A Reunion of Old Friends
Severus Snape looked wryly amused as he met Lucius's apprehensive gaze.
"It must be difficult to grasp these changes," he said.
"I begin to wonder if I ever knew you," said Lucius. "Certainly, seeing what your life is like now is completely unexpected."
"My life took a complete turn the day I killed Albus Dumbledore. In fact the most difficult, appalling act of my life led to everything good."
"Severus, how could you betray the Dark Lord?" asked Lucius, staring intently into the black eyes.
Severus shook his head thoughtfully. "Lucius, do you remember what I was when I arrived at Hogwarts? A sullen, arrogant child, the pauper brat of Slytherin, as you were wont to call me. I was filled with misery and rage by the time you invited me to join the Dark Lord, yet I still loathed myself for joining. I hated the cruelty that delighted my comrades, yet I remained loyal to the Dark Lord until he targeted Lily Potter."
"Your Mudblood friend," said Lucius coldly.
"My first and only real friend until I let James Potter and those bloody pointless House rivalries destroy our friendship. She was the only bright spot in my pathetic life, and although I despised her husband, I could not bear the thought of her death. I went to Dumbledore that day."
Lucius studied the wizard and saw a man now at peace with himself and his choices. He envied Severus his certainty, and anger kindled in his heart.
"Not only did you betray the Dark Lord and the others, you betrayed me!" he growled, glaring at him.
Severus met his gaze squarely. "I could no longer go on with my life as a Death Eater. I wanted to atone for the evil I took part in, but one of my few regrets was the need to deceive you. But you would not have understood or respected my choice, Lucius. Perhaps you still do not."
The fire crackled in the hearth as silent minutes passed. Lucius could not deny that had he known, he would have killed his old schoolmate without hesitation or regret. They both knew this.
"You helped to protect Narcissa and Draco. I am…" he strove to keep his voice steady, "I'm grateful."
"I was glad to help them," said Severus. "But there are dangers now for all of you, Lucius. You'll learn what happened in your absence, but all in good time. First you must decide what you wish to do about the Ministry situation. You are known to be a fugitive, but your family is safe for now in this place, if you wish to stay."
"Narcissa and Draco are here and they trust you. And Goyle was right, I believe. He wanted only to survive and return to his family."
Severus smiled faintly. "He is with them now, in hiding. Crabbe is at St. Mungo's, guarded by his son and an Auror."
"Will he recover?"
"You have changed, if you can ask that question. His lungs are damaged, but if he's finally cared for properly now, he will survive."
"I wish to see them," said Lucius, painfully aware that he had not fulfilled his promise to his comrades. In these strange circumstances, the other two men shared a bond with him that must be honored.
One black eyebrow rose questioningly, but Severus nodded. "When it is safe for everyone, of course. Crabbe must be recovered more, but if he comes here, Victoria can keep an eye on his condition. Draco is also a competent Healer, although physical Healing is not his specialty."
The gray eyes immediately locked onto Severus. "What is my son's specialty? He has said nothing of his work to me."
"Knowing your belief that Malfoys don't have jobs, I'm not surprised. But Draco does research and treatment in the new field of Mental Health Healing. He is the Assistant Director of the Albus Dumbledore Clinic at St. Mungo's," said Severus.
"What in Merlin's arse is Mental Health Healing?" asked Lucius. "Does he cure madmen?"
"It's rather more complicated than that, but he works with those who are mentally afflicted in many ways. His reputation is quite impressive for one so young."
Reluctant pride kindled in Lucius. If his son must choose to do something so common as to work, of course he would be exceptional.
"I'll endeavor to avoid insulting his choices," he said. "Everything is different now, Severus. I don't know…"
"Dinner will be ready shortly," said Severus, calming himself in preparation for the hardest part. "So how do you feel about dining in the company of Muggles?"
"What?" shouted Lucius, jumping hastily to his feet. "You can't be serious! Isn't the rest of it enough? You would introduce me to Muggles?"
A hint of sardonic amusement sparkled in Severus's eyes. "You've already met one. My wife."
The former Death Eater dropped abruptly back into his chair and with an effort, closed his gaping mouth. There was no alternative to these allies. He trusted no one completely, but stupid or not, he wished to trust Severus. But this…
"I thought honesty would be best in this case," said Severus mildly. "Thank you for sparing me your first reaction."
Lucius recalled, dizzily, the brief scenes he had witnessed of Severus and his wife. The confidence between them was deep, and very likely the basis for the mature, relaxed air he now wore. To insult a friend's wife was unforgivable, and now he remembered the woman's competent care of Draco and her kindness in feeding him after the brief battle. If she was not his ally, she was still a friend to his son's family.
"Does she know of my past acts?" he asked, closing his eyes in horror. Never had he thought to be in company with Muggles. His past torment and killing of helpless people, acts that amused him all those years ago, now appalled him.
Severus nodded curtly. "Lucius, when I met Zelda, she was the only person who ever saw me as I was, free of preconceived notions. Frankly, you're known as a monster in our world, and she's well aware of that. But you spent fourteen years in Azkaban, so she believes you have not gone unpunished for your crimes. She will judge you by your actions from now on."
After pondering that for a time, Lucius muttered weakly, "You said Muggles. Are there more?"
"This may be even more difficult. You're a jealous man, and the other Muggle is Draco's mentor, Michael Fletcher. He was present at Hogwarts on the day the Dark Lord was defeated and he helped Draco go forward with his life. They are close friends."
He waited for the angry explosion, but Lucius sat stiffly, only his hands tightening on the chair arms showing his emotional response.
"He has no need of me then, having replaced me with a Muggle," he muttered, barely above a whisper.
The gray eyes were darkened and dull. Severus recognized a despair that was nearly inevitable as Lucius dealt with the reality of his wasted life. The man would undoubtedly benefit from treatment at the Dumbledore Clinic, he thought ironically, although it was unlikely ever to happen.
"Your son risked everything, this very day, to free you from the fight at Hogwarts," said Severus. "You may not be able to see it now, but his affection for Michael takes nothing from you. In fact, Michael's care is one reason Draco is a wise, capable wizard."
"How can I live now, Severus?" asked Lucius urgently. "I cannot undo my past, and remorse is a new and wretched sensation. Perhaps Narcissa and my son would be better off without me."
"I cannot tell you how, but trust Narcissa and Draco. They are still loyal to you and will help you, if you let them." Severus smirked cynically and added, "You and Narcissa seem to have had a pleasant afternoon. I believe she's hopeful that you two can work things out."
The ghost of a smile touched Lucius's mouth. "She has changed, but she's still the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I could not contemplate my life without her."
"We have all changed. It is inevitable, after so many years. Now, are you prepared to dine in my home? I believe I never reciprocated for the many times you entertained me at Malfoy Manor, so this occasion is long overdue."
Lucius choked back a nervous laugh. "It will be a memorable evening, I am sure."
"There will be a vile proportion of Gryffindors present, so the company may at times be irritatingly, ah, boisterous. But after the children are asleep we shall hear the news. I hope we'll be able to resolve your problem."
"Do you wish for an Unbreakable Vow from me to protect your family?" asked Lucius, stiffly resolute. "I offer it, Severus."
Severus rose and gestured toward the cottage door. "No. I despise that spell. I ask you to respect those who are under my protection, but beyond that you must choose your actions. I hope you'll choose wisely."
He offered his hand, and after a moment's hesitation Lucius clasped it firmly. It was an unspoken promise that he would try, and Severus accepted it unhesitatingly. They would see.
It was half past six when Severus Snape escorted Lucius into his home. They entered through the kitchen door into relative quiet. Laughter and conversation echoed from another room, but the first sight to meet Lucius's eyes was his wife, seated at one corner of the huge table. She was feeding their granddaughter, seated in a high chair next to her. She looked up when the door opened and her blue eyes met his hopefully, even as a slight blush rose in her cheeks. His breath caught as he recalled the afternoon, but a sound made him turn toward the stove, where a man and woman had been cooking.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy," said Zelda Snape, her eyes meeting his calmly. "I hope you're feeling better after resting."
Severus's Muggle wife wore witch's robes and if one had not known, there was no way to tell she was not a witch. Her demeanor was modest, but he had the impression of hidden depths there.
"Thank you, Mrs. Snape. I am quite well," he replied formally. "And I appreciate your kindness earlier today."
She smiled and a hint of mischief glinted in her eyes. "I was glad to do it. I've known your son for many years and he's one of my favorite people."
"Lucius, let me introduce my old friend, Michael Fletcher," said Severus, drawing the man forward. "He is the cofounder of the Albus Dumbledore Clinic, and Draco's colleague."
Drawing on his lifelong self-control, Lucius turned and offered his hand to a Muggle, one who was likely closer to Draco than he had ever been.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Fletcher," he murmured politely.
"Thank you. I'm glad you made it out of Hogwarts unscathed," said the stocky man, his brown eyes twinkling cheerfully. "The only bright spot in all of this is that Madam Umbridge won't survive in her Ministry position much longer. And of course, you'll be free to return to your family when this is all over."
"You are an optimist, I see," Lucius murmured ironically. "I'm not yet ready to plan my comfortable future."
"We'll see what Kingsley and Ron have to say tonight. But I don't think you've been able to spend any time with your granddaughter, so perhaps you should do so now. Severus's daughter tends to monopolize Alys."
"An excellent idea." Lucius turned with relief to Narcissa, who beckoned him over to sit at the table.
"How are you?" she asked softly. "I know you must be shocked."
She reached over to his lap and squeezed his hand under the table. He held it for a moment, comforted by her gesture, until Alys knocked her cup of milk over and began splashing her hands gleefully on the tray.
"Oh, Alys!" exclaimed Narcissa, Vanishing the puddle with her wand. "Are you finished, my darling?"
Alys stared from Narcissa to Lucius, her eyes bright with interest, as Narcissa picked up a damp towel and cleaned the tiny hands and face.
"Alys, this is your grandfather," murmured Narcissa as she lifted the child and set her in her lap. "Isn't she the loveliest little one, Lucius?"
Lucius stared in bemusement at the little girl. He put out a tentative hand and she laid her tiny hand in his palm, feather light, before pulling away. In that instant, blood-status meant nothing as his eyes devoured the sight of this exquisite child. He was speechless.
"Narcissa, we're going to set the table. Perhaps you proud grandparents would like to prepare Her Highness for bed," said Zelda, startling Lucius from his reverie.
He looked up, just in time to see Severus walk up behind her and put his arms around Zelda's waist, rubbing his cheek against her curly hair.
"Would you like to come with me?" asked Narcissa, rising.
"Of course," he replied, following her.
They could access the stairs without entering the sitting room where it seemed that a crowd was gathered. The bedroom they went to had a cot for Alys, and two other beds in it. It was a child's room, decorated with pictures of animals, and a large bookshelf along one wall.
"This is Emelie's room," explained Narcissa. "Severus's daughter. She and Beatrice Potter insist that Alys stay with them at night."
"Shouldn't the child be with her mother?" asked Lucius.
"While Victoria and Draco have been busy the past few days, we've all taken care of her. If she needs her parents, they're right down at the cottage. But frankly, I believe those two are enjoying a little time to themselves."
As she spoke, Narcissa laid her on a bed and efficiently stripped off the Alys's clothing. She Summoned a clean washcloth and, warming it with her wand, removed the nappy and washed the child, who squirmed and giggled.
"Silly Alys," smiled Narcissa, kissing the soft little bare belly and fastening the fresh nappy. She slipped a tiny nightgown on, steering the small arms into sleeves. "There you are, sweetheart. All fresh and ready for bed."
"Mamamama!" exclaimed Alys, grinning at them.
"Would you like to hold her?" asked Narcissa.
He wanted to, very much, but he felt too inept. He shook his head slowly.
"Sit down in the rocking chair," said Narcissa, deciding to ignore his hesitation. "She likes to look at the little bats on the mobile up there."
Before he knew it, Lucius was holding his warm, sweet-smelling granddaughter in his arms. Instinctively he began to rock the chair gently. He looked at Narcissa and said, "Did you know all of this? About Severus's wife and the other Muggle?"
"Not at first," she replied. "I only met Zelda when she and Severus offered me a place to stay. She teaches at Hogwarts, you know, although not many people know she's a Muggle. If Severus told you, he trusts you more than most people. Draco says that he's terribly protective of his wife."
"As any decent wizard should be," he said sternly, his face settling into grim lines. "But how can I face them after everything I've done?"
"I know," she murmured, putting her hand on his arm. "The way we were raised, the hateful things I used to believe… I can't be easy with them the way Draco can. But they're kind people, and they were there for Draco when we were not. I owe Zelda Snape and Michael Fletcher more than I can ever repay for taking care of our son."
"What happened to you, Cissa?" he asked.
"That day in the Forest, Bella planned to hand Draco and me over to the Dark Lord. We tried to escape… Bella was deranged. She attacked me and left me for dead in the Forest. Remus Lupin, the werewolf, found me and I was sent to St. Mungo's."
"Damn the Dark Lord. I should have been there to protect you," he rasped bitterly, picturing her suffering.
"Ba…" exclaimed Alys, rousing slightly at the tension in his body.
He forced himself to resume rocking and relaxed his hold on the little girl.
"What happened after that?" he asked.
"My skull was fractured. I was in a coma and it took some time for me to heal. After that… Lucius, I fell apart. Draco was put in Azkaban for a while and it looked like you were gone forever. My own sister betrayed me without hesitation. I sank into depression and wished to die. I had nothing."
"I'm sorry," he whispered, closing his eyes and holding Alys carefully.
Narcissa had gradually dimmed the lights in the room and she prepared the cot, pulling back the comforter.
"It must be time for us to go down," she whispered.
Regretfully, he rose and carried the sleeping Alys to her cot. He kissed her silky hair and as he laid her down, Narcissa placed the little blanket over her. He turned then and swept his wife into his arms.
"I'm sorry," he murmured again. "I'm so sorry."
His lips found hers and he kissed her, holding her against him desperately.
She ran her fingers caressingly through his hair and returned his kiss.
"It's in the past," she murmured. "We can both try to do better from now on."
He held her against his chest, feeling each breath she took.
"How can I face all of them? How can I even face Draco?" he asked. "I cannot blame them if they all hate me."
"Stay close to me," she said practically. "And to Zelda, if you can manage it. Although nearly everyone on the house is a witch or wizard, they all respect her a great deal. In fact I believe both she and Michael will be more welcoming than some magical folk. But it will be all right, here in Severus's house."
He studied her face, feeling sick with apprehension, but for her, he would do this. "I'll behave, Narcissa," he promised.
"I believe in you," she told him seriously.