Heaven Tastes Sweeter

Chapter Two

There was one thing that most students missed more than anything else. The war, and the subsequent impossibility for the students to wander around the school grounds, let alone go to Hogsmeade, meant something else: no Quidditch.

This upset everyone because Quidditch was a lot more than just a game, it was a release valve for everyone to funnel their frustration and make it less dangerous. Yet again, the old rivalries between the school houses, specially that between Gryffindor and Slytherin, seemed to be quite trivial compared to the present situation.

With Voldemort hiding away with his most loyal and trusted Death Eaters plotting Merlin knew what diabolic plan to vanquish everything that stood in their way, namely, the Ministry of Magic, with Arthur Weasley acting as a very unlikely Minister ad interim, the Order of the Phoenix and the students led by Harry Potter. Then, there were the other Death Eaters, those faithful to Malfoy's pureblood cause, plotting to get rid of both Voldemort and those representing the Ministry.

The school atmosphere was so edgy that the tension was almost palpable. The students kept looking around themselves almost as if they expected Voldemort to apparate right there and then.

The lessons had carried on but it was clearly impossible to ask for the complete attention of the students since the professors themselves had their heads somewhere else for quite a large part of the day.

For Pansy was no different and, like other fellow students, the only moment she truly paid full attention was during the training with Harry Potter. As a school prefect, she had been short listed to be part of the group that was supposed to assist with the defence of the school.

Pansy had been shocked to be admitted into the group, taking in consideration last year's events. She had been even more astonished when Hermione had approached her during the first session. Pansy still remembered their conversation.

"Hey…how are you?" the Gryffindor asked politely.

"I'm grant…yourself?" Pansy replied using the same manner.

"Not bad…given the circumstances…how's Malfoy?" Hermione continued.

"I don't know…I have no idea where he is…I haven't heard of him since the end of last term." Pansy replied trying to sound nonchalant.

"I'm sorry to hear that. I don't know how hard it must be for you…" Hermione said sounding honest.

"Yeah…well…I cope" Pansy replied and, Hermione would have added something had it not been because Harry started talking, organising the training groups.

While Ron clearly despised her, and made no pretence to hide that fact, Pansy had to admit that Hermione was doing her best to keep civil and also tried to get Ron to cooperate and Pansy admired the Head Girl for it. Ron wasn't entirely convinced that Pansy had indeed changed sides and had now joined their fight, but since both Hermione and Harry believed her, Ron ended up putting up with her and the rest of the Slytherins that were members of the group.

Pansy thought how funny live could be. Ron Weasley had, not only made it to Head Boy, but also, he was now the son of the Minister for Magic. Even if it was a temporary role, Arthur Weasley was now one of the most important men in their world. The irony of it made Pansy laugh.

"It's good to see you so happy…" a familiar voice said waking Pansy up from her daydreaming.

Turing round, Pansy saw the owner of that voice.

"Theodore…you startled me…" Pansy said looking around herself. They were in the Slytherin's common room and she was supposed to be studying for their next test.

"Sorry…I was just wondering…you know, we haven't really spoken to each other since the beginning of the term…it's been a few weeks…" Theodore replied.

"Yes…you're right…I've been a bit distracted…so many things to do…" Pansy said looking at the boy and realising he had grown a lot and he now towered over her. Not being able to help herself, Pansy said:

"Wow! You've grown a lot over the summer…"

"Yes…and the fact that you've only noticed now makes me realise how little attention you've been paying to those around you…" Theodore said with an almost hurt tone of voice.

"I'm sorry…is just that…you know…" Pansy started not really knowing how to explain herself.

"I know…you miss Malfoy, don't you?" Theodore said and Pansy noticed the jealousy in his voice.

"Well…yes…of course…" Pansy replied suddenly afraid of where this conversation was leading.

"Of course…" Theodore imitated her, almost mockingly, before continuing, "Just so you know…there are other guys out there…"

"What do you mean?" Pansy asked rather stupidly for it was clear what Theodore was implying.

"I'm just saying that you shouldn't commit yourself to a guy that may not even come back…" Theodore said rather harshly before turning round and walking away from her to join his mates.

Pansy was left there considering the full meaning of Theodore's words and, as every time her determination faltered, Pansy ran to her room to pick up Draco's letter to re-read it.

She was still hugging the worn piece of parchment when Sonia came into the room clearly excited over something.

"Pansy, the girls have just had the greatest idea!"

Pansy saw that she was expected to ask after that 'fantastic' idea, so she said, pretending to be interested:

"What is it?"

"You know how we won't be having any feast for Halloween due to the war and everything…well, some of the girls have thought that we could organise something and celebrate a small party here in the common room…you know something small…Merlin knows we need the fun…" Sonia said visibly bobbing due to the excitement.

"Do we have Snape's approval?" Pansy asked sensibly.

"Not really but…after all…it's a common room affair and, as long as we don't keep it going for too long…it should be fine, shouldn't it?" Sonia asked hopeful.

"Well…I fail to see any reason why we shouldn't be celebrating Halloween…I'm up for it!" Pansy said with an only half faked enthusiasm for she was really keen on having a bit of fun for a change.

"Great…it's going to be an evening to remember!" Sonia said excitedly not knowing how accurate her words would turn up to be.

To be continued…

A/N: Are you guys going to forgive me for the delay? I hope so…and to bribe you all, I will try to upload another chapter tomorrow night…how does that sound?