- Chapter Two -
Coolly Pansy, alongside Draco, stepped into the Great Hall. They were late; none of them bothered to see Potter and the other Triwizard Champions complacently open the ball. Pansy enjoyed the elegant and mature attitude they expressed, discreet yet superior, but surrounded by hundreds of excitedly cheerful adolescents she somehow felt out of place.
While Draco scurried off to get them drinks she quickly scanned the room looking for bearable company, then hurried over to join a group of Ravenclaw girls.
"Ladies, where did your dates disappear?" she started off blithely.
"Hanging about the bar I suppose." The brown-haired girl boredly clattered her heels. "Better that way, mine was an unspeakably horrible choice anyway."
"You know, I was looking forward to doing a neat bit of dancing, but Zach's got two left feet," the other one complained. "I'm sure Draco is a fine dancer, isn't he?"
"Of which I'm sure," came a deep voice from behind. Pansy shot around.
"Mister Malfoy?" Her face expressed a mix of respect and utter surprise. The girls exchanged curious looks.
"Would you care to dance, young lady?" Aware that she would not dare refuse, he offered his arm.
McGonagall's dancing lessons twice a week paid off now: Without them Pansy would never have managed to keep step with the man. Disregarding the girl's lack of training he got going right away.
"It seems you inherited your mother's talent in dancing," he stated casually. She never missed an opportunity to take to the floor." Pansy instantly tripped over his feet, bumped two other dancing couples and had a wet encounter with a trayful of champagne glasses. Rather not.
"You knew my mother?"
"Why so surprised?"
"I no one never " It took her a moment to gather herself. "I've never met anyone What was she like?"
"Please don't take it amiss, but I'd rather address my actual concern."
"No you can't I've got so many questions. I've never met anyone who knew her well."
"Oh come on." A disbelieving laugh escaped his lips. "Well, whatever. What I wanted to say: Normally I would not bother you with that. It's more of a family business, you understand, between my son and his parents. However, since the boy decided not to take my advice, I'll have to involve you in this matter."
He lowered his voice slightly.
"Narcissa and I, we do not consent with your relationship. We are sure you are an absolutely wonderful girl. It's just that we've got other plans for Draco, you understand?"
Completely puzzled, Pansy nodded. The music stopped and he became more insistent: "You need to be aware that we are not asking you to put an end to this liaison, rather we demand your compliance in this affair. Have I made myself clear?"
Lost for words, the girl nodded.
"Well then " They shook hands before he left as suddenly as he had appeared.
"Sorry it took me so long, met some Durmstrangs. Here's your drink." Draco thrust a glass into her hand. "Hope you're okay with red wine."
"You wouldn't believe who just " She paused.
"Believe what?"
"Never mind."
She almost emptied her glass in one go.
Everyone was fast asleep when Pansy entered the dorm and silently slipped under her blanket. After some more glasses of wine and a couple of firewhiskeys she had taken a long walk outside, which had not helped her arrange her thoughts and feeling in the least. In the past years she had resigned to the fact that her mother's disappearance would eventually remain unsolved, but now she was irresolute whether or not to pursue this matter any further. And what about Draco: Had he meant to defend their relationship or was it mere rebellion against his father?
She drifted off.
- . -
Iris was woken up by loud voices coming from outside. Seconds later, dull but agitated knocking sounded from the front door.
"Open!" a familiar voice demanded.
They had found her. It had only been a matter of time. "Open or we'll let ourselves in!"
There was no escape. From the countless steps outside she could tell that they outnumbered her by far. Thank god she had found a better place for her daughter to live weeks ago, just to be on the safe side. Now this turned out to have been the best decision she had made in a long time.
He's a good soul, responsible and thoughtful. I just couldn't give her to where she really belonged. Marcus will take good care of my girl.
"Confringo!" The door burst into pieces.
Iris closed her eyes; she was ready for the inevitable.
