Always (SNILY): Angst, Multiple POV, Dark Romance

Chapter Three

Severus strode through the entrance of Malfoy Manor, the iron-wrought gates dissipating into tendrils of black smoke behind him.

"Lucius." Severus tipped his head in greeting. "You're looking lovely as always."

"Ah, Severus." Lucius looked towards Severus with a wicked grin. "Care to join?"

Lucius began cackling like a rabid crup as he fired off curses at a muggle man sprawled on the grass before him. Blood and bodily fluids seeping into the manicured lawn.

Severus did not respond. He never much cared for the mindless torture of muggles.

"I found him perusing about and thought I'd have a little fun," Lucius spoke with piqued interest. "Crucio."

Green sparks flew from Lucius' wand as the man began twisting under the hands of the curse. Screams filled the air and Severus watched as the veins in his neck began pulsing through the black of his collar.

Severus was never a fan of Lucius, but Lucius' stupidity made him an entertaining target of attention.

"I do not wish to disrupt your... festivities. I merely come to inquire about something."

"By all means, Severus," Lucius' smile grew ravenous as he strode to meet Severus' side. "Inquire."

Severus peered down his nose at Lucius and smiled. Clamping his hands behind the small of his back, Severus began slow paces around the white-haired wizard.

"There is talk of a prophecy existing in the Hall of Mysteries," Severus spoke sternly, judging Lucius with weighted glances. "With your connections within the Ministry I imagine you may have heard of it."

Severus stopped his pacing and held Lucius' gaze.

"A prophecy you say?" Lucius straightened the collar of his robes and cracked his neck "Can't say I have."

Liar. Lucius was pathetic at most things but his attempts at disguising the truth were abysmal.

"You can quit the dramatics, Severus. We all know you cannot touch me." Lucius brushed a pale, ringed hand across his face. "Care for a drink? I do fancy a bit of whiskey with my business."

Severus enjoyed this part. The seconds before he forced himself into someone's mind. Few knew he was an accomplished legilimence. He did not mind being underestimated.

Before Lucius could say another word, Severus struck.

"Legilimens!" Severus spat the curse through gritted teeth.

Lucius fell back on the gravel beneath his feet and pushed his legs out as he tried to back away. The screams of the muggle man still roaring in the background.

Severus took his time walking over Lucius, until his legs were placed on either side of him. Severus let his smile ignite the grey of his eyes.

"You'll excuse my... pervasiveness, Lucius." Severus purred, bringing their faces close enough to share breathe. "I prefer not to have to hear you talk."

Severus pinned Lucius to the ground and forced himself into the recesses of his mind.

Images flashed before Severus as he searched through recent memories. The minds of even the most powerful wizards cracked under the power of his legilimency.

Lucius Malfoy's mind was just embarrassing.

Severus continued through the enclave of flashes before a conversation between the Minister of Magic and Lucius sparked his interest. Severus could feel the dark magic in his veins thrumming.

He was enjoying this.

"There is.. there is a prophecy that has just been delivered." The Minister spoke with hushed lips. "Dumbledore's brought it in himself."

"Interesting." Lucius spoke, the darkness of the hall casting him a shadow. "And you believe its contents to be of importance?"

"Yes, very much so. It is believed to be a prophecy of the fate of...of the war..." The minister looked around anxiously. "Of Voldemort."

Lucius began pushing back against Severus' presence in his mind, thrashing and struggling beneath him.

Severus pinned him down with brute force and continued watching the memory.

This will prove useful in my attempts to win the favor of The Dark Lord. Lucius thought aloud to himself. Yes, this will prove useful, indeed.

"Thank you, Minster. I shall have Dobby deliver payment to your estate at once."

The memory dissolved like ink in water. Severus pulled out of Lucius' mind and pressed his body against the ground.

"I-I haven't been able to locate it." Lucius choked on the words as he struggled to breathe.

"How" Severus let out a breath as he pushed down on Lucius' body, "convenient."

The Dark Mark on Severus' arm began burning. Errrggg. He was just starting to have fun.

"I'm not finished with you." Severus seethed at Lucius and released him from his grip.

"It is mine to deliver to The Dark Lord!" Lucius spat at Severus' back. "Mine!"

Severus didn't indulge him with acknowledgment.

He reached the cobblestoned road in front of the manor and dissapparated.

***

"Severus," Voldemort spoke as Severus lay kneeled before him. "I had a most delightful time beyond the veil."

Most magic is nullified beyond the veil. It takes tremendous power to overcome it. Severus wondered if he had been successful.

"I am pleased to hear it, My Lord." Severus gazed up at Voldemort as he sat perched upon that insolite throne of skulls.

"You are to join me next time," Voldemort breathed. "I'll give you a fortnight to procure more potion."

Severus stilled and sucked in a shallow breath. That would be nearing on impossible, but he was not keen on being the target of Voldemort's wrath.

"As you wish it, My Lord." Severus bowed, his knee chafing on the stone beneath him.

"That is all," Voldemort flicked his wand out with indifference as Severus felt the presence of the throne room dissipate around him.

Severus gathered his thoughts as he flattened out the creases of his robes.

This was going to be an interesting two weeks.