Love By Owl (Ron/Pansy, PG-13)
Title: Love By Owl
Artist: beautyfulevil
Prompt: #242. A and B strike up a correspondence, one that's anonymous, but only at first. Could be war-time, post-war, or AU.
Pairing: Ron/Pansy, mentions of Draco/Hermione
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 3429
Summary: Ron sends out the wrong owl and finds love in the process.
Warnings: mentions of threesome, kissing, fluff
Author's Note: Everything HP belongs to JKR. I'd like to thank the mods at phoenix for their hard work on this event and to my wonderful beta lilydahlia; without her; this story wouldn't be here. All remaining mistakes are my own.


Ron sat in his office, finishing up some last minute paperwork from his latest sale at the shop when a knock came at the door.

“Come in,” Ron yelled, not bothering to look up from the stack of parchment that he read from.

Sticking her head in, Ron's secretary Marie gave him a small smile. Always the diligent worker, she thought, watching him for a moment. “I'm sending out the mail for this afternoon, is there anything that you need sent?”

Looking up, Ron pointed to the three envelopes that sat at the end of the desk. “Just those. Thanks Marie.”

Retrieving the envelopes off the desk, Marie turned and left the office without another word. The only sounds that fell over the office was the click of the door shutting and the scratching of Ron's quill against sheets of parchment.

~:~

The owls flooded Pansy's study at the manor, leaving messages of good fortune and and RSVP's for the upcoming gala that was to be held later this month.

Opening the owls one by one, Pansy came across an envelope with her name on it in a handwriting that she didn't recognize. Moving to the edge of her chair, Pansy unfolded the parchment carefully, unsure of what she was going to find.

My darling, my life, my love, the fire in my soul burns for you eternally.
The stars that shine in the sky are pale compared to your illuminating beauty.
Your smile sets my mind at ease each day.
Please... please say you'll marry me?

The note was unsigned.

Pansy turned over the parchment, seeing no other defining marks or notes. “Who could this be from?” she asked the small owl sitting on her window sill. The owl tilted its head at her sideways as if it were contemplating the question before hooting softly at her.

“Hmph,” she sighed, reaching for a sheet of parchment and began to write a quick note.

I think this belongs to you.
It was sent to me by mistake.
Cheesy poetry, by the way.

Rolling both parchments up, Pansy tied them around the owl's leg; watching it fly away. The more she thought about who the mystery owl came from, the more agitated it made Pansy feel. Was someone watching her?

Shaking her head, Pansy pushed the lingering thought about the cryptic message from her head and went back to her invitations.

~:~

Pulling the window shut; Ron nearly smashed the owl that arrived on the window sill in his office. The owl squawked rather annoyed, scaring Ron.

“Bloody hell!” he exclaimed, seeing the owl had a note attached. “Stupid bird...” Ron muttered, pulling the note off the owl.

Opening it quickly, the inside parchment fell to the ground, while he held onto the note. The handwriting unfamiliar, Ron frowned as he read the note.

Feeling his cheeks burn with embarrassment over his own oversight and by the harsh critique, Ron's mind raced as he wondered who ended up reading the message. It couldn't have been Hermione, he thought; she would have been here already, grilling me on who I was proposing to. Harry would have dismissed it as a joke from one of his adoring fans (who are more than likely after his money, so Ron thought).

“Oh... I'm going to murder them!” he cried, crumpling the note with one hand. “Fred and George are dead.”

Pulling his wand from the pocket of his robes, Ron Apparated home to plot his revenge against his brothers.

~:~

By the next morning, Ron wasn't any closer to exacting his revenge on Fred and George nor was he any closer to finding out why they sent the note.

Retrieving the crumpled note off the floor, Ron smoothed it out as best he could; a few wrinkles still marring the parchment before writing a quick note back.

Who is this?

Calling his owl to the window, Ron tied the parchment to its leg. “Take this to whoever wrote it yesterday,” he said, before the owl took flight.

"I'll catch them in their own prank,” he chuckled to himself, reaching across the desk for a stack of invoices to start the day.

~:~

In the gardens, Pansy and Tracey were enjoying the unseasonably warm weather when the same owl from yesterday swooped through the sky.

“Not again,” Pansy muttered, spotting the owl overhead.

Tracey tilted her head to one side, asking, “What was that? I didn't hear you, love.”

Shaking her head, Pansy replied as the owl settled itself onto the back of one of the empty chairs. “Nothing. Just another owl. You know, probably something for the Gala.”

Untying the note from the owl, Pansy read the parchment; the handwriting the same from yesterday; but still not telling enough for Pansy.

Reaching for her quill, Pansy scribbled out another note at the very bottom of the parchment.

Who wants to know? And don't fuck with me, you won't live to regret it.

Shooing the owl off again, Pansy turned back to Tracey with a smile. “So, have you decided who you are going to ask to the Gala?”

As the conversation took a turn to the latest gossip and Gala plans, Pansy forgot about the owl and the mystery messages.

~:~

“What the hell?” Ron swore, his eyes staring at the simple but angry note. “This makes no sense. Why do they care?”

A smirk formed across his lips as he thought about how to answer the question. A little game, perhaps, he chuckled, grabbing his quill and a fresh sheet of parchment.

I am the Maroon Knight. Who are you?

Sending the owl off, Ron awaited for the next message.

~:~

Pansy scoffed when she read the message. “Maroon knight... that just... Oh fucking hell...” she muttered, twisting the parchment in her hand. Now Pansy knew someone was trying to trick her; and she was more determined than ever to find out who was behind it.

You may call me... Princess Petals.

~:~

After receiving the first message with his mystery author's name; the owls flowed between the two like water; never ending – always with something new or exciting to talk about. The uninhibited feeling of not knowing the other person's true identity was freeing and ultimately gratifying.

Ron wondered from time to time whether or not he should be sharing such intimate details about his life with a stranger; however; he had never felt closer to someone in quite some time (not counting Harry, of course).

Opening the first of many owls he would receive that day, Ron smiled. His Princess had answered and oh what a tale she told.

It is rather stupid, to be quite honest.

In the middle of summer holiday, there was never anything to do – as I'm sure you know. Demon and Toadboy came by. We started drinking Firewhiskey and just generally making arses of ourselves in front of each other.

None of us had ever been together – save for one kiss between Demon and I when we were kids; nothing special, mind you. The thought had crossed my mind about having my way with both of the boys at once. I wasn't sure how they would take it; but I knew that my chance was now or never.

I gave them my request; for a night with both of them. It was strange, thinking back, how eagerly they agreed to the tryst. Perhaps they had been together before without telling me – which wasn't fair. Because, of course, best mates know everything about each other.

Pansy grinned to herself as she continued to write. Touching the feathers of her quill to her lip; her train of thought was interrupted as her study door was pounded on. Rolling her eyes, Pansy groaned. Can't get any bloody peace for five minutes in this house... she thought crossing the room and flinging the door open.

“What?” she growled, not really caring who was at the door.

Draco frowned. “God Pansy. Haven't you ever heard of hello?” he said, clearly hurt as he brushed past Pansy and took a seat on the sofa.

“I'm not in the mood for your dramatics right now,” Pansy replied, before returning to her desk.

“Tell me what's wrong?” he asked. “The caterers and decorations are downstairs waiting for you and you're not dressed yet.”

Pansy turned in her chair, looking at Draco. “What if I told you I didn't want to go to the Gala?”

“You have to! You're the hostess!” Draco cried, eyes wide with surprise.

With a shrug of her shoulder, Pansy rolled her eyes as she turned back to her half written letter, picking up the quill once more.

Where was I? Oh yes, the tryst. It was amazing. Both guys were attentive to my needs – taking extra care to make sure I was satisfied completely before they were. Such nice boys. We stayed in bed for what seemed like days, learning about each other's bodies and what we craved; each finding out more about ourselves than we thought possible.

Now that I've told you about my first experience, tell me yours.
-Princess

Folding the parchment carefully; Pansy gave it to her owl and watched her fly away through the open window. She knew that she had to deal with Draco; and he wouldn't go away with some fluffed answer.

Turning, she asked, “What is it that you want?”

“Why are you throwing a fit about the Gala? It was your idea!” Draco huffed, folding his arms across his chest, glaring at Pansy.

“That's not what I asked, Draco. Why did you come? I told Granger that I would take care of all the details and not to worry.”

Tilting his head to one side, Draco was determined to figure out his best mate's problem. “You've changed Pansy; everyone can see it. Are you seeing someone? Or just having a good hard shag every night?”

“No.”

“Then what is it?”

“I told you, I have no desire to go to the Gala this weekend.”

Draco narrowed his eyes, looking at Pansy carefully, assessing her current state. Her half-hearted smirk when she spoke to him, the way her eyes lit up when she was writing to whomever, and the unwillingness to tell Draco what was going on. Pansy had a boyfriend and wanted to keep it from Draco.

Draco smirked. “Are you seeing someone?”

“No...” Pansy let her voice trail off.

“Ah, Miss Parkinson, is there something you're not telling me?” Draco questioned.

Pansy shook her head, turning away from Draco again, putting both hands over her face. She didn't want to tell him because it all sounded so stupid in her head. Her heart believed that whoever was on the other end of the owls, was in love with her.

“Pans... we've been friends since we were in nappies together; you can talk to me. I won't judge you...” Draco began, wanting Pansy to talk to him.

Before she could stop herself; Pansy blurted everything out that had been going on since she received the first note by mistake. The depths of the letters, the happiness she felt whenever she read them; the freedom that she had when she wrote to him – she dared not say the L word. It was too soon, she reminded herself as she looked at Draco, waiting for a reaction.

Draco's jaw hung open slightly, confused and entertained by the tale. “Wow.”

“That's what I thought too. I've never felt like this before with anyone and I don't even know his name!” Pansy cried, throwing her head back staring at the ceiling.

“You... what?!” Draco cried.

“I don't know his name. We've never said them, it's always been code names for each other and those we've talked about.”

“Why don't you invite him to the Gala?”

“How about no.”

“It would be too weird. I couldn't do that to him, or to myself. What if he doesn't show up or doesn't like me after he finds out who I am?” Pansy asked, worrying her lower lip.

Making his way across the room, Draco stopped at the desk, pressing a kiss to Pansy's forehead. “He will love you, nearly as much as I do,” he said quietly before moving to the door.

“I'll be downstairs with the caterers.”

The door clicked shut and Pansy was once again left alone with her thoughts. “What am I going to do?” she asked aloud, sighing heavily.

~:~

“No, I won't go.”

“Yes, you will.”

“Did you not hear me? I'm not going to some stupid stuffed shirt party to celebrate your engagement to Malfoy!” Ron screeched, shutting the door to his flat.

Hermione let herself in, shutting the door behind her. “You are one of my closest friends. How can you not be there?”

“I can't support your marriage to Malfoy. It's just wrong.”

“Why? Because he's Pureblood and I'm Muggleborn? It never bothered you when we were in school and you wanted to have a relationship with me,” Hermione reminded Ron, to which he glared at her.

“Of course. You've figured it out! The nosy know-it-all has finally gotten to the source of my problem!” Ron proclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air.

“Ronald!” Hermione snapped. “Please, I'm asking as a friend, tell me what's wrong.”

Slumping down onto the floor, his back against the wall, Ron drew his knees up, resting his chin on top. He didn't say a word, only looking up at Hermione with the same sad puppy dog eyes that he gave her whenever he knew he was in trouble.

Crouching down, Hermione brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. “Tell me when you're ready,” she said softly, settling into a comfortable position for what could be a long afternoon.

“Nothing is going to be the same anymore, once you're married...” Ron started, letting his voice soften to a whisper. “I can't be there for you with someone else in your life.”

Giving Ron a soft smile, Hermione scooted closer and gave him a tight hug. “You're always going to be my best mate. We've been through so much together. There is no way in the world that I am going to let a marriage come between us.”

“I know. It just hurts, you know?”

Pressing a kiss to Ron's cheek, Hermione pulled back. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“So, is anything new going on lately? I was going to come by the shop the other afternoon; but you looked really busy. Business must really be booming,” Hermione observed.

“Well... “

“What?” Hermione questioned. “Tell me!”

“I... I'm... sort of.. seeing someone,” Ron stammered out, blushing profusely.

“Who?!”

“Um, she's a Princess.”

“How did you meet?”

“Mistaken owls.”

“Excuse me?”

“I accidentally sent an owl to someone who wasn't suppose to receive it. We started trading owls back and forth. She calls herself Princess and we've gotten to know a lot about each other. I think I'm falling in love with her,” Ron finished; blushing profusely.

Hermione smiled again, happy for her friend. “That is so sweet. You should ask her to the Gala. Unless... you already have a date?”

“I couldn't. It's better this way. What if she doesn't have any interest in me after seeing who I am?” he asked, the worry heavy in his voice.

“How could she not like you? You are one of the sweetest, most brave men I've ever known; and you're a fierce friend,” Hermione said reassuringly.

“You think?”

“Yes, I know so. Now, of course, you're going to need to get new dress robes, and a hair cut...” Hermione began listing off things Ron needed to do before Saturday. Ron rolled his eyes at Hermione, earning him a smirk-smile as the pair went off to make plans for the Gala.

~:~

My Princess,

Would you please be my date for the Gala this weekend at the Parkinson Estate?

Forever,

Knight

Pansy stared at the owl with mixed emotions. He wanted to meet her. In person, for real. The past month's owls and feelings that went with them were finally coming to life. Pansy didn't know what to do. There wasn't anyone she could ask about what to do. No one would understand what she was feeling.

“I'm going to do it. What's the worst that could happen?” Pansy muttered to herself as she replied to the owl.

Yes. Meet me at on the balcony at nine. I will be the one by the peace lilies.

Eying the pale gown that hung on the back of her door, Pansy hoped that he liked the colour purple.

~:~

The Gala for Draco and Hermione's engagement was in full swing when the clock near the entrance to the ballroom struck nine o'clock. Pansy looked up as the first chime rang out, losing the battle with the music that filtered through the room and over top the myriad of conversations and laughter. It's time, she thought, pushing past a group of unfamiliar people toward the balcony doors.

The cool night air rushed upon her exposed skin, causing her to shudder slightly. Rubbing her hands together, Pansy looked around for her Knight. Seeing no one else around; Pansy made her way toward the far end of the balcony; where the peace lilies were planted.

Pulling her wand from the small pocket on her dress, Pansy cast a warming charm on the stone bench before sitting down. Now; she waited.

~:~

Ron was running late. Too late, he thought, glancing at his watch which read nearly nine o'clock. He had to meet his Princess and he wasn't even at the Gala yet.

“Oh fuck this!” Ron threw the tie across the room. Grabbing his wand, he Apparated to the Estate.

~:~

With a quick nod to Hermione as he entered the main doors to the Estate, Ron practically sprinted to the balcony. Taking a deep breath, which did nothing to calm the butterflies that flapped wildly in his stomach, Ron pushed the doors open and stepped outside.

Looking around, he saw a few couples cuddling close against the cool night. Spotting a few stray lilies glowing under the moonlight; Ron saw someone sitting with their back to him. He wondered if she was the one who he had grown to love.

Crossing the distance between the two, Ron took another deep breath before touching her shoulder lightly, not wanting to scare her. “Princess?” he asked softly.

Moving back half a step, he watched as she turned around. “Yes...” she began as she moved and then stopped. “You?”

“Bloody hell...” Ron swore, earning him a glare from Pansy.

Standing up, Pansy folded her arms across her protectively. “You're the Maroon Knight?” she laughed nervously, unsure how to take the unexpected news.

“I am. You're Princess Petals, I assume?” Ron wondered.

Pansy nodded, still in a state of shock. Blinking twice, Pansy rubbed her hands together again, the chill taking hold of them.

“Do you want to go inside? It's warmer.” he offered. And I could use a drink, he added silently.

“Sure,” Pansy replied softly, stepping past Ron.

Once inside, Pansy led the way toward a quiet place to talk – which turned out to be the study where she received the first owl.

Letting the door close behind him, Ron took in the sight of Pansy standing by the fire. Her skin attracted the glow from the burning fire, eyes shining with emotions. She was perfect. His Princess.

“I love you,” he blurted out. Before realised that he had said it aloud, Ron covered his mouth with both hands.

The rushed confession took Pansy by surprise. “What did you say?” she inquired, crossing the distance to meet him in the middle. Pulling his hands from his mouth, she waited for him to answer.

Closing his eyes, Ron took a breath and repeated what he said. “I love you Pansy.”

“Oh.. I don't know what to say,” she began, looking up at him. His dark eyes showed the love and utter devotion behind his words.

Please, please say you love me, Ron pleaded silently with Pansy as they stared at each other.

“Ron...” Pansy started to say, before being cut off by a kiss.

The kiss was everything that either of them could have hoped for. Pansy tasted of champagne, chocolate and something that was uniquely her own. Ron's diligence for maintaining soft lips paid off; as Pansy moaned softly into the kiss before breaking the kiss. It was as if she was sharing her first kiss all over again.

Pulling back slightly, Pansy whispered, “I love you, Ron.”

-fin-