As Bidden (G; Severus, Lucius, implied Lord Voldemort; 130 words)
nevereverposts prompted me with Snape & Lucius: wine, laughter, gossip.
As Bidden (G; Severus, Lucius, implied Lord Voldemort; 130 words)
It doesn't seem to matter to Lucius that Severus isn't like him, but Severus knows this cannot possibly be true and strives to emulate Lucius' polite mask as he pours the wine. He almost enjoys the laughter they don't quite share-oh, yes, in spite of the "promise" that the Dark Lord believes he shows, Severus doesn't make the mistake of imagining himself to be Lucius' social equal-but he indulges his . . . interlocutor by listening to his gossip and trying to be amusing in his responses.
"Learn from him," Lord Voldemort has said, "learn all you can of 'spycraft' from him. It will serve you well."
How well, Severus doesn't know. House-elves usually pour, but he doesn't dwell on that. Instead, he questions Lucius about the wine, and memorises everything he's told.