A/N - Hey all. Author here. Obviously this little project never actually went anywhere and (to be quite honest) I totally forgot it was even a thing. At the moment I have no intentions on returning to it, revising it, or finishing it. So... Fair warning. It's been years since this was published and going back and rereading it has been pretty much like pulling toenails to be honest. I may or may not start writing again but it's not a focal point in my life at the moment. So yeah. That's about it. I'm a woman of many words, apparently. Oh, but also, obviously any other A/N's or what-not that were already here I've just decided to leave. So if you read them, know they're clearly non-relevant any more. Thanks guys. - Duchess (P.S. I don't remember when, but I stopped using laDuchesse as a username forever ago. Duchess is just easier lol.)
Comfort
Chapter 1 - Introduction
The portrait to my new quarters is quite nice, actually. Vibrant scarlet Poppies spatter across a downwards-sloping hill. The blades of grass between them are deep green but in some places, brown and weedy. In the distance, on another hill, a thin lining of trees can be seen, though to determine what kind they are would be impossible. And, despite the drizzle of rain outside the castle, the portrait's sky is the light blue of early morning and a golden glow from the new sun lies over the scene. And there, towards the right of the scene in the foreground, is a young woman. She sits in a simple cream-colored rocking chair, tilting slowly forward and back, watching the horizon. The sun behind her illuminates her wavy straw-colored hair and I can see that she's wearing a humble, pale blue dress. It touches to her feet, which I notice are bare, and it has sleeves that stop at her elbows with just a delicate trim of lace at the end.
She seems content and I struggle with myself to call for her or to let her be for a while. I settle for the latter as I myself need a few more moments before I pass through to my new dwelling space. For it's what waits inside that has my stomach flipping slightly. Or, not what, but who waits for me inside. Because he is in there. But of course he would be in there; we do have to live together. To say I'm not thrilled would be quite the understatement. Yet somehow McGonagall thought it would be for the best in these circumstances. While I can't say I don't understand her reasoning behind it, I'm still not all that happy with the situation. But sure, I'll try and make the best of it I suppose. I do see that there are some benefits for me in this position, but I still don't like it.
I should get it over with, though, as I can't very well stand in the hall forever. "Mélange," I say. It's a French word meaning "a mix of things". I wonder briefly who picked it. But then the girl in the painting pauses her rocking and looks over her left shoulder at me. Her eyes match the sky. She doesn't smile or speak but nods her head in acceptance then returns her gaze on the horizon and begins to rock again. The portrait slowly pulls back and I'm grateful that it is a large one so that I don't have more than a step up to climb and don't have to stoop my head to pass through the hole in the wall.
And as I come through to the other side, portrait swinging shut behind me, there he is. Standing in the center of the room with his platinum locks slightly askew and hands in pockets, there he is. For a moment, he only looks at me and I at him. A long silent moment passes and then he ends the quiet. He speaks. Just two words, not harshly nor friendly, but just speaking.
"Hello Granger," he says and then, after another long moment, it's my turn.
"Hello Malfoy."
A/N - Okay hey guys. Just so everyone who crosses this story knows, this story is not a pre-structured thing. I'm writing this purely as it comes out of my head. That being said, I will try to update every other day or so. I'll try not to update any later than three days at a time but stuff does happen. Also, a few key things to note about the story line. Hermione, Draco, and a few other characters have come back to Hogwarts to finish out their schooling as 8th years but not the wonder duo: Harry and Ron. It's my first fan fiction and I don't want to get too ahead of myself and have to include all these big things with other big characters. I'd rather keep it simple for now. They're off beginning Auror training but will pop Hermione a letter or two here or there. Also, Malfoy might be a little OOC but whatever. It's my story. I think that's all I have to say for now but if you have any questions or suggestions for the story / story line, feel free to leave a comment or message me. Okay, that's it. Peace out for now bitch-cakes. - laDuchesse
Disclaimer - I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters, locations within the books, or any other material originally produced by J. K. Rowling.