I probably should have explained on the first page why I write Lucius the way I do, huh? Dur. The way I see it, Lucius and Narcissa's marriage was arranged due to societial pressures put on their parents. Lucius doesn't like Narcissa, didn't want to marry her but didn't have a choice so he's not the nicest person to her. His son he sees more as a tool to boost his own standing in society because a proper gentleman has a wife and child that succeeds at what they do. Lucius buys Draco's way into the Quidditch team as a means to make him look better, etc. While this is going on, Narcissa really does love Lucius but, obviously, it's a one way street and Draco will forever be striving to satisfy a father who's set the bar way over his head. I don't see this notion being dispelled in Deathly Hallows all that much either. Narcissa seems to be the glue that holds the family together; she's the one that shows that she loves and cares for her husband and son. Lucius just sat mute while Voldemort was questioning his kid, not helping him like Narcissa was. Sure, he ran with her to find Draco but he wasn't exactly weeping when they found him. The edge might have been taken off but I don't think he is much of a family man. Narcissa, yes. Lucius, no. That's just my opinion, though. It's the basis for the way I write Lucius in everything.

#44--Ford Anglia

Lucius stood in the lobby of the Ministry of Magic, a Daily Prophet in his hand. He was talking to Fudge when a pop sounded nearby and Lucius saw the look on Fudge's face drop. He turned and saw Arthur Weasley approaching.

"A Ford Anglia, Weasley? Couldn't have picked anything nicer to fly about in?" Lucius smirked. "Narcissa was saying how a tree stump with wheels would have been a better buy."

Arthur started to reply but was cut off by Fudge who proceeded to yell, his voice echoing off the marble walls. Lucius looked on as Arthur turned red.

#99—Newspaper

Lucius sat in the sitting room of Malfoy Manor, newspaper in hand. A picture of the Dark Mark danced across the front page.

"Do you know who conjured it?" Narcissa asked.

Lucius looked up at her, disdain on his face. "No, I don't. It was none of us at the Quidditch World Cup but only Death Eaters know how to cast it. Someone's working alone, making us all look bad."

"But the Dark Lord's on the rise, isn't he?"

"That mark wouldn't have been conjured if he wasn't. Someone's trying to prove loyalty. They can only hide for so long."

#11—History of Magic

Lucius was searching the stacks for [IWizarding Warriors: Migrations to the Island[/I for his History of Magic essay. He located it on an upper shelf. Just as his fingers grazed it, so did another set. He looked over his arm and saw Narcissa reaching for the same book. Lucius quickly yanked it away from her. She looked at him, stunned.

"We could share it, you know. I do need it too."

"And I could turn myself into a one-legged house elf. But I won't. You can have it when I'm done."

Lucius's hair swished as he turned and walked away.

#93—Chicken

"You are chicken, Narcissa! You speak of muggle-hating yet you refuse to join us! You have no force behind your words!"

"Why should I join? You know as well as I that I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure. I'm not Bella!"

"You certainly aren't. She doesn't stop with just words."

"You carry enough action for both of us. Why does he need me?"

"Unfortunately, you're my wife. Your actions reflect upon me. The last thing I will have is the Dark Lord thinking that I'm weak because my wife refuses to act. You've two choices; join or die."

#82—Careful

Being careful not to wake Narcissa, Lucius rose from bed and walked down to the study. He lit a candle and sat in silence, his head in his hands. He didn't know how much longer he could put up with this charade. Publicly he had an aesthetically pleasing family. Privately, he felt nothing for Narcissa and resented Draco for being a product of his mother. Should he abandon them? Just disappear, bury himself in the Dark Lord's work? But it was his house after all. Perhaps he could make Narcissa disappear. Draco could possibly be more tolerable then, without her.

#58—Hoot

A short hoot resounded outside and Lucius stood to open the window. His post owl stood on the sill, parchment in beak. He retrieved the letter and read it. Narcissa saw his eyebrows arch and stood up.

"What is it?"

Lucius chuckled softly. "It seems Mad-Eye turned Draco into a ferret."

"What?"

"Draco was about to retaliate on Potter, Moody saw it and punished him by turning him into a rodent."

"I can't believe it. That man should be fired! How can Dumbledore let someone like that teach?"

"Narcissa, he lets half-breeds and ghosts teach. Does this really surprise you?"

#52—Bore

"You bore me, Narcissa. On top of everything else, you bore me."

"What would you like me to do? Dance for you? Stand on my head and click my heels? Be your little entertainment house elf?"

"You don't get it. There's nothing you can do. I tolerate you because I have to. I don't understand why you can't accept that. It would save your voice if you could."

"A marriage isn't supposed to be hateful and vengeful. It's difficult to live like this."

"You're also supposed to marry someone you love. It's difficult to live like this knowing I didn't."

#49—Yule Ball

"Your mother should be the one helping you pick dress robes."

"Mother's busy and you were coming down here anyway."

"That's beside the point. Have you considered who you're taking to the Yule Ball yet?"

"I'll probably ask Pansy Parkinson. She fancies me and all."

"Do you fancy her?"

"Sure. She's one of the best looking Slytherin girls and I can get her to do anything I ask."

Lucius fidgeted, having nearly run out of conversation topics.

"Did your mother say when she'd be back?"

"No. Do these robes look ok? I don't want to look cheap."

"Fine, Draco. Finished?"

#51—Act

"I told you not to act without my word, Lucius. Now you've destroyed one of my most valuable possessions."

"My Lord, forgive me. I had every intention—"

"—to foul the name of a blood traitor. You have the gall to use me?"

"My Lord, I swear—"

"Swear nothing. You won't be the only one paying for your mistake. I think your son might be up for a challenge and I'm sure your wife would be none-too-happy. You agree?"

"Yes, My Lord."

"Very well. You will have one more chance. However, your family will have just the one."

#14—Hogwarts

"But Father, I want to go to Durmstrang. You want me to go to Durmstrang. Reason with her!"

"Draco, it's too far away. I want you closer to home."

"Narcissa, we won't see him all year anyway. What difference would it make if he went to school here or in Europe?"

"Knowing that he's so far away is nerve-wracking."

"You have to let him go some time."

"Not at eleven!"

"He can get a proper education at Durmstrang and not be under that muggle lover."

"He's going to Hogwarts. I give in on everything else, Lucius. This time I'm not."

Reviews are always appreciated.