I'm sorry for the length of time between updates. Life has been kind of hectic lately. But I promise to be more consistent with updates. I hope that you like this new chapter.

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 Ten

A sigh escaped Lucius' lips as he read the book in his hands. He was again at Bōchord sitting in the same chairs as a week prior. He had been hoping to receive a response to the note that he had sent to the intriguing young woman he had run into. As of yet there had been nothing.

'I suppose I should not be surprised. Why would she respond? She has not seen the changes I've implemented in my life, in myself. Without knowing how I've changed, how I'm still working on being better, how could she feel comfortable communicating with me? Or seeing me?' Lucius was now just looking at his book without taking in the words. His thoughts had become too loud, too insistent to allow reading. 'Perhaps there would be a way to show her. How would I be able-' Lucius cut off his thoughts when he caught a glimpse of movement from the corner of his eye. He glanced up and his eyes widened slightly. Standing at the edge of his favorite reading nook was the petite young woman who had consumed his thoughts. "Hermione," he said under his breath.

Hermione let out a breath as she opened to door to Bōchord. She didn't know whether she was hoping for Lucius Malfoy to be there or not. All she knew was that talking to Severus had helped calm her. Though, it took her a whole week to return to the bookstore. To face the possibility of seeing Mr. Malfoy again. She slowly made her way through the store. She turned a corner and saw him. Sitting as he had been before with a book in his lap. Hermione didn't know how to react to seeing him again after a week. Her first instinct was to run but she grabbed a shelf to keep from leaving.

Her movement seemed to catch Mr. Malfoy's attention. He looked up and immediately saw her. She noticed his eyes widen and his mouth form a word.