Title:Harry Potter and the Rise of the Dark Legacy
Author: enchanted nightingale
Beta Reader: pussycatadamah
Pairs: Harry/Lucius (eventually), Ron/Hermione, Neville/Ginny, Remus/Tonks
Disclaimer: The characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I merely use them in my plot for fun.
Chapter 10- Malfoy Holidays
Draco's return to the ancestral Malfoy Manor that was more of a castle the family had occupied for centuries was not an easy one. In fact the trip was nerve wracking. His father had joined him on the ride back with Hogwarts express. He guessed that his father had not ridden the train since his last trip back to Platform 9&¾. Lucius had taken a carriage on his own and Draco had spent his time divided between his father and his friends.
As for Lucius, he enjoyed the quiet as much as he could because he knew the ride would be the only time he would get. The Manor was after all just an apparition jump away from the moment they reached the Platform. He sat back and read random books to keep busy, enjoying his son's discomfort and embarrassment at having his own father with him.
"Finally!" Draco muttered when he entered the foyer.
His mother was waiting for them when they got there. There Malfoy house elves were at hand to get their cloaks and vanished the second they had them, along with the luggage. His parents were staring at each other, an awkward silence filling the room. After all the spouses had not seen each other since September.
Narcissa was at a loss as to how she was to act on such an occasion. When she had sent her letter to Lucius and did not receive a response and now she had no idea what her husband was thinking. She decided not to worry yet; he would cross that bridge when she had to. For now the beautiful witch focused on her son.
"Draco darling," she smiled and opened her arms.
The teen eased into her hug and returned the smile. "Mother," he breathed in her perfume, a habit he acquired from the day he first returned from Hogwarts and something he kept doing every time he returned home.
"You've gotten taller again. What do they feed you there?" Narcissa run her delicate fingers through her son's hair. "And you need a trim soon."
Draco pulled away and rolled his eyes but his lips quirked in amusement. "I'll go wash up before dinner," he announced and left with a kiss on his mother's cheek.
The husband and wife found themselves alone and in an awkward silence.
"Lucius," Narcissa spoke first.
The wizard met her gaze. "Narcissa."
Had the witch not been a Black and a Malfoy by marriage she would have squirmed under the look he gave her.
"Lucius I…"
Her husband cut her off with a shake of his head. "Not now Cissa," he told her, making use of the pet name her very close friends had for her in Hogwarts.
She seemed to relax at that.
"We will have dinner as usual and anything concerning our marriage can be discussed later. You said so as well, we are a family first," Lucius told her. "Give me a moment to freshen up and I will join you. Our son will take a while before joining us."
"A glass of wine before dinner?" his wife suggested.
"Of course," he replied.
Lucius reached his rooms, feeling calm about his situation. The return to Malfoy Manor was his chance to get away from the hordes of loud children and cheeky co-workers for a while; though he was certain that his shadier associates would also demand to meet with him at some point soon. He also had a small suspicion/fear that the Dark Lord might also request his son to be introduced over the holidays. But that would then be only one of his bigger problems. He still had the situation with Narcissa and her lover-and-soon-to-be-husband, not to mention his responsibilities to Dumbledore and the situation with Harry.
'At least after dinner one of the issues will be solved,' he thought.
He washed his hands and then his face. Glancing at the mirror he rubbed the wariness from his eyes and decided to join his family.
Draco had made his mind to go visit Blaise as soon as he was excused from dinner, which was not as much of a disaster as he had first expected it to be, but still awkward to boot.
His father thwarted his plans when he asked of him to join them after dinner in the family living room.
"I thought you would prefer to be alone with mother," the teen said.
"You are a member of this family and your opinion is important to us," Lucius told his son.
Narcissa nodded. "Please join us Draco."
Her son accepted the invitation and sat by his mother's side.
"So…" the teen urged his parents to talk.
Narcissa sighed. "I really don't know how to go about this. Writing that letter was much easier than speaking."
"In short, you requested a divorce," Lucius spoke up. "And I have really no objection of giving it to you. After I met that lover of yours. As your only sane and balanced, not to mention living, family, it is mine and Draco's duty to oversee this process. You have invited Mr. Gertrad for dinner?"
The witch blinked a smile on her face. "Yes, I have," his wife replied.
"Good."
"Thank you Lucius, for what it's worth you have been an amazing husband."
Draco glanced at his parents. "I'm so happy I never got betrothed."
"Brat," Lucius favoured his son with a rare smile.
"But what about the contract?" Narcissa asked. "I thought it was unbreakable."
"So did I. Unless you found a soul mate, father, I really see not one way out of this…mess."
Lucius remained quiet.
"Father?" Draco's voice was full of questions and he could feel Narcissa's stare.
Lucius knew from their faces that they expected a miracle from him. The irony in this was that he had it ready before they even asked for it. In fact, since summer and the incident with Potter his marriage was as good as annulled. It was something he had no trouble admitting now but then again lately he admitted a lot of things about his potential future mate. However, Lucius was now facing the dilemma of what to tell his family and the truth was naturally out of question for a long time. Still, they would have questions.
"Did you really find your soul mate Lucius?" Narcissa asked both curious and happy for him.
The blonde wizard gave in, after shooting his son a glance. He had no idea what the teen remembered and if saying anything would crack the fog of the 'Obliviate' cast on him in the beginning of summer.
"Yes, I have," he admitted.
"When?" Draco asked.
"Earlier this year," Lucius replied. "He found me actually."
"Is he cute?" Narcissa asked with girly curiosity.
Draco gapped. "No! I'm not going to hear this! This is too bizarre, even for this family."
His parents laughed.
"He is a fine man, really," Lucius said with a small smile. "I won't say more as to not embarrass Draco."
"Who is he?" his wife asked.
"I really can't tell you," he told her.
"We can keep secrets," Draco said.
"I know, but it is not my secret to tell son," Lucius replied. "Just give me some time."
Narcissa and Draco both looked put out but held back on asking more questions. Mother and son decided then that they would find out despite everything Lucius said.
"So you can take care of everything?" Narcissa asked in order to be sure.
"Yes. By January you will be a free witch," Lucius told his wife.
""For however long that lasts," Draco added. "So do we celebrate?"
"Tea is fine," his mother said with a smirk.
December 25th:
Lucius squirmed under the shower.
He had opened the presents earlier with his family. It was a tradition Draco had insisted upon after hearing it from one of his classmates from the preparation classes he took before joining Hogwarts. What was set apart from the usual, huge pile of expensive wrapping paper and boxes were the gifts each family member received from one Harry Potter. Narcissa had been more surprised than the male members of the house hold.
The green eyed minx had sent a dwarf made, crystal vase to Narcissa, a book on basic Quidditch for beginners for Draco that had the teen raging before finding the second present, the real one, a rare book on magical snakes and their uses in potions, thus calming the flustered teen. Lucius was considerably apprehensive after that; who knew what the teen would surprise him with. He was rewarded with a platinum pendant with a wyvern carved on it and a rather provocative letter hidden inside it, though he only found that letter after he was left alone and he was grateful for it. He read the letter in the privacy of his room and this was what sent him in the shower.
Lucius finally gave in and allowed his hand to reach for his cock. He shivered and tugged the hard flesh once before running his fingers over the skin and down the tip. He leaned heavily on the wall as he continued pulling and rubbing. Soon his breaths grew shorter and ragged and he felt his knees weaken.
It was not long before he came, whispering Harry's name.
December 28th:
Draco was exasperated. His family's library was huge and he would not make it before the holiday was over and he really wanted to know what was going on with Potter. He also had that dare to call Potter on.
"Draco?" His mother called from the doorway. "There you are! The library again Draco? I swear that since you came home you have spent all your days in the library." She reached him and caressed his blonde locks. Only to recoil a bit at the dust. "This just won't do. Walter!"
A house elf cracked into view and bowed.
"Take two other house elves and dust this place," Narcissa ordered.
"Yes mistress," the house elf bowed again and disappeared.
"I'm a big boy, a little dust won't hurt me," Draco told her.
"It is the principle of the thing," his mother replied. "Now, tell me what troubles you so I can help."
Draco considered this. His mother knew things and would probably keep it from his father. Still, it would not hurt to not give all his cards away.
"Well, there is this man at school…" the teen began and gave her the new appearance Potter had.
Narcissa sighed. "Interesting."
"You know what I'm talking about?"
"Yes son, you are telling me you saw a Royal Elf, a Dark Elf."
"Like house elves?" Draco grimaced.
Narcissa sat him down and entered a talk about Elves.
Later, Draco left the library dazed.
December 30th:
Lucius was seated near the fireplace with Draco across from him, both dressed impeccably in back and blue robes each, were focused on a game of chess.
Narcissa, looking elegant and beautiful in her burgundy dress robes, paced the length of the room. Her long blonde hair was caught in a high, elegant bun with pearls and a well placed cosmetic charm holding them together.
Her husband looked up from his chess game. "Do calm down Cissa," Lucius finally called out. "It is a simple dinner."
"I am nervous," she said, her temper short. She stopped pacing and pinned him with a hard look. "You know, most husbands do not act so casual about meeting their wife's lover."
Draco made his move and took Lucius' Knight. The wizard's Queen castle made a rude gesture that had Draco chuckling.
"Then again most husbands are not asked to give their soon to be ex-wife their best wishes on her knew marriage," Lucius returned. " Check mate."
"What?" Draco sat straight and checked the board again.
Narcissa rolled her eyes.
"Perhaps a charm to calm you, or a potion?" Lucius offered.
"It's not necessary," Narcissa shot back.
Her husband shrugged.
Narcissa resumed her pacing and Draco challenged his father to another game when the head house elf appeared and announced the arrival of Meinrad Frank Gertrad.
Lucius stood and ordered the house elf to let the wizard in.
Draco hovered in the back, feeling more nervous than his own mother. Not to mention awkward and weird. He briefly wondered if he should have asked Blaise for pointers. He watched as Meinrad Gertrad entered the room. He was a tall man, taller than his own father. His dark eyes, dark hair and bronze skin were in direct contrast with the characteristics of his family and his own.
He was also a proud man and tasteful. He could see why his mother was attracted to this man, despite how he hated admitting that.
Narcissa approached her lover, debating if she should kiss him or not. Deciding not to be rash, she took his elbow and guided him further into the room.
"My husband, Lucius Malfoy and my son Draco," Narcissa introduced. "And my lover Meinrad Gertrad."
Lucius offered a hand to the German Minister for Magic which the man shook.
"Pleased to meet you," the wizard greeted with a heavily accented voice but still in perfect English. "This is awkward," Meinrad admitted.
Lucius offered a rare smile. "It is a novelty for me as well. Shall I call for drinks? Ogden's Brandy perhaps?"
"I'd like that," Meinrad agreed.
"Draco you can have one too," Lucius told his son.
A house elf cracked into the room, took the orders and cracked away. They took their seats, Narcissa and Meinrad on a couch and Lucius with his son in another. After the drinks were served they were put to use to cover the lingering stiffness.
"This is unusual, I know," Lucius told Meinrad. "Narcissa and I never had an exclusive relationship, not before Draco I mean. We did our duty to the contract our parents drafted. I do not know whether Narcissa mentioned my preferences."
"She did," Meinrad admitted.
"Do you know of my… political standing?" Lucius continued.
"I do know you were marked as a follower of the current Dark Lord," the darker man answered. "Voldemort is a potential threat to my country. Just because we weren't in his target before but I hear that he is not as stable anymore and that makes him unpredictable and a threat to Europe in general. I know about Narcissa's family history as well, but I am not judging her by the choices of her relatives. I know about choices made by others. My parents chose my first wife, a proper pure blood witch that that turned out far from okay. She was homicidal. She gave me a daughter and then tried to choke the infant. The nanny stunned my wife but my daughter did not make it. I killed my wife myself. It's more than my voters know and since Narcissa said that it is up to you whether or not I can marry her, I thought you should be aware of certain facts."
Draco blinked in surprise but Lucius was not disappointed.
The talk continued on various topics over dinner as well. Lucius and Meinrad talked about finances and investments. Even Draco took part when Meinrad asked him about school and Quidditch.
It was pleasant, like talking to a newly introduced uncle, Draco thought bewilderedly.
Narcissa observed mostly out of nervousness, which grew as dinner came to a close.
"Shall we move to my study?" Lucius asked Meinrad.
The man agreed and followed Lucius, leaving Narcissa with a reassuring smile.
When Draco was alone with his mother the witch stood to pace the room. The teen shook his head.
"Father won't bite him; Meinrad is not his type," he drawled.
"Draco!" Narcissa sounded surprised. "That was …"
"Completely true mother and you know it. Father already told us he had a way to release you of your contract. He does care about you, though I did not like having to lie to him about imaginary wild escapades when you were being monogamous, with your lover that is."
Narcissa shook her head. The boy was too much like his father.
"Draco, I know we already talked but, are you certain you do not mind me being with Meinrad?"
"I don't know him mother," the teen replied. "But he certainly is brave to come in the snake's mouth."
"Would you mind spending time with him?" the black witch asked her son.
Draco hesitated. "Things will change, won't they?"
"They will."
The teen shrugged. "I can try. I need a sane…uncle?"
Narcissa smiled and hugged her son.
Lucius' study:
"Shall we continue with our wine?" Lucius offered his guest.
"I'm fine," Meinrad replied. "I am more curious about what you wanted to speak to me about."
"I am going to give you the talk usually reserved for brothers or fathers," the blonde aristocrat admitted.
"I see," the darker man said with a nod of his head, but he seemed to relax.
"You were worried?" Lucius seemed surprise.
"Your reputation is formidable as you know. My family is not as old and noble as the Malfoys are," Meinrad admitted. "For a man of your stature a divorce is not a light matter. The social scandal to come of this and the… shall we say political impact of such a step will no doubt be hard on you. Whatever private dealing between you and your wife, I could not imagine you give in."
Lucius nodded. "You were prepared to actively pursue her? Going as far as to harm me even."
"Yes," Meinrad was unrepentant.
Lucius leaned back on his chair.
"How long have you been dating my wife?"
"A year last month."
"So her other lovers…"
"…was a lie really. Madam Zabini was rather helpful. She seemed bent on becoming a widow, again."
Lucius smirked. He was certain Annabelle would be bored after staying married for a year and Death Eaters were not her cup of tea, much.
"Hm, are you aware of the binding contract between me and Narcissa?"
"Yes, Narcissa showed her copy of it and none of my solicitors could do anything."
"It has been nullified for months now," Lucius told him. "I have already drafted the divorce with my solicitors."
Meinrad was surprised but also grateful. "Do I want to ask?"
"No."
"It is fine with me then."
"So, Meinrad, what do you think about the Vrasta Vultures versus Wollongong Warriors match this Wednesday?"
The other wizard relaxed a bit and the two wizards started conversing.
That night after Meinrad left, Lucius told Narcissa that he approved and to expect Meinrad on New Years. She hugged him that night and wept in joy.
Draco just Flooed Blaise to ask for advice. This stay at home was going to be odd at best for the teen.
End of chapter
A/N: I decided to start with how the Malfoys spent their holiday, follow with the Weasley's and then get back to Harry. Kind like interludes until I complete writing about Harry's time with the Elves.