So much effort, now wasted. So much time, energy and damned emotion...For naught. What reason did he have to strive for the top when he now knew how long and painful the fall could be? What sense did it make to reach for the top when he'd only stumble again?
Sigh...Lucius took his time walking up the front steps, smoothing his hair back and straightening his robes without thinking of it. Some things were ingrained from birth, after all.
His father, undoubtedly busy apparating about with his new prize, had found himself too 'busy' to meet with Nicholae. So, it only made sense to send his assistant. His son. Or so Abraxas had said.
Lucius knew there was more involved. His father had never trusted his with such business before. The fact that his first social act in his name would be with his fellow council member and relative wasn't lost on the young wizard. It was a test. Plain and simple.
Nicholae would be an easy win, though...The man wasn't exactly the sharpest as Lucius had outwitted him more than once from the age of fifteen. No, the real issue would be Rosalind. Seeing the woman again when he would rather not see any of her gender. For a very long time.
Lucius finally rapped on the door, waiting almost impatiently for it to be answered. Best to get this entire ordeal over with. As quickly as possible, at that.
"How may Banky be of service?"
He looked down as the door opened, a slight sneer forming on his lips at the sight of the house-elf. His dislike of the creatures was known and, his own property or not, he didn't bother hiding the fact. "The master of the house, beast. Tell him that Lucius Malfoy has called."
The elf gave a low bow, ears grazing the floor. It stayed down as it spoke. "Banky is very sorry, Lucius Malfoy, but the master of the house is away for the afternoon. Will Lucius Malfoy have Banky call upon Banky's mistress?"
Lucius' sneer grew deeper. Could his father have been mistaken? Or did Abraxas (as per usual) know something that his son did not? Again his hand moved to his hair as he sighed. "I...No. Leave message with your master that my father will owl." With that, Lucius moved to leave.
If only it were that easy.
~Lucius Malfoy~




