Chapter four – Discoveries

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"Words are the source of misunderstandings."
Antoine de Saint Exupéry, The Little Prince

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So it was Saturday afternoon and Hermione could be found pacing in front of the entrance to 'La Mandragore'. She had never been to this restaurant before so, ever the inquisitor, Hermione had passed by it Friday morning to get an idea about how luxurious it was exactly. And after seeing it, she really couldn't call it a restaurant anymore, it would be an offence. It was a small palace almost, and despite the fact that it looked strangely out of place in the modern wizarding Paris (or perhaps exactly because of that) it was amazing. The Muggle French were obviously not the only ones who could build exquisite buildings.

After that morning another problem had arisen: what should she wear? Hermione had no intention to impress anyone through her appearance, especially not someone she disliked, but she didn't want to seem ridiculous and embarrass herself either, she would not grant the Malfoys that amusement. It was obvious that, no matter the time of the day, 'La Mandragore' would require dress robes, or at least the most elegant day robes.

Hermione had decided that it was a perfect opportunity to finally go shopping in Paris, something she hadn't done yet, despite Miriam's countless offers. Her colleague had obviously been quite surprised when Hermione had asked her to go shopping that evening.
Miriam had thought she understood though, when her friend had finally bought an elegant, yet simple evening dress and Hermione had preferred to let her believe she was going on a date instead of explaining the truth.
She was quite satisfied with her choice of clothes though: the simple, midnight blue gown was perfect for her age and the occasion and the light, black cloak she had also bought would keep her warm enough. After all, the weather was still uncommonly beautiful for October, or perhaps she was too used to the British autumn.

Hermione never bothered with glamour charms and that Saturday morning had been no exception. She had only paid more attention than usual to her hair, twisting it in an apparently negligent bun, with a few loose curls on her shoulders.
But despite the fact that getting ready had taken so little time, Hermione was late. She had hesitated earlier as well, before leaving to apparate, and she was hesitating now, in front of the path which led to the doors. She wasn't sure if this was such a good idea after all.

"Granger?" she heard someone say behind her. "Surely you weren't going to wait outside, right?"
Hermione turned, a glare on her face, but whatever remark she had prepared froze on her lips as she saw Draco…alone. She wasn't quite sure if this was good or bad, well, considering it was the Malfoys who were in discussion, it was a matter of bad or worse really.

"Malfoy" she said, still looking at him in suspicion. "Actually, I was pondering my options: run while I still have the chance to or go in and brace myself for you and your family's pleasant company" Hermione added matter-of-factly.

Draco scowled at her briefly but then he began to analyze her 'from head to toe'. His expression gave nothing away though and Hermione was left wondering and feeling uncomfortable.

"Well then, I'm sure you'll be delighted to hear that my parents are unable to…join us, something came up and they do, of course, sent their apologies" Draco said sarcastically.
He then gestured towards the entrance and said "Shall we?" not waiting for her to move though.
Hermione sighed and followed him, deciding it would be pointless and embarrassing to leave now. Walking behind him, she finally had the opportunity to analyze him in return: he was taller than she remembered and his hair was a little longer, but his clothing was as expensive-looking and impeccable as always. Hermione sneered at the thought and entered through the door Draco was holding open for her.

She was instantly glad no one was near enough to hear her gasp. If the exterior of 'La Mandragore' was amazing, well, the interior was just that: breathtaking. It was so spacious, with such a high ceiling and beautifully decorated. The small chandeliers floating above each table particularly caught her eye and reminded her of the building's magical nature.

They were immediately greeted by a wizard in black and golden robes who seemed to know Draco. His cold, almost disdainful behavior surprised Hermione though, and she thought back to what Ginny had written. Obviously, money couldn't buy respect in France either, she thought.
The wizard lead them to a table (for only two people, Hermione noticed) and the chairs moved on their own, allowing them to sit down. A parchment unrolled in front of each of them, almost making Hermione scream in surprise before she recognized it as a menu.

After finally choosing what they were going to eat an awkward silence installed. They were both staring away from each other, Hermione actually having the excuse of admiring the new surroundings. But after more minutes passed in the same manner, Hermione decided to make the first try to start a conversation. All of her (and Ginny's) plans to tease and mock the Malfoys were forgotten, she would not be malicious after all. Instead she simply asked him what he and his family were doing in Paris.

Draco seemed a little caught off-guard, both by her decision to talk to him and by the actual question.
"My family has an estate here and…well, we decided to spend autumn here, the weather is milder."
Hermione smiled knowingly to herself, amused by such an uninspired lie, something which Draco noticed and he blushed, embarrassed by the situation and wondering if she really did know the truth.

"I see" Hermione said. "So you haven't applied for a University yet."
When Draco declined she continued her inquiry.
"And do you plan to do that next year or are your studies finished?"
Hermione had to bite her lip to stop from smiling; it really amused her to see Draco Malfoy confused and hesitant.
"I'm not sure" he admitted, "but I think I will. I want to specialize in Charms too, or Potions…but I have time, I don't think I'll need to get a job anytime soon."
"No Quidditch career, then?" she teased. "Sometimes I think that's the most important thing in a boy's life" Hermione continued in a mock-serious tone, earning her another scowl from Draco.

"Just because your so-called friends, Potter and Weasel –ey, Weasley" he corrected when he saw Hermione's expression, "have nothing more on their minds, doesn't mean that no one else does."
Hermione didn't argue that matter, she had heard enough about Quidditch from those two to last her a lifetime, but she still smiled when she thought about them.
"Actually," she said to Draco, "you'd be surprised to know that they too have renounced a career in sports."
Draco raised an eyebrow and she continued.
"They're both training to become aurors" she said proudly. But Draco only sneered, stating that it was very unpredictable of them. Hermione snorted. She had to agree that it had become rather obvious what her two best friends were going to do in the future; they had made it obvious in the past year.

"So why did you chose Paris? I mean besides the studies, why not study in England?" Draco asked, trying to steer the conversation away from her friends, but he was surprised to see the half-smile on her face falter.
Hermione looked down at the table and wondered what to say. Eventually, she decided on the truth.
"I just…wanted to…get away from it all" she whispered.
A few more moments passed in silence, for neither one of them wanted to discuss something connected to the war. It was Draco who broke the silence this time, asking her another question.
"And what did your parents say about it? Did they agree to let you leave again?"
Hermione looked up and stared at Draco. He really had grown up in the past years. It was surprising for her to have such a normal conversation with him, one that included no insults. Hermione had to wonder if his father had asked him to behave this way for whatever ulterior motive he had, or if Draco did this on his own accord.

"My parents were as supporting and understanding as always" she finally answered. "I guess they're used to my being away, but Paris isn't that far; they'll come to visit me next month. And there are still the holidays" Hermione continued, smiling at the thought. "I'll see them then too."

Their conversation was interrupted when the same tall wizard from earlier returned. He waved his wand towards the table where their order appeared. The man then turned and with a half-whispered 'Enjoy' he was gone.

The rest of their lunch meeting passed just as surprisingly pleasant as before. After indeed enjoying lunch, Hermione and Draco resumed talking. She gave him details about University and everything connected to it and Draco seemed genuinely interested.
Hermione discovered a lot of things that afternoon, most of them about Draco Malfoy. For instance, she had found out that his ancestors (from his father's side) were indeed French, as she had suspected. So it was natural that Draco himself spoke French very well. She also learned that he could be a pleasant company should he wish to. It was really such a pity that some people allowed themselves to be blinded by some prejudiced and faulty concepts.
All in all, Hermione didn't regret her decision to go to lunch that day.

As they prepared to leave Draco actually held her cloak for her, before putting his own on. Hermione couldn't help but notice the hood of his cloak again; the dark green material ended with beautiful maroon fur which looked natural and matched the cloak's color perfectly.
They had left 'La Mandragore' and were now walking on the short path leading back to the street and Hermione still couldn't get her eyes off the cloak, which Draco was starting to notice.

"Is that real fur?" Hermione finally asked, still staring at his cloak.
Draco sneered quite proudly before he answered her. It was indeed fur, fox fur. His cloak had been tailored precisely for him and it had been very expensive, of course. He was very confused though, when her eyes seemed to become teary. Surely, she wasn't that sad about her financial state not permitting her to own something as luxurious. Draco felt rather embarrassed for boasting like, they had, after all, gotten along rather well during lunch. He was about to say something more, but Hermione cut him off.

"Oh, don't bother feeling sorry;" she said, "You wouldn't understand."
"Understand what?"
Hermione sighed. She didn't want to have to explain how she had grown so fond of foxes (her immediate attachment to Crookshanks was probably due to his orange fox-like fur). But an idea suddenly struck her and she smiled sincerely at Draco, thus unnerving him.

"Listen, Ma-…Draco" she said. He stared at her, surprised to hear her call him by his surname for the first time in over eight years.
"I'll owl you a book when I get back home" Hermione continued. "It's a short novel…it's by a Muggle author but please read it." she added hastily. "Read it and then tell me what you think about your cloak afterwards." She smiled again, already trying to remember where she had placed the beloved book.

"I really don't understand what you're talking about, Granger." Draco said hesitantly.
His confusion only grew larger when he heard Hermione whisper "Le langage est source de malentendus."¹

Author's notes

¹ This quotation is the original, French version of the one I wrote at the beginning of the chapter, "Words are the source of misunderstandings", from Le Petit Prince/The Little Prince (the translation is not mine, it's from an English version I read and I don't know who translated it).
This is also the book Hermione was talking to Draco about. I'm sure you'll understand what she meant if you've read it yourself. If you haven't, it's available online and despite the fact that it's labeled as a children's book, it has so much meaning, so many important messages and it's so touching that I heartily recommend it (besides, it's short too). It will come up in the next chapter (chapters perhaps), so if you don't get to read it and you have questions I'd be happy to answer them 

Longest chapter so far, I hope you liked it.