"Who's Watching?"

The day of the dance approached without stress. Ron hadn’t seen Pansy since lunch. He had no idea what they did as part of the beautification process, but as lovely as she was it couldn’t be much. He didn’t say anything to her when she left though, he knew about making that mistake already with Hermione during fourth year.



As he got ready himself, he wondered what she would be wearing. She was so secretive about it. The only thing she had told him was that it was black. He had thought he would have to charm his robes a little or add a scarf but she said the only accent was shiny stones. He charmed his buttons and cufflinks silver. Once he saw her dress he would make any other changes.



He waited outside Slytherin House and kept his eyes open. Zabini walked by giving him a glare but kept walking none the less. Draco came out next with immaculate robes worthy of the fortune his family amassed.



“I saw her taking with some of the girls in the common room, so she’ll be out her soon.” The blonde told him.



Ron nodded. “Alright then.”



“I heard Blaise in the dorm talking with Yaxley. He plans to find Pansy alone at some point and talk to her. He said something about trying to get a dance with her. Pansy has been looking forward to this night and I’d rather not see Blaise fuck it up for her.”



“I’ll be keeping an eye out for him tonight rest assured. Thanks for the warning.” Draco and Ron shared a handshake then the blonde went on his way. Ron pondered what he said. He thought Zabini might want a dance with her, but he didn’t want Pansy in a bad mood. She was excited about this dance and like Draco, he didn’t want her evening to go badly.



Ron was lost in his thoughts when she came out of the entrance. Ron lost what breathe he had just inhaled.



Pansy was in a black gown held up by thin rhinestone studded straps. Her gown was black silk and stopped at her knees. It had a flared skirt that was twirling as she walked. Her hair was flowing freely, parted at the side and her bangs pulled away from her face. She a little more make up then usual but she was far from being painted up. She wore strappy black heels that showed her shiny polished toes. The only jewelry she wore was a diamond anklet that matched the straps of her dress.



She stopped in front of him, smiling. She had seen him watching her as she came out of the entrance. “Hi.” She said, not losing her smile.



“Pansy, you look beautiful.” He said letting out a breathe. He let his eyes travel down to her feet and back again. “Just beautiful.”



“Thank you.” She said. She smiled as he pulled out his wand and with a flick and wave of his hand, his buttons changed from silver to rhinestone studded fasteners that matched her dress straps. He changed his cufflinks as well. “That’s amazing. You look wonderful.” She said admiring his dress robes. She knew his brothers had picked them out. Ron admitted to knowing nothing about fashion or formal clothing so allowed Fred and George to get his dress robes.



“I am only a compliment to you.” He said. Pansy’s grin grew wider, if that was possible. “Shall we?” He offered an arm, and together the stunning couple walked to the great hall. Those they passed couldn’t help but admire the image they made. If Ron could define pride, he would have chosen that very moment as the example.



“Listen,” he said as they walked, “Draco told me that Zabini is planning to corner you in some way. I’d feel better if you refused any dances he asks for, but I wont demand it, it‘s still your choice.”



Pansy rolled her eyes. “Daft bastard. No worries here, I don’t want to dance with him at all.” A thought struck her. “Are you going to dance with Lavender?”



Ron froze. “Bloddy hell no!” Pansy laughed and they continued their walk into the hall. They decided to sit with Harry and Ginny, and Hermione who had gone with Neville as friends. Everyone was chatting and various friends came and went, including Millicent who was on Goyle’s arm.



As the evening went on Ron tried to maintain contact with Pansy, even if it was a simple as holding her hand, or brushing her shoulder as he draped his arm on her chair. It almost felt like second nature to touch her in those small ways.



A slow melody filled the room. “Do you want to dance?’ Ron asked. At Pansy’s nod he stood and held out a hand. Ron was aware of Zabini’s eyes focused on them as they walked to the dance floor. Pansy was equally aware of Lavender watching from her table.



Ron slipped his arms around Pansy’s waist and began to sway slowly to the music. Pansy fit perfectly in his arms. His heart tripled it’s speed when she rested her head on his shoulder.



Pansy heard the thundering beat but said nothing. Ron’s arms felt wonderful and she closed her eyes, snuggling into his chest. Ron dropped his head and caressed her brow with his cheek.



In a far off table Zabini was fuming. His face was bright red. Pansy had never held him like that. He downed his butterbeer, getting really angry with her now. This act of hers had gone on far enough. He had to find out what he had done to piss her off enough to go to Weasley for revenge.



On the opposite side of the room, Lavender stood nearly in tears. She thought Ron would eventually miss her enough to get rid of the Slytherin, but he hadn’t. She needed to make him see that she was the better woman for him.



Pansy tightened her arms just a little but it didn’t go unnoticed by Ron. He looked down and saw she was watching him. He met her eyes and never took them away while they finished the dance. Ron was conflicted. This was supposed to be an act. They were pretending. It wasn’t supposed to feel right when he held her. This was just to keep Zabini off of her. He shouldn’t be feeling what he was feeling.



The song ended and Pansy and Ron walked in silence back to their table. Pansy was just as internally torn asunder as Ron. He had affected her through to her bones. She was still trembling. Her mind was awash with images and fantasies his touch had brought about. She wanted to feel his touch everywhere.



“Would you like another butterbeer?” He asked. She could only nod. Ron moved quickly, not wanting her to be alone for too long. The moment he had left, Zabini zeroed in.



“Nice show there. You’d have shagged him if the music hadn’t stopped.” Pansy looked over at Blaise. His face was still red and his frown had deepened.



“What do you want?” She asked.



“Come on let’s dance.” He stood and held out a hand, but Pansy remained seated.



“I don’t want to dance.” She said, looking over at Ron. He was speaking to Lavender, who was just as upset. Ron glanced over while his ex spoke and saw Pansy’s eyes. Worry covered his face.



“You were dancing just a moment ago and loving every minute of it, what’s the difference?” He said still standing.



“I wasn’t dancing with you.” She said looking up at him. Blaise, if it was possible got even madder.



“What the fuck does that mean?” He demanded.



“I thought that statement was clear enough.” Blaise looked up at Ron Weasley. He had set the drinks down on the table and faced the Slytherin head on.



Zabini glared at the redhead and then turned and left the great hall. Ron took his seat. “Are you alright?” Pansy nodded.



“I might as you the same thing. What did Lavender want?” She asked taking her drink.



“She wanted me to dance with her.” Ron said. “I had to be very adamant in the refusal.”



“I can only imagine.” Pansy Gave him a giggle and sipped her drink. She relaxed against his body when he draped his arm an the back of her chair. Together they watched couples waltzing around the dance floor. Ron wasn’t much for formal dancing, he was more casual, as was Pansy.



Neither of them wanted to dance again. Ron was happy as he was with Pansy nestled against him. He had no clue whether or not Lavender or Zabini were watching them, not did he care.



Ron began to wonder at what he was feeling. He at first was selfish and thought only of getting Lavender off his back. He was more concerned now with how Zabini was treating her. Seeing how she sat at her table waiting for him to come and rescue her had sparked something in him.



He wanted to protect Pansy from him. He wanted to rush in and pummel him for daring to make her feel uncomfortable. He looked down at the raven black hair resting on his shoulder. He was suddenly filled with a desire for her closeness.



“I’ll walk you back to Slytherin house.” He whispered. She rose and followed him out of the Great Hall. Couples had begun leaving and the corridors were littered with whispers and snogs in random dark corners. Ron held Pansy’s waist as they walked slowly.



When they arrived at the entrance to Slytherin House, Ron was reluctant to release her. Pansy thought it might be because Lavender or Blaise might be watching them. Ron was looking at her with an odd face and she didn’t quite know what to make of it.



“May I steal a kiss?” He whispered. Pansy smiled, thinking they had to perform again.



“Which of them is here?” She whispered in a breathe.



“Neither.” He said, keeping his expression. Pansy’s smile faded. He wanted to kiss her. There was no one about to see them. He just wanted to kiss her. Pansy licked her lips and watched his face. He was waiting patiently for an answer. She slid her hands up his arms, holding his shoulders. Looking in his eyes she gave the slightest nod. It was all Ron needed.



He lowered his lips and met hers. Pansy let her eyelids drop and gave into the want. Ron caressed her lips with his own, tracing her bottom lip with his tongue until she eased her lips apart. Just as before he was tender with her, not rushing, taking his time so they could both enjoy the sensations engulfing them both.



Pansy gripped his shoulders harder. Her body was warming up at a rapid pace. She felt a heat flood her loins, and a brand new desire overwhelmed her. She had never felt the desire for sex before. A curiosity maybe, but nothing when she was kissed. With Ron she was filled with a strong need. She wanted him to touch her body, and she wanted to explore his.



His kiss was doing this to her, she knew it. She was thirsty, and hungry. She needed more. She slid her hands down his arms, becoming more passionate in her kiss. She wanted him to touch her. He said he didn’t see hints. Well then, she would move his hand for him. She would show him. She would…..



COUGH. COUGH. The kiss broke but the couple did not release each other. Pansy buried her face in Ron’s open jacket as the embarrassment of being caught snogging by her head of house reddened her face.



“Professor Snape.’ Ron greeted, not letting her go. He was just as caught as she was, it was only fair that he try and salvage the situation and take some of the humiliation from Pansy. “I was just walking Pansy back to her house.”



“It appears you have reached your destination.” He said calmly.



Pansy pulled her head up, and while still bright red managed to kiss Ron on the cheek. “Goodnight.” She told him.



“I’ll see you before breakfast?” He said. She nodded, and he gave her one last hug before she vanished into the Slytherin common room followed by Snape. Ron turned and started toward Gryffindor tower.