beta read by GinRyuu
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Pansy Parkinson was a modern witch raised on tradition. She knew the old rituals and how the various houses of the Wizengamot tended to vote, but she also craved the freedom to behave less orderly, like the half-bloods she saw in Hogwarts that mixed traditional robes with something she'd learned were called leggings. She very much liked the svelte look they gave to a girl's legs without the immodesty of going out in a short skirt. She lay across a chaise lounge in the library, reading the newest copy of Witch Weekly, How to Maintain a Traditional Wardrobe for the Modern Witch, when her father called her into his office.
"Yes, daddy?"
"My darling, there's been a development that involves your future. You know how we found the contract between our family and the Blacks? And how we all thought young Mr. Malfoy would inherit?" He waited for her to nod.
"Well, the line of succession became more difficult. It turns out the previous heir, Sirius Black, named an heir of his own and that's taking priority."
"Well, who is it then?" She crossed her arms. She wasn't terribly fussed about not marrying Draco. He had a bad habit of whining when things didn't go his way. Did she really want to deal with a loser husband on top of children? No thank you.
"You'll be marrying Berry Potter-Black."
"Berry Potter-Black." She repeated. "Who is that? Potter's secret cousin?"
"No, my dear, that's Harry Potter's real name, as revealed by Gringotts. The boy told me himself in a letter explaining that he was caught off guard as well."
She tapped the toe of her patent leather shoes, Potter wasn't too bad to look at from what she'd seen the day the war ended, and she'd tried to sacrifice the boy for safe passage. He might hold that against her, but he was Dumbledore's man, all about second chances so maybe not. She thought harder, he didn't stick out in school other than defense testing and Draco's attempts to get attention. Maybe it would be ok?
"When do we meet him to discuss the contract?"
"I'd like to set a meeting for next week. Have you still decided on not going back to Hogwarts? I know your time there was haphazard but with new leadership maybe..?"
"No, Daddy, I think I'll study on my own. I think it'll be safer and easier on everybody that way."
"Alright, go tell your mother the good news. I always thought young Malfoy was a bit of an upstart."