Written for:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: Auction
Word - Marvel
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: Bingo
Trait: vain
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: Couple Appreciation
Word: Pet Peeve
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: Build a Basket
Crayons: (plot point) someone showing their true colors
First Civilized Conversation
xXx
Hermione's eyes widened at the sight of a tall blond in her favorite aisle of Flourish and Blotts. It was kind of a marvel. She hadn't seen him in months, not since the end of the war.
She tilted her head and recognized the book he was currently perusing. "Advanced Transfiguration? You? Really?"
Malfoy lifted his head and stared at her. "I happen to be a master in the subject."
"So modest," Hermione sarcastically said.
"Why be modest when I know it's true?"
Hermione couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out of her mouth. "Not many people would choose to read that book for fun."
Malfoy closed the book. "Well, I'm not most people."
"I guess I'm not either because that's the book I was coming to see as well. The one in the library is checked out."
Malfoy smirked. "That's a pet peeve of mine: a book I want not being available. Or should I say something I want not being available."
"I can't imagine you at a library. I feel like you'd find such a place to be…" She thought about what word to use and settled on "...pedestrian."
"Oh, I do loathe libraries, but what I was referring to a more general something. When I want something, I want it. I don't like being told no."
"Not that sounds like you." She paused, and they stared at each other. When it didn't seem like he would break the silence, Hermione laughed nervously. "So, Malfoy, please tell me that isn't the last copy."
"It is actually, but I'll give it to you on one condition."
She was almost afraid to ask. "What?"
"Call me Lucius."
Hermione blinked. "Um, okay, Lucius."
Lucius smiled and handed her the book. "Enjoy, Hermione."
Hermione's mouth hung open while Lucius brushed past her. He hadn't made one disparaging comment about her blood status. In fact, it could be called a civilized conversation.
Maybe there was more to him than met the eye.
xXx
(word count: 329)