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Chapter Text

Lucius Malfoy had a lot of favourite pastimes. Horse riding, reading, travelling, fencing, playing the piano, hunting... His father's birthday party, however, was not included in this list. Moreover, it was not an ordinary birthday party; Abraxas was turning 50 years old, and the festivities were extraordinarily sumptuous. Lucius stood in the ballroom of his parents' house in London and was already thriving to leave. Nearly five hundred people were invited. Abraxas's friends and family, cousins, aunts, uncles, his schoolmates, all members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, prominent lawyers, healers, politicians, brokers, financiers - crème de la crème of the wizarding world. The press was granted access; excited journalists were taking notes, pictures, and talking to guests. Lucius was well aware that this party would be discussed for weeks. Not only because his father was a well-known figure. When moved to London, Abraxas gained interest in herbology and funded Herbert Beery's Botanical Garden; located close to the capital. In the fit of generosity, he also decided to establish a scholarship for extraordinarily talented boys who plunged into poverty and could not afford further studies. Lucius was made a chairman; he personally talked to young men from excellent families, which, for numerous reasons, lost their fortunes. He was smiling brightly, shook hands, with Narcissa by his side, attended these boys' graduations, symposiums, conferences, and concerts - these people owed him - and Lucius intended to use their gratitude for his own purposes. The financial law allowed the Malfoys to save absurdly high amounts on taxes. Yes, 1972 was an extremely prosperous year for them. People admired and envied them at the same time, they only waited for something suspicious to happen, but Lucius was far too intelligent to make stupid mistakes. His father's 50th birthday was in the meantime, the first anniversary of the scholarship he had funded, and Lucius knew his family would be exposed for weeks. Although vain and egocentric, he dearly valued his privacy; that is why hated the idea that a picture or two of him and Narcissa at his arm would definitely be published in the  Daily Prophet . The political situation was tense and complicated, and Lucius just could not afford any false step, not now. 

This embarrassing incident with the leak of classified data from the Department of Mysteries was obviously caused by a muggle-born ministry clerk... We couldn't have possibly suspected that this mu… person would turn out so incompetent… That was a disaster; so many people were compromised… And in such an unfortunate moment, when the government is at war… Ah, Barty, allow me...

Lucius's charming smile incited trust and made everyone believe that he was genuinely worried about the ministry's struggle with the power of the Dark Lord. No one could even imagine that it was him who caused the leak and covered his tracks so skillfully that all evidence clearly pointed out to this poor muggle-born clerk who was only a receptionist in the Department of Mysteries. Society was dissatisfied with the ministry's actions, and one more example of incompetence could be fatal to the cabinet. Lucius was well aware of that, and he did brilliantly, which earned him Voldemort's respect and second-in-command position. Lucius took a glass of wine from the table and loosened his collar a bit, it was getting late, and he didn't intend to spend this whole night on his father's birthday. He looked around and spotted Narcissa in the far end of the ballroom. She looked  stunning  in her black taffeta gown. Lucius couldn't take his eyes off her; he observed her while talking with Roddy and Bella. after two years of marriage he still was madly in love with her, but now the feeling was calmer, more steady. Lucius dearly valued their long conversations, long hours they spent together on horse riding and travelling; she was his best advisor, she was his  best friend  now. Lucius wanted her badly, but suddenly he was surprised to realise that they even made love differently. They paid more attention to each other; it was slower, gentler, much longer than even a year ago. He was looking at Narcissa's soft movements, and the world ceased to exist. Suddenly Lucius just decided to ignore the other engagements he planned for tonight. 

'Dolohov can wait,'  he thought as he started to walk towards his wife, trying to avoid conversations, which was not as easy as he expected. 

Yes… Yes, of course, I remember… I will be at the Knickerbocker on Monday; we can discuss the details then… Ah, Alice dear, how's your daughter? Excellent, maybe you'd like to visit us next week? Narcissa will be overjoyed… 

"Lucius!" 

Young Mr Malfoy stopped at the sound of his father in law's voice. 

"Cygnus, it's good to see you; how are you?" Lucius shook his hand. 

"Very well, thank you," Mr Black smiled at him, "Dashing party, Abraxas really outdid himself this time…," 

"Yes, he did," Lucius cleared his throat, "He always has been a big fan of grandeur, I have to admit it." 

"I wanted to thank you," Cygnus said, "I was surprised at the beginning but…," 

"Hm?" Lucius was looking at Narcissa's back, "Thank me for what?" 

"Well, that you agreed to her scholarship, of course!" 

"Her scholarship? The foundation only finances programs for boys…," 

"Lucius, please, don't joke," Cygnus smiled, "I know how much this annual Harvard scholarship means to Narcissa; that was her dream. Thank you for letting her go…," 

"What?" 

"She applied in June; two weeks ago she got the answer," Cygnus stopped smiling, "You know about it, right?" 

"What are you talking about?" Lucius's voice suddenly became colder, "What  scholarship?" 

"I don't understand; she didn't tell you?" Cygnus was not looking at him, "But… It doesn't make any sense! She…,"

Cygnus started to say something about the  future of healing  and  revolutionary techniques of antidotes brewing,  but Lucius didn't even listen to him. He felt like a complete idiot.  Scholarship? Harvard?  Suddenly he felt like all these people he screwed over the years, and he hated the feeling. The great Lucius Malfoy, the grey eminence, one of the most powerful people of his time deceived by a person he trusted the most. Deceived by his own wife. How could she not even inform him? How could she hide this behind his back? He recalled her evasive statements on next year's vacation, the laconic answers to his questions about her plans and felt a wave of cold rage rising in him - he was  furious  at her. 

"A year in Massachusetts."  He suddenly thought and felt sick as he imagined not seeing her for twelve months.  "She won't go anywhere; I will never allow that." 

"Will you excuse me, Cygnus?" Lucius cleared his throat, "I have other engagements. Tell  my wife  please that I left early, would you?" 

"Lucius, I thought you knew… I shouldn't have…," 

"Yes, you should," Lucius interrupted him, "Who else knows?" 

"Bella," Cygnus looked him in the eye, "I understand you are upset, but if you'd ever..." 

"No, you don't understand anything, Cygnus," Lucius put an empty glass on the table, "Besides, what are you implying here? That I'd beat her over this  misunderstanding?" 

"Don't be ridiculous," a bright fire lit up in Cygnus's eyes, "I know how much you love  my daughter ." 

"Excellent," Lucius smirked, "Goodbye, Cygnus." 

*

Narcissa woke up early on Saturday; she was anxious and hadn't had a good night's sleep. When her father told her that Lucius left early due to  other engagements,  she didn't know what to say. That was the first time they left the party separately; moreover, Lucius hadn't mentioned any other plans for yesterday evening, which genuinely worried her. Narcissa's father behaved weird; he avoided her eyesight and left quite early as well - Cissy didn't know what to think about it. She woke up alone; Lucius's side of the bed was cold and untouched. She obviously was used to that, it was not the first time, but he had always informed her beforehand - Cissy knew that something must have happened, and the fact that she didn't know what it was terrified her. 

"Why today?"  She thought while carefully composing her outfit; she needed to look absolutely stunning.  "I need everything to be perfect today... Why am I so stupid? I should've told him much earlier…," 

Narcissa looked in the mirror and brushed her silky smooth hair slowly. She carefully planned this day. She booked a table in Lucius's favourite restaurant, chose this black dress he liked the most - she intended to do everything that pleased him.  Damn,  she even brought his favourite lavender caramels from the south of France, alongside this absurdly expensive cognac he liked so much, and beluga caviar from Siberia. When Narcissa was granted this scholarship in the United States, she was overjoyed. For some reason, however, she kept the news to herself. After a few weeks she told her father and sister, but each time she tried to tell Lucius something blocked her. Narcissa knew it would be hard for him to accept, and with each passing day, it was harder for her to tell. Cissy was looking at him and couldn't understand what was happening to her. She observed how he read books by the fireplace and played the piano, how he saddled his horse and wrote letters - she couldn't take her eyes off him. Lucius was the love of her life; he gave her comfort and peace. Narcissa wanted him so badly; there were days it was all she could think about. Sometimes she visited him in the ministry; Lucius's secretary loved it - that always meant at least one hour break. 

"Why haven't I told him a month ago?" 

She took a deep breath and left her marital chambers; lightly ran down the stairs, and passed the foyer straight to the dining room. Narcissa didn't expect to meet Lucius there; he hated getting up early, especially on weekends; she expected to meet him around noon. Much to her surprise, her husband was sitting at the table reading the newspaper. He was fully dressed, which was even weirder, as Lucius usually didn't have to work on weekends.

"Good morning, darling," Narcissa cleared her throat and sat in front of her husband. "Where were you last night?" 

"Why do you ask?" He didn't even look at her.  

"You haven't told me; I'd like to know what was going on…," 

"This is not your concern,  darling.  I do not have to inform you about everything I do." Lucius's voice was steel cold, Narcissa shivered against her will; maids that usually assisted during the breakfast exchanged concerned looks. Lucius had never used this tone during conversations with his wife. 

"Are you busy tonight?" Narcissa's voice shivered slightly, "I thought maybe…,'

"I am going out tonight," he cut in swiftly and folded the paper in half, "Don't wait for me." 

"Did something happen, Lucius?" Narcissa decided to ask straight forward, "Why are you so upset?" 

"I don't know, you tell me," He said and finally looked at her; his grey eyes were ice-cold, "Is there anything you'd like to say to me?"

"No, I…" 

"Leave us," Lucius growled; the maids curtsied and left the dining room in a hurry, "Congratulations on your scholarship, Narcissa."

"How did you find out?" She whispered, feeling faint, "Lucius, please…," 

"Your father told me yesterday," young Mr Malfoy tossed the paper at the table, "He thought I knew; after all, you are my beloved wife, and we do not keep secrets from each other, isn't that right, darling?" Lucius smiled sarcastically and loosened his collar. "Go ahead, say something! You were so eager to talk; now you have your chance!" 

"I wanted to tell you today!" Narcissa said. She tried to control her voice, but it was surprisingly difficult all of a sudden, "I just wanted it to be special, I made a reservation, I…,"

"That's convenient," Lucius smirked, "So you planned to ask me out for dinner to do what? To inform me that you were leaving for a year to the United States? You've made a fool out of me, Narcissa. Finding out about something like this from your father was  humiliating . Have I ever interfered with your affairs? How could you keep something like this behind my back?"

It sounded so stupid when he said it out loud. Narcissa suddenly felt like a provincial goose trying to impress a man who was high above her status. She began to understand how great a mistake she made. 

"I didn't know how to tell you this! I hadn't even suspected that they would want me in the first place!" She was looking at her empty plate, "When I opened the envelope, I was sure I didn't get it!"

"Don't do that," Lucius growled, "This false modesty doesn't suit you." 

"I will go to the United States," Narcissa firmly said and finally looked at him, "You cannot forbid me!" 

"Technically, I can." 

"You wouldn't dare…," 

"Oh wouldn't I?" Lucius got up and leaned over the fireplace; Narcissa suddenly realized why her husband had this influence on people. Why he had this power over them. There was something magnetic in his eyes, something chilling in his voice that  made  people subject to his will. "Let's say that I would agree, grant you access to  my  money and resources, and then what? Have you thought it through? Where are you going to live? Do you understand that we won't see each other for a couple of months?" 

"I thought you could come with me…," 

"I am the head of International Confederation of Wizards British Seats, for fuck's sake, Cissy!" Lucius slightly raised his voice, "Do you think it's so  easy  for me to get a year sabbatical?! Maybe if I had more time, but it was you who decided to inform me about your little trip three weeks before it!" 

"You can visit me, I am sure…,"

"Oh, you think that I can come over for weekends? Have you ever been to the United States? Or to Canada?" 

"No, but…," 

"Well, I have. The trip itself takes at least four days; during winter, it may be even ten. It is not France or Spain, or even the Middle East or Petersburg, with a steady, well-managed floo network, Cissy!" Lucius was losing patience slowly; Narcissa didn't know anything about logistics; she didn't even plan her travel, "You have to cross the bloody ocean! Almost four thousand miles! You have to go through Thule in Greenland; then Frobisher Bay, Montreal, and  then finally  New York or Boston! 

"Yes, because portkeys do not exist…,"

"They are extremely dangerous in Canada, Cissy! Especially in the wilder, northern parts!" Lucius was furious, "There is a different, primal kind of magic in America! It coexists obviously with what colonists brought there back in the sixteenth century; however, we do not have access to it! Portkeys are distorted; hundreds of people died in accidents! You'd need an experienced guide; it takes at least two months to plan a trip like this! I would have never thought that you were so irresponsible!" 

Narcissa was looking at her plate. Lucius was right; she hadn't thought about that. She hadn't planned anything, hadn't prepared at all, and frankly, she realized she didn't even know  why  she wanted to go to the United States so badly. True, the program interested her; the research was connected to what she was working on recently - that could be a break she needed, but there was something else beneath. Something that made her anxious and restless. 

"Where are you going?" She asked suddenly, watching Lucius buttoning up his black cashmere coat, "Tell me where are you going!" 

"I have urgent matters to attend to," he snapped, not looking at her, "Goodbye, Cissy." 

Chapter Text

Narcissa cursed under her breath as she walked up Regent's Street to her father's house in London. Cygnus had asked her to come over a week ago and normally Cissy would be overjoyed - the circumstances changed drastically, however, and Narcissa was not in the mood for having family time with her father. It was a disaster. Lucius left without a word, and he didn't even tell her what he was up to. Narcissa knew well that sooner or later he would have to deal with Dark Lord's commands, and it always has been perilous and risky. She knew that Voldemort would send her husband some absurdly dangerous mission; she knew he would be forced to fight for his own life. Not knowing what was happening with him was driving her crazy. Cissy understood well that it was necessary; she fully stood up for blood supremacy - she was proud of Lucius - yet this overwhelming fear was the worst. Narcissa was mad at him, though, and the mixed feelings of dread and fury were something that made her uncomfortable. She was well aware that what had happened in the morning was her fault; Lucius had every right to be mad at her, but his reaction seemed exaggerated to her. 

"I wasn't lying to him," Narcissa thought while looking at her father's house. "I just haven't informed him about this… I should have done it earlier, but Lucius had no right to treat me like this! I don't know where he is! I don't know anything! And this remark about money…," 

She recalled what he had said and gritted her teeth. Her husband gave her power of attorney at the beginning of their marriage; he officially entitled her to bank accounts and vaults. As per law, it was Lucius who owned their money and wealth. All that would do was one his word, and Narcissa would be devoid of all access to their wealth. Although she was well aware of this, Cissy would have never thought that Lucius could even insinuate something like this. And her father!

 Why did he do this?

Narcissa entered her ancestral house and went straight to the parlour - it was already half-past three, and she knew that Cygnus was usually playing chess at this hour. She passed through the hallway, and despite her dissatisfaction with her father, she felt blissful happiness filling her in. She was looking at marble floors, beautiful, mahogany furniture, at paintings, at crystal mirrors and chandeliers - she loved this house, full of warm and happy memories. As a child, she played in those spacious interiors; as a teenage girl she spent at least one month of summer holidays here with her sisters and parents. Cygnus and Druella loved each other deeply; they loved their daughters - they provided them with a home full of warmth and happiness. Narcissa felt cared for; she felt safe and cherished all her life. She and Bella supported and helped each other; their parents taught them to be best friends. 

Good afternoon, miss Narcissa, it's so good to see you…, Your chambers still look the same as they did before your wedding day…, You may be Mrs Malfoy now, but to us, you still would be this little girl who used to run down the stairs every morning…, 

"Ah, Cissy, sweetheart!" 

Narcissa turned reluctantly at her father's voice - he must have heard her laughter. Cygnus came towards her and hugged her warmly; when she felt his scent - warm, spicy scent of cinnamon and patchouli - she felt like the little girl she once was. Cissy realized she could tell him everything; he would always listen to her and comfort her. Every now and then, since early childhood, she could trust him with everything. Cygnus never judged her; he never criticized her, and Narcissa felt tears flooding her eyes against her will. 

"Cissy, what's wrong?" Cygnus stroked her cheek, "Why are you crying? Hush now, my little girl…, Madeleine, tea please, oolong. Come, darling, sit down, please…, Tell me everything…," 

"Why did you do it, daddy?" Narcissa asked and sniffled, "Why?" 

"I could ask you the same question." Cygnus was looking at her attentively, "I thought he knew. Why haven't you told him?" 

"I don't know!" Narcissa dried her eyes; she didn't know why she lost it, "I guess I was afraid…,"

"Cissy, is everything all right?" 

"No, it's not! We had a serious argument; Lucius left without a word, and I don't even know what is happening to him!" 

"Narcissa, listen to me carefully," Cygnus took her hand and looked her straight in the eye, "If something is not right, if he hurt you, I will do everything I can to help you... We can get you a divorce; it won't be easy but…," 

"What are you talking about, daddy?" Narcissa asked sharply, "Are you out of your mind?! " 

"Cissy, you can be honest with me; if you are not happy…,"

"Daddy, he loves me! I love him! More than anything! This marriage is the best that has ever happened to me!" 

Cygnus wasn't looking at her. For a long moment, he was silent; Narcissa didn't know what to think about it. Her father always seemed to like Lucius; they both liked fencing; twice a week they met at the Knickerbocker - Cygnus had never given the impression he had anything against his son in law. 

"I will be honest with you, Cissy," Cygnus lit up a cigarette. 

"You shouldn't be smoking, daddy…," 

"I never wanted you to marry him." 

"What are you talking about?" Narcissa gasped, "Why?!"

"Because he is just like his father!" Cygnus exclaimed, he still wasn't looking at his daughter, "I observed him closely, I knew he was a possible match for you, and I never wanted you to marry him! He is a playboy, a womanizer; I knew he would hurt you…," 

"Father, I know all this! He told me everything!" Narcissa growled, "Don't look at me like that; we talked about this! Yes, I was a bit overwhelmed at first, but since he met me, Lucius hadn't been with another woman!" 

"And you believe him?" 

"Yes, I do believe him, daddy, he is my husband! I have no reason not to believe him! He loves me; he respects me; he is everything to me, father!" Narcissa was almost shouting - she was confused and angry - she didn't understand what was going on. "True, he is very much like his father, they like the same things, they even have a similar tone of voice, they both are left-handed, but Lucius truly loves me, he would never hurt me! What is this all about, daddy? I thought you and Abraxas were friends!" 

"Your mother was engaged to Lucius's father, Cissy," Cygnus blurted abruptly, and Narcissa felt like someone poured a bucket of icy cold water over her head. She was thinking fast, digesting what her father had told her and couldn't believe it. She always thought the marriage of her parents was perfect. She thought they deeply loved each other - now she wasn't so sure. 

My mother was engaged to Abraxas Malfoy? How was this even possible? 

She had thousands of questions ready to ask, but, for some reason, she could get none out of her throat. 

"Wh… what?" She stammered, "But…," 

"I loved her all my life, Cissy; I was so madly in love with her," Cygnus said after a while, "And I tried, but I never was considered it boy." 

"Daddy, you were the heir to the Black family, I honestly do not believe…," 

"Yes, I was the heir to one of the wealthiest houses in our world, and I was intelligent and funny, and popular. But I was always second to him. Abraxas had it all. He had charm, wit, a great sense of humour, and damn, he was handsome…, He was a bright, shining star, just like Lucius is now. Girls loved him; your mother loved him…, And he never actually cared for it; he was interested only in his pleasure." 

Narcissa felt sick; she understood where all this was going. 

"Your mother nearly died out of despair when he left her," Cygnus gritted his teeth, "That was my chance; I was with her day and night, I took care of her, and when I proposed she accepted. But I never really knew if she truly loved me. She never told me what had happened between them."

Narcissa was unable to speak. She didn't know what to say. She wanted to console him, to comfort him, but there were no words that could ease his pain. 

"That is why I didn't want you to marry Lucius," Cygnus said after a while, "But when you came to me and said that you fell in love with him, I couldn't refuse you. I never could refuse you, Cissy." 

"Daddy, listen to me," Narcissa took his hand and looked deeply in his green eyes, "Lucius is not his father. He would have never hurt me. We love each other, daddy; he is the love of my life."

"Then why haven't you told him?" 

"Because it's hard, daddy! I would leave for a year to the United States, we won't see each other for a long time!" 

"I do not understand you, Cissy," Cygnus sighed, “You told me you dreamt about it, but why have you to leave? There are Oxford courses, here, in England. Equally prestigious, everyone would be happy…,”

Narcissa wanted to give him thousands of reasons for the necessity of her travel, about the importance of this research, the quality of American healing magic, finally about the wizarding campuses of New England, full of wonders and mysteries - when she suddenly realized she was just bored. Yes, she was bored. True, she worked, she had a fully equipped laboratory in Wiltshire; she wrote articles, went on conferences and symposiums, her works were critically acclaimed and cited - nevertheless she was bored. She spent lots of her time in different ladies committees; charities; she organized balls and social events. Cissy attended ministry galas with Lucius; they travelled a lot, but it wasn't it. Her husband had his politics and intrigues; he dealt with Dark Lord's commands, whereas she was living this luxurious life of a socialite - suddenly - she was struck by the awareness of its meaninglessness. She just wanted something more. 

What do I want?

"Daddy, I have to go; it's getting late," Narcissa blurted out of a sudden, "Please don't worry, I am fine. Come to dinner on Sunday, would you?"

"Very well, sweetheart, but where are you going?!"

"Home," she responded; she knew exactly what she should do, "I love you, daddy, please take care. And stop smoking."

Before Cygnus even said something, his daughter was already gone

*

Lucius came home late. It was well after two in the morning when he entered the parlour, took off his tie and poured himself a generous amount of whisky. He didn't feel well; he knew he overreacted this morning and shouldn't have said what he said. Narcissa had the right to this scholarship; it was just the awareness of not seeing her for so long that painfully pierced his heart. Lucius spent his day at the Knickerbocker on gaining information if there was anything he could do to spend at least six months in the United States. His membership at the club was very profitable - he learned first-hand all relevant information, rumours, speculations - the men could not keep their mouths shut. It was at Knickerbocker where alliances have been made, where the intrigues had their start - it was the source of all political knowledge. Lucius discussed law and finances with his friends; he talked about works of art, valuables, racing horses, real estate - basically about anything of interest to a high-born gentleman. Today, while having an excellent single malt and a Cuban cigar, he found out that pureblood supremacists from the North of the United States were seeking contact with the Dark Lord, lively interested with his doctrine. 

Lucius, maybe you could try; you have friends in Boston and New York..., Dolohov cannot go there; he is perfect with Russians and Poles, but with the American gentry..., The Dark Lord would need someone with your background and this specific type of charm..., Yes, at least six months..., Mostly old money, Vanderbilts in New York and Cabots in Virginia..., 

Lucius smiled and stretched; Narcissa definitely should be content. 

"Darling?"

"Why are you still up, Cissy?" he asked surprised; his wife usually wasn't staying this late. 

"I was worried about you," she whispered, "Lucius, I am so sorry, please forgive me; I never wanted to keep this from you...,"

"It's all right, Primrose, come here...," he pulled her against him and softly kissed her; she threw her arms around his neck and stopped thinking about everything that had happened. All that mattered now was his touch, his hot lips on her neck, his hands gliding up and down her spine - she realized it was all she dreamt of since he left home this morning. She unbuttoned his shirt; her hands went to the silver buckle of his belt - she wanted him so badly; all the emotions she felt today transformed to this painful lust; the overwhelming desire of making love to him, of being with him. 

"Wait," Lucius held her hand and looked deeply into her eyes, "You may go."

"What?" She gasped, trying to free her hand out of his grasp, "How? Oh, Lucius, please, I want...,"

"I will go with you; I think I could get a mission from the Dark Lord in the United States," He unbuttoned her dress and kissed her to muffle her scream while gently caressing her breasts, "Not for a whole year but...,"

Lucius cut as he felt her warm hand on his hard length; her touch was so pleasing, almost ecstatic; damn, he was thinking about this all day long. They took their time; they had all the time on the earth. They made love to each other very gently, carefully; afraid of rush and neglect. Lucius looked deeply into the eyes of his wife while slowly pushing inside her. He loved how she bit his lower lip in excitement; he loved the expression of ecstasy on her face - it was driving him mad. 

"Lucius," Cissy whispered, her eyelids fluttered, "Please...,"

"Look at me," his voice was low and husky with need, "Yes...,"

And it was over soon; they breathed heavily, tightly cuddled to each other, as the pleasure they just experienced slowly passed, leaving them relaxed and calm, reconciled with each other as if nothing had happened between them in the morning. 

"Did you know Abraxas was engaged to my mother?" Narcissa asked and kissed his jaw, "My father...,"

"What?"

"My father told me today. Do you have a cigarette?"

"When?" Lucius handed her a silver cigarette case, "No, I didn't know, this is so weird...,"

"He told me he was afraid you would hurt me," Narcissa took a deep drag, "That you were much like your father..., I have no idea what was it all about."

" I am much like my father, Cissy," Lucius kissed her forehead, "But I love you, and I would kill anyone who would ever hurt you. You can tell him that."

"Well, I said something similar," she giggled, "Come to bed, please. It's late."

Chapter Text

"Good afternoon, my son; why did you ask me to come earlier? Dinner starts at four pm…," 

"Father, it's so good to see you!" Lucius hugged him warmly and carefully glanced at him. Despite his age, Abraxas looked very good. He still was very handsome, athletic; his eyes never lost this swashbuckling spark that made his gaze so intriguing. Lucius was well aware that Abraxas wasn't faithful to his mother; he was cheating on her almost his entire life. He kept appearances, but everyone knew about his affairs. As a child, Lucius never spent a lot of time with his father, who was preoccupied with business, politics, and women. Young Mr Malfoy desperately wanted to impress him; he wanted his father to notice and finally acclaim him, but despite Lucius's excellent results, Abraxas was constantly dissatisfied with his son's choices. Being not able to meet his father's expectations, Lucius decided to keep himself  entertained . He attended balls and parties, different social events, gambled, played polo and piano, duelled, seduced women, bought works of art, travelled - the pleasure was his only interest. He didn't like to think how much he resembled his father - only recently he reconciled with this fact and accepted that the main difference between them was that Lucius truly loved his wife and would do anything to make her happy. 

"How is your heart?" Lucius smiled at him, "I hope you take your medicine?" 

"Your mother takes care of it," Abraxas stretched, "I am fine, son, you'll see, we will go for a ride together when you'd be back from the United States…, By the way, have you bought a house in New York?" 

"Finally yes," Lucius sighed, "It was a disaster, these real estate agents from America are dreadful…," 

"How much?" 

"Almost three million galleons, but it was a price for two houses, so I made a pretty good deal…," 

"Impressive, Lucius, well done." Abraxas stood by the window, "But I assume you didn't ask me to come here to talk about your house in Newtown..." 

"Yes, that is correct," Lucius cleared his throat; he didn't know  how  to start this conversation. It concerned very private, intimate details of Abraxas's life; Lucius didn't want to offend him. "Father, I… Why it is so hard…," 

"Just ask, Lucius," Abraxas smiled at him, "Go ahead." 

"Have you been engaged to Cissy's mother, father?"

"Who told you?" Abraxas stopped smiling and lit up a cigarette, "Doesn't matter, you would have found out eventually…," 

"Cygnus told Narcissa; and then told her he never wanted her to marry me because I am much like you," Lucius looked his father straight in the eye, "What have you done to them?" 

"Of course, Lucius, you are much like me, you are  my  son, my flesh and blood," there was  pride  in Abraxas's voice, "Ah Cygnus, after all these years…," 

"Father, tell me, please." 

"I loved Druella, Lucius. I just was too stupid to understand it. I asked her to marry me, but then I got scared; I wanted to live a little, thought that I was too young for marriage…," Abraxas wasn't looking at him, "Thoughts I presume you never had when you met Narcissa. I broke up with Druella and left England like a coward. Later I found out she was pregnant with my child; a child she lost when I broke off our engagement…," 

Lucius didn't know what to say. He regretted asking his father about this. These memories were painful and difficult; Lucius has never seen his father so moved, distraught. He couldn't even imagine what he must have gone through when he found out about Druella's miscarriage. 

"I am so sorry, father," he whispered, "I shouldn't have…," 

"No, Lucius, you have the right to know. When I came back from France, it was already too late. Cygnus took care of her, and for this, I would be eternally grateful to him. Druella didn't want to see me, and I don't blame her. I honestly had difficulties looking in the mirror. She sent me a letter, which was more than I could have expected." Abraxas wiped a tear running down his cheek; Lucius pretended not to see it, "After a few years, I met your mother and… Well, I decided to marry her. She was witty, charming, and damn - she was  beautiful.  Ollivanders were at the top back in the forties, so my parents accepted my choice…, I do not blame Cygnus for what he said to you; he loves his daughters, and Narcissa always has been his favourite…, But you are a better man than me, Lucius. I am very proud of you." 

Young Mr Malfoy couldn't believe what he just heard. 

I am very proud of you. 

"I erm, thank you, father," he muttered after a moment, "I never would have thought…," 

"Lucius, please, I know I haven't been a good father to you," Abraxas said and put his hands in his pockets, "I was interested only in business and politics… And women. I missed your childhood, then your teenage years; I do not want to miss your adulthood as well. I understood my mistakes late, maybe  too  late; but I want at least to try to connect with you. Please, give me a chance." 

"We have time, dad," Lucius's voice shivered slightly, "Now, let's find Narcissa...,"

Cissy was waiting for them in the dining room alongside her father and Galatea. Lucius exchanged with Cygnus a few remarks, his father-in-law treated him seemingly cold, and young Mr Malfoy didn't like this. Cygnus might love Narcissa, but his suspicious behaviour was out of line, and Lucius intended to comment on it later. It was his house, after all, his wife, and his life. Lucius hated when people tried to interfere with his affairs. Especially now, when he reconciled with Cissy, and she was leaving for the United States in three days. He bought her two houses, one in New York and one in Newtowne; Narcissa hadn't any reason to complain. 

"Cygnus, a word, please?" Lucius said when they finished the dinner and headed to the parlour to have tea. "Excellent."

"Yes?"

"I love your daughter, Cygnus," Lucius said and looked him straight in the eye. Narcissa is everything to me, and by even insinuating that I could hurt her, you offended me." 

"Taken into consideration your actions from before the wedding...,"

"It doesn't have to do with anything," Lucius's voice was steel cold, "I am not this man anymore. I love your daughter," he replied, "I know about my father and Druella, yes, don't look at me like this. I know all this, and I can assure you, I would have never done something like this to Narcissa. I will never leave her. So now, can we please forget about this  misunderstanding,  and maintain friendly relations?"

Cygnus looked at Lucius's hand, and after a moment of hesitation, he shook it. 

"That'll do," Lucius smiled to him, and his father-in-law smiled back. 

"You'd understand me, one day," Cygnus said, "Children change everything in a life of a man."