Waiting | Lucius Malfoy

Chapter Twenty-Seven | Lost And Not Found

A week later, Guinevere had handed in her notice to Kingsley. He'd been shocked for sure but ultimately had accepted her decision. Their relationship had always been pleasant, and she was sure that was set to continue. She managed to dodge any awkward questions regarding her plans for the future by giving vague responses revolving around further Divination research. It wasn't strictly a lie.

Guinevere had opted to continue her research in her free time, although the majority of her days would now be spent managing the Mayfair residence and the Matriarch. Her first port of call was to head to Lisbon, despite protests from Lucius. He was concerned that she was throwing herself into it too quickly, instead, he wanted her to take time to herself and enjoy it. She had other ideas however and had arranged the visit nonetheless. Lucius had offered to accompany her, but she knew he had other commitments that required his attention. She didn't need a chaperone.

Erica was primed to greet her as she arrived, taking her bag and leading her to the Malfoy suites. As she was left alone, Guinevere took in her surroundings, slightly sad that she was here alone. There had been a moment of hesitation when she'd reached the floor's extensive hallway, with memories of Dan flooding her subconscious. Checking for her wand, which of course was safely strapped to her thigh, she took a breath and focused on the task ahead.

She was meeting with an investor who was looking to enhance the hotel's culinary elements. Lucius had given her the rundown on Felix MacDougal, a Scottish wizard who had made his money in the aftermath of the Wizarding War. Lucius couldn't quite pinpoint where the man's wealth had come from, but all that mattered was that he was looking to spend it at The Matriarch. Apparently, they were old friends, yet Lucius hadn't been forthcoming in how they knew each other.

Guinevere didn't bother unpacking her bag as she knew that she'd spend very little time on her visit this time around. Mr MacDougal had expressed his lack of time in their owls and she was happy to oblige a short meeting. It saved her having to fret over what she was going to wear.

Lucius had recommended that she dressed casually, due to the informal nature of the dinner. Her idea of casual was particularly different from Lucius, he saw casual as dress trousers and a white shirt after all. Her idea of casual was a pair of muggle denims - which Lucius loathed - and a tattered sweatshirt. She'd decided to play it safe with a simple blue dress, after hearing that her dinner guest was a Ravenclaw. The dress wasn't revealing and sat just above the knee, it was the embodiment of smart casual in her eyes.

She made her way to the hotel's restaurant, passing the open bar briefly on her travels. She swallowed her pride and tried to forget about what had previously transpired. She was safe. She was fine. Lucius knew Mr MacDougal. Focus, she whispered quietly to herself as she entered the dining room.

Her eyes locked with an older gentleman, his lack of hair was counteracted by his wild black beard. He smiled, his green eyes crinkling as he raised from his seat.

"Miss Grace. It is an absolute pleasure to meet you." His accent was broad, but she sensed that he'd travelled since leaving Hogwarts. It certainly wasn't a clean Scottish accent. She'd have to ask him about that.

"Mr MacDougal. I've heard only good things. Thanks for meeting me."

"Ah, I can imagine what Malfoy has been saying about me. He's an interesting man, isn't he?"

"He is indeed," Guinevere replied, fiddling with her necklace. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"Shh, dear. I've already ordered a bottle for the table. Might as well enjoy ourselves while we discuss the boring stuff. Now, how is it that you know Malfoy?"

"It's-" Guinevere started before stopping to contemplate her response.

"Complicated?" Mr MacDougal interrupted. "I thought as much. Lucius likes to think he's an excellent secret keeper. The reality is that he's often a very easy man to read."