"Miss Greengrass?"
"Mr. Malfoy."
"I must say, you are a most impressive young woman."
A too appreciative smile. A confused, lined forehead. He brings her hand to his lips and she pulls away, but not quickly or without deliberation.
"I beg your pardon?"
"Your piano playing. I heard you in the hall."
"Ah…" She may or may not understand. It almost sounds like a quick cover up on his part, but to assume would be... presumptous. Self-flattering. Awkward. She clears her throat. "Does your son appreciate music as much as you?"
"I'm afraid not."
Silence, then. It's uncomfortable as Lucius Malfoy appraises Astoria Greengrass with discerning, grey eyes.
"Are you here alone, Miss Greengrass?"
"Yes." She doesn't bother lying to him. She almost feels that he would know if she even tried to lie.
"Allow me to walk you home."
Almost begrudgingly, Astoria lets Lucius Malfoy walk her to her family's home. It feels awkward to be alone with him. After all, she knows that her parents and the Malfoys are planning an engagement between herself and Draco. And... yet... That lingering look Lucius Malfoy gives her sends excited chills down her spine. She is wary, of course. She's not a fool. But she knows that the engagement isn't the only reason she caught his eye tonight...
---
She'd be good for you, Lucius. …For your family. She caught your eye tonight for a reason. She would bring back dignity to the Malfoy name. Grace, charm… Everything any Malfoy man would want in a woman… paired with the Malfoy fortune, she and Draco could produce fine heirs. Yes… Your families could do each other so much good…
Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JK Rowling. "I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You" belongs to Andrew Lloyd Webber and is from his musical "Evita".