Chapter 109:
He hadn’t had chance to talk to the man much on his own; there had always been a buffer between them, either Harry, Remus, or Narcissa. Therefore, he didn’t quite know how to deal with him. He could still remember Sirius from the last war and how he had fought so fearlessly for the Light and his reputation had been feared by Lucius and the other Death Eaters. All Blacks were famed for their duelling - even Narcissa could be deadly if the situation arose. However, he did recognise that Sirius had changed; the betrayal by Dumbledore at the end of the war had left its mark on the man. Yes, he had recovered physically, magically, and mentally, but he was different. Sirius was much more like the boy Lucius had known growing up. He seemed to no longer be pretending to be a Light wizard and seemed willing to actually accept himself and his magic. Lucius suspected Harry’s influence as he had no doubt that the boy was as Dark as they come.
"Would you like something to drink?" Lucius offered, ever the good host.
"Perhaps a cup of tea," Sirius said.
Lucius clicked his fingers and summoned an elf. "Two cups of tea," he ordered before turning back. "Not that I am not happy to have you here, for I am. However, I do find myself at a loss at to the reason for your visit."
"Right. Well, I’m sure you’ve heard about Lockhart and Harry’s influence on the school resulting in a boycott?"
"Yes, both Harrison and Draco wrote to me."
"Well, I’m sure you’re aware that as Lord Black, I have a seat on the Board of Governors."
"Indeed," Lucius said, now seeing the reason. "I was hoping you would put forward my recommendation so that I can claim my seat. I want to help Harry to get rid of Lockhart and, as a governor, I would have more power to do so. What was Dumbledore thinking, hiring that man?"
"I will be happy to put your name forward," Lucius said. "As for Lockhart well. I doubt he will remain for the entire year after we inform the others of his teaching standards."
"How was he hired anyway? I thought the governors had a say in new teachers," Sirius asked.
"We should. However, Dumbledore, in his esteemed wisdom, thinks himself above that rule. And, as the Defence position always needs to be refilled, the Board grew tired of fighting him and allowed him his choice. But now I think we shall be able to argue our point and have the power returned to us," Lucius said, his smirk dark as he thought about getting one up on Dumbledore.