When Draco’s wife died, Lucius had come to terms with the fact that he would only have one grandson. And that he was going to be there for his son and grandson through all of this.
When Draco came home announcing that Scorpius had become best friends with Albus Potter he took no further notice. Only smiling to himself when Draco said he had finally heard the boy laugh for real again.
When The Dark Lord, or as he now wants Lucius to call him, Tom. Told him that the Weasley girl left Harry, his adoptive son and her three children. To go after her quidditch career he felt sorry for the family, but didn’t think much of it.
When Severus, which he considered his brother, came to the manor all distraught, unsure of what to do for his son and grandchildren. Who were all heartbroken and unconsolable. He tried to give the man advice and tried to tell him that they just needed time. And that the children would adjust, he just needed to handle this the way they needed. He also suggested that Tom and Severus moved in with the Potter whilst they were all grieving.
When Draco came home telling his parents that he had fallen in love again, both he and Narcissa were thrilled. When Draco told them it was Harry Potter they were shocked into silence. But in the end they both said this was good for both the family name and their son. Narcissa stated that at least now he wouldn’t be alone.
When Draco brought Harry home for the first time. They were gracious hosts, they had a pleasant dinner, the conversation flowing pleasantly. Lucius thinking he now understood why his son could love this man. When Harry told about why Severus and Tom had adopted him, Lucius felt a rage within him. How could anyone treat a magical child like that?
When at the end of the night Tom came through the floo with a crying 12 year old girl. He was first confused, before he saw both Harry and his son spring into action. Wrapping her in hugs and kisses. Tom looking meaningfully at Narcissa, then back to the small group. His wife taking a step over smiling, whispering something to Draco who nodded. He took the girl's hand leading her towards the kitchen.
When Harry explained that the girl had been struggling with nightmares and a fear of Harry leaving her behind as well, because she wasn’t worth loving. Lucius looked at Harry shocked. The little girl had always seemed so headstrong, he had heard Scorpius telling stories about how she excelled at everything. How she was like a flaming sun, who brought joy and happiness everywhere she went. And that when she had broken her arm last summer, whilst they were playing two on two quidditch, hadn’t shed a single tear. He felt the urge to protect the small girl, make sure she knew she was worth loving.
When meeting the Potter children for the first time properly, he could see what everyone had told him about the children. He could see the mischief in James’s eyes. The friendliness and open hearted in Albus, and the joy Lily brought with her was visible in everything she did, though for a man who had spent years deciphering pure blood masks, he could see that she was hesitant. Keeping close to her grandfather Tom. Scorpius asking if they could go play hide and seek before dinner. His father agreeing, though reminding him to only use the west wing. James taking Lily’s hand pulling the girl giggling with him, though not letting herself be quite pulled away before locking eyes with her father.
Slowly and steadily the Potter’s worked themselves into the Malfoy family, and to Lucius' surprise into his heart. His wife telling him that all those children had him wrapped around their fingers. Especially Lily. He just couldn’t help it, he wanted that sad sheen in her eyes to disappear.
So Lucius, who had expected that he would only have one grandson, was quite touched when a 15 year old Lily came running into his study, shouting “Grandpapa, Grandpapa! Look, I passed all my O.W.L’s!” Although quite shocked about what she’d called him he smiled.
“Did you just call me grandpapa?”
“Yes, sorry sir. I won’t do it again if you don’t want to.” He walked over her, wrapping his hand around hers.
“There is nothing in the world that makes me happier, than you considering me your Grandpapa. Now let’s see those exam results.”
He might only have one blood related grandchild. But over the course of the years he had received three more. He who thought the manor would never be filled with children's laughter had been wrong. And the manor as himself felt warmer. Oh, it was still draftee and cold. But having teenagers running around, even when they slammed doors in objection, made everything better.
When Lucius stood watching his son and Harry Potter get married. He couldn’t be happier, standing besides his wife, looking over at the new family he was now legally a part of. Lily standing close to Tom and Severus as she usually did when they were somewhere with a lot of people. Albus smiling brightly, and James who was soon to be a grown man, looking at the girl present at the ceremony. Lastly looking down or really looking towards Scorpius standing beside him. Seeing that having the Potter's has made him a more confident boy. Gone was the unsure boy who was afraid of doing anything wrong. In his place stood a remarkable young man, with mischief and joy in his eyes. Lucius chuckled to himself knowing that Potter had been a blessing to his family. As well as Severus and Tom’s.
When the ceremony was over Lily stepped over to him taking his arm.
“Can I talk with you for a moment?” He let’s the girl lead him away.
“Thank you, thank you for trying to bring joy to my heart again. For showing me that not all grown up leaves and never come back. Thank you for seeing a small scared girl, who didn’t want to admit she was afraid. Thank you for welcoming us into the family.” Unsure of what to say, he pulls the now young woman into his arms holding her.
“That my lovely, was the least I could do.”
Lucius to was a changed man. Because of a small thing called love.