Late Blooms | Draco Malfoy

Chapter 1

The small bell above the door chimed as I pushed it open, stepping into the familiar warmth of the café. The scent of freshly ground coffee beans mingled with the sweet aroma of pastries, a comforting blend that welcomed me like an old friend. The usual chatter of patrons was notably absent, leaving the place unusually quiet.

I glanced around, noting the sparse crowd. Only a few tables were occupied, a stark contrast to the typical bustling scene. I shrugged off my worn, long coat, shaking off the raindrops that clung to it, and made my way to my favorite corner table by the window. The seat offered a perfect view of the street outside, where muggles hurried past under a gray, drizzling sky, oblivious to the magical world existing just beyond their perception.

Settling into the plush chair, I pulled out the latest edition of a muggle newspaper I found endlessly fascinating. While the news of the magical world often dealt with charms, potions, and dark wizards, muggle affairs were a curious mix of technology, politics, and human drama. I smoothed out the paper, my fingers brushing over the slightly rough texture of the pages.

A soft clink interrupted my thoughts as a steaming cup of tea was placed before me.

"Your usual, miss." Alaena said, the kind waitress who had long since gotten used to my visit and order. Her eyes twinkled as she smiled at me.

"Thank you, Alaena." I replied with a warm smile, lifting the cup to inhale the fragrant steam.

As I sipped my tea, my eyes scanned the headlines. The muggle world was as chaotic as ever, it seemed. Politics were in turmoil, a new technological marvel was about to be unveiled, and a celebrity scandal was dominating the front page. I couldn't help but chuckle at the mundanity and complexity of it all.

The door chimed again, and I glanced up out of habit. A man entered, shaking rain from his hair and before choosing a seat.

He was seemingly middle aged, his presence commanding the room despite his quiet demeanor. His platinum blonde hair, though touched with hints of silver, was impeccably styled, and his sharp, aristocratic features were unmistakable. He sat a table away from mine.

I returned to my paper, but a subtle prickle of magic brushed against my senses. He was out of place, but not dangerous. I decided to keep an eye on him, just in case.

As the afternoon wore on, the café remained quiet, the lull broken only by the occasional hiss of the espresso machine and the soft murmur of conversation from the few other patrons. It was a rare moment of peace, a bubble of tranquility in an otherwise bustling world. Occassionally, I stole glances at the platinum haired man who was staring at the screen of his laptop while sipping his brew. Did I mention he looked at me as well quiet a few times? It was common for men to look at me but this one looked like he was searching for something in me. I brushed it off and paid my attention back to the newspaper.

Finishing my tea, I folded the newspaper and placed it on the table, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Rising from my seat, I donned my coat once more, leaving a few coins on the table as a tip.

With a final nod to Alaena, I stepped back into the rain-soaked streets, the bell chiming behind me. The magical and muggle worlds might be different, but in moments like these, they felt wonderfully intertwined.