CHAPTER 2

"MOTHER!" Draco bellowed at the top of his lungs.

Narcissa hurriedly ran into to the living room of Malfoy Manor. "What is it, Draco honey?"

"Why is Hermione Granger's diary on our living room couch?" Draco demanded.

"Now, Draco, don't use that tone with me." She scolded. Draco dipped his head in apology. "Hermione must have left it behind when she came over to tea yesterday."

"Tea?! But, Mother, why was Herm-Granger over for tea?" Draco cursed himself for the near slip-up. As far as he knew, his parents didn't know about him and Hermione. And he wanted to keep it that way, at least for now.

"She came for the bi-weekly S.P.E.W. meeting, of course." Narcissa answered matter-of-factly.

"S.P.E.W.? You joined S.P.E.W.?" Draco asked incredulously.

"So did your father, the Greengrass family, and Pamela and Pansy Parkinson. Oh, and Victoria Zabini as well. It's a wonderful cause, S.P.E.W. I think it's about time the house elves and other magical creatures get decent wages and benefits. Not that we ever treated them badly." She hastily added. "Aren't you a member as well? I think I saw your name on the list once, but you've never-"

"I'm just an honorary member, Mother. I donated a large sum." Draco explained.

"Oh, good. We're receiving more than enough funding, but there's never too much for charity." Narcissa's face brightened into a huge smile. "Why you come to our next meeting, sweetheart? I'm sure Hermione and everyone else will be delighted to see you."

Draco quickly shook his head. "I think I'll pass. I may have donated a lot of money, but I'm not exactly Granger's favorite person."

Narcissa gave a small chuckle and started back to the library. "Maybe if you're lucky, she'll take you back. Perhaps you should owl her and ask her out on a date." She said over her shoulder.

Draco all but fell off the couch. "Take me back?" He echoed. "Ask her out?"

"To return her diary, of course." Narcissa added slyly before turning the corner and disappearing from sight.

"A date. To return her diary." Draco smiled to himself. "A date to return Hermione's diary."