**Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter the amazingly talented JK Rowling does…I just enjoy playing with her characters.

**Please review! I love knowing what you guys think!

Chapter 1:

Hermione sat on her couch with bills spread out on the glass coffee table in front of her. Her stomach turned as she fought the urge to get sick from barely eating. Her daughter Rose bounded into the room, her four-year-old legs wobbling underneath her fast pace. Rose was fair skinned compared to her mother with auburn hair that fell in tamed ringlets and had little freckles that dotted the bridge of her nose. Her bright hazel eyes sparkled much like her mother's but to her mother's pleasure she had her father's brilliant smile. She and Ron may have divorced nearly a year ago due to 'irreconcilable differences' but their daughter was the best thing to have happened since before the war.

Ron was now living in a posh flat in Diagon Alley thanks to his position as Keeper for the Chudley Cannons. He only asked to see his daughter every other weekend, though half the time he'd return her after one night unless he left her with his mum. He claimed it was due to his quidditch practice and games but Hermione knew the truth. He simply enjoyed being single and playing up his famous keeper title.

Now she and Rose lived in a small two bedroom flat in one of the poorest neighborhoods in London where she had to transfigure furniture from broken items she found at thrift stores.

It wasn't that she was poor or didn't work a decent job at the ministry. In fact, she was the secretary for the head of The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. The problem was when she and Ron divorced he let her have Rose but took everything else, including any chance at alimony. She wouldn't complain, they'd always kept their finances separate except when paying house bills.

After the war Hermione went and found her parents in Australia and returned their memories. Initially they were angry but after she, Harry, and Ron explained about the war and all that had happened they came around. They had two blissful years as Hermione went back for her NEWTs and married Ron. At the end of two years her father died in a terrible car crash just after Rose was born and six months later her mother had been diagnosed with cancer.

Hermione sold everything of her parents to get her the best care possible and used every penny from her savings. She had made her mother as comfortable as possible until she passed the month before. Ronald refused to help pay for the medical costs, convinced she should have stayed home and taken care of her mother instead of wasting her time working and hiring in home nurses. He had always resented the fact that Hermione wanted to work rather than stay home with their children. She thought it a blessing to have her job now that she and Ron were done, she couldn't imagine how much worse it would have been otherwise.

Now with her mother gone she stared at the mountain of bills before her. No matter what they sold or how little she ate there was no way she'd be able to make it. She owed over one hundred thousand galleons between medical costs, in home assistance, and funeral costs. Clutched in her hand was the third loan denial from a muggle bank that supposedly accepted everyone. She looked at her daughter and bit her lower lip, knowing there had to be a way. Even if she could get half the amount she'd be able to get the creditors off her back and possibly buy a little more food for the house.

Shed only been eating cheese, crackers, beans, rice, and soup when she couldn't go any longer without food. All the protein of chicken, fish, and peanut butter went to Rose. Not that Rose noticed what her mother ate versus what she ate but she refused to let any of this affect her daughter.

Rose climbed onto the couch with her favorite book and began to read while Hermione racked her brain for an answer. Going to Harry and Ginny was out of the question seeing as Ron had basically won them in the divorce. They denied it of course but Ginny had her own quidditch career and little James to chase around the house and Harry was head of the Aurors. What little free time they had was spent with the Weasleys and their son. She didn't hold it against them but she wasn't about to ask for money. If Ron found out he may try and take Rose away.

No, she had to find a different route to getting at least fifty thousand galleons. She reached into her purse to find her checkbook and as she pulled it out she found a business card stuck between the papers, jutting out just a bit.

Draco Malfoy Dragonscale Apothecary

Nibbling her lower lip and furrowing her brow she wondered if he might help her. She had bumped into a few weeks back right before her mother passed and barely took notice of what he had been saying. She'd known the end was coming and barely paid attention to anyone else during that time. Vaguely she recalled him handing her the card and suggesting she stop by sometime to see his new business.

Draco Malfoy had been an absolute prat in school. Her own personal tormentor, seeking her out to call her names and make fun of her, Harry, and Ron. They fought on opposite sides of the war, each forced into a role neither wanted. His saving grace was lying at Malfoy Manor to save the golden trio from certain death and muttering a charm to lessen the pain inflicted by his aunt on Hermione.

When they asked him why after the final battle he explain he'd never wanted to be a Death Eater and that he knew they'd been the only hope for the light to win the war. He was pardoned by the ministry and returned for his seventh year to complete his NEWTs along with Hermione. He and Hermione barely spoke that year, but when they did the old acidity was gone and, in its place, stood an appreciation for education and awkward acquaintance. Hermione had never really forgiven him for the years of verbal bullying but she had let go of his Death Eater title. Something Ron would constantly throw in his face whenever they ran into each other.

Thinking it over throughout the night and into the following morning she decided it couldn't hurt to go and see his business and ask to borrow the money. She spent the early morning hours drawing up a payment plan and determining that it'd take between five and six years to repay him if she continued to live in this flat and live frugally…and depending on if he wanted interest or not.

She had no idea if he was the same boy she'd graduated with five years ago or if he'd even help her or laugh her out the front door. But she had to try, he was one of the richest wizards in London and it would potentially save her from losing her daughter.

Dressing in a muggle pleated business skirt that went to her knees with a navy button down blouse she pulled her hair back into a silver clip and applied a light amount of make-up. She gathered her purse and proposal before taking Rose to her neighbor just down the hall for the next few hours. Mrs. Thimble was an older woman who babysat her grandchildren and adored little kids. She and Rose hit it off in the stairwell one day talking about the stars outside and had been good friends ever since. Trembling as she trekked back to her flat she closed and warded the door before apparating to Diagon Alley.

Standing outside his store in the warm summer sun Hermione felt nauseous and strongly considered turning around and leaving rather than beg her former enemy for a knut. She bit her lip and turned to look down the street, it was still early in the morning on a Saturday and there weren't many people milling about. From here she could see Weasley Wizard Wheezes which bolstered her resolve. She refused to beg from Ron or Harry, she'd rather be in debt to an old rival than someone she'd once called a friend.

Squaring her shoulders, she put her chin up and attempted her best smile before reaching for the door. Upon entering the first thing she noticed was how brightly lit the apothecary was. It was warm and welcoming with cream colored walls, dark wood beam accents, and shelves lined with various potions, salves, and herbs in a variety of colored glass containers. The store front was empty as of now; a young boy no older than eighteen stood behind the counter and greeted her.

"Good morning madam, is there anything I can assist you with?" he inquired.

"Good morning" she started and swallowed hard her mouth suddenly dry "I was wondering if Mr. Malfoy was in, he asked me to stop by." It wasn't a lie he had wanted to show her his new business but that had been nearly two months ago.

"He's in the back I'll get him for you" he said cheerfully. Hermione nodded and turned to look at the shelves. She noticed a few home basics she always kept around such as pepper up, bruise remover, and fever reducer. They were used the most with Rose because she was fairly clumsy and had been known to catch a few colds in winter.

A pale hand touched her shoulder making her jump before turning around. "Granger" drawled the familiar voice of Draco Malfoy. She noticed age had done him justice, gone was the pointed face of his youth and the wiry body of a boy and in its place was an aristocratic chiseled jaw and lean muscular body. He had kept his platinum blonde hair short and seemed to enjoy donning muggle suits instead of the traditional robes. She blinked a few times and had to remind herself to breathe before recalling he had greeted her.

"Malfoy" she choked out before taking a step back and extending her hand. His traditional smirk graced his handsome face letting her know she'd been caught ogling him. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she cleared her throat "How are you?"

"I'm well Granger, yourself?" Draco asked playing along with the pleasantries as he took her in. He noticed she looked better than the last time he'd seen her. Her hair was vibrant and curly, the honey highlights reflected in the light, a smile graced her luscious pink lips, and her eyes held life again. He found she was still fairly thin, almost as if she weren't eating properly or still on the run with the boys. But all in all, compared to the last time when her hair was dull and lifeless and her eyes were red with lack of sleep; this was definitely an improvement.

He had noticed her arrive outside of the store nearly twenty minutes earlier and watched as she warred with herself about coming in. Though he played the card of surprised he knew she'd ask to see him. Instinct, from years of living a rich lifestyle, told him she was here for more than just a tour around his shop. They'd never been friends, but after the war had ended they seemed to establish an acquaintance relationship that stemmed from mutual educational interests. A large part of him regretted not trying to get to know her before the war, but maybe it wouldn't have turned out the same.

The last six years had changed him. He was no longer the scared pureblood boy who followed his father's rules and jumped every time he demanded it. Since the war his father was spending life in Azkaban and his mother had moved to France. He and his mother spoke through occasional letters but had grown distant over time as he worked hard to build a new reputation and successful business. Though Hermione was here for something, he was going to take his time in showing her his accomplishments and prove how much he'd changed.

"Not terrible, I'm sorry it took so long to get here to see your store. These past two months have been…well trying" she said with a sad smile. He wondered what had happened but thought it better to let her share in her own time.

"Well I'm glad you could make it" he said before turning and showing her the store. Over the next hour he showed her the items he sold, his lab where he brewed the various products, his staff of twelve, and discussed his plans for the future. Hermione was in awe of what he had built and the stories of how he paved the way for a new reputation. He was still active in the pureblood circles; attending functions, balls, and the occasional dinner party but he was also involved in several charities and donated his time and products to people who couldn't afford them.

"I have to say Malfoy you've done amazing for yourself. This" she gestured around the office "is fantastic. I bet your mother is extremely proud" she said with a tentative smile and he stiffened.

"She is" he said simply and she bit her lower lip, afraid to pry further. Draco leaned back in his leather office chair, folding his hands before raising his steely gaze to hers "Why are you really here Granger?"

"I came…" she started.

"Please, don't insult my intelligence. Why'd you come here? What is it that you want?" his voice was calm yet firm, he wasn't playing games and though he had entertained her and shown off his achievement he now wanted answers. He watched as her shoulders slumped and heard her let out a sigh.

"Just so you know I truly was interested in the store and I meant what I said, this is amazing. However," she paused and swallowed "I did have another reason to be here." She pulled her purse around and dug out some paperwork. "Please hear me out before you say no, please" he saw the pleading in her eyes and suppressed an eyeroll, Money he thought bitterly it always comes down to money.

"Alright" he said, willing to hear her out.

"Umm, well a few years ago my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is…"

"I've heard of it" Draco said leaning forward onto his desk. Wondering why she would come to him. Was she looking for a remedy? A cure he couldn't offer? Everyone knew there wasn't one, spells could make the patient comfortable and a few potions could hold back the disease for a time but eventually the disease would win.

"Oh, good I'm glad you understand it. That helps. Well, she was diagnosed a little over three years ago and passed away shortly after I saw you last." Now he was confused as to what she needed, he watched her face flush as she stared intently at his desk. "The medical costs became overwhelming and though she's passed I'm buried in the bills.

"They're threatening to take me to court and to be honest I'm afraid of going to prison. I've been paying a little here and there but I just can't pay what they want. I've been to several banks and those that even allowed me to apply turned me down." Her eyes were shiny with unshed tears "I'm not looking for a handout."

Her hands shook as she flipped through several papers and pulled out a long piece in the back. He recognized a preliminary contract and sighed as he reached forward to take it from her. She bit her lip and passed it over, but he didn't bother reading it. Instead he tossed it onto his desk, folding his hands above it, and looked her square in the eye. The Slytherin in him wanted to watch her squirm and make her ask him for what she wanted.

"I'll pay you back every cent, and interest if you like" she started again realizing he wasn't going to read the contract at the moment.

"How much Granger?"

"Fifty thousand galleons" she said in a near whisper, clearly ashamed coming to him. He raised a pale blonde eyebrow.

"What does it cover?" he found it hard to believe that four years of medical costs only added up to fifty thousand galleons. Hopeful brown eyes snapped to his guarded grey.

"Outstanding healer visits, the hospital, funeral expenses, and in-home care" she rattled off. Draco looked skeptically at her as she listed the collectors banging on her door.

"Does your husband know you're here asking me this?" he asked, knowing Weasley would rather sell his soul than borrow money from him. "I was under the impression he played professional quidditch, did he burn through it all already because I'm pretty sure I saw him at the Leaky Caldron just two nights back?" his voice contained a slight bitter edge. Her brow furrowed at his initial inquiry and then she flushed at the second.

"I'm sure you did see him, from my understanding he makes a regular appearance there with a variety of women" he looked taken aback wondering how she'd be okay with him flaunting his affairs. "We divorced a year ago Malfoy." Comprehension dawned across his face and he leaned back before speaking again.

"So, I'm to understand that since he stopped paying the bills you've acquired the fifty thousand over the last year?"

"He never helped me pay for any of it" she bit out clearly angry at her ex-husband.

"What do you mean he never helped? You were married. Are you telling me he knew your mother was sick and didn't bother spending a knut of his earnings to help his wife?"

"When we got together there was an agreement that we split the house bills and then the rest of our money was our own. I asked him for help when she was first diagnosed and he refused, it was one of many reasons as to why we divorced" she admitted flatly.

"He refused?" Draco was stunned to hear this, it was unusual for a husband to treat their wife or in-laws in such a manner.

"Yes" she said stiffly "it was an old argument between us. He wanted me to stay home instead of working to take care of my mother and our daughter. I enjoyed working and didn't want to be dependent on him. I didn't work as hard as I did in school to sit at home to cook and clean. He told me if I chose to work then I'd have to pay for the personal care and deal with the consequences on my own" she trailed off. He sat quietly for a few minutes mulling over what she'd said.

"He punished you for wanting to work?" anger tinged his voice. How Ronald Weasley convinced the smartest-witch-of-their-age to marry him had always floored him, but to expect her not to use her brain and work was ludicrous.

"Yes, he wanted me to be a stay-at-home mum with Rose, attend all of his games, and basically live the life of his mother" she growled. Clearly there were some unresolved issues.

"Rose? Is she your daughter? Where is she?" for a moment he wondered if Ron had taken the child from her.

"At the sitter's, I didn't want to bring her…she's four and curious about everything" she smiled brightly when speaking about her kid and he was pleased to see her less guarded.

"Okay, now I have a hard time believing you only had fifty thousand in debt over the last few years. Explain" he commanded putting them back on track.

"There were other bills. We, my mother and I, used up all our savings and my father's life insurance to cover them" now she was stretching the truth a little but she was afraid to divulge too much. She was pathetic enough asking for the fifty thousand. A glint sparked in his eyes as he stared at her, making her divert her gaze to the desk.

"Have you considered selling anything? A house from the divorce, maybe move to a smaller flat?" he was goading her, he knew if she were coming to him she had probably done everything in her power to pay the bills. However, he didn't like that she was holding back, if she wanted that much money he was going to know she'd truly tried everything.

"I didn't get the house in the divorce" she said.

"Well what ever you got…" he waved her on.

"The only thing I got in the divorce was my daughter, no house, no money, bloody hell he even took the pots and pans. I won majority custody while he took everything else, he only see's her every other weekend as his quidditch schedule allows."

"He doesn't pay child support?" he asked incredulously.

"He pays for Rose's private preschool, outside of that he has no obligations" she said stiffly. Draco could see this was territory she didn't want him in, she had her reasons to agree to leaving everything but her daughter.

"What about your mother…did she not have assets to sell?" he asked going back to the unanswered question.

"Of course, she did" she said exasperatedly "you honestly think I'd come here and ask to borrow money to get the creditors off my back if I hadn't done everything in my power to handle them? We sold her house after the first year, liquidated everything and barely paid the first two years of treatment. After the divorce Rose, my mother, and I moved into a small two bedroom flat where I took care of her every night after work. I sold everything of value Malfoy, we live a frugal lifestyle and my daughter is happy. All I'm asking for is a loan, I can pay you back in five years…or if you want interest six. I can't go to prison, if I do Ron will be granted full custody and I'll never get her back. Please, just consider it" she practically begged.

Draco sat there and pondered over her statement. She truly had done everything to take care of her mother and daughter. Without her current job she wouldn't have made it through the divorce. One thing that stuck out to him was that liquidating everything only covered the first two years of treatment, if his calculations were correct that left her with nearly two years of bills.

"You said the money only covered the first two years, so you have nearly two years of medical costs to cover now, right?" he watched as her eyes widened in a mix of fear and surprise.

"I'm only asking for fifty thousand, if you read the contrac…"

"How much Granger?" she bit her lip and stared at her lap "Don't play games, how much do you owe all together?"

"One hundred and seventeen thousand galleons" she whispered, he inhaled sharply. That was a lot of money and they both knew it. "But I'm not asking for that much, I only need fifty to appease the outstanding healer visits, the funeral costs, and the in-home care. I've worked out a payment plan with the hospital and between your payments and theirs we'll be fine. It's only a loan Malfoy, I swear I'll…" she stopped as he held up a hand.

"Why me? Why not ask Potter? I assure you he's probably nearly as well as I am with his wife's career, his inheritance, and general infamy?"

"I didn't want to run the risk of it getting back to Ron" she said quietly.

"When do you need an answer?" she stared at him, once again hope flaring in her chocolate eyes.

"I-I...let me look" she rifled through the papers "the final notices are due in two weeks."

"So, by mid-week" he huffed "this is a lot of money Granger." She diverted her gaze and bit her lower lip again "I need to think about this, we aren't exactly friends. Hell, I haven't seen you but a handful of times in passing over the last six years. You can't expect me to just agree to hand you that kind of money, not without time to think." She stood abruptly, tears stinging her eyes as she snatched up her purse.

"You're right, I'm sorry. I-I never should have come here" she began as she backed towards the door.

"Granger…" he tried to interject.

"No Malfoy, you're right. It's wrong for me to have asked. I don't know what I was thinking. Please forget about this, I'll go. I'll figure something out. Thanks for your time, your store is really beautiful" she said, her voice cracking over the last sentence before she fled his office. Hermione ran past the handful of customers loitering around the shelves and out into Diagon Alley before apparating to her flat. She stumbled into her room and sank onto the bed before the tears streamed down her face.

Why did she have to go to him? She should have known better. Malfoy help her? Ha. He had no reason to do so, no inclination. She was at the end of the road and her only other option was to speak to Harry. Knowing him it'd get back to Ron and they'd probably end in yet another screaming match. It was possible he'd challenge her for full custody like his mother pleaded for. If they knew she could barely provide food for the two of them they'd whisk her away to Molly's open arms. The thought made her sob harder into her pillow.

Draco sat back in his chair after watching Hermione flee from the room. He hadn't intended for her to run, but this wasn't something he could enter in to lightly. In her haste she had left the medical papers behind, he gathered them and slowly scanned through them. Everything she'd said was right here, the funeral costs, healer visits, treatments…he shook his head and tossed the papers onto the contract. With debt like this she would barely be able to pay her bills.

If she'd been willing to sell everything she owned, would she skimp on other things? Was that why she was so thin? Thinking back, he realized she was thinner than the last time he'd seen her or was it his imagination. Her hair and skin may look healthier but she was probably skipping meals to pay these bills. It may be early afternoon but he felt he needed a drink.

Quickly he penned a note and headed to his owlery to send it to Hermione. He just needed time to figure out if he'd lend her the money…and if he did, how much? Walking back to the front of the store he noticed it was another slow Saturday, which was common in the summer. "Ben I'm gonna head to the Leaky for a spot of lunch, be back in a bit" he said to the eager young man he'd hired in late winter.

"Yes sir" he replied. Draco waved on his way out before apparating to the Leaky Cauldron's door.

Hermione clutched her pillow tightly to her chest as the nerve racking sobs began to subside. She wasn't sure how to even broach the topic with Harry, he was under the delusion everything was fine and that she never needed any help. A tapping came at her window and she got up to let in a speckled brown owl. Untying the note from this leg she carefully unfurled it and read

Please, give me a few days.

D.M.