The Right by Parks and Fiction, Chapter 32.
You'll like her, Pansy told Alice, staring at the tiny
sprouts of green appearing in the garden bed.
I guess I don't know if you've already met her or not.
She glanced over, but as usual, Alice gave nothing away.
She's sweet, she said. Kind even to me.
Everyone loves her, so I know you will too.
In the light of the day, Pansy had realised 2 things.
The first was that Neville wasn't sleeping with anyone
else. Not only would he never do that
to Hannah, with Lawrence and Ivan looking for any way to
prove their marriage was false, it would put Pansy at risk.
And Hermione was right, Neville did care, just not enough.
Because the second thing she realised was that it didn't
matter that he wasn't seeing someone else.
It didn't change the fact that he was pulling away, distracting
himself with whatever he could find in order to avoid Pansy.
All the facts that he wanted Hannah so badly that he would
leave Pansy, even if she was the mother of his child.
Fancy had barely spoken to him the past week.
The fact that she had let herself believe, even for a
moment, that things had changed for him as well was too hard to
face. So was wondering if they had
changed even for a moment. Until he spent the day with
Hannah at the photo shoot and remembered who he truly loved.
It was easy to throw herself into work, into the Hogsmeade
project. The trick was going to be
finding a store manager she could trust.
Daphne was staying on at the Diagon shop.
So far her inheritance wasn't at risk, but she seemed convinced
her father would disown her before long.
Regardless, she enjoyed working for Pansy, and after negotiating
a higher salary, both were pleased with their long term
plans. Pansy cleared her throat,
turning her attention to Alice. I'll keep coming to visit you as
long as they let me. Sweet as Hannah Abbott was, she
doubted she would be OK with her partner's ex-wife spending so
much time with his mother. I'll show Hannah what to do, she
said. Oh, leave instructions with the
healers. She had her limits after all.
You'll be in good hands, Alice. Better ones, honestly, in every
sense of the word. She let out a long breath.
It's not for another year, but I thought that you should know.
Alice began patting the armrest of her chair, her face tight.
Pansy scooted closer. They'd barely been out for 5
minutes, and she tapped the top of the wheels when she was ready
to go back. Alice, sweetheart, what is it?
Alice's movements grew more frantic.
Pansy reached out for her hand to try to steady her.
If Alice had a fit, Pansy had no idea how she was going to bring
herself to stun her. But there was no one else around
to help. And if Alice hurt herself on
Pansy's watch. The moment Pansy's hand brushed
Alice's, she immediately calmed. Alice turned her hand over so
she was holding Pansy's. Tears sprung to Pansy's eyes.
Alice patted her hand with her free one until Pansy covered
that as well, squeezing gently. She ducked her head to hide her
tears, surreptitiously wiping her cheeks on her arms as Ellis
held her. When Pansy returned to the shop,
Tory was waiting on the bench outside, a stack of familiar
paperwork in her hands. She jumped up to her feet the
moment she saw Pansy. Daphne didn't let you in?
Pansy asked. Tory crossed her arms.
I didn't want some excuse about you being too busy, she said.
Your appointment isn't here yet and you have time to answer me
first. After the rawness of the moment
with Alice, she wasn't sure she could take this now.
Tory, I hate that place, she said.
When you and Dennis were showing me the changes, all I felt was
regret that I didn't burn it down as soon as I heard Theo did
that in not manner. Tory's face fell.
But I could see how proud you and Dennis were, and you should
be, because you took something dark and ugly and made it light
and beautiful, and I can't destroy that.
Then sell it, she said. Use the money to expand, to
invest in something meaningful to you.
She stepped forward. This is meaningful to me.
Tory's face softened. I can't bring myself to burn it
down physically, especially not now, not after seeing so much
care and craftsmanship. The two were put into the home
and how much they loved it. This is my way of burning it
down. Pansy said.
If it makes all three of us happy while my family man are
being taken over by a muggle born who married one of the last
living members of the Sacred 28, there's a way to say fuck you to
every one of my ancestors. Let's do it.
She let out a short laugh of disbelief.
This is so irresponsible of you, Pansy.
As far as irresponsible choices went, it was one she could live
with. Tori, before you got your hands
on it. That pile of bricks was
worthless. She said.
I would have helped you, even if the entire thing was a front.
I certainly never expected how much you were going to put into
the project. Tori gave her a small smile.
Could you half ask your job if someone paid you to redo their
wardrobe? Of course not.
Tori was an artist and the home reflected that.
You know me well enough that everything I do is a bit
selfish, she said. This is as much about me as it
is about you. Let me be selfish.
She sighed. I can't believe I'm saying this,
but thank you. She said.
What did Neville think of it? Pansy's stomach churned at the
mention of his name. No, he doesn't care what happens
to it either. Tory cocked her head, studying
her. Is everything OK between you 2?
Of course, she said. Why wouldn't it be?
Tory sat down on the bench and patted the spot next to her.
If her appointment was waiting, Daphne would have come for Pansy
already. As it was, there was nothing to
do but wait until she arrived, so Pansy didn't have a good
excuse not to join Tory. It's hard, Tory said as soon as
Pansy took a reluctant seat next to her.
Loving a Gryffindor, especially when they're also saving you.
She arched an eyebrow. What is Neville saving me from?
Tory didn't flinch. You tell me.
Pansy turned back to watch the busy St.
You wonder what's real and what's just their innate sense
of chivalry and righteousness. She didn't have to wonder any
more with Neville. As soon as the right was
complete and his promise fulfilled, Neville pulled away.
Dennis loves you, I know that now, she said.
But I did question for a long time because he would have done
what he did for me, for anyone, because it was the right thing
to do. Just like Neville saving her
from Petro. Tory, I appreciate what you are
trying to do, but Neville and I are not you and Dennis.
I know, she said. But if you have the chance to
tell him how you feel, do it sooner rather than later.
He'd made it very clear he only wanted something temporary with
her. Tory wasn't done for all that.
They'll rush headlong into literal battle as teenagers, or
face down the Dark Lord and all his followers with nothing but a
ratty old hat. When it comes to love, they're
as uncertain as the rest of us. Neville was certain enough in
his love for Hannah that he knew he'd leave the mother of his
child for her. They're brave and self
sacrificing, Tory said. But make sure you tell him how
you feel before he is brave enough to give you up.
She didn't have the heart to tell Tory her advice was a few
months late. Not that Neville hadn't been in
love with Hannah then too. Everything he'd said to her over
the past few months made his feelings perfectly clear.
She might be his favorite way to get off, but she was exactly
what she had always been. A placeholder until he could be
with the woman he really loved. Just think about it, OK?
Tory asked. Pansy forced a smile to her
face. Thanks, Tory.
She let out a small laugh of disbelief.
Thanks for the house. Make sure you fill it with lots
of sticky little half breeds for me to spoil.
Her eyes narrowed. Half bloods?
Excuse me? She rolled her eyes before her
face softened. You deserve it all, Pansy.
She said. Don't ever let yourself forget
that I don't. She said.
It's the rest of the world that isn't quite on board yet.
Tori laughed. Pansy stood as her next
appointment stepped up to the shop.
Give my love to Dennis, give mine to Neville.
She followed the young woman into the store, slipping into
her customer service mode like a new dress.
Pansy looked over the calendar and saw the final name had been
crossed off and a new one scrolled in.
Who is Rose Hugo? Daphne shook her head.
She's been corresponding with me for a few weeks.
She said. Requested an end of day
appointment and paid a consulting fee in full before
there was even a spot available. She arched an eyebrow.
Daphne shrugged. We had a cancellation, so I owed
her first. I'm not sure if I should be
accepting bribes, not that she was above paying them to get
what she wanted, or that paying the consulting fee in advance
was actually a bribe. The cancellation list is a
nightmare, Daphne said. Half the time spots don't get
filled because all of the time it takes corresponding to see
who can take the spot. I knew any end of day
appointment would work for her, so I gave it to her.
Do you know anything about her? She shook her head.
Just the name and that she has gold to burn.
Pansy grinned. Sounds like my favorite kind of
customer. They both turned as the bell to
the shop rang. The red headed witch gave them a
brief smile. Hello.
Daphne recovered first. I'm so sorry we're all bucked up
today. She said I'd be happy to add you
to our cancellation list, otherwise we're looking at mid
November. Ginny Potter's eyebrows arched.
Is that so? Pansy shot Daphne a sharp look
before she turned back to the Wheezelette.
She was booked out, but not into November.
I do have an appointment scheduled now, but if you don't
mind waiting an hour, I can see you then.
Ginny smiled. Rose Hugo paid in advance.
Daphne froze. You're Rose Hugo?
Her smile turned into a smirk. No, I'm Ginny Potter, as if
everyone in the wizarding world didn't already fucking know
that. Normally that name gets me the
best table in every restaurant or the very top of the waiting
list without even asking. She said.
But seen as I've been on Pansy's waiting list since last October,
I was curious when a well paying pseudonym would do last October.
Suddenly all of her passive aggressive comments started
making sense. No wonder she'd been so fucking
pissed at her. Pansy rounded on Daphne.
She didn't look the least bit apologetic.
You requested Wednesdays or Fridays at noon.
Daphne said. Unfortunately, that specific
appointment has not opened up. But I do promise as soon as
Daphne, What the fuck? Pansy demanded.
Daphne had the most deeply misplaced way of showing her
loyalty. Pansy was torn between smagging
her friend or hugging her. Both of them ignored her.
Jinny's eyes narrowed at Daphne. I said it was my first choice,
not that it was the only time I could come in.
Daphne plastered on her fakest customer service smile.
Customer service is a priority for Pansy, so I always strive to
make sure every customer receives their first choice as
soon as it is available. Ginny arched her eyebrow.
And customer service wouldn't have involved telling me that
Pansy always blocks Wednesdays and Fridays at noon to visit
Alice Longbottom. Daphne opened her mouth, but
Pansy cut her off before she could make things worse.
Yes, she should have let me know.
Or informed you that Wednesdays and Fridays are always booked.
She shot Daphne another look, but she didn't look the least
bit apologetic. If anything, she was smug.
She turned back to the Wieselette.
In Daphne's defence, however, she found out I'd been visiting
Alice Longbottom at the exact same time you did.
She said she was under the impression I was having an
affair. Jenny wrinkled her nose.
Regularly scheduled at noon three days a week.
Would your first guest be scent Mungoes?
Daphne asked. It wouldn't have been an affair.
This was going nowhere fast. And daff, I can lock up tonight,
she said. You can take the rest of the
night off. Daphne studied her as if to
determine if Pansy meant it or not before she tossed her hair
over her shoulder. Good luck, she told her.
She shot Jinny A scathing look. Wieselt.
Bye Daphne. Jinny called in a falsely sweet
sing song voice. As the blonde left the shop.
Pansy watched her friend leave, wondering how soon she was going
to regret that. She turned to Jinny.
I apologise. Pansy said.
I didn't know you tried to request an appointment.
I would have made it work if that was the only time you were
available. You don't need to apologise,
Jinny said. I do.
Fuck. Apparently they were doing this
now. I've been judging you unfairly
for years, Jinny said. Neville is one of my closest
friends, and I admit that I'm a bit protective of him, and
sometimes I don't express that in the healthiest of ways.
Pansy almost snorted. Your marriage seemed so fast,
and Neville kept trying to tell us that what you'd said about
Harry the night of the battle was a mistake and you'd
regretted it. It was not a mistake, and I've
never regretted it a day in my life.
Pansy said. The corner of Jinny's mouth rose
in a wry smile. As you've said, she said it made
me believe that you were manipulating and lying to him.
If he actually asked, I would have been blatantly honest about
it. Jinny let out a small, breathy
laugh. I have no doubt about that.
She never hesitated to make her stance to Potter, to the
Wizengemot, to the entire wizarding world perfectly clear.
Jinny cleared her throat. To me, it felt like you acted a
different way when Neville was around than when he wasn't.
Telling him, According to him, that offering up Harry was a
mistake and you regretted it. But telling Harry to his face
that you didn't? Neville always wanted to see the
best in people. Up until he'd watched her say
the exact opposite directly to Potter, Neville had probably
never believed anything different.
Or anytime Neville was around telling me to make an
appointment but then putting me off any time I actually tried to
make one, or cancelling any time I managed to get a spot, Jinny
continued. I am sorry about that, she said.
I didn't know Daphne was doing that.
She offered her a weak smile. I can't say I would have behaved
any differently if someone treated my friends the way I've
treated you. Daphne and her personal form of
justice, the equal parts endearing and irritating as
fuck. I am so, so sorry.
Ginny said. I should have addressed any of
this with you directly instead of being such a passive
aggressive bitch about it. Pansy studied her, but nothing
but genuine remorse showed in Ginny's expression.
And I'm especially sorry for what I said that night at the
pub. Now it's taken me so long to
apologise for it. Ginny said.
There was never an excuse to say any of the things that I did.
And I am sorry that I said them, and I am sorry that you heard
them. She nodded once.
Given our history, I can't exactly blame you for thinking
the worst of me. Hermione and Neville know you
better than just about anyone, she said.
There's no excuse for me not trusting them and giving you a
chance. I'm sorry.
Pansy was so sick of fighting, of grudges and blaming and
pettiness based on things that happened almost a decade ago.
Even if she wasn't ready to trust Jinny, she was ready to be
done with this feud. Thank you for saying that, she
said. I appreciate the apology then, I
would like to be able to move forward.
Emotion passed over Ginny's face and she nodded, looking a little
overcome. Merlin, the last thing she
needed was more emotional turmoil.
Pansy gestured towards the stand.
Let's take some measurements and talk about what you're
interested in. She said.
And apply your consulting fee towards any designs we settle
on. Why did you try to offer Harry
up to Voldemort? Pansy froze.
So they were going to do this after all?
She slowly turned to face her. Neville told Harry if I asked,
you would tell me. Of course he fucking had.
Ginny watched her carefully, her own face impossible to read.
I know. You said that you wanted Harry
to win, that you wanted Voldemort dared and overthrown
as much as any of us. She said It's obvious that you
no longer believe in blood purity.
If you ever did, but you still offered him up.
Why? So much for moving on.
The chances of this conversation going as well as it had with
Hermione were slim to none. Don't let what Neville said
about being proud of me fool you.
She said. Every reason I had was more
selfish than the last. Ginny nodded once, but it seemed
more like an acknowledgement that she'd spoken than an
agreement. What were they?
That room was full of Gryffindors, Ravenclaws,
Hovelpoths, professors, and the remaining members of the Order
of the Phoenix. She said even Crab and Goyal
weren't stupid enough to try and grab Potter then.
Pansy expected Ginny to jump down her throat, but she stood
silently waiting. If the Dark Lord won and found
out afterwards that I alone stood up for him, I alone tried
to follow his orders, I would have been richly rewarded, she
said. If Potter and the Order won, as
I hoped they would, I assumed my indiscretion would be forgiven
as the actions of a terrified teenage witch and minimally
punished. Not that the month and 1/2 in
Azkaban or the seven years of probation had been particularly
pleasant, but they were certainly less awful than what
she would have faced if Voldemort had won and he'd found
out she'd been disloyal. Most importantly, it marked me
as someone who couldn't be trusted, and I was one of the
first escorted out of the school, keeping me well away
from the battle. She said.
As I said, each reason was more selfish than the last.
Jinny nodded slowly. What reward?
What? You said you would have been
richly rewarded. She said you were counting on
it. If Aldermont won and offered you
a reward, what would you have asked for?
Pansy smiled, but there was no humour behind it.
See, this is where it gets really good, she said.
Draco had something that I wanted, needed.
He was my one chance at freedom. The only thing he wanted more
than anything in this world was Hermione Grainger.
Even after her talk with Hermione, the word still tasted
like ash in her mouth. Most of the well known rebels
were divided up by Death Eaters. Pansy continued.
Each man called different friends or family members of
yours. Hermione told Harry what McNair
had planned for her. Jinny said you were going to
save her from that. I was going to ask the Dark Lord
to let me borrow Hermione from McNair to torture for a few
months until he was ready for her.
She said. I was going to use that time,
use her to force Draco to give me what I needed, buying Draco
and Hermione time to find a way for you all to escape.
She was waiting for Jinny's disgust, but there was just
quiet curiosity, as if all of this was simply confirming what
she'd already guessed. Pansy straightened, preparing
herself for the expected judgement or scorn.
Like I said, each reason was more selfish than the last.
You couldn't ask Voldemort for whatever you needed from Draco.
No. Jinny studied her.
What about me? What you said?
Most of my friends and family were divided up and had fates
chosen for us by Death Eaters. She said.
I have a few guesses, but I wanted to know what mine would
have been. She smiled, knowing there was a
cruel edge to it. Are you sure about that?
Jinny didn't hesitate. I'm the last surviving female of
the Pruitt line, she said. Like I said, I have my guesses.
Perhaps she was better informed than Pansy thought You were.
Quite the price, you know, she said.
The Dark Lord himself got to decide who you would be given
to. The raids, the murders, the
torture that was committed, all in the quest for the honour of
getting to breed Genevra Weasley would have made your stomach
churn. She seemed to pale, but she
stood tall. And after all that, it was my
father who won, she said. Had the Dark Lord triumphed that
night, you would have become my stepmother.
Her lip curled. He'd be dead the first time he
tried to touch me. She almost laughed at the
naivete. Aren't you curious how my
father, a coward who avoided raids and open battle as much as
he could, was the one who got you?
For once, Jenny didn't look prepared for the answer.
Still, she was a Gryffindor. Just tell me my family as an
ancient rite that has been passed down from generation to
generation. She said it allows for the
husband full control over his wife, from her body to her
magic. Like a modified Imperius.
One that's not only impossible to fight off, but would leave
you completely aware of everything you were doing
against your will. Jinny looked like she was about
to be physically I'll. She stepped back a few steps and
slowly sunk down onto the couch, holding her stomach.
Pansy was about to offer her a bucket when she spoke again.
You weren't just going to get Hermione outs were you?
She asked. Neville said you were going to
save two people. The other person was me.
She doesn't answer. You would have tried to save all
the survivors, wouldn't you? Only because Hermione wouldn't
have left without them, and Draco wouldn't have left without
her, and I wouldn't have made it far on my own.
Jinny looked halfway stunned. You hate me, she said.
You've always hated me. Why would you save me?
I hate most people. She wasn't sure if that was true
anymore. Her life would have certainly
been easier if it was. But I don't hate anyone that
much. She paused.
Maybe Bellatrix's the strange, or elect o'carrow.
I still wouldn't want that to happen to them, though.
It might humanize them, but I couldn't stand pitying either of
them, even for the smallest second of time.
Jinny let out a grunt that could have been a noise of agreement.
She looked back at Pansy, questions swirling in her gaze.
Why have you never told anyone this before?
Why is Neville the only one who knows if you said any of this at
your trial? She scoffed.
I didn't have a trial. Jinny frowned.
Harry was there. Harry walked out of the room the
moment I said I didn't regret turning him over.
She said. After that the wisdom come up
moved straight into sentencing. I was never allowed to speak in
my defence. Jinny went white as a sheet
under her freckles. No, she whispered.
Harry insisted everyone receive a trial.
Everyone have a chance to speak in their defence.
It after serious, apparently after he saw enough.
The Wizenger muttered. Seen enough as well.
Jinny rubbed her temples. Fuck, she whispered.
None of the auras during my probation meetings have asked
either, she said. Only if I regretted my actions.
As soon as I said no, I was informed that my probation had
been extended for another six months.
Again and again and again for 6 1/2 years straight.
Even Potter himself. The reason Neville is the only
one who knows this is because he's the only one who has ever
asked Pansy why. Jinny trailed off, but the look
of absolute horror remained on her face.
The fact that she looked more appalled over the fact that
Pansy had never been allowed to speak in her defence than what
Pansy's father would have done to her was something Pansy would
have never expected. It's not your fault.
Honestly. It wasn't POTUS either.
He was barely a legal adult, not that him being of age should
ever stop the wizarding world from counting on him saving them
all before that. I'm still sorry.
Ginny said. We thought that we did
everything we could so that it wouldn't happen again and Harry
will make it right. At least this way she could plan
a vacation out of the country once she and Neville got
divorced and he got back with Hannah.
I would appreciate not having my privacy invaded against my will
twice a year. She cringed.
I'll ask Harry what needs to be done to get the charges dropped.
Fansy wasn't going to hold her breath, but at least it was
something. Ginny's gaze was earnest as she
watched her. I'm sorry for how I've treated
you, she said. I've been an absolute bitch and
you didn't deserve it and I'm so sorry.
It was true, but Pansy wasn't exactly blameless in their
relationship either. Well, it takes one to know one.
The corner of her mouth rose. I think Dennis said it right
when he said that you just like people to think you're a bitch
when you actually really care. He was dragged at the time.
Her eyebrows shot up with very to serum.
She sighed. That only means he believes it,
not that it's actually true. Jinny smirked.
Says the woman who would have defied Lord Voldemort to rescue
a muggle born witch and Harry Potter's girlfriend.
Merlin, they were never going to get over this, were they?
This is why I didn't tell anyone.
She said. You completely missed the part
where I did it all for my own selfish reasons.
Saving me didn't help you, but you would have done that.
They were going to be bloody insufferable now about this,
were they? It would have brought me safety
and protection from the remains of the Order.
Jinny shrugged. So would rescue in Hermione
Granger. Is it physically impossible for
any of you to see the bad in anyone once they do one good
thing? She demanded.
I fucking swear Potter is going to do something absolutely
stupid, like name his first born son after Silver, a Snape, even
though that man tormented him for seven years straight.
Jinny's hand slipped to her belly, cradling it.
Not first born, she said. That's going to be James.
Serious. She froze for a moment, gay
starting up to Jinny. Her lips lifted in a small
smile. If she's a girl, she's going to
be Lily. But we haven't settled on a
middle name, she said. We have 6 1/2 months left to
decide. Well, that explained why Madam
Malkin's normally precise measurements had been shit.
Congratulations, she said. I had no idea.
Now she felt fucking terrible for rubbing all those horrible
things in her face. The only people who know so far
are Ron and Padma and Draco and Hermione.
Jinny had told Pansy before her own mother.
I'd like to tell Neville in person.
Jinny began. I won't say a word.
It would be easy with him avoiding her so he could be off
dreaming about his ex-girlfriend.
Thank you. She drew in a deep breath.
That was the other thing I wanted to talk to you about.
Pansy arched an eyebrow. Fun as it was to see Fleur in
maternity robes, I've seen most of my sister in laws have to
wear the most hideous outfits their entire pregnancies.
She said. The clothes you made for
Angelina are incredible and I wanted what you have with
Hermione, but for maternity clothes?
She stared at Jinny for several long heartbeats.
What? You told Audrey I had plans to
branch into maternity clothes, but that there wasn't the market
for your styles quite yet, She said, saying to Angelina, though
she kind of likes causing a scandal.
As if anyone would expect anything less from the wife of
George Weasley. By dressing Hermione, you made
trousers fashionable even for Ministry employees.
Jinny continued. Think of what you could do
dressing the wife of the Chosen 1 during her first pregnancy.
Oh, she already was. Oh no, I've been a bitch and
I've judged you unfairly. We all have, and I'm sorry for
that, she said. I want to try and make it up to
you, but I also don't want to look like a fat cow for months
on end, so I thought maybe we could help each other.
Pansy's brain was still trying to catch up with the sudden
direction this conversation had taken.
How Slytherin of you. I know what people are willing
to pay me for ad campaigns, she said.
What they pay my teammates who aren't married to the Chosen
One. Figures Pansy certainly couldn't
afford. The only reason she'd had her
deal with Hermione was because she was her friend.
Hermione probably had no idea how much money another designer
would pay her to wear their clothes, but Ginny obviously
did. The fact that she was offering
the same thing. It's a good deal for you too,
right? Ginny asked, sounding tentative
for the first time in the conversation.
Almost as good as the one she'd had with Hermione, maybe better.
It meant exposure to a new market of witches and the chance
to start a line she'd always wanted to make without waiting
the years until Hermione finally got pregnant.
Dressing Ginny also meant getting to do more casual wear
and branching out beyond business and formal wear.
You didn't judge me unfairly, Pansy said.
You had a few years of experience to go off.
Yeah, but it was pretty hypocritical of us to say we'd
forgive anyone who could show that they'd changed and then not
give them a chance to prove it. If this was the deal, if Jinny
was serious, it would make her career.
Neville saw the truth and I'm sorry we didn't trust him
either. Ginny said.
Harry and I want to have the two of you over her dead fucking
body. Was she going to have dinner at
the Potter home with the two of them, all the happy and in love
and watch Neville look on while longing and daydreaming about
eventually knocking up Hannah and being just like them?
You will need to sign a contract.
Pansy said. It would outline the only
acceptable scenarios of either of us ending the partnership.
Jinny cocked her head. You don't trust me?
I have a contract with Hermione. Yeah, but you specifically
mentioned reasons I couldn't back out.
She said. I was expecting exclusivity
conditions. There will be those too.
Jinny's eyes narrowed. Then tell me what you think is
going to make me back out of the contract.
She might as well get it all out of the way before she got her
hopes up about the partnership. A change in my relationship with
one of your best friends. For a moment, Ginny looked taken
aback. Hermione loves you, and she
loves your outfits. She, she broke off.
You mean Neville. Pansy held her gaze, keeping her
face as expressionless as possible.
Ginny looked heartbroken. Is something are you too?
I expect that by this time next year you'll get your wish and
never will be back with Hannah. She frowned.
What happened? You've seen it yourself, she
said. Don't bother trying to deny it.
Jinny looked I'll again. Was this a pregnancy symptom?
Maybe she should be grateful she wasn't currently carrying
Neville spawn for more reasons than just that he'd have to
leave her in spite of it. Jinny wrung her hands.
I'm sorry. Aye.
The fact that she couldn't even try to deny it stung worse than
any of her usual biting comments.
That just doesn't make sense. Jinny said.
Neville's more loyal than a Hufflepuff if he apparently said
loyalty only extended to those he loved.
Janie's head snapped to her. The right Pansy tensed.
What? Your family, right, She said.
You said it was passed down from generation to generation.
How? Fuck.
Apparently Hermione wasn't the only Gryffindor with brains.
She'd be impressed if she wasn't so pissed off, the way most
ancient family rights are through our grimoires.
Jinny didn't appear to be listening.
That's why Neville married you, She said.
You needed a husband from the Sacred 28 to break the right.
She wrestled with it for a few moments before she gave in.
There was no point in hiding it all now.
The right is in two parts, she said.
I needed a husband to fulfil the second part of the right or I
would lose my magic. My father's will required that
my husband be a pureblood member of the Sacred 28 or a pureblood
of my closest male relative's choosing.
Lose your magic? Jinny demanded.
My guardian was going to sell me to a rapist and murderer, she
said. I needed to marry someone in the
Sacred 28 by my 24th birthday or I would become a squib.
Ginny looked horrified. Is that what you needed from
Draco? She asked.
What you were going to use Hermione against him for?
Draco's family has a right that fulfils the first without the
unpleasantness. That's what they were doing,
Ginny mumbled to herself. She looked up.
So it was a farce from the beginning?
A farce for Neville the entire time.
As you've said, it wasn't my personality or how good of a
shag I am. She cringed.
Oh, I'm sorry about that water under the bridge.
For once, she actually had meant it.
Jinny watched her for a few heartbeats.
I know Neville cares about you. How many fucking times was she
going to have to hear that Neville cares about a lot of
people? I'm sorry, Pansy, Jinny Weasley,
Potter had a great deal to apologise for, but the pity in
her voice was about to make Pansy snap.
Don't be, she said. I got exactly what I needed from
him and then some. Her magic was safe and her
family's fortune was hers. And Neville got a few months of
his favorite way to get off before he went back to the woman
he truly loved. Pansy marched back to her
calendar. How far along are you exactly?
She said. I can help you hide any changes
until you're ready for the official announcement, which I
will dress you for, as well as your official press engagements.
Not my post match ones. She said.
The last thing I'm going to do after a match is Primp and Prim
for an hour before an interview. Very well.
She said. I allowed Hermione her muggle
denims. I will allow you your sweaty
post match interviews in your smelly kit.
Anything else you will need to inform me about in advance so I
can craft your wardrobe appropriately.
OK, that was surprisingly amiable.
When works best for weekly fittings?
She asked. I'll need a week or two to get
some research done and I'd like to get one full appointment to
discuss your personal style. Training and matches aren't
always consistent, so it might change a bit.
She gave her a small smile. I think you will find me a bit
more flexible than Daphne would have had you believe.
Jinny pulled out her planner with a smirk and walked over to
compare dates and times.