Severus and Lucius Apologize to Each Other
There was nothing Severus could have done for Marley, Draco, or Scorpius except wait outside one of St. Mungo's hospital wings with Lily, Miles, Sharon, and Samuel. The minutes were counting down more slowly than usual, with no one but Severus knowing when it would end; it was times like these when he envied those without foresight. He felt a presence from down the corridor and turned; unsurprisingly and unwelcomingly, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy approached, hurrying at first until they saw the Snapes and Glenns, slowing to a halt.
"... Snape," Lucius said at a distance.
"Malfoy," Snape replied.
"What brings you here?" Narcissa asked icily.
"The same reason as you," Lily replied.
Lucius looked Miles up and down. "And who's this?"
"Miles Glenn," Miles said. "I'm Marley's husband."
"The Muggle."
Severus felt his temper flare as Sharon and Samuel hid behind Miles, but before he could say anything, Miles took a small step forward. "The Muggle," the larger man replied with a nod.
Lucius sneered at Miles and Severus. "I can't believe you settled for someone like this."
"Yes," Severus replied coldly, "it might've been prudent to keep my children in line. The only real loss I would've suffered, had I done things your way, would be my family. Speaking of which: how's Draco?"
"You foul man!" Narcissa shrieked. "We were kind to you all those years ago, and you have the nerve to say something like this?!"
"What's going on?!" Everyone turned as Marley and Draco came out from the hospital wing; Marley's eyes were puffy, while Draco was supporting her by the arm. Draco looked around, his eyes meeting his father's. "... Father."
"Draco." Lucius took a breath and straightened his back. "When you asked us to come, I didn't expect... these people."
"Don't do this today," Draco said, his voice hardening.
"What are you-"
"I said 'not today'," Draco repeated, helping Marley into Miles's arms.
"Sweetheart," Narcissa said, softening her tone.
"My son, your grandson, is saying goodbye to his mother," Draco continued, his voice cracking, "and all I want is for one day of peace and quiet, for his sake."
Severus could see the conflict on Lucius's face, but as the older man glanced behind Draco and into the hospital wing, the tension abated, replaced by a softness behind his eyes.
"... for today," Lucius agreed.
Draco nodded silently before turning to Marley and hugging her. "I'll go back in."
Marley nodded as Draco returned within to where his wife was lying.
Severus felt someone nudge his arm, turning to see Lily had approached. "Yes?"
"You should apologize," Lily said softly.
"What?!"
"For today, Sev."
Severus kept eye contact with Lily, processing what could be going through her head, before he saw Sharon comfort her mother with a hug. He nodded and turned to Lucius. "I apologize for my remark."
Lucius eyed Severus before Narcissa cleared her throat, and Lucius (after clearly thinking something over in his head) replied. "My comments on your family were... uncalled for." He took his cane with one hand as he outstretched his hand.
Severus returned in kind, taking Lucius's hand and giving it a brief shake before letting go and turning his attention back into the room before them, waiting until Draco and Scorpius came out for the final time.