We all have regrets; they're proof you've grown from who you were, into the person you were born to be. You can't erase the past, you can't even change it. But sometimes life offers you the opportunity to put it right. Dramione, Harry/Ginny, Lucius/Narcissa.

A/N: First Fanfiction like, ever. Probably a bit late in the game to be writing one but seeing as though I'll be in London when the Cursed Child will be previewing I felt the magic come back to me. Please be nice with reviews. I'm open to all constructive criticism, I'm rusty at writing given that I've spent the last three years only writing notes for science classes that are pre-req's for nursing school (which I start in the fall, yay!). I own nothing, it all belongs to the genius that is J.K. Rowling.

Song I listened to while coming up with the idea for this was Ed Sheeran's Photograph.

Enjoy!

Amazing Grace: Chapter One

The Release of Lucius Malfoy and Return of the Prodigal Son

It's been seven years to the day since Lucius Malfoy had breathed fresh air or seen sunlight.

Seven years in Azkaban.

Seven years since he'd had more than three bland meals a day. Seven years since he'd seen his wife, not that he was surprised given that he'd called her a whore for choosing their disinherited son over him as he was being dragged away to from the Wizengamot after his sentencing.

"Mr. Malfoy, I trust you're ready to be out of here." Came the friendly voice of a former enemy as the guards gruffly shoved him into cold metal chair. Across from him was the Minister of Magic himself Kingsley Shacklebolt and Percy Weasley, head prosecutor for the Wizengamot and the man in charge of orchestrating his conditional release from Azkaban. "Mr. Weasley here has the parameters for your conditional release drawn up and is here to make sure you know what exactly it is you're agreeing to."

Lucius nodded, his dull gaze turning to the red-haired man in front of him as he cleared his throat and shuffled some papers. Percy met his gaze head on "Mr. Malfoy, are you aware that you are being released into the custody of your wife, Narcissa Malfoy?"

"Yes."

"And you understand that you will not be permitted to leave the grounds of the Malfoy Manor for the next three years?"

"Yes."

"Do you understand that you will be subjected to search and seizures at random by a Ministry designated official?"

"Yes."

"You also understand this means your mail will also be searched for the next three years pending your adequate completion of house arrest?"

"Yes."

"And you understand that under no circumstances are you to see or communicate with any former Death Eaters, friends and family included and that you will be provided a proscribed list of visitors?"

"Yes, I understand"

"Are you aware that you will be reporting to Hermione Granger and her associates for the duration of your house arrest?"

"Yes."

"And finally are you aware that you will not be permitted your wand under any circumstances and you will not be allowed to use magic until your house arrest is completed to the satisfaction of Ms. Granger?"

"…Yes." Lucius sighed dejectedly.

"Very good." Kingsley said "Your wife is on the other side of that door. Thank-you for your cooperation and good luck to you, Lucius." Extending his hand, the blonde Malfoy patriarch shook it as firmly as his frail hands allowed.

Lucius took a deep breath and with trembling hands opened the door to reveal Narcissa, just as beautiful as ever. Her long blonde hair was in an elegant bun and she wore sharp emerald robes that flattered her figure, her feet punctuated by pointed black pumps. She would have looked the epitome of a woman in control of her person had her wide blue eyes and shallow breaths not given her away. "Hello, Narcissa." He murmured, taking a hesitant step forward suddenly feeling rather embarrassed by his second hand black robes and worn shoes.

"Lucius." She said evenly.

"You look well."

"You don't"

"Yes well, I suppose age catches up with us all eventually."

Lucius had been so transfixed on his wife that he hadn't noticed until a throat was cleared they were not alone.

Harry Potter stood to Narcissa's right. He'd grown into the spitting image of this father, save the green eyes and lightening blot scar peeking through his dark curly hair. He was taller than when he last saw him and lean, dressed in rugged black robes most Aurors wore. His face had lost its childhood softness , he stood tall and proud, unintimidated by the withering man who'd once help the Dark Lord make his life a living hell.

Next to him stood Hermione Granger, whom unlike Potter had grown into a beautiful woman. She wore her caramel coloured locks in long billowing curls, no doubt slightly windswept from the thrashing winds outside of Azkaban. Her sun kissed skin and warm brown eyes remained the same, yet her face had thinned and grown into that of a woman. Lucius wouldn't have doubted for a moment she was the most eligible bachelorette in all of Wizarding London. She wore black field robes similar to Potter, however cut in a more sliming fashion.

"Mr. Malfoy, we should get going" Harry said respectively.

Lucius nodded. "Yes, of course. Where to?"

"Malfoy Manor," Hermione said. "We need to place some wards around your home and discuss protocol with you in a bit more depth. If that's alright with you, Mrs. Malfoy."

The blonde woman smiled kindly. "Of course, and please call me Narcissa, Hermione. We're too well acquainted for formalities, don't you think?"

Hermione returned her smile. "Yes, I would agree with that. Do you have the port key?"

"Yes." Narcissa replied digging into her handbag, retrieving a cloth covered object that Lucius knew to be a golden egg.

"Excellent. Everyone together then, on my mark." Harry instructed. "Three…two… one."

Malfoy Manor, though very much the same as when Lucius had last seen it, was brighter and more welcoming. It was spring and the gardens were in full bloom, the aroma of roses and peonies filled the warm air. Lucius sat on a stone bench and raised his face to the sun as he waited for Harry and Hermione to finish setting up the wards around the extensive Malfoy property. It would be a time consuming feat, the two Aurors had already been at it for well over and hour. His invisible chains, bound by Hermione's wand, were still on him preventing him from walking about freely till the Wards were up.

He thought of Draco then, remembering him as a young boy running around the garden; playing hide and seek, Lucius pretending not to spy his little foot sticking out of the bushes or hear his giggles from his hiding places.

"Draco broke his arm when he fell out of that tree." Narcissa's voice came from beside him. She'd changed into more casual attire, a pair of smart high-waist trousers and a blouse of the palest pink. He would always think she was the most beautiful woman in the world. His world.

"I remember. It was just after he turned seven." He felt himself smile fondly at the memory.

"You'll see him tomorrow." She said quietly, as if the subject would ignite a war.

Lucius felt his stomach flutter and longing course through him. "Really? H-He wants to see me?"

"I…I asked him to come. He probably wouldn't have otherwise but he worries about me…about you hurting me."

"Cissa," he breathed. "I would never-

"I know, I know but since you…went away, Draco's become very attentive."

Lucius felt the soft smile creep to his lips again. "He's a good son."

Narcissa snorted delicately but smirked fondly nonetheless. "He's better than you or I deserve, doesn't mean he doesn't frustrate me to no end. Stubborn as a blast-ended skrewt, he is."

The Malfoy Patriarch chuckled. "He wouldn't be our son if he wasn't."

The two were silent for a few awkward moments, neither sure of what to say.

'I feel like I'm fourteen years old again' Narcissa thought to herself as she felt pixies flutter in her stomach every time she looked at his broken, handsome face. "I brought you out some food. Hermione told me we'd have to ease you back into a normal diet, the flavors and spices might upset your stomach after so many years of pri- I mean…bland food."

"You can say prison, it's alright." Lucius smiled at her graciously, looking at the plate of sliced bananas, orange juice, and plain turkey on wheat. "Thank-you, Narcissa."

"I freed most of the house elves, five stayed and are paid employees." She said abruptly.

"Yes, I read about the amendment that Ms. Granger got the Wizengamot to pass. That's…That's a good thing, I think."

"I didn't understand it at first, but now I believe it to be a good thing. A great many things have changed while you were gone, Lucius. It's a different world now, a better world." Narcissa's voice was firm, alluding to things he was sure he knew nothing of. Being Azkaban meant he was privy to very little outside information, only getting to read the paper once every other week if he was lucky and even then it was most likely not current copy.

"Is Draco in his old room? I'd like to know so as to avoid any…accidental run-ins, until tomorrow of course."

"Uhm, no actually, Draco no longer lives here. In fact, he hasn't been to the Manor for several years, seven to be exact."

Lucius eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Oh but I thought you said he's been attentive? Forgive me, I assumed you meant he stayed close."

"We owl frequently and I go to visit him for a couple of weeks every other month. He travels quite a lot." Narcissa replied.

"So he's not in England?"

"No, he hasn't been in England since you went away."

Lucius' eyes widened further. "Why?"

"He needed to get away, start fresh I think. After the War…things were difficult for him. Frankly, I encouraged him to get away. He's so happy now Lucius, really it was the best thing for him."

He nodded mutely as Narcissa continued. "You can ask him all the in's and out's tomorrow, I don't…I don't feel right telling you about Draco's business. His life is his own, whatever he wants to tell you he will."

"I understand…Thank-you, Narcissa. For everything. I-I'm glad you two remained close."

Ever the aristocratic matriarch, his wife merely nodded pretending her heart wasn't racing at the thought of Lucius being genuinely grateful to her.

A few moments later, Harry and Hermione approached-both looking a little worse for wear and red in the face from physical exertion after hours of trekking the extensive Malfoy grounds. "You have… a very large... house, Mrs. Malfoy." Harry said laboriously, resting his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath.

Narcissa laughed, Lucius noted how at ease his wife was in the presence of the two Aurors. "Yes, I suppose it is. I may have underestimated the size of the grounds. "

"It was no trouble, Harry obviously needed the exercise. Being behind a desk and married has made him soft, as you can see." Hermione teased, smirking at her best friend as she sat across from the Malfoys on an adjacent stone bench. Narcissa and Lucius chuckled at their friendly banter.

"Cheers, 'Mione-

"In any case," Hermione said interrupting Harry. "The Wards are up so you're free to roam around, Mr. Malfoy. The entire 500 acres are covered so you should have plenty of fresh air." She flicked her wand at Lucius' wrist, freeing him of his magical bindings.

"Thank-you." Lucius said graciously, his eye brightening at the thought of roaming the woods surrounding Malfoy Manor. "I know it's more freedom than I deserve. I will not abuse it."

The two Aurors were obviously taken aback by his gracious statement. "Yes well, unfortunately this is where I leave you." Harry said. "My wife will kill me if I'm not home in time for supper…again. Hermione will go over the finer details of your house arrest with you, Mr. Malfoy, seeing as she is your probation officer."

Lucius extended his hand to the boy who lived, surprised to find that happily accepted it. "Thank-you, Mr. Potter, for everything. You've grown into a fine man."

"Uhm, don't mention it. It's my job." Harry replied almost in disbelief at the older man's words. "Narcissa, always a pleasure."

"Give Ginny my love." The blonde woman replied with a warm smile and gentle embrace.

"Always." Harry said with a smile, releasing the embrace. He turned to Hermione with a stern look. "Go home once you're done here. You've worked entirely too hard this week."

"Well not all of us have a beautiful wife to hurry home to." Hermione chided, looking at her watch. "You're offically late, by the way. I can see the headlines now 'The Boy Who Lived, Dies at the Hands of Patient Wife While Trying to Conceive First Child."

Harry rolled his eyes, Narcissa laughed and Lucius chuckled. "Quite the firecracker, isn't she? Seriously, Hermione if I find out you went back to the office-

"Go home, Harry!" Hermione giggled giving him a light push. "I'll owl you tomorrow."

Harry nodded and with one final good-bye, he disapperated.

Hermione turned her attention back to the Malfoy's. "So, shall we discuss the details then?"

"Whatever's best for you, Ms. Granger." Lucius replied.

"Would you care for a beverage, Hermione?" Narcissa asked.

"Just some water please, we had to use brooms to cast part of the wards and I'm admittedly rubbish on at flying."

Narcissa nodded undersatandingly and conjured a glass of cool water. "If you'll excuse me, I have some things to attend to inside. Good evening, Hermione. It's always such a pleasure having you here."

"Anytime, Narcissa. As always let me know if there's anything I can do." Hermione said with a genuine smile and warm embrace.

Once the Malfoy matriarch was out of sight, the pureblood and muggle-born stared at each other for what felt like a long minute. It was the first time they'd been alone in each other's presence in…well, ever.

"So," Hemione blurted, breaking the tense silence. "The rules are few and quite simple. The trace the guards placed on you when you entered Azkaban is intact, however, its reach is now centered around the Manor. You will feel a burning sensation on your neck when you step too close to the edges of the Wards and will alert me if you go past the grounds."

"Understood." Lucius said. "Thank-you for everything, Ms. Granger."

"Y-you're welcome. If you have any concerns please let Harry or I know. I can assure you that as Undersecretary of the Auror Office everything will be handled most discretely."

"Thank-you, I wish to spare Narcissa as much ridicule as possible."

"I understand, I'll be by tomorrow to do some preliminary checks and make sure you're settling in well."

Lucius nodded. "You've come a long way, Ms. Granger. It's good to see the brightest witch of our age excelling. I expected nothing less."

"Thank-you, but I don't require your approval to validate my success-

"Forgive me, I only meant it as a compliment. A testament to your hardwork-

"I understand, Mr. Malfoy. I shouldn't… have jumped to conclusions." Hermione replied quickly, feeling stupid for assuming he meant it as an insult when he'd been nothing but respectful all afternoon. "Have a good evening, sir, and congratulations on your release from Azkaban. Not many Death Eaters were as lucky."

At dinner, Lucius and Narcissa ate in silence for the most part. The dining room had been repainted in a light cream, the Malfoy emblem and historical family artifacts had been removed from the walls and replaced with works of art and the drapes were open allowing the setting sun to warm the room.

"I've made up the East Wing for you." Narcissa said between sips of wine. "I'm sure you can understand…that sharing a bed…"

"Yes, of course." Lucius said earnestly. "I'm sure today hasn't been…easy for you, Narcissa. I appreciate you accommodating me with such kindness."

"You're the father of my son, Lucius." She replied with a gentle smile. "And this is your home. Your family's home. It's not my place to turn you away from it."

Lucius offered a smile of thanks but said no more on the matter. A few more minutes of silence passed before Lucius broke it. "What do you do with your time these days, Narcissa?"

She froze mid bite for a second. Dread filled her as she took a rather large gulp of wine in a vain attempt to ease her nerves. "I've been meaning to talk to you, Lucius." Her fingers curled in agitation. "When you were sent away, I took over the business. As your spouse I was legally the only viable candidate that could assume the role, as it is a family business and you have no siblings and disinherited your only heir, I did what must be done. A few years ago I had a lawyer draw up new contracts, as publically traded company suffering in the wake of the war I had to take certain measures to ensure its survival. Andromeda Tonks, my sister, bought twenty percent of the company's shares and is now a vested partner of the company. She's been helping me run it and I'm happy to say that we're flourishing."

Lucius couldn't hide his surprise, swallowing the food in his mouth uneasily. "I'm sure it's doing well. You're a very capable woman Narcissa, I've never thought otherwise."

"You're…You're not upset?"

Lucius shrugged. "I don't see why I should be. I'll admit to being surprised you chose Andromeda knowing what your relationship was like prior to the War, but never angry."

"Good, because I also had the lawyers draw up a contract separating our finances and I now personally own thirty percent of the company. Meaning that legally you own half and Malfoy Distributions is now an equal partnership in the eyes of the law-

"Narcissa, I have no intention of disrupting anything to do with the company. Seven years is a long time to be out of the game, I've no problem letting you take the lead."

"Bugger me." Narcissa whispered in astonishment. "You've changed, Lucius."

He smiled at her, a small genuine smile that made her heart race. "I hope so."

Once the estranged lovers were finished with their dinner, the plates and goblets of wine disappeared and were replaced with small saucers each bearing a slice of cake and decaffeinated coffee made to their personal liking.

"I ordered lemon cake with raspberry butter cream for dessert." Narcissa said with a smile. "If your stomach isn't up to it don't worry yourself."

"My favorite." Lucius laughed, suddenly remembering another happy memory of his son. "Do you remember the time Draco ate half of one and made himself sick?"

Narcissa let out a loud genuine laugh, a sound Lucius thought he'd never hear again. "He doesn't even like cake!"

"I know! I couldn't for the life of me figure out why he ate it!" Lucius laughed. It'd been years since he'd laughed, since felt that happy mirth wash over him like waves upon the shore. "I have to be honest, I'm nervous about seeing him tomorrow. I-I don't know…know what to say to him."

"It will come to you." Narcissa said earnestly. "He's a lovely man, Lucius, really. He's grown so much, he's kind and gentle and such a hard worker. He supports himself fully. I gift him money every now and then just so he takes a break from working and has some fun. But he's made quite a comfortable life for himself."

"That's good to hear." Lucius said relieved to know his son wasn't struggling financially. "Is there a woman in his life?"

Narcissa rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Many. He's quite the scoundrel, philandering about Central Europe and such on his travels. The tabloids have a field day whenever he surfaces from his work to 'let loose' as he puts it. I rather hoped he'd find someone to ground him by now but, you know what they say about beggars and choosers."

Lucius laughed loudly, still not used to the feeling of humor again. "He's only twenty three, Narcissa. Let him have his fun. Better to get it out of his system now than have him in and out of relationships."

"I'm just happy to not be grandmama to a swarm of illegitimate grandchildren." Narcissa growled. "He's quite handsome, though I'm biased being his mother. He's built like you but I'm afraid he favors me a bit more."

"Well it's no wonder then he's so popular. If he's any bit as handsome as you are beautiful I'm sure he's a most eligible bachelor." Lucius said, making Narcissa blush prettily. "Need I remind you just how popular you were with the lads during our time at Hogwarts?"

Narcissa ignored the comment altogether, much to her husband's chagrin. "Anyway, he'll be here around eleven tomorrow. I have Barbour and a tailor dropping by at nine to give you a proper shave and fit you for some new robes. Your old ones are all moth eaten from being in storage for so long."

"That was very kind of you, Narcissa. Thank-you."

"You're welcome." She said rising from the table. "I think I'll retire for the evening. If you need anything Teensy, the house elf is on duty tonight, will be around. Hermione mentioned you might have some trouble sleeping, I left some dreamless sleep draught in your bedside table."

"I appreciate that. Sleep well, Cissa."

Lucius slept dreamlessly, however not restfully. He was up at six and had a full English breakfast before going down to the stables; mounting a beautiful black horse with a single white spot where his heart rested. The early morning air rushed past him, igniting all his senses, melting all his troubles away the faster Halinor galloped. The morning fog cleared as he returned to the Manor at 8 o'clock, however his nerves reappeared as he walked back inside, thinking of seeing Draco for the first time. The last time he'd seen his only son Lucius had disinherited him for siding with the Order and defending Harry Potter.

Lucius knew he had many wrongs to right, but the first one he was determined to fix was the relationship with his son.

The Barbour and tailor were rather quick affairs, Lucius took a potion that rejuvenated his hair and once again a long platinum pony tail crowned his head. For today, he'd chosen a set of dark navy robes. It was also when the tailor took his measurements that he realized just how thin he'd gotten. Easily fifty pound lighter than when he entered Azkaban.

When he entered the sitting room just before 10:30 Narcissa jumped, looking as if she'd seen a ghost.

"Do I look that bad?"

"No…no…you look…well, like you, I suppose." She said brushing a lock of blonde hair over her shoulder. Narcissa looked excellent and refreshing bright, clad in a cream blouse and floral robes. No one could deny the woman had an unparalleled sense of style, always elegant without looking overtly stiff.

"Draco will be arriving shortly by port-key." She said waving her wand and conjuring a silver tea set and cakes. Lucius nodded mutely, not trusting himself to speak fearing his voice might crack. Fifteen minutes later a distant crack could be heard and the main door opened five seconds later.

"Mother?" Draco's familiar voice gently called, it was deeper than the last time Lucius heard it all those years ago.

"In the sitting room, Draco!" Narcissa called.

Lucius felt panic rise in him, then felt the gentle touch of Narcissa's hand on his shoulder, an encouraging smile graced her lips. The footsteps grew closer and Narcissa turned hearing the door to the sitting room open, smiling brightly she practically skipped across to the other end. Lucius stood and turned in time to see her throw her arms around a tall, handsome man with the same white-blonde hair and lean yet well-defined muscular build he'd also possessed before his incarceration. The man wore a khaki blazer with a white linen shirt, dark jeans, and fine leather shoes. The scruff on his face was golden compared to the lazy mop of platinum hair atop his head. An air of confidence and self-worth seldom seen in men his age swirled around him, giving him the aura of a cultured man of travel.

"Oh Draco, I'm so glad you're here." Narcissa sputtered, tears springing from her eyes as she clutched her son close as her thin arms allowed.

Then it hit him. This man was Draco, this was his son. A whole new wave of anxiety swept through Lucius and he began to sweat.

"Me too, Mother." Draco murmured lovingly, kissing her cheek. He turned his steel-grey stare to Lucius and the two men froze. Time seemed to stand still as father and son looked upon each other like strangers meeting for the first time. Draco walked towards him slowly, sizing him up with a scrutiny and distance Lucius had never seen in his son's eyes. "Lucius, I trust you're doing well." Draco said extending his hand to the man he once called father.

The elder Malfoy exhaled for the first time in minutes, accepting his son's proffered hand. It was both electrifying and calming to be close to his boy. Merlin, he missed him. "I am thank-you. I-It's good to see you, Draco."

Draco said nothing to his father, merely turning his attention to Narcissa.

"Tea?" She asked hesitantly.

"Love some." Draco replied. The broken family of three sat down, Lucius and Narcissa in plush green armchairs and Draco on the adjacent sofa. They sat in silence as the bewitched tea pot poured into their cups, the minutes ticking by till finally Lucius broke the silence.

"So, Draco…your mother tells me you've been travelling. I'd love to hear about it."

The young wizard tensed, anxiety sweeping through him like he'd never experienced before. As much as Draco wanted to hex Lucius into oblivion and scream at him till he was blue in the face, he swore to himself to behave for his mother's sake.

'He means nothing to you. He means nothing to you. He means nothing to you.' Draco chanted in his head. "Yes, well…what all do you want to hear?"

"Everything." Lucius said earnestly. "As much as you're comfortable telling me, that is."

His son nodded and cleared his throat. "Okay uhm…after you went away I was rather…lost. I needed to find a career seeing as though I was disinherited and all." He paused for a moment, seeing the regret flash over Lucius's face. The spiteful little boy inside Draco relished this moment, knowing his father was going to truly understand just what a shit parent he was and how hard Draco had worked to make his own path. "Even though in the end I sided with the Order and Harry Potter publically announced that I'd helped him survive Malfoy Manor, after the War many people didn't trust me. Not to mention my Slytherin "friends" had no intention of making my life easy at Hogwarts, so I transferred to Durmstrang for my seventh year. While I was there I did quite a bit of "finding myself" if you will and decided after months of uncertainty that I wanted to become a Healer and everything just sort of…fell into place."

Pride over flowed from Lucius' heart, his eyes warming as he gazed at his son. "How wonderful, Draco. Healing is a most noble pursuit."

"It wasn't an easy conclusion to come to but I just took to it so well. Anyway, I knew no one in England would train me so after graduating I went to France where I trained with Stefan Claude Dubois. Then to Berlin, Munich and Brussels training with various Healers and Mediwizards in various disciplines, learning as much as I could. After I left Belgium I traveled through most of Greece, then went to Italy and then Moscow and wound up in Istanbul by sheer accident where I met Abdul Farazee. He took me on as his protégé. I studied under him for cumulatively probably about two years. I've also spent time in China and India learning about the East Asian potion remedies. While in India I wrote a paper about what I discovered to be a generalized antidote potion. It's useful for several types of physical injuries making it extremely useful for those without much money. It's also half the cost and twice as effective as our standard wound healing potion."

"How incredible, Draco! That's quite an accomplishment." Lucius said in awe of his young son's discovery.

Narcissa beamed with pride. "It was front page news! The International Confederation of Wizards awarded him the Medal of Excellence for his innovations in the field of Healing, specifically for those less fortunate. I have copies of The Prophet and Witch Weekly it was featured in somewhere."

"I'd love to see it. Please continue, Draco." Lucius encouraged, practically on the edge of his seat as he learned all about the man his son had become in the past seven years.

Draco chuckled nervously, suddenly embarrassed by all the praise from his father. "From India I travelled to Japan and then to Rio de Janerio where I worked with Neville Longbottom. He'd discovered a type of thistle that showed signs of toxin resistance against a species of indigenous poison dart frogs. I tested it and discovered that it was in fact extremely effective at reversing the effects of paralysis from dark magic. From there I spent some time in Mexico working at St. Magdalene's for the Magically Impaired to run some trail test that yielded brilliant results."

Draco noticed the stunned expression on Lucius' face, his confidence rose as he continued telling him all of his accomplishments. "And from there I went to Egypt where I met up with Bill Weasley of all people, surprisingly we got on pretty well."

"His wife, Fleur, is a doll." Narcissa commented. "Truly very sweet."

"Yes and their daughter, Victorie, is just about Teddy's age. They'll probably end up at Hogwarts together. Anyway after Egypt I wound up in Montenegro after a quick pit stop in Istanbul. Abdul's been very ill and Mirah, his lovely wife, was quite worried he'd not last the spring but he seems to have turned a corner."

"I'm so glad to hear that." Narcissa said compassionately. "They're such wonderful people."

"I wouldn't be where I am today without them." Draco said fondly. "So, as I was saying, I found myself in Montenegro where I received mother's owl and then I owled Potter who made arrangements for me to get a Port Key and…here I am."

Lucius was stunned, truly at a loss for words. Never could he have imagined just how…good his son was. A good man, a better man than most probably. He'd dedicated the prime of his life to helping others and travelling the world in search of remedies to heal, not harm. "I'm so pleased to hear that you've done so well for yourself Draco…despite…w-what happened in the past. You should be proud."

"I am." Draco said evenly. 'And I did it all without your bloody money'

Before Lucius could say anymore a knock on the door of the sitting room interrupted him.

"Come in." Narcissa said.

A second later a pop coursed through the room and Teensy appeared with a letter in her hands. "Misses excuse I's didn't mean to intrude, but I has a letter for you from Ms. Granger."

"Hermione?" Draco whispered surprised, a ghost of a smirk on his lips (which didn't go unnoticed by Lucius).

"Ah, yes. Thank-you Teensy." Narcissa opened the envelope, reading the note quickly. "Lucius, she'll be here at two for a check-in. Poor girl works entirely too much if you ask me. On a Saturday no less!"

"You're…very fond of Miss Granger." Lucius noted.

"She's a truly good person, helped Draco and I quite a lot and more than necessary after the War. Probably more than even we know to be honest." Narcissa replied vaguely, as if talking about the subject might make the past unravel. Writing a quick response to Hermione's note and handing it back to Teensy she eyed Draco with a look he didn't like. "You know, Draco…she's gotten quite beautiful."

The young blonde man raised a brow, knowing his mother was up to no good. "So I've heard, the papers are constantly reporting on her professional accomplishments."

"I read her interview with Witch Weekly last month. Did you know she was in Greece while you visited? Apparently she tracked down and apprehended a Death Eater all by herself!"

Draco gave his mother a bored stare that Lucius was not altogether convinced by. "No I was not aware we were in the same country. I know what you're doing mother and it's not going to work."

"All I'm saying is you could do a lot worse." Narcissa snapped. "Of course, you wouldn't know this given that you haven't actually courted a woman of substance in…ever, I suppose. Running around with all those silly bimbos will catch up to you Draco, mark my words!"

"It's just a bit of fun mother, relax." Draco chided, again trying to conceal a smirk. Lucius chuckled to himself watching his wife and son carry on. Under any other circumstance Lucius might have felt ignored or left out, but he found that he liked watching the two people he loved most in the world fuss at each other in such a normal manner. It was almost as if the last seven years hadn't happened…almost.

By the time tea was finished it was nearing two o'clock and Narcissa was fussing over Draco's hair.

"Mother!" Draco growled, more out of irritation than malice. "Stop it!"

"Well why don't you let me arrange for a trim-

She was cut off by emerald flames bursting from the fireplace and two seconds later Hermione Granger stepped into the sitting room.

"Merlin's beard…" Draco murmured in awe at the sight his former school mate. She was quite fetching, clad in a khaki pencil skirt, tight navy oxford and nude heels. Draco couldn't take his eyes off her: all long billowing honey brown locks, sun-kissed skin and shapely legs.

"Ah, Ms. Granger! Prompt as usual." Narcissa smiled standing to greet her with a warm embrace.

"Hello Narcissa, Mr. Malfoy, Drac-Malfoy?!" Hermione gasped. She tensed as her warm brown eyes met Draco's intense grey stare lingering over her body as if he was seeing her with new eyes. "I-I didn't expect you to be here."

"A pleasant surprise, I hope. How are you, Granger? It's been quite a while." He asked casually, a slow smirk spreading across his sharp features.

"Yes, it has. I'm very well, thank-you. I trust you're doing…well?" She asked, mentally kicking herself for her monotonous response. 'Brightest witch of your age…and you can't even form a bloody sentence in front of the man!'

The disinherited Malfoy heir suppressed a chuckle at her obvious attempt to appear unaffected by his presence. "Never better."

She shakily shifted her long locks and gave him a tight smile turning to Lucius. "Now that that's over, shall we?"

Lucius nodded, standing. "Of course, this way, Ms. Granger."

"Settling in well?" Hermione asked once they were seated in his private study, he legs crossed casually.

"Yes, very well." Lucius replied. "I went for a ride this morning, my wife called a Barbour and a Tailor so that I could…freshen my appearance for Draco's arrival."

"I noticed. How is your trace mark feeling? I must admit I do not approve of the…brandishing of traces. I find it barbaric to be honest." Her tone drenched in disapproval.

"It's fine, not the worst of my scars." Lucius replied dismissively.

"I suppose you and I have that in common." Hermione unconsciously flexed her left arm. "Scars that will never let us forget our pasts."

The two remained silent for several minutes, flashes of the war were always haunting their thoughts and their dreams.

"Forgive me, Mr. Malfoy. I'm still…learning how to be around you."

"Don't apologize, Ms. Granger. Not here, not in this house. Least of all to me. In this house, you need never apologize for your…apprehensions."

Hermione nodded but said nothing more on the subject, visibly relaxing at his words. "I have a few rather…impertinent questions to ask."

"Ask away."

"I read in the records from your time served in Azkaban that you were admitted to the infirmary almost twelve times in seven years. Care to elaborate on what made your time so difficult?"

"No, actually. I don't care to."

The auror's brown eyes narrowed. "Well, why didn't you report this abuse to the guards? I fought hard to pass the Fair Treatment of Criminal Prisoner's Act, Mr. Malfoy. If an infraction occurred in which the Ministry could have intervened to prevent the perpetration of a crime against an inmate-

"Ms. Granger," Lucius interrupted. "While I appreciate your…concern and admire your infamous Gryffindor tenacity, I must insist that I have no qualms about my treatment while in Azk-

"Sir, you contracted a disease! If you would tell me how-

"With all due respect, Undersecretary Granger, I'm tired of fighting. Please understand me when I say I wish to live the remainder of my life making amends for my transgressions, not convincing people I'm in need of sympathy for serving out my sentence in Azkaban."

Hermione clicked her tongue. "As you wish. This will be the last scheduled visit of mine. The rest will be pop-ins to ensure you're staying out of trouble."

"I understand. Shall I see you out?"

"No, I know the way. Good day, Mr. Malfoy."

"Good day, Ms. Granger." Lucius replied fondly.

Hermione sighed closing the door to Lucius Malfoy's study. 'Sodding stubborn Malfoy's.' she ranted internally as she walked down the hallway and into the sitting room where to find Draco Malfoy casually leaning against a window frame, looking out at the gardens with a pensive expression. When he noticed Hermione enter the room a playful smirk returned to his lips.

"I suppose I'll be off then." Hermione said. "I'd say it's been a pleasure Malfoy, but I wouldn't want to lie."

"Come now Granger, why must you hurt me so?" Draco chided. "Is this foul mood because of what happened in Athens? Because I swear I-

"Not. Another. Word. Malfoy." Hermione grit out. "As far as you're concerned Athens never happened and as far as the rest of the world is concerned, we haven't seen each other in seven years."

"Six years, four months, two weeks and three days to be exact, Granger." He replied, slowly sauntering over to her as she fixed him with a glare. "And I must say the years have been good to you indeed. I hear you're finally rid of the Weasle."

"His name is Ron-

"Semantics-

"And yes, we broke it off almost five years ago. He's married now to Lavender Brown – Malfoy don't make that face- and they have a daughter, Fiona." She replied crossing her arms defiantly. "Here I was convinced you're a changed man, yet you still maintain petty school boy rivalries."

"You know what they say Granger, old habits die hard and all that rubbish." His smirk widened cockily. "Are you free tonight? I suddenly fancy a drink. Your marvelous skirt has me quite…parched."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "If you think I'm going to be caught dead with you in public you're very wrong, Malfoy."

"Can't blame a bloke for being thirsty, can you?" He asked suggestively.

"I don't want the wizarding world to think I've become one of your many fleeting romances."

"Ooh, ouch." Draco hissed dramatically, feigning a jab to the chest. "Honestly Granger, if I had a heart I'd be offended. But I'm flattered you keep such close tabs on my personal life, I'll take it as a sign there's still hope for us."

Hermione smirked, allowing herself a gentle laugh at his persistence. "Good day, Malfoy. Give your mother my love."

"I will, and I'll save some for myself as well."

With an exasperated shake of her head Hermione stepped back into the fire place and called out the Ministry of Magic before disappearing in a rush of emerald flames. Once alone Draco allowed himself a private chuckle at the unexpected turn in the afternoon's events. Life at Malfoy Manor, it seemed, was about to get exciting for the first time in a very long time.

Dinner was a silent affair; conversation ebbed and flowed punctuated by pregnant silences between questions from Lucius regarding Draco's life over the past seven years. After dinner Narcissa excused herself for the evening, kissing her beloved son on the cheek and giving Lucius a warm smile. "I'll see you lot in the morning."

"Night, mum."

"Goodnight, Narcissa."

Once the Malfoy matriarch left the room Lucius asked Draco if he would join him in a night cap and to his immense surprise his estranged son agreed. They retreated to the smoking room which contained a fully stocked bar. "I'm afraid I don't know your drink of choice. You didn't drink much besides Butterbeer or the occasional sip of wine at dinner by the time I went away."

"Firewhiskey, neat." Draco said, accepting the crystal tumbler his father handed him moments later, taking note that Lucius was having the same thing. They sat across from each other in fine leather winged back chairs. The room was exactly the same as the last time Draco had been in it. It smelled of fine liquor and pipe tobacco, the walls covered in moving portraits of Draco's ancestors showing off prized game from their hunts. Above the ornately carved wooden mantle was the Malfoy emblem, he suspected it was one of the few that remained in the house.

"So," Lucius started after a beat. "Where do you think you will travel to next?"

"Actually I was thinking of…sticking around, permanently. Nothing solid planned yet but by tomorrow I should know for certain."

"That would be splendid! Your mother would be pleased to have you back for good."

Draco smiled fondly at the mention of his mother. "Yes, well she won't rest until I've settled down and married. She's quite displeased with my utter lack of a steady bird."

"I'm sure she just wants to see you happy." Lucius chuckled. "I couldn't help but notice you were quite…excited to see Ms. Granger. I was wondering if you two had perhaps…"

"And if I told you we did have something in the past would you be disgusted with my choice in a muggle-born?" Draco sneered, catching Lucius off guard.

"Heaven no!" Lucius replied. "Draco, I don't expect you to-to understand or believe me when I say that I've changed. I no longer believe the prejudices I used to."

"I suspect seven years in Azkaban would make even the most blood-crazed purist change his views."

While Draco's words stung, Lucius had anticipated this would happen eventually. He was just thankful Draco had spared him the shame of such an exchange in front of Narcissa. "You have every right to be upset with me but if…if you let me, I'd like to make it up to you. It was cruel the way I disinherited you, shameful actually. I've regretted it every day for the last seven years."

Draco lowered his gaze, absently swirling the contents of his tumbler, reminding himself over and over to keep his head.

"I'm sorry, Draco." Lucius said. "I realize that I've never said it aloud until this moment…but I'm so sorry for all the pain I've caused you."

Draco snorted delicately. "Thank-you for your apologies but I really have no interest in mending old wounds this evening." Downing the rest of his Firewhiskey the blonde twenty-three year old stood. "And for the record, my relationship with Granger is strictly professional."

"Yes, of course." Lucius sputtered.

"If I get so much as a whiff of any foul intentions towards her-

"Draco I would never-

"Mother and I owe her majorly and she's very well connected politically. She could make our lives hell if she wanted to."

"I sincerely doubt Ms. Granger would be so vindictive."

Draco smirked condescendingly. "Let's not tempt fate then, shall we?"

"Of course, Draco."

"Never hurts to have an Auror or two on your side, right? I believe it was you who taught me that; one of the many lessons the son of a Death Eater is taught from the very beginning. "

Lucius remained silent, knowing that nothing he could say would make any difference tonight. He'd try again tomorrow, but today he wouldn't say anymore. He gazed at his son dejectedly, waiting for him to say more, to get out his hate.

"I'm going to bed." Draco said briskly. "Good Evening, Lucius."

Lucius watched as his son left without another word, he may have been a changed man but there was still anger and resentment beneath the unaffected mask his son wore in front of others. The downtrodden Malfoy Patriarch sank back into his chair and bowed his head in his hands as he wept over his son's broken heart.