Chapter 10: Lucius
Steel grey eyes impassively watched as his wife fretted about gently straightening her son's uniform. "Enough Narcissa, it is time to depart. Draco, grab your trunk. I best not be receiving an owl that you forgot to pack what you need." Lucius drawled as he strode towards the fire place.
Draco nodded, "Of course not Father, I've been packed for weeks."
Pausing to allow his daemon to jump on his shoulders, Lucius simply nodded at his son before stepping into the floo. As he reappeared on the platform Lucius fixed his features into his trademark indifference. Impeccably dressed with a daemon the properly represented his Slytherin personality, Lucius was the quintessential Malfoy, and that was just the way he liked it. His daemon, Isadora, was an arctic fox. With pristine fur and piercing gold eyes Isadora was the perfect companion to a pureblood of Lucius's status and cunning.
Lucius stayed impassive as Draco bordered the train, "Do our family proud boy." he reminded his child. Draco nodded, straightening up with Avyera perched on his shoulder as a Snowy Owl. Frowning as his wife tearfully hugged his son goodbye Lucius turned away. Such public displays were below those of his family's status. However, he'd allow it. Just once.
Isadora lowered her muzzle towards his ear, "It's going to be a little sad now that the kit will be gone."
Lucius frowned, "It will be much quieter," he agreed.
Isadora flicked her tail, "Lucius," she sighed.
Cold grey eyes locked with gold, "You cannot change me Isadora. Merlin knows you've tried. I'm a Slytherin, and a Lord of House Malfoy. The child simply carries on my line, so long as he behaves befitting of a Malfoy, it matters not to me if he is at home."
The Fox snorted, "Just keep telling yourself that Lucy. I know you and you are going to miss the boy."
"Perhaps Isadora," Lucius paused, "The boy is far too much like his mother. He is not good Malfoy material."
"Maybe, maybe not. But he is good heir material." Isadora responded.
As Lucius watched the red engine disappear into the distance he felt a brief sense of sorrow. Images of a blond child who wanted nothing more than to be just like his father flashed through his head. "Perhaps he is." Lucius muttered thoughtfully.
Isadora practically preened next to him, 'I told you so'
Amused eyes glanced down, 'Quiet Isadora, we are in public.'
The fox rolled her eyes trotting after Lucius as he and Narcissa made their way to the floo station. Her Lucius may try to be the perfect Malfoy, but she remembered the young boy who loved to lay in the gardens with her and pick out shapes in the clouds. She didn't like this grown man who refused to smile and show affection. For as long as need be, she would bring out that young boy. Her human wasn't lost yet. She would make sure of it.