October 1994
Daphne was going to kill Theo when they got back to the rooms. This was all his fault.
It was a Saturday morning, sun yet to come up, and she was walking out onto the quidditch field.
It had started earlier that week when Daphne had complained to him that they take far too long to get up in the morning. It was a valid complaint, their studying time in the library was getting shortened everyday. What was not valid was Theo’s solution.
Instead of telling the group to wake up earlier, he took it upon himself to hex every single one of their alarm clarks to go off thirty minutes earlier. It did work for days, they were up earlier, still had time to chat, and all met up at the correct time. Then, Draco realized his clock did not match the one in the great hall.
Theo of course put half the blame on Daphne when he was cornered.
It was Blaise’s idea to have them be forced to join them for quidditch in the morning. They would waste each other's sleep.
“Come on, it isn't that bad.” Blaise grinned at her, putting on his gloves.
“Isn’t that bad.” She mocked, rolling her eyes.
Blaise laughed and shook his head. “Here I’ll help you.”
She stepped away stubbornly. “I know how to ride a broom, Zabini.”
Balise held up his hands. “Suit yourself.”
Theo and Draco walked out of the locker room.
“You ready?” Draco asked.
Everyone nodded and mounted their brooms.
“Come on, I’ll just practice passing the quaffle to you okay, all you gotta do is catch it.” Blaise told her once they got up into the air.
Daphne nodded.
He tossed the ball in her direction, but her hands were not going to loosen from their death grip on her broom so she moved away.
“Well now it’s gone in the woods.” Blaise said, shaking his head.
Daphne looked back and saw it heading towards the ground, making distance.
“I’ll go get it.” Blaise told her, already starting to fly away.
“No!” Daphne shouted. “No, I’ll go, you go practice with the rest of them.”
Blaise turned back and smiled. “Escape plan?”
Daphne feigned innocence.
He laughed. “Go.”
Daphne sped off towards the quaffle and started flying down towards the ground. Only problem being she never learned how to dismount at such speed- and the fact that it had rained for hours the night before.
It was almost comedic the noise made when she smacked into the ground, but the sharp pain and the mud splashing onto her kept her from laughing.
“Fuck.” She muttered, trying to stand on her feet but falling down immediately.
She reached at her ankle, trying to find what was causing the sharp pain. Even with the sun barely out and covered in mud, she was sure it did not look right.
Unbeknownst to her, she was not alone in the woods. Just out of her frame of vision was Neville searching for plants for his Herbology project. Hearing the crash he hurried over.
“Daph?” He asked, urgency taking over his steps when he saw who it was.
She looked up, relief washing over her face. “Oh thank Merlin, I need you to do a healing charm.”
Neville blinked in surprise and kneeled down next to her. “I can hardly do year one charms.”
Daphne groaned and reached out for his wand but he pulled back.
“What are you doing?” He asked harshly.
She rolled her eyes. “I’ll do it myself.” She said impatiently.
Neville shook his head. “No, no, you will not.”
Daphne scoffed. Just because he could barely lift a feather did not mean that she couldn’t do a simple healing spell.
“Why not?”
Neville tucked his wand in his robes and placed a hand on her ankle, trying to gauge the severity. “Because it’s dangerous, you don’t know how the wand will respond to you.”
“I’m sure it will be fine.” Daphne protested.
Neville shook his head, ignoring her. Her ankle looked horrible, already purpling. “Do you want me to go get Pomfrey?”
Daphne quickly shook her head. “No, no. I would rather be abandoned out here than get carried on one of those stretchers in front of everyone.”
“Hey!” Neville crossed his arms, “I’ve had to go on those many times.”
Daphne nodded slowly. That was the point.
It took Neville a couple of seconds to understand this and when he did he shook his head but smiled. “You’re insufferable.”
Daphne wanted to join in on the smiling but the pain in her ankle was only intensifying causing her to wince.
Neville looked down at the plants he had collected in his free hand and sighed, setting them down. Before Daphne had a say in the matter he was lifting her up and walking towards the castle.
“I can walk.” She insisted.
Neville looked down at her for a second. “No, no you can not.”
Daphne tried getting out of his arms but ended up just jerking him in the chest in the process. She heard his breath hitch and saw him since but his grip on her did not loosen.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean-”
“Why do you have to make everything so difficult?” He cut her off.
Daphne opened her mouth to respond but closed it and looked away.
“Do you want me to put you down, I can just leave you alone?” He asked, sounding suddenly inpatient.
“No, no, I’m sorry.” She apologized.
Neville nodded and readjusted his grip. “It’s fine.”
The silence that fell over them felt awkward and she made an effort at continuing the conversation. “What were you doing out there?” She asked.
She watched his lips twitch up. “Looking for plants. A lot of them go out of season in the next few weeks, so I’m trying to get the gathering time in before then.” He explained.
“Oh, that’s cool…” She trailed off, not having enough knowledge in Herbology to carry a conversation.
Neville nodded then furrowed his eyebrows. “You were playing quidditch, you know your parents will kill you if they hear.”
“Unladylike I know, I know.” She rolled her eyes.
Neville’s foot slid slightly in the mud and he instinctively pulled her closer to his chest. Once he was walking steadily again he cleared his throat.
“It’s dangerous.” He responded.
“It’s not that dangerous.” She insisted.
He looked at her pointedly.
“You’re annoying.” She grumbled, turning away from him.
He chuckled. “Really though, they’re going to write a letter back home and report your injury.”
Daphne realized for the first time he was right.
“I’ll just, I don’t know, say I was with you and slipped, can’t get in trouble for doing extra schoolwork.”
Neville thought about it. “That’s true I guess, afraid Gran will kill me for not looking over you better though.”
“Rock paper scissors on who has to get killed?” Daphne joked.
“How do you know that game?” Neville asked. As far as he knew it was only played with the muggle born students.
“Tori taught me.” She explained.
Neville hummed in response. “I’ll tell Pomfrey you were with me, not exactly like I have the hands to play it with you anyway.”
Daphne grinned. “Ah, so I won.”
Neville rolled his head but smiled. They traveled in silence for the rest of the journey to the hospital, but she no longer found it awkward.
Fixing her ankle was really no problem, just a flick of a wand, an excruciating cracking, then instant relief.
“You can go back to your plants.” Daphne told him after Pomfrey instructed her to stay for fifteen minutes for observation.
Neville shrugged. “No, it's fine. I’ll go again tomorrow anyway.”
When Daphne didn’t answer, the pieces connected. “Oh…your friends are coming aren’t they?”
Daphne nodded. “Likely.”
“And you don’t want me here for that.” Neville stated.
“It’s not that..” Daphne explained quietly.
Neville shook his head and stood up. “Just, don’t be so reckless.” Then he was gone.
——————————
Daphne had not been able to escape the constant chatter about the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang upcoming arrival ever since it had been announced earlier the week. She supposed it made sense for the muggle borns, they did not have much exposure to the rest of the wizarding world, but most of the purebloods have been attending galas with these families for years.
“Follow me.” Snape escorted the slytherins down the steps and to the front of the castle.
It was a cold evening and the students all stood close together shivering. The rising moon was shining over the forbidden forest, and Daphne thought she’d much rather just be in bed.
“I have some cousin’s coming.” Draco announced to his friends.
Pansy wrapped an arm around his and nodded. “Oh, who is it?”
Having one of your friends have a crush on another is painfully awkward at times, but Daphne thought it was more than worth it for the times Draco would go on his rambles and Pansy would listen enough for everyone.
Theo took out his wand and casted a heating charm on Daphne.
“It’s not that cold.” Theo shook his head, amused at her shivering.
Daphne glared at him. “Well, you get to wear pants. I’m stuck in a skirt.”
Theo grinned and gave her a once over. “They wanted to make sure you looked this lovely for the French.”
Daphne swatted him in the arm.
“You two are so childish.” Blaise shook his head, amused.
Cheers started erupting from the Gryffindors and Daphne looked ahead to see Beauxbatons horse drawn carriage coming up. She wanted to join in on Draco’s and Pansy’s sneers about how the Gryffindors were once again simply being over dramatic, but it really was a beautiful sight.
The carriage hurtled down at tremendous speeds and landed with such a heavy crash that Daphne saw Neville Longbottom, a few feet away jump back and crash into a group of older Slytherins.
Then, coming up from the black lake bubbles began erupting from the surface. A black pole broke through the surface and out came the Durmstrang ship.
Instead of staring pointlessly waiting for the students to pour out, Daphne turned towards Pansy.
“A bit of a dramatic gesture don’t you think?” Daphne asked.
Pansy shook her head, still staring ahead in awe. “I think it was in fashion.”
Maybe it was all in taste, Pansy did always have an eye for that type of thing. Daphne however still was not convinced it was worth being dragged out into the cold night for. Despite the warming charm the wind was still hitting hard against her face, causing her hair to be thrown constantly into her eyes.
She switched spots with Blaise, putting her on the outside of the group. The wind hit her slightly less in this direction but it was still causing annoyance. Then Hermione Granger turned around and wordlessly offered her a hair tie.
Daphne gratefully took it and before she had a chance to thank her Ron began jumping up and down.
“Krum!”
Almost everyone’s head turned and the crowd began jumping, shoving each other around in the process. By the time the crowd had finally calmed down she found herself closer to the Gryffindors than her Slytherin group.
“Hey, go back to your own house.” Seamus complained, noticing her.
He really was an annoying student. “I would love to, it’s not my fault your house acts like wild animals over a quidditch player.” Daphne glared.
This caused Ron to turn in. “Just a quidditch player?” Ron asked, staring in disbelief. “He’s one of the best seekers of all time!”
Daphne saw Hermione roll her eyes.
Just as she was about to respond with a snarky comment Neville looked over at her.
“He’s still just a student.” Daphne said instead.
“Exactly!” Hermione agreed, though Daphne thought this was only to get under Ron’s skin.
Then, the Weasley twins were in front of her.
“We’ve heard there’s a party tomorrow.” Fred said.
Daphne tried to keep a straight face. “I have no idea what you mean.”
The twins looked at each other before George spoke. “We are willing to supply more fire whiskey.”
“Fire whiskey, you never told me you had any!” Ron complained, earning him a swat on the arm from Hermione.
“Ow! I’m just saying I am their brother and family is meant to share.”
Daphne thought about it. “If you can somehow keep your prefects away from the fifth floor entirely all night, I can get you in.”
“And us!” Ron cut in.
All of their friends looked at Fred and George pleadingly. “And them.” Both twins said in unison.
Daphne begrudgingly nodded. “Fire whiskey and prefect, fine.”
Ron, Harry, Dean, and Seamus cheered, while Neville and Hermione stood silently.
“Just be prepared, I will be placing a memory wiping charm on anyone who comes to keep the location a secret.”
Any non Gryffindor would object or at least ask questions, but the brave were without reason.
Then, the front of the students began being let inside and Daphne turned away.
“Wait Daph.” Neville grabbed her wrist.
“Could I- is it okay if I come too? It’s just I’ve never been.” He asked, his cheeks dusted crimson.
“You’re the reason I agreed.” Daphne responded, only then realizing it was the truth.
——————-
The room of requirement had turned itself into exactly what the Slytherins required. Silver and emerald silk draped the walls and music pounded through Daphne’s ears. She was already half a bottle into the fire whiskey when she saw Neville alone in a corner.
“I’ll be right back.” Daphne told Theo, stumbling as she stood up from the chair.
She blinked and had to remain still to steady herself but eventually stumbled her way over to Neville.
“You made it!” She cheered, pulling into a hug. She was already damp with sweat but he pulled her in closer.
“You’re drunk.” He stated.
She pulled apart and grinned. “I’m completely sober.” She lied, her breath already pungent with the whiskey.
A seventh year pushed her girlfriend up the wall and Daphne laughed at Neville’s shocked face. She grabbed his wrist and led him towards the drink table.
“What’s your costume meant to be?” Daphne asked, pouring him a drink.
Neville perked up and pointed towards the headpiece. “A mandrake!” He exclaimed.
Daphne laughed and handed him the drink. “You’re a loser.”
Neville frowned before realizing she was joking and joined in on the laughter. “At least I haven’t worn the same costume since we were kids.”
Daphne pouted. “I am not a Princess this year, thank you very much. The tiara is Ravenclaw's lost diadem.”
“Hmm, if you say so.” Neville smiled into his cup.
Daphne heard her name being called out and she finished pouring her own cup before turning to Neville. “I’m gonna go back to my friends, see you around.”
Neville looked panicked to be left on his own again but did not ask her to stay.
Blaise was the only one left one the couch when she came back and he looked slightly annoyed with her. “Do you really have to be so friendly with him? Makes me sick to my stomach.”
“I was just saying hi.” Daphne defended.
Blaise dramatically recreated the scene wrapping his arms tightly around Daphne and exclaiming, “Oh Neville, I’m so glad you could make it! Oh how I’ve just missed you so! And your tree costume looks so good on you!”
Daphne giggled and shoved him off. “I hate you.” She complained.
He grinned and grabbed her cup taking a sip from it despite her swatting his hand away.
“It’s a mandrake not a tree.” She said after too long.
Blaise hummed with a knowing look and she slapped his arm. “You’re the worst, where’s Theo?”
“Leaving me already?” Blaise asked.
Daphne grabbed her cup back and nodded.
“Said he needed some air, should just be in the halls.” Blaise told her.
Daphne could not find him in the hallways but she did hear footsteps coming so she quickly opened the first broom closet and closed it behind her.
“Fuck.” She heard a whisper from behind her.
Turning at the unrecognized voice she found a Hufflepuff boy the year above pressed very closely against- oh.
“Theo?” She asked in disbelief.
Theo shoved the boy off of him. “I can explain.” He said urgently.
Daphne shook her head, turning away. “No, no, no need.”
Theo grabbed her shoulder and she pulled away.
“I’ll go as soon as the person is out of the hallway.” She said, still facing the door.
When he tried reaching out again she risked getting caught and opened the door walking around. She was walking with urgency when he finally caught up and grabbed her wrist.
“Daphne, please.” He pleaded, his voice shaky.
She turned back and didn’t know what to say. She knew she needed to say something, he was taking this all wrong. She saw his eyes watering and she reached out and grabbed his hand.
This calmed him slightly and he closed his eyes and heaved out a sigh. “Please, you can’t tell anyone.”
Daphne nodded. “I won’t.” She said quickly.
Theo looked back towards the broom closet. “I gotta go tell him everything’s good. Please Daphne, please don’t say anything.”
Daphne frowned. “Theo, you know you can’t…”
Theo smiled sadly and nodded. “I know, don’t worry. I’m fully aware I will take a wife one day.”
She nodded and he went in for a hug but second guessed himself and pulled back, nodding as he turned away. When Daphne walked back into the party she walked immediately back towards Blaise and emptied her cup as if nothing had happened.