Written - Coaching the Self-Proclaimed Hufflepuff
[Private to Martha]
Understand that the purpose of this little intrigue is not to establish yourself as a strong, independent Muggle in his eyes, but as my wife and equal. He will learn in time that you are worthy and capable and you will earn his respect independently as you do with others. This is simply to establish a healthy respect for our marriage and to discern whether he intends to do you harm.
This may well chafe at your pride, but it is necessary.
First and foremost, remember that he is wealthy - and all that entails. Lucius will be mannerly to a fault, but he has little tolerance for the lower classes. He is not stupid, and he will not take kindly to condescension, discourtesy, or boorishness.
He will antagonize you. It will be subtle and hurtful, and he will treat you with disdain. Do not rise to his bait. No sly retorts, no irate outbursts. It will be his intention to provoke you, and you must not allow it to happen. Treat him respectfully and bear any perceived insult with grace. Ignore it, in other words. He is testing you. He will respect you far more if you restrain yourself than if you fly off the handle.
If you have any grievance with me at all during his visit, do not make him aware of it. No angry comments or ugly looks. Set it aside until he leaves. He must see us as a united front. I would not normally tell you to refrain from jests about my deplorable personality, but Lucius may take it as a method of angling yourself into his good graces. Best to avoid it. Don’t attempt to get around him or maneuver him; be straightforward and leave the manipulating to me.
We'll leave the television in full-view; you might bring some of your movie collection and books. I'll clear out shelfspace for you. We want to establish it as a shared space, not to mention your home. Offer to take his cloak if he’s wearing it. Don’t take offense if he flings it at you, though I doubt he will; hang it up by the door. Don’t offer to take his cane - I’m sure you can work that one out on your own.
Offer him a drink but don’t give him an option. If he doesn't specify, he may be watching to see what you select for him. I have brandy he’ll appreciate. I’ll show you the glasses to use. …No, nevermind that. Use the tumblers you would for firewhiskey. We don’t want a flawless performance or he’ll cotton on that I’ve coached you. He may well do, anyway, but he expects fallibility from me. I’m of the impoverished, taciturn, pedagogic set, you see.
Allow him to direct the conversation. If he questions you, give him the bare minimum. Don’t expound on topics, don’t elaborate. If he wishes for more information, let him ask for it. It places the conversation more firmly in your control if he is obliged to press matters to sate his curiosity. Do not tell him that I was instrumental in the downfall of the Dark Lord. That is a discussion for another day.
I’ll attempt to curry favour by lauding you as the closest this ship has to a Healer. He’ll no doubt wish to avoid the infirmary, and if he must rely upon you (and me) to provide his medical treatments, he might be less inclined to do you harm.
If I make some sign that I wish you to leave the room, do so. Excuse yourself - don’t say ‘loo’, just excuse yourself - and give me five minutes alone with him.
Above all, don't think of any of this as lying. Think of it as a chess match, and remember that I am on your side.
I won't ask him until I see an appropriate moment. It must not seem contrived. You may have a week or two to assess the above.