Dear gods, that was heart-wrenching. I'm actually in tears. I knew it was coming, and I'm still devastated by the events themselves. I know I said this last time, but I once again have to emphatically thank you for not detailing the events. The description of them as you've given it is more than enough.
I like the dynamic you're establishing. While I'm extremely curious as to the events that transpired to create such interaction, I'm thrilled at the way you're unfolding this tale. I'm truly looking forward to seeing Narcissa give Tom an earful.
Lucius' confusion over the unnamed other party is certainly understandable. I can also grasp why he would not have thought the student was Draco. First and foremost, Harry called the student friend, but there's also his statement of the other boy's fear of Snape. You're demonstrating Lucius' ability to hold on to the capacity for rational thought when faced even with such devastation very well.
Admittedly, I did not expect Lucius to agree so readily to staying in the room with Nagini, and I'm very curious as to how that is going to play out. As always, I'm looking forward to your next update! Thank you for sharing!
It's interesting to see Tom as the voice of reason. It's not an aspect that is often displayed, and I am looking forward to seeing how that will progress.
Lucius huffed then went to plop into a chair in front of the desk. Crossing his arms over his chest he glared at the Dark Lord and waited, saying nothing.
This made me laugh. I can just picture Lucius Malfoy, hair slightly ruffled, with a not-quite-pout touching his lips as he looks petulantly up at Tom.
I do like how you dealt with the emotional upheaval that Lucius has to be undergoing here. While I know it's far from being over-as is patently obvious by the depth of his initial reactions-I do think you demonstrated the vehemence of Lucius' reaction.
Their plan is quite devious, and I do look forward to seeing how that develops, but I have to admit that I am somewhat trepidatious regarding Harry's reaction to the plotting. As Tom tells Lucius several times, it's bad enough that he has knowledge of what has happened. That Lucius will want to be privy to the details will certainly be difficult for Harry to deal with, much less the plethora of outsiders that will have access to such information.
I do find it very telling that Lucius immediately considers the counselling that Harry will need. Equally revealing is the fact that he doesn't consider that he himself might need counselling in how to deal with the reality that someone close to him has been violated in such a way.
And now I will address it - I literally turned green when you revealed that the grievances dated back to Harry's first year. I cannot express my gratitude to you adequately that you are sparing us the full details of the events. Dealing with the aftermath is a very traumatic thing in itself, and to discover that it has been occurring for so long... You did well projecting Lucius' reaction as rage. While I'm certain he is feeling more than just anger, I'm also acutely aware that it is often the overriding emotion, and will lead to irrational actions. I'm glad that you have rendered Tom the way that you have - commanding as well as understanding, and imminently aware of what is needed to corral Lucius.
I do look forward to seeing this story unfold. As always, thank you for sharing!