A/N: I'm so sorry that this chapter is three weeks late. I had a large project due for school and it was taking up all my free time. However, that class is now done so I can start focusing on this story again.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters from it. Harry Potter is the property of J. K. Rowling.

Bookstore Surprises

Chapter Fourteen

Lucius sat in the chair book forgotten. Hermione had just left to after giving a nod to his request that she refer to him via his given name. Lucius was at a loss as to what to think. 'I am behaving quite unlike myself. Why?' Lucius frowned as he tried to understand his own behavior. 'I have never shown my emotions as I am now. Not even with Narcissa. So why am I doing so with Hermione Granger?'

Lucius ran a hand over his face. His mind full of questions to which he had no answers. 'Perhaps it is simply because I have been given a second chance at life. A chance that I have to intention of squandering.' He sighed lightly and gazed in the direction that Hermione had gone.

'She is so much younger than I am. Nevertheless, I want her, and I always get what I want.' Lucius smirked to himself. 'There is a possibility that I haven't changed as much as I think I have.' He thought back to a conversation he had with Severus and Draco a number of months ago.

Lucius was seated in the library of Malfoy Manor with Draco and Severus enjoying a glass of good scotch. Lucius was enjoying the scenery outside the window when he felt the eyes of his companions on him. He looked from one to the other and raised his eyebrow. "Yes?" He simply asked.

Draco looked away his cheeks flushing slightly at being caught. Severus simply said, "You're different."

Lucius frowned not quite understanding the meaning behind his friend's words.

However, Severus ignored the frown and took a sip of his scotch.

"You're easier to read, Father. You're not as closed off as you used to be."

Lucius was silent for a moment processing what his son had said. "I suppose I am. I'm still me, though I wish to be a better version of me."

Draco smiled. "I'm not saying it is a bad thing, Father, and I don't think Uncle Severus is either."

"No indeed, Lucius." Severus said with a slight smile. "I am in a similar position. It is actually a liberating feeling being a better version of oneself. There is change but we are still ourselves."

Lucius smiled remembering what Severus had said. 'Severus was right. We are still ourselves, and it is indeed liberating to be a better me.'