Written for Hogwarts - Assignment 4: RE - Task 4: Write about meeting someone new
I didn't know what I would find
Lucius wants some freedom, so decides to go to a muggle university. There, he meets Ted Tonks. Squib!Lucius
"It's that school," Abraxas argues. "It is full of muggle-lovers. Of course they've given all of the places at the school to the mudbloods and not to us, the purebloods. Their betters."
"Father," Lucius says quietly.
"I'll be on to that school. I'll get that ridiculous headmaster replaced," Abraxas states, sneering at the mere mention of Dumbledore. "I'll make sure the world knows…"
"That I'm a Squib?" Lucius asks. The word hurts as it passes his lips, but they both know what he is. He can understand his father's fury, his anger, because Lucius has been brought up to hate those that are different, just as his father does. But he's suspected for a while that he's got no magic.
And he's sure his father has suspected too, judging by the fact that Abraxas Malfoy is looking for a new wife. Something he said he never wanted.
Lucius knows that his father needs a son with magic. A heir, and that's not him, and he's scared of what that means.
"You were perfect," Abraxas says quietly, sitting down in his chair again. "What went wrong?"
Lucius laughs. Like he had a choice in the matter. Like he had any sort of say over the lack of magic. "Father, if I had a choice, I'd have magic."
Abraxas is up, out of his seat once more. "It's like my father always said, and his father before him. Those muggleborns taking the magic from us. It's one of them that stole your magic. There has to be a way to fix this."
As though Abraxas hasn't spent a long time in the library, studying the way to boost magic. The way to remove magic from another and transfer it. He wouldn't put it past his father to steal the magic of a muggleborn and give it to him instead.
"Muggles have boarding schools too," Abraxas considers, somewhat quietly. There's silence for a long moment. "No. Marius. I have to send a letter. You finish breakfast and make yourself busy with your studies."
Abraxas leaves the room, and Lucius stares after his father. He knows he might have to leave here, and he's scared. He doesn't know what his future holds, but he's hoping that his father doesn't disown him. Because whilst he's a squib, he's still Abraxas' only son, and only means of continuing the family line.
For now, that is.
He knows his time is limited. His options too. He's been thinking about this, and he knows that his father will try and marry him off. There will be a magical family out there that has a child they are desperate to get married off to someone with an important name - like the Malfoys. Desperate enough to allow their child to marry a squib in hopes that they can have a son with magical blood, and Lucius' blood status will be kept hidden.
That, or he'll be kept around until his father marries and has another son. Should that son have magic, Lucius will be disowned. He's only still around because his father and mother struggled enough with him. His father isn't going to take that risk.
Lucius wouldn't be surprised if both of these things were put into action at the same time. His father searching for families with pure blood who are desperate to prove themselves. There are still some people whose families are recovering from Grindelwald's reign, and who would need this marriage to better their name. The Malfoy name is one of the best there is. Second only to the Blacks.
But Lucius knows he won't be going to Hogwarts. He'll follow whatever excuses his father comes up with, but will have to deal with a tutor until he knows what his future is.
He's eleven. But he knows that one day, he could have nothing, so he starts to try and come up with his own plan.
He knows what's going to happen when his father marries. The wedding is a small, private affair, and he's heard his father talking behind closed doors.
So, when they sit down in his father's office, he knows what's on his father's mind. But he has his own demands.
"You have two choices," Lucius says, before his father can even speak. "Either you can sire another son, giving you a heir, and making me obsolete. Or, you'll need to marry me off to a pureblooded woman whose family are desperate to increase their social standing, in the hopes that our child is magical and can continue the family line, whilst we also hide my magical status. Am I correct?"
"You are," Abraxas states.
"The wedding has happened which means you're going to start trying for this other son. I am merely the back-up option. But if you wish to consider me, you also have to consider that I don't want to stay here, on the edge of this new family you are seeking to build."
"What are you thinking?" Abraxas asks. He looks a little relieved that Lucius has taken it upon himself to lead this conversation.
"I want to go away to university. I have to consider that I may have to work in the muggle world, therefore I need to be prepared if my life goes in that direction. I think it's a reasonable request to organise my life and plan for my future, should my future not be as part of this family."
Abraxas nods slightly. "If your life goes in that direction, you will be given money to keep quiet about your family. To pretend that you're not one of us."
"Naturally," Lucius says. It hurts, but he expected this. It's their way, he reminds himself. "You'll cover my university fees until I finish too."
"And when you finish, you'll have enough to live somewhat comfortably," Abraxas says. "We're in agreement."
Lucius smiles slightly. He's so very tired of being stuck in the house with only his father, the house-elf and his tutor. He's had the very rare trip to Diagon Alley, his father choosing times when it is quieter. Lucius' face tingles when he goes out and he knows he's in disguise, and he hates it. Almost no-one knows what he looks like, or that he even exists.
Perhaps he has to be someone who isn't a part of this magical family, but Lucius can be someone important still. The world deserves to have him be a part of it.
He just needs to work out what his place is in it.
Ted doesn't want to miss out on something as important as University. As much as he loved his time at Hogwarts, he's always wanted to be a meteorologist, having been fascinated with the weather. Magic doesn't control the weather, and as amazing as that world is, Ted's life is firmly back in the muggle world. He has his parents, and his dream job here.
It's not like he's completely giving it up. He can move between both worlds, but he's always felt more comfortable with muggles. Perhaps because of his upbringing, or perhaps due to the way there are those that look down on muggleborns, which make him feel like he can't completely fit in there as much as he'd want to.
He's the first to arrive in the dorm-room at university. He's excited, because he's actually taking the courses he wants. Hogwarts surprisingly lacks the basic courses that one needs for a future in the muggle world. He's had to take maths, science and geography on the side in order to keep up, and he's sure he's going to still feel quite behind in certain subjects. It's a setback, but Ted can handle those because he's on the right path. Finally.
The room looks bigger than the other rooms he's glanced into on his way down the hallway and he's quite nervous now. If the room is bigger, perhaps he's roomed with someone important. This room has a great view, and the beds look bigger than the others. The kitchen area is bigger too. It's one of the few rooms with a private bathroom.
He glances between the beds, before taking the one closest to the bathroom. The other one is tucked in the corner and offers a little more privacy, and if it's someone important, Ted does not want to piss them off. Taking this bed is his attempt at starting a good relationship. To try and show how easy-going he actually is.
He's glancing through his suitcase when the door opens and another man walks in. Ted turns, but he realises that he's going to have a problem pretty much immediately. The man is sneering as he looks around. He's dressed in expensive clothing and certainly looks like he's from an important and/or a wealthy family. But that's not the problem.
The problem is how gorgeous he is. Almost white blond hair tied back with a ribbon, high-cheekbones and sharp grey eyes. Oh, and those lips. Ted tries not to stare. Instead, he smiles. "Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Ted Tonks."
"Lucius… Malfoy," the man offers, and he sounds a little awkward. "I shan't be here long, I imagine. I was supposed to have a private room."
"Oh? What happened?"
"Someone with a… disability required it instead. I have been assured that one will be provided for me after the term. I just need to… endure." His eyes move between the beds. "You've picked?" He sounds so unimpressed by this, and Ted tries not to laugh because that'd get them off on the wrong foot.
"Yeah. I thought whoever came in would appreciate the one furthest from the bathroom," Ted tells him. "That way you're not disturbed by someone walking past your bed. Me, well, it doesn't bother me at all."
"That is… acceptable." Lucius starts forward but pauses. "Thank you." The words sound like he's not used to them at all, as though they're almost forced out.
"It's all good. We're going to be living together after all, so it's best we start on good terms. Have you ever stayed away from home before?" Ted sits back on his bed, wanting to know more about his roommate.
Lucius merely shakes his head.
"I went to boarding school. Scholarship and all that," Ted says, shrugging his shoulders to try to make it sound like it wasn't a big deal. He's not trying to brag, he's just intent on telling Lucius that being away from home isn't all that bad. "It takes some getting used to, but… it's nice, learning to live on your own, trying to navigate life, you know. Freedom."
Ted could see that Lucius was looking a little bored at his words, but there's a flicker of something with the last word.
"I've been home-tutored since I was a child. I… suffer from a condition. One that cannot spread, I assure you, that meant I couldn't attend the appropriate schools. I have been deemed… able enough to finally start my life. But this is my business and you will not repeat it."
"Course," Ted says. Lucius is a little extreme, quite hot, and Ted is kinda into the whole thing. "What happens in the dorm room stays in the dorm room."
Lucius' lips curve up just a fraction. "Indeed. Perhaps this is for the best, however. I will need assistance in navigating such a… busy place." And there's the slightest quiver to his voice at the words, which Ted notices. People don't realise how perceptive he is, and Lucius seems nervous.
Ted quickly thinks over what he's been told. Tutored and unable to go to school. Awkward, posh family so probably has an entitled attitude which he has already encountered. Probably very few - if any - friends.
"That's what roommates are for," Ted says. "So you're not alone."
Lucius just stares at Ted, but Ted gets off the bed and starts unpacking. "I hope you don't snore, Lucius." What an unusual name. And the surname… he's sure he's heard it somewhere before, but can't really place it. Perhaps in passing. Though, if Lucius' family is important, then perhaps he's read it in a paper or heard it on tv or something? He'll figure it out.
Ted wants to stare, but he doesn't. He keeps his head down and pretends to do his own thing. The clicking sound of the pen is a little irritating, but he's not going to fight over a silly thing.
Lucius is quiet, tidy and he keeps to himself for the most part. He can handle Lucius clicking the pen and sighing every few minutes.
"This pen is faulty," Lucius finally says. "What a ridiculous thing." He sets the biro down. "I prefer something with… better ink."
Oh, and he says some odd things, but Ted is okay with that. People are odd, and with Lucius, it's endearing.
"You don't like biros?" he asks. "You know, there are other pens. Get your coat."
"Excuse me?"
"You don't have stationary that you like, and it's day two here, Lucy, it's time we go out and about. Have you been in Central London before?"
Lucius is quiet for a long moment. "You will never call me that again," he starts. "A man who calls himself /Ted/ rather than Edward has no business trying to give nicknames."
"Ted is so much more fun," Ted insists, grinning at him. "Come on, Lucius, let's go."
Lucius is reluctant, but he stands up anyway. "Fine. If it will make you happy, I'll escort you to the shops." He lets out a long-suffering-sigh, even though he's the one who needs stationary. Even though Ted only asked him once, and Ted's grin widens. Lucius gets annoyed so easily, and he's quite uptight and it's pretty adorable.
"It's okay. You don't have to be scared to go to the shop," Ted says. "I've got you. I won't let you get lost." He shoots Lucius a wink and gets a glare in return and he just knows that having Lucius as a room-mate is going to be so much fun.
He takes Lucius to WHSmiths. He prefers Paperchase himself, but he knows that Lucius won't appreciate the fun patterns and colourful items himself. Lucius will turn his nose up at them. Maybe he'll take him there next time just for his own amusement.
Lucius will turn his nose up at anything, Ted is certain, but this just makes it easier. He's trying to make friends with his roommate, and winding him up with a shop like Paperchase is clearly not the way to go about that.
He picks up the most pricy fountain pen they have, though in all fairness, it's WHSmiths and it's still pretty cheap.
"Fountain pen. You open it, you attach a little tub of ink and when you write, it comes from the tip."
"It is… I suppose it's better than the other pens," Lucius states, reaching for it and holding the box like he's about to get a disease from it. "I suppose if I must."
"They can leak a little. You'll need to go somewhere better than this for a better pen. But I don't know where you could get what you need, so you might have to make do."
Lucius glances over the pen, before nodding his head. "If I must," he repeats with another sigh.
"Hey. Now that we're out, we should get some food. What about some McDonalds?"
"What on Earth is a McDonalds?" Lucius asks, looking appalled already at the name. Ted smirks, though it strikes him as strange that Lucius hasn't at least heard of the place.
"Burgers and chips. What about a milkshake? You look like you enjoy a good strawberry milkshake."
"Burgers and chips," Lucius echoes, looking appalled at the notion. "Milkshakes? Who do you take me for?"
"A university student who wants to gain new experiences," Ted starts. He's about to add more, but is surprised when that's enough to cause Lucius to reluctantly nod his head.
"You're the most insufferable person I've ever met," Lucius mutters.
"Trust me, I'm really not."
It's only a matter of time though. Ted has his secret, and he rarely does magic. But he carries his wand just in case. He's careful for Lucius to never see it because, honestly, how do you explain carrying a random stick around?
When Lucius decides to go for a walk around the campus late at night, Ted does wonder about Lucius' common sense. You don't go walking around an unfamiliar place late at night, alone. So he does what any good friend does. He goes along. He brings the wand in case Lucius needs protecting, because, let's face it, if Ted was a mugger, he'd go after Lucius. Lucius is quite rich and doesn't even try to hide.
They walk in silence for a bit.
"You're not used to life like this, are you?" Ted asks.
Lucius is quiet for a long moment. "What happens in uni, stays…"
"Yeah, of course," Ted insists. "We're friends. Friends keep each other's secrets."
Lucius is quiet once more. Ted doesn't push. He's sure Lucius is thinking things through.
"I'm not the son my father wants," Lucius admits. "But I'm also… his only son. He's remarried. If he has another son, then that's the end of my association with my family. But if he doesn't… well, he will reluctantly have to accept me. My condition was for him to allow me to come and live my life."
"Because of your medical condition?" Ted checks.
Lucius nods. "If he has another son, I will need to make a life for myself. I can't do that if I've never experienced life. That's why I'm here. So I can determine what my future holds."
"How does your family feel about that?" Ted pries.
"It's just me and my father. I have no other siblings. He has no siblings. You get the idea." Lucius smiles wryly at him. "His wife would prefer me not there. I knew she would feel this way. There is no ill-will. It's how life is. It's how I was brought up and what I was taught. If I wasn't like this, and my son was… I'd perhaps act the same as my father. Who knows."
"And now that you've got your condition? Would you treat your son like your father is treating you?"
"No," Lucius admits. "It's one thing to be raised a certain way. It's another to live that life and understand it. Should I stay in my family and marry, there is a possibility that my son won't be born with my affliction. But… we shall see."
"It seems a bit shit, if you don't mind me saying. I mean, can I be honest, Lucy?"
"Perhaps I'd be more willing to hear you out if you used my name," Lucius gripes.
"Lucius," Ted says. "You deserve better than to be a back-up option for your father should he not have another son. No one should feel as alone as I imagine you do. Don't even go to deny that, because you've just told me that it's you and your father. He should value you, no matter what."
"What about you? Your family? How do they feel about you being away again?" Lucius says, clearly trying to change the subject.
"They miss me. It's me and my parents at home. I've got a seven year old sister who thinks I'm the most amazing person in the world, which is… it's a lot to live up to. If I fuck up, I let her down. She's just a kid, but…" he sighs. "I want to make my parents proud, but I also want to live my life. I could've gone to a university closer to home. One where I'd go home after classes, but this is the best university for my course, and I like the freedom that it gives me. I don't plan to live at home anymore. As much as I love my family, I plan to have my own life and get my own place after I eventually finish here."
"It's really that easy for you?" Lucius asks.
Ted shrugs. "When I sum it up like that, it might sound easy. But it's not. I just have to make these choices sometimes. I'm not choosing to turn my back on my family. I'm choosing to have my own life, and my family can still be a part of that life."
"It sounds… like you know what you want. Perhaps you could help me figure that out for myself."
"Well, a good start is thinking about what you're good at and what you want to do with your life. A goal to aim towards," Ted suggests. "Same with everything."
Lucius shrugs, something that Ted hasn't seen before. "I'm used to having my father plan out my life for me," he admits. "I've never had to think about these things. I wouldn't know where to start. I just… wanted the freedom this place gives. But… perhaps you can assist me in figuring this out for myself."
"I'd be more than happy to," Ted insists. Lucius offers a small smile, which Ted returns.
They've been there for three weeks when Ted has to tell his secret to Lucius. They've struck up a friendship and Ted is sure he's starting to understand Lucius a lot better. Lucius is more confident in being out and about, and he's sneered at pretty much every student at university, and he's gotten himself a fountain pen that makes Ted sick, thinking about the price. but Lucius is happy and he's relaxed and they're getting along well.
Tonight had been Lucius' first time in a pub, drinking beer rather than the posh wine that Ted is sure he'd be used to. Lucius is a bit tipsy, and that's why they've left the pub. He doesn't want Lucius to get too drunk and embarrass himself. He's still of sound mind, and Ted, even though he's had more to drink, is about equally tipsy.
Lucius looks more relaxed than ever, and Ted is having a great evening and he's ready to go back to his bed and crash. He'll tease Lucius about tonight, tomorrow. But after a few drinks, he's paying a little less attention to what is going on around him. Which makes them easier targets.
When the guy approaches, the light from the streetlight shining off the knife, Ted steps in the way of Lucius, because Lucius needs to be protected, but also Lucius appears to be the target, based on the man's gaze.
"Look, no-one needs to get hurt," the man says, his eyes moving between them. "Give me your wallet."
Ted tries to think if there's a peaceful way to get out of this.
"My wallet costs more than anything you're wearing," Lucius says with a snide tone, and Ted sighs. The one time he wants Lucius to be quiet. But of course, Lucius just wants to antagonise people. Great. This is going to be a fun friendship.
The man moves forward, insulted, and Ted's wand is out. "Stupefy."
The man goes flying backwards, and Ted urgently looks around to see if anyone has seen. There's no-one else out.
He looks at Lucius. "Look, this is going to sound crazy—"
"You're a Wizard." Lucius looks between him and the wand. "You didn't tell me before. You've been lying to me." Lucius takes a step back, his lip curling. "The boarding school… Hogwarts. You went to Hogwarts!"
Ted is frozen. There's no point denying any of it, because Lucius would only have that knowledge if he's a part of the wizarding world. No accent, so he didn't go to Beauxbatons or another school. He didn't go to Hogwarts, because Ted would have noticed. There's no way he would have missed someone like Lucius Malfoy.
And that's when it hits him. He knows the name 'Malfoy' from the Wizarding World.
"I think we should talk at the dorm," Ted says quietly. "Not here. We better call the police in the meantime."
Lucius watches Ted carefully throughout the evening, and finally they've left the police-station and headed to the dorm once more.
He sits down on his bed.
"I recognise your surname," Ted starts. "But not you. You didn't go to Hogwarts or another school. To be honest, it all makes sense - your behaviour. But… the rest of the stuff you told me—"
"You will not repeat that," Lucius snaps. "If I knew the truth, I would never have told you. My father cannot find out I was talking about him, or telling you anything."
"But you talk about a condition," Ted adds. "And… Lucius, you're a Squib, aren't you?"
Lucius can't answer. He hates the word. Hates what it means. He was just starting to have his first friend (and let's not address the other feelings that being around Ted causes).
The silence stretches and Ted gets up from his bed and sits next to Lucius.
"This doesn't have to change anything," he comments quietly. "We both had our secrets, and for very good reason. We're part of a world that we're not allowed to talk about."
"I'm not, though," Lucius tells him. "I'm not a part of it as much as I want to be."
Ted nods. "So before, you were talking about marriage and stuff? That all the pureblood shit that I heard about back at school?"
"One of my father's options, should he not have another son, is to marry me off, quietly, to someone who needs our name to better themselves. There is hope that their magic and the benign magic in my blood will lead to a magical child to carry on the family name. But I'm enjoying my life now. Or… I was." He gives Ted an accusuary look. "Why did you have to be a wizard?"
"I'm a Muggleborn," Ted mutters. "I grew up without magic, I didn't do magic at home because my parents didn't fully understand it, though they were and still are supportive. I'm here because whilst I love that world, my dreams are in the muggle world. I only use magic in emergencies. Lucius, you're my friend. You matter to me. Let's not… let's not let this affect this."
"You know, father always said that muggleborns stole magic from us, which is why we have squibs," Lucius says. It sounds ridiculous because he can't imagine Ted stealing anything. He can't help the slight curve of his lips.
Ted laughs softly. "You mean an eleven year old with no powers somehow managed to pull the magical essence from someone much more powerful and then bind it to them? Muggles have this knowledge somehow, but wizards don't? Yes, clearly that's what happened."
"It's ridiculous. I know that now. But I used to blame people like you for what I am."
"Being a squib isn't what you are. That's one thing that is a part of you, but that's not your whole identity. Remember that."
Lucius nods. He's felt less like a problem, less of a burden ever since coming to university. Ted is easy to be around and he likes this.
He doesn't want to give Ted up.
"When I came here, I told myself that magic wouldn't be a part of my life. That it wouldn't control me anymore. I was starting to consider that I won't return for marriage, should that be a demand my father puts on me. But of all people, I end up sharing with you. I don't understand what fate is demanding of me anymore."
"Maybe stop trying to figure fate out and just… do what makes you happy."
"You. You make me happy. I suppose."
Ted nudges him with his arm. "I love you too," he says. "You're such a romantic. Such a way with words."
Lucius can't help but laugh. "As long as I don't have to deal with magic."
"Only in emergencies," Ted replies. "So… are we good?"
Lucius nods slowly. "We are."
4676 words
Writing Club - Lizzy's Loft - 9. Dream - I know all your reasons
Lyric Alley - 19. I found the light to life
Fight Club - Character: Lucius Malfoy
Gobstones - Green Stone: Chance / Accuracy: 8. (dialogue) "You're the most insufferable person I've ever met." / Power: 16. (object) wand / Technique: 4. (word) snide