excerpt from a much longer slowburn fic ~ Twin Flames
“–and would you believe that Chang is going out with Potter now?”
Draco choked on his tea. “Sorry—what?!”
“I know, right?!” said Pansy, leaning across the table. “I called that ages ago, of course, but I didn’t think she’d actually stoop so low.”
“Wait but…” Draco shook his head, trying to make sense of the words. Failing. “What are you saying?”
“Chang and Potter!” She said, “They’re dating.”
“No, they’re not.” Draco said immediately. They couldn’t be because Potter was…
Pansy let out a confused laugh. “What do you mean?”
At the sight of Pansy’s raised brow, Draco cleared his throat and forced an expression of nonchalance. “I mean, I heard they kissed once, like months ago, and it was unbearably awkward.”
Pansy gasped, her grin greedy. “Who on Earth did you hear that from?”
“Ravenclaws,” Draco lied. “I heard them gossiping about it.”
“Well, I’m not surprised. Potter is the most awkward person alive. I just saw them in the entrance hall, and he looked like such a pillock. As usual.” She laughed, then gave a shrug. “But I suppose Chang must like that sort of thing if she’s still going to Hogsmeade with him.”
Draco shook his head, trying to make sense of the misunderstanding. It had to be a misunderstanding. “Who’s going to Hogsmeade with whom?”
Pansy wore a confused smile, speaking slowly like she thought Draco might be stupid. “Potter is going with Chang.”
Draco shook his head again, unable to do much else. “Why would Potter go to Hogsmeade with her?”
“Erm…for Valentine’s Day, I imagine,” said Pansy pointedly, “you know…since they’re dating.”
“They’re not dating!” Draco exploded, indignant, loud enough that the few people in the Great Hall turned to stare at them for a moment.
“Draco, darling, are you feeling alright?” Pansy asked gently. “You’re being weird.”
Draco swallowed, a chill running through him. “No, I’m not.”
“You definitely are…” said Pansy. “Did you hit your head or something?”
“No—” Was it true? Draco was struck with a ferocious need to find out immediately. He looked up at Pansy suddenly. “Do you want to go to Hogsmeade?”
A raised brow. “With you?”
A clenched jaw. “Obviously.”
Pansy leaned close to whisper. “We broke up, darling, remember? You shouted; I slapped you. It was all very dramatic.”
“I meant as friends, you slag.” Draco rolled his eyes.
She pouted. “But it’s Valentine’s.”
“Well…” said Draco, “we never publicly broke up. So it could be a fake date, and I’ll buy you whatever you want. Deal?”
Pansy brightened at once, rushing him to finish his tea and get moving. Draco, for his part, walked to the village like he was heading to his execution. Potter and Chang — it seemed ridiculous on its surface. What did Potter see in her? His brain quickly supplied a list: she was beautiful, intelligent, and sweet. She was older; her hair was enviably shiny, and she was a passable seeker — for a Ravenclaw, at least. She was probably easy to get along with. Probably never made fun of his friends or his ugly glasses or his insane hair.
As they entered the village, the streets filled with lovely, happy couples, Pansy grabbed his hand, entwining their fingers. Draco barely felt it, but he couldn’t blame her for wanting to blend in. As they passed Madam Puddifoot’s, Draco held his breath, only to have it punched out of him at the sight of Potter and Chang sitting together over tea and macaroons. So that was that. And surprisingly, it wasn’t surprising. In fact, it was entirely expected, and that’s what hurt the most. Potter was always meant to be with someone like her; Draco had just been a blip, an accidental veer off the road. But while Draco had been wallowing and agonizing and, worst of all, hoping, Potter had course corrected — he was back on track now. And where did that leave Draco?
Pansy tugged at his hand, but he stayed rooted. Staring openly at the way Chang reached across the table and brushed their hands together, at the blush that slowly crossed Potter’s face.
“Draco? What are you—” Pansy started to say, following his gaze. She looked back at him, then back to Potter, then back again. Draco could almost hear the puzzle pieces slotting into place in her mind, but he couldn’t be bothered to do anything about it. His gaze was stuck on Potter, who hadn’t so much as glanced his way in two weeks. He waited for Pansy to gasp, to shove him, to call him an idiot with horrible taste. But she just squeezed his hand and tugged again, gently this time. “Draco, let’s go.”