Chapter 6 Lunch With The Father
These Ministry events were really becoming quite a bore. Lucius Malfoy had to fork over hundreds of galleons to keep certain politicians in his pocket. It was the only reason he wasn't yet again sitting in a cell in Azkaban. That and his wife's betrayal to Lord Voldemort. Lucius was alone at the function. Draco was spending all his time with Severus, doing extra training to become an apprentice potions master. Draco wanted to bring back the Malfoy name, wanted to show that he and his family had changed. Lucius had never been so proud of his son. The ballroom was filled with expensive dresses and gaudy dress robes, the women and men flirting and laughing and generally having a good time. How odd, Lucius thought as he sipped his scotch, two months ago they were cowering in dark caves, waiting for a seventeen-year-old to save them. Speaking of a seventeen-year-old... Lucius turned just in time to see Harry Potter walk into the room. The young man was still very short, no more then 5"5, and his hair was as messy as usual. It was shorter then Lucius remembered it, sticking up from his head and face, showing off his lightning bolt scar. He was wearing jet black dress robes over a white shirt, no tie, the robes having emerald green trimming that brought out his gorgeous eyes. The boy was immediately swamped by officials, party-goers, and reporters, all wanting a piece of The-Boy-Who-Lived-Twice. Lucius' lips twitched up in a sneer. Potter must be loving this, he thought. It was surprising then when Lucius looked through the crowd to see a very miserable Harry Potter. He was pale, his eyes downcast, his fingers clenched into tight fists. Lucius had learned long ago how to read people; he had to to know who to buy and who to blackmail. What he saw was a very pissed off young man who wanted to run and hide, or maybe hex everyone within a metre radius. As soon as he was done shaking hands with Minister Shacklebolt for the tenth time, Harry hurried away and disappeared into the crowd. Interesting, Lucius mused as he ordered another drink. He watched over the course of the night as the teenager dodged and ducked the Minister and anyone else who looked like they wanted to shake his hand. Lucius smirked and enjoyed the show from his corner, fending off the odd man or woman who wanted to take him into a broom closet. No, Lucius had better ideas. Harry was a beautiful young man; lithe, short, with a seeker's body that Lucius just knew must be hard with muscles. He moved with a certain grace that was more pronounced in the air, but he had it on the ground if one knew where to look. Of course Lucius hadn't had time to appreciate Harry's looks during the Battle of Hogwarts. He'd been too busy trying to keep his son alive. Now, though... well now he could look as much as he wanted. He couldn't deny, not to himself, that he wanted Harry Potter. Ever since the war the boy had matured and filled out and Lucius wanted to rip those robes aside and make the boy ride him. He wanted to strip Harry from his fame, his responsibilities, of everything until he was naked and begging for release. Lucius managed to make his way over to Potter, who was hiding out at a small corner table knocking back drink after drink. Lucius siddled up beside him and felt Harry tense as he spoke. 'Well, well, well, Mr Potter.'
{oOo} Lucius Malfoy was still feeling pleased with himself. He hadn't had to owl any of his lovers, his quick round with Harry Potter still fresh in his mind. He mused about the skinny boy who was packing hard muscle beneath those clothes. He remembered the way the teenager had groaned against him, had begged for more. A tapping broke Lucius from his thoughts and he scowled, standing to let a large barn owl in. It was a beautiful creature, with golden feathers and white colouring around its eyes. It had a letter addressed to Lucius in it's beak and he took it quickly. 'This had better be important,' Lucius told the owl as he ripped the letter open;
Dear Mr Malfoy, I need to see you as soon as possible. I know you must be a busy man and I myself have a lot of school work to do. I was hoping you could have lunch with me some time this week, any day or time is acceptable. Send back your reply with my owl. It's very, very important that I see you. Harry James Potter
Lucius raised an eyebrow as he re-read the letter. He wondered why Potter wanted to see him and dirty images re-filled his head. He smiled as he thought about taking Harry again, about showing the boy the true pleasures of sex. Not gay my arse, he thought as he quickly penned a response. He smirked as he handed the owl the reply and watched it fly through the open window. Soon his good mood had soured though. Potter wouldn't let himself be taken again like that. If Lucius remembered correctly, the boy had been married over three weeks ago. No, he wouldn't want Lucius again. So what... Lucius frowned, anger quickly descending on him. The stupid boy must have wanted something. Money, a favour, something for him to keep his mouth shut. Or maybe the fool had gone and told someone and now was getting blackmailed. Lucius swore and threw himself into his study chair, tapping at the mahogony desk. His good mood had gone and soured in a matter of minutes. He cursed Harry Potter; it was all the stupid boy's fault. First staying in Lucius' mind, reminding the blonde of strong muscles and the scent of sex... 'Fucking Potter,' he muttered as he rubbed his eyes. Isn't that what got you into this mess in the first place? a small voice in his mind whispered. Lucius groaned.
{oOo}
Dear Mr Potter, I would be delighted to lunch with you. Friday at one o'clock, The Mosac Cafe. It's in Diagon Alley, not far from Flourish and Blotts. I look forward to our talk. Lucius A. Malfoy
{oOo} Harry's heart beat quickly with nerves as he sat down to breakfast. Sirius was still annoyed that he'd decided not to go back to Hogwarts. He'd worked out a study schedule with Hermione and Severus, the two working together to make sure Harry could sit his N.E.W.T.S. The teenager wouldn't be able to attend Hogwarts pregnant or raise a newborn there; it would be a lot easier to do his studies from home. He had a healer appointment with Roger Christie but it was at eleven; he could make it to lunch with Lucius. Harry had told the others he was informing the father today. Only Tonks knew that meant talking to Lucius Malfoy. All were present for breakfast and Remus said, 'Do you want any of us to go with you to your appointment?' 'No,' Harry shook his head as he crammed bacon and tomato toasties with cream cheese into his mouth. His cravings had got mental and he usually had to eat alone or the others would be sick. 'I need time to think about what I'm going to say to the father.' 'Are you sure?' Sirius asked. Harry nodded and they let the subject drop. 'Are you going to find out the sex?' Tonks asked as she read the paper. A spoon had been magiced to feed Teddy and the baby was squealing in delight as it hovered before him. 'Yeah, I want to think of names and stuff,' Harry said. 'Remember you can decorate the room next to yours to be a nursery,' Sirius said. 'We'll magic out one of the walls and put an archway in. Harry grinned. 'What would I do without you guys?' 'Die a slow terrible death,' Sirius smiled, 'but be bored shitless before then.' 'Oi, baby present,' Remus scowled. Tonks rolled her eyes at Sirius and looked back at the paper. 'Sorry, sorry,' the Animagus smirked and Harry giggled. 'Still nothing in the paper,' Tonks mused. Harry had put out a statement a few weeks ago saying he'd called off his and Ginny's wedding for personal reasons. They'd all thought for sure that Molly would go straight to The Daily Prophet and spew all about Harry's pregnancy. So far they hadn't heard anything from the Weasleys, other then Hermione's letters. She'd inforned them that Ron hadn't come back to Hogwarts either and was working with Fred and George in the twins' joke shop. Ginny was in a right strop, hexing people in the corridors and getting detentions. She'd lost a hundred house points in one afternoon, putting Gryffindor in the negative figures. Apparently the Weasley family was torn down the middle about Harry's pregnancy. Fred, George, Bill and Fleur had all written to say they were with Harry; he shouldn't have cheated but he was coerced into the wedding. He was gay, there was nothing he could do about it, and they still loved him. Fleur was pregnant too and was excited to have someone to share it with. Harry told her she'd have to visit and she agreed that she and Bill would stay with Harry after the baby was born to learn about dealing with a baby first hand. Surprisingly Percy had sided with Harry too, writing a long letter to him to say his parents were idiots and didn't understand that someone's sexuality wasn't a choice. He told Harry to write him if he had any questions or problems. Harry was really touched to learn that Percy, like Bill, Fred and George, considered Harry a brother. He wanted to get to know Percy better now that the war was over and they agreed to have lunch soon with the other accepting Weasleys. Arthur, Charlie, and Ron had all sided with Molly and Ginny and now hated Harry's guts. Harry didn't care really. Molly had always treated him like a child, Arthur did whatever his wife wanted, he didn't really know Charlie, and Ron had abandonned him before; nothing new there. Besides, he had more important things to think about; like the baby growing inside him. His stomach was only very slightly swollen, a very little bump that couldn't be seen unless you touched it. Harry took to sitting on the sofa reading his baby books and rubbing his stomach. Remus and Tonks cooed over him, Sirius teased him endlessly. Really, Harry was feeling alright. Now he just had to tell Lucius.
{oOo} 'Well Harry, you're doing just fine,' Roger said as Harry pulled his shirt and jacket back on. 'Really? Because I'm eating weird stuff lately; yesterday I wanted tuna with baked beans.' Roger chuckled. 'Some wizards get really bad and weird food cravings. It seems you're one of them.' 'Some of the food seems like a good idea at the time,' Harry said as he zipped his jacket up. 'Not so good after eating it.' Roger smiled. 'So, do you want to know the sex? We can find out now because of how short wizarding pregnancies are.' Harry grinned and nodded. 'Yes please.' Roger waved his wand again and a minute later he was smiling. 'Come on, tell me!' Harry begged. 'Okay, okay,' Roger chuckled. Harry liked the man; he was smart, professional, and important of all he didn't judge Harry for getting knocked up at eighteen after a one night shag. 'You're having a boy.' Harry's mouth dropped open, hand flying to his stomach. 'A... a boy?' Roger nodded. 'Yep.' 'Oh my Gods,' Harry said. 'A boy, a little boy.' 'Congratulations, Harry,' Roger smiled. Harry grinned back. It was the best news he'd ever received.
{oOo} Harry was already sitting when Lucius arrived. The older wizard paused to look him over. Harry seemed... healthier, then when Lucius had last seen him. There was colour in his once pale face, his hair was luscious and thick, and his eyes were brighter then Lucius had ever seen them. The boy was the picture of good health and Lucius wondered if Harry really was enjoying married life. He walked over to the table and Harry jumped, looking up at him from beneath dark lashes. Lucius had forgotten just how breathtaking he could be; Harry had a certain grace and beauty about him that he didn't seem to realise he had. It appeared at the strangest of times, such as looking up at the man who had taken his virginity. 'So, to what do I owe the pleasure?' Lucius asked, breaking the silence that had fallen over them. Harry gestured at the seat opposite him and the blonde sat down. He folded his napkin over his crossed legs and ordered a glass of wine. He looked at Harry, who said, 'I can't drink.' Lucius raised an eyebrow but didn't question him. Harry waited until the waitress had given Lucius his goblet before speaking again. 'We have to talk about what happened at that Ministry party,' Harry said. Lucius glared at him and looked around before hissing, 'We both agreed to never talk about it!' 'I know,' Harry said, 'but we have to.' 'Oh, I see, you want something from me.' 'What?' Harry said, eyes widening. 'No, of course I don't.' 'What is it?' Lucius demanded. 'Money? A favour? Another go in a broom closet?' Harry glared at him, even as his traitorous body twitched at the idea of going another round with Lucius Malfoy. He shook his head and said, 'I don't want anything from you.' Lucius scoffed and downed half his glass. 'I don't, honestly.' 'Then why are we here?' Lucius demanded. Harry sighed and ran a hand through his hair, messing it up even more. 'I just... fuck, this is diffiuclt.' 'Spill it, Potter, I have better things to do,' Lucius growled. Harry glared at him. 'Why do you have to make everything ten times harder?' 'You're the one who dragged me away from work to talk about something that should never have happened.' 'Never have happened?' Harry said, annoyed. 'I wasn't the one teasing seconds after it!' 'Like you didn't enjoy it,' Lucius sneered. 'I never said I hated it,' Harry said. 'I don't regret sleeping with you, Mr Malfoy, I just... what happened afterwards...' Lucius frowned, confused, and ran his eyes up and down Harry. His pale grey eyes fell onto Harry's hands, which were splayed over the table. 'You're not wearing a wedding ring.' Harry looked down at his hands and quickly pulled them under the table. 'I thought your wedding was a few weeks ago.' 'It was,' Harry said, 'don't you read the paper?' 'I've been away on business,' Lucius said before freezing. His eyes narrowed and he said, 'You little idiot, did you tell her?' Harry gulped but nodded. 'We agreed-' 'I know,' Harry cut him off, 'but I had to tell my friends. I didn't tell them it was you, just that I'd cheated on Ginny.' Lucius leaned back in his seat, probably trying to tell if Harry was lying. He swirled his wine and took another gulp. 'So what, you broke off your engagement?' 'On the wedding day, yeah,' Harry nodded. 'Why?' Lucius asked. 'Suddenly realise you like cock?' Harry had learned Lucius had a very dirty mouth and his lips twitched up in a smile. 'Among other things, yeah.' 'So you are gay.' Harry nodded and Lucius said, 'I told you.' Harry rolled his eyes. 'Whatever.' 'That still doesn't explain why I'm here or why you were let away from school just to have lunch,' Lucius said and finished his wine. He ordered another one and set the goblet on the table. 'Do you want another go at me?' 'You're married.' 'That didn't stop you the first time.' It was true and Harry scowled. 'I don't want to sleep with you, Malfoy.' Sure you don't, the thought came before Harry could stop it. 'Again,' Lucius corrected with a sneer. 'Would you just shut up and let me tell you?' Harry demanded. Lucius looked him over again. 'Tell me what?' he asked Harry went silent, staring at the table, his hands, at anything but Lucius Malfoy. 'Tell me what, Potter?' Lucius asked. Sighing, Harry rubbed his eyes and said, 'There's no easy way to say this... hang on.' He pulled out his wand and Lucius watched him cast a muffliato charm. He stowed his wand away and looked back at Lucius, the blonde wondering why he didn't want anyone to hear what they were talking about. And then Harry said, 'Do you remember casting the contraceptive charm?' Lucius' eyes narrowed. 'Yes, it was a few minutes in but I did remember.' 'Well... apparently it's only one hundred percent effective if you cast it before penetration,' Harry said. There was silence, Lucius staring at the teenager before him. His knuckles were turning white, fingers curled into tight fists. 'And...?' he asked. Harry glared at him. 'You're a smart man, you figure it out.' Lucius fell back in his seat, eyes widening. 'You're pregnant?' Harry nodded. Suddenly Lucius understood the muffliato charm. 'Are you sure?' 'Yes,' Harry said. 'Madam Pomfrey checked me over and I went for another exam before coming here today. I'm definitely pregnant, two months along.' Lucius swallowed thickly. 'Are you sure it's mine?' 'Of course I'm fucking sure!' Harry hissed. 'I was a virgin, remember?' 'You could have been lying,' Lucius said. 'How do I know you didn't seduce me while pregnant just to claim that I was the father?' 'Why the fuck would I do that?' Harry demanded, close to shouting. 'I have enough money! And let's not forget that you seduced me!' Lucius glared at him and swallowed down his entire glass of wine, banging the goblet back onto the table. He threaded his fingers through his long blonde hair, looking close to cracking. He swore and said, 'You're certain?' 'Yes, I said that.' 'I'll need confirmation,' Lucius said, 'and a test to make sure I'm the father.' 'Fine, whatever,' Harry said. 'I don't want anything from you, I already said that. I just figured you had a right to know, it being yours and all.' Lucius rubbed his forehead and leaned forward, elbow on the table and face in his hand. Harry realised he must be close to losing it if he was throwing his manners out the window. 'You don't want anything?' the older wizard said. 'No.' 'So you don't want my help?' Harry blinked. 'What?' 'You don't want me to help you raise the child?' Lucius elaborated. 'Either financially or emotionally?' 'I... I haven't thought about it,' Harry said. 'I mean, it'd be great if my baby could have it's father but... I just thought you wouldn't want the responsibility.' Lucius frowned. 'I take care of my family, Mr Potter, whether legitimant or not.' Harry stared at him. 'You mean... you want to be part of the baby's life?' 'I thought I made it clear during the war that family was the most important thing to me,' Lucius said, a hint of anger in his voice. 'I know you love your family,' Harry said, 'but... it was a one night stand, I'm twenty years younger then you... why would you want to acknowledge a bastard child?' 'Don't you ever say that!' Lucius hissed. 'Bastard or not, that is my child, and I will provide for it.' 'But you don't have to,' Harry said. 'I don't want you around if it's an obligation.' 'It won't be, it isn't,' Lucius said. 'I wanted more children but Narcissa refused. Like I said, we both have lovers, ours was an arranged marriage. Once she had Draco she said her job was done.' Harry fell back in his seat. 'You're serious?' 'Yes.' 'You'll... you'll be there for the baby?' 'And you, Potter,' Lucius said. 'You're carrying the child, after all.' Harry's eyes widened. 'You're serious?' Lucius smirked. 'I believe you've said that,' he grinned, a note of teasing in his voice. 'So... healer appointments and mood swings and the public wanting to kill you... you'll be there for all of that?' 'Of course,' Lucius said. 'This baby is my responsibility as well as yours and I want to take care of it.' He paused. 'If you want me to.' 'I do,' Harry said quickly, trying to keep the grin off his face and failing. 'I do, really, that'd be... great.' 'Well then...' Lucius said and leaned back. 'Good.' 'What... what will we tell people?' Harry asked. 'I'll make a statement,' Lucius said, 'after I divorce Narcissa.' 'What?' Harry blanched. 'There's a clause in our marriage contract,' Lucius explained. 'If she or myself falls pregnant to a lover, or I get another witch or wizard pregnant, our marriage is annulled. The only reason we've stayed married is for Draco and because it was easier; neither of us met anyone we loved, there was no reason to divorce. Now, though... well, I can't stay with her with another child on the way.' 'But we're not together,' Harry said, 'or in love.' Lucius rolled his eyes. 'I know that, Potter,' he sneered, 'but I can't stay married to the woman while expecting a child with someone else. Besides, it's about time she moved from the Manor. She's been complaining about wanting to move to France and now will be her chance.' The waitress walked through the charm and blinked down at them. Lucius ordered another glass of wine and they waited in silence for it to be delivered. Lucius drank while watching Harry digest the news. The teenager looked up at him, bright green eyes clouded with emotions. He truly was breathtaking and Lucius had to stop himself doing, or thinking, something stupid. Now wasn't the time to appreciate the boy's looks. 'Okay,' Harry said slowly. 'So... we'll have the baby and... hopefully at least be friends.' Lucius nodded. 'If that is what you wish.' 'Um... how... how will we do this?' Harry asked. 'Well, I'd rather you move to Malfoy Manor,' Lucius said and held up a hand when it looked like Harry would protest. 'Not right now but soon, I'd rather you close so I can help you and keep an eye on the baby. When the baby is born you will need me, Potter.' Harry realised that was true; he couldn't very well stay with Sirius if Lucius wanted to be part of the baby's life. And it'd be stupid for Lucius to travel back and forth from Grimmauld Place to Malfoy Manor. 'Okay,' he repeated. 'I didn't go back to Howarts.' Lucius looked surprised and Harry said, 'Professor Snape sends all my work via owl. I couldn't exactly go to school when I'm due in four months.' Lucius nodded, that made sense. 'Who knows?' he asked, swirling his wine again. 'The Weasleys, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Nymphadora Tonks, Snape, and Hermione Granger all know I'm pregnant,' Harry said. 'No one knows you're the father, I wanted to tell you first.' He left out that Hermione and Tonks had guessed, figuring it'd be easier to gloss over that fact. 'Very well,' Lucius said. 'I'll inform Draco and Narcissa and then I'll put the statement out. You best tell your friends before then.' Harry nodded. 'We should go with the truth,' Lucius said. 'What, a one time shag that ended in pregnancy?' Harry asked. Lucius nodded. 'There's no reason to lie and pretend we're lovers or in love. We wouldn't want one of us to fall for someone and have to explain the truth to them, it could get ugly.' 'Sounds okay,' Harry said and grabbed his menu. 'Thank Merlin that's done with, I'm starving.' 'Do you have any cravings?' Lucius asked and Harry looked up at him. 'Narcissa craved honey and crackers during her pregnancy.' Harry blushed and looked down. 'Um... cucumbers and peanut butter.' 'Together?' Lucius asked, wrinkling his nose. Harry grinned and said, 'Weird, right?' 'Most definitely.' 'Not my fault,' Harry shrugged. 'It's what the baby wants, even though it's barely developed.' 'Wizarding pregnancies are shorter then female ones, you know this, yes?' Harry nodded. 'Six months instead of nine so I'm almost halfway through,' he said. 'I've been doing my research; I've read about thirty books on the subject, as well as some books about parenthood and all that.' Lucius looked impressed and Harry grinned under his praise. 'Very good, Mr Potter.' 'Harry,' the teenager said, 'call me Harry.' Lucius inclined his head. 'I suppose you should call me Lucius.' 'M'kay,' Harry said and looked at his menu. 'I think I'll get chicken parmigiana with cucumbers and peanut butter on the side... oh, and banana ice cream with chocolate...' He trailed off when he saw the grimace on Lucius' face. 'What?' 'Do you always eat such disgusting food?' 'I'm pregnant, what do you want from me?' 'Clearly the baby gets it's tastes from you.' 'His,' Harry corrected. 'What?' 'His,' Harry repeated and put his menu down. 'I found out today... it's a boy.' Lucius' eyes softened and he whispered, 'A boy?' Harry smiled and nodded. Lucius smiled too and picked up his menu, Harry watching him the entire time.