The Hallowe'en Ball

Sirius watched wided eyed as the room appeared and he looked over at Lucius. In all his years at Hogwarts he'd never even heard tell of the room. With a bashful smile he moved inside and once more extended his hand in invvtation to Lucius.

The interior of the room was elegant and he found himself wishing that he'd worn something more appropriate. As his eyes flicked around the room he remembered the ballroom in his own home and how as a young boy he'd sneak down and nick sweets while his parents were entertaining. As the memory whisked behind his eyes he noticed that over the corner a table appeared that was ladened with sweets and other delicious smelling foods.

"Since we're now alone. May I restart our dance?". As the words left his lips music started to play softly and filled the spacious room around them.

"You may... In just a moment." Lucius removed his white cloak, hanging it up on a hook- revealing the tight yet totally covered up outfit he had on beneath it. He went over to grab one of the sweets off the table- unable to help himself. Lucius Malfoy had a legendary sweet tooth he liked to hide, but was weakened in the face of such delicious sweets. He popped the candy in his mouth and went back over to him.

"We're good then." He said and joined Sirius again. "My cloak would have been in the way and... you have truffles." He sniffed. "Then yes, let us dance, Sirius- as no one will bother us here. Though I must admit, I believe our date will be school wide news by time we arrive for breakfast. Especially if there were Hufflepuffs at the pitch, spying on us." He made a face. "Nosy lot."

Sirius couldn't help but laugh at Lucius's face and he nodded as he reached into his cloak and pulled out the candies that he'd gotten from James. "You're right, I do have truffles. I just didn't know if you were the type that liked the giving of sweets on a date. I didn't want you to think I was trying to persuade you into accepting my invite."

He too removed his cloak, hanging it next to Lucius' and openingly ogling Lucius' form in his clothes. The material was tight down the slim legs and cupped him in all the right places. To avoid looking like a complete rake and pervert Sirius averted his eyes and moved over to take one of the treacle tarts that were on the table before taking a sip of honeyed Pumpkin juice.

As he and Lucius joined again he smirked as he wrapped an arm around Lucius' waist and took Lucius' free hand in his own; leaning in to whisper in Lucius' ear. "I don't care if old man Dumbledore shouted it out at morning meal. Question is, do you care that everyone knows that the snake and lion were able to spend a nice night together without killing one another?"

Truffles.

Sirius gave him a BOX of truffles.

He took them in reverence, tearing into them in a very un-Malfoy like way. He popped one after another into his mouth, moaning at the taste. Once he had finished the several he had stuffed into his mouth, he sighed in delight. "I love truffles." He murmured and sat the box down on the table. He then remembered Sirius was in the room. "Er... right." His cheeks turned pink.

"You bought me truffles. You've taken the venom right out of me. They're my favorite treats in... well.. the pantheon of treats. Besides, everyone thinks that Slytherins are a bunch of wet blanket dark wizards, and instantly write us off as such- disregarding that some of us were put in here because we're clever, cunning, and intelligent. We can be excellent company when treated decently and without suspicion..." He began as they waltzed around the floor. "So, I do not really care who knows because you have treated me as such- not jumping to conclusions and such- it's good to see."

Sirius chuckled at Lucius's reaction to the sweets and he made the mental note to keep them handy. As they twirled around the large room he tilted his head to the side before dropping his eyes to the floor. "I'm ashamed to say that I had thought that, and I'm sure that while I'll make more of an effort to look past the icy front I might still believe that some are dark wizards." He squeezed their threaded fingers lightly. "But you have proved all of my prior thoughts wrong and I will take greater care in getting to know a person before judging them."

They moved around the floor some more and Sirius was extremely surprised to find himself wanting to hold Lucius even closer than he was. For something that had started out as a dare amongst friends it was quickly becoming something else entirely and Sirius wasn't sure he'd ever be the same afterwards.

"...Maybe you should hold on to some of those misgivings. There are some that walk amongst us who are unsavory. And I'm not speaking of those who come from my house alone." He warned. "You Gryffindors wear your hearts on your sleeves, truly an endearing characteristic, but a dangerous ones in the hands of those who would endeavor to harm you. Don't be so quick to judge, but give your trust out sparingly, Sirius. These are strange times. ...I apologize for being so bleak when this is supposed to be a lighthearted affair, pass them off as the musings of a snake if you will." He said smoothly- as these were things he had seen in his own house and amongst the other students.

People were growing excited and worried about the dark lord and his growing presence. Lucius wasn't sure of how he felt about it, given that it was the purity of their blood that was at stake. However, his father had been vocal about the dark lord being worthless because of his lack of pureblood status. He wanted to please his father, be a good pureblood, but he also didn't like the thought of gallivanting through the woods in the dark- possibly getting killed or hunted down by the ministry.

"Sirius, you dance divinely- I'm excited for the Hallowe'en ball for that fact alone."

"Lucius, life isn't sunshine and rainbows. If anyone knows that it is I. But I will take your words to heart Lucius; as the warning of a friend." Sirius smiled as he took the hand that clasped Lucius' and kissed the back of Lucius's hand. "The compliment is appreciated Lucius, though I have to admit when Mum was forcing me to take the lessons I was rather bored. I never thought I'd use them a day in my life."

He'd heard whispers of what Lucius had been talking about but he'd dismissed it as nothing other than the seeds of madness that had been sowed from the minds of those that still believed that the purity of blood was the only way of life. He'd heard the name of the Dark Lord whispered in reverent hushes in his own home and he made the mental note to keep a more studious ear out to see if he could find out anything of any importance.

"Your excitement is catching Lucius, if only because I can say that I have the most desirable date at the ball." He kissed Lucius's hand again with a playful smirk. "And with you Luci, I don't have to worry about my feet being tread upon."

"You would be wise to, Sirius. I know the members of your house can be a bit thick headed." He knocked gently on the side of Sirius's head. "It's funny how those lessons can be. My father forced me to take french with him, so I can be connected to our ancestors from Normandy. I still don't know how I'll be using it, but whatever makes him happy I shall do my best to comply. He is my only family. Without him, I'd be alone in this world, and it's not something I'd like to think about. I hate being lonely." He said biting on his lower lip at the thought, a gesture that he normally never did in front of someone else.

"Desirable date hm? Well, I appreciate your praise you know. It feels good to hear it. Flattery and exquisite manners will get you everywhere with a Slytherin. ...But don't let anyone else know that." He slowly stopped moving pulling away from Sirius. "I'm afraid it's time for our date to end. It's nearly 11:30, which is curfew. It wouldn't look good for a prefect to be late. Thank you for a lovely date, Sirius- I had a fine time, and look forward to our time at the ball. Should you seek me out before then for anything, you may find me in the potions classroom. I'm there most nights, studying for the next day." He said and bowed politely at the waist.

The image of Lucius biting his lip was one that Sirius found hard to look past and he fought himself to keep from moving in and pulling Lucius in for a kiss. He smiled a nit roguishly as he grabbed Lucius's cloak and held it out for him.

"Allow me to escort you back to your dorm Lucius. It is the least I can do for you for allowing me to take you on this date this evening and giving me a chance."

Lucius grabbed his cloak off the hook, draping it around his shoulders. "Please do. I'd like that. Again, very gentlemanly of you Sirius. I suppose then that I should give you a kiss for escorting me down so gallantly." He walked a head of him, heading out of the room of requirement.

He waited for the other teen to come out of the room, fiddling with the ends of his shirt sleeves nervously before Sirius could see him. He didn't go into this thinking he would remotely like Sirius, but he was finding himself quickly liking him more than he ever thought he would.

The Gryffindor bad boy wasn't so unruly, so uncouth as he thought he was originally. It was slightly hard to swallow.

Sirius laid his cloak over his arm and after retrieving one more treacle tart from the laden table he joined Lucius; like the blonde he had a fondness for sweets and right after chocolate came the treacle tart. He nodded as he swallowed away his last bit of sweet before offering his elbow to Lucius.

"Think nothing of it; a gentleman always escorts their dates home; it's matter of making sure that they are not accosted by anything or anyone too unruly." Though Sirius grinned on the outside his stomach clenched at the prospect of getting a kiss from Lucius; even if it was a chaste one.

As they walked he ran the night over in his head and he was pleasantly surprised that he'd enjoyed to the fullest extent. It'd been a long time since he'd been on a date where the other party wasn't fawning over him because of his status in school or they were stroking his ego to get him to do something that had cemented his place in the rich tapestry of the school history.

It come as a slight shock that the quiet and conventional methods left him feeling more satisfied than a heated snog session caught in a broomcloset or in am empty classroom.

Lucius took his elbow, wrapping his arms around it as he walked with the other teenager down toward the dungeons. He kept quiet, his thoughts taking over his mind until they were outside of the entrance way to the Slytherin dorms. "...You know, Salazaar Slytherin loved water. Our dormitories are actually under the lake, but you can only get there through the dungeons. Some people don't know that and assume we like the dank, dripping places." He paused out in front of the portrait. "A seemingly random thing to bring up, but... well... not everything is what it seems."

He turned his attention back to Sirius, placing his gloved hands on his face. "Thank you for the night, and the chocolate." He leaned in and pressed his lips briefly to Sirius's in a simple goodnight kiss.

"Good to know. I'm personally not fond of dark and dank. But it makes sense in the scheme of things." He smiled as he looked at the portrait and then back at Lucius. "Of course it's not; and I thank you for showing me that tonight."

The press of lips against his was chaste and Sirius lightly licked the warm seam of Lucius' lips before pulling away with a smile. The night had gone better than he planned and he found himself wanting to repeat the events, maybe even get to know the blonde teenager even better.

"I beg of you, another date. Before or after the dance it matters not to me. I enjoy your company Lucius." He grinned and lifted Lucius' hand once more to his lips. "Sleep on it if you must, but I'll be awaiting your answer either by owl or note. Good Night Lucius, I enjoyed tonight."

Lucius flushed a little at the bold lick to his lips, watching as the other teen kissed his hand. "Sirius-- Very well. I will give you your answer in the morning. Until then, goodnight. ...I enjoyed tonight too." He gave Sirius a slight smile and then backed off toward the portrait. In a voice louder than he should of in the presence of a Gryffindor he spoke the password to the dorms. "Verisimilitude!" He glanced over his shoulder at Sirius wondering if he got the hint. The entrance opened up and he scooted on inside before it shut.

Once he was inside of the common room, he came face to face with Severus.

"Well? ...Did he molest you?"

"No." Lucius said amused. "Though... I may have let him should the opportunity presented itself." He flopped down on the couch and opened the box of chocolates he was given. He popped one into his mouth. "He did bring chocolate to me."

Severus made a face. "Is that all it takes to get into your knickers is a box of chocolate?"

"Heavens no. It also takes a lot of patience because I wear tons of unnecessary clothing." He noted the disgruntled look on Severus's face and frowned. "Oh Sev, honestly. Relax, would you? I can assure you, I can take care of myself."

-

The next morning Lucius was at his normal spot at the Slytherin table. Laying on Sirius's normal spot at the Gryffindor table was a rolled up piece of parchment, with his elegant scrawl giving Sirius an answer of 'yes' to another date. It was tied with the hair ribbon he used in his hair the night before on their date.

Sirius grinned as he took note of the password. There's more marauder in that boy than he thinks. He waited until Lucius had been swallowed away from sight before returning to the Griffyndor tower. The common room was empty and it was something that he was thankful for. However he didn't get quite so lucky when he entered his room. James and Remus were sitting on his bed watching him. Peter looked to have passed out on the floor and Sirius gave a small smile.

He walked through the room to his dresser and pulled out some soft flannel pj pants; stripping down and changing without saying a word. Behind him James cleared his throat and Sirius smirked to himself before he turned back around.

"I'm not saying anything, so you gits can move arse off my bed."

"C'mon on now Siri. You have to tell us something. Is he as slimy as the rest of his house? Did Sniv's grease rub of on him?"

Sirius growled a bit in his throat as he glared at James. "I'm not going to tell you anything, now move arse off my bed."

"Come now James, I'd say we've over worn our welcome this evening." Remus butted in with a soft but firm voice. "I hope you had a good time Sirius; you certainly look like you did."

James opened his mouth but Remus just shot him a look and hurried him over to his own bed, leaving Sirius with his thoughts and a tiny smile. With a thankful nod Sirius mouthed 'Thank you' to Remus and then slid under his covers and with a flick of his wand pulled the curtains around the bed.

---

The morning dawned a bit slowly for Sirius and he found himself being pounced on with James looking down at him; his untidy hair in spikes.

"Will you tell me now?"

"No! Now get off me."

Sirius pushed James off of him and climbed from the bed, hurrying through dressing and heading down to the dining hall for breakfast; James still trying to get him to spill the details of the night before. Before he even took his spot he seen the rolled up parchment paper and his heart locked up for a moment before he slid into his spot and unrolled the parchment.

The simple answer of yes made him smile; and he folded the paper up and put into the pocket of his robes. He looked over to Slytherin table and with a wide smile aimed his wand at the ceiling and sent off a fountain of the colorful sparks he had the night before.

The spoken word from the night before echoed in his ears and he smirked as he started to plot out another date for him and Lucius.

Lucius looked over to him after seeing the colorful sparks- figuring that his answer would make his day. It made his day to give him the answer. It felt good to have a suitor he actually liked. He smiled at Sirius briefly, letting their eyes connect once before he broke the contact to speak with one of the Slytherins around him.

"Well now, what was that? Is he trying to show off to you?"

Lucius rolled his eyes at Severus. "Sev... please. Calm down. It's going to be alright. I know you're paranoid about them but... It's nothing. Regardless of what happens, you and I will always be friends. Your concerns and our friendship do mean a lot to me you know."

Severus looked at the pale pointed face of his friend, noting the seriousness of his expression before nodding slowly in agreement. "You're right Lucius. Forgive me for acting irrationally. There are few in this world that I hold in high regard, or even call a friend."

Lucius squeezed his shoulder, offering him a smile. "I would never leave you alone." He promised. "Just... please try and do me a favor. Be civil to them. I am trying to make a point- if you are civil and they still harass you, then please- act as you may."

"Civil!" Severus frowned. "...Are you certain?"

"I am. Please try."

Severus grappled with a thought before finally nodding. "I will try. I will trust you."

"Good." Lucius smiled and glanced back to the Gryffindor table, his grey eyes back on Sirius.

Sirius caught and held Lucius's eyes until he was nudged sharply in his side by James.

"Oi! Wot was that for?" He questioned as he rubbed his sore ribs.

"Yer ignoring yer breaky, and lookit! Here comes old McGonagall."

True to James' word she was striding down the isle; her emerald robes swishing and her face set into a scowl as she come to stop behind Sirius. He turned and put on his most winning smile as he looked up.

"Can I help you Madam McGonagall?"

"Ten points from Gryffindor for unnecessary use of magic." She huffed as she turned and looked both Sirius and James. "And since I don't know which one of you that is actually responsible it's going to happen twice as well as you're both going to serve two nights in detention with Caretaker Filch."

"Yes Professor McGonagall." They murmured in unison.

As soon as she was gone James punched Sirius as hard as he could; scowling as he turned and gave Sirius the cold shoulder. Under normal circumstances that would had set off a day of pleading and begging for James to forgive him and the plotting of ways to slip the detention, but Sirius was too anxious for his next date with Lucius and was even plotting on how to get the Slytherin common room to themselves for the evening.

As he was heading to Charms Sirius had the perfect idea and the smile that the thought produced didn't diminish as the day wore on and he found himself impatient for Friday to roll around.

Severus watched with a smug smile as McGonagall looked like she was giving Sirius AND James a detention. "Oh Lucius, what a shame. Seems like lover boy's in a bit of trouble. Hopefully that doesn't louse up your date."

Lucius made a face at Severus, shaking his head. "It won't. We haven't really discussed a date, I just agreed to it."

"I see. Well. Good luck on your second little date. My warning still stands, however."

Lucius rolled his eyes. "I won't let him maul me."

-

It was rapidly approaching Friday, and Lucius hadn't heard anything from Sirius- figuring that he must have scored a few days detention for his spark stunt at breakfast the other day. He decided then, on Thursday night, to figure out what exactly was going on. He came by the portrait leading to the Gryffindor common room, walking right past the Fat Lady.

"Er.. excuse me. Password, please?" She said watching from her portrait as the blonde teen was seemingly searching the area for something.

"Pardon? ...Oh no. This can't be the Gryffindor common room entrance. There's supposed to be a portrait of a rather large woman blocking it. But you can't possibly be her."

The Fat Lady flushed. "Well. I have been loosing some weight. Password, please."

Lucius bit his bottom lip. "I'm afraid I don't know it. I'm trying to return this book." He held up his copy of the transfiguration text book. He flipped open the cover, pretending to look like he was reading. "To Sirius Black. He left it in the Great Hall and I'm sure he needs it back."

"Well... As noble as that sounds... I can't let you in. You're not from this house- as a matter of fact, you're a Slytherin, aren't you? Given house feuds-"

Lucius forced a look of hurt on his face. "Yes. But that doesn't mean I can't do a favor for a fellow student. Just like... when they call you the Fat Lady, when clearly that must be a mistake- that must hurt. What is your real name...?"

"Oh, it's been so long since someone's asked me my real name, I think I've forgotten it." She frowned. "Well... just this once I suppose it's alright. But don't you dare tell anyone!"

"Not a word, dear lady." Lucius gave a polite bow and slipped inside the Gryffindor common room. Before moving out into the open room, he slid off his shoes to prevent making noise. He went inside, quietly creeping around the sleeping or studying students to hide behind a large thick red curtain- waiting for any sight of Sirius.

Sirius trudged along behind James; his hands hurting from the scrubbing of the cauldrons in Slughorn's room. The old man had forbade the use of magic in the task; at least for him since James had brought along a box of candied pineapples.

"I can't believe you're going out with him again." James huffed as he looked over his shoulder at Sirius. "The bet was only to ask him to the dance."

"Well he required a goodwill date before hand, to make sure it wasn't a trap." Sirius gruffed as he mumbled the password to the Fat Lady. "Whomping Frogs"

She sung to the side and he mumbled his thanks, rolling his eyes as James kept pestering him.

"But it is a trap. It's Malfoy for gods sake Sirius. He's a Slytherin.."

"AND?" Sirius whirled around, tired of hearing it from his 'best mate' "What makes them so different? Oooo, they have green and silver on their crest. Lucius maybe a Slytherin, but that doesn't define who he is. Yes, it started out as a trap James, but you know what, I enjoyed the good will date; I enjoyed Lucius's company. And dammit James I'm going to enjoy our second date and the date to the Hallowe'en Ball."

James stepped back as if struck and he shook his head in denial, causing Sirius to go further on the defense.

"That's all I've heard since then, he's this, he's that...you don't know Lucius James and if I'm not mistaken there's a scandal about your father and Abraxas. I suggest you shake your own family tree before you burn down someone elses. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to get my Ancient Runes books and study for my exams." He barked out a laugh. "You've turned me into Remus, James. Good job." He snarled as he turned to head up to his dormitory.

"No, that good for nothing Slytherin did. He's changed you Sirius!"

Sirius seethed as he stormed up the stairs, the small candles in the scones bursting in to a higher flame as he passed. "What right does he had to judge. That insufferable git."

He tore through his bag and finally brought out his Rune's book. With a sigh he headed back down to the common room; thankful to find that James that taken himself elsewhere. He loved his friend, but at that moment he'd rather punch the toerag in the face. With a look of concentration he took a seat in one of the large over stuffed chairs that dominated the common room; this one next to the window and he found himself staring out of the window rather than his book; his thoughts turning back to Lucius.

Lucius watched the scene unfold quietly from behind the curtain, watching Sirius and James go back and forth- all due to his presence. He frowned slightly, that was not his intention. He quietly moved behind the curtains, positioning himself on the armrest of the chair.

"There's a snake in the lion's den, just so you know." He offered him a slight smile. "I was curious to the time of our date-- And I hadn't heard from you so I figured I'd just come and ask. Rather easy task you know. However- I don't believe it's good to fight with your best friend. I don't know exactly what I would do without Severus." He crossed his arms across his chest.

"And while I'm tickled that you'd throw away years of friendship for me, I'd rather you not do that. James being a toe-rag aside. Oh, and by the way- hello." He leaned over and kissed Sirius on the cheek.

Sirius jumped, his book going flying at the sound of Lucius' voice.

"Wha? How?" He blinked and looked around the room to see if anyone noticed; but the room seemed to have emptied out completely of human lifeforms. "Lucius...how did you get in here?"

He got back to his feet and moved behind the curtain, pulling Lucius to him and smiling as he pushed the blonde against the cool window panes. He was utterly surprised and yet at the same time the thrill of being caught set waves of heat through him and he couldn't help but bend his head forwards and kiss Lucius soundly on the lips; licking at the wet seam of his lips before pulling away.

"Scratch that, I don't care how you got in here. I'm just glad you're here." He scowled a bit at James' name but pushed it aside. "I'll make up with him...sooner or later. He can stew in his toeraggedness...." He stole another kiss with a smirk. "So I lied, I really want to know what you did to get here. You're apparently sneakier than you let on Lucius."

Lucius looped his arms around Sirius's neck, looking rather pleased with himself. "I am a snake, you know. Capable of bending and twisting my way slowly and methodically into a place I want. Any where, any time."

After he was done with his speech, the smug look on his face fading back into his regular expression. "I charmed your portrait, and she let me in." He said proudly. "I said I was returning your book- which is actually my book. I am fairly pleased with myself as you know."

Lucius leaned in again, kissing his lips slower, enjoying the contact. "It is fairly exciting to be a sneak. There's a certain danger that's mildly addicting. I'm blaming you for this." He teased and knocked their foreheads together. "I'm sure you will make up with him. But right now? I'm feeling giddy with the thrill of it all, and I believe we should make out on your common room couch. Unless however, you disagree with my idea."

OSirius grinned and lapped at Lucius's lips before pulling him over to the couch and tumbling down on it; pulling Lucius onto his lap so that the blonde was straddling and leaning up and kissing Lucius soundly as his hand fumbled with Lucius' robe. The fear of another Gryffindor was strong and with a ragged pant he broke the kiss, smirking as motioned to the stairs.

"How about we move this up to my bed. As much as I'd love to see the looks on the other's faces when they see a Snake in the Lions Den, I don't want to share you." He left tiny kisses to Lucius's cheeks and throat waiting on pins and needles for Lucius's answer and hoping he didn't come off as too forward.

Lucius let his hands roam eagerly all over his body, feeling the muscle Sirius had hidden beneath his clothes. He would normally never do this, but the thrill of what he had done was coursing through his body. He looked up at Sirius, licking at his lips as his eyes drifted off to the side to ponder quickly.

"Yes..." He murmured, swayed by the light teasing kisses on his neck. "But... what if your friends are upstairs?" He asked biting on his bottom lip. "Don't you think they'll mind if we're making out in the dorm room?"

Sirius laughed. "Luci; dear Luci. Remus is studying. Peter is trying to find someone to snog that isn't his pillow and James...well James is either at the quidditch pitch or he's out chasing Lily. The dorm is ours. Besides once we're closeted away in my bed, the curtains will be drawn and a silencing charm put on it so that even if they enter they won't be able to hear us. They'll think that my bed is abandoned and ever since James tried to remove my bedsheets and got a nasty pixie bite no one touches my bed." He smirked as he stole another bold kiss. "Besides Luci; what would be the difference between being found snogging here in the common room or up on the dorm? Unless the thought of people watching us makes you hot under the collar.."

Sirius was teasing Lucius but the image it produced was one that he found that he didn't quite abhor. Of course there would be repercussions of Lucius was found in the Gryffindor common room as inter-house visits weren't supposed to be made without Head of House okaying them.

"So, Luci...whaddya say?"