Chapter 35
The hustle and bustle of the city seemed familiar to Harry now, the smell of a black cab pollution was almost comforting. Harry loved London, loved the people, the nostalgia and most of all the noise. People all around, laughing, chatting, market sellers calling out to passers by, it was all wonderful.
He didn't have long to contemplate his favourite city, he had to get Draco a present and get back before he noticed Harry was gone. This would be tricky Harry thought, seeing as he had no clue what to actually buy Draco. He realised his best bet was to just start walking through the streets hoping the right gift would jump out at him.
As he began prowling he noticed something in a shop window, a remote control car, normally advertised to children but Harry knew who would love this present, Mr.Weasley. He strode into the shop grabbed the right box and prayed that the queue wasn't too long. Thankfully it wasn't and he was out in no time, although he was glad to have found something for Mr. Weasley, he hadn't yet found something for the person he came to London to buy for.
He checked the time, he'd already been ten minutes Draco was probably looking for him by now. Harry was to the point of admitting defeat and turned down a quiet side street to apparate discreetly. Just as the words were about to leave his mouth Harry noticed the small quaint vintage shop the stood alone down the street. For some reason Harry felt he ought to have a look just in case.
The bell on the door rang cheerfully as he entered, breaking the silence in the empty shop. Not a soul in sight Harry began carelessly glancing over the clutter that covered most of the shop. Most of it was useless bric a brac, old ornaments, vases, lamps, the odd big piece of vintage furniture. Harry wondered how the shop had managed to stay in business, between London prices and the thick layer of dust that blanketed the entire place he doubted that nuisances was booming.
Just as he was about to give up on his unlikely venture something caught the corner of his eye. Underneath a pile of old books with no names, hid an ancient record player. The poor thing look as if it hadn't been used in decades, but even so there was still a curious beauty about it. It seemed to be made out of a chestnut kind of wood, and it's speaker and metal parts were all silver. It reminded him of a certain someone, and in particular a certain memory. An image of Draco humming along to a classic symphony or singing away to an 80s hit, while the record player stood proudly beside him.
"Ah so you've spotted yourself a little buried treasure I see?" And old croak spoke behind him.
He turned to see that the owner of the voice was a quaint looking old woman. Her silver white hair was long and curly, her skin was leathered and covered in lines of both frowns and laughter. But despite this her eyes shone a bright blue, still young looking and curious. Where she'd appeared from Harry had no idea.
"Uh, yes...I think?" Harry stuttered.
"It still works you know? You won't find a record player so beautiful even if you searched the whole earth."
Harry secretly doubted both of those statements, but smiled to humour the old woman.
"I'll play it for you if you like? I have some records behind the counter."
To Harry's surprise the woman spoke truly and an unknown tune began to play. It's jaunty melody adding to the strangeness of the whole encounter.
"I'll take it." Harry decided, it was the perfect gift for Draco.
"Okay my dear, that will be ten pounds."
That shocked Harry, he was expecting to pay a lot more than that, for an antique.
"Oh, are you sure? I'll buy all those records too." He offered, anyway he wouldn't have time to buy anymore before Christmas.
"Yes they're already included my sweet." She grinned.
Harry couldn't believe it, what a steal. He almost felt bad for the poor woman, anybody else would have charged him triple her price. He fished for the money in his pocket, pulling out a twenty pound note.
"Here you go, and keep the change."
He had little use for Muggle money anyhow.
"Thank you kind boy, I hope your love enjoys the gift, good day." She nodded knowingly, and disappeared into the back of the shop.
As Harry stepped out of the shop, shaking his head at the whole ordeal. He knew he had to get back to Hogsmead now, before anyone noticed he was gone.
**
Once back at Hogsmead Harry retuned to the same spot he stood at earlier, waiting for Draco outside the clothes shop. He quickly put the gift into his backpack that Hermione had charmed so that he'd be able to fit quite a lot in. Knowing the blonde, he'd still be in there, soaking in the new designs and fabrics. Harry was right and a few minutes later Draco emerged from the boutique with two huge bags.
"Merlin Draco how many clothes does one person need?" He asked, astounded.
"Well it depends on the person now doesn't it." Draco retorted.
The two of them didn't spend much longer in Hogsmead. They visited Honeydukes and a few of the best shops but not long later the began heading back to the school.
"So did you get everything you needed?" Draco asked coyly, looking at Harry from the corner of his eye.
"Yeah I think so." Harry replied, smirking.
He couldn't wait for Christmas now.