Obsession

This war was much like the first one. People were disappearing for made-up reasons, or for being sympathizers to Harry Potter. The Aurors came knocking on Lucius’ own door a few times. And Harry was no where to be seen, and neither were his two friends. Lucius found the secret radio program, and listened avidly, hoping he’d get some news as to what Harry was doing. If he was even alive. Lucius stopped wondering why Harry never came to him, even after he said he’d help the boy.

The year progressed so slowly, but on the plus side, Severus and Draco showed up, back at Hogwarts. Severus was even the Headmaster. In the darker part of his mind, the part that Octavius nurtured, Lucius found it amusing and very appropriate that the killer of the previous Headmaster should now fill that position.

The Dark Lord tried to use the Manor, as he did previously, but Lucius couldn’t bring himself to say yes. He locked down the manor, not leaving it, wondering around its hallowed halls.

Then, at the end of what should have been Harry’s 7th year, Lucius felt a calling to Hogwarts. He recognized it as similar to what called him there the previous year. He went. Much like then, chaos reigned. Death Eaters, Aurors, students and teachers were firing off spells. Many fell on both sides.

He made his way to the almost completely destroyed Great Hall. In the center, stood Harry and the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord spotted him first.

“Ah, Lucius. Where have you been hiding, my slithering friend? Have you decided to come crawling back to me, begging for forgiveness on the eve of my victory?”

“No. I’ve come to show my support for Harry Potter. He’s had it for at least two years, now. Besides, he’s going to win.”

Voldemort’s red eyes seemed to catch fire.

“I will revel in your death. I will do it personally, and I will make sure it takes a very long time.”

Lucius shrugged unconcerned. He really did think Harry would win. Still, he had a back up plan, just in case.

“What makes you think you’ll win, Tom? You’ve already killed me once tonight and look at how much good that did you.”

Lucius watched as Voldemort grew angrier, and listened to an almost unbelievable tale. Dumbledore and Severus had planned the Headmaster’s death? Draco was the owner of the fabled Elder Wand, but it went to Harry when he overpowered Draco? Severus was in love with Lily Evans? Actually, Lucius knew about that last part. A bold Death Eater, who took advantage of the distraction Harry and Voldemort, came and prepared to throw a curse at Harry. Lucius quickly threw a cutting curse at him, slicing his wand arm off at the elbow. He then stupefied the Death Eater. Harry gave him a thankful nod, and Voldemort narrowed his eyes.

“Yes, I will enjoy killing you both.”

Voldemort threw the killing curse, and Lucius had to fight back the urge to jump in front of it. And all Harry threw was the disarming charm. Part of the Great Hall fell, due to the energy of the two spells. Lucius watched as Harry destroyed Voldemort.

Cheers, both incredulous and relieved, rang through the air. Lucius only had eyes for Harry. He walked up to the Savior of the wizarding world.

“Congratulations, Harry.” He reached out a hand, but pulled it back.

“Thank-you.” Harry’s tone was formal, and without emotion. Lucius hated it. He’d even prefer anger or resentment than this cool indifference.

A blur of red sped passed Lucius and attached itself to Harry. It was Ginny Weasley. Lucius’ blood boiled at seeing her on Harry like that. He itched for his wand, but a look from Harry stopped that.

“I need to speak to a portrait about a wand. If you’ll excuse me.” The words were to Lucius, but the smile was to Ginny. Harry bent and picked up a wand, then left. He didn’t ignore Lucius, just dismissed him.

The end felt anti-climatic to Lucius. And he felt un-whole. That was the only way to describe it, for all that it wasn’t a new sensation. Lucius went to the trials, but as a spectator. Harry had come forth and said that Lucius was helping him and had been since Voldemort’s return three years prior. But Harry never spoke to Lucius. Instead, he married the Weasley girl and had children, all the while, Lucius watched. And he felt a new emotion—heartbreak.

Lucius did something he hadn’t done in a very long time. Not since his marriage to Narcissa. He went to his parent’s grave and talked to them. He told them all about his life since they died. He spoke of his son, not knowing if he was dead or alive. He spoke of killing his uncle, joining Voldemort. Mostly, he spoke of Harry. His parents would have liked Harry very much.

Standing there, in the presence of his parent’s resting place, Lucius realized the feeling from the night he pushed Harry away. And he realized how very wrong his answer of no was. And he realized how late he was, that he couldn’t make it right, because he couldn’t change the past.

Lucius wondered if Harry was happy with his life. Although, he couldn’t believe Harry and his wife named one of their children after both Dumbledore and Snape. They would run into each other in a book store, or walking down Diagon Alley, and they would exchange nods of greeting and acknowledgement. Lucius did what he’d been taught by his uncle; he locked away his emotions.


Oh my, this is a very short chapter, less than 1000 words. And this was even where I was going to end it, as a sort of anti-happy ending. Lucius made his own bed and now he has to lie in it. I'm still debating whether or not to post a last bit, a happy ending.
This chapter might seem rather dull and unsatisfactory, as least in comparison to the rest of the story. But, I didn't want this epic, and hugely detailed piece. I wanted something small and simple, something that showcased Lucius, and the fact that he is human, capable of feeling, and a sort of why he did what he did, why he is who he is. It was a short little thing I started writing in Arabic class, and wrote it out in a few nights. I was just fine tuning it, and getting off my lazy arse to type it out.
I think I will post the happy ending, as there are so few of them in reality. Oddly enough, it is DH compliant. Huh, go figure. I hope you liked the story, a silly piece to read with out much thinking.