His Masterpiece

Chapter 9

Some text taken from Sister Carrie by Theodore Dresier (published in 1900).

*****

Lucius could sometimes see the coquet from the painting in the angry, sullen boy that stood hunched in front of him, especially when Snape moved. He had, at some point, developed a slow, liquid stalk that was both menacing and seductive and made all the more intriguing by the fact he seemed unaware of its power. But more often Lucius was reminded of Snape as a little first year, unwashed and knobby-kneed and swearing like a sailor.

"I can't take this," Snape said stiffly and tried to thrust the pouch of gold galleons back into Lucius's hands.

Lucius pushed it back. "Don't be ridiculous. Of course you can. It's as easy as slipping it into your pocket. And you need a cloak and new shoes."

"I'm not a whore."

"Of course not. No one thinks of you in that way."

"The Dark Lord does," Snape hissed.

Lucius shot a worried glance around him, but the street was thankfully empty. Now that the danger had passed, Lucius felt himself grow angry with this irritating child. "You're no more a whore than Adonis was, or Hyacinthus, or any other mortal beloved by the gods."

"Adonis and Hyacinthus died," Snape pointed out, which Lucius ignored.

"What do you want then, Snape? Do you want to stay in Knockturn, saving up for your mastery knut by knut, year after year, until you die, used up and grown old before your time?" Snape looked down at his worn shoes. "Well, is it?" Lucius demanded.

"No."

"What he's asking from you is no great thing, and he has promised greater rewards than just money." Lucius dropped his voice, "Bellatrix's magical power has been growing."

Snape's eyes widened slightly. Magical cores grew with children, but upon reaching adulthood that all stopped. However deep their well of power was upon reaching the age of seventeen or eighteen, there it would remain. The fact that Bellatrix's core had started to grow again was only a testament to the Dark Lord's power.

Snape let his eyes drift over Diagon. There it was, so great, so fine when one is not poor. An elegant coach, with a prancing pair of bays, passed by, carrying in its upholstered depths a wealthy wizard. The coin purse, pressed into Lucius's chest, drew back slightly.

"What will you have if you turn him down?" Asked Lucius. There was no subtle undercurrent to the question. He imagined that Snape would have nothing at all of the things Lucius thought worthwhile.

"At least get yourself a nice cloak. The money is a gift. There are no strings attached to it. Why shouldn't you have a nice cloak? We'll get you a set of rooms, and a new pair of shoes. You needn't be afraid."

"Do you think I could get my mastery?" Snape asked.

"Sure," Lucius answered. "I'll help you."

Snape allowed himself to be drawn in by Lucius and together they set off. In Madam Malkin's, they found that shine and rustle of new things that Snape's dark eyes lit up at seeing. Under the influence of Lucius's radiating presence, it all seemed within reach. Snape looked about and picked a black cloak with a gray silk lining. The saleswoman helped him on with it, and, by accident, it fitted perfectly. Lucius smiled when he saw the improvement.

Snape turned before the mirror. Lucius could see a warm glow creep into his pale cheeks.

After Malkin's they went to a shoe store where Snape was fitted for boots. Lucius stood by, and when he saw how nice they looked, he commanded, "Wear them."