And Then He Was Gone

And Then He Was Gone

"Sometimes the answer is to hold onto what love has given you, sometimes the only course is to let it go."

"You can't live off something you never had."

Saturday, October 31^st (1 year and 3 ½ months later)

The scene was beautiful; perfect for a wedding. White lilies branched down the rows of benches and adorned the stage. The weather was its absolute warmest for fall and the trees were beautiful shades of everlasting colors. Pansy stood next to Hermione, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Today her two friends were getting married, and it would only be a matter of time before Ron and Hermione would follow.

She turned and smiled at Harry, who was grinning like mad. He met her eyes and smiled gently back at her, winking. She laughed and shook her head; boys are all the same. Turning to look down the isle she saw Ginny had already begun walking down it. Pansy watched the whole ceremony smiling, never regretting that she would probably never do this.

**********

The reception was lively; full of laughing and happiness. It seemed nearly everyone had turned out for the wedding. And for the first time in months, Pansy decided she wouldn't be anywhere else. Fred and George had already dragged her onto the floor for a dance after consent from their wives. Since then though, Pansy had been recovering in the shaded corner at a table.

It still amazed her how in love Ginny and Harry could be. When Pansy looked at them she never wished for the same thing anymore, she had already accepted what had happened to long ago. Every night, before she closed her eyes, Pansy smiled; it wasn't meant to be. And since Pansy had realized that she hasn't regretted it. She hadn't seen Draco Malfoy since that day either. Some people heard that he was working in America as an Auror for their ministry, but who knows. And frankly, Pansy didn't really care.

Glancing around at the crowd Pansy noticed a blonde head that particularly stuck out. Standing up from the table she made her way toward it. When she got close enough she realized her accusations had been right; Draco Malfoy. Without seeing her he turned and headed toward the door, Pansy following him. Putting his hand on the door he felt a presence behind him and turned knowingly.

"Parkinson," he said smirking.

"Malfoy," she nodded in acknowledgement.

"Let's go outside," he said leading her out the doors. Once they were outside the doors she turned to him.

"How have you been?" she asked calmly.

"I'm doing rather well," he said. "And you?"

"Fine," she said. "I didn't know you were coming."

"I didn't either, until this morning," he admitted.

"Well, it's good to see you again," she said.

"Yea, it's good to see you too, Parkinson." Closing the distance between them he placed his lips to hers, but only briefly. Pulling away he whispered, "I love you, Pansy; I always will." She nodded as he pulled back from her and made his way down the stairs. She watched him, her mind racing. He kept on walking and the darkness began swallowing him. Smiling faintly she turned to go back inside, knowing she couldn't undo what had to be done. It wasn't mean to be, she thought. Putting her hand on the door she turned around once more. There he was, glancing back at her, nearly gone now. He turned around and kept on walking, and then he was gone.