3.1

(Lucius Malfoy POV)

Gazing out of the window, he contemplated the recent events that had changed the course of his life. At the height of the Dark Lord's power, he had passionately embraced his ideals, believing that Mudbloods were a threat to the wizarding world. He had joined his inner circle and even got himself branded, oblivious to the foolishness of his actions. As the war raged on, House Malfoy's influence grew, and they seemed invincible until the Dark Lord was defeated by a young half-blood. His close call with Azkaban had made him realize the fragility of his position. House Malfoy faced an existential crisis as even their allies turned against them, and he had to use his cunning to survive.

But then he arose from these problems because he was a Malfoy. He used the Black family's contacts through Narcissa to gain prestige, grow wealth, and influence. He struck down his enemies, financially and socially destroying their influence. He made new, stronger alliances, which allowed the House of Malfoy to become the leader of the Dark faction. Nowadays, even the Minister was in his pocket.

He realized during this time that one should always remain in the shadows. He should have supported the Dark Lord financially. But Malfoys learn from their mistakes and grow. Everything was going well, and even his son was growing up to be an outstanding heir, an exact version of himself. He had already imagined him gaining both the title of Black and Malfoy when he grew up. But suddenly, a wrench came into his life.

When the now-famous prison break happened, his first reaction was dread instead of happiness. Former colleagues, who shared the same goals, were now a potential threat to him. He didn't know what their reaction would be when they realized his influence and conditions compared to theirs. Jealousy was a dangerous thing. He had fully deployed wards on his home and forbade Narcissa and Draco from leaving the house. He awaited any message or attack, and when none came, he was scared that the Dark Lord was back. He repeatedly checked his mark, only to see that it was still weak. When time passed and nothing happened, only then did he lower the wards and become more relaxed. But still, he used all his network and influence to find the whereabouts of the escapees.

His searches proved futile, so his worries grew less and less. But when Barty Crouch Jr. was captured and the Albanian Ministry announced his crimes, he was elated and scared. Elated that his colleagues died, and scared that he was working with such a lunatic before. He pressured Fudge to bring Barty back and have him thrown through the veil. He was a crazy man, and he hated uncontrollable factors. Moreover, he didn't want proper trials to happen in case Barty blabbered about him. Everything went without a hitch. But suddenly, a single question almost threw all his work away. He gritted his teeth when he thought about that Bones bitch.

Sirius Black was innocent, and somehow he escaped with the real culprit, Peter Pettigrew. He still wished to cast Crucio on that bitch. Her question threw all his work out of the window. Sirius Black was innocent, meaning he was Lord Black, not his progeny Draco. He went to everyone he knew for any information on Black's whereabouts. He was even going to put a bounty on him, but suddenly, he got news.

His main money business was targeted and destroyed. He almost fell when he heard the news. His first thought was Black was targeting him, but that thought was thrown away. Black was a staunch supporter of the light, and he would never go so far as to kill people. So, someone else wanted to destroy him. They didn't steal any artifacts, meaning they wanted to send him a message. He may have been able to narrow them down, but the involvement of supposed muggle weaponry completely changed the game. He didn't know anyone in his circle or enemies who would deign to give muggles the time of their day, much less use their weapons.

So, a new player may be involved.

In a show of defiance, he hosted a grand banquet, inviting all the important people in the wizarding world, as a demonstration that Malfoy was never intimidated. He maintained an unwavering confidence, knowing he would bounce back from this setback, just as he had when the Dark Lord was defeated. Despite being written off by his detractors, he would prove them wrong, waiting for the perfect opportunity to emerge victorious. He knew that, just as the Black family had once saved him, he would rise again, stronger than ever.

At the banquet, Éliott De Bombelles, of the prestigious House of De Bombelles from France, made an unexpected appearance, requesting a formal invitation for Malfoy to his party. In exchange, he offered a potential alliance, enabling his business expansion from France to London. While this presented an enticing opportunity, Malfoy remained cautious, as the timing was too convenient for his liking. He wondered if Éliott was behind the recent attack or if this was merely a diversion. Regardless, he would use his shrewdness to unravel the true motives behind Éliott's offer, emerging as the sole player and reducing others to mere pawns.

With unwavering resolve and confidence, he knew that Malfoys always came out on top.

(Narcissa Malfoy POV)

As she looked at the empty side of the bed, she couldn't help but sigh. Ever since the attack, he had been spending less and less time with her, consumed by his plans and preparations. She had hoped he would ask for her help, considering her family connections, but he never came to her.

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