[ So much of their lives are about perception, Lucius thinks. A less immediate breakup would have allowed Bella to get that slightly blinding white marble manor home in order before word spread. But an immediate breakup makes it more likely that she appears stunned, and stunned can easily be spun as distressed.
In any case, she hardly needs him to tell her that. And she hardly needs to ask to stay with him. They've both been enjoying the ability their association has of mildly horrifying his alternate reality grandson. There's no better way to do that than over brunch with Bella wrapped in what could easily be Lucius' dressing gown. ]
Of course you're welcome, darling. Though I daresay Rita will have a bit of a field day. With any luck, I shall be pining after dear broken-hearted Miss Bellatrix Black and offering you a shoulder on which to cry while manfully suppressing my embarrassing emotions.
[ Which means, of course, he'll need to keep his distance when she does get her estate in order, or the overwrought tale of unrequited love will become one in which Lucius Malfoy stole Bellatrix from Rodolphus Lestrange, one of his very best friends. Neither of them would be a fan of that narrative. ]
Is there anything you need assistance with as you depart Lestrange Manor? I'm kicking Peter out of my presence around five o'clock today.
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In any case, she hardly needs him to tell her that. And she hardly needs to ask to stay with him. They've both been enjoying the ability their association has of mildly horrifying his alternate reality grandson. There's no better way to do that than over brunch with Bella wrapped in what could easily be Lucius' dressing gown. ]
Of course you're welcome, darling. Though I daresay Rita will have a bit of a field day. With any luck, I shall be pining after dear broken-hearted Miss Bellatrix Black and offering you a shoulder on which to cry while manfully suppressing my embarrassing emotions.
[ Which means, of course, he'll need to keep his distance when she does get her estate in order, or the overwrought tale of unrequited love will become one in which Lucius Malfoy stole Bellatrix from Rodolphus Lestrange, one of his very best friends. Neither of them would be a fan of that narrative. ]
Is there anything you need assistance with as you depart Lestrange Manor? I'm kicking Peter out of my presence around five o'clock today.