okay so this bish gets me. 

Lucius was finding this conversation surprisingly enjoyable. It seemed Alexander had some wit about him. Not something he could say about most people. "Oh I couldn't possibly give them that, it's a deeply held secret." He threw a wink in the man's direction.

"Hmm, yes you have a point there" the Prophet might be in the Ministry's pocket but it was still the most well renowned paper in London. Perhaps that was something they could look in to changing. If they could discredit the Prophet enough, perhaps they could replace it will a new paper of their own. That certainly would be interesting. Having control of the news would be very beneficial. Lucius wasn't sure Alexander's answer gave too much away about his position on things, but there was something to work with there.

Lucius nodded in response to the man's thanks. "Maybe optimistic, but then i've always thought that if you aren't trying to achieve the best, than would be the point- and wouldn't it be fantastic to be able to really truly shut people up" Lucius may be trying to win some trust here, but he truly meant that statement. "You know how things works, you earn enough of that respect back and people won't be able to say a bad word about your family- no matter how much they may want to."

@xandertremblay

The comment prompts an amused grin, quiet laughter expelled from his lungs, before sipping on the drink in hand. "I expect to see you on the front page of Witch Weekly next, they'll be wondering about your hair care routine." Although he was joking, Alexander wouldn't have been too surprised if it came to be true.

Tongue clicks, letting Lucius' words hang in the air for a moment as he decides the best way to respond. "I admit my faith in both had shrunk significantly." It would be hard not to, given everything that had happened, "But it is one way to make sure I have an idea of what's happening here." One shoulder shrugs, it was a means to an end really, hard to keep in the know given his business ventures.

"I appreciate that." Alexander meant it, it had been difficult to ascertain how he was perceived by others, to hear it appeared as if he was holding himself together was good enough for him. He lifts a brow, "Optimistic, Lucius?" smiling as he says it. "I like to think I'm edging it toward the right direction.

"Of course" he smirked softly "my mother would probably aparate in just to berate me if she thought my manners had slipped at all." She would be be right to do that as well. Respect was amongst the most important tools when it came to pureblood society. It was also important to know what should not be respected. There had to be a visible difference. The Black family had earned the ultimate level of respect.

Lucius accio'd the bottle, one of his finest, and a glass, pouring it out before handing it over to Bellatrix. "It won't bore you with pointless small talk" Lucius started as he sat down, crossing one leg over the other. "I wanted to know what you knew about this Corin, it's seems like I might be missing some useful information."

@heartlessbella

ft. lucius malfoy

Aside from her close friends, many of the other Death Eaters Bella simply saw as servants to do the dirty work if she didn't want to. People she could boss around for the sake of the cause and she'd rather intimidate them than befriend them. But there were a few like Lucius, that had more of a friendship. It helped a bit knowing they grew up together and ran many of the social circles together, there also was the fact that Narcissa and Druella had their eyes set on making him family as well. So when she received an invitation to chat not too long after she had sent the missions, she accepted.

Following the elf as she arrived at his family's home, the brunette didn't have to wait long before she found Lucius. "Always the proper host, I see," The witch mused, walking into the room, eyes roaming around before falling onto the wizard. "A glass of whisky is fine with me." Her favorite drink choice when discussing business so it seemed.

Lucius had to stifle an amused laugh at Andra's response. She was never not entertaining. Not always in a good way, but still. "I think you'd be surprise and some of the little gems you could find around here" Lucius knew there were enough pure blood families that frequented the area not to be embarrassed about being seen down here. "Though, it could definitely use a spring clean." It was definitely better than having to brush shoulders with the mudbloods who crowded up Diagon Alley.

The White Wyvern was not his favorite pub but it had it's uses. It helped he was dating the owner of one of the best establishments in London. "Oh, an interesting meeting?" Lucius couldn't really care less, but pretenses were important.

@andrarosier

There were some families, and people that Andra knew she had to like more than others. Or well pretend to like. Andra wasn't certain she liked anyone that much. Involving emotions got her hurt, and she'd had enough pain to last her for the rest of her life. But to isolate herself away from the Malfoys was idiotic. The Rosier's were a well established family, but the Malfoys were even better. Aligning her family alongside Lucius would be beneficial. And it was the only reason she actually put up with the man.

"Mr Malfoy." She murmured, a slight smile on her lips, even though it was forced. "No." She continued, shrugging her shoulders. "Knockturn Alley isn't exactly full of shops up to my standard." It wasn't. "I'm meeting a client at the White Wyvern."

Noble. Lucius didn't know why, but he didn't feel too deserving of that word. He still thought that it was ridiculous he had arrived on the scene before the Aurors. If it had been left up to them, would Valeria even still be alive. But he also knew it was pure luck he was close enough to where she had been attacked. Lucius also knew there was a millisecond where he'd hesitated before running over to Andressa. He didn't know what that meant and frankly he didn't want to explore that. He had a plan for his life now and there wasn't room to second guess himself.

He didn't know if was just him, but he felt like the atmosphere was off between the two of them. He could imagine that on top of everything else that had happened tonight, it probably wasn't much fun for Narcissa to have had rumors spread about her like that. True or not true. He really had never picked up on anything like that from Narcissa, but had he just being naive. Yes, he knew she most likely found him attractive, but then so did most people, that wasn't special. Was there more than that? And Merlin, why did it even matter. So much for trying to pretend it didn't happen, his mind wanted an answer. Not that he was about to press her for more information. What he could do though, was get his shit together and rid himself of whatever attitude he was giving off right now.

"Andressa is okay, she just needs a little rest- her injuries were thankfully less severe than Valeria's" it had been a relief to know the healers hadn't been too worried after she had been brought in. Whilst he had little respect for the Ministry, Lucius held most of the healers at St Mungos in high esteem. Healing magic had never being his forte, he could get by, but that was about it. Charms were his specialty. "Forgive me for being blunt, but you are clearly not fine" he had known Narcissa for too long to not pick up on when she was trying to hold it all together. "Do you want to talk about it, I was just going to go in a grab a warm drink whilst i wait for Andressa to wake up - you're welcome to join me" Lucius offered her a soft half smile "besides it wouldn't be very gentlemanly of me to leave you by yourself right now."

@daffodlis

      wordlessly, narcissa accepts the cigarette packet in her hands, plucking one out and placing the delicate thing between rosebud lips, fraught with rapidly unravelling emotion, before leaning down to retrieve her wand from the holster it had been hiding in beneath the bloodied white chiffon of her skirt, uttering a simple "incendio" in order to set it alight. eventually chancing a fleeting glance in lucius' direction, it wasn't at all difficult to tell he was agitated, touchy in a way she should have expected — poor andressa had been attacked after all. and savagely at that. but so had her friends... so, instead, she's rather taken aback by the austere tone to their conversation, naive in her expectation of comfort, only to met with harsh reality as ever and it altogether prompts the blonde to recede in retaliation. her only hope being that she hadn't been the cause of it. one rather pensive drag later, her breath noticeably unsteady in the face of not only what had happened to their peers but from the way her heart had begun to be ache too, ❛   no, it was noble. naturally, you have your priorities... nobody can fault you for that. ❜ words that might have otherwise sounded bitter from any other pair of lips are masked by narcissa's genuine sense of sentiment. of course, simmering beneath the seraphic surface, she resented that it was andressa at the centre of all this. that time after time, it would always be her and narcissa had resented that very fact ever since the all hallow's ball in 1982, resented how each opportunity she had to prevail had been sabotaged by forces beyond her control. it was the lack of control that ate away at her, preying on her resolve. only this time promised to be different, for he had been made thoroughly aware of her and her intentions and time could only tell how that would affect their... relationship going forward. beginning to toy nervously with the cigarette between her fingers, she turns to face him, hoping to finally draw his attention, ❛   i'm perfectly fine. ❜ she adds with a ghost of a feigned smile, though she scarcely believes herself, performative as ever when vulnerability was involved, especially before lucius of all people yet she sincerely doubts he believes her either, ❛   val's alive, that's all that really matters to me right now. and how about you, hm? how fares andressa? ❜

Who: Open

Where: The Grave Affair

Lucius was for once, a little tipsy. Not drunk yet, but certainly more than he was used to being in public. He was finding it hard to deal with everything that had happened lately, his mind in a million different places at once. Usually he would sit in a private booth, but tonight he was at the bar. He couldn't help but overhear the conversation the person sat next to him was having with the bartender. "That's a very interesting opinion- I must say" Lucius butted in as he took another swig of firewhiskey

Alexander had saved Lucius the effort of having to ask him about the book. An obvious conversational segway. Lucius had been decent at potions. Not his best class, that had been charms, but he had still received good marks. Now, he rarely ever made a potion himself. Why waste the time when you had enough money and influence to be able to get whatever you wanted, exactly when you wanted it. "It's good that you recognise it as a weakness are working to fix it." Lucius wasn't being condescending. If people weren't able to notice their own weakness they would rarely be able to improve. It was important to always be evolving.

Lucius laughed "yes I heard something about that." As if he didn't have his house go out and grab several copies, one of which was still sat on the desk in his study. "If you ask me, they just wanted to distract from the fact that aurors weren't first on the scene- and well i do make a rather good distraction." A little dig at the Ministry, testing the waters, to try see the reaction. "I must say though, i'm surprised you still read the prophet and everything they wrote about-well". They hadn't had many kind words to say about his family that was for sure. "I respect that you are still keeping your head high though, one can only hope that you manage to get the Tremblay name back to were it was- or maybe even higher than before"

@xandertremblay

Brushing shoulders with other elite wix was expected - actively encouraged, even - getting to know them beyond that was often considered an extra rather than necessity. The Grave Affair wasn't his regular haunt, though there was something nice about sitting without feeling the lingering stare of curious onlookers. He could avoid that, of course, but it was nice when he didn't have to.

Alexander hadn't expected company, cynicism flashes across his expression for the briefest of moments at the blond's approach before it's tamped down like embers from a dying fire. "Thank you, Lucius", he's surprised, but not unwelcoming, falling easily into his usual persona. He closes the book he had been perusing, picking up the drink instead and raising it toward the other.

"Potion brewing," he explains, with a nod toward the book, "I'm sorry to say, it has always needed a little more work than my other pursuits." A pause before he shifted focus to the other man, lest he make the conversation all about himself. "And how is everything with you? I believe I saw your name in the Prophet recently, if I remember correctly." Brow lifts, punctuating the question, the curl of the edge of his mouth assures it was nothing defamatory.

Who: @andrarosier Where: Knockturn Alley

"Ms Rosier" Lucius smirked as he spotting her in the midst of the crowd. She had not noticed him before he had called out and he was thankful for that, given what store he had just been in. Though he figured it was no secret that he had somewhat out a natural curiosity when it came to the dark arts. It was just about framing it so the whole truth wasn't revealed. "It seems we keep bumping in to each other." Her coldness amused Lucius, it was nice to have the change from the people that sucked up to him. Though he knew she'd be too smart to publicly show any distaste for him. It was important their families all got along, and his was in a stronger position right now. "Doing a bit of afternoon shopping?"

Who: @heartlessbella Where: Malfoy Manor

His conversations with Bellatrix were some of the ones he found most difficult. Lucius always felt that she was like a panther, ready to pounce that moment you put a foot wrong. She unnerved him but equally he respected that high position she'd managed to manoeuvre herself to within the Death Eaters. He'd invited her over for information, he didn't see the need to pretend any different with her. No need for small talk or frivolities this time.

Finding out what Harrison's friends knew would be a fairly simple task. One that he was more than qualified to complete. But he wanted to know why it was so important. What was this specific werewolf to the Death Eaters, why was it so important. He knew he might not get any answers but he had to try. She was the daughter of Silas, and could cause them problems but his intuition told him it was more than. "Evening Bellatrix" he greeted her when she arrived "I won't waste too much of your time- no doubt you are busy, but can I offer you a drink before we get started."

Who: @xandertremblay Where: The Grave Affair

Lucius had never really had that many dealings with Alexander Tremblay, but had always thought him to be an interesting figure. Which is why when he'd seen him alone at the bar, he'd decided to approach him. It could be interesting to find out in the man had anything useful to offer beyond his good looks. The Tremblay's name was still in somewhat of a delicate state, not having fully recovered from Mason's arrest. And if Lucius could not see him being an ally, well then at least he knew that Alexander was someone to watch out for instead. "Couldn't help but notice your glass was looking rather empty-got the bartender to fix you another one." Lucius slid the drink over as he slid into the booth.

It was not the first time that he had been called diplomatic, and he rather took it as a compliment. The ability to play both side was a very valuable skill. "Yes, indeed, though I was rather surprised that they were not first on the scene."

"I can't say I helped all that much, I like the papers are certainly blowing my part in it out of proportion." Whilst he was vain and egotistical, he also knew when to play at being modest "I only did what anyone else would do, which was to help repair the wounds as much as I could before those with the real expertise stepped in".

"As for my stance on werewolves, well I think that these events proved just how dangerous they can be, don't you think?"

@freeofchargelockhart

"Answered like a true diplomat." he hummed, his hands on his hips in a confident manner. While Lucius was quite intimidating, he wasn't going to let that get him down. "How about the Aurors who managed to scare Corin away? Surely they're also considered heroes?"

"And what exactly did you do to help? Any curses you used, I suppose as a Malfoy, you're not too fond of werewolves in our society?"

@thepeacock-prince

Lucius had spent a long time at the side of Andressa's bed whilst she slept. Finally leaving after she had woken up the first time so that he could go home and change. The suit he'd worn, now being destroyed by his house elf as per his orders. Lucius wanted answers to what had happened, there were some things that he believed did not add up, and he would get those answers, but right now her needed to be here. He wasn't exactly a romantic or the most affectionate man, but he would be their when his partner needed him and he would not dream of leaving her on her own to recover.

"Glad to see things haven't dimmed that fire of yours" lent against the doorway, he smiled at her warmly before walking over to her. "Only you could still look so exquisite the night after a werewolf attack" He sat down on the chair next to her bed "I've arranged for you to be brought a proper lunch spread- merlin knows the food in this place is almost inedible- is there anything else you need me to sort?" Her restlessness was obvious, but even he didn't have the power to get he released earlier, and he'd rather she was near healers just in case anyway.

@ms-parkinson

location: st. mungos

status: open (if they'd be at the hospital)

There was not much worse for Andressa than having to sit still. That wasn't something she had done for about six years now. It was one thing after another and now? Now she was forced to stay in a bed and relax. Who had time for that? She had tried to get some work done but the healers had taken her papers, leaving her only with a few books her father had dropped off. Bandages were visible on her chest, even with her silk pajama set. The last thing she was going to do was heal with a cotton gown on. She was in a hospital, not Azkaban.

Besides the bandages and being a little pale, Dre looked okay. Sure, a lot of it was makeup. Say what you will but Andressa Parkinson would not let something like a violent attack allow her to not look put together. But, much like when her mother passed, she wasn't dealing with just how she felt about everything. And this time she didn't have the Grave to distract her.

Her door was left open as she settled into her pillows. Merlin, she was bored. She took a deep breath before opening another book. "If this is another bloody romance," she muttered under her breath. "I don't know if I can deal with another ripped bodice."

Andra was someone Lucius knew mainly through friends. A clever woman, no doubt and someone you never wanted to be on the wrong side of. The Rosiers were a well respected family among the community, so Lucius knew it was a smart choice to keep her as at least an acquaintance.

"I've actually been told i'm more luminescent than the sun" Lucius smirked, his arms crossed, still standing in her way. "Next time you book a holiday, i'm going to need you to give me a heads up- maybe that way I can leave the country too and avoid any more chaos." Lucius loved that he had become the hero of the moment but he would rather have not had to deal with that situation at all.

@andrarosier

Where: Park, near Carkitt Market

When: Two days after the attack

Who: Andra and open

Andra honestly wanted to be anywhere but here right now. She would much rather have stayed at the Rosier estate in Lyon, but appearances was her top priority. Andra would not risk anyone saying that the Rosier's did not care about the commotion that had occurred. Of course, in actual fact Andra did not care too much. She would not have been as successful as she was if she cared about too many people. This did often leave her to have a bit of an icy reputation. But she honestly thrived from it.

She'd only been back in the country less than a day, and she was already feeling annoyed by basically everyone. She'd spent a couple of hours at work, and was now sat in the park by Witch Weekly. She was quite enjoying the relax actually, until she felt someone's shadow. "You're blocking the sun. Move."

Lucius was trying to get his thoughts under control. There had been so many things that had happened in quick succession that even he had struggled to comprehend them all. Seeing Andressa get attacked had been terrifying and harrowing but had also reaffirmed something he had already long suspected. He was not in love with her and was not sure he would ever be able to get there. There was no doubt that he cared a lot for her but it just wasn't love and he didn't know what to do about it. For him love was not necessary for marriage, but he was unsure what her expectations would be. He had masterfully avoided any conversations about an engagement. He knew his mother expected him to take that next step soon. Lucius just wasn't quite sure exactly what was stopping him. He ran a hand through his hair as he sighed, still looking a complete mess. It was all too much drama for Lucius to deal with and it was probably best that right now he focused solely on helping her recover.

He wasn't overly thrilled by Narcissa's presence right now. Not her fault exactly but now that he knew for sure that Andressa was in safe hands and going to be okay, the other parts of the night had come back to him with startling clarity. It was hard to ignore the comments that his cousin had made. Narcissa would made for a good wife and that was partly the issue. In fact, if he was truly honest, she was probably a better choice than Andressa, especially now that she had joined the Death Eaters. But the scandal a change would make was too much, and for what? He wasn't sure that he could say it was worth it. But at the same time, he found himself a little more off centre around her than usual. It was probably best for the both of them that he pretended none of it had happened. "Sure" he mumbled as he took a drag of the much needed cigarette, handing her the packet without meeting her eyes. "How are you holding up? Hows Valeria?" As per usual Cissa's words made it sound like she was holding it together, but he suspected that was not the truth of the matter right now. "I'm sorry I had to leave whilst you-but Andressa- I couldn't-you understand?" he hadn't liked leaving Narcissa alone in that moment, but what choice did he have.

@daffodlis

      she looked a fright, as if some dread embodied banshee pacing the halls of st. mungo's in wait of word of val's wellbeing. previously pristine white chiffon is now stained a deep, vivid crimson but narcissa can't bear to think of it as being valeria's blood for fear of breaking down entirely. this simply didn't happen to people like them... it shouldn't have happened to them and yet, here they all somberly stood. the night had gone terribly wrong and cissa can't help but wonder if it had begun the very moment she interrupted valeria's conversation with lucius. had she not been so damn prideful as to assume her friend was making a fool of her in front of the man her heart was set on, would the events that followed have unfolded any differently? if that were the case, the blonde highly doubts they would have had to suffer through his cousin's great tirade. one may have hoped naively that as their close friend lay dying in the streets that they might be spared such a flagrant embarrassment. she cringes at the thought, he had to know now. to hell with subtlety, for there was no conceivable way that he could remain oblivious to her advances after outbursts from the both in such swift succession. beginning to curse the stars above for the damning situation that awaited her, narcissa pushes through the hospital's doors in search of fresh air and a moment's respite to think things over in but finds something, or rather, someone standing in its place. lucius has his back to the wall, a cigarette between his teeth, looking just as troubled as she did — likely the result of andressa's own injuries. her breath immediately hitches in her throat, quite unsure if she's as prepared for the interaction laid out before her as she wishes she were but as any daughter of noble and most ancient house black might, cissa flashes a brave face, wandering over to him with wavering confidence and a coy smile. ❛   could you spare one of those for a dear friend? ❜ she asks ingenuously.

      closed starter for lucius malfoy / @thepeacock-prince

Lucius rolled his eyes at the young man. Though he couldn't deny he always had loved the media attention. He had been the victim of it a couple of times in his life, but usually he knew how to play it to work it all to his advantage.

"Comments?" Lucius' voice was smooth, controlled, the slightest amount of emotion laced through it. "What happened last night was terrible, and my best wishes are with all those who have been injured - I'm sure that the Ministry will being using all its power to bring this werewolf to justice. I am just thankful that I was able to do something to help in the midst of the chaos, but of course, the healers are the real heroes in this situation"

@freeofchargelockhart

[closed starter with @thepeacock-prince] [where: Carkitt Market]

Gilderoy had hung around the scene of the previous night's events long enough to gather a handful of statements. We was packing his sachetchell when he spotted Lucius Malfoy out the corner of his eye. Intrigued by what the man's opinion would be on the werewolf attach, Gilderoy strode over, quill and notebook at the ready.

"Lucius! Love the hair – any comments on last night's attack?" Gilderoy asked with one breath.