It was a few years after the war. The busy and familiar yet different streets of Diagon Alley was deserted in comparison to other days. Only a few passers-by were strolling casually past the shops and some were hurrying past in thick woolly clothes. The winter season had come early this year. Amidst the few crowds on the streets, two cloaked figures were quietly wandering along the shops, looking at the colourful displays and toys. Neither of them noticed the other for a minute, until the muscular figure glanced up — and promptly froze. "Just be calm, you can do this," he reminded himself. But really, how much had changed since he last saw her? Did she still think halfbloods and mudbloods were still unworthy? Just then, the feminine figure looked up as if feeling his gaze on her. "Oh, um hello Mrs Malfoy," he babbled, feeling like an idiot. She raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow. "Hello to you too, Mr. Potter," she said. "What brings you here?"
"Oh just doing some shopping for Teddy and Andromea, " he said, mentally cursing himself and desperately trying to change the subject. They chatted for a while more, but then Mrs. Malfoy suddenly looked at her watch and said "Oh dear! Look at the time, I must get going, dear, I still have to go home and wrap these gifts." She indicated to her watch. "No problem, I should be meeting Hermione and Ron in a bit too," he said, glancing at the other woman's face. However, she merely smiled and said," I'm sure that will be a delightful affair, unlike those balls Luicius likes to hold just to chat people up and get on the Ministry officials' good sides." He carefully tried to remain his face impassive, though he was sure Mrs. Malfoy was excellent at seeing through people. "By the way, Mr. Potter," she said in parting, "do call me Narcissa, dear."