Chapter 206
"Why isn't Draco here yet?"
Seated beside a small round table, Pansy Parkinson idly swung her uninjured leg, glancing out the window again and again.
She knew she had arrived too early.
She had been discharged on Saturday, and after asking around, she learned that this was when Hogwarts students were allowed to visit Hogsmeade Village. So she and Draco Malfoy had agreed to meet here.
The Hogwarts Express wasn't running at this time, so her father had brought her instead. His habits as a businessman meant he always arrived early—just in case. Sure enough, not long after they arrived, an owl delivered urgent news. He had to leave immediately.
"Remember to write to me. If your leg hurts, don't endure it. Your teachers will help you," he said hurriedly before departing.
"I know. Go on, Father. I'm much better now," Pansy urged, perfectly satisfied with the arrangement.
She was currently sitting in a small, ordinary teahouse. The place was filled with soft mist, decorated with frills and bows everywhere.
She noticed many unfamiliar faces—likely students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons.
Couples sat close together, hands intertwined, gazing at each other with affection. Some even embraced and kissed openly.
Pansy's cheeks flushed, her heart beating faster.
Sitting there alone only made her feel more out of place. She grew increasingly awkward, silently wishing Draco would arrive soon.
"What would you like to order, my dear?" asked Madame Puddifoot, the owner of the teahouse.
Her glossy black hair was tied into a bun, though her slightly plump figure made it difficult for her to squeeze between tables.
"Um… could I wait a little longer? I'm still expecting someone," Pansy said shyly.
"What kind of gentleman keeps such a lovely lady waiting?" Madame Puddifoot said sympathetically. "That's not proper at all."
"Here—warm yourself first. It's on the house." She smiled kindly and handed Pansy a steaming drink.
"Mint hot chocolate. You'll like it."
"Thank you," Pansy said, wrapping her hands around the warm cup as a pleasant fragrance rose with the steam.
"Madam! A glass of rum and a glass of orange juice!" someone called from another table, drawing the owner away.
Just as Pansy watched a nearby couple kiss for the seventh time, the teahouse door suddenly burst open with a gust of wind.
Draco had arrived.
The moment she saw him, she waved eagerly, her face lighting up. She felt even happier noticing he had come alone.
Draco smiled faintly. He hadn't seen her in days, and something had felt missing.
But as he approached and sat down, his expression turned slightly cold.
Pansy felt his gaze sweep over her from head to toe. Her heart tightened—was something wrong with her outfit?
Today, she wore a light red pleated dress, paired with white knee-high stockings that accentuated her figure. A delicate blue butterfly ornament adorned her hair. Her long hair framed her face softly—completely different from her usual short, androgynous style.
"You don't like what I'm wearing?" she asked cautiously.
Draco's brow twitched.
"You could say that."
Pansy lowered her head, her mood sinking. Anyone would feel disheartened after putting in so much effort.
"It looks good," Draco added.
Her heart lifted—only briefly.
"Your leg is injured. Can you really wear something like this? Go back and change into proper robes," he said calmly.
For some reason, that made her feel better instead.
"Are you worried about me?" she asked, a hint of joy in her voice.
"Do I look like I'm trying to harm you?" Draco replied.
"Let's go. After being confined for so long, your injury might have worsened."
"I'm not that weak…" Pansy muttered, reluctant. The school robes were nowhere near as pretty as what she wore today. She had hoped to impress him—but this was not the reaction she expected.
Still, she followed him obediently out of the teahouse.
"Take care of your injury. You still need rest," Draco said quietly, a trace of concern in his eyes.
He had already consulted the healers at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.
The curse that struck Pansy was unusual—it carried both poison and a lingering curse effect.
The poison could be easily neutralized—phoenix tears were enough, and Draco still had some left from Albus Dumbledore.
But the curse was another matter.
It had been designed to torment Muggles—those without magic. Against a wizard with sufficient magic, it would only cause temporary suffering. But for someone weaker, recovery was much slower.
That was why the Death Eaters had used it during the Quidditch World Cup riot—to cause chaos.
Many injured spectators had been sent to St. Mungo's. Adult wizards recovered quickly.
Pansy, however, was not so fortunate.
According to the healers, the effects might linger for a long time—perhaps only fading as her own magic grew stronger.
They walked slowly together.
Pansy insisted on hiding her limp, forcing them to move at a reduced pace. Draco adjusted without complaint, respecting her pride.
The only upside—she had no dietary restrictions.
Even though Draco wanted her to return to Hogwarts and change immediately, he couldn't resist her insistence when they passed Honeydukes.
"I'm still a patient. Classes start the day after tomorrow… can't you take pity on me?" she pleaded softly. "And you're a Champion now. You'll be busy—I won't get to bother you much."
"I'll give you five minutes," Draco said at last.
There was little else he could say.