Side 3- [Daphne]
Daphne Greengrass had always gotten what she wanted. Whatever it was, be it a new dress, a party for no occasion other than she wanted one, or an expensive set of crystal vials that served no purpose, it was hers before she could ask again.
Therefore, when the time came for the Emperor's Harem selection, hosted only once every three years, she slammed into her father's office with all the poise she could muster in her exuberant state. She had been waiting for this day since she had first heard about the Harem, its glitz and glamour, the intrigue, the status and power being in such a position would bring to her, and her ambition was only further ignited when she laid eyes on the Emperor at nine years old. He was otherwordly, bright red eyes staring down at her with disinterest, the soft glow of sunshine highlighting his sharp edges and overwhelming presence.
However, only those aged fifteen or over were allowed to apply, and even then, his Majesty was notorious for choosing only those seventeen or over unless they had important political connections.
Luckily for Daphne, in the British Isles, the Greengrass' were as close to the top as a family could get, part of the Noble Houses that dominated the Wizengamot since its founding, and a notable Pureblooded family amongst the rabble of Halfbloods and Muggleborns.
At her swift entrance, her father lifted his head, looking minutely annoyed, before the crease of his brow smoothed at the sight of her. He smiled softly, indulgingly. "Daphne, what can I do for you, my darling?"
She placed her hands on her hips, confident that she wouldn't be denied. "I want to join the Emperor's Harem, Father."
His face dropped. "Absolutely not!" Daphne jolted slightly at the panicked tone, taking in her Father's wide eyes with confusion. "No, you are my darling, precious, eldest daughter! I am not sending you off to join any Harem. No, you are to be a primary wife at least, let alone be relegated to being a Noble or lower!"
"What makes you think I can't be the Emperor's Primary wife? And honestly Father, he'd never insult our family by making me a Noble."
"Daphne, please understand me when I say this. It would be an honour to receive the title of Noble in the Emperor's Harem. He has only given out that recognition to a few before, darling, and some didn't have the same status as our family. In the end, it is the Emperor's decision."
Later on, after she had convinced her Father to allow her to attend the Selection, she bowed before the Emperor with wide eyes as he accepted her, yet not with the title she had been expecting.
"Congratulations to Attendant Greengrass on being bestowed the rank of First Class Attendant by His Imperial Majesty. Thank him for his benevolence."
She stumbled as she did so, face feeling numb, the hands at her sides shaking slightly. She was only an Attendant? That was...
That was the second lowest-
After the Selection was over, Daphne was led to a carriage bearing the royal insignia alongside the four others who were to share her rank, in a yet unrevealed order. Sticking close to Dahlia and Theo, who she was relieved to see shared the same rank as she was bestowed, she glanced over at the carriage in front of theirs, and her eyes widened in shock.
There, dressed in pale blue robes, was Harry Potter, half-blood heir to two Noble Houses despite his diluted blood, and more importantly, being escorted into the carriage for Nobles.
Daphne stopped in her tracks, ignoring the soft swear Theo let out when he bumped into her and hissed at her friend on her other side. "Dahlia, he's a Noble."
Dahlia, for all that she had been raised to not outwardly show her surprise, whipped around at that, and blatantly stared in the direction of her friend, who disappeared into the carriage. She looked shocked, hand limp in the palm of the maid who was helping her up the steps. "Harry?" The whisper was hoarse, confusion and betrayal ringing in it for all to hear.
Behind them, Lovegood giggled in that ditzy manner she was known for, but her amusement was clear.
Daphne seethed.