Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters from it. Harry Potter is the property of J. K. Rowling. I'm sorry it took so long to update. Life has been a bit crazy lately. But I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Bookstore Surprises
Chapter Twenty-Six
Lucius was eating a light breakfast of croissant, fresh fruit, and coffee at a small Parisian style cafe in the heart of Muggle London. He was just about to start a new chapter in the detective novel he was reading when someone took the chair opposite of him. He kept his eyes on his book until his companion had ordered their food request. Only then did he shut his book and acknowledge the person across from him.
"Is that one of the books Hermione recommended?" Severus' voice was only slightly curious.
"Why ask the question when you already know the answer?" Lucius kept his voice calm, but he couldn't quite control the pink tinge of his ears.
It was such a pale pink that someone who wasn't looking for it wouldn't have noticed it. However, Severus was looking for it. He gave a slight smirk. "Merely starting conversation, my friend."
"Your lies used to be much more convincing."
"Perhaps, I am not trying to be convincing."
"Or perhaps you have been spending too much time with Gryffindors."
"Are you quite certain you are not talking about yourself?"
Before Lucius could respond a server arrived with his friend's food. Some eggs, toast, and a cup of Earl Grey. After the server left, he continued the conversation. "I have only met with one Gyffindor on occasion. I am not sharing a house with two of them. Nor meeting their Gryffindor friends on a regular basis."
Severus tipped his head in recognition of the truthfulness of Lucius' words. 'However, I have a feeling the reason he owled me is that he wishes to rectify part of that statement.' He decided to wait Lucius out. It was never a good idea to rush a Slytherin.
Both men were silent for a couple minutes. Finally, Lucius spoke again. "How often does Hermione get no sleep because she is reading?"
If Severus was startled by the directness of the question, he didn't show it. "She rarely stays up all night anymore. Some nights are difficult for her, just as they are for all of us. And she does usually turn to books on those nights. However, for the majority of the time she simply is enjoying the book she is reading so much she doesn't notice the time, until it is about one or two in the morning. At which point she does typically go to sleep."