I'm preparing to go out again today, but this time of my own accord. There's a new book out that I just must have. Harry has volunteered to come with me, even though he hates going to the book shop, just in case we run into Ron or Lavender.
“Are you ready?” Harry asks, stopping by my door.
“Yeah. Let's go.” I say, following him downstairs.
Once we get to Diagon Alley, our first stop is Weasley Wizard Wheezes. Fred and George make sure we don't leave empty handed. On our way to the book shop, we stop in front of a new shop.
“Why don't we check it out?” Harry suggests. I shrug and we walk in. Seeing all the vials on shelves, I realise it must be an Apothecary shop.
“Is there anything I can help you with?” A familiar silky voice asks from behind us. I turn to see the black hair, pale skin, and crooked nose of our former professor.
“Hello, Professor Snape.” I say politely.
“Ms. Granger, you are no longer a student and I am no longer a professor.” Snape says before turning to Harry. “Though if rumors prove to be true, that is another title that you have collected, Mr. Potter.”
“I hope for it to be more than a title, but yes I accepted the position of Defense professor.” Harry tells him.
“I see you haven't made up with the weasel.” Snape observes. I raise my eyebrow, wondering how he knew. “Lucius mentioned it one day. I've taken Draco on as an apprentice.” He waves his arm and the younger Malfoy appears, as if out of nowhere.
“Granger. Potter.” He greets politely.
“Malfoy.” Harry replies cutely.
“How have you been?” I ask.
“Better than I was.” Draco replies shortly.
“Is there anything you were looking for.” Snape asks again.
“Do you have any rose extract?” Harry asks. “Ginny's been going on about some sort of weird frosting.” He says, shrugging when he realises that everyone is staring at him.
“Of course. Draco, if you would.” Snape says, gesturing with his hand.
“Are you still with the Weaslette?” I hear Draco ask with disgust as he leads Harry away.
“Anything for you?” Snape asks me.
“I was just looking.” I tell him, turning to look at the dried toads’ eyes.
After a few minutes, I realise that the toads’ eyes aren't the only ones watching me. I turn to find Snape staring at me.
“Is there a reason you are staring at me, sir?” I ask sharply.
“Severus, please, call me Severus.” He says before answering my question. “I was simply wondering why Lucius has taken such an interest in you.”
“What?” I say surprised. “What do you mean taken an interest?”
“Nothing to worry about.” Sn-Severus says, smoothly brushing it away. “It's probably just a curiosity.”
“Right.” I say unconvinced. Before I can say anything more Harry and Draco come back into sight.
“How much for this?” Harry asks, holding up the small vial.
“Three gallons.” Severus tells him and Harry hands him the correct coinage.
“Anything for you?” Harry asks me.
“I don't think so.” I reply.
“Well then we had best be going.” He says before turning to Severus and Draco. “We'll see you around.”
“Farewell Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger.” Severus says before turning and disappearing among the shelves.
“Owl me sometime, Potter. Good-bye Granger.” Draco says before he too disappears from sight.
We leave the shop and walk down the street before I stop and turn to him.
“So what was that all about?” I ask with a raised eyebrow.
“Apparently Draco didn't know about Ginny and Pansy.” Harry tells me.
“Draco? It's Draco now?” I ask.
“Yeah well, he said he wanted to start over. He apologised for all the things he said and did in school. I thought he was speaking truthfully, so I accepted.” He says shrugging.
“So it was the honesty, not your crush on him, that led you to accept his apology?” I ask.
“Yes, completely.” He says before realising what I said. “Wait, how did you know that? I'm I that obvious?” He asks, concerned.
“No, you're not that obvious. I just know you that well.” I tell him laughing.
“So, you're not mad or anything?” He asks hesitantly.
“Why would I be mad? Sure he was a douche in school but that doesn't mean he is now. He didn't insult us every chance he had so he must be better.” I tell him. “I just want you to be happy, Harry. After everything you've been through you deserve it.”
“You deserve it too, Mione. For all the years you've put up with me.” He says grinning. I laugh and we continue with our trip.
