A Ficlet for Roanne's Birthday!
Title: Alterations
Author: seaislewitch
Summary: Birthdays are important occasions in Slytherin house. (A missing scene from GoF.)
Pairing: Draco Malfoy/Pansy Parkinson
Rating/Warnings: G/None
Genre: Whimsy/Humour
Word Count: 930/complete
Author's Note: Written for the exceptionally talented roannaweenie on her own fifteenth birthday.
Alterations
by Sea Isle Witch
Pansy always woke before her dorm mates and the rest of the Slytherin witches, and it certainly wasn't because she enjoyed the torture of rising early. The reason was she needed absolute calm first thing in the morning. Walking the empty corridors, using all the hot water, and spreading her things out over the vanity allowed her some peace of mind. As the only girl in her family, it was often difficult for her to share space with so many others.
This morning, Pansy actually remade her bed with a swish of her wand. The elves wouldn't be here until later, but today, she couldn't wait. Her corner of the dorm had to be presentable. Snatching her basket of grooming potions and other necessities, she sauntered into the witches' washroom, where she meticulously cleansed her skin, hair, and nails, just as she did each day. Something was different now, however, and she could actually see the changes in the mirror. It was May 23, Pansy's fifteenth birthday, and she felt altered inside and out -- but in a good way.
"Happy Birthday, Pansy," Millicent murmured as she walked into the washroom, rubbing her eyes and yawning.
"Thanks, Millie." Pansy left as more sleepy witches entered. Birthdays were important occasions in Slytherin House, and everyone wished her a Happy Birthday as they passed by.
Back in the dorm room, Pansy saw three presents on her lacy pillow. No one loved to be spoiled more than Pansy, and she ripped open the paper to find lovely gifts: a box of lavender-scented stationery from Daphne, a set of ribbon headbands from Tracey, and a boutique version of her favourite game, The Cubes of Merlin, from Millie. All quite acceptable, she noted. At least this year she wouldn't have to lie about liking them!
Gifts from her parents lay at the foot of her bed. She opened those next, receiving everything she had requested and a pretty silver charm bracelet as well.
~*~
All day long, Pansy discovered little gifts in the oddest places. They were all from Draco: mostly sweets, a few charms for her bracelet (How did he know?), and even several notes containing silly jokes written by him. He was smug about his ability to sneak these items into her rucksack, her desk, and even her pockets. Pansy rather enjoyed his efforts, but she speculated he was angling for favours for his upcoming birthday.
Pansy received a few more presents, cards, and hugs throughout the day from her Slytherin friends and a few key allies in other Houses, like long-time Ravenclaw friend Morag McDougal. She sensed Draco thought all this special birthday attention was because of her close connection to a Malfoy, and he had the nerve to nod approvingly as each subject bestowed her with a gift. True, she was his witch since their date to the Yule Ball had made it official, but Pansy knew she certainly merited the interest and respect on her own. So, Draco could think what he wanted as long as he didn't say it out loud.
Just before dinner, Adrian Pucey, Slytherin Chaser and family friend who just happened to be a quite handsome and two years older, presented her a white box with a green bow. Pansy knew Draco was watching surreptitiously and decided to toy with him a bit.
"Oh, Adrian!" she exclaimed loudly, giggling. "Shall I open it now?"
"Yeah." Adrian looked pleased with himself.
Pansy lifted the lid and peered inside. It was a dozen raspberry sugar quills. "How did you know these were my favourites?"
"I have my ways," Adrian said, smiling.
"Well, thank you." Pansy granted him a little hug. It was the same sort of hug she had awarded everyone who had given her something today. Out of the corner of her eye, however, she saw Draco sneering. Ha!
~*~
Later in the common room, a proper cake with sparkling candles was presented by her dorm mates, and butterbeer was brought in by Blaise and Theo. Some of the older witches turned on the Weird Sisters on the wireless. Professor Snape dropped in for a piece of the dark chocolate cake, offered his birthday wishes, and promptly retreated.
Just before everyone returned to their normal activities, Gregory and Vincent lumbered in carrying a large package wrapped in shiny pink paper.
"Careful!" Draco snapped at them. "Put it over here."
While everyone watched, Pansy pulled the white grosgrain ribbon. The entire packaging fell away, revealing a shiny silver cage. "Oh! An owl!" Pansy squealed in delight.
"It's not just any owl, Pansy! That's a long-eared brown, a female with pure white markings. You don't see many like that!" Anyone within earshot would know two things: first, the magical creature was rare -- and therefore expensive -- and second, Draco Malfoy was the generous giver.
None of that really mattered to Pansy. "I love her, Draco!" she said, throwing her arms around him in front of everyone. Hiding her face in his robes, Pansy wiped away her childish tears. Her old brown owl had a delivery mishap earlier in the year and was retired into the forest, but Pansy knew it was probably dead. Although she had tried not to show she cared about the loss of the daft bird, she now realised Draco had seen through her mask and had done something entirely thoughtful, just for her.
"You'll have no excuse now. I'll expect your letters this summer," he whispered in her ear.
Her fifteen-year-old heart swelled, and she gave him a well-deserved smile and something more than her 'award hug' -- a sweet kiss.