The Right by Parks and Fiction Chapter 34 Pansy.
The voice carried towards her from a long distance, as though
they were the only two souls separated on opposite ends of a
long Hogwarts corridor. Sweetheart, you're going to be
OK. I'm here.
She reached for the voice, for the soft words in it, but it was
too far away. She collapsed back into the dark
of the corridor behind her. Healer.
I need a healer.
The voice cried out, all traces of comfort in their tone
replaced by panic as everything went black once more.
Bright lights shocked her senses.
Flinching back, she squeezed her eyes shut.
She missed the fog, missed the comfort of nothing.
Instead, all she felt was pain. Bansi.
The soft voice returned along with a tight squeeze of her hand
that made her wince. Waking up, I see.
That voice was unfamiliar. Both made her head feel like it
was about to explode. Let's check the diagnostics.
Lime and orange and gold lights burned her eyes.
Merlin, everything fucking hurt. Ah, there we go.
A cool sensation washed through her, and for the first time
since she woke up, she felt like she could draw a full breath.
What is it? What happened?
There was panic in his voice. If she had been capable of
speech, she would have told him not to make a fuss.
A bit of pain relief, the second voice said.
Just until we can get a potion regimen established.
Footsteps approached. Missus Longbottom, I'm going to
help you sit up now, the second voice said.
We're going to give you a couple of potions and then check and
see how you're feeling. All right, What the hell was she
supposed to do, Say no? She couldn't even move, let
alone speak. She blinked again at the bright
lights, but things were slowly starting to come into focus.
The bed behind her raised up to a sitting position, and a small
vial was pressed to her lips. The hand squeezed hers.
It's OK, Pansy, he said. Just a pain portion.
She fucking needed that. The familiar taste slid down her
throat. Couple others now, dear.
She swallowed 3 more of varying degrees of palatability.
Porter. She managed to croak as soon as
there was a lull. Yeah, I've got it here.
Blinking, she watched Neville pour a glass from the pitcher
next to her bed. With shaking hands, he held it
to her lips, and she managed a few sips before she dropped back
onto the bed. The back was still raised,
giving her a full view of her surroundings.
Sent mungoes. If the familiar tacky decorating
didn't give it away, the healer leaning over her in lime green
robes would have. What happened?
Pansy whispered. Neville squeezed her hand again.
You were attacked. He said.
Harry can tell you more, but they got him and Aura was on the
scene, so they got you here right away.
You might be sore for a while, but the curse was fully
reversed. The healer said we're going to
keep you for observation for a few days, but there shouldn't be
any long term effects. That was something.
Can you tell me your full name, Pansy?
She closed her throat. Pansy Longbottom, who is the
current Minister for Magic? Were they serious right now?
Kingsley Shacklebolt? Can you tell me what year it is?
Fuck, this was getting worse and worse.
How bad is my head injury? Answer the question please.
In 2005, do you know what day it is?
It was Monday when I blacked out.
A horrible thought came to her and she turned towards Neville.
What day is it? I'm going to see your mum on
Tuesday. She changed the schedule for the
stupid memorial, but if Alice had gone more than a day without
seeing her, she was probably frantic again.
And if she tried to hurt herself?
Neville shushed her, a softness coming to his gaze as he stroked
her hair. Mum's fine.
He said Osorio visited her when you were supposed to.
The corner of his mouth rose. Mum clearly misses you, but
hasn't had any incidents. She sunk back into the bed.
What day is it? If Astoria had already visited
her, it was at least Wednesday. She tried to sit up again.
My appointments. Daphne's got it all under
control. He said.
What day is it? Neville glanced at the healer.
She nodded once. He turned back to Pansy.
Thursday. So many appointments to
reschedule. She turned to the healer.
How long until I can go home? Like I said, we're keeping you
under observation. She said.
You can't go back to work until Monday at the earliest.
I can't just take an entire week off work.
Neville's nervous energy seemed to SAP Pansy.
Someone just cursed you and you've been unconscious for
three days, Mr. Longbottom. The healer cut in swiftly.
He took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself.
You need time to heal. I thought the curse was fully
reversed and that there shouldn't be any long term
effects. Pansy snapped.
The smile he gave her was sappy with relief.
No long term effects so long as you heal.
The healer said. That takes time and patience.
Frankly, with the level of curse you faced, it's nothing short of
a miracle you'll be back to your old habits in a few days.
Pansy dropped back into the pillows, glaring at the both of
them. Neville had the biggest, dopiest
grin on his face. Having him look at her like that
twisted something inside her. There she is, I'll be back with
your next round of potions. The healer said.
Until then, try to relax. She marched out of the room.
The walls were painted in a disgusting not quite white, not
quite yellow that someone decided was appropriate for
people in hospitals because apparently they weren't worried
about the occupants vomiting. Pansy ran her hands over the
soft sheets and thick blue blanket.
These are nicer than I expected. Yeah, although Janice Thicky
heelers have been by making sure you get all the good stuff.
Neville said. She swallowed.
That was kind of them. You're a bit of a celebrity
here. He said.
Bobby Pomfrey even stopped by to consult with your healers.
There was a hint of a question in his voice.
She didn't take the bait. That was kind of her to go out
of her way for a colleague's wife.
He frowned, but before he could finish, someone knocked at the
door. Annie Pansy.
Jinny Potter stepped into the room, beaming.
You're finally awake now. You're feeling last.
She remembered seeing Jinny. Pansy had been screaming at her.
What are you doing here? Oh, they said my only family can
come back, so I told them I was your stepmother.
She pulled a chair up to the bed and took a seat.
Pansy gaped at her. You did not.
She beamed. How are you feeling?
Worse since you appeared. Jinny's smile spread.
Good to have you back. She said I'm going to update
everyone. Lovely.
Rather than leave, the witch simply cast a patronus and sent
it off with a message and then turned to her.
What do you need? Peace and quiet?
Jinny smirked. Her gaze flicked to Neville and
back to Pansy. Listen about Monday, was she
fucking serious right now? I overstepped and I'm really
sorry. Neville's gaze started to Jinny
and back to Pansy. A question in them.
Don't mention it. Pansy said through gritted
teeth. I know, Jinny said.
But I just needed to tell you that I'm sorry and I won't do it
again. She could still feel Neville's
questioning gaze. You just don't want to look like
more of a fat cow than you already will for the next 6
months. You sign the contract too.
Said Jinny. You're going to have as hard of
a time backing out as I would. That just meant she had to make
Ginny clothes and she had to wear them, not what the clothes
had to look like. I could still make you look like
a fat cow. You wouldn't do that to your
business. She hated that Ginny was right.
Another knock sounded on the door.
Oh good Ginny. Said Harry, we'll have an update
come in instead of Potter. Weasel stepped into the room.
Padma followed behind him. What are you doing here?
Jinny demanded, like she had any right to be there herself.
Checking in. You said she was awake.
He grinned at Pansy. How are you feeling?
Like she needed to call the healer back.
There was no way she hadn't sustained significant head
trauma. In what world did Weasel or
Weaselt care if she lived or died?
How did you get into my room? Pansy asked.
He beamed. Step uncle?
Ginny's eyes narrowed. Do that work?
No, he said. The nurse at the station needs 6
box seats, not to the next Harpies match, but the one
after. Apparently she's already got
plans for the next one. Ginny crossed her arms and
slumped into her seat. Yes, using box seats.
My stepmommy offered to get in here.
Pansy drawled. Ginny smirked.
How are you doing Pansy? Padma asked.
Is anyone actually going to tell me what happened?
She demanded. Harry's on his way up.
Weasel shook his head with a hint of a smirk. 2 days into his
new position and you drag him back into the field?
I didn't ask, I did. Neville said, squeezing her
hand. Plus it's technically still is
open case. Weasel said.
Pansy glanced at Neville. The person who did this attacked
my shop back in July. He nodded.
Before she could ask more, someone else knocked at the
door. Pansy had the uncomfortable
sensation of wishing Harry fucking Potter was coming to see
her just to stop the madness. Hey Pans.
Potter froze when he saw his wife and brother-in-law.
What are you all doing here? We have protocols.
Only family. No one should be here but
Neville. Step mum.
Jinny said. Step uncle Weasel said they
bribed their way in with Harpy's box seats.
Padma said. Harry pinched the bridge of his
nose. Great, now I have to have
another security discussion. Oh come off it.
Weasel said. Like the wife and best mate of
the Chosen 1. Potter rolled his eyes and
started ticking off his fingers. Polly Juice Imperatus, will
someone please just tell me what happened?
Pansy snapped. They were far too irritating to
be imposters. If they were here to kill her,
she was about ready to let them. Right, sorry.
Potter said first. Glad you're awake.
Sounds like they've got it reversed and no long term
effects. He glanced at Neville for
confirmation. He nodded, squeezing Pansy's
hand again. Good.
His face hardened. Next, If you have a stalker
who's attacked you once already, you need to notify Anora
immediately if you receive any threats.
I would have if I'd gotten any. She said.
I think you're confusing me with your own department, Potter.
Potter's eyebrows shot up. Oh, so the pile of howlers never
told me about was what, Fan mail?
I can't believe you've never told me you get those two.
Potter moved out of the way as a busy haired harridan stormed her
way in. Draco followed right after
Hermione and leaned against the back wall, hands in his pockets.
He glanced at the crowd in the room before his gaze flicked
back to Pansy with his trademark smirk.
So, do Theo and Blaise not care about me as much as I thought
they did, or does the nurse just not believe they have
connections to a Harpies game? Pansy drawled.
Hermione turned to Ginny, her tirade against Pansy momentarily
forgotten. By the way, do you have an old
jersey you can autograph for me? Jinny stood up and stuck her
head out the door. I told you no jerseys, Gretchen.
You get 6 box seats to three games of your choosing and
that's it. She snapped and let Theo not and
Blaze Zabini back too. She marched back to her seat and
sat primly, looking up at her husband with a wide eyed,
innocent expression. Potter, on the other hand,
looked absolutely horrified. Jin, you can't bribe people,
especially in front of me when I'm on duty.
She clutched her stomach. Oh, arm feels so nauseous.
Potter rolled his eyes. You can't keep faking pregnancy
symptoms to get what you want either.
She gave him a smug smile. And last time you accused me of
faking pregnancy symptoms, I ruined your newest pair of
dragon hide shoes. He grimaced at the memory and
turned back to Pansy, face serious once more.
You should have let us know about the threats because your
department takes threats against me so seriously.
His scowl deepened. I would now.
Maybe that he no longer held a grudge against her for yelling
out for someone to grab him in the Great Hall right before the
battle, although he had somewhat defended her at the Leakey after
the shop was trashed, and according to Neville, he had
been working the case all along. I'm sorry it took so long and
that this happened before we could find him.
He said. But your attacker was Zacharias
Smith. She frowned.
Who annoying Hufflepuff get? Oh yeah, you started in the DA
and then ploughed over first years to be the first out of the
castle when the siege of Hogwarts started.
Weasel said. And I told you we was going to
heck someone in the back someday.
Hermione shot him a look. Is this about the dehay?
Pansy demanded. Seriously, He waited nine years
to get back at her for giving a list of names to Umbridge.
Yes and no. Potter said.
We pretty much cut him off 6 year.
How he behaved 7th year only solidified that.
Next to her, she felt Neville stiffen at the reminder.
He tried to use us for connections in the past, but it
usually backfired on him. Potter said.
Apparently you bought your shop from underneath him back in
July. She'd known someone else was in
negotiations for it as well, but had sweetened the deal enough to
get it. It wasn't hard to believe she'd
out manoeuvred A Hufflepuff. He runs a shop?
Weasel asked. No trying to break into real
estate. Potter said.
Weasel snorted. Shouldn't be surprised he'd go
for the laziest career choice possible.
Smith's resentment of the DA has been building and apparently he
thought he lost the sale because of your connection to Neville.
Potter continued Neville, who didn't even find out she'd
bought the building until September.
He was hoping if he trashed the place you would sell.
Draco snorted. He thought he could intimidate
Pansy. Neville demanded and laughter in
his voice. Hermione and Notts wards kept
him from doing anything else. Potter continued, but being left
out of the DA reunion piece and Pansy being involved and
included in the article was the final straw.
He's been stalking the shop in an effort to catch you alone
outside the wards. Neville squeezed her hand again.
Why were you walking through the alley instead of apparating
straight home? Pansy couldn't meet his gaze,
didn't want to. Walking helps clear creative
blocks. Draco moved forward, off the
wall. Your fucking safety is more
important than meeting deadlines, Pansy.
Hermione put her hand on his chest, trying to calm him down.
On that day of all fucking days, when you already know.
Draco drew in a slow breath. Potter eyed him and then turned
back to her. Nevada was worried after he saw
the howlers. He said.
I put a second aura on duty in Diagon with instructions to
watch over you in your shop. That explained the shouting and
the duelling. He followed me when I left.
He nodded, a hint of a smirk appearing.
He was one of the ones who tried to get into your shop to recover
Dennis's wand the night he was walking Astoria home, so he made
a judgement call to follow you instead of watching the shop.
Hermione was as smug as her damned cat any time he got an
extra treat. No one is attacking that
building again. A comfort for when Pansy moved
in with Daphne after Neville left her.
Smith confessed. Neville asked.
Potter nodded. Not like he had a choice.
Howard saw him do it and a dozen of us were there within moments
of the first hex. Did he have any accomplices?
Pansy asked. She couldn't believe Ivan and
Lawrence weren't involved somehow.
We're still investigating, but nothing has indicated that yet.
Pansy glanced over at Neville. Lawrence and Ivan both have
alibis. He said quietly.
That didn't mean they weren't involved.
We'll keep at him until we have the full story.
Potter said. So far, he's tried a couple of
ways to get all the charges dropped, including trying to
play the Friends with Harry Potter card.
Ginny smirked. I assume that wasn't successful.
Not after hexing a woman in the back with Dark magic.
He said. Azkaban for sure.
As long as I can make the sentence good.
At least four of the uninvited visitors said at the same time.
Pansy arched an eyebrow. What?
Ginny demanded. Don't tell me you're not happy
he's going there. I'm used to how vindictive you
can all be. Pansy said.
It's just usually against me. Well, you're one of us now.
Jinny said. Neville squeezed her hand.
Some lingering pain from the hex spasmed through her gut.
No matter what. Jinny said with a piercing gaze.
Fucking witch couldn't keep her mouth shut.
I would like to rest now. Pansy said.
Yeah, anyone who wasn't Neville out of the room.
Potter shot his wife a look. Now I have a nurse to lecture
and it's all your fault. She beamed at him.
I can't help that, Mar. Fame literally opens doors for
me, Potter. She patted Pansy's leg.
Glad you're OK, she said. We'll check in soon.
You shouldn't threaten people in hospital beds.
Jinny only laughed before she swept from the room.
Hermione gave Pansy a hug, squeezing so tight it almost
hurt, but she cherished the steadying embrace.
Draco settled for a simple shoulder squeeze.
Thank Merlin no one else tried to touch her before they left
the room. Theo and Blairs are here too.
Neville said. They probably just want to give
you some time to rest. No, that many Gryffindors in
this room would send them to their own beds.
He smirked. Something in his expression
changed before she could determine what it was.
His gaze dropped to where they still held hands.
Pansy. Aye.
A new healer stepped through the door with a kind smile.
Missus Longbottom. Hi.
She said. I'll just need to check and make
sure these potions are doing what they should.
Pansy nodded. She waved her wand and an orange
diagnostic appeared next to Pansy's head.
But that wasn't all. Bright golden ruins from the
right showed up on hers and Neville's bodies.
Pansy glanced at him in a panic, but he didn't look surprised.
Oh. The healer breathed.
Forgive me, I haven't had a chance to see them yet.
Old family marriage bonding spell.
Neville said quietly. It's beautiful.
The healer studied it for a few heartbeats longer and then
smiled at Pansy. No wonder you recovered so well.
Something in her gaze fell, and she turned to Neville.
Your parents. He shook his head.
They didn't use it. I'm sorry.
Neville nodded once. The healer turned back to Pansy
with a bittersweet expression and finished her check up
quickly before she slipped out of the room.
Pansy turned to Neville. What was she talking about?
His throat bobbed. The right created a one way link
between our magical 'cause he said.
In moments of dire need, you can pull magic and strength from me.
It's very possible that's what kept you.
He cleared his throat. Her heart stuttered alive.
How bad had the curse been? Neville looked haunted.
They think you still would have gotten here on time, but it
certainly didn't hurt. She remembered the flash of gold
light, same as the one that shone in the ruins when the
Healer cast her diagnostic and Neville calling out her name
along the bond. The rush she'd felt before she
blacked out was his magic pouring into her magical core
and giving her what she needed to survive.
You never told me. Her voice was sharp with
accusation, but it was a giant fucking detail.
Not to mention Neville met her gaze.
Because it's one way, he said. You can draw from me, but I
can't draw from you. I knew the risk and I was fine
with it, but I didn't want that to influence your decision.
It sounded like exactly something a Malfoy would invent.
Neville not telling her something that would affect him
but not her, sounded like typical Gryffindor fucked up
chivalry. What did she mean about your
parents? He looked down at her hands.
If they had this and performed it, there's a chance mum would
have known dad was in trouble sooner, he said.
She went after him without help, so it still might not have
changed anything. But she squeezed his hand, never
gave her a small smile that didn't reach his eyes.
Did you get hurt? She asked from the curse.
I spent her night here, He said, recovered quickly.
I'm sorry. Yet another way she'd caused him
pain by dragging him into her mess.
No, I'm not, he said. But I wish I could have taken
more. She pulled her hand from his,
unable to bear the intensity in his gaze.
He'd probably say that about anyone.
I'm exhausted, she said. Will you let Theo and Blaze know
I'm OK? He stared at her for a moment
before nodding. Yeah, of course, he said.
Whatever you need. He rose from the chair next to
her, but he paused by the door. Really happy you're OK, Pansy.
She offered him a small smile. Thanks, Longbottom.
He finally disappeared, leaving her alone in the room with
nauseating walls and surprisingly soft sheets,
wishing she'd stayed unconscious for just a little bit longer.
If the healers expected Pansy to get any rest, they certainly
needed to update their protocols.
People were constantly in and out of her room.
The Janus Thicky healers came all early for their shifts to
stop by her room for a bit to check in.
She didn't mind them. They were the ones to know where
the proper blankets and towels were kept and what meals to
order and when to order them based on the chef's schedule.
But the rest of the healers were getting on her last nerve with
their constant check UPS. Constantly having to see the
runes from the right certainly didn't help matters.
Apparently they showed up on a diagnostic anytime Neville was
in her vicinity. Theo and Blaise eventually made
it as well, but if another redhead made a single step
relative joke, she swore she would make sure they join her as
patients. Pansy's head healer finally
decided she was ready to be discharged on Saturday.
Neville was helping her pack up with the various flowers and
foods and gifts she'd received over the past week when someone
knocked on her door. Oh, good.
Neville said. But it's the discharge
instructions come in. Fanzi froze, stomach clenching
as the last two people she ever wanted to see strode into the
room. Ivan's gaze met her straight
away with his familiar leer. Get out, Neville snarled.
Lawrence shut the door behind him.
Mr. Longbottom, Missus Longbottom, you have no right.
Neville seethed. I believe you'll find Mr.
Dharmitov has every right to be here.
Mr. Longbottom, He said he was most alarmed to find out his
ward was placed in danger. She's no longer his ward.
She's my wife. Yes, and it is your
responsibility to keep her from bodily harm.
He pulled out a stack of parchment.
If you want to review the provisions of the marriage
documents you signed. Pansy sunk into the chair near
the bed as Neville fought with him.
She was never going to be free, was she?
What do you want? She asked, interrupting.
The three men turned to her. Argument forgotten, she lifted
her head to face them. What do you want to make this
all go away? Ivan grinned.
This was obviously what he'd waited for.
Why the fuck she'd waited so long to ask the question was
beyond her. Lawrence replied with an
astronomical sum. You can't be fucking serious.
Neville snapped. We are aware of the updates to
the Parkinson family Manor. Lawrence said.
As well as the gains Miss Parkinson's business has made,
it is well within your means if she gave up every single fucking
thing she owned, Missus Longbottom.
Neville snarled. As you say.
He said if Mr. Dmitrov's demands are met, he is prepared to
formally revoke all legal and magical ties to your wife and
vow never to come near her again.
Of course, this was what it would be in about the entire
time. Gold.
Pansy was only ever a means to obtain it.
The fact that she would have lost her magic or been raped or
killed never mattered to them as long as they got what they
wanted. You have until Friday to come up
with your answer. Lawrence smiled at Pansy.
Best wishes for a quick recovery.
They left as quickly as they came.
Pansy stared at the fucking hideous walls.
Neville was silent. Before he could say anything, he
thought there was another wrap on the door and Pansy's healer
strode in. She paused at the sight of both
of them. Missus and Mr. Longbottom?
She asked. Are you both well?
Pansy smiled at her. Yes, of course, She said.
Thank you for your attentive care over the past week.
I am very grateful. Neville's hand clenched and
unclenched in a fist. The healer watched him, concern
etched into her face. Mr. Longbottom, your wife needs
to avoid stress. Pansy almost burst out laughing
at the healer's words. Neville finally seemed to snap
out of his trance. No, I know he said.
I'll take care of her. He spoke it like a vow.
Fucking Gryffindor, always being so dramatic.
Pansy smiled at the healer. And you said that there were
additional discharge instructions.
After one last hard look at Neville, the Healer launched
into her lecture about rest and taking care of herself and what
foods to eat and not eat. She doubted Neville processed
any of it, but he took the parchment from the Healer and
thanked her in a flat monotone. Silence hung between them all
the way downstairs, and as they flewed back to the cottage,
Pansy walked straight to the couch while Neville dumped their
belongings unceremoniously on the table.
He immediately started pacing. She wondered if he was thinking
the same thing she was. If Ivan revoked all ties to her,
Neville wouldn't need to stay married to her.
Instead of the extra year, they'd thought he could get out
of this a month sooner than they'd originally agreed.
How much is the manner worth now?
Neville asked. She shut her eyes.
There has to be a way to market it higher.
He said. Find someone who will pay more
than it's worth. It doesn't matter.
He rounded on her. How much does your freedom mean
to you, Pansy? He demanded.
This is never going to stop. There has to be a way to
negotiate. Will sell the Manor and give
them all the Parkinson gold to make sure you can keep your
business if Ivan or Lawrence would ever negotiate.
Not that it mattered. I gave the Manor to the crevies.
Neville froze. She felt the weight of his stare
but refused to meet it. You.
You what? Tory and Dennis, she said.
I gave it to them. Why?
His voice was strangled. She shrugged.
Even after the changes, I still hated it.
She said. They put all that work into it
and they love it. Plus giving it to a mugglebone
and his pure blood wife seemed like a good fuck you to my
ancestors. She didn't look away from the
shade loving plants stacked on his bookshelves.
Neville didn't speak either. I'm not asking for it back, she
said. He didn't speak, didn't move.
I'll talk to Blaise, she said. I'll sell him the business and
all its assets. It's not worth that amount yet,
but if it keeps growing, you are not selling your business,
Neville growled. We don't have anything else to
offer. She looked up at him.
It's been about the cold the whole time.
Lawrence has been doing this for years, twisting legal documents
to get his clients exactly what they want.
Something sparked in Neville's gaze.
He started pacing again. Neville.
He turned to her. Don't talk to Blaise, Neville,
you're not selling, he said. I'll be back.
With the crack of Apparition, he was gone.