However Far Away - Part II of Romance, Slytherin Style

Romance, Slytherin Style - A Trilogy

However Far Away - Part II
Chapter Five

by Sea Isle Witch

After their surreal love making, Pansy woke next to Draco at sunset. He looks so innocent when he's asleep. In contrast, she could see his left forearm, where the Dark Mark was seared into his flesh. It was pale, hardly noticeable, but the significance of it loomed like a brewing storm. Draco is in danger. The cruel reality made Pansy's heart ache. He's safe here with me right now. I have to think of something to keep him out of harm's way...

Draco stirred.

She leaned over him, pushed his silky hair back and delicately kissed his forehead.

He opened his eyes and smiled. "Pansy."

"Draco, I want us to go far away."

He turned on his side to face her. "I thought about it that night, while we were standing by the lake. I wondered if you would go with me, but I didn't think you would after I told you the truth," he confessed, trying to gauge her reaction. He constantly thought about running away, but he needed a solid plan and her by his side. "I also thought your parents would have something to say about it."

"They would have indeed; however, I am of age, and I can make my own decisions." She wasn't going to rule anything out at this point. "Draco, we were interrupted by Professor Snape, so we never had a chance to talk about our options, and then you were gone until last night. We must talk this time." She paused and caressed his face.

Draco knew she was right. He wanted to talk to her; he had always relied on her opinions and advice, but knew it would be dangerous for her to know anything about his activities.

"You did the right thing by telling me the truth that night. The only chance we have is if we can be honest with one another. We get into trouble when you try to keep something from me."

"I would tell you what you want to know, if there was no chance you'd be hurt by knowing. I don't want to keep things from you, Pansy. We've always been able to talk, you know that." He gently touched her cheek.

"That's why last year was so hurtful, Draco. You didn't confide in me at the very time you should have." She looked into his eyes as she spoke, trying to get through to him.

"I didn't want to bring you into my nightmare." Draco ran his hand idly along her side. "But here you are." This is exactly what I promised myself I wouldn't do. I have to keep her safe.

"The whole time you've been gone, I've been terrified for you. I could hardly eat or sleep. You were always in my thoughts." Pansy kissed him firmly on the lips. "Every night, I looked at the stars wondering if you could see them too."

"I could, and I was thinking of you." Draco kissed her passionately, and then said, "The only thing that kept me going was my hope that you were still waiting for me, Pansy." If she only knew how much I ached for her.

"Draco, last night...seeing you...after all those months..." Pansy said as she kissed him feverishly, remembering that emotional moment. I'm not going to cry. I'm going to kiss him, so it won't hurt anymore.

He ran his hands over her smooth skin, matching her kisses with the same intensity. She makes me feel incredibly loved. She makes all the pain go away.

"I can't do without you," she told him in between kisses. She closed her eyes and pressed her body as close as she could, needing to feel his warm skin against hers.

"Pansy, I don't know what's going to happen." Everything has to work out. I have to be free so we can be together. He rubbed her back as she pressed against him. "I'm going to find a way."

"Draco, I love you so much. We must be together." She ran her hands through his hair and then touched his neck, shoulders and back. He feels so strong, so masculine.

"When I saw you last night..." Draco whispered, remembering the overwhelming emotions that erupted when he had seen her walk into the common room with the Ravenclaw. For a moment he thought she had moved on, and he didn't know how he would survive. Then when she walked away from the wizard and said goodnight from across the room, he knew he still a chance with her. He had watched her looking at the photographs of their times together at school, but when she had started to cry, he could wait no longer.

Draco looked into Pansy's eyes. "I knew right then... I need you with me, always."

"Always," she repeated, holding onto him tightly.

"Pansy, I love you," he said, kissing her neck and stroking her body with his capable hands. "I need you right now. I need your body. I need your kisses. I need all of your love."

"I need you too, Draco. I do. Very much. But...I think...we might need...to wait...for a bit," she whispered timidly.

"Wait? Why?" He searched her face for the answer, his hands frozen at her waist. A dark thought crossed his mind. "I haven't...hurt you, have I?" If I've hurt her...

"Of course not!" Pansy quickly told him. He'd never hurt me! "You should know that, considering our...connection." She kissed him delicately.

Why does she want to wait? I need her right now. "Pansy?"

"A Witch's Guide to Love states that it's wise to...pace yourself."

Draco looked at her quizzically.

I have to remind him. Pansy sighed. This is rather embarrassing. "Draco, I was a virgin."

Oh! Draco sighed with relief. "Pansy, my lovely witch, you were an innocent, pure-blood virgin, but I took care of that." He smirked, biting his bottom lip. "I've been very gentle, haven't I?"

I love it when he bites his lip. "Yes, very loving and very gentle."

"I'm always going to give you what you need, the way you need it," Draco said, touching her cheek.

Oh my! Pansy's eyes widened.

"Will you let me know when I can enjoy your beautiful body again?" I'm going to make love to you as much as you will let me.

"Of course, Draco. Thank you for understanding."

Hmmm... I am understanding. I surprise myself when I'm with her.

"Do you think it will be as intense between us every time?" she asked.

"Do you mean when I'm making love to you?" he asked, resuming his stroking of her body. I wonder how long she expects me to wait.

Pansy nodded, blushing a tiny bit. He's going to be difficult to hold off. We do need to wait for a while longer, and I need to drink more of that witches' restorative potion first, but I don't want him to see me and start asking embarrassing questions.

"There's only one way to find out," he said, rubbing her hips, thighs and bum. "Mmmm... You are so luscious, Pansy. You will let me know when, as soon as we can, won't you?" Draco raised his eyebrows. I can wait for a bit. She has to know how much I need her. She won't make me wait for long. She needs me too.

"Yes, I'll let you know," she managed to say, trying to stand firm, but falling under his spell.

She stroked his forehead, the way he liked it. This always seems to calm him. She looked at his face; his eyes were closed, and he had a smile on his lips. I love him so much! They laid together in each others arms, deep in thought, as the last of the sun's light faded.

~ * ~

Think, Pansy, think. There has to be something. We could go to France or Italy to be near my brothers. Oh, but if the Death Eaters found out, my nieces and nephews might be in jeopardy. I can't risk that, so we'd have to go somewhere else, but where?

Hmmm... Maybe I can just go to Gringotts and clean out the vaults. Pansy and I can travel to some exotic land and live like royalty. But what about Mother? And Father? Mother would never leave without Father, so they would be murdered. I'd have to figure out how to bring them with us.

A secret diary! Draco could write down what I want to know, and no one else could see it. Then I'd know more about the situation, and I could help devise a way out. No, that really doesn't solve our problem. Someone could still try to get into my mind.

Perhaps we could fake our own deaths, like Dumbledore said that night. But then we couldn't see our families, and I wouldn't get my inheritance, so we'd have nothing to live on. Definitely not an option! We aren't going to live like peasants! Pansy wouldn't like that at all!

We could use a Pensieve! Draco could tell me his story, and then after we discuss it, we could store our memories. Maybe that could work, but I don't know where to get a Pensieve right now, or how to use one, really.

Damn! I want the life I expected to have! I want her by my side--or under me, or on top. Mmmm... Stop it! She needs to rest that lovely body of hers.

Oh! I know!

"Draco, I just thought of something that might help us," she whispered excitedly.

"Tell me."

Pansy sat up, pulling the linens around her, against the slight chill. She magically lit the room with candles.

"When I was a child, one of my favourite stories was called Gwyneth, the Sorceress of Heartingber Glen. She and her Wizard prince, Sighard, formed a magical bond that they used to protect their secret love. I think we might be able to have something like that too, now that we're betrothed."

He rested his head on her lap and looked up at her adoringly. "That's a faerie tale, Pansy." He kissed her hand and held it over his heart. She is so innocent!

"Actually, it's not. What most people don't know is that the story is based on a real witch and wizard, and real magic too."

"Hmmm... Tell me more," he said, watching her pink lips as she spoke.

She had his full attention, so she began stroking his forehead again. "Sighard needed to keep his love for Gwyneth a secret from his evil uncle, the Wizard King of Thorn--Thornteningber. She needed to keep their secret love from her father, the Sorcerer of Heartingber Glen--not to be confused with the Sorcerer of Slytherin," Pansy said with a smile, running her hand across his cheek.

Draco grinned, thinking of their earlier provocative repartee.

"Well, the two kingdoms were warring, so the lovers performed a magical rite that allowed them to be secretly together. Nobody knew, not the suspicious Wizard king who used truth potions on the prince, or her Sorcerer father who was able to do something else to test for betrayal--I don't remember what, exactly. Eventually the Wizard King and the Sorcerer died in a duel. Gwyneth and Sighard were able to marry, uniting their kingdoms in peace."

"How did that spell work?" he asked from his comfortable position.

"I think the couple's thoughts of each other could not be taken by force. In the story, Sighard's uncle, the Wizard King, would sneak potions into his drinks and then ask all sorts of questions; but Sighard was not compelled to answer anything about her--not even under the influence of a truth potion."

He sat up next to her. "It sounds intriguing. A spell like that might work for us, if it covers Legilimency. That's our biggest worry." He looked at her face, so full of hope. "Pansy, even if we knew such magic, there are still things that I don't want you to know." I won't tell you about the horrors I've witnessed. He rubbed his left forearm self-consciously.

"Draco, I want us to be able to talk freely, so we can discuss our options. Let's at least see if we can find a spell to help us."

"Do you have a plan, my clever witch?" He kissed her bare shoulder.

"Of course. I am a Slytherin." She winked.

"Let's hear it then, Sorceress of Slytherin," he teased her. She definitely merits that title.

Pansy beamed. She had always thought of herself as such when she planned something particularly clever and cunning. "There are some spell books that deal with magic for love in the library. I remember some of the witches looking at them to see if they could brew love potions and other such nonsense."

"Love potions! Who'd be desperate enough to use a love potion? Some Mudblood, I suppose."

"Draco! I'm talking about something important, and you want to know about love potions?" Pansy sighed. "You aren't taking this seriously. And yes, I remember a few years back a Ravenclaw witch tried to use one to bewitch some wizard in Hufflepuff. We can talk about that some other time," she said dismissively.

Wisely, Draco didn't say anything. I'm not going to risk her getting upset with me again.

"There may be a secrecy spell in one of those books. I'll say I'm studying for N.E.W.T.s, so I can bring it back if I find something." Pansy pulled the covers back, exposing her nude body. "I'll return as soon as I can."

~*~

Draco held on to her, so she couldn't get up. "No, our time is too precious," he said, pulling her back against his chest and covering her up again. He proceeded to stroke her hair. She always smells so wonderful.

Pansy sighed. He's a bit possessive, but I'm happy to be the witch he wants. I'd much rather lounge around here with him, instead of searching through dusty old books in the library, but I do need to find a spell to help us. He knows that. "Draco?"

"I'm thinking. Just let me hold you a bit longer." If I let her get out of bed, it might be a while before I can get her back into it with me. Who knows how long she will be at the library? I don't want her to be away from me at all. After a few minutes of caressing her, Draco climbed out of bed and handed Pansy her witch's robe. He pulled on his trousers.

"Draco, the corridors will be busy; it's just about dinnertime. I don't think we can risk you coming with me," she said, tying the ribbon lacing of her witch's robe.

"Dobby can get the books. That's what bloody elves are for," Draco said, buttoning his shirt. "All dressed?" He glanced at her. "So beautiful."

Pansy smiled at him. He makes me feel beautiful.

"Advoco Elfin Familiaris Dobby!"

Dobby appeared before them, obviously angry. "You is bothering Dobby! I do not work for you, Master Malfoy!"

Draco gave the elf a look of contempt.

"Dobby, he called you for me because I need your help. Will you help me?" Pansy asked sweetly.

"Oh, yes, Miss Pansy! You are kind to house-elves. Dobby will help you." He bounced eagerly, and his many hats wobbled on his head.

Draco rolled his eyes.

"I'm still feeling a bit ill, Dobby. I'm not well enough to leave my room for very long. Draco has to stay here and care for me, so I need you to do something very important," she said.

The elf was bursting at the seams. "Anything! I will help you, Miss!"

She smiled, knowing exactly what house-elves like to hear. "I need a book from the library, but I'm not sure which one. If you can get these, it would be very useful," Pansy said, writing down the few titles she could remember and then handing him the list. "They will be grouped together in the Restricted Section. You should bring any similar books as well, as many as you can manage."

"Dobby can do it!" squeaked the elf.

"Dobby, you cannot let anyone know what you are doing," Pansy cautioned him. "I do not want you in trouble for helping with my N.E.W.T. studies."

"Dobby will be careful!" he said, and then vanished.

She does have a way with these filthy creatures, thought Draco, much like Mother does. That will be useful when we have our own elves to deal with.

While Dobby was on his errand, Draco and Pansy took advantage of the empty dinnertime dormitories to visit the washrooms to freshen up and change their clothing. She was also able to take a measure of the potion in private.

When Pansy returned, she was a vision in a flowing, celadon silk witch's robe. The fitted bodice was delicately trimmed in embroidery, as were the off-the-shoulder bell sleeves. She wore matching slippers, and her pendant was prominently displayed on her bare skin.

"You look amazing," Draco said, catching his breath when he saw her. She looks so powerful and sexy in her revealing witch's robes. I hope she doesn't make me wait much longer.

"I'm glad you approve," she said, smiling. She believed in being prepared for any situation, and the robes she had the foresight to bring from home, just in case, had the desired effect on Draco. I remember how he stared at me when I wore my summer robes at home.

"Your pure-blood heritage is unmistakable when you wear proper robes. I prefer things that way." Draco took her hand and kissed it. "You are my pure-blood princess."

Pansy smiled her beautiful, sexy smile. His pure-blood princess. I like the sound of that.

"You look so sexy. I want you," he blurted out, pulling her close. Damn! I'm supposed to wait.

"Draco..."

Dobby suddenly reappeared interrupting their conversation. The elf levitated a large pile of books on top of Pansy's school trunk.

"These look right," Pansy said, looking through a few of the titles. "You have done very well, Dobby. There's one more little thing. Fefnir needs to go outside for a little while."

"Dobby is honoured to care for the Cruppy!" he said excitedly. "But first Dobby will bring dinner. Madam Pomfrey said you is needing to eat, Miss Pansy."

"That would be fantastic, Dobby. I'm simply famished. Can I still count on your discretion? My visitor must remain a secret," said Pansy, emphasising her request with her finger to her lips.

"Yes, Miss. Dobby is a free house-elf," he said, scowling at Draco, who ignored him. "Free to decide what Dobby will do and say. I will not tell your secret."

"You are truly an extraordinary house-elf," Pansy praised again. He's quite a little character, but he's under my spell now.

Dobby vanished.

Draco stepped behind her and wrapped her in his arms. "You're positively enchanting in your witch's robes. Always dress this way for me, only me," he whispered in her ear. "When you decide to get back into bed with me, I promise you will like what I'm going to do to you."

Pansy closed her eyes and melted into his arms. I'm powerless to his charms.

He could feel her relaxing against him. Maybe she will let me now...

~*~

Just then Dobby popped back into the room with their Sunday dinner. He went about arranging a small feast on Pansy's study table, including a small vase of flowers and a few candles.

Interrupted again by that blasted elf! The food smells good though. I didn't realise how hungry I was. Pansy needs to eat too.

"Very good, Dobby," she said, nodding in approval.

Dobby bowed deeply before Pansy.

"Fefnir, have fun," Pansy said, handing him to to the elf. Fefnir immediately licked Dobby's face, and the elf's ears wiggled. "Dobby, just bring him back after dinner."

"Dobby will!" the elf said. Glaring at Draco, he vanished with Fefnir and the yellow ball.

After seating Pansy, Draco sat down and poured two goblets of pumpkin juice. Leaning back in his chair, he gazed at her intensely. I have to do this properly. I want her to remember, so I can't mess up.

He's staring at me again. He must like looking at me. What can he be thinking? "Draco?" she prompted.

He hesitated. What if she thinks this is silly? No, witches love this sort of thing.

Well, at least I know he thinks I look beautiful, since he's determined to stare at me.

"You have captured my heart, Pansy," said Draco, picking up his goblet.

Oh, this is a good start! she thought, smiling encouragingly.

"We've grown up together, fallen in love and we are now betrothed, just as we should be." He paused to see her reaction. She likes this!

Pansy looked at him wide-eyed with a huge smile on her face. It's a betrothal toast! He's so much more romantic than I had ever thought he was.

"You are my perfect match. I will always treasure you, Pansy, just as I do now." He took a drink from his goblet. Moving closer, Draco titled her chin slightly and kissed her tenderly. I'm sure she liked that.

I love him so much! "Thank you, Draco. That was absolutely wonderful," she said, gazing into his eyes. "I will never forget this moment, my Wizard prince."

Draco smiled. He had always thought of himself as a prince. "We should be preparing to announce our engagement, with our parents, to Wizarding society at a ball at Malfoy Manor," he said, holding her hand, "but to tell you the truth, I like that it's just the two of us tonight." He kissed her hand.

"This is perfectly romantic, Draco. The best part is that I don't have to share my handsome fiance with anyone else," she said, smiling and holding his hand to the pendant resting over her heart. "There will be a lavish engagement party when the time is right, but for the moment this is our precious secret."

Draco and Pansy enjoyed their dinner of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, fresh peas and carrots, and roasted rosemary potatoes. As they ate they talked about the happy time they spent at her family's estate that summer. They discussed, at length, her expert riding talent and his extraordinary Quidditch skills, the sorts of things they used to talk about.

"Mother was against my returning to Hogwarts this term. She actually offered to tutor me at home! Can you imagine?" Pansy said, rolling her eyes.

"Pansy, I want you to be safe. If things get dangerous, that's a good option."

"No! I sat around there all summer being safe. If Mother tutored me, she'd know my answers before I could say them," Pansy said, shaking her head. "Mother also tried to convince me to attend Beauxbatons this year. I told her I wouldn't go. I wasn't going to leave England not knowing where you were! Besides, I wanted to finish at Hogwarts, even though I didn't know what to expect this year."

"Where did you sit on the train?"

"In our compartment."

"With who?" Don't let it be that Ravenclaw.

"Just me," she admitted.

"I would have given anything to be there with you."

"I would have liked nothing more," she said, remembering how alone she felt that day. "There are less than half of the usual amounts of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws, even fewer Hufflepuffs and not that many of us Slytherins at all. Sitting in the Great Hall with no Slytherin sixth or seventh years, except for Millie, is difficult for me."

Draco felt a pang of guilt. I'm responsible for this. I let the Death Eaters in.

"All of our N.E.W.T. classes are combined, of course. There are so few students that I've actually had to partner with someone from another House on occasion. I mostly choose the Ravenclaws; there are a few that are acceptable. Oh, before you ask, Potter, Granger and Weasley are not here this year. That makes classes almost bearable."

She chooses the Ravenclaws? Hmmm... That Entwhistle bloke is in Ravenclaw. He's probably in every one of her classes. He was in Potions and a few others with us last year. I imagine he finds all sorts of excuses to talk to her and sit by her. I'd wager he's always borrowing notes and popping up wherever she is. I need to talk to Pansy about him, but not now.

Wanting to change the subject, Draco said, "It looks like your appetite is back, Pansy." Her plate was almost empty.

"That's because you're here with me," she said, holding his hand. "I'm feeling hopeful about finding a spell that can help us, Draco, and, well..." she paused and smiled slyly, "what we've been doing makes me quite hungry."

He rubbed her arm. "I love what we've been doing," he said, reflecting on the amazing pleasures they've shared. "Something sweet?" Draco fed her a bit of the chocolate gateau. "Do you like it?"

"Mmmm... It's very rich," Pansy said, pouring the tea. She made Draco's the way he liked it, with just a drop of milk.

He noticed and gave her a satisfied smile, as she passed the cup. She always remembers what I like.

~*~

Dobby soon reappeared with Fefnir, who had clearly enjoyed his time with the elf. "Dobby fed the Cruppy!"

"Thank you, Dobby. You may visit Fefnir when I'm in class, if you wish."

"Oh, Dobby will wish it!"

"Dobby, I will need you to return the books later. Draco will call you when I'm finished with them."

"Yes, Miss Pansy." Dobby magicked the dishes away and then vanished.

They had fun playing with Fefnir for a little while, and then he curled up in his basket. Draco brought over the spell books, and they sat side-by-side at the study table. He put his arm on the back of her chair and rubbed her side, as they flipped through the pages of the old books.

It feels right to have him here with me. This is how it should have been all year, studying together for our N.E.W.T.s. He's been cheated out of the life he's entitled to. He's had to sacrifice so much and has gained nothing useful in return. He's matured tremendously, thank Merlin for that, but at what cost?

I miss studying with her like this. If only things were different. Draco looked at Pansy sadly. He didn't know what was in store for them, but knew she deserved much better than being a Death Eater's fiancee. Have I done the wrong thing? Perhaps I should have stayed away until everything was resolved, but then that Ravenclaw would have taken advantage of her in such a vulnerable state. No, I came at the right time. We are meant to be together; she even said it. She will wait for me now that we're engaged.

Draco picked up a book entitled Love Potions. "Pansy, I can brew up a love potion, if you'd like it," he teased.

"Very funny, Draco. Try this," she said, handing him Love Spells and Incantations. "I'll look at this one. It's called Magical Me. Wait! What's this doing here? That's Gilderoy Lockhart's autobiography!"

Draco was amused. "It must have been in the self-love section." They shared a good laugh. "Here try this one, Pansy. Curses for the Lovesick."

"I don't think that's what we need either!" she said, giggling. "This one looks promising." She pulled over a large dusty volume.

"The Betrothal Oath is in Love Spells and Incantations," Draco told her. "Hmmm... There's a spell for married wizards to keep an affair secret. No, that's not something we will ever need."

Pansy's ears perked up. He won't ever break my heart.

"Contraception spells... We've got that covered," Draco said. "Oh, here's a spell to enlarge one's..."

"Draco!" Pansy cut him off. "We certainly don't need that!"

He looked at her and smirked. "Nah, we don't need anything like that." He leaned over and kissed her soundly, with his probing tongue. She's not going to make me wait much longer, he thought, as she responded to his kiss passionately.

Mmmm... He's so sexy! I need to focus on our task, but it's so hard when he's sitting right beside me.

It won't be long now... Draco rubbed her side and kissed her shoulder.

"Here's something," she said, pointing to a page in Sacred Oaths, Compromising Spells and Despicable Curses for Love, Marriage and In Between.

Draco looked down at the page which showed a nude witch and wizard kissing. Her long hair was partially covering her body, and he was strategically standing behind a bush. "That reminds me of something," he said, skimming his hand across her breast.

She nudged his hand away and leafed through the pages. "Let me concentrate, my love."

Draco watched her. If we find a spell, I'm going to have to tell her things that might upset her, or possibly make her hate me. Maybe I can convince her not to go through with it. No, I have to be honest with her now that we are betrothed. I'll just have to be very careful with what I say.

"This is a secrecy spell for married and betrothed couples. That's us!" she said enthusiastically. "It protects the couple's thoughts of each other from magical invasion after the spell is performed. It also shields memories of the couple's past interactions." She turned to him with a big smile. "Oh, Draco, that's just what we need!"

"It sounds like it. What else does it say?" Draco was starting to feel a bit optimistic.

"This requires powerful magic. It says we might feel drained afterward." She turned the page to see if there was any additional information. "There's more! It says this spell is impervious to the ancient magic of Mind Bending. That's means Legilimency! Mother referred to it as such. It also guards against mind altering--that may include things like Obliteration. Hmmm... Then no one could erase our memories, and you will never forget about us." She looked to see his reaction.

"Pansy, no spell could ever make me forget about us." He kissed her bare shoulder again.

She smiled. "It guards against truth potions as well, just like the faerie tale. I wonder if that includes Veritaserum. If it does, that would cover just about everything."

"You are brilliant, Pansy." He rewarded her with another sensual kiss.

~*~

After their celebration kiss, she continued to read. "The rite is complex, and it involves...blood." Pansy shivered involuntarily. I hope it's just a drop.

"Whose blood?" Draco asked.

"Ours."

"I can do that." After seeing that werewolf in action, a bit of blood won't trouble me. "Will that bother you?"

"Maybe. There are stipulations. Let's see... We need to be betrothed or married, and must know each other intimately--it says carnally." Pansy glanced innocently at Draco, but a hint of a smile gave her away.

Draco touched her lips lightly, slowly moving his fingers down to her throat, ending where the pendant rested against her milky white skin. "I think those conditions have been well satisfied." Mmmm... Did you like that, Pansy?

Pansy blushed and smiled. How am I going to keep myself under control?

He noticed how pleased she looked. Yes, she definitely liked that. He smiled seductively.

Oh, Draco, don't look at me like that! She stared at the book in front of her. "We each need something, um...personal and meaningful...to exchange," she managed. I need to concentrate on this. "Can you...think of anything?"

Draco bit his lip. I'm wearing her down! Ha! "My stock pin has the Malfoy crest on it. Father gave it to me when I received Monarch." Draco summoned it over from where Pansy had left it the night before.

"That's ideal, Draco," she said, touching it. "You rode Monarch here last night, didn't you? Where has he been all this time?"

"Don't worry, my horse-loving witch," Draco teased, touching her throat. "Yes, I rode Monarch. He's just fine at a stable in Hogsmeade. No one knows my horse, but I've charmed him just in case."

"That's agreeable," she said, nodding. "I want to ride him someday."

"We will ride him together." I wish we were doing that right now.

Pansy smiled at the thought of flying through the night sky on horseback with the wizard of her dreams.

Draco saw that she was fantasising. I hope she's thinking about me. "Do you like the idea of riding Monarch, as I hold you close?"

"You know I do," she said, leaning against him and kissing his delicious lips. "But you do know I can handle a high spirited Granian myself." I can handle you too, my love.

"Yes, you are a very capable horse-witch," he told her. "Come sit on my lap, and we can pretend right now." Come on...

Pansy giggled and shook her head. "Accio jewel box." She opened the small gilded chest and pulled out a gold signet ring. "This was given to me by my dear grandmother when I was a little witch. I know she would have approved of our love and understood our predicament." Pansy laid a square of velvet on the table and placed their treasures on top.

"What else do we need?" he asked, while rubbing her arm

"There's a list. Let's see... We need candles, some parchment, a clean quill, and a silver knife. I don't like the sound of that, Draco," Pansy said.

"We won't do it if it scares you," he said, putting his arm around her protectively and kissing her just above her ear.

Pansy sighed. He loves me. "I'll be all right as long as you are with me."

"That's right. I'll keep you safe." He gave her a squeeze and kissed her again.

Pansy smiled. "Now, we need Dittany, the blue flame variety, and something called Rubrum."

"Rubrum is Latin for ruby."

"You are so clever!" Pansy looked through her jewel box again. "These are ruby earrings. Do you think we need to take the stone out of the setting?"

"Yes, the spell just calls for the ruby," Draco said, looking at the page. "I've never seen you wear those."

"I must have forgotten to take them out of my jewel box, because I never wear Gryffindor's colours at school. I do wear them at home with a garnet witch's robe," Pansy said, as she summoned her Potions kit. "Here's my silver knife. You can use it to get the stone out."

"I'll use magic, Pansy," Draco said. She's nervous about the knife and blood. "If you don't want to do this..."

"I want to do it; we need to do it." She picked up a quill and Scourgified it. "It says the wizard needs to cut the parchment in a particular way," she said, pointing to the section.

Draco took the knife and cut the parchment into a perfect square, the exact width of his right palm. "I wonder why I couldn't have just cut the parchment with a Severing Charm."

"I don't know, but there must be a reason. We just need the Dittany." Pansy looked through her Potions ingredients. "I don't have it." Pansy thought for a moment. "I'll go to Millicent to see if she has any. I'll be right back."

He removed the Sealing Charm from the door, so she could leave. Pansy cast a simple Locking Charm on the door to stop anyone from casually opening the door while she was gone.

Draco found a small dish in her potions kit and Scourgified it. He magically popped a ruby from its setting and placed it in the dish. I'll put it back afterward. I want to see her in that garnet witch's robe someday.

Pansy came back breathless a few minutes later. "She wasn't there, but I found her Dittany."

"Good work. Colloportus," he said, sealing the door once again.

Pansy double checked all of the items, while Draco used her scales to measure the exact amount of Dittany. They arranged all the items on a crystal tray that usually held her beauty potions. Together, they read through the rite several times, and then practiced reciting the spells and performing the wand movements.

She's a gifted witch. We are powerful together, Draco thought with satisfaction. He pushed her hair back behind her ear and nibbled on her neck, while she read the instructions once more.

She smiled, trying to stay focused until she was finished. "We can do this, together." She leaned against him and kissed him. "Shall we begin?"

"It says here that we need to make love just before the ritual; it's one of the stipulations. I saw it when you went to get the Dittany." Draco stood up, and then held out his hand. "Come with me, Pansy." Come on, don't make me wait any longer.

"I didn't see that!" Pansy said, looking through the pages again. She looked up and saw he was sporting a wicked smile. "Later, Draco," she said, shaking her head and laughing. He's persistent! I have to stay focused, or we will never get this done!

"It says we have to kneel across from each other, so we do need to get on the soft bed," Draco insisted. What do I have to do?

"I've already thought of that, my love," Pansy said, standing. She opened her school trunk and took out a dark green blanket. Draco reluctantly spread it out over a rug and she levitated a few pillows over from her bed. He magicked the tray and the book in the centre of the blanket, and then knelt down.

"Take my hand, Pansy," Draco said gallantly, holding out his hand to her. She knelt on a pillow he had arranged for her. "I want you to be comfortable."

Pansy smoothed her witch's robe, then leaned forward and gave him a deep kiss. "Mmmm..." she breathed. He's so attentive now, she thought pleasantly.

Following the rite exactly, they began by chanting, "Sponsalis Conludo Nodus" in unison, executing the wand movements and tapping the ruby at the end. Draco placed the knife over a candle until it was red hot. After it cooled, he made a tiny cut on his left ring finger and let seven drops of blood onto the ruby in the dish. Pansy did the same; although, her hands shook, and she looked quite pale. Draco rubbed her shoulders lightly in support, but he couldn't speak during the ritual. They took turns dipping the quill in the blood and writing their full names on the parchment. Draco held the parchment over the flame to dry the blood.

Draco gave her a quick kiss on her cheek. He placed his pin in her left hand and chanted, "Dono Dare Ardor." Pansy did the same thing with the ring. They placed the ring and pin on the parchment, along with the Dittany. Draco folded the parchment into a triangle, and then he folded the left side to the centre, followed by the right. He carefully bent over the top edge and placed the parchment package into Pansy's left hand. He covered her hand with his.

With great concentration, they chanted, "Sponsalis Conludo Nodus," executing the wand movements simultaneously. Focusing on the desired result, each lightly tapped Draco's hand.

There was a blinding flash of blue light.

~ The End of Chapter Five ~

Author's Notes

Dono Dare Ardor: To give as a present (for) love. Draco and Pansy exchanged meaningful items for the ritual using this spell.

Sponsalis Conludo Nodus: Sponsalis means betrothal, Conludo is to have a secret understanding, and Nodus is a bond.

The ruby is considered to be the most powerful gem in the universe, and is associated with many astral signs. To own a ruby is said to have contentment and peace, protection and is a symbol of love. The ruby's magical properties, especially protection, were instilled into the blood used for the ritual.

Dittany: A magical herb. The flowers give off a gas that produces a slight blue flame when lit.