Diagon Alley, located in London, is one of the most bustling commercial streets in the British wizarding world. You can find shops from all the top brands of the magical world here—it's easily the liveliest place in the British wizarding scene.
And Draco was here today, mainly due to an invitation from a certain little princess...
"You said you went all the way to the dragon reserve in Romania?"
Perhaps because they were outside, Pansy was acting like a proper lady, speaking softly as she tilted her head toward Draco's profile. But her wide, curious eyes gave away her true nature as a mischievous little witch.
Draco had actually spent the latter half of his vacation at the Romanian dragon reserve.
It wasn't just the distance that had cost him so much time—dragon reserves were strategic resources, not places outsiders could casually visit. Even just stepping foot in one came at a hefty price. Honestly, if it weren't for the Malfoy name, Draco wouldn't have stood a chance.
Still, despite the time and effort, Draco found the results well worth it...
"There were some things I needed to figure out, so I had to take the time."
"So you postponed my—my invitation until today? No! What's worse is that you didn't even let me come with you!"
Trying to keep up her ladylike image while gritting her teeth, Pansy's forced smile gave off an oddly chilling vibe.
But Draco, who knew her all too well, didn't feel threatened at all. To him, Pansy's pouting face looked more like a spoiled little sister throwing a fit.
Finding it amusing, Draco simply shrugged without explaining. In truth, the fewer people who knew he could communicate with dragons, the better—especially the finer details. He had no intention of letting anyone else in on that for now.
Though, if it was Pansy... he didn't mind telling her about it.
"I'll fill you in later somewhere more private. For now, let's talk about what you mentioned in the letter."
"Alright! Then let's go to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. I haven't had their strange-flavored ice cream in ages!"
As expected, every girl loves sweets. At that moment, Pansy couldn't hold back her excitement and started bouncing around, completely forgetting her ladylike pretense.
Watching her skip ahead while tugging him along, Draco could only follow with a helpless smile.
Unbeknownst to him, if the wizard beside her hadn't been Draco, Pansy would never have shown this side of herself—no matter how much she loved desserts.
Looking at her hand holding his, maybe this was just a girl's little trick...
...
Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour sat in the southeastern corner of Diagon Alley. True to its name, the shop was opened by a wizard named Florean.
The shop's most famous and popular treat was, of course, the "Strange Ice Cream" Pansy had mentioned earlier.
Despite its name, it didn't have much to do with Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. The name came from its main ingredient—fruit from a bizarre tree that grew in Albania.
As for the taste...
"It's way too sweet!"
Draco had ordered a cup out of curiosity after seeing Pansy do the same. But after just one bite, he grimaced and pushed the cloyingly sweet ice cream away.
"Really? I think it's delicious."
...
Across the table, Pansy was taking bite after blissful bite, her expression like she'd stepped into some kind of magical wonderland.
Draco didn't get it. He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling like if he didn't, he might just pull out his wand and blast this offensively saccharine ice cream parlour into oblivion.
Still trying to wash the overwhelming sweetness from his mouth, Draco rested his chin on his hand and glanced suspiciously around at the other customers...
"So that's why none of the male wizards are eating it."
It looked like these unfortunate souls had all been dragged here by their dates. They must've been here before—otherwise, they wouldn't be watching Draco with such gleeful schadenfreude.
"What are you mumbling about? Not going to finish it?"
"...You can have it."
"Don't mind if I do!"
...
Watching Pansy happily accept the rest, Draco started to wonder if there was something wrong with his taste buds.
He rubbed the corners of his stiff mouth and turned away, deciding to ignore the biochemical weapon sitting on the table...
"Ahem... so, can we talk about the letter now?"
"Ugh…"
Pansy looked up at him with a spoon still in her mouth, frowning slightly as she shook her head.
"Ate too fast. Brain freeze."
"..."
Even with how adorably dumb she looked right now, Draco had the sudden urge to steal the spoon from her lips, mess up her hair, and maybe pinch her cheek—if they weren't in public, he might have actually done it...
"If I weren't worried about you flipping the table, I would've already."
"Hm?"
"Nothing. Take your time."
"Mhm!"
For some reason, Pansy seemed even more soft and cuddly than usual.
Draco glanced at the cheerful girl, then eyed the now-empty cup suspiciously. Was there something weird in that ice cream...?
...
Pansy's good mood was infectious, and Draco found himself starting to enjoy the rare moment of peace.
Since their seats were near the street, Draco passed the time watching the steady stream of witches and wizards coming and going.
While Pansy was completely absorbed in her sugar overload and the time they were spending together, she didn't notice the sudden flicker in Draco's expression—or the familiar voice nearby...
"Let me see... Books for second year… Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2, and the entire Gilderoy Lockhart collection!"
It was Hermione Granger, head down as she checked the parchment in her hand. From what she was saying, she'd come to Diagon Alley today to shop for supplies for her second year.
Draco hadn't expected to see her here. He squinted in her direction.
It had only been a summer break, but… what was up with that silky hair? Did she use magic?
...
[Up to 50 chapters ahead for now]
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