Following Wednesday
The day of Liz and Draco's date had arrived and Florence left the house with her daughter as 2:45 p.m. after Severus had gone to the castle.
Florence walked slowly down Hogsmeade main street with her daughter by her side.
"Where will you two meet, Liz?"
"At Florean Fortescue."
Florence looked at her, a little surprised, "You'll have ice cream in this cold day?"
"No. They've got a whole new winter menu, mom! With hot cocoa and warm desserts. James said it's even better than Madam Asterope's!"
"Interesting. I think I'll come in and try it, then."
They stopped in front of the ice cream parlour and Florence held her daughter's arm.
"Liz, I won't be able to walk in there with you." Florence said.
"Why not?"
"I've just seen Narcissa Malfoy through the window. She knows me and she knows I don't have any siblings. She'll take one look at you and she'll know who your father is. I'll wait for you at Madam Malkin's, ok?"
"All right."
"I'll have tea with Susan and maybe buy some things for Sophie."
Elizabeth seemed outraged, "More clothes for Sophie? Mom, if you keep buying her things soon she'll have more clothes and accessories than I!"
Florence rolled her eyes at her drama, "Liz, when you were a child you had more clothes than I ever did."
"I still have more clothes than you!" she replied, proudly.
Florence shook her head and smiled. Elizabeth and her love for material things. She kissed the girl's forehead.
"You go inside, Narcissa is no longer at his table. Draco's waiting for you. Remember all we've talked, all right?"
"Yes, mom."
Florence saw Narcissa Malfoy sitting at a table away from Draco, but still far enough that she could take a good look at the girl he had gone there to meet.
Draco was looking anxiously at the door, starting to regret having sent the beautiful Miss Delacour a letter, the fear of rejection paralyzing him. He sent his mother away from his table and allowed himself to fidget (a habit Narcissa Malfoy abhorred).
The bell over the front door chimed and Draco looked up – but it wasn't Elizabeth arriving.
What if she doesn't appear? What if she appears just to tell me I am an idiot and should fuck off?
He knew his family name wasn't as welcomed and respected as it had been once. Since his father had been removed from the Board of Governors two years ago, some important families had shunned them – according to what he had overheard his mother say to a friend just a week ago.
His mother. She was very glad he was meeting a girl who studied in Beauxbatons, an expensive and fancy European school where social relevance was taken into consideration when one sat at a table to share a meal with others.
What if Elizabeth has heard about our loss of social importance and decided not to show up?
He didn't really know her – she hadn't seemed to be that shallow, but he didn't know her.
Then the bell chimed again and he saw her: her sweet smile, her long dark wavy hair, the delicate nymph-like girl walking to his table dressed in designer jeans, a lilac sweater and long white wool coat, she smiled on her way to his table.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy." She said, trying to not focus on how gorgeous his blue eyes were; she had to control her heartbeat and remember her mother's words about being confident and snarky.
He quickly stood up and took her hand, kissing it.
"Hello. I was afraid you wouldn't come." He smiled nervously.
"But… I'm not even late." she didn't understand his fear.
"No, you're not late. I just… I feared it anyway. Have a seat, please." he pulled the chair in front of his in the small table; then frowned, glancing at her hand. "Didn't you like the present I sent you?" he sat in front of her.
"Yes, I did. But I'm curious, Mr. Malfoy. Why would you spend a small fortune on a gift to a girl you barely know, or better saying: you don't know at all?" she looked at him, noticing his cheeks getting flushed and his hypnotizing blue eyes darting to the window – making it difficult for her to keep being snarky when he was just so handsome.
Draco hesitated before admitting: "I… couldn't stop thinking of you after that day."
"You already told me that in your letter. Why have you asked to meet me?"
"I... want to get to know you. And, please, call me Draco."
Hmm. Draco. She really liked his name; powerful like the dragon he was named after.
"Look, Draco, we really need to talk. Before we get to know each other, I believe I must say a few things." She suddenly got her wand out and cast a silencing spell.
Draco froze in his seat for a moment, the confidence in her voice and the precise wand movement she did when casting the spell had him gaping. It showed him she was used to using magic outside school, which meant her parents allowed her to practice magic at home.
She continued: "I know your family follows the Dark Lord, so you should know from the start that mine doesn't. However, I'm not here to judge you. You are not your family, after all. What I want to know is what do you think about it?" she touched his hand on the table, feeling the need to have his skin against hers.
"I…" he sounded nervous, entwining his hand with hers, the softness of her hand making him want to touch his lips to her skin. "I-I have no intention of becoming a Death Eater, if that's what you're asking." he didn't really remember her question, but it seemed that was an appropriate answer for she smiled.
"And are you all right with the fact that my family doesn't agree with your family's views on purity?"
"That's fine with me. My parents will have to accept my feelings for you." Draco's eyes got huge in his face when he realized what he had just said. "I mean... the feelings I might come to have after we get to know each other better." He gulped, quickly changing the subject: "What about your parents? Will they forbid you to see me because of my family?"
"I'm here, aren't I? My mother has agreed to this. But she asks me to remind you that I'm only twelve and you're fourteen. And my father still doesn't know anything about us. My mom promised me she wouldn't tell him anything. We can keep this a secret until… well, until we are certain this is going somewhere."
Draco looked like he had been stupefied. Elizabeth sounded much older than her age – she sounded like she knew what she was doing there.
She reminds me of someone. I just can't remember whom. And she called Voldemort the Dark Lord…
He frowned, but his heart was beating fast and the feeling of her hand in his had him distracted from anything else but her.
"Do you believe your parents will agree with the fact that I want to ask you to be my girlfriend?"
"Is that your intention already, Draco?" she asked, blushing.
"Yes. And I know you're only twelve, I'd never take advantage of you. I'm too young myself."
"Well, my mom is ok with a relationship between us. I let her read your letter. But my dad, he'll… he'll freak out."
"Is he too overprotective?"
"You could say that." she smiled.
"I understand. Any man with a daughter as beautiful as you should think about locking her up in a tower and make only the best have her hand." he put his other hand over her other one on the table too.
"Don't give him any ideas, please. I can see him doing just that." she chuckled. "One more thing: I'm not meeting you here today because of your money or your family name. I'm not interested in either. If you want, I can give you the ring back." she let go of his hands and put the little black box on the table.
"No, that won't be necessary." Draco stared at the girl in front of him. She was a beautiful mystery. He was more than enamoured, he was bewitched by her.
Elizabeth smiled; their fingers of one hand once more entwined. She watched him pick up the menu and place their orders – after asking her what she wanted. She could feel something in the air between them – and she'd felt that sort of magic before, she grew up watching and feeling it between her parents.
Draco never took his eyes off of her – and she loved having his full attention to herself.
Was she too young to be forever connected to someone? Yes, she was.
But was she sad that she'd possibly already found the love of her life? No, not at all.
Florence was talking and having tea with Susan Malkin, the owner of her favourite clothing store in Hogsmeade. The woman had showed her two blouses that she knew Liz would love and Florence also bought some more onesies for Sophie, two dresses for herself, four sets of clothes for Chris and several things for her husband and the twins.
Then she waited for her daughter to appear; they had agreed she'd have two hours with Draco and then she had to meet her mother at the store.
Two hours later
After finishing their hot cocoas, Elizabeth and Draco went for a walk, hand in hand – with her making sure they stayed as far as possible from her house.
"How do things work in Beauxbatons?" Draco asked. "Do you have Houses like Hogwarts?"
"Yes. Three Houses. But we don't have a Sorting Hat; to be sorted, we must shoot a silver arrow across the Great Hall, using a special bow. Mid-air the arrow will burst into sparks of the person's house colour: purple is for Papillionlisse – House of the artists, the matures and the kind ones; blue is for OmbreLune – my House, where cunning, logic and ambition are praised; and green for Bellefeuille – the house of the brave." She rolled her eyes.
Draco chuckled. "I gather they're your Gryffindors?"
"Yes. Bunch of annoying, high-and-mighty, idiots."
"Don't even know them, but wholeheartedly agree." He gallantly replied.
Elizabeth brushed her head on his shoulder and he inhaled the sweet citrusy scent that he recalled having first smelled months ago as they'd walked together to the Headmaster's office.
She rubbed her nose on his shoulder and stopped him, focusing on a delicious smell coming off of him. How hadn't she noticed that scent that night in Hogwarts? It was intoxicating; an exotic wood scent, with a touch of cinnamon and apples – green apples.
She stopped in front of him, rubbing her nose on his neck, making him tremble at the touch of her delicate body so close to his.
"You smell soo good." She whispered.
"I think you smell better." He caressed her cheek, looking into her sparkling dark eyes. "You didn't actually reply to my question earlier..." he lowered his hand down her face, gently pushing her chin up. "Will you be my girlfriend, Liz?"
"I..." she blushed redly, getting lost into his blue eyes. "Yes, Draco. I will."
He smiled sweetly, his voice as low as a whisper: "You're just so beautiful. May I kiss you, Liz?" their lips so close now.
Elizabeth closed her eyes and nodded.
And then his warm soft lips touched hers in a delicate kiss that had her trembling in nervousness and excitement. He caressed her lips with his own, pulling her bottom lip between his lips and sucking on them softly, making Liz want more.
Draco was surprised to feel one of her hands behind his neck, pulling him closer as she opened her mouth, her tongue touching his lips timidly.
He groaned and pressed his tongue against hers in a wet and inexperienced kiss. Their breaths mingled and he wrapped his hands around her waist, embracing her, holding her close to his body.
They only stopped the moment they needed air. And then they stared into each other's eyes. Draco's finger traced her wet bottom lip and neither of them said a word for a while, just enjoying each other's company and feeling their hearts beating at the same rhythm.
"When will I see you again?" he asked softly before giving her a brief kiss.
"I don't know." Liz whispered. "I'll have to go back to France on the first week of January. But I… I won't forget about you."
"Not even if I tried I'd be able to forget you." He said with a smile. "We could meet on Diagon Alley before you go. What do you think?"
"I'll talk to my mom and let you know."
"I'll write to you." Draco murmured, taking both her hands in his and kissing them.
"I'll gladly reply to any letter of yours." she said smiling more.
But his smiled faltered and he looked at her hesitantly, as he asked: "Can I put the ring on your finger? I mean... if you want to wear it and... if you want me to put it on you."
"Yes, Draco." She smiled at his nervousness. Then she picked up the box from inside her coat and gave it to him.
He chose her right ring finger to slide the flower-crown ring on. Then he kissed it and she pulled his face down for another kiss.
"I think I should go now." she whispered. "It's been two hours."
"I understand." he whispered back.
"Bye, Draco."
"Bye, Liz."
And Elizabeth took a step back, walking away from him – looking back a hundred times on her way to Madam Malkin's Store.
Florence saw her daughter walking towards the store and sighed. Elizabeth was smiling too much – anyone who took one look at her would know the reason for her smile was romantic – and that was a problem for they lived with a highly accomplished Legilliment who happened to be the girl's father and would have a fit if he learned of what had happened that day.
She observed Liz looking at her right hand and felt her heart clench, one thought crossing her mind: Please don't let them be blessed. If her daughter was Draco's soul mate, the heartache and problems ahead would be countless – and she wasn't even thinking about her husband's reaction.
The pain she had felt as she watched Severus become a Death Eater was not something she wished her daughter had to go through.
"Hey, mom." Elizabeth said with a huge smile as she took some of the bags from Florence's hands.
"You're wearing his ring." Florence mentioned as they walked home slowly through the village's main street. "Did he kiss you, Liz?"
"Yes, mom!" the girl said, unable to contain it any longer. "My first kiss! And it was with my soul mate!"
That had Florence frowning. "Why do you say that?"
"I felt... something. The same magic I feel in the air when you and dad start being sickingly sweet and kiss on the sofa." She looked at her mother. "Isn't that the Enchantment you were talking about?"
"Yes. It could be." She replied with a heavy heart. Then she pointed at the ring, "If anyone asks, I gave you that. Do not tell any of your brothers about Draco. James is always bickering with your dad but he will not keep a secret from him. And Nick can't keep a secret from James. So... I gave you that. Do you understand?"
"Yes, mom." She smiled again. "It was so romantic and good, I never imagine touching tongues could be so…"
Florence winced, not in the least interested in listening to her daughter's thoughts on tongues touching. "Liz. May I remind you again that you're only twelve?"
"I know that, mom. But Draco even asked for my permission to kiss me!"
"That was very polite of him." Florence sighed. "However, you can't get home with that face. You have to clear you mind and stop thinking about Draco for a moment. Otherwise, your father will know as soon as you walk by him. I'm not even trying to read your mind but you're projecting your feelings like crazy, dear."
"Ok." Elizabeth took a deep breath and began one of the Occlumency exercises her father had taught her.
"If your father finds out I let you meet with a boy and that said boy was Draco Malfoy, he'll… I don't even want to think about what he'll do."
"But what about the Enchantment? Dad will have to respect that."
Florence laughed:
"Are we talking about the same person? Not even being his godson will save Draco. If Severus finds out he put his hands on you – with or without Enchantment – the young Malfoy will probably go down to a potions class one day to never be seen again."
Elizabeth's shoulders dropped. "That really sounds like dad…"
"That's why you must be careful."
"I will be, mom. I'll practice Occlumency every day!"
They reached the house and walked inside. Not another word was said about Elizabeth and her boyfriend.
January 1995
James woke up one morning and turned on his bed, the room was so warm and comfortable; the happy feelings of being home making him sigh contently. Nothing was better than being home, in his room, looking forward to Tiffany's amazing food and a great day out with friends.
"Just one more year in Durmstrang, bro." Nick said.
"Yeah. Just one more." He repeated, crossing his arms behind his back and staring at the ceiling. "What do you think you will do afterwards?"
"I'll study Charms. I want to become a Charms Master." Said Nicholas, with certainty. "And you?"
"Probably a Potions Master, like dad."
Nick hesitated for a minute, before saying. "So I guess we'll be going to different colleges then."
James nodded, frowning. It was hard to imagine life away from his twin brother. They had got used to always having the other around. It wouldn't be easy to not have him. Maybe he could consider studying Charms as well – he liked it just as much as Potions after all.
"We've spent whole days away from each other already." Nick tried to reassure him.
"Yeah, it'll actually be a blessing to not have to look at your ugly mug every day." James joked.
"Right." Nick snorted. "There won't be mirrors at the Potions College, then." He sat up and yawned, looking at something on his brother's nightstand. "Hey, you got a letter, man."
James sat up quickly and smiled as he recognized the wax seal.
"Flourish and Blotts?" asked Nick. "What book have you ordered?"
"Not a book." James ripped the seal and opened the letter. "Since I saw on the paper that Dumb-Krum took Hermione Granger to the Yule Ball, I feel like I need to see her again."
Nicholas shook his head. "She's just fourteen, man. I'm well aware of the things you like... and she'd run away screaming before you ever have the chance to explain what a flogging is."
"I'm just taking her out for tea, Nick. I want to make her realize Dumb-Krum is not the man for her... I want to watch her skin flush as I stare at her. Just by doing that I can imagine how beautifully she'll blush when I finally get her for myself. In a few years, obviously."
"Sounds like you're a jealous man in love, bro." Nick teased him.
James narrowed his eyes at his brother. "Whatever. Anyway, mom and dad are always saying Granger is a bookworm, so I bribed the owner of the bookshop to let me know when she would be there. And it paid off. Apparently she will be there picking up three books this morning." James got out of the bed and changed as fast as possible. "I'll have breakfast at the tea house in front of the bookstore."
"I'll tell mom and dad you went to the bookshop to get some books for us."
"Thanks for covering for me, Nick."
Flourish and Blotts
James stood in a corner of the bookshop, waiting for Hermione to show up; he had already paid for her purchases: two books on Alchemy and a third one about wizarding politics. Two very different subjects – but he already knew Miss Granger had a thirst for learning that wasn't exclusive to one or two subjects alone.
One of the bookshop owner, Mr. Blotts, had assured him that Miss Granger never let her books stay more than a few hours waiting for her in the shop – and he had let her know of their arrival early that morning.
So all James could do was wait.
After nearly an hour, he saw her: the brown curls tied up in a bun, some pretty earrings on her ears. She wore no make up but seemed to have pink lipstick on. A long dark purple trench-coat covered her delicate frame, looking a little too light for that cold winter day.
He watched her walk to the cashier and the man gave her the books, letting her know they had been paid for.
"But how? My parents gave me the money to..."
"A gentleman has already paid for them, Miss."
"But who was it?" she demanded to know.
"Using a Heating Charm, Miss Granger?" James whispered on her ear.
And she spun around to face him, his sexy voice taking her by surprise, making her shiver.
"You paid for my books?" she asked, blushing as his dark eyes looked intently at her.
"Yes. I came to the Alley to have some breakfast at Madam Asterope's Tea House across the street and then decided to stop by the bookshop. I saw your name on a package and paid for them." James explained nonchalantly. "It was sheer coincidence."
"I don't really believe that." She eyed him up and down, trying to control her racing heart at the charming young wizard in front of her; James was wearing jeans and a dark blue sweater with a white turtle neck underneath it, his long dark hair was a little wavier than his father's, giving him a rebel vibe – as if he didn't even bother fixing his hair, it woke up a little wild that morning and he knew it looked good.
"So beautiful and yet so distrustful, Miss Granger." He smiled.
She narrowed her eyes, her obvious interest in him and apparent lack of control whenever he was around, angering her, "I'm used to not trusting Slytherins."
He chuckled. "But I don't even study at Hogwarts."
She snorted. "That's just a detail." Then she whispered: "I know who your father is."
"Do you now?" he walked closer to her. "So you should know that the only thing sexier than two Slytherins, is a Slytherin with a Gryffindor."
She gulped, fighting to control her responses to his presence and words – and his voice! Why does it have to be so sexy?
James stopped himself from closing the gap between them and kiss her. "Fuck I have to remind myself you're just fourteen." He exhaled sharply and spoke again: "Have breakfast with me."
"Are you asking or ordering?" she frowned.
He raised his hands. "Asking. Certainly asking."
She crossed her arms, "I've already eaten."
"But I haven't." He said. "And I'm close to fainting, I'm so hungry." He dramatically added, looking down at her lips and groaning. "Damn it, Hermione. Maybe it's best if you just go."
She studied him for a moment; James was dangerous, some warning bells rang in her head whenever he was around – but Gryffindors never ran away from danger, they ran towards it. So she nodded, "I'll join you for breakfast."
James smiled and picked up her books for her, offering her his other arm. She accepted it and they walked out of the bookshop, crossing the street towards the expensive Madam Asterope's Tea House.
Hermione watched him as they sat at a small table for two inside the very fancy tea house.
"Mr. Peverell!" A beautiful older woman greeted him. "What a pleasure seeing you here."
"Madam Asterope." He stood up, taking the woman's hand and kissing it. "Looking lovely this morning."
"Aren't you a seducer, James!" She shook her head and looked at Hermione. "You better watch out, my dear. This one is as dangerous as he's charming."
"You wound my heart, Madam." James affectedly said, touching his chest as he sat down.
"Good to know." Hermione said. "Thank you, Madam Asterope. But I'm just an acquaintance."
"Good for you, dear." And the woman gave them two menus. "You know how to order, James. Call me if you need anything." She winked at him.
He smiled at the older woman and looked at Hermione. "So you're not even my friend?"
"Friend?" She snorted. "Is that what you want?"
"No. But you're too young for what I want."
She felt the heat rising in her body but did her best to ignore it, looking at the menu. "There are no prices here."
"Haven't you been here before?"
She shook her head.
He explained: "Madam Asterope is of the mind that if you have to ask, you probably can't afford. But don't worry about it. Order whatever you want."
Hermione knew arguing with him wouldn't accomplish anything, so she touched her wand to a cup of tea and a small pastry, lowering the menu and staring at him.
"Why are you here?"
"The truth?" he asked after placing his order as well.
"If you'll really stick to it." she replied.
He rested both arms on the table, clasping his hands together. "I bribed Mr. Blotts to tell me when you'd be at the store." His dark eyes staring intently at her.
"Why?" she frowned, equally concerned and flattered by his actions.
"I wanted to talk to you. Get to know you. At the Cup you ran from me."
"Like you said: I'm just fourteen, too young for you." She told him, although her mind reminded her she'd gone to a Ball a couple of weeks ago with a boy as old as he and she had done a little more than just dance with him.
As if sensing her thoughts, James asked: "How was the Yule Ball?"
Right at that moment, a medium-sized silver tray with their orders landed softly on their table and Hermione added two sugars to her tea cup.
"It was amazing." She smiled, her amber eyes sparkling in happiness, making him jealous. "I went with a classmate of yours." She mixed her tea and brought the spoon to her lips.
James stopped cutting his toast topped with bacon and eggs and looked at her, his eyes fixed on her mouth as she briefly closed her lips around the spoon after adding sugar to her tea. Fourteen, James. He thought to himself. She's just fourteen, you pervert.
"Do you know Viktor?" she asked, a little nervous by his silence.
"Yes." He answered in a deeper voice that shook her – and her little trembling didn't go unnoticed by him, he saw her eyes rest on his lips for a moment and he smirked, resuming cutting his toast. "I saw a picture of you and him on the paper. But Dumb-Krum is one year older, not really a classmate. Otherwise I'd have been the Durmstrang Champion – if I were seventeen."
"Oh, really?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "You'd have been the Champion? I wonder how strong your neck is to keep that big-head of yours upright." She retorted. "And Viktor is not dumb. He's..."
"Half-troll?" James offered, not liking to hear her calling the other man by his first name when she had yet to say his.
"What? No!"
"As slow as liquorice wands in the summer?"
"No!" she pursed her lips, trying not to smile.
"As dull as watching a marbles match?"
"Can you stop it?" she rolled her eyes. "How do you even know what marbles are?"
"Boring version of Gobstones." He quickly explained. "Back to Dumb-Krum."
"Not dumb." She added.
"Maybe he was too affected by your beauty to be able to form coherent sentences?" he paused, arching an eyebrow. "Now, that I could believe."
Hermione stared at him, speechless for perhaps the first time in her life.
But she slowly shook her head; knowing who he was, she was certain she'd never have a chance with him. Plus, she wasn't really thinking about boys – yeah Krum had been a nice distraction for a few days, but she had bigger plans, she didn't need – or want – a boyfriend.
"What are you doing here?" she asked again, after a while.
James found her question strange. "I already told you."
"Yes. But why me?"
He sipped his coffee before replying: "You blushed so beautifully that night at the World Cup. But then you ran. You were clearly interested, but you ran."
"And no one runs from you." She added ironically.
"I admit it had never happened before the Cup, no. And now I can't stop thinking of you and your flushed cheeks."
She smiled conceitedly, his words definitely boosting her ego. "Aren't you in for a ride, then? Because whatever you're trying to accomplish by stalking me? It is not happening. I'm seeing Viktor. And I enjoy his company."
"Really?" James snorted. "Dumb-Krum can keep up a conversation with you? I've heard more than enough about you to know that that is a lie." He pointed to her package. "By those books, I can tell you love Alchemy and the discussion of important historic events. Can Viktor discuss basic elements and transmutation of substances with you? Or the different interpretations of alchemical literature? Both mystical and metaphysical speculations?"
"Of course." She replied too quickly – the lie as clear as day.
James laughed. "Krum can't even spell Alchemy, Hermione."
"Well... we have a somewhat more physical than intellectual relationship."
James winced.
"Nothing too intimate." She quickly added. "But..."
"I really don't need to hear that, Hermione." He ate some bites of his breakfast and looked at her. "Have your fun with Viktor for now. But know that I'll be looking for you in a few years." He winked.
She blushed.
"There it is." He whispered.
Her eyes flashed in anger and she ate in silence, thinking about what he had said.
"Can you really discuss metaphysical Alchemy theory?"
"Yep. And more. You said you know who my parents are. So you can imagine my house has books about everything and anything – from all sources: legal and illegal."
Her amber eyes sparkled again – no longer angry though, but clearly interested.
"So how do you see the Statute of Secrecy being created only after the Salem Witch Trials?"
He smirked, knowing she was testing him. "A huge failure of the Wizarding government. Many innocent lives – magical and muggle alike – could've been saved if the Statute existed since the 14th century – when the first Witch Hunts began."
"But do you agree with the American Rappaport Law?"
"No. That was too extreme. Full segregation is never the answer. Respect and cooperation would be ideal – but there will always be some who will disagree and persecute the other group. Muggles have hunted wizards and wizards have killed muggles and muggleborns since the beginning of times."
She frowned at his words. "So a mixed society, where magic can be used to help everyone, will always be just a theory in your opinion?"
"From where we stand now in history? Yes. But I do hope it changes in the future. We have found the cure for diseases that still kill muggles by the thousands. So we sure could help them! And I've recently found out about video-games – they're awesome!"
She seemed somewhat satisfied with his answer and sipped her tea, no longer angry at him.
"Do you know Ancient Runes?" she asked.
He drank his coffee and replied: "Considering half of my family history is written in Runic Old English, you can bet I know ancient runes."
"And how come you use Peverell as your last name?"
James eyed her knowingly, "You've been dying to ask me that, haven't you?"
"Of course! The Peverell name has died over four centuries ago. Yet you and your brother have it."
He shrugged. "Unfortunately, I don't really know the full story. All I know is my mother's father proved a Peverell was his ancestral and was able to change his last name."
"But how come you do not have... you know, your father's name?"
"Because he's never registered us."
"What?" Hermione nearly shouted. "Why the fuck not? Your mother doesn't deserve the stigma of being a single mother! The Wizarding world is very cruel to single mothers!"
"Well, first of all, mom doesn't really care about what the Wizarding world thinks of her. And second: when Nick and I were born, our parents had split. And it's not as easy as you may think to register illegitimate children, Hermione."
"Fucking retrogressive laws! And I bet you're not Delacours because that's your grandmother's surname."
"Right on point."
Hermione shook her head and looked at James as he picked up the menu again and ordered a slice of lemon tart.
"Well, aren't you a surprise." She whispered.
He arched an eyebrow and looked at her. "You sound glad."
"I am." she admitted, feeling her cheeks heat up again, it wasn't everyday she found someone capable of engaging in a long meaningful discussion of varied topics with her. The fact that James had proven to be more than capable of that – and was also very attractive – had Hermione really interested.
"Glad enough to dump Dumb-Krum?" he asked.
"Maybe." She smiled, watching him eat the tart, seeing him under a whole new light. "Maybe not."
"Fair enough." He nodded. "Do you want a bite?" He offered a piece of lemon tart on his fork for her.
Hermione looked at the fork, getting hot all of a sudden at the thought that that silverware had just been between his lips. She leaned forward and let him push the fork between her lips, keeping her eyes on his the whole time.
James trembled as she closed her lips around the fork, sliding them along it, taking the tart into her mouth.
"Just fourteen." He whispered, making her chuckle.
It was her turn to smirk. "Viktor is not as concerned about my age as you are, you know?"
His dark eyes seemed to turn darker with jealousy. "That shows you the kind of man he is."
"Yeah. I guess it does." She murmured; and if she was being honest she couldn't even remember why she'd been going out with Viktor Krum in the first place – James had completely erase him from her mind with his charm and intelligence.
Then she glanced at the beautiful clock on the wall and gasped: "Oh, no! I have to go! My parents will be so worried that I stayed here longer than I told them I would." she stood up and so did James, getting behind her and helping her put on her coat. "Are you sure that I don't have to pay for the books? I know they weren't cheap."
"Don't worry about it, Hermione."
She turned to face him. "Thanks, James."
"Finally." He exhaled with a smile. "I've been waiting to hear you say my name." He touched a hand to her cheek and looked into her eyes.
She raised her chin, feeling deliciously trapped by the intensity of his dark eyes, nervously licking her lips in anticipation.
"I'll have to kiss you, Hermione."
"Yes, you will." She quickly agreed.
He smiled and touched his lips to hers in a close-mouthed kiss; he caressed her lips with his, pulling on her bottom lip, their breaths mingling, and all she wanted to do was fist a hand in his hair and make him forget she was just fourteen years old.
But too soon he stopped the kiss. "You better leave."
She just nodded, grabbing her books and leaving the fancy Tea House; and if she looked back a couple of times before reaching the door, who could blame her?
Note: the information about Beauxbatons houses I got from Quora (https//Are-there-any-houses-in-Beauxbatons-and-Durmstrang/answer/Quellen-Ravenwood). Some say it's canon some say it's from fanfiction. I have no idea. So I put the link there to give proper credit to whoever came up with that.
And James is something. He always comes out filthily delicious. Lucky Hermione.