Jack and Broke

"Thanks for helping me with my Transfiguration homework, Astoria," Jack Davies expressed as he sat back in his seat. "I was never able to get the turtle to stay into a teapot and not walk off the table."

"You just lack focus in class is all," she replied, looking inside the pale green teapot in approval. "It's always easier when you aren't distracted by what everyone else is doing."

"Nah, I just think you teach it better," he complimented with a charming smile. Astoria struggled to not blush as he gazed at her. Jack was a perfect miniature of his older brother Roger in looks, though his mind seemed to be more grounded and he was able to hold a full conversation without talking about Qudditch. Astoria had always secretly liked Jack, and for the past three years her eyes had scouted him out at the Ravenclaw table as she sat and ignored the shallow banter of her fellow Slytherins. She nearly exploded when he approached her after lunch and asked for her help, saying he admired how she was always able to complete her assignment on the first try.

"You know, Astoria, you aren't like the other Slytherin girls I've talked to," he admitted, keeping that irresistibly charming and casual smile on his face as his sky blue eyes focused on her intently.

"Is that so?" she asked, her voice shaking ever so slightly as she began to pack up her bag.

"Yeah, I mean you're really smart and actually pretty nice," he enumerated happily. "You don't go around picking on people like the others do. Sometimes I think you should have been a Ravenclaw like me."

"The Sorting Hat actually almost placed me there," she replied, immediately kicking herself. Why did she tell him that? She had never told anyone that.

"What happened?" he inquired.

"We decided that I was too shrewd and too focused on finding ways to piss off my mother not to be placed in Slytherin," she admitted slyly, and was pleased to hear him laugh. A few more moments passed by, and Astoria found herself getting nervous. She wanted nothing more than to stay and talk to him, yet she couldn't keep still and kept packing up to leave.

"So the Hogsmade trip is this weekend," he stated suddenly, passing her an escaped quill.

"Yes," was the only thing she could say in response.

"You going with anyone?"

"No."

"Would you like to go with me?"

Astoria stared in shock at the boy who looked at her so intently, flashing his pearly teeth in a confident smile.

"Yes," she replied again, and quickly rushed out of the classroom without further comment.

Jack and Astoria laughed as they walked out of Zonko's, casually strolling down the street towards the Shrieking Shack. It had been an absolutely wonderful outing. Jack was funny and easy to talk to, and she felt like she was on top of the world being the object of his attention. He stopped them by the fence just outside the old building, and turned towards her with a smile.

"I'm really glad you came with me," Jack stated.

"Me too," she agreed earnestly.

"I've actually wanted to ask you out for a while," he admitted, causing Astoria's heart to stumble slightly. "I mean you're really pretty and smart, and just…cool."

"I…I think you're all those things too," she replied, finding it strangely difficult to be so blunt with her feelings. "Handsome though, instead of pretty."

Jack released that irresistible smile and walked a little closer to her.

"May I kiss you?" he asked softly, whispering the words. Astoria was so stunned and taken aback she could only nod her head and stand still. Jack bridged the gap between them and cupped her face, lifting it up so she looked into his eyes. She was able to smile slightly before his lips brushed against hers in her first kiss. It was a wonderful, breath taking experience, and she felt that Jack pulled away far too soon. He smiled at her however, and she delighted in the fact that he seemed to be blushing as much as she was.

"Wow, that was…"

"Stupefy!"

Astoria watched in horror as Jack was thrown back and Stunned. She turned around quickly and was even more shocked when she recognized the attacker.

"Daphne? What did you do that for?" she cried.

"Mother's orders," Daphne replied simply. "I told her that you fancied this little Half-Blood. She told me to keep you away from him at all costs. I thought you had much more sense than this and can't believe you defiled yourself by letting him kiss you."

"Jack!" Astoria exclaimed, rushing towards him as he struggled to his feet.

"Stay away from me!" he yelled, holding out his wand and pointing it in her face. "You and you're whole family are monsters."

Astoria felt her insides crack as he stared at her in disgust before he ran back into town. She bitterly fought the tears that wanted to fall down her face as she watched him escape.

"You're welcome," Daphne stated smugly, grabbing her shoulder in affection. Without a thought Astoria spun around and slapped her. She marched off the grounds, ignoring her sister's curses and threats to write their mother. Astoria no longer cared about the pressures of her family, and would never again loose someone she wanted due to their agenda.