THC Round 6
House: Slytherin
Class: Ancient Runes
Category: Drabble
Prompt: [Speech] "Cake is not a valid excuse."
Rating: K+
Word Count: 727
Betas: GreenGecko, Notnotnerdygirl
After waiting for almost forty minutes for Ron to meet her in the library, Hermione slammed open the book they were supposed to be reading from and got started. She had already completed all her homework from her other classes, sent her family an owl and written a lengthy request to Professor Snape to change her grade on her latest potions assessment. She admitted that she used an ingredient that was not listed but she thought the docked marks were unfair. What she had added only enhanced the potion; it didn't spoil it.
As she flipped through the pages of the heavy tome, Malfoy strutted into the library, eyes fixed on Hermione. She gave him a sarcastic wave and quickly got back to reading.
"I've noticed you're sitting alone."
She glared at him from behind her book.
"Have your little friends finally discovered how obnoxious you are?"
It took all her willpower not to say anything back. She flipped a page.
Growing bored of their exchange, he settled down at a table in the corner with a few other Slytherin students. Next to them sat clan of Ravenclaw students and there was even a line forming to check out books. Hermione sighed. It seemed like everyone was in the library except Ron.
Finished with waiting, Hermione scooped her stack of books off the table and huffed off.
"Stood up, Granger?" Malfoy chortled as she exited.
Ignoring Malfoy, she stormed out of the library, book bag swinging as she walked.
"Ronald," she growled under her breath.
Her eyes darted back and forth, examining the students that passed her by. While she was looking down the hall to her left, she collided with someone.
"Hermione," beamed Harry, seemingly oblivious to her annoyed demeanor.
"Where is Ron?"
Harry's face fell. "Did you need him for something?"
Hermione sighed heavily. "We had agreed to work together on a project today. I've been waiting nearly an hour."
Suddenly, Harry's eyes looked above Hermione's head and went wide. He tried to subtly shake his head before she noticed him looking away but it was too late.
Whipping around, she caught Ron slinking away.
"Ronald! Stop right there."
Ron turned to face her, cheeks flushed, He had icing on the tip of his nose and a covered platter cradled in his arms.
"Hermione," he began, keeping his voice light. "It was Fred and George's idea…They took us down to the kitchen…We got cake."
He beamed as he opened the platter, showing her an assortment of half eaten slices of cake. That was Hermione's last straw.
She took several steps until she was nearly nose to nose with Ron. Grabbing the front of his shirt, she hissed at him.
"Cake is not a valid excuse."
His eyes were wide as she continued.
"I waited over forty minutes for you to show up and, unlike you, I value my education. That is forty minutes we have lost that we could have put towards our project but you had to go stuff your face instead! And what's more, Malfoy was in there laughing himself silly at me waiting for you. I looked like a fool. You left me all alone. Enjoy your cake Ronald!"
Hermione started to leave but Malfoy emerged from around the corner.
"I heard you yelling about me, Granger," he said, smirking.. Did I hurt your feelings/"
Trapped between Malfoy and Ron, Hermione stood, frozen.
"Oy Malfoy," shouted Ron.
Hermione looked in his direction just in time to step out of the way as Ron lobbed a piece of cake at Malfoy. It was a direct hit. Midnight blue frosting coated his sleek blond hair and cherry filling dripped down his face. A grin danced across Hermione's lips as Malfoy turned beat red under the contents of the cake.
"Take that, you arse!"
Ron tossed a second piece of his precious cake, hitting Malfoy square in the chest. Then he looked at Hermione, beaming with pride. "Hermione?"
She looked at Ron, struggling to hide her giggles.
"Let go to the library, and after we can share what's left of this cake", offered Ron.
The pair linked arms and headed off leaving Harry awkwardly staring at Malfoy.
"What are you looking at, Potter?"
Not wanting any more trouble, Harry spun around and ran after his friends, leaving the cake-covered Malfoy standing alone in the hall.