Please don't tell anyone chapter 3

As the darkness enveloped their shared dormitory, Harry lay beside Pansy, the weight of the day's events pressing down on him. He had spent the day visiting Hagrid, a brief respite from the suffocating control Pansy held over him. But now, as they settled into bed, he knew another conversation was looming.

"Harry," Pansy began, her voice steady but firm, "we need to revisit the terms of your transition. I've been thinking, and there are going to be stricter rules if you want my support."

Harry felt a knot form in his stomach but nodded, knowing he had little choice. "I understand, Pansy. What do you want?"

"First," she said, her tone authoritative, "you'll need to consult with me on every decision. Clothes, treatments, everything. I want to make sure you're doing this the right way, and that means you'll follow my lead."

"Okay," Harry agreed, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "I'll do that."

"Second," she continued, her eyes narrowing, "you'll need to prove your commitment to me. That means no secrets, no hiding things from me. I want complete honesty."

"I promise," he replied, his voice steady. "I won't hide anything from you."

Pansy's expression softened slightly, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes. "Good. Now, remember that you're still my husband, and I expect you to act like it. You'll need to balance your transition with your responsibilities to me."

"I will," Harry said, feeling the weight of her demands settle on his shoulders.

A minute of silence passed, and Harry took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "Pansy, I just wanted to say that Hagrid is awesome. He's been a great friend to me. And with Christmas coming up, I'd like to get people presents. Can I please have some pocket money to buy gifts?"

Pansy's eyes narrowed, her expression shifting to one of irritation. "Pocket money? You think you can just ask for money whenever you want? You need to earn it, Harry."

"I know," he replied quickly, sensing her frustration. "But I promise I'll be good. I just want to get something nice for my friends."

She sighed, her demeanour softening slightly. "Alright, but there will be conditions. You'll need to show me that you're committed to our relationship and your transition. If you can prove that, I'll consider giving you some money."

"Thank you, Pansy," he said, feeling a mix of gratitude and resignation. "I'll do whatever you want."

"Good," she replied, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "Just remember, Harry, you're mine. And I expect you to act like it."

As they settled into the darkness, Harry felt the familiar mix of hope and apprehension. He had taken another step toward reclaiming his identity, but he also knew that navigating this new path would be fraught with challenges. With Pansy's manipulative grip still firmly in place, he would have to tread carefully.

That night, as darkness blanketed the room, Harry lay in bed, the familiar weight of Pansy's presence beside him. He took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety as he prepared to share his intentions.

"Pansy," he began, his voice steady but tinged with anticipation. "I'll be going to Madam Pomfrey tomorrow to ask her for medication to start the transition process. And... can you please call me Elizabeth from now on?"

Pansy turned to him, her expression shifting from curiosity to contemplation. "Elizabeth, huh? I like it. It suits you," she replied, a hint of approval in her voice. "As your legal guardian, I'll need to be there when you talk to Madam Pomfrey. You can't just waltz in there on your own."

Harry nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Thank you, Pansy. I appreciate your support."

"Just remember," she said, her tone serious, "this is a big step, and I expect you to follow my lead. We'll make sure everything goes smoothly."

The next day, Harry and Pansy made their way to the hospital wing, the air thick with anticipation. As they entered, Madam Pomfrey looked up from her desk, her expression shifting to one of concern as she noticed the two of them.

"Harry! Pansy! What brings you here?" she asked, setting aside her work.

"Madam Pomfrey," Pansy began, her voice confident, "Harry—sorry, Elizabeth—wants to start the transition process, and I'm here to support him as his guardian."

The nurse's expression softened, and she nodded, her demeanour professional yet compassionate. "Of course, Elizabeth. I'm glad you're taking this step. It's important to feel comfortable in your own skin."

Harry felt a rush of gratitude at her understanding. "Thank you, Madam Pomfrey. I want to begin the process as soon as possible."

"Very well," she replied, her tone reassuring. "We'll discuss the options available to you. There are medications and treatments that can help, and I'll guide you through the process. It's important that you understand each step."

Pansy stood beside him, her presence both comforting and commanding. "We appreciate your help, Madam Pomfrey. Elizabeth deserves the best care."

The nurse smiled warmly. "I'll make sure of it. Let's start by discussing your goals and what you hope to achieve with this transition."

As they delved into the details, Harry felt a sense of empowerment wash over him. He was finally taking control of his identity, and with Pansy by his side, he felt a mix of anxiety and determination. He knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but for the first time in a long time, he felt hopeful.

As the conversation with Madam Pomfrey began to unfold, Pansy took a deep breath, her expression shifting to one of determination. She stepped forward, positioning herself as the dominant presence in the room.

"Madam Pomfrey," she started, her voice firm and authoritative, "I want to outline some expectations regarding Elizabeth's transition. It's important that we approach this with a clear plan, and I intend to ensure that everything goes smoothly."

Harry felt a rush of apprehension but also a strange sense of relief. He had grown accustomed to Pansy taking charge, and part of him appreciated her willingness to navigate this complex process. He nodded, submitting to her demands, knowing he had little choice in the matter.

Pansy continued, "First and foremost, I expect regular check-ins. Elizabeth will need to be monitored closely as she begins this process. I want to know about any changes in medication, side effects, and anything else that might arise."

Madam Pomfrey nodded, her expression serious. "That's a very wise approach, Pansy. It's essential to keep track of Elizabeth's health during the transition."

"Secondly," Pansy pressed on, "I want Elizabeth to have access to counselling or support groups. This isn't just about the physical changes; it's about the emotional journey as well. We need to make sure she has the resources to cope with any challenges that come her way."

Harry felt a sense of gratitude for Pansy's foresight. He knew he would need support, and having Pansy advocate for him made him feel slightly more secure. "I agree," he said softly, looking at Madam Pomfrey. "I think that would be helpful."

Pansy glanced at him, a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes. "Good. And finally, I want to ensure that Elizabeth is surrounded by people who understand her journey. That includes her friends and anyone else who can provide support."

Madam Pomfrey smiled, clearly impressed with Pansy's proactive approach. "I can help facilitate that, Pansy. It's important for Elizabeth to have a strong support system."

Harry nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and relief. "Thank you, Pansy. I appreciate everything you're doing."

Pansy turned to him, a smirk on her lips. "You're welcome, Elizabeth. Just remember, this is a partnership. You need to trust me, and I expect you to follow my lead throughout this process."

"I will," he replied, feeling the familiar weight of her authority settle over him. "I'll do what you want."

With the conversation concluded, Harry felt a sense of resolve. He was taking a significant step toward his true self, and while Pansy's control was suffocating, he knew that with her guidance, he could navigate this journey.

As they left Madam Pomfrey's office, Harry felt a mix of hope and apprehension. He was ready to embrace this new chapter of his life, even if it meant continuing to submit to Pansy's demands for a little while longer.

As the evening settled into darkness, Liz lay in bed beside Pansy, the weight of the day's events pressing heavily on her. The conversation with Madam Pomfrey had been a significant step forward, but the emotional toll of it all was beginning to catch up with her. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she could no longer hold back the flood of emotions.

"Pansy," she whispered, her voice trembling, "I need to talk to you about something important."

Pansy turned to face her, a mixture of curiosity and concern in her eyes. "What is it, Elizabeth?"

Liz took a deep breath, her tears spilling over as she spoke. "I know we've set up a plan for regular check-ins about my progress, and I'll follow all your demands. But there's something else I need from you. Your parents... they mocked my suicide attempt, and it's tearing me apart. It's disgusting to make fun of people in that situation. Can you please support me? I know they're your parents, but I need you to back me up. I'm your husband, after all."

Pansy's expression softened, a flicker of empathy crossing her features. She reached out, gently wiping away Liz's tears. "Elizabeth, I understand how you feel. My parents can be... harsh, and I know their words hurt you."

Liz nodded, her heart aching. "It's more than hurt, Pansy. It's a wound that won't heal if they keep mocking me. I need you to stand by my side and tell them it's not okay. Please, I'm begging you."

Pansy sighed, her gaze distant as she considered Liz's plea. "You're right. It is disgusting to make fun of someone in that situation. I'll talk to them, Elizabeth. I'll make sure they understand that this isn't something to joke about."

Liz felt a surge of relief, her tears flowing more freely now. "Thank you, Pansy. It means so much to me. I just want to feel safe and supported."

Pansy leaned in closer, her voice softening. "I'll do my best to support you, Elizabeth. You're my husband, and I want to make sure you're okay. Just remember, this is a partnership, and I expect you to trust me and follow my lead."

"I will," Liz replied, her voice filled with gratitude. "I trust you, Pansy. Thank you for standing by me."

As they lay together in the darkness, Liz felt a sense of comfort and security she hadn't felt in a long time. The journey ahead would be challenging, but knowing that Pansy was willing to stand up for her against her parents gave her a renewed sense of hope.

As Liz lay in bed beside Pansy, the room enveloped in the quiet darkness of the night, she felt a pressing need to address a concern that had been gnawing at her. She turned to Pansy, her voice soft but filled with urgency.

"Pansy," she began, her heart pounding in her chest, "I need to ask you something important. I know you're close to Draco, and I need to know... I'm not saying you are, but are your parents Death Eaters or associated with Death Eaters? Or have you and your parents ever been or are blood purists?"

Pansy's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of defensiveness crossing her features. "Why are you asking me this, Elizabeth?"

Liz took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "Because I think there's a second blood war coming, and I believe this task has something to do with it. I need to know where you and your family stand. It's important for both of us."

Pansy sighed, her expression shifting to one of contemplation. "My parents... they have certain beliefs about blood purity. They've always been very traditional in that sense. But as for being Death Eaters or associating with them, I can't say for certain. They've never involved me in those kinds of discussions."

Liz felt a knot tighten in her stomach, but she pressed on. "And you, Pansy? What about you?"

Pansy's gaze softened slightly, and she reached out to take Liz's hand. "Elizabeth, I'm not a Death Eater, and I don't plan to be. As for blood purity... I've grown up with those beliefs, but things are different now. You're my husband, and you're not a pure-blood. That's something I've had to come to terms with."

Liz nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "Thank you for being honest with me, Pansy. It means a lot. I just need to know that we're on the same side, especially if things get worse."

Pansy squeezed her hand gently. "We are on the same side, Elizabeth. I'll talk to my parents and see what I can find out. But you need to trust me and focus on what's ahead. We have a lot to deal with, and we need to be strong together."

"I trust you," Liz replied, her voice steady. "I just want to make sure we're prepared for whatever comes our way."

As they settled back into the darkness, Liz felt a sense of resolve. She had taken a step toward understanding Pansy's background, and while the answers weren't entirely reassuring, she knew that they needed to stand united. The challenges ahead would be formidable, but with Pansy by her side, she felt a renewed sense of determination.

The following day, Pansy wasted no time in approaching her parents about Liz's concerns. She had spent the morning crafting her words carefully, wanting to ensure that her family's beliefs didn't jeopardize her relationship with Liz. After a tense conversation filled with the usual disdain for anything outside of their pure-blood ideals, Pansy returned to their shared dormitory, her expression a mix of frustration and determination.

As she entered the room, Liz looked up from her bed, her heart racing with anticipation. "What did they say?" she asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.

Pansy crossed her arms, her expression hardening. "They're not happy about your transition, Elizabeth. They think it's a phase or something you'll grow out of. But they also said they won't interfere... as long as you don't embarrass the family."

Liz felt a wave of disappointment wash over her. "That's it? They won't support me at all?"

Pansy shrugged, her tone clipped. "They're traditionalists, Elizabeth. They care more about appearances than about you. But I'll do what I can to keep them in line."

Before Liz could respond, a soft knock interrupted them. The door creaked open, revealing Professor Dumbledore standing in the doorway, his expression serious yet kind. "Ah, Elizabeth," he said gently. "May I have a word with you?"

Liz's heart sank at the sight of him. "I don't want to meet him alone, Pansy," she said, her voice rising with frustration. "He has done nothing to help me out of this mess. You're my legal guardian, so I think you should come with me."

Pansy's eyes flickered with surprise, but she quickly masked it. "I can't just barge in on a meeting with Dumbledore. He's the headmaster, and he has his ways."

"I hate that man, Pansy!" Liz exclaimed, clenching her fists in frustration. "You Slytherins were right about him. He's manipulative and doesn't care about anyone but himself."

Dumbledore's gaze remained steady, though there was a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "Elizabeth, I assure you, my intentions are to help you. But I understand your hesitations. If it would make you feel more comfortable, I can discuss the matter with Pansy as well."

Liz shook her head, her emotions swirling. "No, I just want you to understand that I'm not ready to face you alone. I need Pansy there for support."

Pansy crossed her arms, her expression softening slightly. "I'll go with you, Elizabeth. If that's what you want, then I'll be there."

Liz nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Pansy. I appreciate it."

Dumbledore smiled gently, though the weight of the conversation loomed over them. "Very well. Let's arrange a time for us to meet together. I want to ensure you both feel supported in this process."

As they prepared to meet with Dumbledore, Liz felt a mix of apprehension and hope. She was taking steps toward her transition, and with Pansy by her side, she felt a little more empowered to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As Liz and Pansy entered Dumbledore's office, the atmosphere felt charged with tension. The room was filled with the familiar scent of old books and a hint of lemon drops, but Liz's heart raced with anxiety. Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his piercing blue eyes studying them with an intensity that made her uneasy.

"Thank you for coming, Elizabeth," Dumbledore began, his voice smooth and reassuring. "I wanted to discuss your transition and any medical details you feel comfortable sharing with me."

Liz felt a wave of frustration wash over her. "I don't want to discuss my medical details with you, Professor. This is my personal journey, and I'd appreciate it if you respected my privacy."

Dumbledore's expression shifted slightly, a hint of disappointment crossing his features. "It's important for me to understand your situation fully, Elizabeth. I want to ensure you have the right support."

"Well, I'm not sharing anything with you," Liz shot back, her voice firm. "So you can get lost."

Just then, the door creaked open, and Severus Snape entered the room, his presence immediately darkening the atmosphere. He glanced at Liz and Pansy, a sneer forming on his lips. "What a delightful gathering," he drawled, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "And what brings you to this little tête-à-tête?"

Liz narrowed her eyes at him. "Why are you here, Snape?"

"Since Parkinson is a member of Slytherin House," he replied, his voice cold, "I am here to ensure she is treated fairly. It seems the headmaster has a penchant for pressuring students into revealing personal information."

Pansy stepped forward, her expression fierce. "Sir, I am now an illegal adult because of the marriage and the life bond. Liz and I are fine, and I don't think we need your interference."

Snape raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Your status does not exempt you from the scrutiny of the staff, Parkinson. It is my duty to ensure that all students are treated fairly."

Pansy shot him a defiant look. "And as Liz's legal guardian, I will decide whether she meets with you or not. You have no authority over our decisions."

Dumbledore interjected, his tone calm yet firm. "Pansy, while I respect your position, it's important that we have open communication regarding Elizabeth's well-being. This is a critical time for her."

Liz felt a surge of anger and frustration. "I don't need you both to dictate my life," she said, her voice rising. "I'm capable of making my own decisions, and I will not be pressured into anything."

The tension in the room thickened, and Liz could feel Pansy's support beside her. She had taken a stand, and with Pansy by her side, she felt a renewed sense of strength.

Dumbledore regarded her with a mixture of concern and understanding. "Very well, Elizabeth. I will respect your wishes for now. But I urge you to consider the importance of guidance during your transition."

"Guidance is one thing, but pressure is another," Liz replied, her voice steady. "I'll decide who I want to confide in."

As the meeting continued, Liz felt empowered by her ability to assert her boundaries. She was determined to navigate this journey on her own terms, with Pansy's support, and she would not let anyone undermine her progress.

The air in Dumbledore's office grew heavier as the headmaster's words hung in the air. Liz felt a surge of anger and frustration boiling inside her. She had expected resistance, but hearing it so bluntly from Dumbledore was a blow she hadn't fully prepared for.

"Harry," Dumbledore began, his voice filled with a mix of concern and authority, "you must not transition. The wizarding world will not accept it. And I think Miss Parkinson, with her conservative parents and her pureblood upbringing, will not accept this either. Do you think the Dursleys will accept this? They must take you in next summer, and this nonsense threatens that. Do you think I will allow this? Do you think you could get away with it?"

Pansy's eyes blazed with anger as she stepped forward, her voice trembling with fury. "Professor Dumbledore, with all due respect, you have no right to dictate Elizabeth's life. She is my husband, and I support her decisions. My parents' beliefs are their own, and they do not control my actions. Elizabeth deserves to be true to herself, and I will stand by her."

Snape, who had been watching the exchange with a sneer, finally spoke, his voice dripping with disdain. "So, Potter wants to play dress-up now? How fitting. You've always been an attention-seeker, and now you're just taking it to a new level."

Liz felt her blood boil at Snape's words, but before she could respond, Pansy interjected, her voice icy. "Professor Snape, that's enough. Elizabeth is not seeking attention; she's seeking to be herself. Your lack of understanding is appalling."

Dumbledore's expression remained stern, though there was a flicker of something softer in his eyes. "Pansy, I understand your loyalty, but the reality is that the wizarding world is not ready for this. The Dursleys will not accept it, and it could jeopardize everything. Harry—Elizabeth—needs to consider the broader implications."

Liz took a deep breath, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "Professor Dumbledore, I understand the risks, but this is my life. I can't keep pretending to be someone I'm not. I need to do this for myself, regardless of what others think."

Pansy nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Elizabeth is right. She deserves to live her truth, and I will support her every step of the way. We'll deal with the consequences together."

Snape's sneer deepened, but he remained silent, his eyes filled with contempt. Dumbledore sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Very well, Elizabeth. If you are determined to pursue this path, I will not stand in your way. But know that the road ahead will be difficult, and you will need all the support you can get."

"Thank you, Professor," Liz replied, her voice firm. "I appreciate your understanding, even if you don't agree."

As the meeting concluded, Liz felt a sense of resolve. She had stood up for herself, and with Pansy by her side, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The journey would be difficult, but she was determined to live her truth.

As the tension in Dumbledore's office began to settle, Pansy turned to Liz with a determined expression. "I've made a decision, Elizabeth. You will not be competing in the second task. I will be competing instead."

Liz felt a wave of frustration and resignation wash over her. "What? Pansy, I can't just back out. This is my chance to prove myself!"

Pansy's gaze was unwavering. "No, it's not. You need to focus on your transition. Competing in the tournament will only add unnecessary stress. I'll handle it."

Feeling defeated, Liz nodded, submitting to Pansy's demands. "Okay, if that's what you think is best."

Dumbledore observed the exchange, his expression thoughtful. "Very well, then. If you believe that is the best course of action, I will not intervene. But Harry," he continued, shifting his focus, "Ginny Weasley is available to take you to the Yule Ball. I expect you to man up and ask her."

Liz's heart sank at the mention of Ginny, but before she could respond, Dumbledore added, "And, Pansy, I'm sure you understand why you can't take Harry. It wouldn't look good for the Boy Who Lived to take a Slytherin to the ball."

Pansy's expression darkened, her anger palpable. "How dare you assume that just because I'm Slytherin, I can't take Liz! She's my husband, and I'll take whoever I want to the ball!"

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, his tone calm but firm. "Pansy, it's not about your ability to take Liz. It's about the perception it creates. The wizarding world has its biases, and you know that."

Pansy stepped closer, her voice low and fierce. "You think I care about appearances? Liz deserves to be treated with respect, and I won't let anyone dictate who I can or cannot take. This is about more than just a dance; it's about standing up for what's right."

Snape, who had been observing the exchange with an amused expression, finally chimed in. "Perhaps you should consider the implications of your choices, Miss Parkinson. It's not wise to defy the headmaster, especially when it concerns the reputation of the Boy Who Lived."

Liz felt a surge of anger at Snape's words. "I'm not just some trophy to be paraded around, and neither is Pansy. We deserve to make our own choices."

Dumbledore's expression softened slightly. "I understand your passion, Elizabeth. But you must also understand the realities of the world you inhabit. It's complicated."

"Complicated or not, I will stand by my choices," Liz replied, her voice steady. "If Pansy wants to take me to the ball, then that's what we'll do."

Pansy smiled, her anger dissipating as she looked at Liz with pride. "That's the spirit, Elizabeth. We'll show them that we won't be defined by their expectations."

As they left Dumbledore's office, Liz felt a renewed sense of determination. She and Pansy were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, and together, they would carve their own path.