The Right by Parks and Fiction Chapter 28 Pansy set her tea cup
on its saucer and looked at the witch and wizard across from
her. I apologise.
Can you repeat that? Nothing about the meeting made
sense. When the editor of Wizarding
Times reached out to her, she assumed it was about an ad
campaign. The monthly periodical was one
of the most respected news sources in Wizarding Britain,
granted the profit and which weekly set a rather low bar for
trustworthy journalism, but working on a feature with
Wizarding Times was any designer's dream.
It was the only reason she had allowed them to insist on
meeting late Wednesday morning. It had helped that she didn't
have any appointments until mid afternoon, so as long as this
meeting didn't run long, she would have enough time to visit
Alice and take care of her other goal for the day.
However, the conversation had not gone anywhere she expected.
Marjorie, the head editor, smiled.
We're publishing a feature on the 7th year anniversary of the
Battle of Hogwarts. She said the original idea was
to focus on the Golden Trio, but they've each insisted that the
rest of Dumbledore's Army be included.
That part had been easy enough to follow.
Hermione Granger reminded us of her exclusivity clause with you,
she continued. With the popularity of your
brand, we'd like you to outfit the entire group for the future.
The popularity of her brand certainly did not extend to
anyone who'd been in the DA besides Hermione Granger.
Did they want this to be a disaster?
Pansy folded her hands on the table.
You are aware that not only was I not a member of the DA, but
actively tried to bring them down 5th year as part of the
Inquisitorial Squad, right? And now they wanted to offer her
a design contract that could make her career.
She beamed. Yes, the story practically
writes itself. She said Former childhood
nemesis turned friends, even lovers in the case of you and
Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy.
Hermione and Draco perhaps, but marriage of convenience turned
fuck buddies didn't print as well.
Not that they were technically folk buddies.
Not for another day, anyway. Orson, the article's producer,
handed over a stack of parchment.
The contract. She began reading it through.
It all seemed fairly standard until she got to the part about
Commission. Her gaze flicked up.
Is this number correct? We obtained your rates from your
assistant, he said. 26 outfits plus 15% to account for the
rush. Put that way, it seemed fair.
She tapped her chin. Full creative control is a
condition. Well.
Marjorie began. We'll be doing full group photos
as well as individual and smaller groups, the Golden trio,
Neville and the Wieselt, and looney Luna.
Fuck, she needed to get better at that.
All the houses, she got it. Even if we don't use them all we
want as many options the outfits will need to be coordinating.
This was going to go well if they thought she was that much
of an idiot. She turned to Orson.
Do you have a quill? They traded grins instead of
signing as they both expected. She crossed out the number of
outfits, Commission rate, and scrawled in a few notes before
she passed it back to the wizard. 2 outfits per
individual, she said. One for the group photo, which
you will be allowed an advisory role.
Individual outfits will be at the discretion of me and each
member, although I will ensure they are coordinating fabrics to
allow for cohesion in any conceivable group.
Photo. The two exchanged a long look.
We cannot pay this much for Commission.
I will also accept the initial rate you offered, plus 5% of the
sales of the magazine. She pulled that number out of
her arse, but a feature like this was sure to have insane
demand so it had to be a decent deal.
The look Orson gave her was downright condescending.
Miss Parkinson. Missus Longbottom, He flashed
her a quick smile. Apologies, he said.
While the too outfit idea has merit, these numbers are not
going to pass. She sipped her tea.
Shame, she said. The feature sounds like such a
lovely idea. Pity it won't come to fruition.
Marjorie levelled her a sharp look.
While your participation would be nice, there are many
designers who would clamour for this opportunity.
Oh, I have no doubt about that, she said.
What I do doubt is the public's interest in an article about the
heroes of the Battle of Hogwarts that does not include Hermione
Granger. Both their expressions hardened.
Her solicitor, all mine, would be happy to provide you with a
copy of our contract that clearly states any formal dress
needs to be outfitted by me. Which was doubtless the only
reason they were sitting there with her, but she was going to
capitalize on it. The two exchanged a look.
Marjorie turned back to her, a begrudging hint of respect.
Very well, Missus Longbottom, she said.
You have a deal, I could kiss you.
Hermione looked up from the piles of paperwork on her desk.
How did you get in? She pointed to her Ministry
visitor badge. Front entrance, obviously.
She let out a hoof. Sorry, just a lot to do, she
said. Can I help you?
Yes. We're going to lunch, Pansy,
I've got stacks of research. Ignoring her, she walked back
into the waiting area just outside the ring of officers.
Tildy. She was always on her side.
Do not get Matilda involved. Hermione yelled.
The other witch had already emerged from her office and
leaned against the door frame. Her gaze dropped down, taking in
Pansy's fitted dress and five inch heels before it flicked
back up. Long time no see.
She pouted. I know Hermione's kept me
running ragged with her demands for outfits.
That's not true, you made me do that.
Hermione called. How's the husband?
Matilda asked. Fine for now.
She said. And you'll of course be the
first to know if that changes. Stop pretending that you're not
straight just to get her on your side.
Hermione snapped. Matilda's shoulders shook with
silent laughter. It had been like their little
game ever since Pansy first stopped by at the department
when Drako was an intern there. Hermione, how very narrow minded
of you. Pansy said.
People can be attracted to more than one gender.
I know that, I just know you. Grumbling, she turned back to
the mountain of paperwork. Pansy turned to her ally.
Matilda, darling, would you be a dear and remind Hermione that
she needs to eat? Hermione groaned.
Don't you have a shop to run? She demanded.
I thought we were finally done with you interrupting me every
week. Grimblehawk strode over.
We both know you're not going to eat until dinner if you stay
here. She said one hour isn't going to
set you back. Lunch with Pansy has never taken
less than two hours. Hermione grumbled.
She usually tries to make it an entire afternoon.
Pansy sighed. Gone were the days of her life,
of luxury blowing through what remained of the family fortune
before it was taken from her. Well, I have an appointment at
2:30, so I can guarantee you'll be back by then.
Her Miley paused. Come on, Hack Ranger.
She said. Won't be able to save the
Niesels if you die of hunger. One missed meal isn't going to
result in starvation. Still, she rose from her desk
and grabbed her bag. Matilda.
Pansy said, giving her a once over before winking.
See you around, Pansy. Hermione grabbed her arm and
yanked her towards the lifts. Stop flirting or I'm telling
Neville. That sounded more like a favour
than a threat. Getting him worked up usually
worked to her advantage. They'd barely been seated at
Hermione's favorite cafe near the Ministry before her friend
set down her menu and gazed across the table with a serious,
intent look. I'm glad you stopped by.
She said. I've been meaning to talk to
you, but it's been forever since it was just the two of us.
You know, you could invite me out for lunch once in a while.
It doesn't have to be me. She drawled.
Hermione crossed her arms. I've dropped by at least three
different times around lunch and Daphne said you were at a
meeting and wouldn't say where or what it was for each time
because she didn't know who Pansy went to see every Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday. Thinking about it now, she
wondered if Daphne thought she was having an affair.
No wonder she was cagey to Granger.
Daphne was devoutly loyal, but would do whatever she thought
was best, typically without admitting it.
Some of my clients value discretion and I would never
compromise that. Pansy said instead.
Hermione's gaze flicked up, deadpan.
Unless it's me. You aren't a client.
We're a professional partnership.
Hermione opened her mouth to say something, but seemed to rethink
whatever it was and changed tactics.
But I'm your friend first and foremost.
She said. And I hope you know how much
that means to me. She frowned at her.
What was going on with her? All right, I know that sometimes
I'm not the best listener and I can steamroll conversations.
What's steamroll? Oh, it's a muggle machine that
flattens things. Hermione said.
Like Rhodes, it's a muggle expression for knocking down
anything in your path. She fought off a smirk and the
appropriate, yet shockingly self aware analogy.
I just want to tell you that I'm sorry if I've done that in the
past. And I promise to do better in
the future. She gave her a focused,
determined look. So if there's anything you want
to tell me, I promise to listen with an open mind.
Pansy stared at her for several heartbeats.
Hermione was clearly trying to get at something, but she had no
idea what it was. Thank you.
She said slowly. She nodded.
Whenever you're ready, I promise to listen first.
Hermione still had that wide eyed intent look, like she was
trying to discuss something that Pansy wanted to be kept secret.
Did Wieselt convince you that I'm manipulating Neville
somehow? Hermione hadn't figured it out,
had she? She frowned.
No, why is she still on about that?
I wouldn't know, she said. We don't speak much.
She let out a sharp hoof. Yeah, I don't blame you for
that. She muttered.
No, nothing about Neville. I just needed to get that off my
chest for whenever you're ready. She shot her another pointed
look Pansy had no idea how to decode.
At least it wasn't anything to do with Neville.
I will keep that in mind. She said, even though she had no
idea what it was. Pansy could have used that
attitude about 10 months ago, but then again, things had
worked out rather well considering even if she
confessed everything since her husband had to complete the
right, Draco likely would have refused.
And she definitely wouldn't have found out how much she liked
getting tied up and brought her orgasm again and again and
again, which was not something she could allow herself to be
distracted by at the moment. I actually asked you to meet for
lunch so I could thank you. Pansy said.
I just signed a contract to outfit the entire Dumbledore's
Army crowd for the Wizarding Times Battle of Hogwarts 7th
year Anniversary memorial issue. Hermione dropped her menu,
looking like someone had just kicked an easel.
You said yes to that, obviously. She said you can't pay for that
sort of advertising. Not married to a Longbottom,
anyway. Hermione groaned and dropped her
head to the table, hitting it once.
Glad to see my best friend is so supportive of my career.
Pansy drawled. Hermione lifted her head up but
slunk back against her chair with an exaggerated pout.
I told them I couldn't do the article because I had an
exclusive contract with you, She said.
I didn't expect them to turn around and ask you to do
everyone's outfits for it. Well, I was taking you out to
lunch to thank you for the most lucrative contract of my career
so far. But if this turns into me having
to convince you to do the article so I don't have to sue
you for the funds lost, I will be very put out.
She groaned again. Harry is going to kill me as
long as it's after the article. Hermione ignored her.
He said he wouldn't do it if I wasn't going to do it, but now
that I have to do it, he'll have to do it too.
She gave her an exaggerated pout.
Poor little heroes, She said. How difficult your life must be
when people want to take your picture and put it in a
magazine. She shot her aglare.
Pansy smirked as she returned to peruse the menu.
I negotiated for Daphne to be in charge of hair and makeup.
She said your luck stunning. She grumbled again.
You're buying lunch as I previously told you.
She said. I'll even throw in dinner pick
the night. Hermione brightened.
We should do double. It's been too long.
Their one disastrous double date in September had led to her and
Neville's fight about her purchasing a building on Diagon
Alley. Surely the next one would be
better. We'd love that.
Pretty sure we're free tomorrow. She said.
She fought off a smirk. Unfortunately, Neville and I
have plans. A double date didn't exactly
match the tone of performing an ancient family marriage rite to
finally lose her virginity. Hermione tapped her jaw.
Hmm. She said next Wednesday.
Works for us. Perfect, she said.
What are you and Neville doing? Anything fun?
She sipped her drink hopefully. Nothing too exciting, just
something special for the two of us.
Hermione got that gleam in her eye like Pansy was a
particularly difficult Arithmansi problem.
I'm glad she looked like she wanted to say more, but Pansy
had a very specific reason for bringing her out to lunch beyond
the Wizarding Times interview. That does remind me.
I need to stop by the apothecary before I run back to work.
Why would that remind you? Oh.
She flushed at Pansy's knowing smirk.
Not all of us live with a Potions Master who can make us
bespoke potions whenever we desire.
She paused. Do you trust Draco to make your
contraceptive potion, or do you use Muggle methods?
They have those, right? Hermione rolled her eyes.
Yes, Muggles have forms of contraception.
And of course I trust Draco, She said.
We'll have kids when we're both ready.
That sounded nice. And no, I don't use Muggle
methods, she said. Most of them don't work for
witches and Wizards anyway. Damn it, most of them.
She shrugged. Tracking your cycle and timing
relations. She snorted.
Relations. Hermione shot her a look.
We're in public, Pansy. She hissed.
She cackled. Why do you care, anyway?
Oh, I should let Teresa know before she gets to that point
with Penelope. Hermione blinked.
You're still talking to her letters a couple of times a week
and lunches once or twice a month.
Yes, really, She sighed. Please don't tell me you're
disappointed I keep up regular correspondence with a muggle,
she said. Oh, have you know that they're
not the Barbarians we were raised to believe?
Even if they do bathe in mud, that is not what I.
She let out a sharp hoof. I still can't believe Draco told
you about that, or that I let you and Theo drag me into that
stupid spa in the 1st place. She laughed again.
But yes, definitely let her know Penelope should use magical
birth control when she needs it. Hermione said.
Muggle methods aren't going to work, and the methods that
aren't magical or muggle are unreliable.
Well, that answered that. Disappointing, but not
surprising. You and Neville seem like you've
been getting along. She quirked an eyebrow at
Hermione's not so subtle changing conversation.
Have I ever seemed like I haven't been getting along with
my husband? Her smile morphed into a smirk.
Any time I saw the two of you together, from the day you met
until the day you announced you were getting married.
Pot, kettle, you wouldn't know anything about that, would you?
She shrugged with a squatty little smirk.
There's just something different, she said.
Good, I think you just don't want to admit that it took you
10 months to come around the idea of us.
She studied her like Pansy was an especially difficult research
project. And how long did it take you to
come around to the idea of Neville?
About four months. It was shockingly close to the
truth. Hermione hummed noncommittally.
Or is it jealousy that Neville and I got through our issues
much faster than you and Draco did?
She frowned. Hardly.
Honestly, I think that you would have felt a lot better if you'd
had a hate fug a lot earlier in his internship.
She turned red. That would have been
inappropriate. She grinned.
Yes, thank goodness nothing inappropriate happened between
you 2 when he was your intern. Cheeks darkening further,
Hermione turned back to her menu.
Neville was waiting for her when she got home.
Oh no, she said. What happened to Herbology Club?
He scratched the back of his neck.
Aye, I've got a bit of time before I need to leave for it.
Normally he'd have just stayed at school until it was time for
it to start. She strode towards the kitchen.
And want me to make you some dinner?
She had at least six recipes she trusted herself to make these
days. Now I'll grab something at the
castle. Whatever this was about, it
wasn't looking good. She poured herself a glass of
wine and turned to face him. His hesitant smile didn't quite
reach his eyes. How was your dear?
Good, She said. I had a meeting with two editors
from Wizarding Times. They hired me to make all the
outfits for the article they're doing on the DA for the 7th year
anniversary. His face broke into a bright
grin. Really, Pansy?
That's awesome, She nodded. Very lucrative, she said.
It'll be wonderful the exposure, even if only two of the people
I'm designing outfits for can actually stand me.
He frowned. That's not true, he said.
I know. She waved him off.
They don't have to like me, Longbottom, they just have to
wear my clothes and smile. I couldn't talk.
He trailed off at the look on her face over her dead body.
Was he going to try to endear her to his DA friends?
It really was. No wonder Snape didn't want
anyone knowing he spied for the Order since before Voldemort's
first fall. Poor man was probably rolling
over in his grave every time a Gryffindor said something nice
about him. Anyway, I took Hermione out to
lunch after that, since my exclusivity craws with her was
the reason I got the job. She sipped her wine and I found
a way to casually bring up muggle contraceptives, but
apparently they won't work on witches or Wizards, so back
where we started. He blinked.
I hadn't thought of that non starter anyway.
I'm sorry. He said.
We can. She waved her hand.
I don't want to rehash it. The baby, as the worst case
scenario, is far better than my other options, she said.
As long as the right works and my magic is safe and I'm free of
Ivan and Lawrence, I'm going to be happy.
His expression was earnest as he nodded.
It'll work, he said. I've been practising.
She almost spat out her wine. On what?
Your pillow or have you spent the past three weeks deflowering
other virgins? He rolled his eyes.
The runes, he said. I've been memorizing the right
and practising the runes I'll need to draw.
You're not going to try to collect your own little harem of
bonded women? God, Rick Noor, he muttered.
You're almost more than I can handle.
She felt her smile start to slip, so she took another sip of
her wine. He cleared his throat.
I made dinner reservations for tomorrow night.
She raised an eyebrow at him over her glass of wine.
You know you're getting me laid no matter what's right?
She asked. You don't have to buy me dinner.
It's your first, you know, so I thought I'd try to.
The poor man was bright red. Longbottom, please don't tell me
you're trying to make the night special or romantic because
you're going to take my virginity.
He threw his hands up. You're the only woman I know.
Who? He dug his hand through his
hair. She took a sip of wine instead
of laughing at him. Fine, he said.
If you'd rather eat alone, I can eat at the castle.
She set her wine down on the counter.
You're going to take my virginity, and you're not even
going to buy me dinner first? He pinched the bridge of his
nose. And I don't even know why I
bother. She burst out laughing.
He sighed and dropped his arm. Anyway, dinner is at it.
She grinned. All right, she said.
Is that what this was about? Yeah, but also I.
She arched an eyebrow. He was already red and getting
redder. I don't know how much.
Obviously I'm going to do everything I can to make things
comfortable, but even with that, a woman's first time can be
painful. She burst into laughter, the
force of it made her double over as tears sprang to her eyes.
Merlin, save me. Neville muttered.
She finally straightened, gasping for breath.
I'm sorry, are you trying to give me the sex talk?
She hadn't seen him that red since 4th year.
Well, which one of us has actually had sex before?
If that only made her laugh again. 10 months, she said.
You've had ten months to come up with virgin jokes, and that's
the best you've got? He slunk down in the chair and
crossed his arms. I can't decide what's funnier,
she said. The fact that you're trying to
give me the sex talk, or that you're warning me it might hurt.
He let out a sharp hoof. She could not stop laughing.
Remember the man who gets off by spanking me until I bruise?
He pushed himself back from the table.
Why are you even fucking bothered?
He muttered. Wait, you can't go yet?
She called as he started to walk towards the door.
Neville fucking Longbottom, bless his naive heart, paused
and glanced at her. I still have questions about my
changing body. Fucking hell.
He muttered, rolling his eyes and storming towards the door.
Neville, wait, stop. She ran forward and cut off his
exit. She ran her hand up his chest.
I'm sorry Neville, I shouldn't be teasing.
His eyes narrowed, She bit her lip.
I'm sorry, I was just uncomfortable.
He looked like he believed that as much as Gringotts accepted
leprechaun gold as currency. I do.
I do have one question, though. He stared at her for several
heartbeats before he exhaled sharply, looking like he already
regretted it. Fine, what's a cock?
His gaze darkened as he stepped forward so their chests were
flush. Keep this up and I'll make you
chalk on one. Heat coiled in her core.
She fucking loved when he got bossy, but more than that, she
had a point to make about her level of experience.
She dropped to her knees and looked up at him through her
lashes in time to see his nostrils flare.
Do you promise? For a moment he looked torn.
I have to be at the castle in 10 minutes.
She reached for his belt. You won't last five.
He grabbed her hands. I don't have time to return the
favour and I'm not. Then think about all the ways
you're going to get me back when you're home from her biology
club. She said before she slid her
arms from his and proceeded to undo his belt.
In the end, they were both wrong.
He didn't last three.