Gideon Malfoy-Potter What I See {Lucarry}

Apart from a few discrepancies in a budget form, as well as complaints here and there, Lucius' meeting with the Muggle who ran his publishing company went well. They mostly published books by unknown authors because Lucius, as a lover of literature- even Muggle literature- was always looking for new talent. He had a similar publishing company in magical Wales.

Lucius knew people would be surprised to learn that not everything about Muggles disgusted him. True, he would never like the people, but they had some good things like opera, music, and literature. And Lucius would be an idiot not to invest in the Muggle world, especially with how big it was.

After stopping by the Manor to once more change into wizarding robes- and to answer a letter that had come in from one of the Malfoy family wineries- Lucius flooed to the Ministry.

As soon as he stepped out of the fireplace a few heads turned in his direction. Some- mostly those in a hurry- were indifferent, while the majority stared at him with hard, cool gazes that spoke of distrust and hatred. There were very few who nodded at him or said hello politely.

Lucius didn't let it bother him. Even before the war there had been those who had hated him, either for his past as a Death Eater, his manipulations of the people in power, of his general wealth and power.

Plus, he was a Malfoy, so he didn't let these things affect him. Instead he headed for the Minister's office, needing to speak to Kingsley Shacklebolt about a new investment. He was looking at investing in the new lawyers office one of his solicitors wanted to open in Diagon Alley.

Business was booming since the war had created new jobs as well as destroying old ones, meaning people were in constant demand for someone to handle their funds or affairs. Lanceton Whittaker, who had been working at Reilly, Marsden & Gardner Solicitors since Lucius had moved his business there twenty years ago, had always been a sharp man. He was excellent at his job and wanted to create his own company. He was smart enough and well-off enough to do so, and Lucius didn't want to lose the man as his lawyer, so wanted to invest to keep him.

Of course, with any large business transaction, the Ministry had to know. Since the war every large purchase, even investments, went through the Financial Department of the Ministry so they could ensure it would help re-build the Wizarding World. Lucius thought it was ridiculous, which was why he was expanding into the Muggle World more than the Wizarding one. He didn't like having his purchases monitored by bureaucrats.

Still, this investment was worth it, and rather than deal with the people in Financial- who would no doubt deny it because of who he was- Lucius was going straight to the Minister. And if he happened to suggest that Harry was looking at investing too, well... Lucius Malfoy wasn't above using his partner to get what he wanted. It's not like it would hurt Harry, after all, and it would be a good investment for the teenager; with his rather large fortune, Harry needed a good lawyer.

Lucius stepped out of the elevator, ducking his head as a few paper notices flew over, and ignored the two men who scowled at him as he headed for the Minister's office. He received more glares when he entered, both from the three people waiting, and the receptionist.

It wasn't until a familiar red-head stepped out of one of the offices that Lucius received a friendly smile.

Lucius recognised Percy Weasley from when he'd worked for Fudge. The younger man looked better than he had then. His curly red-hair was cut short, making it less messy, and he'd gained a bit of weight, which made him seem less scrawny. His suit was also nicer- black with blue pinstripes that highlighted his eyes, a matching shirt, and a black tie.

He offered Lucius a polite nod before handing his forms over to the receptionist and approaching Lucius. 'Mr Malfoy, I haven't seen you around the Ministry lately,' the younger man said as he offered his hand.

Lucius blinked in mild shock before getting himself together and shaking the Gryffindor's hand. 'I've been busy.'

'It's good to see you,' Percy said honestly.

Lucius raised an eyebrow. 'Is it?'

'Despite the general public's views- as well as the majority of my family's- I respect you, Mr Malfoy.'

'You do?' Lucius asked, still a bit dumbfounded.

Percy chuckled and gestured to the office he had exited. 'Come, we can chat in private. Mary will let me know when the Minister is free- won't you, Mary?' He added the last part rather pointedly at the receptionist, who grumbled under her breath but nodded.

Lucius followed Percy to his office and the red-head shut the door behind them. 'Tea? Coffee?'

'Tea would be lovely,' Lucius said politely and sat while Percy went to the small trolley in the corner. It held everything that was needed to make drinks and Lucius watched in silence. It wasn't until Percy had sat behind his desk, sliding Lucius' tea- heated by wand- across the wooden surface, that Lucius spoke again. 'Forgive me, Mr Weasley, but what exactly is it that you do for the Minister? Last time I saw you, before the war, you were a Junior Aid for the Minister.'

'I'm a Senior Aid, now,' Percy said. 'Part was due to how I fought in the war, but mostly the fact that I helped largely when the Ministry was trying to get itself together. Harry had a few helpful tips for me and I relayed them to Kingsley with my own suggestions, and he promoted me.'

'Well done,' Lucius said honestly. A Senior Aid was a rather high-paid job. Percy was effectively one of Shacklebolt's right-hand men.

'Thank you,' Percy inclined his head and sipped his own tea. 'How's Harry? We haven't spoken since his last letter more than three or so weeks ago.'

'He's doing well,' Lucius told him. 'Studying hard and preparing for the baby.'

'He must be excited,' Percy smiled.

'I am too,' Lucius admitted, not quite sure why he was having a pleasant chat with a Weasley. He knew, from Harry, that Percy was on their side, along with the twins and the eldest Weasley, William. 'I missed out on a lot when Draco was younger and I'm looking forward to doing it right this time around.'

'I hope you succeed,' Percy said. 'I don't think I have to tell you what'll happen if you fail.'

Lucius chuckled. 'I fear the words "Black" and "castration" will be in my future if that happens.'

Percy laughed loudly. 'Sirius does have a rather unique way of protecting his family.'

'I'll try not to hurt him,' Lucius said seriously, catching Percy's eyes and holding them. 'You have my word, Mr Weasley.'

Percy nodded, looking satisfied. 'I'll hold you to that, Mr Malfoy.'

'I must admit, I'm curious as to why you're on Harry's side,' Lucius said, 'and why we're currently sitting here having a pleasant conversation.'

Percy smiled. 'My girlfriend, Penelope, has a brother named Gordon. He realised he was gay about a year ago and his parents, his entire family, disowned him. Never mind that wizards can get pregnant, and homosexuality is generally accepted; they were completely against it and threw him out. Penelope let her brother move in with us and generally helped him get himself back together.

'So, I have a little bit of experience when it comes to suddenly realising something that important about yourself,' Percy explained. 'Harry has always been nothing but nice towards me, even when others were teasing me because of my looks or my personality. Even when I fought with my family, not once did Harry go out of his way to hurt me. I personally owe him so much, and the Wizarding world will never be able to repay him for what he did.

'Harry screwed up, yes,' Percy conceded, 'but he's young, he made a mistake. I don't think he should be judged on one action when you think about everything else he's done. I hate my family for what they're doing to him and I could never hate him. Plus, Harry's generally a very nice, very sweet person. I'll support him no matter what.'

Lucius was silent as he processed Percy's words, and the younger wizard let him think while he sipped his tea.

'Thank you,' Lucius finally said. 'Harry needs all the friends he can get.'

'I'm glad he still has people sticking by him,' Percy said. 'My brothers- Bill, Fred and George- all still consider Harry family. It's just my parents, Charlie, Ron and Ginny who have the problem.' There was a knock on the office door and Percy said, 'Come in.'

The Minister of Magic himself stuck his head in and said, 'Weasley, you wanted to see me?'

'Lucius Malfoy is here,' Percy said and gestured to the blonde. 'I thought it best to tell you myself rather than leave it to Mary.'

Shacklebolt nodded in understanding. While he didn't particularly like Lucius- and the feeling was mutual- he was a professional above all else, and would listen to Lucius' proposal and consider it properly.

'I have ten minutes; is that enough, Mr Malfoy?' the Minister asked.

'Of course,' Lucius said and stood. He turned and held his hand out to Percy. 'Thank you, Mr Weasley.'

'Not a problem,' Percy replied and shook his hand.

'Feel free to stop by Grimmauld Place or Malfoy Manor,' Lucius said. 'I'm sure Harry would be delighted to see you, and I myself would welcome the company.'

Percy smiled brightly. Lucius could tell that the younger man didn't converse with a lot of intelligent people. He worked at the Ministry of Magic, which was basically filled with incompetents. And apart from Severus, Remus and Harry, Lucius didn't have many people to talk to either.

I should owl Narcissa, it's been too long, Lucius mused as Percy agreed to stop by soon. Shacklebolt gestured for Lucius to follow him to his office, and Lucius shot a smug grin at the appalled looking receptionist. He so did enjoy annoying people.

{oOo}

Lucius had a few other people to speak to before he left. By the time he was done it was nearing five and Lucius' stomach was growling. He'd barely eaten lunch before Severus was called away, and the meeting with Shacklebolt had gone far longer than Lucius had planned; apparently a lot of people wanted The-Boy-Who-Lived-Twice to invest in their companies.

So Lucius was feeling rather exhausted when he entered the elevator and didn't notice it's occupants until the metal doors had clanged together. When he saw the three red-heads he groaned internally but pasted a blank look on his face.

Why the hell aren't they at Hogwarts? he thought of the two teenagers.

'Malfoy,' Arthur Weasley said stiffly, always ready to play the adult. Ronald and Ginevra were both with him, and Ronald sneered openly while Ginevra stared at the doors as the elevator was thrust backwards.

Usually Lucius would make some scathing remark, but he wasn't in the mood. Plus, he didn't want it to somehow get back to Harry; the green-eyed teen wouldn't be pleased if he learned that Lucius had reverted back to his old ways.

So instead he said, 'Weasley,' and left it at that.

Or so he thought until Ronald spat, 'How's the traitor going? Has he learned what an evil git you are yet?'

'Ron,' his father warned, but to no avail.

'Or is he still hiding behind you 'cause you got him pregnant?' Ronald snarled.

Lucius raised an eyebrow, in no way affected by what the boy was saying. Well, anger was slowly creeping into his blood- the boy was insulting his partner- but he tried to ignore it. 'Unless I'm mistaken, you should be in school, Mr Weasley, as should your sister.' He let a smirk slowly curl his lips. 'Or has Hogwarts finally realised how worthless it is having you there?'

Ronald's scowl deepened and his hand twitched for his wand. Half of Lucius wanted the brat to go for it- he'd show Ronald what it was like to fight a real wizard- while the other half prayed he wouldn't. No doubt it would all be turned around so Lucius came off as the bad guy.

'What'd you say to me?' the boy demanded.

'I'm sorry, are you suffering from selective hearing?' Lucius asked. He tisked. 'You should really pay attention, no wonder you're failing your classes.'

And he was; Severus had told him. Sometimes it was handy being best friends with the Headmaster of Hogwarts.

'You slimy git!' Ronald snapped. 'I always knew Potter was a dark, attention-seeking dick, but he's lost whatever Light he had 'cause of you!'

Lucius' eyes darkened and he took a step closer to Ronald. Arthur moved closer too but didn't say anything.

'Be careful what you say about the man carrying my child, Weasley,' Lucius growled softly, 'or I'll be forced to shut you up, permanently.'

A cocky grin spread across Ronald's face. 'Go on, then. You're nothing but a weak bastard hiding behind more powerful wizards.'

'And what of you, Weasley?' Lucius asked. 'You latched onto Harry's robes as soon as you boarded the train. At least I can admit when I've made mistakes and when I've used people. Can you?'

'I don't use nobody!' Ronald snarled and took a step closer, hand moving to his wand.

'You don't use anybody; honestly, I'm surprised you made it to your seventh year,' Lucius drawled. 'Obviously your mother didn't bother to teach you how to speak correctly.'

'YOU SHUT UP ABOUT MY MUM!' Ronald roared and reached for his wand.

And that, of course, was when Lucius' control finally snapped.

Before Ronald's fingers could even brush his wand, Lucius had grabbed him by the front of his robes, turned, and slammed him against the back wall. Ginevra squeaked in surprise and Arthur grabbed Lucius' arm, while the elevator jerked to a halt, the doors opening to reveal four wizards.

Lucius ignored it all as he pressed his arm to Ronald's throat. 'You listen to me very, very carefully,' he growled as the teenager's face turned red. 'Don't you ever threaten me, you presumptuous little shit. You have no idea how the world really works and you're fighting with the big boys now. If you ever try to go against me I will destroy you.'

'Malfoy, let him go,' Arthur ordered.

'One more warning,' Lucius snarled, 'don't you ever, ever threaten Harry Potter or our son. Nobody will be able to save you if you make an enemy out of me, Weasley.'

Ron glared at him but there was a hint of fear in his eyes. Satisfied that he'd got his message across, Lucius let the boy go, and watched as he fell to the floor coughing. Arthur glared at the blonde and crouched to check his son. Ginevra was staring between them, eyes wide. Lucius just sniffed indifferently and forced his way through the staring crowd.

'Lucius!'

He didn't stop walking but did slow down at the familiar voice. 'Remus,' he nodded when the werewolf fell into step beside him.

'What was that about?' Remus asked.

'Ronald Weasley is playing with fire,' Lucius replied. 'I rather enjoyed putting him in his place.'

'He's got a temper,' Remus nodded, 'Sirius always remarked on it.'

'Weasley has threatened Harry and our son one too many times,' Lucius said. 'I'd be happy to wipe that look off his face permanently.'

'Yes, well,' Remus hummed, 'no need to hurt him if it's not needed. Are you going to Grimmauld Place?'

Lucius inclined his head as they entered the atrium. 'I've had enough of other people today... and I miss Harry,' he admitted the last part softly.

Remus chuckled. 'I'm sure he misses you too. I think he was having lunch with Draco today.'

'They're still getting along?' Lucius asked. Harry was always vague about his relationship with Draco, as was Lucius' son. Lucius didn't mind, really. Both were allowed to have their private relationships, after all. Lucius was just glad that they'd managed to put their school-boy rivalry behind them.

'Yes, they're getting along very well,' Remus said. 'Actually, Draco helped a lot. He had a conversation with Sirius earlier.'

Lucius raised an eyebrow and turned to Remus. He noticed that the younger man was wearing his cloak and had a battered briefcase in one hand; he must have been leaving for the day. 'Really? What about?'

'About how Sirius is treating Harry, you, and the entire situation,' Remus said. 'Sirius dropped by for lunch and asked if he was really so bad that Draco Malfoy had noticed and decided to call him out on it. I said yes, of course he was; he's been acting like a git. Sirius apologised before flooing home to apologise to Harry. So you can thank your son for Sirius finally realising what a bastard he's been.'

Lucius was a bit speechless. He hadn't realised Draco would be so annoyed by the situation that he'd actually bring it up with Black. Plus there was the whole "I'm a bit scared of him" attitude Draco had towards Sirius Black. Not only had he grown up hearing about what an insane individual he was, but Sirius hadn't really been that welcoming when Draco had visited.

Lucius was proud his son had tried to stand-up for his father's relationship and made a note to buy that new broom that was coming out soon for him. His Nimbus 2001 was woefully out-of-date.

'After you,' Remus said suddenly, breaking Lucius from his thoughts and making the blonde realize that they'd reached one of the fireplaces. Lucius grabbed a handful of floo powder and threw it in, watching as bright green flames roared to life.

He stepped into the hearth, shouted, 'Number 12 Grimmauld Place, London!' and was carried away.