Waiting | Lucius Malfoy

Chapter Seventeen | Mayfair

Theo's owl could not have come at a better time. Guinevere was sitting alone in her flat, replaying the last moments in Lisbon on repeat. She was quickly falling into a pit of self-loathing with no way out in sight. She was due back at the Ministry the following week and the thought was keeping her awake at night.

Guinevere,

I had planned a weekend at your newly-acquired Mayfair home but, unfortunately, I now find myself without companions. I'm sure you're far too busy with your illustrious social calendar to join me, but if you fancy it, please join me this weekend. I can't bear the thought of being alone and Draco is otherwise engaged. However, perhaps Mr Malfoy could join us. Or, Lucius if you prefer?

Yours, unfortunately,

Theo.

Before taking the opportunity to overthink it, Guinevere penned a reply and sent it back to him immediately.

Theo,

You can expect me at 7 pm on Friday. I'll bring the firewhiskey if you ensure that the fridge is fully stocked. And stop talking about Lucius.

Yours reluctantly,

Guinevere.

When she arrived, Guinevere found Theo waiting patiently in the immaculate living room. The entirety of the Mayfair home was furnished in cream and pale blue; it reeked of old money and it was beautiful. The crystal chandeliers hung from ceilings that were painted with renaissance style scenes. Every room held enough gold to blind a mere mortal. Exquisite in every sense of the word.

She'd always enjoyed spending time at the home in Mayfair, even if it was just to check that it was up to standard. It had originally belonged to Narcissa and Lucius, who had used it as an escape during the Wizarding Wars. Guinevere was never quite sure how they'd had time for romantic getaways, considering the happenings around them. A year after Draco and she had started dating, she'd received an owl letting her know that it was to be transferred over to both of their names. Draco had been rather blasé about it all, however, for Guinevere, it was a genuine honour. It was an acceptance from the family.

"Fancy meeting you here," Theo said as he pulled her into a hug. She fell against him, feeling secure in his warm embrace. Guinevere held him tightly before pulling away. "Wow, affection from Guinevere Grace? Whatever did I do to deserve this?"

"Can't I just be pleased to see you?" She feigned hurt. He looked at her sceptically.

"Are you finally dealing with your heartbreak? Is that what this is?"

"Yes," she agreed. "I think so." And she was, just not the heartbreak he was referring to. She knew that this was the first step in moving past what had happened with Lucius. Theo was dressed smartly as always - he had always been a lover of a three-piece suit. Today, it was teal blue in colour, which was slightly controversial for a faithful serpent. She almost commented on his lack of house pride, until he spoke.

"Good. He didn't deserve you anyway."

"I've been told. So, what have you got planned for this weekend?" She asked, pulling a bottle of Firewhiskey from her bag. Her decision to stop drinking had been short-lived indeed.

"Well, I was going to suggest that we went out for dinner, but I can see that you have other plans." He raised an eyebrow, looking between her and the bottle.

"Oh." Guinevere put the bottle on the coffee table, before looking back to Theo. "This can wait. I can do dinner."

"Excellent news. Now, where to?"

"Um, what about Le Gavroche?" She'd heard Lucius mention it and was interested in why he'd recommended a muggle restaurant.

"Muggle? You're feeling adventurous. I like it."

"It's not adventurous, Theo. It's one of the best restaurants in London. Plus, I eat at Muggle establishments all the time."

"Name one restaurant other than Le Gavroche."

"Shut up! I've been to Mac...McD-" Guinevere struggled to remember the rest of the famous muggle restaurant's name, and Theo batted his eyelashes at her, enjoying her struggle. She huffed as she clipped her hair back.

"Is it just a coincidence that Mr Malfoy likes to frequent La Gavroche?"

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were interested in Lucius, Theo. Why do you keep bringing him up?"

"Not my type, Guinevere. He is yours, however." He outstretched his hand, counting the qualities on each long finger. "Blonde, rich and powerful. Sounds ideal."

"Keep this up and I'm not going anywhere with you."

"You know I'm just teasing you. I think you've had enough dealings with Slytherins for one lifetime. Let's try Hufflepuffs next perhaps?"

"Theo, you're a Slytherin."

"Well, unless you've got something to tell me, we aren't shagging." He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently as he laughed lightly.

"Enough. Let's go before I change my mind." She tried swatting his hand away as his head tilted, taking in her appearance.

"You're going like that?" He pulled at the red fabric of her blouse.

"I'm dressed fine Theo."

"You're wearing jeans."

"With heels. It's fashionable." She clicked her heels together for effect.

"If you say so," he hummed, grabbing her hand. "This better be good since we have to walk there."