Web: DaphneLavender

Word Count: 519

The first time Daphne sees Lavender again after the war, it's clear that the Gryffindor is trying to hide herself away. She ducks her head, and her honey blonde curls obscure her face, but Daphne would recognize her anywhere.

They all walk around with their miscellaneous griefs and tragedies, but she knows that demeanor all too well. That's the mannerisms of a person who wants to go unnoticed.

.

Daphne feels so out of place in the Room of Requirement. Everyone else seems to be thoroughly offended by her presence here, and they cast dark looks her way, like she might summon the Carrows at any moment.

She tries to keep all attention away from herself. If only she could melt into the shadows and disappear from their judgemental glares.

"If Neville says you're okay," Lavender Brown says loudly, smiling as she falls into place beside Daphne, "then that's enough for me."

It's such a small gesture, but it makes Daphne feel less alone.

.

Daphne taps her shoulder. "Get a coffee with me."

Lavender turns around, eyes narrowed as though expecting some cruel punchline. When she notices Daphne there, a smile pulls at her lips, brightening her scarred face. "Oh, hey."

Merlin, she looks so beautiful when she smiles. Daphne's heart flutters wildly within her chest, and she has to remind herself to keep breathing. "Hey." A small laugh escapes her lips. "Coffee?"

"Why would you want to grab a coffee with me?" Lavender asks, a soft pink staining her cheeks.

"You know why."

.

Once, Hogwarts had been her home. Now, she doesn't recognize it anymore, and she hates it. It makes it so easy for her to act as a spy and pass information along. At least Daphne knows she's making even the smallest difference.

"Coffee?" Lavender holds up a cup, smiling. "Aberforth just sent some through."

Daphne accepts it, grateful. She still hates to be around almost anyone else, but Lavender is the exception. Maybe she's a little bit okay.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" Daphne asks. She sips the coffee, wrinkling her nose at the bitterness. "Don't you know I'm dangerous, or whatever?"

Lavender laughs, and it's one of the most beautiful sounds Daphne has ever heard. "What can I say?" She smiles. "I have a soft spot for beautiful girls. What better way to get their attention than coffee?"

.

"I'm not beautiful," Lavender protests as Daphne takes her hand.

Daphne rolls her eyes. Really, she should have known the disagreement would come. A grin twists her lips, and she guides the other girl through the streets. "Nonsense," she says. "One of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen. Inside and out."

And she means it. Of course she knows what Greyback had done to her. She knows that Lavender is just another tragedy of war. But it doesn't matter.

Lavender doesn't respond, but she doesn't protest any further. When they reach the small cafe where Florean Fortescue's shop had once been, Lavender is smiling.

"You make me feel normal," she says.

Daphne leans and kisses her cheek. "Oh, darling. You're so much more."