ALL NOVEL Chapter 2: The invitation
Pansy awoke the next morning, the soft light of dawn filtering through the heavy curtains of her bedroom. She stretched lazily, savoring the rare moment of peace before reality came crashing down on her once more. She had hardly adjusted to the idea of her impending marriage to Neville Longbottom, and already the weight of it was pressing down on her.
She rose from her bed, her bare feet touching the cold floor as she padded across the room. As she approached her desk, something caught her eye—a letter, sealed with the familiar crest of the Longbottom family, resting conspicuously on top of her neatly arranged papers. Her brow furrowed slightly as she reached for it, curiosity mingling with annoyance.
Breaking the seal, she unfolded the parchment and began to read.
Dear Pansy,
I would like to invite you for dinner tomorrow evening among our friends in the Malfoy penthouse to have a casual dinner together and talk about how everyone feels about the match. In attendance will be:
Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy
Ginny Weasley and Blaise Zabini
Luna Lovedood and Theodore Nott
I hope that you can find the time to come to dinner.
Your soon-to-be husband,
Neville.
Pansy read the letter twice, her eyes narrowing as she took in the list of names. A casual dinner, he had said. Casual, her arse. She knew exactly what this was—an attempt to smooth over the rough edges of this absurd situation, to make everyone feel better about something they had no control over. The mere thought of it made her blood boil.
She threw the letter back onto her desk, her mind racing. Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, and Luna Lovegood—three women she had never imagined herself sitting down to dinner with, let alone in the company of their significant others. Draco's presence was the only thing that provided her with some semblance of comfort. At least she wouldn't be entirely outnumbered by the Gryffindors.
But still, the idea of spending an evening making polite conversation about her marriage to Neville was almost too much to bear. She could already hear the awkward silences, see the forced smiles. The very thought of it made her want to scream.
Pansy sank back onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling as she tried to figure out her next move. She didn't want to go. She didn't want to sit there and listen to people she barely knew—or worse, people she knew all too well—offer their opinions on her life. And yet, something stopped her from dismissing the idea outright.
Maybe it was the fact that this dinner was being hosted by Draco and Hermione, of all people—a couple who had somehow made their own impossible relationship work. Maybe it was the list of attendees, a group of people who had all found themselves in unconventional relationships, just like her. Or maybe it was the simple fact that Neville had asked her, in that earnest, straightforward way of his.
She sighed, rubbing her temples. It wasn't like she had much of a choice. Whether she liked it or not, this was her new reality, and if she was going to survive it, she needed to start somewhere. And if that meant enduring an evening of forced civility and awkward conversations, then so be it.
Rising from the bed, Pansy walked back to her desk, staring down at the letter once more. She reached for a piece of parchment and a quill, hesitating only briefly before she began to write her response.
Longbottom,
Pick me up at seven.
Your not-so-eager soon-to-be wife,
Pansy
She kept it brief, not trusting herself to say more. There was no point in pretending to be enthusiastic about this, but she also didn't want to start this process by being difficult.
Folding the parchment, she sealed it with a flick of her wand and sent it off with her owl, watching as it flew out of the window and disappeared into the morning sky.
As she watched the owl disappear into the distance, Pansy couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions—resentment, resignation, and, buried deep beneath it all, a flicker of curiosity. How, exactly, did Neville think this evening was going to go? And more importantly, how was she going to navigate the tangled web of relationships she was about to walk into?
She sighed again, feeling the weight of the day ahead settling on her shoulders. Whatever happened, one thing was certain—this was going to be a night to remember.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Miss Parkinson spent the entire day trying to convince herself that this dinner was just another inconvenience in an otherwise mundane life. She told herself it was all about tolerating Neville Longbottom and playing her part in the Ministry's absurd game. But deep down, she couldn't deny the truth—she was, in fact, looking forward to the evening. She was attracted to Neville in a way she hadn't anticipated, and it both fascinated and frustrated her.
As the clock ticked closer to seven, Pansy meticulously prepared herself. Every glance in the mirror only amplified her nerves and anticipation. She chose a sleek, dark dress that accentuated her figure and applied makeup with careful precision. Despite her attempts to play it cool, the flutter of excitement in her stomach was undeniable.
At precisely 6:45, the sound of a knock at the door jolted her from her pre-dinner preparations. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and walked to the door. This time, it only took her eight minutes to answer, a noticeable improvement from earlier. She yanked the door open, and there stood Neville Longbottom, his face flushed with a mixture of nerves and excitement.
He held a massive bouquet of flowers—Pansies and an assortment of other blooms. It was so clichéd, so over-the-top romantic that Pansy couldn't help but smile, despite herself.
"Thank you so much," she said, her voice softer than she intended, betraying her genuine pleasure.
Neville's eyes widened as he took in her appearance, and he cleared his throat before speaking. "You look stunning today."
"Just tonight?" she teased, a playful edge to her voice.
Neville stumbled over his words, his cheeks turning a deeper shade of red. "No, I mean, of course not just tonight. You always look breathtaking. I mean—fuck."
Pansy's laughter bubbled up, genuine and bright. "Thank you for the flowers," she said, taking the bouquet from him and setting it down on a nearby table. "I'll get my coat and then we can Apparate."
Neville's gaze followed her as she moved toward the coat rack, a look of admiration still lingering on his face. As Pansy slipped into her coat, she couldn't help but notice the way Neville's eyes lingered on her. There was something in his expression that made her feel a bit self-conscious, but also undeniably special.
She returned to the door, where Neville was waiting, and he offered her a shy, almost hesitant smile. "Ready?"
Pansy nodded, her own smile returning. "Ready."
They stepped out into the crisp evening air, Neville's presence beside her unexpectedly comforting. As they prepared to Apparate, Pansy found herself surprisingly hopeful about the evening ahead. Maybe, just maybe, this dinner could be more than a forced social engagement. Maybe it could be the beginning of something—something neither of them had expected.
With a swirl of green light and a soft pop, they vanished from the doorstep, heading toward the Malfoy penthouse and the unpredictable night that awaited them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Neville and Pansy arrived at the Malfoy penthouse, the scene inside was already in full swing. The opulent penthouse was bathed in soft, golden light, casting a warm glow over the carefully arranged dining area. Pansy took in the grandeur with a critical eye, but her focus quickly shifted to the couple who had arrived before them.
Theo and Luna were seated together, lost in their own little world. Theo, usually so reserved and guarded, was visibly relaxed in Luna's presence, his stern demeanor softened into something almost tender.
Luna's dreamy smile and Theo's quiet adoration painted a picture of contentment that seemed at odds with the circumstances that had brought them here.
She had visited Malfoy the day before and knew that both Theo and Draco were already in love with their forced brides—feelings they had been too cowardly to reveal during their school years.
Draco noticed Neville and Pansy's arrival and immediately approached them with his signature blend of charm and aloofness. His eyes flickered over Pansy with a mixture of curiosity and guarded interest. He had clearly known about the upcoming dinner for some time, and his demeanor suggested he was ready for whatever would unfold tonight.
"Longbottom, Parkinson," Draco greeted them smoothly. "Glad you could make it. Luna and Theo have been here for a bit, getting lost in their own world. We've just started with some drinks. I hope you're both ready for an evening of forced civility and uncomfortable conversations."
Pansy arched an eyebrow at Draco's casual tone but appreciated his straightforwardness. "I'm sure we'll manage," she replied with a wry smile. "Where's the rest of the gang?"
"Blaise and Ginny should be here soon," Draco said, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice. "Ginny's fashionably late, as usual. And Granger will join us after work."
Neville gave a polite nod but seemed unusually tense. Pansy, noticing his unease, gave him a reassuring smile. They followed Draco into the main area, where Theo and Luna were deep in conversation.
Theo's hand was gently resting on Luna's, and their quiet, affectionate banter was a stark contrast to the formality that Pansy was anticipating.
As Pansy approached them, Luna looked up with her trademark ethereal expression, while Theo greeted her with a nod that was warmer than his usual cool demeanor.
"Hello, Pansy. Neville," Luna said dreamily, her eyes bright and untroubled. "We were just discussing the phases of the moon. It's quite fascinating how it influences our emotions, don't you think?"
Pansy raised an eyebrow but smiled in acknowledgment. "I suppose it is. It's lovely to see you both so… at ease."
Theo's gaze softened as he looked at Luna. "We're just trying to make the best of things."
Pansy caught the unspoken words behind his eyes and gave a small, knowing nod. It seemed that despite the Ministry's decree, some of them were finding their own ways to adapt.
The evening continued with a blend of nervous laughter and forced pleasantries as the remaining guests arrived. Ginerva and Blaise finally made their entrance, she looked every bit the part of the well-prepared socialite, while Blaise had a charming smirk that spoke of his casual approach to the evening's proceedings.
Finally, Granger made her entrance, looking stunning as she joined the gathering. As everyone settled around the elegant dining table, Pansy observed the group dynamics with interest. Theo and Luna were unmistakably in love, a sharp contrast to the other pairings. Blaise, usually known for his carefree attitude, had his gaze fixed on Ginny, and Pansy was surprised to find that his intentions were more serious than his usual player persona suggested.
And then there was Neville, beside her, looking out of place but trying his best to navigate this new social terrain. Pansy could sense his nervous energy and couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. Despite her own reservations, she was determined to make the best of the evening.
By the end of the evening, Pansy was feeling the effects of the wine more than she intended. Her inhibitions had melted away, revealing her genuine affection for Neville despite her earlier reservations.
"The Fanged Geranium can be quite dangerous if you're not careful," Pansy said, taking a generous gulp of wine. "Have you ever tried to harvest its seeds?"
"Um, no, I can't say I have," Neville replied, trying to follow her train of thought but clearly distracted by her growing proximity. "It sounds tricky."
"It is," Pansy continued, swirling her wine glass with a slight giggle. "One wrong move, and those fangs can give you quite a nasty bite."
Neville shifted nervously as he noticed Pansy's hand resting on his arm. "Uh, Pansy, you really shouldn't…"
"Oh, don't worry, Neville," she said with a soft, tipsy laugh. "I've handled far worse than this."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As they left the dinner early, Neville was clearly relieved to escape the increasingly intimate atmosphere that Pansy's inebriation had created. Her hand was frequently brushing against his, and her playful touches were becoming harder for him to ignore.
"Nevie, I had too much fun tonight," Pansy said drunkenly, her words slightly slurred but filled with genuine warmth.
"Miss Sassy, let's get you home. You need to rest," Neville said firmly, but with a soft, caring edge to his voice.
"Okay," she giggled, leaning against him as they walked, her head resting on his shoulder.
As they popped into her mansion and her feet touched the ground, Pansy turned to Neville, her eyes slightly glazed but filled with mischief. Without a word, she leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips. The suddenness of the kiss caught Neville off guard, and he froze for a moment, his heart racing. Pansy's touch was warm and tender, and despite her tipsy state, the kiss carried an unexpected depth of emotion.
Neville started kissing her neck and nibbling her earlobes. She moaned softly, and he took it as a sign to continue. He started caressing her breasts, and Pansy arched her back, enjoying the sensation. He then started to feel quite brave and moved his hand down to her body, cupping her sex and started rubbing her gently.
"Oh, Nevie," she moaned. "That feels so good."
He smiled and continued rubbing her clit, increasing the pressure and speed. Her moans grew louder, and before long, she was writhing in pleasure.
"Yes, don't stop," she said, her voice husky with desire.
Neville was an incredibly brave man and continued rubbing her clit, bringing her closer and closer to orgasm. Just as she was about to cum, he entered her with his thick fingers, and Pansy screamed with pleasure.
He would listen to that scream on a loop for centuries.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pansy woke up the next morning feeling a mix of confusion and satisfaction. As she slowly came to her senses, she noticed a pleasant but unfamiliar soreness that made her blush slightly. The scent of Neville's cologne still lingered in the air, and the memories of the previous night started to surface in bits and pieces.
"Stupid man," she muttered to herself, her emotions swinging between embarrassment and anger. Without thinking twice, she grabbed her wand and sent a page-long Howler his way.
"I HOPE YOU DIDN'T FUCK ME WHEN I WAS DRUNK! WHY IS YOUR CHEAP PERFUME LINGERING IN MY ROOM? WHAT DID YOU DO IN MY ROOM? YOU BETTER ANSWER QUICKLY!"
She sealed the Howler with a furious flick of her wand, sending it off to Neville with a sense of urgency that mirrored the turmoil in her mind.
It was hard to admit, but Neville was intelligent, sexy, smelled amazing, and spoke with a quiet confidence that she found utterly captivating. As much as she hated to acknowledge it, she really liked him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unfortunately, the Howler caught up with Neville in his office, its shrill voice echoing off the walls. There was only one other colleague in the room, who looked up in surprise as the Howler began to unleash Pansy's furious tirade.
Neville's face turned bright red as the words rang out, and he couldn't help but cringe at the intensity of Pansy's anger. Embarrassment washed over him, especially with his colleague's wide-eyed stare fixed on him. As soon as the Howler finished its rant and burst into flames, Neville sighed, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. He knew he had some serious explaining to do.
He immediately Apparated to Pansy's foyer, his mind racing with a mix of frustration and determination.
Pansy, startled by the sudden noise, hurried down the stairs to see who had arrived. When she saw Neville standing there, her heart skipped a beat, though she masked it with an indignant glare.
"What are you doing here?" Pansy demanded, crossing her arms.
Neville stepped forward, his expression firm, almost uncharacteristically so. "Do not put me in an uncomfortable situation like that, ever again Parky," he said, his voice steady and serious. "We need to talk about this."
Pansy just stared.
Neville's frustration bubbled over as he looked at Pansy, who still seemed stunned by his unexpected confrontation.
"Do you honestly think I would stoop that low?" he began, his voice sharp and commanding. "Sending that Howler, accusing me of something so vile—you crossed a line, Pansy. You've known me for years, and yet you accuse me of something I would never, ever do. It's insulting, not just to me, but to yourself, thinking I would take advantage of you like that. I rubbed your tiny little clit until you came undone under my fingers. That is it."
Pansy just stared at him, momentarily taken aback by the intensity in his eyes.
She opened her mouth to respond, but Neville wasn't finished. "You need to start taking responsibility for your actions. If you're going to drink yourself into a state where you can't remember what happened, don't go throwing accusations around like a spoiled child the next morning. And sending a Howler to my office? In front of my colleagues? That's not just embarrassing for me, it's immature and reckless."
He paused, taking a breath to calm himself. "You need to grow up, Sassy. We both do. We're not kids anymore, and this—this petty behavior—needs to stop.
For the first time in her life, a man had the audacity to give her a dressing down. The nerve of him, speaking to her like she was a child. And yet, to her surprise, she liked it.
"Okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Neville frowned, not letting her off the hook so easily. "Parky, 'okay' is not enough," he replied, his tone firm but not unkind.
She hesitated, her pride warring with the unfamiliar sensation of guilt. Finally, she murmured, "I would like to apologize for my behavior this morning." The words felt foreign on her tongue; she wasn't used to apologizing, especially not sincerely.
Neville stepped closer, his expression softening as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm hug. He then leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"Be a good girl for me and dress up nicely," he said, his voice soothing yet firm. "I have a surprise for you this evening."
"Okay," Pansy replied, her cheeks still flushed from the embarrassment of the morning, but a small smile tugged at her lips. She was intrigued, despite herself.
A good girl?!
"Come here and give me a kiss," Neville said softly as he pulled Pansy closer.
Without hesitation, she leaned in, closing the distance between them, and gave him a kiss. It was tender, almost tentative at first, but the connection between them was undeniable. The kiss lingered, leaving both of them feeling something new and unspoken.
Neville smiled down at her, his hands still resting gently on her waist. "I'll see you after work, okay?"
Pansy, still reeling from the kiss, could only manage a soft, "Uh-huh." She was too stunned to say anything more, her mind spinning with the unexpected turn of events as she watched Neville leave, her lips still tingling from the kiss.
As Neville Apparated back to the office, leaving a faint pop in his wake, Pansy just stood there, utterly dumbfounded. She couldn't quite process what had just happened. Her mind replayed the kiss, his warm embrace, and the way he had so confidently taken control of the situation. For the first time in a long while, Pansy Parkinson was at a loss for words.