"Don't say it like that"
"Like what exactly," says Granger a confused furrow in her brow
"Like that. You know all softly and stuff"
Arching an eyebrow in frustration Granger takes a deep breath before closing her eyes and rubbing her temples slowly but firmly.
"What?" pouts Pansy
"Pansy Parkinson, you would have to be the most frustrating person alive" breathes out Granger still rubbing her temples
"I beg your pardon?"
"One minute you're all over me like Dragon Pox and the next you're distant and aloof and all over the place." taking another deep breath Granger says softly "Perhaps life would be easier if you had the emotional range of a teaspoon"
"What's that supposed to mean?" questions Pansy
"It means Parkinson-" again the clicking sound of shoes down the dimmed corridor instantly stops Granger "Oh for Merlin's sake" she huffs "I'll have to talk to you another time. It's worse than Kings Cross Station here"
Before Pansy can protest Granger has thrown the invisibility cloak over herself.
"Where are you?" Pansy's question is met with silence "Granger Come on. Oh in the name of Merlin I know you're still here. You can't apparate in Hogwarts you know." she huffs
On the verge of having a complete tantrum, Pansy hisses "Where are you?"
"Pans?"
Pansy spins around so fast she almost gives herself whiplash. Standing before her is Draco looking at her with a perplexed look
"Who are you talking to?"
"What? Nobody." says Pansy in a panic "I umm. err thought I heard someone, I mean something"
Draco scrutinises and observes the surroundings, peering down the corridors. Pansy's heart jumps to her throat when he seems to stop and squint curiously at the spot Granger was standing previously.
"It's probably nothing," says Pansy nervously "I'm sure I must have misheard. There's nothing there"
"Don't be too sure Pans. Don't be too sure" whispers Draco lowly, still staring into space before turning to Pansy " C'mon let's go back to our rooms"
Pansy lets out a breath she didn't realise she was holding as Draco leads her back to their dorms. She glances over her shoulder but does not see Granger, not that she expected to. They walk in silence, each deep in their solitarily thought yet comforted by the presence of someone near.
"Pureblood" murmurs Draco as they arrive at the entrance to the Slytherin common room. A door magically appears where once was a plain stone wall.
As Pansy makes her way in she notices Draco hesitate "You coming?" she asks
"You go ahead, there's something I have to do"
A tremor of panic washes over Pansy, was Draco going back to where he found Pansy, would he find Granger?
Mistaking her concern for his well-being Draco says "Go on Pans, I'll be back before you know it"
"Ok," says Pansy not wanting to raise any suspicion. It's not like Granger would still be there now anyhow she hoped.
The first thing Pansy notices entering the common room Is the absence of her friends. They must be waiting in their room for her thinks Pansy
Pansy barely enters her room when Daphne blurts out "You better tell Granger to watch out, sneaking up on us like that. She could have got herself hexed."
"Oh I think she can handle herself," says Pansy thinking back to Potter's earlier statements
"Excuse me," says Daphne clearly offended
"All I'm saying is she's pretty good at looking after herself if what Potter says has anything to do with it"
"Potter? What's he got to do with this?"
"He and the Weasley came looking for Granger"
"Did they find you?" gasps Millicent
"No, we hid under the invisibility cloak"
"That is a rather impressive cloak" adds Millicent
"What did Potter say?" asks Tracey
"Well apparently she imprisoned Rita Seeker in a jar"
"WHAT!" gasps Daphne, Tracey and Millicent in unison
"How did she conjure a giant human-sized jar?" asks Millicent in disbelief "And where did she keep her, did it have air holes, did she feed her, how did no one see that?"
"I don't know"
"Is that why she stopped writing for a bit during the Triwizard Tournament?" asks Tracey with a mixed tone of questioning and realisation
"Maybe" responds Pansy "I don't really know"
"Thank yourself lucky, she didn't put you in a jar too Pansy after your interview with Rita Skeeter," says Millicent
Pansy's stomach twists guiltily at the memory of her claiming to Rita Skeeter that Hermione Granger was Harry Potter's girlfriend and that she was toying him around hoping to seek the affections of Viktor Krum. Her stomach continues to squirm, she had memorised the paragraph attributed to her, reciting it as many times as possible that it is firmly locked in her memory bank: "She's really ugly," says Pansy Parkinson, a pretty and vivacious fourth year student, "but she'd be well-up to making a Love Potion, she's quite brainy. I think that's how she's doing it." Having just learnt of Grangers abilities she perhaps should be grateful that Granger did not seek revenge on her.
"Did Potter say anything else?" asks Daphne drawing Pansy from her thoughts
"Well he mentioned her fighting Death Eaters in the Ministry of Magic"
"Really? That is true then? Mother said it wasn't, just a magical mishap at the Ministry and any talk of Death Eaters was just media fear-mongering to sell papers and there was nothing to worry about" says Millicent
"That's what Potter said," Pansy says shrugging her shoulders
"Good grief" exclaims Tracey "What in Merlin's name is going on? Fighting Death Eaters, how do you survive that? They are vicious"
Tracey was right. Death Eaters were known to be full of malevolence with little regard for Wizarding law. Rumour was they would take great delight in engaging in the Unforgivable Curses.
"Anything else?" asks Daphne interrupting Pansy's thoughts
"He also said that she purposely searched out the Basilisk, remember when she was petrified in second year," says Pansy
"Who could forget that year? She knew what was going on, she knew it was a basilisk AND she went looking for it. Is she insane?" says Tracey
"I'm starting to think she is," says Millicent
"Oh wait there's more"
"MORE!?" Exclaim the three girls
"She confronted a three-headed dog, sorry a GIANT three-headed dog," says Pansy
"Where in sweet Salazar do you find and keep a three-headed dog" exclaims Tracey
"It wouldn't be in muggle London or Diagon Alley, so logically it would have to be at school wouldn't it?" says Daphne "it's the only place that makes sense"
"I'll tell you what doesn't make sense is why you would confront a giant three-headed dog," says Tracey
"Why do our parents send us to this school?" questions Millicent "there's been
nothing but deadly drama since first year"
"So how did she survive all of that?" asks Daphne
"I don't know the details of all of this"
"Why not?"
"It was a bit hard Daphne, as soon as Potter and Weasley left, Draco came down the hall"
"Did he see you two" gasps Millicent again
"No"
"You have to find out more," says Daphne
"And how am I supposed to do that? Like I've said many times, I can hardly walk up and sit next to her for a chat whenever I want"
"We have to find a way, there's so much that's gone on that we do not know about, and if the rumours of You Know Who being back are true then we need to know everything so we can be prepared"
Silence descends on the group, each trying to absorb and process what they had just learnt.
Breaking the silence Millicent asks softly "Pansy, do you ummm think she would train us?"
"What? What are you saying?"
"I just thought maybe, given she's fought Death Eaters and done all this other stuff, she might know a few spells that they don't teach us and she might, I mean given your closeness and we're friends, maybe…." Millicent let her voice trail off, embarrassed by her suggestion
"Are you serious" scoffs Parkinson "You are joking right?"
"That's not a bad idea Millicent," says Daphne
"What?" says Pansy shocked
"Mils has a point, I hate to admit it but Granger obviously knows things we don't and we need to know more."
"You can't be serious?"
"Deadly serious"
"This is madness," says Pansy
"It's mad times Pansy" replies Daphne
"This is exciting," says Tracey happily
"But, but I don't even know if she will talk to me let alone say yes"
"Oh for Merlin's sake, what did you do now" scolds Daphne
"Nothing," says Pansy sheepishly
"Really? You can be so frustrating sometimes" huffs Daphne
"That's what she said"
"Well, she's not wrong. Just sort it out Pansy and ask her"
"That's a lot easier said than done" mumbles Pansy
"Pansy, if anyone can charm the pants off Granger you can," says Millicent
"Literally" giggles Tracey
"Oh for Merlin's sake," says Pansy rolling her eyes "Get your mind out of the sewer for one moment Tracey"
"Right it's decided then. Pansy will ask Granger"
"You've all gone mad, absolutely bonkers," says Pansy "you do realise that right"
"It has to be done "
"Fine, just don't blame me if it goes to buggery"
"Do you want us to help? We ca-"
"No way. Your meddling is what got me into this predicament in the first place" rebuffs Pansy "And you know what I'm going to sleep, you're all giving me a migraine " she says as she stomps to her bed and shuts the curtains tightly around her bed
By the next day, Pansy was none the wiser on how she would get Granger alone, let alone ask her to teach her and her friends some spells. Her frustration grew as the day progressed, Granger seemingly turning the tables on Pansy doing her utmost to ignore her all day despite the many efforts to try and catch her eye.
"Pansy we're going to the library"
"Again" moans Pansy. Studying how to transfigure a fork into a quill was not a priority for her at this moment.
"Yes, again. We have homework due, now come on "
Pansy did not have the energy to argue with Daphne, and she certainly didn't have the energy to engage in the banter her three friends were embarking on as they made their way to the library. Instead, Pansy walks in silence revisiting all the scenarios that have occurred over the past months that led her to this point. She almost scoffs out loud when she thinks back to the beginning of the year. If you had told her she would be pinning over a girl let alone Granger, she would have admitted you to St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries herself. But yet here she is in a romantic predicament like no other.
"Granger's here" whispers Tracey prodding Pansy with her elbow
"Of course she is" whispers Pansy back "she practically lives in the library"
"Maybe you can meet in the restricted section again and you can ask her? " offers Millicent
Pansy's shoulders slump in response. She can not remember a time that she felt such uncertainty at the task ahead, what she faces is legitimately difficult. First, she has to try and get Granger alone, and if she can accomplish that, then she faces the monumental task of getting Granger to agree to teach her and her friends some spells when she's not even convinced Granger will talk to her.
Sensing her anxiety "The perfect opportunity will arise when it needs to" says Daphne giving Pansy a comforting tap on the arm
With a heavy sigh "Let's just get this assignment done" says Pansy walking towards an empty desk not too far from Granger but not too close either.
Placing a blank parchment, quill and ink pot on the ornate wooden table, Pansy stares at the parchment unable to even comprehend where to start on this assignment. Instead, like moths to a flame, her eyes are drawn to one spot and one spot only - Granger.
She watches as Granger busily scribbles on her own parchment, oblivious to the world around her, oblivious to Pansy. Pansy could not help but feel dejected. It's hard to want a thing that much and feel that it is beyond reach. She sighs again and flips open a Tomes on Transfiguration.
The words seem to blur into one, she tries her hardest to concentrate on the sentences before her but it's to no avail. She is certain she has read the same page 6 times over and yet could not in all honesty tell you what was written. She has no idea how much time has passed, all she does know her friends have filled at least three-quarters of their sheet of parchment whilst hers remains blank.
She is about to give in and pack up when something catches the corner of her eye. Peaking out of Granger's bag is what looks like to be Potter's invisibility cloak. Like someone had just set off a firecracker in her head an idea comes to her.
"I've got an idea" whispers Pansy excitedly to the table "I just need to get to Grangers' bag. Potter's cloak is in there. I can hide underneath and talk to her"
"How you going to get the cloak?" questions Tracey
"I haven't worked that part out," says Pansy
"Leave that to me," says Daphne pulling her wand from her cloak. "Get ready and go fast"
It was as if she has been waiting for Pansy to come up with an idea and she was ready and waiting. Before Pansy can even ask what Daphne has planned, Pansy sees one of the many tomes fly off Granger's table and fly through one of the book aisles before landing with an almighty thump. The loud bang ricocheted across the entire library, making everyone jump in their seats, all eyes now turned towards Granger.
Before Pansy can even blink Madam Pince the librarian is there in front of Granger looking angrier than a hungry Hippogriff
"Get out"
"But I didn't do anything, I would never-"
"Put these remaining books away this instance, and leave the library immediately before I ban you until the end of the year," she says firmly her hawk-like eyes boring through Granger daring her to argue.
Pansy secretly thinks that Madam Pince would prefer if all students were barred and she had the library to herself.
Without even seeing Granger's face, Pansy knows she would be white as a sheet at the prospect of being barred from the library but equally be desperate to defend herself.
A moment of silence passes before Granger accepting that being barred from the library would be a fate worse than death starts to collect her books.
"Get ready" whispers Daphne quickly "I'll tell you when she's too far down the aisle to see you get the cloak".
Pansy's legs tingle with excitement, and she slides to the edge of her seat, ready.
"Now. Go. "Quick"
Operating on instinct alone Pansy dashes towards the table Granger was sitting at, she looks around quickly. All the other students are focused on their studies now that the excitement of Granger being reprimanded has passed. she bends at the knee, all those years of practising a curtsy coming in handy, she hastily snatched the cloak from Granger's bag and hastily returns to her table.
"Got it," she says feeling rather proud of herself
"Brilliant. Now hide under it and follow Granger out of the library. We'll take your stuff back to our room" says Daphne
"Quick, she's coming back"
"Wish me luck," says Pansy before discretely throwing the cloak over herself
"That really is an amazing cloak," says Millicent again
Pansy watches as Granger packs up her belongings, obviously angry and distracted by the injustice of being kicked out of the library that she doesn't notice the cloak missing, and storms out.
Pansy follows, her heart pounding through her chest, equally terrified and excited. The look on Granger's face is so thunderous, that Pansy decides to wait for a little before revealing herself to Granger. she does not want Granger to take out her anger on her and not listen to what she has to say. Instead, she follows closely behind.
Pansy tries to steady her breath as they weave through the hallway getting further and further away from the library and travel corridors she is unaccustomed to. Pansy, doesn't think she's been to this side of the castle ever before, she can only assume Granger is heading towards the Gryffindor common room. She follows slightly amazed that Granger can not hear her heart beating loudly let alone her footsteps.
Getting nervous that she won't be able to find her way back to her room, and with no one else around she decides now is the time to reveal herself. Just as she is about to remove the cloak someone calls out
"Hermione"
It's Ginny Weasley. Pansy presses herself hard against the wall as Weasley races towards them.
"Woah!" says Ginny halting in her tracks "you look like you're ready to hex someone. "
"I got kicked out of the library," says Hermione, voice dripping with anger. Pansy swallows hard
"How-"
"Slytherins" spits Granger
"I thought those pranks had ended now," says Ginny
"So did I"
"Shall we get revenge? You know I'm rather good at a Bat-Bogey Hex, I could add a twist to it and make it come out of their bum" boasts Ginny Weasley playfully obviously trying to make Granger laugh "I'm sure Fred and George would love to help"
"Oh Ginny, I'm sure they would," says Granger now smirking a little "But I just want to go back to our room"
"Then That is what we shall do," says Ginny Weasley holding out her arm to Granger. An innocent gesture that has causes Pansy's tummy to tumble disapprovingly.
As Granger slides her arm through her friend's arm, Pansy is at a loss for what to do. Does she continue to follow Granger or return to her dorm and no doubt face a barrage of questions from her friends that she does not have the answer to.
She had never been the inquisitive type, and yet hidden beneath created a boldness within her she didn't know she had. She had to decide quickly as the Gryffindor duo start walking down the hall. She decides to follow Granger.
Careful not to make too much noise, her heart drumming frantically against her chest with every small step she takes she follows. Nervous energy races through her legs, her belly alights with flutters. With her eyes firmly fixed on Granger, she tries to steady her breathing as they wind and begin climbing stairs towards the towers. The air becomes cooler the higher they climb.
They continue to climb until both Granger and Ginny Weasley stop suddenly in front of a portrait of a pale fat lady wearing a pink silk dress with a matching floral tiara. It was obvious that she had enjoyed both some fine wine and food during her lifetime.
"Password" bellows the portrait
This must be the entrance to the Gryffindor common room, thinks Pansy.
Instantly Pansy feels sick. A tight discomfort sits in her chest, her brain suddenly feels like it is in overdrive unable to piece together a single thought. What if the portrait knows Pansy is under the cloak? What would happen to her? How would she explain this? Would she be expelled? Would the Gryffindors all come out of their dormitory and hex her? Her mouth suddenly dries, she begins to feel so light-headed that she may faint. Oh, how she wished she had gone back to her dormitory instead of foolishly following Granger.
"Flibbertigibbet," says the Gryffindor duo in unison
"Oh, lovely, lovely. Now no sneaking out past curfew ladies. I will be visiting Violet tonight. We have arranged a lovely soirée" says the portrait gleefully before swinging forward to reveal a round hole in the wall.
"We won't" assures Granger before entering the round hole
Taking a big gulp and summoning some courage she does not know where from, Pansy swiftly scrambles behind.
Her heart pounding through her rib cage as she enters the hole in the wall. She lets out a sigh of relief that the portrait remains open for her and does shut down hard on her.
Scrambling through she finds herself In the Gryffindor common room.
The first thing she notices is how crimson and gold everything is, it is such a stark contrast to her green room, it almost hurts her eyes. A roaring fire blazes and is surrounded by oversized squashy armchairs filled with noisy Gryffindors. The fireplace mantle is adorned with a portrait of a lion that seems to look right through her.
Pansy, was struck by how many windows there were, all looking out onto the grounds of the school.
The walls are decorated with scarlet tapestries that depicted witches and wizards, but unlike the Slytherin Common room, they also depict images of various animals. Pansy is not quite sure why, she does not recall Gryffindor having an affiliation with animals excluding the lion of course. There were also bookcases located in the room, filled with various novels and forms of literature.
"Minone" calls out Potter who looks rather uncomfortable playing Wizards Chess with Ron Weasley "You're back early?"
Pansy's heart begins galloping even faster, what if Potter can see her because he owns the cloak? There is no doubt in her mind he would hex her before asking any questions. That faint feeling she had returned with vengeance.
"Don't ask" says Ginny Weasley bounding towards Potter "Move your knight over to here Harry. You'll block his attack" she says pointing to the chessboard
"Oi, I'm your brother" grumbles Ron Weasley
"That is precisely why I'm helping him" she replies gleefully
"Bit of loyalty would be nice"
"Shove over Harry, lets's win this game against Ronikins"
"Oi"
Oi? Vocabulary of a nit thinks Pansy
"You ok Mione?" asks Potter sincerely
"I'm ok. I'll just drop my bag off in my room and then I'll come back" says Granger smiling warmly at Potter
This is her chance, thinks Pansy. The sooner she can speak to Granger the sooner she can get back to her dorm. Her tummy tumbles nervously as she weaves between students, making sure not to nudge or bump into anyone and follows Granger up a winding mahogany staircase, decorated with crimson and gold edging.
Pansy's feet tingle with anticipation as Granger pushes open a large wooden door to reveal four-poster beds covered with thick scarlet blankets. Gold chandeliers cast a warm glow all around.
Granger unceremoniously throws her bag at the foot of a bed. Pansy notices a picture of a man and woman placed carefully on the bedside table surrounded by books. Unlike the pictures Pansy is used to, these are still shots, they are not waving or moving. It must be a muggle photo of her parents thinks Pansy.
Pansy watches for a moment as Granger sits on the edge of her bed, the glow from the chandelier highlights the golden flecks in her hair, casting a gorgeous soft glimmer to her skin. She looks rather beautiful in this soft light thinks Pansy.
"Granger" whispers Pansy hoarsely
Swifter than a classroom of Cornish Pixies, Granger pulls out her wand directly pointing it at Pansy
"Don't hex me, It's me, it's me" says Pansy in a panic whilst removing the cloak
"Parkinson, what in Merlins' name, are you mental?" says a shocked Granger, rushing past her to shut the large wooden door behind her "what are you doing? What if you get caught, what are you thinking...are you hang on...Is that Harry's cloak?" she says looking sideways at her bag
The clogs of her brain piecing things together quickly "Is that why I almost got barred from the library?"
If Pansy thought Granger was going to hex her before, she was certain of it now.
"I don't think that was part of Daphne's plan. I just needed to ask you about something "
"Daphne's plan? Oh, this better be good Parkinson."
"Well umm, " says Pansy suddenly lost for words under Granger's intense stare
"Wait. How did you plan on getting back to your dorm? It's almost curfew?"
"I hadn't thought of that" answers Pansy honestly
"Oh dear Merlin, you're worse than Harry and Ron"
"Maybe I can borrow the cloak and give it back to you tomorrow?" offers Pansy
"No, that won't work I have to give it to Harry, he needs it tonight to-" Granger stops herself from completing the sentence
Granger's abrupt stop piques Pansy's curiosity but she dare not ask.
"Let me give it to him now," says Granger holding out her hand
"But how will I get back to my room," asks Pansy nervously handing over the cloak
"We'll have to work that out after. In the meantime just go to my bed a shut the curtains tight. I'll be back in a second. And be quiet"
Before Pansy can say anything Granger is out the door.
Pansy feels a sense of uneasiness standing in the middle of the Gryffindor room. Not wanting to be caught she does exactly what Granger suggests.
Nervous energy tingles through her like an electric current as she waits for Granger to return. She feels silly just sitting on the edge of the bed like a naughty child waiting to be reprimanded. Anxiously double checking that the curtains around the bed are pulled tight leaving no gap she sits on the bed with her back against the headboard.
She shivers, the air is much cooler in the Gryffindor tower than she had expected. She pulls the extra crimson blankets folded nearly at the end of the bed over her legs. Her foot taps frantically against the mattress, how long could it possibly take to give Potter his cloak? Thinks Pansy
There is a fluttery nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach that she just can't shake.
She needs to distract herself. As expected on Granger's bedside table sits a large pile of books
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
Magical Drafts and Potions
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
Hogwarts a History
A Compendium of Common Curses and their Counter-Actions
The Dark Arts Outsmarted
Self-Defensive Spellwork
On the very top of the pile sits a small paperback book. Pansy instantly recognises it as the book Granger was reading that evening they were both locked in the abandoned classroom. Her cheeks instantly heating up at the memory of her running her fingers through Granger's thick hair.
Reaching for the book, Pansy flips to the first chapter and begins to read
Chapter 1
"When he was nearly thirteen, my brother Jem got his arm badly broken at the elbow. When it healed, and Jem's fears of never being able to play football were assuaged, he was seldom self-conscious about his injury. His left arm was somewhat shorter than his right; when he stood or walked, the back of his hand was at right angles to his body, his thumb parallel to his thigh. He couldn't have cared less, so long as he could pass and punt.
When enough years had gone by to enable us to look back on them, we sometimes discussed the events leading to his accident. I maintain that the Ewells started it all, but Jem, who was four years my senior, said it started long before that. He said it began the summer Dill came to us, when Dill first gave us the idea of making Boo Radley come out.
I said if he wanted to take a broad view of the thing, it really began with Andrew Jackson. If General Jackson hadn't run the Creeks up the creek, Simon Finch would never have paddled up the Alabama, and where would we be if he hadn't? We were far too old to settle an argument with a fist-fight, so we consulted Atticus. Our father said we were both right.
Being Southerners, it was a source of shame to some...
Pansy pauses for a moment, she could have sworn that Granger had said it was a book written from a point of view of a six year old. Finding some of the language difficult to grasp she begins to read the passage again only pausing when the door of the dorm creaks open.
Pansy's heart jumps to her throat and begins to beat so ferociously that she is certain the pounding sound would be heard across the entire castle. She can hear soft footsteps enter the room. She holds her breath and nearly lets out a giant yelp as the thick curtains open. She breathes out a sigh of relief, it's Granger.
Granger looks her up and down with an amused look on her face "make yourself comfortable" she says
"It's cold up here" offers Pansy blushing
"It gets very windy," says Granger closing the curtain behind her and pulling out her wand.
"Adhaesitium" mutters Granger pointing her wand to the curtain
Pansy watches as a thin golden thread weaves between the two edges of the curtain sticking them together.
She smiles to herself as she recalls her mother using the same spell on her bedroom door one Christmas Eve when she was little and snuck out of her room umpteenth time to gather an early sneak peek at the mountain of presents beneath the tree.
"Right," says Granger turning to Pansy with her hands on her hips "I don't know what you had planned coming into my room but I can assure you right now there won't be any kisses or hanky panky. The way you have behaved-"
"What? No. I wasn't planning that. I hadn't even thought of it."
"Oh, well I just-" Granger stops herself mid-sentence. The words Pansy just spoke taking the wind from her sails. Her cheeks blushing at the assumption she had just made "So, what are you doing here then?" asks Granger
"Well, it was Millicent and Daphne's idea really"
"What?" says Granger with an edge of annoyance in her tone
"I told them what Potter said you had done, you know with Rita Skeeter, Death Eaters, the giant dog, and they wanted me to ask, they were wondering given we are ummm, that is to say -" Pansy can feel the heat rising to her cheeks with ever stuttering sentence
"You're not making sense. Parkinson, if this is some feeble attempt to-"
"They wanted to know if you would train us" blurts out Pansy
Pansy's outburst stuns Granger into silence, but only for a moment "what do you mean?"
"I dunno maybe teach us some defensive spells and stuff in case we need it. Not that I expect to run into three headed dogs but -" whispers softly looking down at her hands
Pansy begins gnawing gently on her bottom lip. Nerves build, her fingers playing nervously with the hem of her skirt. Doubt sits heavily on her chest, she has never felt so vulnerable as she does at this moment as Granger just stares at her speechless.
Finally breaking the silence "Like a defence club" says Granger deep in thought.
Pansy swears she can see the cogs turning as Granger pieces together what she has heard. Her stomach lurches forward and summersaults waiting for Granger to say something else, which is seeming to take an eternity. The silence causes Pansy to lash out
"I told them it was a stupid idea, and you would tell do it," says Pansy defensively folding her arms across her chest "Forget about it
"I did not say I would not do it," says Granger more annoyed now
A terse static fills the air, crackling and popping like dry wood on a bonfire, as the agitation between the two witches begins to grow.
"Right," says Pansy she could hex Millicent for suggesting this in the first place
"In fact, I think it's a rather splendid idea and I'll do it," says Granger defiantly
"Really," says Pansy in surprise
"Yes, really"
And just like that she feels instantly lighter "oh ok"
"It won't be a game thou" warns Granger "We'll need a schedule, with allocated times, find a space there's lots to organise -"
"Fine. I'll let the others know. So how am I getting back to my dorm tonight" says Pansy looking at Granger for guidance
"Oh, you're not"
"WHAT!"
"Well how do you propose to get through a common room full of Gryffindors?"
"But the cloak?
"I told you. Harry needs it, and he is unlikely to be back before morning"
"What in Merlin's name does he need it for all night?" says Pansy in a panic "Don't worry I know you're not going to tell me" she adds m holding her hand up "Maybe I can wait until everyone goes to sleep then sneak out?"
"First you have to get through the portrait of the Fat Lady and then assume she won't tell every other portrait in Hogwarts including those in Dumbledore's office and if by some miracle that occurs you need to get to the other side of the castle and if you are caught you could be expelled," says a horrified Granger
"But-"
"But what? Tell me what was YOUR plan to get out of here, Parkinson"
"I didn't really have one," says Pansy sheepishly
"And herein lies the problem," says Granger in a matter of fact tone
Tension grows in her face and limbs, her mind a carousel of panic, she cannot stay in the Gryffindor Tower, it's too risky if someone finds out, and the torment she would endure would be catastrophic.
"You'll just have to stay here," says Granger in a tone that suggests that this was an obvious solution
"I can't stay here" exclaims Pansy "What if someone sees me"
"Should have thought of that before you broke into the Gryffindor Tower" says Granger tersely
Pansy's hand twitches in irritation. Anger seems to simmer deep in her belly. She does not like the tone Granger is using with her.
Conflicted emotions race through, her heart hammers through her chest. Tension builds in her shoulders, she can feel her breath deepening as she wants to lash out at Granger but can't. What if Granger kicks her out into the Gryffindor Common Room. How she wished she has her friends here before the realisation
"Daphne" blurts Pansy
"What about her," says Granger with a look on her face that Pansy can't quite place
"She'll be worried sick, she'll raise an alarm. What if she sends a howler"
"She's too clever to do that," says Granger "Plus she knows you're here"
"But-"
"But nothing Parkinson," says Granger opening the bottom draw to her bedside table "Here," she says handing her some clothing
"What's this?"
"Pyjamas, unless of course, you prefer to sleep in your uniform"
Like she has just been jabbed with an electric prod, her eyes widen. She hadn't thought about this part, where would she spend the night. The only logical solution was to share with Granger.
Her heart flutters as nervous energy tingles through her like little tiny fireworks all the way down her body gathering in her toes.
The irony does not escape her, all she had wanted was to spend time alone with Granger and now with the opportunity here all she wants to do is go back to her dorm.
"Is there a problem?" challenges Granger, eyes slightly squinted
"Errr I've hmmm just never worn muggle clothes before" thinking up an excuse for her hesitation
"Well, you put them on the same way. Head through the big hole and arms through the two smaller ones" says Granger her words dripping with sarcasm
"Thank you. I am aware of that" snaps Pansy curtly
Whether it was the stress of the moment or the ferocity of the look Granger was aiming at her, Pansy can feel frustration and anger simmering dangerously within her belly ready to explode at any moment. The air between them thick with static. Their gaze is unwavering as if they are challenging one another to speak.
Pansy has no idea how long they have been staring at each other before the door to the bedroom opens snapping Pansy back to attention and making both Granger and Pansy jump in surprise.
"Oh Hermione, curtains shut. You're not going to be studying all night again are you?"
"Err, yes Lavender"
Granger's voice is hoarse and raspy in comparison to Lavender Brown's, it is obvious she is trying to come across as calm and collected but not quite managing it.
Pansy can feel her heart beating hard against her chest, the palms of her hands sweat against the woollen blankets as she grips them tightly. How in Merlin's name is she going to survive not getting caught?
"Well, we are prepared this time aren't we Parvati" giggles Lavender Brown "Wingardium Leviosa"
What is Merlin's name is she up to, wonders Pansy. She does not have to think long as hovering above Grangers four poster bed is a pair of magical eye masks. One is made of lush black satin and printed upon it are bright green cat eyes with long lashes that blink down playfully at Pansy. The other is a stunning gold eye mask adorned with large twinkling owl eyes.
"Aren't these the most adorable things you have seen?" coos Brown
Pansy had to admit they were rather cute and would more than likely buy a pair for herself.
"But wait there's more" giggles Brown
Now hovering above the bed are matching earmuffs - one gold and one black.
"Are these just not the best" presses Brown again prompting Granger to respond "Now you won't bother us when you read all night"
Pansy can tell that Granger is not impressed but replies with "Yes they are very nice Lavender"
"Eeeeee they are aren't they" giggles Brown happily "Happy studying, try not to stay up all night. Beauty sleep is very important too you know. Night Night"
With one last large blink, the eye marks and ear muffs flutter away. Granger turns to her rolling her eyes as both Brown and Patil start singing the latest Weird Sisters on the other side of the curtain.
Pansy remains seated knee deep in silence. The sound of Brown and Patil singing reverberates around the room like a cymbal.
The air around Pansy is so brittle it could snap. She is trapped. She traces her fingers along the cotton clothing Granger has given her. She let's out a slow controlled breath, she needs to do the inevitable and get changed into them.
She slowly slides off the bed making sure not to make too much noise and begins unbuttoning her blouse. Her fingers tremble slightly. She has never felt this nervous changing in front of Daphne or her other roommates but this whole situation was of course different. Pansy feels an odd mixture of relief and disappointment as Granger turns her back to her so she can undress privately.
Dressed in the muggle pyjamas she slides into the bed as quietly as she can, shivering as the cool sheets touch her skin. She too turns her back to Granger giving her the same privacy to change into her nightwear.
Her heart skips a beat before proceeding to pound hard against her chest. Her stomach lurches forward and summersaults as Granger slides into the bed next to her. The cool sheets now suddenly feel hot like lava. She can feel her cheeks blushing all the way from her neck up. With her back still to Granger, the tingling in her stomach intensifies with every moment that passes. There is absolutely no way she will be able to relax enough to sleep tonight.
Sudden darkness engulfs the other side of the curtains, she assumes Brown and Patil have blown out their candles for sleep.
A futile tussle of conflicting thoughts plagues her. A heavy silence settles over them, a thick uneasy tension in the air. Minutes feel like an eternity as the tension builds, she just wants to break out and run for the door. The 9 hours to the morning will feel like 90.
The sudden movement of Granger followed by harsh hard tapping on her shoulder blade has Pansy nearly jumping out of her skin. Turning, she sees Granger sitting up in bed arms folded, lips pursed.
"What?" mouths Pansy silently turning towards Granger
She furrows her brow as Granger reaches into her top drawer and pulls out a quill and parchment and begins scribbling frantically.
Why don't you want to kiss me?
It takes a moment for Pansy to process the question on the parchment. Taking the quill and parchment from Granger she writes
"What are you talking about?"
Snatching the quill and parchment back Granger huffs and scribbles and scribbles
"Just before you said you didn't want to kiss, you had not thought of it!!"
Pansy can't stop herself from rolling her eyes despite knowing it would agitate Granger
"You're the one who said no hanky panky," writes Pansy
It's almost laughable thinks Pansy as they sit here in bed arguing without words but aggressively passing the quill and parchment to each other. Both digging their heels in.
"Well you have been a prat," writes Granger matter of factly
"So what's the problem then?"
Pansy notices Granger's pupils dilate into giant black orbs like an angry cat ready to attack. The air encircling them is thick and thunderous.
"NEVERMIND!" writes Granger angrily, practically piercing the parchment with the tip of the quill, before turning her back to Pansy and aggressively plonking her head onto her pillow.
Mimicking Granger's movements Pansy turns her back to Granger and pulls the sheets up to her neck. She feels completely disjointed and unable to comprehend and understand all that is happening.
She lies rigid too nervous and angry to move choosing to focus on the shapes the slivers of moonlight that spill into the room make against the thick curtains. It's not something she is accustomed to when at Hogwarts, her room lies beneath the Great Lake.
The hypnotic swirls of moonbeam curl and sway in perfect synchronicity mesmerising and soothing. She lets out a deep defeated breath. This is ridiculous thinks Pansy.
Turning, she leans over Granger to reach for the parchment and quill. Her heart jumps as Granger inhales deeply. The heat from Granger's skin permeates through the clothing.
She writes slowly, pausing a moment before placing the parchment on Granger's pillow with the words "Of course, I want to kiss you" written upon it before lying back down with her back to Granger again.
The rustling of the parchment sounds so loud against the quiet night sky as Granger reads her words. Her heart clenching as she waits for Granger's reaction.
A much gentler tap on her shoulder has her turning to look directly at Granger. Her eyes now conveying a softness.
Their eyes lock, Pansy's heart pulsates hard against her chest as her hand drifts towards Granger's waist. Her fingers tremble her mind blank unsure of what Granger's reaction will be. All dread and confusion dissolves as Granger matches her action and places her hand on Pansy's waist and smiles sweetly before drawing her slowly closer and closer.
Ever so gently and cautiously, their gaze shift between each other's lips and eyes. Their breath mingles, the swirl of sensations churning within Pansy makes her dizzy as warmth broils through her body. Eyes still firmly locked on each other they gently move even closer. The air around them now thickens with desire. All animosity disappearing.
Pansy grazes her lips against Granger's, a jolt of searing excitement races through her as Granger's eyes flutter shut, her lips parting slightly, inviting her in. An electric shot of sizzling heat radiates in her stomach as their lips meld into each other. The touch and taste of Granger's soft, warm lips causing her own eyes to close. The way their lips move leisurely against each sends shivers down her spine as their tongues find each other.
An army of goosebumps caresses her body as their kisses deepen. Pansy hungrily pulls Granger closer barely leaving space between them, her hands work their way into Granger's soft hair as she pushes her leg between Grangers. Tongues intertwined the need to feel Granger overwhelming, her fingers tremble and fumble as they slowly begin to lift Granger's top. Nervously she slides her hand along Granger's bare waist and rolls the palm of her hand firmly over Granger's breast. The feeling of Granger's erect nipples under her touch and soft barely audible moan sends steaming goose pimples down her body.
Her own small moan escapes her as Granger rolls Pansy onto her back to hover above her.
Pansy is out of breath as Granger breaks from their kiss. Her brown honey speckled eyes filled with fire.
Pansy's brow furrows in confusion as Granger draws her wand from beneath her pillow and points it towards the top of the railings of her bed
"imperturbabilis" whispers Granger. A silver slither of magic engulfs the bed. She has created an invisible magical barrier to muffle any sound
A tremor of worry passes through her as Granger now points the wand towards Pansy
"Silencio!" whispers Granger, and Pansy's voice is extinguished. She tries to say something but no sound comes out. Her eyes widen in panic, her voice has disappeared. She tries to mouth something but Granger simply places her index finger on Pansy's lips, the gesture hushing Pansy into silence.
"It's only temporary" assures Granger
Worry quickly dissipates when Granger's teeth start nipping at Pansy's skin softly. Dropping kisses along Pansy's jaw, along the long line of her neck as she arches towards Granger's mouth. It was only when there was a tug of teeth, the borderline pleasure-pain of suction on the slope of her neck that she gasps silently.
When Granger's hand begin to leisurely wander beneath her top she bows into the touch, lost in a maelstrom of sensation, building a desire she has never experienced before.
Pansy draws Granger into a hard and feverish kiss silently groaning into her mouth.
Sweat forms on the back of her neck as Granger's hand slowly caresses down her stomach, hovering nervously around the waistline of her pyjama pants. The longer Granger's hand loiters around the band of Pansy's pyjamas the deeper the longing for release.
Desperate for Granger to touch her Pansy arches again pushing herself against the hand that was tantalisingly close but not doing anything. Her pulse quickens in anticipation, she thinks she might actually explode.
Her body burns as Granger finally slowly slides her hand down the front of Pansy's pyjama pants, in her underwear and cups her hand around Pansy's wet womanhood. A deep pleasurable groan escapes her and she inhales deeply, she's never had anyone touch her like this before. Pansy arches again, encouraging Granger to do something, anything with those fingers.
And then, Granger's fingers were finding her, tracing aimless patterns that made her whimper and clutch onto Granger's shoulder.
A burning heat rips through her as Granger explores and traces her fingers along her wet folds teasing her into arching her back towards her yet again. Her hips begin to move on their own accord. Granger breaks from their kiss, even with her eyes closed, Pansy knows she is watching her.
Pansy groans, had it not been for the silencing charm, loud noises would definitely have left her because the pleasure that ricocheted through her was nothing she'd known before.
Mindlessly she spreads her legs wider. All her senses are in overdrive as Granger continues to explore her, all care escapes her as she continues to grind against Granger desperate for more. Pansy's senses are lost when Granger brushes against her straining clit. Her breath quickens, and she clenches and unclenches the sheets as Granger's fingers add just the right pressure, moving so easily and smoothly against Pansy's slick nub. Searing heat roars through her. A few more perfect circular strokes and she no longer can contain the storm of sensation that rolls over her as she silently screams out in pleasure. Her orgasm so powerful she is left breathlessly limp. Panting for air her body trembles uncontrollably beneath Granger. Stars flashing in her vision, she floats euphorically before the waves of her orgasm subsided.
Granger stares down at her, a look of heat in her eyes. Her heart pounds hard against her chest. Breathing out a contented sigh, Pansy lazily runs her fingers through Granger's hair before drawing her downwards into a deep devouring kiss.
The way Granger's tongue dances with hers has her wanting to desperately explore more. Her legs quiver and shake, each and every cell pulsates and races around her body. Gently and easily she rolls Granger onto her back never breaking their kiss. The way Granger exhales deeply and rolls her body into Pansy's sends a revitalised army of shivers down her body.
Her fingertips ghost over her body exploring, every soft warm curve, leaving a trail of goosebumps in her wake.
Hooking her thumb around the fabric of Granger's top Pansy slowly lifts it to expose Granger's perfectly shaped breasts. Her finger gingerly trace around Granger's nipple, she is completely mesmerised by how quickly it stiffens under her soft touch, before building the courage to dip her head and boldly take Granger's hardened nipple into her warm mouth. Pansy can feel Granger tremble beneath as she gently sucks and licks at Granger's breasts. A hurricane of unwavering heat reignites as soft mews escape Granger. Her hands wander downwards, intending to elicit the same response Granger did with her.
Granger catches her hand before it can wander too far down. Her nose nuzzles her ear, her raspy whisper barely audible. "Do you know the Silencio charm?"
Pansy shakes her head no and Granger takes Pansy's hand in hers squeezing it gently.
"I…I don't think I won't be able to make noise" whispers Granger her cheeks blushing crimson something Pansy finds utterly endearing.
Still unable to speak Pansy points to the bed head indicating the Imperturbable Charm that Granger has placed to muffle any sound.
"I've never used it before" Granger whispers "I'm not sure how strong it is"
Pansy's shoulders sag a little. Disappointingly she nods her head in understanding. As much as she wants to touch Granger again, she did make the promise in the bathroom not to force her. Besides, they already got lucky once somehow avoiding being caught together by Lavender Brown she wasn't about to push her luck.
Granger's eyes hold an odd combination of hunger and gentleness, as she slowly runs her fingers through Pansy's loose hair.
"We can still kiss...if you want" adds Granger blushing
Blood still euphorically buzzing around her body, Pansy smiles, emotional warmth filling her, she leans down to kiss Granger as moonbeams dance delightfully against their skin.