Vagary

{Twenty-Two}

Being free of his usual lunches with Draco, Harry had arranged lunch with his father-in-law. While he never thought those words would be applied to Lucius Malfoy of all people, this world had thrown him enough hexes to understand that he'd never truly get ahold of what normal meant here. Besides, there could be worse options.

He was here forever, he loved Draco, and he wanted more than just the approval of Lucius. Why the other him hadn't ever bothered was strange, but he didn't exist anymore.

He'd start with honesty.

They were at the normal cafe he and Draco went to, and in muggle attire Lucius Malfoy was actually a lot less intimidating. His hair was charmed to look short like Draco's, and he could see the vague resemblance in him.

"You did a splendid job recovering the young Mr. Black, by the way. My wife, if she were alive, would have surely appreciated your efforts as much as the boy's own family did."

"Thanks," Harry muttered, feeling shy from the compliment and the topic which he had to bring up. "I still wish Pettigrew could have been taken in, but we lost the handle on him."

Deflecting first, then they could get to the topic at hand. No need to rush.

"I remember him in school. He was... tricky. I always saw him without agency. One would think he'd grow frustrated with it eventually." Lucius took a sip of his drink as though he'd said a simple thing.

He was right, and Harry remembered the same driving force in his previous life. However, that wasn't what he was there for, the case could begrudgingly wait.

"Friday night... we're gathering for Hermione's birthday, but there's something you should know beforehand."

"Draco isn't here, I can't imagine this is a good talk, say about grandchildren?" He eyed him, seeming as though he knew something already.

Harry doubted that.

"No, we've put that on hold. Recently my mind was changed, not about kids, but quite literally. This isn't the life I remember. Nor is it for Hermione."

There was no reaction, just a curious uptick of his brow.

"Why are you telling me this?"

"We're telling everyone Friday. Hermione and I have been lying to keep ourselves afloat, our heads are just above water. Severus found out, which is why they were split before she went into the hospital week before last."

Harry waited to see what would come of such a statement, but nothing did. Lucius seemed locked in his head, thinking, making Harry's heart beat a little harder.

"She's suffered a great loss, I imagine."

"Unfortunately yes, but how-"

"My son is in communication with me more than you are aware of, being away from him as much as your work requires. He is currently filling in for Severus' position, and you can imagine how that might make a father and friend concerned for those involved. I was not explicitly told, but I am a smart man. This meeting is about more than just your varying recollection, I imagine?"

Harry swallowed, the dagger through him expertly placed.

"Yes. I was under the impression that you would rather Draco be married to a woman, and I had to wonder why the previous version of me didn't attempt to do something to rectify this?"

Finally, movement on Lucius' face, and it was a smile of all things.

"I gave you my blessing to marry my son regardless of what I wanted my eldest child and only boy to do. You -past you- were content with this," he stopped and gestured to Harry, then brought the hand back and rubbed at his throat, poised with more words. "For fear of my rescinding this grace and what happened with Madame Snape and her parents. You didn't want to put Draco in a bad position. This new you is discontent without saving things, I can tell. Eager to please and to fix, a quality I never once knew you to have before. The old you was much like James in this respect, but I see wherever you come from takes after Lily more... and there is no finer woman alive."