Chapter 14
Lucius is about to pull his hair out, this, this was the Harry Potter he knew. Stubborn, cheeky and loud. This was their first real fight and Lucius had no clue how it escalated this quickly. It all started with trying to find a tutor for Teddy.
“Lucius, you can’t be serious! I think it’s a wonderful idea! If Greg’s friend is a tutor and knows about American history why not?!” The younger man puts his hand on his hips. If he wasn’t so mad at him Lucius would kiss him because he looks so cute like that.
“I think that we need to find someone that will tutor him in magic and muggle learning. I would think that you would trust me seeing I have raised a child before.” Why wouldn't Harry take his advice, he knows that Teddy isn’t really his child but doesn’t mean he loves him any less.
“Yeah, and he is a prat! Well done there!” Harry yelled, Lucius felt anger in his chest and it was his anger and Harry’s. He knew that he was going to say something that he shouldn’t so he wasn’t going to. The blond just walked out of the room.
One thing that Malfoy’s don’t do is have insecurities. Lucius might not have been the best father but he loves his son, and he tried to be the best father he could be. He was a hell of a lot better than his own father, though maybe Harry is right. His husband did say that he wanted children of his own, the only problem is that Lucius would be their other Father, he could do what he did with Draco and just provide for their children and then just let Harry raise them. He already fucked one son’s life up, he won’t do it again.
With a sigh Lucius found himself making a drink with a flick of his wand the fireplace was roaring. The burn of the whiskey doesn’t even numb the pain that he is feeling in his chest. This was their first argument, he wasn’t daft naive enough to think that soulmates never fought. It was the fear that Harry truly was only there because he was his soulmate and not because he truly loved him.
The sound of crying made Lucius stand up to search where it was coming from. Behind the couch Teddy sat curled up holding on to his dragon. The older man’s heart breaks as he sees his son upset, sitting down next to the little werewolf he begins to talk.
“Teddy.” He says calmly, not wanting to scare the little boy. “What's wrong little one?” Teddy sniffs, then climbs into his lap cuddling into him. Lucius doesn’t say anything, he just rubs the little boys back. They sit like that until the crying slows down, he thought that Teddy might be asleep until he heard him talk.
“Daddy is mad, and he screamed at you, and Daddy won’t listen to me. I tried to tell him about the bad man and he just said it was just a dream but it wasn’t a dream Papa. The man.. The man that was at the party tried to put something in Daddy’s food. He doesn’t like Daddy, he wants to be with you Papa. He told his Mummy that Daddy was with you because of your money and that he is going to make Daddy go away so he could marry you and take your money.” Lucius froze, could it be possible. Greg was acting strange that night, well since he mentioned Harry.
“Are you talking about Greg? Is that why you threw Daddy’s dinner on the ground?” He watched Teddy closely, and the little werewolf nodded. If Lucius wasn’t holding Teddy he would already be up and on his way to see Greg.
“Yes, I know Daddy was mad at me. Daddy told me that I should always help people, but when I did he got mad.” The blond pressed a kiss into his son’s hair, he will be talking to Greg right after he calmed Teddy down.
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Harry didn’t know why he was being stubborn about this, maybe because he wants to really be a good Dad, and asking for help isn’t something that he is used to doing, and then what if he does ask for that help, and their way is better so maybe he is just a shit Dad.
With a groan he throws himself on the bed. His hand rubbing his chest, feeling the strain on their bond. Lucius was upset, heartbroken. Harry hated that they were fighting, he loves Lucius he does but this is still new. He shouldn’t have said that about Draco, it was both Narcissa and Lucius raised him and the way that it looks he got all of that from his mother and not him.
Closing his eyes he tried to relax himself, then there was a surge of anger and fear. Harry jumped and ran; he had to figure what was going on. After a few seconds of looking he found Lucius sitting on the floor with an arm full of Teddy.
“Teddy, what else did Greg say?” Lucius asked as he pressed a kiss into the little boy’s ever color changing hair.
“He said that you didn’t like children, you didn’t like me. You like me don’t you Papa?” Harry touched his chest and he could feel both of their sadness at that moment. Lucius' eyes move up spotting him in the room.
“Of course I like you Teddy, I more than like you. I love you Teddy, you are my son. It doesn’t matter if you are not really mine, or that you are a werewolf or that you can change what you look like. I love you and nothing is ever going to change that. I will always be there for you and Daddy. I will make sure that Greg will never be around us again, because I want both of you safe and what's best for you.” Harry moved over to sit down next to them. Lucius made eye contact with him, the hurt shone through.
“We are lucky to have someone like Papa in our lives huh pup?” He ran his hand down the little werewolf’s back. Teddy popped his head up and looked over to him, he looked so sad. Gods does he feel like the world's worst dad. Not only did he make his son feel horrible when he was trying to help him, there is a man who is trying to break up his family. He refuses to let anyone break up something that he has always wanted, something that he deserved.
Teddy quickly looked over to him, “DADDY!” He launches himself into his arms.
Harry kisses all over his son’s face. “I’m sorry Teddy, that I wouldn’t listen! It’s okay. I’m not upset at you pup. We will fix it okay, I’m sure that Papa is going to have a long talk with Greg and he will never come around again.” He made eye contact with his husband who he could still feel the underline of anger.
“How about you go get your action figures ready and Papa and I will play with you. I have to talk to Papa.” Harry said as he rubbed his son’s back pressing a kiss in his now pink hair, he still feels Lucius eyes on him.
“Okay Daddy, but I’m Spiderman!” The little boy perked up as he ran to his room. As soon as he left, he could feel the tension in the air. Lucius stood up and walked over to the couch picking up his whiskey, he sat down and crossed his legs.
The younger man huffed, of course this wasn’t going to be easy. Both of them are stubborn and they had a lot more in common than they thought. Harry knew that he would have felt the same way.
“Luc, I think we should talk about earlier.” He said as he sat down on the coffee table in front of the blond who just sat there and took a sip of his drink. Harry wanted to scream, he wanted to tell Lucius to stop acting like a git. He would have too if he didn’t feel the sadness in his chest from his husband, the Malfoy mask up and ready.
“If you think we should, Harry, you made yourself pretty clear.” He watched Lucius pull off an imaginary piece of fuzz off his pants with his long elegant fingers. The sadness spiked in his chest, it was almost unbearable. He brought his hand to his chest to rub it gently, his husband is truly hurt by this.
“I..I will admit that I don’t know all there is about being a parent. I don’t think anyone knows everything about being a parent. Each child is different, each home life is different. When I adopted Teddy, everyone thought I wouldn’t be able to do it. I was too young, he was a werewolf, I couldn’t possibly do this on my own. So, from that day on I wanted to prove everyone wrong and I think that I have proved everyone wrong. Am I the world’s greatest Dad, no but I do give Teddy all the love and attention that I didn't have as a child? I think that sometimes has to do with me wanting to make everything perfect for him and to make the right decisions without asking for help. Which I have never had the luxury of doing, it was always just me, until I got to Hogwarts. By that time, I was so used to helping myself and doing everything for myself I didn’t ask for help.” The sadness in his chest lessened a little. “I do want your help, I love you. With everything that we have learned obviously we will not be using anyone Greg has in mind. We will talk about that after we resolve this issue.”
The blond finished off his drink and sat it down before he spoke. “I don’t see why you would want my help. You told me how you felt, and you are right Draco is horrible. Teddy is YOUR son, so it is your decision. I would think that you wouldn’t want anyone to do with Greg around our family.” The older wizard crossed his arms. Anger pulsed through him, not only from Lucius but from himself.
“I do want your help. I know you did the best you could, but you had Narcissa. You didn’t raise him by yourself. I know all of Draco’s good qualities came from you Lucius. I would like to think that Teddy is our son. He loves you as much as he loves me, maybe even more so. I want us to be successful and happy for the rest of our lives. We will use this as a learning experience because Teddy is not going to be our last child Lucius.” Harry felt himself blush, “I mean if you still want more children with me.” Love is what he felt now, overflowing of love, yes there was still a little linger of sadness.
The blond uncrossed his legs and opened up his arms. Harry quickly straddled him burying his nose in his husband’s neck. This is where he wanted to be all day, this was his favorite spot in the world.
“Of course, I still want children with you Harry, but before that and before figuring out what to do with Teddy. We need to discuss Greg and what he tried to do, I know that Teddy wouldn’t lie about this and I don't think that he heard incorrectly. I am going to fire him, so we don’t have to deal with him any longer. Then we are going to make sure he can never come around us again.” Lucius hands slide up and down his back, calming him. He knew that he felt his magic snapping, he didn’t like the fact that he was in their house and anywhere near their son.
“Be careful, I know I was blind to him. I could see the jealousy, but after everything I don’t like that he is going to be near you Lucius. Please be careful when you talk to him, I don’t trust him.” Harry pulls away and looks into his beautiful blue eyes, seeing a small smirk on the blonde’s face.
Lucius pressed a kiss on his lips, their bond snapping properly back into place. “I promise I will.” His husband’s fingers carted through his hair. “We had our first proper row as a married couple. We lasted longer than I thought. Seeing how stubborn you are.”
Harry pulled back from Lucius with his mouth open. “Dear Husband I’m shocked, I am not stubborn. I just know what is right.” As soon as he finished, he felt himself crash into the couch, with Lucius on top of him tickling. Legs kicking and his head moving side to side. “LUCIUS!” He laughs out, he is going to so get it when this is over.
“What my Harry I can’t understand you. You said that you are stubborn. I am so glad that we are on the same page.” Lucius' eyes twinkled as he continued to tickle him, soon there was a shift in the mood. Both of their breathing was heavy and their lips were almost touching. Lucius’ fingers now gliding underneath his shirt. Harry arches up to kiss him, wrapping his legs around his husband.
“Lucius!” He moans quietly as the older man’s fingers brush over his chest, teasing him
“DADDY! PAPA!!! Come on! Killer Croc and Sandman are fighting Spiderman and Iron Man!” The werewolf yells from the doorway, which made both of them jump.
Harry laughs as Lucius groans placing their foreheads together. “Coming Pup!” He said before he gives his husband a chaste kiss gently pushing him off. “Let’s go play with our son.”
“We are finishing this later.” Lucius said huskily.
“I can’t wait.”
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Lucius kissed both Harry and Teddy good bye Monday morning. Harry has interviews all day with tutors, and once they got past the first interview, they would interview them together. Draco is taking Teddy today; they are going to hang out and work on potions. He never saw the little werewolf look so excited.
First thing this morning he is going to fire Greg. He isn’t going to bring up the party, he has yet to do most of the work that he has asked him to do. What he does for 9 hours out of the day Lucius had no idea. He will have to keep himself in check, he would love to hex the man who was trying to give his husband food poisoning.
As always when he walks into the building, he is greeted by Linda who works the front desk.
“Good morning Lu! I heard that you tied the knot! Why haven’t we met this mystery person?” The older woman’s white hair was tied neatly into a knot on the top of her hair, her red glasses perched on her nose. She winks at him as Lucius leans on the desk.
“I’m sure you are going to see him soon; on Friday he and our son are taking me out to lunch.” Linda reached out and took his hand.
“You look happy Lu!” Lucius patted his hand.
“Just wait until you see him Linda! He is a cutie.” Lucius wanted to hex, him. How dare he talk about Teddy like that, after what Teddy said he heard.
“Greg, I need to speak with you in 5 minutes in my office.” He said smoothly, he couldn’t help but smirk. The look on Greg's face was one of confidence, and his smile was one that made Lucius skin crawl.
“Will do boss! I will grab you a tea.” The younger man said chipperly.
“No that’s okay, I have a meeting in an hour. I will pick up something before that.” Greg nodded and stalked away.
“He isn’t going to be happy; he has been in love with you since he started. I always thought that he was a prat, well you go ahead get your day started. I’ll talk to you later.” Linda said with one last pat, winking at her he made his way back to the office.
When he walked into his office, he looked around at how bare his office was. He couldn’t wait to get his wedding picture up and then he needed to get a family portrait taken. The computer buzzes to life as he presses the on button, going through the first couple of emails. The knock on the door was softer than Greg normally knocked.
When he looked up Greg stood there with a smile on his face, there still was a curse on his lips.
“You wanted to talk to me boss?” The younger man said with a smile, walking into the room. Lucius motioned to the chair in front of his desk, as he finished up with his email. With a sigh he turned to face Greg.
“Yes, it’s come to my attention that you haven’t been doing what you were hired to do Greg. I have had many complaints about your professionalism. I’m sorry but, you are being let go. Please collect your things. You will get paid for the rest of the week.” Lucius was ready for a fight but Greg just nodded and stood up.
“Okay, thank you Lucius.” Greg said with a smile. “I know why you are doing this.” Then the strangest thing happened, Greg stood up and walked around. Before he knew it, Greg's lips were on his. Lucius quickly pushed him away, as if his kissed burned him.
“I assure you Greg, I did this because you can’t do your job. I’m married, happily married. I don’t want you. There has never been a time that would indicate that I’ve wanted to be anything other than your boss. Now leave before I get security up here.” Lucius all but yelled, how dare that man kiss him. Linda was right, how did he overlook this?
Greg just looked at him wild eyed, then he slammed the door as he walked out of the office. No sooner he left, Lucius' phone rang. He knew who it was, picking up the receiver he takes a deep breath.
“Luc are you okay? How did everything go? Did he do something to you? I can be right there, Draco already picked up Teddy.” The older man couldn’t help but laugh, his poor husband. Their bond was growing stronger and stronger, which was a blessing and a curse. His Harry did worry so much.
“Everything is fine Harry; he is fired and we won’t have to deal with him anymore. Don’t worry My Harry, we will talk about it more when I get home. I have a meeting soon and then I guess I need to start looking for a new assistant.” He could still feel his husband’s worry, he rubs his chest trying to send happiness through it. “Unless you want the job, we have great benefits. ”
“Lucius,” Harry said in a no-nonsense tone. “Just be careful who you chose, make sure that they are not crazy.”
“I promise love, now I have to go get ready for my meeting. Good luck on the interviews today, thank you for allowing me to help. I love you My Harry.” Lucius felt his husband’s happiness through their bond, and could almost see the blush oh his face.
“You’re welcome, like I said he is your son too. I love you so much.” Lucius hung up the phone smiling, hopefully the day would be over quickly. He couldn’t wait to get home to his family.
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Harry sighs as he hits his head on the desk in the library. 20 interviews today, 20 and he hasn’t found anyone that would be good enough for Teddy. There were so many that just wanted to meet Harry, then there were the ones who were judging him because of him being with Lucius, then there was the hating of dark creatures. A drink is in order, he stands up and walks towards the secret place that Lucius hides the good stuff.
As he pours the amber drink the floo goes off, walking over he bends down. Luna’s face smiles at him in the flame.
“Hey Luna, Teddy doing okay?” He still didn’t know how he felt about Draco and Teddy’s relationship, but Teddy loves him so it’s not like he could change it.
“Teddy is great, he is playing with a new friend. I had someone I worked with in the states, your new tutor. Just wait, step back.” Harry knew better than to question, Luna has always known better than he.
“Okay, I’m sure you know better than I do.” He stood back and watched as a figure came through the fire.
“Urm, Hello Mister Potter. I’m Crimson Rose, Luna invited me over today because she said that she had a job opportunity, thankfully I’ve come to expect the unexpected with Luna and dressed to impress.” Crimson had long auburn hair that was held back with a piece of black leather, a face that was soft around the edges. Wearing a dark purple button up and black slacks fit perfectly.
“Nice to meet you Crimson, you can just call me...”
“Harry?” Lucius’ voice rang through the house. Harry laughs and holds out his hand.
“You can call me Harry, go have a seat at the table, can I get you something to drink? That’s my husband.” He stops and call out. “Lucius in the Library. It’s good now we both can do the interview.” He smiles and ushers the tutor to sit down.
“I’m fine thank you. My mate has to find me as soon as he gets home. Though Emma is the one who normally greets him.” Harry nods as he feels his husband’s hand on his back, looking up he smiles at his husband. The blonde leans down and presses a chaste kiss on his lips, then quickly looks over at the tutor.
“You’re still doing interviews? Hi I’m Lucius, so you want to tutor our son?” His husband raises an eyebrow as he takes in Crimson.
“Yes Lucius, I’ve actually met your son. He and my daughter Emma have been playing as I’ve visited with Luna. They are only a couple years apart, Emma is in first grade, or grade 1.” Lucius looks at him and then back at Crimson. Harry just shrugs, he could feel amusement in his chest.
“So, my daughter-in-law sent you, well I’m assuming you already got the job. In the years that she has been married to my eldest son I trust her completely. What do you think, my Harry?” Harry had a few questions first; he has a good feeling but he had to actually conduct the interview. There are things he needed to know.
“Okay before I say yes, I have to ask a few questions because I do trust Luna but for my peace of mind. You will teach him, muggle and magic? I know that we have thought about moving to the states in a few years so we need him to learn about America. So that being said, what are your classifications?” He clasps his hands around his drink watching Crimson’s hazel eyes sparkle.
“Let’s start with classifications, I have a degree in muggle early childhood education, I'm a master of education in the wizard world dedicated to education of children. I am also working on my masters in magical creatures. That is where I met Luna, she is such a wonderful unicorn! I would love to teach Teddy everything, no mag and magical. Of course, basics like math, reading, and being a good person, but art is also very important. Every little one needs a way to express themselves. I know that Teddy is a special boy, I saw firsthand as he became Emma, my daughter’s twin as they played. Least I know what my son would look like if I had one. Anyways I will focus on meditation to help control the outburst of accidental magic, plus the basic childhood magic lessons.” Crimson said excitedly, Harry was pretty much sold, looking over at Lucius who winked at him and nodded.
“Well those are great qualifications Crimson, and you are right he is special. Very special, Teddy is a werewolf. Now, I hope that wouldn’t change anything, I do like you and I know Lucius does too but if you are going to treat him any different because.” Harry said in a no-nonsense tone.
Crimson hands shot up, “Not at all, my sister-in-law is a werewolf and my nephews are also. We will have easy days on the full moon and not worry about it the day after. I know it takes a lot out of them.”
Before Harry could say hired, the floo burst with green flames as two littles come running out.
“Daddy, Papa! Is Mx. Crimson going to be my tutor? Please say yes! I like xym!” Harry now has a little boy in his lap. The confusion he felt in his chest was not just from him, looking over at Crimson and then back down at Teddy. Mx?
“I’m non-binary Harry, I told Teddy earlier. I hope that doesn’t change things.” Xe picks up a little redhead girl whose hair was in ringlets.
“Mx. Crimson, why would something like that matters. We just want the best tutor for our son, and you are it. What do you think, my Harry?” Lucius spoke for the first time, Harry smiled and he felt the same way.
“I say can you start next week?” Both Crimson and Emma smiled brightly.
“Does that mean I get to spend more time with Teddy?” Harry noticed that Emma was already missing her two bottom teeth. She really was cute, a little girl with blond ringlets flashes in his mind.
“Yes, it does. So Mx. Crimson?” Taking the tutors hand, they shook on it.
“I guess I will see you Monday! Now seeing as I took up a lot of your time, and I have to get this one home for dinner.” Crimson stood up still holding on to xyr daughter.
“Sounds great!” Harry and Lucius watch as they left, he kisses Teddy’s hair and tells him to go wash up for dinner that Lucius thankfully brought home and placed under a status charm.
As soon as Teddy was gone Harry was pulled into a passionate kiss. With a hum, he pulled away.
“What was that for? Not that I’m complaining.” He ran his hands through his husband’s blond hair, Harry was secretly happy that it was growing out.
“I missed you, plus it’s been a long day. I think the worst when Greg kissed me.” Lucius said as he pulled him closer.
“HE WHAT?!”