𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐏𝐄 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐒

XXIV

Act XXIV.

Anguis in herba.

A snake in the grass.

“Severus?” Lupin called out hoarsely, angling his head towards the sound of approaching footsteps.

“My, my! That mangy beast must have done quite a number on you if you’re so far gone that you could mistake me for that slimy hook-nosed bastard.” Lucius sneered as he stepped closer to the twitching man.

“Severus!” Lupin carried on as if he hadn’t even heard the blonde. Still in the throes of his potion-induced illusion, he clutched the blonde’s leg in anguish. “Please, Severus! Save him! I know you dislike the boy, but you must save him!”

“Get off me, you foul vermin!” Lucius roared as he hit the obviously unhinged man with the sharp end of his cane.

The werewolf faltered for only a minute before lunging for him once more. This time his face was contorted in an expression of blind panic. “You need to protect Harry! He’ll come for him! I’ve seen it! He’ll rip his flesh and tear his bones to pieces! He’ll drink his blood and bathe in it! I’VE SEEN IT! Don’t let it happen, Severus!” Lupin howled as he clung to the blonde’s leg. “Remember your vows, Snape! They’re Unbreakable! Just you remember that!” he whispered urgently.

Smirking evilly at this piece of newfound information, Lucius managed to break free from the vile creature. Then with a wicked grin, he reassured the now docile beast, “Yes, Lupin. I will make sure to remember that.” Then with one final disgusted sneer at the bedraggled Gryffindor, he intoned with much zeal, “Stupefy!”

------------------------

“My Lord,” Severus greeted him as he knelt with his customary bow.

“Severus. You came as soon as you were summoned. How considerate of you,” Voldemort said sardonically as he motioned Snape to stand. “Isn’t he a good little Death Eater, Lucius?” he asked the man to his right who was smirking hard.

“Yes, of course. He has been serving you for twenty years,” Lucius commented airily. “Although one has to wonder how many of those years were in fact spent working for two masters.”

“Do you still insist on continuing this foolishness, Lucius?” Severus rolled his eyes. “I thought we had already dealt with your delusions. Your relentless pursuit of this cockamamie theory grows tiresome. Our Lord knows that I am faithful.”

“Yes, Severus. Yes, I do,” Voldemort hissed, his red eyes flashing with malicious intent. “You are faithful,” he said softly as he took a few steps closer. “To the enemy!” he added viciously and he backhanded the Potions Master so hard that the man staggered backwards. “Did you really think I would not learn of your treachery? Were you naive enough to assume that your meager power surpasses my own?”

“But Master! I don’t know what you speak of!” Severus protested valiantly as he tried to swallow his mounting anxiety and dread. Maybe there was still some way out of this! He had bested Lucius in this matter before! Perhaps if he just-

“Lies! I shall not stand for them! Crucio!” Voldemort snarled angrily as he fired off his most powerful Unforgivable and soon enough, the hall was filled with the Potion Master's delightful screams.

Lucius laughed cruelly and loudly as he stared in avid fascination at Severus writhing on the floor. He watched hungrily as the man trashed frantically against the hard surface, the rough ground scratching his skin and not before long, threads of blood began to trickle down his face. Oh how Lucius had waited for this day!