Note: Uhmm, yeahh I spazzed out updating. I'm sorry. Lately, my life has been spiraling in directions, I wished never to encounter. With the death of a loved one, it seemed like an abrupt halt has happened. And I was whisked here to there while mourning our dear loss. We love him with all of our hearts, and wish him happiness and salvation where ever he goes. R.I.P. So...yeah, I didn't have time. Well I'll take it plainly and see how it will go.
Chapter ten: Hearty welcome
"Oh my Pansy have you heard!?" Daphne had squealed out her hands going up in excitement. Pansy only smiled at her weakly. How can she hear? Dear Daphne was been drilling a hole in her precious ears for an hour. The whole hour she sputtered out words of gossip Draco and she missed in the many years. Apparently gossip has been so numerous it takes an hour to get over two years of gossip.
"No Daphne," Pansy answered her, "I have not, but I trust you would tell me." She saw Draco roll his eyes in the corner of her eye. Poor bastard. While, she, being the woman, enjoyed just a few gossips here and there, Draco has been completely inept in the conversation. What man would love to discuss birthing a child? Mind, some of the women they discussed, were women he's had a fair lot of flings with. The bastard must feel awkward. Well, this makes her day just a bit.
"Crabbe's got a new son! To think, he's got five under his belt now!" Pansy's eyebrows flew up and she could see Draco suddenly perk up with surprise. He leaned forward slightly.
"Did you just say Crabbe?" He and Pansy exchanged looks. Five?! Crabbe? Vincent Crabbe?
"Oh yes," Daphne nodded oblivious of their stares, "You know having children can be quite the experience but five! He and Milicent must have it rough! But they seem happy, I can't imagine how!" She continue her babble describing how their children were complete miscreants who ran all over the place. Pansy frowned slightly. Doesn't children do that normally?
"Five?" she heard Draco mutter to himself. She rolled her eyes. Apparently Daphne has just hit a sensitive nerve Draco had. While he, who has not settled down and currently has no children, was the leader of the pack, his cronies now are comfortably settled and producing like rabbits. Well, she understood how it felt just a bit. She was in his position but unlike him, her pride did not escalate up to the skies.
"Oh yes five!" Daphne said, "Now there's their first son Erasmus, then their three daughters Edonea, Aidrea, and Dialda. Now their newest son Sarus! Cute names of course." Cute, sure. Pansy liked the medieval flare, but she has a slight suspicion that their parents were behind the medieval names.
Still, five children, my they were busy. "Now I almost thought that they couldn't make it, but I convinced them to let the servants and family care for them. I mean, they can survive for just a while." Daphne droned on. Pansy nodded. Alright, so far she knew that most, if not all, of their old Slytherin colleagues came. No doubt to impress and such.
"Oh Daphne," Pansy began surprised that the thought hasn't dawn to her at all, "You're married to Blaise right? Where is he?" She's heard that a while ago, but she didn't think much of it till now. Though, it did surprise her why Daphne wasn't attached to his arm like most of the wives she's seen.
Daphne merely shrugged and waved her hand uncaringly, "Probably off snogging some whore he found in another compartment." Once again Pansy's eyebrows flew. Zabini was doing what exactly? Her eyes narrowed. So, to simplify it, Zabini was...cheating. And what was odd here was that Daphne didn't seem to give much of it.
"Shouldn't you be bothered?" she asked. Daphne only blinked, her facade not cracking. Pansy's eyebrows knitted together. What the hell was wrong with this woman?! Shouldn't she show a bit of emotion? Perhaps irritation of some sort? She knew Daphne wasn't one to keep her feelings in check. Heck, Back in school she was known to be the Drama queen. She loved to flaunt her title with pride as well.
Daphne merely craced a small smile and rushed her pretty hair off her shoulders. "Oh no," she answered, "Blaise and I have an agreement about these matters. Oh do keep quiet will you Pansy? No need for the other women to hear my fun." Pansy merely7y gaped at her old time friend. Apparent she didn't drop her slut reputation either. While she had a few affairs of fun herself, Daphne had one to many. She would have called her the exact definition of the term, 'Sleeping Around.'
"Of course," she responded studying the woman. Despite being a pretty thing, Daphne had quite the bitter and nasty inside. While she had her looks to the exact model perfection, it was a shame that she flaunted it so carelessly. At least she had some dignity. Back in Hogwarts, she mad boys beg and plead for her. Daphne however let the groveling to a down low and went on snogging the pathetic lads.
Her gaze fell to Draco who hasn't spoken a word yet. He didn't seem surprised at all. It seems he was listening into the conversation more intently than she thought. Now he was looking at Daphne with an almost contemplating face. She rolled her eyes. Perhaps his old habits surfaced and he may be devising a plan to sleep with dear old Daphne. Oh yes Draco, make the newspapers once again. She could just see headlines screaming about their secret marriage and his cheating. Then before she knows it, she'll be poked upon like a pathetic log about keeping Draco on a loose leash. She rolled her eyes, there was no need to keep Draco on a leash. It was rather clear he prefers other things than women. Perhaps he was gay? That was a small example. He did show a passion of Potter, be it hatred or not.
"So Daphne," Draco interrupted her thinking, "You're saying you and Zabini have a loose relationship?" He seemed slightly interested but not entirely surprised. Why everyone on this train knew of Daphne's wild nights back in Hogwarts. He included a few of them as well now looking back. So why should it all be a shock now? As for Zabini, his old mate has always preferred high class purebloods. Of course that didn't mean he liked them one at a time. Then when he was equipped with a shot of wine he becomes an unstoppable force. He could never stomach much alcoholic drinks. Partially his fault for introducing Zabini to in a early age.
Daphne shrugged, "Yes to sum it up. We do love each other but it gets tiring to see the same face everyday. I'm rather envious of you two. Even back the you've got something else a few Slytherins could ever get," She eyed the two carefully with a smile, "Many would ill for that you know." With that she slumped back with a dramatic sigh.
Pansy once again gaped at her. She didn't exactly understand what that 'something' was. Even back at Hogwarts she had numerous fights with Draco. Fights that might have produced a murder and a quick sentence to Azkaban if it escalated high enough. She remembered many times when she left storming out of the dungeons muttering how much of a bastard he was. Whatever that something was, it quickly disappeared once they had parted ways anyway. She doubted it was back either.
She almost jumped when she felt Draco's hand place itself on top of hers, 'Is that so?" she heard him ask amused.
"Oh yes. You two are very lucky."
"Yes, it seems fate has been kind."
She fought to roller her eyes. Oh yes fate has been kind. It was fate that dragged her for the ride.
The Hogwarts Express pulled up to that same old familiar path to Hogwarts. Pansy couldn't help but feel a wave of de ja vu when she glanced around the surroundings. It was rather dark, which added to the memories of Hogwarts. As if on cue, a large luminous light lumbered up to meet them. The giant Hagrid let out a small grunt and said, 'Well look 'ere. Still short and scrawny I see."
Some let out weak laughs and Hagrid could be seen grinning from the light of the lantern. Pansy could tell that the years had aged the giant. Hagrid's bushy mane was now streaked with white and gray. His face had wrinkled of age and he seemed to move slower than before. Still he was the same old game keeper she's seen through out her years in Hogwarts. Thow, she doubted she would call him the incessant lumbering oaf of a teacher as before. Now thinking about it, it was rather childish of her. Besides the only oaf she's really seen is the blonde that stood beside her.
"Hagrid!" Someone yelled behind her. Pansy grimaced as some people pushed past her. It caused her to lean against Draco further. The last person scurried past and turned to mutter a quick apology.
To her surprise, it was the oh-so-saintly Harry Potter. His green eyes clased with hers and they flashed a look of surprise. She almost blushed under his gaze. Almost. She hasn't seen him in years, and like she didn't want to see Draco, she didn't want to see him either.
"Pansy," Harry sputtered out in a hurry, "Sorry." Unconsciously she backed up lightly against Draco once more, who seemed to have been watching. Harry then trned around and joined his friends to enjoy the reunion with Hagrid.
She shook her head. Oh forget about that. She had more problems to deal with anyway. They followed Hagrid to the boats. Apparently they were going to re-live their first year night seeing the castle again. She remembered that night well. She couldn't call it a gorgeous night, but it was pleasant enough t on the lake. They all were nervous and unsure of what will happen. As she climbed into the boat, she wondered if it could take the amount of weight on the tiny thing. Mind you, they were tinier back when they were eleven. Still if the giant game keeper could fit into one just fine, they'll be safe. If someone happens to fall out, theres always the gain quid to push them back it. At least be hopeful it was. There were many things down this lake she'd rather not think of.
"Ugh my robes will be spoiled by the water!" She heard Daphne grumble in front of her. Currently she was how attached to her husband. She rolled her eyes. Once Blaise entered the compartment earlier today, the two soon began to eat each other's face off. That is until Draco cleared his throat and gained their attention. She crinkled her nose. Two cheats. How appalling is that?!
She let out a small gastp when Draco's pale hand arm draped itself across her shoulders. In the dim candlelight, she could only see half his face. It was etced with amused curiosity. "Potter knew your name,' he stated.
She bit her tongue. No shit Sherlock. "Yes," she clarified bluntly. Draco stared at her. TI was apparent he expected more than a word. Well he wasn't getting much of anything. Draco stared at her coolly. She was hiding something. He smirked twitched up lightly. Fine. So be it.
As they turned to the last bend of water, they caught the breath taking view of Hogwarts. Almost the same as before. Pansy couldn't help but feel jittery to see it. It was like visint an old memory. Well in face Hogwarts did house her fondest memories. Not to mention her not so fond ones. Looking at the luminous gothic castle was bittersweet.
Murmurs erupted and she could hear people their thoughts. "Oh it's lovely!" "Isn't it just grant to be back!?" "It hasn't changed a bit!" Pansy sighed silently. Somehow she felt as if she just aged overnight. Suddenly her bones felt weary and the weight of the world was too heavy to bear. Still, seeing a part of her younger years a happy sight. Ah yes, Hogwarts was a bittersweet memory.
They all climbed up the marble stairs marveling how it glistened against the soft torch lights. Even now as adults they felt tiny compared to the age old castle. They stopped short at the top of the stairs where they were greeted with a familiar yet different sight. Instead of Professor McGonagall, who usually greeted them, it was the four house ghosts who floated atop the top step.
The Bloody Baron stood, rather floated, to the far left scowling at them with displeasure. The Slytherin ghost's sharp eyes narrowed as he spotted some familiar faces. Next to him was the Gryffindor ghost, Nearly Headless Nick. He seemed to be the only one willing enough to stand next to the distempered Slytherin ghost beside him. To his right, the Fat Friar of Hufflepuff House. He was beaming joyfully which seemed to be the only warm greeting of the house. Last but not least, The Grey Lady of Ravenclaw. She wore a small smile, but she seemed pleased to see them. Her glances flickered to each student as if to compare them from her old memories.
Pansy mused silently as she guessed why the Baron was in a bloody bad mood. He was n ever this close to the Grey Lady even in the same room. She had witnessed a chance encounter between the two during one of her many patrols as a prefect. They came from separate walls when they caught sight of each other. Almost as quickly as they came, the Baron curtly turned back around while the Grey Lady rushed away to her direction. She rolled her eyes. They would never change.
"Ah, Welcome to Hogwarts! Look at you all! How much you've changed!" Nearly Headless Nick boomed floating forward, "Seamus my boy! You're hair! Why you've become bald! Why I know I good remedy that-"
The Grey Lady let out a small cough for him to stop. Taking that as a hint, Nearly Headless Nick straightened himself up and said, ,"It is by far a pleasure to have all of you witches and wizards back in Hogwarts! We've prepared a grand feast in your honor!"
He motioned for them to follow and they came face to face with the large brass, oak doors of the Great Hall. The four ghosts easily passed through them, obviously forgetting that the undead did not have that certain power. A small murmur broke out debating if they should open the doors or wait. Pansy heard Draco sigh. "Idiots," he muttered silently.
Suddenly they popped back out rather awkwardly. Nearly Headless Nick gave an embarrassed chuckle. "I do apologize," he said giving a sheepish grin, "Ghosts. You know." He fixed the collar of his suit to keep his head from moving. They stared at the four ghost in uncomfortable silence. None was sure to laugh or not. Ghost are rather bipolar things you know?
"Oh I knew we should have never agreed to this," The Grey Lady muttered, 'I just knew we'd make fools of ourselves."
"Can you blame us?" The Fat Friar piped up, "We haven't had this need for doors in centuries! We don't even use the bathroom! Or eat!"
"You be quiet you glutton!" The Baron growled, 'You're mocking us all!"
"Now now!" Nick intervened. However the little squabble has been started and it was clear they would et no where with it. Pansy could hear on audible low moan come from the general audience. As pleasant as this little show was, they all were looking forward to entering the Great Hall. However it seemed the four house ghosts completely forgotten about their purpose. Soon their fight drifted far form the argument at hand.
Before they knew it, the ghosts were spewing out insults that didn't make remotely any sense at all. "Sir Cuttlebee always favored you the best!"
Then suddenly they heard the Baron give a cry of anger. "That's because I don't act like a woman and mull around in a ridiculous costumes of peacock feathers!"
Nearly Headless Nick pulled back appalled, "I'll have you know that my outfit was the best fashion in France at the time! It was custom made!"
Then the Grey Lady angrily implored, "What does being a woman have to do with this!?"
Pansy let out a smirk. Quite sad how these four ghosts are never at peace. They're constant squabbles of who knows what was seen happening practically everyday. Perhaps its their only kick out of life. It is rather tormenting not having to eat and such.
"Uhm, excuse me?" someone piped from the crowd. Pansy watched as Hermione Granger, rather Weasley, stepped up to the ghosts. The four momentarily stopped and looked at her coolly. "As interesting as this is, we think it's best if we just open the doors." Well said Weasley, Pansy nodded in agreement.
"Oh yes of course!" Nearly Headless Nick agreed. He turned to the doors and dissolved through the frames. A minute or two later he poked his read back in and said, "You all really?"
A murmur of agreement responded back and Pansy noted that most suddenly stood straight. Unconsciously she ran her hand through her hair. She almost let out a shriek once she felt Draco's hand creep up to the middle of her back. She turned to him about to retort when she noticed that all the Slytherins had noticed Draco's gesture. Almost gathering herself up, she let out her signature smile and almost purred out, " Draco? Ready?" She reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from his face. Her engagement ring almost twinkled from the candlelight.
Draco smirked. What a classic tactic. All the small gestures can be perceived as normal unless a cunning Slytherin catches it. The hand on her back, signified his dominance. A sign of body language that clearly said, "Mine." Now she had her body tuned to him, signaling her acceptance. The hand that had brushed the lock of hair, was a diversion to show off the ring. A little thing that said, "His ass is mine." Of course not everyone could have caught that, but most, if not all, the Slytherin's drank it in. It was a simple Slytherin trait. You just learn to read the body language. Without a crucial thing as that, you wont survive very long.
Draco let out a smirk. Parkinson was in her game today. "As always," he answered.
The doors had slowly creaked open, sending a loud low moan to echo. They watched with astonished faces as it opened to a pitched black darkness. Nearly Headless Nick let out an audible gasp. "But-" he muttered, "What the bloody hell happened here!?"
"Oh dear," the Fat Friar commented, "Then there's no feast?"
"Shut up you idiot!" The Baron snapped, "Clearly something just happened!"
The Grey Lady stepped forward ready to end the beginning of another feud, 'Now all you be quiet! Now this is probably just some experimental magic they've been placing around! Now all we need to do is assess our situation rationally!"
"Well," a shaky breath began, "What are we going to do?" Pansy turned her head to the person who spoke. Neville Longbottom. He hasn't changed much. Well, actually she noticed he's gotten considerably taller. He's got a study build, but his age didn't seem to show as much. Perhaps the time spent in the Department of Defense shaped him.
As if one que, Potter stepped forward with his wand out. With a quick lumos spell he turned to the crowd, 'What else?" We go see what's going on." Pansy couldn't help but roll her eyes. Oh yes be the hero once again Potter.
"Wait Harry!" someone else piped up. Oh of course. The ever-so-red headed Ron Weasley seemed to step up slightly away from the crowd. 'What if it's a trap?"
"I couldn't agree more," Seamus Finnigan chirped in, "I mean what if-"
"What if Voldemort set the trap?" Harry finished skeptically, "Yes and now we're spreading rumors just because we're back in Hogwarts. Honestly Voldemort?" Some people flinched. Not because of his name, but because they somehow believed so.
"And so because you're sure its not Voldemort," Draco spoke up for the first time that night, "you feel that it's alright to step into that black abyss without knowing what's inside? How ridiculously naive can you be Potter?" Some nodded in agreement. Malfoy did have a point in that.
"It's Hogwarts," Harry countered, "the most secure place in the planet. This is probably just a test." Others nodded again. That was also a possible cause.
"Aren't you listening?" Draco drawled, "The Grey Lady said they've been placing experimental magic. If so, we've got no idea what's going to happen if we do step inside that place. If this was a test, then why would any decent wizard blindly go into that black night?" He jerked his wand pointing at the obsidian room. Pansy let out a small frown. Somehow she could see an old rivalry rearing it's head. It turns out she's not the only one either.
Ron decided to back Harry up, like any good mate would. "Then why not just use an illuminating spell," he chimed in twirling his wand almost tauntingly.
Draco's eyes narrowed. He stayed civil with everyone after the war but that didn't mean he got alone with any of them. 'Not all illumination spells work under certain conditions Weasley," he challenged.
Ron's eyes narrowed, "you would know wouldn't you Malfoy?" Draco's hand clenched. Weasley's pushing his buttons. Pansy's eyes narrowed. As much as she loathed Draco for tricking her, she had her own fair share of justice. She felt that they were judging poor Draco even if he had been pardoned from his crimes. Apparently their opinion of him has not changed.
Almost immediately you can see the people dividing themselves apart. The faithful people of the DA and friends went dutifully near Potter and Weasley. Of course Pansy and Draco were surrounded uneven with the Slytherins. It was a rather intense moment that was ironic in many ways. It mirrored what had happened to all of them during their years in Hogwarts. Of course after the war, they had all decided to bury the past. Apparently they had been uncovering it once more. To summarize, it was getting ugly.
Sensing the trouble Granger stood between the two groups as a peacemaker. "Now people, we've known each other for years. Each of use has chosen a path in the past. Regardless, we agreed that it shall stay in the past. We can't let something as little as this reenact past events!" Hermione displayed a sense of honesty by choosing to hide away her wand. She looked at Harry and her husband expectantly.
Pansy's lip twitched ton a unrecognized smile. "Yes Granger,' she finally spoke up, "I completely agree." To present her acceptance she pocketed her wand as well, at least for the time being. "However, I can't help but point out that even if we keep peace we're going to argue about our present situation. And it's obvious we're outnumbered here. The only thing we have agreed on is that this is a probable test. Now what do you think we should do?" She stared at her expectantly. She was the valedictorian of their year, strictly speaking.
Hermione stared at Pansy trying to asses the moment. Pansy had spoken as the general voice of Slytherin. She seemed to hint that their plan was rather unthought of, which in a sense what. They had to take just a bit of pre-caution right? To add, Harry can be a bit irrational at times. "Well Pans -uhm- Ms. Parkinson," She began.
"Mrs. Malfoy," Draco corrected. Pansy hid the scowl on her face. Damn him for even adding that little tid bit. Now even the Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs were gossiping. Just wait. Give it two days and the Daily Prophet's Headline would be shouting their, "Secret Marriage" to the world.
"Mrs. Malfoy," Hermione addressed, "I doubt we can reach a sturdy agreement at any time without conflict. So I suggest we just go with the plan." Pansy's eyebrows flew up. What? Just like that? Just go in? No precaution? What the hell? Hermione saw this and added, " We would gladly go in first if you cautious. Then you may add support if something does go wrong. Is that fine?" She surveyed Draco entirely seeing as his acceptance is the most needed.
Draco's eyes held a tint of amusement. It seemed he still had the power of decision eh? "Fine," he answered shortly.
With the decision settled the Gryffindors gathered to enter. You can tell they weren't so sure about this plan, but rather confident that it was a test. "Well," Nearly Headless Nick stepped in. They all jumped. They completely forgotten the ghosts were still there. "Gryffindor has been known for it's bravery. So why not? What do you say then?" A weak murmur of agreement came and the Gryffindors slowly trudged into the Great Hall.
Their silhouettes can barely be seen by the light of their wands till the ebbing darkness swallowed them completely. For a moment they could hear only footsteps till Harry was heard. "The lumos spell works just a bit You can see some thing in here!'
Taking that as a sign for a safe passage, Ravenclaws followed then Slytherin, and Hufflepuff. Harry was right. You could barely see the four large outlines of the four house tables. Now they've just got to figure out why this happened. Where was everyone in here? They could hear Granger's multitude attempts to light the ceiling with light. Apparently the diminished before it got to the top.
What would make something like this?" She heard someone whisper beside her. Before anyone could utter anything the floor had crashed beneath them.
Pansy fell face forward into something that felt completely vile to her. As she positioned herself to a more comfortable position she felt herself sink into something with the texture of thick molasses. "What the boldly hell is this?! She heard someone yell out.
She bit her lip. She felt a gooey, rather sticky viscous liquid surrounding her slowly. It was like taking a dip in a tub of molasses. She drew in a breath and almost gagged. The air smelled foul, like a rotten fish and eggs. "Ugh!" she heard another person yell, "What is this!?"
She let out small whimper. If only she knew.
Note: Yeah....I'm way sorry guys for the long wait. Sorry sorry sorry. Life just is so busy and suckish right now. You think you'd have a good summer of relaxation but no, of course something just has to happen. Well enjoy. Sorry for the mistakes. Have a nice summer!