He shook his head, not understanding the rush. He'd never remembered a time when Sloane was so worried about having all her books (her wand maybe, but a book? Couldn't she just look on at Sisse's book in class?) That, coupled with her shift in demeanor, was enough to make his chest shake with silent, confused sort of laughter. He shook his head, because he couldn't quite argue that she shouldn't be responsible, even if she was going about it in the least rational way.

"At least finish your breakfast. Professor Yi wouldn't want you to go hungry for a textbook," he said with emphasis on the last word to make it clear that he thought she was being unreasonable.

---

  

---

She held up the slice of toast in hand in rebuttal. "He wouldn't like it if I was late either," Sloane tried to wriggle her wrist free gently without making it any worse than she was already making it. She was being awkward and she knew it. He knew it. The Slytherins on the other end of the room were going to know it soon if he didn't let go.

---

  

---

Cameron reluctantly dropped her wrist and nodded. He'd let her go, but he wasn't going to buy her answers—not when she was acting so strange. He wanted to ask her if he'd upset her (just to make sure this conversation would not lead to a three-day long silent treatment) but as he opened his mouth to do so the words died on his tongue. Instead, he asked the next best, less risky option, "Are you coming back, or should I find Alice for help before class?" He still had a nasty scratch, so he'd need to find her sooner or later.

---

  

---

Sloane let out a little huff of relief when he let go. It was slow progress, but at least they weren't yelling at each other in the middle of the Hall. "I'll probably meet you there, save me a seat?" Maybe she could make it through classes today without being too awkward. Maybe it would fade, maybe? Sloane glanced at the end of her braid subconsciously; still brown, good. The smile she passed him was weak at best, but it was all she could muster before she scurried out of the Great Hall and further embarrassed herself.

---

The following 1 user Likes Sloane Bixby's post:1 user Likes Sloane Bixby's post
   Cameron Gillenwater

---