p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3e643a90dc0ce7f063ec2334aece6628"em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Draco / Present/em/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0997f280ff6c02a5ccf6f5678eb66434"I stormed into Blaise's office; anger painted all over my face. "Why the bloody hell would you fire Astoria?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="40ba79c33a6b2213d984be987429bca7"Blaise was my manager in the ministry. We worked together in the department of magical education. He stood up and walked towards me leaning onto his desk. "We've found a better replacement."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f74c030e0d29985c39c0dc62e13fb617""Who could possibly be better than her?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8f54fe119c8d2eb2f7138bae6c7d0197""Clair Delcour," He answered placing his hand on my shoulder, afraid of what my reaction might be./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4e6ad1867c2f1315e09587ec2ddbbb10"My heart dropped, "No."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8e167706452d6bb1ae341775d4eff3de""Cheer up mate, she's helped loads of magical schools before! She'll be perfect for this job!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5b662e711a59d82b6ad901327cebb1a2""I said, no," I repeated myself narrowing my eyes in Blaise's direction./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="37681de790ecbf08a8813767d7fc5947"He sighed and took a step backward, "I know you two have had your differences, but it's been years now. I'm sure you can sort it out and be professional about it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a2ae2228862b51d9208b5b102515982e"Sort it out? How could I sort it out with her? She left me begging for her to come back, begging her to stick by my side, I can't forgive her. "Does everyone else know who the new replacement is?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3fb56a04f25205abea6ccd4437beb44b""Not yet, but they will tomorrow. There's a meeting at 11 am, don't be late," And with that, Blaise left his office leaving me all alone with my thoughts./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8a7ab20ec0ab3262ce329c7dcb399a4e"***/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cb321570181846320978720d2f705c4a""Can you believe him? He could have chosen anyone else!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="383a1df71f8128be250936bd4eb48b3a""Get over it, Draco. What happened is in the past and I'm sure she's already moved on!" Pansy playfully hit me on the back of my head./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f0badf9ac1b4b75895530b13115c49d5""Well, I haven't! She destroyed me, Pansy," I continued whining, pacing around the room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d2338319c78a6988e536146c45b819a3""I'm aware of that, thank you very much. But, it's finally time you move on! Maybe meet someone new?" She suggested pointing at one of the other employees./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c7c28b1d2b39ee224d8ed82001a6076f""I'll have to pass."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="df62c9729f386c0560ca4f9293e4a97e""Fine, continue wasting your life waiting for her to apologize because that won't be happening!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="962287ecfac6e95d9d8983b3e603c693""How am I supposed to work with her and act as if everything is alright?" I changed the subject, avoiding the truth that Pansy had told me. I knew that she wouldn't be apologizing but I needed to hold on to that hope./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d31dd619fcc57fc76870b532e5fa12d0""Don't worry, I'll try my best to not leave you two alone," She huffed annoyed with my actions./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c3b7fe0c67a7be1898b48eb13c948da3""Thank you, Pans," I shot her a smile./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="758e15efabc2b9b6117b777fb377c926""Everything will be just fine, all you need to do is calm down," She whispered. "I'll try to have a word with Blaise but you know how stubborn he can be, so I can't promise you anything!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="380b940fc668f8ea6462cbb86a108a3d"I gave her a warm smile before leaving her alone and heading back home. The entire way back, I couldn't stop thinking of her, of Clair. How was I supposed to face her? How was I supposed to work with her without remembering all the trauma that she had caused me? Many more questions similar to these consumed me as I opened my front door. I had previously left my parents and decided to work for my own money so my house was very simple./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5193cb6ba999a0ca8184ae8115a5f064"My house had one flat, filled with furniture. The living room and kitchen were merged and my bedroom was all the way at the end of the hallway. I sighed as I threw my briefcase on the couch and went directly to my room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="20cd292686cb20a9b0966a7a491151bd"I practically tossed myself on my bed and then stretched my arms after a long day at work. I laid there for a good 5 minutes before pushing myself up and opening one of the drawers on my bedside table. Inside, there was a small pink box with a large red heart covering the lid. The initials 'DC' were carved on the side. I hesitantly picked it up and opened the lid. Inside, were many different polaroids of me and Clair together in Hogwarts. The pictures were from our third year and so on./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a8bffb72ecd7c6a012a014f750393a5e"One of the pictures had us together in the Slytherin common room playing magical chess, the other had us outside laying down on the fresh green grass. Under the rest of the pictures was a note. I remembered this note very well, she had left it for me a week before the incident. I held it carefully between my fingers but decided that I wouldn't open it. I didn't want to unlock all of our memories together just yet. It was too dangerous for me; I don't want to live through that type of pain again./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ccd2f73ccee2c47ff8ba641d5c30cce7"I quickly flung the box back into the drawer with tears prickling my eyes and then locked it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="66f5bb4c16beb0dd21896047ccdb8d9d"***/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a84d8ba2fb8f6658f588aa8a032636dd"It was the next day and I was walking to work. I barely slept the night before. All my mind could think of was Clair. I made sure to properly fix myself in the morning, I didn't want Clair to see me in an unpresentable way. So, I wore one of my best suits, I also made sure to arrange my hair better than I would on a normal day./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="03b9c3f45ead6542f3a393a7f5a2f9d2""Looking good, Malfoy," Theo complimented me from the other department./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b2757fe18e995751919d0d2780c633df""You don't look too bad yourself, Nott," I smiled at him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f61786bb3a04228896c7ade463d1818e"We both went in our own ways, afraid of being late./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="65790ab465539ca86dd0884913562002"I opened the meeting room door to find everyone else already sitting down. Pansy quickly waved to me and I ran and took a seat next to her. "Am I late?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0724991045481b4827363936756d8f85""No, everyone is early."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3c4cd2137a343c721463ef31a94e75b2""As you all may know, we will be having a new partner with us," Blaise began, "She truly is amazing and I think that she could really help us out. You all probably know who she is, so can everybody welcome, Clair Delcour!" Blaise ended his short speech as she opened the door and walked in./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="20e5c0f424abee3a26569f2ed66cc9d3"She was wearing a black suit, with a white blouse under it. Everyone clapped and cheered for her as she stood next to Blaise smiling at him. "Thank you all so much. I'm looking forward to working with everyone!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="65841312205cb27308bf5a58d7ed9ed8"She went around shaking hands with everyone including Pansy but when it was my turn, she walked right past me. I hated her. Pure evil runs through her veins. She is not worthy of this spot, Astoria is. I huffed and rolled my eyes at her but when I turned around to talk to Pansy about it, she was already running around following Clair. She was practically on her knees begging Clair for an autograph./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bf2e4664ea63dfa1ed842d74b96a3886"I took one last glance at Clair before turning around and leaving the room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bf2e4664ea63dfa1ed842d74b96a3886" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="70f2ff805fe630e08ed10f83e3ddc3ee"u style="box-sizing: border-box;"A/n: My first chapter! I'm very excited for you guys to read this story. The next chapter will be in the past from Clair's pov!/u/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0997f280ff6c02a5ccf6f5678eb66434"I stormed into Blaise's office; anger painted all over my face. "Why the bloody hell would you fire Astoria?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="40ba79c33a6b2213d984be987429bca7"Blaise was my manager in the ministry. We worked together in the department of magical education. He stood up and walked towards me leaning onto his desk. "We've found a better replacement."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f74c030e0d29985c39c0dc62e13fb617""Who could possibly be better than her?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8f54fe119c8d2eb2f7138bae6c7d0197""Clair Delcour," He answered placing his hand on my shoulder, afraid of what my reaction might be./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="4e6ad1867c2f1315e09587ec2ddbbb10"My heart dropped, "No."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8e167706452d6bb1ae341775d4eff3de""Cheer up mate, she's helped loads of magical schools before! She'll be perfect for this job!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5b662e711a59d82b6ad901327cebb1a2""I said, no," I repeated myself narrowing my eyes in Blaise's direction./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="37681de790ecbf08a8813767d7fc5947"He sighed and took a step backward, "I know you two have had your differences, but it's been years now. I'm sure you can sort it out and be professional about it."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a2ae2228862b51d9208b5b102515982e"Sort it out? How could I sort it out with her? She left me begging for her to come back, begging her to stick by my side, I can't forgive her. "Does everyone else know who the new replacement is?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3fb56a04f25205abea6ccd4437beb44b""Not yet, but they will tomorrow. There's a meeting at 11 am, don't be late," And with that, Blaise left his office leaving me all alone with my thoughts./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="8a7ab20ec0ab3262ce329c7dcb399a4e"***/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="cb321570181846320978720d2f705c4a""Can you believe him? He could have chosen anyone else!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="383a1df71f8128be250936bd4eb48b3a""Get over it, Draco. What happened is in the past and I'm sure she's already moved on!" Pansy playfully hit me on the back of my head./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f0badf9ac1b4b75895530b13115c49d5""Well, I haven't! She destroyed me, Pansy," I continued whining, pacing around the room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d2338319c78a6988e536146c45b819a3""I'm aware of that, thank you very much. But, it's finally time you move on! Maybe meet someone new?" She suggested pointing at one of the other employees./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c7c28b1d2b39ee224d8ed82001a6076f""I'll have to pass."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="df62c9729f386c0560ca4f9293e4a97e""Fine, continue wasting your life waiting for her to apologize because that won't be happening!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="962287ecfac6e95d9d8983b3e603c693""How am I supposed to work with her and act as if everything is alright?" I changed the subject, avoiding the truth that Pansy had told me. I knew that she wouldn't be apologizing but I needed to hold on to that hope./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="d31dd619fcc57fc76870b532e5fa12d0""Don't worry, I'll try my best to not leave you two alone," She huffed annoyed with my actions./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="c3b7fe0c67a7be1898b48eb13c948da3""Thank you, Pans," I shot her a smile./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="758e15efabc2b9b6117b777fb377c926""Everything will be just fine, all you need to do is calm down," She whispered. "I'll try to have a word with Blaise but you know how stubborn he can be, so I can't promise you anything!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="380b940fc668f8ea6462cbb86a108a3d"I gave her a warm smile before leaving her alone and heading back home. The entire way back, I couldn't stop thinking of her, of Clair. How was I supposed to face her? How was I supposed to work with her without remembering all the trauma that she had caused me? Many more questions similar to these consumed me as I opened my front door. I had previously left my parents and decided to work for my own money so my house was very simple./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="5193cb6ba999a0ca8184ae8115a5f064"My house had one flat, filled with furniture. The living room and kitchen were merged and my bedroom was all the way at the end of the hallway. I sighed as I threw my briefcase on the couch and went directly to my room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="20cd292686cb20a9b0966a7a491151bd"I practically tossed myself on my bed and then stretched my arms after a long day at work. I laid there for a good 5 minutes before pushing myself up and opening one of the drawers on my bedside table. Inside, there was a small pink box with a large red heart covering the lid. The initials 'DC' were carved on the side. I hesitantly picked it up and opened the lid. Inside, were many different polaroids of me and Clair together in Hogwarts. The pictures were from our third year and so on./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a8bffb72ecd7c6a012a014f750393a5e"One of the pictures had us together in the Slytherin common room playing magical chess, the other had us outside laying down on the fresh green grass. Under the rest of the pictures was a note. I remembered this note very well, she had left it for me a week before the incident. I held it carefully between my fingers but decided that I wouldn't open it. I didn't want to unlock all of our memories together just yet. It was too dangerous for me; I don't want to live through that type of pain again./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="ccd2f73ccee2c47ff8ba641d5c30cce7"I quickly flung the box back into the drawer with tears prickling my eyes and then locked it./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="66f5bb4c16beb0dd21896047ccdb8d9d"***/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="a84d8ba2fb8f6658f588aa8a032636dd"It was the next day and I was walking to work. I barely slept the night before. All my mind could think of was Clair. I made sure to properly fix myself in the morning, I didn't want Clair to see me in an unpresentable way. So, I wore one of my best suits, I also made sure to arrange my hair better than I would on a normal day./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="03b9c3f45ead6542f3a393a7f5a2f9d2""Looking good, Malfoy," Theo complimented me from the other department./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="b2757fe18e995751919d0d2780c633df""You don't look too bad yourself, Nott," I smiled at him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="f61786bb3a04228896c7ade463d1818e"We both went in our own ways, afraid of being late./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="65790ab465539ca86dd0884913562002"I opened the meeting room door to find everyone else already sitting down. Pansy quickly waved to me and I ran and took a seat next to her. "Am I late?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="0724991045481b4827363936756d8f85""No, everyone is early."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="3c4cd2137a343c721463ef31a94e75b2""As you all may know, we will be having a new partner with us," Blaise began, "She truly is amazing and I think that she could really help us out. You all probably know who she is, so can everybody welcome, Clair Delcour!" Blaise ended his short speech as she opened the door and walked in./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="20e5c0f424abee3a26569f2ed66cc9d3"She was wearing a black suit, with a white blouse under it. Everyone clapped and cheered for her as she stood next to Blaise smiling at him. "Thank you all so much. I'm looking forward to working with everyone!"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="65841312205cb27308bf5a58d7ed9ed8"She went around shaking hands with everyone including Pansy but when it was my turn, she walked right past me. I hated her. Pure evil runs through her veins. She is not worthy of this spot, Astoria is. I huffed and rolled my eyes at her but when I turned around to talk to Pansy about it, she was already running around following Clair. She was practically on her knees begging Clair for an autograph./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bf2e4664ea63dfa1ed842d74b96a3886"I took one last glance at Clair before turning around and leaving the room./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="bf2e4664ea63dfa1ed842d74b96a3886" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" data-p-id="70f2ff805fe630e08ed10f83e3ddc3ee"u style="box-sizing: border-box;"A/n: My first chapter! I'm very excited for you guys to read this story. The next chapter will be in the past from Clair's pov!/u/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-size: 18px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; padding: 0px;" /p