A Thing About Sisters - Astoria x Hermione
“It would be worth it.”
Astoria is wringing her hands so fast, they are becoming warm. Beside her, Daphne is moving faster than Astoria can register, clothing thrown angrily into a suitcase.
“You want her? Fine. Then leave.” Daphne practically spits, and Astoria feels a wash of shame come over her.
“W-why?” Astoria asks softly, doe eyes batting softly. “Why are you so angry? I-i came to you first because I thought-”
“You thought what?” Daphne interrupts, her pale hands balled into fists. “That I applaud you? That I would take your side over mother and fathers? That I would be happy for you, proud of you? I am.”
Blinking rapidly, Daphne’s anger turns to sadness like ash, and she deflates, sitting down on the floor like a young child who’s just been told she was to go to bed early.
“That's why it hurts so much.”
It’s quiet for a beat, and Astoria slides from the bed, settling on her knees in front of her big sister. “What do you mean?”
Daphne smiles wetly, her eyes shining. “You found it,” she says softly. “Love. You found out and better yet, you're chasing it.”
“I haven't decided that yet.” Astoria says quickly. “I still… there's a lot of variables.”
“Fuck variables,” Daphne says with a roll of her eyes. “Just because she’s a girl doesn’t mean it’s wrong you know.”
Now Astoria has to force herself not to roll her eyes. “I’m aware of that. But just because we think that doesn’t mean… mother and father will agree.”
Daphne sniffles and gives a knowing nod. “I’ll just miss you, that's all.”
“That's why this is so hard,” Astoria says and feels her eyes grow damp again. She clutches Daphne's hands, lacing their fingers. “You may have been born first, but we’ve always known I'm the oldest, in our hearts. I’m the big sister. I won’t let anything bad happen to you. That’s why I can't leave.”
Daphne smiles sadly, squeezing Astoria’s hand. “Tori, the bad thing has already happened.”
Holding up her hand, Daphne lets the ring on her left hand sparkle in the moonlight streaming through their window before dropping it once more.
“But you? You have a chance at real love with Hermione.” Daphne continues and Astoria lets out a little laugh. “Don’t let some old marriage laws stand in your way. Not like I did.”
Nodding, Astoria wipes at her eyes. They both stand, and Daphne helps her finish packing, keeping the items limited.
Tip-toeing across their manor hand in hand, they’re silent as they move, avoiding all the spots in the floor that would alert their sleeping parents, and Astoria realizes this is most likely the last time she will be sneaking around her childhood home with her sister.
When they reach the fireplace, Astoria pauses, clutching Daphne’s hand tightly. Looking into her face, Daphne puts her other hand on their linked ones.
“I’m the big sister,” Daphne whispers, and begins to unwind their hands. “I won’t let anything bad happen to you. I promise.”
Reaching into the ash counter, Daphne hands Astoria some, before brushing off her skirts. Astoria looks down at her palm and up again at Daphne, before dropping her suitcase and launching herself in a bear hug around her sister.
“I’m sorry Daph,” Astoria whimpers, sounding like a wounded animal. “I’m so so sorry. I love you.”
Rubbing soothing circles on Astorias back, Daphne swallows the tears that threaten to spill down her face. “I love you too.” she says gently, then removes herself, taking a step back. “Now get going. Your girlfriend is waiting for you.”
Astoria gives her a cheek-splitting grin, before walking to the fireplace and whispering into it. She then throws the ash, inhaling sharply as the fire roars to life. Taking one last look around, her green eyes finally land on her sister, and she blows her a kiss before slowly stepping into the flames.