Pansy
"Mother, do I have to?" I whined as I slumped down in my chair, folding my arms across my chest.
"Yes Pansy. These are very important friends of your father's and I expect you to join us and be on your best behavior." My mother replied as she looked over her book. "And please don't slouch, it's not very ladylike."
"It's not very ladylike…" I muttered under my breath while I brought myself back up into a posture, much like my mother's; straight backed and ankles crossed.
"I heard that." She said from behind her book. I just rolled my eyes. There was silence for a few minutes but I broke it with a question that had been bothering me from the moment I was told I was going to have to attend the dinner at my parent's friend's estates.
"Mother, if you and father are going to be doing business, wouldn't it be best if I just stayed here? I would just be bothering you otherwise."
"Nonsense dear. I'm sure you'll have fun. And besides, there is someone who I want you to meet."
"Who is it?" I asked out of curiosity.
"You'll see this evening. Just be patient." She responded before going back to her book.
I sat there for a few more moments before going out behind our manor. I would follow the path down to the old willow tree by the lake. When I was younger, my father built a swing on one of the lower branches for me, knowing that I loved looking over across the lake to the forest. I listened to my shoes click as they hit the stones my mother had made the path out of. Leaving the path, I took a short cut through some tall grass. It came up to my waist and tickled my skin. Soon enough, the grass shortened and I came upon my mother's garden. She placed it around the swing because she knew the flowers made me happy. She had daisies and orchids, roses and daffodils, lupines and lilies, and her favorite of all, the pansies. She told me once that my father purposed to her over in the forest clearing and that she was standing in a field of them at the time. She decided to remember her greatest memory by harboring me with their title. I was her flower; her Pansy. I smoothed my skirt flat before taking a seat. I held the vines tightly, making sure I wouldn't slip off. Slowly, I began to swing back and forth. A soft breeze lifted my hair causing the sun to hit my face.
While swinging I couldn't help but let my mind float back to the conversation with my mother earlier. I was going with them tonight to meet someone. Did her friend's have a daughter? Was my mother hoping that I would make a friend before going to school in the fall? I was told about Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by my parents numerous years ago and that I would be attending after my eleventh birthday. I gained that age two months prior and I couldn't wait to start learning magic. I was told about the four houses and what it meant to be in each. Personally, I wanted to be sorted into Slytherin; not only to uphold the family name but because of the traits the house members carried. To be ambitious and cunning were two things I already was. I wouldn't let anything get in the way of something I wanted and I always made sure that I never gave up. Another thing about Slytherins was that they knew their place in society. I knew mine; I was the daughter of two wealthy purebloods, both of which who gained respect from others in our world for their magical skill and pronounced regal ties. I guess getting into Ravenclaw wouldn't be so bad. Members of that house were smart and wise. To have either of those traits, one would be lucky. The other two houses didn't appeal to me at all. Hufflepuffs were supposedly loyal. If I've learned one thing, it's that ones loyalties lie only where they are of great profit to you. And then there was Gryffindor; the brave ones. I believe bravery is something everyone has but just can't seem to show it all the time. Courage and chivalry are nice and all, but only if used at the appropriate time. One wouldn't want to be too rash.
I was so caught up in my thoughts I didn't hear someone coming up behind me. I only noticed their presence when they gave me a push, causing me to go higher. I let out a gasp then looked to my side and saw that my father was standing off to the side, giving me the occasional push.
"Hello Pansy." He greeted me kindly.
"Hello father." I replied as I gave him a small smile. "What are you doing out here?"
"Your mother asked me to come and find you. Lunch is almost ready and after that you need to get ready."
"Father, where are we going?" I asked trying to see if I could get more out of him than my mother.
"We're going to my friend's manor to do some work. It's been prolonged enough already." He responded without thinking twice.
"I understand that much but whose manor exactly? Is it the Bulstrode's? I rather like going there. Their daughter is really nice. Millicent and I get along well." I asked hoping that it would be their place I'd be going to.
"Not this time Pansy. Although I'm sure you'll meet someone you'll like very much."
"Who father?"
"You'll see tonight. Just be patient." In some ways, he's just like my mother. "Come along now, your mother is probably wondering what's taking so long."
"Do I have to go?" I asked in my sweetest voice, not really wanting to leave the swing. It was one of my few comfort zones.
"Yes, but I guess one more push wouldn't hurt." He said before giving me one last gentle push. I savored those last few moments in the air, with the breeze brushing past my face. Slowly gliding to a stop, I released the vines and slid off the swing. My father took my hand and led me back to our manor. Once we were in range of the back door, my mother stuck her head out and reminded me that "a lady is never tardy". I followed her into the house and took a seat at the dinner table where lunch went over without a word.
As soon as I finished I was sent up to my room to get ready. I arrived in my chamber to find Gwenin waiting for me. Gwenin was my personal servant. She was a small woman barely in her twenties. Her light brown hair hung loosely down her back while her blue eyes glistened with energy. She wore the usual maid's attire but I never understood why. It's not like she cleans the house or anything; that's what the house elves were for. Her job is merely to help me with my day to day activities and make sure that I presented myself as a proper lady. Luckily, she lets me get away with the last one on most occasions.
"Hello Miss." She greeted me sweetly as I went over and took a seat on my bed. "What can I do for you?"
"My mother wishes for me to get ready for our outing this evening." I explained. "She wants me to look my best. I'm supposed to be meeting someone."
"Yes, you are." Gwenin responded as she went over and opened my wardrobe. "You'll want to make a good impression too."
"Gwenin, do you know who it is I'm meeting?" I asked her anxiously. Now if I know anything, it's that Gwenin could never keep a secret from me.
"I do Miss. You see, your parent's friend's are of the upper class, not unlike yourself. They are highly respected and the impediment of the pureblood name. So is they're son."
"Son?" I asked raising my eyebrows. "My parents are taking me to meet a boy?"
"Yes Miss." She said as she began siphoning through my dress robes. "I'm sure you know that you are of an age where your parents are looking at suitors for your betrothal when you come of age. The young man you will be meeting tonight is well bred and a fine gentleman. It's no wonder your parents are so eager for you to meet him. If you two get along well enough, I'm sure they'll keep him in mind for you."
"Would you happen to know his name?"
"I'm sorry Miss; your parents have asked me not to tell too much, which I'm afraid I already have." She let out a small laugh. "Which one do you like?" She asked gesturing to my assortment of robes. I thought about it for a moment before giving her a reply.
"You seem to know more about him than I do, you pick." She turned back to the wardrobe and began examining each robe one at a time. After what seemed like hours, she produced a satin white creation with a lace neckline. A small black ribbon came around the waist and tied in the back making the hip line and below flow out around my knees. It certainly was one of my prettiest dress robes.
"Thank you Gwenin." I said as I took the robe from her. "I'll take it from here."
"Alright, just call me when you want me to do your hair." She called as she left my room. I made sure my door was locked before slipping out of my clothes and into my dress. When I got it on, I went over to my vanity and sat down. The dress against my skin made me look even paler but it made my hair darker. In all truth, one might describe me as a doll. I was a little girl with hair as dark as night, and skin as pale as snow. My complexion was smooth without a single blemish (thanks to my mother's ranting about the importance of appearance) and my frame was delicate. When I was younger, and my grandparents were still alive, my grandmother used to call me 'Pansy Doll'. She said that when I was playing tea party with my dolls; I blended in with them, making it seem as if I wasn't there at all.
As I sat there, staring at my reflection and reminiscing about the past, I failed to hear Gwenin enter.
"Are you ready Miss?" Her soft words brought me out of my trance. I stared at her in the mirror behind me.
"Yes Gwenin." I replied shortly. She brought out her wand and gave it a small flick. My hair straightened itself out, rearranging the disorder it got from when I was on the swing. A silver clip shot up from my vanity and pulled two strands of hair away from my face and held them tightly back; probably so one could see my eyes. When my hair was done the young woman looked down at me.
"Any of your jewelry Miss?"
"Not today." I replied nonchalantly before standing up.
"You look gorgeous Miss!" She exclaimed as she tucked her wand away in her apron. I didn't reply but simply shook my head I agreement. "Now run along. Your mother says not to do anything that will get you dirty. You'll be leaving within two hours." I headed towards the door but stopped when I put my hand on the handle.
"Thank you Gwenin." I said as I turned and gave her a smile before exiting. I decided to go down to the library because there's no possible way I could get dirty in there. I took up residence in the armchair in front of the fireplace and read a book about a princess who slept for one hundred years. No sooner had I read 'And they lived happily ever after' my mother came in with my cloak and shiniest shoes.
"Pansy dear, put these on. We're leaving as soon as you're ready."
"Alright mother." I said as I took the shoes and cloak from her grasp. Quickly, I slid on the shoes and tied the cloak around my shoulders. With a nod of approval from my mother, I followed her into the entrance hall where my father was standing.
"Ready to go Pansy?" He asked me happily.
"Of course father." I responded.
"Alright then dear. Hold on tightly to my arm." I looped my arm through his and waited patiently. Soon enough, we were no longer in our entrance hall but standing outside a tall stone manor. From the looks of it, it was twice the size of ours and much more ancient. I was very intrigued by the vines creeping up the sides; I didn't notice my father slip out of my grasp.
"Pansy, come on…" My mother yelled back at me from where she now stood on the top stair in front of the door. As fast as I could I ran up to meet her. Upon arriving, she checked me over to see that I looked proper. After knowing that I was to her liking, she knocked the golden Marley knocker three times.
I could hear a faint clicking from inside. It drew nearer until the door creaked open. Standing in front of me stood a tall, lean woman. Her whitish-blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her fair face. Her eyes were a soft grey that reminded me vaguely of storm clouds. She wore an immaculate emerald robe that had a form fitting torso but flared out into a rippling skirt. Truth be told, if I were not as educated as I am, I would have thought her to be an angel.
"Genevieve, Clayton, it's so good to see you!" The woman said as she shook my mother and father's hands. "Ah," she said turning to me, "And this must be Pansy. She is absolutely adorable; a spitting image of yourself Genevieve."
"Hello Narcissa, nice to see you again. And yes, this is Pansy. She has been so anxious to get here all day." My mother cooed before looking down at me. "Darling, say hello to Mrs. Malfoy."
"Hello Mrs. Malfoy. I thank you for inviting us." I said in the court tone I was taught during my finishing lessons. To top it off, I gave a small curtsey.
"She is too cute." Mrs. Malfoy replied before ushering us inside. I stared in awe at the beauty of the place. The dark marble floor was so shiny I could see myself in it. The high ceiling had a sheik chandelier hanging in the center, all a glow with what must have not been less than a dozen burning candles. The walls were covered in beautiful pictures. Most were of Mrs. Malfoy and a tall man with the same white-blonde hair and cold eyes; presumably her husband. Once and a while there was one of a woman with long dark hair and a conniving smile on her face. She looked beautiful, but it was her smile that scared me. I stared to my right and noticed one picture that caught my interest. It showed a small boy around my age. His hair was slicked back and he showed no more than a smirk. His eyes bore into mine until I was (might I add, rudely) disturbed.
"May I take your cloak Miss?" A tall man in dark robes asked.
"Oh, yes. Thank you." I replied as I slid my heavy cloak off my shoulders and handed it over to the servant. I went to look back at the picture but my mother called me away before I had the chance.
"Come on Pansy." She said as she led me into the next room. It was just as gorgeous (if not more) as the entrance hall. Large arm chairs and couches of black leather littered the room, giving it a friendly setting. A crackling fire was burning over to the left while a huge window was on the right, giving anyone in the room a brilliant view of the cobbled street. Snapping back to reality, I took a seat between my parents on one of the couches. Mrs. Malfoy sat across from us in one of the arm chairs. She began talking conversationally with my parents while I sat in complete silence. One thing my mother always told me was that 'A lady never speaks until she is addressed'.
It seemed like forever, just sitting there doing nothing. When was I going to meet this boy? Was it the boy in the photograph in the hall who I was going to meet; or someone else? I personally hoped it was the boy from the photo. He looked around my age and wasn't bad looking either. In my books, he had a lot of potential.
"Pansy darling, are you listening to a word I'm saying?" I snapped my head around to face my mother. I was too busy thinking about the mysterious boy to hear what she was saying.
"Sorry mother." I replied mechanically.
"Pansy, Mrs. Malfoy just asked you if you would like something to drink." My mother stated waiting for my answer.
"Yes please." I said turning to Mrs. Malfoy.
"What would you like dear?" Mrs. Malfoy asked, honey dripping from her every word.
"Pumpkin juice please."
"Alright then." With a snap of her fingers the tall man in dark robes I had encountered in the entrance hall came striding into the room.
"Yes Madam?" He spoke as he stopped in front of the lovely blonde.
"Clark, please bring Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson here some scrumpy and young Pansy would like a pumpkin juice." Without another word, the man left the room. Only moments later he returned, a silver tray with the drinks floating a couple inches above his hand. He passed two tall goblets to my mother and father, a matching one to Mrs. Malfoy and a smaller one to me.
"Thank you." I said sweetly although he didn't acknowledge it.
"Will that be all Madam?" He asked.
"Actually Clark, would you mind fetching Lucius and my son? I'm sure our guests would like them to grace us with their presence." Mrs. Malfoy noted.
"Of course Madam." The man said before, once again, leaving the room. I turned towards my mother and quirked an eyebrow.
"Son?" I whispered in mock surprise. She just winked at me in return. Soon enough, my parents had re-engaged in conversation and I was left on my own to sip at my pumpkin juice. Minutes ticked by until I heard a soft whispering from out in the entrance hall. Knowing that my parents were too involved with talking to their friend I leaned back and listened.
"Father, do I have to?" A quiet voice whined.
"Yes Draco, you know how much this means to your mother and I." An older voice responded. Draco…sort of an odd name but I guess if it's good enough for my parents, it's good enough for me.
"But she's a girl!" The younger voice continued. "I don't want to be friends with a girl! It will ruin my image!"
"Draco, be nice. And you'll learn to be more than friends with her. You know very well that the Parkinson's are valuable friends of mine and if you're mean to their daughter who knows what will happen?"
"Why do I have to be more than friends? It's not like I'm going to marry the girl!"
"You may very well. She is a fine contender. Well bred, wealthy, pureblood…you don't find many girls with her standards any more." At least the man, presumably Mr. Malfoy, has taste.
"I swear on Merlin's name if she's anything like that Bulstrode girl…"
"Don't worry. Young Millicent is not on your list of suitors anymore. She was unworthy and far below you." How dare he talk about my friend Millicent that way? She is a very nice girl.
"Fine. I'll meet her, but I'm not saying I'm going to like her."
"You'd better like her. Now follow me…" Pretending I wasn't listening, I regained my straight posture and took to staring at my goblet. Finally, I was going to get to meet him, my mystery boy; Draco Malfoy.
A/N: Wotcher everyone! Well, this is the first chapter to my new fic. It will be written where each chapter is from either Draco or Pansy's point of view. This is a first for me, doing two point ; it poses a challenge but hopefully I will do alright. Also, the post of this and my one shot in the same day hopefully makes up for my lack of posting Seducment of a Slytherin.Wel, I am hoping to keep up with this one better than I did my other one (but I will eventually post cough no thanks to eleen cough. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this first chapter and the second one should be up soon. See you at the end of the next chapter!
Aspen
