I don't own the characters; they belong to JK Rowling and her fabulous imagination. The plotline is mine though, unfortunately. I've re-edited this to correct Hermione's parents' occupations)
Chapter 6
Hermione heard footsteps following her. They were loud and quick, but she paid no attention to them. At least it meant other students were awake. She didn't turn around to see which student it was, so she was surprised when she found Lucius Malfoy walking by her side, his pace slower than before.
"Hello, again, Miss Granger. Do you mind if I walk with you to the Great Hall?" he asked politely, looking at her as they walked side by side. Hermione turned her face to look at him. She shook her head.
"Not at all Professor."
Lucius smiled. "Good." He said. "Now, Miss Granger, why on earth did you borrow that book from the library?" Lucius asked, trying to make conversation.
Hermione smiled, knowing exactly which book he was referring to. "I love muggle literature. After all, I am muggle-born. I come from that world. Oh, and although my parents are dentists, I was raised with works of literature surrounding me. Shakespeare just happens to be my favourite." Hermione explained as she took the copy of 'A Midsummer Nights Dream' out of her bag. "But I also took this book out because it's part of the Muggle Studies syllabus."
"I thought you dropped that in your third year though?" Lucius remarked. Hermione raised her eyebrow.
"I see you've looked at my file. Yes you're right. I dropped it. I took it back up for NEWT level though because I did so well in it. I thought it'd be easier for me to do the subject as well as my others." Hermione told him. Lucius nodded in understanding. "So, I took this book out to read for enjoyment as well as for learning purposes."
"Well, I must say it's a good choice. I do think this is one of his better plays." Lucius told her his opinion and heard Hermione squeal next to him.
"You've read it?" She asked "You've read Shakespeare?"
"Of course I have. I happen to love English. I dabble in both wizarding and muggle literature." Lucius replied, inwardly smiling at the happy expression on her face. "I'm a big fan of muggle poetry, especially Shakespeare's wonderful sonnets." He added. Then he quoted a poem. Hermione's face lit up.
"When I compare thee to a summers day is my favourite Shakespeare sonnet of all." Hermione gushed, her eyes twinkling brightly. Lucius smiled. This conversation was turning out marvellously. He had so much in common with this girl.
"Mine too." He admitted. Hermione blushed slightly. He pretended not to notice. They had talked for a good few minutes, and had reached the Great Hall. They could hear voices inside. Obviously, some other students and teachers were awake as well. Hermione turned to Lucius.
"Thank you for walking with me. I had a good time surprisingly. You've changed a lot. You're not the man you were in Flourish and Blotts, or the man from the Department of Mysteries." Hermione said, noticing him wince ever so slightly as she reminded him of his past. "I like this new you." She added quickly, and she saw him smile. "Thank you again. I hope we talk like this again sometime. I'll see you later Professor. Good bye." She said, as she walked away from him for the second time that morning. He turned and walked to the other Great Hall entrance that professors used, and he walked inside. He was greeted by Professor Flitwick. Lucius smiled at the man and said hello, then Lucius sat down and started to eat his breakfast; with his eyes watching one specific person the entire time. A Gryffindor, by the name of Hermione Granger.