The Right by Parks and Fiction Chapter 38 The moment Pansy
swept into her shop 5 minutes before opening, she resisted the
urge to roll her eyes. Instead she focused on Daphne,
the only person who was supposed to be there.
Good morning Daphne. She passed her the tea she'd
picked up for her. After maybe 4 hours of non
consecutive sleep, Pansy had elected for coffee laced with a
pepper up potion for herself. Her night had been worth every
minute of exhaustion. Now it wasn't just each moment
of kinky depravity, which certainly was fun, but the soft
moments after, full of honesty and love and acceptance.
Fucking Merlin, she was getting pathetic.
No more reminiscing about Neville at work.
Young lady, where have you been? Theo demanded.
Your mother and I have been worried sick.
Ignoring him, she turned to face Jinny.
You are lucky you are pregnant or I would text you into St.
Mangoes for the next month after your meddling.
Jinny cradled her nonexistent baby bump.
You wouldn't do that to little Lily would you?
She asked. Don't tell me my 2 sweet flowers
are already fighting. She gagged.
Is it a girl? Theo asked.
Jinny beamed. We don't know yet.
She said. Going to be surprised more.
He said. Jinny turned back to Pansy.
Anyway, judging from that Hickey on your neck, things worked out
OK for you. Fucking hell, Longbottom.
Hot as it had been last night, she was cursing his enthusiasm
about marking her in places anyone could see when she was
trying to get ready that morning.
She turned towards the mirror, examining her neck.
She swore she had gotten them all.
Someone sniggered and she realised she'd been had.
Ignoring her two former friends and the redheaded bane of her
existence, she set the crystal vase she'd been holding on the
counter. What are those?
Daphne asked. Pansies.
She turned to Theo. Did you bring my dress?
There was nothing of hers left at Neville's after Daphne
cleared it out. She was currently wearing her
bra and knickers from the day before, freshened with a quick
laundry spell and a shirt of nevels transfigured into a
dress. Enough that it wasn't obvious
that she'd been shagged within an inch of her life the night
before, but not sufficient apparel for tea with Narcissa
Malfoy. Black, Whatever.
They're huge. Daphne said.
And smell amazing. Wieselt said.
I thought pansies didn't have a scent.
Most don't. These do.
Pansy said. Theo dress.
Where did they come from? Daphne asked, leaning closer to
inhale deeply. Merlin, they were a nosy bunch.
Never made them. Theo smirked.
I think the word you're looking for is grew.
He developed his own special cross breed.
She said. Do you have my dress or not?
His mouth dropped open. He made you your own flower?
I already had my own flower. He just took everything I hated
about pansies and tried to eliminate them and made this in
the most hilariously insulting way possible.
Somehow, however, she found his pride of his work endearing.
That's really sweet. Ginny said, her voice thick.
Everyone turned to stare at her. But she's seriously about to cry
over flowers never made for someone else.
Pregnancy hormones are a bitch, OK?
She said stiffly. Theo and Daphne stared at her in
horror. Theo cringed.
Please don't start crying. Your husband isn't hiding around
here, is he? Pansy asked.
I really don't want to be attacked in my shop again.
She snorted. And have Neville come after him
like last time? Pansy smirk spread.
Between the probation and lack of trial and finding out why you
offered him up, Harry already feels guilty enough.
She said he might even try to name one of our children after
you. Any hint of mirth died.
He'd name a child Lily. Pansy.
Theo made a face. And I thought the Dark Lord was
cruel. What's that place Grainger talks
about? Pansy asked.
The muggle auras who take people to abuse children to jail.
We need that for your husband. Flower names for girls are in
Evans family tradition. Ginny said.
If we have more than one girl, I would not be surprised if it
comes up. When he died the second time,
did he come back completely right in the head?
Theo asked. Ginny smacked him on the arm.
Now he said no. Fair.
I can't itch you back when you're pregnant.
Jinny smirked and tossed her hair over her shoulder.
Oh no. Pansy sighed.
I have customers coming in minutes.
She said. Theo, do you have my dress or
not? With a sign, he pulled a garment
bag out of his pocket and expanded it back to full size.
It is only out of immense love and respect I have for Nazis and
Malfoy that I brought it. Jinny made a face What?
Theo demanded. Your husband's only alive
because of her. I thought you all liked her
until she disowned Draco for falling in love with Hermione.
She's trying to make up for it now.
He said. MMM.
She said, clearly not impressed. I'll forgive her when Draco
does. Daphne shot her a bright smirk.
Just to clarify, when it comes to Narcisa Malfoy, are you
taking Draco Malfoy's side over Hermione Grangers?
She asked. My, my, what a world we live in.
Ginny rolled her eyes. Oh, I'm friends with you free.
A lot of weird things have happened since school.
Pansy made a face. We are at most business
associates, I wouldn't even go that far.
Daphne said. Jinny smirked.
Nope, she said friends. It's very one sided.
Pansy said. Her eyebrows shot up.
I'd be offended if we didn't all know how much you like to
withhold your affections. Her eyes narrowed as her two
friends former friends sniggered.
Theo turned to Jinny. Are you referring to how long it
took her and Longbottom to admit they even liked each other?
Or of course, she said why? Is there anything else?
Pansies kept to herself for an abnormally long amount of time
because 24 was so ancient. Marching forward, she snatched
the garment bag from Theo. Get out of my shop.
Oh yes, we don't want to be late for our brunch reservations.
Ginny said. Daphne shot Theo a look of
betrayal. Theo tucked Ginny's hand into
the crook of his elbow. We have a child to raise
together. Not to mention that you want
Harry on your side for the next time you get arrested for using
a dark curse. Ginny said It was self defence.
Pansy ignored that giant load of bullshit as she stepped into one
of the dressing rooms to change. Luckily, the two were already
gone by the time she stepped out.
Daphne slid over her planner when she came out.
Are you sure you're good? Some part of her, influenced by
Longbottom, softened at her friend's quiet concern.
Yeah, she said, really happy. Good, Daphne said.
Even if it is Longbottom. Says the woman who also tried to
seduce him. Daphne rolled her eyes.
There were only two people on 4 this afternoon and we got them
switched around. No problem.
Pansy smirked at her immediate change in topic.
Three appointments until 11 and then I've got to the shop for
the rest of the day. Just enough time for Pansy to
visit Alice before meeting Hermione for tea with Narcissa.
Neville hadn't been able to hide his obvious disappointment when
she'd said that she had to miss Sunday tea yet again.
Hearing the reason why had immediately sent him into peals
of laughter. Still, she wasn't surprised when
she looked up after finishing Alice's hair and saw Neville
walking over with a small smile on his face.
You're here early. He kissed her cheek.
Wanted to catch you and wish you good luck.
Alice started, patting the armrest of her chair.
Mum. Neville asked, a trace of panic
in his voice. What is it?
What's wrong? It's OK.
Pansy told him, then reached over to take Alice's hand.
Rather than stacking their hands like usual, Alice turned her
palm up and held Pansy's hand. Pansy knelt down next to her as
Alice moved to her ring back and forth.
Neville gave me your ring, Did she recognise it?
Alice reached over and tugged her hair.
How much had she understood when Pansy had told her someone was
going to take her place for visits?
How much did she remember? Yes, Alice, I'm going to keep
coming back, she said. I'm always going to be here for
you. Alice patted the other arm of
the chair. Pansy jerked her head at
Neville, tears welling in his eyes.
He knelt next to her and took his mother's hand.
Alice squeezed her hand. Pansy held it with both of hers,
returning the gesture. Next to her, a tear rolled down
Neville's cheek. Pansy rested her head against
his shoulder. Eventually, Alice let go of
their hands and stood up. Neville sat back, swiping at his
cheeks. Guess that's another thing your
mother and I have in common, aside from great hair and a
reluctant affection for men with poor taste in jumpers.
He barked a laugh. What's that?
She swiped the tear he missed with her thumb.
The ability to make grown men weep.
Laughing again, he sneaked an arm around her waist and pulled
her close. I knew you secretly loved that
fact about them. I admit to no such thing.
Alice came over and held out the gum wrappers.
Pansy took hers, but Neville frowned.
Why three? Someone started laughing.
Pansy glanced over her shoulder. Mary, who looked like she just
stopped crying herself, smirked at the two of them.
That is a mother who wants grandchildren.
Neville blanched. Bansi laughed once, lifting
herself to her tip toes. She pressed her lips to his
cheek. I can't be late for tea, so I'll
leave you with that. She said.
See you at home tonight. Mary winked at her as she walked
by. Glad to see you 2 finally
settled everything. I have no idea what you're
talking about. Something she would insist upon
until her dying day, no matter what Mary tried to pry out of
her. The following week.
Granger was pacing the front of the fireplace as soon as Pansy
arrived at her town home. Draco's pissed.
I'm going. Pansy crossed her arms.
And are you, Hermione Granger, going to allow a man to tell you
what to do? She spun and put her hands on
her hips. I'm not letting a man tell me
what to do. I'm expressing concern that my
fiancee is uncomfortable with me meeting his mother for tea.
I will be the first to concede that said fiancee is being
unreasonable, as he usually is with you.
Hermione rolled her eyes. However, Pansy continued in his
defence. Of the, what, 5 interactions
you've had with her, only one has been remotely civil and in
the rest you've either been called a slur, been tortured,
fought in a literal battle, or testified at a full Wyzinghamart
trial. Hermione snorted.
So you're saying as long as Draco doesn't get into a fist
fight and no one dies, gets tortured or threatened with
Azkaban, the tea will be a success?
She beamed. Exactly.
She said. Set your expectations low enough
that you are always guaranteed success.
Hermione exhaled slowly, a hint of anxiety taking over her
expression. I'm going to make an etiquette
faux pas. Of course you are.
Hermione's eyes widened. Thanks for the encouragement.
If she wanted encouragement over honesty, she was talking to the
wrong person. You haven't been raised to
handle every single nuance, so you'll miss some.
She said. But you're confused about who
holds the power here. It is not Narcissa, you are the
only way back to her son and she knows it.
I'm not going to use that against her.
She waved her hand. Yes, yes, we all know you have
morals and principles and are a far better person than the rest
of us. She said.
My point is that she is not going to care about meaningless
mistakes. Just be the sweet, kind,
respectful person that you are and she will adore you.
Hermione shifted her weight from foot to foot.
I don't actually think I'm any of those things.
She said. I trapped a woman in a jar for a
month and forced my fellow students to sign a magically
binding contract with a curse on it, and I didn't tell anyone.
She laughed. Some of my favorite things about
you. She held out her arm.
Come on, let's go before that infamous Gryffindor courage
fails you now. Sissa was there to greet them
both personally when they stepped through the flu.
Anything less would have been a grave insult, so she didn't
expect anything less. But Pansy was still relieved to
see Narsisa's smiling face waiting for them.
She offered them a tour and Hermione slowly began to unwind
as Narsisa directed them through.
With the home sharing its history and what changes and
updates Tori and Dennis had made.
It wasn't the completely modern take Tori had taken with the old
Parkinson Manor, but it was a beautiful combination of fresh
and ornate. The furnishings and draperies
were the familiar, elaborate and imposing style of Pansy's youth,
but the rooms were flooded with light and soft colours.
Dory couldn't have done a better job.
Nasisa was settled in a way that Pansy hadn't seen in years.
Despite her obvious desire to get along with Hermione, she
seemed lighter, more relaxed, more comfortable in her own
skin, free. No matter how much she might
have loved Lucius once, since the Dark Lord's return, Narcissa
had changed. The motherly figure Pansy had
known her entire life became a shadow of her former self.
Having all her comfort and security stripped from her had
taken its toll. Even though he avoided Azkaban,
Lucius was a very different man after the war.
No wand, no political influence, no social standing.
Stripped of everything that had once mattered to him, he grew
bitter and angry with any reminders of what he'd lost and
how he'd failed. Unfortunately for his wife and
child, they were the two he had failed the most.
Like a festering wound, Lucius had loomed over the Manor,
infecting every remaining bit of life and happiness.
Despite how miserable she'd been for herself, Pansy had never
seen Draco happier than the night he'd disinherited.
He'd chosen light and love and life, and found that with
Hermione, by escaping from Lucius's looming shadow, Nasusa
had found the same thing for herself.
In a different world, Pansy could have been her a pure blood
wife, living out her carefully curated life with the perfect
poise and smile, never mind what might be cracking beneath the
facade. Instead, she had Neville
support, encouragement, love, freedom.
Whether it took 24 years or 46, it didn't matter.
Finally being able to live your life the way you wanted was a
rare gift, one Pansy was happy Narcissa had finally found for
herself as well. Narcissa stopped by a set of
double doors. And of course, what I am certain
you are most excited to see. The doors swung open with a wave
from Narcissa's hand and Hermione gasped.
The library was three stories tall.
Floor to ceiling shelves alternated with giant windows
that poured light into the room. On the second and third stories,
a landing wrapped around the entire room, accessible by
spiral staircases at each corner of the room.
Couches, cosy chairs, and tables were into space to allow room to
relax or work. Hermione spun slowly, hands
clasped to her chest, murmuring something about rolling ladders.
Mr. Creevy recommended the addition of those.
Narcissa said. I am used to summoning any book
that I want, but he said something about a muggle tale
that is as old as time. It's absolutely beautiful.
Hermione breathed, eyes shining. I'm uncertain if my son or Pansy
told you already, but there's a tradition in old pure blood
families when a young couple gets engaged.
Narcissa said. The groom's family will offer
his new fiancee A token from one of the vaults to indicate
transfer of the vault to the young woman.
Oh, there's no need for that. Hermione said quickly.
Narcissa's eyes sparkled. Miss Granger, I have already
given you your token. It took her a heartbeat, and
then her eyes widened. They flew to the books and back
to Narcissa. Mrs. Mall Black, I cannot.
This is many of the older texts are maintained under careful
spell work that is incompatible with extension charms.
She said. Since your current home does not
have the space for the full collection, I took the liberty
of housing them here. But they are all yours.
Hermione gaped at the books and then back at Narcissa, as torn
as she'd been the day Narcissa gave her Hogwarts a history.
Take as much time as you want to peruse the collection.
Narcissa said. I'll be here for any questions.
Tea can wait as long as necessary.
Hermione glanced at Pansy for confirmation.
Sifting through a pile of jewels she'd just been gifted would
have been terribly gauche, but admiring the new library was
different. Plus, Narcissa seemed sincere.
Honestly, the more time she could keep Hermione here, the
happier Narcissa would probably be.
Pansy turned to Narcissa. Perhaps I could steal a minute
or two of your time to discuss your ideas for some new pieces
for your wardrobe. The older woman beamed.
Certainly. Hermione's eyes lit up.
OK. With a swish of her dress, she
disappeared into the stacks. Nasysa glanced at Pansy, the
corner of her lip lifting in 1/2 smirk.
I was certain you or Draco would have said something.
Didn't want to ruin the surprise.
She said. Draco has spent the past week
sulking. Nasyssa's smile spread, already
giving up how entirely unlike him.
Draco could be impossibly stubborn, but if he was sulking
instead of plotting, giving in was inevitable.
He knows he's completely powerless against the two of
you. She said.
Hermione wants this for him as much as you do.
Nasysa glanced back at the stacks.
Why? She asked, her voice soft.
There is no reason she should forgive me.
It's not my story to tell. But she had her own estrangement
from her parents. She said she would never stand
in the way of another parent or child ending theirs.
Nasisa glanced across the stacks.
After everything our world owes her now, I will owe her this as
well. Well, you're doing a rather good
job of trying to make it up to her.
Her lips twitched. I suppose that's also what has
Draco in such a tizzy. She said.
I didn't want to leave anything up to chance.
Clever, if I may be so bold as to offer my advice.
Narcissa turned to her, eyes bright.
Of course she is a muggleborn witch.
Narcissa's eyebrows knit at the obvious statement.
She has a foot in both worlds. She said.
She will never fully belong to either one realisation sparked
in her gaze. What she needs most is to be
accepted, something that had been denied to her for far too
long. Probably why the poor thing
ended up friends with Scarhead and Weasel in the 1st place.
Granted, the three of them had saved the world, but Hermione
deserved to be seen for more than that.
Fucking Merlin, Pansy had been around too many Gryffindors
lately. They were making her soft.
You mentioned you having designs for me?
Nasisa asked, another step in making a statement on embracing
her muggle born daughter-in-law. Pansy beamed and pulled out her
sketchbook. They moved towards one of the
tables. Narcissa offered numerous
suggestions and tweaks for each one, but by the time they
wrapped up, both women were pleased.
Do you want me to come here for the fitting or would you like me
to have Daphne owl you for an appointment at the shop?
Oh, I'd love to see the shop. Narcissa said.
It's been too long since I've gotten into Diagon.
Perfect. The two women looked up as
Hermione walked over holding two books.
Only two? Narcissa asked.
I didn't want to take too much time away from tea, so I avoided
the ancient ruins section. She said with a self deprecating
laugh. If it's all right with you, I'd
like to come back sometime this week after work and spend a bit
of time researching that section.
Of course. Narcissa said.
As I said, you are welcome here anytime.
No one will disturb you. Something flickered in her gaze.
Narcissa caught it. Perhaps if you'd like, you could
join me for dinner? Hermione beamed.
I'd love to, she said. Would Tuesday work?
Absolutely, she said. I generally eat around 8:00, but
I'm happy to move that to accommodate your reading.
No 8 is perfect. Hermione said.
Pansy felt like a proud Mama bird, already getting along and
making plans without Pansy's intervention.
Narcissa LED them towards a small parlour that overlooked
the gardens. Glass doors swung open to let in
a gentle breeze. May I ask what books you did
select? Narcissa asked.
Hermione showed her the titles and her eyebrows flicked up.
Hermione shot her a conspiratorial smile.
Draco's been trying to get his hands on both of these for his
research. That explains, though, frequent
requests I've had from anonymous buyers of that copy.
Narcissa said. It's the last one in existence.
How Draco had expected to afford it in that case was beyond her.
Maybe Theo had lost some sort of bet.
It didn't matter anyway. The Malfoy's would never sell
anything in their collection, especially not something so
rare. I'm sure Draco will be ecstatic
to have it back in his possession.
Hermione grinned as she sipped her tea.
Yes, and then rather disappointed when I tell him
it's due back on Tuesday. Pansy coughed into her napkin to
avoid giggling at the smug look on Hermione's face.
He's welcome to join us for dinner.
Narcissa said. I will let him know.
Only Draco and Hermione would attempt to bend one another to
their will with the threat or promise of rare books made for
each other. The rest of the tea was filled
with chatter about books and Hermione's mastery.
Light, easy topics that both witches could focus on in order
to get to know one another. It wasn't perfect.
Narcissa made a comment or two that made Hermione bristle.
Aside from a gentle correction or two, however, they both
seemed to recover. Each of the etiquette slip UPS
Hermione made were overlooked by Narcissa, even if Pansy saw a
hint of pink rise in her cheeks at least once.
As soon as she seemed to realise that Hermione was being genuine
and at ease, she relaxed once more.
Hermione enquired after the new gardens and Narcissa talked
about the specimen she was hoping to grow.
Narcissa turned to Pansy. I might owe your husband for
assistance obtaining one or two of the specimens I'm hoping to
grow. She wasn't quite sure Narcissa
knew what she was asking for, but oddly enough, she could see
the two of them getting along quite well.
I'm certain. Never would be more than happy
to help. He just invented a brand new
breed of Pansy. Hermione said, smirking over her
tea cup. Her eyes narrowed at her friend.
She only found out about that yesterday.
How did Hermione already know? According to Neville, she hadn't
spoken to him in weeks. Pansy hadn't even the chance to
tell Hermione she and Neville had worked everything out.
Her smurk was smug. I met Theo and Ginny for brunch
this morning. Great, now everyone knew her
business. How is Theo?
Nasusa asked. It has been so long since I last
saw him. He's doing well.
Hermione said He and Blaise are very happy together.
The last bit was stated with a hint of sharpness, as if daring
Narcissa to say something against them.
Good. Narcissa said with a genuine
smile. I am so pleased that so many of
Draco's childhood friends have found happiness.
It hadn't fully begun to sink in yet how happy each of them
finally were, how far they'd come from where they were seven
years ago. The reminder of it all choked
her up so much. She was grateful when Hermione
changed the conversation without a hint of tact.
She really did love the swat. Nasisa walked them back to the
flu. When tea was done, Hermione
profusely thanked her for the library once again, and Nasisa
waved it off but repeated her excitement for dinner on
Tuesday. As soon as they appeared in
Hermione's town home, Pansy turned to celebrate the
successful afternoon with Hermione.
But before she had a chance to draw breath, muffled cursing and
groans of pain met her ears. She and Hermione looked at each
other in horror before sprinting toward the source of the noise.
They both froze in the entrance to the study.
Draco doubled over, had two hands on his face as blood
dripped steadily onto his robe. Neville shook out his hand and
beamed when he saw them. Hey, Pansy.
She gaped at them. Hermione seemed just as
speechless. Well, I guess we didn't set
expectations for today low enough.
Pansy muttered. The smallest hint of guilt
entered Neville's gaze. Sorry, Mione, sorry to her.
Draco yelled. I'm the one you just fucking
punched. Neville glanced at him and
arched an eyebrow. You told me to do it, he said.
Not my fault you didn't expect me to take you up on it.
You broke my nose. Hermione sighed and walked
towards him, wand held out. Here, I'll fix it.
Draco scampered away. No, I want Pansy to do it.
Neville and Hermione both froze and looked between them.
Pansy. Hermione demanded.
The disbelief in her tone was rather insulting.
Draco ducked towards Pansy. I'm not letting you cast an
Episky on my nose. Sighing, Pansy walked over and
began casting a careful healing charm.
His crushed nose slowly took form beneath her wand.
He'd bruised for a day or two, but it would be back to normal
by the end of the week. Hermione blinked at her.
That's complex healing magic. Draco pulled out a handkerchief
and attempted to scrub the blood off his face and hands.
Well. She studied under Madame Pomfrey
for two years. Hermione and Neville both turned
to her. Pansy walked over to Neville and
healed his knuckles. You what?
Neville asked. I knew there was a good chance
Draco would end up injured. 6th year.
She said. I wanted to be prepared, so
asked Madame Pomfrey for lessons.
I kept at it. 7th year. Her gaze flicked up to Neville.
Patched you up a few times. Neville frowned.
I never saw you in the Infirmary.
Of course not. If the Carrows had ever found
out she was putting blood traitors back together after
their punishments, she would have been in the Infirmary beds
next to them. Or worse.
I was glamoured and dressed like a Ravenclaw.
His mouth fell open, and then he shut it again.
The corner of his mouth quirked up.
Violet. The code name she and Madame
Pomfrey had used? Not very original.
I know you never said anything. Obviously not, because you'd
make something out of it. And requesting healing lessons
so I could patch up my Death Eater boyfriend after he tried
to kill Alba Stumbledore doesn't sound like the sort of thing
they gave out Order of Merlin's for.
The slightly awed look on his face gave way to exasperation.
Being granted an Order of Merlin is not the only way to be
recognised for doing a good thing.
He drawled. What Gryffindor thinking, if she
was going to be known for doing something good, it would be an
Order of Merlin or nothing. Anything else would lead to
expectations and she was unwilling to let go of her
reputation. Says the man with one.
I can't believe Madame Pomfrey took you on.
Hermione muttered. It had come as a surprise to her
as well, with all of her friends and family either Death Eaters
or Death Eater adjacent. She figured Madame Pomfrey would
have kicked her straight out of the Infirmary.
She told me the world needs more healers, Further proof that it
was a miracle their side won the war now that both men were
healed. Pansy crossed her arms.
What did Jaco do to get punched? Nothing, he snapped.
Neville snorted. Hermione glanced between them,
clearly on Neville's side. I didn't.
Draco insisted. Neville crossed his arms.
How about the way you used Pansy for years while pretending you
were with the person you actually wanted?
Pansy pressed her lips together. It was all water under the
bridge now, but there was something flattering about the
brash Gryffindor way he defended her honour.
Frankly, someone should have punched you years ago on both of
their behalf. Neville continued.
Hermione aggressively rubbed her nose in a poor attempt to hide
her smirk. I apologise to Pansy years ago.
Draco snapped. I don't see why that is any of
your business. Because if you wouldn't have
done that to Pansy, she would never have believed I was doing
the same thing and it wouldn't have almost destroyed our
marriage. Something in Pansy's chest
tightened. It hasn't started with Draco.
Her father had wanted a son and heir and had no idea what to do
with a useless daughter. It was no wonder to her then
that her boyfriend also wanted someone else, that her fake
husband would be the same. And yet he wasn't the first who
wanted her for her, prickly thorns and all.
Draco scoffed. You can't blame all of your
communications issues on me, Longbottom.
Not all. He said, tone agreeable.
Just that one. And now that I've broken your
nose, I feel better about it. Draco's knuckles whitened on his
wand. Frankly, she couldn't believe he
hadn't hex Neville yet. Probably the shock of being
punch had made him forget about it until now.
Hermione slid between them. Going forward, why don't all of
us start trying to use our words to express our feelings?
Pansy almost snorted at the irony.
Even if he's a foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach?
Neville asked. She put her hands on her hips.
I was 14, not a grown adult. He told me to bunch him.
Neville said. Hermione rolled her eyes at
Draco. Yeah, that was stupid, she said.
Of course he took you up on that.
Draco groaned. Is there not one person in my
life on my side? Pansy healed you, You're fine.
Hermione turned to her. I can't believe you never told
me you know that much advanced healing magic?
She shrugged. It never came up naturally in
conversation. Draco let out a derisive half
snort, half laugh. Typical in what way?
He flashed her a suggestive smirk.
You kept a lot of things to yourself as long as you could,
didn't you? Oh, he wanted to play, didn't
he? She gave him her most saccharine
smile. Draco, the fact that we were
together for four years and you had no idea what I look or sound
like when I orgasm isn't the insult to me that you think it
is. Next to her, Neville choked.
Draco's eyes narrowed. That was obviously a virgin
joke. Her smirk spread.
Sure it was, because that would have been an improvement.
Neville muttered loudly enough for the whole room to hear.
You can't sit for newts without earning an owl.
Pansy said. Neville's eyes danced.
And he never earned a single oar, did he?
Draco's eyes narrowed. Get out of my house.
Thank you for the reminder, we should get going.
Pansy said. Neville has some work to grade
and I'd hate to deprive him of the opportunity to award as many
OS as he wants. You 2 are worse than teenagers.
Hermione said. Pansy grabbed Neville's hand and
started towards the flu parlour. Right as she reached the door,
she called over her shoulder. Draco, have fun at dinner with
your mother on Tuesday. What?
He snapped, giggling. She pulled Neville along as she
ran for the flu. Pansy.
Hermione yelled. That is not how I wanted to
bring it up. She was still laughing as she
and Neville swept away in green flames back to their home.
With a wave of his wand, Neville locked the flu behind them.
She ran her hands up his chest to link behind his neck.
So, about that work to grade. His arms wrapped around her
waist. I'm starting to think you have a
professor fetish ever since second year Defence Against the
Dark Arts. Ow.
She jumped as he pinched her side, and then all she could do
was giggle. Maybe not a professor fetish per
SE, but certainly a Neville Longbottom 1.
And you do happen to be a professor.
So. He bent down and kissed her,
wrapping his arms around her so tightly he lifted her off her
feet. She wrapped her legs around his
waist, running her hands over the hard muscles that flexed as
he supported her. When he finally broke the kiss,
she was breathless. Bedroom.
A spark brightened in his gaze as he turned them and took a few
short steps. Ma think this wall will do just
fine.