Summary: Astoria constructed a reading nook with the intention to use it but never could. At least her son had the chance to make it his own.
Rated: K
Genre: Family
Warning Tag: Referenced Childbirth Complications; Implied/Referenced Character Death
Competition/Challenge Block:
Written For: Monthly Challenges for All (Year 3); Hogwarts (Term 14)
Hogwarts: Ravenclaw; A.10 - n/a
MC4A: Sh Bingo (3C-Library);
Word Count: 470
Little Reading Nook
There was always that area in the library Draco always found off. It was in a corner where a large window obstructed the otherwise wall-to-wall bookshelf, and it was mirrored on the opposite side as well. That side, however, was designed to have a reading area and it looked nice. This one, however, was not graced with the same treatment. He never quite liked it even if the natural light from the space was good to read in and often stayed away from that side.
Of course, it didn't stay that way for long once Astoria came into his life. The entire manor eventually had a makeover with her creative hand involved with it. It became brighter, more welcoming, and more like a home than a cold, soulless crypt.
She even managed to retain its Victorian-style aesthetic, and it was amazing how a change of color on upholstery could do to a space. The navy blue throw pillows contrasted well with the cream-colored sofas in one of the sitting rooms, matching the drapes and purple and blue throw blanket that draped over the back.
Her favorite project, however, was that horrendous corner in the library. She had a magic touch, however, and managed to completely transform it into something new entirely. The added balcony allowed access to the higher bookshelves and got rid of a lot of dead space in the meantime. It also utilized the oversized floor-to-ceiling window to its advantage by placing a small seating area in front of it where the balcony half-circled outward some. Underneath it was like its own little world. The double iron-curved stairways acted as a barrier almost, closing off the bottom portion of the window like a shallow cave. A large, circular chair that could almost be a bed was placed in the center, and the specially designed curved end tables (complete with space to store books where drawers would normally be) were on either side, one having an ornate oil lamp perched on it and the other a small potted plant.
Draco felt horrible that Astoria never had a chance to use it, becoming bedridden not too long after the project was finished due to childbirth and other medical complications. She was a fighter, and often asked if it had been used yet, in which Draco would sadly say no in response. He would give anything to have her rest in that nook in the library and read a book there. She put so much work into it to match the vision in her mindseye.
It was only until after she passed did Draco realize that Scorpius used the space regularly, and it made him smile a sad smile when he found him curled up in the strange chair with his favourite navy blanket devouring a book. Astoria would be proud.