Disclaimer: Potterverse belongs to JK Rowling, of course. I only own the plot.
incidentally diagon alley
Draco Malfoy couldn't remember a time he felt worse than a time like this. 'Well, except for that one time Moody turned me into a ferret all because of stupid Potty boy,' he thought, rolling his eyes. He knew he should be grateful to Harry for putting a stop to Voldemort and all the hysteria he caused but well, hate does not dissipate overnight. In fact, he even felt a twinge of jealousy even though he would never admit to it. Subconsciously, he wished he was the one to destroy Voldemort. He wanted so badly to exact revenge on the evil that caused his family to fall apart. Granted, they were never a happy family seeing how Voldemort's rancid influence had already consumed Lucius before he got married to Narcissa but it only fuelled his anger even more.
He almost tripped over a pebble, bringing his thoughts back to the present, which didn't do that much difference to his mood. He was in Diagon Alley, getting his school supplies as he always did every year. 'Except this year I'm shopping alone...' If only he could kick that annoying voice in his head. Yet it was true. He'd never gone school supplies shopping alone and he couldn't help but envy as he watched everyone else around him. There was Crabbe and Goyle with someone that must've been a relative since their parents were Death Eaters; one dead and one in Azkaban. An excited-looking boy who looked like he could've been a first year shot past him, followed closely by anxious yet proud-looking parents. He scowled at their retreating backs and decided to take a breather at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Big mistake.
It was like walking into a movie made for muggle pre-schoolers. Everywhere he looked, people were sitting together with their family members in comfort, talking and laughing as though they had not one single worry in the world. 'Of course they don't, Voldemort is gone.' he thought bitterly, sourly wishing he could share this joy, yet knowing it was impossible.
He quickly placed his order and made his way to the back of the shop, choosing one of the only two empty tables left. The boy slouched backwards in his seat, closing his eyes in search of temporary relief but even that, it seemed, had to be taken away from him.
"Come on, there's an empty table at the back."
"Will it fit all of us, though?"
"Hermione, there's only four of us or have you lost your ability to count over the summer?"
"Oh shut up, Ron."
"Nice comeback, Hermy."
"Ronald if you do not keep your big, fat-"
"Quit it you two, you're always at it."
Draco groaned inwardly and slumped onto his folded hands on the table. Of course, what else could make his day other than having Boy Wonder, School Genius, Weasel King and his Weasel sister intruding on his little personal space by sitting at the next table? He tried remaining in his position, inconspicuous, hoping to avoid any confrontations with his next-table neighbours. 'Maybe they'll just get their ice creams and go-'
"Your sundae, Mr Malfoy." 'Thanks alot, Florean. Not.'
He looked up and nodded in acknowledgement, refusing to glance sideways, knowing full well Potter and company clearly heard his name being called. He picked up his spoon and absentmindedly began poking his ice cream disspiritedly.
"Malfoy? What are you doing here?"
"Eating." He replied monotonously, shoving a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth to demonstrate his point. An acid remark burned on the tip of his tongue, bad habits are just hard to break sometimes but he refrained, knowing if he allowed his habit to take over, he'd end up calling Granger 'mudblood', a word he swore to himself would never escape his lips again. He didn't know yet why but had a strong feeling he'd actually regret his words if he continued insulting everyone left and right like he used to. Regret just wasn't something a Malfoy was accustomed to and he wasn't about to start.
"What, no snappy comeback?" Damn that Weasel, why did he have to test the waters?
"Oh Ron, give it up, just be glad he's not insulting you." Draco exhaled slowly, trying to remember the last time he felt gratitude for Granger and failing.
"Yea let's just hope he keeps his obnoxious, arrogant, annoying mouth closed like that throughout the whole year. Then maybe I'll start believing in miracles." 'The fact that I'm not hexing you left and right should be miracle enough, Weasel King.'
He sighed softly as he stared down into his sundae, his spoon patterning swirls in it as he stirred his ice cream slowly, appetite gone. Stealing a quick glance sidewards he quickly averted his eyes upon making contact with the muggleborn Granger's for a split second. He frowned. 'This is going to be one heck of a long year...'