When her sister introduced Padma to Ronald Weasley, Padma knew from the start that it was going to be a disaster.
After she'd ditched Ron and danced with a few boys (boys who were much more charming and gentlemanly than the likes of Ron Weasley) she sidled up to Parvati, who was watching Lavender and Seamus dance with envy written all over her face.
"Somebody's jealous," Padma whispered smugly, barely fighting back a smile, and Parvati jumped. Her eyes narrowed and Padma recognized a challenge.
"I am not jealous," Parvati snapped, stubborn as ever.
Padma merely hummed under her breath, but only because she was choosing her next words carefully. "It's okay," she said. "I'll deal with Mum and Dad."
"You don't have to," Parvati muttered, "because I don't fancy her."
Padma raised an eyebrow. "Funny, I didn't mention a her."
Parvati spluttered and Padma's smugness intensified. "I don't fancy her! Or him! Or anyone!" she cried. "Leave me alone!" She stormed away in a huff, drawing many pairs of eyes in her direction.
Meanwhile, Padma's mind was whirling. She needed to play the interfering sister — she needed to be a matchmaker. Parvati had many fleeting fancies, but nothing quite like this — Padma had seen the raw jealousy on her face, the intense hunger as she pined for a girl who was just out of her reach. Although she hadn't admitted it to herself yet, Padma knew her sister better than anyone.
Thinking quickly, Padma walked up to the dancing pair and interrupted them, turning her eyes on Seamus. "May I cut in?"
Lavender and Seamus exchanged looks of confusion but out of politeness, Seamus gave her a nod and released Lavender. Noting the look on her face, Padma spoke. "I think Parvati was looking for you, Brown. I saw her going towards the refreshments."
Lavender's face brightened and Padma refrained from smiling. The girl hurried away into the crowd, and Padma turned to Seamus, who graciously offered her a hand.
As Padma danced, she withheld a satisfied smile. Her sister would figure out her plan soon enough but for now, Padma was content with the thought that she had given them — her sister and the girl she liked — a nudge.
Sooner or later, Parvati would thank her.
(The night wouldn't be such a disaster, after all.)
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