Malfoy’s been giving generously to all sorts of things for years, gets him in with the right people, then he can ask favors, delay laws he doesn’t want passed, oh he’s very well connected Lucius Malfoy.
This quote got me thinking: did Lucius Malfoy, known Death Eater and proponent of pure blood supremacy, actually bribe his way out of going to Azkaban? And if that’s the case, why didn’t money help Bellatrix in the same way?
Lucius Malfoy’s Actions and Behavior
If we look at the actions and behaviors of Lucius Malfoy in the books and films, it’s almost impossible to ignore the red flags.
- Highly intolerant of Muggles and Muggle-borns
- Advocate for blood purity
- Outspoken and flaunts his money and status
From a moral standpoint, he’s arguably one of the worst characters in the entire series, but the fact that he’s so easy to hate tells me he’s probably just a well-written character.
Do we hate him? Yes, but would I remove him from the story? Absolutely not.
Early Life and Connections
After graduating from Hogwarts in the early 1970s, Lucius Malfoy found himself in a position of privilege due to his family’s wealth and status. With no immediate need to pursue a career, he chose to remain at the family estate, indulging in the luxuries and comforts that had surrounded him since childhood.
During this period, he deepened his relationship with Narcissa Black, a fellow wealthy and pure-blood Slytherin from Hogwarts.
Their shared disdain for Muggles and appreciation for the wealthy lifestyle provided by their affluent families created a strong bond between them. Eventually, their romantic connection culminated in marriage.
Strategic Positioning
Despite his comfortable lifestyle, Lucius had aspirations of his own. Instead of simply relaxing at his manor home, he chose to loiter at the Ministry of Magic headquarters.
With a keen instinct for power and a hunger for control, he began to strategically cultivate personal connections with some of the most influential figures in the magical community.
Key Actions:
- Cultivated relationships with influential figures in the Ministry of Magic
- Positioned himself as a prominent player in both political and social spheres
Through his associations, Malfoy ensured that his voice carried weight in shaping the direction of wizarding society, making him the perfect pawn in Voldemort’s scheme.
Allegiance to Voldemort
By the time he left school, rumors began to circulate that Lord Voldemort had achieved immortality.
Lucius, fueled by his unwavering commitment to the purification of the wizarding race and his fervent desire to eradicate Muggle-borns, ultimately pledged his allegiance to the Dark Lord and joined the ranks of the Death Eaters.
Rise and Fall:
- Rose to the ranks of Voldemort’s second in command
- World began to crumble with Voldemort’s defeat by Harry Potter
With Voldemort’s defeat, the Death Eaters were in shock and the Order of the Phoenix capitalized on their new position, capturing Death Eaters across Britain.
Trials and Bribery
Most Death Eaters were brought before the Council of Magical Law for trial. Here, they could state their case and explain their actions. For the most part, the guilty parties were justifiably sentenced. However, other Death Eater sympathizers received different treatment.
Examples:
- Igor Karkaroff was released for giving information
- Severus Snape was cleared of charges because Dumbledore vouched for him
What about Lucius?
Lucius’ Defense:
- Presented himself as a victim of the Imperius Curse
- Fraternized with high-ranking ministry officials pre-trial
- Asserted his power and influence to evade imprisonment
Despite being a high-ranking Death Eater, Lucius managed to avoid justice swiftly. Many, including Arthur Weasley, wondered how. The answer lies in money and influence. Lucius likely greased enough pockets to ensure votes went in his favor. Additionally, there was no definitive way to prove or disprove the Imperius Curse defense.
Corruption in the Ministry:
- Historical corruption within the Ministry of Magic
- Ministers driven by money and anti-Muggle sentiments
Bellatrix’s Fate
Why didn’t money help Bellatrix in the same way? The Malfoys and Lestranges were both wealthy, but Bellatrix willingly went to prison to prove her devotion to Voldemort. After Voldemort’s defeat, she continued to follow his cause, unlike Lucius, who was more of a coward.
Second Wizarding War
Lucius avoided prison again during the second wizarding war. This time, he provided evidence against fellow Death Eaters and helped capture many of Voldemort’s followers. Additionally, the Ministry went easier on the Malfoys because they had abandoned Voldemort’s cause.
Despite narrowly avoiding prison, Lucius Malfoy lost all of his loyalties and connections, tarnishing his reputation. If you ask me, he should have gone to prison for his role in both wars.
Do you think Lucius should have been imprisoned? Any other plausible explanations for his evasion of Azkaban?
Let me know in the comments below.
