"Ordinary" Enemies

Chapter 11

The next day, Harry could hardly get out of bed. The holidays were quickly rounding the corner and it was almost time for their two weeks break. Harry couldn't stop thinking about what had just happened last night.

It still seemed so fresh in his mind, although he didn't realize that even Pansy seemed caught off guard. It was almost like it wasn't their intention. Still, as it was nearly winter break, Harry couldn't help but notice Ron and Hermione were spending less time together.

Of course, this was already called out for since they had a few exams coming up. This time felt unusual. But, he didn't quite know why.

Harry never really had a problem with Blaise until now, and always felt the urge to strike him.
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During the break, Harry was one of the only ones in Gryffindor tower that remained. It left him feeling extremely introverted. The Weasleys went on a much-needed vacation and Hermione left to see her family in England. And the only person he could talk to was Malfoy. Although, he tried to keep his distance.

And soon it was almost as if they hadn't shared a kiss at all. He liked it that way. The great hall was decked out as per usual, with a dozen frost-covered Christmas trees, thick streamers of holly, and mistletoe crisscrossing the ceiling. Light snow falling from the warm and dry roof. Nonetheless, Harry hadn't liked this one as much as the last. He had nothing to do and was bored out of his mind.

Harry had just begun shoveling potatoes and roast turkey into his mouth when he heard someone clear their throat. "Hullo, Harry," said Malfoy in a calm, yet soothing voice. "It's Potter," Harry grunted. "Oh, sorry."

Draco sat next to him on the very long, empty table. Harry stiffened, keeping his guard up just in case. He glared at Malfoy for what felt like longer than needed.

"Look-"

"I'm sorry. About what happened." he sighed.
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Flashback #1 (Draco Malfoy)
I remember standing there, even still when Harry left. When I was finally brought back into reality, I punched him, yelled at him, and told him about how I was done with terrorizing people.

I despised every moment of it and struggled to hide it for so long. Pansy was already gone when I stormed off.

I just wanted a normal life, with ordinary family and friends. Something had clicked inside of me when Harry told Blaise I wasn't his type.

And as I was making my way back to Slytherin common room, I found myself in an exceptionally uncomfortable situation.
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Flashback #2 (Hermione Granger)
I was going in the direction of the Entrance Hall, everything was normal, well, until I saw Pansy. She was sobbing pretty heavily and even though my instinct told me to comfort her, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Walking past her, she whimpered and that's what got me. I spun around to find her sitting on the ground. I crouched next to her and drew a quick smile across my face. Parkinson just glared at me, so I took the first step.

"What's wrong?"

She wiped the tears off her cheek, "Nothing. I'm fine." Pansy got up and tried walking away.

"Wait!" Hermione called out.

"You know-"

"I don't forgive you for what you did. However, I'm willing to help. And you can cry on my shoulder anytime you want." She grinned.

Pansy smiled back. And slowly walked towards her, tears still streaming down her cheeks and past her throat. Hermione's back was now against the wall.

"I miss how flustered you used to get," Pansy smirked.

"You probably would have still had it." Hermione quickly rolled her eyes.

Pansy shook her head and bit the inner corner of her cheek.

"I told my family I was lesbian, and they didn't accept me."

"Oh..." Hermione reacted anxiously.

"You never told me that."

Pansy moved her palms to either side of Hermione on the wall. They stared at each other for what felt like forever. Pansy waited for a sign of consent and leaned in to kiss the frizzy-haired brunette. She gently bit her bottom lip. Pansy's hands made their way to the Gryffindors waist. This all happened too quickly and Hermione pushed her away.

Malfoy had just rounded the corner.

"What the bloody hell." Malfoy looked alarmed.

"Pansy-"

"You're a lesbian?"

"Don't refer to me as Pansy, Malfoy."

"And yes, I am a lesbian." she had an irritated complexion.

"Parkinson I'm sorry-"

"I was just angry." he sighed.

Hermione stood there looking as confused as ever. "Did I miss something important that happened between you two?" feeling perplexed and the need to run away.

They glared at each other, leaving Hermione completely bewildered.