Azkaban - 13

"Forgive my daughter's lack of good taste," Mrs. Parkinson said, glaring at Pansy. "We've had a difficult time these past few days, and I fear the strain is showing on all of us."

"Of course it is, Anastasia," Professor McGonagall said briskly. "We all sympathize with your loss. Perhaps you'd like to see Narcissa. Follow me. I'll take you to her room."

Professor McGonagall led Mrs. Parkinson from the room, casting a stern glare at the rest of the occupants, as if warning them to behave. While the adults moved to one side of the room and began a hushed discussion, the young people stared mistrustfully at one another.

Finally, George moved away from the table where he'd been sitting and walked over to the Parkinson girls. "Iris, it's been a long time," he said a bit stiffly, addressing the elder girl. "It's nice to see you again."

"Yeah, not since you flew out the front door our seventh year," Iris said, smiling. She had the same features as her sister, but her face had a more oval shape that gave her a softer appearance. When she smiled, Ginny conceded that unlike Pansy, she was truly pretty.

"Yeah, yeah. Enough with the false pleasantries. Where's Draco?" Pansy asked, scowling at both George and her sister.

Ginny had the distinct impression that a fierce rivalry existed between the two sisters, and that Pansy resented any attention given to Iris. Ginny tried to cover her grin – that knowledge just might prove useful.

"He and Harry took a trip to Azkaban," she said smoothly, carefully watching the Slytherin's reaction.

"He what?" Pansy shrieked, spinning around with wide eyes.

"He wanted to speak with his father. We're waiting for them to return," Hermione replied. Ginny was interested to note the coolness in Hermione's voice. Usually Hermione advocated giving everyone a chance or the benefit of the doubt, but something told Ginny there was no love lost between these two.

"Is he crazy?" Pansy asked no one in particular. "Doesn't he know there's a standing order to bring his body back to the Dark Lord? He at least wants Potter alive, but Draco is in real danger."

"Yeah, Harry's so lucky," Ginny replied, rolling her eyes.

"Still sniffing around after the Boy-Who-Lived, I see. Where's your self-respect?" Pansy asked, sneering.

"Recognize the traits, do you, Pansy?" Ginny asked, gazing nonchalantly at her own nails.

Pansy scowled. "I can't believe you cut your hair and gave it to Granger. I mean, I understand her wanting it. The idiotic males at Hogwarts all seem to have a thing for your hair, but I don't think they'll like you as much without it," Pansy said, smirking triumphantly.

"You seem really focused on who pays attention to my hair, Pansy," Ginny replied, amused. "You know, there are charms you can use to turn yours red, you'll just have to stay on top of the roots."

Pansy's face flushed. "Don't flatter yourself. I notice everything that goes on at that school."

Fred and George's heads were swinging back and forth between the girls as if they were watching a tennis match.

"Pansy, play nice," Iris said, clearly amused. "We have to stay here until Mother comes to her senses, after all."

"What is Draco thinking?" Pansy whined. "How long have they been gone, and when are they due back?"

"I already told you, we're all waiting for them to return, Pansy. We're worried about Harry and Ron, too," Hermione said stiffly. Pansy's question reminded them all how long the group had been gone, and Ginny felt that uneasiness return.