Third Person's POV.
The moment had arrived—the grand crescendo of anticipation that everyone had been waiting for. The towering staircase of the Potter's Mansion shimmered with soft, golden lighting, casting a regal glow over the scene below. The double doors swung open slowly, revealing Mr. and Mrs. Potter, their hands intertwined, each with a proud and tender smile. At their side, their only child, Daphne, stood poised, her heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy.
With graceful, deliberate steps, they began their descent down the sprawling staircase, a tradition they'd upheld every year—walking their only child down the stairs. But this year it symbolized the journey from childhood into the fullness of her womanhood. Each footfall echoed softly in the grand hall. The guests' eyes followed them, a collective hush falling as Daphne's parents led her toward the waiting group—Penelope, Cole, Percy, and their respective parents—standing near the foot of the stairs, all dressed in their finest, their expressions glowing with affection.
Once they reached the bottom, Mr. Potter adjusted her pearl necklace, whispering softly, "You look stunning, Daphne. Just like your mother." Mrs. Potter's eyes glistened with emotion, her hands trembling slightly as she reached out to smooth Daphne's hair. They gently kissed Daphne's cheeks, their love and pride evident in their eyes. With a shared glance, they then handed her over to her closest friends—a tradition these three families had upheld for years, a symbol of trust and affection, a passing of the torch into a new chapter of their children's lives.
Penelope's face lit up as she threw her arms around Daphne in a warm hug. "Happy birthday, babe," she whispered, her voice full of genuine affection. Her eyes sparkled with mischief and love. "Twenty-two has never looked better on anyone."
Daphne's smile widened, her cheeks flushing with happiness. "Thanks, Pen," she whispered back, her voice thick with emotion. "You're the best."
Next, Cole stepped forward with a grin, his eyes twinkling with his usual playful confidence. "Happy birthday, darling," he said softly, leaning in to kiss her on both cheeks. "You're stunning as always." His voice was warm, genuine, and a little teasing, making Daphne laugh softly despite her nerves.
Then it was Percy's turn. He approached quietly, his expression more gentle, rare for someone like him—usually so intimidating. But tonight, there was a gentleness in his gaze. He hesitated for a moment, then reached out and gently pulled Daphne into a soft, brotherly hug.
"Happy birthday, Daphne," Percy said softly, his voice almost a whisper. "I hope all your wishes come true." His words were simple, yet they carried a weight of sincerity that made Daphne's heart swell. She squeezed him briefly before he stepped back, a slight blush on her cheeks.
As soon as the hugs concluded, the room was filled with the familiar melody of "Happy Birthday." The guests, having gathered around, joined in singing, their voices harmonizing in a warm chorus that echoed through the marble halls. Daphne closed her eyes for a moment, making a silent wish—one she hoped would come true—and then blew out the candles on her nearby cake, a decadent confection layered with vanilla and rich chocolate, decorated with edible gold and fresh blooms.
When the song ended, applause erupted, and Daphne was handed a delicate bouquet of flowers from her parents, a symbol of their love and hopes for her future. Her cheeks flushed with happiness, she looked around at her friends and family, feeling truly blessed.
She took a deep breath, then stepped forward into the center of the room, her friends flanking her on either side. Her parents watched proudly from the sidelines, their smiles warm.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen," Daphne spoke into the microphone, her voice clear and full of emotion. "I want to thank each and every one of you for being here, for making tonight so special. I honestly couldn't ask for a better family—biological or chosen. This is the best gift I could ever have."
A ripple of applause and cheers echoed through the room, and then her father stepped forward, offering his hand. Daphne took it, stepping onto the dance floor with grace and together, they began moving in sync as the band struck up a lively tune. Her mother joined in a moment later as the family danced, and soon, all three families—Potters, Moores, and Diggs—came together to form a circle, their movements gentle and elegant as they danced in celebration of Daphne's milestone.
After a while music shifted to a lively tune, inviting everyone to join. Guests began to drift onto the dance floor, forming clusters of laughter and movement, their joy infectious. Daphne's heart swelled with gratitude. She knew the night was only beginning, but in that moment, surrounded by those she loved, she felt truly, profoundly happy. The music played on, and the night stretched ahead—filled with laughter, joy, and the promise of memorable moments yet to come.