Chapter Text
Daphne had spent her summer studying; she retook her Potions O.W.L. so that she'd be up to Professor Snape's standards only to find out at the welcoming feast he would not be teaching. To be fair, she knew it wasn't his skill set. Daphne thought someone must have forced him to teach because his talent wasn't in creating lesson plans.
Professor Slughorn wasn't bad. Though she was upset after finding out he accepted Potter's exceeds expectations, Daphne realized the extra tutoring was indeed advantageous. Slughorn could teach, but he certainly had a type he favored.
She was the forgotten pureblood; in their year alone sat one third of the Greater Houses. Daphne wasn't outspoken like Draco or Pansy, she didn't excel in a topic like Theo with Astronomy or Neville with Herbology. She was just a girl trying to get through the turmoil and study investments so she would be ready to take on her father's responsibility one day.
If anything, Daphne usually preferred being overlooked in classes. There wasn't much she was getting from her Hogwarts education as the electives of her father's time were removed. While she saw the uses of Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures was pointless in England. They needed more solicitors, not dragon wranglers. Daphne had chosen just one elective in third year, and this year she had dropped her schedule to only five courses: Arithmancy, Charms, Defense, History, and Potions.
It was the last one she was having problems with. After complaining in a letter home how Slughorn had chosen to butter himself to all the other heirs but her, her mother told her the story of how her professor unsuccessfully courted her grandmother. Daphne found it both interesting and sickening, but agreed that he was most likely holding on to some sort of grudge. That's why she felt something akin to relief when being forgotten and the odd one out left her to be partnered with Hermione Granger. One of the girl's idiosyncrasies was to speak aloud her thought process, and Daphne was hoping to be able to take notes.
She held out her hand, thankful that there was nothing more than a weary look on the girl's face. Granger might have been his friend, but she was nothing like Weasley. Daphne wasn't even sure she realized who she ended up with; the earlier frown seemed to be for the other Gryffindors. Of course Potter and Weasley shut her out again.
Trying to deny that sudden realization, she began introductions. "Daphne Greengrass. I'll give you permission to use my name as it seems we'll be partners for a while."
Hermione looked at the hand for a long moment before noticing who it was attached to. She felt a little bad for not remembering the name, let alone anything else about her. Hermione was stuck imagining if Luna had pronounced cheekbones and hair with loose waves. Daphne was fair in every way, except for her eyes. The green behind fair lashes reminded her of the decadent smelling chocolate mint plant Neville just gifted her for her birthday.
Unsure what to do other than share her name as well, they started dividing labor in a way that made Hermione think it might not be the worst thing that Ron went straight to Harry. She still wasn't happy with him using that book, but Hermione thought she might glean something looking over the notes if they were partners. While it wasn't safe, it was obviously better if it was under her watchful eyes.
Though as they reached halfway into the class, she realized how smooth their table was working. By the time Daphne put a statis charm on the cauldron and asked what time they could meet in the library, Hermione was ready to admit she wasn't adverse to the idea.
Something poked near the back of her armpit, but before she could turn around she felt it again, noticing the balled up parchment scrap hitting the floor. Hermione sighed since she knew who it must be and saw Ronald glaring daggers at her partner. Clearly he was trying to beckon her away, but she honestly had no idea why. Besides, if he couldn't bother to talk to her like a human being, then not even bother looking at the person he was trying to gain the attention of, she had no reason to put up with him.
Hermione turned back around and for the first time noticed green wasn't just in Daphne's last name and eyes. There was emerald piping from the inside of her sleeves down the sides of her robes. Her first assumptions brought the familiar face of Luna and Hermione incorrectly assumed Daphne to be a Ravenclaw.
Even now understanding Ronald's childish behavior, Hermione wouldn't give him the satisfaction of following his example. Daphne was perfectly acceptable and did nothing untoward.
"I'm usually working on Potions on Sundays and Tuesdays." Hermione said after a long moment.
Daphne looked at the girl whose hair hadn't changed its springiness with the intensity of the heat in the classroom. It was obvious Hermione hadn't realized she was a Slytherin, no doubt associating her with Astoria and incorrectly assuming siblings are always in the same house.
It didn't matter. Daphne's smile was genuine as she took another look at her partner. She'd make sure in their short time together Hermione would recognize that Slytherin could be more than what Weasley said.
"Sunday. It's a date."
There was no blush, but she repressed the grin begging to emerge at Hermione's averted gaze.