Chapter 4

Flowers and Weasels

Pansy looked in the mirror at herself, she had to admit, Astoria was pretty damn good at throwing costumes together. A Princess. Pansy had expected to look ridiculous, but she didn't, she put her mask on and admired her outfit in detail. Her top was a brilliant gold corset, with vine like ribbons that ran up it with touches of green. The skirt was two shades of brilliant purple, a powder fading too a dark hue. She wore no gloves, and her shoes were simple dark heals. Astoria had pulled Pansy's hair up into a simple french twist, a gold tiara wove in, detailed with one simple diamond in its small and unique frame, the edges looked like vines or ribbons. She wore no necklace, just a simple pair of golden pod earrings. Her mask was a brilliant purple like her skirt, mostly solid, gold and silver wove around the edges and eyes, it sparkles like her last one, and made her eyes seem brighter.

"Astoria.... I have to say, I look fantastic." said Pansy, spinning around.

"I'm glad you like it, now can I use the mirror?" asked Astoria, tapping her toe behind Pansy.

"I suppose," Pansy rolled her eyes and walked aside.

Astoria was going as a mermaid, not the ones from the lake however. Astoria had taken to reading muggle fairy tails, despite Pansy's protests. Pansy rolled her eyes, though she had to admit, mermaids seemed to be prettier in the muggle world. Astoria's top was a pale aqua. It was a corset structure, but the line at her chest was straight and the corners went off and around Astoria's neck in a high neck collar, that had ridges of fading gold at the top. She had no sleeves, but an even lighter version of aqua as gloves. The bottom of her dress pulled in around her legs, like a tail, though the dress had ample amount of material to stretch while dancing. She'd gone with a deep sea aqua for the color, and she wore silver sandal heels, with shells on them. Her mask was pale white gold with tiny pearls around the edges. Her hair was pulled in a mess of curls at the top, where she'd put a row of pearls in her hair to go with her earrings and choker.

"Hay Pansy?" asked Astoria, her mouth had a slight smirk.

"Yeah?"

"Don't wait up for me tonight, okay." she turned around happily and Pansy rolled her eyes.

"Oh god," Pansy rolled her eyes as they headed out the door.

They arrived at the ball a little later than originally decided, but the reactions we're perfect. People watched them enter, and as the night before, the single men, and some taken, approached them. Pansy had almost joined a man wearing black, but she felt a familiar hand on her arm. She turned and recognized the ice blue eyes behind the mask. He wore different clothes, a new costume. It was dark and looked like fur, but it seemed to be faux. It had touches of reds and silver, his gloves, held claws, and he wore fake fangs. It was easily a wolf, but she decided to jest about it a little.

"A weasel or a ferret?" asked Pansy, taking his hand.

"A Pansy or a Lavender?" he retorted.

".... what?" Pansy looked at herself, then it clicked, she was the colors of a purple Pansy, Astoria would pay.

"Are we going to dance, or stand here?" he asked, his voice held a bit of a chuckle in it.

"I suppose we could dance," said Pansy, the music held a faster beat than yesterdays.

She felt content as they danced, his arms locked around her waist, save for the moments he spun or dipped her. They talked. Something she wasn't familiar with on even planned dates, he didn't advance on her like the slimes she normally hung with. She felt dizzy and happy at once as they talked, and he'd created a new game with her. When the music slowed and they we're at a certain pace, they'd choose another couple. While they talked, the two would mock the couple, pretending to be them. It was immature, but harmless, something she'd never thought of. Most of her life she'd been the 'mean girl,' the one who spread rumors, broke self-esteem. It wasn't till after school she'd realized that had broke her more then anything, she had nothing, save for the one friend who hadn't left her.... yet. As she thought about this, his talking ended, he was waiting for her too say something, then.

"It's nearly midnight.... do I get to see who you are?" he asked, eyes hopeful.

"If you can catch me..." said Pansy, the clock struck, she kissed him quickly and ran.

As she ran down the stairs, she heard him at the top, he was fast. But the moment she made it passed the gate, she would be gone. She ran across the dewy lawn, laughing. He was chuckling behind her, she heard him almost slip, but he was still behind her. She made it passed the gates and spun around.

"Too late," she giggled, and vanished.

She arrived at her place again. She had enjoyed herself... a lot. Her face fell, what if it was all an act. What if that man she danced with was just a sleeze ball in a nice costume. She looked in the mirror, her outfit made her look elegant.... was she putting on a façade as well. Wasn't she a snake dressed up as a mouse.... playing. Was she? That had been the purpose of the ball, but she'd not lied yet.... had she.... perhaps.... she sat on her bed in thought. As promised, Astoria never returned, this left Pansy alone to think about the evening. Tomorrow she was going to be herself.... if he liked it, maybe she'd remove the mask.... maybe... maybe not.

---

Ron stood at the gate, glaring at the dirt, people walked out and left. There was only one night left, he was determined to see her face. He liked her, sure it had only been two days, but she was funny, and didn't mock his maturity, just allowed it, even joined in. That was it, tomorrow he would catch her.

TBC