Pansy stood leaning against a tree facing the front gate, playing with an open switch blade. She wore a black leather corset dress, laced up the front with silver fastenings. Her long black hair was swept over one shoulder, and she had heeled boots to match her dress.
The gate clanged open, and she forced herself not to flinch at the sudden noise. It wasn't until he spoke that she looked up, a smile on her face.
"May I help you miss?" He looked exactly as she remembered: cropped, blond hair, immaculate robes, and trademark smirk.
"Draco darling, you haven't changed a bit." She had, she knew. They wouldn't have lasted a month if she hadn't, but it was the price they had agreed to pay to bring the syndicate to an end. Despite the difference in her appearance, her voice was exactly the same. She knew the moment he recognized her; his facade had broken.
"Pansy?" He rasped. "Is that really you?"
"In the flesh." She clicked her blade closed and nestled it in her cleavage, before stalking forward. "We just got home yesterday, although it doesn't really feel like home anymore. Figured there were people we should visit before the ministry forces us into the spotlight."
"Ah yes, the lovely gala they so hastily threw together for the end of the week, that they are determined to keep the reason quiet." Draco held out an arm, which she readily accepted. They made their way back through the gate, into the grounds. "Mother will be pleased to see that you are well, and I have someone I would like to introduce you to."
"Oh? Finally decided to get hitched did you?"
"I did not 'get hitched,'" Draco scoffed. "I bonded with the woman I love."
"You know, I was joking when I said that." Draco shot a glare at her that she ignored. "I'm happy for you, I really am. But when I left, you were still spouting every reason you could find to avoid marriage."
"People change, Pansy," he said softly.
"Don't I know it," she murmured back. They reached the Manor in silence. There was a sharp crack as they crossed the threshold. Pansy mentally patted herself for keeping her composure. She had forgotten just how loud the wizarding world was.
"What can Mimsy be doing for Master and his guest?" A small elf in a green pillowcase asked.
"Would you inform Astoria and mother that I have a guest I would like for them to see? We will be in the parlor."
The elf bowed low and disappeared with a crack. Draco led Pansy through a door on the right. The parlor was a brightly lit room with a ring of low sitting, white settees. In the center of the ring was a glass table with a steaming kettle of tea. Pansy sat with her back to the door while Draco poured her cup, before sitting down across from her.
"Draco, darling. You didn't tell me we were expecting anyone today," a lilting voice that Pansy didn't recognize spoke from the entrance to the room.
"That is because we weren't." He gestured to the seat next to him. "Astoria, this is Pansy. Pansy, this is my wife."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," Astoria said. Pansy pursed her lips and considered her. Astoria was the exact opposite of Draco. She was petite, raven haired and with a tan complexion. Her royal blue robes were immaculately pressed and flattering without being too clingy. Pansy smirked as she remembered the pureblood rules for appropriate attire that she grew up with.
"I'm afraid that many would disagree with you about the pleasure of my company," she replied. "But it is refreshing to hear it nonetheless."
Pansy sipped her tea as her companions sputtered from her breach of etiquette. Fortunately, they were saved having to come up with a response by the doors to the parlor opening once more.
"Pansy, darling, I'm so pleased to see you again." Pansy looked around to see Narcissa strolling towards them in midnight blue robes. Her hair was tightly coiled at the back of her head to show off the diamonds dangling from her ears.
"Narcissa!" She got up to embrace her. "It's really been too long."
As soon as Narcissa took in Pansy's outfit, she gaped in horror.
"Miss Parkinson!" She scolded. "You are utterly indecent in that getup."
Pansy loosed a feral grin, enjoying the slight tick she saw in Narcissa's brow. Now was the perfect time to bring up one of the reasons why she was here.
"Well, it's a good thing that my husband likes me indecent now isn't it, Lady Malfoy?"
Thick, heavy silence descended on the room and her grin grew. Clearly, no one had expected her to return after five years undercover happily married. They would want to know who, when, why, and how, and that gave her all of the power over their following conversation. She was back on her home court, and she would be calling the shots.