Disclaimer: I make no money with this.

Chosen By: Arilynn

Prompt 1: Computer Gaming

Prompt 2: "Do you trust me?"

Pairing: Lucius Malfoy, Janet Frasier

WC: 500-1000

Written: June 27, 2024

Story #14

"Come on, Lucius, you'll never know it you like it if you don't try." Janet teased.

"My dear, I have no interest in trying this muggle contraption." Lucius' posture was stiff as a board.

"You said you'd give it a try when I told you about it." Janet reminded. She had been teaching her wizard about the muggle world for almost a year now.

She knew he had lost his wife in a war and had come close to being imprisoned himself. During his trial, because they had used a truth serum, his actual crimes had been minor. The horrid things he had been forced to do had been while under a spell and against his will.

She had been chosen to help acquitted DeathEaters to learn more about the muggle world. To show, through firsthand experience, that the muggles they looked down upon had come further than they had been taught. That muggles weren't much different than magicals; that the muggle world had its share of good, bad and everything in between quite like the magical world.

Lucius was her second magical to "teach". However, what neither had anticipated was that they would get along so well and have chemistry.

When General Hammond had first told her and those selected to help, she had scoffed. How were they to "teach" someone who had such strong views about her kind? Would it even make a difference? Her first magical was a pureblood witch who had been led astray by falsehoods about muggle-borns and muggles and Janet found her work cut out for her. She had had to break down barriers that were years in the making. It had taken almost the entire year, the length of time assigned, to get through to the young witch. Fortunately, she was able to reach the witch before the deadline and had finally been able to enjoy her company the last two months of 'mentorship'.

Then she met Lucius Malfoy. Their chemistry was clear upon meeting but Janet recognized the stubbornness in the way he held himself and the air of distrust by the lift of his chin. She had breathed deeply as she escorted him to her guest room; she has dealt with his kind before on every base she has worked at. The 'I don't need to see a doctor' attitude and Janet knew she would have to show Lucius Malfoy that she was no one to be trifled with. She could stand toe-to-toe with any rank in the military and any sized soldier. It was one of the reasons she was appointed to the SGC. She may be small but that just meant she was underestimated often.

Lucius had found this out within the first week. He learned that Janet wouldn't back down when it was warranted. She had laughed after their first real confrontation when Lucius had commented that she reminded him of Poppy Pomfrey. She had no major issues after that. Actually, they had started to get along quite well after that incident and Lucius had dropped most airs he had tried to keep and became interested in the muggle world.

After nine months, Janet was determined to show Lucius how a computer worked. She had shown him several times but he refused operating a computer himself. However, Janet's preferred way to relax when at home was playing computer games. She had taken a chance when World of Warcraft had come out and hadn't looked back. It was quite relaxing to explore the world, find and complete quests and chat with other players. She didn't get to play as much as she wanted but loved to when given the chance. She chatted the game up to Lucius, who had shown interest, but had yet to get him to do more than touch a computer.

"Lucius, do you trust me?" Janet asked.

"You know I do." Lucius answered.

"Then why won't you try this? It's fun and you've said you thought it interesting. Come on, give it a try. I've already created you an account. Why won't you at least try it?" Janet pushed.

Lucius knew how much Janet enjoyed playing but had been reticent about joining her. He had learned much about muggles and their way of life. To his surprise, he found himself enjoying quite a bit. However, he wasn't in a hurry to be sucked into the gaming world. Janet had explained to him how she could play for hours without realizing it and that she always looked forward to slow times. Lucius had a feeling that he would get caught up in the game she loved and wasn't sure if he was ready for that. Despite his reluctance, Janet had continued to push learning computers on him.

From what he had seen and been told, computers were a huge staple in muggle culture and offered a wide variety of entertaining as well as helpful tools at the tip of one's fingertips. It was why he hadn't touched one, a bit intimidated by the machines. If the wizarding world ever decided to adapt any muggle advances, this would be among them. His mind had been trying to wrap around the advantages and disadvantages, it truly was astounding all the possibilities. However, Lucius found himself wanting to learn more and more each day and now that his time was coming to an end, he wanted to share in Janet's joy.

"Very well, if I must." Lucius 'sighed' as he sat in the chair. After Janet showed him how to load the game, she sat next to him. She walked him through the beginning, creating a new character so they could be on the same page. After several hours, Janet called for a break. They needed to stretch and eat.

"But we need to grind some more to get our missing ingredients." Lucius pouted.

"And we will but food first, mister." Janet used her doctor voice.

"Oh, alright." Lucius walked with her to the kitchen with a smile.

~Fin~ (WC 999)