Lentesco

OK, I've got a wodge of reviewers to respond to:



Prettypinkpony (sorry I got your name wrong before, I've fixed it now) - thanks for the cookie, much appreciated.



Nikte - And thank you for the chocolate cake! Sweets always good!



Duchess Ravenheart - Yep, I'm evil.



Poohbear74 - Did it work? That would be telling!



Mixed_Up - I ended on a cliffie. And this surprises you how?



Jilliane - Glad you liked the misdirection in the earlier chapter. People really should learn by now that what seems most random in my stories is actually most vital!



Mocha - Offended? Of course not! Thank you for taking the time to offer constructive comments. It is a stylistic thing with me, but I really worked on this chapter to avoid using the dreaded "the other". I have put some in, but I DID put "the other SOMETHING". Hope that is less irritating for you!



Thank you to all my reviewers! SP









Lentesco – Chapter Forty-One



“Well, Severus, you do look rather haggard.” Lucius’ smile was Cheshire cat false as he shook hands with the other wizard. Subtlely he glanced down at Severus’ groin, and noted the lack of erection. He digested that fact as he followed the younger man along the hallways to Snape’s quarters.



Severus gritted his teeth as he let the older man into his private area. With as little welcome as it was possible, he said, “Make yourself comfortable.”



Lucius looked around the room, noting the bookcases filled with well-read books; the cauldrons bubbling with concoctions; and the two arm chairs, one well-worn, the other looking brand new.



“I see you have kept yourself busy.” He commented as he settled into the newer looking chair.



Severus loaded an unopened bottle of fire whisky and two goblets onto a silver tray and carried it over to the small table that stood between the chairs.



Lucius looked deeply suspicious. “You wished to see me regarding an ‘old and binding situation between us’. I assume,” he said, top lip curling, “that you wish me to help cure you of your problem.”



Severus nodded and opened the bottle carefully, ensuring Lucius could see that it hadn’t been tampered with in any way. “I will admit, Lucius, that I have finally learnt how to defeat the curse, and that is partly the reason why I wished to see you. However, there are other reasons.” He poured a generous measure of whiskey into both glasses. “I understand if you do not wish to drink with me.” With just the right sneer in his voice he went on, “I assure you that I am perfectly happy to finish this bottle if you do not wish to sample it.”



Luicus took a goblet and handed it to Severus. “Drink.”



Snape did.



Lucius repeated the action with the second goblet, again handing it to Severus to test.



At last, satisfied that there was nothing untoward about the drink itself, he rose and went over to the cupboard in which he had seen the goblets had been stored. He selected one himself and sat back down. He poured out the fire whiskey and sipped it, eyes widening a little as he tasted the fluid. “Finally you have learnt to appreciate the finer things in life.” He commented.



After sitting down on his chair, Severus drank from the first goblet he had been asked to check.



“Now, Severus, I notice that you do not seem as erect as one would expect. I assume that you have found a play mate and now wish the curse lifted to fully enjoy said play mate?” Lucius’ cruel smile showed. “Beg me, Severus, I shall enjoy your grovelling.”



Snape downed the first glass and reached for the second. That was quickly drained as well. He set his face and slid out of his chair. On his knees, he looked up into Malfoy’s harsh cold face. “I would beg you to touch me again when I had lost my last remaining sense, and not one second before that!”



He got to his feet and stared triumphantly down at the confused man.



“You have caused your punishment, Lucius. Your actions have led directly to your downfall. When you used me, you warned me of what would happen should I betray you. I did, as I fell in love.”



Here, Lucius sneered, but Severus ignored it and went on. “The time I spent with Aidan was too short. And, until recently, I thought that the price I had paid was not worth those few days of pleasure. However, Aidan in the past taught me to value every moment and to value myself. And now, he has taught me that I am worth fighting for.”



Malfoy’s confusion was a joy for Severus to behold. “That idiotic American died! We all heard about it, Severus. You can not seriously expect me to believe that Aidan Marshall contacted you after all these years!”



Severus shrugged. “I do not care whether or not you do believe it. However, I learnt of the cure to the curse somehow, didn’t I? Do you not remember being trailed by Aidan? He found it, and has told me.”



Lucius sneered. “He must truly care to have made you wait all these years.”



“He does.” Severus said simply. “I am beginning to believe it myself. But what I wished you to see was your own culpability. Because I was cursed I turned to what I knew to create cures – potions. Sadly, none worked entirely, and I had to then devise cures for the cures. Obviously, these were all potions of my own creation, and none of the standard cures worked. And now,” he said in triumph, “I have made you consume one of those potions. Enjoy its effects.”



Lucius jumped to his feet. “What potion? How have you managed to make me drink anything untoward?”



Severus smiled coldly and moved over to the storage cupboard. “Every last one of my glasses contains a film of the potion. Whichever you chose, you would have been afflicted. I too am suffering with its effects, as the two glasses I selected also were coated. I call the potion ‘Lentesco’. I am sure your Latin enables you to discern its effects. However, I know the antidote and can prepare it once you have gone.” He let a smile grow on his face, “And once you are gone, I can fuck the brains out of my partner until we are both too tired to move.”