She always wondered why he was sorted into Hufflepuff.
He was snarky, arrogant, selfish, and countless other things that could describe the ideal Slytherin. But out of everything he could be called, Astoria liked to think that his favorite was 'competitive'.
He silently challenged her to most everything, whether it was to see who could walk to their classes the quickest or who could keep their chin the highest as they walked down the halls.
For years, she couldn't understand how he had landed himself a spot in Hufflepuff. Of course, all good things come to those who wait, and it turned out she didn't have to wait long.
The Yule Ball was approaching, but the only way she would be able to go was if she managed to find a date who was a fourth-year at the least.
Many hints and useless messages later, she found herself going with some guy in her house whom she didn't delay in ditching right after.
Apparently, Zacharias Smith was a coward who couldn't let his self image falter, even if he didn't have one. He could stick with that lame house of his for all she cared.
Except she did.