Chapter 7 Sharing The News
Lucius apparated directly into the Manor owlery and penned a short note. He sent one of the screecher owls on it's way and disappeared with a crack. Re-appearing in his study, Lucius waved his hand at the fireplace and it burst into life. He threw himself into his favourite armchair, summoned an elf, and soon had a glass of scotch in his hand with re-fills on the way.
Half-an-hour later he stood and went to the wall opposite his desk. A large green tapestry hung from the wooden wall, depicting generations of Malfoys. Lucius let his eyes trail down, finding his grandfather and father. This was it; his last hope. Spells could be wrong, tests could be altered. But this tapestry wouldn't lie.
Swallowing thickly and gripping his glass, Lucius let his eyes drop to his own name.
Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, with his brith date, a thin golden line bonding him to Narcissa Druella Black. Between them was another thread, weaving down to connect them to Draco Lucius Malfoy.
To the left of Lucius' name another had appeared. Harry James Potter was now written across it in maroon script, a golden thread connecting him and Lucius' name. Beneath that, another twirl of gold, and the script, 'Unborn Male'.
Lucius' hand shook, amber liquid threatening to slosh over. He knew Harry wouldn't lie, the boy was too good for that. But still, Lucius had been holding out hope that maybe, just maybe, he hadn't ruined Potter's life and knocked him up.
But there it was, in writing. Lucius and Harry were going to have a child together.
He was still trying to process the news that he was soon to be a father again when his fireplace turned green. The flames whirled and Severus Snape stepped out, not a speck of soot on him.
'This had better be important, Lucius,' the dark-haired man said as he approached. 'The students are getting stupider every year and it's taking all my power not to kill the lot of them.'
He accepted the drink Lucius passed him and they both went to sit.
'I got one of my lovers pregnant,' Lucius stated. It was lucky Severus was sitting otherwise he would have fallen right over.
'Excuse me?'
'Didn't hear me?' Lucius said.
'Of course I did but I'm sure it was a mistake,' Severus said. 'You've been sleeping around since you were fifteen and you have yet to get anyone besides Narcissa pregnant.'
'Well I have now,' Lucius muttered and swallowed a large mouthful of alcohol.
Severus frowned. 'I always thought your slutty ways would land you in a mess.'
Lucius rolled his eyes but didn't bother saying anything; it was true, after all.
'So, who is the poor sod?' Severus asked as he reclined in his seat, sipping his drink. 'Male, I assume?'
'Of course,' Lucius said. Severus had always known his preferences.
'Anyone I know?' Severus joked. His smirk fell when he saw the look on Lucius' face. 'Dear Merlin, who is it?'
Lucius groaned. 'Harry Potter.'
Severus jerked so violently his drink went flying, hitting the floorboards and rolling across the room. 'What?'
'Harry Potter,' Lucius repeated. 'I got Harry Potter pregnant.'
'You... you...' Severus stuttered, dark eyes wide. 'I knew the boy was pregnant but... I didn't think he'd-'
'Sleep with a Death Eater?' Lucius cut in. 'Believe me, he quite enjoyed that part.'
'Be serious,' Severus growled. 'You've gone and knocked up an eighteen-year-old boy!'
'Yes, I am aware of that,' Lucius said. 'I took him to my private healer, who said he's two months along with a healthy baby boy and congratulations, I'm the father.'
He downed his entire glass and it re-filled with amber liquid.
'It's on the Malfoy Family Tree already,' he said and pointed at the tapestry. Severus stood to inspect it, groaning when he saw the 'Unborn Male'.
'Circe, Lucius, you idiot,' he said as he came back, sitting heavily.
'I know,' Lucius sighed.
'Haven't you heard of the contraceptive charm?'
Lucius glared at him. 'If I hadn't I would have been in this situation long ago.'
Severus smirked. 'So what made you forget this time?'
'I didn't forget,' Lucius said, 'it was just too late. Apparently pre-ejaculate has the ability to impregnate a wizard depending on how powerful they both are.'
'And you and Harry Potter are both powerful enough for that,' Severus nodded.
'It was just a few minutes,' Lucius moaned. 'We'd barely done anything and I remembered, I cast it! Why me?'
'Are you only thinking about yourself?' Severus asked. 'What about Potter?'
'He's fine,' Lucius said, 'tired, under-fed, scruffy, but fine. I've told him I'll take care of him.'
'And will you?'
Lucius threw him an evil look and drank half his scotch. 'Of course I will, he's carrying my son.'
Severus raised an eyebrow.
'He is pregnant with my child, I will take care of him,' Lucius said, 'regardless of how it happened.'
'And how did it happen?' Severus queried.
'One night stand at that Ministry party in July.'
'The 31st?' When Lucius nodded, Severus tutted. 'The boy's eighteenth birthday.'
'I thought it was a rather enjoyable gift.'
'You would,' Severus said with an eye roll.
'I can't believe I did this to him,' Lucius groaned and the other Slytherin could see the anger on his face. 'He's so young, he's got his whole life ahead of him. And I went and fucked him in a broom closet.'
'That was more then I ever needed to know,' Severus commented.
'It was his first time.'
'What did I just say?'
Lucius sighed and rubbed his eyes. 'I'll be swamped with howlers.'
'Stop thinking about yourself,' Severus chastised. 'Make sure you take care of Harry and make him happy.' Lucius glanced at him. 'I'm serious, Lucius,' the Headmaster continued. 'That boy doesn't need your Malfoy charm. Just be yourself with him, he responds to honesty.'
Lucius watched as his friend stood and disappeared back into the fire. He sighed again and refreshed his drink, slouching down in his arm chair.
Now he just had to tell Narcissa and Draco.
{oOo}
Lucius sat at the head of the dining table, watching his wife and son eat. He waited until their plates had been cleared away and Narcissa and Draco had stopped blathering on before clearing his throat.
Both turned to look at him as Lucius said, 'I have some news that affects the family.'
Narcissa raised an eyebrow as she swirled her wine and Draco said, 'What is it, Father?'
Lucius sighed and rubbed his eyes, telling his wife and son that something was definitely wrong. Lucius was always in control, even when at home. It was rare for him to look so worn out.
'What is it, Father?' Draco asked again.
Rubbing his eyes one last time, Lucius placed both hands on the table, knowing everything was about to go to shit. 'You are aware, Draco, that your mother and I have lovers, yes?'
Of course Draco knew but he'd never discussed it with either parent. He'd caught one or the other sneaking their lover in or out on various occasions but he'd been taught to look the other way. He knew his father was gay, that it was an arranged marriage, but his parents loved each other in their own way; it just wasn't a romantic love.
'Well... y-yes, Father,' Draco said, frowning. Narcissa too was looking confused; she and Lucius rarely spoke about their lovers unless it was to swap.
'Something has... happened,' Lucius said slowly.
The other two frowned. 'Something?' Narcissa echoed. 'Like what?'
'Have you fallen in love?' Draco asked. He knew his parents would get divorced if one or both found the love of their life. He wondered if that was happening now.
'No, I haven't, at least not yet,' Lucius said honestly. He wasn't going to deny that there was a high possibility he'd fall in love with Harry Potter. The boy was intelligent, charming, gorgeous, and Lucius liked being around him. He didn't love the boy but he might just fall for him yet.
'Lucius, you're not making any sense,' Narcissa said, breaking Lucius from his thoughts. 'Are you asking for a divorce?'
'Yes,' Lucius nodded and the other two inhaled sharply.
'Why?' Narcissa asked.
Lucius took a deep breath. 'I had a... night, with a young man at that Ministry party in July,' he told them. 'I... he...'
Draco had never seen his father so at a loss for words, not since Voldemort had taken over their Manor. 'Father, what is it?' he asked worridly.
'He's pregnant,' Lucius finally said.
There was silence, Narcissa and Draco staring at him. Draco's mouth had fallen open but Narcissa was just nodding.
'Are you sure?' she asked.
'Yes,' Lucius said. 'He informed me a few days ago and I took him to Healer Smith, who said he's two months pregnant with a boy. Harry's name has been added to the Malfoy Family Tree.'
Draco opened his mouth to say something before frowning. 'Harry?'
Lucius wet his lips but didn't say anything.
'Harry who?' Draco asked.
It was Narcissa who put it together and she glanced at her husband, eyebrow raised. Lucius nodded.
Draco jumped to his feet, taking off to read the tapestry. Lucius sighed and leaned back.
'I will divorce you, husband, I understand you have a duty of care to young Mr Potter now,' Narcissa said. 'I will settle for the home in France and my dowry from when we were married.'
Lucius nodded. 'Thank you, Narcissa. Of course you can have access to one of the smaller Malfoy vaults if you don't wish to work, it's the least I could do.'
Narcissa inclined her head but said, 'For the time being I will accept it, and if I come into trouble of course I will ask you for help, but I think it's time I did something with my life. Perhaps I'll work more for those charities we have been contributing to.' She mused on that as Lucius spoke.
'As long as the family home in France stays in the Malfoy name, feel free to live there and call it your own. You may change the wards if you wish but I ask to be allowed to visit.'
'Of course, you will always be welcome in my home,' Narcissa said. She reached across and took Lucius' hand. 'Honestly, though,' she said with a smile. 'How many lovers have you had and now you forget the charm?'
Lucius groaned. 'I was caught up in the moment,' he admitted. 'Harry was a virgin, he was so delectable... I remembered a few minutes in but it was too late.'
Narcissa chuckled and sipped her wine. 'I know you'll be a good father, Lucius, you already are one,' she said honestly. 'Congratulations, I know you always wanted more children.'
Lucius smiled at her. 'Thank you.'
'HARRY POTTER?'
Draco was back and his parents turned to look at him. The Malfoy heir was standing in the doorway, a look of stunned disbelief on his face.
'Yes, Harry Potter,' Lucius nodded.
'P-Potter?' Draco demanded. 'You knocked up Harry Potter?'
'Yes, I believe I just told you that,' Lucius said.
Draco's mouth fell open. 'Why the fuck did you shag Potter?' he demanded. 'Haven't you heard of the contraceptive charm?'
Lucius scowled. 'I 'shagged Potter' as you put it because he is a charming and gorgeous young man... and because I could. And yes, Draco, I have heard of the contraceptive charm.'
'But... but...'
'Draco, no amount of yelling on your part will change this,' Lucius said calmly. 'Harry is going to have my son and I am going to be a part of his life and Harry ours. You know family is the most important thing and now that includes Harry.'
Draco scowled. 'Are you going to marry?'
'What?' Lucius said. 'No, of course not.'
'Oh,' Draco breathed out a sigh of relief.
'Perhaps I should leave you two to talk,' Narcissa said and stood. She kissed her son on the cheek, squeezed her husband's shoulder, and left her boys alone.
Draco sat heavily beside his father and looked up at him.
'Draco, I understand that this is a shock, I myself had a bit to drink before I could wrap my head around it,' Lucius said. 'Harry doesn't want anything from me; he felt it was my right to know I would have another son. He has graciously allowed me to be a part of the baby's life and I intend to take that invitation.'
The Malfoy heir nodded slowly. 'I know you've always wanted more children,' he said slowly. 'Wait, he really doesn't want anything?'
'It took me a while but I convinced him to allow me to purchase things for the baby and help out. He will move into the Manor when he is closer to his due date so I can be with him.'
Draco nodded.
'Son, this doesn't affect your inheritance,' Lucius said calmly. 'You are the Malfoy heir, as my first born you will become Lord of this family when I pass away or choose to step down. Never forget that I love you.'
'I know that,' Draco said with an eye roll, a small smirk playing at his lips. 'I'm eighteen.'
Lucius smiled. 'Sometimes you don't act it.'
Draco chuckled and leaned back, running a hand through his white-blonde hair. 'This is just... strange,' he admitted. 'I know your preferences, Father, I made my peace with that long ago and I don't think any differently of you. But Potter...'
'Yes, it's very strange,' Lucius admitted. 'I never planned on getting him pregnant.'
'Was it just the one time?' Draco asked. 'You know I don't want to know about your sex life but... how long...'
'It was just the one time, Draco,' Lucius told him. 'I saw it as a conquest and now must pay for my determination.' Draco raised an eyebrow. 'Don't get me wrong,' the elder Malfoy said, 'I am looking forward to being a father again, and I know Harry will be an excellent father himself, but I admit that this wasn't planned. Now...' he trailed off and smiled whistfully, '... I'm looking forward to it.'
Draco could see that was the truth and that was one of the reasons he wasn't blowing up. His father loved his family and always put it above everything else; it was why he and Narcissa had defected during the war. Lucius had admitted to his mistake but was accepting it, was going to be there for Harry.
'Okay,' Draco finally nodded, breaking the silence that had descended over them. 'I won't deny that this is strange, my sibiling's other father is younger then me... but you are happy and you'll take care of Potter.'
Lucius raised an eyebrow. 'Do I sense an actual caring for the Gryffindor?'
Draco shrugged and said, 'Potter and I have never got along but it was a school rivalry. We're adults, he's going to become a father... I think we can put our pasts behind us.' He sighed softly. 'Most of our animosity has been on my part and I'll apologise when I see him; he's been through so much and I was so caught up in myself I didn't see it. I doubt his friends are taking this well.'
He paused, eyes flashing in thought.
'Wait, wasn't he supposed to marry that Weasley girl?'
Lucius nodded. 'He found out on his wedding day that he was pregnant, though he didn't want to marry her anyway. He's gay.'
Draco smirked. 'Turned another one, Father?'
Lucius chuckled and picked up his goblet. 'Perhaps one day I'll teach you how to use the Malfoy charm properly.'
With a snort, Draco stood. 'Not a chance, I don't want to knock up any girl.' He bit his lip before saying, 'Tell Potter he's welcome here, and I'm free to talk. He could probably use all the friends he can get and I'd hate for us to be on bad terms, especially since he is carrying my sibling.'
'Your little brother,' Lucius said and Draco grinned.
'I've always wanted a little brother,' the Malfoy heir admitted before shaking his head. 'Father, I think I need to sleep on this news. If you'll excuse me?'
Lucius nodded and watched his son go. He leaned back and swirled his wine, staring into the dark red liquid. That had gone better then he'd thought; Narcissa understood, and Draco had accepted it.
Lucius smiled and sipped his alcohol.