Author's Note: This chapter is dedicated to slythgndx3, who inspired me to write this chapter of the story. Most of this chapter, like most of this story, will be a bit AU and will not follow the books except for a few events.
Knock, Knock, Knock!
"What's going on?" Pansy asked, opening her eyes and sitting up.
It was the morning after Pansy and Draco's date. Pansy had been having a dream about Draco, when she was woken up.
"Are you awake, Pansy," a voice outside the bedroom door said, "It's Petey."
"Did you have to wake me up?" Pansy grumbled, laying back down, "You know I like to sleep in. I normally don't get up before noon!"
"I know, Pansy," Petey said, "I just wanted to tell you that Ares came by."
"Ares!" Pansy said, sitting up again. Ares was Draco's eagle owl. That could mean only one thing. "Did he have a letter?" Pansy asked, wide awake now.
"Yeah," Petey said.
"S-slip it under the d-d-door," Pansy said, failing to stifle a yawn, "I am not dressed yet."
"Want me to ask Ares to stay here?" Petey said, sliding the letter under the door.
"I guess you better," Pansy said, "I may have to respond to the letter."
"All right," Petey said.
Pansy walked over to it and picked it up, hearing Petey's footsteps walking away. Pansy unfolded the letter and noticed Draco's writing. She read it:
Pansy, my love,
Good news! You know how last night I said that I couldn't invite you to the Quidditch World Cup? Well, things have changed. When I got home, Father said that the Minister messaged him using Floo Powder. He said that the Bulgarian Prime Minister isn't bringing anyone with him, as was previously thought differently. So there are some free seats. Father said that it would be okay if you wanted to come with us! If you want to, you can come to the manor via Floo Powder on Saturday, and we will leave then.
I hope that you come with us. It would be great if we could spend more time together. You don't need to take much with you. Father thinks that we won't be there very long. I told him that the Quidditch Match could last for more then one day, but Father said it wasn't likely. I don't know why he thinks this.
Write back with your reply. I will be expecting it soon.
With Love,
Draco
Pansy couldn't help but squeal softly. Of course she would go! Anything to spend more time with Draco.
Pansy dressed quickly and ran downstairs to the kitchen where Petey was cooking breakfast. Draco's eagle owl, Ares, was still perched on the windowsill.
"What did Draco want?" Petey asked.
"He invited me to come with him and his parents to the Quidditch World Cup Finals this Saturday!" Pansy said, "Can I go?"
Petey pursed his lips. Pansy frowned. She hated when he did that.
"Petey?" she asked, "I know you don't like Quidditch, but I love it! Can I please go?"
Petey sighed, pointed his wand at the eggs that were cooking on the stove, and said an incantation. He looked back at Pansy.
"Do you have all of your summer homework done?" Petey asked.
"Yeah," Pansy lied. She hadn't done it all. There was still the Care of Magical Creatures essay. Oh, how she hated that class!
Petey stared at Pansy for a second. Pansy knew he was trying to see if she was lying.
"Please?" Pansy asked.
"I guess," Petey said, sighing, "You have been cooped up in that house all summer. I think you need the fresh air."
"Thanks, Petey" Pansy said.
"Yeah, yeah," said Petey, returning to the eggs, "Just don't say I never let you do anything you want."
"I would never say that," Pansy said, "You know, you are sounding more and more like Mum and Dad everyday."
"It's my job now," Petey said, smirking.
Pansy rolled her eyes and sat down at the table. She took a quill and a jar of ink from the middle of the table and wrote below Draco's name.
Draco,
Of course I will go! Would I say no? Anything to be able to be with you. See you Saturday!
Love,
Pansy
Pansy stood up and walked over to Ares. She tied the note to Ares' leg and Ares flew off into the sky. Pansy sat at the table and smiled, daydreaming of being back with Draco.
"I take it you had a nice night with Draco last night?" Petey asked, "You are acting different."
"Different?" Pansy asked, "How?"
Pansy froze. Could Petey possibly know what had happened the night before.
"You are more cheery," Petey said, "Normally you are... you know... quiet. More of a loner, you know. It's just different. But I like that."
"Oh, well, I am just happy about being able to go to the Cup," Pansy said.
"We are definitely two different people, sis," Petey said, "I don't understand all the commotion when it comes to Quidditch."
"You never got into it at Hogwarts?" Pansy asked.
"Nope," Petey said, "But I wasn't into extracurricular activities. You know what I am like. I liked to study. The library was my favorite place."
"Oh yeah," Pansy said, "We are definitely different. Eww, you sound like Granger. Maybe you too should go out. Oh, maybe not... she is a mud... dirty blood, I mean. She is a bookworm. Top of our year. She was in so many classes last year... I still don't know how she did it. I bet it had something to do with Potter though. She's one of his best mates."
"You could learn something from her, Pansy," Petey said, "She is the top student for a reason. It is because she studies. Me, I was top student in my year. Don't let her blood scare you, Pansy. Think about it. If you studied that much, and did as well as her, you could be smart as that. Everyone wouldn't talk about her as being a brain, now, would they? Because she wouldn't be the only one."
"I do study, Petey!" Pansy said, "But I don't dedicate my bloody life to it! I am second highest in Transfiguration. And I am third highest in Potions, next to Draco. I am one of Professor Snape's favorite students."
"I am not telling you to dedicate your life to Hogwarts," Petey said, putting bacon on a skillet, "I just want you to do well."
Pansy glared at Petey. "Peter Alexzandre Parkinson, I don't understand you sometimes," she said, "I think I am doing as well as I can. I am not going to keep my nose in a book everyday."
"When did I ever say you haven't been doing well?" Petey asked, "You have exceeded my expectations. I am proud of that. I want my sister to do as good as I did. You could have a bright future ahead of you. I can see you being Prefect and then Head Girl."
"I would love to be a Prefect in my fifth year," Pansy said, "Perhaps I could teach Potter a few things then."
"That right there would be the reason you wouldn't get it, Pansy," Petey said, "Fantasies of abusing the power. Professor Dumbledore wouldn't make you Prefect, even if Snape told him he wanted you as Prefect."
"You don't think I can get it, do you?" Pansy asked, "Well, now I am going to make sure I get it. And Head Girl!"
Petey smirked. "I would love to see it, sis," he said.
"Fine!" Pansy said, glaring at Petey and standing up, "I hate you sometimes, you know."
She stomped out of the kitchen and didn't stop until she had returned to her room and slammed her door.
--------------------------------------------
Over the next couple of days, Pansy didn't talk to Petey much. Ever since their fight, she had ignored him. She had locked herself in her bedroom and didn't come out unless to use the restroom or to get something to eat. Her stomach began to hurt a bit, but Pansy figured it was from not eating too much. She hadn't eaten much of Petey's cooking since her fight with him. But her stomach aches hadn't stopped after she got more to eat. Pansy then realized she was nervous about the upcoming Quidditch Finals on Saturday, and she figured it was just because of that.
Finally, Saturday had arrived. Pansy woke up pretty early and stretched, then began to get dressed in something suitable for the game that night. She couldn't wear her Hogwarts' robes, because they were wrapped in plastic. She decided to wear a short skirt and a green and silver tube top, which is what she normally wore at Hogwarts when she wasn't in her robes.
Draco hadn't said when to arrive, but she knew she needed to arrive early in the day. So as soon as she was dressed, she walked into the living room and grabbed some Floo Powder. She didn't say goodbye to Petey, because she hadn't forgiven him for the argument. She walked into the fireplace and said "Malfoy Manor!" and felt the familiar tug at her navel which she normally felt when using the Floo Powder.
Soon, all she could see was blurry colors of orange and red. She closed her eyes and kept her arms close to her side. Suddenly she felt her feet hit solid ground, and she opened her eyes. She couldn't see anything because of the soot and dust. She walked out of the fireplace, and saw Draco sitting on the couch.
"Nice timing, love," Draco said, standing up, "I was just about to contact you via Floo Powder. Father wants to leave soon, since you and I can't apparate. We have a Portkey here going to the campgrounds in a few minutes. Minister Fudge is supposed to meet us there."
Pansy smiled and walked over to Draco.
"You talk too much, Draco," she said, "You know that?"
"Yeah, I suppose I do," Draco said, before putting his arms around Pansy's waist and kissing her.
Pansy backed away when she heard footsteps. She turned around just in time to see Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy walking in.
"Pansy," Narcissa said, "How lovely to see you."
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy," Pansy said.
"Are we about ready, father?" Draco asked.
"Nearly," Lucius said, "I just have to finish this letter. Be ready to go in ten minutes. That is when the Portkey will be set to leave."
"All right, Father," Draco said.
Lucius and Narcissa left the room. Pansy looked back at Draco, who smiled.
"Your father seems busy," Pansy said, "You would think he isn't excited about the game."
"Business comes first with Father," Draco said, "You know that. Business first, pleasure second."
"Where does family fit in with that?" Pansy asked.
"Family always comes before business," Draco said, "But Father is a business man. That is why he is such a good acquaintance with Minister Fudge. Oh, I forgot to tell you. Father knows what is going on at Hogwarts this year. The Ministry has brought back the Triwizard Tournament. Hogwarts is hosting it. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons are the two other schools in it. But Lucius said that there is a new rule because of the deaths. Only students of legal age can enter."
"The Triwizard Tournament!" Pansy said, grinning, "Really! Wow... that will be great."
"Yeah," Draco said, "But I am still mad about the age rule. I would have loved to be chosen. It would show everyone that I am better at Potter. Hmmph... but that is only a pipe dream."
"You are better then Potter, Draco," said Pansy, "You have me, remember? Potter doesn't even have a girlfriend, so you can bet he is still a..."
"Shhh!" Draco whispered, putting a finger on Pansy's lips.
"What?" Pansy said, "You don't want your Father to know that we..."
"Shhh!" Draco whispered, "No, I don't, okay? Why... you haven't told Petey, have you?"
"For sake of Slytherin, no!" Pansy said, "Do you know how he would react?!"
"That is what I am saying," Draco whispered, "You don't know how Father would react. Especially since we didn't use the contraception charm. Shhh! I hear Father coming."
Pansy turned around. Lucius and Narcissa returned to the living room.
"Are you ready to go?" Narcissa said.
"Of course, Mother," Draco said.
Pansy followed Draco, Lucius and Narcissa out the front door and to the yard. They walked over to a old newspaper that was laying on the ground.
"Everyone, take hold," Lucius said, picking it up, "It is about time."
Pansy, Draco, and Narcissa each grabbed a side of the newspaper.
Lucius looked at his pocket watch. "Five, four, three, two..." he said.
At the count of one, Pansy felt a tug at her navel and was suddenly lifted from the ground. She had used a Portkey once, and knew what was happening. But it was still a bit frightening. She could see Draco, and kept her concentration on him. The wind was making his hair blow back behind his head.
Suddenly, Pansy landed with a THUD. She sat there for a moment, trying to stop the ground from spinning around her. She stood up and saw the Malfoys standing, but looking very windswept.
Pansy blushed. "I have never been able to get the hang of it," she said, standing up and brushing off her skirt.
"It's okay, dear," Narcissa said, patting Draco's shoulder, "Draco is also just getting used to it. You should have seen him stumble."
"Mother!" Draco yelled, his cheeks turning red.
Pansy was about to say something, but heard a voice behind her.
"Ah, fantastic!" the voice said, "I was looking for you, Lucius. How was your trip?"
Pansy looked over her shoulder. Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, was standing there wearing a very official-looking suit.
"It was... quick," Lucius said, walking over to the Minister and shaking his hand.
"Wonderful, wonderful," Fudge said, as he looked around at Pansy, Narcissa and Draco.
"I told you that my son, Draco, was bringing a guest," Lucius said, motioning to Pansy, "This is Pansy Parkinson."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Parkinson," Fudge said.
"Oh, the pleasure is all mine, Minister," Pansy said.
"Your campsite is this way," Fudge said to Lucius, pointing down a pathway, "There are two tents all set up. I assure you, they are very comfortable."
"We won't be staying the night, Minister," Lucius said, "I am hoping this game doesn't last too long."
"Yes, well..." Minister said, "The game won't be starting for a few hours. So... have a wonderful time and I will meet you then. Very good seats, Lucius, I assure you."
When Lucius didn't say anything, the Minister continued.
"Well, I must be going," Fudge said, "I must talk to Barty and Ludo about security for the game."
"Yes, Minister, that reminds me," Lucius said, "Security... I would love to know what you have planned. I wouldn't want anything to happen during the game... or after it. I donated some good money to the Ministry to help with this and the Triwizard Tournament, and I wouldn't want to see it wasted."
"Well... how about you come with me?" Fudge asked, "I am sure your wife can find your tent. I will take you back to it when we get done."
"Yes, I am sure I can find our tent," Narcissa said.
"Very well," Lucius said.
Lucius and Fudge walked off. Pansy followed Draco and Narcissa down the gravel path. As they walked, Pansy looked around at the other tents. There were shamrocks covering some of the tents. On other tents, there were pictures of a surly-looking person riding a broomstick and wearing a Bulgarian outfit.
"It's Viktor Krum," Draco said, "Star Seeker of the Bulgarian Quidditch team. He is still a student in school, bet you didn't know that."
"No, I didn't," Pansy said.
"He will be the reason Bulgarian wins this year," Draco said.
"So you want Bulgaria to win?" Pansy asked.
"Yeah," Draco said, "Why?"
"Oh, no reason," Pansy said, "I don't have a favorite. I didn't really know who I wanted to win."
Pansy looked at the pictures of Viktor Krum again. She noticed one smile at her, and she blushed.
"He is rather handsome," Pansy said, not realizing she said it out loud.
"What?" Draco said.
"Oh," Pansy said, blushing again, "Krum, I said he looks... rather strong."
"Uh-huh," Draco said, raising his eyebrows.
"Oh, but you are probably just as good of a Seeker as him," Pansy said, "Even better."
"Oh, I doubt that, Pansy," Narcissa said.
"Mum!!" Draco said.
"Well," Narcissa said, "How many times have you complained to me about Harry Potter catching the Snitch before you. If you were as good as Viktor Krum, I am sure that would never happen."
"But if Draco had a Firebolt, I am sure he would catch the Snitch before Potter," Pansy blurted out.
"Hmmph," Draco said, "I don't want anything that Potter thinks is good. Even if it is a Firebolt."
"Your jealousy of Potter is why you lose, Draco," Narcissa said.
"J-jealous?!" Draco sputtered, "When have I..."
"Well, I am sure Pansy can answer that," Narcissa said, "Can't you, dear?"
"Oh, I..." Pansy sputtered, then noticed a campsite with the name "Malfoy" on a post, "Oh, we are here!"
The campsite had two good-size tents next to each other. Four chairs and a picnic table were outside of the tents.
Narcissa turned up her nose. "Hmm, the Ministry's rules about hiding our kind from Muggles have put quite a damper on this," she said, "Well, that just won't do."
She took her wand from her pocket and pointed it at the tent and chairs, then muttered an incantation. The wooden chairs turned to two loveseats, and the picnic table turned into a nice white table.
"Much better," Narcissa said, "Come on, you two."
Pansy followed Draco and Narcissa to the tents.
"You two will be in the smaller one," Narcissa said, motioning to the left tent, "Hopefully it won't be for too long, though. I don't like to camp."
Pansy walked into the left tent with Draco and felt her jaw drop. There were two beds, one on each side of the tent, and an in-house bathroom in the back of the tent.
"Very cozy," Draco said, looking around the tent, "I wonder if it is sound proof." Draco smirked at Pansy.
"You can be so childish sometimes," Pansy said, rolling her eyes.
"But you know you love it," Draco said, smirking, pulling Pansy close. He kissed her for a brief second, before they heard a voice.
"Oh, pity," they heard Narcissa say, "We have no water. Draco, Pansy... would you mind getting some water for us?"
"Can't you just use magic?!" Draco asked, letting go of Pansy and walking out of the tent.
"Don't argue with me, Draco!" Pansy heard Narcissa say, "Besides, I know you aren't busy."
Pansy smirked and walked out of the tent.
"We would love to get the water, Mrs. Malfoy," Pansy said, knowing she needed to break up the fight.
"Thank you, Pansy," Narcissa said, staring at Draco.
Pansy took the water bucket from Narcissa and motioned for Draco to follow her. They walked off back up the pathway.
"What was Mother thinking?" Draco asked, "Wanting us to get water for her. She is treating us like house elves. And what did she mean... 'I know you aren't busy'... did you hear that?"
"Yeah, I did," Pansy said, "What did you expect? What do your mother and father think we do? Nothing... right?"
"Of course," Draco said, "But that doesn't mean we have to 'do nothing', Pansy. We sure didn't do nothing on our second anniversary."
"Is that all you think about, Draco?" Pansy asked.
"Hey, don't blame me," Draco said, "I was the one wanting to wait, remember?"
"I don't think you want that anymore," Pansy said.
"Well, of course not," Draco said, "After what we did."
Pansy rolled her eyes and muttered "Boys".
"What was that?" Draco asked.
"Nothing," Pansy said, walking ahead of Draco and over to the water pump. There was no one in line, so Pansy filled up the water quickly.
"You... did like what we did that night, right?" Draco asked, walking over to Pansy.
"Of course I did, Draco," Pansy said, sighing, "I just don't think about it every moment of the day. Though... I am not saying I haven't dreamed of it."
Draco smiled and took the water bucket from Pansy and set it down. He then put his arms around Pansy.
"I am glad you are here," Draco said.
"At the water pump?" Pansy asked, smirking.
"No, here... at the campgrounds... with me," Draco said.
Pansy smiled. Draco leaned in and kissed her. Draco only stopped when they heard footsteps. Both Draco and Pansy turned around and saw Lucius and Fudge coming up the road. They looked like they were talking. Draco picked up the water bucket, and walked to the road with Pansy. Fudge noticed them.
"Ah, Draco, Pansy," Fudge said, "Getting water I see. Good, good..." He turned back to Lucius, "Well, I think we are done here, Lucius."
"Yes," Lucius said, "Just remember what I told you about security."
"Of course, of course," Fudge said, "Well I must go. See you later tonight. Enjoy yourself."
Fudge left them and walked off in the opposite direction.
"What was that about, Father?" Draco asked.
"Don't worry about it, Draco," Lucius said, "Now, which way to the tent?"
"Just this way, Mr. Malfoy," Pansy said.
"Good," Lucius said.
Lucius walked ahead, and Pansy followed him with Draco. As they were walking back, Pansy could see more and more people coming into the campground. Her anticipation for the Quidditch World Cup was reaching its peak.