A/N: I've been on this Draco kick lately and somewhere along the line that got me thinking about Pansy. That let to this little ficlet. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything you recognize from the Harry Potter series.
"I'm sorry I called it off Pansy," he said smoothly. "Let's give it another try."
Since they were in school their relationship had never been steady. When it suited Draco's needs he'd shower her with attention, but when it didn't she'd be tossed to the side until needed again. She didn't mind much at first; she was only interested because he was rich and powerful anyway. She'd eat up every bit of attention he'd show her and flaunt around that it was her he chose and not those other pinning fools.
Over time she'd started to actually care for him and not his money or power. By then she soaked up his affections foolishly thinking that this time it'd be different, this time he'd really care like she did. He never did. As she got older she learned to look for the signs that the end was near. Sometimes she'd end it before he could, but more often than not she'd hold onto him towards the end as long as she could and savor the moments.
The problem was that, despite his back and forth affection, she did truly come to love him. She'd tried many times to convince herself that he loved her too, why else did he keep coming back to her when he had so many other willing options, but it didn't take long for her to realize he loved her no more than a dear friend. She saw the way his eyes tended to land on Asteria Greengrass more and more often these days. She heard through the rumor mill that he flirted with her in public. She'd tried to ignore it all for as long as she could, but it was no longer a possibility. She had lost him.
Now, when he was back once again, saying the words she always longed to hear, she wished she could believe him. She wanted nothing more than to say yes, they should try again, but she knew it was only a matter of time before she ended up having the same conversation again and again. Drawing up all her courage, as well as years of practice, she put on her most composed and casual face with a hint of a smile around the edges.
"No," she shook her head a bit more forcibly than necessary. "No more Draco."