The next morning, I wake up with a throbbing headache. The Firewhiskey was a big mistake. In the kitchen, I find Hermione is already eating breakfast.
“Drink up.” She tells me, handing over a vial of potion. “I had Kreature get us some.” I recognise the hangover potion and down the whole vial. I sigh at the instant relief.
“Glad he listens to you.” I mutter as I sit down and start eating.
“Not willingly. He had a few choice names for me. Said his Mistress would be very displeased that I was disturbing her home. I had to remind him that you are his Master now.” She says, wrinkling her nose.
“I know, I don't like it any more than you do but I am Lord Black now and the cranky old thing would not know what to do with himself if I let him go or tried to pay him.” I say with a sigh.
“Right. Now, you're going to talk to Ginny today, right?” She asks.
“Yeah. I'll go over after breakfast.” I promise.
So I do. After I finish eating, I dress and walk into the parlor where Hermione is waiting for me.
“Good luck.” She says, handing me the Floo powder. I take a handful, calling out Ginny's Floo address.
I land in the living room of her flat. Walking into the kitchen, I'm surprised she isn't there. I make my way to her bedroom, thinking maybe she sleep in. I find her, just not how I expected.
“What the Hell!” I say loudly in surprise. The girl on top of Ginny jerks around and I recognise her as Pansy Parkinson, a Slytherin from my year. Ginny stares at me in horror. “We need to talk. I'll be in the living room.” I say, turning quickly and walking out of the room.
About ten minutes later, the two girls walk into the living room fully dressed. They sit on the couch while I take the chair.
“How long has this been going on?” I ask. Ginny looks down ashamed and Pansy wraps her arm around the younger girl's shoulders.
“We've been seeing each other for almost a year. We've been sleeping together for about three months.” Pansy finally admits.
“Why didn't you tell me?” I ask, looking directly at Ginny when I ask this.
“I'm so sorry, Harry. I didn't want to hurt you. I've never wanted to hurt you. It's just Pansy and I, we…” She trails off, wiping tears from her eyes.
“We fell in love.” Pansy states, firmly pulling Ginny closer.
“Is it possible for a Slytherin to truly love someone, without considering the advantages and hindrances?” I ask her.
“I don't know if a Slytherin can, but I have.” She tells me. I nod. I believe her.
“And do you love Pansy?” I ask Ginny. She nods, tears now streaming down her face. “If you hurt her, I'll kill you.” I tell Pansy, my voice level.
“I would let you.” Pansy replies. Ginny just looks at me in shock.
“That's all you have to say?” She asks, confused. “I cheated on you and that's all you have to say?”
“I'm not happy about that either but I wasn't exactly invested in this relationship. At least one of us can be happy. I actually came here today to break up with you anyway.” I tell her and her mouth drops.
“Why?” She asks.
“I'm gay.” I tell her and Pansy starts laughing.
“Theo owes me twenty gallons.” She says, when she can breath.
“You bet on my sexuality?” I ask. She shrugs.
“Sure. It makes things interesting. Besides it wasn't just you, we bet on a lot of people. Draco included. I won that one too.” She grins.
“Draco Malfoy?” I ask surprised.
“Yep.” She nods. “He was not impressed.”
“Can we still be friends?” Ginny hesitantly asks.
“Yeah. Just don't try to bring Ron into anything. None of us are talking to him after Hermione found him with Lavender.”
“I heard about that. I had no idea.” Ginny says, shaking her head.
“Do you think the four of us could go out together one day? We weren't exactly friendly in school and I'd like to change that, for Ginny's sake.” Pansy says.
“I'll talk to Hermione and we'll set up a day.” I tell her, nodding. Ginny smiles at this. “Well, I had best get back.” I tell them as I stand. Ginny pulls me into a hug and Pansy shakes my hand.
“Grimmauld Place.” I say, throwing the Floo powder down.
“How did it go?” Hermione asks as I stand brushing the ashes off. So I tell her.
