Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.
Written for;
Can You Make It To The End, Round 2 - Flourish and Blotts.
Magical World Tour - Christmas Tree.
Shopping Dilemma
Harry hated shopping. With a fiery burning passion. Yet, there was nothing for it, because it was almost Christmas and he didn't really have much of a choice. He'd done most of his shopping, thankfully, but he still had to fight his way through the hoards in the bookshop.
Flourish and Blotts was battered. People fighting for space in the aisles as they searched out that particular book that their parents, aunts, uncles, children, spouses couldn't live without this Christmas. Harry pushed through the crowd, exceedingly grateful that nobody was paying enough attention to recognise him.
He'd already signed more autographs than was healthy when he first arrived in Diagon Alley, and he'd hidden behind a giant Christmas Tree in Madam Malkin's to the shopkeepers amusement.
"Potter."
Harry closed his eyes. Why? Why did it have to be him? Of all people? Harry'd sign a million autographs before he had to face the man now standing behind him. Turning slowly, Harry offered a wan smile.
"Severus."
"What are you doing here?" Snape asked, a sneer on his face.
"Um… it's a book shop. I'm buying a pet?" Harry replied, rolling his eyes. "Really?"
"I'm actually surprised that you know what a book shop is, Harry."
Harry shook his head. "No, you're not. Remember, you saved me from the book avalanche more than once when I was doing my Mastery."
Snape snorted. "True. Alright, I'll rephrase my question. Who are you shopping for?"
"Ah… Hermione," Harry lied. He'd already bought Hermione a very pretty jumper and bracelet.
"I see. In the potions section?"
"Yep."
"Really?"
"Yep."
"Liar," Snape replied with a chuckle. "You should know that I already own everything worth buying in this shop."
Harry huffed. "Fine. I'm done for today then, which means I can get out of this hell hole. Dinner?"
"Of course. Muggle London?"
"Hell no. If you think this is madness, I dare you to go to Muggle London. Hogsmeade?"
"I'll meet you there."
Harry smiled as they parted ways. Maybe he didn't completely hate shopping after all.
