The Untold Story of Astoria Greengrass

Chapter 8

“Ok. Not bad” I mumbled to myself as I circled my tent and nodded in silent approval.

 “It’s so small.” Daphne had poked her head into the tent, expecting to find an extension charm but only found herself with enough space for two adults to sleep.

 “Well, this IS how muggles do it.” I rolled my eyes at her and turned to grab my bag.

 “I bet Draco’s is bigger.” She said with a grin, stalking across to the other side of the circle where Draco’s tent stood. I looked over at the green structure, in reality, it looked smaller than ours.

 “It’s not,” said Draco, he sat in front of the pit where the fire would be, tying the lace of his sneaker up.

 “It’s not?” repeated Daphne, crossing her arms and raising her eyebrow. “You can’t be serious? That’s the real size of your tent?”

 “Look for yourself.” Draco didn’t look towards Daphne, but instead he sauntered over to our tent and smiled approvingly.

 “easier than it looks right?” he said, I nodded.

 “Trial and error really.” I recalled that it took me a bit longer because I had been doing it wrong the first and second time. Draco laughed.

 “I saw. But the results are good. Great Job” He said, patting me playfully on the back.

 “thank you.” I said proudly, aware that he was teasing me.

 “I just can’t believe you are all ok with such small tents!” Daphne trotted over, her voice a whiny mess. I looked over to Pansy and Ginger who were whispering and rolling their eyes. I could tell they were annoyed with Daphne’s complaining.

 “Oh come on, it’s not that bad.” Draco, draped an arm around her and I turned towards my backpack quickly, pretending to be looking for something.

 “I suppose it will make for a toastier snuggle.” I couldn’t help but overhear Daphne’s voice, even though it was just above a whisper. I gulped, realizing what she was insinuating. I felt my face grow hot, wondering whether they had gone that far in their relationship.

 “Um. Sorry Daph, you saw the tent, we won’t both fit comfortably…” he muttered, taking a step away nervously.

 “Okay, well, how about a hike and then some fishing?” Draco’s voice flooded over us. Everyone turned to look at him, most excited about the idea, most except for Daphne.

 “Fishing?” she said, her voice drenched with disgust. Draco sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

 “Yes, Daphne, Fishing. We are camping, after all, and most of us, I think, would like to go for a hike, reach the lake and do some fishing” Draco’s voice was stained with exasperation.

 “Oh, come on, it won’t be so bad. You don’t even have to fish, just come along and keep us company.” I said, trying to make the situation less tense. Daphne relaxed her shoulder visibly and sighed.

 “ok”

 °°°°°

I stood quietly and slightly separated from the others for most of the time at theLake. It seemed like Draco had been very successful at the fishing but not everyone else could say the same. I had only caught one very small fish and it had managed to slip away from me. 

 I was sitting on the edge of the long dock shaped like an L. Everyone else was on the other side but I had decided that I would sit at the very end, feet dangling off , toes just above the water. It was nearing noon and the sun was now high in the sky, my jacket lay on the dock next to me, it was warm and lovely.