Draco’s eyes followed his father’s every move. He needed clues to know how to react to Lucius. It was definitely easier spending time with Narcissa, but Draco drunk up every spare second Lucius gave him while growing up. Maybe Lucius wasn’t the cuddly types Draco sometimes saw when out and about, but that was okay so long as he was proud of him. Sadly, Draco wasn’t sure he ever succeeded in that area. First, Potter bested him through dumb luck during Quidditch games. Second, a muggle-born beat him academically no matter how hard Draco studied. Then, of course, the big disappointment happened. Draco tried to save their family and couldn’t. If it wasn’t for Narcissa, he’d likely be in Azkaban, if not dead, in his real world.
Potter would have Draco believe he saved his life that night in the Manor. Draco maintained he was a coward whose lack of action happened to help. No, he didn’t want to trade Potter in that night. Yes, his words to the Death Eaters during the Final Battle were empty. He wouldn’t have given Harry up. He still didn’t help. He had impulses, but they never quite landed. Severus might have said he was proud of Draco, but Draco didn’t think he did a bloody thing worthy of praise.
How could he possibly impress the man before him then? Suddenly, Draco’s disappointment in Lucius was nothing compared to Draco’s anger toward himself. He managed to survive the war as a gutless boy. Who could be proud of that?
Draco kept reminding himself to stay in the present. His father looked a little off, but Draco guessed even Lucius Malfoy wasn’t accustomed to strange magical villages in the middle of nowhere. Draco’s hand reached for his father’s, but it was gone as suddenly as it appeared. Had he done something to offend Lucius? He looked down as he shuffled over to the desk, much like he had as a young boy who expected a scolding. He placed the food between them, smiling apologetically. “Managed to get some of your favorites, but options are a bit limited, Dad.” It was easier to focus on the unwrapping of containers than Lucius. “Nice to see you too. Are you well?”