Beater 1: someone hiding a big secret

"Where are you going?"

Daphne freezes, swallowing dryly. It isn't a big deal, of course. There's nothing suspicious about someone wanting to walk around after the day's lessons are done. Besides, Pansy is hardly an authority figure. Daphne would be perfectly within her rights to walk away and ignore her.

Except Pansy also likes to run her mouth. Daphne knows there's nothing to stop the other girl from running to the Carrows and letting Daphne's name slip as someone to watch out for. Hell, even if Daphne was innocent, Pansy would be the type to do it out of spite, just for being ignored.

And so Daphne offers her a smile. Maybe she should worry about how good she's become at lying. Dishonesty is hardly a virtue, but it's a necessity, especially now. "Are you happy being cooped up in the common room all day?"

Of course she is. Pansy likes comfort. She's perfectly content to waste away the day without a care in the world.

Pansy studies her for a moment longer. "You've changed," she notes.

"I started parting my hair to the left."

The other girl narrows her eyes, clearly not amused. Her gaze remains fixed on Daphne, like she's trying so desperately to find some hint of guilt on the surface. If she sees anything, she doesn't acknowledge it. "Theo was looking for you earlier," she says. "I think he fancies you."

Daphne laughs, pretending to be flustered by the words. She just has to play her part. Who would ever suspect the silly, giggling schoolgirl, the good girl from a good family? If she just pretends to keep her head down and stay neutral, no one will ever know. "Well, if I see Theo, I'll be sure to stop and chat."

She wonders if it's enough, if Pansy believes her. There's still a faint hint of skepticism in the other girl's eyes, but she doesn't say anything more. With a shrug and a smile, Pansy turns on her heel. "Draco!"

Daphne lets out a soft sigh and carries on. Sometimes she thinks her heart might explode. She has kept secrets before, but they've always been small things that mean nothing in the long run. This… This is different. This is a secret that could get her killed if anyone ever knew. Even though the Dark Lord insists on not spilling too much pure blood, Daphne thinks he might make an exception for traitors in Slytherin.

It feels so heavy, like it might crush her. And yet she carries it so well, and she keeps her head held high. No matter what anyone may think, she is doing the right thing.

Her parents told her stories about the first war. When she was a kid, Daphne never understood how anyone could want to fight and risk their life. Now, she gets it. She knows that there are things worth fighting for. She realizes that even as the world falls apart around her, there is hope to hold on to. She has to keep fighting, even if she cannot be so bold and open.

Sneaking around isn't fun, but she manages it with skill, carefully looking busy whenever the need arises, socializing with anyone who may suspect, playing her part and pretending. Always pretending. When this is all over, she wonders if she will be able to be herself. Daphne is so tired of wearing a mask.

Carefully, ensuring no one is there who may see, she slips into the Room of Requirement. Neville is waiting for her, arms folded across his chest and a faint hint of a smile on his thin lips. "You're late," he says, but there's no irritation in his voice.

Daphne just offers him a smile. "Yes, well, you try being so popular that everyone stops to chat," she counters, heaving an exaggerated sigh. "Such hard work."

Neville snorts. "Yeah. I bet." He playfully nudges her shoulder. "Well? Any news?"

The others seem to notice her now. Most people in Dumbledore's Army look at her with doubt and hesitation. Maybe she doesn't blame them. After all, why would they trust a Slytherin? So many in her House have only harmed them. If the roles were reversed, she thinks that maybe she would be wary too. It stings, but she bears it.

Daphne slides her bag from her shoulder. "I know Aberforth has been keeping you lot fed," she says, "but I wanted to offer a little something extra."

Aberforth has a good heart, but she doubts he ever thinks of what kids actually like. While he's kept their bellies full, he's undoubtedly neglected their sweet tooth. So she dumps a pile of Honeydukes sweets onto the nearest table. Seamus is quick, snatching a bag of Jelly Slugs and turning to Lavender with a grin. The others follow.

"Nice. But news?" Neville presses.

Daphne still remembers him as a clumsy fool of a boy. How strange that he's grown into the person standing before her. Even as the atmosphere around them lightens, Neville is all business. He isn't Harry Potter, but Daphne has seen the way the others look at him. Neville is the leader they need now.

"Three kids in the dungeons," Daphne answers with a shudder. "A Hufflepuff first-year named Hakim, and two Ravenclaw fourth-years, Mallory and Isolt."

Neville doesn't ask why they're there. In the end, it doesn't matter. The Carrows are worse than Umbridge. They treat every minor infraction like treason.

"They've upped their security," Daphne adds. "Crabbe likes to blab all the secrets when he has a little wine… I suppose the Veritaserum didn't hurt."

Neville raises an eyebrow, a quiet reminder that he doesn't approve of her methods. "You're terrifying," he says. "I'm glad you're on our side."

She smiles at that. The others may have their doubts, but at least Neville trusts her. It's such a small thing, but it's enough to make her feel relaxed. She doesn't need the world to know where she stands; this isn't about glory and notoriety. All she needs is to know that someone, anyone, sees the good in her and knows that she can be trusted.

"I can buy you some time Friday around noon," Daphne tells him. "Not much. Twenty minutes, at the most."

Neville nods. "We'll get them out. Thanks, Daphne."

"This will all be worth it, won't it?"

A moment of silence. He nods again. "I think so, yeah."

A smile tugs at her lips. "I think so, too," she says before offering him a salute. "I'd better go before anyone misses me."

She carries a secret with her, a dark secret that could destroy her. And yet, she is not afraid, even as she looks over her shoulder and checks that no one is keeping tabs on her. In the end, she knows she is doing what's right. Nothing else matters.