snow, gala, and ball pt. 3

December 25th, 1994

"WHAT... ARE YOU doing?"

Daisy, who had lifted her hands and formed an 'X' shield in front of her face, slowly pried her shut eyes open, one by one.

Vincent pressed his lips together as his eyes formed two crescent moons, then, unable to hold it in any longer, he burst out into a huge fit of laughter. "You don't— Did you think— You think I was going to kiss you?"

Daisy's hands faltered as she cleared her throat, feeling shy, "N— No, not exactly— Didn't— I, I didn't."

"I have a secret lover in New York."

Daisy's eyes widened. "W— What?"

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, among other things. Listen, I have a proposition for you, Jane."

"And that is...?"

"And that is us, being best friends while pretending to see each other until I leave to Boston, with benefits listed as the following," Vincent stood up straighter and began explaining like he was in class, presenting a business proposal to an investor, "First, your father loves me. To bits."

Daisy giggled at that.

"He loves me so much, because I'm getting into Harvard, my father is his favorite business partner, my wordly riches is abundant —something I am not exactly proud of but I know and I'm sorry your father loves— the idea of you getting me on my knees would make him incredibly happy. Happy father, happy life."

He paused for dramatic effect, then lifted a finger to show number two.

"Second of all, I am a good friend. I promise you, I will be the best friend that you truly deserve and you will have an incredible time with me. Bookshops, science fairs, Caltech, chess tournament, or a ball game —anything you want to do, I will be there for you."

He lifted a third finger.

"Reason number three, you mentioned earlier that you want to see the world outside Devon. I may not be able to take you to Rome or Indonesia, but I can be the excuse you will certainly need to get out of the house every once in awhile."

Then a fourth.

"And last but not least, you will be helping a friend in need," Vincent gestured to himself, "My Dad will certainly be pleased as well, strengthening our companies' partnership, my affair with the said special friend won't be compromised, and again, we're going to have a great time."

"O... kay. And how does this supposed 'pretending' go? Am I required to do or say anything?"

"Nothing," Vincent said, "Just say that we're getting to know each other and act happy when you're with me."

"No label?"

"No. Why? Do you also have a secret love affair you want to protect?" he asked teasingly. But when he saw her abashed expression, he exclaimed, "By God, you do!"

"Well, no, not exactly..." Daisy stuttered, playing with the stars on her dress, "There's someone that I... have taken a liking to, though I am not sure if he returns the... the fondness. I just wish this scenario won't harm my current relationship with him."

Vincent exclaimed, "Well, just tell him about your feelings! Tell him that we're just putting on an act."

"It's not that easy. What about you? Why do you feel the need to hide your affair from your parents?"

"Oh, they knew, and they opposed."

"I'm sorry."

"Yeah, me, too. I mean, they were all insignificant reasons. Too poor being the biggest issue my Dad kept on bringing."

"Oh... That's too bad." Daisy said sympathetically, "What's your plan, then?"

"I'm saving!" Vincent said. He lifted his intertwined fingers over his head and stretched his back, "Well, I'm gonna prove to him that I'm good enough to inherit DeVere Corp, and that I make good enough choices, including who my spouse is. But, if all things go south, I'm saving emergency money so I can go on with my life independently one day."

"Brilliant! Why didn't I think of that?" Daisy said, dumbstruck.

"Do you have money saved right now?"

"Legally, quite a bit. My mother made me a personal bank account when I was born and my Father deposited a little amount every year on my birthday, and sometimes when he's feeling swell or he just returned from a successful trip," Daisy admitted, "But actually, my Father still has the card in his possession."

"What about your allowance?"

"Well. Since I am homeschooled and essentially homebound, I don't recieve any other funding like that."

"You should start hinting about taking charge of your own legal money."

"Wouldn't that be perfidious? Luring my father to giving me money then use it to run away from him? I shouldn't."

"You should. You really should. It's called adulting."

From inside the house, the two teens looked comfortable and happy, conversing with each other, lost in their own world... the sprouts of a budding young love...

A complete opposite of what the two were actually talking about.

✿ ❀ ✿ ❀ ✿

January 2nd, 1995

DAISY USUALLY JUST escorted her father into the car that would bring him to the airport, just outside her front porch, but not this time.

This time, she had to accompany Mr. Allen and the three DeVeres until they reached the terminal.

"I have to say, very lovely dress you got there, Jane," Mrs. DeVere said out of the blue, "Where did you get that?"

"Oh," Daisy said, looking down at her beige, flowery dress with embroideries decorating its hem. "Father bought it for me, and one of our maids, Wendy, embroidered them herself."

"Well, lovely needlework."

That kind of dull, curt, awkward, and superficial talks was what she had to put up with throughout the week.

She usually spend new year with the Weasleys, having pajama parties, very loud games and storytelling time. There would be magical music from magical bands, hot chocolate and marshmallows, unhealthy food, as well as warm hugs and kisses at exactly 12am.

This year, she had to face its exact contrary.

Rich, composed, and strict neighbours, who had incredible images to uphold. Healthy concoction of blendered vegetables and fruits. Nods and claps and elegant cheek-touching.

Thankfully Vincent was there, making everything less suffocating.

The boy leaned closer to her and whispered, "You look so impatient. Can't wait to kick us off the curb, can you?"

She whispered back, "I'm trying my best to be civil here."

"I can see that."

The trip to Exeter International Airport felt like a lifetime. She stood on her toes as she waited for the four departing people to disappear behind the gate, and when they finally did, she literally flew back into the car.

"Mr. Roberts, can you drive us home as fast as you can?"

The driver chuckled —really, it was the first sound he had made since the trip started. He was afraid of being too friendly when Mr. Allen was present. "Going somewhere, Young Miss?"

"Uh, no. I have a... thing planned with Lucy."

"Alright then. Seat belt."

Daisy grinned, "Yes, sir."

She fished out a folded paper from her pocket, the reason of her uneasiness. It was a letter she had written and rewritten over and over and over again since Christmas Day.

It ended up sounding this way:

Dearest FGW,

I have something very important to tell you. However, I think it is too vital to deliver via written words. So, please get through the rest of the school year peacefully, safely, and I'll see you at the start of July.

Hoping all the best for you.

With love,
DJA

She knew that the letter wasn't very important. But the feeling it carried was astronomical and she needed him to know. Not about her feelings, or at least not yet, but about how important this matter was to her.

He was her first love. She would tell him that.

And she had to send this letter to Hogwarts pronto.

The second the car skidded to a stop in the Allen Residence's yard, she jumped up, said thank you and goodbye to the driver, then dashed towards the Burrow.

(Mr. Roberts shook his head, "Didn't she say she has a plan with Lucy? Where is she going?")

"Mrs. Weasley!"

She didn't even knock. She just burst into the house, surprising Mrs. Weasley, who was working to perfect gulls and garter knitting pattern in the living room.

"Merlin's beard! Daisy! Has your Father left?"

"Yes," she grinned, her chest heaving as she paused to catch her breath, "He's in a constant good mood. Christmas and New Year were alright, but not nearly as fun as our usual celebrations here. I have a letter to send to Fred, can I?"

"Oh, yes, sure. I'm sending a package for Ginny anyway— Here, dear, I'll mail it now." Mrs. Weasley took the folded paper from Daisy's fingers. As she put it into an envelope then into the box, she pointed towards a pile of parchments on the table. "By the by, there's also letter from Fred for you on the table."

"Really?"

Daisy snatched it quickly and tore it open.

Dearest DJA,

How's your Gala?

At first, the Yule Ball wasn't too exciting for me. George and I's attempt to talk Bagman into paying us went awry, but I ended up having a great time with my friends.

George and I are eligible to take a 12-week-long Apparition lessons, starting this new year. I'll keep you updated on everything, I promise.

Anyway. There's something I've been wanting to talk to you about, so look forward to it. I'll see you early July!

Yours sincerely,
FGW