It's not easy to explain, but . . .

Chapter 32

"I doubt seriously if we would have seen each other, in any case; there's too many students streaming from building to building to be able to locate anyone without knowing their schedule,"  Emma reassured her.  "Besides, with our shooting schedule over here, I wasn't really a full time student, in any case; just got there when I could, took the classes available that term and then I was gone again.  Plus, I was starting to do fashion photo shoots and traveling for premieres  . . . it's been quite hectic."

"That's how I kept track of you, through the Muggle fashion magazines and newspaper articles.  Picked up a few fashion pointers along the way, too," smirked Draco, before taking a drink of pumpkin juice and winking at Emma over the rim.

"You do look quite GQ, Draco.  As do you," Emma added, turning to look at Draco's father.  "But I heard you and Cissa were caravanning, Lucius, and wondered if you have discovered L. L. Bean?  It's just north  . . . " Emma started to explain.

"Oh, Merlin," gasped Narcissa. "Don't get him started, Emma, we'll be here all week!"

"Well, that's hardly fair!" pouted Lucius, as Draco laughed out loud.  "Yes, Emma.  To answer your question, I have been to that renowned establishment of all things pertaining to the outdoors.  In fact, I have a L. L. Bean credit card right here."  He snapped his fingers and a bright plastic rectangle appeared in his hand.  "Ta-Da!"

Emma looked at the proud owner of the very sign that he'd truly embraced living in the Muggle world and turned toward Narcissa, who was rolling her eyes and Draco, who almost immediately collapsed in roaring hysterics, joined a second later by Emma, Narcissa and finally Lucius, when he realized what was so funny.

Regaining her composure, Emma reached over and took hold of Lucius' arm.  "It's really a good thing, Lucius.  It means you have learned a thing or two since all this began.  I swear by their 'duck boots', myself.  Won't go on location without them!"

"Actually, I have a pair for mucking about in my garden," admitted Narcissa, sheepishly.  "And their parkas are so warm, but still stylish," she added.

"Agreed.  I also love their canvas totes . . . . . ' Emma leaned toward the witch and was soon deep in conversation  about the merits of various clothes options available.

"Draco, we seem to have lost their attention," noted Lucius, looking over at his son.

"Let them chat, Father.  I know Hermione has grown to know you and Mother over the years, but this side of you is new to Emma.  I imagine it's still a bit of a shock, after only having to deal with your Death Eater persona, even if it was an actor and not the real you," Draco replied.  "She seems remarkably at ease with all that our world means, isn't she?" he added, watching the two women chatting away. 

Lucius was watching Draco as he observed the Muggle and the Witch chatting like sorority sisters.  He'd never seen that look in his son's eyes before . . . Draco wasn't just observing; he was memorizing Emma's every feature, every expression, every inflection in her voice . . . . 'Merlin,' thought Lucius, 'I think he's falling in love with her. . . pity . . . they'll never have the chance to be together, once she has returned to her own time, with no memory of all of this.'

Lucius turned and looked at Severus, who had been sitting quieting, sipping his cup of tea and listening to the banter between Lucius, Cissa and Emma.  He, too, had also observed Draco watching Emma and when his eyes met Lucius', both raised an eyebrow, a smile twitching the corners of their mouths.

* **

"We live Godric's Hollow, in Harry's parents house," Ginny informed them.

"What?  But . . . wasn't that  . . . hard, knowing your parents died there, Harry?" Dan gasped.