Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters from it. Harry Potter is the property of J. K. Rowling.
Bookstore Surprises
Chapter Nine
That had been nearly a year ago. It was slightly awkward at first, but life did settle into a comfortable routine for the three housemates. Slowly but surely Severus allowed himself to become more acquainted with the two young adults and at some point, the acquaintance turned into friendship. One for which all three were grateful.
Severus now looked at Hermione and raised his eyebrow. "Advice about what?"
Hermione bit her lip and looked down at her tea. "It's not what but whom. And I supposed I actually want your opinion, not advice." She glanced up at Severus and saw that his eyebrow was still arched, waiting for her to continue. She took a fortifying sip of tea. "I ran into Lucius Malfoy today at my favorite Muggle bookstore."
Severus kept his face blank and mouth shut. He knew that Hermione wasn't finished.
"He saw that I couldn't reach a book I wanted and retrieved it for me. Though, he didn't know it was me until I turned around. He was as shocked as I was, but he was actually very civil and gentlemanly. He tried to give me the book, but instead of taking it I bolted.
"I came straight home and have been trying to not think about the fact that he was in BÅchord. But a few minutes ago, an owl with a package tapped on my window. The package was from Mr. Malfoy and it was the book that I wanted." Hermione stared straight into Severus' eyes, her own wide with confusion. "Why would he buy the book I wanted and send it to me?"