Serpent's Veil || Draco Malfoy.

Daphne Gets a Friend (flashback)

🎵''Ribs'' by Lorde

Second year 

Narrator's POV

The soft hum of the enchanted lanterns created a warm, inviting glow in Emily's dorm room. 

She was lounging comfortably on her bed, her legs draped over Theo's. He absentmindedly stroked her calf as he flipped through a book.

The door to the dorm creaked open, and Daphne stumbled inside, her face a mask of distress. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying, and her usual poise was completely absent.

Emily's attention snapped to her. The change in her demeanour was swift, her casual ease replaced by a focused, commanding presence. Theo looked up, noticing the abrupt shift in her mood.

"What's up?" 

Emily's eyes remained fixed on Daphne, her voice authoritative.

"Theo, I need a moment alone with Daphne. Can you give us some space?"

"Sure, I'll head out for a bit."

As he left the room, Emily rose with a fluid, deliberate motion. She guided Daphne to a pair of plush chairs in the corner of the room, her touch reassuring.

"Alright, Daphne," she said. "Let's talk."

Daphne collapsed into the chair, her sobs muffled by the plush cushions.

"It's him. I thought I had a chance, but I just can't seem to break through. I've tried everything, but it's like I'm invisible."

Emily sat across from her, her posture relaxed but her eyes sharp, brimming.

"Sweetheart, sometimes it's not about the grand gestures. It's about being genuine and letting things unfold naturally. You don't need to try so hard. The right person will notice you for who you are."

Daphne looked up, her eyes red and weary.

"But what if he never sees me? What if I'm just not what he's looking for?"

Emily's smile was enigmatic, her gaze steady.

"Darling, trust me, everyone has their moment. Sometimes, all it takes is a little patience and the right timing. And if he can't see how amazing you are, then perhaps he's not the one who deserves your attention."

Daphne's expression softened, her hope rekindled by Emily's words.

"Thanks, Emily. I don't know how to thank you."

"Friends always have each other's backs, don't they?" Emily said with a soft smile. "Now, how about we grab something sweet and take a breather? We've earned it."

🐍

Emily and Daphne were seated on a leather sofa near the hearth, a stack of textbooks and parchment spread out on the coffee table between them. 

Despite the academic setting, the atmosphere was anything but studious.

Emily was sprawled comfortably against the armrest, her head tipped back, eyes closed in a rare moment of relaxation. Daphne sat beside her, a blanket draped over her shoulders, flipping through her textbook while periodically glancing at her friend.

"I'm telling you, Daph," Emily said, her voice light "the way Professor Sprout explained that potion was absolutely ridiculous. Who even thinks of that kind of magical theory?"

Daphne chuckled softly, shaking her head.

"I don't know. But if it means you'll stop stressing about it, I'm all for it. You've been at this for hours."

Emily smirked, peeking one eye open.

"Yeah, well, you know how I get. And it's not just about the potion. It's everything. Sometimes I feel like I'm juggling so many things that I might just drop them all."

Daphne's gaze softened as she looked over at Emily, her hand reaching out to gently tap her friend's arm.

"You don't have to do it all on your own, you know. You've got me," Daphne said with a bright smile, her eyes softening as she looked at Emily. "And besides, I'm pretty sure you're allowed to take a break every now and then."

Emily's eyes fluttered open fully, meeting Daphne's gaze with a rare, grateful smile.

"Thanks, Daph. I don't know what I'd do without you. You're like... my rock. Even when I'm acting like a maniac, you're always here."

Daphne's heart swelled at her words, the validation making her feel more secure in their friendship than ever before. Her friend was someone everyone admired, someone people wanted to impress, and hearing those words from her felt like a quiet triumph.

Then, Emily tilted her head slightly, her smile deepening, and her voice took on a more intimate tone.

"Sometimes I think you're more like family to me than my own. They might share my name, but they don't really know me—not like you do."

Daphne's chest tightened, overwhelmed with happiness. "And you're mine," she replied, her voice warm and full of emotion. "I've never had someone who understands me quite like you do. It's like we've known each other forever."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the crackling of the fire and the quiet understanding between them filling the space. Daphne felt like she could burst from how content she was. It was one of those perfect, small moments that seemed insignificant but would linger long after—an unspoken promise that no matter what, they'd always be there for each other.

And in that moment, she knew she was exactly where she was meant to be:

By Emily's side