Web: DaphnePansy
Word Count: 350
Pansy climbs into her bed, and Daphne doesn't protest. A faint smile tugs at her lips. "This is hauntingly familiar," she says. "Well, except in reverse."
Their first year, Daphne had been so stressed out and on the verge of tears. Pansy had climbed into bed with her and told her everything would be okay, that one bad mark in Charms wasn't the end of the world.
Now, Pansy is the one who needs to be comforted. After the war, everyone has treated Pansy like she has a particularly contagious and deadly strain of dragon pox. She had admitted to Daphne that she hadn't even wanted to return to take her seventh year over, but her parents had insisted. Even the teachers regard her as though she's some terrible thing.
Once, Pansy had been almost like royalty. She had been an ice queen, and those who hadn't worshipped her had at least feared her. Now, that's gone and everything is going downhill.
"I've had an epiphany," Pansy tells her.
Daphne's brows raise, though she knows Pansy cannot see them. "And what's that?" she asks curiously.
Silence.
Daphne doesn't press the matter. By now, she knows that Pansy will come around in time. Pansy doesn't trust many people, but Daphne has become her favorite hiding place. It's like Daphne can take all of her secrets and fears and keep them safe.
After several long seconds pass in silence, Pansy moves closer, wrapping her arms around Daphne. The contact and closeness makes Daphne's heart flutter.
"It doesn't matter if everyone hates me," Pansy says. "I have you, and that's what matters."
Her words mean everything to Daphne. Pansy has always been driven by what people think of her. Though she pretends to be cold and aloof, Pansy has cared about every negative opinion of her since their first year. For her to give that up and only treasure Daphne's presence means the world to her.
"I love you," Pansy whispers.
And as their lips meet, Daphne thinks that maybe they will find a way to get past the aftermath of the war.