Disclaimer: I don't Harry Potter in any way.
Chapter 14 – Paralyzer
Gazing at her image in the mirror, Pansy was unable to determine just how long she'd stood frozen in that position. She barely even noticed the other women streaming in and out of the washroom around her. She'd been staring so long that her features… her eyes… her nose… her lips… had all begun to lose their meaning in the context of her face. By conventional terms, she knew she was an attractive woman but in that moment, it all looked distorted and somehow out of proportion. She was ugly.
What was beauty anyhow? Up until a few months ago, she had a clear understanding of what that word meant to her. Even in her childhood, there were certain expectations that accompanied it. Then suddenly, a gangly, tall, awkward man with glaring red hair and an inordinate number of freckles had walked into her life… or rather she had very purposely walked into his… and had turned her neat, pat, exact definition on its ear.
At present, she was furious with said man. How dare he? How dare he waltz into her life with his stiff posturing and pompous opinions and… and dark red curls… and full lips… and turn her life upside down? He had totally ruined her plans. She should be thrilled that Draco was finally pursuing her. But no! She had to be holed up all week since that unfortunate meeting in his office with only thoughts of him and why he had not competed for her. He just sat there and let Draco claim her.
Was she nothing to him? Did he really care that little? Or worse, not at all? How could he have remained so unaffected by her this entire time while she had grown so very… attached? Yes, that was a safe word. Attached. She couldn't bring herself to think the "other" word in relation to him. It just seemed altogether too ridiculous a notion that she might have actually fallen for a Weasley, but the truth remained that he was her first thought in the morning and he ruled her last thoughts of the night, as well as many of her thoughts throughout the day.
How dare he distract her? She would show him! She knew she looked delicious. Good enough to eat. She was bound and determined to have him wallowing in misery and jealousy by the end of the night. To have not only him begging after her but every other man present as well. She'd make him want her! And, when and if he made a move on her… her heart began to race at the prospect… she would shoot him down.
Dragging her mind back to the image before her, Pansy assessed the woman in the mirror's appearance. Her hair was pulled up in a very Grecian manner, dark blue ribbons woven throughout her long tresses, her make up was magicked to perfection, and the strapless dress of midnight blue satin clung to her curves as if it were a second skin. A slow, devilish smirk twisted Pansy's lips. Yes, she'd have him eating out of the palm of her hand.
Lowering her eyes, she stared vacantly at the teardrop shaped sapphire that weighed heavily on the chain link, sitting midpoint between her cleavage and her collarbone. Suddenly, Pansy snorted mirthlessly at her own image. Who was she kidding? If Percy Weasley gave her even the slightest bit of attention, she knew she'd fold like a deck of cards. The prat had her wrapped around his little finger.
Heaving a large sigh, she set her shoulders back, and strode from the washroom ready to meet her dinner companion.
As she entered the foyer, Draco's familiar drawl assaulted her ears, "What happened? Did you fall in or something?"
"That's attractive, Draco. I think you've been spending too much time with Gregory again." She shot back.
"What do you expect? You were in there for no less than twenty minutes." He took her hand mindlessly, and held it in the crook of his arm.
"Don't be ridiculous. I was not. And besides, don't you want me looking my best?" she beamed playfully as they began their progress toward the ballroom.
"Please. You look exactly the same as you did when you went in."
"I'll have you know, a lot of time and effort went into looking this way," she pouted.
"And none of it was for me, I'm sure."
"Why Draco, whatever do you mean?" she asked, feigning innocence.
"Pansy, you are so transparent." Draco chuckled at her, rolling his eyes.
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean." She spouted haughtily.
As they reached the great hall, Draco's interest in their light banter completely fell away when he began to scan the room.
"Are you looking for someone in particular?" Pansy asked lightly, noting his acute distraction.
"What? No. Just wanted to see who else had been invited," he tossed at her without tearing his eyes away from the room.
Pansy eyed him suspiciously. The expression he wore was clearly that of a man searching for someone specific.
"Really? Anyone of interest?" she prodded further.
Draco's eyes landed on something… or rather someone, and the subtle smirk he always wore dropped from his face completely. Quietly, he mumbled "No one important," his eyes remaining fixed.
Pansy began to search the crowd for the person who had drawn Draco's attention but before she could manage, he became flustered and started briskly off toward his right with her in tow.
"Come along. Let's get a drink, and find Blaise." He muttered darkly.
"Did I just miss something, Draco?"
"You miss a lot of things, Pansy. You'll have to be more specific." He threw back at her as he pushed his way to the bar.
"Why are you being such a grouchy git tonight? I've had more fun,,,"
"Snogging a Weasley? Yes, I'm perfectly aware of that fact. So is half of the magical world."
"Well, at least he wants to be with me." Pansy stopped short, and crossed her arms over her chest.
"That doesn't seem to be the case tonight though, now does it?" he shot back at her.
"Bugger off with you then." Pansy muttered as she started to turn away.
Grabbing her arm, Draco pulled her back and tried to cajole her, "Pansy! Pansy, I'm sorry. Listen, it's just a little strange to think of you and that… that… berk! You can't be serious about him?"
"And what if I am?" Pansy knew this could be perceived as a play at making him jealous, but a very large part of her felt the truth of the statement.
"Panse, we've been friends… the best of friends since before I can remember. I do not want someone as trivial as a Weasley coming between us."
There was a hint of desperation in his voice that surprised Pansy. Rarely had he been this needy of her before. "Draco, we will always be friends. You have nothing to worry about in that respect."
"Well, hello you two. I wondered when you'd arrive." Blaise called to them as he approached.
"If Pansy hadn't decided to rethink her entire outfit in the loo of the Ministry lavs at least… What… four times? We would have been here much sooner."
"Oh, shove off," she bit out softly, teasing them both.
The two men fell easily into conversation, ignoring her halfhearted comeback and Pansy began her own inspection of the room. There were several individuals of note present, but she kept searching for the one she was truly aching to see.
Suddenly, her eyes lit upon Percy, and her breath hitched tightly in her chest as she felt her insides swell with nerves and anticipation. He looked… he looked fantastic dressed completely in black dress robes, and a crisp white dress shirt. It was simple yet elegant.
Pansy instantly started plotting how she could approach him, and began to tremble at the idea of getting closer... somehow situating herself nearer to him. Although, she was fairly certain, the proximity she was craving would not be considered decent in public.
And that was the moment his eyes snapped to hers, and her world stopped.
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As Percy clung to the glass of sparkling cider in his right hand, he purposely chose to ignore the inane ramblings of his co-worker, Niles Benton. The man was intelligent, to be sure, but was best described as socially inept.
Agitation and anxiety clawing at him, Percy scanned the nearly packed great hall for her. There was no reason to believe she wouldn't come, but he couldn't entirely dismiss the coil of dread and hope twisting in his chest. Part of him yearned to even just catch a glimpse of her. It had been a full six days and he was beginning to feel a kind of suffocating withdrawal. The other side of him… the more logical side feared her inevitable appearance, because it would mean she had chosen to accompany the ferret.
And that most definitely would signify the end. There would be no more mind numbing kisses. No more heated debates. No more playful teasing. Percy's chest constricted painfully at the thought. As much as he had tried to protect himself from her, he had lost himself regardless. Did he ever really stand a chance?
Suddenly, Benton's annoying chatter wormed its way into Percy's dejected musings. "Blimey, who's the goddess? You'd think we were her dinner the way she's leering over here."
"Pardon?" Percy sputtered.
"I said… who's the gorgeous bird who keeps staring over here? Either she's hot for one of us, or she's supremely hacked off. Let's hope she's partial to the Ministry type." Niles laughed loudly, elbowing Percy in the ribs.
Percy jerked his head in the direction that Benton seemed to be focused. There was no time to prepare for the moment their eyes connected. Percy felt a powerful wave of emotion and arousal wash over him, making his head spin. A week really was too long and he found himself greedily drinking in every part of her… every breath she took… every slight shift in her expression. Without hesitation or any consideration for her companions, Pansy started toward them as if reacting to the yank of some invisible cord.
Forcing his gaze downward, Percy's eyes darted about frantically as he tried to find an out… an excuse to flee. He couldn't face her now. He wasn't ready for this encounter. She'd see how put out he was over her coming with that wanker, and that realization would in all likelihood lead her to the question of why. Why was he so upset? And then soon enough, she'd know the truth. She'd know everything. He had to get out of there.
Before Percy could take these tumbling thoughts any further, Niles' voice stopped him cold. "Well, hello there," his colleague offered, the attempt at being suave sounding smarmy and unskilled at best even to Percy's ears.
"Percy, may I speak with you?" Pansy asked, completely ignoring the other man's greeting.
Percy cleared his throat, trying nonchalantly to gloss over her overt rudeness toward his co-worker.
"Niles, this is Ms. Pansy Parkinson. I'm sure you're familiar with the name. Her father is quite well known in the business world. And Ms. Parkinson, this is Niles Benton, Deputy Minister."
"Good evening." Pansy mumbled, giving only the briefest of glances in Niles' general direction.
"Enchante." Niles gushed as he stepped forward, took her hand, and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.
A curl of disgust marred Pansy's upper lip, and she muttered a quiet "Yes. Well…" as she yanked her hand away. "If you don't mind, Mr. Benton, I'd like to have a word with Mr. Weasley alone."
In a flash, a wave of understanding washed over Niles' face as he looked between the two. Pansy was staring hopefully at Percy while he, in turn, gave an uncanny amount of focus to swirling the sparkling cider in his glass.
"Yes. Yes, of course." Benton stammered, with a growing smile. "It was a pleasure, Ms. Parkinson." As Niles turned to leave, he brushed past Percy and mumbled. "Way to go, Weasley! Go get her, tiger."
A mad blush suffused Percy's face and he shifted awkwardly, looking about for an escape.
Finally alone, Pansy took a measured step closer, and asked tentatively. "So, how are you?"
"What do you want, Pansy?" he bit out sharply in response.
"Can't we simply make small talk?" she asked, her voice sounding more desperate than she would have liked.
"Not when you so rudely ordered my colleague to leave under the guise of needing to discuss important –"
"Yes. Yes, I get it. I was just trying to… to be polite."
"I think you and I are well past the point of civilities, don't you?" Percy snapped bitterly.
She stared at him a moment, shocked by his unbelievable coldness. "Are you so loath to even talk to me?" she pleaded, stepping closer still and placing a hand on his chest.
"What is there left to talk about?" he muttered dejectedly, glaring down into his glass. "You're here with Malfoy. You should be enjoying his company if I'm not mistaken. The plan seems to be winding up nicely. We can negotiate my compensation at another time. I assume that's what you felt the pressing need to discuss."
Misunderstanding his chilly tone, Pansy swallowed back the looming emotion and dropped her hand. "What about us?" she managed in a shaky voice.
"What about us?" he repeated her in confusion, his eyes coming up to meet hers. "What are you talking about? Us? What us?"
Pansy felt her throat clench painfully and her eyes sting with unshed tears. "Don't you even…? Don't you miss me at all?" she spat at him, finally losing her composure.
"Don't I…? What? You damn well know I'm not permitted to miss… to want… anything." He sputtered, waving his right hand about vaguely in search of the right words.
"What the devil is that supposed to mean?" she burst, nearly screeching.
"In your own words, Pansy." He seethed, his face growing red. "In your own bloody words. You said you didn't want anyone who would… would expect any kind of actual… If I remember your exact words… the gentleman has to be of the understanding that this is purely a business transaction." He cruelly parroted her tone from their first meeting. "Well, I've done my sodding damnedest to follow your wishes."
She gawked at him, a sick kind of horror weaving its way through her at the realization that her own words had condemned her. "Well, I… I changed my mind." She finally stammered.
"Excuse me?" he whispered hoarsely, disbelieving of what she had just uttered.
"It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind, and I've changed mine." Pansy managed, becoming pompous in her need to hide her insecurity.
"So… so, what are you saying?" Percy asked, feeling an awful kind of hope swelling within him.
Pansy swallowed back her fear and tried to muster the courage to reveal her heart. "I… I miss you. I want you to… to…"
But another voice entirely cut her off before she could finish. "There you are, love. Hello Weasley. Isn't this a lovely evening? Doesn't my Pansy look stunning? I dare say I'm the luckiest man in the entire room."
Percy stared slacked jawed at the other man, and then shifted his heated gaze down to the floor, self-reproach and defeat clouding his eyes. "Yes, she does. Excuse me. I have a matter of importance to discuss with the Minister." He muttered.
With that, Percy turned quickly and marched away. Pansy could only gape at his retreating figure. Suddenly, she wheeled around and leveled Draco with a dangerously black look.
"You stupid prat, what the bloody hell was that about? Friends my arse."
"I was doing you a favour, Panse. Much like a friend would. You can do so much better."
After a few moments in which Pansy seemed to balloon with rage, she burst out. "Sod off, you twat."
Turning around abruptly, Pansy stalked away, leaving a flabbergasted Draco in her wake.
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Percy angrily hammered along, pushing his way through the throngs of people, blindly on a path to only Merlin knew where.
'Bloody ferret!' he silently railed. 'Bloody woman!'
She was driving him mental. If he took her at her word… Removed all emotion from the equation and logically analyzed what she had just said and how she had acted, it would be perfectly reasonable for him to think that she wanted more from him. But that just seemed utterly ridiculous and highly improbable.
How could a woman of Pansy's breeding, class, house loyalties, and unbelievably gorgeous… well, everything… have any kind of interest in him? A less than aesthetically pleasing man, in his own estimation, who was poorer than a house elf and was part of a notoriously undesirable family in the eyes of many purebloods. It made no sense. Add on to the fact that she had accompanied Malfoy, and Percy found his mind battling ruthlessly with his heart.
Suddenly, a hand clasped onto his arm and spun him gracelessly around. Percy came face to face with twin grins, and he cringed inwardly knowing he was in for a nasty ribbing.
"Hello, brother of mine," Fred greeted him in a jovial tone.
"Where are you off to in such a strop?" George added, a teasing note to his voice.
"I have Ministry business to attend to." Percy replied shortly, as he attempted to continue on.
"So, it has nothing to do with a certain bird showing up with a certain snotty git?" Fred asked, throwing his arm companionably around Percy's shoulder and pulling him back as George fell into step on the other side.
"I'm sure I don't what you're talking about." Percy puffed out, trying lamely to evade the oncoming interrogation.
"Oh please, Perce." George scoffed at him. "You two were absolutely revolting over brunch last week. It was disgusting really. Now, you're trying to tell us you haven't noticed who she's come with?"
"It was her choice to accompany him. I had no say in the matter," Percy responded stiffly. "Besides, I'm far too busy this evening to be straddled with a date."
"I sense trouble in paradise." George threw over Percy's head to Fred.
"So, you're not seeing each other anymore then?" Fred asked cautiously.
"I'm not saying anything. Least of all to the two of you." Percy spouted, attempting to hide his wounded pride.
"Did you break it off, or did she?" George lobbed at him, cutting straight to the heart of the matter. "By your account it sounds like her. But by the look of her, I'd say you were the one who gave her the heave ho."
"What do you mean 'by the look of her'?" Percy demanded, taking the bait as concern laced its way into his voice.
"Have you seen her tonight?" George interjected, ignoring Percy's question, looking instead to Fred. "She's a bitch to be sure, but Merlin help me, she's smokin'. Good Godric, those curves!"
"That dress could choke a man at fifty paces." Fred joined in, and the two laughed in appreciation.
Anger and something entirely too possessive loomed within Percy, and he tried once again to leave. "Now that you've had your go, if you'll excuse me…"
"But seriously, Perce." Fred managed as he hauled him back from his attempted retreat. "She doesn't look too happy, considering she's been ignoring Malfoy all night and keeps stalking you."
Percy's eyes immediately began to scan the crowd for her, unable to resist the draw. "What do you mean?"
"You mean you haven't noticed? Merlin, if the girl was any more obvious, we'd have to set up wards around you to fend her off."
A moment of silence fell over the three men as they sought and located the topic of their discussion. Sure enough, Pansy's eyes were already trained on them, confirming George's point. When she realized she'd been caught, her hand came up nervously to her hair, and she scoped about anxiously for something else to focus on.
"Did you even invite her?" Fred asked, leaning in toward him.
"This is work for me. I wasn't permitted a guest." Percy stated coolly, finally pulling his eyes away and straightening his appearance.
"I'm sure you could have gotten around that. She could have come on her father's…"
"Arsehole." George coughed the word, interrupting his brother.
Fred snickered, but continued. "…behalf. Well, you know what I mean. You could have mustered up an invitation for her."
"Perhaps I didn't want her to come." Percy offered bitterly.
"Why? What did she do?" Fred asked like a schoolgirl anxious for gossip.
"Or not do?" George added under his breath.
Fred slapped George lightly on the shoulder and grinned.
"Not everything is about sex." Percy spat, looking at both of his brothers, as he grew offended.
"Of course it's not," Fred tried weakly to reassure him.
"Not in the least," George contributed.
"I'm sure you have nothing but the most honourable of intentions toward her… and her very fine form." George couldn't control the burst of laughter that erupted from him.
Percy wrenched himself free and began to stalk away as he muttered "Gits" darkly under his breath.
Regaining themselves, George and Fred watched Percy thunder away.
"Something doesn't sit right, brother." Fred finally managed after taking a deep cleansing breath.
"I agree, brother. I dare say our involvement has become necessary." George concurred.
The two men looked to each other at the same time and shared a silent exchanged.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Fred asked.
"When am I not?" George replied with a question of his own.
Simultaneously, their faces split into wide conspiratorial grins and the two set off to put their plan in motion.
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As Shacklebolt proceeded to announce award after award, Percy finally caved to his need to fully take in the woman he'd been craving all night, berating himself the whole time for his weakness. He should know better, but there was just no resisting even a quick glance.
In the semi darkness of the grand dining hall, Pansy sat across the way looking utterly bored and thoroughly unimpressed. Suddenly, she puffed out an aggravated breath and reached for her dessert. Delicately handling the spoon, she scooped a small curl of the chocolate pudding, licked her lips in anticipation, and captured the piece of decadence in her mouth. Her eyes fell shut as she savoured the bittersweet flavour of the dark chocolate, and Percy shuddered at the sight, the heat of his want madly coursing through his body. He squirmed slightly and averted his eyes for a moment, thanking the Gods that the room was only faintly lit. His visual withdrawal was short lived though. He could only stave off temptation for so long before his eyes were drawn back to her.
As he glanced to her again, he caught sight of her turning the stem of the spoon around in her hand so that she could delve her tongue into the bowl of the spoon, better enabling her to devour its entire contents. He could just imagine the dance of her tongue and lips over the lucky piece of flatware. He'd never been so jealous of a spoon in his life.
Suddenly becoming aware that she was being watched, Pansy looked about until her eyes met his and she leveled him with a questioning stare. Feeling the weight of being caught, Percy tore his gaze away, and fidgeted awkwardly with his fork. Nervously, he hazarded a peek at her only to find her staring unabashedly at him. He spotted a hint of her delectable tongue flash out of her mouth and over her full, red lips, removing the last remnants of chocolate, and his heart began to hammer loudly in his chest. Unbeknownst to him, his mouth had fallen open slightly, as if begging for a taste.
A lazy smirk began to pull at Pansy's lips, and she slowly dipped her finger into her dessert. She scooped a dollop onto her digit, and of its own volition, Percy's mouth fell open further as her hand made its journey toward her lips. As she seductively engulfed her chocolate covered finger in her eager mouth, a tremor rocked Percy, causing him to visibly tremble. He then snapped his mouth shut and swallowed hard, releasing a loud whimper that was thankfully swallowed up by the sound of the Minister's continued droning voice. Self-satisfaction blanketed Pansy's face as she continued to suck provocatively on her finger.
Suddenly, Draco interrupted their connection as he grabbed at her arm, drawing her attention, and quietly scolded her. His eyes then shifted to where hers were focused and once they met Percy's, he shot him a look that could burn steel. But Percy flat out refused to look away. He was in awe of the fact that she had openly flirted with him. She had flirted with him.
Pansy demurred slightly at her reprimand, but continued to run her finger along the rim of her dessert dish, popping her finger into her mouth at odd intervals to suck the last bits of pudding from her finger. A devilish smirk played over her lips when without warning, she glanced up and caught Percy's eye again. Sucking on her finger, she smiled saucily and offered him a playful wink.
A high-pitched laugh bubbled uncontrollably out of Percy's mouth, which he immediately covered with a melodramatic coughing fit as he looked about to ensure he hadn't attracted too much attention to himself.
Once settled, Percy marveled at how fantastic it felt to be flirted with, especially by a gorgeous witch whom he adored. Nothing could really compare to the feeling, or so he thought.
A/N: So sorry for the long delay with this chapter. It seems my brain decided to take a vacation without me. Anyway, updates should come faster after this.
IHeartMCR: Wow, you must be tired. I've never had such a short review from you. No worries though. I understand all to well the exhaustion.
Ally: Please don't cry. I'm sorry it took me this long. My brain went to the punch bowl. Thank you so much for the lovely review and I promise to be faster with the updates.
kalira: Yes, the angst is at a premium in this fic. But it's all a good laugh though. Nothing serious :D And the gala's not over yet. Still half an evening to go.
stoneofpurity: Did you notice my theft of your phrase? I left a little as an indication :D Told you I'd work it in. lol.
MissAnthrope: Yes, the angst can be mind numbing at times. It takes a serious turn though in a couple chapters when all the poop hits the fan.
Ayakashi: They're not as unlikely as one might think on closer examination. They're both quite driven and ambitious. And they both love power.
Avanell: I am wicked, aren't I:D Couldn't help myself though.