Chapter 4: The Offer

Aurora Sinistra, the ex-professor of Hogwarts was due to arrive at Ginny's house any minute. Ginny was not worried about her reaction as much as she was worried about her family's reaction, which was far better than what she had imagined. Her brothers had agreed to employ Draco but they were very skeptical. Ginny had a feeling that she would be seeing her brothers more at the House from now on.

Aurora arrived at Ginny's in her usual unkempt form holding her ever faithful diary. Ginny offered her coffee and they sat talking.

"The budget is looking good for the next term. We are going to have five additional kids for the school … actually five rich kids so that would be good." Aurora said pushing her glasses up.

"How are the kids at the House?" Ginny asked.

"They are fine … they have each others company, they play, they eat, they study … all usual." Aurora said.

"Did you hear anything from Mr. and Mrs. Smith?" Ginny asked

"No … I don't think they were serious anyways … and kids like it there in the House … I don't know why you want them to get adopted." Aurora said.

"Because every child needs parents". Ginny said as if explaining a very obvious thing to a child.

"Come on Ginny, we are their parents … we take good care of them. And Dobby feeds them well." Aurora said testily.

"Oh alright," Ginny said … they had done this conversation before many times. "By the way, I found a caretaker."

"Oh wonderful … I need another hand to control those kids … when is he joining?" Aurora asked.

"Don't you want to know about him?" Ginny asked

"Why? Should I be concerned?" Aurora asked suspiciously.

"It's Draco Malfoy." Ginny said slowly.

Aurora took some time to digest this. She never liked Draco … he was one of those spoiled brats in Hogwarts … but Snape seemed to have liked him … and anything which Snape liked … Aurora couldn't complain.

"He is out of Azkaban … how is he?" She asked.

"He has changed a lot; physically … he doesn't have his charming school boy looks anymore. And he is desperate for a job." Ginny said.

"And he asked you … that's strange". Aurora wondered.

"I ran into him in a shop … so what do you think?" Ginny asked her.

"It's hard to imagine a Malfoy working as a caretaker … is he ok with it?" Aurora asked.

"Actually I haven't given him a job offer yet … but I guess he will be fine." When Aurora looked skeptical, Ginny added, "I want to help him out, Aurora. Surely you must understand."

"Of course I do … and if you trust him … I am fine with it. Although, it might be a better if we keep this employment hidden from the rich parents." Aurora said.

"Yeah … I guess." Ginny said.

On Saturday morning, Draco was waiting in the Leaky Cauldron for Ginny. He was almost sure that she wouldn't show up but he still sat there waiting. After half an hour of wait he stood up to leave but then he saw her coming in through the door and he sighed with relief. Ginny saw him and walked towards his table.

"Sorry I am late … James was insisting that he came along … no offence, but I don't think he trusts you." Ginny said casually.

"Well he is Harry Potter's son … I expect that from him … now do you have a job for me?" Draco said coming straight to point.

"I do … Do you know about 'Potter's Fun House'? Ginny asked.

"Isn't that the orphanage you and Potter opened?"

So Draco at least read newspapers in Azkaban. Ginny thought. Then she said, "It's more than an orphanage … it's a home for such kids. And it's also a school for pre-Hogwarts teaching. Now we need someone to look after those kids all the time … like a guardian. I have Aurora Sinistra working like that but she could use some help. I also need someone to take care of the property and general stuff required by the kids."

"You need an Argus Filch for your orphanage." Draco said disgustingly.

"More like a manager … and it's not an orphanage. Now are you interested?" Ginny asked impatiently.

"Do I have a choice?" Draco asked sarcastically.

"Well good then … now here is the offer." Ginny said giving Draco an official looking paper. Draco read through the paper. Apart from a not so decent salary, it looked alright. He was given a room in the 'House' for accommodation and his food would be provided.

Ginny continued, "Initially you will just take care of the property and the kids … then later on you can start teaching some basic subjects in the school."

"Fine." He said; then he added, "I guess Potter was making up for his pathetic childhood when he thought of opening this orphanage … huh Weaslette?"

Draco could see Ginny was not pleased by this. Damn, Draco thought, why did he have to open his mouth?

"There are two things you should know if you want to continue working with me, Mr. Malfoy." Ginny said calmly, "Firstly, I would prefer if you would call me Ginny or Mrs. Potter. Secondly, you will never ever insult Harry or any member of my family ever again. Am I clear?"

"Like a crystal … Ginny." Draco replied slowly.

"Good … here is the address … I will expect you on Monday at 9 am." Ginny gave him a piece of parchment with the address and left without giving him a second glance. And again Draco watched her till she disappeared.

Author's Note: I got the Sinistra/Snape shipping from the author 'She's a Star'. If you haven't read her 'Lamentations of a Starry-Eyed Twit' yet, you must read it; it's the most hilarious fanfic I have read. And I know she says it's Auriga Sinistra, but JKR confirmed that Professor Sinistra's first name is Aurora. Also Snape dies in the war and Sinistra leaves Hogwarts to work with Harry and Ginny for the Potter's Fun House. Dobby also leaves Hogwarts to work with Harry. Stay tuned … more updates are on their way.