Challenge 3: steam
Burn
Rating:
PG-13
Word Count: 327
I am supposed to be Hogwart's brightest witch, modesty aside. But right now, I feel like the stupidest idiot on Earth.
Here I am, trying my hardest not to cry, tears in my eyes, right hand between my knees as I jump around, whimpering. My raucous was probably too loud because Malfoy comes in the kitchen with a puzzled expression as he watches me in my current state.
"What the hell?" he calmly inquires. I see a slight grin on his face.
I jerked my head towards the kettle on the stove, steam issuing from its spout. He follows my gaze, and back again to my hand between my knees.
His mouth forms an O, and he strides towards me, grabbing my right wrist and examining my hand, completely ignoring my pained protests. Damn, it burns!
"You touched it on purpose?" he asks, grinning.
"No, you prat! The steam was in my eyes! I missed the handle, and OW!"
Fuck! The git pressed his palm against my hot hand!
The wail sticks in my throat. He pulls me towards a cabinet, where with one hand he rummages around for something. I close my eyes. The pain is unbearable—I can practically feel it pulsating. I am going to die.
Malfoy removes his warm hand from mine and I feel something sticky on it. I open my eyes and I see that he is applying orange salve on it.
Mmmmm…feels good. Soothing. Soft.
"Better?"
I snap out of it. He has stopped massaging my hand, but he is still holding on to it. The expression on his face is one of concern.
"I—uh…"
I feel myself inch closer towards him…and so does he…My eyes flutter close, then—
He drops my hand abruptly, clears his throat, and hurries towards the door. He looks down at the floor and says, "Careful. With…steam. And…stuff…next time."
And he disappears behind the door.
Damn it. I should learn to use pot holders.