The Untold Story of Astoria Greengrass

Chapter 3

"So... how'd it go?" asked Daphne as my mother and I walked into the sitting room. She was perched on some pillows in a window seat nearby, apparently very interested in a gossip rag. Next to her on the table was a tall glass of iced tea which she brought to her lips gingerly as she awaited an answer.  The sun light was streaming in through the windows, touching the dark strands of her hair and giving them a red tint. There was something ruining the sight, however; as her brows nearly touched and her dark blue eyes seemed almost cross… she was scowling. But why?

“It was great, of course, you were missed. “ began my mother, going to take a seat beside her at the window. Her nose was still a bit misshapen but you really couldn’t tell anymore.  “how’s the ankle?”

“Perfect…” she said, lifting her leg and wiggling her foot around, “but right now I want to hear all about the party.”

“It’s really to early to talk about that…” I commented, wanting to avoid the subject. I didn’t want them to know what had happened with Draco, it was so crazy. It seemed like a dream still… one I could not shake. The night before, I lay in bed staring at the ceiling for many hours, wondering if there was any way I had imagined it all.  I could still feel Draco’s harsh kiss… and what he meant by it, I dared not ask. There was no way I was going to open that door, then I would never have peace again. No, instead of that I just concentrated on the feeling, those strange butterflies in my stomach that made it impossible for me to eat at dinner.

“Well, last night you were both so quiet and I decided to wait patiently until today but I won’t wait any longer.” Said Daphne, getting up and walking toward the breakfast room as Mummy and I followed. Breakfast had already been laid out and we each sat at our customary spots.

“coffee” said my mum, before turning to look at Daphne, who always sat on her right, “well, Narcissa was very upset you couldn’t come. She even asked if she could come see you today, I told her the Doctor insisted on full best rest as you injury had been more than physical but also quite emotionally trifling” 

Daphne smiled. Mum knew just how to work the story. There was no way Daphne would want to be seen with her nose as it was… and the Malfoys were wizard of the powerful sort, they would not believe that a mere broken ankle could keep down a witch, especially with so many good Doctors around. However; if the Malfoys believed daphne’s nerves were out of sorts, they would stay away for a day before coming over to dote on her. Pity was one of Daphne’s favorite attention getters.

“Brilliant, Mummy. Did you see Draco?” she asked suddenly, making me choke for a moment. I took a long sip of my orange juice and continued to stay out of the conversation.

“Yes. He asked for you, seemed very concerned… then he took Astoria with him to see his friends. I didn’t speak to him too much actually…” Mum said, trying to remember.

“what about you, did he say anything to you, Astoria?” asked Daphne. I looked up from my bowl of fruit. Both of them were staring at me as if I were about to speak crucial words.

“No. not really.” I mumbled, before concentrating on my breakfast. I half feared my voice would betray me but surprisingly enough,  there was no quiver, no stutter, just my normal voice.

Daphne pouted. We continued to eat in silence,  sometimes Mum and Daphne would say something to each other but it was all short. Eventually, I got up and headed back to my room. I longed desperately to climb back under my covers and continue to dream secretly about the kiss.  Although I had promised myself not to try to decipher the kiss too much, by mid afternoon I was already asking myself what Mum and Daphne would say when they realized Draco and I had kissed? Would  Daphne be terribly disappointed to find out that he was not interested in her? I suppose that was something she was just going to have to get over.