Title: Kiss Me!
Author: Tine
Rating: R
Summary: Some classroom time, Hermione and Pansy meet face to face, and Harry gets angry.
You people are bloody awesome! This time, I promise to respond to each and every one of your reviews. You are excellent readers. I delight in coming home to read what you all think of my latest chapter. And, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for understanding my decision to stick Hermione and Pansy together. You guys rock! This chapter is a huge spoiler for OotP. If you haven't read it yet (shame on you!) then you should go read that, then read this. Dedicated to the author Maya, who doesn't know who I am, but whose fanfic 'Underwater Light' has kept me an unwavering H/D fan.
***ENJOY!***
"The system was finally abolished. And it is because of this incident that we now have a Ministry of Magic. Next class we will learn more about that. You may all be excused. Early."
This comment from Professor Binns was more than welcome. The sixth year Gryffindor class filed out of History of Magic, and flooded out into the corridor. Hermione and Ron were holding hands, quietly discussing something. Harry was walking beside them, not paying the least bit of attention to the couple. He let himself be dragged away by an extremely horny Draco just outside the Great Hall, and left Ron and Hermione to their own endeavours.
The two were so immersed in each other, neither noticed the person in front of them. Pansy barrelled straight into Ron, knocking him over and sending a shower of books in all directions. When Ron had uprighted himself, he stayed silent as the Gryffindor and Slytherin stared unabashedly at the other.
"Nice day -" they both started, and blushed crimson.
"Excellent lesson -"
"You go first -"
"No you -"
"I'll go first," Ron interjected, stepping in between the girls, shaking off the beginnings of a headache. "It is quite obvious what you two are so nervous about. So.... why don't you just kiss and make up? Now is fine."
"Ron!" Hermione shouted. "You have absolutely no tact."
"Something I pride myself on," Ron announced, and immediately looked apologetic when Hermione began to look murderous.
"Look Granger. We both know the spell is what did all this damage. We were so wrapped up in the hex, we just got caught up in the moment.
"Of course. But hey - you don't have to call me Granger again. Hermione's fine."
"Sounds good. And feel free to call me Pansy... if you like."
Awkward silence rang through the entrance hall.
"Awwwww!" Ron sighed. Then his eyes flashed, and he grinned maliciously. "Now kiss and make up!"
*
"Harry?" Draco took his boyfriend's hand in his own. Harry squeezed it.
"Yeah?" he replied, interlocking his fingers with Draco's.
"What happened at the Department of Mysteries last year?" Harry froze, and almost ripped his hand away from Draco's. He would have succeeded too, if Draco hadn't been gripping it so tightly. "I've asked you many times. You've slipped away every one."
"Maybe I want to slip away."
"Why would you want to do that? I'm your boyfriend. Don't you want to tell me?"
"Why should I tell you anything if I'm not going to get the same in return?" Harry demanded. Draco reared away, but still kept his grip on Harry's hand.
"Harry, I don't - all right, what do you want to know?"
"The obvious question."
"No."
"No what?"
"Well, you know the question, don't you? I'm answering it." Draco responded angrily.
"You see? This is exactly why I did *not* want to discuss this. It's why I haven't brought it up at all."
"I'm not one of You-Know-Who's followers, Harry. I can't believe you would think that."
"Why not? Your father -"
"My father is in Azkaban, and has nothing to do with me or you."
"Well then why do you want to know about Sirius?"
"Because he has to do with YOU!" Draco screamed. Harry finally wrenched his hand out of Draco's, and sat down abruptly on the grass. Draco plopped down next to him. "We have all afternoon, Harry."
They sat in stunned silence for quite some time, Harry stubbournly refusing to talk to Draco, and Draco determinedly refusing to let the moment pass without getting some answers. Eventually, Harry must have realized they were getting nowhere and spoke.
"Look. I don't know how easy it will be to talk about him. Every time I start to even *think* about him, I can feel this knot twisting in my stomach. Then my hands get clammy, and I start shaking. I also get this lump in my throat." Harry paused. "Then the worst thing in the world starts to happen." He could feel Harry's clammy hands clasped with his own. Draco's heart leaped in pain, and he kissed the top of Harry's head. Harry began shaking, and Draco pulled him into a light hug. Harry went slack in his boyfriend's arms, fists knotted in the back of Draco's shirt.
"Oh Draco, why did I have to be so insistent with Hermione? She knew Sirius wasn't in any trouble, and I should have known that he wasn't. I ran blindly into complete danger, dragging Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Luna and Neville along with me."
Draco was still holding Harry to him, and he could see the castle from here. It looked so motionless. He wanted to be a comfort to Harry, and he had no idea how to do that. Harry continued.
"Well, while we were searching for Sirius, the Death Eaters showed up. My friends had all been attacked in one way or another. One of the Death Eaters attacked Hermione, Ron was acting like an idiot, Ginny had broken her ankle and had to be dragged away by Luna, and Neville was with me while Bellatrix Lestrange," his voice sounded deadly as he said this name name, and Draco shivered with anticipation, "tried to get this glass prophecy off my hands. And then Bellatrix had the nerve to torture Neville, like she did to his parents. These Death Eaters are fucking insane, Draco. I can't understand how it is possible to hate anyone that much. In order to use the Unforgivables, you have to hate the one you're using them on. Anyway, the prophecy soon smashed, and that was when all the aurors and such came barging into the Department of Mysteries to *save the day.*"
Draco still held tightly to Harry, because he could feel him starting to shake a bit more and breathe a little heavier.
"Sirius took on Lestrange, and they fought with spells and curses. And -" Harry's voice broke as a small sob escaped from his lips. So small, Draco almost didn't hear it. He held close. "And then Lestrange shot this jet of light at Sirius, and it hit him in the chest. And behind Sirius was this archway. And Sirius fell right through the arch, beyond the veil.
Draco had never heard Harry cry before, and he found it a terrifying thing to listen to. This boy was supposed to be the wizarding world's hero. Harry was crying quietly, hiding his face from Draco, embarassed at his display of what he saw as immaturity. Draco was willing to bet all the gold in Gringotts that no one else had ever witnessed this. It made him feel special, and he knew what he had to do. But first, Harry had to finish.
"Draco, I waited for him to come back out of the veil, screamed for him, tried to get to him. Lupin held me tightly, telling me he wasn't coming back. I knew he was. I knew he wouldn't leave me. But he did." There followed a quick silence as these words settled between the two boys. "So I chased Bellatrix down, threw the Cruciatus Curse at her." Draco's eyes widened in surpise, and it was lucky Harry couldn't see it.
It came to Draco as one of the biggest surprises of his life when Harry pushed away from Draco, grabbed a large rock beside them and threw it violently at the lake. It made a huge splash, and the splash broke him completely. He began sobbing horribly, chest heaving with gut-wrenching sobs. Harry had never cried so hard in his life. He was quite ashamed of himself, and yet he couldn't stop. Tears were streaming down his face.
He could no longer just sit there. He pulled himself away from Draco. His mind was telling him to calm down, but it was as though his body didn't want to listen. His hands were ripping grass out of the ground, digging into the dirt.
He almost went into shock when Draco put his arms around him from behind, and kissed the back of his neck. "I understand. You are in the utmost pain, and you have every right to be. You're so brave, Harry. Braver than many full-grown men. It's because you're special. But not in a 'hero saves the world' kind of special. You're special to me, because you've showed me how to love. I love you."
Harry's tears had subsided, but they started up again a bit at this revelation of Draco's, and he turned in their embrace to face him, brushing the smoothest of kisses on his mouth. His voice was just a whisper.
"I was so scared that you did, because I wasn't sure if I could return the feeling. Now I know I can. You're special to me as well. You've taught me so much. You've taught me that the worst of enemies can become the best of friends, you've taught me that most people care enough about us to accept our relationship, even encourage it."
"And of course you've taught me to love. Quite welcome when I've felt like no one would ever teach me that. I do love you. I love you so much."
Draco didn't cry. He was touched beyond reason, but he did not cry. He felt it would be *way* too corny, and too similar to those romance novels Pansy always read.
He did, however, proceed to remove both he and Harry's clothing. And yes, this was corny and romance novel-like as well, but it just happened to fit the moment better than crying. It was also a lot more fun.
Well, Harry wasn't arguing at any rate.
*
"Hermione!"
"Yeah?" the aforementioned muttered without looking up, because she was reading a fascinating book about outlaws. Pansy sat down and snapped it shut for her.
"Enough of that, it'll make you sick." Hermione laughed and pushed it aside.
"What do you want?"
"We need another plan."
"Need I remind you of what happened the last time -"
"Yes I know. Slight mishap, easily fixable. Besides, I haven't seen Draco and Harry in action for quite some time."
"You haven't heard?"
"What!?"
"They're taking a break from the public displays of affection."
"No! Why do bad things always happen to good people? That is such a cruel fate from the hands of God!"
"You are *such* a drama queen."
"Very much so. I've won the Drama Queen Award at princess training school during the summer, two years consecutively."
"Big words from such a dim-witted person."
"I do care about other things besides boys and make-up, you know."
"Well you're very convincing, what with the princess training, and the Drama Queen Award."
"Okay, well, maybe I was lying about the award. Maybe the girls actually just pretended to present me with one."
"Right. Anyway, there's no need to be so stressed out. Rumour has it - but of course, I never listen to gossip anyhow - but people have been saying that if anyone catches Draco and Harry somewhere in the school while they're going at it, they get to watch for free."
"Well what the hell are we waiting for? You're Harry's best friend. Where would he snog or shag someone rotten?"
"I don't know. But I know how to find out! Come on!" Hermione jumped to her feet and took off, Pansy right at her heels.
*
"It's called the Marauder's Map. It shows where everyone is at the school. Perhaps Draco and Harry will show up as well. *I solemnly swear I am up to no good.*"
The familiar lines spread out on the map like a spider web. Pansy was staring completely aghast at the map. "Where did you find something like this?"
"Friends of Harry. I'll tell you the story sometime. Okay, so.... Dumbledore is in his office, and so is McGonagall. Okay. Snape's over near the statue of the witch. That was where I though they'd go. Okay. Well, Ron's in the common room with Seamus and Dean. Hey, is that Blaise Zabini?"
At this, Pansy began laughing. "He's stuck in the toilet!"
"There they are!"
"Where?"
"They're with Cho Chang. Wait. Why Cho?"
"She is such a - well, she's a bitch."
"That's not nice, Pansy."
"The truth hurts."
"Well, Draco and Harry are definitely not kissing. They keep approaching people with something."
"Maybe people are paying them to show their - well, you know."
"I doubt it. Let's wait for them to go snog."
"Okay."
Five minutes passed in eerie silence.
"So... how's the home life?" Pansy asked curiously. Hermione looked up, surprised. She shrugged.
"It's all right. My parents are very odd. They were so proud when they heard I was a witch. I mean - they were shocked, but they were proud as well. My first year here is a blur of letters from mum and dad, all filled with words of praise. To this day they're still proud of me, but they've become a bit distant. Or I suppose it was me that became distant. After I made friends with Ron and Harry I spent all my time with them. Even my time at home was spent holed up in my room writing letters to them, and then visiting them for all or some of the holidays."
"This wasn't a problem at first, but I never really understood how important it was for me to have spent more time with my parents. I mean, think about it. I'm gone all year, I only get to go home two times a year. Summer holidays, and Christmas holidays. I've only gone home for Christmas holidays during my first year, and that's it. Last year was cut short because of Mr Weasley's accident. And then this year I got so caught up with the Harry-Draco fiasco, I didn't even think about visiting them. You'll remember the whole situation started right before Christmas."
"I just don't spend any time with them."
Hermione looked up. She'd never heard Pansy stay quiet for so long. She was surprised to find Pansy watching her in silence, listening to her every word.
"What?" she asked after another minute of silence.
"Nothing. You're just so interesting. I never noticed because I was always busy talking."
"That's funny, I was just thinking that I've never heard you stay quiet for so long. That's not an insult. I've always liked that you're a conversationalist. You're a really great listener."
"And now I'm going to give you some advice. Brace yourself - I don't think I've ever done this before. I suggest you stay with them all summer, no matter what Harry or Ron says."
Hermione got this bright look in her eyes. "Why don't you come with me?"
"Oh, I don't know. The whole idea is that you spend quality time with your family. I don't want to intrude."
"You won't!" Hermione insisted, "they would love you! I could take you to the theatre, and the opera, and some museums. It would be fantastic. I could even take you to McDonalds!"
"Really?" Pansy shrieked. "You actually want me to come?"
"Yes! I actualy want you to come!"
"Would I be allowed?"
"For sure! Would you be allowed?"
"Definitely. How long can I stay?"
"The whole summer! Oh, you can meet my cousins, and my half-sister!"
"You have a half-sister?"
"Yeah, she's from my dad's first marriage."
"Your mum was okay with that?"
"Well, she was married before as well. She just didn't have any kids. Both relationships were over long before my parents met."
"How old are your parents?"
"Old. Getting to their fifties at least."
"Wow, that is old!"
"How old are your parents?"
"Late twenties."
"Your mum must have been young when she had you?"
"She was my age when she had me. But she was already married to my dad. Arranged wedding by their parents. Surprisingly they're actually happy together."
"That's not surprising."
"It sure is. Most arranged marriages turn out horribly. Drunkard mothers, abusive fathers. I didn't have either, luckily. I do, however, have an obsessive compulsive mother and a workaholic father."
"Are you going to have an arranged marriage?"
"No, they promised they'd never do that to me. They're not exactly old- fashioned. But I can tell they were hoping I might marry Draco."
They both smiled.
"I don't think that'll be happening, though. I was never really attracted to him romantically."
There was a silence where Hermione wondered *who* Pansy had been romantically attracted to. She said nothing of it, however.
"Let's just go find Harry and Draco," she said in a resigned voice. "Find out what they're up to."
"Yeah," Pansy said, sensing a tension in Hermione. She said nothing of it, however.
Ugh. I finally got that out of my head after about a month of sitting down to write and getting nowhere. I'm a bit self-conscious about this chapter, since we get to see Harry's soft side majorly. Please don't be too hard on me. Maybe Harry *was* out of character, but it is how I think he'll react if he doesn't let some steam out soon.
So... on to the reviews! Thanks to: Raven101319, Caz Malfoy (I understand what you mean about the femmeslash. I agree with you. But I'm going to be daring and put it in my story. And yes, you can get in on it - just pass some money to Harry or Draco), Dracori (I will read your stories right after I upload this chapter), animebay-b, fallen-angel162, Findarto Sirfalas (I'm updating, I'm updating!), MustIBeAMalfoy, Maggie (I oved your review! It really made me happy!), Relle, Sozoku, Yuri3 (thank you!), LadyDeath1 (HEY!! I updated! Get your butt over to this story and read it!), shadowsandlight, bakachan17, Yuki Kurai, leggy'sbitch, Painted Smile (Oh yes, it's very unrealistic), ChipStick, Siren of the Darknessflame, Aoi Me, ContinualVoid. Thanks to anyone I might have missed - I'm sorry if I did!
For those who were asking, Blaise is a guy. And I still haven't decided who Ron's going to be with. I know this - he's not gay in this story. He's going for a woman - however, which one has not yet been determined.
Now go read 'Seeker to Seeker'. Just look up 'Imperio Slash Archive' on google, and it's listed under S the the title section of the website. This story has a marvelous rating of NC-17, but I read it last year and I'm just turning sixteen. :D Go read it!!
Author: Tine
Rating: R
Summary: Some classroom time, Hermione and Pansy meet face to face, and Harry gets angry.
You people are bloody awesome! This time, I promise to respond to each and every one of your reviews. You are excellent readers. I delight in coming home to read what you all think of my latest chapter. And, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for understanding my decision to stick Hermione and Pansy together. You guys rock! This chapter is a huge spoiler for OotP. If you haven't read it yet (shame on you!) then you should go read that, then read this. Dedicated to the author Maya, who doesn't know who I am, but whose fanfic 'Underwater Light' has kept me an unwavering H/D fan.
***ENJOY!***
"The system was finally abolished. And it is because of this incident that we now have a Ministry of Magic. Next class we will learn more about that. You may all be excused. Early."
This comment from Professor Binns was more than welcome. The sixth year Gryffindor class filed out of History of Magic, and flooded out into the corridor. Hermione and Ron were holding hands, quietly discussing something. Harry was walking beside them, not paying the least bit of attention to the couple. He let himself be dragged away by an extremely horny Draco just outside the Great Hall, and left Ron and Hermione to their own endeavours.
The two were so immersed in each other, neither noticed the person in front of them. Pansy barrelled straight into Ron, knocking him over and sending a shower of books in all directions. When Ron had uprighted himself, he stayed silent as the Gryffindor and Slytherin stared unabashedly at the other.
"Nice day -" they both started, and blushed crimson.
"Excellent lesson -"
"You go first -"
"No you -"
"I'll go first," Ron interjected, stepping in between the girls, shaking off the beginnings of a headache. "It is quite obvious what you two are so nervous about. So.... why don't you just kiss and make up? Now is fine."
"Ron!" Hermione shouted. "You have absolutely no tact."
"Something I pride myself on," Ron announced, and immediately looked apologetic when Hermione began to look murderous.
"Look Granger. We both know the spell is what did all this damage. We were so wrapped up in the hex, we just got caught up in the moment.
"Of course. But hey - you don't have to call me Granger again. Hermione's fine."
"Sounds good. And feel free to call me Pansy... if you like."
Awkward silence rang through the entrance hall.
"Awwwww!" Ron sighed. Then his eyes flashed, and he grinned maliciously. "Now kiss and make up!"
*
"Harry?" Draco took his boyfriend's hand in his own. Harry squeezed it.
"Yeah?" he replied, interlocking his fingers with Draco's.
"What happened at the Department of Mysteries last year?" Harry froze, and almost ripped his hand away from Draco's. He would have succeeded too, if Draco hadn't been gripping it so tightly. "I've asked you many times. You've slipped away every one."
"Maybe I want to slip away."
"Why would you want to do that? I'm your boyfriend. Don't you want to tell me?"
"Why should I tell you anything if I'm not going to get the same in return?" Harry demanded. Draco reared away, but still kept his grip on Harry's hand.
"Harry, I don't - all right, what do you want to know?"
"The obvious question."
"No."
"No what?"
"Well, you know the question, don't you? I'm answering it." Draco responded angrily.
"You see? This is exactly why I did *not* want to discuss this. It's why I haven't brought it up at all."
"I'm not one of You-Know-Who's followers, Harry. I can't believe you would think that."
"Why not? Your father -"
"My father is in Azkaban, and has nothing to do with me or you."
"Well then why do you want to know about Sirius?"
"Because he has to do with YOU!" Draco screamed. Harry finally wrenched his hand out of Draco's, and sat down abruptly on the grass. Draco plopped down next to him. "We have all afternoon, Harry."
They sat in stunned silence for quite some time, Harry stubbournly refusing to talk to Draco, and Draco determinedly refusing to let the moment pass without getting some answers. Eventually, Harry must have realized they were getting nowhere and spoke.
"Look. I don't know how easy it will be to talk about him. Every time I start to even *think* about him, I can feel this knot twisting in my stomach. Then my hands get clammy, and I start shaking. I also get this lump in my throat." Harry paused. "Then the worst thing in the world starts to happen." He could feel Harry's clammy hands clasped with his own. Draco's heart leaped in pain, and he kissed the top of Harry's head. Harry began shaking, and Draco pulled him into a light hug. Harry went slack in his boyfriend's arms, fists knotted in the back of Draco's shirt.
"Oh Draco, why did I have to be so insistent with Hermione? She knew Sirius wasn't in any trouble, and I should have known that he wasn't. I ran blindly into complete danger, dragging Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Luna and Neville along with me."
Draco was still holding Harry to him, and he could see the castle from here. It looked so motionless. He wanted to be a comfort to Harry, and he had no idea how to do that. Harry continued.
"Well, while we were searching for Sirius, the Death Eaters showed up. My friends had all been attacked in one way or another. One of the Death Eaters attacked Hermione, Ron was acting like an idiot, Ginny had broken her ankle and had to be dragged away by Luna, and Neville was with me while Bellatrix Lestrange," his voice sounded deadly as he said this name name, and Draco shivered with anticipation, "tried to get this glass prophecy off my hands. And then Bellatrix had the nerve to torture Neville, like she did to his parents. These Death Eaters are fucking insane, Draco. I can't understand how it is possible to hate anyone that much. In order to use the Unforgivables, you have to hate the one you're using them on. Anyway, the prophecy soon smashed, and that was when all the aurors and such came barging into the Department of Mysteries to *save the day.*"
Draco still held tightly to Harry, because he could feel him starting to shake a bit more and breathe a little heavier.
"Sirius took on Lestrange, and they fought with spells and curses. And -" Harry's voice broke as a small sob escaped from his lips. So small, Draco almost didn't hear it. He held close. "And then Lestrange shot this jet of light at Sirius, and it hit him in the chest. And behind Sirius was this archway. And Sirius fell right through the arch, beyond the veil.
Draco had never heard Harry cry before, and he found it a terrifying thing to listen to. This boy was supposed to be the wizarding world's hero. Harry was crying quietly, hiding his face from Draco, embarassed at his display of what he saw as immaturity. Draco was willing to bet all the gold in Gringotts that no one else had ever witnessed this. It made him feel special, and he knew what he had to do. But first, Harry had to finish.
"Draco, I waited for him to come back out of the veil, screamed for him, tried to get to him. Lupin held me tightly, telling me he wasn't coming back. I knew he was. I knew he wouldn't leave me. But he did." There followed a quick silence as these words settled between the two boys. "So I chased Bellatrix down, threw the Cruciatus Curse at her." Draco's eyes widened in surpise, and it was lucky Harry couldn't see it.
It came to Draco as one of the biggest surprises of his life when Harry pushed away from Draco, grabbed a large rock beside them and threw it violently at the lake. It made a huge splash, and the splash broke him completely. He began sobbing horribly, chest heaving with gut-wrenching sobs. Harry had never cried so hard in his life. He was quite ashamed of himself, and yet he couldn't stop. Tears were streaming down his face.
He could no longer just sit there. He pulled himself away from Draco. His mind was telling him to calm down, but it was as though his body didn't want to listen. His hands were ripping grass out of the ground, digging into the dirt.
He almost went into shock when Draco put his arms around him from behind, and kissed the back of his neck. "I understand. You are in the utmost pain, and you have every right to be. You're so brave, Harry. Braver than many full-grown men. It's because you're special. But not in a 'hero saves the world' kind of special. You're special to me, because you've showed me how to love. I love you."
Harry's tears had subsided, but they started up again a bit at this revelation of Draco's, and he turned in their embrace to face him, brushing the smoothest of kisses on his mouth. His voice was just a whisper.
"I was so scared that you did, because I wasn't sure if I could return the feeling. Now I know I can. You're special to me as well. You've taught me so much. You've taught me that the worst of enemies can become the best of friends, you've taught me that most people care enough about us to accept our relationship, even encourage it."
"And of course you've taught me to love. Quite welcome when I've felt like no one would ever teach me that. I do love you. I love you so much."
Draco didn't cry. He was touched beyond reason, but he did not cry. He felt it would be *way* too corny, and too similar to those romance novels Pansy always read.
He did, however, proceed to remove both he and Harry's clothing. And yes, this was corny and romance novel-like as well, but it just happened to fit the moment better than crying. It was also a lot more fun.
Well, Harry wasn't arguing at any rate.
*
"Hermione!"
"Yeah?" the aforementioned muttered without looking up, because she was reading a fascinating book about outlaws. Pansy sat down and snapped it shut for her.
"Enough of that, it'll make you sick." Hermione laughed and pushed it aside.
"What do you want?"
"We need another plan."
"Need I remind you of what happened the last time -"
"Yes I know. Slight mishap, easily fixable. Besides, I haven't seen Draco and Harry in action for quite some time."
"You haven't heard?"
"What!?"
"They're taking a break from the public displays of affection."
"No! Why do bad things always happen to good people? That is such a cruel fate from the hands of God!"
"You are *such* a drama queen."
"Very much so. I've won the Drama Queen Award at princess training school during the summer, two years consecutively."
"Big words from such a dim-witted person."
"I do care about other things besides boys and make-up, you know."
"Well you're very convincing, what with the princess training, and the Drama Queen Award."
"Okay, well, maybe I was lying about the award. Maybe the girls actually just pretended to present me with one."
"Right. Anyway, there's no need to be so stressed out. Rumour has it - but of course, I never listen to gossip anyhow - but people have been saying that if anyone catches Draco and Harry somewhere in the school while they're going at it, they get to watch for free."
"Well what the hell are we waiting for? You're Harry's best friend. Where would he snog or shag someone rotten?"
"I don't know. But I know how to find out! Come on!" Hermione jumped to her feet and took off, Pansy right at her heels.
*
"It's called the Marauder's Map. It shows where everyone is at the school. Perhaps Draco and Harry will show up as well. *I solemnly swear I am up to no good.*"
The familiar lines spread out on the map like a spider web. Pansy was staring completely aghast at the map. "Where did you find something like this?"
"Friends of Harry. I'll tell you the story sometime. Okay, so.... Dumbledore is in his office, and so is McGonagall. Okay. Snape's over near the statue of the witch. That was where I though they'd go. Okay. Well, Ron's in the common room with Seamus and Dean. Hey, is that Blaise Zabini?"
At this, Pansy began laughing. "He's stuck in the toilet!"
"There they are!"
"Where?"
"They're with Cho Chang. Wait. Why Cho?"
"She is such a - well, she's a bitch."
"That's not nice, Pansy."
"The truth hurts."
"Well, Draco and Harry are definitely not kissing. They keep approaching people with something."
"Maybe people are paying them to show their - well, you know."
"I doubt it. Let's wait for them to go snog."
"Okay."
Five minutes passed in eerie silence.
"So... how's the home life?" Pansy asked curiously. Hermione looked up, surprised. She shrugged.
"It's all right. My parents are very odd. They were so proud when they heard I was a witch. I mean - they were shocked, but they were proud as well. My first year here is a blur of letters from mum and dad, all filled with words of praise. To this day they're still proud of me, but they've become a bit distant. Or I suppose it was me that became distant. After I made friends with Ron and Harry I spent all my time with them. Even my time at home was spent holed up in my room writing letters to them, and then visiting them for all or some of the holidays."
"This wasn't a problem at first, but I never really understood how important it was for me to have spent more time with my parents. I mean, think about it. I'm gone all year, I only get to go home two times a year. Summer holidays, and Christmas holidays. I've only gone home for Christmas holidays during my first year, and that's it. Last year was cut short because of Mr Weasley's accident. And then this year I got so caught up with the Harry-Draco fiasco, I didn't even think about visiting them. You'll remember the whole situation started right before Christmas."
"I just don't spend any time with them."
Hermione looked up. She'd never heard Pansy stay quiet for so long. She was surprised to find Pansy watching her in silence, listening to her every word.
"What?" she asked after another minute of silence.
"Nothing. You're just so interesting. I never noticed because I was always busy talking."
"That's funny, I was just thinking that I've never heard you stay quiet for so long. That's not an insult. I've always liked that you're a conversationalist. You're a really great listener."
"And now I'm going to give you some advice. Brace yourself - I don't think I've ever done this before. I suggest you stay with them all summer, no matter what Harry or Ron says."
Hermione got this bright look in her eyes. "Why don't you come with me?"
"Oh, I don't know. The whole idea is that you spend quality time with your family. I don't want to intrude."
"You won't!" Hermione insisted, "they would love you! I could take you to the theatre, and the opera, and some museums. It would be fantastic. I could even take you to McDonalds!"
"Really?" Pansy shrieked. "You actually want me to come?"
"Yes! I actualy want you to come!"
"Would I be allowed?"
"For sure! Would you be allowed?"
"Definitely. How long can I stay?"
"The whole summer! Oh, you can meet my cousins, and my half-sister!"
"You have a half-sister?"
"Yeah, she's from my dad's first marriage."
"Your mum was okay with that?"
"Well, she was married before as well. She just didn't have any kids. Both relationships were over long before my parents met."
"How old are your parents?"
"Old. Getting to their fifties at least."
"Wow, that is old!"
"How old are your parents?"
"Late twenties."
"Your mum must have been young when she had you?"
"She was my age when she had me. But she was already married to my dad. Arranged wedding by their parents. Surprisingly they're actually happy together."
"That's not surprising."
"It sure is. Most arranged marriages turn out horribly. Drunkard mothers, abusive fathers. I didn't have either, luckily. I do, however, have an obsessive compulsive mother and a workaholic father."
"Are you going to have an arranged marriage?"
"No, they promised they'd never do that to me. They're not exactly old- fashioned. But I can tell they were hoping I might marry Draco."
They both smiled.
"I don't think that'll be happening, though. I was never really attracted to him romantically."
There was a silence where Hermione wondered *who* Pansy had been romantically attracted to. She said nothing of it, however.
"Let's just go find Harry and Draco," she said in a resigned voice. "Find out what they're up to."
"Yeah," Pansy said, sensing a tension in Hermione. She said nothing of it, however.
Ugh. I finally got that out of my head after about a month of sitting down to write and getting nowhere. I'm a bit self-conscious about this chapter, since we get to see Harry's soft side majorly. Please don't be too hard on me. Maybe Harry *was* out of character, but it is how I think he'll react if he doesn't let some steam out soon.
So... on to the reviews! Thanks to: Raven101319, Caz Malfoy (I understand what you mean about the femmeslash. I agree with you. But I'm going to be daring and put it in my story. And yes, you can get in on it - just pass some money to Harry or Draco), Dracori (I will read your stories right after I upload this chapter), animebay-b, fallen-angel162, Findarto Sirfalas (I'm updating, I'm updating!), MustIBeAMalfoy, Maggie (I oved your review! It really made me happy!), Relle, Sozoku, Yuri3 (thank you!), LadyDeath1 (HEY!! I updated! Get your butt over to this story and read it!), shadowsandlight, bakachan17, Yuki Kurai, leggy'sbitch, Painted Smile (Oh yes, it's very unrealistic), ChipStick, Siren of the Darknessflame, Aoi Me, ContinualVoid. Thanks to anyone I might have missed - I'm sorry if I did!
For those who were asking, Blaise is a guy. And I still haven't decided who Ron's going to be with. I know this - he's not gay in this story. He's going for a woman - however, which one has not yet been determined.
Now go read 'Seeker to Seeker'. Just look up 'Imperio Slash Archive' on google, and it's listed under S the the title section of the website. This story has a marvelous rating of NC-17, but I read it last year and I'm just turning sixteen. :D Go read it!!