New Beginnings

Place To Call Home

Draco checked himself in the mirror again. He wished he had paid more attention to what the employees had been wearing. He had settled on a pair of chinos and a green, long-sleeved top.

Buddy pulled up outside the hostel. With a final glance in the mirror to flatten his hair, Draco grabbed his bag and rushed out of the door.

*****

'Hi, I'm here to see Serena Thompson, about a rental apartment?'

'Please take a seat, she'll be right with you.'

Draco checked his watch. He started work in just over an hour. An old witch stepped out of an office, holding a clipboard.

'Mr Malfoy? Follow me, the apartment is just down the street.'

It was already a warm day. Cars rushed by on their way to work. A woman cycled past, veering off the pavement around them.

Serena led him to the top floor of a pretty row-house.

'Here we are, number seven,' she gestured to a door at the top of the stairs.

Inside was an open kitchen, living room and dining area. Muggle appliances were alongside magical books and cauldrons. The breakfast bar was piled with text books and parchment.

'Through here is the unoccupied bedroom,' Serena opened a door. 'Both rooms are en-suite with double beds and a walk-in closet.'

The bed took up most of the space in the room. High windows cast sunlight across the cream walls. The bathroom was so small he could touch both walls at once, but the shower looked nicer than the one at the hostel.

'You can decorate as you wish, excluding any major renovations, so long as you return it to how it was when you leave. Do you have any questions?'

'No, I don't think so...' Serena's reply to his letter had detailed the monthly rent and bills. It would be a struggle, but the apartment was worth it. 'Can I sign now or...?'

'Of course, I have all the paperwork here. You can move in as soon as you sign and pay your deposit!'

Draco signed the contract with a flourish after flicking through the pages. He dug into his bag and handed her a pile of his dwindling Dragots.

'Excellent, if you have any issues or queries, just pop by my office.' She handed him a silver key and left.

Draco grinned at the key, heavy in his hand. His very own apartment! Except for the other renter. He'd forgotten to ask about them.

His watch beeped and he stuffed the key into his pocket. Dashing down the stairs, he hurried through the streets to his first day at work.