𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐎 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐒

Chapter 44

Chapter Number/Total: 44/44
Chapter Title: Never Happier

After being given his money, the prison guard, same one as it always was, opened the large metal door to Lucius' cell for Draco. As before, the guard slipped in quickly to unchain the dirty, scruffy man sitting in the chair. Lucius' hair was a bit longer since the last time Draco had seen him, when it had been chopped off – probably for hygienic reasons, and it looked like he hadn't been shaved in a few days.

Draco clenched his jaw and walked into the cell, his cane making a clicking noise as it struck the stone floor. The cane was a source of annoyance for him. His father's cane had been an affectation. This one was a necessity. According to the Healers, there had been nerve damage to his lower back during the pregnancy, causing intermittent problems with his legs. There was hope that over time it would improve. Draco stood quietly, looking down at Lucius until the guard withdrew.

"Hello, Father," he said quietly.

Lucius stared at him silently for a few moments, his eyes passing over his son's face and then lingering on the cane. "Draco," he said, voice slightly hoarse. He got almost hesitantly to his feet, but then only stood there.

Draco's hand clenched on his cane. He hated seeing his father like this. His father should be beautiful and immaculate. The young man's face softened and he stepped closer. He hadn't seen Lucius in eighteen months and had nearly died twice in that time. He never thought to see his father again. He wanted to show him how he felt but found himself hesitating, not knowing if Lucius would even want him there.

After another few minutes of pressing silence, Lucius released a characteristic heavy sigh. It sounded almost like annoyance, though what annoyed him was unclear. He took another step forward and pulled his son into an embrace.

Draco gasped in a partial sob and hugged his father back, arms around him, cane clutched behind Lucius' back. He pressed his face into his father's shoulder.

Lucius hugged Draco tightly and firmly, not letting go. "I have missed you, my son," he said gruffly, and it was obvious that he was attempting to hide his emotion.

"Father," Draco whispered, voice hoarse as he fought back tears. "I have missed you very much."

Lucius didn't respond, and the hug probably said more than words could anyway. Eventually, after an immeasurable amount of time had passed, he pulled back, grasping Draco's shoulders.

Draco smiled weakly, looking into his father's eyes. "I didn't mean for it to be so long between visits," he said softly.

Lucius sighed again, but quieter this time. "Yes," he said, and paused again. "I trust you have been ... well?" he said a bit stiffly.

Draco stepped back, bringing his cane down to make sure he didn't fall as he did. "I am improving," he said, shrugging.

His father looked ... confused, like he didn't know what to say. He glanced at the cane again. "I'm glad."

Draco gestured for his father to sit and reached for the guest chair, sitting down carefully in it. "Pressure on my lower back caused some damage, but it does seem to be getting better," he explained, placing the cane across his lap.

Lucius sat as well. He didn't ask what the pressure had been from. "I was worried," he said, gruff again.

"Outside of that, I seem recovered," Draco continued. "And the boys are strong and healthy." He smiled then, hoping his father could see his happiness when he did.

Lucius shifted around in his chair and cleared his throat. "Yes," he said. "Your mother sent me a picture of them to keep in her last letter."

"I suppose she sent you the latest article in the Daily Prophet, as well?" Draco grinned. Fenwick had covered the award ceremony, pleasing both Harry and Narcissa with the article.