Cardcaptor Pandora
Episode XVIII
For the Love of Harry
(The Valentine's Day Special)
Two days left to Valentine's Day, and Pandora couldn't be more excited. She was going to kiss Harry whether he liked it or not, and this time she wasn't going to be drunk on a stupid love potion and would remember it!
But while Pandora was flitting around getting ready for the big day, Pansy Parkinson sulked in her little house that Pandora had made for her in a drawer. By using the Little Card, she had been shrunk down so that she could comfortably life there. She preferred it there anyway because it was so dark. Rangi liked it too, because it was the perfect size for him, so he could go annoy Pansy whenever he wanted to (to her deep regret).
This particular evening though, Pansy felt like getting into trouble. She had more or less had no company besides Pandora and Rangi for a month, and was feeling rather restless. So why not cause a little trouble? She was a Slytherin after all, it was what she did best. While Pandora was out, she persuaded Rangi into helping her out of the drawer, then was able to make herself grow (because earlier Pandora had given her that power). Knowing that it would be bad to be recognized, she pulled her cloak around her and drooped the black hood over her face, looking so terribly like a Deatheater. Was she ever glad those days were over, even if it had cost her her
The halls weren't too crowded, just a few people standing here and there, but of course no one bothered to look up and notice her. She figured most people were in their Common Rooms, in the Great Hall, or outside still. Outside sounded pleasant, so she headed that direction.
It truly was a beautiful evening, the kind one would like to spend with someone they love. Pansy thought of who that was for her, but instead of growing sad at the loss her heart hardened. Draco Malfoy, he was the one that caused this to happen to her. He broke his promise and left her with little choice but to join the Deatheaters, and if she hadn't have joined the Deatheaters she wouldn't have gotten kicked out of school, and if she hadn't have gotten kicked out of school, she wouldn't be a vampire. And yet, when she thought about killing him or something as drastic as that, she knew she still loved him, somewhere deep, deep, deep down in her heart. So she couldn't kill him. No, instead she would have to think of a more creative method for revenge.
As she sat beneath a tree pondering what she ought to do, something swished by her head and shot with a twang into the tree trunk she was leaning against, right where her head would have been if she hadn't moved it in time. She slowly turned to see what it was, and saw that it was an arrow. Normally this would make a person feel uncomfortable. For Pansy, she didn't worry much about her life anymore except in daylight, so she just reached up to pull it out and toss it away. But as soon as she touched a finger to it, something strange happened. She giggled.
She drew her hand back as if she had been bitten, the strange sensation passing. She never It was so unPansy Parkinsonish.
Oh, dragon feathers! I missed again! came a rather feminine male voice with a lisp. Pansy looked to where it was coming from to see a lanky teenage boy dressed in a white toga with jaw-length blond hair and a bow with a bundle of arrows strapped to his back.
What were you trying to do, kill me?! she growled, knowing how crazy that would sound if he knew what she really was. What do you think you're doing, Cupid? Then again, on second thought, he looked much more like the type...
Oh, no! I would never do that, Honey-Sweetie! That was a Get-Happy Arrow! That's why you giggled when you touched it, and really, Sugar, it was most adorable.
A Get-Happy Arrow... -_-
Yes! I've got lots of arrows, really, but nothing that would kill a person. My personal favorite though is the Undying-Love Arrow.
Undying-Love Arrow? Pansy asked, her interest suddenly sparked.
Yes, of course. Whoever gets hit by it falls hopelessly in love with the person who's name is spoken when it is shot.
This was perfect. All she had to do was tell Fairy-Cupid-Boy to say her name while he shot Draco with an arrow. It was perfect. So... um... Cupid...
My name's Jerry.
Yeah, whatever. Gary. I know someone who would really love to be hit by one of your arrows...
Oh really? he asked, doing the queerest little dance in the moonlight. Who is it? Who is it? Oh, I am just so excited I could kiss you!
NO! That's... quite alright... His name is Draco Malfoy, and he wants to fall in love with...
But her voice stopped. She couldn't go through with it, it was too easy. It wouldn't be true love, she could never live with that. She knew it. But still, it was a perfect opportunity for revenge, if only she could think of someone Draco absolutely despised. Hm... Hermione Granger.... No, that would up her reputation too much.... Ginny Weasley.... Sure, it would be hilarious to see him with the redheaded girl of the hand-me-down family, but no.... Hm... Who does Draco despise more than anyone else on earth?
...he wants to fall in love with Harry Potter.
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The next morning was Saturday, the day before Valentine's Day, and Pandora planned on spending the next 48 hours in the company of Harry Potter whether or not he liked it. So far they had had a good time, except soon he would have to leave for Quidditch practice, where she would follow him and watch until he got off for lunch. But because of all these plans she had already made, she certainly wasn't pleased when Draco started coming towards them with the strangest look on his face. It wasn't one of contempt or one of his usual smirks, it was quite different. His eyes were big and staring straight at them with a spark in them like... like... something she couldn't even describe. Hey, Dray! she said as he came nearer, but closed her mouth when he walked right past her as if she hadn't been standing there and went straight for Harry.
Draco fell to the ground on his knees in front of Harry, offering up to him a bundle of roses like a sacrifice to a god. Harry, after all this time I am finally able to tell you how I really feel about you, he said, his voice sounding remarkably sincere. Please take these flowers as a token of my undying love for you.
Harry's mouth just about dropped to the floor as he stood gawking at Draco, swearing that this had to be some kind of sick sick sick joke that he was all too afraid of seeing the punch line of. Um... right Draco... Do you need to go to the Hospital Wing? You don't seem to be feeling so well.
Would you like to feel me? Draco asked eagerly.
And Harry ran away quickly to spare Pandora the unappetizing sight of him throwing up on her twin brother.
Draco, what are you thinking?! she asked, hurrying over to kneel next to her brother who looked like his little heart had just been shattered. He just stared after Harry like a lost puppy. Pandora stood up and placed both of her hands on either side of his head lightly. It was as she suspected. This was the work of a Hogwarts Card. Unfortunately, the feeling wasn't strong enough for it to actually be inside of him, just the aftereffect of one's power. She would have to take it up with Rangi, and fast before Draco lost every ounce of the reputation he had.
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Where in the world have you been? Rangi asked as Pansy finally showed up again after having been gone all night.
She shrugged and plopped down on Pandora's bed, glad not to see her there at the moment, for she didn't want to explain anything about Fairy-Cupid-Boy who was still hiding out in the forest. I just haven't been out in a while and I rather like the night, you understand.
But I missed you! Rangi whined pitifully, curling up on Pansy's shoulder and snuggling his lion-head against her face.
She rolled her eyes. You are so pathetic.
Suddenly the door to the small dorm flew open, causing Pansy's heart to skip a beat until she saw that it was only Pandora in a panic, as usual. Are you trying to scare us half to death?
Pansy, why are you big? Pandora asked, but immediately slipped into different questions. Something is terribly wrong with Dray, Rangi! He's... he's.... she stopped and shuddered.
Hitting on Harry? Pansy finished for her.
Pandora blinked at her. Yeah... How did you know?
I heard some kids talking about it when I was sneaking back up here, she lied, not wanting to let on that she knew anything about how he might have gotten that way.
Yes, well, I know it's a Hogwarts Card. It's just a matter of finding it, or knowing what it is.
The only card that I know of that can make one person fall hopelessly in love with another is the Hufflepuff Heart Card, but he usually won't do anything this drastic unless someone else persuades him to, Rangi said.
Which means someone must have found him and did this! But why? Poor Dray! Pandora sighed, rather exasperated at the entire situation. I'll have to figure this out later. I've got to find him and keep him out of trouble before he destroys his entire Hogwarts career! She turned and ran quickly out the door.
Pansy couldn't help but snigger at Malfoy's ever-so-deserved misfortunes, but it didn't go unnoticed. Pansy, that really wasn't a very nice thing for you to do.
She shrugged as she sat down at the small white vanity and began to pull her hair into two long black braids. He's had it coming to him.
Rangi sighed and when he spoke almost sounded amused. Well, yes really, I suppose he did. But still... it wasn't very nice.
Come on, Rangi. You know it's hilarious. Laugh.
Did he ever. Alright, alright. You can have your fun for one more day, but tomorrow evening, the night before Valentine's Day, you've got to fix him and take Pandora to where Jerry is hiding.
Jerry? Oh, you mean Fairy-Cupid-Boy! Sure, tomorrow evening, it's a deal.
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The next day didn't start out much better. When Harry walked with Pandora out of the Gryffindor Common Room, he was promptly greeted by Draco Malfoy who seemed to have been waiting outside of that portrait all night long. Ah! Harry, my love, how good it is to see you! Nights are so very lonesome and miserable without you by my side. Harry bolted down the corridor and down all of the stairs, leaving Pandora there to figure out what to do with her brother. Mini-Pansy, mounted on Rangi's back, watched quietly from the top of the painting, trying so hard not to laugh out loud. When Pandora's attention was significantly diverted to her brother, they flew on after Harry to see what would happen.
Harry cried as he ran into the Great Hall and spotted his friend. You've got to help me! Draco Malfoy wants me!
Ron stared at him, a little confused. Wants you how? Dead...? In bed...? What?
Malfoy's in... in.... He gulped and finally finished the sentence, ...in love with me.
Ron's eyes grew huge, but just as he opened his mouth to say something, an escaped Draco Malfoy hurried over to where they were. He stared at Ron accusingly, then turned a very hurt look on Harry. Harry, tell me this isn't so... it can't be... You and Weasley?! Harry, say it isn't so!
At the time, it seemed like a good idea. Yes, YES that's it! Ron and I are lovers! he said, hooking arms with Ron and laying his head on his shoulder.
Ron cocked an eyebrow and looked overall to be quite uncomfortable with the entire situation. Yes, Harry, I love you too. But remember, we promised not to kiss in public.
Draco once again looked as if his life held little meaning anymore. Harry... no... it can't be... He staggered backwards as if he'd been shot in the heart. Luckily, Pandora was behind him to steady him. Fine! If you won't love me, then I won't give anyone the privilege! I shall go throw myself off of the highest tower! He once again broke free of Pandora and ran off somewhere else, his sister close on his heels, not ready to see her twin brother turn into a pile of mush. Ron and Harry just blinked after them until they were out of sight, then just about died laughing.
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It was only about fifteen minutes before sunset. Pandora had been by his side in the library only moments before, but said that someone wanted to meet her outside right after the sun went down, so she had left to take care of that. Earlier she had put her brother to sleep using the Sleep Card, because there wasn't much else she could do. Now Harry sat there alone, wondering where all the other Cardcaptors were in all this. He couldn't help but wonder if one of them had anything to do with it. He doubted that Lauren had it in her, but she would be the only other one besides Persephone Avaran, who was his prime suspect. Of course it didn't add up. She was going out with Draco after all.
What are you pondering about, Potter? I certainly don't see you here often unless you are trying to get into trouble.
He knew immediately the owner of that icy voice.
She sat down across from him, laying a huge black book in front of her with a thud, which looked to be written in a language and hand unlike anything he had ever seen. He didn't ask questions though. He preferred not to have a headache. It must be very difficult dealing with Draco, she said, with something that could be considered a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth.
he said, looking up at her over the rim of his glasses, but unwilling to completely pull his face up from the book he was pretending to be interested in. So why aren't you out there trying to catch that card?
She shrugged. It's a Hufflepuff Card, nothing worth my time, really. There's no point in trying to hold on to something as fictional as Loyalty.
He nodded, trying to make it apparent that he wasn't up to a conversation with her. He hated to admit it, but talking to Persephone was one of the most awkward experiences. In fact, when he thought about it, it ranked closely to meeting Voldemort in the forest when he was a First Year, except it was still different. Instead of just fear and curiosity, for her he felt almost an attraction. He didn't understand it, this close feeling he had when he was around her, not at all. He didn't like it but he couldn't hate it. It was truly miserable.
What do you think about Loyalty, Potter? she suddenly asked.
The question caught him off guard. he asked, looking up into her inky black eyes as something--love, hate, who knew?--swelled up inside of him. I suppose it all adds up to not abandoning or betraying people who you've promised something to or that you have a deep affection for, rather it be friendship or love, even in the most trying of situations.
She nodded, the shadow of a smile that had previously crossed her features now vanished. Fair enough. What about Love?
He blinked at her, now feeling exceedingly uncomfortable. What about it?
Who are people that you love?
Well... there are different levels of love. I mean, I love Ron and Hermione as friends, they're two people I don't know what I'd do without anymore. I love Pandora on a higher level. Then there's the kind of love you share with members of your family... He smiled and gave a short laugh. I guess if it really came down to it I'd say that I even love the Dursleys... to a certain extent.
Persephone nodded and then picked up her book as she stood. Thank you, then.
He watched her, completely confused. What was that all about?
I was just trying to clear something up. Thank you for helping me. And I love you too.
His jaw dropped as she walked silently away, never turning back. He stayed where he was, though something inside of him wanted more than anything to follow her.
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Pandora, I'm sorry! But really, he did deserve it.
That's no excuse, Pansy! He's my brother, and you had no right to use a Hogwarts Card that way! It's a good thing I caught it before it could do anymore harm.
Rangi knew about it too...
I did not! She's lying!
Right she is.
The three debated for a while, but Pandora grew tired of it. What was done was done, and Draco would be fine the next morning anyway. Besides, now she had a new card, the Heart Card, though he was a rather interesting character and she didn't really know what use he would be. Unless she wanted to get into some nice and dirty trouble with Harry, but... not yet. For now she had the rest of Valentine's Day to spend with him, and she wouldn't have to share him with anyone, not even her heartbroken twin brother.
