Lucius Malfoy the Young

The heavy oak doors of the Black family estate swung open, admitting guests into a dim hall where the invisible cold of ancient magic and impeccable order reigned. Abraxas Malfoy stepped through the door first, his posture impeccable, his silver-white hair styled to perfection. Beside him, barely half a step behind, walked seventeen-year-old Lucius. At his age—on the verge of graduating from Hogwarts—he had already mastered all his father's lessons perfectly: his chin slightly raised, his gaze icy and appraising, his face an impenetrable mask of absolute aristocratic calm. The visit to the Black family's country residence was strictly businesslike—the latest political developments in the Ministry and the strengthening of its position. The host greeted the guests in the spacious entrance hall. Nodding to Abraxas in greeting, he said in a low, muffled voice: "Abraxas. I'm glad you're on time. Let's go into the study; the fireplace is already lit, and no one will disturb us." Orion was about to lead the guests on, but Lucius, pausing for a moment at the foot of the massive staircase, glanced away. Narcissa stood there. They knew each other well from Hogwarts; although she was a year younger, her soft, doll-like beauty and impeccable manners had long attracted everyone's attention. Like many young witches of the time, Narcissa harbored a secret, tender affection for the older Malfoy, though her natural reserve and noble upbringing prevented this feeling from spilling over. Now, standing on the steps in a light dress, she was sweet, incredibly graceful, with that invariable hint of slight, barely perceptible arrogance characteristic of all pureblood aristocrats. His light eyes widened for a moment in surprise, and a barely noticeable blush flickered across his cheeks. Orion kept his face impeccable—not a single muscle twitched—but in the depths of his dark eyes there flashed that same secret, barely perceptible warmth that he allowed himself to show only to her: “Narcissa. Go to your room. Welcome.”