don't bring flowers.

chapter 5.

Destroying all her precious possessions certainly helped Pansy recover, even if it was only going to be temporary. She threw out her hair straightening potion to allow it to set in natural waves, didn't apply as much make up the next morning and planned to be a lot nicer to people. Still, she made that promise before running into Ginny Weasley in Diagon Alley. She lied to her mother that she needed a dress for her date that evening in order to be given the family vault key for Gringotts. Once she collected some money, she bought some writing utensils – a new quill and some fresh parchment, so she could write a letter to Daphne, to ask her if she knew anything about the night before. That was when her perfect day became spoiled by the Weasley girl. She must've spotted Pansy walking down towards her favourite cafe, for she shouted to her as she caught up.

"Pansy Parkinson!" She exclaimed, a little out of breath, finally close to the girl. She wore a crimson sweater that surprisingly didn't clash with her tied up red hair. Pansy knew better than to stay and talk to the girl. If her feet hadn't betrayed her, she'd have gone straight away. An excuse wouldn't have been needed, either. She'd have just left.

"Yes?" She didn't seem too keen, standing rigidly with crossed arms as the girl continued to fight for her breath. Something must've been important for Ginny to chase her so that she became unfit. Pansy had a bad feeling she knew what she wanted.

"I've just been at the ministry, the inquiry, y'know?" Of course she knew. "Anyway, they asked me to come and find you. Apparently you haven't answered your owl about coming back." Her voice went quite high at the end, like she was practically full of joy over talking about it or performing an errand. Then again, she was probably being praised and encouraged every single time she went.

"I don't think I've got that owl." Alas, Pansy lied. The letter lay open and forgotten on her bedside cabinet. "You should tell them that the next time you go." She forged a smile that slid back off her face in a matter of seconds. So much for being the nice girl.

"It's really fun, isn't it? These inquiries, I mean. Getting to tell all sorts of great stories and what not." Ginny just didn't know where to stop. Of course, she recognised the look of despair on Pansy's face and the genuine sadness in her eyes when she shook her head. "Oh right, I understand it's not quite the same experience for you." She fell into apologetic silence but Pansy refused to let it lie.

"Obviously it's fun for you!" She snapped. She had a short temper, so got more offended than usual. "Look at me; I'm Ginny Weasley, girlfriend of Saint Potter. Here, have another story about how fabulous he is and how he saved the universe so he can be with me." Despite her best attempts, including some I've-just-sucked-a-lemon facial expressions and a whiny pitch of voice, Ginny didn't crack. "Not everyone got something good out of this whole War experience, y'know. There's no need to rub it in. The last time I saw you, you were defending your little boyfriend after I basically offered him up as bait. Go away please. I don't wish to speak to you." She turned her head away to signify her dramatic statement.

A gentle hand on her arm made her turn back again. Ginny had a soft smile on her face. "Neither Harry or I blame you for what you did, Pansy. Although I don't appreciate your harsh words, I'll let it slide. " She quickly moved her arm back when Pansy had the look of horror in her eyes. Time for a subject change, seemingly harmless. She wanted to behave like a typical girl so that Pansy wouldn't shout again. "How are things with you and er, Draco?" She stuttered for she plucked up the courage to care.

Pansy wished to rip out her tear ducts when the tears started to fill up again. "I wouldn't know, it's been a while since I saw him. Now if you don't mind, please don't speak to me anymore. Or repeat this conversation to anyone." Her mother would've scowled if she knew Pansy was being so rude, but she turned on her heels and sped towards Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour shop with her bag of goods in hand. Obliviate seemed like a good option right now. Still, she kept on moving, stopping once inside.