The Forbidden Fruit

𝕿𝖜𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖞-𝕿𝖍𝖗𝖊𝖊

After relieving himself of his duties for the day, Severus takes Lucius to a more secluded part on the grounds. Creaking open a rusted gate to an unused part of the Hogwarts Gardens, Severus leads the way inside the small courtyard. "This will ensure our privacy and the room we require for our practice" he says with a wisp to his words observing Lucius as he looks over their surroundings. "It's not ideal.. after all, it is still on the ground but, it will do" Lucius says with a slight nod and a small smile as he turns to face Severus as he approaches his side. Letting out a sigh as he takes his hand into his own, Severus lays a gentle kiss to his knuckles "Nothing will ever meet your standards, my dear Lucius.." he teases with elegance and a light chuckle. Looking down at their hands, Lucius's eyes trail up to meet his gaze "Only you, my love" he says which catches Severus off-guard a bit, making him let his hand go. Adjusting his cloak as he walks to the center of the courtyard, Severus faces him "We mustn't get distracted.." he says as he draws his wand. "The first step will be figuring out who is the better duelist, though, I'm certain we already know" he says with a small smirk as he raises his wand directing it at him. As a similar smirk grows across his own lips, Lucius approaches, leaving a few feet between them as he draws his own wand once again "On guard" he says with a quirk of his brow, his confidence evident.

Without a moment to spare, with a flick of his wrist, Severus casts a spell "Depulso!" and suddenly, Lucius gets knocked back into the shrubs behind him. Managing to get himself out of the dense flora, Lucius adjusts himself with a glare "That was far from chivalrous.." he grumbles as he picks a few leaves from his hair. Brushing off his attire, Lucius grips his wand as he casts a rebuttal "Avis!" Lucius shouts and suddenly a flock of sparrows starts to berate Severus out of nowhere. After shooting them away, Severus sneers as he grips his wand as his side "That was utterly childish of you, Lucius.." he grumbles seeing a pleased grin on his face. Letting out a deep sigh, he collects himself "Perhaps, instead of inaugurating a game of tag, we devise a plan as to what spells will be used during the duel.." Severus suggests, a tinge of annoyance still lingering in his tone. Approaching the center of the courtyard once again, Lucius quirks a brow "Like a script" he says as he dusts off a loose leaf from his shoulder seeing Severus give a subtle nod.

Noticing his simmering irritation, Lucius takes a few steps closer before reaching up and brushing some of his hair from his cheek "You know I didn't mean it, my dear.." he says with a softened gaze. Looking into his eyes, a small smile grows across his lips as he nods "I know my love, I know" he says with a light chuckle as they press their foreheads together in a small moment of affection. Enjoying their moment of bliss, Severus pulls away "Now.. we have seen countless duels take place at the various meetings we have attended.. and most have died in bloodshed.. but perhaps, we can please the Dark Lord by avoiding such a permanent outcome.." he says as Lucius gazes at him. "How do you suppose we do such a thing, Severus, you know as well as I do that the Dark Lord always appreciates a crimson show" turning towards him, Severus sighs. "I suggest.. that one of us agrees to forfeit the duel.." he suggests, knowing Lucius will have a bit of a fit with such a premise. 

Scoffing, Lucius frowns "I do hope you weren't expecting that it would be I that would be doing the forfeit. I have my pride, Severus and it will not be sacrificed" he says with a soft sneer as he grips his wand in his hand. Letting out a deepened sigh, he nods "I understand your perceptions of yourself Lucius, they are very important to you, but you know I cannot be the one to do such a thing, it would have deadly consequences in the eyes of the Dark Lord" he says with a sharp tongue, trying to counter Lucius's argument for their safety. Letting out a huff, Lucius steps closer, leaning in close "I have only a sliver of respect from the Dark Lord and I will not risk losing it, especially in front of my family" Lucius says, his gaze unwavering to ensure his words are taken seriously. Hearing the mention of his family, Severus takes a step back "Need I remind you, Lucius, that the reason we are in this muddle because of your dying marriage.." he says as he folds his hands in front of him. "And I am quite certain that you have already lost whatever respect Narcissa had for you long ago-" suddenly Lucius snaps. "It would be in your best interest for you to cut your words off now, Severus.." Lucius warns as his anger simmers, ready to explode as the grip of his wand tightens to where his knuckles turn white. 

Letting a tense silence come between them, Severus grows quiet as he eyes Lucius's mannerisms, noting the rage and irritance within them. After a few moments to allow him to calm down, Severus speaks up once again "For what it's worth, Lucius... I never intended to harm you.." Seeing him nod, Severus sighs. "I believe it would serve us both if we were to be transparent with one another from this point forward, for however long this.. arrangement.. persists between us.." seeing him nod again, Severus lets out a soft sigh. Looking over at him, Lucius sighs "I can see no reason as to why  I would refuse such a proposal.. now, shall we resume?" Lucius asks with a soft grin. Giving him a gentle nod, Severus takes a hard swallow, feeling some sort of guilt swirling within him after he so profoundly spoke his offer. "We shall" he says with a forced smirk, the pain of past emotions, gnawing at him deeply within as he draws his wand once again.

To Be Continued...