The Right by Parks and Fiction Chapter 27 Pansy took to the
blanket tighter around Alice's knees.
It wasn't strictly necessary, but even the strongest warming
charms couldn't completely hold off the winter chill, and she
couldn't stand the thought of Alice being uncomfortable even
for one minute. Neville's taking us out for
dinner tonight, she said, settling back onto her bench.
My favorite restaurant, actually.
Alice watched the bare trees sway in the faint breeze.
I'm sure Draco told him, She said.
Neville made sure to tell me that Draco was the one who
reminded him to get a reservation, but for a moment
she'd actually, well, it didn't matter anyway.
I've never been a fan of the holiday, honestly, she said.
Just seems like posturing. If you love someone, you show
them every day. Chocolates and flowers and a
fancy dinner reservation once a year hardly counted, not if the
rest of the year was a pattern of neglect.
Only a truly desperate witch would be convinced that
attention one day a year meant genuine feelings.
She was all four big gestures, preferred them even, But if
that's all you ever received then they were just empty.
Did you and Frank celebrate? Alice didn't as much as blink at
her husband's name. He seems like the type who'd
showed up every day and then stressed over the big gesture
days. Maybe that was just projecting
though, looking for hints of Neville in Frank whenever she
could. The way he agonized over
Christmas gifts for his friends, never certain it would be enough
when the true gift was how he was there for them the other 364
days a year. The thoughts of Christmas gifts
brought a smirk to her face. All of her muggle or muggle born
friends, from Penelope to Hermione to Dennis to Teresa,
had been horrified by what Neville got her.
Between Teresa's tactful explanation, the ribbon holder
was from an internationally known store that her family had
never patronized before. The fact that Dennis had to
repair it any time she tried to use it, it clearly wasn't of the
quality she'd initially believed it to be, but he'd been so proud
of himself and it was really sweet, in the misguided sort of
way only Neville could manage. I've got him something, she
said. They arrived at the shop on
Saturday exactly as I ordered. They hadn't exactly discussed
whether or not they were actually getting each other
gifts, let alone how much they would be spending on them.
There was a chance he hadn't gotten her anything, or that
they would be as off as they were at Christmas.
Still, when she'd gotten the idea, she couldn't let it go.
I just, I don't know what this is, she said.
They never trained me on proper decorum towards my fake husband
who's going to divorce me in a month after our one year
anniversary, but is still shagging me on the side or not
shagging, but you know. She glanced over at Alice.
Sorry, she said. That's probably horribly
inappropriate to talk about with you.
There were a lot of things she told Alice that she probably
shouldn't have confided in her mother-in-law.
Thank you, she said for listening.
I know you don't have much of A choice, but hopefully they
helped each other. Neville froze when she strode
into the living room. He was looking particularly put
together in her favorite set of robes, Navy with the light blue
shirt underneath. It made the widening of his blue
eyes all the more dramatic as he drank her in.
She smiled, almost ready. Sliding over the footstool, she
slid her feet into her heels. They were one of her favourites,
Black with a flirty strap around the ankle.
She was buckling the second when Neville came up behind her.
Strong hands grabbed either side of her waist as she
straightened. His voice tickled her ear.
Nice dress. She smirked.
This old thing. It was an exact replica of the
dress she'd worn to the Three Broomsticks the night she tried
to seduce him with one obvious difference.
His lips grazed her ear. You look good in red.
She turned to him. I was feeling festive.
Guess I should give you your gift now then.
Her heart raced despite herself. You got me a present.
He handed her a small velvet box.
Nestled inside was a Ruby pendant surrounded by tiny
diamonds on a delicate gold chain.
Her head snapped up. How could he afford this?
It's OK if it doesn't go with the dress or if you don't want
to wear it tonight. He said the neckline was all
wrong, but she smiled at him anyway and held back the box.
Help me with the clasp. He put it around her neck and
pressed a small kiss right below her ear.
It's always been one of my favourites and I wanted you to
have it. She spun.
One of your favourites? Yeah.
It's a family piece from our vaults.
Her heart struttered for the first time that night.
He looked uncomfortable. I hope it's OK.
In her world, offering family heirlooms only meant one thing.
Asking if she was OK with him giving her a family piece was
the equivalent of asking Grant. Sir gested it.
Disappointment cut through her like a blow.
Of course Augusta would have asked why Pansy never wore any
of the Longbottom jewellery. She still believed this was
real. Sorry if I should have bought
something. I.
She forced a smile to her face. No, it's absolutely lovely,
thank you. A relieved smile blossomed
across his face. To give herself something to do,
she crossed the room and handed him the small box that had
arrived at the shop on Saturday. You didn't have to get me
anything. Open the box, Longbottom.
He took it from her and opened it slowly.
For several heartbeats, he squinted at it before his eyes
widened. His head snapped up.
Is that little mimbies to take with you wherever you go?
He laughed. I still can't believe you gave
my planter name, he said. Especially after kicking her out
of the bedroom. I don't want her to watch what
happens in here, he laughed again.
She's not sentient, he said. She's not even a she Mimbulus
Mimbaltonia. Don't let her hear you say that,
she said. He smirked down at her.
She nodded to the velvet box. Do you like them at least?
They're brilliant. He said.
I'm going to be the envy of every single herbologist between
these and the Viper tooth gloves you got me for Christmas.
She beamed. He started to tug off his
current cufflinks before he paused.
I can wear them, right? Like with this?
It's OK. Merlin, he was cute when he was
flustered. Stepping forward, she slid the
cufflinks she bought him at the beginning of their marriage out
of his sleeves. Accessories are the perfect
place to show off a little quirk, she said.
It's what elevates an outfit from merely fashionable to truly
stylish. His smirk spread.
Did you just call me stylish? She adjusted the new cufflinks
and then stepped back. I said you looked stylish.
She said. Considering I picked out every
part of the outfit, it isn't surprising at all.
He pressed A brief kiss to her lips.
Ready. She nodded.
The restaurant was 2 short blocks from the closest
apparition point. There were subtle nods to the
holiday in red roses and rose petals on tables, but nothing
obscene. As they settled into their seats
and perused the menu, she glanced up when she felt
Neville's eyes on her. What?
He smiled. This is nice.
Yes, I love this restaurant. That's what Draco said.
Being right about Draco telling him what to do didn't fill her
with the expected satisfaction she usually felt.
He sighed. It's a pity, though.
She glanced back up. His lips twitched as he glanced
at the menu. None of my usual moves would
work on you. She decided to play along.
Do you have any moves beyond public rejection followed by
begrudgingly agreeing to marry someone because your Gryffindor
morals manipulated you into helping her?
His eyes flicked up with a bright intensity.
I have moves you could only dream of, Pansy.
She swallowed at the heat in his gaze.
Do you usually pull those out on the first date?
No, he said with an easy grin. My first date move is to pick
the fifth most expensive wine on the list and order that, and
then tell my dear that anything after that is just markups for
curiosity's sake. She examined the wine list and
almost laughed. She sighed instead.
All right, I suppose we can try that one.
Oh no, he said. You should pick the wine.
I'm not. She closed the menu.
It would be impolite of me to pick.
We'll go with your selection. He looked so helplessly
concerned, she almost let him out of his misery.
Almost. When the waiter came to take
their drink order, Neville shot her a desperate look before
ordering the wine. The server smiled.
Ah, Miss Parkinson's favorite, excellent choice, Sir.
She was trying so hard not to laugh at Neville that she didn't
bother to correct him on her name.
You're such a brat. Neville said.
She smirked. And here I thought you liked
that about me. The meal passed in equal parts
easy conversation and their friendly banter as he helped her
into her cloak. Before they left, Neville leaned
down to quietly say something in her ear.
I have another surprise for you back at Orme.
She leaned forward to whisper back.
Is it your cock? He rolled his eyes and grabbed
his own cloak as she laughed at him.
I'm just saying it's Valentine's Day, she said.
That doesn't really count as a surprise.
He pulled her out into a bitter February chill.
No, that's not what I was talking about.
But if you keep that up, you won't get any of that either.
Not even if I beg. He didn't respond, but he did
pick up the pace when they apparated back into his living
room. He pulled away as soon as he
took her cloak. Let's just sit on the couch
first, He said. I actually do have to talk to
you. With a pout, she went to the
couch. After watching him for a few
heartbeats, she realised how stiff he was.
The little ticks that gave him away as he poured them both a
glass of fire whisky after 2 glasses of wine each at dinner.
That was an indulgence from him. She fingered the necklace he'd
given her, his nervousness giving her a family heirloom.
The alcohol. Neville handed her a glass.
He sat sideways on the couch, knee bent and angled towards her
with his arm outstretched along the back.
Now, I did ask Draco and Hermione for help with the
marriage, right? She looked down at the amber
liquid in her glass, trying to suppress the instant pang of
rejection. Of all the things to talk about
tonight, I didn't tell them anything other than I needed
access to the Malfoy family marriage rights for you.
He said. Draco might have formed his own
assumptions based on what he read in the family grimoires.
Her head snapped up. He went through his family
grimoires, yes. Her heart thundered, and his
expression only conveyed relief. We found one.
Left her in a fast exhale. She looked down at her glass,
blinking back the tears. It's worked for the last three
Malfoy Parkinson unions, he said.
It's still a soul bond that mimics the Parkinson family,
right? But it won't give me any power
or control over you. You'll still be your own woman
for the first time in her entire life.
He cleared his throat. If you want to look it over and
decide for yourself. Something about him seemed
nervous. She wondered if it was the
thought of her choosing the family Parkinson right instead.
That thought felt impossible, especially knowing why he
objected so strongly to her. Family.
Right. If it gives me my freedom in
addition to fulfilling the blood oath, it's certainly better than
anything my family could come up with.
I wouldn't offer it to you if I had any doubt of it working.
He said, his face earnest. I know we only have one chance
at this. Because if he did it wrong, if
there was any doubt, Ivan would take her back and bankrupt
Neville in the process. She didn't even want to think
about what could happen to her magic.
She held his gaze. I trust you.
He gave her a shaky smile. It has to be done on a new moon,
he said. Next one's March 10th.
I'll add it to my planner. He smirked.
Not the one that Daphne sees. I up.
Oh, I only have one, she said. I'll just write in sex with
Longbottom instead of Lou's virginity in ancient Malfoy
family ritual to Longbottom so she thinks it's something
normal, like you're trying to knock me up.
He cleared his throat that the horrified look on his face was
like being doused with ice water.
Relax, Longbottom. I just need the right completed
not to carry your spawn. The rights won't work if we use
a contraception charm or if you're on a tonic.
He said in one long rush. She froze.
Neville looked absolutely miserable.
She said. So there is a chance I could end
up pregnant? Yes.
She eyed him, trying to figure out how he felt about that.
The Parkinson family right also won't work with a charm.
Autonic, he said. Both need me to finish inside,
but the Parkinson right could be done any day, so that one we
could in time appropriately to minimise the chances of you
getting pregnant. She looked at the drink in her
hands. So if I pick the Malfoy family
right, I won't be magically tied to you, but I could end up
pregnant, which would tie her to him forever in other ways.
But if I pick the Parkinson family, right, I wouldn't get
pregnant, but I would be bound to you.
The Malfoy family, right, would tie us together permanently.
Neville said. A tendril of guilt snaked
through her. A better person would ask him if
he was sure about forming a soul bond, if he was willing to risk
that much to always be tied to her.
But with her life and her magic on the line, she couldn't.
I won't have any power over any part of you, He said quickly.
But we will always be connected. She studied him.
You're letting me pick. He'd still perform the park in
someone if she wanted. I'm out of other ideas, and with
Ivan and Lawrence breathing down our necks, I think these are our
only two options, he said. It's your body and your magic
and your life. It was supposed to be anyway.
The choice is yours, Pansy, he said.
I will do whatever you want if I pick the Malfoy right and I do
get pregnant. She glanced up at him.
What would happen? Nothing you're not comfortable
with, He said. I would want to stay together
for the child if you're willing, but I'm not going to force you
into anything you don't want. Of course not.
She strode across the room and pulled out her planner.
March 10th was the second week of her cycle.
It wouldn't be impossible that day, but it's probably not
likely. He didn't say a word, just
watched her, waiting for her decision.
Which one are you more comfortable performing?
She was almost certain of his answer, but with a hypothetical
child now a possibility, she had to be certain.
He shook his head. It's your body and your magic,
yes. So thank you for making the
decision. Ultimately mine, but it's your
life too, she said. Which one is going to be easier
for you to live with? He excelled slowly.
I don't ever want that kind of power over another person, he
said. Even if I know I'll never use
it, it just feels sick to even have it.
She nodded once. She knew that.
A baby. He pulled his hands through his
hair. Forcing a woman to carry a baby.
She didn't want his. Just as abhorrent to me if I
deemed the risk acceptable. He glanced up, the look in his
blue eyes unreadable. I always imagined I would have
kids one day. His throat bobbed.
It. If you weren't opposed to it, a
baby would be a blessing. Blessing was a bit of a stretch.
He'd already given 13 months of his life to her.
A child was a lifetime of responsibility.
He would never be free of her. Something tugged in her chest
and she stared across the room at him.
Are you ever going to reach a point where you finally tell me
I'm asking too much of you and that you're done?
He cocked his head. Placing my moral and ethical
objections to your family right over the physical and emotional
cost that an unwanted pregnancy would have on your body and life
feels like I'm asking far more of you.
I have plenty of objections to my family right as well.
She played with the binding of her planner.
Would. If there is a child, will you be
able to care for it? Of course, he said.
Nappy changes, making up bottles and getting up in the middle of
the night. She waved her hand.
Not those things, not the parts that we could hire someone for,
but the intangibles. He frowned.
Would you be able to love the child and ensure that they feel
loved? He blinked.
Of course. He looked both shocked and
confused, as if the idea of a child being unloved never
crossed his mind, but she had to be sure.
Even if it was mine. He frowned.
Bansi, I'm not bringing a child into the world.
If they're going to spend their whole life unwanted and unloved,
especially if their parents were only staying together for their
sake, she needed to know that whatever he felt towards her
wouldn't affect their child in any negative way.
He was silent for several long heartbeats, studying her.
Pansy, of course. His voice cracked and he cleared
his throat. I promise I would love any child
you give me with my whole heart. She thought of the pictures on
his dresser, the album Alice had filled with photos showing her
and Frank's desperate love for Neville.
It was in his blood, hopefully enough to compensate for what
was in hers. OK, she said then.
I would prefer the Malfoy family, right?
If she did get pregnant, they'd deal with it then.
He nodded. OK, the chance of pregnancy is
small enough that this discussion is primarily
hypothetical. He nodded again.
She set her planner down before turning back to him.
Thank you. She said softly.
For not giving up. Ah promised I wouldn't.
I know, she said. But I'm still grateful.
He gave her a soft smile. Fucking Merlin, this is all
getting to be too much. So is our holiday going to be
this maudlin, or do you have something depraved you want to
do to my body? He settled back onto the couch
and sipped his drink. I generally want to do something
depraved to your body. What's it tonight?
His gaze drifted over her body, lingering on her legs.
Come on, Longbottom, she said. Give me your worst.
The corner of his mouth rose. My worst.
There was enough of a challenge in his words that she felt
herself smirk. Try me take off your dress.
Arching her back, she grabbed the sipper and pulled it down.
When she dropped her arms, the fabric slid down her body and
pulled at her feet. His heated gaze was full of
appreciation as it drifted over the red bodysuit.
The exact same shade as her favorite lipstick.
It was made-up of lace and sheer panels that left very little to
the imagination. A deep plunging neckline left
the inner swells of her breasts exposed and ended below her
belly button. A thrill of excitement went
through her as his tongue darted out to wet his lips.
His gaze flicked back up to meet hers once more.
Come here. She barely lifted her foot to
take a single step when he stopped her.
No, she froze, hands and knees. For a moment.
All she could do was gape at him at the fucking audacity.
He took another sip of his drink, watching her with the
look of bright challenge in his eyes.
He didn't think she'd do it. Part of her wanted to find out
what sort of punishment she'd get if she refused.
Or we can finish our drinks and call it a night and head to bed.
He said with a casual air, as if it didn't actually matter to
him. Either way you choose, she could
stop this now. Refused to call towards him, or
she could just let herself fall and wait for him to catch her
like he always did. Ever so slowly, she lowered
herself to her knees. The heat in Neville's gaze and
the way his nostrils flared sent a thrill of satisfaction through
her. The room wasn't that large, but
it felt like forever as she crawled over to him before she
finally kneeled between his legs.
Good girl. Warm satisfaction curled through
her at the praise. He sipped his drink, watching
her Beg. What?
He leaned closer, a small smile on his face.
Be a brat and go to bed, a lawn or be a good girl.
Beg for me and then get your reward.
His smirk spread as if he could see her in a turmoil.
The moment he told her what to do, she wanted to do the
opposite. She never begged until he
dragged it out of her in the heat and desperation of the
moment. But tonight, if she wanted this
to continue. Please let me suck your cock.
His nostrils flared. Good girl, he said.
You may. Sliding her hands up his thighs,
she undid his belt, unzipped his trousers and pulled him out.
Stop. She glanced up in disbelief.
If it wasn't for how rock hard he was beneath her hands, she'd
think him entirely unaffected by her hands.
Behind your back. He took another sip of his
drink. She laced her fingers together
behind her back. The position thrusted her chest
forward. His eyes dropped down with an
appreciative gleam before he looked back up at her.
Carry on, this was going to be fucking difficult.
Without her hands to steady him, there was nothing to do but take
him straight into her mouth. She expected him to fuck her
face, but he simply sat there, watching her.
It wasn't until she finally found her rhythm, drawing slowly
up with a long suck, that she heard his breath catch.
She felt herself relax, deepening how far she could take
him this time. Her reward was a low grown.
So fucking good, Pansy. His voice settled her, the
praise like a warm blanket. She worked him with her mouth,
alternating how deeply she took him.
She drew more groans and muttered praises from him.
They spurred her on, desperate to hear more.
His breathing quickened. Yes, fuck, just like that.
Keep going, I'm going to. She swallowed every drop as he
pulsed into her mouth. When he finally dropped back
against the couch, panting, she licked him clean and then rested
her head against his thigh. He reached out and curled his
hand into her hair. That was amazing.
She glanced up at him. Come here.
He drew her up onto his lap, cuddling her close.
You were perfect. He murmured into her hair.
So fucking perfect. Resting her head against his
chest, she basked in the warm glow of his praise, feeling his
heartbeat underneath her cheek. I know I pushed you.
He said. Your trust is beautiful, Bansy.
Thank you for giving it to me tonight.
He ran his fingers over the tiny embroidered detail at the top
left side of the lace that barely covered her breast.
What, Sir, This some herbologist you are.
She said, glancing up with a smirk.
He flicked her nose. Brat.
She shrugged. You already promised me a
reward. His smirk softened as he
fingered the embroidery again. Pink Azalea, green dahlia and
white delphinium. She said for fresh starts with
pretty girls who need protection from boys with giant swords.
His head dropped back and he laughed.
Who's that a euphemism? Whatever you want it to be,
Longbottom. She wasn't going to stroke his
ego further. Something in his expression
softened as he fingered the tiny embroidered flowers again.
Bright blue eyes flicked up to meet hers, a question in them.
She smirked, it just needed something there and they were
the only three flowers I know how to embroidery.
Something in his gaze flickered. Before she could ask what it
was, he cooked her cheeks and pulled her in for a deep,
lingering kiss. They look beautiful.
He said when he finally pulled her away.
He cleared his throat. You look beautiful.
I was right about the red. He moved his hands, scooping her
up in his arms as he stood. She yelped and clutched his
shoulders. He strode towards his bedroom.
But I think I need to see you in Ruby jewelry and nothing else,
just to be sure. She laughed as she landed on the
bed with a soft bounce and then Neville was there kissing her
until her head spun. He peeled off the bodysuit and
began to touch and kiss every inch of her with a reverence
that almost felt like worship. It wasn't until she was sweaty,
exhausted, and sated 3 times over that he removed everything
but his pants and crawled into bed next to her, holding her
close. When he fell asleep a minute
later, she simply flicked off the lights with wonderless magic
and snuggled in tight.