Draco Malfoy Gets a Life Coach

A Slip of the Heart

"Oh, Draco, that's wonderful!"

It was far too early for shouting and I grimaced at the sound of Pansy's shrill voice echoing through her flat, even as a smile crossed my face. I put a hand to my head.

"I'll take that tea now," I groaned.

Pansy had halted her tea-making progress to listen to my story about Granger's late-night texts. I'd Floo-called her the moment I'd woken up, if you could call it waking up, given I'd hardly slept at all.

"Right!" she said, jumping to her feet and spinning around, her candy blue kimono spiraling in her wake. As she bustled about she said, "So, what are you going to do?"

"Actually, I was hoping you'd have some suggestions because I haven't a fucking clue."

"Well," she said, coming back to the table now with cups and saucers in hand, "what do you want?"

I just stared back, feeling a snide remark about how I hadn't come here for a coaching session die on my tongue.

"I suppose that's what I need to decide."

I stared down at the wooden table in front of me dragging a finger across the grain. Glancing around the small kitchen, I was once again reminded of my father's bribe to Granger. This flat could have been hers, but she'd declined. Of course she had. That's what my mother had said. Because Granger was someone who knew what she wanted, and my mother could tell.

I had been becoming someone who knew what he wanted, more and more. So, what was so difficult about this?

"Look, Draco. This isn't that complicated. She's just letting you know that she's ready, she'd not demanding you decide anything now. I think it's fine if you don't know."

"You think?" I said, releasing a breath with a hopeful sense of relief.

"I'm sure," she said with a smile.

I scowled at her. "How are you sure? Did she say something to you?"

Pansy threw her head back with laughter, which startled me. Eyes wide, I shouted, "What?!"

"You! You're so skittish! No, she did not say anything to me, I just understand girls, being that I am one, and well..." she trailed off, looking in the direction of her bedroom.

I spun around to look as well, and then refocused on her.

"Tracey's here?"

She grinned and stuck her tongue out slightly between her teeth. "Sleeping. We were up late," she said and took a sip of her tea to hide her smile.

I couldn't help but internally remark on my lack of a sex life.

My unfamiliarity with the idea of someone spending the night.

Of being up late.

Was that it, then? More insecurity? I rolled my eyes at myself before noticing that Pansy was staring.

"Wow," she said, walking towards me. then she leaned down and knocked softly on the top of my head as she said, "There's a lot going on in there."

I shooed her hand away, but continued on unaffected. "I just don't know, Pans. It seems like it should be simple, but it feels anything but."

"Draco," she said, sitting down and taking my hand. "Your first time is certainly a big deal, but I think you've already handled the first hurdle."

"And what's that?"

She smiled slightly and tilted her head. "You found someone you care about."

That sent a jolt through my stomach. I did care. Obviously. So, why did the statement make me feel a bit ill? My face must have shown as much, because Pansy laughed again.