Sorry for the delay! Happy Holidays! Check out masked in the shadows if you havent yet! Both fics edited and read by my two amazing Betas!

Warning: Not all relationships are perfect so remember some can be toxic...

Song: Champagne Problems- Taylor Swift

PANSY

Their flat now served as a sanctuary for Pansy, a refuge from the wizarding world she had once escaped at the age of nineteen with her ex, a former Death Eater who had been on probation. Muggle London had offered her everything she needed at that point in her life, and she found herself yearning for those simpler times.

Theo's uptown London flat then exuded luxury. While he didn't place much importance on name brands or the material things that Pansy cared about, he understood that for her to join him on their new journey, he had needed to ensure her comfort.

"I'd do anything for you, baby," Theo had affirmed, a warm smile on his face. "I mean, just look at me, working in a Muggle theatre so you can pursue your dreams of becoming an aspiring actress one day. When this probation is over, baby, you're going to take the wizarding world by storm, Pans." His unwavering support and love for her were evident in his words.

Looking out of the window of the cozy flat she now shared with her best friend Min, Pansy couldn't help but ponder where it had all gone awry. The unfamiliar sights and sounds of her new surroundings outside seemed to carry a sense of nostalgia and reflection.

With furrowed brows, she wondered why he had chosen to abandon her when she needed him most. The unanswered questions and the ache of betrayal lingered in her heart, casting a shadow over the once-close bond they had shared, even in this different, non-Muggle setting.

Draco had been her best friend, a connection formed in the intricate web of wizarding society, but Theo, he had been something more profound. He had been her first love, their affection transcending the boundaries of friendship. He had been her first lover, their passion igniting like a fire that refused to be extinguished. Theo had been her everything, the one who had captured her heart in a way that no one else ever had or ever would.

Nobody understood Pansy quite like he did. Through all her dramatic moments, her deepest desires, and the labyrinthine pathways of her inner thoughts, Theo had an uncanny ability to decipher her like a well-worn novel. He possessed an innate talent for reading her emotions, navigating her complexities with a depth of insight that no one else could match. Their connection was a rare and profound one, forged through years of friendship and love.

Years had passed since then, and now it was all over.

Pansy had been in a relationship with Blaise for nearly three years, a turn of events she had never anticipated. Blaise had been not just one of her best friends but also their mutual friend, a vital pillar of support. When Draco and Theo had made their choices and carried out their actions, Blaise had unwaveringly chosen her side. He had been there for her during her weakest and darkest moments, initially as a friend, but over time, their connection had deepened into something more profound and lasting.

Pansy loved Blaise sincerely, of that, there was no doubt. However, as much as she cared for him, it didn't hold a candle to the intensity of her feelings for Theo, not by a longshot. The depth of her emotions for him still haunted her, and that terrified her.

The knowledge that he was back in her world, somewhere nearby, sent shivers down her spine. It was an unsettling feeling that gnawed at her thoughts.

Instead of being at work today, she had made the decision to owl out, opting to spend the day alone in her flat with her tumultuous emotions and the memories that still clung to her heart.

Closing her eyes, Pansy allowed herself to drift back to that memorable opening night at the small local theatre where their journey in their new life had truly begun. It hadn't been a grand Shakespearean production; instead, it was a simple play about a poor poet who fell in love with a wealthy socialite. She had not portrayed the socialite, but it was Theo who had effortlessly stolen the spotlight. He had an innate ability to command attention, and he had been cast as the lead.

Pansy couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride instead of jealousy. They had been immersed in the Muggle theatre world for four months by that point, and she knew he truly deserved the role. The crowd had adored him, their applause and admiration showering him like a warm embrace. Merlin, he was handsome, and the women in the audience had screamed his name. But then, in a gesture that had melted her heart, he had done something to make it clear he was taken.

He had bowed gracefully and then spoken into the microphone, his voice carrying through the theater, "I want to introduce you all to my lady, the one who made this all possible." With that, he had called her name and rushed her onto the stage, where he had kissed her profoundly, sealing their connection in front of the cheering audience.

She fell into a memory.

In the luxurious uptown London flat that Pansy and Theo called home, opulence and sophistication were evident in every corner. The polished marble floors of the grand foyer set the tone of timeless elegance that welcomed them as they entered. The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork and accent lighting, creating an ambiance of refined luxury that resonated with their refined taste.

The living room, their favorite space in the flat, exuded comfort and style. Expansive windows flooded the room with natural light, offering captivating views of the city's skyline. Plush designer furniture in rich, neutral tones provided a perfect setting for relaxation and entertainment. A grand fireplace with a marble surround added a touch of coziness, making it an ideal spot for quiet evenings together.

The kitchen, a culinary haven for both of them, boasted top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, including a chef's-grade gas range and a built-in wine cooler. Gleaming quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and a spacious island with bar seating made it a hub for both cooking and socializing, reflecting their shared passion for hosting.

The master bedroom was a sanctuary of tranquility and indulgence, where Pansy and Theo found solace and intimacy. Their king-sized bed was adorned with luxurious linens, offering a comfortable retreat for their shared moments. The en-suite bathroom resembled a spa with its deep soaking tub, glass-enclosed rain shower, and dual vanities featuring marble countertops. Their walk-in closet, meticulously organized with custom shelving, accommodated their extensive wardrobes.

Theo's lips met hers in a gentle kiss, and he whispered softly in her ear, "No matter what, baby, you're the star of the show tonight. Don't forget that."

Pansy couldn't help but giggle and playfully rolled her eyes. "I'm not sure anyone can outshine you, babe."

He shook his head, his affection for her evident in his eyes, and planted a tender kiss on her forehead. "You can. Close your eyes."

Pansy obediently closed her eyes, her curiosity piqued. She couldn't resist sneaking a peek as Theo raised his hand, and with Wandless magic, he transformed their flat. Candles flickered to life, casting a warm, romantic glow around the room, and a tray of delectable food materialized in their living room.

She couldn't help but playfully smack him on the arm. "You're not supposed to be using magic, Theo."

He simply shrugged, his charming grin unwavering, and then, in a swift motion, scooped her up into his arms. With a sense of urgency, he carried her to the couch, where he showered her with kisses on her neck and lips. Pansy eagerly accepted his affection, her heart racing in response to his tender gestures. Their love and connection were as vibrant as ever, and their magical moments together were a testament to the depth of their bond.

With a graceful flick of his hand, Theo summoned his guitar wandlessly. Pansy chuckled affectionately as she settled back to enjoy the private serenade.

Swaying to the rhythm of the music, she couldn't tear her eyes away from his beautiful face. His lips moved in perfect harmony with the lyrics as he sang their favorite new song, his voice carrying a depth of emotion that touched her soul.

" And I'd give up forever to touch you

'Cause I know that you feel me somehow

You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be

And I don't want to go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment

And all I can breathe is your life

And sooner or later it's over

I just don't wanna miss you tonight"

She returned back to the present and sighed.

Had they always been destined to end? To miss the mark in some way that kept them apart, despite the undeniable connection they shared?

Theo had been shy at Hogwarts, distant even. Entranced in books but charismatic and kind to all when a social hour occurred. Once all her friends had lost their virginities, Pansy asked Theo to be her first. We're friends right? She'd asked and he'd perked his brows up as if surprised by her request, as if he weren't the most handsome boy in their house. They lost themselves in each other that first night and nobody had been the wiser. And when it was over, despite the feelings it had awoken in her, she ignored him…

Then every girl in their house had begun to throw themselves at him. He'd ignored them at first and then after a few weeks she'd spot him out with a different girl almost every week.

It drove her mad.

Absolutely wild until Draco caught her shooting daggers at Daphne Greengrass and pulled her aside and said, "If you want em Pans, just bloody tell him."

So she did. One night she arrived in the common room and Daphne was sitting on his lap toying with his beautiful brown hair and she marched right up to them and Theo looked up with a surprised facial expression as she told Daphne, "Get off him before I hex your hair off and make sure it never grows back."

Daphne had stood, and they'd been ready to fight when Theo had stepped between them and turned to Daphne and told her. "You'd better listen to Pansy. Seems like I'm taken, Daphne."

That was it. Then he was hers. And she was his. And nobody could come between them.

Except… him.

Love was blind, the signs had been there.

His upbringing should have told her everything she needed to know. His father hadn't been the greatest parental figure. He had watched his mum die along with his little brother during labor. His dad had become a horrible alcoholic after their deaths, using Theo as a punching bag and forcing his son into a life of darkness. Theo had been one of the few children that had seen death before he'd even been able to read and all he'd known after that was abuse and violence. How he'd come out as gentle as he did, baffled her.

Her parents hadn't been abusive in the sense that they hurt her physically.

No, her abuse had been mental and emotional.

You're not good enough. You never will be. Your only goal in life is to find a wealthy husband, Pansy, a pure blood, marry up. Don't marry down. You're not good for anything else.

An actress? There's no money in acting that's a poor woman hobby. Find a husband.

Dreams? You don't have a right to have those.

When she had started dating Theo, they'd been so proud until the war was over and he told them he was taking the probation terms and would be living in Muggle London and was taking Pansy with him where they'd both be living together as Muggles.

They'd been disgusted.

Reformation and avoiding Azkaban? Coward they'd said.

Living amongst Muggles? What will she do, her father had demanded?

Theo had looked at her father and as if looking down simply stated, "Pursue her dreams, whatever she wants."

They stopped talking to her.

And Theo's father, he was in Azkaban. Somehow, he managed to convince him to sign over his inheritance and became the Nott heir. Before his probation had started, he had predicted things would go south and the ministry would try and put a halt to the amount of money or wealth he could access. So, he'd transferred a healthy amount in Pansy's name secretly, a clause in place so he could take it back as needed.

And to this day, he hadn't taken any of it away. Probation had been done and over with for years, he had the rest of his wealth back, but he could have taken what he'd left in her name away as well, it was rightfully his.

Frustrated with the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her, Pansy stood and made her way to the shower. The hot water cascading over her felt soothing, like a temporary escape from the tumultuous thoughts that had consumed her.

Emerging from the bathroom, she had transformed herself into a vision of confidence and allure. She wore a tight-fitting black dress with a pencil skirt that accentuated her curves, complemented by six-inch heels that added an extra dash of elegance. Her lips were adorned with a bold shade of red lipstick, and her mascara-enhanced eyelashes framed her captivating eyes.

With a steady hand, she had perfected a winged eyeliner look to add a touch of sultriness to her appearance.

Her long, straight black hair cascaded gracefully down her back, and she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Grabbing her purse, she headed over to the fireplace, determined to take action. With a handful of Floo powder, she tossed it into the flames and recited in her mind, "IQA Britain Quidditch stadium offices." Thankfully, Min now worked there, and this fireplace connection granted them direct access to the stadium's offices, providing a convenient way for her to reach her destination.

Pansy didn't let bad ideas deter her. Her impulsiveness and recklessness defined her character and had seen her through many adventures. She was ready to face whatever came her way, even if it meant taking risks.

Theo was a wild card, and Pansy was his equally unpredictable match.

Their relationship had been like a match made in hell, a toxic blend of drama and chaos.

Their toxic dynamic had been fueled by her jealousy and possessiveness, matched only by his unpredictable nature and his own possessive tendencies.

Even now, despite being in a relationship with someone else, she couldn't shake the feeling of ownership over him. It was as if he was still bound to her, despite his attempts to escape and break free.

"Fuck him," she thought to herself. "I hate him."

What would she do when she saw him?

Hex him?

Stab him?

Scream?

The dagger he'd given her on her eighteenth birthday still lay in her purse. She briefly considered using it to stab him in the heart, mirroring the emotional pain he had inflicted on her.

Arriving in the lobby, Pansy swiftly used her wand to clean off the fireplace residue and any remnants of Floo powder. Her high heels echoed with a click-clack sound on the polished floor as she approached the elevator.

Insider the elevator, with a press of the button, she watched the illuminated numbers ascend until they reached the sixteenth floor, and the elevator doors smoothly slid open.

As Pansy approached the receptionist's stand, she noticed the receptionist's striking beauty, something that didn't sit quite right with her. Swallowing her discomfort, she summoned her million-dollar smile and coyly brushed her hair, hoping to make a favorable impression. The receptionist's eyes widened in recognition.

"You're Ms. Pansy Parkinson," she exclaimed.

Pansy nodded politely. "Yes, that's me." With a nonchalant flick of her manicured nails, she dismissed her fan and got to the point. "I'm here to see Theodore Nott."

The receptionist's smile deepened, and a blush tinted her cheeks. Everyone knew about Pansy and Theo's past; it had been mentioned in Pansy's autobiography.

Leaning in closer, she offered her assistance, "He's in a meeting, Miss, but I can escort you to his office and fetch him for you."

Pansy found herself suddenly liking this helpful witch. Her sly smile returned as she responded, "That would be lovely."

"My name is Tammy, Ms. Parkinson," she said conspiratorially, her tone hinting at something more than just being helpful this one time.

Pansy's eyebrows perked up as she followed Tammy down a corridor. When Tammy opened a door for her and whispered, "Wait in here; I'll grab him,"

Pansy smiled. The young receptionist seemed to have a soft spot for romance. The young ones always were hopeless romantics.

Which was hopeless, Pansy knew that.

As she strolled through Theo's office, Pansy noticed its impeccable state. He was a neat freak, even more so than Draco, which was saying something.

The sophisticated decor reflected his favorite colors: gold and black. Her eyes drifted to his bookcase, where she spotted numerous Muggle and wizard plays neatly arranged.

A stack of folders on his desk caught her attention, meticulously separated and organized. She couldn't resist glancing at his handwriting on a memo, feeling a flutter in her heart that she tried to ignore.

Inhaling deeply, she took in his familiar scent, a unique blend of calabrian bergamot, pepper, cedar, and lavender. It was a fragrance that had become synonymous with Theo since he was fourteen, a comforting reminder of the man she had known for so long.

"Stupid git," Pansy muttered under her breath as she discreetly began searching through his desk drawers. She was beyond the point of caring if he caught her snooping around like this; she had already made up her mind to hex him regardless of the consequences.

Opening the desk drawer to the right, Pansy took a step back in shock when her fingers brushed against a framed photograph. She gingerly retrieved it and stared at it in disbelief.

It was a picture of them, locked in a passionate kiss in front of the Eiffel Tower. The infuriatingly sentimental photograph that Min had taken during their trip to Paris. What in the bloody hell was he still doing with it?

Suddenly, Pansy felt like this entire endeavor had been a colossal mistake. She quickly returned the photo to its place in the drawer, closed it, and made a hasty move towards the door. But just as she was about to exit, the door swung open, and there he stood, Theo, his eyes widening in shock at the unexpected sight of her.

Merlin, Almighty. Salazar, help her.

He was stunning, more so than she remembered, if that was even possible. His hair had grown a bit longer, with a charming wave that only added to his appeal.

Pansy took a deep breath, mentally reminding herself not to appear frazzled. She placed her hand on her hip and summoned a sly smile as she greeted him, "Theo, how are you?" She knew she needed to maintain her composure, not showing him her anger or letting her emotions get the best of her.

"Pansy," his eyes sparked with genuine excitement. "I didn't expect to see you here," his lips curled into his signature crooked smile, and she felt her composure slipping away.

At the sound of his wonderful voice, she completely lost it.

Her brows shot up in surprise, and she knew he could instantly sense the change in her demeanor. Before he could react, her hand shot out, her fingers connecting with his cheek in a swift and resounding slap.

"Where the hell did you go, Theo? How could you leave me? Where have you been all this time? How long have you bloody been back?" Her voice rang out loud, her frustration and anger boiling over. She continued to hit him, and he stood there, taking the blows in silence, not uttering a word in response.

In a moment of desperation, he grabbed hold of both her hands and pulled her close to him. Pansy's tears streamed down her cheeks as she looked up at him, her emotions a chaotic whirlwind. "Pans," he begged, his voice filled with remorse.

She closed her eyes, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. "I hate you," she whispered.

"I know," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. He gently released her hands and tenderly cupped her chin, locking his chocolate eyes with her. "I know, and I'm sorry."

Pansy's voice trembled with a mix of anger and hurt as she continued, "I thought you had killed yourself at one point. I was so consumed with worry about you. And you... you left me, Theo. When I needed you the most, you knew I needed you, and you left." The pain of those years of absence had left a deep scar, and she couldn't help but let her emotions pour out.

Theo's embrace felt strangely comforting, as if it were the most natural place for her to be. Pansy wondered why it felt so right, despite all the pain and anger.

He pressed his lips to her forehead, his words soft and filled with affection, with longing and sadness. "You smell so good. You look so beautiful, Pansy."

This was too much.

Feeling a surge of conflicting emotions, she gently stepped away from him, putting some distance between them. She brushed away her tears and looked at him with a mix of curiosity and exasperation. "Why are you back?"

"For you," Theo stated simply, his gaze unwavering and filled with a sense of determination.

Pansy shook her head, her voice firm. "I'm getting married."

Theo's eyes flickered to her hands, searching for a ring. "To whom?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice.

He was that confident she would never love anyone but him.

Curse him.

Pansy looked down, her voice barely above a whisper as she admitted, "Blaise." The air was thick with tension as she waited for his response.,

When she looked up and saw the complex emotions crossing his face—anger, jealousy, and an overwhelming sense of possession—it struck her. Draco hadn't told him?

"No," he declared with unwavering determination. His voice dripped with anger as he continued, "you're not bloody marrying him." He closed the distance between them, his hands gripping her waist as he pulled her forcefully against him. His voice, tinged with fury, softened but remained fiercely possessive as he continued, "I'm back, baby. I know I messed up, and I've been a wreck without you. Let me fix this. Let me fix us." The intensity in his eyes and his desperate plea were impossible for Pansy to ignore, as his anger melted into a relentless determination to reclaim what he believed was rightfully his.

She initially shook her head in response, but before she could voice her thoughts, his lips claimed hers in a fervent kiss.

His hands released her waist and gently cradled her face between them. Theo looked down at her with a pleading expression, "Let's talk. Tonight. You and me. We can figure this out."

But his words were quickly silenced as his lips captured hers once more. Pansy lost all control, unable to think of anything but the sensation of his body pressed against hers, his lips fervently moving against hers, his tongue igniting a fire in her mouth. His hands around her face were possessive and tender all at once.

Her fingers tangled in his hair, and a moan escaped her lips as he groaned in response, their kisses growing more passionate by the second.

Theo released her mouth, trailing kisses down her neck, his tongue, and lips leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Pansy couldn't resist his advances as he explored her, his hands wandering and his passion igniting a familiar desire within her.

His hands moved with an undeniable urgency, cupping her backside as he kissed her passionately. Theo rolled her dress up, exposing her bare cheeks, her lace knickers barely covering her, and pulled her closer to him. Pansy felt a growing warmth between her legs as she wrapped her arms around him.

His touch was electrifying as his hand ventured to the front of her knickers, gently massaging the area and sending shivers of pleasure through her.

It was so familiar. The feeling, the energy his touch, it felt so good.

Salazar, she'd missed this. She'd missed the addiction that he was.

His husky voice whispered into her ear, "God, baby, you're so wet." The intense desire between them was undeniable, and it threatened to consume her.

Swallowing as he rubbed and kissed and touched her she steeled herself. No, this was wrong. This couldn't be happening.

Not anymore.

Before things could escalate any further, Pansy abruptly pulled back, releasing his hands from her body. With a swift and forceful movement, she kicked him in the groin, causing Theo to recoil in pain and let out a sharp expletive.

As she adjusted herself and fixed her skirt, she looked at him with anger blazing in her eyes. "I hate you," she spat, her voice filled with resentment.

Without another word, she grabbed her bag and sauntered out of the room, leaving him behind, nursing his pain and regret.

—-

"Mystic Goblet" was the most prestigious restaurant in all of wizarding Britain, and securing reservations there was often a months-long endeavor.

Pansy was dressed to the nines, clad in a short green dress, silver pumps, and a luxurious fox stole. Blaise, looking equally dashing, held her hand as he escorted her to a private dining area with a breathtaking view of the terrace. They took their seats across from each other, the table illuminated by a single candle that added a touch of romantic ambiance to the evening.

"Happy anniversary, Pan," Blaise greeted her warmly, his eyes filled with affection as he waved a waiter over.

Pansy felt her heart race as she gulped nervously. She couldn't help but have conflicting thoughts.

Please don't propose.

Please don't propose.

A week ago, the idea of a proposal would have filled her with excitement, but today, she was mired in confusion. She didn't know what she wanted anymore. She couldn't forgive Theo; that much was clear. But she also couldn't bring herself to marry Blaise when her heart and mind were in such turmoil.

As they ordered and Blaise began talking about his work, Pansy listened intently. He had taken over his late stepfather's business, which happened to be in the magical arms trade. Legally, of course, but it involved a great deal of travel and diplomatic meetings. It was clear that his job came with its own set of challenges and complexities.

Blaise's mother, on the other hand, had a less favorable view of Pansy. She regarded her with suspicion, assuming that Pansy was a gold digger who was after Blaise for his fortune. His mother had a history of marrying wealthy men that died suddenly and suspected that Pansy might follow the same path and potentially harm her son, just as Pansy believed his mother had done to her previous husbands.

On her third glass of wine, Pansy took a sip and gazed at Blaise, her voice low and filled with tension as she uttered the words she had been dreading, "I saw Theo."

There was nothing she hid from Blaise.

Blaise froze, the knife he had been using to cut a piece of steak hovering in the air. His body visibly tensed, and he lowered his gaze, unable to meet Pansy's eyes.

It was clear that he knew instantly what this revelation meant.

Before Blaise became her boyfriend, he had been one of her and Theo's closest friends, and he was well aware of the history and complexities of their relationship.

Without lifting his gaze from his plate and with Pansy still avoiding eye contact, Blaise asked the question that had been looming between them, his voice carefully controlled, "Did you sleep with him?" The tension in the air was palpable as they broached the subject that had the power to change everything.

Pansy shook her head even though Blaise couldn't see her, prompting him to look up at her with an intense gaze. When she met his eyes, she confirmed, "No."

Blaise let out a sigh of relief and nodded, wiping his lips with a napkin.

He leaned back in his chair and asked, "Where is he? Why is he back?" The questions hung in the air, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Theo's sudden return and its implications for their relationship.

Pansy offered a partial answer to one of Blaise's questions, saying, "He's working for the IQA in Britain's office with Min."

Blaise took a sip of his wine, contemplating the situation. He then leaned forward and asked with concern, "What happened, Pans? How did you see him?" The air was heavy with unspoken emotions and unanswered questions.

Pansy didn't provide a direct answer to his question.

Instead, she lowered her gaze and whispered, "If you were going to propose tonight, I think you should wait."

He let out a frustrated sigh and muttered "Fucking hell," under his breath. He stood abruptly and tossed his napkin onto the table.

Looking down at Pansy, he said, "He's a piece of shit, Pans. Don't follow me. I'm going for a short walk. I don't want to say anything nasty to you right now, and I also don't want to go looking for him and choke him out." His anger and frustration were palpable, and he needed some space to process the situation.

Her stomach flipped and her hand shook as she watched him walk away and she grabbed the bottle of wine on the table and poured herself another glass.

—-

Blaise left Pansy at the front door of her flat, kissing her forehead gently before he turned and walked away. He needed a break, and he knew it was essential for both of them to have some time to process everything.

He promised to still escort her to the ball tomorrow, but the future of their relationship was now hanging in the balance.

Pansy understood that she had the power to potentially mend things if she begged and cried, professing her love for Blaise, but deep down, she wasn't sure what she truly wanted anymore.

The uncertainty and complexities of her feelings left her in a state of confusion.

What she'd done was wrong and yet she truly felt like it couldn't be helped. Now that she knew he was back there was a feeling in her that begged her to go seek him out. Be near him. Talk to him like he'd asked.

Ignoring that feeling, she told herself to pretend he was still gone.

Pansy found herself at Min's favorite bar instead of going inside her flat after Blaise had left.

As she made her way to the front of the bar to find a stool, she bumped into Ron Weasley, who greeted her with an exclamation, "Pans!" He looked past her and asked, "Are Blaise and Mione with you?" She shook her head meekly, indicating that she was alone.

Ron's eyebrows raised in surprise as his brother George joined them. He greeted her cheerfully, saying, "What's got you down and out, Pansykins?"

With a sigh, she replied, "Buy me a shot, and I'll tell you." The pair chuckled, and they all sat at the bar, ordering a round of shots.

"You don't go out on weekdays typically, Pansy," Ron observed matter-of-factly. "Or drink shots."

She nodded, taking another shot and placing the glass down. "It was mine and Blaise's third anniversary. He took me to Mystic Goblet."

"That's a fancy place," George chimed in, acknowledging the significance of the restaurant.

Tears welled up in Pansy's eyes, and George noticed her distress. He raised an eyebrow and said, "What's going on with our Slytherin Princess? I've never seen you so down and out."

Ron agreed with his brother, nodding in concern.

Pansy finally revealed, "I saw Theo today."

Ron stiffened beside her, his anger palpable, and then he asked the bartender for another round of shots. "That little shit is back. That's the worst news ever."

If only he knew Hermione was around Draco again.