The book came off the shelf easier than I expected. Knowing these old libraries I was wondering if it would attempt to bite me when I touched it but, no, it just stopped glowing so bright and felt warm to the touch. I stashed it in my robes and began to descend when I heard someone clear their throat.
I chanced a glance down and was unsurprised to see platinum hair beneath me, "Miss Granger, you do know that even in the wizarding world we have penalties for breaking and entering?"
I threw him an innocent look and said, "Oh, Draco altered the wards to allow me in ages ago. He said I could use the library whenever I needed it. Now, I'd really like to get off this ladder. I don't particularly like heights."
I heard a deep chuckle and felt myself grow mildly embarrassed but continued my trudge down. It wouldn't do to let the likes of Lucius Malfoy see you squirm. When I neared the bottom of the ladder, I felt his presence near me and he volunteered his hand to help me down the last bit. It was after two in the morning and I was in no mood and I seemed to remember out of nowhere that it was Malfoy senior who had known all along about my so-called betrothal.
With my feet firmly planted on solid ground and less sense than normal I said, "How dare you patronize me Lucius Malfoy! You know why I'm here and if you hadn't kept Draco and me in the dark about this we wouldn't even be in this quagmire!"
His smile didn't waiver. Infuriatingly it got larger, "That's the kind of spunk I like to see in the future Mrs. Malfoy."
"Grrrumph!"
He turned around from me and with a wave of his hand, "I bid you adieu and goodnight Miss Granger. You will find the answers you seek in that book, though they may surprise you. Narcissa will be sending along information on the engagement party."
"You conniving, miserable, soddi-" My rant was cut off by the door slamming behind him.