Beauty and the Geek
A/N: This three-part fic was first, and foremost, written for Ned (aka isaacswolfsbane); one of her favourite pairings being Theodore Nott/ Daphne Greengrass, and since I can't seem to write Dramione, this was the result :) I've also used the Challenge Your Versatility and Fairytales Challenge on the Diagon Alley II forum.
Prompts used:
Beauty and the Beast: Write about seeing beyond appearances.
Optional prompts: Glamour, Rhinestone.
Word count: 3885
I must give credit where credit is due, by acknowledging my inspirations and sources. Firstly, as you no doubt have figured out by now, I am not JK Rowling, and thus do not own any themes or characters you recognise. Secondly, the matching flower to eye idea was inspired by Glee, where Rachel advises Finn to get a corsage that matches Quinn's eyes for prom. That scene was too cute not to include, in a way, and is amazing advice for any guys reading this who are looking to impress their dates *wink wink*. For any fashionistas out there who may want to have a better idea, Daphne's dress is also inspired a little by Hannah's Homecoming look in Pretty Little Liars—at least the top half, hair and accessories. Lastly, the title is in no way connected to any movies or tv shows bearing the same name, as really, it was the only fitting, punny title; that, or I could have used the title of one of my favourite Disney songs, 'A Tale as Old as Time,' but didn't want to be accused of plagiarism :)
Part One
"You could always go with Crabbe. I'm sure he'd be keen to get his hands a hold of you. Any girl, really."
"Shut up."
Daphne rolled her eyes as Pansy snickered, not for the first time that day feeling a little bit sorry for Tracey. Pansy had spent the last few hours trying to convince the brunette that someone would ask her to the ball, only drawing breath long enough to stare at Draco Malfoy and his friends as they practiced Quidditch. It was getting old listening to Pansy act like an expert on love, simply because Malfoy was foolish enough to agree to be her partner for the evening.
Tucking her legs underneath the bench, she allowed her mind to wander to her own date for the Yule Ball—or lack thereof. None of the Quidditch players below were available; many of the older boys would be attending with girls their age. It wasn't surprising, either—she could see their muscles flexing beneath their uniforms, the hours of practicing on the pitch whilst everyone else focused on the Tournament finally paying off. She had considered trying for Malfoy—as risky as it was with Pansy digging her claws into him all the time—but ever since he had been turned into a ferret by Professor Moody, he had been more touchy than ever before.
Her eyes scanned the pitch and trailed up to the stands, finally landing on the ideal candidate. Blaise Zabini was stretched out across a bench, chiselled chin resting on his palm as he watched the game. Every now and then he would shout out encouragement or clap, or, more often, would shake his head in disgust as the chasers fumbled with the ball. As sunlight streamed into the stands, it would catch his brown eyes and make the gold flecks within them dance. His smooth skin shone in the light, and as he began laughing at Montague's latest slip-up, he revealed even, white teeth. He was perfect—a prince charming she wanted on her arm when she entered the Great Hall on Saturday night.
By comparison, Theodore Nott, who sat in the row behind Blaise with his nose in a book, looked like a ghost. His skin was too pale, even by Slytherin standards, and his dark hair flopped down in front of his face, hiding green eyes.
"I know who Daphne wants to go with," Pansy cooed, interrupting her thoughts.
Daphne tore her gaze away from the boys as Pansy nudged her. Her cheeks grew warm, making it difficult to deny that she had been caught staring.
"Ooooh, do you have a crush?" Millicent chortled.
She was not to be outdone by Tracey, however, who stood up on the bench and shouted, "Daphne's in love!"
Narrowing her eyes, Daphne tugged on Tracey's robe sleeve, begging her to sit down. Her cheeks were on fire now, made only worse as she glanced towards Blaise and saw him watching them, a smirk on his face.
"Sit. Down. Now," she hissed.
Sticking out her tongue, Tracey finally relented and plopped back down laughing. "Lighten up."
Daphne crossed her arms. Really, how immature could they be? Could they not stop acting like first years for one day?
Thankfully, Pansy had calmed down from laughing, traces of tears still in her eyes, but a bored look on her face. Standing up and fetching up her bag, she ordered the girls to leave. "Come on, the boys have finished. Let's get back to the castle."
Daphne didn't need telling twice; quickly, she grabbed up her own bag and followed her group out of the stands. Before she left, however, she took once last glance at Blaise. To her immense relief, his eyes were back on the pitch, waiting as the team began packing away the equipment.
"Don't worry, I'll arrange it for you." Daphne jumped as Pansy sidled up to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. With a wink, her friend nodded to where the boys sat. "Good choice by the way. He's certainly not my type, but you could do worse. Much worse."
Daphne smiled, not bothered in the least by Pansy's last comment. Butterflies had erupted in her stomach as she thought of the prospect of her and Blaise together. Blaise and Daphne. Daphne and Blaise. If Pansy could manage to arrange Blaise to be Daphne's date, she would be the envy of the female—and possibly male—population of Hogwarts.