Waiting | Lucius Malfoy

Chapter Ten | Lisbon Lights

Guinevere hated travelling by portkey. Apparition was always a struggle, but portkeys felt even more unnatural to use. When Lucius had sent his final arrangements, she audibly groaned at the footnote that told her they'd be using that form of transport.

She arrived at the Manor, bag in tow, anxious about the trip but more so getting there. She almost wished that they were muggles so that they could hop on a flight instead. However, even though some wizards had grown accustomed to those sorts of developments, that was still far outside the realm of Lucius' adjustments to muggle technology.

Guinevere was greeted with a gentle kiss on both cheeks as she arrived in the study, and felt the cold metal of Lucius' cane brush against her thigh as he put his hand on the small of her back. She shuddered involuntarily.

"Have you got everything you need, Guinevere?" He motioned his head to the suitcase sitting beside her.

"Yes, I followed your extensive list carefully, Lucius. I have everything I require."

"Everything?"

"Well, if you must know, I haven't brought a swimsuit." His lips curved into a smirk. "I just didn't think I'd have much time for swimming with all the meetings you've arranged."

"Well, it seems only right that you get properly acquainted in your new role. Unless, of course, you'd prefer not to come? I'm sure Pansy can be relieved of her duties if you've changed your mind."

"No, don't be silly. I just didn't realise how busy our schedule would be. When shall we leave?"

"The portkey is scheduled to commence in five minutes, so we'd best get ready. I have one more item to grab before we leave, excuse me."

A crack of apparition and he was gone. Guinevere stood dumbfounded. She was well aware of the wards in the Manor after several years and had never seen anyone apparate out with the foyer. Suddenly, he was back, holding a small black box and she could tell that he sensed her confusion.

"Surely you didn't think I wasn't able to apparate in my own home, Guinevere?"

"Draco couldn't. I couldn't."

"For good reason. I didn't want him having free reign of the house," he sneered. He didn't comment on Guinevere's lack of apparition access and she decided not to push him on it. But she did have another question to ask.

"How did you get Pansy to cover for me? I saw her a few days ago and she was working in Diagon Alley."

"Are you worried she won't be up to Kingsley's standards?" He returned quickly.

"She's just not the obvious choice, Lucius."

"Ms Parkinson owes me a favour, Guinevere. She did exceptionally well on her NEWTs and I knew that she was up to the challenge. There's nothing more to say on the matter." Lucius produced a silver locket from his desk drawer and placed it in her hand. He covered Guinevere's hand with his own and after the sharp tug of the portkey, they had arrived in the lobby of the Malfoy Matriarch.

Lucius brushed down his robes and reached to remove the ribbon that held his hair. Smoothing it slightly, he tied it up once more by hand. For a second, Guinevere wondered why he hadn't used magic. Then, she remembered that the Matriarch was host to wizards and muggles alike, something that had surprised her when she'd first heard it. It was set over six floors, with the top two being reserved for the wizards who wished to maintain their magic while on their trip. The lobby was a strict no magic zone.

They walked side by side to meet the attendant at the front desk, who stood and curtsied to them both. Guinevere struggled to look at her, as she was radiating pure embarrassment. Her time with Draco had introduced her to the Malfoy's power status, but with Lucius in tow it was different. The woman smiled a smile that was much too big for her face, almost like a Cheshire cat.