His timing had been suspicious. They hardly spoke to each other when they were both playing the parts of good, little, loyal Death Eaters. She knew without needing confirmation that he only continued to be a part of their organization because he had no choice. After his mother's betrayal and deception the day of the final battle, his family's ranking in society plummeted. His father's bizarre behavior over the months that the Dark Lord was a guest in their home had also not been forgotten. Everyone knew that Lucius drank too much. It was impairing his judgment. The Malfoys were forgotten by society and yet, still unable to walk away from the Dark Lord. He wanted them close by to serve as an example for everyone else how not to behave.