*J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter!
*Thank you all for getting me to 300 reviews! Means a lot.

*Sorry for not updating. I'm on spring break, and also I've been doing a lot of research for a story I want to write. I'm throwing around the possibility of a little historical fiction action! I really want to be a writer.

*Of you didn't know, my #1 fandom is Percy Jackson/ Heroes of Olympus. Just thought I'd share with those of you that I FINALLY saw the S.O.M. trailer. Despite the few inconsistencies, it looks WAY more promising than T.L.T!

**Title of the chapter comes from 'I Am Not a Robot' by Marina & the Diamonds. Been really into her music lately!

*Thanks for reading, leave review! On to the story!

*By the way, since so many of you have asked about it, I imagine Simon to be around 24 years old, since he's about Holden and Teddy's age!

"Miss Malfoy," Simon gives a me a knowing smile as I walk into his office. "Did you receive my gifts? I had them made especially for you." So, they didn't belong to his wife.

I nod shortly and take a deep breath. "Yes I did, and they were very beautiful, but-"

But?" Simon repeats, frowning.

"They're too much. You and I, there's nothing between us and you know that," I remind Simon.

His eyebrows wrinkle. "Nothing?"

"Not so far. And you've got my father thinking there is!"

Simon makes a face like this isn't such a bad thing. "I've always liked your father," he tells me matter-of-factly.

"Well, thank you for that, but he doesn't understand anything! All he sees you for is your last name and your blood!" I inform Simon. "And knowing who my mother is, you know what sort of conflict that's going to cause."

Honestly, I'm more concerned with how my relationship would affect Mum and Dad than how it would affect me. I know with all my heart that Dad truly doesn't only see people for their blood, or else he wouldn't have married Mum. He's just so blinded by the opportunity that I have with Simon to remember that.

"What are you saying?" Simon questions, looking amused. "You don't want me to behave so much like a pureblood? What would you rather I be, then?"

I sigh. "That isn't what I meant. You know I don't care for blood, and no one- don't make that face- in my family does either. And then you come along giving me gifts and everything, making my family think we're together when we aren't. Normal people don't do that!"

Simon raises an eyebrow. "It's normal for me," he counters. "Because I am a pureblood."

"I'm not. My mother isn't. Other than Scorpius, none of my siblings are. Because of your pureblood generosity, my father believes that we're in love or what have you, and my mother's absolutely furious!"

"This is my fault?" Simon questions. From his position, it probably sounds completely stupid, but it was rather careless what he did.

"Not entirely, but please, don't do anything like that again, all right?" I ask in a defeated tone. "You can't just send me fancy jewelry and expect me to fall for you."

"Oh, I don't believe that at all," Simon tells me. "I sent you flowers as well, didn't I?"

"I hope you aren't serious."

Simon puts his hand on his chin. "Why do you fail to see that I wish to have you?" He questions, stepping closer to me.

"I see that quite clearly," I assure him. "But you've told me how you are. I'm not just going to sleep with you at the drop of a hat, if that's what you think."

Simon twirls a strand of my hair in his fingers. "You make me out to be so terrible," he murmurs.

"No," I shake my head. "I'm just not allowing myself to be hurt again."

"Who's going to hurt you, Miss Malfoy?" Simon questions, his lips close to my ear. "Do you believe I will?"

I shrug, hoping I didn't offend Simon. "I don't know. And I'm afraid of not knowing. If you're interested in me like you say you are, you'll be willing to get to know me."

"I'd love to know everything about you," Simon assures me.

"Why?" I ask, my voice small.

"Because I'm certain that, deep down, there's another side of you that I would very much like to see," Simon answers.

I have no idea what he's talking about. "Where did you get that idea?"

"Miss Malfoy, I know people. I know that you desire nothing more than to impress your family," Simon tells me.

"That depends on what part of my family you're talking about," I correct him. "And I'd never think to do that through a relationship."

Simon takes hold of my hand, his thumb pressing into my palm. "Don't confuse my intentions. I'm only saying that if you wish to elevate yourself, I would be the person to do it for you. You come from one of the most renowned wizarding families, and you aren't even treated like it. Does that not bother you?" He questions.

I can't say that it doesn't. But at the same time, I'm not going to use Simon to get ahead. What other people think doesn't mean that much to me, and I certainly won't be a hypocrite to my family.

"I've dealt with it this long."

"And you wouldn't have to any longer. Now, I know you aren't pureblood, but you're a Malfoy nonetheless. If I believed you were good enough for me, then wouldn't others?" Simon reasons.

I understand where he's coming from. Lots of pureblood men end up with half-blood women. But very many don't as well.

"Good enough for everything other than marrying you or having your children," I remind Simon bitterly.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," he decides. "Besides, I'm sure you'll be a good match for me."

"Why is that?"

"You may actually prove that I can maintain a relationship," Simon answers nonchalantly.

I frown. "Since when are we in a relationship?" I question, not remembering ever having made that commitment.

Simon kisses me slowly, making this his answer. "As of now. I think it will benefit both of us."

"What does that mean?"

Simon makes a face at me as if I'm a hopeless puppy. "Imagine the look on McKinnon's face when he finds out you and I are together," Simon tells me, smirking. "And I'm sure being with the 'innocent' Isobelle Malfoy will clear my image a bit, and you'll finally get the treatment you deserve."

"I'm not interested in making Holden jealous," I say firmly. Actually, I'd prefer to leave him out of this completely.

Simon shrugs. "Then think of it as an added bonus."

"Who considers me to be innocent?" I question, changing the subject. "Not that I haven't given a reason for people to think otherwise."

Simon scoffs. "Not that they know of. And just about every non-pureblood wizard thinks so. I hear a lot coming in and out of the Ministry."

"Oh."

I bite my lip for a moment, thinking of something. "Will you promise me something?" I question.

"What?"

"You have to promise me that if this relationship interferes with my family and I can't continue it, you'll understand," I tell Simon seriously.

I nearly want to cry when he shakes his head. "Of course, I won't understand it," he tells me.

"Why won't you?" My voice sounds much more like a whine than I want it to.

"Because that isn't ever going to happen," Simon promises me.

I can't hide the relieved smile on my face. "You scared me for a moment."

Simon tightens the grip on my hand. "There's nothing I can't give you, Miss Malfoy. I want you to remember that."

"Of course," I say quietly, thinking of something absolutely brilliant. I look back up at Simon. "I'll have everything that I ask for, won't I?"

Simon nods. "That and more." He checks his watch. "I have to be at a meeting this afternoon. I was rather hoping you'd accompany me." Simon's voice sounds as if he'd had plans for this.

"What sort of meeting?" I ask hesitantly.

"It's nothing serious. I'm only meeting my older brother for lunch, and a bit of talk. I thought I'd bring you along after we're finished for the day," Simon invites me.

"Why?" I question. Simon and I have been 'together' for less than five minutes, and he already wants to show me around.

"He doesn't believe I can get a respectable woman," Simon answers, as if it's an outlandish remark to make. "And I'd love nothing more than to show him differently."

"What would you have done had I said no?" I ask.

"Invited you anyway. I'm sure you can lie just as well as anyone."

I don't know what Simon means by that. "All right, well, I suppose I can come. Should I dress differently?"

Simon shakes his head. "Of course, not. You look absolutely stunning," he assures me.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now, I'd like to finish work early so that we can meet my brother and get it over with."

A couple hours later, Simon is leading me into a restaurant. I've been here before, but only on a few occasions. As we near a secluded table far in the back, Simon murmurs to me out of the corner of his mouth, "My brother's much worse than I am." I don't know what to make of it, because everyone likes to think that they're better than their siblings.

Simon's brother stands as we arrive at the table. I would guess that he was about five or six years older than Simon. He and Simon resemble each other greatly, except Simon's brother's hair is a darker shade of gold. They both have that air about them that suggests they can't think of anything better than themselves.

"Isobelle, this is my brother, Eric. Eric-"

"Isobelle Malfoy," Simon's brother finishes, while he generously extends a hand in my direction. "I've heard much about you."

I can't say the same. "Simon's told me about you as well. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Simon pulls out my chair for me so I can be seated. Eric gestures to the woman beside him. She's pretty, with dark hair and hazel eyes. Simon gives her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Isobelle, this is my wife, Jane."

"Pleased to meet you," I say politely.

Jane gives me a very stiff smile, as if it pains her. "Likewise."

Eric meets me with a surveying gaze that makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. "Miss-"

"Please, just call me Isobelle."

Eric gives Simon an amused look. "Do excuse me. Isobelle, you're quite lovely," he comments. Eric's compliment sounds completely platonic, unlike Simon's suggestive voice.

"Thank you," I smile.

"Young and beautiful are two of the best things a woman can be," Jane adds kindheartedly. I'm sure the third thing has to do with blood.

"Young?" I repeat, confused. "I'm twenty-one." Jane's made me sound like a child.

Eric seems rather impressed to hear this. "Simon, it seems your taste in women's finally aged. How old was that last girl? Seventeen? Eighteen?" I'm rather surprised to hear this, but I don't say anything.

"Of age," Simon replies stiffly, narrowing his eyes at his brother.

"No, not the one from last week. The week before!" Jane jokes. Simon doesn't seem entertained. I'm not either. I just feel uncomfortable.

Simon's jaw clenches. "We can speak more about women if you'd really like to," he offers. The smile on Eric's face leaves. The atmosphere grows more and more tense. "But I don't think that's the reason you wanted to talk to me originally?"

"No," Eric shakes his head. Simon looks smug. "It isn't. Actually, I wanted to give you this. It's a letter from Father."

Simon takes the envelope of parchment and regards it stiffly. "What does it say?"

"I didn't read it," Eric scoffs. "It's for you."

The waiter comes by and Eric and Simon place their orders. I open my mouth to speak, and then close it once I realize Simon's already ordered for me. He turns back to Eric as if this is normal. Jane certainly doesn't see a problem with it.

Simon slips the letter into his robes. "Well, you can tell Father that I have no interest whatsoever in-"

"Still upset, are you?" Eric questions, raising his eyebrows. Jane shakes her head and makes a disapproving sound through her teeth.

"Of course, I am," Simon snaps.

"Excuse me, am I missing something?" I ask.

"Simon's father wrote him out of the will," Jane answers with no sympathy whatsoever. "Eric and I told you not to separate from Catherine. What did it get you?"

I feel terrible for Simon. He may be a bit shallow at times, but I don't feel he deserves to be punished for not wanting to be with a woman he didn't love. I know he's only a product of his environment.

"I think his choice was admirable," I say, coming to Simon's defense. Simon looks as if he's been slapped across the face. "Perhaps Simon thought he should be able to think of his own happiness for once."

"Don't be fooled, Isobelle. Simon thinks of his 'happiness', as you put it, a fair bit," Eric tells me, taking a slow sip of his drink. "If he didn't, he'd still be married and clear out of trouble."

How can Eric talking about ignoring his own happiness for a marriage while sitting right beside his wife? And how can she not have anything to say about it? It's sickening.

"That would depend on what you consider trouble- being out of a will or being in a dead-end marriage," I inform Eric.

He doesn't seem too pleased. "My, you certainly are opinionated. You're nothing like your brother."

I frown. "How do you know my brother?" I question.

"I've met him quite a few times. Your father brings him to the Falcons' matches quite often. Among his many business pursuits, my father happens to be team manager," Simon tells me. Of course, Dad's mentioned that once or twice before. Hell, even Astoria has. How could I have forgotten?

I nod. "Being related doesn't automatically give us the same beliefs. I'm sure you know that."

Eric throws Simon a dirty look. "Indeed I do."

Jane purses her lips. "So, how did the two of you meet?" She questions, trying to diffuse things.

"Miss- Isobelle is my intern," Simon answers rigidly.

"There are other ways to meet women," Eric mutters into his plate.

"Why are you so bothered by everything that I do?" Simon demands, raising his voice slightly. "The last time I checked, none of my choices affect you personally!"

Eric takes a deep breath, the kind Dad does when he's sick of telling Scorpius or Hugo not to do something. "Your actions are a reflection on this family. How many times do we have to tell you that? How can you go into the Ministry, behave professionally all day, and then go sleep around? You should at least care that people don't find out."

Simon has a look on his face as if he wants to say it's quite easy. However, he decides against it. "I'm not sleeping around," he says through clenched teeth.

Jane and Eric frown slightly and put their attention on me. I shake my head. "Well, I didn't expect that," Jane mutters. It's sad just how rude Eric and Jane are to Simon. I'd be angry too if I were him.

"How long have you been together?" Eric questions.

"Just this week," Simon lies. I haven't even been seeing Simon for an entire day, but I'm sure admitting that wouldn't much help his case. "I'm sure this is the beginning of more weeks to come."

Jane gives me a sympathetic look. "A dragon never changes its scales," she tells me.

"I think that'll be for me to decide," I let Jane know.

Simon looks like he could snap his fork in half. Eric gestures his glass in my direction. "It's the truth. Isobelle, don't let my brother trick you. I'm sure he finds your naïveté-"

"I refuse to listen to this!" Simon snaps. He stands up, slamming some galleons onto the table. He turns to Eric with a look of utter disgust. "I was at least upfront about cheating on my wife! Don't think I don't know that you're just as dishonest as I was! The only difference is you're still married!"

Simon turns on his heel to leave, giving me no choice but to follow him. The last I see of Eric and Jane are the horrified and embarrassed looks on their faces.

"Simon!" I call, trying to draw as little attention to myself as possible while exiting the restaurant. "Simon!"

I catch up to him outside, and Simon finally turns around. I give him a moment to calm down before speaking again.

"You didn't have to cause a scene," I say. "It wasn't worth it."

"Wasn't worth it? You have no idea," Simon tells me gruffly.

"You're absolutely correct. I don't know what it feels like to be put down by my own family," I mutter back. "You didn't have to out your own brother like that. Think of how his wife must feel."

Simon rolls his eyes. "I honestly don't give a damn how she feels. I'm sure my brother doesn't, either."

"It's beyond me how you and your brother can cheat on your wives with no guilt whatsoever. When I-"

"You have to care about the person in the first place to care what happens to them," Simon cuts me off. He has a point, but I still don't want Simon to think that sort of thing is all right. "It's beside the point, anyway. I'm not concerned about that in particular."

I know what Simon's talking about. I put my hand on his arm comfortingly. His muscles are tense. "Well, maybe you could just read the letter, and then talk to your father? Maybe he'll understand."

"Isobelle, how can you prove to me one day that you know how things work, and now you act like you don't?"

"I'm fully aware, Simon. I just think that you should at least try to work things out with your family. You may regret it if you don't."

Simon won't look at me. "Not every family is as caring as yours. My father is never going to accept what I did." Simon is right. My family does have its quirks, but we try to be supportive of each other for the most part.

"What about your mother?" I suggest helpfully.

Simon shakes his head. "If my father won't, then neither will my mother. My parents are going to be angry with me unless I take another wife." Simon lets that statement hang in the air.

"You still have plenty of time for that," I assure him. I don't know what else to say.

"This isn't for you to worry about," Simon tells me in a frustrated tone. "Don't concern yourself with me."

"Yes, I do," I argue. "If I'm going to be your girlfriend, I'm supposed to be concerned with you," I explain. Simon cringes at the word 'girlfriend'. I'm sure he's never used it before.

It's rather odd to see this side of Simon. Normally, he's assertive and commanding, but now I see a sort of vulnerability in him much like the one I see in Scorpius. I'm sure if I said any of this to Simon, he would readily deny it.

I don't know how I can't worry. Whenever I look at Simon, I feel as if I'm seeing the man Scorpius will grow up to be. I'm not sure if I like that.

Simon sighs, his eyes focused straight ahead. "Isobelle-"

"You can't change how I feel," I say adamantly, taking Simon's hand. "If I care, I care. If you think your family changes my opinion of you, then you're wrong."

Finally, Simon looks at me. He has a hungry expression in his eyes as he pulls me closer to him. I stumble clumsily over my feet. "We need to go somewhere. Somewhere private," he tells me, his voice low.

I shake my head slightly, trying to keep my facial expression from changing. After all, we're in public. "You don't know me well enough yet."

"Of course, I know you. We've been out on a date," Simon persists. I hope he doesn't really think that train wreck counts as a date.

"Fine, if you can answer this for me," I say nonchalantly.

Simon's eyebrows rise, and his hand snakes to my lower back. "Anything."

"What's my middle name?" I ask.

"That isn't fair, you haven't told me it yet," Simon complains.

"My birthday, then," I prompt.

"Sometime this year," Simon answers, as if this is a good enough answer. "We can go to my-"

Despite myself, I laugh. "Nice try. No."

"I'm home," I call into the house, wondering where my parents are. I know all my younger siblings are out for the day, and I'm rather grateful for it. The house will be a lot quieter.

"Isobelle," Mum says from the sitting room. "I'm in here." I come in and take a seat in the chair by the window." Mum is opposite me, reading a book. She closes her book and smiles at me. It's forced.

"I didn't expect you to be home so early," she tells me. "Have you eaten?"

"I was supposed to have," I mutter.

Mum's eyebrows furrow. "What do you mean?"

"Well, after we'd done everything, Simon offered to take me to lunch-"

"That's nice," Mum says absentmindedly, her lips pressed into a thin line and her expression stoic. "Are you and Simon…?"

"Apparently so," I nod. "But it was terrible, Mum. We met Simon's brother and his sister-in-law, and they got into an argument and Simon stormed out."

Mum frowns. "What were they arguing over?"

I want to answer, but I feel like it'll anger Mum even more. "Because Simon left his wife, their father wrote him out of his will. Simon's brother thinks Simon's a disgrace to their family, and it's obvious his wife thinks the same. They were so mean to him," I say.

"That's horrible," Mum agrees.

"That isn't the worst of it. Simon thinks he needs to impress them, it's disgusting."

Mum gives me a distasteful look. "I know the sort." Something tells me she and Dad still haven't gotten over their argument from yesterday. Come to think of it, they didn't really speak to each other at breakfast, either.

"You're still angry at Dad?" I guess.

"Isobelle, your father and I are having our differences at the moment," Mum says stiffly.

I don't know why she won't just say yes. I hope she and Dad can forgive each other soon. "I know. But, you two really need to talk about it. You know Dad loves you more than anything," I assure Mum. "That hasn't changed. And you know he loves all of us the same."

"I know," Mum tells me shortly. "But your father and I both agreed on how this family should be run. He isn't exactly holding up to that at the moment."

"Well, Scorpius-"

"I'm not talking about Scorpius anymore. That's a losing battle."

"Me, then?" I ask. Mum nods. "I don't like Simon for his blood, and Dad knows that."

"I'm sure that won't affect his thoughts."

I'm silent for a while, trying to think of something to encourage Mum to talk things out with Dad. "Don't you think Dad knows that blood has nothing to do with how good a marriage is? The both of you were married to purebloods and that didn't work out," I reason. "If he cared so much, he wouldn't have married you."

"I suppose," Mum admits. "But a wife and daughter are two very different things."

"What do you mean?"

"To be honest, I feel your father thinks that a pureblood man would be inclined to treat you better," Mum says.

I shake my head vigorously. "That isn't true at all. Holden and Teddy both were very kind to me, while Simon and his brother have both cheated on their wives," I reason. "Blood has nothing to do with anything."

Mum looks uncomfortable. "Isobelle, it does bother me that Simon has… gotten around as much as he has. I don't want him to be that way with you as well."

"He won't be," I assure Mum. "Simon's only the way he is because no one's ever refused him. Really, he does like to be helpful, I think." I'm sure Simon's completely capable of being in an honest relationship, if only he learned to show his emotions more.

"I just don't want him to mistreat you," Mum says again. We both turn around as footsteps echo into the room.

It's Dad.

"Hermione, do I have to tell you anymore that Simon is a perfect gentleman?" He questions, coming into the sitting room. The look on his face is unreadable. I debate whether or not I should leave while I still can.

Mum's body goes rigid. "Draco, I'm referring to Simon's character, not his heritage."

Dad turns to me. I hope he isn't going to ask me to take his side. "Simon treats you well, doesn't he, Isobelle?" he asks.

I nod hesitantly. "Yes…"

"Of course, he does. If you're anything like your mother, then he would have no choice," Dad says, glancing at Mum instead of me. I know this is Dad's lame form of an apology. I almost want to smile.

Mum drums her fingers on the cover of her book in thought. I can tell she doesn't want to accept Dad's apology so quickly, but she will eventually. This has been the dynamic between my parents for years. One of them finally works up the humility to apologize to the other, and then after a bit of grudge-holding and serious conversation, my parents are perfectly fine again.

"Isobelle, would you mind giving your father and me a moment to talk?" Mum questions. I can tell she's already thinking of the million things she wants to say to Dad, and he's coming up with the other million ways to justify himself. It's like clockwork.

I shake my head and stand up. "No, I don't mind at all."

(A/N: Sorry I didn't update for a while, I'm on spring break! Hope you guys liked the chapter! Leave a review!)