The Forbidden Fruit

𝕰𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙

As the solemn group of Death Eaters file into the grand room, Bellatrix being her erratic and eccentric self, saunters in with a wide playful grin "Why are you lot always so depressed? We all have been quite busy and have plenty to tell the Dark Lord, do we not?" she cackles as she passes by Draco already in his seat, giving him a harsh pinch on the cheek in a loving Auntie way. Before taking her seat opposite Severus at the table leaving the head of the table open, wearing a wide tooth grin as the Dark Lord himself makes his grand entrance as usual. Throughout the long and rather boring meeting, Draco's eyes linger across the long oak table, noticing Severus staring in his direction. Frowning he cautiously looks back, startled by the sneer Crabe Senior is wearing on his face, he quickly looks back realizing who he is giving knowing glances to- his Father. Not sure as to what is going on between the two men he looks up to most, Draco decides to observe quietly, making up his own assumptions to pass time during this grueling meeting.

After nearly three long hours, the meeting is adjourned and Voldemort takes his leave, hearing a nearly in sync sigh of relief among the others in the room Draco suppresses a small snicker. But his smile fades into a sneer of curiosity when he notices Severus getting up from his seat. Giving another knowing glance towards Lucius before leaving as if beckoning his Father to follow suit. "You are excused Draco, but please, join your Mother in escorting them out" Lucius mutters softly to him before getting up and trailing right Severus who is presumably waiting outside in the corridor. "Yes Father" he says quickly before Lucius leaves, still curious about what could possibly be brewing between his Father and his Mentor. After aiding his Mother, Draco closes the door behind the last person to leave, or so he thought.

Retreating back upstairs to his room, Draco overhears someone speaking in the drawing room through the shut doors which was unusual. The doors were never shut to that room even when his Father was working. Deciding to be the nosey teenager he is, Draco cautiously steps closer, putting his ear up to the large oak doors, hoping to hear something to fill his curiosity. Unable to hear a thing through the solid doors, Draco sighs giving up his eavesdropping as he resumes heading back to his room.

In the dimly lit drawing room, Severus and Lucius exchanged cautious glances before Lucius brakes the silence that had fallen between them. "I can't stop thinking about that kiss, Severus. it's haunting me.." Lucius admits, his tone filled with a mixture of longing and uncertainty as they stand apart. Meeting his gaze, Severus's dark eyes reveal the conflicting turmoil within he's struggling to suppress "Nor can I, Lucius. But we both know the risks" he says softly, a hint of sadness laced in his words. "But we cannot afford to let our emotions cloud our judgment, especially now.." Severus added, his voice tinged with regret knowing his words harboured a hard truth. Nodding, Lucius let out a deep sigh "I understand, Severus. But that doesn't make it any easier" he murmurs catching a glance at Severus who nods ever so slightly.

To Be Continued...