*J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter!

*Tile of the chapter comes from 'Off to the Races' by Lana del Rey. That song reminds me so much of Belle and Simon it's crazy. Give it a listen!

*Please leave a review!

Simon steps slowly around me, looking me up and down. He adjusts my robes slightly, and his cold fingers nearly make me shiver. He runs his fingers over the top of my chest. "I do quite like green and silver on you."

"Thank you," I say quietly, glancing at myself in the mirror. I haven't had to dress so formally for a long time. I haven't been required by Dad to go any of the Ministry functions, and nothing interesting has happened with our family. But now, Simon wants me to meet his parents and he hopes that I make an impression. He's quite on edge.

"Your hair looks nice as well," Simon adds. My hair is pinned up tightly in a few braids except for the loose curls that hang around the small of my back. "But something is missing…"

"What?" I ask, glancing down at myself. I seem to fine, I wonder what Simon thinks is wrong.

Simon reaches into his pocket as if he's rehearsed this. He pulls out a jeweled bracelet, and it matches perfectly with my dress robes. Now I know why he's told me what to wear tonight. Simon takes his hand in mine and clasps the bracelet onto my wrist. "I want you to wear this tonight."

I open my mouth apprehensively. "It's beautiful-"

"So are you," Simon interjects. He seems rather distracted.

"But…"

"But?"

"I told you I didn't want any more gifts," I remind Simon, trying not to sound ungrateful. Simon looks at me briefly, but he says nothing back. The silence makes me think of what I wanted to ask him. I take a deep breath. "I'm sorry, but may I ask you something?"

Simon glances up. "Can it wait?"

"I'd rather it not."

"Then that's too bad." I'm caught off-guard by his sudden change in attitude.

"Oh, I'm sorry," I apologize quickly, looking at my shoes. The next thing I know, Simon is tilting my chin upward and giving my lips a soft kiss, his form of an apology.

"I've enough things on my mind," he tells me gently. "I want for my parents to like you at least half as much as I do. Charm them, please."

I don't like how Simon's making it seem as if his relationship with family is riding on me. That sort of pressure is difficult to handle.

"If I can, do you think your father will change his mind?" I question.

Simon shakes his head. "I'm not positive. You know why."

"My blood?"

"Possibly. Or the fact that he only sees me as extremely immature," Simon adds.

Now, I have to admit Simon has some rather wild ways about him, but he's a very put-together man when he tries to be. "I think tonight could go well," I say, trying to be hopeful. Really, I don't know how much I believe that.

Simon checks his watch. "I suppose we should go downstairs. Here's to nothing." I take Simon's arm and he leads me to the dining room. His parents were nice enough to allow us a room to ourselves before dinner began. I think they wanted Simon to be as stressed out as he could be.

"Don't show them you're nervous," I say encouragingly, rubbing his arm.

"I'm not," Simon lies, opening the dining room door. My stomach flutters terribly. Simon's parents are seated at the far end of the table, his father at the head. Both Eric and Jane are at the table. Simon curses under his breath. I didn't know they were going to be here tonight, either.

Stiffly, Simon leads me to the table, and pulls out the chair beside him. No one says anything, and I feel four pairs of eyes watching my every single move. Simon sits down beside me.

"Good evening, all of you. Mother Father, I'd like to introduce you to Isobelle Malfoy. Isobelle, these are my parents."

"It's a great pleasure to meet you both," I greet them, forcing a smile. No one returns it. Simon's parents continue to stare me down. His mother turns to exchange a look with Jane.

"Likewise, Miss Malfoy. We're pleased to have you in our company tonight." Somehow, I don't believe that's true.

"Thank you."

Eric clears his throat. "Isobelle, I do believe you're the first woman Simon's ever brought home," he tells me.

I try to say something, but Simon's hand brushes my thigh. "I'm honored," I reply bitterly instead.

"Excluding Catherine, of course," Eric adds, his voice full of an undertone. I remember her name vaguely as being Simon's first wife. Simon's mother casts a sideways glance in my direction, curious as to how I'm going to react to this news. I have no reason to be angry.

"Yes, Simon's told me about her. It is terrible what has happened."

"You're quite used to seeing marriages end, I'm sure?" Simon's father questions.

"Father," Simon mutters.

"It's a proper question. And yes, Mr. Montague, I am. I'm sure you're aware of that. I can guarantee you, though, that both my parents are happier now, and hopefully Simon will be the same way with me."

"You're going to be married?" Jane questions, raising her eyebrows. Eric gives her a harsh look, as if he wanted to be the one to ask that question.

"We haven't made any plans for it," Simons answers quickly, before I can say 'no'.

A house-elf comes around, placing glasses of wine on the table. When it comes around to me, I shake my head politely.

"No, thank you. I'd rather have water, if I could."

"The wine's for this occasion, though," Eric assures me, drawing attention to my refusal. "I think you should have some."

"No, I don't think I should," I reply. "Honestly, water's fine." With all the stress I'm under at the moment, I couldn't trust myself with any alcohol.

"Well, that took absolutely no time…" Jane mutters into her glass.

Simon's mother gasps dramatically. "Miss Malfoy, I can't help but ask…?"

I glance between Jane and Mrs. Montague, confused. Suddenly, I realize what they're hinting at, and it angers me. I'm even more upset that I can't show it. "Oh, no, of course not!"

"Isobelle isn't pregnant," Simon informs his mother, his jaw clenched tightly.

"If you and Simon were to marry, I'm sure that you'd be in the position for children to follow?" Mr. Montague questions, his eyes never breaking contact with me.

"I'm sure," I reply, sipping my water. "Yet, I'm much too young to want to find out."

Thankfully, our dinner is served. Hopefully that will save me from having to speak too much more.

Simon gestures his fork toward his brother. "Tell me, Eric, how are your sons doing?"

"Sons?" I repeat. I never knew Eric and Jane had children.

"Two twin boys about the age of your youngest sister," Simon tells me out of the corner of his mouth. He turns back to his brother. "Eric?"

"They're doing well, I suppose," Eric answers nonchalantly. "They haven't written recently, have they, Jane?" I wonder why he doesn't know that.

Jane shrugs, looking rather disinterested. "I don't have any reason to know. Their marks haven't come, and they haven't gotten into any trouble, I'd assume. We should write them on their birthdays," she suggests matter-of-factly. "It's coming up, I think."

"That settles that," Eric mutters, ready to drop the subject as easily as if it were the weather.

"Your sons go to boarding school?" I question.

Both Eric and Jane stare at me as if I'm trying to accuse them of something. "Of course, they do," Jane answers. "Didn't you?"

"Never. My brother and I had private tutors." Even after I left school, I simply resumed being tutored at the Manor. It was much better.

"Jane and I don't have the time to chase children around all day," Eric replies bitingly, as if my comment meant him any harm.

"We sure don't," Jane agrees. "And anyhow, their education costs the same whether or not they're at home." It disgusts me how little Eric and Jane want to do with their children. It's also surprising how normal they act like this is. I couldn't imagine my parents ever being this way.

"What is it that your husband does?" I question, turning to Eric.

"Well, he-"

Eric cuts Jane off. She seems rather upset about it, but says nothing. "I can speak for myself. I work in the Department of Mysteries. It involves a great deal of travelling." He says this in a tone that implies this is a perfect excuse for ignoring his children.

"I'm sure. I remember my father travelled quite often when I was younger as well. When he was at home, though, we always made it a point to spend time with one another. I would feel that's important."

"Do you always have such opinions, Miss Malfoy?" Mr. Montague asks me. I can tell he isn't happy and I've allowed myself to get carried away. I promised Simon I'd help him as much as I could. I don't think I'm doing a good job of that right now.

I shake my head quickly. "Not very often. Only certain subjects are important to me, but I try mostly to keep quiet about them." It sounds like a rather submissive, satisfactory answer in my head.

"I can't imagine that any of her 'opinions' would be convenient to you, Simon," Mr. Montague drawls, expecting his son to say something to agree with him.

"One-sided conversations are more of an inconvenience," Simon replies hotly. His mother frowns at him, and his demeanor changes. "Actually, so is constantly reminding Isobelle to remain in her place. "I'm so taken aback at Simon's words that I can't help the affronted look on my face.

Jane smirks at me. "Just be something to look at. That's your only job," she whispers. Perhaps Jane's satisfied with something like that, but I'm not. I know that Simon's only trying to keep up appearances with his father, but he didn't have to go that far.

"Let her say what she wants. We'll only have something to fear if she has anything to say about the Ministry," Eric jokes. "It's entertaining to hear women who think they know a thing about politics."

Jane gives me a tight smile. I ignore it. "Excuse me Eric, but is sexism in the Ministry considered a political issue to you? Because I could speak a great deal about that right now," I suggest. "Or sexism in general, whichever you prefer." I know I shouldn't have said anything, but I can't stand it. Simon's entire family is awfully abominable.

Eric raises his eyebrows as if he's surprised that I'm addressing him. "Simon, I do believe you may want to say something to her." Simon isn't my father. I don't need him chastising me.

Simon glances upward. "Why? She's only humoring you. As if she knows anything about the way the world works. Perhaps Jane should grow a sense of humor like Isobelle's. You said you wanted to be entertained."

I'm so angry at Simon that I can't stand to look at him. He's suggesting that I'm stupid, just to keep his family happy, when he knows for a fact that I'm not.

"I'm certainly entertained," Eric agrees. "A little too entertained, might I add. I don't know how you deal withher so often."

"Whether she's a foolish little girl or not, she can still file my papers," Simon reasons. "And I like to laugh just as much as you."

I sink back in my chair, in that moment losing all hopes for this dinner. Under the table, Simon tries to grasp for my hand. I pull away. "I make mistakes with it quite often, though," I inform Eric. "I'm too much of an idiot to pay any good attention. I'm surprised Simon even trusts me with such a task."

"I believe it's time for dessert," Mrs. Montague announces, ignoring my mood completely. I'm sure Simon's family wants nothing more than to see me absolutely annoyed and upset.

"You look like you want to say something," Simon tells me, giving me an apologetic look.

"If I have your permission, of course," I whisper coldly. "I wouldn't want to say anything foolish and embarrass you."

Simon purses his lips. "Go ahead. Say it."

"You came here to reconcile with your father and you haven't spoken to him once. All any of you have done is be rude to me and laugh at me. If I knew this was what I was coming for, I would have stayed at home," I tell Simon under my breath, taking care to make sure only he can hear me.

He seems to take my words into account. Simon casts a defeated glance in his father's direction. "Am I your son or not?" He questions finally.

Simon's father seems to be confused. "Of course, you're my son. What do you mean?"

Simon looks at me, then at his father again. "Excuse me, but after you die, will I still be your son?"

Realization crosses Mr. Montague's face. "You want to know if I'll consider writing you back into the will."

Simon nods. "Now's as good a time as any. Where do you stand?" I can tell Simon's nervous as to what his father might say, but he won't ever say so.

Mr. Montague trains his eyes on Simon and Mrs. Montague sits even straighter in her chair. Once again, Eric and Jane seem attentive as well. "I must admit, I've thought about it some."

Simon raises his eyebrows. "And?"

"I've decided I'll wait until you're married again to give you my answer," Mr. Montague informs Simon. "After all, if you're as enthralled by Miss Malfoy as you say, that shouldn't be so far off."

I wish Simon's family would quit pressuring him into a marriage. It's only causing him to put more pressure on me. Besides, I don't think they'd be too happy if I became his wife anyway.

"I understand." Simon doesn't sound like he understands or agrees with his father's decision at all. He drops his napkin on his plate. "Dinner has been lovely, but I believe it's time Isobelle and I tell you good evening." Simon gestures for me to stand. Without hesitation, I do.

"Leaving so early?" Eric questions, satisfied as ever. "We haven't even begun an interesting conversation."

"If it couldn't be done in an hour, then I don't think a few more minutes will help," Simon says brusquely, taking my arm. "Good evening, all of you."

"It was a pleasure Meeting the both of you," I say to Mr. and Mrs. Montague. I nod in Eric and Jane's directions. "Eric, Jane."

Simon leads me out of the dining room, allowing the door to swing violently shut behind him. Immediately, I free my arm of his grasp. He puts a soundproofing charm on the door. "Isobelle, I'm sorry."

I wave my hand at him. "Don't apologize to me! I'm much too stupid to understand you!" I retort, turning away from Simon. "I don't know anything!"

Simon sighs. "You know I had to say those things. You know full well that I couldn't defend you. Besides, I told you not to say anything like that!"

"As if I planned on it! Regardless, you didn't have to go on and on! It seems you rather enjoyed making fun of me! If I remember correctly, you defended me the first time we met your brother! What's changed? The fact that the man who's will you want to be in was sitting at the table?" Simon doesn't know how embarrassed I am. I tried my best for him, and he's completely overlooking it.

"Do you think I enjoy having to lie to my family?" Simon questions.

"You could have had me fooled. Or perhaps that's only because I know nothing about the world!"

"Will you stop it?" Simon raises his voice at me. It makes my blood run cold. "I regret what I said, and that's the end of it! I'm not begging you to forgive me for something you knew I had to do!"

I may be taking things a bit too seriously, but the way I see it, Simon's behavior toward me in public may be a sign of things to come. If he'll do this to me in front of his family, will he treat me that way toward everyone?

"Because you don't care! You don't care how everyone else sees me as long as I'm appealing to you! You're just as sickening as your brother!"

I turn around to stomp off, but Simon's arm wraps around my middle, coaxing me into turning around and dragging me back to him. "Get the hell off of me!"

I look up to meet Simon's fierce, stormy blue eyes. One look and I can tell he's just as angry as I am. "No," is all he says.

"Let me go! I'm serious!"

Simon shakes his head. "I don't care." The heels of his hands press my shoulders firmly into the wall. It hurts. Simon cranes his neck to kiss me harshly, and I do my best not to return it. I'm so angry at him right now that I can barely control myself.

I writhe away from Simon just before he tries to kiss me again. To stop him, and to show him just how angry I am, I rear my hand back and slap him across the face. Simon gives me a look of shock. Immediately he grabs hold of my sleeve. I jerk my arm back and hear the coarse rip of fabric as the sleeve of my robes tears.

"I hate you right now!" I hiss.

"You've never been more attractive to me," Simon whispers gruffly, moving his hold to my upper arm and pinning me to the wall. My breathing hitches. "Kiss me."

"No."

"Kiss me," Simon repeats.

"I won't." Every time I refuse, I feel myself wanting to give in to Simon more and more, but I don't feel any less angry. That scares me.

"Yes, you will." Simon cups my cheek with his hand and kisses me again. This time, begrudgingly, I reciprocate it. I clutch the front of Simon's robes, trying to keep him from getting any closer to me. It doesn't work. Simon's so much taller than me, and so much stronger. As Simon continues to kiss me, I feel the sudden urge to leave his house, just to be somewhere else.

The next thing I know, Simon and I are in my room. I must have disapparated us both without a second thought.

Simon and I are kissing each other angrily, throwing insults, and all but tearing each other's robes to shreds. The concepts of buttons and laces have been completely forgotten.

"You sicken me," I mutter. Simon's lips leave mine as he pushes me backward onto my bed. He climbs on top of me, and I drag my fingernails across his back. Simon groans in discomfort, and I give him a wicked smile. His teeth graze along my neck, then he bites me hard. I stifle a scream.

"Two can play at this game," Simon informs me.

I wind my fingers into Simon's hair, roughly pulling him closer to me, our lips just barely touching. "I'm not playing."

Simon pulls my hand from his hair, placing warm kisses up my arm. The sensation makes me shiver, and I clutch the bed sheets. "Of course, you aren't," Simon mutters sarcastically, his fingers digging into my side. It makes me cringe and want to catch my breath at the same time. I don't think he has any idea of how to be gentle.

"Is this how you treated all your other women?" I question, narrowing my eyes at Simon. "Hurting them, leaving bruises? Do you get off on that?"

"You hit me first," Simon replies. His hand trails roughly from my stomach to my thigh.

"You seemed to have liked it enough. And I didn't want you to kiss me."

"Yes you did. I saw that look in your eyes and I see it now."

I shake my head. "You made it apparent you don't see anything in me."

"You'd be stupid to think so," Simon tells me, his lips crushing against mine. I pull away.

"What a poor choice of words," I deadpan.

"If I didn't, would I be here with you right now?"

I wonder if that's a trick question. "As long as my legs opened wide enough," I murmur, turning away from Simon. He makes it his turn to pull my hair, forcing me to look at him. I give him a slow, bored gaze, waiting for him to show me that I've offended him.

"I told you that you were different!" Simon snaps, his shoulders tensing. He jerks my neck as if I'm a doll. "But if you'd rather I not treat you like it-"

"Did I hurt your feelings?" I smirk, batting my eyelashes at Simon. "I didn't mean to, I'm only a foolish little girl."

Simon's eyes flash with anger, but he decides not to give me any more satisfaction. "You're my fool," he speaks into the side of my neck, tightening his grip on my hair. I want to close my eyes and enjoy it.

"How sweet of you," I throw back, not really meaning it.

Simon knows he's annoyed me. "How angry are you really?" He questions, trying to read my facial expression. "Will you be willing to show me?"

I roll my eyes. "At this point, does it even really matter rather or not I'm willing?"

"I thought I'd be kind and ask," Simon replies. "Since, either way, it would be impossible for me to resist you any longer. I want to have you."

I would be lying to say that I don't want Simon as much as he wants me right now. I meet his eyes. "You'd better go ahead before I change my mind. Apologize to me."

A hard jab to my shoulder rouses me out of my sleep. I groan and shoo the person away with my hand. "Go away…" I mutter. I don't know what time it is, but I know it's far too early to be bothering me.

"Belly, wake up," Nina whispers, poking me continuously. "Mummy wants you downstairs. We're going to see a play today."

I wanted to go, but considering how tired I am, I'm thinking of deciding against it.

"Bel-ly!" Nina whines, tugging my arm. "Wake up!"

"What the hell is all that noise?" Simon complains, his voice gruff with sleep. I nearly have a heart attack when I realize that he and I fell asleep together afterwards. There's absolutely no way that I can explain this. Luckily, my blankets are covering us both.

"Who's that?" Nina questions.

"Who are you?" Simon retorts, giving Nina a look distaste. It seems he's about as serious as his sleep as I am. Simon rests his head on my shoulder.

Nina smiles at Simon like he's telling a joke. "I'm Belly's sister," she replies.

"Nina, go downstairs," I say quickly. "I'll be down soon."

"But who is that?" Nina protests.

"Doesn't matter. Just go, please." Nina doesn't seem happy about it, but she does as I tell her.

Unfortunately, she leaves the door gaping open. "Mummy, Belly won't come downstairs! And there's some man in her bed!" She shouts.

"Shit," I curse under my breath. Simon sits up. His hair's in complete disarray. His left cheek has a bit of a rosy tint to it. I'm sure I don't look much better off. After last night, Simon and I probably look like we tried to beat each other up. "I'm sorry."

I make to stand up, holding my bed sheet over my chest. "What are you doing?" Simon demands, looking at me as if I'm insane.

"I'm going to shut the door!"

"Use your wand!"

"Do you really think I can find it right now?"

Simon knows I make a point. "You can't leave me naked in your bed!" He points out.

"It'll only take a second. Er… here." I toss the violet bathrobe by my night table in Simon's direction.

"I'm not wearing this!" He snaps.

I roll my eyes. As if he could fit into it. "I meant cover yourself with it!"

Simon doesn't object. "I don't understand why you brought me to your home anyway," he grumbles.

"I don't know, we were in the heat of the moment. And besides, you didn't object!"

"I forgot you don't live own your own!" Simon replies, an edge to his voice.

I sigh. "Let's not argue."

"Fine," Simon relents, running a hand through his hair. "You know, I did rather enjoy last night..."

"Just let me shut the door."

I can't even sit up completely before Mum and Dad appear in the doorway. Just in time, I clutch the blankets to my chest and Simon wraps them around his waist as well. Articles of clothing are strewn everywhere about the floor. Mum's eyes widen. Could things get any worse?

"Oh, dear heavens," she mutters under her breath. She can't bring herself to look at me or Simon. Dad frowns at me. His expression isn't readable.

"The two of you remember Simon," I say uncomfortably, for lack of anything else.

"Good morning," Simon greets, trying to sound as casual as he can. "I'm privileged to be with your daughter."

"Indeed you are," Dad agrees, sounding like he's about to choke.

"Could you give us a moment?" I ask. My cheeks are burning with embarrassment.

"Of course," Mum says all too quickly. "Simon, you're more than welcome to join us for breakfast."

I nudge his foot from under the covers. I've had enough of family meals for the time being. "I wish I could, Mrs. Malfoy, but I suppose I've got to be in to work soon," Simon declines politely. "Thank you, though, for inviting me."

"You're welcome." Mum turns away and Dad quickly shuts the door. I sit in bed a moment, too stunned by what's just happened to move.

Simon's hand on my shoulder stirs me. "That went better than expected," he mutters, giving me a kiss good morning.

I don't know what to say. "I suppose."

Simon glances at the clock in my room. "I do seriously have to be to work in about an hour. Do you plan on coming today?" Simon has to go to work. That reminds of what I wanted to ask him yesterday, but never got the chance to."

I shrug. "Later, maybe. I haven't decided yet."

Taking my bathrobe with him, Simon stands up. "Do you mind if I use your shower?" He questions.

I shake my head. "Not at all."

Simon turns back around. "Do you want to join me?" He invites.

"I'll wait," I say half-heartedly, now consumed with the thought of Astoria.

Simon senses that something is bothering me. "What's the matter?"

I wave my hand. "Nothing, I'll just wait until you're out of the shower," I decide. I don't want to make Simon late for work.

Simon shrugs. "All right, but I have something to tell you as well."

I glance up at Simon. "What is it?"

Simon gives me a serious look. "I think I may have fallen in love with you last night."

*(A/N: I hope you liked the chapter! Please leave a review! I'm really starting to love Belle and Simon*