"Myrtle, are you ok?"
Any bravado that Pansy had begins to slip away fast at these four simple words said by the Patil twin. The realisation that perhaps they hadn't been as quiet as she thought sinks in. Explaining this predicament of being found in a toilet cubicle with her hand up Granger's skirt now seeming almost impossible to explain, even for Daphne.
Granger's eyes are wide with a mixture of panic and accusation. Pansy can tell she is thinking the same thing, how would they explain this? Nervous tension builds in her muscles, a sense of impending panic begins to surface, her body reacting with an increased heart rate along with a sudden urge to pee.
"Oh, don't worry about her," says Lavender "She's always moaning and groaning for attention. Aren't you Myrtle? says, Lavender Brown
"You don't think she sounds strange?"
"0h please, we all know what Myrtle is like, she's just trying to get attention. That's why she's called MOANING Myrtle. Anyhow more important things, do you think this colour eyeshadow suits me?"
"It does, but-"
"Excellent," says Lavender Brown, a hint of pride in her tone "Now come on" continues Brown "He's probably already back at the Common Room and I want to see if I can talk to him before anyone else does"
Relief washes over Pansy. Praise Merlin for Brown's ego and the fact she has the brain capacity of a gnat thinks Pansy
Granger lets out a giant sigh of relief as the large door to the bathroom creaks shut and the chatter between Brown and Patil begins to fade softly away
"That was close" breathes out Pansy
SMACK
"Ow. What was that for?" says a surprised Pansy vigorously rubbing her arm just above the elbow. Granger just whacked her, not too hard but it had taken her by surprise.
"Serious?! What - was - that - for?" exclaims Granger, punctuating every word, her eyes narrowing. "I can't believe you did that. Your devil-may-care attitude almost got us caught and by Lavender no less."
Pansy bites the inside of her cheek in an attempt to fight back a nervous giggle threatening to escape. It was always the way, she couldn't help but want to laugh whenever she felt discomfort or was put in a tense situation.
"Well in my defence I didn't plan on this and you did follow me-" Pansy lets her voice trail off.
Granger draws herself to her full height, an eyebrow cocked daring Pansy to continue, she seemed to crackle with electricity, ready to retaliate.
"It was very irresponsible. You put me in a very bad position. Imagine what could have happened if Lavendar had caught us" scolds Granger "How would you like it if I did that to you?"
Given the insistent ache in her loins, I would like it very much thinks Pansy but does not dare to say it out loud.
"And in the cubicle of a public toilet, or all places" continues Grangers scolding "Hardly romantic or hygienic or appropriate and with Lavender Brown on the other side of the door" repeats Granger
Although Pansy could tell Granger wasn't exactly angry, she had placed her in a precarious position and technically she should have stopped the moment Granger had said no.
"I really didn't plan on doing that," Pansy says sincerely, pausing for a moment before adding softly "I won't do it again"
"Well" whispers Granger looking down at her feet, voice suddenly much softer and quieter "l didn't exactly say that," she says shyly her cheeks blushing unable to look Pansy directly in the eye
Pansy feeling instantly relieved, confidence-building she struggles to keep a smirk from creeping across her lips.
"Don't start with that cocky attitude again" warns Granger "And, you should watch your back" she continues, draping her arms over Pansy's shoulders "because I will get payback for this Parkinson, you can count on it"
The soft flames from the torches flicker and dance against the stone walls as Pansy makes her way towards the Slytherin Common Room. A joyous fluttery feeling fills the pit of her belly. For the first time in a long time, she genuinely feels happy. A small smile fixed to her face as she recalls Grangers last words to her, threatening revenge, and if truth be told she was rather looking forward to it. Her smile broadens as she visualises the ways she wants Granger to enact her revenge.
She stops abruptly when something unusual catches the corner of her eye. Dangling off the nose of a dusty statue was a pair of shoes. But not just any shoes, they were bright purple shoes with a multitude of coloured moons, stars and cats scattered across the material. Pansy thought they were they were the most ghastly things she had ever seen and could not imagine anyone wanting to wear them and yet she was oddly drawn to them. Why on Earth would anyone hang a pair of shoes on a statue she wonders as she continues to stare at the shoes.
A wicked thought flashed in her mind. These shoes would make for a great tool the next time someone loses a wager against her. In fact Daphne or better still Theo would be mortified to have to wear these them in front of the whole school. Maybe even Bridget, no Bridget deserves far worse than a pair of shoes. After all, she was one of the main instigators in the constant torture of Pansy during the cycle of this bet. Nevertheless, these shoes are perfect for some sort of retribution.
Her hands barely reach them when a soft ethereal voice behind her says "Thank you"
Stunned, Pansy turns suddenly to find Ravenclaw Loony Luna Lovegood standing behind her staring at her with protuberant silvery eyes.
Quickly eyeing her up and down Pansy couldn't help but notice she was wearing a necklace made of Butterbeer caps and her wand tuck safely behind her ear.
"What?"
"Thank you" repeats Lovegood half nodding towards the shoes.
It was only then that Pansy realises that the shoes belonged to Lovegood. Of course, they would thinks Pansy, there's no one else who would be caught dead wearing these atrocities to fashion.
"My mum always said things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end. If not always in the way we expect. But I would never have expected Pansy Parkinson to guide me to my personal items" says Lovegood dreamily distracted
"Oh well yes, umm here," says Pansy handing over the shoes, slightly disappointed that she couldn't keep them.
As awkward silence descends over them as Lovegood takes the shoes and proceeds to just stand there staring at Pansy, her head slightly tilted as if she was trying to decipher a puzzle.
"I interrupted a deep thought, didn't I? I can see it growing smaller in your eyes," says Lovegood
"Errr"
"Or it could be Flufferbudgers"
" Fluffer what?"
"Yes, more likely Flufferbudgers than Nargles" continues Lovegood
"Wha-"
"They are from the same family but have completely different attributes. After all Nargle's are mischievous thieves and Flufferbudgers just help you move the fluff around".
"What?" Repeats a confused Pansy unable to keep a tone of astonishment out of her voice
"So you can concentrate of course "
Pansy has absolutely no idea what Lovegood is saying let alone how to reply to her, so instead, she just stands staring at the strange girl hoping to Merlin that she will just leave.
"Mmmm" hums Luna with childlike innocence, shoes now dangling aimlessly from her finger "And something else…" she says her head slightly tilted again staring Intently at Pansy
Pansy does not know how many awkward moments pass before she finally breaks. It's painfully obvious that Loony Lovegood was more than happy to just continue to stand there in awkward silence staring and uncomfortably analysing Pansy
"Oh well better get back to my common room," says Pansy
"Of course. Thank you again, Pansy Parkinson. Oooroo" says Lovegood before skipping down the hallway her brightly coloured shoes bouncing at her side along with her skips
"Ooroo" says Pansy softly "What in Merlin's name" she can only assume it's a form of farewell greeting
"Shouldn't you be in class?" says a gruff voice behind her that nearly makes her jump out of her skin "Education is very important you know. I should tell your professors"
It is one of the many portraits of Hogwarts and by the looks of the attire, namely the oversized ruffled collar, dull skirt and tights and faded out colouring, it was definitely one of the older portraits. Pansy sighed slightly the older portraits always seemed to be sterner and more judgemental of the students.
Pansy quickly reads the inscription Sir Sidley Smirk Platter, 1542, Anno Etatis Suae 39 indicating he was 39 years old when this portrait was painted.
"Good evening Sir Platter," says Pansy in the sweetest voice she can muster. She smiles as she notices Sir Platters face instantly soften at the recognition of who he is. She suspects after 400 plus years most people forget who you are, so any acknowledgment would be greatly appreciated.
She and Daphne had deciphered long ago that, unlike other students who ignored the portraits, if you were at least courteous to them you could get away with a lot more and avoid them telling you into the professors. "You are completely correct, but classes have ended for the day so it's back to my room for some more study, Sir Platters"
"Ah very good. Slytherin I see. Good house, very good house. Off you go then"
"Yes. Good evening Sir. See you next time"
What an unusual evening thinks Pansy as she makes her way back to the common room.
By the time morning had come and Pansy and her friends were seated at the Slytherin table ready breakfast, Pansy was sure she had had over 1000 thoughts of Granger throughout the night and morning. It took every bit of restraint not to look over at the Gryffindor table to try and catch Grangers' eye.
She had debated whether to send her a secret letter, sealing it with a kiss, yet her good sense would not let her. Only a master of disguise could have kept the emotion of receiving such a letter from observant fellow students. Instead, she had to be content with finding another way for them to be alone together.
"Good morning Pansy Parkinson"
Standing before her, smiling broadly is Luna Lovegood. Pansy is certain she saw the shock register on her face before she could hide it. A small smile playing on her lips." Enjoy your breakfast" she says before turning towards the Ravenclaw table.
"Good grief Pansy," says Theo what bet have you had besieged upon you now. You'll be making friends with all the weirdos"
Pansy can't help but notice Millicent's face twist in discomfort, after all, she does have a crush on Lovegood. Given all Millicent had done to assist her during the uncomfortable stages of the bet Pansy felt obliged to defend Lovegood in support of Millicent.
"Well I would rather befriend someone a little different than stick with the mundane," says Pansy waving her hand accusingly towards Theo
"Good morning students" comes the calm and collected voice of Professor Dumbledore interrupting whatever retaliation Theo had planned to say "We have a special treat for you planned this evening. Please return to the Great Hall by 7 pm."
And with that enticing and vague statement, Professor Dumbledore sits back down and takes a big sip from his goblet. His eyes twinkling with delight.
Instantly excited whispers swept across the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore looked perfectly calm and amused as students muttered excitedly amongst themselves trying to decipher what could be this special treat.
The remainder of the day dragged, seconds felt like minutes, minutes felt like hours and hours felt like years. Everyone and anyone was talking about what the special surprise could be. By the time 7 pm had arrived the entire school was abuzz with excitement.
"What do you think Dumbledore has organised?" says Tracey excitedly as the Slytherin friends enter the Great Hall
"I don't kno-WOW" exclaims Millicent mouth open in awe
Faint rainbow hues swirl along the normally grey walls of the Great Hall. House tables adorned with faintly lit candelabras and goblets of treats had been rearranged horizontally rather than vertically facing the stage where the professors usually sat. The charmed ceiling already beautiful now sparkled with unique green stars, the very sight of it enough to ignite a broad smile. Giant red velvet curtains hug and drape along the edges of the stage hiding the surprise behind. The atmosphere is completely awe-inspiring
"They've created a theatre setting," says Daphne "We're going to have a show"
"How exciting," says Millicent
"I notice the Slytherin table is at the back of the room," Tracey says nodding towards the table arrangement
"Of course it is," says Millicent "Although I'm surprised Gryffindor isn't at the very front. I suppose Dumbledore can't make it too obvious he has favourites"
House tables have been arranged in rows facing the stage with Hufflepuff claiming the prize position of the front row, followed by Ravenclaw, then Gryffindor and lastly Slytherin.
"C'mon ladies to the gallows," says Pansy choosing to sit on the very back row closest to the wall so she could lean against it if the show was boring. Millicent sits beside her, Daphne and Tracey who have opted to sit on the bench in front of her have conjured a cushion so they can comfortably lean back on the table.
Not too far away is Granger talking excitedly with Potter. Her chest restricts. How she longed to be sitting beside her, holding her hand, leaning against her and watching the show.
So deep in her thoughts, Pansy didn't even notice Professor Dumbledore enter onto the stage from behind one of the curtains until his calm voice resonated across the Great Hall.
"The very best of evenings to you. Tonight you will meet heroes and heroines, be told of tales to inspire and to educate you" says Dumbledore peering over his moon glasses, blue eyes twinkling with delight. "This evening you will be entertained by the wonderful Tales of Beedle the Bard."
"Ohhh Babbitty Rabbitty" coos Millicent with glee
The Tales of Beedle the Bard was a childhood classic amongst all young Witches and Warlocks. Made up of a series of short tales Pansy would read them endlessly prior to bed. She hadn't read any of the stories in years. She wasn't quite sure why but her favourite was The Wizard and the Hopping Pot. A story about an old wizard who used his cauldron to
brew magical potions and antidotes for other people when they needed his help. When he died he left his trusted pot to his son with a single slipper inside with a note from his father that reads, "In the fond hope, my son, that you will never need it".
Unlike his father the son did not help anyone and every time he declines to help the pot takes on the symptoms of the ones who ask for help; it starts disturbing the son and prevents him from having any peace of mind. Finally, he gives up and provides aid to the town. Upon doing this, the pot's ailments are removed one by one and the son's ordeal finally ends one day when the slipper he received from his father falls out of the pot; he puts the slipper on the pot's foot and the two walk off into the sunset.
As a child, she loved the image of a pot wearing shoes. It amused her greatly. She smiles to herself as she remembers sneaking down to the kitchens with a pair of her father's shoes with the intent of placing them on a cooking cauldron, but to her disappointment, her mother had caught her about to enter the kitchens. She didn't scold Pansy instead gently told her the kitchens were not a place for her as a distinguished young lady to visit, her eyes twinkling with amusement when Pansy explained what she was doing.
A round of giggles and hushed murmurs ripple amongst the students as all lights including the enchanted ceiling dim except for the bright lights on the stage. The show was about to start. The curtain draws back and the stage has been transformed to an old olde ye shack, an elderly man with a gentle smile sits stirring and looking longing into his cauldron.
"There was once a kindly old wizard who used his magic generously and wisely for the benefit of his neighbours." came a soft voice from somewhere to the side of the stage.
Pansy smiles and makes herself comfortable, they were starting with her favourite, The Wizard and the Hopping Pot.
The school sits in silence, transfixed on the actors on stage as tale after tale is performed. Emotions come to play in the theatre and Pansy is transported to her childhood, a time filled with innocence, wonder and endless possibilities. She is as relaxed as if she is in her childhood bed tucked with a thick quilt around her.
Pansy jumps in her seat and barely contains a yell, something has brushed up against her leg. A light green cloud puff is twirling lightly around her ankle - it's the wisp, the very same wisp that Granger had used previously to gain Pansy's attention not that long ago.
What in Merlin's name is Granger up to wonders Pansy looking over towards her.
Granger, who like all the other students seems to be transfixed on the actors on the stage, elbow propped on the table, her head resting on her hand. It was only upon closer inspection Pansy spies the tip of Granger's wand peeking out from beneath her cloak, just below her elbow.
Colour rises in her cheeks, goosebumps shimmer across her body as the wisp gently caresses her calves. The cloud of puff so seemingly innocent continues to skim and twirl around her slowly edging upwards. The smile on Grangers face widening with every flick of her wand. It dawns on Pansy that this is the moment Granger chooses to enact her revenge.
Instantly every nerve in Pansy's body has been electrified. Her body has been a flood with endorphins ever since the night she and Granger were locked in the abandoned classroom. Heat shimmers up her back, anyone at any moment could see the wisp and as dangerous as this moment is, she really doesn't care. What she does care about, however, is the feeling of the wisp and its gentle strokes.
Never in her wildest had she imagined Granger to be so bold and reckless and if truth be told she never imagined herself to be so also, but something had been unleashed and she had no idea on how to control it or whether she even wanted to try and control it.
The blood is now pumping in her head.
Oh, how it makes her tremble as the touch of the warm smoke grazes against her knee and curls and twirls around. Pansy swallows deeply, desire echoes in her head. Lost in a maelstrom of sensation her breath hitches as the sensual smoke dances upwards, artistry in its flow and movement. Instinctively Pansy's leg part a little, oh how she craves to be touched to be released of the stripping heat and need that had plagued her for weeks on end. And still, the wisp continues to slide upwards slowly and intently along skin that burns. Pansy swallows a gasp as the smoke warmly snakes around her thighs tickling and tantalising the senses with every move while tracing aimless patterns. Her body is on fire, she almost whimpers as the wisp now skims around the edges of her underwear. She holds herself taut, fists clenched, her body yearning to be touched but the wisp is maddeningly slow.
Trying to control her breathing, there are no thoughts, no focus, only need and the pain of waiting for Granger to flick her wand and touch her where she needed it the most. This was torturous, she couldn't let anyone see what was happening beneath the large wooden table, but it was getting difficult to control the trembling need that was roaring over her, it was like trying to combat a tsunami. Every muscle was wound up tighter than a jack in a box on its last crank ready to burst out of its constricted box.
A voice inside her heads screams for Granger to flick her wand and just release this tension and then - nothing.
Just as quick as the strokes had started they stopped. Pansy whips her head around to look at Granger who is sitting smugly with a wicked grin on her face, her wand placed neatly before her.
Pansy's brain stutters for a moment, Granger has enacted an act of revenge that Pansy can only describe as diabolical. She has been worked into a state and then left desperate and unfulfilled. Sitting in utter disbelief Pansy is unsure of what to do, not that she would be able to do anything in front of the entire school even if she did have a plan. The wisp had disappeared but the deep throbbing ache had not, she squeezes her legs tightly together, all Pansy could do was to try to cope at this moment while vowing to get her own revenge on Granger.