Chapter 28: New Friendships
Hello again! First off, my apologises for the late update on this, been a busy few weeks, but I am still writing and don't want to rush out chapters I'm not happy with, but I will hopefully update every week and a half for you all.
A quick summary of last chapter seen as though it's been a while: Lucinda had a not so nice encounter with an Azkaban prisoner, and Lucius sorted it out for her. I realise last chapter might have felt like a bit of filler, and in a way it was I suppose, but it was sort of supposed to show the extent of Lucius' protectiveness (some might say obsession) with Lucinda.
Anyway, enough yapping from me, enjoy guys!
Lucinda stared at herself hard in the mirror, attempting to smooth down her dress with a spell. She had flung it in her bag this morning to change into after work before her night out, if it could be called that. Originally it was going to be just herself and Ava, but they had decided to make an evening of it and so Ava invited Hannah too. She was also fairly certain she had heard Ava mention something about another friend of hers who was coming too, but she couldn't remember in all honesty. Her work had continued to be awfully busy today. She had had three new patient assessments to complete and write up, and there was a significant ache in her right hand now.
Standing back, she nodded at her reflection. It was a job well done, she decided. The purple coloured silk dress she had chosen last minute now looked decently presentable. After putting on a slick of lipstick and some blusher, she headed back out of the staff toilets. It was nearly five now and most of the day staff had gone home, or were doing just that now. She managed to get to the foyer without bumping into anyone she knew. As she had already decided to walk to the pub they were meeting at, she exited through the 'normal' wizard entrance door. The evening seemed to be a lot cooler than the day had been, and pulled her denim jacket over her tightly, letting out a breath which emitted a very faint cloud into the air around her. She thought on her way as to whether she should tell her friends about her encounter with Rowle. It had shaken her and she felt that maybe it would be good to talk to them about it, but a large part of her just wanted to move on from it. She knew for a fact he would not be let out of Azkaban again at all for a long time, and that was enough to give her closure that at least he wouldn't be able to threaten anybody else.
After nearly ten minutes, the pub came into view. She could see Ava immediately, dressed in a long sleeved red number, with lipstick to match. She was chatting to a girl Lucinda didn't recognise at first. It was only when she got progressively closer that she realised it was Astoria, Draco's fiancé. She was wearing a black lace dress, her long dark hair pinned back into a bun. They both turned as Lucinda approached. She wasn't sure what to say she was in that much shock. She hadn't ever met Astoria before. Normally she was fine with meeting new people, but this wasn't just any person. This was Lucius' son's significant other. Talk about awkward, she mused as she reached them both.
"Hello you! Chilly isn't it? Oh, Lucinda…" Ava said, turning to Astoria with a flourish, "This is Astoria. You err, have friends in common I believe."
"Yeah you could call it that. Hi, it's nice to finally meet you Lucinda." Astoria spoke politely, holding out her hand to her.
Lucinda reached her own hand out and shook Astoria's. "It's nice to meet you too. I didn't know you two knew each other?" She asked, looking back at Ava.
"Well we met a few weeks ago. We both reached for the same robes in Madam Malkin's." Ava laughed, batting her hand at Lucinda as if it was just one of those things, "Anyway, where the fuck is Hannah? Wasn't this whole girly evening her idea."
"Yeah well, she'd be late for her own funeral I'm pretty sure. Oh…no wait, I think that's her now." Lucinda said as Hannah came into view from the opposite direction, nearly tripping in her high heels in an attempt to reach them.
"I know, I know. Sorry. Got caught up at work as per. Oh, hello…" Hannah started, noticing Astoria.
"Hannah this is Astoria Greengrass, soon to be Malfoy! You remember her from Hogwarts don't you?" Ava said confidently. She always did enjoy being the 'introducer', the centre of attention. It didn't bother Lucinda, she wasn't one for being either of those really.
"Yes of course, it's lovely to see you again Astoria. So, you're marrying Draco soon aren't you?" Hannah asked as they entered the pub, which was getting quite crowded with people enjoying an after-work wind down drink.
"I am indeed. We're hoping for a winter wedding, so we've just been getting down to planning it all now."
"Yes, and I'm sure you two will have plenty to talk about, plenty of comparisons to make eh?!" Ava winked, one arm around Lucinda's shoulder and the other around Astoria's.
They reached the bar area, trying to get through to order a drink.
"Oh no! Please do not go there, that is too weird, even for me." Lucinda laughed, putting her handbag down on the bar top as they managed to squash into a small space.
"Yeah I agree, I don't think we should go there!" Astoria said, ordering a small white wine from the bar man.
"Come on, we need some juicy details from you both. I bet it's not just the blonde hair they have in common…" Ava murmured, taking a first sip from her large glass of red.
"For Merlin's sake Ava is that all you think about? The size of men's anatomy!" Hannah asked incredulously.
They made their way over to one of only two table that were free in the entire pub. It was quite small and the had to squash around it with their drinks.
"I will have you know…yes." Ava said, causing them all to burst into fits of giggles.
"Oh Ava, we do love you and your ways." Lucinda stated, taking a welcome drink of her wine. It had been a long week and she felt she needed a few hours to just relax.
"I'm being serious though! You told me that he's…you know…impressive. I'm just wondering if it runs in the family that's all." Ava persisted.
"Ava!" Lucinda protested at her friend's abject lack of tact.
Lucinda was slightly relieved to see that Astoria was laughing along and didn't seem annoyed by it.
"I really did not need to know that. But let us just say that maybe Father and Son do take after each other perhaps more than they are aware of." Astoria stated, raising her eyebrow a touch.
"And I really didn't need to know that either! Changing the subject if I may, I heard Draco is visiting Lucius as we speak isn't he?" Lucinda swerved the previous subject matter, not particularly wanting to discuss the comparative size of cocks.
"He is. He seemed nervous when he left if I'm honest. I think he always wants to please his Father, although he wouldn't admit it in a million years."
That was interesting news to Lucinda. She did not know much about Draco's relationship with his Father. She was well aware, however, that Lucius loved his son and clearly just wanted the best for him. But at the same time, she could definitely imagine that Lucius was not the most affectionate of Father figures, and probably put a lot of pressure on Draco during his school years in particular. She found herself wanting to try and find out more about this side of Lucius, and so she asked: "Are they close do you think? It seemed to me they are trying to rebuild things between them?"
Astoria paused, as if contemplating exactly how much to say on the topic. Lucinda noticed Hannah and Ava's ears pick up as they listened to the conversation.
"They are closer now than they were when we first started dating. It's been difficult for Draco. For a long while he seemed to blame his Father for the things that happened to the family during the war. But I think things have changed in recent years. Draco told me he just wants to move on from all that happened, and he realises now that his Father was in a pretty impossible position, there was nothing he could do that would have made things different. He does love Lucius, if that's what you were asking. They just have a natural distance between them though; they weren't an average family though I suppose."
Lucinda nodded her head slowly. "Yes it seems that's the picture I've gotten too. They're definitely not an average family by any means…"
"Well yes, you have mentioned that Lucius is far from average. And for once I don't mean anything dirty by that." Ava interrupted, crossing one leg over the other and glancing in the direction of the bar where a group of young wizards (who did not look old enough to be drinking) stood.
"Yeah well I don't think we even needed Lucinda to tell us that did we?" Hannah added.
"He seems very…polite. He's been very nice to me anyway." Astoria said, taking another sip from her wine glass. She reminded Lucinda of a little china doll; tiny and delicate looking.
"Lucius seems to think you two getting married is a good idea anyway from what he'd told me. And I imagine he would let you know if he didn't." Lucinda spoke a little louder over the music that had started playing in the background. The place was even fuller now and there was not another free table in sight.
"Oh I see Lucinda. Has he let you know of anything he doesn't like?" Ava giggled, and Lucinda noticed Hannah visibly roll her eyes and nudge her in the ribs.
"She doesn't need to answer stuff like that. His future daughter-in-law is sitting at the table for Merlin's sake!"
Lucinda laughed: "It's fine. Well I know he doesn't like muggles, that was a shock." She said sarcastically, "But as far as I'm aware, there's nothing I do that he doesn't like."
"I bet! You two are at it like rabbits anyway, making us all jealous!" Ava said.
"Right ok, I'm going to veto any more conversations on that particular subject for tonight please. I really do not want to picture that." Astoria said.
"I agree." Lucinda replied, raising her glass slightly in cheers.
"Good. Besides, we have much more pressing matters to discuss, namely your little slip you told me about the other week!" Hannah leaned her chin in her hand, staring intently at Lucinda.
At first she was confused as to what her friend meant and so there was a pause around the table as they all waited for her reply. Then it came to her that she had mentioned the little slip to Hannah in the corridor outside of the Ministry and St. Mungos meeting.
"That, err, well I'm not sure there's much to update on really…"
"Update on what, what slip?" Ava asked excitedly, knowing there would be gossip ahead.
"Sorry. I can tell by your expression I shouldn't have mentioned it." Hannah backtracked, looking sheepish.
"No no it's fine. I told Lucius that I loved him. That's what she meant." Lucinda said as quietly as was possible over the low drone of the music.
"Wow. That's big. Very big. I didn't think we realised things were so serious between the two of you." Astoria spoke. By 'we' Lucinda assumed she meant her and Draco.
"Things have moved more quickly than I imagined I guess." Lucinda didn't know how else to reply.
"What did he say? Is he in love with you too? Oh this is so exciting!" Ava said quickly, downing the last of her first glass of wine.
"Not in as many words. I didn't expect him to, I mean, I did just say it out of the blue. But something has changed between us since. He seems more…I want to say open?"
"That's a good thing then isn't it? I remember you said you were worried he was up to something. Do you still feel the same?" Ava asked, looking a little concerned for Lucinda.
She'd need to be careful what she said. Astoria was there, and she did not want her to go telling Draco his Father was involved in anything when Lucinda had no proof at all.
"I don't know. I think it's just me being worried about nothing is all. Anyway, I've said it now, and I meant it. And he hasn't run a mile so that's got to be a positive sign. But, moving on. Hannah, did you have your date with that guy you work with?" Lucinda hoped they wouldn't keep asking questions about what she had said to Lucius. It was still scary to think about in her own head even, let alone talk about it with her friends.
"I did. He's great. He liked to talk about work a lot though, he'd very into wizarding law. Which is fine by me, if I wasn't into it I wouldn't have got the job I do, but it was difficult to swerve the subject. But we may have had a little kiss at the end, and it was nice. Very nice." Hannah blushed furiously, hiding half her face with her hand.
"Now was this a quick peck on the cheek goodnight, or did you actually sleep with him. Because you're a tomato shade that tells me you did the deed." Ava stated, pouring herself another small glass from one of the two bottles they had ordered.
"Ok…ok. I did. But don't judge me, I was desperate. And we're going out again at the weekend, so clearly he enjoyed it as well."
"Hey I'm not judging you, I'm guilty too remember!" Lucinda said, holding both her hands up, "I'm just glad you enjoyed yourself. You deserve it after the way it ended with that muggle guy."
"You were dating a muggle?" Astoria asked, her eyes widening a bit.
"Briefly yeah. It didn't work out though."
"Hmm I'm not surprised. I mean, I have nothing against muggles personally, but my parents would be quite horrified if I told them I was involved with a muggle." Astoria said in a low voice, as if she was afraid someone would even hear them talking about such a subject.
"Yeah so would mine to be honest, not that I haven't done it myself. Muggle men are like a totally different species aren't they though? They do things so strangely, and they have these little…quirks. I think that's what you'd call them." Ava added, clearly not pacing herself as she took another drink of wine. Lucinda did the same, feeling the rush to her head almost immediately. She hadn't eaten much all day.
"I've never dated a muggle. I don't think my Father would be too worried about it. Him and my sister would probably scare him away between them though." Lucinda thought aloud.
"Oh your sister. How is she? What is she up to these days?" Astoria asked.
"She is great thanks for asking. She is the editor-in-chief of The Quibbler now. And she is still with Neville Longbottom. In fact, Neville just recently got a job offer to teach Herbology at Hogwarts, so they're moving there soon."
"Wow. It sounds like they're both doing well for themselves!" Astoria nodded, seemingly impressed at her family's achievements.
"Yeah they both seem really happy. So where do you work? I don't think Lucius has mentioned it to me." Lucinda asked, interested in the answer. She knew Draco worked for Gringotts, and she wondered whether they had started dating when they worked together, or if they met some other way.
"Well I originally worked at the Ministry in the Department of International Magical Cooperation in the office of law. I'd had a placement there and enjoyed it, but I moved last year to the trading standards body."
"Do you enjoy it?" Lucinda further asked.
Astoria looked thoughtful for a moment, before she replied: "I suppose I do. It can be very…dry is the word I would use. Lots of paperwork. To be honest I'm hoping to take some extended time off when Draco and I have children. What about you Lucinda? I know you're a healer, right? I err, read it in the paper."
Of course she did, Lucinda thought to herself. It seemed that every witch and wizard knew what she did these days.
"Yes, I work at St. Mungos on the rehabilitation ward. I started off on the potions and plant poisoning ward, where Ava works now. But I've been on my current ward for four years now, so I can't imagine working anywhere else!"
"It sounds so interesting, being a healer…" Astoria said.
"Oh it is, never a dull moment is there Lucinda? It's definitely a vocation though." Ava replied, topping up everyone's half empty glasses. Lucinda was starting to wonder if they should order some food; she was starting to feel quite tipsy.
"Yep that's for certain. It's hard work, but then, most jobs are. But it's a different kind of hard work." Lucinda said. It was true. Being a healer was not an easy job, but Lucinda wouldn't want to do anything else.
"Hannah, you work at the Ministry too don't you?" Astoria asked, flicking a piece of hair out of her eyes.
"Yes, in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. It sounds similar to your job to be honest, a lot of paperwork and meetings go on. I think your department has been working with Timothy haven't you, on updating the legislation for standardising cauldron thickness? He mentioned something about going down to your department the other day."
"Yes that's right! Luckily I've managed to avoid that one. I'm working on a new piece of work on the standards for the trade in hemlock at the moment, much more my kind of thing. Hey, have you heard the rumour going around the Ministry of late?" Astoria spoke excitedly, leaning into the table a little.
"No ooh do tell!" Ava was the first to speak. Typical, Lucinda mused.
"Well apparently, the Ministry have managed to get a hold of a very rare magical artefact. And they're currently keeping it in the vaults down in the Department of Mysteries."
"No! Really? What kind of artefact? I hope it's something really old and interesting." Hannah said, her interest clearly piqued. Lucinda knew she had a special interest in wizarding history.
"No one is really sure what it is. Odds are they'll announce it at some point. I mean, it looks good for the Ministry doesn't it? I've heard someone say it was an ancient dagger used by Merlin himself in potion crafting, some say it's the resurrection stone that's one third of the Deathly Hallows, and others are certain it is the adversus inimicum looking glass; a very powerful and dangerous ancient mirror that can be used to turn others insane. Nobody knows for sure though I don't think. One thing is for certain however; the unspeakables will be kept very busy over the next few months." Astoria answered, her eyes widening as she spoke.
Lucinda instantly recognised the final item Astoria had spoken about. She realised she knew for definite which item it was that was being kept in the Department of Mysteries; the mirror. Lucius had told her of it many months ago. She also recalled her had informed her that the Ministry would have it. It should of course be a good thing that an official body such as the Ministry of Magic had the artefact in their possession. So why did the thought send a strange chill down her spine?
"Are you ok Lucinda?" Hannah's voice reached her. Her friend looked concerned. Lucinda realised she had missed the rest of the conversation.
"Yeah of course, I'm fine. Just the wine making me zone out a little."
"Me too. Anyone want something to eat?" Astoria asked the group, leaning behind her to ask for a menu from one of the other tables.
It was several bottle of wine and portions of pumpkin pasties and chips later when they finally vacated their table, everyone a little tipsy now. There was a debate as to where to go next and they decided on a little club in muggle London not far from where they were. It was still fairly early and Lucinda thought that she better not head back to the Manor just yet in case she interrupted Lucius and Draco. Her rolling in slightly drunk and dishevelled would not help matters.
Lucinda found that she really liked Astoria. They had more in common than she would have thought, and she seemed totally different to Draco. Or at least, how she remembered Draco. Lucinda hadn't seen him for years. They mostly managed to avoid the topic of relationships, which she was pleased about. It had been awkward enough earlier on in the evening. Who knows what would slip out now they had been drinking. She didn't fancy ending up telling her that her future Father-in-law was entirely excellent at cunninlingus, or something else she would feel embarrassed about the next day.
It was nearly half past ten when they each headed home, not before they decided to meet up again next week for lunch. All thoughts about the adversus inimicum mirror were gone from her head for the time being, and Lucinda felt happy and content as she apparated back to the Manor, keen to share her good mood.
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After Lucius had returned from his visit to Azkaban, it was the early afternoon. He was glad to have that over with, but it had needed to be done. The place had been exactly as he vividly remembered it, unfortunately. At times he supposed he had been somewhat glad to be there. Better enclosed in its walls than having to face the Dark Lord once more. But he had worried about his family, about what may happen to them if he was not there. He thought about the first time he saw Draco again after returning from Azkaban. His son was pale, paler than usual, and thinner. His hair was lank and he looked so frightened that he seemed to Lucius much younger than his seventeen years. Lucius had wanted to comfort his son, to tell him that things would return to the way they were before if they could only try and keep the Dark Lord happy. But he knew otherwise and so he didn't know what to say, and so the chasm between them grew ever wider.
Lucius entered the dining room, still lost in memories that had returned so vividly after his trip this morning. They had sat in here, their table filled with death eaters, while Lucius' wand had been taken from him. He now walked up towards the head of the table where the Dark Lord had sat, passing one of the top seats along the way. He remembered clearly who had been sitting here; Severus. He had flashed him a look discreetly, while the Dark Lord was distracted watching Nagini eat its latest meal. It was a look he had wondered about many times since. At first he assumed it was pity, but since the war, when everyone had learned of Severus' work to finally end the Dark Lord's power, he wasn't so sure what the look had meant. Had he seen something in Lucius, something that gave away his abject newfound hatred of the Dark Lord? Severus had been something of a protégé of Lucius at one time, long ago. Not long after before the Potter woman had been murdered. Severus was a quick study; powerful and learned. And Lucius had enjoyed his company. Despite the fact that he must have appeared to every one of the students under his tutelage at Hogwarts to absolutely despise teaching, as far as Lucius was aware he actually couldn't imagine doing anything else.
He shook himself abruptly from his thoughts as he heard the distant chime of the grandfather clock in the hall. It was one o clock. Lucius left the dining room, satisfied that Scrimpy had set the table adequately, and went upstairs to change. The distinct smell and heavy atmosphere of Azkaban prison clung to his clothes as a constant reminder of the place. He knew he would not be able to stand it for the entire afternoon.
"Father." Draco said as in greeting when he arrived, dead on two o clock as planned.
Lucius put his hand on his son's shoulder. "It's good to see you Draco."
"Yeah, sorry I've not been visiting lately. Work has been busy, I've hardly even spent any time with Astoria recently either." Draco replied. Lucius thought he looked a little solemn.
"Well is she in work today? You should have brought her with you."
Draco shrugged his shoulders almost unnoticeably: "She's in work today yes. Then she's going out for a drink with some friend of hers, Ava I think she said her name was."
The name vaguely rang a bell, but Lucius quickly brought his mind back to the conversation.
"Perhaps you can bring her next time you visit. I suppose you will want to discuss plans for the ceremony. That is if you still want it here at the Manor?"
"Yes we do. We haven't thought too much on it really, we've been so busy. But we're keen for it to be here and…what is that exactly?" Draco spat the last query, his eyes glancing downwards towards the floor.
Lucius was unsure what his son meant until he followed his line of vision. Lucinda's cat had appeared from the sitting room, making his way over to Lucius and twining himself around his legs in an attempt to be stroked.
"That," Lucius stated, shooing the cat out of the way, causing it to meow indignantly and saunter off upstairs, "Is Lucinda's cat." He saw no reason to lie. Although he had been hoping to break the news of Lucinda moving in a little more gently than that.
"Her cat. What is her cat doing here? It will be infesting the place with fleas." Draco replied, folding his arms over his chest like a child about to have a tantrum. And Draco had had plenty of experience in doing so, Lucius recalled.
"I can assure you the cat is free of fleas. And, as I remember it, you did not mind in the least when we had dogs around the house when you were a child."
"Well I hate cats. You are avoiding answering the question. Why is her cat here?" Draco repeated.
"I have recently asked Lucinda to live here, and she has been moving some more of her things to the Manor. Before you speak," Lucius said, holding up his hand as Draco opened his mouth, "I have thought about this decision, and I have made it. I will not change my mind."
There was silence. He noticed Draco purse his lips and looked briefly around the hall, as if assessing if anything had changed since Lucinda had moved in.
"You've moved her in here. To our family home, to my home!"
"It is still technically my home I think you will find. I have not died yet Draco." Lucius said sarcastically.
"I didn't mean it that way. I meant, I just meant…" Draco started, then stopped mid-sentence.
"You meant that the thought of Lucinda living here at the Manor is rather abhorrent to you. I was aware that this might be the case. Let us not discuss it here, come through to the dining room." He said, beginning to make his way across the hall. He heard a distinct familiar huff come from behind him, but his son followed suit.
They sat down at the table, which had already been set with lunch at the exact time Lucius had asked. If nothing else, Scrimpy was a house elf whose attention to orders, or requests, as Lucius was aware was the correct word to use these days, was second to none.
It was several minutes before either spoke, and then Draco put down his fork and looked across at Lucius.
"So she's already moved her stuff here then? And before you give me a lecture on this whole thing, I'm just shocked is all. I didn't think things were this serious between the two of you."
"Yes she has moved most of her possessions here. It has all…progressed very quickly I have to admit."
"Yes, too quickly. If she is just after what she can get, she'll be made up. The run of the whole house. Merlin knows what she's up to when you aren't here!" Draco stated sternly, as if he was speaking to his Son as opposed to his Father.
Lucius put down his own fork and knife and picked up his glass but he didn't drink from it. He was planning what to say.
"I thought you had put those thoughts to bed Draco. I recall you said you were going to say no more on the matter as long as I was content? I see that promise has seemingly disappeared."
"I was trying to be supportive. That's what Astoria said I should do for the best, and I was fine with doing so, when I thought this was just some fling. But moving her in?! Are you in love with her or something?" Draco asked, frowning slightly at Lucius.
The question caught Lucius, for once, off guard. He had not expected his son to ask him something so personal. He placed a bite of fish in his mouth in an attempt to put off providing an answer. He wasn't sure he knew the answer as it was.
"I'll take that as a yes then." Draco shook his head in dismay, "I've had a really awful week and I thought I might be able to mention it to you but once again Lucinda Lovegood takes up the bulk of the topic of conversation!"
"I did not confirm nor deny it. If you have things you want to talk to me about, then I am not stopping you. In fact, I would welcome it. It is you who decided to continue the narrative once I had told you that Lucinda had moved here." Lucius replied. He couldn't help the lilt of humour that took his voice as he said it. He realised just how alike Draco and himself could be at times. They were both entirely stubborn and liked things to go their own way. Lucius was willing to admit to carrying those particular character traits.
"It about me and Astoria. She's seemed so distant these past few weeks. It doesn't help that Mother keeps bombarding us with wedding decisions. I don't know if it's all going too fast for her or what but…I'm worried I'll lose her, and I don't know what to do about it." Draco said solemnly, his head bowed towards the table, his meal long forgotten it seemed.
"Perhaps it is merely the stress of planning such a big event. I do not pretend to be an expert in this area, but I have tried to learn from my past mistakes. The advice I would give you is to talk to her and ask her. I am sure she would appreciate that you have noticed how she is feeling. Do you feel you may want to delay the wedding a little?" Lucius asked. He had given advice as sincerely as he could.
"I don't know if we will. Do you think we should? You haven't seemed too keen on the two of us getting married so soon."
"What I think is of no consequence in this situation. It is a decision that must be made between the two of you. However, if you think that is what will be best, then I will support you Draco. Your Mother is another story altogether." Lucius replied, raising his eyebrow.
"Yeah, I hadn't thought of that. She's gone crazy over this wedding, I think it might be one of the reasons why Astoria has been so stressed lately. We just wanted a simple, nice wedding. Now it seems as if it's turning into a lavish three day party!" His son lamented, picking his fork back up and playing with a piece of carrot on his plate.
"That does not surprise me in the slightest Draco. I imagine your Mother is merely attempting to live vicariously through you, especially now that I am not there to fund her endless pointless so-called 'parties'. I will talk to her if you decide to put the date of the wedding back a few months. You must do what is best for you and Astoria."
"That would be a great help. I know if I talk to her about it she'll just wear me down too easily with the supposed benefits of having the wedding as soon as possible." He paused, and Lucius waited before he spoke, sensing he had something else he wanted to say, "Can I ask you something Father?"
"You may."
"What happened between you and Mother?" Draco asked, his voice quiet. Lucius thought he looked guilty for some reason.
"If you are meaning why did our marriage end, it was not one particular factor that caused it. Why do you ask?" Lucius answered with another question. Draco had always been silent on the subject.
"I suppose it's just now that I'm getting married, I've been thinking about it more recently. I always felt it was something to do with me…after what happened during the War…"
Lucius felt a pang of guilt rush through him. He had often feared that his Son felt this way, but he had, as Fathers and Sons often do, avoided the topic and pretended like nothing was wrong. But there was no avoiding it now.
"I can assure you it was nothing to do with what happened. Things had changed long ago, and everything that happened while I was…away," He couldn't bring himself to say the place, "only served to highlight the cracks that were already present."
Draco nodded, not looking at his Father.
"How do I know the same thing won't happen to Astoria and I?" He asked seriously.
"I'm afraid to tell you that there is never any guarantee. But you cannot let the idea that there is a very slim chance things might end deter you from what you want. This is what you want is it not?" Lucius countered. He truly needed to know if this was what Draco wanted. He did not want him to make a decision because he felt he had no other choice.
"It is. Really it is, I love Astoria so much. I suppose I've just been worried that we might drift apart."
"I am sure that you will not. Now that I have seen the two of you together, I have to admit that my own doubts regarding your relationship have diminished significantly." Lucius replied honestly, draining the last of his wine glass. He had not been expecting to have such an intense conversation this afternoon.
"I guess I should give you the same chance. That is if you want me to meet Lucinda?" Draco said. Lucius thought he detected a slightly hopeful lilt to the question, as if he were secretly willing Lucius to say that he need not ever lay eyes on Lucinda.
"I would like you to yes. And I think she would like to meet you as well. Can you come for dinner next week? You can bring Astoria if you would like." Lucius spoke as the plates in front of them magically vanished from view, transported to the kitchen for Scrimpy to clean and put away.
"Yes I think she would like to come and meet her. She's been the one who has tried to persuade me to give her a chance after all." He stopped, suddenly making such intense eye contact Lucius was momentarily taken off-guard, "You really care about her, don't you? I can tell. You've seemed so much…happier since you met her."
"I do care about her. That is why I am glad you will come for dinner." Lucius struggled to say any more. He found any deep conversations regarding emotions to be difficult at best and this was one such occasion.
Draco smiled benignly: "We will. Next Tuesday say? I am taking a few days off so I'll have time to come for dinner, and talk to Astoria too. Can we move into the sitting room or somewhere Father? I still hate this room."
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It was several hours later when Draco departed the Manor once more, the atmosphere considerably more relaxed than it had been in the dining room over lunch. Lucius had not been prepared for Draco's openness in his discussion of his feelings. He had never been a very open child, and since the War he had withdrawn even more from talking about what was going on in his head, and Narcissa and Lucius, although they had tried for a while, largely let him be. Lucius wasn't sure now that that had been the best idea, but at the time it seemed easier to avoid difficult topics.
He was sat on the large couch in the sitting room now, an open book on the side table and a tumbler in one hand. He was thinking about the advice he had given his son. Lucius had never been one for giving advice. Opinions, yes, and orders, more so. But advice was not particularly his forte. He could only hope he had provided some guidance based on his own experience. He had never made the effort to talk to Narcissa much about their problems, he knew enough to realise that now. He hadn't wanted to talk to her most of the time during the last few years of their marriage and they had spent the majority of their time apart, only being seen together if it was necessary, which was usually for social functions. He was certain she had had affairs. It didn't bother him. He had felt too distracted, too isolated to pay it any heed. And so he felt his advice to Draco that he should ensure he talked to Astoria about her recent distance seemed as wise as he could muster.
Lucius found himself sighing loudly into the still, warm air around him. He placed the tumbler down and undid the top two buttons of his white shirt, then taking out the cufflinks. He glanced at them as he placed them on the table. They were white gold squares set with what he believed was a piece of lapis lazuli in the centre. Lucinda had persuaded him to purchase them on their trip to the muggle department store. At the time he had mostly bought them to humour her, but the more he wore them, the fonder he became of them. The clock in the corner of the room struck ten. Lucius wondered when she would be back from her drink out with her friend. He had not said anything directly to her, but the thought of her out drinking at a bar did not sit all that comfortably with him. He imagined there were plenty of sleazy rats who would gladly be all over her, offering to buy her drinks or take her home with them. He trusted her however, he was certain she would not betray his trust. But the sooner she could be back here the better, he thought, picking up the glass again, his mind fixed once more to Lucinda.
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Stumbling slightly in her high heels, Lucinda appeared in the familiar foyer of Malfoy Manor. After saying goodnight to her friends she had found a quiet side alley and pulled out her wand, immediately apparating home. It still felt strange calling the Manor 'home', and yet it truly did feel like home. She walked towards the light shining from the living room. She did feel a little light headed; just enough to lower her inhibitions but not enough to make her technically drunk. Or at least, she didn't think so.
She saw Lucius sat on the couch as soon as the door opened fully. He was reading a book, a half empty glass of firewhiskey on the side. She couldn't make out the title of the book, but it looked very old and valuable. Let us just see if I can't cause a little distraction, she mused.
"Good evening." His voice reached her, his vision still fixed on the pages in front of him.
"Good evening."
"Did you enjoy yourself?" He asked. Lucinda thought she detected a flash of tautness to his question.
She walked forward a few paces, kicking off her shoes as she went and slipping her jacket from her shoulders, letting it pool on the floor.
"I did, it was fun to have some time with the girls. I want to carry on enjoying myself now…"
He looked up to her now, a smirk on his face. Lucinda leaned down and took the book, ensuring to keep his page for him, and placed it down on the side table.
"And how do you propose to do that?" He asked, one forearm resting on the arm of the couch.
Her eyes moved up his arm and across the top of his chest exposed by the undone buttons on his shirt. She bit her bottom lip hard, her breathing rapidly increasing. She had a flash of realisation as to why she never normally let herself drink too much on a night out; excessive alcohol never failed to make her extremely horny.
"Well…I have several suggestions. One; you could push me down on the floor right here…"
"Right here?" He asked, his eyebrow raised.
"Right here. Or, you could take me up against the door…" She was constantly moving into him now, her shins almost touching the edge of the couch.
"That door?" He asked again, one elegant finger indicating the intricately carved door of the sitting room.
"Yes. Or, instead, you could take me to bed and do your best to ensure I can't walk in the morning." She finished, unable to move any closer to him in his current position.
It was as if Lucius appeared to think about his choice for a moment. Lucinda was impatient. Whichever way, there would be fucking involved, and surely that was what mattered?
"I have an alternative suggestion."
"Go ahead." Lucinda replied, the blood pounding between her thighs making her feel almost dizzy.
Lucius stood abruptly, his arms around her waist and his mouth next to her ear.
"All three. That should certainly ensure you won't be able to walk come morning I would think."
Fucking hell, Lucinda thought, dampness seeping through the thin material of her thong.
"I would think so." She whispered, barely able to form coherent sentences.
"Are you drunk, my dear?" He asked, clearly amused.
"I don't think so. I'm not sure. Does it matter?" She replied to him, smiling in a way she hoped came across as sweet rather than, well, drunk.
Lucius chuckled for a moment before replying: "I do not suppose so. So long as you did not attract any unwanted attention while you were out tonight."
"No I did not don't worry. And if I did, it would most definitely be unwanted attention. Only your attention will do Lucius."
"I am glad to hear it." He said, his mouth hovering just above her own.
She parted her mouth for him and his lips crashed against hers, more powerfully than she had been expecting. Lucinda was being walked steadily backwards, his hands firmly on her shoulders. Her back hit something solid and she felt one hand reach under her silk dress, swiftly removing her underwear. Lucinda found herself groaning despite his hands not even touching her she was so desperate now. One finger slid inside her to the knuckle, rubbing against her so sweetly she pushed against his hand. She felt Lucius move himself against her body, wedging her up against the door, his hard length nudging her thigh teasingly. His tongue traced along her collarbone, his free hand slowly moving the strap of her dress down her arm.
"Against the door?" She asked breathily, her eyes fluttering shut as his hand continued moving against her body, his thumb rubbing her clit.
"Against the door my darling. You have no objections?" He asked, clearly already assuming her answer as he picked her up with ease. Lucinda wrapped her legs tightly around him.
She shook her head in response. She felt his hand fall from her to be replaced by his length. Her back buckled and she moaned into the now stifling air of the room as she was physically pushed up the door with the power of his thrust. One of her hands automatically reached for his shirt. She moved her hand down across the material lightly, the buttons magically opening for her.
The taste of firewhiskey on his tongue only spurred her on more, and she let her fingers tangle in the hair at the nape of his neck while her teeth bit down hard on his bottom lip.
Lucinda was pleased to hear it elicited a moan from deep in his chest, and he pounded her harder into the door until she was certain her lower back would be bruised by morning. Lucinda felt a sense of breathlessness overtaking her, her mind unable to focus. Her whole body was poised for release, her stomach tightening and her inner muscles quivering wildly. The straps of her dress had fallen from her shoulders now, the silken material moving to reveal the lace of her bra. Her fingers dug hard into his shoulders as his mouth moved along the shell of her ear and down the most sensitive part of her neck. It wasn't long before she couldn't hold herself back anymore, the waves of pleasure cascading over her body almost too intense to bear. Her gaze fixed onto his, their eyes never leaving each other until she felt him place her gently back down onto the couch, her legs falling from his waist.
"Where to now?" Lucius asked her, his hand on her thigh.
"Excuse me?!" Lucinda replied, turning to face him. His lips touched hers for a moment and when he pulled away she let her eyes linger on the top buttons of his shirt exposing some of his chest. In fact she had often found herself lingering at just that area below his Adam's apple. It fascinated her for some reason, but she wasn't quite sure what the reason was.
"We shan't waste time my dear. Shall I escort you to the bedroom?" He initiated, and she felt the hand on her thigh pushing her dress slowly upwards.
"You shall. I like your style. I hate wasting time…" Lucinda whispered, leaning across and letting the straps of her dress fall from her once more.
Yeah don't you just hate wasting time… ;)! I will update soon once I've finished writing the next chapter (I like to keep two chapters ahead of myself, hence the slightly slower updates!). Please do review! I want to know what you guys think! And follow/favourite too! X
