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In all the time you had been dating Pansy, you had yet to see her lose composure. She was poised and elegant in everything she did, almost intimidating in her self-assured mannerisms. She could stand tall against life’s most daunting requests without batting an eye, and you admired her lionhearted ways.
Even as you stood in line for a haunted house, a muggle attraction that Pansy had always wanted to experience, she remained unaffected.
The sun had gone down hours ago, leaving you vulnerable to anything that crept through the shadows. The shrieks that sounded through the air caused a chill to run up your spine, and you leaned further into Pansy in search of comfort.
Your grip on her hand tightened as you inched forward in line, waiting to enter the attraction. You could see several characters moving about inside, and you shuddered at the thought of facing them alone.
Pansy sensed your trepidation and sent you a lopsided smirk.
“It’s not too late to leave, you know. We could go to the pumpkin patch instead if you’re scared.”
Her voice was teasing, but you knew that she wouldn’t complain if you decided the haunted house was too much.
You shook your head, not ready to admit defeat. “We’re next in line, I’m not leaving now. Besides, are you not scared?”
“Oh, I’m absolutely petrified,” she quipped in return, sarcasm dripping from her voice. Her hand raised over her heart in feigned horror before she returned to her impassive demeanor.
Before you had time to respond, you were ushered through the doorway and into the chilly corridor of the haunted house. A small glow came from the end of the hallway, directing you with just enough light to see the characters lurching towards you.
Adrenaline filled your veins as you tugged Pansy along, guiding her towards the exit. You were so overcome with excitement that you didn’t notice Pansy’s silence behind your shouts and laughter.
Soon, you were passing the last groaning ghost and pushing the door open, returning to the cool night air. You couldn’t contain your fit of giggles as you tugged on Pansy’s hand, leading her back towards the crowd.
You turned to speak and noticed that the color had drained from Pansy’s face, leaving her blanched and wide-eyed. Your eyebrows furrowed at her shaken state, and you wondered if she was faking her reaction for your amusement.
“Did y’like the haunted house, Pansy?”
Her eyes finally met yours, and she stammered silently for a moment. “That was bloody insane! How did the muggles manage to think up such figures?”
You gasped at her flustered words and rubbed your thumb over the back of her hand in a soothing manner.
“Are you alright?”
She nodded, a small smile building at your concern.
“It was just scarier than I’d imagined, but I’m alright.”
You hummed, moving closer to wrap your arm around her shoulder.
“Don’t worry, Pans. I’ll keep you safe.”
She leaned into your warmth, placing a content kiss on your cheek.
“Maybe we should’ve visited the pumpkin patch after all.”