Beauty and the Beast

Pansy stretched out her frame and felt control returning to her body. A very passionate night and a restful sleep did wonders and she woke with a very optimistic feeling. Sitting up she noticed she was alone. Her husband was gone, but with an estate this big she knew he must have important things that needed his attention. It went without saying that this castle took a lot to keep it going.



She smiled at the dressing gown laid out on the bed. Ron must have left it for when she woke up. Slipping it on she began to go through the wardrobe in search of clothes. She pulled out a skirt and a dark green jumper, as well as her calf high boots, then moved to a dresser. The maids had moved her belongings alongside Ron’s and as she pulled out kickers and a bra she found herself moving through his shorts and undershirts. When she looked for her socks however she found a whole drawer full of gloves and masks. Rather then using a charmed mask that stayed on, he chose masks with ties.



She frowned. She didn’t remember ties last night, she would have felt them when she touched his shoulders and caressed his hair. Closing the drawer she opened another and found her socks alongside his, with her tights and stockings. It didn’t take her long to shower and get dressed. She wasn’t as high maintenance as people thought and rarely used a lot of hair products or cosmetics.



She made her way downstairs and found a maid dusting. “Excuse me.” The girl stopped what she was doing and faced her.



“Yes ma’am.” She said.



“Where is my husband?” Pansy asked, still trying to get used to saying ‘husband’ in a possessive form.



“He had to leave early ma’am. One of the hands mentioned a hippogriff that’s ill and Mr. Weasley went to assess the situation. I believe he left a note for you in the study.” She told her.



“Thank you.” Pansy said with a smile and moved into the study over to the large desk. Her father’s note was still there but she ignored it. Instead she found a stack of letters with a note from Ron on top.



‘Sorry I was gone when you woke, one of the animals may be sick so I left for the fields. These came through yesterday and this morning. Go through them and decide which you would like to respond to and we can write them together later. Yours, Ronald’



She smiled at the ending. He had signed it ‘yours’. He also said they would answer together. He was already making sure they formed a united front. For some reason this made Pansy smile.



“Ma’am,” she turned to see the maid at the door, “would you like some breakfast?”



“I’ll just take some tea and toast in here on a tray if that’s alright?” She said taking the stack of letters in hand.



“Of course, I’ll have it in a moment.” The girl vanished and Pansy made herself comfortable in an armchair as she shuffled through the letters. She recognized several names immediately. Her father had arranged for an announcement to appear in the evening paper yesterday just after her nuptials. These were either letters of congratulations or from friends with questions.



She ended up being right on both counts. As she sipped her tea and had her toast she read on and on. Some letters offered luck and wishes, some even contained Gringott’s drafts or value certificates to various stores. Wedding presents were nice and theses always merited a response. She made two piles on the table that held her tray.



An hour later she was finished the last letter when the maid walked in. She handed Pansy another stack of letters. This one only slightly larger then the one Ron had left her. “More?” She asked with wide eyes.



“Yes ma’am.” The girl answered. “There’s also a gentleman to see you ma’am, says his names Draco Malfoy. I told him you were newly married and relaxing this morning but he says you might make an exception and see him anyway.”



“Oh yes, bring him in please.” She stood and set the new stack down, she would go over it after Draco had left.



“Pansy.” He said holding his arms out to her. “I just heard.”



“Draco, it’s good to see you.” She entered his arms and returned his embrace. “It’s been a long time.” In truth it had been about six months since they had seen each other, but for two friends that frequently had lunch or tea, it was a long time.



“I came as soon as I found out. I get the prophet in Italy when I’m there on business and I saw the announcement. How did this happen?” His concern was a refreshing change of pace from her father.



She filled him in on her fathers mission to marry her off. Draco’s outrage at his actions were predictable. He never liked her father’s old fashioned viewpoints and cared even less for his attitude of women. Mr. Parkinson believed women needed the guidance of a father, the protection of a husband, and eventually the sympathy of a son. Draco felt just the opposite, seeing women as partners that men needed in life.



“If I had known Pansy, I would have helped you out.” He told her.



“What would Demetria have said?” She asked.



“She would have had to dealt with it or walk. I help my friends when they need me, if she’s going to be in my life, she’s going to have to accept it.”



“You’re a wonder Draco, but what’s done is done.”



“I can always offer to reimburse the price he paid your father.” Draco offered.



“He wouldn’t do that. He countered every offer made, the amount didn’t matter. His man said he wasn’t looking for a wife until he heard about me. He didn’t even know the amount of the biggest offer, he just gave instructions to counter every offer, no matter what.”



“How much did he give your father?” Draco asked.



“Three hundred thousand.” She answered.



Draco smiled. “Has your father seen this castle?” She took her head. “He may beat himself to death.”



“Why?” She asked.



“This castle alone was worth about that much when he bought it, now it’s value is a fortune worthy of a small country. Weasley made himself a rich man and could easily have met a demand in the millions.”



“Millions? I wonder what he does for a living.” She mused looking around the room. His study was an example of fine taste.



“You don’t know?” Draco asked.



“No. Do you know his man Ben Marshall?” Draco nodded. “Well he and my father spoke and of course father didn’t think I needed to be involved.”



“Prat.” He muttered under his breath. “Ron deals in hippogriff, thestral, pegasus and horse dealings. He makes vast amounts from them as well, breeding only the finest creatures. However the bulk of his fortune was made in land renovation.”



“Land renovation?” She asked.



“Yes, he bought huge plots of land that had been abandoned or unsalvageable and spent money himself bringing them back to very high standards. The renovations he made to several tracts of land allowed him to resell at three to four times the amounts he paid for them. The more money he made the more land he could buy. In about five years time he managed to secure a fortune that he now invests in both land and creature breeding. His reputation is well known for both.”



“That would explain his leaving this morning.” She said.



“He left?”



“Something about an illness with one of the animals.” Draco nodded. Ron always made sure he knew what was going on with regards to his lands and hired only experts to work with his creatures.



“Yes well, needless to say the past several years Weasley has used his back and his head to build himself everything he has. Now apparently he wants to settle down. Are you sure you don’t want me to offer to pay him back? I’m sure if you really wanted to he would agree.”



“I know he would agree, he said before the wedding that he wouldn’t go through with it unless I was willing.”



“Do you think you can be happy here?” He asked her.



“I think Draco, that I’m already well on way.” She said smiling.



“Really?” He asked with a grin. He would like to see Pansy happy,



“Yes, he was a boy of honor back at school, he’s a strong man now. I’ll be well cared for Draco. Things could have been worse. Did you know Adrian Pucey made an offer?”



“That rat?” Draco said making a face.



Pansy nodded. “I went though the rubbish one night hoping to get a glimpse of the letters my father had discarded as worthless. He didn’t look at a man who wasn’t well off. Adrian said something about honor and love even though he had yet to secure a fortune worthy of my name.”



“I’m guessing it was the ‘yet to build a fortune’ bit that got it discarded.” He said.



Pansy laughed. “There were some names I didn’t recognize. A man named Bode?”



“If it’s Broderick Bode, he’s an unspeakable at the ministry.”



“Cauldwell?” She ventured.



“Owen Cauldwell, a Hufflepuff, a year or two younger then us I think. I remember taking point from him for sneaking out after curfew several times.”



“Yes, well them and many more were tossed out because they didn’t have enough money to suit him.”



“I can see that he would want you to be with a successful man, but I think in the end it should be your decision. He had no right to search out like he did.”



“Well, it’s over and there’s no use complaining.”



“You know Pansy, you can always come to me if you need anything. Don’t feel like you are stuck here.”



“I don’t think I am stuck here. The staff has been very good to me, very welcoming. They all seem excited that I am here. Ron has made sure that I had a say in everything so far. My father sent him a letter asking to visit but Ron asked me first. He said he wouldn’t invite him if I didn’t want him here.”



“He’s already making a home then.” Draco told her.



“Yes he is. I just think since he is willing to try and considering that he had paid as much as he did, that this must mean something to him and I’m not fool enough to just dismiss that he did do anything he had to do to make sure he was the one selected for me.”



Draco nodded. He stood and gave her a hug. “Draco, do you know what happened to him?”



“You mean the mask?” She nodded. “No I don’t. I don’t think anyone knows, but if he’s not offering information then I’m not going to ask. It’s not my business.” She nodded again. “You’re his wife though, I’m sure he’d answer your questions.”



“I couldn’t do that. I’ve just gotten here and I wouldn’t feel right making demands like that. If it’s not personal then I have no right to pry either. He deserves that respect from me.”



Draco smiled, knowing her curiosity would prove too much and she would ask eventually. If she asked him, she was already wondering about it. After catching up on several friends and what’s been happening since the last night they visited several months ago, they said their goodbyes and Pansy let him floo out of the study to Malfoy manor. When he was gone she set about going though the next stack of letters.



Outside the hall, Ron smiled to himself, she had rejected Draco’s offer, and it felt good knowing that she had wanted to stay.



She said she wasn’t going to ask about the mask either. She avoided the subject since the carriage ride here, but in time she may ask. She was his wife and she should know, but he would let her bring it up. He glanced in the study and saw her going over more letters. She had a pile in her lap and two on the table in front of her.



He turned away and went upstairs to change. It was the middle of the afternoon now, so there would be time to see who sent what and who got a reply. It would also give them time together before dinner. He felt guilty about leaving her. He was considering this time as a honeymoon of sorts, and to be called away was an annoyance, but when it came to his livelihood he didn’t take risks.



“Hello lovely,” he said walking into the study, “don’t get up.” He told her when she attempted to take the letters off her lap. He leaned down and kissed her cheek.



“Hello. These,” she said gesturing the one pile, “are from people I know, some need a reply and some I’m not sure of. These,” she gestured to the other pile, “are from people I don’t know, so I’m guessing they are from your friends.”



“Most likely business associates as well.” He sat in the chair next to her and picked up the pile she had indicated.



“Draco came by to visit.” She told him.



“Did he?” Ron asked not looking up from the letter he was reading.



“Yes, he offered to reimburse the bride price you paid for me and…..”



“I didn’t buy you.” He said sharply, when she jumped he reached out and took her hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to snap at you.” She relaxed and gave him a slightly forced smile. “I don’t like the thought of people thinking I bought you.” He said.



“Well, isn’t that was you did though? To me it feels that way.” She said keeping calm.



“And I think that’s why I’m insulted by it. I paid your father for the right to marry you. If you denied me that right however, I would have respected it.”



She gave him a small smile. It was plain as day that he would have honored any of her wishes if she had said no. “Fair enough.” She said.



“So you were saying….” He prompted as he moved to another letter.



“Well, I told him that you were being very respectful towards me and it wasn’t necessary. He did let me know I could always go to him.” She said.



“I would think something was wrong if he didn’t offer.”



She gave a chuckle. Ron felt lifted that she was back in good humor. “He told me how you make your money.”



“I’d have told you if you wanted to know.”



“I never gave it a thought. Well, I did. The day Marshall spoke to my father, I wondered what you did that enabled you to make an offer. With the wedding and well….last night…” she blushed and he couldn’t help but grin a little, “well…it slipped my mind.”



“That’s understandable.” He moved to another letter. “I only sporadically deal with land now, only if it proves to be very profitable. Most of my time is given over to creature dealing.”



“How is the hippogriff by the way?” She asked.



“It wasn’t an illness, which is good. It was an injury. A fight broke out in the stands and we ended up treating the loser.”



“Boys.” She muttered under her breathe and smiled at his glare.



After a few moments he spoke. “Why didn’t you accept Draco’s offer?”



“You’ve been generous, and a gentleman toward me. I can see how you are involving me in your life and home. When we talked, I said that if you were making an effort I would make an effort.” She fell silent and then looked at him. “I think after last night, that it might be very easy to begin feeling something for you. If we can enjoy each other as we did,” she met his eyes, “who’s to say that this won’t become something we both will be glad for.”



Ron set aside the letters he was reading. Taking her hand in his he brought her to her feet. “I’m glad you feel that way.” Leaning down he kissed her cheek. “Do I assume correctly that you enjoyed yourself last night.” He whispered.



“Yes.” She said, letting her head fall back as he kissed along her jaw.



“Then perhaps you will allow me to indulge myself.” He asked, pulling her against him.



“How?” She asked.



He pulled only slightly away and looked down at her. Taking his wand he flicked it to the door, which closed and locked itself. Facing her he took her shoulders and moved her to the couch, helping her to sit. “Scared?” He said kneeing on the floor in front of her.



“No.” she said. “Just a bit nervous.”



He kept his eyes on hers as he slid his hands along her thighs and inside her skirt. He moved higher and higher, gripping the waistband of her silk knickers and pulling. She lifted her hips a little to help him and watched as he pulled the fabric out from her skirt. He grinned with one side of his mouth as he folded up the lace and stuck it in his pocket.



“A new pocket handkerchief?” She asked.



“My new favorite.” He said, taking her knees in his hands again, and spreading her legs apart. Pulling off the end cushion to rest his knees on, he focused on his new wife.



Leaning down he inhaled her scent. She smelled of perfumed soap and female musk. It was a turn on for Ron knowing that it showed her excitement for him. To know that she wanted her husband was a good foundation for marriage. Granted he would have liked to date her for awhile and earn her love, but at the moment it didn’t work out that way.



He had to make her want to stay with him. If she stayed then he would be able to win her love in time. For now he would be her lover. A lover concerned with her pleasure.



He gave her a long lick, coating her lips in his saliva. She inhaled deeply and bit her bottom lip. She was looking down at him watching his actions and he loved it. “Have you had this before?” He asked and gave her another lick.



“Just once.” She said, unable to tear her eyes away. He looked so damm sexy framed by her thighs and looking up at her.



“Who?” He asked, giving her another lick followed by a kiss on her newly moist lips. He wasn’t angry, just curious and it was somewhat stimulating to share her history with him.



“Draco.” She said.



“Was it any good?” He asked. He licked her again, pushing with his tongue along her slit.



“Not really.” She said, gripping the couch cushions under her ass.



“Why not?” He asked, again giving her a lick, this time slipping his tongue into her for a split second.



“He didn’t want to do it, it was a dare.” She said, her breathing speeding up.



“A dare?” He said licking her again. “Tell me.” He slipped his tongue inside her and licked her inner walls as she spoke.



“Well…we….ahhh…..we were playing truth or dare in the …..in the …..um…the common room… and….he….uh….he didn’t want …to answer…..the …..um.. Vincent’s question…..so…..he took the dare.” Her chest heaved.



“What was the question?” He exaggerated his slurping of her juices.



“He was asked who he lost his virginity to.” She gasped out breathless.



“Hermione.” He said smiling against her lips.



“You knew about that too?” She asked, struggling to keep her place.



He only nodded. Ron was going mental in his tasting of her, it was his eyes. He hadn’t taken his eyes from hers, and his intense gaze followed the movements his head and jaw were making, gave Pansy a thrill.



Ron dove into his task, plunging his tongue deeply, he lapped, cupping his tongue to draw out her juice. Pansy bit her lip to keep from crying out. She heaved and panted as Ron feasted on her.



She struggled to keep her position and when she found herself nearing orgasm she reached down to signal him to stop but he was already watching her. Her hands moved on their own and she caressed his hair. He was looking at her with determined eyes. He knew what she was approaching and he would stop. Before she knew it her body was being hurled over the edge.



She bit her lip and held in her shrieks as she came hard. Her whole body shook with the strain. She gasped and groaned until she slowly came back to earth. She only then realized she had been holding the back of his neck in a firm grip.



“I’m sorry…..” She whispered releasing him. He rose up, caressing her thighs as he leaned into her.



“Don’t be sorry.” He said leaning in and kissing her. She could still taste herself on him and it didn’t repel her like she thought it might. “Don’t ever be sorry for your reactions.” He kissed her again. “Do you know how exciting it is to be pulled closer to you. To see how excited you are is exciting to me.” He kissed her neck. “Pull me inside you anytime you want.”



She groaned and let her head roll. Ron chuckled and watched her as she regained control of her senses and her breathing. He didn’t pull away, just stayed in his knees touching her. They just looked at each other, each relaxed in their own way.



KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK



“Yes?” Ron called over his shoulder.



“Dinner is served sir.” A maid called from, behind the door.



“Thank you.” He called back. Pansy gave him another smile and let him help her to her feet.



“My knickers Ron.” She said. Ron didn’t respond and merely straightened her skirt for her. With a wink through his mask he took her hand and left the study. Her knickers were safe in his pocket and there they would stay.