For the Romantically Romantic Daily Writing Challenge on the Ministry of Magic Discord.
H.M.S. Bad Girls
— Daphne and Pansy —
Bright-eyed with golden waves, Daphne is sunshine. Even when the world goes cloudy and grey, Daphne continues to smile. When every Pureblood is under investigation—when Pansy begins to wear sunglasses, hunch her shoulders, and keep to the shadows—Daphne rises from ashes. She strolls through Diagon Alley in high heels and emerald green, keeping her head held high. Privately, Pansy berates her for it. Tells her not draw so much attention to herself. Tells her not to draw so much attention to them.
"It's not a crime to be happy, Pansy," Daphne says. Her fingers trace the rim of her wine glass. "The war is over. We all deserve to move on."
"Easy for you to say," Pansy snaps back. "Your father isn't in Azkaban."
A flicker of a frown crosses Daphne's face. But just as quickly as it appears, it fades away. "Your father's crimes are his. You didn't do anything wrong."
The press disagrees. The press asks her what it's like it to be known as the girl who wanted to hand over their beloved Harry Potter. The press wants to know how it feels to be Hermione Granger's high school bully. The press question, mockingly, if she'd ever secretly fancied Ron Weasley. The press digs its claws into her, tearing away at flesh and bone for just a tiny morsel. With Voldemort gone and the Death Eaters locked away, they need a new villain to sell their papers.
Daphne tips her glass upwards, letting the merlot coat her tongue before swallowing. She keeps her eyes locked on Pansy's face, searching.
"It's just hard," Pansy says finally. "Life's different now."
"Right." Daphne hums her agreement. Her free hand falls on Pansy's thigh, fingers slipping under the pleats of her skirt as she gives a comforting squeeze. "But isn't that kind of exciting? There's a whole new world ahead of us."
Pansy nods. She goes through the expected motions, presses a kiss to Daphne's cheek. Refills their glasses. Allows Daphne to redirect the conversation. But Pansy isn't so sure. She doesn't fit in this new world. She isn't wanted. And as she follows Daphne into the future—their future, Daphne promises her—she finds herself looking over her shoulder, always wondering when the past will finally claim her.