The Forbidden Fruit

𝕾𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖓

..Months Later..

It was strange really, it happened seemingly out of thin air. My desire to learn more drew me closer, but why him. What was it about him that piqued my curiosity. I haven't found much in my life that had drawn me in so close apart from my dearest Lily but she was long gone now. This sensation, this feeling, I thought it all withered away but it has risen from ashes but why for him. "Severus.. I would appreciate it if you would pay attention during these meetings.." mutters Albus as he stands at the head of the table, the other Order Members looking at him with confused and concerned stares. Clearing his throat he nods "My apologizes.. Albus.." he says in a monotone voice as usual, interlacing his fingers together on the oak table. Clearing his throat Albus resumes "As you know the threat of the Dark Lord and his followers is imminent.. we have planned for this since Mr. Potter's arrival. Now I would assume you all are aware of what's to come of this impending disaster" seeing fellow members nod sequentially, Severus keeps his head low knowing where he must go as soon as this meeting is over.

Slinking away without a trace, Severus walks swiftly down a long narrow corridor of the castle before slipping into a small passage that typically goes unseen. Making his way down a narrow spiral staircase, Severus pushes open a door leading outside. After coming up from a cellar entrance of sorts, he makes his way off of the Hogwarts grounds heading in a discrete direction towards Malfoy Manor. Arriving at the intimidating metal gate, Severus enters the grounds through an unlocked side entrance making his way up towards the large house. As he approaches, his surroundings become encased in a darkened shadow from the grandiose home in front of him. Feeling the chill of such a shadow all around him, Severus ignores it as he stealthily opens an unlocked entrance into the Manor, navigating the maze like interior he finds his way into the Great Hall of the Manor.

"You're early.. the Dark Lord hasn't arrived yet nor have the others.." murmurs a familiar voice from afar. Stepping into the empty room, Severus notices Lucius lost I deep thought as he stands near one of the many large windows that line the far wall of the room. "I can see that.." he mutters as he tucks his hands behind him comfortably. As he approaches Lucius, Severus keeps a proper distance between them as they stare out the window down at the gardens below. Letting their silence fill the room, Lucius glances over at Severus pondering what to say now that they are alone once again since that special night that happened months prior. "I haven't forgotten.." he says in a near whisper, barely audible to anyone if they were to walk in. Hearing his words, Severus looks down at his hands now settled in front of him, feeling his mind racing with thoughts. Taking a short breath in and out through his nose, Severus turns to look at him immediately catching his icy blue gaze that would captivate anyone naive enough to get lost in them.

"In essence, It has found a place within my subconscious as well, Lucius.." Severus mutters not knowing how else to put it considering the intimate moment they shared has been on replay consistently. Nodding, Lucius suppresses any sort of emotion that threatens to show up on his face. Deciding to distract himself from blurting out the wrong thing, he saunters over to the pipe organ nestled beside the fireplace within the room. Following suit with curiosity, Severus observes Lucius carefully as he sits on the bench in front of the pipe organ. "You know.. my mother taught me how to play the organ.." Lucius says giving Severus a side glance before looking back down at the keys. "That was the only lovely thing she did for me besides enabling my Father into his abusive ways..." Lucius mutters as he runs his hand gently over the keys, careful not to press too hard. Feeling anxious about touching such a fragile piece he hasn't touched in years. 

Nodding, Severus hesitantly slips in beside Lucius, looking over the elegant details of the instrument in front of them. " Despite the intention behind it, Lucius, you should consider yourself lucky, I for one am self taught.." he mentions, as he tries to ignore their close proximity. "By the forces of my own sorrows I have learned to express them through music.." Severus mutters similarly finding comfort in the bonding happening between them. Bringing his hands to rest on the keys, Severus begins to play a familiar tune, the sound of the pipe organs music reverberating through the hall with majestic resonance as if revived by Severus's skilled touch. Enamored by the elegance of his skill, Lucius decides to join in, feeling a soft smile growing on his lips as they begin to play a beautiful song in perfect sync. Glancing over for a brief moment, Severus smiles as well finding this moment between them refreshing considering he has never seen Lucius in such a playful mood before.

As they fluently play side by side, they add in some flare as their playfulness consumes each other. Suddenly the song ends abruptly as they both reach to play the final note, their hands grazing one another briefly. "After you.." Severus says, blushing faintly feeling the cold metal of Lucius's pinky ring lingering on his skin. Nodding no, Lucius clears his throat "No, no, you deserve to finish the song, I just jumped in after all.." he says gesturing to the keys, feeling quite flustered himself. Deciding to not bicker over something so childish, Severus finishes off the piece, flicking the final note with ease and precision. As he goes to take his hand away, Severus feels his heart skip a beat as Lucius takes it into his own, holding it gently. Looking over at him, they share a loving gaze, their hearts synchronizing, unable to suppress small smiles.

Enjoying their brief moment of intimacy, they are suddenly interrupted by someone entering the room. Quickly rising from their seat at the pipe organ, they break away from their small moment of affection, addressing Narcissa standing in the grand doorway. "The Dark Lord has arrived.." she announces with a grey tone, noticing Severus has already arrived as well. Nodding Lucius clears his throat, gathering himself he adjusts his robes "Very well.." he says as he approaches Narcissa with  a determined step. "Let's not keep him waiting then" he says, ushering Narcissa out of the room. Watching her leave, Lucius looks over at Severus still standing in place by the pipe organ, sharing an uneasy look. Both of them full of fear of many things, especially now that the Dark Lord himself has arrived.

To Be Continued...