The house is old, very old. Exterior siding holds the unruly might of overgrown ivy sticking its stems under the panels. Moss outlines walkways, digs into faded landscaping. Wood is overcome with rot. The indentation of a finger could sink into the ligneous fibers of the stairs. The house creaks. One step and the atmosphere ignites in an echoing frenzy, scattering crepuscular insects and slumbering bats. They scatter through the jagged holes in the ceiling where floors have collapsed from unknown forces.
Nightfall shrouds the house, deepening the emptiness. Dusty, grimy, and dirty. Chipped paint, withered grass, decayed branches. Homeliness is a word unfounded. Any remnants of family have been lost. Moons ago, laughter might've sailed through the gales, smoke would've toiled from the slivered chimney. Life would've flowed. Bushes pruned, roses glowing, oak trees providing seamless umbrage. Instead, a shell remains. Nuclear family proving to live to its name. Irradiated decay.
Most of all, the house is ugly.
At least, Seline thinks so, and she's usually right. Yellow is an abysmal shade to choose for exterior siding. It's so dated. Forget the obvious abandoned edge, the color itself proves how old it is. It's like the architect attempted a Tudor style, but they failed miserably. Full circle windows? Wooden pillars? Again, yellow? There's multiple different styles represented, which makes it a total train wreck. Seline's not a contractor, architect, or designer, but she could do far better.
"This is idiotic."
Seline rolls her eyes, turning up her nose at Draco. She takes a step onto the overly creaky, cliched stairs. He remains rooted in place, like the weathered oak behind him. "Only because you're here."
Draco's lips curl in that unappealing way.
Although, he doesn't continue berating her with his fitful remarks (Thank Merlin!). In fact, if Seline wants to pull up the receipts, Draco insisted on joining her. Practically begged. She would've preferred to carry out her adventure on her lonesome, but who is she to deny a potentially helpful servant. Draco Malfoy, aka the bag carrier. And what a wonderful job he does.
