and simply gave Severus a firm handshake and a smile. All the same, it did feel somewhat provocative to him.
However, he chose to ignore it and silently thanked Dumbledore for the diversion when the Headmaster grabbed his hand and congratulated him.
Guest after guest after guest followed. After almost thirty minutes the potions master couldn’t care less if he insulted anyone with his behaviour and went into hiding in the stables close by.
“Oh yes, my weddingnight with my husband smelling like horse-manure. Exactly as I was hoping.” A considerable amount of time later Lucius himself walked into the stables.
“I’m sorry, I just couldn ‘t-“ Severus sighed awkwardly.
“It’s okay, Sev.” Lucius grinned. “Everybody has left so you can come out now.It’s safe.”
“Everybody?”
“Everybody. Even Draco.” His new husband gave him a meaningful look.
“How fortunate. Let’s eat first then.” Severus chuckled. They walked towards the house.
“What is it?” Lucius gave his husband a wondering look as he suddenly stopped, meters away from the front door.
“Just letting it sink in that this is now my house too. I actually have a home to go to now,”
Snape spoke softly. “Never had that feeling before.”
“Is that why you chose to change your name into Severus Malfoy and not Snape-Malfoy?” Several things slowly started to make sense to his new husband now.
“The name Snape is not worth t-“
“You will keep the Snape Manor! You never know when it can be of use to you and besides, it’s your heritage!” Lucius snarled.
“Yes, yes, I will keep the bloody manor... “ Severus gave his lover a certain look now.
“What?” His husband obviously didn’t get it. For the first four seconds. “Oh no! Do NOT expect me to carry you over the threshold! I will NOT lower myself to such a degrading action! No no no, out of the question!”
“You wouldn’t have the strength, anyway. You aristocrats are all such pampered, spoiled mother’s darlings,” the potions master snorted. “No stamina whatsoever!”
“Get your arse in there and I will SHOW you stamina!” Lucius gladly accepted the challenge.
“Promises, promises...” Severus tsk-ed twice and, with a proud look, entered the house. As one of the masters of the house, this time.
Gods, this felt GOOD! Life was good!
Deep, deep down, in the darkest depths of his being, a tiny, tiny microscopically scared little ion twisted with fear.
Phobos and Cindy – TX! Very, very much! It may sound weird but somehow I always feel somewhat bemused when I find out that others actually * like* what I write. Even after so many chapters.
Oh, and Phobos – me complaining about your late response? Now that would be the pot calling the kettle black, don’t you think? Lol!