Chapter 29: Acceptance

Hello all! It feels like ages since I've uploaded, it's been busy at work and so I've had less time for writing, but I'm hoping to get down to it more again soon. I originally planned for this story to be 35 chapters, however now I think it will end up being a few more so that I can finish it properly and make sure it doesn't feel rushed. Thanks to everyone who has followed, favourited and reviewed, I really appreciate it!

This chapter, Lucinda is going to finally meet Draco, which should go well…or maybe that's just wishful thinking!

Lucinda awoke to the sounds of loud birdsong coming from outside the bedroom window. She stretched lazily and ran a hand back through her messy hair. It was already bright out despite the fact the clock beside the bed read quarter past seven. That was the trouble with getting up early for work; even on a weekend, she struggled to have a lie-in. It had, however, become much easier since there was someone to keep her in the bed for longer. She turned over, immediately recognising the ache of the muscles in her stomach and legs. Well I'm not sure about not being able to walk, but it's certainly had some kind of effect, Lucinda mused on her statement of the previous evening.

He was stirring next to her and so she moved herself into him, resting her head against his shoulder. He smelt as he always did; like dark cologne and musk. Lucinda breathed in deeply through her nose, finding the scent at once arousing and relaxing.

"Good morning my darling." He murmured in a sleep-addled voice. If there was one thing she had learnt about Lucius, he was not really a morning person. She supposed she shouldn't be surprised by that.

"Good morning. Sleep well? I don't think I turned over, I was so tired."

"You did not. I am sure you were tired, and I am also sure the wine you consumed aided in that. To answer your question, yes, I did sleep well thank you." He answered, his eyes still partially closed.

"I'm glad you slept well too. And I didn't even drink that much wine, I swear. I may have been a little tipsy though. I recall everything perfectly well however."

Lucius inclined his head in her direction, looking significantly unconvinced: "Do you now. Do you recall that you asked me to ensure you would be unable to leave the comfort of this bed by the morning?"

"I do. I would not forget something so important Lucius." Lucinda smiled, sitting up and tying her hair back into a small bun.

"Somehow I did not think you would. However, you still appear far too sprightly. My task is not completed just yet it would seem." He said, kissing her deeply and cupping her face in his hands.

Lucinda eventually managed to tear her lips away from his.

"It would seem so. I forgot to ask you last night, did everything go ok with Draco. You'll never guess who my friend Ava brought with her last night. Astoria! She's really nice, I like her a lot."

She was sure she saw a look of realisation cross his face, but he didn't make any comment on what it was he had realised exactly, so Lucinda let it pass.

"I see. Yes, she seems like a very together young woman. I had to admit I had my reservations about Draco getting married quite so young, but I have come around to the idea. Yesterday went perfectly well. Draco has said he would like to meet you." Lucius spoke, sitting up and throwing the covers back. He always slept naked and Lucinda had to really concentrate on what he was saying so she didn't become distracted. But she tuned in automatically at the last statement.

"He actually said that?" She asked, unsure how that could be possible.

"Words to that effect yes. I wouldn't say the word 'like' was necessarily part of his discourse. I would like you to meet him. We could arrange to have dinner early next week. And if he brings Astoria then at least you will have someone else there you know." He said, heading into the bathroom, not bothering to conjure a robe to put on.

She heard the shower begin to run. Rising from the bed herself, she followed, standing by the half open door.

"Ok, that sounds…fine."

Lucius looked back over his shoulder at her from near the sink and then retraced his steps towards her. She felt his hands come to rest on her hips and he dropped his head to kiss her forehead softly.

"I realise you must be nervous about this. But all will be fine, I assure you my dear."

"I hope so. I mean, this is your son after all. If he hates me, that's kind of a big deal." She replied quietly, swallowing hard.

"He is my son. And he is also an adult. If he cannot accept this, then that is something he will have to live with. Do not worry yourself." Lucius said soothingly. She could feel the tips of his fingers fluttering over the skin around her waist.

"I will try. You know you said that you were worried about Draco getting married so young. How old were you when you got married, I thought you were young too weren't you? Not that you're old now or anything…" Lucinda said jokingly, laughing as he raised his brow at her.

"I should hope you do not think I am old. I would hope I have proven I am not. But yes, I was young. I was 23, only a year older than Draco is now. Why do you think I did not want him to get married yet?"

Lucinda shrugged her shoulders, walking over to the shower and checking the temperature before stepping under the hot spray, immediately running her hands back through the front of her hair to tame it.

"I don't know. You want him to be able to spread some wild oats first maybe?"

Lucius had followed her. She had to tilt her head right up to look at him. There was a slight shadow across his chin. She suddenly wondered what he would look like with a beard. She noticed she had been having a lot of these random thoughts recently.

"Wild oats? I am not sure I understand?" He asked her.

The hot water ran over her hair and down her back, pooling at her feet on the tiled floor. She closed her eyes and leaned her head backwards.

"You know, like have relationships and things like that. I don't want to say the more literal meaning of it in this context."

Despite the fact her eyes were still closed, she could sense his irritation as he sighed.

"Why not?"

"Ok…it basically means to sleep around a bit. Get to know what you want in a partner so that when you do decide to settle down and get married, you'll know that that person is the right one for you." Lucinda said, looking up at him again.

"I am not sure how sleeping around, as you put it, would achieve that exactly. However I do understand the concept." He replied, his body edging closer to hers. Lucinda found herself backing against the wall for support.

"It doesn't always work out well. I wouldn't know." She said sheepishly, glancing down at the floor.

"What do you mean?" He prompted.

Normally Lucinda would not answer such questions so easily, but with Lucius she seemed compelled to answer whatever he asked her. She wasn't sure whether it was just the way he asked, or if she had secretly always wanted to share these things with someone.

"I didn't sow any wild oats. In fact I was always pretty certain my little sister would get married before I did!"

"Why did you not? You certainly cannot have been short of attention." He said, and she noticed his grip on her tighten protectively.

"Ha, I don't think I get attention. Besides, it's just not me. I've only ever slept with people I've truly liked. Otherwise what's the point?" She paused, unsure of whether to ask him what she was thinking or not. He may not answer her. "What about you though?"

"What about me?" Lucius asked. She knew he was just being awkward, he would know what she meant.

"Didn't you sow any…wild oats before you got married?"

"I had no chance to sow anything my dear. I was introduced to Narcissa only a year or so after I had left Hogwarts. Then we were courting for a time, and then we were engaged and married. But if you are asking if I have slept with other women, then yes I have."

Ugh, not what I wanted to hear, Lucinda thought. She tried her best to hide her feelings but obviously she didn't do a very good job.

His hand reached for her chin, lifting her head to look at him.

"They pale into even further insignificance in comparison to you my darling I can assure you. You are quite extraordinary."

"Extraordinary?" She asked disbelievingly. No one had ever described her as extraordinary before. In all honesty she wondered what he saw in her to assign her such a grandiose description.

"Extraordinary." He bent his head and kissed her, "I knew so the first moment I saw you as a matter of fact. I think you will find I am a very good judge of character."

"Wow, for once I don't know what to say. Except that I must have made quite the impression Mr. Malfoy." She let her body move slowly up against his, the steam from the hot water now flowing out into the bathroom and making everywhere look as if it were part of a hazy dream.

"You must have." His mouth was on her neck, her back now touching the tiles behind her.

"You know I feel that same way, right? I mean, this feels so different to anything else I've experienced, but I mean it's not as if I've slept with many men anyway, but… I should just stop talking shouldn't I?"

"That would be a wise decision yes." He said, looking at her half sternly and half amused.

"Ok you're right. This is a weird conversation for us to be having standing in the shower at eight in the morning…" She mused aloud, her eyes half closed as his lips caressed down her collarbone and over her breasts.

"Mmm" He appeared to agree.

Lucinda didn't talk any further. She couldn't bring herself to muster any words as his hands firmly parted her thighs for him.

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Lucinda had forgotten just how relaxing weekends could be. They had returned from some lunch in the late afternoon and had gone for a walk in the gardens whilst the weather still seemed to be holding up for the time being.

"I have a slight confession to make…" Lucinda said as they passed by the strange chapel-like building she had explored one afternoon not too long ago. The place still seemed to reverberate with energy as they walked by and Lucinda felt a chill run down her spine just as it had done the day she stepped foot into it.

"I see. What sort of confession?" Lucius asked. Lucinda glanced in his direction. He had his shirt unbuttoned at the top, the sleeves rolled up his forearms. She thought he still looked far too smartly dressed for a walk around a garden. Lucinda had thrown on a dark blue tea dress with a floral pattern on it, but she was starting to feel chilly as the late afternoon dawned.

"I went out here for a jog a while back and I might have had a peek in your chapel. It's really beautiful in there." She didn't mention the strange feeling she had experienced.

He stopped walking and so Lucinda followed. They were near another of the seemingly endless fountains the gardens held.

"Did you now. Yes, it is quite unique. It was built by my great grandfather back in the early 19th Century. In fact, Draco has requested that he and Astoria have it as the venue for their wedding ceremony."

"Oh, I think that would be lovely. And as it holds so much family history it makes sense. I noticed there was a statue in there too…"

"Yes. I am aware of which statue you mean. It is my Father, Abraxas Malfoy. He had it made by a famed wizard sculptor when he was in his late thirties I believe. It was originally placed in the front courtyard near the French windows, however it was moved to the chapel some time ago now." He replied.

"I'm guessing that if I ask why that was, you aren't going to tell me?"

"It was for no particular reason. Narcissa hated it being there and I did not mind it being moved." Lucius replied with disinterest.

"I see." She said, adding under her breath, "Happy wife happy life I suppose."

He turned to her suddenly, slowing his pace a touch: "I did hear that comment. I have found it is sometimes better to not argue with a woman. I would like to think I choose my battles wisely."

"Really? Well I guess we haven't argued much…would you say you let me have my own way then?" Lucinda giggled, sitting down on one of the stone benches near to yet another fountain.

"If it is also my way, then yes."

"Yeah that sounds about right. Not that I mind. We usually want the same things don't we?" She said, edging closer to him along the bench, hoping for some extra body heat if nothing else. It seemed to be getting significantly colder out all of a sudden.

"We do. What a coincidence." Lucius stated, their lips moving steadily closer to one another.

Lucinda felt something hit her shoulder, distracting her momentarily. Then something else on her leg. And again. Clouds had settled in overhead, and it had started to rain. But not the gentle pitter patter of a light shower. This was a torrential downpour; the start of a storm, Lucinda realised as she looked up at the now blackened sky above them. Lucius took her hand in his, clearly planning on apparating them back inside as speedily as possible. She put her hand over his.

"No don't. Let's just walk back."

"Walk back? We shall be soaked to the bone my dear." He said, standing up from his seat.

"Exactly." She breathed against his ear, feeling her dress already begin to become heavy with rain water.

Smiling widely, she set off back the way they came, knowing he would follow.

Once they had eventually reached the comfort of the Manor, the storm was directly overhead. Lightening illuminated the kitchen as they entered through the French windows at the far end, and deep rumbles of thunder seemed to almost shake the strong foundations of the building they were so intense.

Lucinda's hair was stuck to her neck and the side of her face, the thin material of her dress sodden, and clinging to her. She couldn't help the shivers that overtook her body, goose bumps appearing along her arms and her nipples sticking out against the thin material covering her. She desperately needed to be warmer, and she knew just the thing for that.

Lucius had turned to her after flicking his hand to shut the door behind them. His shirt was stuck to his body as her dress was to hers. He strode over to her, his sheer stature meaning he covered the large distance across the kitchen in seconds. He pushed her back against the table with force and she gripped onto his shirt, kissing him passionately. Her hands reached for the buttons on his trousers. Realising her shaking hands were not going to get very far this time, a simple wandless spell did the job for her. Lucius' hands held her face gently as he kissed her, moving pieces of her soaking hair from her face as he did so. She slipped off her shoes and watched, still shivering, as he did the same.

He moved back against her body, and she could feel that he had clearly been affected by the cold too. She pushed herself up to sit on the table. Lucius reached for the tie of her dress, undoing the bow she had made in it this morning. The wet material slowly peeled away from her and she lay down against the hard surface beneath her. She didn't notice it feel uncomfortable. She didn't notice anything around her, his fingers were lightly tickling up her inner thigh, his mouth following. Lucinda took a deep breath in, gripping the edge of the table for support even though she was lying down. Her back arched high into his touch as the hands reached her stomach and up towards her breasts, spreading heat through her.

Just as her eyes were fluttering, half shut with pleasure, she was jolted forward and she sat up. Lucius had hold of her thighs, manoeuvring her forwards so she was sat at the very edge. She wrapped her legs around his hips, and he reached around her back, letting her bra slip down her shoulders and onto the table. The cold air hit her once again, and she automatically moved to cover herself, but he grabbed her wrist, firmly but not aggressively.

"Do not cover yourself. I want to see you my dear."

He let her wrist go and she put her arms to her side, still feeling the need to hold onto the table for some reason. Her grip around his hips tightened as one hand ran up her back and down across her front, rubbing one nipple between his thumb and forefinger. She kissed him softly, but she grabbed his shirt, undoing the last remaining buttons on his shirt, whispering; "And I want to see you too my darling."

The shirt fell to the floor with a strange wet noise and he was revealed to her. The scars that lined parts of him were darkened against his pale skin and she ran her fingers lightly over them, moving ever downwards to reach his belt. She made light work of the rest of his clothes, spurred on by his fingers caressing her breasts and his lips pressed almost desperately onto hers. He pulled her towards him again, his arm around her waist. His eyes never left hers. Lucinda had never felt more connected to anyone than when he looked at her.

She gasped loudly into the silence as he entered her. He supported her back as she struggled to stay upright amidst the intense sensation of him filling her completely. She tried to steady her breathing as he pulled backwards before thrusting hard into her, his tip rubbing against her cervix. Lucius repeated the action in quick succession, moving her body steadily backwards on the table, only his strong arm keeping her in close to him. She could hear his breathing rate increase rapidly as he fucked her and it only served to spur her on. There was something incredibly sexy hearing a man who usually relished such control in his life completely lose that control when he was inside her.

She arched herself backwards as he continued moving inside her. The rain was pounding on the large windows still, low rumbles of thunder mixing with the soft gasps and groans now filling the kitchen. She knew the heels of her feet must be digging uncomfortably into his back but she didn't move. She dug them in harder, needing as much contact as possible with him as was possible. He groaned and gripped her thighs hard as she let herself lie back down on the table.

The build of her pleasure was slow and as intense as she could remember it. She wasn't sure whether it was the cold air settling on her body or the sheer raw uncomfortableness of doing it on the kitchen table, but the blood was rushing through her body so powerfully she felt significantly light-headed. And she didn't try to fight the feeling; instead she let it take over her, enjoying the way it pushed her closer and closer to the edge.

Her eyes opened wide, staring unseeing as her orgasm took her. It made her feel almost weak with its intensity, and she groaned loudly, not caring in the least if it didn't exactly sound ladylike or delicate. Lucinda let her head fall back against the table they had sat at many times now, her breath coming in uneven pants and her legs aching as they still remained tight around his hips.

"See. Getting wet isn't such a bad thing is it?" She eventually managed to say, glancing up at Lucius.

"It would seem not. I must concede that I should perhaps let you have your own way more often." He replied, taking her hand and helping her to sit.

Lucinda laughed heartily. She wouldn't mind getting her way more often. Especially if it meant more of that.

"You mean if it is also your way. As you said before." She spoke, planting a kiss on his cheek and finally letting her legs fall from around him, stretching her limbs.

He seemed to mull over his answer a touch before replying: "In some circumstances, I believe I may make an exception for you my dear."

"Oh well, I am honoured." Lucinda said sarcastically, placing her hand on her chest dramatically. "Well, I am starving, so, seen as though we are already conveniently in the kitchen, I want food. Are you hungry?"

"Always." He muttered, grabbing her forcefully, his tongue finding hers immediately.

All thoughts of food were forgotten for several more minutes as they remained entwined. It was only when Lucinda felt her stomach rumble in protest at being ignored, and a faint meowing noise suddenly entered the kitchen, that she managed to pull away from Lucius.

Clearing her throat, she let her own tongue flit out to her lips, tasting him there and again becoming momentarily distracted.

"It appears we shall be interrupted." Lucius stated, bending down to pick up Salem.

She hadn't seen him do that before. In fact, he had barely acknowledged her cat's presence at all. The sex must have put him in a very good mood, she inwardly decided.

"It does. It's fine, I'll feed him now. And then I'll feed us!" Lucinda said, wrapping her dress back around herself and tying it in a bow at her hip.

She stood and walked over to one of the myriad of cupboards, pulling out a sachet of cat food. She moved her hand over it and it opened itself, before magically floating over to Salem's bowl and emptying it contents there. Lucius let a now wriggling Salem out of his arms and the cat ran to the bowl, settling himself there for his meal.

Lucinda displayed a satisfied smile and glanced back at Lucius, who was looking at her curiously.

"What?" She asked, curious herself.

"It is nothing. I was merely admiring your dedication to the things that are important to you. I do recall you mentioned you have had your cat for many years now."

"Yes I have, and that's very sweet of you to say. I have seen you show such dedication as well Lucius, in fact I see it in everything you do. Did you ever have pets when Draco was younger?"

"I was taught to show dedication my dear, it is all I know. To answer your question however, yes, we had two wolf hounds when Draco was young. They were in actuality intended to be guard dogs, but they were far too placid." Lucius answered, remaining where he was standing at the end of the table as Lucinda moved to the pantry, talking to him through the door.

"Aww they sound lovely. How long did you have them for?" Lucinda asked, attempting to make the most of his sudden openness.

She could hear his footsteps moving closer to her, and then he was at the door.

"12 years or so. They were gone when I…during the war. I do not know exactly what happened to them." He finished.

There was silence for a moment and Lucinda found herself thinking she should change the subject onto a less emotive topic. From what he had said, she could figure out their fate was most certainly not a happy one.

"I'm sorry." She said quietly, wrapping her arms loosely around his neck.

She felt him run his hands up her arms briefly before he spoke: "Would you not prefer it if I summoned Scrimpy to prepare us dinner. You have…exerted yourself enough today in my opinion."

"No really it's fine, I enjoy cooking for us. What about…grilled salmon? Oh wait, what will I cook when Draco and Astoria come for dinner? What type of food does Draco like?"

"Do not worry about that. I shall arrange for dinner prepared in advance. That way you can simply enjoy the evening rather than being stuck in here." Lucius said.

"Enjoy the evening….yeah. I'll try to, I really will…" Lucinda's speech tailed off as she grabbed her ingredients and walked past him back into the kitchen.

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Lucius felt uncomfortable with just how uncomfortable the thought of meeting Draco was to Lucinda. It seemed to put him on edge, something he hated in any situation. It had taken up so much of his thoughts since their discussion in the pantry several days ago that he had pushed all concerns about Costache and his cronies to the back of his mind. And yet there was not long at all until the day would come.

Lucinda arrived back from work a little earlier than he had been expecting and she rushed upstairs to change before they arrived. Lucius followed, finding her standing in front of the mirror holding a navy blue chiffon dress up against herself. She turned to him as he entered the room.

"What do you think? Will this be ok? I don't want to wear anything too flashy."

Lucius placed his hands on her shoulders, rubbing them lightly.

"I am sure that will be beautiful on you my darling. I would not say you ever wear anything too…flashy, as you call it."

She nodded slowly, and Lucius noted she was practically biting her nails she looked so nervous.

"Ok. Ok so I'll wear this. Can I throw up now please?" She said, sounding like she was only half joking.

"Everything will be fine. Draco has already come around to the idea a little. I am sure he will like you."

"I am glad you are so sure. You have enough confidence for both of us then!" Lucinda replied, placing the dress on the bed and starting to unbutton her shirt.

"I am sure. I shall go and check on the food preparations. In the meantime, do try not to make yourself ill over this. It really is only a dinner so that you can meet. It will not change anything for us." He said, giving her a half smile and leaving her be to get changed.

With dinner coming along perfectly well, as he had expected, he decided it best not to head back upstairs and wait for Lucinda to come down in her own time. He didn't think he had ever seen her like that before. He wouldn't have previously thought her to be the nervous sort; yet at the same time, she never appeared overconfident either. But the prospect of meeting Draco seemed to have put her in a strange mood.

Lucius found himself pacing the sitting room, a full glass in his hand. Although it was only dinner with his own son, he was starting to feel the impact of the significance of tonight. He had had enough difficulties in his relationship with his son in the past, and he didn't want another if it could be avoided. He was fairly certain Draco's objections to his and Lucinda's relationship originated in the fact that she was a Lovegood, and the fact she was significantly younger than Lucius. But the two had never had any contact before, and he was well aware that Lucinda could be charming if she wanted to be. When he meets her, he will change his mind, Lucius concluded, finally taking a drink from his glass.

It was several more minutes before he heard light footsteps coming down the staircase. He opened the sitting room door. Lucinda was wearing the dress she had shown him, with black heeled shoes, her hair swept to the side and pinned back.

"Is this ok?" She asked as she reached the bottom of the stairs, already seeming to be more relaxed than she had been ten minutes ago.

He walked up to her and took her chin in his hand, kissing her gently.

"You look beautiful my dear. Feeling any better?"

"A little yes. Thanks you, for what you said before. It helped. Mostly what you said about it not affecting us. I really want Draco to be ok with this, but if he isn't, I don't want it to mean things will be different." She said, bending down to fix the strap on her shoe.

He waited until she stood back up straight before pulling her against him until they were breaths apart.

"Things will be no different I assure you." He kissed her again, his hand trailing down her back and onto her arse.

Her tongue flicked softly against the tip of his and he suddenly wondered if there was time for them to go upstairs before they arrived. But there wasn't. There was a loud 'pop' sound directly to their right. He felt Lucinda quickly pull away from him, wiping the sides of her mouth and looking more flushed than he'd ever seen her.

"Good evening Father. I see you've already started dinner." Draco's voice echoed across the foyer. Astoria was standing beside him, looking every bit as sheepish as Lucinda did.

Lucius chose to ignore Draco's comment. He knew there would potentially be further swipes or derogatory statements and it was best not to start an argument before the evening had even started.

"Good evening Draco. Astoria. I am glad you could come." Lucius said politely, Lucinda standing next to him. Draco's face was stony, and he was staring at Lucinda was a glare even Lucius had not anticipated.

"Oh well thank you for inviting us Mr. Malfoy. We're happy to be here…aren't we Draco?" Astoria replied, glancing to the side at Draco.

"Hmmm." Was Draco's only response, now looking anywhere but at Lucinda.

"It's great you could come. I've been looking forward to meeting you both, although of course, we met last week." Lucinda spoke, indicating Astoria, who nodded happily.

"We did. That was such a coincidence. And so much fun, we should all get together sometime again. There's not many women who work in my department at the Ministry, so I miss having a girly chat!" Astoria said as Draco took her coat from her shoulders. At least he's polite to his fiancé, Lucius thought. He watched as his son whispered a spell and both his and Astoria's coats disappeared from view.

"Dinner should be ready for us in a few moments. I thought we would be better to eat in the smaller dining room towards the back of the Manor. It is much better suited for this sort of occasion." Lucius said, starting to make his way to the room, which was back past the sitting room door and along a corridor to the right.

He took Lucinda's hand in his and he noted she flashed him a small smile in response. Draco and Astoria were following behind them and so he could not ascertain Draco's reaction to his gesture, but he was sure he heard Astoria whisper under her breath: "See I told you. You need to just calm down."

Lucius pushed open the door and was pleased to see that Scrimpy had successfully followed the instructions he had given her yesterday. The room was lit by candles set into the wrought iron chandelier that hung above the table, and several matching candelabras were set on the table. Silver cutlery glistened in the low light and a sparkling new starched white tablecloth covered the surface of the table.

"Oh wow! It looks lovely in here, doesn't it Draco?" Astoria said breathlessly as they reached the table, Draco pulling out the seat for her to sit on.

"Suppose." Was his only reply, and Lucius had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. He had enough of this sort of behaviour when his son was in his early teen years and he was not about to put up with it now.

"I presume you will be engaging in conversation requiring more than one word answers this evening Draco." He said, pulling out Lucinda's chair for her to sit on, noting she flashed him a grateful smile as she sat.

"That depends on if there is anything much to talk about, doesn't it Father?" Draco replied, giving Lucinda a look that made Lucius at once exasperated and quite angry.

He sat himself down, and before he could open his mouth to reply, Astoria had spoken: "I'm sure there's plenty to talk about. Especially as you haven't met Lucinda before have you?"

"No. I have only had the pleasure of meeting your loony sister prior to this evening." Draco said spitefully, folding out his napkin and placing it in his lap. Pity he cannot remember manners when it comes to his mouth at times, Lucius thought.

Lucius saw Lucinda's expression visibly darken. He was well aware how close she was to her family, particularly her sister, and a throwaway comment such as Draco's could instantly set the night off to a bad start.

"Ah yes, you have had the pleasure of meeting Luna. She's told me all about you, Draco. She's the editor in chief of the family publication these days. What is it that you do again?" She asked him, sipping from the wine that had appeared in the glass before her.

Lucius had been at many an awkward dinner party in his time, but he could tell this was going to top those quite easily, and it had only started ten minutes ago. He again opened his mouth to speak, but Draco interjected: "The Quibbler you mean? Couldn't get a job anywhere else could she? I work at Gringott's, in the financial mismanagement department. In fact, I'm getting a promotion in a few weeks' time."

"Actually, Luna studied naturalism after leaving Hogwarts, but she decided to take the helm of The Quibbler of her own accord. It sells nearly as many copies as The Daily Prophet now. Congratulations on your promotion. That's a very good job for someone straight out of education…I wonder how that came about…" Lucinda spoke, flashing daggers across the table.

"That's a very expensive looking dress…I wonder how that came about!" Draco replied, and Lucius saw he looked at him as if he was disgusted. Perhaps he wasn't coming around to this quite as much as he had first thought.

"That is enough. I suggest we change the topic of conversation before one of you is injured." Lucius said loudly, and everyone did indeed stop talking. Astoria and Lucinda took a large drink of their wine. Draco sat arms folded, sneer fully in place and his eyes never leaving Lucinda.

"I don't know about anyone else but I am starving. Perhaps some food might make us all more amenable eh!" Astoria said cheerily.

"Not unless it's laced with cyanide." Lucius heard Draco whisper under his breath, finally stopping to take a drink from his own glass.

"How are you settling in Lucinda? Have you moved much in?" Astoria asked, appearing to ignore the scoffing sound coming from her left hand side.

"Fine, thank you. I've moved just a few clothes and bits and bobs mostly. It actually made me realise how few things I had!"

"Oh well I'm sure Father will buy you some more, won't you Father?" Draco asked petulantly.

"Draco. Cease this absolute nonsense." Lucius murmured dangerously. He could hardly believe he was talking to a grown man.

"I shan't. You can't talk to me like that anymore Father. And if you expect me to sit here with her…" He said, standing and pointing to a ruffled-looking Lucinda, "and have a quiet family dinner like nothing has changed, then you've got another thing coming!"

And with that, as he had done many times previously, although granted not for many years, he stormed from the room, slamming the door behind him. The room was silent, before Astoria also went to rise from her seat, explaining as she did so: "I better go and talk to him. I'll bring him back in."

"No." Lucinda rebuffed, quickly standing and tucking her chair back under the table, the scrape of the wood across the floor the only sound for a moment. "I should go and talk to him. Even if I am the last person he wants to see right now, it might help if I try and talk him into coming back in."

"Are you sure my dear?" Lucius asked her, unsure himself if that was the best course of action right now.

"Yes I am sure. I won't be long." She said, placing her small hand over his for a beat, before following the path Draco had taken only a few moments before.

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It didn't take long for her to find him. He was pacing just outside the open French windows that lead to the south side of the gardens. He stopped abruptly when he saw her approaching.

"What do you want?" He spat out, quickly looking away from her and out towards the stone terrace they were now stood on.

"To talk."

"Well, believe it or not, I don't want to talk to you." Draco said, still not looking at her.

This is going to be harder than I thought, Lucinda surmised. But, then again, she was adept at engaging people who were considerably adverse to being so. This would be one of her harder challenges however, of that she was sure.

"Really? I couldn't tell." She joked. She walked over to where he was stood leaning on the balcony edge.

"What do you want? I presume Father's sent you. Couldn't be bothered to come here himself could he."

"No he hasn't. I offered to."

"You offered to?" He said confusedly, finally turning to her.

As the low sunlight of the early evening struck his face, she was amazed at how much Draco looked like his Father. And it wasn't just the white blonde hair he had inherited. His eyes were a very similar colour, although Draco's were more of a blue than his Father's deeper grey. But their bone structure was remarkably alike; the high cheekbones and thin lips. Lucinda imagined that they could have passed for twins if Lucius were younger. And he has certainly inherited his Father's stubbornness, she thought to herself.

"Yes. Look, I know you probably hate me, and I suppose I can't blame you. You don't know me, and now I'm living here with your Father. It must be strange for you."

"Don't presume to tell me what I am feeling Lovegood!" Draco replied, turning back to look out over the garden once more.

Lucinda sighed silently with frustration. Ok, so clearly playing the sympathy card is not going to work here. Time for a different tactic.

"Fine. You're right. I don't know what you're feeling. And I don't much care in all honesty." She paused for effect, and, as she had expected, Draco turned to her again, "But I do care about your Father. A lot, contrary to what you might have assumed."

"You care about the size of his wallet maybe yeah, and the size of this house."

"I don't give a shit about that stuff. I do give a shit if this affects your relationship with him. You are the most important thing to him, you know that?" Lucinda spoke, trying to catch up with Draco as he strode away from her in the opposite direction. "But you're being a selfish brat Draco."

"I am merely ensuring my Father does not succumb to a second-rate gold digger like you! I would hardly call that selfish!"

"Oh come on, play me a new tune! You and your Mother are well aware that I am not with Lucius for his money. You know that, even if you would loathe to admit it. You are being selfish. Don't you want your Father to be happy?" She questioned him as he finally stopped near the carved fountain she had seen during her first trip into the gardens all those months ago.

"Of course I do. What kind of a question is that!" He answered her.

"Really? Because it doesn't seem like it right now. You know everything he's been through. Maybe you don't agree with me being here, or even us being together at all. But that's not going to change the fact that I love your Father, and I'm here to stay. You would think you'd want him to be with someone who genuinely cared, but it seems all you care about is your money." She finished, turning on her heel to walk back into the house. She had said enough; whether he chose to return to dinner or not was on his own volition as far as she was concerned.

"I care about more than that." He said, walking back up to her. She waited for him to continue. "Of course I want Father to be happy. Merlin knows he spent enough time being miserable. Both of them did. Is it true what you said?"

"Which part?" She spoke, and she was pleased to see Draco chuckled at little.

"When you said you were in love with him?"

Lucinda nodded, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear sheepishly: "Yes, I meant it. This wasn't planned, Draco, I just happened to meet him and it just, well, it just happened."

"He seems different. I can see the changes in him since he's been with you."

"Well that's good to know I have some sort of positive effect. You know what would have one too?"

"Go on." Draco prompted her, but Lucinda got the feeling he already knew what she meant.

"Going back to dinner. Your Father wanted us to meet. The least we can do is attempt to be civil for a few hours."

"I think I can attempt that." He spoke slowly, and they started their way back to the Manor, Lucinda feeling pleased she had been able to smooth things over, at least for the time being.

"Is everything ok?" A worried looking Astoria asked as they re-entered the dining room and took their respective seats once more.

"Yes, everything is ok. I have an apology to make Father. I am sorry I stormed out. I was being childish." Draco said, clearly much to everyone's surprise, including Lucinda.

She watched as Lucius glanced at her briefly before he replied: "Yes well. I accept your apology Draco. You certainly seem much calmer I must say. Shall I summon the food now we're all finished arguing?"

"That sounds like a good idea I think." Lucinda smiled at him, placing her hand on his knee subtly under the table. She felt his muscles flex under her touch and she suddenly wished they were alone, needing to take a deep breath to steady herself.

He picked up what looked to Lucinda like an odd little silver bell and shook it three times. A light jingling sound reverberated around the dining room, and before them on the previously empty plates, a duck breast appeared, along with roasted potatoes and vegetables.

They ate in what felt to Lucinda like fairly comfortable silence for a short while, before Astoria asked: "We've been discussing the wedding, haven't we Draco?"

"Yes we have. We've decided that we would like to postpone it; just by a few months. Until the spring." Draco said, clearly addressing his Father only. Although things certainly seemed less frosty between them now, Lucinda realised that Draco had barely made eye contact with her since they had returned to the table.

"Well," Lucius replied, clearing his throat, "I think that sounds like a sensible idea I must say."

"And I'm sure a spring wedding will be lovely. It will be a bit warmer than a winter one I'm sure, especially as you want to get married out in the chapel don't you?" Lucinda asked, wanting to appear interested. She thought that might help bring him round.

"How do you know that?" Draco asked sternly, his wine glass stopped halfway up towards his mouth.

"I have discussed it with Lucinda. I informed her about the venue. I presume that is not a problem." Lucius spoke before Lucinda could.

"No no of course not. Actually Lucinda, we would like you to come as a guest if you could." Astoria said, flashing Lucinda a smile.

"We would?" Draco sounded disgruntled, turning to Astoria.

"Of course we would!"

Draco didn't reply to Astoria again, but Lucinda heard him sniff loudly from her position across the table.

"Thank you, both of you. That would be lovely. Have you chosen your dress yet Astoria?" Lucinda asked, trying to change the subject onto something more benign.

"Oh no not yet. I haven't found 'the one' just yet. I'm probably going to wait until the new season dresses come out, now that we've postponed the wedding. We've both just been so busy at work too, I haven't had time to shop properly for one. I bet you are busy at work Lucinda!"

"Yes it seems to be busier than ever recently. I've been having to stay later most days to write up all the paperwork I have!" Lucinda replied, finally feeling relaxed enough to really tuck in to her dinner. She only realised now that her stomach was growling hungrily.

"Yes, you do. They take advantage of your conscientiousness if you ask my opinion." Lucius stated. They had talked about this a little over the past few weeks since Lucinda's caseload had become increasingly busy. Technically, as clinical lead, she was supposed to be more focused on the management of the ward and less with clinical work, but they were so busy she had been placed back into the regular healer numbers on the ward.

"The team are just short staffed and overrun with new patients at the moment. I don't mind staying a little later than my shift." Lucinda defended. She was proud of her team and she wouldn't hear a word said against them. Even if she did find it nice that Lucius was concerned she might be overworking herself.

"What is it you actually do then Lucinda?" Draco asked her, only half snidely.

"I'm a clinical lead on the St. Mungos rehabilitation ward. I've worked there for over six years now, but I've only been promoted fairly recently."

"It is very unusual for someone so young to have such a job title. Most of the higher-ups I have come into contact with at St. Mungos seem to have been there for decades. The place could use a fresh perspective." Lucius said.

"Emphasis on 'young'." Was Draco's only comment as he sipped from his wine.

Lucinda was tiring of this back and forth and nasty comments. She had never had any time for people who seemed to just enjoy being mean to others for no reason. Although, she reminded herself, I am dating his Father. I guess I should be grateful he's even talking to me.

"Lucinda, I remember you told me the other week when we met that your sister and Neville were going to be moving to Hogwarts. How long before they move now?" Astoria asked. Lucinda smiled at her. At least someone was on her side.

"They move in a few months. I can't believe it's come around so soon. It's going to be strange not having her so close, but I know they'll be so happy up there as well. Have either of you been back to Hogwarts since you left?" Lucinda asked, indicating Astoria and Draco.

"Unfortunately no. I would love to go up there though, especially at Christmas time. It's so lovely then with all the snow. Maybe we could go up for a visit Draco?" Astoria said excitedly.

"I haven't particularly wanted to go back again, however I am sure we could arrange something. Father used to be on the board of governors for Hogwarts."

"Yes, many years ago, when Draco was in his first years there. It was too many overly long and dull meetings for my liking. However, it did mean I could keep an eye on Draco and…certain particular students." Lucius said. She felt his hand move back to her knee and graze idly part way up her thigh. She released a puff of breath to steady herself and maintain her concentration on the conversation.

"Yes I gather we all know who those students were. I think I will go up and visit them sometime over Christmas too. They will be home for Christmas day of course, but to be honest I would really love to have a nose around the castle again!" Lucinda finished. It was true, she was really anticipating going back and seeing her old school. It held many good memories for her and going back there would be strange, but fun.

They managed to pass the remainder of the meal without incident. Draco eventually began to look Lucinda in the eye when he addressed her (which was still very rarely as it was). She was even starting to feel herself relax a touch more by the time Draco and Astoria made a move to leave in the late evening.

"Goodnight Mr. Malfoy. Goodnight Lucinda, it was lovely to see you again." Said Astoria, going in for a hug unexpectedly. Lucinda giggled awkwardly and returned the hug.

"Good evening Father. Good evening…Lucinda." Draco said begrudgingly.

"Goodnight Astoria. Draco. It has been lovely seeing you." Lucinda replied, suddenly quite exhausted by the whole thing.

"Yes it has. Goodnight to you both." Lucius said.

Once they had apparated away from the Manor, Lucinda let out a breath that it felt like she had been holding for the past few hours. Lucius put his arms around her and she relaxed immediately.

"See. I told you there was nothing to worry about." He whispered next to her ear, his mouth nuzzling the base of her neck.

"Hmmm. It went as well as could be expected I guess."

"By the way you were agonizing over it, I would say that went very well all things considered." His breath was floating across her collarbone and she felt shivers of pleasure flowing down her spine.

"Yeah true."

"Whatever will we do now my dear?"

"Go to bed I would say." Lucinda said, stifling a yawn.

"I think that is a marvellous idea." Lucius moved from his position at her neck and took her hand, already starting to lead her towards the staircase.

"Ha I meant to sleep. I am so tired."

"Oh I am sure I can persuade you to engage in a more lively activity first…" He smiled wickedly, picking her up in his arms and carrying her to their bedroom.

Well it may not have started well, but hopefully it ended on a better note ha! I hope I wrote Draco just the right side of bratty. I realise he must have grown up a lot after the War, but as we don't actually see any of that as the books end it's hard to know just how much! I shall try my best to update with Chapter 30 in the next week and a half. Please continue to follow/favourite and review! X