spirits burning bright

It would be horrifying to Draco, if he weren't used to it, how cunning Pansy Parkinson could be. They've known each other for their entire lives and still, Draco feels sometimes that the girl beside him was not fully human.

"Relax, baby," Pansy purrs, rocking back and forth on the heels of her metallic three-inch heels (any higher then that and it would be considered a stripper look, according to her). "She's coming, I'm sure of it. When have the Greengrass sisters ever refused a party invitation? That's far too classy for the likes of them."

"You're at the same party," Draco reminds her, though it's unnecessary. Pansy's presence is a valuable commodity, and he knows she's only here for him: normally, she wouldn't come near a high school party. It makes him love her a little more.

Pansy just laughs at that, flinging her arms around him as she plants a kiss on his cheek. It leaves a red lipstick imprint and Draco swipes at it absentmindedly.

"Please, Draco, just trust me. Astoria Greengrass does not deserve you, but we're here regardless. I know you the best out of anyone, especially when you're deflecting attention off yourself and onto me."

"Don't even try that with me," Draco says, lowering his voice to mimic her pitch. It's terrible, but he's rewarded with her smirk. "I still have your underwear, you know. Two can play that game."

"Try again, because I still have your virginity," Pansy deadpans quietly as if telling him a secret, before flipping him the finger and pretending to be adjusting her hair.

Draco rolls his eyes at her reminder: they slept together once, just to try, and he's grateful his disastrous first time was with her because she makes him feel at home, even when she's mocking him.

"She's here."

Draco looks up at that and freezes.

"You heard that, right?" Pansy nudges him, but Draco's attention is gone.

Daphne Greengrass looks beautiful, but it's Astoria, always Astoria, who catches his attention. She's wearing a basic jumper dress, the kind of simple that both his and her elegant parents would hate, but she makes it looks beautiful. Astoria has that talent: Draco knows from experience that she makes even the worst days feel okay.

"Showtime, lover-boy," Pansy says from beside him, squeezing his bicep. "No going back now." Draco can feel her silent laughter, but her tone is genuine, if not warm, and it makes Draco take a deep breath and walk forward.

He can talk to Astoria today. He's got this, with Pansy by his side.

...

Written for:

Back To School: "I still have your underwear." /"I still have your virginity."

Character Appreciation: (trait) Bossy

Disney Challenge: S3 - Trust In Me - Use the dialogue; "Just trust me."

Dark Lady's Diabolic Liar: (word) secret

Book Club: Angela: (relationship) best friend, (word) normal, (trait) protective

Showtime: The Point of No Return - (dialogue) "No going back now."

Amber's Attic: 2. "Sometimes I'm the mess. Sometimes I'm the broom. On the hardest days, I have to be both."

Count Your Buttons: S5, 04, C1, W1

Lyric Alley: Ticking of clocks, gravity's pull

Ami's Audio Admirations: 2. The Inaugural Episode — Write about the beginnings of something scary.

Em's Emporium: 11. BONUS Jareth the Goblin King, Labyrinth: (song) As the world falls down - David Bowie

Angel's Arcade: E-123 Omega: (color) metallic, (character) Draco Malfoy, (action) walking

Lo's Lowdown: Alt. word: deadpan

Bex's Basement: 8. Esio Trot - Write about someone lying for a good cause. Alt, write about someone pining for someone, and not knowing how to ask them on a date.

Sewing 101: "Try again," Muggle!Au, Draco Malfoy

Feline Fair: Persian: Write about a pureblood