A/N: Please stick with me on this. I'm not very good at writing stories and then finishing them. I tend to rush into things with Draco and Hermione. But I'm gonna try to keep things flowing smoothly here. I've been reading stories and have taken inventory on what not to do. So please keep faith in me.

Chapter One

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Draco looked down at that beautiful face. He had never loved anyone as much as he loved her. Her lips were full and red and her creamy skin pale. Draco couldn't believe that she had come into his life. He had never expected her to be a part of the sad excuse of a life he had. It had all been a bit sudden, he guessed it all started maybe four years ago? Yes, that's where it all started.

Years after the Final Battle, and Draco was working at a low wage place. He was paying his way through a muggle school, realizing that no one would hire him in the Wizarding world and it was best to find something in the muggle world. It had been a hard thing to realize, but eventually he had come to terms with it. But it was a specific day that he counted it all back to. A day in August, before school started and before the weather really started cooling down. Draco was working in the middle of the afternoon, taking stock of all the Hogwarts books they had in the back.

Within a week, all Hogwarts students will have received their letters and the crazy school shopping madness would begin. Working at Flourish and Blott's may have been an error on his part. This was the busiest store of them all during that time. But it was only a few weeks out of the year. The rest of it he could spend his shifts studying for school. He wasn't quite sure what to major in. He was taking General Ed classes to mainly figure out what he was interested in.

Everything in the Muggle world seemed so interesting. Once he'd opened up to it, he found that Muggles had a much better grip on the meaning and purpose of life than Wizards did. And by the looks of his grades, a major in biology seemed to be appropriate. He had enjoyed the class he had taken his second semester and found everything he learned interesting. He wanted to learn more about the way life really worked, how they came to be. Draco even wanted to test to see if he could find what separated Wizards from Muggles. Was it a gene? Some sort of defect? Or just something Muggles didn't have a proper understanding of?

He wanted to learn. He always had. He had been second in his class at Hogwarts. Next to Granger, of course. Had he actually gone on to 7th year, he probably would have gotten Head Boy. But that was all in the past. Now he had a new life and a new future waiting for him to mold himself to it. And he was satisfied with his choices.

As he took stock in the back, he heard the bell attached the door ring; someone was in the shop besides himself. He eyed the clock, knowing that his replacement wouldn't be here for another few hours at least. And nearly no one walked into the shop. Ever. He knew from the sound of their footsteps that they knew exactly what they wanted and had no trouble finding it. Draco made his way through the maze of bookshelves in the back and eventually found the door. As he opened the door he looked for the customer, wanting to get a good look at who he would be dealing with.

But as soon as he saw the customer he nearly yelped in surprise and retreated back into the stock room. He had gone two years without seeing a classmate from Hogwarts. Yes he had seen kids in younger years when they came for their books, but no one from his year. But here was the gum in the works. Two years he had gone without being known, without his image being changed. And now there she stood, breaking his record.

Hermione Granger. She had changed. Her hair wasn't as bushy as it used to be, her body had filled out nicely and she actually looked... decent. Another word floated through Draco's mind, but he dared not admit it out loud. Even if it was his thoughts. He leaned against the wall of the back room and took deep breaths. He could do this. What was he talking about? The moment Granger saw him, she was going to turn to tail and run. She hated him.

But would she skip out on what was most likely her favorite store because of him? The tiny voice in Draco's head told him it was possible she would just glare at him and mutter hateful things under breath while he worked. He listened and realized her footsteps had stopped. She was either looking at something intently or waiting to be helped. Draco took another deep breath and exited the stock room. He had to face this sometime.

She stood way in the back thumbing through a book, her eyes flitting back and forth across the pages as she sped read. Draco had no idea what purpose she would have in here. She wasn't a student anymore, so she didn't need books. Maybe she was a potions maker? He took a quick look at the section she was in. Self help books on Parenting and Teaching. Was Granger pregnant? Draco had never really minded Granger. He never found her as disgusting as he made it seem. She looked like many other girls at school and acted like them too. Her parents were more loving than his, and seemed to care more about her well being than her reputation.

And when it came time for the war, she fought harder than most Death Eaters. Because she believed in what she was doing. But Weasley was another matter. To be honest, Draco had no problem with the loving and quite large family known as the Weasleys. But he shuddered at the thought of Granger producing an heir to that stupid boy. Draco wasn't quite sure why he disliked Ron so much, but he wasn't about to dwell on the matter.

Granger had put the book away and was carrying a few books up to the counter with a list of other books in her hand. She set the books on the counter, and searched for her money purse. Draco rang up the books, and wondered what that list was for. He read it and knew that they had every single one of those books in the store. Maybe she couldn't find them? Draco nearly scoffed at his own stupidity. Granger, not being able to find books in a book store? The idea was laughable. She had spent 6 years in a library.

"23 Galleons." Draco said. She looked up and smiled as she counted out 23. She saw his face and he saw her look. It wasn't the look he was expecting. Her eyes glazed as she tried to remember where she had seen him. But finally they widened after she recognized his face.

"Malfoy? You work here?" She asked, seemingly quite shocked at the idea.

"Yes. It's the only place that would hire me. What with my family's stupid reputation." It was still a hard thing for Draco to talk about. His father had made him join and while Draco had jumped at the chance at first, he realized it was a big mistake. But according to eye witnesses, Draco did next to nothing. So he had to pay a fine. Lucius Malfoy, however, had to go to jail for life. Draco was happy with that, his father had fucked up his entire life. Draco's mother Narcissa lasted a few months before catching some oddball Muggle disease, and dying. She had been too proud to go to a Muggle hospital and get a cure.

Draco watched his mother die, because of some stupid prejudice against Muggles. But no matter what he thought or how well he had done on O.W.L.'s, the fact that he was the son of a Death Eater was a terrible crime. Because of his stupid father, and the stupid Dark Mark, Draco wasn't going to be able to get a job in the Wizarding World.

"Oh, I am so sorry. So you'll be stuck here?" Draco could hear the pity flowing from in between her luscious lips. What in the name of Merlin's saggy left one? Draco screamed in his head. What was his mind doing to him?

"Merlin, no. I am paying my way through a Muggle University with this job. Seeing as it will be impossible to start a future in the Wizarding World, might as well try the Muggle one." Draco said wrapping her books up for her. He had noticed that none of the ones she had bought were pregnancy books. They were all teaching books.

"Where do you work?" He asked as he nodded at her list. She looked at the piece of paper in her hand and laughed.

"Oh, I'm a teacher at Hogwarts. I was just looking at what books to use this term. I replaced McGonagall as the Transfiguration professor. Slughorn is still on as Potions and they tapped into the Aurors for a DADA professor." Hermione said, knowing that he would want to know about other teachers. Draco nodded and handed her books over.

"It was nice seeing you again, Draco. Good luck in school." And with that she left, leaving him to his thoughts. She had called him Draco. He smiled a little, at least she wasn't going to treat him weird because of what had happened. Maybe she was a much better person than he was. He already knew that his father had been wrong all along, but now it was starting to hit him that maybe Muggle Borns weren't just equal to Pure bloods, it was entirely possible that they were better than them as well.

It had been four weeks since Draco had seen Granger in Flourish and Blott's. The School shopping season was completely over, seeing as school had started earlier this week. Draco was sitting down underneath the counter, studying for his physics mid term. He wasn't really having troubles with physics, he just wanted to get the best grade he could. He looked up, giving his eyes a break when he felt the sudden urge to talk to Granger. He knew it was impossible, she was at Hogwarts teaching. He wasn't going to see her again.

Not that he was totally eager to talk to her, but he would have appreciated getting her help. She had this innate ability to know things. He smiled as he remembered classes where her hand would never lower. He was really insane. First he was admiring some of Granger's features and now he was happily remembering old times with her?

Draco shook his head and continued with his studying. He was so involved with his studying that he didn't even notice the sound of wings flapping as an owl flew to the counter above his head. He didn't notice, until the owl was pecking him on the head in annoyance.

"Alright, alright." Draco said taking the letter in between the owl's talons. He paid the owl with a treat, but it didn't leave. Oh, he's waiting for a response. Draco quickly opened the letter; the neat handwriting was unknown to Draco.

Dear Draco Malfoy,

Our Charms Professor recently fell ill with Dragonpox. It's terrible really, but because of it's contagiousness, he will not be able to complete the year. Professor Granger suggested you, reminding us of your high scores in Charms and said it would be a good opportunity. But she also added that as you are attending a Muggle University, you may have some reserves about taking the job. I understand if you choose your education over this job. But perhaps if you take this we can talk about a more permanent situation after the year. Plus, you will have free housing and food. Please reply with whether you'd be interested or not.

Waiting your reply

Headmistress McGonagall

Draco stared at the letter in his hands. Granger suggested him? Why? Draco wanted an answer, but knew she wouldn't be able to tell him over a letter. He knew he would have to ask her in person. Maybe when he went to Hogwarts for the job he could ask her?

But the thought brought Draco back. She said that it would be only for the year, and perhaps they would talk about a more permanent situation. Perhaps. Maybe. If. They weren't definitively positive or negative. Draco didn't like those words. He wanted to know that if he was going to be giving up an okay paying job and a good education that he was going to be having a good long stay.

Draco looked up as his replacement came. Draco nodded at the older gentleman and clocked out. He grabbed his things, and the owl flew along beside him. He sat down at a table in the Leaky Cauldron, but shook his head when Tom asked him what he wanted. Draco was too busy thinking. He knew he had taken Hogwarts for granted. He missed the safety he felt behind those stone walls, he missed having a warm bed to sleep in and free food and a wonderful education. But while he was there he had hated all of it. He wanted to be away from all of it, he wanted to live on his own.

Well, here he was two years later. On his own. He worked in between classes, attended two classes each day, then went... home? Could he really call it a home? He wasn't talking about Malfoy Manor. After his mother died, he sold the house after selling the valuables, and that money was used on his education. He still had some of it left, but he wasn't going to use it on anything else.

It was a hard decision to make. Or was it? She was just wondering if he was interested. There was probably an interview she had to do. There were other candidates. He may not even get the job. There was just so much to consider, this could change his life considerably.

He thought back to his days at Hogwarts. His eyes glancing at a clock in the corner. He had a few minutes until his next class. He thought about it for a brief second before remembering he had a history class. At first when he signed up for the history class, he wasn't sure what awaited him. The only history class he'd had was History of Magic, and that was taught by a ghost.

But he learned quickly enough that Muggle history was very interesting. He apparated to his class, and sat down, early as usual. He could think of Hogwarts at another time. His other possible major was History. He actually enjoyed it. Today they were going to go briefly over the Medieval era. A few minutes passed and the teacher started class, not caring who was there and who wasn't. Most students weren't too keen on actually attending class. As long as they made it to the tests, the teachers didn't care.

She started talking about the diseases and cruelty of people in the Medieval era, which led nicely into the Witch trials they used to hold. Draco held his breath, unsure of what horrible things they would say about wizards and witches. But his teacher talked about the whole thing as if it had been some large misunderstanding on their part and as she explained it she was nearly laughing.

Draco raised his hand, actually curious to know the answer. She was a little startled to see that someone was actually paying attention in her class.

"What if someone told you that Witches and Wizards are indeed real?" Draco asked.

"I'd ask them to teach me everything they knew. You see, the whole idea of magic has been a major point in the history of this world. Whether it's the magic Christ our Lord used to prove himself. The magic used to create bonds between loved ones. The magic used to create all you see around you, imagine if there's a deeper meaning to everything. But if there are witches and wizards, I understand why they are in hiding. And maybe that is better. I believe that everything happens for a reason. And while magic may very well be the back story to this world, those who hold it are keeping it secret for a reason. Maybe us normal people haven't proved our worth yet. Maybe we once had it but like Eve messed it up and got that world taken away from us. Either way, if Wizards and Witches exist today, I wouldn't be one bit surprised. I just hope that one day us normal people will be able to prove themselves worthy of such power."

Draco smiled at the teacher. There were many Muggles already who so greatly deserved the right to magic. And many more who had already been given access. People like Granger, and Potter's mother. Maybe that's what it was, a matter of intelligent responsibility. Maybe it was more than blood or heritage. Maybe the whole truth behind who had magic and who didn't depended upon one's strength of heart.

As class ended Draco left and walked absentmindedly to a quiet place. He quickly made sure no one saw as he Disapparated back to the Leaky Cauldron. He smiled at Tom and bought some water before heading out again. He walked a little bit in Muggle London, before he got to his destination. He opened the doors, and signed his name smiling at the lady at the front desk.

"Hello Drake. I didn't see you last night." She said her eyes worried.

"I worked the last shift so I just slept in the store. Were there many people here last night?" Draco asked. He had used the name Drake because it was more Muggle, than Draco.

"A few people. It was a warmer night so most were fine sleeping outside. Pasta night tonight. Better get in there before it's all gone." She said before turning to greet the next newcomer.

Draco would never have admitted it to anyone else that he lived in a homeless shelter. Not even Tom the barkeep knew. He walked towards the kitchens, excited to be getting some food. Skipping out last night had meant no food. He was used to that though. Draco was tough, he could go quite a few days without food. He didn't enjoy it, but it was possible.

As he ate dinner quietly, thinking about the letter from McGonagall, he debated whether accepting the job was the right thing to do. The downside to accepting it was leaving his education behind. He could drop his classes and it wouldn't really tarnish his record too bad. He would of course have to go back and retake the classes. And he could always put his enrollment on hold.

If he took the job he would also have a good solid job that paid well. He would have food, a luxury he hadn't had in a while. And a nice place to sleep and live on his own, another luxury he hadn't been used to recently. To anyone else in Draco's position, it shouldn't have been that hard of a decision. But Draco was still cautious. People still hated him and looked at him with disdain. The war had destroyed his family and his name. Now no one trusted him.

The moment people heard his name all they would think was that a former Death Eater was teaching them. Parents would be furious. They would write angry letters to the school board and ask him to be removed. Then he would be back at square one. It wasn't an easy decision to make. As he finished dinner, he thought about how teaching kids would feel like.

He watched someone walk by the windows and suddenly thought of a brilliant plan. He would tell McGonagall what he was worried about, the way people would treat him and such. And he would also ask her the general process of hiring someone for a teaching position. He wasn't about to leave his job for a possibility at a job. He would wait til he had his foot firmly in that door.

As Draco curled up and got ready to go to sleep, he allowed himself to think about what it would be like if he got the teaching job. But all he could think about was what if he accidentally rolled up his sleeve and people saw that stupid mark. He turned over on the mattress and saw a woman with a something on her arm. He sat up and looked at it, trying not to creep her out.

"What are you staring at?" She asked raising her eyebrows at him. He pointed to the thing on her arm.

"What is that?" He asked. Being a wizard he had no idea what it was. So she told him that it was a tattoo of a sparrow.

"What if I have a tattoo right now? Could they change it?" He asked looking at her seriously interested in knowing if it was possible.

"Yes. And for a large sum they can actually remove the tattoo. What tattoo do you have?" Draco rolled up his sleeve and showed her the mark.

"Oh, I know many tattoo parlors who could easily change that. Tomorrow, I'll take you to my friend's parlor and she'll show you your options. She's amazing." The woman said smiling at Draco. He smiled and nodded at her. "Don't worry. It won't take too long to change it. Maybe one or two sessions." Draco grinned at her, excited. He was going to finally be rid of this stupid mark.

Draco had been nervous when the walked into the tattoo place and Melinda, the woman from the previous night, smirked at him.

"Don't worry. It's not gonna hurt." Melinda had assured him.

"I know, I'm just scared that they're not gonna be able to change it." He had muttered quietly.

But within two hours Draco was handing over money to the artist who had completely changed his tattoo. It was a good fix. And hadn't been hard at all. The woman had given him many options and he had gone with one that seemed to fit. Now he didn't have that god forsaken tattoo, but a better tattoo instead. He smiled as he walked out, he was on his way to a better life.

A/N: What did you like? What did you not like? What should I look into for next chapter? I need input so I can improve. :) Any and all help is welcome, but please be kind, I don't take criticism very well. Another thing I'm working on. :)