All I Really Want
By princess454
The "Better" Summary
--
Daphne has attended Hogwarts for the past five years. However, she's not very popular. She has no friends. She eats lunch in the Potions classroom with her uncle. Goes straight home during holidays and weekends. To her this is all fine, because she doesn't want anybody learning of her true life.
It's not that she's ashamed...People are just better off not knowing.
This all changes quite quickly during her summer holidays before attending her sixth year. Her "father" orders her to do something she wouldn't normally write down in her To Do list for the year. But she has no choice. Besides, many of her fellow Death Eaters (What? She's evil?) Would literally kill to be in her position. If only she actually cared. Daphne just wonders why her, and why can't she live as a normal teenager?
She gets to have one assistant, who is ordered by daddy dearest to keep an eye on her and make sure she isn't getting side tracked. Too bad her assistant is her friend Camille, who is the same age as Daphne and double the trouble. Besides Camille, Daphne's uncle Snape will be keeping an eye on her all year too, just like he has always done.
Too bad all this help doesn't prevent the utmost of drama and irritating situations no teenager wants to be a part of. Daphne feels trapped in the decisions she must make, and doesn't have the choice to do things for herself but only for the pleasing of others. Can she bear to live as a servant to the evil side any longer? Can her acting skills really survive what's been asked of her? It's not like she can just escape orders and get away with it.
She wouldn't exactly get grounded.
--
Chapter 1
"Do I Stress You Out?"
--
Thick, cold mist wafted over miles and miles of ground. It consumed various windows and streets without mercy. It drifts now over a dirty river whom has seen better days. Rubbish was thrown about, barely visible beneath the fog that consumed the river's banks. Past the river was a cobbled street where not a soul could be seen. The silence was eerie and the ever growing mist hung below broken street lights, also infecting dull windows that had lay in darkness for a long time.
Many of the houses in this deserted area were trashed and unoccupied. However, there was one house, and one house only that was vaguely occupied. This house resided in Spinner's End and contrary to her sister houses, this one had a faint light glowing from both an upstairs and a downstairs window.
The eerie silence that had before consumed the other streets was broken once the inhabitants of the house in Spinner's End began to make clear their presence...
"I can't believe you aren't packed already. Are you being serious right now?" Snape snarled in Daphne's direction. He shook his head and left the room with an air of anger.
"I'll be done in ten seconds, tops." Daphne rolled her eyes and looked back down at her magazine. Could Snape be more impatient and stressed? It's not like the train left now. Sheesh.
Meanwhile, she heard Snape thunder out of the hallway that lead to her room and go downstairs. Daphne shivered but not because of Snape; in this pretty rotten of a house they have decided to live in for the time being, the heater was broken. The problem was that, contrary to prior years, the summer nights sometimes got cold. Daphne made a mental note to either wear or pack a sweater.
Daphne's trunk lay open next to her bed and she had just messily dropped whatever she needed in there. She was headed towards the Malfoy's for the weekend. She wasn't ecstatic about it. She lay on her bed now, reading her favorite magazine that was just delivered to her by an owl.
At least Camille will be there too, Daphne thought before gasping in horror at what the Fashion article stated about the ugliest sweater she's ever seen.
"Daphne. Now!" Snape's voice echoed frustratingly through the house until it reached Daphne's room.
"Fine!" Daphne yelled back and threw her magazine down in anger. She hated packing more than anything, and she hated going to the Malfoy's house. Especially now. This is going to be fun.
Don't get Daphne wrong. She absolutely loved Lucius Malfoy and his wife, Narcissa. It was just their son and extended family that got to her. Their extended family included Daphne's only friend Camille, but she acted like a real twit around the family. Particularly Draco. It was as if the two liked competing against one another on who was the best, the most cruel, or the most blonde.
Sure glad I don't have any cousins, Daphne thought as she folded a set of robes neatly only to drop them in her trunk not so neatly. However, Lucius won't be there this weekend for...erm, certain reasons. Daphne could already picture Narcissa acting like a complete mess and already quite under the effect of alcohol consumption before Daphne and Snape even Apparated to the house. Draco will be the usual grinning, oh-I'm-so-cool idiot. When Camille isn't being her usual self around her cousin, she's easy to get along with. She can act like the Malfoy princess a bit too often for Daphne's taste, but she was still the best friend. Daphne was lucky someone near her age who is a female will also be going through this not so pleasant weekend.
"We're already almost ten minutes late. If you don't get in this living room right now, you're not even going to attend your sixth year at Hogwarts!" Snape threatened.
Daphne was already hauling her trunk into the hallway at this point and only scoffed. "Oh, could you make the arrangements, please? Another year at that school and I might as well fall apart," Daphne complained.
Snape, who saw that Daphne was ready so he calmed down a little, softened his features and helped Daphne with her luggage. "I don't see why you complain so much. You have top grades because of your uncanny magical ability, plus you don't have to work there." He rolled his eyes and scowled.
Daphne chuckled and opened the front door for him. "You're right. Nothing could be worse than babysitting a bunch of brats," She agreed. She thought over his other comment, though. "And on my 'uncanny' magical ability, Severus, that really wasn't my choice now was it?"
"No, that it wasn't. So you'd prefer to be average and having to struggle through school?"
"At least it'd be more interesting that way. No offense, but chilling out in your Potions classroom during weekends instead of studying can get pretty boring," Daphne confessed as she locked the door for him and made sure she had everything.
"And to think I gave you an 'O' on your O.W.L. for Potions because I thought you liked me," Snape replied sarcastically.
"Oho, my uncle's a comedian now, is that it?" Daphne retorted back but couldn't help smiling at him while he too made sure he had all his things. When he straightened up he noticed her smile and ruffled her hair. "Hey!"
"Enjoy your school years while they last, Daph. You'll be missing them," Snape retorted.
"Look who's talking! You hated school!" Daphne replied.
"That's only because I was misunderstood. You however have the chance to gain some popularity among your peers, but you choose not too," Snape pointed out.
"Whatever. I practically hate everyone at that school," Daphne rolled her eyes. But, now that she thought about it, that wouldn't be a bad idea. Sticking with Draco's crowd at times to at least make it seem as if she was social wasn't exactly her idea of a good time. Plus, they weren't her crowd either.
"I think we're ready. Off we go then?" Snape suggested.
"If we must. I really, really don't wanna go to the Malfoy's again this summer," Daphne complained.
"We go every year."
"Your point?"
"Yours?"
"My point is, that everyone is basically screwed up right now," Daphne replied. "If you of course, haven't noticed."
"That I have dear princess, but not everything must go your way. Off we go, we've wasted enough time," Snape said and with a whisk of his wand he sent all their luggage to the Malfoy Manor.
"Race ya!" Daphne cried, about to Apparate.
Snape rolled his eyes. "Not so fast. You can't Apparate yet, remember?"
Daphne rolled her eyes back. "Can too! Just not, well, legally..."
"My point exactly. Now, chop chop," Snape ordered and extended his arm slightly. Daphne had no choice but to Side-Along-Apparate this time.
--
Pop!
They appeared before impressive wrought-iron gates in a matter of seconds. Without wasting time, Snape hurried through them as if they weren't there; Daphne always forgot they could do that so she put her hand through first, like when you don't know a glass door is closed or not, before hurrying up to catch up to him.
Down the long gravel drive, past exquisite gardens whose beauty was unfortunately hidden due to the darkness, and fountains whom also were hidden but certainly heard, Daphne and Snape reached the doors to the wondrous manor.
Snape hesitated before rapping lightly on the thick mahogany doors. It was awhile before they heard faint footsteps against the stone floor, and then Narcissa Malfoy's face before them once the doors opened.
"Snape! Daphne! Come in!" Narcissa waved them inside hurriedly. Daphne yawned and proceeded to step in to the house. Snape kissed Narcissa on each cheek before walking in.
"Anyone here already?" Snape wondered casually.
"No, no, just you and Daphne. Please, make yourselves at home," Narcissa closed the door then proceeded to lock it quite effectively; she muttered a strong security spell.
Daphne didn't wonder about Narcissa's paranoid ways but only gave Snape a glare. He noticed and shrugged. We didn't even have to rush here, Daphne grumbled in her mind.
"Mother?! Why is this random luggage strewn about in the hallway?" Called an annoyingly obnoxious voice from upstairs.
"Draco, I'm home!" Daphne called back in mock sweetness.
A few moments later and the only son of Narcissa's peered down over the railing of their staircase. "Oh. It's them." Daphne not only noted the disgust in Draco's voice but laughed to herself over it.
"Draco, please. Be helpful and show Daphne where she's staying," Narcissa ordered and went to fetch Snape a drink. Snape made himself comfortable in the living room.
Daphne didn't want to linger and have to hear important adult conversation. No matter how much she didn't like only having Draco for company, she rather do that than listen to Snape and Narcissa argue and fret over Voldemort and what he's been up too.
When she reached the top of the stairs she peered into Draco's room and saw that he was putting some things in his trunk for Hogwarts.
"Draco dear, I need to know where I'm staying for the weekend. I'm terribly lost," Daphne pouted innocently.
"Oh, shut up. How long exactly have you been coming here for the Summer? Gimme a break," Was the irritated reply.
Daphne smiled and sent her things to the room she usually stays in with a whisk of her wand before entering Draco's room. "What?" She pouted again watching him look over stuff and deciding whether or not to put it in the trunk. "No hug?"
Draco stopped and looked over his shoulder at her, an eyebrow slightly raised. He finally sighed and let a book that was in his hand drop to the floor. "Alright, alright." Daphne giggled as he rolled his eyes and opened his arms out wide.
"Aw, stop acting as if you hate me coming here. You know it's your relief from family drama," Daphne pointed out while giving him a hug.
Draco laughed. "Yeah, pretty much." He gave her a final squeeze then returned to sorting through his stuff. Daphne yawned and plopped onto his bed.
"So? How's your summer been?" She asked conversationally.
"Eh," Draco shrugged.
"How's your mother been?" Daphne wondered worriedly. Though not always her favorite person, Daphne had a fondness for Narcissa. She could be really cool when she's in a good mood.
"What do you think?" Draco grumbled. "Not to be mean but I'm getting quite sick of her. She treats me like I'm five."
"You're not five?!" Daphne opened her eyes wide in shock. Draco promptly tossed a fake Snitch over his shoulder at her head without looking. "Ow!"
"Anyway, she's been a real paranoid twit if you ask me. I wish she'd just leave me alone."
"That's not fair Draco, you gotta have some sympathy for her. Snape told me about when she came over with your aunt awhile ago. She was a real mess. Made Snape vow something," Daphne informed him.
"Vow something? Vow what?" Draco demanded.
"Erm...I don't quite know actually. Snape wasn't really giving me any answers and he gets touchy with the subject. You know Severus," Daphne lied. Truth was she knew what Snape vowed to Narcissa but Daphne wasn't to tell Draco. Not that many know in fact that Snape practically tells Daphne everything. In that, she was sometimes grateful to be his niece.
"Hmpf," Draco turned back to his trunk packing.
"Hey, when we going school shopping?" Daphne changed subject.
"Dunno. Tomorrow maybe," Draco replied.
"Did I hear someone mention shopping?!" Another loudly obnoxious voice rang out through the room. Both Daphne and Draco turned towards the door and there was Camille in all her blonde glamour.
She was wearing a light summer dress in all white, which only made her and her white blonde hair seem paler. However, it made her sky blue eyes pop out. Actually, Daphne was wondering how on earth she could be wearing such a thing when the weather hasn't exactly been summer like.
"Camille!" Daphne leapt off the bed and tackled her favorite and practically only friend.
"Daphne, darling. You've grown! And in all the right places!" Daphne knew she grew a bit taller this year and thought Camille was talking about her height until Daphne saw Camille staring straight at her chest. Daphne turned pink and crossed her arms.
"Oh, and look who it is! My favorite cousin!" Camille floated over to Draco and pinched his cheek.
"Stop that you-!" But before Draco could call Camille any names she screamed.
"Draco! Look how you pack your things! What a slob!" Camille stared into her cousin's trunk with a look of utmost shock.
"Haha, big surprise. Not only is he a guy but he's Draco," Daphne pointed out.
"True. Now I could have sworn I heard someone mention shopping...?" Camille wondered again. Shopping was only Camille's favorite pass time.
Camille must have pinched Draco's cheek a little too hard because he was still rubbing it when he replied. "Doesn't matter to you anyway, you've only just completed your schooling last year. What do you need school shopping for?"
"Who says it's for school?" Camille sneered.
"Oh yeah, I forgot. You turn eighteen in a few months! What's it been like, knowing you'll never have to go to school again?" Daphne wondered. She dreamed of that day practically every night, and was saddened that she still had both her sixth and seventh year to go.
"Hmm, it's a dream. Not that I disliked school, I loved it. But now I can express myself!" Camille cried out with a flourish.
"I think you do so already. And in excess," Was Draco's annoyed reply.
Daphne laughed when Camille hexed her cousin into not being able to speak. His lips literally stitched up, and he started to try and yell something but it came out muffled.
"Oh, he's so much more adorable quiet," Camille mused shaking her head at him.
"I don't think so. It's creepy," Daphne disagreed and fixed the hex.
"I'll get you back, just you see!" Draco shouted at Camille angrily as soon as he could talk again.
"Can't wait!" Camille smiled at him lovingly.
"Hey, anymore people coming over?" Daphne asked Draco to change subjects and calm them down.
"Not sure," Draco replied, still glaring at Camille.
"I was hoping auntie Bella could come over," Camille pouted. "I was going to give her a make over."
Daphne tried hard not to laugh.
"That's unlikely. She's been at the house for about a week and has only just left," Draco informed her.
Camille pouted. "Crap. Aunt Cissy needs a make over too. That should cheer her up!" Camille smiled and headed out of the room.
"Wait for me. I want to see this," Daphne said amused.
Draco rolled his eyes and had no choice but to follow. Once the threesome reached downstairs, Daphne noticed that Snape sat alone in the living room.
"Where's my mother?" Draco wondered.
"Cooking," Snape drawled. Which, she wasn't really, but Snape basically meant that Narcissa was currently watching over the house elves making the dinner and making sure it was what she wanted.
"I'll go help!" Camille called out cheerfully and walked to the kitchen.
"Hey there Snape," Draco greeted as he took a seat in an armchair. Daphne sat next to Snape and placed her head on his shoulder, looking up at him innocently.
"Snapie poo, I'm bored," Daphne complained.
"Dinner will be ready soon," Snape replied. He then turned to Draco. "So Draco, been busy?"
"Sort of," Draco replied shrugging a shoulder.
"Excited for your sixth year at Hogwarts?" Snape wondered.
"Seems like a waste of time now, really," Draco inspected his nails confidently.
"Oh really?"
"Yeah. But from what I've been reading about that Potter, I'd take any chance to get back at him as much as I can. This year will be hell for him as far as I'm concerned. I'll make it so," Draco proclaimed.
"Ew, why do you even talk to him? Just leave him alone," Daphne replied.
"No. He bothers me too much to leave him alone," Draco said in disgust.
"Let's hope you have time to initiate your revenge, with your busy schedule and all," Snape pointed out with an amusing twinkle to his eye. Daphne had the hunch there was something both Snape and Draco knew that she didn't.
"I won't be that busy. I'll find time to kick some Potter ass, no problem," Draco folded his arms behind his head proudly.
Daphne rolled her eyes. She could probably beat up Harry Potter better than Draco could. Of course she'd never attempt such a thing. She wasn't quite the violent type unless she's really been messed with, and the Potter kid hasn't yet done anything to her personally.
Suddenly, a house elf appeared in the middle of the 16th century carpet that covered much of the living room they were in. "S-Sir Draco, and guests, dinner is served!"
Snape, Draco, and Daphne stood up at the same time and proceeded to walk into the Malfoy's large and exquisite dining room. Or, one of the dining rooms anyway. On the way there, portraits of various and long dead ancestors stared quite rudely, Daphne thought, after her.
When everyone was seated at the table, about twenty or so house elves emerged from nowhere; they began to serve each of the guests. When Draco took a seat next to his mother, she made sure to push back some stray hairs from his forehead to give him a kiss. Draco's only reaction was that he rolled his eyes.
Draco's right, Daphne noticed. Cissy's been acting different. Not that Narcissa didn't love Draco to the utmost level of motherly love before, but it was like she had to shower him with loving attention every minute, as if he was going to go somewhere and never come back. In these times though, you never know, Daphne told herself while taking a bite. She only wished her mum was around to give her attention. She loved Uncle Snape but it wasn't the same.
"Everyone, I have an announcement to make," Snape suddenly proclaimed.
"Ooh, what is it?" Camille asked excitedly.
"I've recently gotten a letter from Dumbledore. Turns out I'm going to be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year," Snape announced with a small smile.
"Oh my God!" Daphne exclaimed in shock. "Really? That's so weird!"
"Why the sudden choice? Who's going to be teaching Potions?" Draco demanded.
"Horace Slughorn, some colleague or whatever of Dumbledore's, will be teaching Potions. But never mind him, I finally get the job I've always wanted," Snape smirked.
"Oh, we're all so happy for you Severus," Narcissa congratulated.
"Hell yeah! If only I went to Hogwarts. Or, school in general," Camille shrugged, loving the fact that she's not going to school anymore and liking to point it out every chance she got.
"Ah, it won't be the same," Daphne pouted. "No hanging out in the Potions classroom between classes!"
"Who knows why you do that anyway," Draco wondered. "Why don't you just hang in the Slytherin common room? Or even better, with me?"
"I hate the Slytherin common room. And I can't hang with you, because it involves hanging out with you," Daphne explained and stuck her tongue out at him.
"I'll just be having a different classroom, is all," Snape told Daphne before taking a sip of his drink.
"No, seriously," Draco pressed on, turning to Daphne. "Our school years are almost ending. Why don't you be someone this year this time?"
"I am someone, every year. I'm Daphne, the girl no one knows about," Daphne replied indifferently.
"That's not a cool title, I think," Draco said. "You'll be instantly popular if you just hang out with my crowd a couple of times, or sit with us at the Slytherin table during meals."
Daphne laughed sarcastically. "I'll be so popular then!"
Everyone laughed except Draco who just shrugged. "Your loss," He pointed out.
"Oh, can it Draco. Daphne's got plenty of popularity potential. She just needs a make over and some socializing lessons, that's all," Camille said.
"Socializing lessons? A make over? I don't need any of those! Hasn't it occurred to anyone that maybe I don't want to be popular? It's a waste of time. I'm never seeing anybody from that school again in barely two years time anyway," Daphne protested.
"That's what you think. C'mon, you don't want to end up like Snape, do ya?" Draco wondered incredulously.
Snape let out a sarcastic "Haha."
Daphne giggled. "It's not that bad. Haha, just kidding Snapie. But really, change of subject, please?" Daphne pleaded.
"Oh! School shopping! As soon as possible," Narcissa reminded them.
"I don't need anything, Mum," Draco grumbled.
"So? I do," Daphne told him.
"Draco, you need new robes and you know it," Narcissa informed him.
"Can we go tomorrow Auntie? Please?" Camille begged.
"Is that alright Severus?" Narcissa wanted to know.
Snape shrugged. "Sure?"
"Alright so it's settled."
"Yes!" Camille cheered happily.
Daphne and Draco rolled their eyes at the same time.
--
The next day everyone but Snape was roaming around Diagon Alley, the notorious district for witches and wizards alike to buy whatever they need. It's a popular location particularly for current students.
"I need to go to Flourish and Blotts and get books," Daphne told Narcissa.
"Ooh! That dress robe is so pretty!" Camille squealed, interrupting.
"Do you need help, Daphne dear? I really wanted to get Draco's robes done with first to get it out of the way...," Narcissa replied, and took out a list of things to buy.
"Mother, I can do it myself if you're so worried about it," Draco replied, snatching the list from her hands.
Daphne gave him a wry smile. Even though having known Draco all her life and loving him to death, she still couldn't stand it when he acted so immature towards his mother. Especially now. Smiling up at Narcissa, Daphne said, "No worries Cissy. Camille and I will get the books, and you and Draco can go ahead and get his robes."
"I want to get my books too!" Draco complained.
"No, follow me. Alright, I'll meet you girls later," Narcissa replied and dragged away a pissed off looking Draco.
Camille and Daphne giggled. Camille then hooked her arm with Daphne's. "Where we off too, sister?"
"Well, to get the books. Then we can explore a little," Daphne replied with a smile.
"Good plan. Haha, look at all these people. They look so scared and they're all huddled together," Camille noted, staring after a group of witches and wizards who looked like they rather be anywhere but here.
"It's the Ministry. Look at all these posters they have up. They're scaring everybody," Daphne explained, passing by a large poster and seeing the security guidelines largely printed on it.
"Well...everybody should be scared. Haha!" Camille giggled delightedly.
"Shh! Are you kidding? Don't talk like that here. And stop acting so happy. People will get suspicious," Daphne warned and Camille rolled her eyes.
"Oh, whatever. Like I care what they think," Camille retorted. Then to Daphne's horror Camille got worse. "Oh my! These posters are clearly underestimating the Dark Lord's power. No one can beat him! No one can! He's the greatest! He's so cool! He's so-"
Daphne covered Camille's mouth with her hand. "Have you gone mad? Seriously, have you and you didn't tell me?" Daphne demanded.
Camille pulled her hand away and laughed. "Relax, Daph. I'm just having fun with this whole thing. I'm not going to be gloomy like everyone else."
"You'll be soon, after Vol-" Daphne was saying when they had to pass by a group of people. After they were out of earshot, Daphne continued, "After Voldemort kills you for acting stupid."
Camille's smile turned into a deep frown. "I hate it when you call him that. And he won't, I was just kidding," Camille said, but Daphne smiled at the panic that crossed over her eyes.
"Stop smiling Daphne. Now you brought my mood down," Camille complained.
"Good. Now let's get these stupid books," Daphne ordered. After buying what she needed, Daphne left the store and Camille followed after. "Where too?"
"I'm curious to see that joke shop, actually. I heard they've got some pretty nifty stuff," Camille said.
"Sounds good enough. Let's go," Daphne agreed and they set off. However, on their way there, they saw a very worried looking Narcissa.
"Oh, there you girls are. Have you seen Draco anywhere?" She wondered with slight panic.
"Actually, no, we haven't. We were just on our way to the joke shop," Camille replied. Daphne looked around.
"What did he do? Run away?"
"Not quite. He said he'd meet me back in front of Madam Malkin's. It's been a little over ten minutes," Narcissa replied, and the panic in her voice was more obvious now.
"I wouldn't worry about it Auntie. He'll come back. In the meantime, want to check out the joke shop with us?" Camille offered, perhaps trying to get Narcissa to relax.
"No, you two can go. I'll wait out here a bit longer." Narcissa shuffled through her purse and began walking back to the front of the shop.
While Camille and Daphne were heading away, Daphne leaned in to Camille. "I'm awfully worried about her," She whispered. "She's been so..."
"Paranoid?" Camille completed. Daphne nodded, then shrugged.
"For lack of a better word."
"I feel so bad. She's so stressed out and Draco treats her like shit still," Camille sighed.
"I'm buying her a gift at the joke shop," Daphne decided as they neared the bright and flashing store called Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.
"Whoa," Camille noted. "They sure know how to party."
Daphne laughed and pushed open the door. It was crowded and she could barely get through the store. While Camille went to check out something on the other side, Daphne wove her way in to the front. She saw a red haired boy perhaps two years older than her talking to, what she could guess from the familiar appearance, Harry Potter.
Daphne differed from everybody else when it came to Harry Potter. Most often everyone always wanted to get a good look at him or thought him quite famous. He wasn't really that famous in her eyes, but she was also unlike the fellow Slytherins of her year who for some reason hated the guy. This of course, most likely, had something to do with Draco, but Daphne preferred not to choose sides.
The red haired one caught Daphne's eye and dismissed Potter. "I've got to help some customers Harry, but George'll help ya with anything," Daphne over heard him say.
He made his way to the counter that stood between him and Daphne. "Hello there, I'm Fred Weasley, co-owner of this store. How may I help you?"
Daphne smiled at him. He was sort of cute. "I'm not really looking for anything specific, you see,"
Daphne started, then turned her green eyes up to the ceiling in thought. "But I'm looking to buy someone something."
"Your boyfriend?" Fred Weasley assumed instantly.
Daphne laughed. "Oh, heavens, no."
Fred Weasley raised an eyebrow. "Is this such an impossible idea?"
Daphne shrugged and leveled her eyes with his. "I'm not sure. You should disprove it for me sometime." What am I saying? Daphne cried in her mind. Was she flirting with this kid? "But um, I really do need something, and rather quick."
Fred Weasley gave her a small smile and disappeared for a few seconds behind the counter. "Tell me; who is this for? I'll find something," His voice wondered.
"I guess you can say she's been like a mother to me," Daphne explained. "Anyway, she needs some cheering up. Do you suggest anything?"
"So it's a depressed woman. Married?" Fred Weasley wondered.
"Yes," Daphne replied. Well, sort of, she added in her mind.
"I think I've got the ticket," Fred Weasley said as he stood up holding a purple vase in which a large bouquet of roses sprouted from.
"Oh my! These are beautiful!" Daphne exclaimed.
"That's not all they are. They're magically enhanced to not only bring a little smile into any room they're brought in, but a smile in who receives them. They dish out wonderful comments any time the owner passes by. Gets quite annoying at first, but I've heard too many times that women love being complimented. So voila!" Fred Weasley dropped the vase into Daphne's hands.
"Good, I guess I'll take this then. How much?" She wondered.
"Oh, it's on the house," Fred Weasley smiled mischievously.
Daphne knew he wanted something from her. "That can't be right. You don't even know me," She pointed out.
"Sure I do! You're a sixth year aren't you?" Fred Weasley asked.
Daphne was slightly taken aback. "I...well, actually yes I am but-" Daphne started but before she could finish Camille glided towards her out of nowhere.
"There you are! I looked everywhere for you! What are these?" Camille wondered, taking a rosebud into her hand.
"Camille, your eyes are beautiful!" The rose exclaimed enthusiastically.
Camille cocked her head. "Whoa! Well, for who ever it's for, they're lucky! I love it already."
"It's for Cissy," Daphne told her, then she turned back to the boy who was Fred Weasley. "Anyway, thanks for the gift. You go to Hogwarts don't you?" Daphne asked, in an attempt to bring conversation back.
He gave her a slightly saddened smile. "No actually, not anymore. But my brother and I might take business into Hogsmeade later this year; students are our best sellers anyway. But otherwise, I'll be here."
Daphne gave him one last smile before Camille dragged her off. "You fancy him don't you?" Camille wanted to know once they were out of the store.
"No! What makes you say such a thing?" Daphne demanded.
"I've never seen you smile so much at somebody."
"He was nice! He gave me this for free!"
"Oh yeah? Why?" Camille wondered.
"Not really sure, he claimed he knew me. I guess he did, he knew what year I was in," Daphne confessed.
Camille rolled her eyes. "Daph, other than that vase you were holding up a sixth year spell book. Anyone could have looked down at it and saw what year you were in."
Daphne looked down and realized she was right. "Oh, whatever. Hey look, there's Draco," Daphne pointed out, also grateful for a change in subject.
"Hey, your mum's worried about you. Where've you been?" Camille ordered when he came up to them.
"Just taking care of some business. Don't worry about it," Draco replied, fixing his sleeve. "Where is my mother?"
"Probably still waiting for you, the poor thing," Camille said, then promptly gave Draco a slap to the head.
Daphne laughed but Draco seemed unfazed. "It hurts me when young women must act so violent. It is most unattractive," Draco simply noted.
"You're most unattractive. Now c'mon, let's go," Camille ordered impatiently and started to walk away. Before following, Daphne waved her wand and Narcissa's present vanished; she didn't want her to see it yet.
They found Narcissa still waiting outside the robe store. A look of relief swept over her face at the sight of Draco returning safe and sound. "Finally! Now let's leave, we've been here long enough," She said.
Daphne wondered curiously. No punishment? Draco had worried her sick! But Daphne didn't bring up the point.In fact, nobody was saying anything. Camille continued to float along as she always does, her long hair rippling after her as she window shopped. Narcissa seemed as if the sooner she got home, the better. Draco was busily minding his own thoughts and was being quiet, for once, but there was a sort of a smug look on his face. Where did he go for such a long time? Daphne decided she'd get it out of him sooner or later. Contrary to how Draco sometimes acts toward her, she knew he liked her. They were practically brother and sister.
And sisters knew how to get information out of brothers.
--
A/N: Phew! I'm glad I re-wrote the first chapter. I didn't realize it lacked a lot until I re-read it, but good thing I did, haha! I was in a hurry to put this up before a short vacation, but now that I'm back I decided to change some things and make the first chapter better. So anyway: Will Draco tell Daphne his secret 'mission', even though many and probably most of us already know what it is already? (Haha). But even so, with Draco's task comes Daphne's too, which we (or, you) don't know what it is yet! So stay tuned, and review. Thanks : )