"Thank you for meeting with me today, Mr. Daniels," Draco said as the two men shook hands.

"Anything for you, Mr. Malfoy. I've known you since you were knee-high to a grasshopper," Mr. Daniels said, smiling.

"Oh, yes, sir, you have. But I hope you can see me for who I am today, not for who I was. I mean, I've changed, sir," Draco said, looking at his feet.

"Absolutely, son," the balding man said. "I can see it in your eyes. They're softer than they were before. As you know, I've known your family for a long time and I am very glad to see that you're not going to follow the same path as your father. Well now, you're not here to talk about that, so why did you want to see me today?"

Draco looked up from his feet, thankful for the subject change. "Well, I'm looking for a job and since you work in the admissions department-"

"Yes."

"Sorry?"

"Yes, we absolutely have something here for you. In fact, I happen to have an opening in the Auror Department. Harry Potter was just promoted, so-"

"Actually, sir," Draco interrupted, "I had something else in mind. I've heard there was an opening in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and I would like to officially apply."

Draco handed him a resume. Mr. Daniels took the resume and his eyes went wide.

"Magical Law Enforcement? Are you sure?" Draco nodded. "Well, yes, I do have an opening, I just assumed you would prefer the Auror department, but I can understand how that may, uh, bring back some memories." Mr. Daniels shuffled through some papers, pulled out the one he wanted, and slipped on his glasses. "There is one opening that I think would suit you. The partner of one of our associates has recently been transferred, so she needs a new partner. Hmm, looking over your resume, you're more than qualified. You excelled in all of your O.W.L.s and your N.E.W.T.s. The job is yours."

"I accept the position," Draco said confidently.

"Well, you do seem to have your sights set on this position, so I'll see you tomorrow, bright and early. Welcome to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

"Thank you, sir"

They went over the details of the job and the hours of the job. When he left, Draco had a new spring in his step. Finally, he would come face-to-face with the girl he hadn't come gone a day without thinking about for three years.

"Oh, shit."

Draco had just gotten on the lifts on his way to the Atrium when he saw his old friend from Hogwarts, Blaise Zabini, coming toward the lift. He briefly glanced at Draco, and then 

quickly turned around.

Draco and Blaise hadn't spoken in years, since before the final battle. Blaise's family was not directly involved with Voldemort and he didn't join that side as Draco did. Back in those times, no matter how great of friends, you could not be involved with someone who didn't share your views on the war. Draco and Blaise had a big fight on the Hogwarts Express once and hadn't spoken since.

Tension was thick in the air as they rode to the Atrium. Draco knew that Blaise had recently married Padma Patil, an unlikely match, and he worked in the Department of International Cooperation. Draco was just about to say something when the lift doors opened and Blaise quickly moved out. After a split-second thought-

"Blaise!"

Draco hurried toward Blaise, who was moving rather fast.

"Malfoy," he said slowly. "Haven't seen you in a while."

"Oh-yeah, I suppose not." Draco paused, racking his brains for something to say. "I read in the Prophet that you got married a few months back." He blurted out.

Blaise looked a little confused. "Yeah, I did. Padma Patil. It's going really well. How about you, you married? Any little Malfoys?"

"No, no, not yet anyway."

Blaise hesitated. "What are you doing here, Malfoy? I mean, last I heard you left the country-"

"I did, but I'm back now." Draco looked down at his shoes again and slid a hand through his blond hair.

"Well, what are you doing here at the Ministry? Looking for me?"

Draco looked up at Blaise.

"No," he said, "but I am looking for someone."