Round 6, the drabble for Houses Competition!

Ravenclaw, drabble, balloons, WC: 403

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Draco has been acting strange all week. Of course, him being a Malfoy totally equates to some level of strangeness. But this much? Every time I talk about buying decorations for the children and their party, he practically runs away screaming. Being a Malfoy, this equates to him simply turning and walking from a room with his arms in surrender. So today I bring home the decorations myself, taking the time to stop over at The Range on my way back from Sainsbury's. Balloons, paper plates, streamers, and an enormous plastic banner with the words 'Happy Birthday' splayed garishly several times in a row.

"Honey, I'm home!" I jokingly call through the house, setting down the bags at the front door.

"I'm upstairs," Draco replies. "The kids went over to Harry and Ginny's so we can set up." He trundles along the landing upstairs, still talking. "Molly brought over a cake, which was really nice."

"Ah, now we have two," I laugh. "I got some decorations though."

"Excellent. Let's have a look." With that, he jogs downstairs, watching his feet. In the hallway, he freezes, staring at me. "You got balloons," he says, voice indescribable. Draco takes a step backwards, holding onto the banister. I stare right back at him, completely bewildered.

"I did, will you help me bring them in –"

"No!" he shouts. "Nope, you know, I have very important things to do, and very important places to be!" Draco grabs his keys from a hook on the wall, scoots around the balloons, and runs from the house without another word. I try calling after him, but he's already in the car and driving away. What the heck was that all about? The balloons can't be it. That would be ridiculous, wouldn't it?

I set the party out by myself, waiting for my ridiculous husband to return home. Of course, it doesn't take long with the use of magic and far too much enjoyment. Before long, the house is adorned in decoration, and Draco is pulling into the driveway, looking marginally less harassed than he did earlier today.

"Hermione, I need to speak with you before you – Merlin's beard, the balloons!" Draco shrieks, halting.

"Draco, what the heck is going on with you?"

"Don't touch that!" he shouts, as I move to blow up another balloon. "I'm afraid of balloons."

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Thanks all!