Title: To Overcome
Pairing: Harry Potter x Lucius Malfoy, mentions of Draco Malfoy x Blaise Zabini, and some mentions of Narcissa Malfoy x Lucius Malfoy
Rated: M for various sexual themes
Summary: Lucius Malfoy finds himself at a crossroads a year after the war. He doesn't know who or what he is anymore, and unwanted attention from Harry Potter makes finding himself all the more difficult.
Disc: Not my men
Notes: A good chunk of this story is already written. It's gigantic so I thought it'd be best to carve it up into chapters.

(*) Chapter 7 (*)

The next morning, Lucius was sitting at his desk as he went through the invoices for the apothecary. The flowers from the previous night were placed in an expensive vase he bought years ago for Narcissa. He sent the barkeep's back via owl package when he returned to the manor. The irony amused him, and the flowers were pleasant enough. His thoughts drifted to what happened with Harry the previous night. The night was going so well, until Harry decided to unintentionally remind Lucius that he was still an eighteen year old boy. He chewed idly on the end of his quill, wondering if he should be upset or not. Harry wasn't aware of what he was doing at the time after all, and it did feel good to be desired in such a way. Plus the sexual contact was yet another reminder that he still had a pulse and needs that hadn't died when he decided to lock himself away.

That, and Harry seemed to hold some promise in other areas. Enough to forgive what happened in favor of what may come. Lucius shook the thought from his mind, looking down at the inventory sheets he picked up from the apothecary. He took out his scroll and a fresh sheet of parchment and began to write his notes for the upcoming fiscal year when the door to his study flew open. "Ah. Draco. Good morning." He said glancing up at his son.

"Yes, father. Good morning." He cooed as the annoyance dripped off of him like beads of sweat. He tossed the Daily Prophet down on the desk. "When were you going to tell me?"

Lucius looked at the front page, which had a flashy title of "BOY WHO LIVED FOX TROTS WITH DEATH EATER". His eyes widened just a bit before he forced a look of compliancy on his face. "When is it a father's business to tell his son what he does every minute of the day?"

"When do you go out dancing with Potter?" Draco shot back.

"Who said I should be getting out more?"

Draco paused, raking his teeth across his bottom lip. This whole mess began with his insistence. "I… I didn't mean for you to go off and dance with Potter of all people. Why can't you go out dancing with Goyle's dad? Why does it have to be Potter!"

Lucius instantly made a face at the mention of Goyle's father. "Please, Draco- Gracchus Goyle has two left feet and one is made of iron." He licked his lips tentatively before continuing. "And… it has to be Potter because I… I like him." He watched his son's face flicker with anger, and held up his hand to prevent him from speaking in between what he wanted to say. "Look at this paper." He held it up. "Has anyone else but Potter been around, looking to befriend me, looking to see if maybe I wouldn't mind going out on a date?"

Draco scowled at the paper before looking to Lucius. "But-"

"No buts. Answer the question."

"No… But what about mother?"

Lucius instantly flinched. "Draco- you know your mother and I are separated. I don't know how she'll feel, but I doubted she wondered the same about my thoughts when she started going about town with all sorts of suitors."

"I just… I… you know how I feel about him, father. Everybody loves Potter, and now you do too."

Lucius scowled back at him. "I distinctly said 'like', Draco. I know you don't like him. It is fine, I understand. I don't expect you to change your mind. However, I do expect you to extend a bit of tolerance towards this- even if you're hiding back a nasty bit of malice that wants to slip out so desperately. I know you've had issues with that particular aspect of our family, but now would be an excellent time to practice. We Malfoys are civil people in an uncivilized state. I expect you to hold up that motto, regardless of who I decide to date. I am beginning to realize that… that maybe I can go out in public without having to worry about being attacked. I have Potter to thank for that." He glanced at the paper he was holding again before setting it down on the desk. "Besides, the people at the Prophet are clearly mistaken. We were waltzing."

Draco took in a breath, sighing loudly. "Whatever, father- if you think Potter's fun to be around, than eventually he'll bore you. He's not that interesting, despite what everyone else seems to think. And if he hurts you, I'm going to take serious pleasure into hexing parts of him off until he's rendered a useless stub." He sniffed. "…I'm sorry I've been meddling. I just… you're getting better. You want to go out again, and I don't want you to backslide back into being stuck in the manor all the time."

"That won't happen, Draco." He murmured looking up to his son. "I know you're concerned about me, but I'll be fine. And the second I'm not, I'll let you hex off Potter's bits. But only if I'm there to see it."

Draco gave his father a small smile, which he returned. "What are you up to today, father?"

"I've got my painting class soon. And afterward, I might see if Kline would like to get a cup of tea… most likely coffee for him… at the café around the corner from the ministry. It couldn't hurt, he may end up putting my painting in a more prestigious place if I bribe him a bit. That, and I haven't been there in ages, and after last night, I'm thinking today might be a good day to return."

"Really now? I might get jealous, father- having tea without me at a café." Draco teased. "Have… have a good time."

"I will, thank you Draco." Lucius got up from his desk, and patted his shoulder. He grabbed up his field bag. "I'll be home later." He let the words tumble out of his mouth, still relishing in the simple observation that he made last night. Most people won't care if he decides to go out and enjoy a public place. He repeated it over and over, trying to cement the mantra in his mind for good. He trailed a hand over the oak paneling in the manor as he walked toward the front door of the manor, contemplating all that he missed out on.

(*)

Lucius adjusted himself on the stool in front of his easel. He rolled his shoulders, as if trying to physically remove the stares he felt on his person. He slowly looked around at nearly everyone as they crowded their easels around him. "Is… is there any reason why you've all decided to invade my personal space today?"

Millicent cleared her throat. "Is it true? Are you really seeing Harry Potter?"

Lucius blinked. "Is that why you're all crowding around me? I suppose if going out dancing once with a person constitutes as seeing someone, Miss Bulstrode, than yes." A ripple of commotion went through the people around him. His mind whirled as he attempted to think of a way to diffuse this potentially damaging situation. "…It's not that big of a deal you know. Harry can date who he wants. He just happens to have a passing interest in me. I think I must be some sort of rebellion, or attempt at finding some sort of excitement. …Why he finds me so exciting, I wish I knew. Hopefully, that answers all of your questions."

There were murmurs through the small group of people, hushed questions Lucius tried not to overhear before they slowly backed away from him in order to give him his space. By that time, Kline had come in with his usual cup of coffee and paint stained robes.

"Don't forget, your paintings for the ministry gallery exhibit are due by the middle of this week, should you want to put them in the show. I've had a few entered already. Use this time to work on your pieces, and if you've turned one in already, you may start on our next project- the landscape. Feel free to paint outside, if you want. The natural beauty of the outdoors has inspired many famous painters, after all."

Lucius was quick to gather his field bag and easel. Anything to get him out of the constant stares of his painting class and little murmurs he heard whispered behind his back of speculation on his and Harry's relationship was welcome. He felt stupid, cursing himself for not have considered the possibility that someone from the Prophet might be there last night. Few people might have minded Lucius stepping out to enjoy his life, but a great deal more were going to have qualms about an ex-death eater dating Harry Potter. He swallowed hard, hoping the fresh air would clear his mind.

A few others took the opportunity to paint outside as well; however they went in a different direction than Lucius- heading toward the park in the back of the building. There was a small gazebo not far from the center that would make a more private setting to paint in than the park, it was just a matter of getting there. Once he opened the doors to the community center, he was stunned by the sea of flash bulbs and shouts from every reporter from every wizarding newspaper in England.

"Lucius! Can we get an interview on your relationship with Harry Potter for the Weekly Word!"

"We need a clip for The Wizard's Mirror- preferably about where you think your relationship with the Boy Who Lived will go!"

"What do you think Harry's thoughts will be when he finds out about your scandalous 1971 Playwitch magazine spread!"

"Do you hope to be the man who married the boy hero!"

"What does your son think? What about your wife?"

"Where did you learn to fox trot?"

Lucius staggered backward, colliding against the door of the center. "We… we were waltzing." He said weakly. The reporters began to advance on him, invading every last inch of his personal space- all the while shouting questions and ridiculous rumors.

Down the street, Harry was round the corner, intent on surprising Lucius with a box of chocolates after his art class ended in order to alleviate any awkward feelings from the night before, and butter him up for some bad news. However, the huge mass of people on the front door of the community center caught him off guard. He reached into his side bag, pulling out his invisible cloak. He threw it over himself, creeping closer to the crowd to see what was going on. He heard the shouts and the accusations being thrown at Lucius, having to push and shove his way through all of them to even see him. The older man was looking rather frazzled and shocked as he slowly reached back to open the door. He paused for a moment, and suddenly scowled.

"Enough!" Lucius roared at them. "Leave me alone! Leave Harry alone too! It is his life, if he chooses to date me, than fine! Maybe, just maybe it's because I never, and won't ever, treat him like a god! Can't you for one second imagine what that's like? Holding up a person to impossible standards, scrutinizing their every move- maybe Harry's crazy for dating me, maybe he isn't. Maybe he doesn't want to date any of your tarted up relations because they bore him, adore him, and never bother getting to know the man behind the boy you've all loved for so long. You can't attempt to make a relationship with someone by only focusing on one part of them. Harry's a man now- he's quite different from what picture you've all painted of him in your mind. And I've had the argument with him countless times about the ills of dating me- he seems dead set for continuing our relationship. If you don't like it, fine- it isn't your relationship to judge." Lucius straightened up; fixing the collar of his robes that got mussed up in the reporter hoard. "It is mine, and Harry's. And as for that infamous Playwitch issue, every copy was destroyed." He sniffed and turned up his nose at all of them. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to my painting class." He reached out again and grabbed the door handle, only to find that it had locked after he shut it. He tugged on it, making a slight face.

Harry removed his cloak, placing a hand on Lucius's shoulder. He ignored the surprised shouts and questions thrown at his person, focusing solely on what was important. "Don't you just wish you could disappear at times like this?" He held out the silvery cloth to the older man.

"Harry- how… how long were you standing there?" He hissed to him. "Oh never mind! Just throw that over us." He stuck close to Harry as the cloak was thrown over them both, making them vanish from the sights of the reporters.

(*)

They ran for blocks. They ran until Lucius begged Harry to stop and the collapsed on the park's grass. "And… and no one can see us?" Lucius panted as he went to remove his pointed-toe boots. He rubbed his sore feet, making a face at the pain.

"No one." Harry murmured as he watched Lucius try to soothe the pain in his feet.. "They can hear us though. …You alright?"

"Yes. But I won't ever be running in these boots again." He released the foot he was working on, looking back at Harry. "You never answered me. How long, Harry, were you standing there for?"

"Long enough." He murmured and sat up from his lounging position on the grass. He draped an arm over Lucius. "…I'm sorry for last night, if I er… did anything inappropriate. I can't blame you for leaving, I wouldn't want to face me in the morning after that if I er.. was you. I was having this amazing dream and…"

"No apologies necessary." Lucius cleared his throat. "I ah… was a young man once. And despite everything else you managed to do to me last night, I had a good enough time to forgive it. Just… don't bring it up. Ever. As for leaving, well- it's not proper to stay the whole night with someone on the first date anyway. You needed the sleep more than I did."

"You're so old fashioned. I'm glad you're not upset with me for well… getting fresh." Harry grinned sheepishly. "And here I bought apology chocolates for nothing."

Lucius snatched the package out of Harry's hand before it was barely out of the bag. "Chocolates are never a waste." He tucked them into his bag to have for later, casting a sideways look at Harry. "…Thanks for the rescue."

"You're welcome. …I'm so glad I overheard what you said." He leaned over to brush his lips over Lucius's neck. "I know what's happened between us isn't a perfect scenario, or probably how you'd like to be courted, but I don't care. I'm just happy you have the same hopes for us that I do. …Though, you may start treating me like a god when we get to… you know."

"…This coming from the guy who set me on fire last night while trying to do a simple drying charm. I'll remain skeptical, thank you very much." He wrinkled his nose at him.

"I love when you do that." Harry grinned. "You look… I don't know, real. When I first met you, I thought you only had a few expressions. Aloof, and pissed. I've learned you have a few more. Annoyed at me- Wrinkling your nose at me in annoyance- Trying hard not to laugh at me in order to encourage my bad behavior... And my personal favorite- flushed when I try to seduce you and almost succeed." Harry watched Lucius, grinning wider as his cheeks began to pinken. "You're blushing. I like that one too."

Lucius looked sheepish. "Stop bringing attention to it."

"No, I like it." Harry said and moved over Lucius. The older man didn't seem to be in the mood for a tussle, but gave in and let Harry wrestle him to the ground. "Not in the mood to fight me today? I'm not used to you letting me get this far without an insult or forcing me to think out of the box."

"Maybe, just maybe… I want to be close to you at the moment. But don't push it."

Harry moved between Lucius's legs, laying on top of the older man as he drank in the moment. He put a hand on his cheek, smiling down at him. The blush was fading, replaced with an appraising look. Harry rested his chin in the middle of Lucius's chest, smiling when he felt Lucius's hand coast through his dark hair.

"You know... I always assumed Gryffindors needed a Slytherin. It did not occur to me that… sometimes, in very rare occasions, a Slytherin could… maybe… need a Gryffindor. But not all the time, of course." He sputtered and looked at the shit eating grin on Harry's face. "…What?"

"I like when you try to tell me how much you like me. But only rarely, and only on days that end in y."

"You're quite clever when you want to be, Harry. …A trait your father often lacked. Clearly, that comes from your mother."

Harry's face softened at the mention of his mother. He said nothing for quite awhile as he took in the sight of the man beneath him. His hand reached out and tangled in the sea of blonde hair splayed out on the grass. "All things considering… this is nice. This day could have wound up way worse."

"I just got done being harassed by a gang of reporters, Harry. Explain 'way worse'."

"I could have punched one of them. …And then you'd have to bail me out. Think about it for a moment though- you got harassed by a gang of reporters, and you're here with me, on the lawn of a park. You didn't head back home to hide like a turtle. I think you might be getting better faster than we both thought."

Lucius pressed his lips together, letting a sigh out of his nose before speaking. "Yes, I suppose."

"Now. Down to really important matters- what's this I hear about a Playwitch spread?"

"Absolutely nothing, Harry James Potter. You won't ever be seeing that remnant of ancient history."

Harry pouted. "Honestly? Then what's going to keep me company when I go away on my auror trip? It's my first mission."

Lucius frowned and sat up. Harry moved off of him to accommodate his new position. "I forgot you would have to do that. Will you still be around for the ministry art show?"

"…That's what I was coming to talk to you about originally. I don't think I'll be able to escort you. My trip starts tomorrow. I won't be back in time. I'm really sorry, Lucius. I wanted to go with you. You aren't mad, are you? …That was the last box of chocolates Honeyduke's had that I thought you'd like and-"

"Mad? No. Disappointed? Yes." Lucius frowned and held up a hand to silence him. "You'd best return from this trip unscathed, Harry James Potter- or you'll never get to see anything that was in that damn magazine. And one box of chocolate is fine. I do not wish to get fat."

"Are you worried about me, Lucius? I think I can handle this pretty well. I've had some years of experience already under my belt. I don't mean to toot my own horn, or anything."

"…And that is why you don't need my magazine- you toot your own horn- so to speak- without meaning to." Lucius drawled out and raised an eye brow at him. "…Yes, of course I'm worried. I've grown to care a lot about you. You've done so much for me in helping me to come out of my self imposed exile. Let alone what you've done for my nonexistent love life. …It isn't too late to consider a career at Gringotts, you know."

"Nah. That's not my thing. I'll be fine, Lucius. And when I get back, I promise to make it up to you. …Will you come down to the ministry tomorrow? Ron and the rest of us are being sworn in as aurors before we go on our first mission. It'll be the last chance I get to see you before I go."

"Of course I will." Lucius's voice softened. "I wouldn't dream of missing it. Even though I think you could be perfectly happy with a career at Gringotts. …I promise to bring you lunch, wearing only boots and a cloak everyday if that's what it will take."

Harry's eyebrows shot up at the offer. "You're tempting me. You're very good at that, you know. But I'm not going to work with goblins." He reached out and put a hand on Lucius's cheek. "And I promise you, Lucius- I'll be fine. We haven't even gotten to the next level in our relationship. Do you think I'd let some dark witch or wizard end my life before that?"

Lucius snorted. "I suppose not. I should have known better."

"Yes you should, I'm surprised at you." Harry grinned. "Er… you're going to be alright while I'm gone, right? Think you can handle the reporter herd?"

"With merciless ease." Lucius cooed.

Harry chuckled a bit and then gave him a playful look. "…Well then, with that settled… do I get a going away goodbye romp in the grass?"

"Absolutely not, Harry. I abhor grass stains. We'll talk about it when you come back from your trip." Lucius sniffed. "You may have actually gotten just that if you were going to work at Gringotts, but no- someone has to be rather stubborn." Harry's laughter felt good to hear, and Lucius drank in it- saying nothing more as a slowly growing storm of unease crept over his person. Wordlessly he reached over and took Harry's hand, squeezing it tight.

(*CHAPTER END*)

EXCITING NEWS: This story is nearly done. Maybe 1-2 more chapters. Ahhh… nearing completion feels so good :D Thanks for sticking with me guys, I really appreciate the support from your reviews, alerts, and favorites 3