CW: politics, media, complicated relationships, microaggressions, food

:SEVENTY-FOUR:

Lucius was true to his word - he did have a significant amount of influence at the Ministry. Between his money, connections, and reputation, most of Harry's demands were being met. The laws regarding werewolves were being actively discussed and reversed by the Wizengamont, replaced by werewolf initiatives for housing, jobs, and medical coverage. He also had a separate committee drafting protection laws for wizarding marriage equality.

It was masterfully done, a combination of his ambition, cunning, and financial backing manipulating the entire government the way a chess master would move their pawns. All that was left to complete were his apology to Dobby and Harry's interview. He had sent an owl to the boy personally, stating that he wanted a draft of what Harry wished to discuss with the reporter, so they could craft a narrative. It would be Harry's first experience with the media, and so it had to be flawless.

Narcissa, on the other hand, had sent an owl to Remus and Sirius with several dates and times for them to meet over the Christmas holidays. They had agreed to meet in a middle ground, a public restaurant in the muggle world so that they would have more privacy. Sirius scoffed when he saw the list Narcissa had drafted, surprised that she even knew about muggle dining areas.

"Sirius," Remus told him bracingly. "I know it's hard for you, but it's nice to see her at least trying."

"I hope Petunia tears her apart." Sirius grumbled, but he put his coat on and followed Remus down to Petunia's flat.

She had agreed to go with them, along with Noah, to act as a kind of buffer. It was also to see just how serious the Malfoys were about changing and respecting muggles now. If they couldn't get along for one meal now, there was no way they were going to subject themselves to an entire summer holiday together. Remus had explained the circumstances, while Sirius had complained about them, so Petunia was well prepared for the dinner.

"It will be alright." Noah said, his quiet confidence putting the others at ease. "I'm used to being around poncy wizards - and I won't let them say anything about you, darling."

Petunia smiled, but her hands betrayed the nerves underneath. She kept fidgeting and rubbing her hands together in a comforting gesture. She'd also taken extra care getting ready, looking as professional as possible. It made her feel more empowered that way, considering how every wizard besides the two she lived with had made her feel small. Maybe it was naive, but Petunia hoped that her outfit would bring some hidden level of confidence.

In any case, the four of them left the flat and Noah drove them over to the restaurant. Narcissa and Lucius had apparated over, so they were waiting at the table they'd reserved earlier in the week. Sirius watched carefully as they saw Petunia and Noah for the first time. Narcissa kept a completely neutral expression, but Sirius was not surprised to see the faintest lip curl on Lucius' face.

"Hullo," Noah spoke first, reaching out to shake hands with Lucius. "I'm Mr. Walters, and this is Ms. Evans."

"Pleasure." Lucius shook Noah's hand slightly, then turned to shake Petunia's hand. "You are Harry's aunt then?"

"Yes," Petunia said, bravely keeping eye contact with Lucius as they shook. "Thank you for inviting us to dinner this evening."

"You're welcome." Lucius replied, taking his seat again as everyone else took theirs. "We have never eaten here before, but it was highly recommended at the Ministry."

The small talk continued as they looked over the menu, ordered wine for the table, and considered each other. Noah kept count of each microaggression Lucius made about muggles, reaching half a dozen before the appetizers had arrived. The only thing that kept him from calling the man out on it was the way Narcissa seemed so genuinely curious about them both, especially Petunia.

"Tell me about your son, Ms. Evans." She asked, gently raising her wine glass to her lips.

Petunia smiled easily, glad to talk about her child under any circumstances. She explained how Dudley was at a top boarding school and maintaining excellent grades there. Narcissa didn't know anything about muggle schools or their academics, but Petunia didn't force her to ask. She instead explained things and used wizarding comparisons with a grace that Narcissa couldn't help but admire.

"Dudley loves to create things, like how Harry can Transfigure objects." Petunia explained, pulling out Dudley's latest wooden creation. "He built this for me and sent it over with his last letter."

It was a very delicate and intricately carved wooden egg - Dudley had carved petunias, lilies, and various other flowers into the sphere, using a polish to make them all stand out and shine. It was actually an engagement present, as Noah had told Dudley about his plans to propose in advance and asked permission.

Narcissa held the egg in her hands gently, looking at it in wonder. She had been raised entirely in the wizarding world, never engaging with muggles in any way. She had been taught that muggles were crude creatures in comparison to the might and grace of wizards. But here was something incredibly beautiful, made by not just a muggle, but a muggle child.

"It's...extraordinary." She murmured quietly, turning it over to see the shapes from all angles. "Your son made this himself?"

Petunia nodded, smiling gently. "He's a good son."

Narcissa looked back up at her, speaking in a language only mothers can understand. She handed the egg back, and the subject changed, but they now understood each other. When they left the restaurant later that evening, both parties felt they had a decent impression of each other.

"So," Lucius said, once they had left the restaurant. "I think that was fairly productive. They've agreed to stay in one of our summer homes for the holiday and agreed to the script for Harry's interview."

"Did you see that wooden egg, darling?" Narcissa mused, allowing Lucius to put on her coat. "I had no idea muggles could create like that."

Lucius scoffed. "Darling, you don't need to pretend to like that women's trinkets anymore. Remember, we're only working with these people to protect Draco."

Narcissa pursed her lips, but didn't say anything as Lucius took her arm and apparated them home.

"Well," Noah said as he drove them all home. "That Malfoy bloke was the biggest git I've met in a while, but his wife seemed decent. What's the kid like, Remus?"

Remus replied from the backseat, where he had been soothing Sirius after that major test on his self-control. He'd wanted to curse Lucius for his rather pointed comments all throughout dinner.

"Draco's more like his mother, though Harry says he's changed quite a bit recently and was more like his father a few months ago."

"I hope so," Noah sighed, holding Petunia's hand. "Because Dudley will absolutely pummel him if he says anything like that around him."

And, for the first time that night, Sirius laughed.

The very next morning, Lucius had the first discriminatory law towards werewolves removed. And, to the confused but supportive Wizengamount, Lucius introduced the very first wizarding marriage equality bill.

Notes:

We're going to complete the second task next, taking a break from all of this drama. EDIT: actually we've got a little more to do before the second task, sorry about that.

Happy Reading!