Once inside, I glanced around excitedly. There were hordes of people carrying armfuls of bags, interestingly decorated store windows, and the smells of the food court wafted down from above. I hauled Draco over to a “You are here” sign, and began skimming through the store names. Satisfied with the locations of the stores I wanted to go to, I started to walk through the mobs of people. I noticed Draco didn't seem very impressed. He wore a slight grimace, hands shoved into his pockets.
“Hey, if you're going to be 'Draco the Downer', you can go back home. I'm fine by myself,” I spoke, as nonchalantly as I could. Inside, I was protesting the thought profusely. I want him to stay with me.
We passed a group of college age boys sitting on a bench, and they erupted in a chorus of wolf whistles and cat calls. I just rolled my eyes, sighing in annoyance. However, Draco now wore a huge scowl. His arm snaked around my waist, and he pulled me to his side.
“You expect me to leave you here with Horndogs like that roaming around? Get real, Sinistra. Like it or not, you're stuck with me.”
“Suit yourself, Mr. Overprotective.” I gave him one of my best smirks, but inside, my heart was swelling.
He feels protective of me. I've never had anyone to protect me, it's always just been me, myself, and I. Granted, I'm not the sort of girl who seeks protection, but it's nice to know that someone cares enough. It's stupid of me to keep encouraging these feelings though, because I'm only going to get myself hurt in the end. This is Draco Malfoy we're talking about, the conniving, heartless Slytherin Prince. I don't even think he's capable of loving someone.
We continued our hunt for the perfect Christmas presents, or rather, I did and Draco just tagged along, never once leaving my side. My first stop was Burberry, though the sales woman there was really snotty. I don't think she believed I'd be able to pay for anything the store offered, but she shut up quickly when I payed for my purchases with a large wad of 100 dollar bills. I picked out a black V-neck cardigan for Hermione, a short cotton trench coat in a lovely shade of navy for Ginny, a brown leather jacket lined with sheepskin for Ron, and a beige lined field jacket for Harry.
The next store we went to was Betsey Johnson, because despite all of the lovely clothes Narcissa had bought me, I couldn't just walk by the store. Draco lounged on the leather chaise while I tried on heaps upon heaps of clothes. I left with 2 dresses, a jacket, a bag, and a gorgeous pair of peep toe boots. Being wealthy had it's perks, I had to admit.
We also hit up Hot Topic, Deb, Wet Seal, Godiva, and a jewelry store which I can't recall the name of. I bought more skinnies and tees for myself, some chocolates for Ron's brothers, Fred and George (although I had never met them before, I didn't want to be rude), some Italian charms for my mother's bracelet, a pair of diamond earrings for Narcissa, and a new gold pocket-watch for my father, collectively.
“Bloody Hell, Corinna! As much as I love smothering to death in a mountain of bags, are you nearly done?” Draco exclaimed sarcastically over the armloads of packages he was holding.
He was so hidden behind the stacks of presents that I couldn't even see his face. I gave a small laugh, taking some of the bags from his arms. He'd been the one that offered to carry my bags in the first place, though.
“Someone's getting snippy,” I grinned sardonically. “But yes, I've bought everyone's gift but yours. So, be a Dear and take these bags back to the manor for me, and I'll catch up with you after I get your present,” I handed the bags back to him and turned to go.
“Oh, no you don't, I'm not letting you out of my sight.” Judging by his tone, he meant business.
He snapped his fingers and a trio of house elves appeared in front of us. He handed them the bags, whispered something I couldn't decipher, and they disappeared again. Merlin, he can't summon his elves in front of muggles. Luckily though, no one appeared to have noticed.
“How in the Hell am I supposed to get you anything if you won't let me out of your sight?” I cried, planting my hands on my hips.
Draco rolled his eyes skyward, sighing deeply. He looked at me for a moment before giving in.
“Fine then. You've got 10 minutes, no more, no less. If you aren't back at this exact spot by then, so help me...” he broke off, staring at me severely.
“Yes, Mother,” I drawled for effect, before scurrying off in the other direction.
Draco's P.O.V
I slumped onto a wooden bench, running my fingers through my hair. She's such a kind person, buying all of those expensive presents for everyone. I don't deserve her. How could such a nice, intelligent girl like her like someone as vain and cold-hearted as me. This must be Karma, biting me in the arse for everything vile I've ever done. Drop a smart, kind, and beautiful girl with a great sense of humor in, screw with my feelings, and then have her think I'm a complete jerk. Well, at the very least, I can still make her smile
I glanced around at the storefront displays, hoping to pass some time. I didn't find anything very interesting in the ones that I could see from my seat on the bench, so I stood up and began to stroll past some more. I had ten minutes before Corinna would come back, anyway. My eyes found a window display with a small metal pen. I walked up to the glass and peered inside, a small black ball of fluff rolled around inside the pen.
A tiny black kitten with large round eyes stared at me curiously through the glass, and I had a flashback from the previous night.
“kittens make me happy,” she giggled. “I've always wanted a kitten.”
All I want is for her to be happy, to smile that contagious smile of hers and to look at me with those dazzling eyes.
I smiled lightly to myself, taking one last look at the kitten, and entering the shop.
Corinna's P.O.V.
I walked straight to the jewelry store where I had bought my parents' and Narcissa's gifts, recalling a really nice watch I had seen. I found it in the display case and flagged down an employee. The watch was silver with an interesting pattern of links and roman numerals.
“How can I help you, miss?” the same woman from before inquired with a smile.
“I'd like to see that watch, please,” I pointed, indicating the silver watch.
She unlocked the glass case and removed the watch, placing it into my hands. I looked it over anxiously, running my finger along the silver links. Would he like it?
“Alright, I'll take it,” I said, pulling out my wallet.
The woman took the watch from me, and placed it in a small box. She rang up my total, and I thanked her with a smile.
“If you don't mind me asking,” She said, handing me the box. “Who are you buying the watch for?”
“Oh, it's for my...um...friend,” I stammered, blushing profusely at my hesitation. Why did I hesitate? It's not like he's my boyfriend, so of course he's classified as a friend.
“That handsome blond boy who was in here with you earlier?” She asked, her smile widening.
“Yeah, it's his Christmas present,” I said softly, walking towards the door.
“Well, I bet he'll love it!” she called, her voice enthusiastic.
I sure hope so.
When I got back to the place where I promised to meet Draco, I found him sitting on a bench, staring off into space. I took this opportunity to sneak up behind him and cover his eyes with my hands.
“Hey Blondie, guess who?” I whispered in his ear.
“Santa Claus?” He chuckled, removing my hands from his eyes.
We wandered up to the food court because I was hungry again, and Draco bought me a milkshake and curly fries. I offered to pay for my own food, but he insisted that he wanted to. While I nibbled on my fries, my mind began to wander.
I can't help but notice how weird this all is. I mean, the cupcakes, the shopping trip, the paying for my food. It's almost like Draco has an alternate personality when he isn't surrounded by his Slytherin gang. I have to say though, I think I like this Draco better.
![Nemici Da Amanti [A Draco Malfoy love Story]](https://img.wattpad.com/cover/629544-64-k600332.jpg)