Shifting Loyalties - A Drarry & Severitus Fanfic

Chapter 33 - Jealousy in Diagon Alley

Late Summer, 1992

The sun shone brightly over Diagon Alley, casting a warm, golden glow on the bustling cobblestone streets. Families moved between shops, collecting supplies for the upcoming Hogwarts year, children chattering excitedly while parents carried lists of textbooks and potion ingredients.

Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape walked side by side, their presence commanding attention as they navigated the busy street. Behind them, Harry and Draco walked together, though the air between them was tense. Draco had been distant, avoiding Harry for weeks now, and Harry could feel the irritation bubbling inside him. It wasn't like Draco to be so closed off, and Harry hated that his friend wouldn't just tell him what was wrong.

"Did you see the new Nimbus model in the window at Quality Quidditch Supplies?" Harry asked, trying to start a conversation. "It's supposed to be even faster than the Nimbus 2000!"

"Yeah, I saw it," Draco replied shortly, his eyes flickering away from Harry. He wasn't in the mood for small talk, not with everything weighing on his mind.

Harry frowned, frustration boiling beneath his calm exterior. He wanted to push Draco, to demand answers, but he held himself back. Not here. Not now.

They reached Flourish and Blotts, where the boys immediately headed inside to collect their required books. Lucius and Severus lingered by the door, quietly discussing their next stop on the list.

Harry wandered off to find his Defense Against the Dark Arts textbook, while Draco hung back, watching as Harry moved through the shelves. Draco's eyes narrowed slightly when he noticed a group of Slytherin girls nearby, whispering and giggling as they glanced over at Harry.

One of them, Pansy Parkinson, nudged her friend before making her way over to where Harry stood. Draco felt his stomach twist as he watched her approach.

"Hi, Harry," Pansy said, her voice sweet as she smiled at him. "Looking for your books?"

Harry looked up, startled. "Uh, yeah. Just getting the ones for Defense."

Pansy giggled, twirling a strand of her hair between her fingers. "I could help you, if you want. I've already found mine."

Harry smiled politely, though there was little interest behind his eyes. "Thanks, but I've got it."

Draco felt his chest tighten, jealousy clawing at him as he watched Pansy flirt with Harry. He clenched his jaw, his hands balling into fists at his sides. He couldn't stand there any longer—couldn't bear to watch.

Without another word, Draco turned and stormed out of the shop, the bell above the door jingling as he stepped onto the crowded street.

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Severus, who had been watching from near the entrance, noticed Draco's sudden exit. He sighed softly, exchanging a look with Lucius before following the boy outside.