Hermione quickly closed her office door and locked it. Checking her watch, she moaned. Maybe if she hurried, there would still be a decent salad. It was Thursday, two more days until she went to the Manor, and, while she was still nervous about it, she was a bit excited. Course, she needed to make sure the case of another abused house-elf was filed, as well as a dozen other cases she had been working on.

As she walked towards the Ministry's cafeteria, she flipped through the manila folder she had in her arms. She shook her head. The whole case was horrible and she felt sorry for the little creature who had been put through those travesties. When she turned the corner, she ran smack into a wall and fell backwards, causing the contents of the folder to spill all over the tile flooring.

"Hey!" she shouted in surprise as the wall… grunted.

She glanced up to see Draco Malfoy staring down at her, surprise written over his face. He frowned as she stared up at him. "When I told my friend I was hoping to run into you today, I didn't mean literally, Granger," he said in amusement as he flicked his wand and gathered her papers.

She glowered as she tucked her legs under her and knelt on the ground. He held out a hand to help her up. Brushing off her skirt, Hermione straightened her robes. "Thank you," she replied as he handed her the folder. Then she looked at him. "And why were you hoping to run into me?"

He smirked. "Well, I wanted to talk to you about something I had heard yesterday. I mean, it can't possibly be true, and I wanted it confirmed that it wasn't," he said, mysteriously.

"So, you came here today? Why didn't you come yesterday?"

"I did," he told her as his eyes narrowed suggestively. Her eyes widened as he gave her a rather scorching look. He couldn't be serious! "Only, you weren't here, which I suppose confirms it, does it not?"

"Confirms what exactly?" she asked, not daring to hold her breath.

He tilted his head slightly. "Are you and my father courting?" he asked bluntly.

"I -," she began, then stopped. She shook her head and continued walking. "Why are you asking me this? Shouldn't you be asking your father?"

"I did," he answered as he followed her into the cafeteria. Oh, she hoped she would make it in time. "Where do you think I heard it from? So, it's true, then?"

She sighed. "I don't know, Malfoy," she replied. "We went on a date. That was all. Then, yesterday, I found out he was meeting with my parents in an attempt to ask for their permission like we live in the 1950s."

"Granger, he was born in the 1950s," he told her. "Shouldn't you be courting someone who's closer to our age?"

She glanced at him. "You act as though I haven't," she said as she stopped to look at him. "I don't see how it's any of your business anyway."

He shrugged. "Well, technically, it is," he replied, "he is my father. If I had known you were interested, I would've asked you out myself. In fact, I would like to ask you to dinner with me."

Her eyes widened as he gave her another suggestive look. Oh, God! No! This cannot be happening to her! "But you're engaged!" she protested. "You're getting married!"

He shrugged again. "Things can change, can't they?" he drawled. "Few months, or so, from now, it could be you walking down the aisle to me, right?"

She shook her head. "No," she argued. She pointed at him. "I am not going to be one of those women who steals husbands from others."

He chuckled. "You can't steal me if I'm not married, Granger," he reasoned. "It's just one dinner, what harm can it do? Besides, who knows? Maybe you and I..." he let the sentence fade as he gave her a wink and smirk.

Hermione rolled her eyes and walked away from him. "I have no idea why you're suddenly interested in me, but I think it inappropriate when you have a fiancée and are soon to be wed," she hissed as she opened the cafeteria door.

"I'm not 'suddenly interested'," he argued. "I've been interested. I just didn't think you were available, nor did I think -"

"I'm not 'available'," she spat, glaring at him. "Remember?" She looked at him and folded her arms. "I've already been on a date with your father and I have another this weekend. With him."

"So, what? You're just going to court a guy who's old enough to be your father?" he asked as she grabbed a salad bowl and began fixing her salad.

She sighed as she saw the state of the lettuce. She had waited too long. Ah well. She scooped a healthy helping of the wilted lettuce and began adding some tomatoes, cucumbers, and other, mostly fresh, vegetables. "He's not my father," she said as she grabbed the Italian dressing.

"No, he's my father," Draco pointed out. "But that's not my point, Granger."

"Then what is?" Hermione asked as she stared at him.

He lifted his hands in a silent plea. "Just let me take you to dinner. Saturday night. If you don't -"

"Sorry, can't," she interrupted as she pushed past him to the register.

"Why not?" he asked with a frown, following her.

Hermione handed the cashier a few Sickles to pay for her meal and walked over to a free table to sit down. "I already have plans for Saturday."

"Can't you reschedule?" he pressed.

She stared at him with wide eyes as she scoffed in disbelief. "You're joking, right?" she asked in disbelief. "Why in Hell would I reschedule my life to fit around yours?"

He opened his mouth to reply, but then shut it. He ran a hand through his hair. "You're right," he agreed. He watched as she rolled her eyes and turned her attention to her salad. "What about Sunday?" he asked, but then answered for himself, "No, you never go out on Sundays because you have work Monday morning. Then… Friday, perhaps? Tomorrow?"

She looked up at him as she chewed her food. Once she swallowed, she licked her lips. "How do you know what I do on Sundays?" she mused. Before he could answer, she shook her head." You know what? Never mind. I don't think you understand, so perhaps I should explain it better," she said. "You are getting married next month. I know this because it's all over the bloody Prophet. Saturday, I'm helping your father with some things at the Manor and then we are going out to eat. We, of course, meaning your father and me. Not that any of that matters because you're engaged!"

"And if I wasn't?" he asked as he sat back in his seat.

"Un-fucking-believable!" she hissed as she threw her hands in the air and looked away from him. She stared at her plate of half eaten salad and sighed. Suddenly, she wasn't hungry anymore. She stood up and grabbed her plate. As Draco moved to stand as well, she glared at him fiercely and slammed the plate down. "Fourteen years! You've had fourteen years to ask me out. Fourteen years to treat me like a normal human being. Fourteen years to sweep me off my feet. And you wait until Daddy does it before you make a move? Why? Because Daddy has shown an interest in me? Does Daddy approve of you being here right now? Does he even know?" He frowned and she snorted. "Of course he doesn't," she said as she picked her plate back up and moved to the bin to empty it. She tossed the used plate into another bin that was labeled for dirty dishes.

"Granger, wait," he said as he followed her out of the cafeteria.

She was walking hastily towards her office when he reached out to grab her hand. "Hermione," he said, pleadingly.

She stopped, looked down at the hand holding hers, then back up to his eyes, and stared at him. "What?"

He stood before her, his eyes searching hers. "I didn't know," he admitted. "Yes, I had fourteen years. You know our history. I didn't know it would have been allowed, and in fact, for the first seven, it wasn't. So many things, bad things, could have happened if I had admitted I had any sort of feelings for you. I did fancy you – I do fancy you. Ever since I saw you on the train that first time – Granger, please. Give me a chance. Let me take you out to dinner."

"You called me 'Hermione'," she said, half in awe.

He tilted his head and gave a small smirk. "That's your name, isn't it?"

She sighed. "That doesn't change the fact that you're now engaged," she said. She pulled her hand out of his grasp. "Nor does it change the fact that I am currently dating your father. It wouldn't be fair to either of them."

He stood up a little straighter. "So..." his eyes narrowed in thought. "If I wasn't engaged and if you weren't 'dating' my father, then..." He looked at her, his eyes seeking the confirmation he apparently needed.

"He also apologized to me," she pointed out. "And," she paused as she remembered the pagoda and gardens. "There was a connection there," she said finally. She smiled absently as she thought of their little "recital battle". She glanced at Draco and her smile wavered. "Perhaps at one point," she admitted and his eyes gleamed hopefully, "but I'm dating Lucius now. I won't break his heart by betraying him. I can't."

Draco scoffed. "You honestly think you'll break his heart? Come off it, Granger, you just started courting him!"

"And you shouldn't think about breaking Astoria's heart," she said, her brow furrowing in anger. "What do you think this will do to her if she were to find out that you're flirting with a Mudblood?"

"You shouldn't call yourself that," he stated, his face twisting to one of mild disgust.

She pulled up her left sleeve to show him the ugly scar that was still there. "Why? It's what I am," she said. "I'm not ashamed."

He blanched at the sight of the scar. "Hermione, I'm… I'm so sorry," he muttered, bowing his head.

It was so strange to hear him use her given name. He did look genuine, though, so she had to give him credit for that much. She touched his shoulder and he looked up at her. "It's ok," she assured him. "Just… I don't know what's going to happen between your father and me, but I am willing to give him a chance. Besides, Astoria is beautiful and she's kind."

"You've met her?" he asked curiously.

She smiled brightly. "She's helped me on a few cases," she admitted.

"Which is another reason you won't have dinner with me?" he prodded.

She lifted her brow at that. "You're determined, aren't you?"

He grinned as he leaned closer to her. "I'm Slytherin."

She snorted as she pushed him away. "You're incorrigible," she teased, laughing.

He shrugged as he backed away. "Can't blame a man for trying, right?" he said. "When you get tired of my old man, though, let me know."

She rolled her eyes as he gave her a wink and turned away. As she closed her office door behind her, she stared, wide-eyed at her desk. What the Hell just happened? Draco Malfoy had flirted with her, and more, he wanted to date her. The week was just getting weirder and weirder.

(II)(II)

Lucius steeled his resolve and prepared for the arduous task before him. He sneered at the tiny garden as he walked up the drive to the house. It was tidy enough, sure, but nowhere near the extravagance to which he was accustomed. He stood upon the last step closest to the door and used the snake head of his walking stick to knock on the door. Even with gloves on, he had no desire to actually touch the thing.

He took a step back and waited, albeit a bit impatiently. He hated waiting, though, from the sounds of it, he didn't have to wait long. He kept the emotionless expression on his face, though inside he was disgusted, as he heard the door unlock and watched it open.

A petite woman with curly brown hair and hazel green eyes stood before him. "Hello," she greeted. "Are you Lucius Malfoy?" She wore simple light blue jeans and a pink blouse that was… well, Lucius didn't think it was very modest, but it did aptly cover the most important bits.

He gave her a little smile and nodded his head. "And you must be Mrs. Granger, I presume?"

"Elizabeth Granger," she elaborated. "I do think I remember you from once before."

He lifted a brow. "Yes, and I you," he said. "Though, unfortunately, we were never properly introduced."

"No, we weren't, though I do think that had been rather intentional, yes?" she commented.

Lucius gave her an apologetic smile. It was true. Their lack of an introduction to one another had been quite intentional on his part. In fact, were it not for his current desire to wed Miss Granger, he wouldn't partake in the present introduction either. "Time changes all things," he finally said, "and I am no longer the man I once was." He lifted his caneless hand to produce a bouquet of bluebonnets and pink roses.

She raised an eyebrow. "We'll see about that," she said as she accepted the flowers and opened the door wider. "Please, do come in. Tony should be down in a minute."

It took him a moment to realize just who she was talking about. He said nothing, just gave her a short smile in response.

"So, Lucius, would you care for a drink?" she asked as she led him into a small sitting room. At least, that's what he thought it was.

He glanced about the room, noting the various shelves, books, and pictures. Like the garden in the front, the room was very well kept, if minuscule, and for some reason, he could smell jasmine in the air. His eyes sought out the origin of the scent. There was a beige couch with a matching armchair and loveseat in the room. The walls of the room were white and the floor was carpeted a dark brown. Etiquette dictated that he should sit on either the loveseat or couch, though he dare not until the lady was seated.

"This is a lovely home," he easily lied, though, for some reason, it didn't feel like a lie. He kept his facial expression relaxed and seemingly enjoyable. He had to make sure these people liked him, after all, so he would remain charming.

"Thank you," she said with a smile. "Would you like tea? Or perhaps… I think Hermione told me you preferred brandy, yes?"

He turned his attention to her. There was no way these people would have a brandy he liked. "Tea is fine," he told her, "thank you."

He glanced at the hallway as he heard heavy footsteps coming from the stairs. His eyes narrowed as he listened to the sound. He watched as an older man entered the room. This man was balding, though what hair he did have on his head was lighter and more grey than his wife's. He had brown eyes, much like Hermione's. He wasn't nearly as thin as his wife, nor was he portly, though Lucius could see that the man wasn't really in much shape.

"Ah, Lucius Malfoy," the man greeted as he held out his hand to the Pureblood. Lucius was careful to hide his distaste. "Anthony Granger, though most just call me Tony."

Lucius accepted the man's handshake, though he was curious, "Are you averse to being called 'Anthony'?"

The Muggle snorted. "Not really, though the only people to have really called me that have been my parents and usually only when they were cross," he said jovially. "Come, come, sit." He waved at the loveseat as he sat in the armchair.

Lucius glanced at the loveseat, but did not really make a move to sit down. He turned his attention, instead, to Elizabeth Granger as she set a steaming, flowery teapot upon a table between them. She placed three teacups down and, sitting on the edge of the couch, she began pouring tea into each cup.

Lucius moved to the loveseat the moment Elizabeth sat down and seated himself onto the edge of it. It was surprisingly comfortable and he looked down at the cushion with a raised eyebrow.

"Do you like sugar or honey in your tea, Lucius?" Elizabeth asked as she looked at him with a bemused smile.

He hated the idea that the Muggles were silently laughing at him, but he returned her smile graciously. "Neither, if you don't mind. I prefer my tea black."

She nodded kindly and handed him the teacup. She handed another teacup to her husband, who added a bit of honey to his drink. Taking the third cup for her own, she added some sugar and scooted back on the couch.

"So, Lucius, we received your letter and, I must say, I'm a bit confused," Anthony said as he took a small sip of his tea.

Lucius took a sip of his own tea, silently impressed with how smooth it tasted. He never expected Muggles to know how to properly brew tea. He was certain they didn't have house-elves. "I'm afraid I don't understand," he replied, looking at the, obviously older, man.

"Tony has never heard of anyone 'courting' someone before," Elizabeth explained as she offered an apologetic smile.

"That's not really true, dear. Didn't they do that back during the Victorian Age? Eliza said it was like dating?" Anthony inquired with a frown.

Lucius suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. "Not exactly," he said, "though you are on the right track, I believe. When a wizard courts a witch, he is evaluating whether or not she would be a good marital match for him. We go on outings together and become better acquainted with one another."

"So, you date," Anthony concluded simply, glancing at his wife.

Lucius pressed his lips together. "Dating is what children do," he said, calmly. "If this courtship goes as well as I'm hoping..."

"And what are you hoping for, Lucius?" the Muggle asked, glancing at his wife dubiously. "You do realize Hermione is twenty-five years your junior?"

He was starting to become tired of people pointing that out to him as if he didn't already know. He straightened up and silently counted to ten. "I do," he admitted. Perhaps they simply did not know, they were Muggles, after all. "People within the Wizarding community do tend to live much longer than Muggles. Right now, she is half my age, however, in five to ten years, the gap between our ages will shorten considerably."

"No matter how much time passes, you will always be twenty-five years older than her," Elizabeth stated. "Pardon the bluntness, Lucius, but are you hoping to make her your wife?"

"Would you be opposed to it?" he returned as set his empty cup down. The tea really had been delicious, but the conversation was beginning to leave a sour taste in his mouth.

"Hermione is a grown woman," Elizabeth reasoned slowly. She glanced at her husband and then back at Lucius. "Honestly, neither of us have any say in how she lives her life. We can't exactly stop her if she were to decide to marry you. But it is rather early in your courtship, isn't it?"

Lucius gave a single nod. "It was less than a week ago when I ran into her," he admitted. "Tradition dictates that I am to approach her parents before I even offer to take her out to a meal, but I couldn't help myself. It was a bit of a spur of the moment. For that, I apologize. I was so enamored with her, though, I couldn't help myself."

"Well, she, obviously, agreed to it, so there's no harm there," Elizabeth commented, waving her hand as though to wave away his concern.

"I would hope you treat her with respect, though," Anthony said as he watched Lucius. "If I remember correctly, you weren't overly fond of Muggles, or Muggleborns, when we first saw you. In fact, I do believe you had gotten rather physical with Arthur Weasley over it."

Lucius sniffed at that comment. "Mr. Weasley and I have always held differing opinions on many aspects of life," he said, "I apologize for any distress we may have caused you on your second trip into our world. However, if you also recall, he attacked me, not the other way around."

Anthony opened his mouth to comment, but Elizabeth cut him off. "It matters not," she said, glaring at her husband. "The past is in the past and that is where it shall stay." She looked back at Lucius and her eyes softened. "It is clear to me that you've had a change of heart over the years, Lucius. At least where my daughter is concerned. Though I do not know you, I have a feeling we will become better acquaintances over time."

Lucius flashed a rather charming smile. "Of course," he agreed. "And if things pan out the way I am hoping, then we will certainly become better acquaintances."

"Does she know of your intentions?" Anthony asked.

Lucius frowned. "I think she suspects, but I haven't said anything yet," he admitted. "We are meeting on the 'morrow, however, and I do intend to inform her."

"Is everything you do a business transaction?" Elizabeth asked as she shifted in her seat. Lucius didn't answer.

Anthony drank the rest of his tea, and studied Lucius for a moment. "Actually, Lucius, I do have a question for you. Hermione did tell us a bit about this 'courtship' that the two of you are doing. Now, forgive me, but Muggles haven't courted since the Victorian Age, and I don't particularly care for the possessive implications in regards to my grown daughter. What exactly are you expecting of my daughter at the end of this courtship? Aside from marriage, that is."

(III)(III)

He plopped into his armchair by the fireplace in his study. It had been a rather stressful and annoying evening for Lucius. It turned out that he needn't have bothered with asking Hermione's parents for their consent. It apparently wasn't a customary thing in the Muggle community. This annoyed Lucius greatly as he felt as though he just wasted precious time he could have used more productively.

Pulling his wand out of his walking stick, he pointed it up and idly whirled it. Behind him, an emerald green crystal snifter burst into life along with a matching decanter, which opened itself and began pouring some brandy into the snifter. Lucius closed his eyes a little and waited as the decanter righted itself and the snifter of brandy floated to him.

Holding his hand up, the snifter rested itself in his palm. He stashed his wand back into the walking stick and, cupping the snifter in his hands, took a sip of the brandy. He tilted his head back as his mind went through the encounter with the Muggles.

Upon reflection, he did learn a few things about his elusive Muggleborn. Of course, much of it he had already known, like the part she played in the war as well as her perchance for reading and knowledge. Although she had enjoyed the gardens and blushed at the rose he had offered her, he noted that her favorite flowers were daisies. She wasn't much into spontaneity, either, and she always kept her wand on her person. From the photos that were on the mantle of her parents' sitting room, it was evident that the small family was close and valued one another's opinions. He hoped he had left a good impression upon her parents. If not, he would simply sway them later. Of course, he had used a bit of magic to… appeal to their better senses when he had visited. By the end of the visit, it seemed that Elizabeth was rather smitten with him, while Anthony had invited him to a "football" game. As if the aristocrat would lower himself in such a disgraceful way!

He sighed. Then again. Wasn't he already lowering himself disgracefully by pining over a Mudblood? Once they married, and Draco had ensured that Lucius would certainly marry the girl, the Malfoy family would be defamed. Blood-traitors. Impure. What difference did it make if Lucius joined Anthony to watch a "football" game? What the hell was "football" anyway?

He contemplated going to his library to see if there were any books on the subject, but immediately dismissed that idea. "Football" was a Muggle sport. As such, he knew there would be no references of it within his library. Perhaps, while Miss Granger was out shopping tomorrow, Lucius would go to Flourish & Blotts and see if they had any information on the topic.

He downed his brandy in one go, unable to believe, or accept, that he was actually considering learning more about Muggle things… Muggle things. What a vile and repulsive idea.

Maybe he should reconsider this madness of pursuing Hermione Granger. Having dinner with her had been nice. She was beautiful and, obviously, intelligent. However, she was also twenty-five years his junior and… Well, her age certainly wasn't a problem. It wasn't as if he had never fucked a girl young enough to be his daughter. Hell, just last month he had joined a friend of his in fucking Pansy Parkinson, and that girl was the same age as Miss Granger.

Taking a deep breath, he stood and went to his wet bar to refill his drink. Fact was, Parkinson, despite her Pureblood background, had all the true appeal of a flobberworm. She was idiotic, and quite the slut, having gotten the only job she could out of Hogwarts in a brothel in Knockturn Alley.

Hermione Malfoy.

Was Lucius ready to sully his bloodline with a Mudblood? What choice did he have, though? Despite his contributions to the wizarding world since the war, he was still rather blemished. Most people avoided him when necessary. His wife had left him for someone younger. His son hardly had anything to do with him outside what was necessary for their company. He couldn't even go into the Ministry without raising suspicion.

The best way to regain what he had before was to marry well. And to marry someone who wouldn't leave him as soon as the opportunity arose. He also wanted someone who was beautiful and intelligent. Someone who could satisfy his mind as well as sensual nature.

Hermione Granger fit his needs perfectly. Well, except the sexual part. Sure, she was sexy, but given that they haven't had sex yet… He wondered if she was still a virgin. How much stock did Muggles put into female virginities anyway? Did they hold onto their virginities until marriage much like Purebloods did? (Except, of course, Pansy Parkinson, but that girl had been ruined long before Lucius had touched her.) Probably should have thought of this before you started pursuing her, Lucius, he thought.

Marrying a virgin was best within Pureblood society, but he wasn't planning on marrying a Pureblood, so maybe it didn't matter? Besides, he was divorced, so he couldn't truly be upset with her if she wasn't a virgin. But, if she was a virgin, that would be even better, wouldn't it? Then maybe, just maybe...

There had to be a Pureblood witch he could fuck for the night, right? At least for now.

No. Better not. He needed to keep his mind straight. Besides, he hoped that soon enough, he won't have to worry about sex at all. Weren't Mudboods known for their deviancy?

He set his drink upon the table next to him and closed his eyes, thinking about the things he and Hermione could do once they were married. If she was a virgin, then he could be her tutor. If not, well, she did love to learn and he was certain he knew more than a few things he could teach her.

He fisted his hardon as he thought of her. She was young. Her body was curvy, but small. Her breasts… he sighed. He still remembered her pert little breasts he had spied that day in the gardens. He wanted to cup them, to see how well they fit into his hand. From what he had seen that day, she seemed to be the perfect size for him. He wasn't overly fond of a big bosom. Breasts just large enough to fit into his hands, however… He wanted to lick and suckle on her nipple, to see how sensitive she was… He spilled his seed into his lap and closed his eyes, ashamed.

He made a face of disgust as he retrieved his wand and Scourgified the mess on his lap. If he wanted a future with Miss Granger, he would need to get over this feeling that she was gross because of her blood.

He had seen her blood. It certainly wasn't dirty. And he reminded himself of that. He stood up and unclasped his robes. Peeling them off, he tossed them to the side. He had actually liked those robes, too, but now they were ruined. He didn't blame Miss Granger for it, of course, though he had started to.

He sighed. Even in his Hogwarts days, when he first started having such urges, he had never acted so… He was far too prim and proper to soil himself in such a way. Doing so bothered him more than he cared to admit. He had always been in control of his bodily needs. Maybe it was her fault? Had he not been thinking of her, he wouldn't have had such a randy urge.

He paused again and shook his head. Maybe tomorrow he could coax her into having a wild night with him. First, though, he would need to figure out if she was a virgin. His desire for her to be warred with his need to taste her, to feel her, to be inside her. Perhaps, if she was a virgin, he could coax her into a bit of foreplay? They didn't have to actually have sex to explore one another's bodies, after all. Just a little taste and tease...

Frowning, he decided to head to his room. He desperately needed a cold shower. If she was a virgin, cold showers would quickly become the norm for him until they married. God, he hoped she wasn't.

(IV)(IV)

Lucius casually browsed through the Muggle section of Flourish & Blotts while silently berating himself. He was going to be fifty-one later this year, and yet, here he was browsing the Muggle section to impress a witch! He didn't even know what he was looking for, exactly.

He did find a book about basic Muggle lingo. Flipping through it, he saw many terms he sort of recognized, but many more that he didn't. Deciding the book might be worth deeper perusing later, he tucked it under his arm and continued scanning the shelf.

Fortunately, the bookshop had only one shelf devoted to Muggle books and literature, so it really didn't take him much time to view it all. Unfortunately, he couldn't really find what he was looking for, and he dare not ask the shopkeeper for assistance.

He pulled out a book on Muggle vineyards and raised an eyebrow. Of course, the Malfoy vineyards held the greatest wine in all of Britain, but it was always good to know what his competition was. If he and Miss Granger did marry, perhaps he could expand his business into the Muggle world? There certainly was untold profits to be had.

"Lucius?" called a feminine voice in curiosity.

Lucius snapped the book shut and glanced up to see Hermione Granger standing before him with a large grin on her face. "I thought that was you," she said with a giggle.

He offered her a soft smile. "Hello, my dear," he greeted. "Enjoying your shopping adventure?"

She snorted and rolled her eyes. Leaning forward, she whispered, "I was hoping to find a white knight to save me." Her grin widened and she spoke in a more normal voice, "And then I found you! Not exactly what I was expecting, but it works out for me. So, what brings you to Flourish & Blotts?"

"I'm no white knight, darling," he assured her with a devilish glint. He showed her the book he had been inspecting. "I was hoping to find some light reading. When I was visiting your parents yesterday, your father had invited me to a 'football' game, should things between you and I develop further. Given that I haven't a clue what such a game is, exactly, I thought I would come here to be enlightened."

"Good Lord, that man!" she laughed. "I'm surprised your ears still work. He loves his football about as much as Harry loves Quidditch."

Lucius looked at her curiously. "Is it like Quidditch, then?" he asked.

She wrinkled her nose. "Not quite," she told him. Looking at the shelf, she found a book and pulled it out to hand to him.

He frowned at the title. "Soccer?"

She nodded. "'Football' and 'soccer' are interchangeable words that mean the same thing. Some countries have other games they play that they call 'football', so they use the word 'soccer' to differentiate to keep from confusing people."

"Sounds confusing."

She giggled. "It is. Horribly so," she agreed.

"So, how has your shopping trip gone?" he asked, not really wishing to talk about soccer, or football, or whatever the game was called.

She held up a small jeweled purse. "We had just finished, actually. I was getting ready to head home when I saw you in the window," she explained. "Thought I would come and say hello."

"Would you like to grab some lunch?" he asked. "We could go to the Manor and I could have the house-elves bring us some sandwiches."

"That sounds perfect, actually," she said with a smile. "Give me a moment so I can tell Ginny that I'm leaving?"

He nodded to her and she skipped out the store. He took a deep breath as she left. Her blue jean shorts with white trainers and light green peasant blouse had made his heart rate increase and he had silently pleaded with his groin to behave itself while she was there. He wanted to follow her just so he could wrap his arm around her waist.

He walked up to the counter and set the books down upon it.

"That will be 10 Galleons, 13 Sickles, and 21 Knuts, sir," the clerk said.

Lucius nodded as he handed the boy 11 Galleons. As he waited for his change, Hermione reentered the shop with a large smile on her face. He grinned at her.

"Thank you so much," she said breathlessly. "As much as I love Ginny, I really do hate shopping. Now, this kind of shopping, of course, I can get behind." She looked around the shop.

Lucius followed her gaze. "Wait until you see my library," he commented causing her to pause and look at him. He shrugged. "Through the centuries, my family has collected books, many of which are first editions, and some are even signed."

Her eyes widened slightly as her smile faltered. "Why am I not surprised?" she asked.

As the clerk handed him his change, Lucius gathered the books he purchased and allowed Hermione to lead him outside. "Wait," he said as she began walking towards the Leaky Cauldron.

She stopped to look at him. He tucked his cane under his arm and held his hand out to her. "It'll be quicker if we Apparate," he explained.

She accepted his hand and stepped closer to him. Finally! This is what he had been wanting. He pulled her close to him and slipped his hand around her waist. "Put your arms around my neck," he gently instructed as he bent his knees a bit to help her reach better.

She grinned. "Missed me that much?" she teased.

He returned her grin as he dipped his head slightly to brush his lips against hers, though he did not kiss her. Her lips popped open in surprise as he breathed against her lips, "You have no idea."

Holding her firmly against him, he Disapparated.

Author's Notes: A thousand and one thanks to cowgalnina and Elle Morgan-Black, my two wonderful, glamorous betas! And also thank you to all you lovely people who have read, liked, favourited, reviewed, and followed this story. You are my bread and butter! Shout out to Silver Orbed Lioness as well for her help in British etiquette. This story wouldn't even be possible without you, my friend. :)

If you check out my Lumione group Elm & Vine on Facebook, you will be able to see the aesthetics I post for this story, as well as seeing stories posted by other members of the group. (Can I just say that we have a talented bunch there, including Silver Orbed Lioness and Elle Morgan-Black, just to name a couple.)