Written for the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (Challenges and Assignments) Term 14
Hogwarts Assignment 9: Ghost Hunting - Task 1 - Salt: Write about an irritable, bitter, or angry person
Word count - 360
Astoria sprinted into the room with a letter in her hand. Draco had his back turned to her, his head low as he read a book, so he didn't pay her any mind. She threw herself on the couch, making as much noise as possible to try and get his attention, but to no avail. Draco didn't even flinch.
Astoria wasn't going to give up that easily. She waved the letter around this time, but nothing happened again, so she got up and sat on the floor by his feet. She looked up at him, patiently waiting for him to acknowledge her.
"Can I help you?" he asked, dryly.
She raised an eyebrow at his tone.
"Well, I'm not sure anymore," she replied defensively, crossing her arms.
He seemed to have noticed his attitude was not ideal, and closed his book to look directly at her.
"I'm listening," he told her.
His body language showed her that he was not alright, and absolutely not paying as much attention to her as she wanted him to. Something was clearly bothering him.
"No. I am listening, now. Tell me what's wrong."
"There's nothing wrong," he said, monotone.
"Draco," she insisted. "What's wrong?"
He rolled his eyes. "Nothing, I told you already."
Astoria took a deep breath and massaged her temples. "Last chance, Malfoy."
He considered her, before leaning towards her and resting his elbows on his thighs.
"You kicked me out of the kitchen."
"Huh?" She stared at him.
"You were baking something, I wanted to help. You said I was too slow and kicked me out of the kitchen," he explained.
"And you didn't think to come and tell me that?" He shrugged. "I love the way you just sit in a corner and brood instead of talking to me."
He didn't say anything.
"I'm sorry. I didn't think it had upset you that much." She cracked a smile. "Can I tell you the big news I just got?"
Draco relaxed visibly and smiled. Astoria knew that if there was one thing that would always peak his interest, that thing was gossip, and she had a really hot one to relay.