Gideon Malfoy-Potter What I See {Lucarry}

Unlike most people, Lucius Malfoy actually enjoyed paperwork. He found the soft sounds of his quill scratching across the parchment quite soothing, as well as the rustling of papers that had to do with both his magical and Muggle investments. If that got too monotonous he could put on a record, or stop for a snack or glass of alcohol- in instances when he actually found paperwork annoying.

He'd started the morning much as he always did; waking up in bed with a delicious young Gryffindor. Harry had been curled up beside him fast asleep, his hair messier than usual, one hand laid protectively against his stomach while the other hand was curled possessively in Lucius' shirt.

Though he was loathe to do so, Lucius woke his partner up, kissed Harry on the lips, and said a soft goodbye. Harry mumbled something in response before falling asleep again and Lucius just smiled as he dressed and left.

He'd then gone back to the Manor to shower and change before sitting down in his study to catch up. He'd been spending a lot of time with Harry and his work was falling behind. He felt he had a valid excuse, though; he was expecting a child.

So most of Lucius' morning was spent going over investments, reports from the many people working for him, as well as employee reviews and budget concerns. It was nearing midday when the fire to his right flared bright green and Severus stepped out clean and un-ruffled.

'Good morning, Severus,' Lucius said without looking up.

'Afternoon,' Severus corrected. 'It's five past twelve.'

'Ah,' Lucius nodded and signed his name at the bottom of a Muggle form. 'Couldn't stand the Great Hall, hmm?'

Severus groaned dramatically and Lucius smirked. 'I hate them, Lucius, I truly do,' the younger man grunted and dropped onto the sofa across from the blonde's desk. 'I don't know why I took the Headmaster position; I should have left it to Minerva.'

'She's far too old, the war damaged her greatly,' Lucius reminded his best friend as he re-shuffled his papers. 'And Flitwick didn't want it, nor did Hooch or anyone else.'

Severus grunted.

'A drink?' Lucius asked and stood.

'I don't want to interrupt.'

Lucius snorted. Severus enjoyed nothing more than interrupting the older man whenever he possibly could. He'd learned not to, though, after Harry came into the picture. There were just some things about your ex-students you really didn't need to know... like sexual positions, for instance.

'I was just finishing,' Lucius said and walked around his desk, heading for the drinks trolley in the corner.

'Already?' Severus asked. 'I thought your work had built up since Potter-'

'Harry,' Lucius corrected.

'- started spending time at the Manor,' Severus continued, ignoring the other man's interruption.

'It has,' Lucius said, 'and I still have to go see one of my managers in Muggle London before going to the Ministry to talk to a number of people.' He poured them both glasses of whiskey- the Muggle type, it was too early for firewhiskey- and handed the larger glass to Severus. 'I was going to have lunch before heading out,' he continued, 'did you want to stay?'

Severus just hummed and took a large gulp of his drink. He instantly relaxed and Lucius watched as he sunk further into the sofa, one pale hand coming up to rub at his face.

'Are you really that tired of your job, Severus?' Lucius questioned.

'Yes,' Severus answered immediately. 'I only took the Potions Master position to help watch over Harry and secure my place on the Light side, you know that.'

Lucius hummed but didn't interrupt.

'And then Dumbledore went and died, the manipulative bastard,' Severus muttered. 'And for some reason I took the bloody Headmaster position.'

'Well, you still wanted to look out for Harry,' Lucius said.

'That I did,' Severus nodded and turned his dark eyes on the other man. 'Until a certain blonde idiot knocked him up.'

Lucius grinned cheekily. 'I can't help it, Harry's delicious.'

'Shut up, Lucius, or I swear to Merlin I'll castrate you,' the dark-haired man threatened.

'No you won't,' Lucius snickered. It was an empty threat and they both knew it.

'I'll tell Harry the Luscious Lucy story,' Severus then said.

Lucius promptly choked on his drink and glared at a now laughing Severus. 'Don't you dare!' he hissed.

'Then keep your sex life to yourself,' Severus retorted.

'Fine, fine,' Lucius huffed angrily.

They fell into silence until a House Elf popped into view and declared, 'Lunch be readies, Master.' She turned her large blue eyes on Severus. 'Will Master Snape be stayings for lunch?'

Lucius looked at Severus too and the younger man said, 'Yes, thank you.'

The Elf bowed from the waist down and popped out of view. Lucius finished his drink before standing and Severus only joined him after grabbing the whiskey bottle.

'Severus, it wouldn't do well to go back to Hogwarts drunk,' Lucius reminded his friend.

'Maybe they'll fire me,' Severus grunted.

'if you hate your job so much then quit.'

'And do what?'

'Open an Apothecary or tutor students individually?' Lucius suggested. 'You're a smart man, Severus, you can do whatever you want.'

'I'm too old to change jobs,' Severus groaned.

Lucius snorted. 'You're thirty-eight, you're hardly old.'

'Too tired, then,' Severus shrugged.

They reached the smaller dining room, the one used for family dinners, and Lucius sat on one side instead of at the head of the table, while Severus sat opposite him. As soon as they took their seats a plate of roast beef popped into existence before them, as well as jugs of iced juice and water, a plate of bread, and a bowl of salad. It was followed by separate plates for both men and Severus immediately set about making a large sandwich.

Lucius just watched as he poured himself a goblet of juice. He had to admit that Severus looked tired, and not just in the sense of not getting enough sleep. There was a droopiness to his shoulders that suggested too much work, and the usual glint in his dark eyes was gone. He hadn't been particularly happy as a professor, but he'd been happier than he was now.

Lucius cursed himself for not noticing sooner. Severus had been Headmaster for more than five months; Lucius should have noticed the changes in his best friend.

'Severus,' he said when the teacher had bitten into his sandwich. Severus raised an eyebrow as he chewed. 'If you're truly unhappy, you should quit,' Lucius continued once he had the other man's attention. 'I'll help you no matter what, you know that. I want you to be happy.'

Severus chewed slowly and when he swallowed he said, 'I know.'

'If being Headmaster is that awful you shouldn't be doing it,' Lucius said.

'Who else will take the job?' Severus asked. 'As you said, the war took a lot out of Minerva, and none of the other professors who have been that for years want it. And the new teachers aren't cut out for the job.'

'They'll figure something out; it's not your concern.'

'It is,' Severus argued. 'If I leave suddenly after only a year I want to make sure a competent person has taken over. As much as I hate the students, I love the castle.'

Lucius nodded; he knew the feeling. Hogwarts had been a home in a way Malfoy Manor never had been, not with Abraxas Malfoy stalking about. And Severus' home life hadn't been much different, what with his parents constantly fighting, drinking, and hitting him. The castle held more fond memories than bad ones.

'Perhaps Minerva and Flitwick could share the title?' Lucius suggested. 'At least until somebody else is trained up for the role? Or what about Slughorn?'

Severus tilted his head at that. Slughorn was a competent Potions Master- nowhere near Severus' natural talent, of course- but he was loyal to the school and its students. He was also a seasoned professor, one of the most knowledgeable there, and clearly wasn't up to teaching every day.

More than once Severus had complained to Lucius that the man was losing focus in class. The Headmaster position was in no way easy, but it had far less interactions with students, and focused more on paperwork and politics; two things Horace Slughorn was very good at.

'That's a good idea,' Severus admitted. 'I might consult Horace.'

'Good,' Lucius nodded and filled his plate while Severus continued munching on his sandwich. 'Tell me what else has been happening; we haven't spoken properly in a while.'

'That's because you're always with Potter,' Severus muttered.

'You're more than welcome to come visit when I'm with Harry,' Lucius told him.

'You're always at that mutt's house,' Severus wrinkled his nose. 'As much as Harry and I may have moved on, Sirius Black will be one person I will never get along with.'

Lucius rolled his eyes. 'Honestly, Severus, isn't this childish feud-'

'He almost got me killed by Lupin!' Severus interrupted angrily.

'And you don't hate Remus,' Lucius pointed out.

'Being a werewolf is hardly his fault,' Severus argued. 'Black, on the other hand, was fully aware of what he was doing. If he'd been anyone other than the Golden Prince of Gryffindor, Quidditch Star Extraordinaire, he'd have been expelled.'

Lucius had to concede to that point. As much as Dumbledore had fought about equal rights, he had been biased when it came to the Houses, especially Gryffindor. The amount of times Harry alone should have been expelled for what he'd done was astronomical. Of course, Harry was also the Golden Boy, so there was no way in Hades Dumbledore would have expelled him.

'Okay, so no tea parties at Grimmauld Place,' Lucius said and Severus threw him a dirty look. 'But you're more than welcome to come to Malfoy Manor more often, even if Harry is here. He won't hate you stealing me away.'

'Oh, is that what I'm doing?' Severus drawled.

Lucius smirked. 'He's four months pregnant, Severus, I just agree with everything he says.'

'Hmm, smart move,' the professor nodded, 'he has Lily's temper.'

Lucius smiled. Severus was finally moving on from Lily Potter. Oh, he still loved her, and no doubt would to the end of his days. But he was finally letting his guilt and hurt go. Lucius hoped Severus would be able to find someone else to love; the man deserved it after all he'd been through in his rather young life.

Deciding not to comment on that topic, Lucius instead asked, 'How are their studies going?'

'Harry and Draco's?' Severus asked. When Lucius nodded he continued, 'Very well. All of Draco's marks have improved and Flitwick has commented that his wand work has improved dramatically. Rather than just force the magic he's learning the moves properly and letting flow.

'Harry's work has improved even more,' Severus said. 'He's never been particularly slow, but I'm surprised with how well he's doing, and so are the other professors.'

'Really?' Lucius asked.

Severus nodded and sipped his whiskey before saying, 'I think the youngest Weasley boy was dragging him down, in all honesty. He's gone from being in the middle of his year group to the top five percent along with Draco and Hermione.'

'That's good,' Lucius said, deciding to question Severus on the use of the Muggle-born's fist name on a later date.

'He's got more of his mother in him than I realised,' Severus said.

'His father was smart too,' Lucius reminded him. Severus scowled. 'As much as you hated James Potter, you have to admit that he was quite a brilliant wizard,' Lucius continued.

'He would have been if he wasn't so far up his own arse,' Severus grunted and took a larger gulp of alcohol.

Lucius just chuckled. He was far too used to Severus' comments on James Potter, and the Marauders in general. The only one he could stand was Remus and even that was a recent event.

'Suffice to say, Harry's improved being away from Hogwarts and the Weasley brat,' Severus said, trying to get back to their original topic. 'I think his friendship with the red-head, as well as his fame in the general public, was affecting his work. I'm surprised Dumbledore didn't do something about it.'

'He wanted Harry where he could see him,' Lucius said.

'Always playing games and manipulating people,' Severus sighed.

Lucius nodded. While Dumbledore had been a great wizard, a good man, and a fantastic Headmaster, his behaviour towards Harry had been disgusting. First putting him with those Muggles, then ignoring the way Harry was treated, both by his relatives, the people at Hogwarts, and the general Wizarding world, made Lucius want to bring the man back so he could kill him again. The damage that old bastard had caused would never be forgotten.

'And how are the Weasleys?' Lucius asked, deciding not to linger on his thirst for revenge. It wouldn't do any good. 'Last I heard they were causing trouble.'

'The girl, Ginevra, has calmed considerably,' Severus told him.

'Really?' Lucius blinked in surprise. 'I thought she was hexing students in the school corridors.'

Severus nodded. 'She was, but she suddenly... stopped. I have no idea why, but she no longer acts out in classes or sends spells flying during dinner. Whenever she hears anyone talking about you or Harry she just walks away.'

Lucius hummed thoughtfully. What is that about? 'And Ronald?'

Severus sighed. 'As loud and annoying as always. He's part of a group that includes his dorm mates- apart from Longbottom- who terrorise anyone who openly supports Harry's decision. He's been in my office more than he's been out of it. Most of the Hufflepuffs believe that it's Harry's decision and none of their business, while the Ravenclaws don't care about anything but their school work. There are a few here and there that are against Harry now, but they're not as vocal as the majority of the Gryffindors.'

'And Slytherin?'

Severus snorted and said, 'No Slytherin would dare speak out against one of their own, you know that.'

Lucius smiled.

'They respect you and Draco far too much. And, of course, they're terrified you'll somehow find out and hunt them all down.'

Lucius chuckled. 'Like I don't have better things to do than terrorise a bunch of students.'

Severus smiled before saying, 'I'm a bit surprised at Weasley's behaviour, though I suppose it was a long time coming. He only ever followed Harry for his fame and money.'

'He did a lot of good, though,' Lucius reminded him.

'Yes, but his loyalties leave much to be desired,' Severus said. 'I can understand being angry at the person who betrayed your sister, but to throw away years of friendship after what they've been through is disgusting.'

'At least Harry doesn't have to see him any more,' Lucius said. 'I told you what happened in Flourish and Blotts early on, yes?'

Severus nodded, remembering how Harry and Lucius had run into Weasley in the book store. 'He'll lead a sad, lonely life when those around him realise what a two-faced troll he is.'

Suddenly there was a call from the other room, cutting off their conversation, and both men stood to investigate. They entered Lucius' study to find Professor Flitwick's head in the fire.

'Professor Flitwick, how can I help you?' Lucius asked.

'I'm looking for Severus,' Flitwick said before spotting the man. 'Headmaster, I'm sorry to bother you, but there's a situation at the school.'

Severus groaned and rubbed his eyes. 'What is it?'

'Ronald Weasley attacked another student,' Flitwick told him. 'A third year Slytherin.'

'Were they hurt badly?' Severus asked, already walking to the mantel to grab the floo powder.

'She has a few boils and cuts, as well as a concussion,' Flitwick responded.

Severus cursed and muttered, 'I'll be suspending him for this. It's the third attack this month.'

'But on a third year?' Lucius frowned. 'The poor girl was, what, five years younger than him?'

'He attacked a first year two weeks ago,' Severus told him. 'Ronald Weasley has no morals.'

'Go deal with him,' Lucius said and patted his best friend on the shoulder. 'And if you need a break, come stay here. My door is always open.'

Severus nodded, looking thankful, before turning to Flitwick. 'I'm coming through.' The short man's head disappeared and Severus tossed the floo powder into the fire. The flames turned bright green and Severus stepped in. He shouted, 'Hogwarts, Headmaster's office,' before disappearing in a loud whoosh.

Lucius watched the flames die down once more before checking his pocket-watch. It was ten to one, and Lucius had a meeting in Muggle London at two. Deciding to forgo the rest of his lunch, Lucius headed upstairs to change into a Muggle suit.