Absolute Power

15 - The Snakes

Hermione hadn't spoken to Draco since they landed on the wet grass of the Grengrass's second Manor in the middle of a maelstrom. The rain had whipped at their faces and thrown her hair around her face like a hurricane. She managed to get one glimpse of Draco staring at the sky with a Cheshire-cat grin - arms out and embracing the rain - before the final knock to her head from their haphazard landing had proved too much for her fragile state and she'd slipped into unconsciousness. 

That was two days ago. Hermione has spent her new freedom curled up in bed, severely concussed, with a skull-splitting migraine that even the strongest potions couldn't quite subside. The only visitors she's had were Pansy, who had taken up residency on the massive couch on the end of her bed, and Daphne, who she had met on her first night. 

"Evening." Daphe had pushed the door open, holding a large silver tray piled with food. "Hungry yet?" 

"Daphne?" Hermione had blinked wearily at the newcomer, eyes fuzzy. When she had tried to sit up in bed, her head protested and she groaned. Pansy rushed over and fluffed the pillows behind her, fussing about not making any sudden movements. 

"Thanks, Pansy." She gave the brunette girl a small smile and turned back to the blonde girl in the doorway, who was watching them with a bemused smile. 

"See? I can be nice." Pansy had hissed, crossing her arms over her chest. 

"I know you can, Pans. Just never expected to see you two getting along." Daphne nodded her head at Hermione and approached with the tray. The smell of roast beef and steamed carrots instantly made her mouth water. 

"That smells incredible. Thank you." She gave Daphne a wide smile and shuffled on the bed, making room for Daphne and the tray. Pansy sat on the other side and plucked a carrot from the plate, avoiding Daphne's swatting hand. 

"It's nice to properly meet you, Hermione." Daphne regarded the frail girl with a warm smile. Hermione had always known that Daphne Greengrass was pretty, but up close, she could see she was beautiful. Her long blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders stick-straight and shiny, and Hermione couldn't help the pang of jealousy of having such easy to manage hair. She subconsciously twirled her own unruly locks as she studied the other girl. 

Daphne had dark green eyes, almost hazel, and small heart-shaped lips that gave her a perpetual pouting look. 

One part of Hermione wanted to hate her, simply because she was so effortlessly beautiful. But she refused to give in to her internalised misogyny, and instead decided that Daphne might make a great friend. After all, she supposes she was now friends with Pansy, and Daphne was never nasty to her like the other girl was. 

"Thanks for having me." Hermione had replied. "Sorry for intruding on you like this-"

"Oh, don't be silly. The more the merrier, as Theo always says." Daphne's laugh is light and tinkling and her lips stretch to show a set of perfect white teeth. 

Her parents would be impressed, Hermione had mused to herself.  

"Your parents?" Pansy raised a brow. 

Apparently, Hermione had not said that in her head. Her face went red. 

"Um... sorry." She smiled awkwardly. "You have perfect teeth, and my parents are dentists." At the other two's confused faces, she continued. "Muggle teeth doctors." 

"Sounds fascinating." Daphne smiled, and when Hermione had expected to hear some mocking or sarcasm, there was none. Just pure intrigue. 

Hermione decided then and there that she liked Daphne Greengrass.