Note: Canon Divergence, set around December in 1995 when Harry and the gang went to Grimmauld Place following an attack on Arthur. They stayed for a while :P
Daphne's feet pattered on the cold floor of Grimmauld Place, the light on the tip of her wand guiding her to the kitchen. It was going to be another long night.
She joined Dumbledore's Army a month ago; she couldn't continue turning a blind eye to the dangers that reached them all so easily. Daphne battled the principles instilled within her for three months after Diggory's death until the Inquisitorial Squad found Potter and his group; she saw that as her chance and took it. Daphne knew they doubted her motives, but she couldn't find herself to care. She adored her life and wanted safety with the right side.
She knew it was the right decision, but she paid a heavy price. She'd left her sister behind, and there was the bitter realization that she had no real close friends; Daphne Greengrass–if she could even continue to claim the surname–had become a destitute recluse with a bleeding heart.
Upon arriving to the kitchen, Daphne fetched a glass of water the Muggle way–ironically, it soothed her because it was one thing that she could control.
Out of nowhere, a blur of red flashed in the corner of her eye. Hesitant, Daphne set the goblet on the counter and went to investigate. The only thing she found was a small box near the entryway.
Daphne picked it up, a frown forming as she examined it. Suddenly, a melody played from the box; childish drawings etched around it had started to prance to the tune. A ticking sound within the tune caught Daphne's attention. What in Morgana–
The music and prancing stopped, soon followed by a loud pop. Daphne stepped back and held back a squeal, nearly dropping the box when the top opened. It displayed a small figurine that resembled a Weasley bouncing on a spring and clapping happily.
Daphne blinked for a moment, only to smile fondly at the figurine. It was idiotic and unnecessary–but somewhat adorable.
"Aren't I just the cutest?" came a teasing voice in her ear.
This time Daphne did squeal, dropping the box and pointing her wand at the culprit. Her eyes narrowed hatefully at the guy in front of her with an amused smile.
"Fred Weasley," she hissed, slowly lowering her wand. "Don't you know it's rude to sneak up on people?"
"Maybe," he answered, his amused expression quickly replaced with suspicion. "Wait...how do you know I'm Fred?"
The blonde sniffed and lifted her chin. "I watched the Quidditch matches," Daphne replied. "Your brother was a more aggressive Beater, and it shows in his posture."
"Huh." Fred stroked his chin. "Whatdoya know," he clicked his tongue.
Her water break now ruined, Daphne began to stalk back to her room when Fred stopped her.
"You forgot something," he said, tossing her the box.
Daphne caught it, her gaze shifting from Fred to his toy replica clapping at her.
"You deserve to smile too," he said, grinning lopsidedly. He clasped his hands behind his back. "Sweet Weasley dreams, Daphne."
She didn't give him a response, but when she turned her back to him, she held the box a little tighter. And she did smile.
Word Count: 526