Lucius and LV (was Re: What were the Malfoys DOING there?)

[Hannah]

No: HPFGUIDX 113130

> Geoff wrote:
<snip> In fact, I'm not totally sure that he (Lucius) would try very 
hard to restore Voldemort.....<<
>  
> Bookworm wrote:
<snip>  Geoff makes a good point.  Is Malfoy  a loyal DE or just 
using Voldemrot to gain his own power? 
> 
> SSSusan wrote:
> I would say *neither*.  That is, I think he is neither a loyal DE 
> nor using **Voldy** to gain power.  I think Lucius is smart enough 
&  cautious enough to know that if Voldy's *around*, his own climb 
to power will only be as far as Voldy will let him rise.  During CoS-
- when Voldy is *nowhere around*, Lucius is using *Tom's* diary to 
try to gain power, not accompanying or using an active & alive 
Voldy.  (Hoping that distinction makes sense.)
> 
Again, if I'm right about this, then I wonder whether Voldy has been 
schnookered or is aware that Lucius truly *is* "slippery"?

Hannah now: I think LV is aware that Malfoy is out for his own ends 
primarily. But at present, the best thing for Lucius is to be on the 
side of LV and to toe the line.  I don't think Lucius likes this - 
I'm sure he was happier when LV was out of the way and Malfoy had 
more freedom - but he knows that it's the best thing for himself, so 
that's what he'll do.  

LV knows that Lucius will remain on side while it suits him.  I 
think he's well aware that if things change, and there's a chance 
for Lucius to betray him to further his own ends, then that's what 
Malfoy will do.  So he's got to be ready to kill/ blackmail Malfoy 
when necessary.  I don't think LV would have a problem with this 
potential disloyalty per se, since Malfoy is useful for LV to have 
on side, and as long as LV knows he can prevent Malfoy betraying him 
if the situation arises.

So, IMO, Malfoy and LV are acting to type and using each other.  
They both know this, and both has to be ready for the consequences 
when one or the other outlives their usefulness.
Hannah