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Hermione tugs at her grey pencil skirt nervously as she awaits her interviewer. She stares around the room which holds vivid memories of her past. The elegant curtains that only let the slightest bit of light into the dark painted room. The huge mohogeny table that is the vocal point of the room. This is not what bothers her. The dark spot on the floor toward the back of the room is what has caught her attention. She swallows hard. Awful memories. She rubs her left fore arm self conciously. Though the scar is covered by the pale pink of her blouse, she knows its there. It will always be there. The word that Bellatrix Lestrange had so happily carved into her arm. Mudblood.

The memory of that day played back in her mind. The way all the death eaters stood around her. The crazy look in Bellatrix's eyes. The pain. There was so much pain. So many tears. She had been brave. Strong. Atleast that is what everyone had told her. It was nearly impossible to lie while under the cruciatus curse, yet she had done so, though only barely. What haunted her most was what she had focused on during the excrutiating pain. She needed a focal point, she had to have something to cling to as the pain had surged through her form. It had been him. It was the enemy of her school days. Her nemesis. The look on his face had kept her sane through the pain. There had been regret, fear, and even sympathy in his stormy eyes.

It was in that moment that while Malfoy and the trio would never be friends, she knew that he was not a death eater at heart either. After Voldemort had fallen to the hands of her best friend, Harry Potter, and judgement day came from the death eaters that had been captured, that Hermione had testifyed on Draco Malfoy's behalf. To this day, Harry and Ron did not understand why she had done so, but in her heart she knew she had done the right thing. She told them of Malfoy's braveness by not identifying Harry when they were captured in the woods. Despite the spell she had cast on Harry to hide his true identity, she knew he had known the truth and had with held the truth from his deranged aunt. She told them of how it had been Snape who had killed Dumbledore and not the blonde. And how, even though he had been there to witness her torture that she had seen the truth behind his eyes that he did not take pleasure in it the way the others had.

Due to her hero status as part of the Golden trio which had taken down Voldemort the ministry had agreed to drop the chargers for Malfoy. This felt right to Hermione. Ron had been furious and Harry was indifferent at the time. After the hearing Malfoy had found Hermione outside the ministry, and she could tell it was hard for him, but he thanked her. Sincerity had rang clear in his voice that day. There was no snarky remarks, no arrogance, and no hate. To Hermione it meant that the hell he had caused her in school was now in the past and to be forgotten. While they weren't friends, their was an understanding that she knew as well as he did, that the death eaters were not a part of his life any longer. Hermione was ok with that.

It was now ten years since the fall of Voldemort and the wizarding world seemed to fall back into its usual pace. People happily shopping in Diagon Alley, Hogwarts which is still run by Professor McGonagall is in full bloom. Parents were no longer afraid to send their children to the school now that it was restored to its full fortress status. Harry had gone on to become a successful auror, he also did the training for the new aurors as they came in. Who would have been better to teach them the ropes than him after all. Ron had pursued a career in quidditch and the last Hermione heard he was in Bulgeria playing with Viktor Krum as their keeper. Draco had bought and taken control of the Daily Prophet a few years ago, as well as a few smaller businesses throughout England, he was doing very well for himself to say the least. It seemed everyone had found their place in the world. Everyone, except Hermione.

After the war, Hermione had began her studies in healing and go on to become a healer at St. Mungos. For several years she had dedicated her life to her work. Work she was good at. Great at. What she hadn't told anyone was that each time a new patient came in, it reminded her of the war all over again. She had moved past the nightmares of the war, but she still had trouble with seeing people in pain. It had come time to make a change. She couldn't live with the pain anymore, so she had turned in her resignition letter and left St. Mungos.

And now, here she was in Malfoy Manor, fidgeting and uncomfortable and unable to take her eyes off the stain that her blood had caused on the floor. What ever made her think this was a good idea had completely left her mind and she moved to stand from her chair just as the door opened and the older but familiar blonde stepped into the room. After ten years he still looked the exact same. Blonde hair that looked as though it would glow in the moonlight, bits falling into his stormy grey eyes. He wore his aristocratic features well. He wore a pale grey suit, which fit his lean form perfectly.

She could have sworn she had seen a twinkle of surprise in his eyes as he approached her but if it had been there he quickly recovered and took a seat on the other side of the table. '' Hello, Miss Granger. '' He said, his voice slightly deeper than she remembered.

Hermione had returned to her seat as soon as the door had opened and now she stared to the man across the table. '' Hello, Mr. Malfoy. '' She said politely. Well this is certainly ackward. Since when do we greet each other so appropriately? She thought.

'' What brings you here if you don't mind me asking? '' He leaned his elbows on the table, steepling his fingers as his gaze remained on her.

She shifted in her seat beneath his gaze. Why did he make her so nervous all of a sudden. Oh, that's right. He might soon be her employer. '' Well, I had heard that you were looking for a nanny, for your son, and it just so happens I am looking for a job. '' She answered nervously.

His eye brows rose slightly. '' I am, as a matter of fact. Do you have any previous child care experience? ''

A slight smirk crossed her pink lips. '' Harry and Ron are still alive, aren't they? '' She quipped.

She could see the smile he was hiding behind his hands. '' Fair enough. Anything other than that? ''

She shook her head lightly, her hope dropping slightly. '' No, unfortunately. Up until now I was a healer at St. Mungos, though I did treat children as they came in. I know both wizard medicine as well as muggle medicine as well and I am certified to give CPR. I know that isn't what you were looking to hear but its all I've got. '' She gave him a nervous smile.

He tapped his fingers together as his gaze finally left hers, sweeping around the room as if he were thinking. '' You know, I think that would make you more appropriate for the job than anyone. After all, you have the patience for a child as you proved over and over again in school dealing with Potter and Weasley every day. And merlin forbid anything should happen to Sebastian you would be prepared to handle the situation like a profession. Yes, I like the sound of that. '' He nodded, speaking more to himself at the end.

She couldn't keep from letting a grin cross her lips at his words. '' That's great! ''

He looked back to her and nodded slightly. '' There are a few rules and such that I would like to go over before letting you accept the position. First, you would need to move into the manor. The reason being is I often work late and leave early in the morning. I would feel much more comfortable knowing that I would not have to worry about waiting for you to arrive and that my son can stay on the schedule he is on as far as sleeping and eating are concerned. Would you be ok with that? ''

Hermione chewed her lip nervously. Was she ok with that? She hadn't thought about having to move in. She thought it would be just a daily come in, babysit and leave at night, kind of deal.

'' If it would make any difference, you would have every Sunday off as well as Tuesday nights after 6:00PM. There would be no rent. Utlities, transportation and food are all included as well, and I would be willing to pay you six hundred gillons a week. '' He offered.

Well that certainly sweetened the deal. No more rent or any bills for that matter really. The pay along was twice as much as she was making at St. Mungos. And she would still have time for herself as well. Could it really be that perfect? She glanced to the spot on the floor that had captivated her attention earlier. No, of course it wouldn't be easy, but for those benefits she would definitely give it a try!

Hermione looked back to him and smiled. '' Yes, that sounds fine. ''

Draco returned her smile politely and leaned back in his chair. '' Fantastic. Oh, before I forget there are only a few requests that I have. My study is completely off limits when I am in there, unless it is an emergency of course. I often bring work home with me and find it very irriating when I get pulled away from the train of thought when I am on a roll. I assume that you will go on outings occassionally, all I ask is that you don't let Sebastian act inappropriately. There are paparazzi everywhere now and days and unfortunately for my son, he is often the top story. He can be a handfull and will not hesitate to throw a fit if he doesn't get his way. While I understand its part of growing up and testing boundries, unfortunately we don't get that luxury as we are somewhat famous in the wizarding world, which I'm sure you are all too familiar with. ''

Hermione knew exactly what he meant. Even know ten years later their wasn't a day that goes by that there isn't someone writing a story or taking pictures of her and her friends when they are around. She imagined it was probably worse for Draco because of the darkness of his past. She could understand why he wanted his son to be on his best behavior in public and she would do her best.

'' That all sounds fine. '' She nodded.

'' Wonderful. Well, since tomorrow is Saturday, why don't we plan on you starting Monday and we will get you moved in this weekend and make sure you are settled and comfortable. '' He asked while he rose from his chair.

She stood as well giving him another smile. '' Fantastic, and thank you so much.. Dr..Er... Mr. Malfoy. ''

'' Thank you for taking up the job, I'm sure you will be questioning your decision within the week. '' He winked with a slight chuckle.