Somewhat relieved by Severus' response, Lucius smiled before turning to approach the bar. They may have stripped him of everything else, but he wasn't about to let go of his manners.
As he walked towards the mahogany structure, he began to rethink and regret his decision. Did he even have enough money? This was the first time he had ever had to work for it and he still wasn't used to counting the pennies. Of course, the ins-and-outs of running the Malfoy estate were not simple, but that was different. That was his heritage, his son's future, his pride. Working in the library was a separate thing altogether. Although he loved books, he had no real connection with the place. He was forced to work long hours and chase after late returns; he had little motivation for either. Then, at the end of which, he was given a measly sum to live on. If this was how the other half lived, he wanted nothing to do with it.
On Severus' recommendation, Lucius ordered two pints of the stout and two drams of scotch, for good measure. He had just enough money on him, though he was rather shocked by the subtotal.
With a flick of a wand, the drinks levitated in front of him as he strode back to the table. "I took the liberty of ordering a whisky, too. You still drink the stuff, I trust?" he smiled as he took his seat, trying to forget how much he just spent. Had alcohol always been this expensive? "Is there anyone of interest here? You know their faces better than I..."