Serpent's Veil || Draco Malfoy.

Daphne Gets Chosen (flashback)

🎵''Making the bed'' by Olivia Rodrigo

Second year

Narrator's POV

The next day, Emily found Daphne Greengrass sitting alone by the Black Lake, her usual spot during breaks. She was hunched over a book, her blonde hair falling like a curtain around her soft features, effectively shutting out the world around her.

Emily walked up with quiet confidence, her shoes crunching softly on the gravel path. She stopped just short of Daphne, letting her shadow fall over the other girl's book. 

It took a moment for her to notice, but when she did, she looked up, her blue eyes widening in surprise.

"Emily" Daphne greeted cautiously, her fingers tightening slightly on the book's edges.

It was unusual for someone like Emily to seek out someone like her, and she knew it.

Emily gave her a small, knowing smile, tilting her head slightly.

"Daphne," she said, her voice smooth and composed. "I've been meaning to talk to you."

Daphne blinked, taken aback.

"Talk to me? About what?"

Emily sat down beside her, making herself comfortable on the grass without waiting for an invitation. She brushed a stray leaf off her skirt and looked directly at Daphne, her gaze piercing but not unkind.

"About you, of course. I've been watching you, Daphne. You're always on your own, always so... distant. I couldn't help but wonder why."

Daphne shifted slightly, her posture stiffening.

"I just prefer to keep to myself," she said, her tone guarded.

"I understand," Emily replied, her voice carrying a hint of sympathy that she knew would soften Daphne's defences. "But don't you ever get tired of it? Being on your own, I mean. I know you're clever, Daphne. You're always observing, always thinking. But there's a difference between being independent and being isolated."

Daphne hesitated, glancing out at the lake as if the water might offer her some answer.

"I guess... I've just never felt like I belonged anywhere," she admitted quietly, her vulnerability slipping through.

Emily's smile widened just a fraction, sensing that she was close to pulling Daphne in.

"That's because you haven't found the right people yet," she said, her tone gentle but persuasive. "But that can change. You could be part of something more. With us."

Daphne turned to look at her, clearly puzzled.

"With you? You mean... your group?"

Emily nodded slowly.

"Yes. We're not just friends, Daphne. We're a unit, a team. We look out for each other, and we get things done. And I think you could be a part of that."

Daphne's eyes widened again, this time with something closer to disbelief.

"You really think that?"

"I do," Emily said, her voice reassuring. "You're smart, and you know how to be discreet. Those are qualities we value. Plus, you wouldn't have to be alone anymore. You'd have people who actually care about you."

Daphne seemed to consider this for a long moment, her fingers absently tracing the cover of her book. Finally, she looked up at Emily, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"And you think... I'd really fit in?"

Emily leaned in slightly, her smile softening.

"I know you would. You just need to trust me, Daphne. Let us show you what it's like to have people who've got your back."