Lucius didn’t know for how long he and his family sat on the floor of the Great Hall, not saying much even to one another, when he rose to his feet, suddenly, as if impelled by an invisible force. His wife and son turned to him with surprised expressions, but he couldn’t bring himself to clarify their doubts, so he gave them an apologetic glance and shook his head.
Draco looked just as confused as before, but Narcissa seemed to catch his meaning and was about to protest when he quickly stepped away from them.
Lucius didn’t go far, though. He might’ve needed to speak to someone (an auror, preferably), but he didn’t think it was wise to – didn’t think he could – go somewhere he wouldn’t be able to see them and jump to their defence if the need arose. That he didn’t have a wand on him didn’t even register; he hadn’t thought that far ahead.
The Malfoys hadn’t spoke a word about what could happen now – none of them dared to think about it, but Lucius knew that they eventually would have to face the consequences of having supported the Dark Lord (the title still came so effortlessly to him).He had to make sure that Draco and Narcissa wouldn’t end up having to pay for it as well. He had to take the fall for the three of them – he only hoped the Ministry would understand.
Not willing to stray far from his family, he approached the nearest person, a witch he recognized as one of Hogwarts teachers. She was alone and had her back to him, and before he even knew what he was doing, he had cleared his throat to get the woman’s attention.
He didn’t know exactly what he would say to her, but if… If she could call an auror in his steed, so he wouldn’t have to be apart from his family a second longer, he’d be satisfied. He’d rather be close to them now if he’d have to leave them again soon – this time for good.
