IN ANOTHER LIFE (James Potter x Severus Snape)

Chapter 8 - GOM Pt.2

1969

Abraxas Malfoy's office was shrouded in the kind of hushed opulence that only centuries of wealth could cultivate. High, arched windows threw slants of afternoon sunlight across plush carpets, glinting off the polished mahogany desk that had been in the family for generations. Lucius, only eleven but with an air of dignity that belied his age, slipped into one of the plush armchairs across from his father, his icy blue eyes wide and curious.

Dobby, the family house-elf, appeared with a pop, bearing a silver tray laden with the finest china and an assortment of snacks. He set it on the table before Lucius, bowing low before disappearing again.

"Lucius," Abraxas began, his voice a deep rumble echoing within the room. "You remember our discussions regarding the Black family, don't you?"

Lucius nodded, a small frown creasing his brow. "Yes, Father. You and Mother have been in negotiations with them for a while now, haven't you?"

"That's correct," Abraxas replied, his gaze never wavering from his son. "And today, I have some news. Orion Black has accepted our marriage proposal for you and his son, Sirius."

The news didn't shock Lucius as much as it might have another boy his age. He had known this was coming, had been prepared for it by his mother, Georgina, who had always been the more forward-thinking of his parents. He nodded once, taking a sip of his tea to hide his momentary unease.

"That is...good news, Father," Lucius said, choosing his words carefully. "I assume, then, that they are aware of my...secondary gender?"

Abraxas nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. "Yes, they are. And they see it as a strength, Lucius. You know as well as I do how rare and valuable Omegas are. And with Sirius being an Alpha, it's a match that could greatly benefit both our houses."

The elder Malfoy paused, studying his son. "The contract of the arranged marriage is already signed, Lucius. Your engagement will occur right after your first heat cycle. Sirius, however... he doesn't know yet. We agreed to keep it that way until your fourth year, when you're likely to go into heat. Until then, you'll need to keep up appearances as a Beta at Hogwarts, for your safety."

Lucius took another sip of his tea, his mind whirling with the information. He knew the importance of this arrangement, the power it would bring to his family. But he was also aware of the responsibility it placed on his young shoulders.

"I understand, Father," he said finally, meeting Abraxas's gaze with a determination that made the elder Malfoy nod in approval. "I will do my best for our family."

"And that's all we can ask of you, Lucius," Abraxas said, leaning back in his chair, the weight of the negotiations seeming to lift from his shoulders. "This is a new chapter for our family, and we are confident that you and future descendants will carry our name with honor."

"Thank you, Father," Lucius responded, a new steel in his voice. He straightened his back, his slender shoulders squared with newfound resolve.

Abraxas nodded with satisfaction, leaning back in his chair. "Remember, Lucius, you are a Malfoy. And Malfoys always succeed in what they set out to do," he said, his voice filled with paternal pride. "Your mother and I trust you to handle this with the grace and dignity that befits our family's name."

Lucius nodded, the words sinking into him like a spell. This was his destiny, his duty, and he would not shirk it. He was a Malfoy, an Omega, and soon to be a Black. And he would carry these roles with the poise and tenacity his family was known for.

As he left his father's office, his mind already began to turn towards Hogwarts. He would need to keep his secondary gender a secret, to protect himself and his family's plans. It would be a challenge, but Lucius was nothing if not adaptable.