It was two days before Oliver started opening mail from the offers he had received. The advertisement had been so secretive, that not many had really considered it with sincerity. This both relieved and concerned him. He wanted to keep the job low profile as it was, but that did not mean he was interested in loonies seeing to the caretaking of his niece either. She was all he had left of his sister. Speaking of the little one, Oliver looked up to see her sitting across from him at the kitchen table. She was carefully eating apple slices while her eyes roamed the room.

Mackenzie was beyond shy often going hours without speaking a word, even to her dear uncle. Oliver sighed once more, before reading his first response. It was lengthy despite the fact that it only had to be a brief summary of information. She gave him an account of her life's story concluding with the fact that she was a grandmother of five now, and planned to throw each a fantastic birthday party. Oliver rubbed his temples and set that letter in the pile that would be designated for "no".

With a sigh, he picked up the next letter and read the name on the front. His eyes widened a fraction at seeing the name, Hermione Granger. Her handwriting was neat and coiled in a perfect cursive hand. He wondered what the legendary book fanatic, who undoubtedly was the recipient of dozens of job offers, was doing responding to his letter. He quickly opened the note and let out a wry grin thinking of the witch who had helped save the world. And the house cup in his seventh year.

To Whom it May Concern:

I am interested in the nanny position that was proposed in the paper. I am currently seeking employment that is not very- involved- with the wizarding world. I am trying to reconnect with the world and your job offer will give just the type of discretion I need and the kind you crave. I have experience with children, as I have been assisting with the care of the orphans left over from the war and in my earlier years I used to babysit during the summer before visiting friends. I sincerely hope you consider an interview.

Sincerely,

Hermione Granger

Oliver set her letter aside and read through several other letters, but continued to find himself drawn to Hermione's. Eventually, he gave in and scribbled a note with a location and interview date. He made sure to especially note that she should dress casually and be prepared to be active. The interview would be her first test.

~WishWishWishWish~

Hermione looked at the vast landscape in front of her. A vast pond lay before her and a few ducks rested on its surface, the water rippling with every entrance and exit made by the large bird. Beyond the pond lay a playground where muggle, yes muggle, children spanning from the ages of two to twelve played; their laughter carried across the water.

Around the bench where Hermione sat was a variety of different trees. Weeping willows offered an escape from the sun for those seeking a more serene setting. Hermione seemed to blend in with her surroundings as anyone who passed by seemed not to notice the young woman sitting by herself.

It was an uncharacteristically warm day in London, so Hermione dressed accordingly in a camisole and a pair of jeans. She had on a pair of sleek sneakers that were practical for what she thought the interview would include.

Hermione sat there quietly reading and enjoying herself as she still had over an hour before the interview was set to start. She had chosen the muggle park to relax, not only for its beauty, but for observation as well. As odd and well, creepy, as it sounded she was merely trying to reintroduce herself to child behavior.

She sat on her bench, gazing into the distance for a span of twenty minutes. Then, with a pop she apparated.

~WishWishWishWish~

Oliver watched from a distance as the interview progressed. He was already impressed with the witch who had arrived ten minutes early to her interview. His mother, who had agreed with his intent to find Mackenzie a suitable nanny, was serving as the interviewer and it was her winter house was used as the location. She withheld her name from Hermione, requesting that, "Ye call me Madam if t'were not t'much of a hassle".

Oliver's interviewing process was a cumulative test of different aspects of child care. Hermione of course excelled at the educational portion and was surprisingly gifted in the portion that required cooking. She made a rather tasty looking pasta dish. Now, it was time for the moment of truth. "Aye," Mrs. Wood said with a crinkling smile. "Now tis time ta bring out the wee lass," She said walking towards a hall.

Hermione felt herself grow nervous despite her familiarity with children. Even though she was assured that every aspect of the interview could be a decisive factor of her being hired, she knew that this was the real deal breaker. Madam disappeared into the hall only to return with a small girl.

Hermione took the time to really look at the child that she would be trusted with the care of. The cherub-like visage was contorted in an expression of solemnity. Frizzy brown curls were pulled into two slightly crooked, shoulder-length pigtails. Brown eyes dripping with wisdom and invisible scars met gray eyes full of innocence and yet fear.

Mackenzie slowly walked forward and gave a slight wave to the older witch. Hermione met the child half way and got on her knees and leaning back to sit on her calves so that they were eye to eye. Hermione gave the young girl a small smile and whispered, "Hello, I'm Hermione Granger, and I am very happy to meet you." The small girl gave out a hesitant, but warm grin. "I Mackenzie," She said in a voice barely louder than Hermione's whisper.

Hermione's heart melted at the sound. She thought of the job as a placeholder, but she knew that she would enjoy being the temporary caretaker of this child no older than three springs. "Well," Hermione said standing up. Even though she was only about 5'3, the witch still towered over the little girl as she held her hand and lead her to a brown settee.

Hermione grinned. "Mackenzie, I'm going to tell you a story if you do not mind." At this Mackenzie seemingly pepped up. Not that anyone in the room knew, but her parents had often told her stories. She honestly wished that they were here to tell her another, but Uncle Ollie said that they were taking a trip for a long time. Maybe even forever. The thought made her sad, but the pretty lady was going to help.

Hermione filtered through her mental catalogue of stories before finally settling on a muggle classic. It was her personal favorite, as the heroine was not vapid, and actually had brains. Beauty and the Beast. "Along time ago, in a castle hidden deep within a forest, lived a selfish young prince…"

~WishWishWishWish~

Oliver and his mother sat in a room where they could still hear, and with the help of magic, view Hermione's progress with his 'Kenzie girl. "I thin' the lass is fit for the job aye mum?" He said and his mother nodded. "Mackenzie s'always be'n a polite little one, but she seems a little less rehearsed wit Miss Granger. I thin' tis may be the one for her."

"Alrigh'…I agree." And with that they resumed watching Mackenzie who was enraptured with the story Hermione was painting so vividly with words.

~WishWishWishWish~

Miss Hermione Granger,

I am pleased to inform you that your position as caretaker of Mackenzie Wallace has been secured. I am also reminding you that your discretion is needed about her existence, and especially myself. Her guardian. Please report to - Residence tomorrow at 9 a.m sharp. There your employer will greet you with information and specific instructions for the child. Thank you and congratulations.

~Madam.

Hermione Granger grinned widely.

~Wish~

Well, there's chapter two! The story shall progress much more smoothly now, and I appreciate all of my alerts and reviews. They mean so much to me. Thanks for the support. If you have any criticism or any suggestions or ideas, please tell me. Oh! Since I forgot last chapter, I do not own Harry Potter, Beauty and the Beast(Disney version), and Nanny Diaries. The two latter have slight, but not substantial influence in the story. Thanks again!