Johnny entered the Slytherin Common Room, his steps heavy and his body shivering from the cold night air. Pansy looked up from her book, her eyes widening as she took in Johnny's disheveled appearance. The group hadn't seen him since lunch, and now he returned covered in blood, with dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep.

Pansy, always the caring and observant one, immediately stood up and rushed over to Johnny. She could see the distress in his eyes, the trembling in his hands. Concern etched her face as she reached out to touch his arm gently.

"J, what happened?" Pansy asked, her voice filled with worry. "Where have you been? You're covered in blood, and you look so pale. Are you alright?"

Johnny's lips quivered, his eyes welling up with tears. He struggled to find the right words to explain what had transpired, the weight of guilt and confusion heavy on his shoulders.

"I... I was possessed again," Johnny managed to say, his voice trembling. "Arachna took control of me, and I couldn't resist. I... I attacked Justin and Nearly-Headless Nick. I didn't want to, I swear. I tried to fight it, but I couldn't."

Pansy's heart sank at Johnny's words. She could see the torment in his eyes, the pain he carried within him. Without hesitation, she guided him to the armchair closest to the fireplace, wanting to provide him with warmth and comfort.

"Sit here, J," Pansy said softly, her voice filled with compassion. "Let me take care of you."

With a sense of urgency, Pansy rushed up to her dorm room, her mind racing with thoughts of how she could help Johnny. She returned moments later with a bowl of warm water and a soft cloth in her hands. Gently, she knelt down beside him and began to clean his hands, arms, and face, removing the traces of rooster blood.

As Pansy worked, the warmth of the fire enveloping them, Johnny's tears fell freely. He felt a mixture of relief and anguish, grateful for Pansy's support but burdened by the weight of his actions.

"I... I don't want to hurt anyone, P," Johnny whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I don't know how to stop it, how to fight against her. I'm scared."

Pansy paused her gentle ministrations, her eyes meeting Johnny's. She could see the vulnerability in him, the fear and desperation that consumed him. She reached out and took his hand in hers, offering him a small, reassuring smile.

"Johnny, you're not alone in this," Pansy said softly, her voice filled with determination. "We will find a way to help you. Together."

The weight of Pansy's words settled on Johnny's shoulders, filling him with a glimmer of hope. He knew that he had a support system, friends who cared deeply for him and would stand by his side.

As Pansy continued to clean away the remnants of the night's events, Johnny allowed himself to lean into her presence, finding solace and comfort in her. The road ahead was uncertain, but with Pansy and his friends by his side, Johnny knew that he wouldn't have to face it alone.

As Pansy finished cleaning Johnny's hands and face, a sense of calm settled over them both. The crackling of the fire and the soft glow of the common room created an intimate atmosphere, as if they were the only two people in the world. Pansy sat back on her heels, a gentle smile on her face, ready to offer Johnny the comfort and support he needed.

For a brief moment, Johnny allowed himself to be lost in Pansy's eyes. Her caring touch, her unwavering support, and the warmth of the fire created a cocoon of safety around them. His heart yearned to lean into her, to seek solace in her embrace.

But just as the moment seemed to deepen, Johnny pulled away, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and sadness. A lump formed in his throat, making it difficult for him to speak. He whispered, barely audible, his voice filled with self-doubt.

"We... we shouldn't, P," Johnny choked out, his words weighed down by the heaviness in his heart.

Pansy's brow furrowed, a hint of confusion flickering in her eyes. She had hoped that this moment would bring them closer, that their shared vulnerability would strengthen their bond. She was disappointed, but she respected Johnny's boundaries, knowing that he needed space to navigate his own emotions and fears.

With a gentle nod, Pansy withdrew her hand, her eyes filled with sadness yet understanding. She knew that Johnny was grappling with a multitude of emotions, and pushing him further could do more harm than good.

"I understand, J," Pansy replied softly, her voice filled with compassion. "You don't have to explain. Just know that I'm here for you, whenever you're ready."

Tears welled up in Johnny's eyes once again, his inner turmoil becoming almost unbearable. He wanted to lean on Pansy, to find solace in her embrace, but the weight of his guilt and self-doubt held him back.

"I'm sorry," Johnny whispered, his voice filled with a mix of regret and longing. "I... I don't deserve your kindness. Not after what I've done."

Pansy's heart ached for Johnny. She could see the pain etched on his face, the self-blame that consumed him. She moved closer, her voice filled with unwavering support.

"Johnny, you're not defined by your mistakes," Pansy said gently, her eyes filled with sincerity. "We all make choices we regret, but it's how we grow and learn from them that matters. You're not alone in this. We'll find a way to make things right."

A flicker of hope sparked in Johnny's eyes, albeit faintly. He wanted to believe in Pansy's words, to find redemption and forgiveness within himself. But the weight of his actions still clung to him, making it difficult to see beyond the darkness.

With a heavy sigh, Johnny wiped away his tears, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank you, P," he said, his words filled with gratitude and pain. "I... I need some time. But please, don't give up on me."

Pansy nodded, her eyes filled with unwavering support. "I won't, J," she assured him, her voice steady and filled with resolve. "We're in this together, remember? Take all the time you need. I'll be here, waiting."