“It’s fine,” he assured, seeing that Rita got a bit flustered because of the words that slipped out of her mouth. Someone else would say she got carried away and consider it unprofessional, but he knew how serious she always took her work. Besides, there was no need to took all the fun out of their conversation. “I’m just teasing you. Forgive me, I couldn’t help myself.”
Lucius understood those matters and her worries better than anyone- being in the constant spotlight he also had to choose his words very carefully. At this point, the cautiousness was a habit- even though they knew each other well enough to be more casual, it was hard for both of them to let the guard off completely.
“I guess it depends on what someone considers the whole package,” he chuckled. He was aware it’s how the majority perceive him- Lucius Malfoy, the poster boy, a perfect match that any respectable family would greet with open arms, and the reason behind it was obvious. “What’s your opinion on it?” he asked, genuinely curious. Rita was probably the only one he knew who will answer this question honestly.
He didn’t give much thought to his future marriage until he returned home, but now it was almost impossible to avoid it since the future came way earlier than expected. Lucius, unlike his father, hadn’t found the one while being abroad. Paris was different now, more liberated and full of distractions. He was young and wanted to live his life at that time.
“I guess every marriage, arranged or not, requires sacrifices from both sides. And yes, her decision to come to England with my father definitely was a huge one,” he admitted. “My mother was an artistic soul and a painter. After getting married, she became a patron to many artists and still created her paintings,” Lucius pointed at the one Rita watched when he approached her earlier this morning. “She was very proud of it,” he smiled softly. “I would love to show you more of her works, but one of the charities she funded put them on exhibition. This evening is the official opening in the gallery. Today’s event is planned only for the French press and other patrons, but you could come with me if you’re interested,” he offered.
It was obvious to Lucius that she knew who did the prank with the paintings, but he pretended otherwise to let her enjoy the moment and shine. “Believe me, I do,” he smiled, as Rita didn’t even try to hide how pleased she is. “And what do I have to do for you to spill the tea?”
Rita rolled her eyes at his comment about teasing her, although it was with a rather fond smile on her face. Being teased by Lucius was hardly the worst thing that had happened to her lately. "My opinion?" She furrowed her brow, slightly surprised that he would care enough to ask in the first place. "On you or…? Well, I suppose it's the same thing, isn't it?" Rita murmured, finding she rather had to think about it. She had, at one point not too long ago, thought she'd known exactly what she'd thought. But after her last had blown up in her face rather spectacularly, she had most decidedly not thought of anything to do with dating or relationships for quite some time, choosing instead to focus solely on her work.
"I suppose…." She started carefully, trying to choose her words in a way that would articulate her convoluted thoughts. Rita sighed tiredly, for once at a loss. "I would just want someone who would respect me - someone who could be my partner, so..." She shrugged with a light frown, knowing it was an oversimplified answer. "I'd imagine you to be fair, at the very least. I don't have you pegged as someone who would make your life any harder than it has to be, anyway."
She closed her notebook, not minding being a bit distracted for the time being. After all, she'd gotten most of what she came for already. Rita knew enough about his mother's time in Europe, and she had only needed to clarify and fill in a few holes from her earlier life. She relaxed slightly, her small smile returning as the conversation turned once more. It was nice, to see the fondness he so clearly held for the woman. It was something that had been missing in Rita's own life, after all.
"Seriously?" She questioned, eyebrows raised in surprise. Rita had heard of the opening, but as he said, it wasn't open to the Prophet as of yet. She wondered idly if she'd be allowed to report on it, although she thought she might like to go even if she wasn't. "Yes, of course. I'd love to - if you're sure." She was speaking quickly, unable to fully hide the extent of her excitement. Even if she couldn't report on the exhibit itself, per se, she was sure she could glean some useful insight into the woman for her article. And even more than that, she found, she simply wanted to go, work aside.
"Very little, I'd imagine." She said, eyes sparkling as she imagined all the things she would love to ask of Lucius Malfoy. But realistically, she knew the information wasn't worth much to anyone - not even her. No, she definitely had some much juicier tidbits hidden up her sleeve, but those were being kept for the day she might need some leverage. After all, Hogwarts had been where she'd…. perfected her craft, so to speak. "It was Goyle. Big shock there." She rolled her eyes. "Always was a bit daft, wasn't he?"
