Snakes | Draco Malfoy x Male!reader

Ch.18: Hogsmeade

The past week went by fast, classes were boring as always and being around others was a constant. Serenity wrote me back, she seemed hesitant at first but overall agreed to let me stay with Draco. She told me she would send my gifts over to the Malfoy Manor to be opened on Christmas Day.

I packed my trunk with clothes and other necessities. The train wasn't going to leave until the late afternoon so I had time to do what I pleased since it was very early in the morning. I had to be quiet since my roommates were still dead asleep.

Carefully, I crept out of the room and down to the Great Hall. It was strange to not wear my uniform in the castle. I still wanted to look neat so I wore black trousers, a Sleeveless black shirt, and a dark green bomber jacket. Sadly, I never got the blood stains out of my shoes... They are permanent.

As I quietly ate breakfast alone at the Slytherin table I began to wonder what I should get Draco for Christmas. I'd have time to get to hogsmeade and back before the train leaves if I left within the hour. What are some things that he likes? Recently he has been reading lots of books... maybe I could get him some candy too? It would be funny to see his face after eating something sour. Perhaps I could buy him a portable potion brewing case? Wait, I don't have much money... Nevermind.

Finishing my breakfast I started to walk towards one end of the castle. It's very quiet and peaceful this early when everyone's asleep. I zoned out while listening to the snow crunch beneath my feet as I left the castle. Lightly humming I crossed the long rickety bridge. Luckily hogsmeade wasn't too far away.

I entered the long strip of shops with my wand in one pocket and my wallet in the other. I walked into a few of the stores just to browse for myself before heading towards honeydukes. As I walked around the store I couldn't find anything that I knew Draco would be overly happy about. Chocolate frogs and gummy wands are cool and all but... would he love it. I sighed as I walked out of the store, maybe getting him a book would be alright?

It took a while to find since this place was like a maze but I eventually stumbled on Tomes and Scrolls, the book store. The warm and inviting smell of old books flooded the air as a younger looking man sat by the register. He smiled at me with shining eyes, almost as if he hadn't seen a person in a long while.

"Hey! Can I help you find anything?" He questioned.

"I'm looking for something for a friend, I'm not sure exactly what to get though.." I shared.

"What kind of books do they read?"
"Romantic.. I think?"
"Hmm. Boy or girl?"
"Boy." I said.

The young man who seemingly was around my age got up and gestured to me to follow him. We stood in front of a tall bookshelf with a moving ladder attached to it.

"Is he gay, straight, or in between?" The boy whispered to me.

"Oh uh.. I'm not sure?" I was surprised that he asked me this, guys liking guys isn't really common in the open.

The cashier looked me up and down before climbing the ladder to grab a specific book.

"This is a romance novel where the main characters are partners in crime. They are the villains and hated by the world, but their love is all they need. Also it implys that they are gay without actually bringing up who is what." He looked down and smiled at me.

I caught the book as he tossed it to me. The two of us walked back to the register.

"Will that be all?" He asked.

"Oh uh, could I have a quick look around for myself actually? I saw a book that caught my eye." I rubbed the back of my head.

The boy nodded as he started to wrap the book in parchment. I quickly walked over to the kids section where I saw a familiar title a little earlier.
"The magical land of Noom" and "Alice in wonderland" were the main titles that caught my eye. I hadn't seen or read them since I was little, I used to own my own copies before Mum died. They have a warm and special place in my heart, man.. I can't wait to see my family again.

I grabbed the two books and approached the store clerk, then placed the books in front of him. The boy raised a brow at me.

"Do you have siblings?" He asked.

"No, these two are for me."
"Uh huh, by the way... what's your name?"
"Oh, Y/N Travers, yours?"
"Leo Martin" he smiled.

He wrapped the two other books separately in a different color so I knew what belongs to who. I barely had enough but I was able to pay for all three of them before I quickly left the store. Looking down on my watch I realized I had spent a lot longer than I had thought I would at Hogsmeade.

I thought it would be smart to sprint most of the way back to cut down on time, the icy air stung my face and ears as I sprinted down the bridge. When I made it to the castle I was out of breath. Judging on where the sun was, it was at least early afternoon.

I jogged down the halls and down to the basement where my common room was, I quickly burst through the passageway. People, including Malfoy, were gathered on the couches as I quickly walked to my room. I grabbed my trunk and tossed it to my bed before quickly opening it to throw in two of the books. I was going to keep The Magical Land of Noom with me for the train ride.

Behind me I heard the bedroom door open and then quickly shut.

"Y/n?" Draco called.

"Huh, what?" I said while quickly shutting my trunk before he could see.

"You should stick with me for a while since we are leaving in a few hours... By the way, nice outfit." He said with an impatient look.

"Oh, yeah sure, uhhh one sec though....also thanks." I turned back around.

I quickly zipped my bag shut and dragged it towards the door. Then I followed Draco out to the common room with the rest of our friends laughed and giggled at whatever stupid thing Blaise was saying.

I'm going to miss these rascals but at least I won't be entirely alone. The thought of being with a friend made me smile as we all sat together.