Arthur could continue, stepping forward smoothly despite the tightening in his chest.
For the first time in years, Lucius found himself genuinely uncertain of what came next.
𝓢𝓱𝓮 𝓒𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓢𝓷𝓸𝔀
@oathofashes
Lucius Malfoy had once prepared for exile with the arrogance of a man convinced he would never truly suffer it.
The house in London had been purchased in the final years of the Second Wizarding War through layers of shell +
the surname spoken aloud.
Astoria’s gaze flicked toward him fully now. She would see he had not changed much, aside from his short neatly cut hair.
Neither shock nor disgust crossed her face.
Only surprise.
And perhaps something gentler.
“I can assist,” Lucius said before +