“Do you think father will help us?”
“I’m afraid not, my love; your Father is rather busy with work today.”
“Oh, ok.”
The quiet conversation was enough to stop Lucius in his tracks. He peaked into the drawing-room where his wife and young son were both bent over a chest. A small evergreen tree covered in fairy lights sat on the table in the corner of the room.
It’s true. Lucius was quite busy today. He’d been busy nearly every day since the fall of the dark lord, but the deflated sound in his son’s voice had him wondering if his afternoon meetings could wait.
A little over a half-hour later, Lucius poked his head into the kitchen as he made his way back toward the Drawing room. “Dobby, prepare three cocoas and bring them to the Drawing Room promptly.” He continued down the hall without waiting for the elf’s response.
When he entered the room, Narcissa and Draco were no longer bent over the chest but instead by the tree carefully hanging all sorts of colorful bits and baubles. He watched them for several seconds before clearing this throat to get their attention.
“Have room for one more?”
“I thought you were in meetings all this afternoon?” Narcissa raised an eyebrow.
Lucius nodded before raising a handkerchief to his mouth and forcing a quiet cough. “I told the Minister it seems as though I am under the weather, and all of my scheduled meetings need to be rescheduled for a later date. He understood and wished me a quick recovery.”
“Father! Does this mean you can help us decorate the tree?” Draco’s smile was contagious as he held a silver ornament out to his father.
Lucius gingerly took it. “I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon. Would you like help to put the star on next?”
Draco’s enthusiastic reply was cut short by a POP as Dobby arrived in the room with three mugs piled his with whipped topping and sprinkles. He set the tray on the table by the sofa before swiftly exiting the room.
Narcissa smiled at her husband. “Perhaps the star can wait a few moments longer; we have you all afternoon, it seems.” She moved to the sofa and patted the seat beside her.
Lucius returned her smile before scooping up his squealing son and sitting next to his wife. Looking at his family enjoying their drinks, Lucius decided he may, in fact, be sick the rest of the week.