The Plight- Malfoy x Reader

Starting Over

Okay so I've published and unpublished in the last 24 hrs a million times so I APOLOGIZE.

Thank you for those who responded to my question about the chapter "the terrace". I'm an over thinker so it was helpful and I'm keeping that chapter as is.

<3 love u all and thanks so much for ur support/reading/feedback:)
Much love,
F.J.

Xxx

"I don't recall breaking any rules in the last 24 hours," I retorted as I sat across from Lucius.

It was the last day of being housebound and I'd just finished my cotillion class when Lucius called me into the parlor for "tea"— which I was assuming was a code word for scolding.

"That's not why I called you here," he said calmly beckoning me to take the steaming tea he'd just poured me on the coffee table in between us.

I picked it up and held it in my lap without taking a sip.

He looked at my cup, then my eyes before taking a sip of his own.

He placed it back on the table and sat back interlacing his fingers, making himself comfortable on the settee.

I continued to sit as I was, rigid and uncomfortable.

I wore a slightly sour expression, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I thought up all the reasons he could possibly have to speak with me.

Maybe he was going to force me to join some ladies tea club or embroidery ladies club or whatever 'high society' sexist club he deemed "necessary". Or he was finally done with me and would try to marry me off to some stuffy wealthy wizard he found and ship me off across the seas. Or maybe—

"I thought... we should get to know each other better."

I frowned in confusion.

That was the last thing I expected to hear. If I had taken a sip of tea, I'm sure I would've choked on it.

He continued, "I realize—" he stopped then exhaled, "You know, my own father was a cold bastard," he said and I was surprised to hear him call someone else that, especially someone who was a Malfoy elder.

"More strict than even me if you can believe that," he admitted reluctantly, "He didn't care to know me, but I had my mother."

He looked towards the photos on the mantel—some of Otto, some of Draco and a few unrecognizable people, though none seemed to be of his father.

"I hated the man. Despised him. No one knew my deep loathing for him. He pushed me away whether he meant to or not," then he looked back to me, "And maybe... I didn't realize it but...maybe I've been doing the same... to you. To all of you."

I was very still.

"I've neglected to present opportunities for us to get to know each other. For me to get to know you. I've been unfair in expecting you to fully acclimate without building a foundation, I've begun to realize," he said then looked away again, "I'm... I'm sorry. It was my responsibility and I failed you. I was too caught up in doing things to protect you that I didn't allow time to build a bridge between us."

I could hardly believe what I was hearing.

"It may be difficult but... I'd like to try to start over. Would you...want that?"