Written for:

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: Charms
Task 1: Write about someone who is locked in somewhere, or locked out of somewhere.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry: Auction
Song: I Want to Break Free

Breaking Free

Character: Daphne Greengrass

xXx

Daphne stared at the door that led out of her bedroom, unable believe this was actually happening. Yes, she might have been born Pure-blood, but her parents weren't usually steadfast traditionalists. She really thought they'd encourage her to marry for love.

She closed her eyes. Daphne never thought they'd lock her in her room until she agreed to the contractual marriage with Draco Malfoy.

She knew Malfoy wasn't too keen on the idea of marrying her either, but he'd always been weak. He would never say no to his parents, so it was up to her.

And like most little girls, she dreamed of falling in love with her Prince Charming, remembering the Muggle saying Astoria learned from one of her Half-blood friends.

Dark, intelligent eyes flashed through her mind, and she yearned for his arms around her. She wanted to marry Blaise. Why couldn't her parents understand that?

She felt shackled to their expectations and now it was time to stand up for herself. She had to if she was ever going to find her happiness.

Days passed. Food was brought to her, but she wasn't allowed human interaction. Not even the House-elves talked to her. She had no company. Daphne hoped Astoria was okay.

The only time another human being entered her room was at night. At that time, one or both of her parents came to her, and they asked her the same question every time. "Have you seen reason yet?"

Daphne's answer didn't ever change. "No."

She wasn't sure how much time had passed when her father came into the room. He seemed happier, but he still looked at her in disappointment.

"My answer is still no."

"Thankfully, you no longer need to be agreeable. Your sister, my obedient daughter, has asked to marry Draco Malfoy in your stead. You owe her your gratitude. You're free.

For the first time in so long, her door was left unwarded. She could come and go as she pleased. She could marry Blaise.

But at what cost? Now Astoria was entering a loveless marriage.

Suddenly, freedom didn't taste so sweet.

xXx

(word count: 351)