Two of a Kind
DISCLAIMER: We do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters therein. We do, however, own Persiopeia Black and all other original characters created for this story.
Chapter 10: After All is Said and Done
Draco's pov
"There! She admitted it! The slag admitted it!" Pia blurted, having lost control over her mouth in her glee. "Under veritaserum, she's admitted to being pregnant with someone else's child. Therefore, the premises upon which her engagement to Draco Malfoy was made are completely null and void!" she turned to me and smiled as she threw her arms around me. "You don't have to marry her! You're free to choose whomever you want to marry, without the pressure of impending fatherhood to worry about."
I smiled sickly. "Yes, as of three full-blown wizards hearing the truth, I am released from my betrothal. But do you forget that the wizarding world still has somewhat archaic views in regards to women?"
Pia looked me to the headmaster, who shook his head wearily. Pansy was crying, and Professor McGonagall looked as if she was going to try to comfort us; Professor Snape had sensed the curses that were about to spew forth from Zabini's mouth and had wisely silenced him.
Dumbledore spoke. "Miss Black, Pia, if I may, what Draco is implying is that while wizarding law at this time protects men from unfounded accusations of paternity, it does not protect women from the scum that some are unfortunately subjected to in a betrothal or marriage. Draco is hereby declared free from his betrothal to Pansy Parkinson, but I can not do anything about your situation, Pia."
Pia stood and left quietly.
"'Pia, come back! We'll do this together! We'll fix this, I promise. Just don't try to do this yourself," I wept as Pia left and I felt dread come over my heart. I knew what she was going to do; I knew where she was going. I had to follow her close behind, but far enough back for her not to find me before it was time.
Pia's pov
I heard Draco and the professors calling to me to come back, to think before I did anything foolish. I had to ignore them, and I had to do something about my predicament. I had to go back where this had all started, where I had first contemplated someone who had lived a life not unlike mine, where I had first really noticed Draco Malfoy and what could be.
I had to go home.