School: Hogwarts

Year: 4 (exchange 2 standing in)

Theme: Voldemort entrusted a part of his soul to Bellatrix. Write about trusting someone completely.

Main Prompt: [Image] Portrait of Madame X by John Singer Sargent

Additional Prompt: [Song] Underground by Mariama

Word count: 2943

A/N: The story is set in the 1940s and for the sake of this story, during that time, house-elves worked alongside witches and wizards at Hogwarts kitchen.

A big thank you to be11atrixthestrange, adenei6 and accio-broom for the beta help!


Sometime in the 1940s

There was once a time when the Fat Lady did not sit around asking for passwords from rude children.

For before her time at Hogwarts, when she wasn't a portrait, her name was Juliette Elm, a bubbly girl who had encountered a few misfortunes. At the age of twenty three, her parents died, leaving her with a small dilapidated house and a few debts. She sold the house, paid off the debts and tried to find a new accommodation.

She soon found reasonable lodging; Mrs. Soots, an old, grumpy lady who lived alone, was ready to rent out a room to her. It was a small room, in an unused part of the house, but with decent air circulation and a nice view of the street.

Even though Juliette wasn't very impressed with the landlady or the unmaintained house, she decided to stay, for in the dusty, cobweb-covered passage leading to her room, there was a beautiful painting of a woman that had enchanted her. Not in the literal sense, but the woman's gaze had captured her attention. She couldn't put a name to it but she sensed strength, resoluteness; an air of touch-me-and-you'll regret-it.

It was an energy she admired, and Juliette couldn't take her eyes off it. Another reason for that could also be the fact that the woman, Violet Flint, as Mrs Soots informed her, wore a beautiful form-fitted black gown with jewelled straps that might be considered indecent among Wizarding society.

The painting did not move or speak like other magical portraits. "A spell gone wrong" was the curt answer from her landlady. All Juliette knew was that Mrs Soots was the creator of the lovely painting.

One late night, a week after she had shifted, Juliette ventured to the kitchen for a glass of warm milk. Like always, she glanced at the painting on her way back, but a second later she stopped so abruptly that the milk threatened to spill over as it sloshed in the glass.

Turning back, she checked the painting again. It was the same as it had always been. But she could have sworn that Violet's head had been tilted towards her.


A few days later, Mrs Soots came up to Juliette's room to inform about the arrival of a guest. Juliette felt her curiosity pique as she had never seen any guests entertained at this house.

On reaching the parlour, Juliette tried to hide her astonishment upon seeing Violet Flint, the object of her obsession, sitting on the sofa.

The lady smiled and greeted her politely. Juliette was afraid she must have looked mannerless, for she mumbled something about bringing tea and left the room.

In the privacy of the kitchen, she drew a deep breath and reminded herself to act normal. Violet Flint looked a far cry from the glamorous version from her painting, but no less beautiful in her traditional, but high quality Wizarding robes and a simple braid.

On bringing the tray outside, she was not surprised to see that Mrs Soots had left her guest alone.

"She doesn't like to speak much. Always been that way," Violet said fondly.

"I've noticed. But she's a kind lady and has treated me well." Juliette smiled as she charmed the teapot to pour the tea in the cup.

"She is. I came to convey a message to her. I hope I didn't disturb you, Ms Elm."

"Call me Juliette, please. And no, you did not disturb me. I was just organizing my shelves."

"Then you must call me Violet. And I must leave you to your work."

"Please stay. Tell me more about yourself. I don't know much about you apart from the fact that you have a beautiful painting."

Violet took a sip of her tea. "Thank you, all credit goes to Mrs Soots. As for myself, I spend a lot of time studying. My father is part of the Hogwarts Board of Governors. I've got a lot to learn because soon that position will be passed on to me."

"Hogwarts! And that sounds wonderful."

"Did you study at Hogwarts, Juliette?"

"I studied at Hogwarts for just three years. My parents couldn't afford it after a point, so I was homeschooled from then on."

"I'm sorry to hear that. And I'm very sorry for your loss. If there's anything I could do for you then please let me know."

"You're very kind. By Merlin's grace, I have a steady job. I take care of the Locket kids and it pays me well."

"I'm glad to hear that. But what about your hobbies? Is there anything particular that you enjoy?"

"I love cooking! In fact it's my dream to assist in the Hogwarts' kitchen someday."

"Then you must! I'm sure if you apply then you might get the job."

"I did send a letter to Headmaster Dippet once, but never heard back."

"Hmm. Mr Slughorn takes care of most of the letters addressed to Headmaster Dippet, and I don't mean to be rude, but he is a bit of a lazy man. I feel he must have forgotten about your letter. I think I can take your message directly to the source if you want me to."

Juliette's gaze brightened. "That would be lovely, Violet!"

There was a lull in the conversation for a while and the two savoured the mild tartness of the hibiscus tea. Violet complimented the blend and Juliette relaxed a little more. She voiced the question that had been on her mind for a while. "If you don't mind me asking, why is your painting over here?"

"It's a reminder of something I would rather not think about," Violet said with some sorrow in her eyes.

Juliette wished she could take it away.


Juliette and Violet realised that they enjoyed each other's company and met regularly after that. One day, Violet greeted her with some chilling news.

"Such horror at Hogwarts," Juliette exclaimed when she heard the entire story. Violet nodded after finishing the story of the Basilisk loose at Hogwarts and the murder of a student named Myrtle.

"Never would have happened under my watch," Juliette muttered. "Careless teachers. Don't believe for a second that a student did this. They just made him a scapegoat since the poor boy is a half giant."

She exhaled heavily, when Violet rubbed her shoulder, but even that didn't loosen the tension in her body or abate her vexation.

"They tried to bring the pet spider into the equation. Father is trying his best, but most of the Governors are corrupt. Enough bad news for the day. What did you do this past weekend?"

"Nothing exciting." Juliette was grateful for Violet distracting her. "I made a batch of pumpkin juice. Spent most of the time cleaning the house."

"That's productive."

Juliette nodded in a distracted manner. She tried to draw up courage for what she had been planning to ask for a while.

"For some reason there's too much dust and cobwebs in the passages. Even your portrait isn't spared." Juliette grabbed her unfinished shawl and started to crochet to have something to do with her hands. She was sure her stitches were incorrect. "Such a beautiful canvas should not suffer such indignity. If you want, I can shift it to my room."

She didn't dare look at Violet.

"I—yes that would be nice."

"I'll inform Mrs Soots then."

It was then that Juliette noticed the dark circles under Violet's eyes.

"Have you not been sleeping well, Violet? You look tired."

Violet waved her off. "I'm alright. My husband came back home late last night and my sleep was disturbed is all."

Juliette felt a rush of anger at Mr. Flint. At all the men who mistreated their wives and families.

Violet must have sensed her distress, for she said, "Don't worry too much, Julie."

Juliette felt a flutter in her belly and hoped Violet didn't notice her flush at the nickname.

"I noticed something the other day. Your painting moved a little. What I mean is you moved, in the painting," Juliette finished ineloquently.

"Oh?"

"Mrs Soots had mentioned that the enchantments hadn't worked on the painting, so I wondered."

"What can I say? Magic is unpredictable. Perhaps it worked after all," Violet said with a polite smile.

"Perhaps, yes." Juliette agreed.


A few weeks after the painting shifted to her room, the spell grew stronger. Strong enough that Violet's portrait used to chat a little around bedtime.

Sometimes during mid conversation the painting would freeze and Juliette was left in silence. But many evenings they talked about various topics for half an hour before bed time. They discussed their childhoods, Juliette's limited years in Gryffindor but how they were her best, Violet's studies and her aspirations.

One particular night Juliette turned towards the portrait and voiced a thought. "Do you want me to visit you someday? At your home? I have never made an acquaintance with Mr Flint."

Violet's gaze hardened at the mention of her husband's name. "It's better if we leave my husband to his own devices. He's not worth wasting time on."

Juliette let it slide. She had realised that Violet never spoke much about the man, and decided she'd not question further until her friend was ready to share. Besides, she knew it wasn't real and that she wasn't actually speaking with Violet. Paintings were just the reflection of one's self, but it was hard not to believe sometimes.

Apart from that, she was happier than before…than before Violet, she admitted to herself. It was not acceptable, her attraction towards another woman. She knew that, but nothing could change the truth. It was easier to accept because things in Juliette's life had never come easily, but the fact she had the privilege to spend some time in Violet's company was enough.

And daresay, she suspected that Violet returned her affections. Juliette knew for a fact that Violet held no love for her husband. One day when Violet had been plagued by dizziness and fatigue, and she let Juliette fuss over her (very unlike her). Juliette had been worried, but the patient blamed it on the heat, and so she let it pass.


It had been six in the evening when she came back tired from work, but her face lit up when she saw Violet waiting for her in her room.

"I have exciting news," Violet blurted before Juliette could even greet her.

"And what is that?" She grinned, watching her brandish a letter.

"Headmaster Dippet has written about an opening in the Hogwarts kitchen. He hasn't made an official announcement, but he mentioned he will send you a more detailed letter about the position and application process. In fact, he mentioned an opening for Arithmancy as well, if you're interested."

"Really?" Juliette asked, her voice faint as she plopped on the bed, "Oh, this is wonderful." She gazed blankly outside the window until she felt the mattress shift and Violet's shoulder press against her.

"You're excellent when it comes to cooking, Julie. You'll get the spot."

Juliette couldn't believe it, she finally had a chance. And then she realised something else.

"Violet, you mentioned two spots. Please apply for Arithmancy and come with me to Hogwarts. Leave your wretched husband behind."

"My dear Julie," Violet clasped both of her hands, "I would leave behind everything and come with you, but I can't." Her gaze was pleading.

Julie realised that they had finally addressed their situation, even if not outright.

"Why not? Let's not pretend anymore! I know this is not something that is accepted in society, but no one has to know."

"It's none of those reasons, Julie. I can't explain," Violet said as she stood up and paced the room.

"Don't keep secrets from me."

Violet sighed and gave her a resigned look. "I—I might not be here in a few months."

"What do you mean?" Juliette made her way across the room towards her. "Are you moving?"

Violet scoffed, "In a way." She rubbed her forehead and turned away to face the window. "Julie, I might not be alive."

"What?" Juliette exclaimed. "What ailment are you suffering from?"

"A curse." Violet glanced at the painting, her lips pursed. "Soon after my wedding, my husband said that he'd take care of the enchantments on the painting. I trusted him. But he somehow linked the painting to me. A dark curse. Every day my body gets weaker and the painting stronger. In short, every day a part of my soul is trapped in the painting. Soon I'll be stuck there forever."

Juliette grabbed her by the shoulder and turned her around.

"Is that why you've been so unwell?" she whispered.

"Yes."

"And…and all this time, I've been speaking with you? Through the painting?"

"I'm so sorry for lying to you, Julie. I just didn't know how to admit it."

"There must be a way to reverse it." Juliette stared down at her hands.

"I have done the research, and resigned myself to the fact that no matter what, I'd be living in a portrait forever."

Alone. She'd be left alone again. And so would Violet.

"Do you—do you know the spell?"

"Yes. It's a dark spell. I found it in my library. Flint didn't try to hide it because he knew there was no way to reverse it."

"Okay." Juliette breathed in the warm, sweet breeze carrying the scent of the flowers in bloom, rustling the baby hairs on her temple. Decision made, nothing would change her mind. "I have decided. I will have Mrs Soots make a portrait for me and then you can cast the spell on mine."

"Juliette! What are you saying?"

"This way we can be together! I can visit you in your portrait any time I want to and so can you. We don't have to be alone anymore, Violet."

"You have a life in front of you Julie. You can go to Hogw—"

"What life? I have always been alone until I met you. And you'd be gone again. Hogwarts or no Hogwarts, it will be a miserable life. Besides, do you want your husband to win?"

"Oh, I have my own plans for him. He will not get away so easily. But please, Julie, think this through. It's for eternity, that spell is no joke."

"I trust you, Violet. I want to be with you, forever. Even in a portrait. And who knows, but maybe one day someone might figure out how to undo this curse." Juliette cupped her cheeks with both hands. "Besides, doesn't Hogwarts have magical portraits? Once the spell is completely in effect, we can move there. I'm sure you can convince Headmaster Dippet."

"Oh, Julie." Violet covered her hands with her own, her eyes misty but a trembling smile on her face. "I don't know if I have the strength to deny you. But tell me if you don't feel comfortable with this. I'll ask Mrs Soots about your portrait right away."

Juliette gave a watery smile. "And your husband?"

Even with tears in her eyes, Violet's smirk was terrifying enough for Juliette to pity that man. "I'll take care of him."


Mrs Soots did not ask many questions about painting a portrait for Juliette. She wasn't sure what Violet had told her, but she was grateful for the silence.

Violet got her the most lovely white gown, and helped her with hair and makeup.

Every evening, Juliette would sit still and let Mrs Soots do her work. She spoke with Violet more regularly through her portrait as the magic was getting stronger. This worried Juliette but Violet reassured her that as long as she wasn't moving about much she was fine. They had some time.

On the fifth day, when Juliette returned to her room after the painting session, Violet was waiting for her.

"It's done," she said with finality.

"What's done?"

"He's dead."

"Gone? Are you okay? Did anyone suspect it?"

Violet shook her head. "No. A choking spell while he was eating did the trick. No one suspects. There'll be a funeral tomorrow. I'll have to keep up the act, but we can at least meet."

"Yes, yes. I'll be there."

By the end of the week, the portrait was complete and Violet cast the spell.

She looked at Juliette. "We can be together at last."


The two portraits were shifted to Hogwarts. Upon asking for her opinion of the choice of placement, Juliette requested to guard the Gryffindor common room. She was very attached to the house and did not want any harm to come on the students.

Violet requested to be placed in the corridor leading to the teacher's quarters, as children did not endear to her much. They spent a lot of time together and Juliette was more free as a portrait than she had been for twenty three years of her life. She could visit any portrait in the castle, and never once did her love for Hogwarts dim.

There was a time, a few years later, when a Gryffindor prefect neglected his duties and failed to escort the First Year students inside the Common Room. Juliette had been napping and was woken by a boy's soft voice. "Excuse me, Miss Fat Lady, can you let us in? The prefect said that the portrait would open up."

And so the name somehow stuck. Juliette wouldn't say she was very happy about it, but these days she did not like to complain much. She even visited the Hogwarts kitchens during the holidays for meal planning.

It was everything she had hoped for.


A/N: I think someday after the war a cursebreaker found a solution that set Violet and Juliette free and they lived happily ever after.