the_debt_of_time

"Daphne's still a bit jealous," Astoria whispered. "It's the first time I've ever gotten
something before her."
"He's a spoilt prat," Daphne declared, sounding only slightly bitter over her younger
sister's engagement. "And he looks like a girl," she added petulantly as she watched Draco
use his wand to levitate Astoria's trunk onto the Hogwarts Express with grace. "I bet he
could wear my clothes. Seekers are always so slender. I'd like a man with a little more
muscle."
"Hey!" Harry said, offended.
"Are you opposed to redheads?" Mia asked with a devious smile as her eyes turned
to watch Ron say goodbye to his family a few feet away before returning to their group.
Daphne followed Mia's gaze until her attention landed on Ron. She looked him
over curiously and turned her attention back to Mia. "Don't the Weasleys hate Slytherins?"
"He's promised me that he'll be expanding his social circle this year. I'm sad to say
that I don't think he's very accustomed to being social with others, girls specifically. Perhaps
you could help him navigate the waters?"
"A Weasley, hmm? That would fit into father's requirements and still piss him off a
bit."
"It would also make Ron and Draco brothers-in-law," Mia pointed out.
Daphne's blue eyes lit up, and a wicked grin crossed her face. "Oh, that's positively
evil. I love it."
Mia smiled as she touched Daphne's arm. "Hey... be nice to him. But don't let
him get away with a single thing," she insisted and then turned toward her friend. "Ron! I'd
like you to meet Daphne. She's the daughter of my friend Laurel."
Ron stared at the girl. "Er... hi."
Daphne smiled brightly at him. "Hello, Ronald, it's a pleasure to finally meet you.
Silly how we've attended school for so many years together and only now meet face-to-
face. I just appreciate that yours, Harry's, and Mia's war efforts will help erase ridiculous
House prejudices, don't you?"
"Umm... Yes?"
"While we've never officially met, I have watched you play Quidditch."
Ron's face turned pink, and he gave Daphne a lopsided grin. "You have?"
"Why wouldn't I? You're brilliant."