Fags never were much of a Hogwarts tradition, so Severus Snape was
unsure what to expect as he made his way to the rendezvous.

"Meet me at the Astronomy Tower at 6am.  Lucius Malfoy" was all the
note had said, but Severus already knew not to disobey the prefects.

"Morning, Snape."  Malfoy indicated the door, "up to the top -- none
will notice us up there."

Severus obeyed, silently, still wondering why he was there.  At the
top Malfoy put his hand on Severus's shoulder and pointed out a small
figure in the grounds below.

"That's Avery, he runs around the grounds every morning."

Severus noded, then realised that a reply was expecterd.

"I thought I'd heard someone leaving the dungeon early before, Sir."

Malfoy returned the nod.

"No need to call me Sir in private, just Malfoy will do."

He turned Severus to face him.

"How has your first week been?"

"Fine, Sir ... err ... Malfoy"

"I've been watching you, Snape, quite a lot actually.  You tend to sit
on the edge of things; watching and listening, not throwing your
weight around like some in the House."

Severus nodded, cautiously.

"Avery would call that weakness," Malfoy paused, looking for
confirmation in Severus's eyes, "but I, however, am not as rash as
he."

Severus was unable to keep the relief from his face.

"You'll have to learn not to do that," Malfoy cautioned him, "but I
think I have a proposition for you."

He took a half-step backwards and looked the boy over.

"In fact, you might say that I have two propositions for you..."