I am SO sorry that it has taken me so long to update. My computer has been giving me issues and not wanting to work. But I think I have it sorted out now. So, updates should be more regular. Thank you for being patient with me.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters from it. Harry Potter is the property of J. K. Rowling. I'm sorry it took so long to update. Life has been a bit crazy lately. But I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Bookstore Surprises

Chapter Twenty-Four

Silence followed Hermione's words. She opened her eyes to stare at her friends. She hadn't even realized she had shut them in anticipation of the reactions she was sure were coming. Ginny looked shocked, as was expected, though there was another emotion on her face that Hermione couldn't identify. Ron was frowning and his ears were slowly turning red.

"You're pen-pals with Lucius Malfoy?" Ron asked in a deadly quiet voice.

Hermione winced. "Well, not exactly..." She trailed off not quite knowing how to respond.

"What do you mean 'not exactly'?" Ron's voice was still quiet, but his frown was easing.

Hermione heaved a silent sigh of relief when she saw Ron relaxing a little. "I mean that I've only written him one letter."

"And how many has he written you?" Ginny quickly asked before Ron could say anything.

"Two."

Ginny's eyebrows rose. "So, he wrote the first letter?"

Hermione nodded.

"Why?" This time the question came from Ron.

"A few weeks ago, I ran into him at Bōchord. The book I wanted was too high for me to reach, and he got it down for me. I don't think he knew who I was at first. After being frozen in spot for who knows how long, I ran. He sent me the book later that night." Hermione kept her gaze on her mug as she spoke.

"So, that's what Harry meant when he mentioned that you met someone." Ginny said in a slightly amused voice.

"What?"