The Houses Competition
Slytherin, DADA (Stand-in)
Prompt: [Emotion] Loneliness
Word Count: 597 words
Beta'ed by: VanillaAshes, Aya Diefair, Fires-of-Eden-Red-Rose-Aurora
Breakfast Musings
Pansy played lightly with a crumb that rested on the edge of her plate. Pushing her finger against the edge of her toast, she moved the piece enough that it slid off the porcelain. She picked it up and dangled it between her finger and thumb.
Around her, the Great Hall was abuzz with noise; people shouting happily and laughter echoed through the air, making Pansy cringe. The loudest laugh she could hear was the one that came from the Gryffindor table—more specifically, from Ron Weasley.
Pansy scowled as she took a loud, crunching bite of her toast, marmalade delicately bouncing over her tongue. Another piece was ripped off as Pansy watched the Golden Trio—a name that made the bile rise into Pansy's throat—eat their breakfast and joke around. A piece of bacon went flying through the air, chucked by an exasperated looking Granger. It landed on the plate in front of Weasley who just put it in his mouth and crunched down on it. The uncultured swine. Why would anyone accept that as their friend?
The large wooden doors to the Hall opened again and in walked some of the Slytherin boys. Pansy raised her hand in a wave at Draco and his cronies, hoping that he'd take the hint and sit with her. Maybe it'll make it less obvious that I'm sitting alone if the seats beside me are filled.
But they walked right past and sat down away from her. Pansy opened her mouth to say something, but watching the boys chatter rapidly, a snort escaping from the mouth of Goyle, she knew that she didn't want to interrupt them. It's not like they wanted to talk to her anyway.
Pansy scanned her gaze over the room, trying to find someone who looked as bored as she felt. The only one she could see was Luna Lovegood and she appeared to be talking to herself. Well, at least I'm not that bad.
Pansy sighed to herself, pulling her coffee closer and taking a sip of the bitter liquid. She cradled the cup between her hands, willing the warmth to remove the loneliness that settled like ice in her bones.
"Pansy," Draco called, breaking through the fog that had settled over her.
"Yes?" she replied, turning to face him. Finally!
"I asked for the kippers," he said, his eyebrow rising at her accidental slight.
"Of course." She lifted the heavy plate, the salty fish smell invaded her nostrils and she fought the urge to grimace as she held the plate out.
Draco picked out the ones he wanted—the biggest ones, of course—and then turned back to his conversation.
"You're welcome," Pansy huffed out quietly as she placed the plate back down, shoving it slightly further to try and push the smell away.
Pansy went back to cradling her coffee cup, staring down at the dark, swirling liquid. Taking another drink, she savoured the taste. Glancing quickly at her watch, she noticed the time, thankful to see that it was time to leave. Another space of time filled by watching others live happier lives.
"Pansy, are you coming with us?" Daphne called softly, waiting beside the table, her arm linked through Tracey's. Sure, why not? The darling duo.
Pansy sighed, resisting rolling her eyes before draining the rest of her coffee. Standing up, she painted on her practiced smile and followed the girls out the door. At least when I walk with people, it makes it less obvious. I'm the only one who knows. I'm lonely in a sea of people.