HP: The Magical Gamer [Chapter 125: Power! ] (Patreon)

The day started as usual for Daphne.

She woke up early, too early. Then she sneakily went down to the abandoned classroom which she had claimed as hers. She took off her robe and stood just in her white slip. 

She walked up to the big window and stared at the night sky.

She smiled at the waning crescent moon and bathed in its flickering white light. She breathed in the cool morning air and shivered. It was very cold.

She decided to do her worship quickly and forgo her daily exercise. She danced with a brimming warmth in her chest. She swayed elegantly, smiling, singing praises to the moon, to the Queen. 

Calling her name with love and devotion. Twirling and skipping until her legs shook from exhaustion.

When she was done, her body heat had increased, making her sweat profusely, protecting her wet skin against the chilly temperature. 

She sat down on the floor and cooled down. She sighed and stayed there for another hour, just staring at nothing, thinking and contemplating in solitude.

But soon, she put on the robe and went back to the Slytherin house. It was still early in the morning, barely 5. Knowing that sleep wouldn't come, she started to prepare for the day. She took a long relaxing shower. 

Rising early had its perks. Like getting too much free time. Which she could shamelessly spend in the shower without worrying about being late.

She wore her clothes and did her hair in a beautiful intricate braid. She then spent half an hour hunched over her desk, rechecking her homework. 

And by then the sky had whitened more than enough. It would soon be the time for breakfast.

She took her required books and arranged them in her bag. Slinging the strap over her shoulder, she again went out of the room. This time without trying to be subtle or secretive.

She stood in front of Tracey's door. She stared in either direction before knocking on the door three times rapidly and then four times slowly. It was their signal. It helped them to easily recognise if the visitor was a friend or a stranger. 

That's what their relationship was with their other housemates. To them, everyone else was a stranger. And most often than not, strangers were dangerous.

Tracey did not make her wait long and the door opened inwards. Daphne reciprocated Tracey's wide smile with her own small one.

"Good morning, Daphne."

"Good morning, Tracey."

Since they both were ready, they departed for the Great Hall.

Tracey talked about many things and Daphne just listened and gave her short inputs here and there. Most of the time it was just 'yes' and 'no'.

They took their place at the end of the Slytherin table and continued their conversation until their Gryffindor friends arrived. They waved at them and the two girls in green walked to the other table and sat with them. 

Daphne spared a gentle smile as an energetic Astoria gave her a hug and cheek kiss before going back to latching onto Harry's arm.

Daphne did not roll her eyes at that. It was cute and a little disturbing how doggedly Astoria pursued Harry. 

It was sweet that instead of getting annoyed like others would, Harry showed patience and compassion to her younger sister.

She would always be grateful for that. Though envy also burnt like poison in her heart. She wished she was like Astoria, having the freedom to wear her heart on her sleeve. 

But no, she wasn't that courageous or stupid. 

She again thanked the Queen Mother that Astoria hadn't gotten sorted into Slytherin. She wouldn't have survived in it with this demeanour.

She hid a shy smile as Harry too stole in a hug as a greeting and then grinned at her mischievously, squeezing her. She didn't mind. To see his carefree grin, she would offer him a thousand hugs. Witnessing Harry's successful attempt, 

Tracey too decided not to be behind, clinging to her in a tight embrace and embarrassing her in front of the Gryffindors who were snickering at them. She was glad the students in red were so open and acceptable to her and Tracey. 

The same couldn't be said about her own housemates.

The rest of the day went as usual, with many classes and free time spent with friends. Honestly, she was living the best school life she could imagine. She was thankful for that.

She had good friends who supported her and were her rays of sunshine. She had Harry whom she secretly considered a special someone. She had Iris, who was her sister in all but blood. 

Then she had Tracey, her oldest best friend. Neville was the shy brother she never had and Hermione was sweetheart too when she wasn't being annoying. 

And well, there was Astoria for whom no words could do justice to the bond she had with her. She was content for the moment. Or was she?

She was happy and safe. What else would she want?

Power.

That was what she wanted the most. The lack of it always soured her rosy life. If only she had that then she would have been a content girl. It was the shadow which darkened her heart and spoiled her present.

The night came sooner than she wished to and the two Slytherins parted from the Gryffindors. They went back to their dormitory, Tracey still chattering and Daphne still listening.

Just as they entered the common room, an older prefect stepped in their path. He gave them a polite smile and handed her a parchment.

"Professor Snape expects you at your earliest." He said to Daphne. She took it and read it before nodding at him. The older boy stepped away and went away to mind his own business.

"Tracey, go to your room. I will see you shortly."

"Are you sure it's not a trap? It's a bit late for the Professor to call." Tracey questioned apprehensively.