[✓] 𝘗𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 ,𝘋.𝘔𝘹𝘍𝘦𝘮𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳,

8| An old Friend

''𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙢𝙚, 𝙂𝙚𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚.''

𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆, 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲. Slowly bringing myself out towards the others again. It just drained me to think about how I would show myself to the trio and my small group of Slytherin friends. They surely cared the most. It scared me to think about who we were seeing first.

Draco had Apparated us to Diagon Alley. Last time I was here, I was here with Teddy. We were getting his usual school stuff, along with his wand. I also happened to buy some ingredients for a batch of Wolfsbane, some that I couldn't find anywhere. 

There weren't many people, since most of the shops looked like they were going to be closing soon. I seen Ollivander's shop at the end of the path. Eeylope's Owl Emporium wasn't far from that. Flourish and Blotts, the books still stacked inside and some outside. Before I could fantasize anymore, Draco had beckoned me to follow him. 

The both of us moved down the trail, Draco with his hands in his pockets. The rain had ceased for the time being. The lingering smell of the fallen water had filled my nose. Draco then stopped walking, causing me to do the same and give him a questioning look. He gestured his head to the shop beside us, one that I hadn't seen earlier. 

Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

My breath hitched, getting caught in my throat at the sight of the ginger statue lifting the hat just for a rabbit to appear. The products in the windows had been scarce, only a few of them left. The paint on the outside of the building looked shiny and almost new. 

''I'll come with you.'' Draco offered, coming to stand next to me.

I switched my gaze to stare up at the blonde. ''Thank you.'' Out of instinct, I went to grab his hand, but I stopped early and put my hand back down. Draco hadn't seen it, so, it wouldn't be awkward. 

Pushing down the feeling that I had, I walked towards the door. The inside was dimmed, so I couldn't really see anything through the window. Pulling open the door, I had heard the ringing of the bell from above. Draco followed close behind, close enough to where I could feel his arm rub past mine. 

Again, I ignored the feeling to hold his hand. 

''I'm sorry, the shop is closed now.'' I perked up at the voice. 

George was standing at the counter, his back turned towards Draco and I. He didn't turn around when he spoke and he seemed to be sorting through some sort of papers. I shared another look with Draco, who reassured me the best he could. 

''I was just hoping to get some extra hours in.'' 

George's head lifted from the papers, which had fallen out of his hands and onto the counter. He looked over his shoulder, spotting Draco and I. His eyes widened and he fully turned around.