A/N: It's been a lil bit, but here we are with Part 9! (Still far more to come)
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Pansy had done her hair, adorned herself in her finest jewellery, and wore her most expensive dress. She looked, as her Mother always put it, like a Princess — a pureblood Princess.
Which was perfect for the task at hand.
"Is he soon to arrive then, dear?" Mother called out from her position in the sitting room, and it was with her call that Pansy realised she'd been staring at the fireplace for far too long.
"I expect him any moment, Mother." She answered, rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet; her eyes drifted back to her mother not a second later. "Don't you and Father have to go and... do something."
She waved her wand at her tea cup, and it was refilled.
"Oh, dear, we'd much rather stay here and meet the young man you're so enamoured with."
"Mother." Pansy's voice was petulant-sounding, and she'd be lying if she didn't feel an ounce of childish annoyance. "Please? I'd like to have the afternoon alone with him in the garden. I've not seen him for a week."
"Oh a week, how awful," her mother's tone was playful, and it brought a smile to her lips. "Very well, we shall leave the two of you alone."
Pansy's smile widened, and her heart fluttered with glee. That was all she could ask for, and now, she had it.
She looked down at the fire, and waited.
She knew him to be punctual.
Her manners were only just remembered when she heard her mother take leave of the room. "Thank you, Mum!"
That saw her mother's footsteps stop.
"Anything for you, my Princess."
The fireplace sparked and roared, and not a second later, her Harry stepped through. He had an easy smile on his face, and he was wearing one of the new sets of robes that'd been tailored for him — he'd taken his appearance seriously since the end of the Tournament. Since his victory.
She was glad for it, for his sake. It gave many of her fellow snakes less to speak on, and convinced her that Harry was taking serious his future. Morgana, how powerful a Potter head he'd make.
"Harry," she was in his arms the moment he stepped through. She buried her face in his neck, and inhaled the scent of the cologne he'd taken to using.
It was a bit bold, improper mayhaps, but Pansy couldn't find it within herself to care. After all, what good was it being a Princess if one couldn't abuse their rights to do as they'd please?
"Pans," Harry squeezed her.
"I missed you."
"We were together not a week ago."
Pansy leaned up onto her tip-toes, and pulled Harry's face down to her own. When she kissed his cheek, she did so with her lips lingering.
"And?" She arched a brow in challenge. "Am I not allowed to miss my boyfriend?"
That made Harry grin like the biggest dork in the world — being a Gryffindor that came easy to him — before he leaned down and stole a kiss. "Of course, Princess."
"Good."
Harry was still chuckling when she tugged him along towards the doors that would see them to the gardens.
"No mum and dad?" He asked with a cursory glance over his shoulder.
"Nope. We're alone," she smiled at him. "They trust you."
"Do they now?" Harry sounded a touch smug.
"You won the Triwizard tournament. And you're the boy who lived." Pansy blinked at him when his expression didn't shift; surely he couldn't be that thick. "If Mother and Father could have us married over summer, they'd have already done so."
Harry stopped dead in his tracks, and when he looked down at her, there was a strange sort of gleam to his eye. "They'd have us marry so soon?"
"Nearly any witch's parents would," Pansy laughed and poked at him. "Do I make for that terrifying a wife?"
Harry's mouth opened, and closed. Then he did it again.
That made her giggle. Enough so that a snort was ripped from her, and then it was Harry's turn to laugh.
"What a pair we are, huh?" He shook his head, and his arm slid around her waist. "I don't think I'll ever get over that noise."
With no force behind it, she slapped at his upper-arm. "Rude."
"I love it."
That had her cheeks colour, and her chest feeling all warm.
How could Harry leave her feeling like this so easily?
"You're a dangerous wizard," Pansy said once she got control of her giggles. "Sweet-talking an innocent, helpless witch such as I."
That earned her a snort.
"Harry!" Pansy gasped, now mock offended, poked at his side. "What an awful sound from a young, respectable wizard."
He snickered and pulled open the door. "Go on then, Princess. Your garden awaits."
Pansy walked out into the gardens, and breathed deep. It'd rained recently, and the scent was wonderful. She looked back at Harry when he followed her out, and smiled.
"What are you thinking about?" He asked, his gaze drifting up to the sky.
"I was wondering," Pansy stopped in front of her favourite flower patch, and knelt down beside them. "If I were to gain permission to have you spend a few nights' time with us, would you be alright with that?"
"Yeah, of course," Harry didn't hesitate.
"You're sure?" Pansy hoped the eagerness of having him so close and all to herself didn't bleed through her words. "Because I'd like for us to go flying, and swimming, and-"
"I'll have to talk to my Aunt and Uncle," Harry cut in, and he knelt down beside her. His eyes drifted over her features. "But, I don't see a problem with it. They'd be happy to have me out of the house."
Harry laughed it off, but in his tone seemed a certain truth; she'd long-since been able to pick that out given her Slytherin housemates.
"It's decided then. You'll remain here for, shall we say, a week's time?" Pansy cut him off before he could answer as she nodded towards a bench; their destination, for a time.
Pansy wrinkled her nose and folded her arms. "You want to take me to Muggle London for the sake of food? Why?" She gave a gesture in the direction of the kitchens. "Anything you desire, our house-elves could see made."
"We could see a film, take a walk around, have a meal of a kind you wouldn't normally have — like Chinese or Indian — if there's anything you'd fancy seeing too, we could see it."
Pansy was intrigued, but she also knew she had a part to play. "You'll not leave me at the mercy of those horrible, disgusting, rude muggles."
Harry snickered and pulled on her hand. "You're so dramatic, you know that?"
Pansy's cheeks puffed out. "Am not!" She was great at acting the part of a brat; and it surely was just that, acting.
Harry, the absolute dork he was, found humour in her dramatics. "You like ice cream, don't you? And chocolate?"
"Naturally." Pansy slid into his lap and leaned into his chest; she peered up into those green eyes of his. Without delay, a smile broke out across her face.
"Well, the Muggle world has some really nice ones."
Pansy prodded him. "You know I was convinced when first you asked, don't you?"
Harry blinked. "Really?"
"Of course, dummy."
She took her Harry's hand in her own, and squeezed.
"Lead the way, oh great and powerful Gryffindor."
He gave her a laugh. Genuine and charming. "Yes, ma'am."
With a little smile on her lips, Pansy stood up from his lap, and let him tug her along.
They left her home, and ventured through the Floo Network.
"From Diagon to Muggle London. How queer." Pansy jolted when a large, barreling machine went past at speed faster than any could sprint.
She sought Harry when she saw dozens more, the noise and scents of them assaulting her senses. "You're lucky you're cute. This place isn't half as alluring as you'd made it out to be."
"Wait until I've taken you to the mall or you've had a chance to try a few new foods. Reckon both'll change your mind." Harry tugged her along, interweaving his fingers 'round hers.
Pansy had to admit as he led her expertly through the streets, that she was impressed by the architecture... but he noise and scents weren't anything she'd grow accustomed to. Were it not for him and the cologne that enveloped her as he pulled her closer still, she'd have thought the trip not worth it.
"This way," Harry pulled her around a corner, and the noise lessened, though the scents lingered.
Pansy didn't miss the glances and odd looks they'd received. Not everyone could look the way she and Harry did. Muggles were so plain.
"Here," Harry led her into a little building.
There was a little bell that went off when he opened the door, and not a second later, a voice sounded. "Harry! You're back!"
Pansy looked up, and her eyes landed on a rather pretty girl, a little younger than her, standing behind a counter. Her eyes drifted over her figure and she arched a brow.
She was attractive, she supposed, but nowhere near her equal.
"No better bakery in the area." Harry said, and there was a fondness to his tone.
"And no better baker than me." The girl gave him a bright, beaming smile.
"I'll agree with you on that, Ellie."
Pansy narrowed her eyes and watched the scene unfold before her.
"I see you brought company." The girl — Ellie, Harry had called her — eyed her curiously. "Friend or date?"
"My girlfriend," Harry said, and his hand moved to rest on her hip.
That display of possession drew a smile from Pansy. So she spoke to this 'Ellie' that Harry seemed fond of. "And you are?"
"A friend," Ellie smiled at her, and nodded to a display of cupcakes. "I make all the baked goods here, and Harry's always enjoyed them."
"Have ever since I came here." Harry gave Pansy's hand a little squeeze. "Now I get to introduce Pans to you and to everything you make. Think I'll even get her hooked on your milkshakes."
"Oh, you'll have to. If you don't, I'll never forgive you." Ellie gave a little laugh.
"Milkshakes are something like ice cream, only more solid," Harry explained.
Pansy nodded, and eyed the display case. "Well, you are a lovely baker, aren't you?" She'd not lie. All of the creations seemed quite perfectly made with nary a malformation or imperfection.
"Thank you." Ellie blushed at the praise, and went behind the counter, her attention shifting to Harry. "So, what'll it be for you two love birds?"
Harry's lips quirked up, and Pansy could tell he was a little amused. "Two of your special milkshakes. Chocolate."
"And," Pansy interjected, pointing to a chocolate cake, and a set of cookies. "Two of each of those."
"Right away, you two." Ellie nodded. "Sit, and I'll have them out to you."
"Thank you," Pansy smiled at her and leaned her weight into Harry. She'd never been a fan of people being overly polite and proper with her, and Ellie had struck her as a rather genuine girl.
Harry led her to a table in the back, and she took a seat. When he went to take the one opposite, she caught his wrist, and tugged.
"Sit by my side, not across from me." Her tone was imperious and demanding. She was his princess, after all.
Harry grinned at her, and took the seat right beside her. "Movie next, or do you fancy a walk?"
Pansy's nose wrinkled, and she gave a pointed glance to the street.
"Okay, no walks."
"It's too noisy." She complained, and rested her chin in her palm. "We'll have the treats, and we'll see a film. Something not too boring."
Harry snorted. "Believe me, you won't want to go to another play after you've watched a film. They're so much better."
"Oh? You've seen plays?" Pansy arched a brow, and leaned in closer.
"A few times."
Pansy burrowed into his warmth, the rainy, chilly and overcast day leaving her a little cold and lest she draw her wand in the Muggle world, he was all she had. "Remind me to bring charmed clothing on our next excursion."
Harry's arm went around her waist, and Pansy sighed contently. His chuckle saw her looking up, and their gazes met.
"Comfortable?"
Pansy's lips quirked up. "How couldn't I be?"
Harry was so wonderfully warm, and his scent was pleasant.
"You're so cute."
Pansy's heart fluttered, and a blush bloomed on her cheeks.
She didn't get the chance to respond before Ellie was setting a pair of glasses filled with thick, rich and creamy looking liquids, along with a plate holding two of each treat, on the table.
"Enjoy." Ellie said with a smile, and she went off.
"Go ahead, try the milkshake," Harry prompted.
She did... and Morgana, she saw the appeal. It was so rich and delicious, and the way it felt sliding down her throat was divine.
"Mm," she hummed.
"Like it?"
Pansy nodded, and picked up a cookie, and with a happy little bite, relaxed fully into Harry's side. This was the life she most definitely deserved.
"You didn't exaggerate," Pansy admitted. "The Muggle movie was far more enjoyable than the play I desired to take you to. It had the added benefit of having less pretentious witches and wizards about."
Harry snorted. "People don't usually speak in the theatre. They'd be shushed." He leaned in, and for a moment, so too did she.
And then she saw the piece of popped-corn — she thought that was what he'd asked for — he'd pulled from her hair.
It made her cheeks burn. "Thank you." Morgana, that was so embarrassing.
Harry snickered, and kissed her cheek before popping the little piece into his mouth.
Pansy's eyes upon seeing that went wide as dinner-plates. "Harry!" She slapped playfully at his chest. "That's filthy!"
He snickered and caught her arms, pulling her close and into an alcove; her cheeks coloured pinker still, just as they had when he'd pulled her to the far back of the theatre, at the raised section. She thought he'd snog her there, but he'd been the most frustratingly proper gentleman about things.
"You calling yourself filthy, Pans?"
She huffed and crossed her arms. "Not I, but that piece of food. Filthy."
Harry rolled his eyes, and kissed her forehead.
Pansy, feeling the warmth in her heart and stomach, smiled.
"Ready for the last stop of the evening?"
"I suppose," Pansy nodded, then, her inquisitiveness got the better of her. "Where else might you have in mind?
"My favourite spot," Harry tugged her along, his fingers laced with her own.
"Oh?" Pansy's interest was peaked. "Do tell, oh great and mighty Gryffindor."
Harry turned, and flashed a cheeky grin. "I'll show you instead."
Pansy huffed. "You're impossible."
"I prefer 'fun'."
She shook her head, and bit her lip to keep her laughter at bay as he lead her away. Pansy would never say as much aloud, but she was pleased as could be that he'd grown confident enough to kiss her when the urge took him, or to take hold of her hand and lead her 'round.
Her Harry was the greatest of wizards.
Pansy sighed as she laid atop the guest bed to the series of rooms Harry had been given. It was nearly as comfortable as her own, but unlike hers, it smelled of him.
She rolled over and snuggled into those still-warm sheets. He'd had his first night with her; Mother and Father minded not, and his guardians, after a brief discussion and a slip from hand to hand, were 'all-too-pleased' to see him gone to hers for a week. Harry had even told her that he had permission to stay with her for the whole duration of summer, but when she'd looked keen, he shook his head.
He didn't want to 'impose' as he'd said.
It was stupid. He should know by now that he was welcome.
"Pans?" Harry's voice, tired-sounding and husky, came from the loo; he looked as if he'd just had a wash. "G'morning."
She smiled and patted the bed. "Morning."
Harry took a seat at the foot of the bed, but when she pulled incessantly at his shirt, just as imperious as ever she was, he relented and climbed in beside her.
"Did you sleep well?"
Pansy rolled over, and cuddled close. "Wonderfully, thank you."
She was sure he didn't miss the hint of mischief in her voice.
"Something's on your mind," Harry murmured, his hand brushing her hair from her face.
"I wished to thank you. That trip we shared was far more fun than first I thought it'd be." Pansy's eyes began to flutter as his warmth and the softness of the bed grew too much for her. "It was... really, it was wonderful."
Harry's hand ran down her side, and Pansy shuddered. "No need to thank me. I just like seeing you smile."
Those words struck away that exhaustion, and saw her hold around him grow tighter.
What had she ever done to deserve him? Say what Mother and Father might about her blood and what it meant, Harry was genuinely the best wizard — the best boy — she'd ever met. None save for him deserved her.
"I'll need you to keep track of another reminder for me, if you might."
Harry let out the smallest of chuckles as his hand began to rub up and down her back. "Yeah?"
Pansy nodded against him, enjoying how soft his shirt was.
"What's that, then?" Harry prompted her.
"I need to spread word throughout all of Hogwarts that we're a very well-made couple."
That made him laugh openly this time. "Worried?"
Oh, he wishes to play?
"I suppose it might not be horrible if Draco or others think I'm avail—"
Harry hushed her with a kiss. One that was bold and saw her eyes close as she pressed impossibly closer.
When he pulled back, his voice, gruffer than usual, gave an answer. "I'll tell Lavender. All of Hogwarts should know within a day."
She was well aware of the other girl's mouth, and whilst oft that would prove annoying, Harry's words pleased her. They meant all would know they were firmly together, and actions would reinforce as much throughout the year — Morgana, Hogsmeade and meals with Harry, studying with him, all of it; Perfect.
Pansy swept across the carpeted floor of her bedroom, to the balcony as the morning's light poured through her window. It was a beautiful, cool and breezy day, and though a little rain was expected, Pansy found herself feeling cheerful. How couldn't she be with Harry's presence at her home, and the relative happiness her parents had as a result thereof? Married they mas as well be in her parents' eyes, that attitude let her act freely and affectionately with Harry to the content of her heart.
Maybe they thought if they didn't interfere, the pair would stay absolutely smitten with one another. Regardless of where they went as a couple, her parents would be fools to think she'd betray him.
She sighed, letting her worries melt away as she stretched. The sun bathed her, warming her despite the chilliness of the day.
Pansy summoned her robes, charmed as they were to keep her warm, when a gust of wind struck. That balcony door was closed shortly thereafter. Warmer now, she called to her house-elf for tea; there was nothing quite like a steaming, sugary cup of it to start the day.
The knock came when her breakfast tray did some few minutes later, and she was already seated at her vanity, a brush in hand, working through the tangles in her hair.
With a little happy look at herself in the mirror as she worked her hair, she called for Harry to enter. She'd already expected him to join her, hence the reasoning behind two plates and two cups of tea atop that aforementioned tray.
"Good morning," Harry greeted, his voice was a little rougher than usual, but that wasn't so unexpected. Wizards always sounded gruff early-on, and with Harry... it sounded very alluring.
"Good morning, Harry." Pansy's attention was pulled away from her reflection as he drew nearer, and her gaze shifted up and landed on him. Normal his nightwear may be, she couldn't help but let her eyes wander his person. "You slept in," she observed.
It wasn't teasing, for a change. It was oft him that woke far, far before she might.
His hair was mussed, and the wrinkles in his clothing were telling. "Fancied a lie-in. We were up late too. I'd have thought you'd still be asleep."
Pansy shrugged and set the brush aside as she rose to pull him back to the balcony she'd first sought out when she'd risen. "Join me for breakfast? We have a view of the pond and gardens from my room."
Harry's arm wound around her waist in a manner so familiar. It nearly made her swoon as much as his few simple words did. "I'd love to."
She couldn't resist, not with his arm around her, and his body pressed against her own. Leaning in, Pansy tilted her head, and placed a little kiss to the hollow of his neck. The little shudder it drew from him and the way his arm tightened around her... Pansy loved it.
"Your birthday rapidly approaches." Pansy saw to it that the tray was floating behind them, one arm and her eyes focused thereon.
But as Harry gave answer, he simply pointed a wand where her own was aimed, and took control from her. "A few days. I think I'll be here for it." The fact that he could speak with his eyes focused on hers as he did so didn't go unnoticed.
Pansy was impressed with him. In truth, she'd been impressed since before the first task of the tournament. He had so many rumours of feats that she now knew were true, he was the best, most powerful, and the most capable wizard of their year.
"Good." She nodded, and pulled him down into a chair, and then herself into his lap. "And thank you. You're ever the gentleman — tea?"
When he nodded, Pansy took one cup in hand and raised it to his lips.
Harry's hand covered her own, and a little smile appeared on his lips.
"Yes?"
"I can drink myself, you know."
Pansy arched a brow at him despite the colouring of her cheeks; she'd read of romantic scenes such as this, and Mother had made mention of them in her youth as well. "Indulge me?"
Harry swallowed. "Have to be mad if I didn't." He seemed just as shy as she did even despite all their cuddles and kisses in recent time.
Another endearing thing about him, that.
He took a long, slow sip, and Pansy couldn't help but smile, and lean in.
"Is it to your liking?"
"Very."
She didn't miss his gaze flickering to her lips.
"Would you care for a nibble of something?"
Harry nodded.
"The toast, then?" Pansy leaned over, her chest brushing his. "Or the bacon, perhaps?"
"Either sounds fine," he murmured, his gaze and mind focused on something else entirely; that redness of his cheek was so bright, it looked as if he were burned.
She imagined her own blush was somehow worse.
"Mm," She hummed, still confident on account of his own embarrassment. His lips were ever so inviting, and she found her free hand coming up to his cheek, the cup of tea lowering itself. "I agree."
Their lips met, and Pansy's eyes fluttered. It was always wonderful.
When she pulled back and grinned at him, he returned it with such a dorkish... charming, lopsided and adorable smile.
"Toast," Pansy said, and held it to his lips.
Harry snickered, but all the same he took a bite, and Pansy smiled.
After he swallowed, he held up his free hand to stop her from feeding him anymore. "Eat with me."
"You're the gu—"
He shook his head and with both hands shifting to her waist, shifted her around so that each could grab at the tray without difficulty. "I want to eat with you, not just have you feed me." Harry's arms secured themselves around her, and after those words, he leaned back in his seat. "Merlin. This has to be the best summer I've had."
"You've only been here two days." Pansy was smiling even as she playfully chastised him; surely he'd had better summers as a whole.
"And I've loved every minute." Harry gave a little gesture around the place, and then to her specifically. "I'm here at this place that's better than nearly everything in the Muggle world, with you, while you're feeding me breakfast in my lap."
"In that order, hm?"
Harry snickered. Maybe he was amused that's what she'd answered him with.
"You'd be first, second and third in that list," he replied, his words making her heart flutter and her stomach flip. "I can't ask for more."
Pansy cooed.
Witches would kill her if they knew how good Harry was. "Always know what to say, don't you, Boyfriend?"
He smirked.
She'd seen it a lot more often recently, and every single time she did, Pansy's stomach did little flips.
When his answer post-smirk was to lean forward, all thoughts or desire for answer were gone.
It was the thirty-first of July.
Harry's birthday. She'd known of it even back when they were enemies. Like most, she'd heard of him, read about him, and like many Pureblood witches, she'd thought about him. Many had crushed on him despite not knowing what he'd looked like. They'd only heard tell of a boy their age that'd somehow led to the destruction of the Dark Lord, and that was enough to have dozens of witches just like her dreaming about the day they'd meet.
Then his first year at Hogwarts rolled around, and suddenly everyone had an opinion of him.
Pansy, like others, had seen him a handful of times at the Gryffindor table, or when he'd come into the library, or when the train would take off and they'd see him and his friends standing around the carriages.
Her eyes would linger a little too long.
Then they were in classes together.
Draco hated him. He'd filled her ears about him, and Pansy had begun to think like him.
Harry was a brute. A liar. Someone not worth the dirt beneath her feet.
But then she'd learned Harry wasn't like that. Not remotely. Her cousins, the Carrows... somehow they'd known all along and gave her a few shoves so that she'd find out herself
Pansy shook her head as she gazed at herself in the mirror. Her beauty and dress this morn were beyond that of her norm. She'd gone well outside of her way to charm her hair straight and shiny, her makeup perfect, and her robes, whilst a little too short, were a gift from her mother for special occasions.
And today was special.
A small smile spread across her lips as she turned to the left, and the right, admiring herself.
That smile shrunk a smidge when she realised her parents would be home on the morrow. That meant her Harry wouldn't be hers alone, and undoubtedly, her parents would demand a few meals and events with him. Ah well, he'd not mind. He was sweet, and bothersome as they could be, she doubted they'd truly meddle all that much.
And she still had this whole day to herself. She could make the most of it.
With that thought, she exited her room and sought out Harry's.
Knocking, Pansy waited.
When no answer came, she frowned, but knocked again.
Silence.
Was he still asleep?
"Harry?"
Nothing.
She tested the door and, after making sure he wasn't starkers, entered. He was immediately noticeable atop his bed, under those soft, silky sheets.
Pansy tiptoed in, her eyes fixed on him, and as she grew nearer, she heard the faintest of snores. She'd been keeping him up late, night after night. He hadn't complained, but if he was this tired, maybe she'd call it a bit earlier this night... but with that as it was, Morgana, was it cute to see him fast asleep, his head on his pillow, and his lips parted; his hair looked the same as ever it did too, which wasn't too surprising.
"Harry?" She whispered, her hand gently shaking him. "Are you awake?"
A low groan escaped him.
Pansy leaned forward, a little smile on her face. "It's a wonderful day," she murmured, and kissed his cheek.
"Hmm..." His nose twitched.
"You should get up. There's breakfast to be had."
A little nod, and a shift under his sheets, and then he was facing her with those bright emerald eyes she adored. "You look brilliant." His eyes roved her.
A flush crept onto her cheeks, and a giggle escaped her. "Thank you," she darted in for a kiss. "And Happy Birthday, Harry — stay in bed, I'll get the tray for you."
Harry mumbled out something and pulled her closer as she whipped her wand to bring forth that tray of food. She giggled as she found herself falling onto the bed and under the sheets he'd opened. He'd seen her atop him, and a grin was spread across her face as a result of his warmth, and his affection
"Mm." He kissed her cheek, her jaw, and then her lips.
"You're more awake than I'd thought." Pansy prodded him. "Were you playing at sleep just so I'd enter?"
She knew that wasn't the case, but teasing him was always fun. Even if it were on his birthday.
Harry didn't sputter or react as she'd thought he might, instead, he stole another kiss as the food settled across his lap. "Believe me if I said this was the best birthday already too?"
Pansy snorted, and as she fixed with him a look of faux haughtiness, she raised a chocolate-dipped strawberry to his lips.
This time, she believed him.
Later that day, after food, time in the garden, time on the pond, and time atop her balcony, the pair found themselves sat atop a bench made from vines that still lived. They were curled and intertwined in a way that made them strong as any rope, and had a faint softness that felt just as pleasant as fabric.
Pansy, for her part, was leaning heavily into Harry as they read a slip of parchment from the Weasleys.
It was the first and only time one of their Owls had come to her family's home.
Harry had been as surprised as her, but the happiness that showed on his face upon its arrival showed how much it meant to him; the fact that Granger had signed it too made it better still.
"Please?" Harry pouted at her, but her Gryffindor hadn't had years of practice at pleading as she had. Morgana, Mother and Father had said she was meant for theatre.
"Sans our first year, I've never been back atop a broom, and I've no great urge to change that."
Harry let out a little laugh as he raised her head, gentle as could be. "I could fly slow, and if you'd want, I could cast a sticking charm on you."
The absurdity of his statement made her laugh. "I can just hold you and have you go slow."
"So that means you do want to?"
Pansy blinked at him. "I'm rubbing off on you." She prodded him in the chest. "If you let me fall, or if you drop me, I'll hex you until the end of Hogwarts — and I won't kiss you 'til then either."
That seemed to showcase both her dislike of flying, and her trust in him; those words, after all, were indicative of a person that'd agreed to do something they'd not otherwise have.
"Really? You'll actually fly? I was just teasing, if you don't wan—"
With a raise of her hand, she spoke over him; or, well, she tried. Her face was still partially buried in his chest, warm and comfy as could be. "You didn't make me do it. I'm not particularly fond of high places, but I don't fear them. So long as you're the one controlling the broom, I'll not complain."
Five minutes later, and with her arms wrapped around his midsection as Harry took to the sky, she'd begun to think back on those words... but she couldn't deny Harry. Not on his birthday, but more oft as of late, not at all. He'd found a way into her heart despite all the issues that'd first kept them apart, and now, there was no going back.
Harry shook her from such deep thoughts when he looked over his shoulder. They were only just above the pond, their feet practically skimming the water's surface.
"How are you doing?"
"Fine." She squeezed him a little tighter. "Just thinking."
Harry nodded and smiled, and as the broom rose a little higher, despite her words, Pansy felt the tension in her chest rise a little too. "What about?"
"You, and us."
Harry grinned at her, and Pansy returned it.
"You've changed my life," he told her, and a warm feeling flooded her.
"And you've changed mine." Pansy's arms tightened around his centre.
Harry looked so happy, it made her smile. "You look cute like that."
He rolled his eyes, but there was no denying the grin that appeared on his lips.
"Like what, exactly? Smiling at you?"
Pansy snorted. "No, not that. Flying. It reminds me of all your Quidditch victories. More, even."
"Always watched me even before, did you?" Harry snorted. He didn't seem to believe the thought.
So Pansy confirmed it for him. "Yes."
He blinked, and then they dipped.
Her feet didn't quite get wet, but Harry's most certainly did.
"Sorry." He chuckled and flew a little higher. "Didn't expect you to agree."
"You're so cute when you're surprised." She was feeling bold. Just as she'd rubbed off on him, he'd done the same to her; she'd never had said such words if he hadn't.
Harry looked ahead of them again, but not before she took note of the faint redness to his cheeks. "C'mon." He sped up, just a tad, and her grip tightened on him.
"Careful," she murmured into his back.
"Don't worry, you're safe with me."
Pansy sighed and pressed her forehead to his back.
He was right. And he was warm.
She turned to press the other side of her face to his back, and that was when she saw it.
The sunset.
They were high enough, and the air was clear. So much so that they had a near-unhindered view of it.
"Harry..."
He turned his head to look at it. "Oh, wow."
Pansy could barely tear her gaze from it. The colours were stunning. Reds, oranges and yellows, all bleeding into one another like watercolour.
"Do you see this often?" Harry asked.
"No, I'm usually inside. It's lovely."
Harry hummed. "You're lovely."
She sagged into him. Flattery would get him everywhere, not that she'd say as much aloud.
"Did you enjoy your birthday? Truly?" She asked the question both so that she could gain control of that blush that'd persisted for much of the time in his presence, and to tell if she'd done a good job.
It was only food, trinkets and seeing that he was pleased throughout the day thus far. She'd opted to save the gifts for last, but still ,she wished to know if it was a boring day, or one he'd not soon forget.
Harry huffed. "You asked me while I couldn't give you a kiss."
"Maybe." Pansy knew how he'd have answered if he had it his way, but she desired words this time around; kisses could come after presents.
Harry gave her a little pout, then he saw them shoot past her balcony with more speed than they'd yet used. As he took them there past, he gave his answer. "Told you in the morning, didn't I?" He slowed down and began to descend towards the water again, these next words far easier for her to hear. "This was the best one yet."
Pansy beamed and squeezed him tightly, not caring for the little dip they made as a result.
He was a sweetheart.
Pansy beamed at the paper that she'd deposited atop her desk. She had been made the female prefect for her year, and whilst it was unfortunate that she'd need share responsibilities with Draco, there was a silver-lining, so to say. Harry, with his marks and his showing last year, had been made the Gryffindor prefect of their year. Granger had to be the other, naturally.
"Prefect." Harry wrapped an arm around her as he let fall the piece of parchment he'd picked up. "We'll get to spend loads of time together."
"Mhm." She nodded and snuggled into him. "We will. The Prefects bath, the dorm, the corridors. We can meet every day and spend time together."
He seemed just as happy as she was... until he sighed. "Merlin, this week went by way too fast. Already my last night here with you."
Pansy scrunched up her face, and pushed further back into the warmth that was his chest. "I know, but we can write. Every day if you want. Maybe I'll even steal you from your Muggle family before summer's up."
Harry's face lit up at the suggestion, and a small smile crept onto her own. "Steal me, yeah?"
Ever the quintessential Princess that she was, Pansy tilted her head back so that she could pepper kisses along his jawline. In-between them, she gave her answer. "Why wouldn't I?"
Harry gave a snicker, and leaned down.
When he pressed his lips to hers, one hand ghosting over her neck, she shivered, and her lips parted.
They'd shared kisses before. Dozens, if not more. But something about this one made her melt into him, and with each passing moment, she wanted more.
She pulled him down, closer, and a hand slid into his hair, pulling it just hard enough to draw a soft groan from his throat.
Smiling to herself, Pansy resolved to have quite the snog on Harry's last night at her home.
They each deserved as much.
Pansy pouted at Harry.
He was due 'home' with his family in nary an hour's time. Neither wished to see him go, hence why they delayed in the all-but-empty Muggle park. It was a touch too... well, Muggle, for her liking. There were homes that seemed fine-enough, but there was trash that littered the grounds too, and the stink of something unfamiliar, mayhaps like oil from burning lamps in a very vague sense, from those machines that went by.
She sighed, and that drew the attention of her Harry.
He raised his brows, and then he took a step forward. "One more for the road?"
Pansy grinned at the idea, and with that grin, she darted forward and leapt into his arms.
She felt a pair of arms wrap around her as she held onto his shoulders and squeezed.
"I'm going to miss you, Pansy," he whispered, and as she heard the words, she shivered, and clung tighter.
"And I, you," she told him, and she meant it; lest her sadness grow stronger, she gave a little swipe of her hand in the direction of a nearby seat. Old-looking as it was, Pansy'd find peace near the beds of flowers and pools of water from a recent rainstorm. "Sit with me atop the bench? I'd like your lap."
A huff came from Harry, but when she raised her head, she found that he was smiling. "Alright." He leaned down, and stole a quick kiss before he set her on her feet and took her hand.
"Thank you." Pansy's fingers slipped between his, and she gave a firm squeeze as they walked.
"You don't need to thank me, you know," Harry said, a bit of amusement in his tone. "Reckon I'm wrapped around your finger already.
"Mm." She pursed her lips and hummed. "So you're saying you'll come when I call, no matter what?"
Harry gave her a little smirk, and when they were sat, and her legs were atop his lap, he began to rub the small of her back. "Pretty much."
"What if I want you for all of next summer? Or longer." She was pouting now, but that was more because she was trying to fight back a smile as she played with him.
Harry didn't try at all, and a full-blown grin spread across his face. "Then I'm yours 'til the end of summer."
"Good." Pansy beamed, and her free hand slid up his chest. "And the summer after that?"
"And the one after that," Harry agreed.
Pansy was about to continue this game of words, but then, a chill ran down her spine. One that sliced through the heating charms and the heat of his body, and caused a shiver to run through her.
Harry frowned and pulled her a little closer, but he didn't ask her what was wrong.
Instead, he turned his head and looked towards the entrance.
He'd sensed it too.
"Harry," Pansy whispered.
He squeezed her hand.
"I'm here." He shifted so that she could see his other arm better, and that was when she realised the wand that he'd had hidden beneath his jacket was out.
When she saw as much, she produced her own. There was a certain fearfulness in her, but the fact that he was there helped a great deal.
"If anything happens," he murmured. "Shield yourself and run. Got it?"
Pansy frowned and turned to glare at him, but a soft look from him made her pause. "Promise me." His voice was soft, and yet, insistent.
She couldn't give her response, not that she'd have given one he desired, before a figure appeared from betwixt a series of trees. Misty as it was, and evening-time no less, the sheer freezing cold gave way to what it was that confronted them; a Dementor. Pansy could scarcely believe her eyes.
Then the feelings came forth from the creature. It was the sort of dread that made her feel as though she were being dunked into icy-water. The cold of a winter's morning. The kind that seeped into her bones and left her shivering.
Her teeth clattered, and as she felt the urge to flee, to do as Harry had told her, and run, a strong set of arms wrapped around her, and pulled her close. Pansy's eyes snapped to him, away from the Dementor as it drifted nearer, the soulless, evil creature.
Harry's arm was shaking, she noticed, and the way his jaw was locked suggested he was having difficulty keeping a hold on his emotions.
"Expecto Patronum!"
With a wave of his wand, a silvery-white light shot forth, and it collided with the Dementor, forcing it back.
Pansy stared, wide-eyed, as the Dementor was blown away, the force of the Patronus sending it into the nearby trees, shattering branches as it flew back and away. His power was even greater than she'd tho— Pansy grabbed him and with a flick of her wand, saw the pair of them sent backwards a dozen metres; he cast a charm to stop their fall from hurting, but even as they landed, she was casting her own, and the world spun as those feelings grew worse.
But she'd gotten them away from the second dementor that'd taken advantage of the first's misfortune, and that was all she'd needed to do, for Harry then took over again.
That Patronus, shaped, strong and beautiful in a way magic seldom was, barrelled into the second Dementor.
"You okay?" Harry called out to her as soon as the creature was far away and fleeing, his hands holding onto her shoulders, his eyes searching her own.
Pansy nodded, and she reached out and touched him. She just needed a touch, to ground herself, and to know he was there.
"Yes," she mumbled, and his eyes searched her face.
"Are you sure?" Harry was looking her over now, and she had no doubt that his Auror-in-training senses were coming to light, even if his instincts weren't.
"Yes," Pansy mumbled, then she folded her arms. "It's not safe here for us. For you. We're returning to my home — I need to tell Mother and Father, and—"
Harry grabbed her hand and squeezed.
"Okay." He gave her a nod. "Let's go."
She hadn't expected him to agree so readily, but she couldn't complain.
They needed to be safe; somebody, or something, wanted her Harry.
Pansy wouldn't let them take him.
Back home after an evening that went not even remotely close to how it was meant to, Pansy wrapped herself around Harry under a myriad of sheets; warm as she was, the memories of the cold and emptiness the Dementors had brought forth left her yearning for him, his warmth, and the knowledge that he was there.
"Harry..." Pansy's arms were wrapped around his chest.
"Hmm?"
Pansy burrowed closer. "Thank you. I know you'll tell me I needn't say it, but if you hadn't been there..."
Harry squeezed her, and then he leaned down and pressed his lips to the top of her head. "You'd have gotten away fine," he whispered, and despite his attempt to assure her, Pansy wasn't having any of it.
"No, Harry." She shook her head, and her cheek slid over his bare skin, the smoothness a pleasant feeling. "I'd have fled, but I'd have frozen up once away from you."
Pansy knew it to be true. Those feelings were the most unnatural, dreadful, and evil thing she'd felt in her life, and she was no coward.
"Maybe, maybe not. All I know is that you were in danger." He gave her a look. "My duty as a boyfriend, I guess."
"Teach me?" Pansy peered up at him.
"Anything." Harry's arms grew tighter around her, seemingly more possessive; maybe he was worrying over her after the day's excitement.
She knew she was still pretty out of it, and no amount of tea or time in a hot bath had fixed that; Morgana, they'd gotten so close.
Pansy made to speak again, but then, a knock came at her door.
"Who is it?"
Her Mother answered. Not in the sweet, soft tone she was used to either — that meant the house-elf she'd sent for them whilst they'd been out for business had stressed just how important it was.
Good.
Pansy wiggled away from Harry lest her mother think them a touch too improper, and with no small amount of reluctance, rose from her bed and threw a dressing-gown over her nightdress.
"Come in," Pansy said, and then the door opened; oops.
She thought she'd locked it.
Pansy watched her Mother as the woman approached. Her gaze went to Harry, and Pansy was about to ask her if it were wise for him to be there when her Mother gave a small, knowing smile.
"I trust the pair of you are quite alright?"
Pansy blinked. "Yes, Mother." Try as she might, she couldn't keep her cheeks from turning a rosy-pink.
"Splendid." Mother clasped her hands together as her eyes, so much like Pansy's own, sought out Harry; she feared words or a remark might be made, but that wasn't the case. "Thank you, Harry. Our daughter's very dear to us, and you standing before her against Dementors... it won't be forgotten."
"You're welcome," Harry said. He sounded a touch unsure, but the words were there. "I just did what any boyfriend would."
Pansy felt her heart flutter.
Her Mother, however, smiled. "Any?" The older woman's gaze went to Pansy, a knowing gleam in it. "The pair of you are both to stay here. It isn't safe. We'll see the matter settled."
That was all that was said, and then, with a lingering glance betwixt the two — and an openly amused smile — Mother left the room as quickly as she'd entered.
Pansy sought out Harry's side once more, and without delay, as soon as the door was closed.