𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄

I

Welcome...

- HARRY POTTER -

The train ride to Hogwarts is long, seemingly never ending and predictable. Hermione always ends up with her nose in a book, Ron asleep next to her. I look out the window, at the rolling Scottish mountains and sprawling forests. That never gets old. Hogwarts is as close to a home as i've ever had. Though the Burrow is lovely for the holidays, your always being watched, always being asked if your ok.

I say yes, say that im fine. Unable to show the cracks. They think to high of me, expect me to fall sooner than later. Perhaps they think i'd fall into they're homely arms, but thats not what i want. I've had 'family', i know what happens when things get to much, when people need an outlet for anger or frustration.

Can't get too close, can't rely on them.

"I'm gonna take a walk" i say to no-one, before standing up. Hermione sleep with her finger keeping her page, Ron snoring beside her.

I open the door the the compartment and step out. The trains always quiet, peacefully so. I walk down the aisle, greeted by small waves from friends as i pass them.
I find a deserted carriage, let out a breath and fall against the wall of the train, drop the smile i fight so hard to keep and close my eyes. Not to sleep, to clear my thoughts.

This summer was hectic. Wherever we went, people i don't know and dont care to remember wanted to talk to me; about anything from business ventures to how they heard about all the 'trials and tribulations' of my life. It can drain a person, all the unwanted attention drains me of any happiness. Like a bloody dementor kissing me with every autograph, every feigned smile or laugh.

I try compose myself, taking deep breaths. But my mind is elsewhere, agitated and aware. Someone else is here.

I can hear shallow breaths, distant yet close. No ones in the aisle, i would have seen them coming in. I stand to start looking in the compartments, wondering who it could be.

I reach the third compartment, staying ever so slightly hidden by the first windowed panel.

Is that Parkinson?

Pansy Parkinson, right hand woman of Draco Malfoy, Speculated Heiress of Slytherin. She always seemed to move effortlessly, no weights on her shoulders, as if everything came easy to her. She wasn't top of the class, but she wasn't far off. What did she have to cry about?

Her head was lowered and resting in her hands, legs curled up against her. She was whimpering like a lost child. She looked pitiful, vulnerable, scared.

She moved, arms lifting to hug herself, head resting against the wall of the compartment, eyes focused on the ceiling. She sniffed, and wiped a tear of her cheek. Her eyes looked clouded over, as though something was haunting her.

I moved an inch closer to the door for a better look at the haunted girl, the movement spooked her. She noticed.

Her demeanour changed in an instant. She stiffined, a snarl forming on her small lips. Tears seemed to dry in an instant.

She climbed of the compartment seat and stormed to the door, prying it open and stared at me. The silence deafening.

1

2

3

"Potter."

"Parkinson? I'm sorry i didn't know anyone was in here" i tried to explain, turning slightly pointing over my shoulder at the door.

She shifted slightly, as though she didn't know what to say. She looked frail, had bags under her eyes and was shivering.

She must have noticed me looking, a concerned expression on my face,
"i don't want your pity Potter, it's bad enough that we have to have this bloody interaction" before turning her eyes to the floor.

I didn't know what to say. For all her ailments, she was still gorgeous. Rosy lips, silky hair and deep, remembering green eyes.Whatever happened to her over summer wouldn't dare change that. Talk about if looks could devour.

"It's rude to stare, Potter" quiet and defeated.
"Call me Harry"
She looked up, confusion clouding her expression. "No, no i don't think i will" she spoke hesitantly, shaking her head ever so slightly.
I nod. Thats fine. She could call me a blood traitor and i'm not so sure i would retaliate.
Merlin, What is she doing to me?

We both look at the floor, or the walls or out the windows. Anywhere but eachother. The silence is two much, i need to say something before i blow. "Y'know Parkinson, if...if you ever need to...to y'know talk?"

She looks at me again, less of a snarl more of a smirk. Shes warming up to me. "Gosh Potter, do you always know just what to say."

"Yea that sounded stupid didn't it"
"Oh, maybe just a little" she laughs. Its small, breathy and she stops herself. But she laughed. "You should go Ha- Huh, Potter"
She nearly said Harry. She was gonna call me Harry.
"I think i'll stay, Pansy" i say smirking and walking into her compartment. "Nice place you got here" i added, taking the seat opposite to where she last was, spreading out to lie down.
"Oh Thank you, we just refurbished" she smirked, reaffirming her old position, crawled up.

I laughed, before we fell into a comfortable silence. And for once i didn't feel the need to fill it, with a snarky comment or something similar to sincerity. 

She looked like a statue, grecian and gorgeous. Perfectly still, yet every emotion showing. Shes in pain. Her head rolled towards me, a realisation hitting her. "We shouldn't be here"
"Shouldn't we?" I ask, meeting her eyes. Those eyes.
"If we're caught-"
Pansy's cut off my the sound of the trains whistle blowing. She sighs, "the trains stopping soon" she looks away from me, looking at nothing "i don't want to go back" she adds, in a hush whispered tone, closing her eyes and resting her head back against the wall.

This confused me, hogwarts was always there for me when i needed it. Why not for her?
"Theres a home at Hogwarts for all who seek it? Is there not?" I ask, brows knitting in confusion.

A small smiles breaks its way onto her face, only to be reined back in moments later. "Maybe for you Golden Boy, but not everyone is worth saving in the Headmasters eyes"

And with that, she leaves. No goodbye, no final glance. No, nothing. And i'm left alone, considering her words.

Not everyone is worth saving...

But to me you don't seem like everyone else. Your worth something, to me.

A/N:
Enjoying so far? This is so fun to write.
I know Pots and Pans/Hansy isn't shipped as much as say Dramione but i still caveee for this ship. Xoxo