Authors Note: HELLO!!! I know what you're thinking BLOODY HELL it took her forever to update! And I'm SORRY, but life can sometimes be a pain in the BUM and I completely was sacked with work! HONEST! You guys know I wouldn't leave you hanging and I LUV to write my stories and read your reviews!!! Well I hope this chapter is up to par, and I'm trying to get my other stories updated and even a NEW story up! Thanx for all your patience and support, it totally helps!!!

Chapter 5: Killing Me Softly

Pansy P.O.V

"Harry look out!" I screeched just as a spell sent him flying into the kitchen. I tried to get up, but I was pretty sure that my left ankle was broken and my right shoulder was dislocated. I have cuts and bruises covering my body, and I can see from here that Harry is not fairing any better. He has his left wrist pressed closely at his side, apparently I not the only one of us with a broken bone, and he looked to be wheezing a lot, so I assume we can add a few ribs to that list. His left knee is at a funny angle, and he looks incredibly pale. I feel completely drained, in every sense of the word; physically, mentally and emotionally. I'm not sure how much longer we are going to last, but it doesn't look good.

Three Hours Earlier

"Bloody Hell, where are you?" I fumed.

After the talk with Draco, I started my hunt for Harry. I looked everywhere and called everyone, but no one had any idea where he was. Ginny told me that they had lunch and then he just left in a hurry, and Ron and Hermione said they hadn't heard from him. I went back to our flat completely frustrated and defeated.

"Dammit Potter why is it that whenever I want to see you, you've always conveniently vanished without a trace!"

"Why it's because I'm the Great Harry Potter, of course." I whirled around and there he was sitting in the living room.

"Harry," I breathed out. I'd been searching for him all this time to talk to him, to finally tell him everything I was feeling inside, and now that I had him here I was confounded. I felt warm breath on my cheek and looked up to find two emerald orbs boring into me. I hadn't even realized that he had gotten up and walked over to me.

"Pansy," he whispered huskily. My eyes fluttered shut and all I could think about was….the other night.

Flashback to night before (The much awaited scene! LOL)

I sat back abruptly. I can't believe that we were just kissing. What was I thinking? Well, he does have amazing eyes, and a delicious mouth, and that music box has got to be the most amazingly romantic gesture I've ever…Oh Merlin! I've got to stop this, I mean Harry and I are strictly partners right? But then again he did kiss me back…

"Ummm Harry what are we doing?"

"Well if you need me to spell it out for you Pansy it's a wonder you passed the Auror exams." He chuckled. I glared.

"Fine Harry, here I am trying to be mature about this and figure out whatever is going on here, and all you can do is be an obnoxious little git!" I seethed. Harry face immediately turned chagrin. I got up ready to go to my room and as I reached for the door knob I felt a hand grab my wrist.

"I don't want to figure this out, Pansy. I want to let it lead us. I want you." At that moment I could've swore my heart stopped. Did I hear him correctly? He wanted me? He was leaning in to me when I just blurted out,

"What do you see when you look at me?" He looked a bit shocked at first before his green eyes traveled up and down my body.

"I see long and lean legs, supple hips, and a mouth that says such blatantly annoying things that sometimes I forget how absolutely perfect it is." It was just like him to compliment and insult me at the same time. I didn't know whether to be annoyed or turned on. Before I could think on it, Harry grabbed me and brought my body flush against his.

"Don't you want to know what I see when I look at you?" I wondered. He smirked.

"No, we do better when we don't talk." I swallowed hard. Harry was being very forward. If we slept together tonight, would it be awkward the next day? Messing around with my partner couldn't be good for my career…or our friendship? Harry lowered his head so that his mouth seductively skimmed the hollow of my throat. Just as I was about to protest, his fingers moved to the top button of my blouse and his lips covered mine.

I felt his tongue slip inside my mouth, and all I wanted to do was kiss him back, but I still had some doubts. I pulled my head back.

"Harry, I'm not to sure we should be doing this?" I whispered half-heartedly. Instead of responding, Harry leaned in and kissed me again. When his hands slid to cup my breasts, the irritation I normally felt for him turned into a jolt of lust, and before I could control myself I wrapped my arms around him.

"If you want to stop, say so now," he whispered into my ear, "Because if we go any further, there's not turning back." I paused and tried to think of any reason to leave, but all I could focus on was how much I wanted him. I loved the way he was touching me, and I might accidentally kill him if he were to stop now. I have to have him. Now.

"Are you waiting for an invitation, Potter" I smirked. And in seconds my blouse and bra landed on the floor. Harry stepped out of his pants and boxers and I stopped a moment to take in the sight of his naked, muscular body. Sweet Merlin I loved the Auror training program. They certainly gave Harry a body not only to kill with, but to die for. A heartbeat later I was down to my lacey knickers. As he picked me up and carried me over to the bed, my entire body tingled with anticipation. Harry lowered me onto the soft comforter and rested above me. When he started kissing my neck, all thinking ceased. He trailed his soft kisses down my cleavage, teasing me with little nips here and there, making me gasp. I could feel myself losing control. Sensing my arousal, Harry slipped off the last article of clothing that was separating us, and ran his eyes up and down my body. I couldn't help the blush that came to my face and tried to avert my eyes and look at anything but him. I felt a finger turn my chin and slowly my eyes followed.

"You're unbelievably beautiful." The sincerity in his voice and fire in his eyes made my heart skip. I smirked as a surge of confidence and excitement spread through my body. I arched my back and grinned. He groaned.

"Slow down Pansy," He whispered huskily, but I could hear the tremor in his voice, "or this will be over way too fast." I trailed my fingers along his flat abs and arched my back against his once more, he growled.

"Come now Potter, you gonna let me win?" I whispered and lifted my eyebrow. Harry grinned mischievously and moved my hand away. He lowered himself over me and whispered.

"I always let you win Parkinson."

I turned to my right and saw Harry asleep, completely and utterly exausted and content, but I just lay awake next to him thinking. I'd known getting involved with one another would be a risk, but did I really give it enough weight? Maybe this was only going to be a one-night stand? But now lying there, listening to Harry breathe and feeling his arms wrapped around me, I wonder if it might lead to something more…I shook my head. This was mental! We just got carried away with our emotions…and hormones. I quietly slipped out of bed, grabbed my things, and went back to my room. Hopefully things wouldn't be too awkward in the morning.

End Flashback of night before (hope it was ok…this was my first "love scene" LOL! Didn't wanna make it too skankish, haha.)

"Pansy?" I shook my head and came back to reality. Harry was looking at me with an expression of half concern, half amusement.

"And what is that look for, Potter?" I inquired. He smiled and shook his head.

"Nothing, Parkinson, I can simply read your thoughts, and while your mind was miles away remembering last night, I was trying to get your attention." I gaped at him.

"And what pray tell makes you so sure that I was thinking about last night? By the way what happened that was so memorable?" I teased. He gave me a scathing look.

"Is that the way we're playing it now, Pansy. Are we pretending it never happened?" I was shocked by his flare-up and by the angered and hurt tone in his voice.

"No, Pot-Harry, I'm not pretending nothing happened. Look we just need to calm down, because every time we try to talk about this we end up getting ourselves into a fight." Harry sighed.

"You're right. We just need to think things rationally and stick to the subject." I nodded. We walked over to the living room and sat down on opposite ends of the couch. We were both silent and fidgeting in our seats. I was playing with a lock of my hair, when I looked up and noticed that Harry was playing with sleeves of his shirt. Merlin if we didn't look like two eight year olds afraid of the other and getting "cooties." I don't know what came over me, but for some reason I found the whole thing hilarious. I just started laughing. Harry looked up at me shocked at my sudden outburst.

"Pans, are you okay?" I merely laughed harder and clutched my stomach.

"What's so funny?" He asked although he started laughing a bit already. I just shook me head and kept on going. Ten minutes later we were both on the ground in front of the couch drying our eyes and breathing heavily.

"Merlin, we're both such prats, no wonder we both usually get partnered up in everything." I giggled even though I could feel the hiccups coming any minute. Harry just looked up at me, with the most peculiar gaze. It unnerved me.

"Ginny was right." He mumbled under his breath, but I heard him.

"What? Ginny was right about wh-hiccup-at?"

Earlier that day

Harry P.O.V

I can't believe I called her a 'pug-nose.' I mean I knew that would be a low blow, but I went for it anyway. What was I thinking? Well, I wasn't thinking that's for sure. Merlin, I'm a prat. Why does this always happen every time we seem to be getting close? One of us always has to open their big mouths and just…. Ugh! Should I try and talk to her now, or should I let her blow off some steam. I need to talk to someone. I apparated to the one person I was pretty sure would understand me right now. I knocked on the door.

"Harry?" I looked up to the person that had opened the door.

"Yeah, Gin, it's me. Can we talk?" She ushered me inside and to the living room. We sat down on the couch.

"Can I get you anything, Harry? The kids are over at my parents and I was just about to go get some lunch."

"Well, why don't we go out to eat? We can talk there." She nodded and we left Malfoy Manor and apparated to Diagon Alley. We went and sat in a little café and ordered some food and drinks.

"So Harry, what's all this about?" Ginny inquired. I sighed.

"I honestly don't know where to start. It's been a very interesting few days." I chuckled. She smiled mischievously.

"Well go on, Harry. Let's not wait for the grass to grow." I smirked, but remained silent. How should I say this? Is there an appropriate language for this?

"Oh come now, Harry, it can't be that bad…or good? You simply have to tell me now, because you've got me on the edge of my seat." I laughed at that, but also bent my head and looked down and sure enough Ginny was sitting on the edge of her seat, with both her legs shaking with anticipation and excitement. She looked like that little girl I knew back when we were in Hogwarts.

"Geez Gin, I didn't know you meant it so literally." She rolled her eyes.

"Harold James Potter, if you do not divulge the information that you have, so help me Merlin I will bat-bogey hex you…." I didn't need her to finish that threat. No one ever need Ginny to finish any threat, they just knew that they could count on it coming to be if she didn't get what she wanted. I could see she was about to open her mouth and say something else, when I just blurted out.

"Pansy and I shagged last night." Ginny stopped, her mouth hanging open. She looked completely gobsmacked, almost as if someone had just petrified her. Then she simply looked down and began to giggle. I furrowed my brows.

"Ginny?" She took a deep breath.

"Oh Merlin, Harry. It's about bloody time. How long have you two waited? I mean really, you two were almost as bad as Ron and Hermione were back in school." I think I was insulted by that, but the more I thought of it, the more I could see the resemblance in the relationships.

"What am I suppose to do, Gin? It's not that simple."

"Harry, love never is." Ginny smiled. WHAT!

"Whoa there Ginny, love? Why would you think that?" Ginny simply gave me an exasperated look.

"Harry you are utterly unbelievable. How can you be one of the most powerful and gifted wizards, yet also be one of the most clueless and idiotic one at the same time!" I winced. She had a point there. I can sometimes see and attack a mile away, yet if something was right in front of my face I would probably miss it. What am I going to do? Did I love Pansy? I mean I certainly respected her, and trusted her. I do try and look out for her, and know that I can count on her. But we do constantly argue and fight. Although those fights do sort of amuse me, and I do love the way she flares up when she's angry with me, or smiles when she realizes that we've forgotten why were fighting in the first place. I didn't realize it, but slowly a smile started to form on my face. I looked up at Ginny and she had a knowing look.

"But-

"Oh Harry, stop trying to be such a pessimist. If it's truly meant to be you 'll know it is."

"How Gin, how will I know?" I asked desperately. She looked at me sympathetically.

"The same way I knew." She said it as if it were so simple.

"If only I could be so sure Ginny. How do I tell if this is real or just a moment that was inevitable given all our time together?" I sighed frustrated.

"Just think Harry. Think of all your happiest memories. Think of all the times you've shared with Pansy, and if you could take a time-turner and change things would you? After all that, you'll know."

So here I was, sitting silently in our flat waiting for Pansy. I had no idea what I was going to say or what I was going to do, but still I sat there unmoving. Maybe Ginny was right. Maybe I should just think about it all. I closed my eyes and just let my mind go.

Flashback

"Come on Harry, we're going to be late!" I heard Pansy yell from the kitchen. I walked out of my room trying to fix my bloody tie, and noticed a pair of silver high heels in front of me. I followed the legs up to see Pansy standing in front of me with a smirk on her face. She looked beautiful. She was wearing a silver dress with little bits of green on it, and had her hair down with parts of it held up with a silver clip. She looked ravishing.

"Take a picture Harry, it'll last longer." I smiled sarcastically.

"You look alright, Parkinson." I said nonchalantly. She just shook her head, and reached over to help me with my tie.

"You can't ruin my mood, Potter, no matter what you say. This is a happy day, and I am going to enjoy it as much as possible." I smiled.

"You're right, Pansy. Nothing and no one can spoil the day." She smiled and nodded. We both grabbed our coats and left the flat. We drove down to the church and walked in.

"Well, it's about bloody time you two. I thought perhaps you were killed by Deatheaters and Ginny and I would have to find new Godparents for Melinda." Draco drawled out. Pansy rolled her eyes.

"Come now Draco, as if there were two people better for the job." Pansy retorted haughtily, then turned and looked at me, "Well as if you could find a better godmother for the job." I rolled my eyes. Draco snickered and kissed Pansy on both cheeks, while Ginny gave her a hug. I smiled at both Draco and Ginny, but couldn't help but grin as I saw Pansy run over to Melinda and pick her up. She pressed her to cheek to Melinda's and nuzzled the little baby. I could hear her start humming a lullaby that sounded completely enchanting. I must have been completely entranced, because I didn't hear Draco come up behind me.

"If you're as smart as the magical world claims you are, and pulled that head of your out of your arse that could be your future one day."

End Flashback

Was Draco right? Is that what I wanted? Sure I'd always dreamed of having a family, since I never really knew my own, but did I want it to be Pansy by my side? I mean a wife is supposed to be there unconditionally, and love and protect you. A wife is supposed to want to help you when you need it and when you don't. Was that what Pansy did for me? Well sure she's always here….and even came running home that one time I got the flu. And she certainly does protect me against Deatheaters….and even when we go out to eat, making sure there are no nuts in my food, since I'm allergic. I remember she hexed the waiter once when he forgot to tell the chef. And she does always give me advice when I need it…and when I don't. Merlin I wish she was here to help me figure this out. Holy Gryffindor! I do love her. Ginny was right! I can be completely thick sometimes! But wait; does she feel the same for me? Before I could even contemplate that the door to the flat opened.

"Dammit Potter why is it that whenever I want to see you, you've always conveniently vanished without a trace!" I heard her fume.

"Why it's because I'm the Great Harry Potter, of course." I retorted. She whirled around and saw me sitting in the living room.

"Harry," She breathed out. I'd been sitting here in the dark waiting for her all this time to finally talk, and let everything I was feeling inside out, and now that I had her here I wasn't sure what to do. I got up from the couch and walked over to her. She seemed to be lost in her thoughts, because she looked up shocked to see me standing there before her. I wanted us to talk, but I could smell the tantalizing scent of her, which seemed to be a mix of vanilla and flowers.

"Pansy," I whispered huskily. Her eyes fluttered shut and her breaths came out in short gasps and all I could think about was….the other night.

Flashback (it's going to be shorter then the original just to kind of show Harry's P.O.V)

Pansy sat back abruptly. I can't believe that we were just kissing. What was going on? Should we be doing this? I mean maybe we should think about this? But then again it did feel amazing to kiss those lips.

"Ummm Harry what are we doing?" I heard her ask meekly.

"Well if you need me to spell it out for you Pansy it's a wonder you passed the Auror exams." I chuckled. I glared.

"Fine Harry, here I am trying to be mature about this and figure out whatever is going on here, and all you can do is be an obnoxious little git!" I could see she was getting angry and immediately I felt chagrin. Not getting a response she got up ready to go to her own room and as she reached for the door knob I grabbed her wrist. I couldn't let her go.

"I don't want to figure this out, Pansy. I want to let it lead us. I want you." At that moment I could've swore my heart stopped. Did I really just admit that out loud? She didn't seem to mind so I started leaning in to her when she just blurted out,

"What do you see when you look at me?" I was a bit shocked at first but then let my eyes travel up and down her body.

"I see long and lean legs, supple hips, and a mouth that says such blatantly annoying things that sometimes I forget how absolutely perfect it is." Before she could respond I grabbed her and pressed her flush against my body.

"Don't you want to know what I see when I look at you?" I heard her whisper, but I merely smirked.

"No, we do better when we don't talk." She swallowed hard. I knew I was being very forward. If we slept together tonight, would it be awkward the next day? Messing around with my partner couldn't be good for my career…or our friendship? But I didn't let it get in the way now. That was tomorrow's problem.

"Harry, I'm not to sure we should be doing this?" I heard her whisper half-heartedly. Instead of responding, I leaned in and kissed her again.

"If you want to stop, say so now," I whispered into her ear, "Because if we go any further, there's not turning back." She paused and I could tell she was trying to think of a reason to stop this, but then I saw something in her eyes change as if she just surrendered to it all. I loved the way she felt. And I knew that I had to have her. Now.

"Are you waiting for an invitation, Potter" I smirked. And in seconds her blouse and bra landed on the floor. I got out of my clothes, and a heartbeat later she was down to her lacey knickers. I picked her up and carried her over to the bed; my entire body tingled with anticipation.

After it was all over I pulled the covers over us and held her close. I closed my eyes and tried to even my breathing. I could feel Pansy next to me. She was wide- awake and seemed to be deep in thought. The next thing I knew she was moving my arms and lifting the covers off herself. She slowly and quietly got up and grabbed her things and left my room. I'm sure she thought I was asleep, but what she didn't know was that I was just as awake as her and really wished she didn't leave. Maybe this was just a one-night stand? But having her in my arms did feel nice….maybe it could be more? I yawned and stretched out in the bed. I hope it's not too awkward tomorrow.

End Flashback

I noticed that Pansy seemed to be deep in thought as well and by the small smile on her face I knew we were having similar moments of de ja vu.

"Pansy?" I asked breaking her away from the memories. She shook her head and focused her eyes to mine. She was looking at me as if surprised that I was there, but then seeming to come back to reality pursed her lips and lifted her chin up and narrowed her eyes.

"And what is that look for, Potter?" She snapped. I smiled and shook my head. Oh how easy it was to annoy her.

"Nothing, Parkinson, I can simply read your thoughts, and while your mind was miles away remembering last night, I was trying to get your attention." I smirked at her with a wink. Her eyes went wide, and she looked as if she were about to deny it when that all too playful look came to her eyes.

"And what pray tell makes you so sure that I was thinking about last night? By the way what happened that was so memorable?" She teased. I gave her a scathing look. Why was so frustrated so suddenly. How does she make me so bipolar at times?

"Is that the way we're playing it now, Pansy. Are we pretending it never happened?" I flared. Pansy looked sorrowful and embarrassed.

"No, Pot-Harry, I'm not pretending nothing happened. Look we just need to calm down, because every time we try to talk about this we end up getting ourselves into a fight." I sighed. She was right. Ever since last night all I've been doing is snapping at anyone who was around me, especially her, and it seems as though that sentiment is vice versa.

"You're right. We just need to think things rationally and stick to the subject." I nodded. We walked over to the living room and sat down on opposite ends of the couch. We were both silent and fidgeting in our seats, when out of nowhere Pansy bursts into laughter. I looked up at her shocked at the outburst. Maybe she's having a fit or something.

"Pans, are you okay?" I inquired. Unfortunately that seemed to merely make her laugh harder and clutch her stomach.

"What's so funny?" I asked although I was slowly beginning to laugh myself. But she just shook her head at me and kept on going. Ten minutes later we were both on the ground in front of the couch drying our eyes and breathing heavily.

"Merlin, we're both such prats, no wonder we both usually get partnered up in everything." She giggled. I just looked up at her, and saw that her hair was a mess, tear tracks were making there way down her flushed cheeks, and the signs of her hiccups coming.

"Ginny was right." I mumbled under my breath.

"What? Ginny was right about wh-hiccup-at?"

Buggar, she wasn't supposed to hear that. She was looking at me expectantly, her body jerking from time to time from the hiccups. I guess now was as good a time as any to let everything out and figure out this mess.

"Look Pans, I—CRASH!

The front door just burst open, sending millions of wooden splinters and pieces of plaster our way. We both duck and try to get away, but it was useless. After the debris cleared I looked up to see a swarm of Death Eaters at our door.

"Well look at this, apparently we are on the wrong side. Aurors seem to get all the health benefits and big pay." The Death Eater at the head of the pack spat. They chuckled.

"Well boys, let's put those health benefits to work."

It seemed as though days had passed as we continued to fight. I knew that another hour or so of this and Pansy and I might not survive. I looked over to her and saw that she was in no better shape then I was. Her ankle and shoulder looked out of place and she was bleeding. I knew that my wrist and a couple of ribs were broken, making that lovely thing called breathing a bit more complex. Although to our credit about four Death Eaters were on the ground; either knocked out or dead, leaving only four more alive. So many questions were running through my head. How did they find us? These flats were supposed to be charmed. What did they want? Ever since the Final Battle the Death Eaters had seemed like a dying breed, but lately there has been a surge of activity on their part. How were we going to get out of this mess? I must have distracted myself with all those thoughts because the next thing I heard was Pansy's screech bringing me back to the present.

"Harry look out!"

Pansy P.O.V

Before either one of us could do anything Harry was blown back onto the kitchen counter, where he slid off and hit the floor hard. 'Oh Merlin Harry please get up, please get up!' But it didn't look like that was going to happen anytime soon. I looked up at the Death Eaters and held my head high.

"So what is it that you want? Still sore the good guys won? Or have you moved on to bigger and uglier things?" I taunted. I needed to distract them from throwing hexes and get them to talk to me. If I could only get close enough to the fireplace I may be able to call for help. If that doesn't work at least I can try to get some sort of information out of them.

"Ouch, really Parkinson, where are your manners? I thought your parents had taught you better. I mean you are a Pureblood lady after all, or at least you were before you decided associate yourself with filth."

"The only filth I see here are wearing masks." I replied as I edged my way closer to the fireplace, making sure to never break eye contact with the Death Eaters and keeping my wand at the ready.

"Well Pansy, darling, would you like to take mine off?" Was he flirting with me? But somehow his voice did seem familiar. The Death Eater was coming closer to me and the other two were right behind him on either side. I needed to make my move fast.

"Well come a bit closer and maybe I will." He smirked and kept walking until he was right in front of me. I smiled up at him as best I could with the pain and sudden nausea that set in, and leaned in until I could feel his breath on my cheek. He put one arm at my waist and I lifted my hands up as if to remove the mask and BAM! I kneed him in the groin, threw some powder into the fireplace, and stuck my head in.

"KINGSLEY WE NEED HELP NOW!!!!" I shouted, but before I could get a reply I was yanked away from the fireplace. Caught of guard by the abrupt action I dropped my wand.

"You filthy little Blood traitor, let me teach you the meaning of pain." Before I could even blink he muttered some curse I hadn't heard before and I was thrown back into the wall behind me, going through the wood and plaster and landing on the other side of the wall on a pile of debris. I couldn't see anything and could barely feel anything, but cold and the blood gushing out from the wound on my head. A feeling of sleepiness was taking me over and I knew that this could very well be the end.

I heard the sound of shoes approaching and hoped that they would simply make it quick. Someone was leaning over me. I could feel their breath tickling my cheek. Then someone else came and pulled the other up.

"Come on he's calling us." And with that he left with a POP. I could feel myself slipping, the darkness was getting bigger. The other Death Eater bent down again pushed a lock of my hair back and whispered in my ear.

"Roses are red, violets are blue, pansy is dying, and perhaps potter will too." POP.

Well that's the end of this chapter! SRRY for the long wait!!! Really I am. Trust me I love nothing more then writing and reading fanfics! I hope this turned out okay. Forgive me for any spelling/grammar error, this turned out to be a more complicated chapter then anticipated, but some chapters need to be before you can get the new storyline going! Haha! Please don't forget to read and review!!! I love your feedback!!!! (It helps me update quicker) Thanx again!