Lucius went to bed that evening with a smile on his face, his first lesson with Harry had gone rather well. He had begun by giving him an overview of the House of Wizards, touching upon the Potter family history, or what was known to the public at least, before giving him a more thorough understanding of the way the families interacted with the House using the Malfoy family as the example. If Harry had questioned him he would have explained that it was the only history that he knew in proper detail, and although this was the case he also had an ulterior motive, it would be better for him in the future if Harry was already aware of some of the family history.
The next morning he apparated to the orphanage with Narcissa by his side, he could tell that she was curious about what if anything had happened during the lesson the night before. He could tell that she would restrain herself though and wait for him to tell her over lunch, not that there was really much to tell at the moment. They were met just inside the main hall of the orphanage by Mrs Brown who after introductions showed them to the two rooms that the children had been gathered in. Mrs Brown had informed Lucius that there would be a member of staff sitting in on his lesson in order to keep the children in line and that she herself would be sat in on Narcissa's lesson for the same reason. Lucius knew that wasn't entirely the reason, they were probably going to be in the room to keep an eye on them and what they were teaching the children, but an extra person to monitor behaviour wasn't unwelcome. It would also be a good thing to have another adult there, one who would be able to confirm to anyone who was doubting what he was teaching the children that he was teaching as he should be.
The lesson was interesting, he had a group of boys of mixed parentage aging from five to thirteen. He first introduced himself to the children and got all their names before asking them if they knew why they were there. Once all the children were aware of what they were going to be doing Lucius began to talk about proper etiquette, focusing to begin with how to address any adult and then more specifically adults of the different stations within the wizarding world. Several of the older children had already had etiquette lessons, especially those who had darker ties as the darker factions of society had held with the traditions of the Wizarding world rigidly. He had enlisted those children to help him with the younger children and those who hadn't had any lessons, explaining that helping their fellow children would allow them to learn how to help others and act more mature and grown up. He wasn't a Sytherin for nothing, if stretching the truth a little allowed him his way he would use it. None of the children would really realise that he had tricked them into helping the others, and he doubted that the member of staff in the room would point it out or call Lucius on it, after all if it got the children to co-operate with one another it would be a good thing.
They had discussed several different things in the lesson and Lucius had also read to them from one of the books that he had purchased, explaining to them that they all had their own copies of the books and he would expect them to read them. He did concede that some of the younger children would possibly be unable to read or understand the more complicated parts of the texts so he explained that they could work as a group and that one person could read for the group aloud and that they could discuss the book and any parts they didn't understand. He did stipulate that it wasn't to be the same person that read all the time, in order to curb any of the future Ravenclaws from taking over completely, and that the others must all follow along in their own books, as this would help them to learn the words that they were unaware of and improve their reading skills.
When Lucius left the room at the end of the lesson he could tell that the man who had been left to supervise him was impressed with the way the lesson had gone, or rather that he was impressed that Lucius hadn't been completely harsh and unyielding with the children. He met Narcissa and Mrs Brown as they came out of their own room and they all made their way to Mrs Brown's office in order to discuss the lessons. The thing that Lucius wanted to discuss most was the lessons on history that would take place on a Friday morning, he wanted to try and introduce the children to as much of the wizarding history as possible and wanted to enlist the help of the staff.
He had explained his wishes, and had requested that the staff use stories from wizarding history as bedtime stories, the true history of course, rather than things like Wizarding fairytales or children's books. Mrs Brown had looked unsure, but had finally conceded when Lucius had agreed that such stories could still be available for the children to read if they wish. He had also agreed to make a large donation in the form of books, the orphanage didn't have much in the way of books or a library at the moment and that was something that Lucius wanted to change. He had asked though that they set aside two separate rooms as libraries, one that would have books for reading for pleasure and one that would be more geared towards formal study for those children with summer homework or who wanted to broaden their knowledge in the fields of magic. Mrs Brown seemed to agree with his requests and he informed her that Flourish and Blotts would be making a delivery to the orphanage either later that day or the next day so if some of the staff could make sure that the rooms were ready that would be appreciated.
Leaving the orphanage Lucius could tell that Mrs Brown was not exactly happy with his demanding nature, but that she was pleased with his donations to the orphanage. Narcissa he could tell was just amused by the situation, but she didn't let on, keeping silent on the situation even as they stopped at the bookshop before going to lunch. She was less than silent in the shop however, recommending several different books, recommendations that he agreed with. In the end they had placed a rather large order to be sent to the orphanage and Lucius had opened a specific account with the shop for books for the orphanage to be paid for from one of his own Gringotts accounts.
They had made their way into Vertical Alley for lunch, choosing to dine at Athena's a restaurant stylised after a Greek temple with private rooms lined with many books as was befitting a goddess of knowledge. They had made their selections and were alone before Narcissa began her barrage of questions.
"The orphans?" She questioned, "It's not just for publicity or as an initial introduction as I thought originally, you are putting too much effort into the orphanage for that, why?"
He smiled, trust Narcissa to see right through the motives that others would have seen and see a deeper underlying motive was still hidden beneath them. "I'm simply trying to better the future generations of our world."
Narcissa snorted rather inelegantly, "If I believed that Lucius I wouldn't have asked."
"Heir Potter-Black is an orphan himself, he emphasises with them, I am merely making sure that someone provides them the opportunities and guidance that he should have been given in the past." Lucius responded, before going silent as a waiter brought in their meal.
Narcissa stared at him for a moment or two before seeming to accept his response. "So, what are your plans for wooing Heir Potter-Black? What are you going to do about the Blood Traitor?"
"I intend to become Harry's friend first, become his confidant and then I will begin to woo him, once he has gotten to know me as Lucius rather than as Lord Malfoy." Lucius replied, "The orphans well he will be grateful that someone is looking out for them in the way he wished he had been looked after and hopefully he will look at me in a more favourable light for being that person."
"And the Blood Traitor?" Narcissa asked again, not finding fault with any of his plans so far.
"Shall be allowed to ruin her own reputation and chances, perhaps with a few subtle Slytherin nudges from myself of course. Her complete lack of manners are already working against her, Harry was less than impressed with her behaviour at the Ministry ball, shouting across the room at him, it was embarrassing." Lucius confided.
"I am sure that you know what you are doing." Narcissa spoke, "However if you intend to oust Miss Weasley from society more completely than her family have already managed you will of course need my help, and the help of the Matriarchs."
Lucius nodded, bowing to her wisdom, she had been one of the leading Matriarchs in society for over a decade, and still managed to hold her position despite the fact that they had gotten a divorce. It was astounding really that even though she was no longer a Lady of the House she still managed to hold such a position. He supposed it was her Black heritage and her Slytherin cunning that allowed her to keep her position. The fact that she was no doubt going to become a French Lady would be working in her favour as well, the British Matriarchs hoping to gain connections in Europe.
"I will deal with Miss Weasley, subtly of course, we cannot be seen to be meddling." Narcissa spoke confidently, "It will be up to you to ensnare Heir Potter-Black Lucius, I will give assistance when necessary, but of what I know of him your actions and attentions must come from yourself and be genuine, otherwise he is likely to ignore them and you completely."
Lucius agreed with her, he had surmised as much himself through his research. It would be different to what he was used to being completely genuine with someone, the only people who really got to see him as Lucius were Narcissa and Draco, Severus sometimes got a glimpse of his true self but not often. He had already decided upon this course of action though as Harry appeared to hate anyone who presented themselves as something they weren't. He wondered what exactly Narcissa was planning for the Blood Traitor, but in the end he thought that it wouldn't be wise to ask, plausible deniability as well as the fact that it would be too obvious if he was watching out for specific actions or events.
When the waiter returned to remove their plates and return with the next course they changed topics, beginning to discuss how Narcissa was enjoying living in France and what her and Marcus' plans were for the next few months. Draco also came up in conversation, their son currently staying in Paris with Narcissa so as to have a shorter apparition journey each day to the Université de Magie where he was studying. He was doing well in his studies and Narcissa had advised that he intended to return to Britain and the Manor every second weekend, coursework permitting, in order to connect with his friends from Hogwarts. Lucius wasn't too surprised at that, having expected it really, Draco hadn't spent much time away from his peers, and the only other of his friends attending the university was Blaise Zabini. He had no doubt that Draco would be followed home by Zabini who would take up one of the guest suites while they visited friends rather than returning to his mother's home in Italy.
Once they were finished with their lunch Narcissa had made her excuses before departing to meet with some lady friends of hers, no doubt to get the ball rolling on the Miss Weasley situation. As he returned to the Manor he realised that he had been really lucky with the wife he had been contracted for. Narcissa was one amazing witch and an even better friend and ally.