Daphne Greengrass had many dreams. After she saw the unfair prosecution of her father due to his involvement in the First Wizarding War, she promised herself that she wouldn't let the same thing happen to others. The last Greengrass heir had no choice but to aid the Dark Lord. Anyone would have done the same if they felt the same fear he did.
Her father spent time in Azkaban, paid his debts, and served the community after, doing more than Daphne thought was fair to repent for what he had done. He didn't even harm another soul, not even into the Second Wizarding War did he even curse another wizard.
The decision to go to law school was made in her mind when she realized that even long after the first war, he still was chastised for his involvement. It even spilled over into her life, where she would hear the other school kids whisper about how her father was a Death Eater and avoided sitting with her at lunch or playing with her in the courtyard.
If he just had a better legal defense, the Greengrass name would have been cleared. They would have known that Voldemort held her mother captive until her father gave up their estate and fortune to aid the Dark Lord's war efforts. Perhaps then, she wouldn't have been so isolated and lonely.
Daphne had always found it difficult to make friends. It honestly drained her most times trying to connect with others. However, she did feel immense jealousy when she saw how easily people gravitated towards her sister, leeching off her kindness, taking advantage of how understanding and compassionate she was. Daphne would have rather spent her life alone than cater to inauthentic people.
And though she had a hard time connecting with others, she could read them easily. Most times, she could look at someone and know their intent. People approached her because she was, by societal standards, attractive. So she used that to her advantage, realizing no one would ever truly value her mind over her looks.
Aside from Theodore, of course. But he was the exception.
At the start of the war, Daphne was more determined than ever to go to law school. After finishing her exams at Hogwarts and receiving high marks, she applied to the most prestigious programs across the world. She didn't have time for relationships or flings, she barely had time for herself. Since the loss of her mother and having the burden of being the eldest daughter, she played homemaker and caretaker on top of her hours of studying.
Daphne didn't want kids or to have a family. She was so tired already from having to play mother to Astoria when their own had fallen too ill. But there was no resentment, Daphne would take care of her until they were both old and wrinkly, if that meant Astoria would live a long life. And with a blood curse that ran in her family, it was out of the question that she would ever have kids of her own.
So when Draco brought Theodore around more often, she didn't think much of him. She was leaving for Germany and didn't see any harm in flirting with the handsome man who she knew from her years at Hogwarts. They would chat for hours on end, talking well into the morning hours about seemingly everything. She saw how he would look into her eyes when she spoke to him, unlike most who let their gaze stray. He picked her brain, and seemed genuinely enamored by her words.
Despite her pushing away, he would leave her small carvings of different magical creatures he told her about and keep her company on nights Astoria was very sick. Theodore was patient, compassionate, and persistent, almost treating her as if she was a dragon he was trying to tame.
Before she left for Germany, he told her he loved her. Even insisted that if she moved on, he understood and that he would still look after Draco and Astoria while she was away. Theodore wrote to her every week, but she never replied, hoping he would come to his senses and realize that he could do much better than her. He could find someone who was gentle, kind, and could give him a family he deserved.
When she returned from Germany after Astoria's condition worsened, he was there waiting. She knew then that she wanted to be with him, despite her doubts in herself. And now that they were planning their wedding, she couldn't feel happier.
Well, she could feel immensely happier if she wasn't watching her sister decaying as the days went on. Her watchful eye followed Luna Lovegood's every move, making sure that her sister's new healer was giving adequate care.
"Did you do anything for Halloween last night?" Astoria asked Luna.
Luna, who was drawing a vial of blood from her arm, smiled politely. "Yes, baked cupcakes with James and Albus. James won't quit talking about you. Says you are very funny and an excellent colorer. Has your coloring page hanging up on the wall."
"Would you mind giving them a few things for me, Luna?" Astoria asked, pointing at a box sitting on the vanity. "It's some toys and more coloring books."
"Of course," Luna replied, corking the vial of blood. "I'm going to run some tests and I'll send the results to you as soon as they're done."
"Thank you, you're very kind, Luna," Astoria blushed.
"It's not a problem," Luna said, squeezing her hand softly. "I'm going to see Hermione before I leave. Is there anything else you need from me? Medicines working okay to reduce your fever and fatigue?"
Astoria nodded, "Yes, I've been feeling much better since you've been around."
"That's great to hear. Please, don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything," Luna smiled before packing her medical kit, taking the box for the boys, and leaving the room.
Daphne shook her head and rolled her eyes. "What's all that about?"
"What?" Astoria replied, holding back a smile.
"You're so giddy every time she's here, Tori. You realize Draco killed her fiancé, right? She doesn't like us, she's being nice because she has to be."
"Says you, have you ever thought that people might not like you and Draco but adore me?" Astoria teased.
"Yeah, yeah. Little miss perfect over here," Daphne laughed, turning the page of a book. She had begun studying again, as she would need to retake the entrance exams for law school. Astoria had several wedding planning guides and magazines she was looking over, and they read in silence for several minutes.
"I can't believe you haven't even picked out a dress yet, Daph. And a winter wedding? On Christmas no less," Astoria shook her head. "Where's the venue even going to be at? It'll be a nightmare to reserve anywhere with this little time."
"The venue will be downstairs."
Astoria's jaw fell open, looking in a state of shock. "You're kidding, right?"
"Nope. It's going to be simple and small," she assured.
"This is so not you," Astoria giggled.
That was true, Daphne always loved the extravagance of life and how big everything could be. She loved loud music and nice clothing and fine dining. Theodore liked those things too, but there was something so pure about being with just him that she didn't want to mask with a big party and flashy lights. The two even discussed simply getting papers signed and whispering their vows just between them. However, they knew that it would cause big issues for Theodore's doting mother and Astoria.
Besides, Theodore said they needed to celebrate the little things while there's still time to.
"Well, love changes a person," she stated as if it were something profound. "Just look at Draco, he's all dopey now."
"You really think he loves her?" Astoria gleefully asked.
Daphne didn't really know if Draco loved Hermione. She knew he was infatuated with her, despite her blood status and general annoyance he had. Hermione did seem to make him more tolerable though, not as moody or mopey as Daphne usually found him. Though she'd go to the end of the world for Draco, their relationship was often full of bickering and snide comments.
When she realized that he and Hermione were developing a relationship, she was frankly disgusted. Hermione grated on her nerves ever since they were kids. It drove her insane with how close Astoria had gotten to her. But as time went on, she saw how kind Hermione was despite her situation, and that she genuinely cared for Astoria, she got over the fact that she was muggle-born. Guilt did tug at her at times, knowing how cruel she had been to Hermione and others in the past.
"I'm sure he likes her just fine," she shrugged, setting the book down and brushing her fingers in her blonde hair. She watched as Astoria sat up from the bed, stretching her arms.
"Can we go dress shopping today? Before Teddy comes over for dinner?"
"Sure, invite Hermione too."
Astoria smiled brightly. "Should I invite Millie as well? What about Hesita and Flora? Oh and Gemma would love to come, I'm sure."
"Can the three of us just go? I'm not feeling very social today," Daphne sighed.
"Of course, is something wrong, Daph?"
Daphne felt okay, she was healthy, about to marry the love of her life with the war coming to an end. By all accounts, she should have been happy.
But it was so difficult to be when she saw Astoria dying and not wanting a second chance at life or Draco risking his own for what he thought would be best for them. Was she really so horrible that the two people she loved the most wouldn't willingly stick around for her?
She found herself envious at times of how close they were, and it made her sad to feel like an outsider even in her own family.
It was her fault, she thought, because she didn't know how to express how she loved them, rarely saying words of affection or offering an embrace. It wasn't how she showed love, but she didn't think they'd ever really understand that.
And even though she put on a strong face and had Theodore to comfort her, she still needed them, but she didn't know how to express it in a way that didn't involve yelling or fighting. She could be so eloquent in almost every way except for when it came to expressing how she felt, so she kept it inside.
"Nothing is wrong, Tori. Let's go get Hermione so we can go look at dresses."
The three witches made their way through several dress shops with no luck in finding the perfect dress. Perfect, to Astoria's standards. Daphne would have been just fine wearing a white nightgown at this point, but she knew it meant a lot to her baby sister, so every dress she picked out, she tried on.
"The cut of that neckline is too outdated."
"An ivory dress would suit your complexion better, Daph."
"It isn't a real wedding dress unless the train is at least half your height."
Hermione and Daphne sat on a plush couch near the fitting area as Astoria spoke to the seamstress and dug through racks stuffed full with various shades of white fabric. Daphne's feet were sore from standing in heels all day and squeezing into dresses. She must have tried on well over a dozen by this point, and was becoming discouraged as the hours ticked on. Looking over at Hermione, she could tell she was tired too.
"How does Astoria still have energy?" Hermione laughed. "The dresses she's carrying in her arms have to be at least ten pounds each."
Daphne let out a snort, shaking her head. "Tori will muster up the strength to lift an erumpent if that means she can go shopping. And she saw Luna today, so that put some pep in her step."
"She does really seem to like Luna a lot," Hermione agreed. "They must have hit it off when they met a few months ago."
"I think she's eager to find a new best friend after the fallout with Pansy."
"And here I thought that I was going to be crowned with that title," Hermione teased, laughing quietly to herself. "But it makes sense, even Harry named his daughter after her."
"Don't worry, Hermione. You're well beyond competing for the 'best friend' title. You're practically her sister now," Daphne said, a little more seriously than they had been seconds ago, but still with a smile.
Hermione twirled her thumbs a bit, almost nervously, making Daphne feel it as well. "Does that make me your sister too?"
Daphne froze, not knowing exactly how to answer the question. Normally, anyone would have just agreed and said yes to comfort the other person. But she didn't know how to react now as she looked into Hermione's soft brown eyes.
She almost wanted to say yes and welcome her into her life even further, but it felt much too close than what she was comfortable with. Hermione seemed to understand her, never complaining that Daphne was too cold or too honest. It was a genuine connection they had, bonding over their intellectually charged conversations over the past months.
But still, Daphne was left in a fog, wondering how close she should really allow herself to get with the witch in front of her.
"Okay, let's get these ones on you," Astoria chimed as she hauled over a handful of dresses. Daphne was relieved she broke the awkwardness she was putting off. Daphne gave a small nod to Hermione before following Astoria to the dressing room.
After they were all rejected by Astoria, they made their way back to the manor where Tappy and Twinkle were setting the dining table at the usual time of 7 o'clock.
Most nights as of recently, it had just been the three of them eating together. Theodore and Draco were working later into the evenings, running around trying to put out literal and metaphorical fires. Theodore had been traveling frequently across the world to gather magical creatures and supplies for Voldemort's regime, making the little time spent with him very precious.
Daphne was excited to finally sit down and have a meal with everyone again, although she'd never admit that fact. But she eagerly poured their glasses of whiskey and made sure Draco's spot had an extra tall glass as he would not be partaking in eating.
They waited nearly half an hour before the two wizards walked into the dining room, still sporting their Death Eater robes, looking exhausted. Daphne tried to hide the pained look on her face when she saw Theodore with a new cut on his face.
When their eyes met, his smile beamed. She couldn't help but let her lips curl into one along with him. He went directly to her and kissed her on the cheek.
"Hey babe, how was dress hunting today?" he asked as she handed him his drink.
"Horrendous. They were all hideous," Daphine dramatically sighed.
Astoria took her napkin and placed it delicately in her lap. "Don't worry, Daph. I'll draw one up for you and find the best seamstress to make it custom. I can't believe we just didn't do that to begin with."
"Seems like too much trouble," Daphne replied. "And quite expensive for something I'm only going to wear once."
"Expensive?" Draco raised an eyebrow. "Daph, please, let me pay for the dress if you won't let me take care of anything else."
"No," Theodore grunted. "I told you already Draco, not a dime of yours will be used."
"It's their money too, technically," Draco smirked. "But consider it a wedding gift then."
Daphne watched as Draco walked to where Hermione sat and kissed her temple before returning to his usual seat between Astoria and herself at the head of the table. He didn't do it because he saw himself as the lord of the home, but for the practical reason of it being the furthest away from the food that sat in the center of the rectangular table.
They ate, drank, and laughed, making Daphne feel comforted from the unease she felt earlier in the day. Perhaps, if Draco and Astoria had Hermione too, they would stick around, because Hermione was everything she wasn't.
Loving, gentle, soft, and kind. Maybe that's what Draco and Astoria really needed to tether them to this existence. So, instead of being jealous of the attention that they gave her, she could be grateful for it.
If I'm not good enough to keep them here, she will be more than enough to make them want to stay, Daphne thought, watching as Hermione giggled with Astoria while Draco looked at them with a smile on his face.
The touch of Theodore's hand on hers brought her out of her spiraling mind, pulling her back to a reality where at least someone thought she was worth their while.
He stood up from the table, patting his stomach, giving a quick wink to Daphne before making his announcement. "Now that our bellies are full, let's go summon some Patronuses."