"Good morning, my little bird."
"Ugh."
In the distance, I could see some redhead—the twins' younger brother—pretending to gag, but I ignored him. Rude little Weasley.
"Did you sleep well last night? Did you think about me?"
Draco stood up from his seat, his face pale (though it was always pale, so it didn't really show).
"Leaving already? You're a growing boy, my pudding. You need to eat more!"
As if he couldn't hear my worried words, Draco hurried out of the dining hall. Goyle-whatever and Crabbe-something grumbled as they scrambled to follow him.
"Well, another failure today. Even the Dark Lord can't get everything he wants, George."
"You said it, Fred."
Before I could even feel disappointed by Draco Malfoy's cold response today, two arms attacked from both sides, weighing heavily on my shoulders. I reflexively ducked and slipped out from under their arms, and the twins' grinning faces came into view.
"Go eat shit."
"Actually, I was just about to have breakfast."
I rolled my eyes at their cheeky response and turned toward the Hufflepuff table. Fighting with guys who'd still be talking even if they were drowning was a waste of time. The Hufflepuff table was packed with yellow-robed faces that looked like they had a lot to say. I waved my middle finger at the one with the brightest eyes.
"Shut up, Cedric."
"I haven't said anything yet, Hailey."
"Then keep your mouth shut and eat your meat pie."
"You mean 'shut up' and eat..."
Even as he caught my slip, Cedric dutifully served himself some meat pie.
It was just another ordinary morning—Hailey Garner's 132nd confession rejected.