Daphne- July 7th
In a quiet manor located in the west country the sound of crickets and the distant hooting of owls could be heard. The large spacious country home had been a place of quiet and safety. The entire building seemed understated for such an aristocratic family featured on Cantankerous Nott's famed list of the Sacred Twenty-eight. The slate walls were hung with pictures of Greengrass family members and calm pastural scenes. The sconces on the walls in the shape of the fleur-de-lis cast a light that cast shadows against the walls.
In the far wing of the house in the heir suit Daphne Greengrass was pacing in her blue silk pajamas. It had been several days since she first sent off her letter to Harry. Harry hadn't responded to her letter. She nibbled at her lip. Her father had been approached for her hand.
The day after she had come back from Hogwarts a man had approached her father. He had been tall with dark hair and eyes, and a seemingly permanent sneer on his face that was reminiscent of his son. Her father the consummate politician and Machiavellian was well known andso it was not unexpected. What was unexpected though was how her father handled it.
Daphne stood outside of the study beautiful English oak door that was the entrance to her father's study. Listening in on the conversation. After all, isn't all knowledge useful knowledge? Cyrus Greengrasshad tried to remain businesslike, "Which of your son's is this arrangement about?" The man, had muttered something that sounded like, "Of course it'sMarcus." Her father had maintained his stoic appearance and kept an even tone to his voice but only just barely. He replied calmly, "I'm afraid that you're a little on the late side to be approaching me for Daphne. She had been promised since she was one." "Really", the other man stapled his fingers his gaze intensifying on the older Greengrass. Cyrus kept a neutral expression on his face, "Yes, really." The other man smirked, "the time has come Greengrass. You will have to pick a side. For the sake of your younger daughter I hope that you pick the right one." The elder Flint stood, flung the door to the study open, and stormed out of the manor unescorted. Luckily, he didn't notice Daphne standing right there by the door.
Daphne Greengrass nibbled her lower lip a bit. She went to her vanity and began to brush her hair an activity that allowed her to relax as she repeated the action from root to end in a smooth rhythm. Her long blonde hair falling down below her shoulders. Her routine in getting ready for bed had been the same for as long as she could remember. She had completed her shower routine with her vanilla scented shampoo and conditioner and body wash. She'd use a shaving charm and rub her skin in with lotion. Then, get into her pajamas and brush her hair.
Settling in and brushing her hair Daphne's mind went back to the trip home on the Hogwarts Express. Daphne was relaxing, glad to finally be heading back to the peace and quiet of home after everything that had been going on that year at school. Astoria was across from her and Tracy Davis had joined them flopping down next to her. Tracy looked over at Daphne's lap as she had started working on her letter to Harry.
The other girl shorter than Daphne with auburn hair cropped to her jaw smirked, "Oh please girl, he doesn't even know that you're alive." Daphne rolled her eyes. Astoria Daphne's dark haired, younger sister perked up at the mention of gossip, "Oh and who is this?" Tracy laughed, "she's writing to Potter." Astoria raised an eyebrow.
The rest of the train ride continued that way. Tracy mocked, "you've been dressing his wounds after his adventures for the last couple of years and does he even know that you're the one taking care of him?" Daphne shook her head, "I'm there apprenticing with Madam Pomfrey. Not flirting with patients." The other two girls fell into laughter, "sure Daphne sure you are."
Daphne considered how to best approach the situation. Then it came to her in a momentof distinct clarity. Pulling out her stationery, ink and quill she began working on what she hoped would prove her entrance into Harry's permanent orbit. This train of thought, however, was soon interrupted by a knock on the door to Daphne's suite. Her sister smirked, "still no word back from Prince Charming?" Daphne rolled her eyes, "It's not your business ." Astoria mimicked her sister, "of course it is!" Daphne looked at her younger sister, people often underestimated Astoria. She may be easily exhausted, but her mind was sharp and worked fast. The younger girl smirked, "think about it? You write him out of the blue and expect a response! Did you ever get appropriately introduced in class or in the infirmary?" the older girl thought back as considered her time at Hogwarts. Only to come to a stunning realization, "not really actually. We had no cause to interact during classes, and I'm too focused on my duties in the hospital ward, to think to introduce myself or have Madam Pomfrey do so." Astoria smirked, her dark hairfalling down over her shoulder as she copied one of Daphne's I'm superior to you expressions, "I thought so."
The two sisters collapsed into laughter. At the way Astoria mimicked perfectly Daphne's ice queen persona. The night fell into a sense of calm and easy banter as the girls sent off Daphne's letter and then settled in to read for the night before Astoria would return to her own bedroom to sleep.
Daphne left alone once more left to her own thoughts, began once more to consider who would be best placed to grant her a proper introduction to Harry.
Going over to her desk she took out her stationery, quill and ink. Daphne began to pen a letter that she hoped that she would not regret.
Nott,
Hopefully, this letter finds you well. It is imperative that I ask you for a favor as the nature of our political landscape is changing and I know that it is time to act before my family is acted on. It is time to pick a side. I would like to receive a formal introduction to Harry Potter. The nature of the favor is a simple one and one that I hope you will not feel the necessity to turn down.
D. G.
Settling to sleep on the large, comfortable bed with bedsheet of the softest blue silk. Daphne fell into a deep sleep. Dreaming of a different world, one that she hoped to have a role in shaping.