The Right by Parks and Fiction Chapter 15 Moment of apology and
understanding or not, Pansy signed the paperwork for Daphne
the next day without speaking to Neville about it.
If Hermione Granger hadn't found anything in the fine print, she
doubted anyone would. At least this way Daphne and
Astoria would get out of their father's grasp, even if she
couldn't escape hers. Astoria took a week to fix up
the apartment. It went from a dark, dingy, worn
down, sorry excuse for a living space to something bright and
clean and airy. Everything was in soft shades of
cream and white, with subtle touches of blue.
The state of her family's manner hadn't mattered one way or
another to Pansy before Astoria got her hands on it, but she had
a feeling she might actually be able to walk through the halls
without horrid nightmares. Once the restoration was
complete, Daphne was every bit as brilliant of an assistant as
she had promised. She took over Pansy's schedule,
reached out to her contacts for custom designs and fittings, and
handled walkins with a cheery smile any time Pansy was busy or
just not feeling like being cheerful.
So most of the time. She also started coming to card
night at Theo's. Astoria declined due to her
schedule, but Pansy couldn't imagine she was doing a lot of
work on Friday nights. It probably had more to do with
her former betrothed and his new fiancee being there, but Pansy
decided not to push her on it when she and Neville strode in
on the first night she joined. Daphne choked on her drink the
moment she saw Neville. Right.
Theo asked. Neville turned bright red.
OK, can you all just. Pansy grabbed a drink from
Blaise. Wouldn't be an issue if you'd
gone to a tailor at any point since 6th year.
Daphne gaped at her tailoring. She demanded.
Pansy nodded with a smug grin to fit those shoulders.
From the way Daphne eyed him, she was starting to understand
the Maple syrup conversation the week before.
Can I have a drink? Neville muttered.
Blaise, ever helpful bartender, handed him one with only the
smallest of smirks. He took a long gulp before he
gave Daphne a friendly smile. How are the trees at your estate
doing? Her friend's cheeks turned pink.
Oh, fine. Hermione frowned.
What was wrong with them? Daphne asked me to come out and
take a look this spring because they were worried about blight.
He said only one was infected, but it was pretty early stages,
so it could be taken out before it affected any of the others.
Hermione started asking more questions, but Daphne looked
like she wanted to be anywhere else.
Honestly, I'm surprised Daphne caught it for as early a stage
as it was. Neville said.
Fancy had a feeling Daphne hadn't caught anything.
When was this early April? Neville said.
Thought I told you because they were supposedly dating at the
time. Must have slipped your mind.
Her gay slid back to Daphne's, who looked like she'd rather be
anywhere than there. Then, Merlin bless her sweet,
innocent, all too naive husband, he spoke again.
I got a bit distracted. He said some really amazing
specimens on the estate. I'm sorry again about missing
lunch. Pansy burst out laughing.
To think she and Daphne had been trying to hook Neville
Longbottom in the exact same month.
At least he'd already caught on to what she'd been attempting,
unlike when Daphne tried it. Check on her estate trees,
honestly. Apparently, Daphne assumed she'd
marry Longbottom for the money because she'd had the same idea
in April. Daphne glared at her.
Oh, piss off, Pansy. Neville's brow creased for
several moments before his eyes widened with realisation.
A flush spread across his cheeks as he tried not to smirk into
his drink. Theo covered his mouth with his
hand and his shoulders shook with silent laughter.
Daphne looked like she wanted to avada Pansy and then herself on
the spot. What's so funny?
Hermione asked later. Draco said, barely holding back
laughter of his own. When we were catching up, you
did mention you were single at the time.
Daphne said then, throwing a pointed look at Pansy.
Ah, another reason why she'd been so suspicious about their
fast marriage. Drago and Hermione had almost
identical looks of suspicion. Neville flashed Pansy a wry
grin. Well, by that point it had been
three months straight of casually fucking.
Isn't a relationship, Longbottom.
She beamed at him, impressed with his ability to improvise.
Hermione gasped. Pansy, again with the hypocrisy.
Yes, I do recall you immediately going public with your
relationship with Draco as soon as you 2 started.
Her expression was prim. That was an entirely different
situation. She grinned.
You must love the view from your high horse.
Are we going to play cards at any point?
Daphne asked. Yes, I would love another
opportunity to make money off the poorest among us.
Pansy through a pitying look at Draco, he strode past her
towards the table. You're just enjoying the fact
that it isn't you anymore. Oh, she was going to take him
for everything he was worth that night.
I do run a very successful business that I started all on
my own. Thank Merlin you're here.
Theo said to Daphne. The only thing worse than new
money is old money who no longer have it.
She laughed at Theo, but something flickered across her
expression, because as soon as their father found out whatever
was going on with Astoria, Daphne would be left without a
Knut to her name. With an easy toss of her long
blonde hair, Daphne took her seat.
Pansy caught her eye and inclined her head ever so
slightly towards Theo. There, Mark for the evening.
Daphne smirked. Game on, we got a package from
Daphne. Neville said as soon as she
emerged from the bedroom the following Monday morning while
he stared at a brown wrapped package with no small amount of
suspicion. Naughty says it's a wedding
present. She grabbed it.
Oh, I love presents. His lips lifted in what seemed
to be an affectionate smile. She tore off the paper and burst
out laughing. Is that a bottle of Maple syrup?
Neville asked, still chuckling. She reached for the paper he was
holding. What's the note say?
Just something about congratulations and hope we're
enjoying our time as newlyweds. She laughed again.
Neville didn't look impressed. Is this about fifth year?
Feigned confusion was surely the way to go.
What about fifth year? A lot happened.
His eyes narrowed. You don't remember calling me
Syrup Bottom for a month and a half?
Laughter bubbled up despite her best efforts.
Which I might say was not your most creative nickname.
Well, long bottom sticks didn't quite fit as well on badges, and
we'd already had our Weasley as our king, so another song seemed
rather silly. Fred and George charmed the
bottle to pour out on whoever touched it.
He said it was supposed to be a prank on Ron.
Oh no, I feel terrible. His eyebrows rose in disbelief.
That could have been a whole extra verse for Weasley is on
King. She said, covering himself in
syrup to try to get him to catch the quaffle.
It's all right there. He rolled his eyes and handed
her the syrup. I'm never touching that bottle
again. She gave him a sly smile.
If you did spill this all over yourself, I'd be happy to clean
it up. His lips twitched.
Sounds sticky. She ran her hands up his chest.
I'd wash you off in the shower afterwards.
Well, I guess it's too bad, then, that I don't like food in
the bedroom, but the shower's still an option.
He chuckled once, like she'd been teasing.
I have to get to the castle. He kissed her forehead.
Have a good day, she smacked to herself as he strode away.
Daphne was already at the shop when Pansy arrived, reading the
Prophet. Look at this, she said.
This is disgraceful. As disgraceful as you sending me
syrup on a Monday morning 5 minutes before we're supposed to
leave so we didn't have time to use it properly.
Daphne smirked as she accepted the tea and pastry Pansy had
picked up for her. She craned her neck to read the
headline Daphne found so offensive.
Grainger got promoted. She said she's no longer just in
how self relocation, she's the liaison for the Wisengemot,
going to be writing and presenting bills and stomping
down any that threaten our dearly beloved magical
creatures. Yes.
Daphne said. I've read it, but what is
missing from his paper? She sighed, but it was far too
early in the morning for this. I presume you're going to tell
me a picture? She said.
And why is there never a picture of Hermione Granger in the
papers anymore? Too many reporters heard rumours
about glass jars with unbreakable charms.
I still think you and Draco made that up.
She smirked as she sipped her tea.
Because she has the same three sets of robes.
She said. They literally cannot print
pictures of her anymore because they all look like the same
ones. She hated being reminded of
Granger's stubborn refusal to wear anything resembling
fashion. They reuse the bloody one from
her at the Battle of Hogwarts each May.
Daphne rolled her eyes. What do you want me to say,
Darth? She demanded.
I've offered so many times to redo her wardrobe, but there's
not a more stubborn witch in Great Britain.
Would Hermione Granger know what to do with a remade wardrobe?
She frowned. How to put outfits together,
find shoes that match, style her hair and jewellery.
Or will she end up looking like your husband did the other week
on your double date? She almost groaned at the
reminder. He'd been so close, but far
enough off that it made it painfully obvious that he had no
idea what he was doing. Hermione Granger should be the
face of your line. Daphne said.
Even if we ignore the fact that she's Hermione Granger and
photographed daily just being herself, she is also a
muggleborn witch arguing cases at least weekly for the
Wisengemot. Plans already started running
through her head. You take over her wardrobe, make
her the new face of your line, and business will explode.
She drummed her fingers on the countertop.
No amount of galleons could ever pay for that kind of
advertising, and yet there's no way she would go for it.
Well, you better come up with something quick, because she's
your 8:00. Daphne looked up and sighed.
And she's early. The shop wasn't supposed to be
open for another quarter of an hour, but there was Hermione
Granger, dismantling the ward she'd set with Theo.
She swept into the space, wand out.
Daphne said it was urgent. And what's happened?
Her eyes darted round the shop, looking for danger around every
corner. Pansy rolled her eyes at Daphne.
I don't know what Daff said, but we're fine, Granger.
Daphne was struggling not to laugh.
Do you always come bursting into places with your wand out?
She straightened, eyes narrowing.
You said Pansy needed help professionally.
Daphne's gaze flicked up and down Granger's outfit.
As do you. Granger's wand flicked towards
her, and Pansy slid between them.
Daphne had an idea that could help us both out.
She continued, glaring at Daphne over Pansy's shoulder.
As you 2 have made it abundantly clear over the years I've known
you both, Fashionable clothing isn't exactly my strength.
Exactly. It's Pansies.
Daphne said. And yours is being photographed
doing important things for the wizarding world.
They haven't named her the brightest witch of her age for
nothing. Her wand dropped and her
expression was pained. I'm not signing up to be your
doll, Pansy. Not all.
She cringed as if that was worse.
If you want people to take you seriously, you have to dress the
part. Daphne said.
Especially if you're going to be in court this much.
Hermione let out a long breath but didn't storm out.
Merlin, they were winning her over. 5 professional outfits a
week. Pansy said.
Gowns or formal robes for special occasions, tailor made
for you. All you have to do in return is
say my shop's name whenever someone asks you where you got
your outfit. She moved back and forth from
foot to foot. How could the woman who fought
tooth and nail for ourselves in a courtroom full of powerful
Wizards be incapable of requesting something for
herself? Spit it out, Grainger.
Could you make me some data outfits too?
A slow smile spread across her face.
I'm sorry, I didn't catch that, she said.
What did you say? Her eyes narrowed.
You heard me, I didn't. She turned to Daphne, who was
wearing an identical smirk. Did you catch that?
She shook her head. No, sorry.
You'll have to repeat yourself, Grainger.
She let out an angry Heartha, muttered something under her
breath about snakes. I only have like the same 4 nice
outfits that you help me pick out and I would like a few more.
She beamed. I would be honoured.
Granger started shifting back and forth again.
There's a loo in the back. Daphne said helpfully.
Hermione shot her a glare that would have made the Dark Lord
stumble and then looked back at Pansy.
Do you remember my your ball dress?
Daphne snorted. Ten years later and he's still
on about that. The moment Minnie Granger
waltzed into the Great Hall in that periwinkle number with
actually controlled hair and on the arm of Victor Crum was the
moment Pansy had lost Draco Malfoy forever.
Granger's cheeks were bright pink.
I don't want the same dress. Exactly.
I'm not going to dress you as a 14 year old, Pansy said.
I was 15. Hermione muttered.
Trust me, Draco will like it. Her blush deepened.
If you want to wear it more than once, make sure Pansy puts in
anti tearing charms on it. Daphne said she was now
Gryffindor red, but she nodded and cleared her throat.
Yeah, that'd be great, thanks. She beamed.
Anything to piss off Draco. She jerked her head toward the
stand. Come on, first official fitting.
Can't it wait you have court tomorrow?
She let out a sigh. Let's see that infamous
Gryffindor courage, Granger. Daphne said.
She glared at them both before stomping over to the stand.
Daphne shot Pansy A triumphant grin.
You're welcome. Granger behaved surprisingly
well throughout the fitting, despite the unnecessary
reminders about what the Ministry considered appropriate
ham lengths and necklines. When they were done and Hermione
was finally able to escape back to work, even Daphne's quick
tell Draco the Pistoria sends her love didn't faze her.
She smiled as easily as a pure blood socialite, tossing back
insults as compliments. I'll tell him over dinner when
he gets home tonight. Daphne beamed.
So the kitten does have claws. Hermione rolled her eyes and
left the shop with a wave to Pansy.
By the end of the week, Daphne's assistant was more of a
necessity than a convenience with everyone who wanted to
match the suddenly stylish golden girl.
Friday night with the Slytherins got cancelled since the DA
wanted to take Granger out to celebrate her new promotion.
For once, Pansy wasn't even upset about it.
The last time hadn't actually been a disaster, and the reward
she'd gotten when she got home? She could put up with some
self-righteous war heroes for a few hours in return for
Longbottoms undivided attention once they were alone.
When they showed up at the pub, which ever of the Patel twins
was there already grinned at her right away.
Pansy blinked. She'd never gotten that reaction
from someone in this crowd. Not without antlers on her head
anyway. Bansi Hermione's been looking
absolutely stunning all week. She's always stunning, drawled
an aristocratic voice over her shoulder.
She glanced over at Draco in a blushing Hermione.
Knowing her social calendar as well as her work one allowed her
to tailor each outfit for the day.
Hermione had been following her instructions perfectly, even
making the suggested alterations to her Friday outfit to make it
a perfect work to drinks ensemble.
Pansy's got her claws on you too.
Never last. Hermione gave him a sympathetic
smile. At least I volunteered.
She glanced up at Longbottom through her lashes with a
suggestive smile. I thought you liked my claws on
you, darling. The Patel twin behind her
started twittering Parvati then. Apparently there had only been
enough self respect to go around for one twin, and it had gone to
the one with brains. If you want anyone else to make
over, Parvati said suggestively. Still, she smiled.
Al Daphne, and she can put you on my schedule.
She started chattering, asking her questions about trends and
what she thought would be popular in the spring.
Bhavati didn't work in the fashion section, but she did
work for Witch Weekly, so she wasn't someone to snub entirely.
Plus, it covered the arrival of the chosen scarhead, who lived
and died and lived again, and the Wheezelette, So she
continued to indulge her for a few more minutes.
When Neville was done hugging Wheezelette for a suspicious
enough amount of time that she was proud of Potter for not
hexing or threatening to curse his friend, she paused the
conversation to greet her and froze.
She'd never seen the witch in such a state.
Her face was splattered in bright red blotches and even her
hair looked like it had been barely brushed.
Goodness, Wheezelette, she said. You really need to work on your
skin care if you're going to be on a bream all day long.
It was as if she'd cast a Silencio over the entire group.
Everyone stared at her with varying degrees of shock or
fury. Wizlette reached over for her
wand, but the saviour of the wizarding world was faster,
wrapping a hand around her wrist to stop her.
Honestly, that was hardly an insult.
I have some samples if you. Potter put himself between her
and his wife and turned to Hermione.
I'm sorry Mynee, we're going to head.
No, we're leaving. Neville said, his voice tight
and clipped. Just came to say Congrats quick
to Hermione. Before she could stutter a
single word, Neville kissed Hermione's cheek, nodded to
Potter and wieselt and grabbed her arm to drag her out of the
pub. He didn't even walk her to the
apparition point, just spun and disapparated them both on the
stoop right outside the restaurant.
The moment they appeared back in their living room, he dropped
her arm like it was dirty. Well, if I'd have known that was
all it took to get out of. Neville rounded on her, furious
like she'd rarely seen him. What the hell is wrong with you?
She rolled her eyes. Because I suggested a redhead
who's out on a broom all day investing some sunscreen and
moisturizer. She's been crying.
Neville spat. Oh, well, that was an
unfortunate look for her. Do you have any idea what day it
is? If he was going to treat her
like an idiot, she would give him one Friday.
His gaze sharpened. It's the 1st of October.
She racked her brain, trying to come up with something of
significance for that date. Fred and George's half birthday.
He tucked his hand through his hair.
They always celebrated it like it was their actual birthday
because they said that if they had to share a birthday, they
deserve 2. And today is hard for all of us
who were friends with them. And he had the audacity to be
upset with her for not knowing that obscure fact.
And I'm just supposed to know that?
She demanded. I couldn't have even told you
what their actual birthday was, let alone he rounded on her.
You shouldn't have to know, he yelled.
We went through a fucking war, Pansy.
People we loved died. Did he honestly believe that
their side was the only one who'd lost something?
Who were haunted by the events of the war?
Do you really have to ask why Ginny might be crying?
Or why I flinch? Sometimes someone says crucial
me as a joke. His words landed as sharp as
lashes against her skin. If you weren't so self absorbed
all the time. Right, back to that.
What everyone always thought of her.
Well, forgive me for not basing my entire life around Ginny
Weasley's every whim. She spat, As if she hadn't gone
through enough because of that witch.
Neville shook his head. I can't do this.
He stormed towards the door. Where are you going?
Away from you. The door slammed behind him, and
the crack of disapparition echoed into the silence.
She was left standing alone in the kitchen of the house that
wasn't hers, wondering exactly how many men in her life.
We're going to put Ginny Weasley above her.