Ice and Flame

Chapter 5

  The next day Cath went to Diagonal Alley to buy some books for her work. She went to "Flourish and Blotts". This bookshop was one of her favourite places. She loved the smell of new books and the rustle of new pages. She  could look through huge numbers of books and for hours and she has always bought something.
  One of collection books about peacocks on the shelf drew her attention. It was a rare book with a beautiful cover shining in the sunlight. There was a picture of a beautiful peacock on the cover. It looked like it was alive. The cover was encrusted with gems. Cath looked on the book in awe.

  "Do you like it?" She heard.

Cath turned around and smiled to Lucius.

"Hi, I didn't hear you came" she said.

"Indeed I'm here for a long time" he said with a smile.

"It's ok. If I'm into the book I stop noticing anything around. This one is very interesting. I'll buy it for my dad. He will be excited. Dad loves his peacocks" she said with a smile.

"Is it so? You know, I also keep peacocks. It's my hobby. I've got unique breeds" he said.

"Then you and my dad would become best friends" she smiled.

Lucius smiled looking at dimples on her cheeks.

"Do you like peacocks?" he asked.

"Yeah. They're beautiful. I used to help my dad to look after them since my childhood. Mum didn't like it much. She said I bring dirty feathers to our house. She doesn't like these birds a lot. She says dad likes his peacocks more than us" she said.

  Cath smiled thinking about her parents. She looked at Lucius. 

'Seems like I really like peacocks' she thought.

'Holy Salazar, she's so gorgeous' he thought.

"You know, come to Malfoy manor, I'll show you my birds" he said.

"I don't know. I'll think about it" she said looking at his grey eyes in excitement.

  She felt uncomfortable to accept invitation of the man she hardly knew. At the same time it was difficult to resist his charms.

"Agree, you won't regret" he said kissing her hand.

   She felt goosebumps all over her body because of this voice and his innocent kiss.

"We can apparate right now if you want, so you won't have time to refuse" he said.

"Sounds tempting. But I need to return to Hogwarts. What about tomorrow evening? I'll be free" she replied.

"Wonderful. I also have no plans for tomorrow. I'll be waiting for you impatiently" he said burning her with his gaze.

  She felt growing tension at the bottom of her stomach. She wished to devour his lips. 

  "Ok, Lucius. I need to go. Have a good day"she said.

  Lucius came closer feeling he began to loose control.

  "Anything wrong? You're a little bit strange" he said.

'No, Malfoy. Don't come closer' she thought.

"No, I'm all right. I really need to go" she said.

  Cath ran out of the shop in a hurry and left Lucius standing here in surprise. She forgot the book she bought book at the counter.

  Lucius turned his head and noticed the book.

"One more reason to meet"he said.

                                                                                                            ***
                                                                            Next evening at Malfoy manor